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
Chinese, Ghanaian experts promote minimally invasive surgery in West Africa

Xinhua) 13:55, August 02, 2025

ACCRA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medical experts and their Ghanaian counterparts convened a summit in Accra, Ghana's capital, on Thursday to promote the adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as a means to improve healthcare outcomes across West Africa.

The summit was jointly organized by the Health Community of West Africa, a Chinese private institution operating in Ghana, the Ghana Health Service, and the University of Ghana. It brought together medical professionals from academic institutions, healthcare facilities, medical supply companies, and public and private stakeholders in the health sector.

Yang Yongguang, head of the 14th batch of the Chinese medical team in Ghana, described the summit as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and West Africa, noting that this is the fruit of friendship-driven cooperation, uniting doctors, hospitals, and nations in a shared purpose and lasting collaboration.

Yang highlighted the advantages of MIS, which include reduced pain, less blood loss, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. "In China, we have been using these methods for many years, and we are happy to share our experiences with our friends in Ghana and West Africa," he said.

Samuel Debrah, dean of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, hailed MIS as a transformative advancement in surgical care, noting that MIS represents a paradigm shift in health service delivery and significantly improves surgical outcomes.

Debrah said MIS not only accelerates patient recovery but also helps decongest operating theaters and recovery wards, allowing more procedures to be performed daily and providing faster relief to a larger number of patients.

He expressed confidence in the collaboration with the Chinese medical team. "Through this partnership, we are gaining the necessary skills and equipment to perform these advanced procedures," he said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Tourists gather near the Mara River, waiting to witness the animals' crossing, in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists gather near the Mara River, waiting to witness the animals' crossing, in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists have a picnic in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Aug. 1, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists gather near the Mara River to watch wildebeests crossing in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A tourist watches wildebeests climbing ashore after successfully crossing the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

A tourist jeep travels in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Aug. 1, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 31, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

Tourists explore the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, July 30, 2025. Tourists flock to the Masai Mara National Reserve during the country's peak tourism season from June to October to watch the wildebeest migration. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
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.
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 cutting-edge robotics products will make their debuts at the upcoming 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, nearly twice as many as last year, highlighting the conference's growing role as a global stage for innovation.

Set to take place from August 8 to 12 in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town, the 2025 edition of the conference will be held under the theme "Making Robots Smarter, Making Embodied Agents More Intelligent." The event will showcase over 1,500 exhibits from more than 200 leading robotics companies from around the world.

A key feature will be the debut of cutting-edge products, ranging from agile quadruped robots, rescue robots, and inspection robots to novel catheter-shaping robots and robotic lawn mowers, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of intelligent machines.

Humanoid robots remain a major attraction of the conference, with 50 manufacturers of full-body humanoid robots showcasing their latest innovations.

In 2024, China accounted for two-thirds of global robot patent applications and produced 556,000 industrial robots, remaining the world's top manufacturer. Over the past decade, the number of international supporting institutions at the conference has grown from 12 to 28, while overseas participants have increased from just over 10 to more than 80, according to Xu Xiaolan, president of the Chinese Institute of Electronics.

Co-hosted by the Chinese Institute of Electronics and the World Robot Cooperation Organization, this year's conference is estimated to attract a record number of international institutions. A robot consumer festival will also run alongside the conference, aimed at boosting both industrial upgrades and consumer demand. 
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.
Friday Night

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
US intelligence uses Microsoft Exchange zero-day vulnerabilities to attack Chinese military-industrial enterprise's email servers: report

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Aug 01, 2025 02:24 PM

The Cyber Security Association of China on Friday released details of two cases related to frequent cyberattacks and espionage by US intelligence agencies targeting China's key industries, issuing security alerts for critical sectors. One case involved an attack exploiting the zero-day vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange email system, while the other exploited flaws in an electronic document system.

In response to a media inquiry regarding the report released by the Cyber Security Association of China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at Friday's press briefing, "It is the latest evidence of the US government's malicious cyberattacks on China, once again shows that the US is the top cyber threat faced by China and exposes the US' hypocrisy on the issue of cybersecurity - claiming itself to be the victim while it's the other way around. China will continue to do what is necessary to safeguard its cybersecurity."

"We also noted that the US used its allies in Europe and in China's neighboring region to launch the cyberattacks. China always believes that cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and requires a joint response through dialogue and cooperation," Guo said.

According to the report by the Cyber Security Association of China, the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China reported that in recent years, US intelligence agencies have increasingly targeted high-tech military-related universities, research institutions, and enterprises in China. They aim to steal sensitive information related to military research data or core production data involved in design, development, and manufacturing processes. These attacks have become more targeted and covert, posing a serious threat to the research and production security of China's defense and military industry, and even to national security, said the report.

Since the exposure of the US National Security Agency (NSA)'s cyberattack on China's Northwestern Polytechnical University in 2022, US intelligence agencies have frequently and aggressively carried out cyber espionage attacks on China's defense and military industries, according to the report.

From July 2022 to July 2023, US intelligence agencies exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange email system to attack and control the email servers of a major Chinese military-industrial enterprise for nearly one year, according to the report.

Investigations revealed that the attackers controlled the enterprise's domain controller server, which they used as a springboard to access more than 50 key devices within the internal network. Additionally, they implanted a tool in an external work server of the enterprise, with the aim of gaining long-term control. At the same time, the attackers created multiple covert channels within the enterprise network for data exfiltration, according to the report.

During this period, the attackers used proxy IPs from multiple countries, including Germany, Finland, South Korea, and Singapore, to launch more than 40 cyberattacks. They stole emails from 11 individuals, including senior executives, containing design blueprints and core system parameters related to military-industrial products in the enterprise, according to the report. The attackers also implanted malicious tools on the company's devices, using obfuscation techniques to evade detection by security software, according to the report.

The US government has consistently maintained a leading global position in both cyber surveillance operations and cyber warfare. For many years, it has implemented an offensive-oriented cyber operations strategy, Li Yan, director of the Institute of Technology and Cybersecurity at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

Li said China is the biggest victim of cyberattacks and the revelation by the Chinese side is merely the tip of the iceberg. Whether it is against China or other countries, the US has continued to throw dirty water at us.

The expert warned that national security is no trivial matter. Our security awareness must be thorough, maintaining a high level of vigilance. We should continuously identify and remedy vulnerabilities.

According to statistics, in 2024 alone, there have been over 600 cyberattack incidents by state-level APT groups overseas targeting important Chinese agencies, with the national defense and military industry being the primary target. In particular, hacker organizations backed by US intelligence agencies rely on well-organized cyberattack teams, a large supporting engineering system, standardized attack tools, and strong vulnerability analysis and exploitation capabilities to conduct attacks and infiltrations against China's key information infrastructure and information systems, and key personnel, posing a grave threat to China's national cybersecurity, said the report.

In another case, from July to November 2024, US intelligence agencies conducted cyberattacks on a military-industrial enterprise involved in communications and satellite internet. According to the investigation, the attackers first used proxy IPs located in multiple countries, including Romania and the Netherlands, to exploit unauthorized access vulnerabilities and SQL injection vulnerabilities to attack the enterprise's electronic file system. They implanted a memory backdoor program into the company's electronic file server and further uploaded a trojan, according to the report.

Subsequently, the attackers exploited the enterprise's system software upgrade service to deliver a data-stealing trojan to the internal network of the enterprise, compromising over 300 devices. They specifically searched for keywords such as "military special network" and "core network" to target and steal sensitive data from the compromised hosts.

In both cases, the attackers used keyword searches to target sensitive information in the defense and military industry, which clearly falls within the scope of interest for state-level hacker organizations and carries strong strategic intent, said the report. Furthermore, the attacker employed multiple overseas proxy IPs to carry out the cyberattack, taking measures such as actively deleting logs, using trojans, and proactively monitoring machine status to conceal their identity and true attack motives. These actions reflect a high level of cyberattack capability and tactical concealment, according to the report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






V Corps leaders share lessons learned on counter-UAS training from Project Flytrap

By Shannon Collins, Army News Service July 30, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Army leaders from V Corps, headquartered in Fort Knox, Kentucky, spoke of lessons learned and the importance of Project Flytrap as part of the Army's Transformation Initiative July 30, 2025.

"[Counter-unmanned aerial systems] are essential to success on the modern battlefield," said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps. "U.S. and allied forces must rapidly transform to the very real threat of unmanned drones by testing, adjusting and ultimately integrating the best C-UAS platforms in the world to protect our forces. Project Flytrap is a key component of V Corps' transformation strategy."

Project Flytrap 4.0 runs from July 27-31, 2025, at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, near Ek, Poland. It is the final iteration of the C-UAS training events where Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Royal Yorkshire Regiment, United Kingdom test new counter-UAS capabilities in combined exercises meant to develop and inform the future of anti-drone tactics and technologies.

Results from Project Flytrap will inform the way the U.S., allies and partners fight on the modern battlefield, said Col. Donald Neal, Jr., regimental commander, 2nd Calvary Regiment, Grafenwoehr, Germany.

"Developing, testing, and fielding C-UAS technologies together with our NATO allies and partners enhances our deterrence capability," he said. "Training and experimentation with our allies and partners serve to build capacity and increase European leadership in European security, effectively strengthening the NATO alliance."

We're uniquely positioned in Europe, where we can work with allies and partners to provide opportunities for innovation with the latest emerging technology and capabilities, said Col. Matt Davis, transformation chief and exercise director of V Corps, Project Flytrap.

"Project Flytrap is one of those. It's a series of training events we've designed to test and refine new counter-unmanned aerial systems, technologies and tactics to respond to the evolving threat of drone warfare," Davis said.

Project Flytrap sits at the intersection of Army transformation and modernization efforts that will change the way it plans, operates and fights in large-scale combat operations, Neal said.

"These efforts enable increased lethality for our forces, improved and expanded the capabilities of our allies and partners, and provide credible deterrence to any adversary that would think to test us," Neal said.

More than 40 organizations, 400 representatives across industries, and allies and partners from four different countries including U.K., Poland and Australia, participated.

Iterations

The first phase of Project Flytrap began in March and was launched to identify and test counter UAS solutions. This meant research and fact-finding from historical data and lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. The second phase included installing these systems into various platforms within the U.S. and U.K.'s formations.

Through theory and trial and error, feedback from the Soldiers who were manning and using these systems ensured that efficacy was at the forefront of further developmental decisions resulting in doctrinal squad size and standardized equipment, said Neal.

The third phase focused on conducting squad and platoon-level counter-UAS exercises. Theories and best practices were further developed through real-world data, creating a solid foundation for the implementation of C-UAS squads across the Army. These training exercises were limited in scope to ensure maximum control for data gathering. The last iteration concludes July 31 and implemented battalion-level operations, with defensive and offensive operations around the clock without interruption.

"This pushed the realism factor even higher to maximize the quality of training and feedback," said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Bol, command sergeant major, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Training

Infantry Soldiers took eight-hour courses over three days next to industry experts, learning to build almost 300 UAS with about a dozen models and how to counter them in the field, Bol said.

"We made sure those models represented each kind of capability you'd expect to see on the modern battlefield," Davis said. "Some have thermal optics for nighttime. We used fiber optic drones, jam-resistant, we had larger drones like octocopters. We had six-winged. We really went through a lot of effort to diversify the threat."

Although the Soldiers have an infantry military occupational specialty, they may have come from a science and math-focused education and have a hidden talent for building drones, said Madera.

"It's looking past the MOS and finding their hidden talents and then employing them to help us make these changes at the unit level," he said.

The unit has a drone production and training facility where they assemble the components, build them with 3D printers and learn to fly the drones.

"I don't have a huge tech background. I've been amazed to see what this unit has been capable of," Bol said. "I've watched Soldiers who have an aptitude dive into this and be extremely passionate about it. It's fun to watch them learn how to build, break and rebuild the drones in the same facility. I have several peers across the Army, in different theaters, and we're all learning how to fight with UAS, how to defend against them and how to maintain them."

We're taking the latest, cutting-edge versions of existing technology like radar, RF detect and jam, optical and audio sensors, and then merging those into a system our Soldiers on the ground can employ in a tactical setting in order to enable them to do their jobs despite having its own threat, Bol said.

Industry partners went out in the field and worked side-by-side with the Soldiers, sometimes in inclement weather, to fix issues such as battery drainage and equipment compatibility across allied platforms.

As combat and technology continues to evolve, Lt. Col. Jeremy Medaris, commander, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Calvary Regiment, said the Army is becoming more adaptable, mobile, lethal and more survivable.

As the Soldiers trained with the new technology, Medaris said the fundamentals of maneuver warfare still matter.

"Dispersion, protection, fortification, collecting the correct routes, planning to an objective, they remain essential," he said. "The essential nature of warfare still matters. Some components are changing, but those fundamental pieces are still there and just as applicable to the counter-UAS fight as well."

Layering

Each capability brought to combat has its strength and weakness, so having a layering of capabilities is important, said Davis.

"There's no one system or one solution to counter-UAS," Neal said. "The counter-UAS capability we'll have in the future is going to have to be an integrated, multi-system solution."

The layered effect during Flytrap included a Stryker infantry formation, Soldiers wearing technology with radio frequency detect and defeat capability to jam UAS, Soldiers with M4s to shoot down enemy drones and Soldiers who were manning the drones from the other side, said Medaris.

Another layered consideration is active and passive. Active means a Soldier is emitting some type of signature, making them vulnerable on offensive operations. Passive has limitations but allows a Soldier to move on the offensive without giving their position away in the electromagnetic environment.

Yet another layer is deciding what to do, from the rifleman up to the three-star general, when systems detect potential enemy UAS systems in the air that may have potential intent.

"At each echelon, you need the ability to handle that type of data on the systems we use to communicate with," Neal said. "You have two options: you have the ability to do assault kills, which means you're altering the flight path without a projectile in the air that shoots it out of the air. Or a hard kill, which means you're altering the flight path with projectiles. So, it's neutralized or destroyed."

Davis said using diversified drones helped with the layering effects.

"If we flew the fiber optics, the RF detect systems we were using, they weren't going to detect them," he said. "We had to rely on acoustics or an optical, for example."

These layering effects and training scenarios learned throughout the five months of Project Flytrap will continue to inform the Army's transformation in C-UAS capability.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






South Dakota Guard, Suriname Armed Forces Strengthen Partnership

By Staff Sgt. Breanne Donnell, South Dakota National Guard July 31, 2025

PARAMARIBO, Suriname -- The South Dakota National Guard and Suriname Armed Forces, or SAF, strengthened their partnership during a first-of-its-kind jungle warfare exchange that concluded July 18.

Service members from the SAF and the South Dakota Guard spent 10 days sharing critical skills in survival, navigation and patrolling. The successful collaboration is part of the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, or SPP.

The Jungle Orientation Engagement brought together five South Dakota Guard members, supported by three additional personnel, and SAF infantry soldiers in Suriname's dense jungle terrain. The exchange was designed to build partner capacity while challenging both forces in a demanding environment that tested adaptability, readiness and teamwork.

"This event was two years in the making, so it's incredible to see it complete and how successful the first iteration was," said 2nd Lt. Brayden Nelson, South Dakota Guard State Partnership Program director. "Staff from the SDNG [South Dakota National Guard] worked with the Suriname Armed Forces to design a challenging, worthwhile engagement where both the U.S. and SAF learned from each other's operational experiences, and I think we hit the mark with this event."

Suriname's elite Korps Speciale Troepen, or KST, led intensive instruction on advanced survival techniques, bushcraft and jungle adaptation methods. In turn, South Dakota National Guard personnel contributed expertise in land navigation, small-unit patrolling and precision movement in complex terrain.

"The partnership between the United States and Suriname continues to demonstrate the collaboration that makes us both more capable and more effective," said Robert Faucher, U.S. ambassador to Suriname. "Events like this form the bedrock of our long-term arrangement, and I look forward to building on and deepening ties for years to come."

"As a military leader, you are always trying to put Soldiers in challenging environments that take them out of their comfort zone," said Lt. Col. James Forbes, commander of the 153rd Engineer Battalion. "This exchange with the Suriname Armed Forces was that environmenton steroids. Our Soldiers knocked it out of the park."

South Dakota National Guard participants highlighted the seamless integration and strong bonds formed during the course.

"The class adopted the motto 'Hell ya, brotha,' reflecting the high morale and tight-knit brotherhood between U.S. and Surinamese soldiers," said Staff Sgt. Greg Pina, a combat engineer with the 211th Engineer Company. "From day one, we operated as if we'd trained together for years."

Sgt. Jacob Stanfield, a bridge crewman with the 200th Engineer Company, called the event unforgettable.

"This opportunity allowed us to work together in a challenging environment and learn from one another, ultimately forming a bond I will never forget," Stanfield said.

"For our Soldiers, this event was an invaluable experience that could not have been replicated anywhere else," said Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Martin, 153rd Engineer Battalion. "We highly value our partners and look forward to future events like this."

Surinamese participants also reflected on the significance of the exchange.

"I have grown up in the jungles of Suriname, and it is a challenging environment," said Pvt. Safario Venetiaan of the Suriname Armed Forces. "It was great to work alongside our partners as we learned so much together."

Lt. Mohamed Badoella, an instructor with the KST, emphasized the historic nature of the engagement.

"It feels like I am writing history since this is the first event of this kind between the U.S. and Suriname," Badoella said.

Lt. Col. Marven van Huisduinen, chief of the Surinamese Air Force, echoed this sentiment during the joint closing ceremony attended by Faucher and senior military leaders from both nations.

"The knowledge and experience gained will be incorporated into preparations for follow-up events next year," van Huisduinen said, noting the commitment to expanding future collaboration.

The ceremony concluded with Surinamese troops singing their national anthem, followed by South Dakota National Guard Soldiers and embassy personnel singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in return, capturing the mutual respect and camaraderie forged through the shared experience.

Since 2006, the South Dakota National Guard and Suriname have been partners under the SPP, an initiative designed to promote regional security through long-term, mutually beneficial military-to-military relationships.

"The partnership is a cornerstone of regional security cooperation," Faucher said of the program's strategic importance. "It not only provides operational training but also builds mutual trust and strategic stability."

The Jungle Orientation Event represents a significant step forward in this partnership, showcasing how collaboration in complex environments strengthens both nations' forces, enhances regional security and forges lasting relationships.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Workers remove debris during the restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025. Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)

SANAA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities.

Dubbed one of the world's first "skyscrapers," these six-to-nine-story buildings now face a critical preservation race as heavy rains threaten their survival and residents' safety.

"Rain is a major cause of the damage to some houses, and most of the problems and emergencies occur during the rainy season. Many homes were damaged on the roofs, which led to disasters (collapses) and the suffering of their residents," Abdul Wahab Al-Mahdi, head of Sanaa's General Authority for the Preservation of Cities and Historic and Archaeological Monuments, told Xinhua.

"We have purchased the necessary equipment in preparation for emergency rescue intervention in case any problem or disaster occurs during this rainy season," Al-Mahdi said.

Recent years saw many residents in Yemen perish in extreme weather-triggered collapses. For example, severe flooding hitting several provinces of Yemen since mid-July 2024 left over 150 people dead and thousands more displaced as of September last year. The flooding also caused massive damage to vital infrastructure, with vast tracts of agricultural land submerged and roads blocked.

Traditional craftsmen are now working under supervision, patching roofs with age-old techniques to prevent structural failures of the "skyscrapers."

"We were afraid that the house would collapse due to rainwater leaking from the ceilings. We would not sleep at night," Mohammed Al-Zari'i, a local resident, told Xinhua.

"I contacted the authority, and they responded promptly. They have now begun work on repairing the ceilings and renovating the house," he said.

"My house was about to collapse due to the heavy rain, and we could have been left homeless. I contacted the authorities, and they came to repair it," Abdulrahman Al-Asbahi, a father of six, told Xinhua.

"Before the restoration, our fears were great. We couldn't sleep. We were forced to leave the house and sleep at the neighbors' house," he said. 

Workers remove debris during the restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)

A man works on restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)

People work on restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

People work on restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)

People work on restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)

People work on restoration of old buildings in the Old City of Sanaa, Yemen, July 30, 2025.

Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa, home to over 6,000 unique multi-story mud-brick structures dating back 2,500 years, is undergoing urgent restoration after monsoon damage to its historic fabric, according to local residents and authorities. (Photo by Mohammed/Xinhua)
Alaska Guard Hosts Symposium for Search and Rescue Partners

By Dana Rosso, Alaska National Guard July 31, 2025

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Army National Guard aviators assigned to G Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, hosted mission partners for a multi-agency hoist symposium at Bryant Army Airfield on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, July 20-22.

The event brought together search and rescue professionals from across Alaska including Alaska Army National Guard aviators; U.S. Coast Guard crews from Air Stations Kodiak and Sitka; Alaska Air National Guard Airmen from the 176th Wing's rescue units; U.S. Army aviators from Fort Wainwright's 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion; Alaska State Troopers; volunteers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group; and personnel from the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center.

The collaborative training leveraged the unique experience of each organization to improve hoist proficiency, strengthen interoperability and enhance readiness for life-saving missions across Alaska's rugged and remote terrain.

"Search and rescue in Alaska is never a one-agency job; it takes all of us working together," said Lt. Benjamin Endres, Alaska State Troopers statewide Search and Rescue coordinator. "Training like this strengthens those partnerships, so when the call comes, we're ready to respond as a team."

The three-day symposium featured classroom instruction, cold-load training and live hoist demonstrations with three different aircraft platforms: the Alaska Army National Guard's HH-60M Black Hawk, the U.S. Coast Guard's MH-60T Jayhawk, and the Alaska Air National Guard's HH-60G Pave Hawk.

Attendees reviewed best practices for personnel recovery, patient packaging and rapid transfer techniques while refining aircrew and ground coordination.

A significant milestone announced during the symposium was the National Guard Bureau's authorization for the Alaska Army National Guard to conduct live hoist and emergency response training with nationally certified rescue teams in 2025.

The approval enables Army Guard aviators to train alongside Alaska's leading technical rescue volunteers, integrating aviation and mountain rescue capabilities for high-angle terrain, avalanche zones and remote environments.

"Partnering with AMRG [Alaska Mountain Rescue Group] gives us the ability to combine technical backcountry expertise with military aviation resources," said Capt. Cody McKinney, Alaska Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot and event coordinator. "This partnership will save lives in Alaska's most challenging conditions."

The symposium participants also advanced efforts to develop a statewide search and rescue radio interoperability plan. The plan will establish common frequencies and standardized protocols, enabling responders to communicate directly in real time during complex missions.

"Communication is the backbone of every successful mission," said Master Sgt. Tanner Boyer, 212th Rescue Squadron. "This training builds the foundation we need for safer, more effective rescues across Alaska. By working through the details nowfrequencies, equipment, integrationwe ensure that when it matters most, we're ready".

Alaska averages hundreds of search and rescue incidents annually, often in severe weather and inaccessible terrain. The hoist symposium, the progress made on the military and civilian training authorization and the communications planning mark significant steps forward in strengthening partnerships and ensuring a coordinated response when every minute counts.

"The work accomplished during this symposium strengthens our ability to respond when it matters most," said Lt. Col. Brendon Holbrook, 207th Aviation Troop Command commander. "Building trust and interoperability across our agencies ensures we're prepared for Alaska's toughest missions."

Organizers said they intend to make the hoist symposium an annual training event, adding scenario-based exercises to validate joint procedures and new communication standards.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Contracts

Contracts For Aug. 1, 2025

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

RTX Corp., Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $50,000,000,000 terms and conditions umbrella contract for RTX systems and end-item production, spare parts, services and other types of support. This umbrella is comprised of basic terms and conditions allowing for indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity and "C" type subsumable contracts for negotiated pricing. This contract was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a 20-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are inside and outside the continental U.S., with a July 31, 2045, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Defense Logistics Agency and Defense Department. Using customers are solely responsible for funding the subsumable contracts and vary in appropriations type and fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland (SPRBL1-25-D-0006).

Valiant Technical Services Inc., Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been awarded an estimated $22,545,627 hybrid firm-fixed-price, fixed price with economic-price-adjustment, time-and-material contract for Chemical Management Services/Third Party Logistics services. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Location of performance is Georgia, with a July 31, 2026, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania (SP330025-C-5002).

The Source Group Inc., Signal Hill, California, has been awarded an estimated $26,513,566 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for environmental restoration, compliance and facility maintenance services at Defense Fuel Support Point, Norwalk, California. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a four-year base contract with one six-month option period. The ordering period end date is July 31, 2029. Using customer is Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriations is fiscal 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE603-25-D-5003).

Peckham Inc.,** Lansing, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $12,443,328 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fleece undershirts. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is July 31, 2030. Using military service is Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-25-D-N008).

Tecmotiv (USA) Inc.,* Niagara Falls, New York, has been awarded a maximum $10,416,679 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for turbo superchargers. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. The performance completion date is Aug. 1, 2030. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-25-D-0062).

ARMY

Palantir USG Inc., Palo Alto, California, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract transitioning existing contracts in which Palantir is currently a prime or subcontractor to this enterprise agreement. The amount of this action is $10,000,000,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2035. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W519TC-25-D-0039). (Awarded July 31, 2025)

The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for cargo engineering and logistics support services. The amount of this action is $883,122,870. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-25-D-0022).

IMT Defense Corp.,* Champaign, Illinois, was awarded a $358,766,929 modification (P00009) to contract W15QKN-23-D-0009 for 155mm Artillery M795 Metal Part Assemblies. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $749,781,969. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 21, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $139,597,684 modification (P00033) to contract W56HZV-23-C-0024 for the procurement of Armored Multipurpose Vehicles. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $2,286,486,021. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2028. Fiscal 2025 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $139,597,684 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

Systems Products and Solutions Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance support device version four rugged and version four light systems. The amount of this action is $74,792,859 with a total cumulative face value of $74,792,859. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2030. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-25-D-0020).

Outside the Box,* Richmond, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for construction. The amount of this action is $18,885,132 with a total cumulative face value of $18,885,132. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will be performed in Camp Mackall, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2027. Fiscal 2025 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $18,885,132 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-25-C-0033).

CORRECTION: The $99,697,753 firm-fixed-price contract (W519TC-25-C-0037) announced on July 30, 2025, to Computable Insights LLC, Herndon, Virginia, for Salesforce software licenses, was actually awarded on July 31, 2025.

AIR FORCE

The MITRE Corp., Bedford, Massachusetts, has been awarded a ceiling $583,945,675 cost reimbursement continuation contract for support to the Air Force from MITRE as the administrator of the National Security Engineering Center Federally Funded Research and Development Center. This contract provides for the exercise of an option under the basic contract (FA8702-19-C-0001). This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Work will be performed at Bedford, Massachusetts; McLean, Virginia; other various locations throughout the continental U.S.; and outside the continental U.S., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2026. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to various countries. Fiscal 2025 research and development funds in the amount of $103,511 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8702-25-C-B001).

SJ Technologies Inc., Sugar Hill, Georgia, was awarded a maximum $50,000,000 firm-fixed-price task order for software development services. This contract provides for consultation and planning, business solutions, life-cycle support services, and software engineering development services to support senior decision makers at Headquarters Air Force, including the Secretary of the Air Force, the Air Staff, and other Air Force organizations within the National Capital Region. Work will be performed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and is expected to be complete by March 31, 2031 (includes a six-month extension). This contract was a competitive acquisition and 16 offers were received. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance appropriations in the amount of $8,797,214 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington, Contracting, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity (FA7014-25-F-0232).

The Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, California, has been awarded a $29,414,652 modification (P00014) to a previously awarded contractor (FA8807-24-C-B001) to provide risk reduction and design activities for the Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension (MUOS SLE) Phase I prior to entering MUOS SLE Phase II. The modification will bring the total cumulative face value of the contract to $95,414,413. Work will be performed at the contractor's facility and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2026. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation appropriation funding in the amount of $10,000,000 is being obligated at the time of modification award. The Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., El Segundo, California, has been awarded a $29,368,714 modification (P00016) to a previously awarded contract (FA8807-24-C-B002) to provide risk reduction and design activities for the Mobile User Objective System Service Life Extension (MUOS SLE) Phase I prior to entering MUOS SLE Phase II. The modification will bring the total cumulative face value of the contract to $95,309,979. Work will be performed at the contractor's facility and is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2026. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation appropriation funding in the amount of $10,000,000 is being obligated at the time of modification award. The Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.

Benaka Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey, was awarded a $23,881,532 firm-fixed-price contract for repairing and renovating Langley Dorm Facility 130. This contract provides for repairs of exterior closure and roof, windows and doors, damage to concrete masonry unit block walls and drywall, degradation of structural members, extensive repair of walkway overhangs and railings, sidewalks, exterior lighting, repair and replacement of plumbing, electrical, communications, fire alarm and suppression, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, and replacement of all interior finishes and construction of a new 520 square feet utility building. Work will be performed on Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and is expected to be completed June 10, 2027. This contract was a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $23,881,532 are being obligated at the time of award. The 633rd Contracting Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity (FA4800-25-C-0010).

NAVY

Raytheon Technologies Corp., doing business as Pratt and Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is awarded a $115,075,000 contract modification (P00007) to the previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive-fee and fixed-price incentive Lot 19 contract (N0001923C0030). This modification adds scope to procure long-lead time materials for the future production and delivery of F135 propulsion systems for the F-35 in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (20%); Indianapolis, Indiana (15%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (11%); Rocky Mountain, North Carolina (9%); Cleveland, Ohio (6%); Hartford, Connecticut (2%); Laconia, New Hampshire (2%); Detroit, Michigan (2%); Joplin, Missouri (2%); Redmond, Oregon (2%); Phoenix, Arizona (1%); various locations within the continental U.S. (1%); and various locations outside the continental U.S (27%), and is expected to be completed in February 2028. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,800,000; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps) funding in the amount of $29,725,000; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps) funding in the amount of $8,400,000; FMS funds in the amount of $44,150,000; and non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $31,000,000, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

TOTE Services LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, is being awarded a $49,880,134 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4084) inclusive of pass-through items for the operation and maintenance of Operation Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS) vessels. OPDS will continue supporting Military Sealift Command's pre-positioning requirements on a worldwide basis. This contract includes one 12-month base period, one 12-month option period, and one three-month option period. The contract will be performed on a worldwide basis beginning Aug. 1, 2025, and will conclude on Oct. 31, 2027, if all options are exercised. This contract will be non-competitively awarded under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(2), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2), Only One Responsible Source No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, as captured on the Government Point of Entry website. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies, Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is awarded a $43,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525D4204) to provide a comprehensive Unlicensed Mariner to Licensed Mariner Training Program. The contract will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, with an ordering period beginning on Aug. 1, 2025, and concluding on July 31, 2035, if all options are exercised. The contract will have a five-year ordering period and an option to extend the ordering period for an additional five years. The solicitation utilized full and open competition with proposals solicited via the Government Point of Entry website and one proposal was received in response to the solicitation. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

*Small business

**Mandatory source

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4262594/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






August 1, 2025

By David Vergun, DOD News

Coast Guard Celebrates 235 Years Protecting Nation's Waterways

The Coast Guard was established as the Revenue-Marine, Aug. 4, 1790, when President George Washington signed a bill drafted by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, authorizing the construction of 10 cutters that would be part of the Treasury Department.

The new fleet was used to clamp down on smuggling, resulting from the high tariffs the U.S. had placed on Europe. From 1790 to 1798, the Revenue-Marine was the only military maritime service, as the Continental Navy and Marine Corps were disbanded after the Revolutionary War in 1783; they were reestablished in 1798.

After the Navy's reestablishment, the Revenue-Marine cutters fought alongside Navy ships during the Quasi-War with France, which lasted from 1798 until 1800. The two services captured 20 French ships. This partnership brought the Revenue-Marine under the control of the Navy during wartime.

In 1808, the Revenue-Marine began intercepting slave ships, as importing slaves was illegal following the passage of the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves into law on March 2, 1807.

The Revenue-Marine was renamed the Revenue Cutter Service in 1863.

President Woodrow Wilson signed the Coast Guard Act into law on Jan. 28, 1915, combining the Revenue Cutter Service with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard. This was the start of the service's maritime safety mission, which the Coast Guard continues today.

In 1939, the Coast Guard assumed the responsibilities of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and in 1942, it also assumed the responsibilities of the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation.

The Coast Guard Reserve was established in 1950 to support expanded port security responsibilities.

In 1967, the Coast Guard moved from the Treasury Department to the Transportation Department, and in 2003, it moved to its current home, the Department of Homeland Security.

New officers are trained at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, which was founded in 1876. Enlisted recruits train at the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey, which was established in 1948.

Today, the Coast Guard performs a host of responsibilities, including fisheries enforcement, icebreaking operations, marine environmental protection, aids to navigation safety, ensuring commercial ship safety, drug and migrant interdiction, military operations with the Navy, humanitarian operations and maritime security.

The Coast Guard motto is "semper paratus," which is Latin for Always Ready. It is also the title of the official Coast Guard marching song.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement by the Spokesperson on the criminal conviction in appeal of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik

European External Action Service (EEAS)

01.08.2025

Brussels, Belgium

EEAS Press Team

The EU takes note of the criminal conviction in appeal of Milorad Dodik by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The verdict is binding and must be respected.

The EU calls on all parties to acknowledge the independence and impartiality of the court, and to respect and uphold its verdict.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Resumption of humanitarian airdrops into Gaza

Germany Federal Foreign Office

01.08.2025 - Press release

Joint press statement by the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Federal Foreign Office

Germany and the Bundeswehr are once again helping to provide support for the civilian population in Gaza, by airdropping humanitarian relief supplies. The first two Luftwaffe flights today dropped 34 pallets with a total of almost 14 tonnes of urgently needed food and medical supplies, which are being provided by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO).

Following consideration by the security cabinet, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius instructed the Luftwaffe on 28 July 2025 to begin the aid flights as soon as possible. Comprehensive preparations had been ongoing in the air force and army since Friday in order to ensure that they could take part in the multinational air bridge operation as rapidly as possible after the decision was taken. The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, had asked the international community for renewed support for an air bridge operation coordinated by Jordan, intended to improve the humanitarian situation of the civilian population in Gaza.

The people urgently need large quantities of food, medicines and other aid supplies. Working together with the United Nations and international relief organisations, every available avenue and possibility must be used and extended; this applies above all to supplies delivered by land.

Defence Minister Pistorius commented:

At this time, Gaza is lacking food and medicines above all else. For many people - including many children - nothing less than survival is at stake. That is why, along with Federal Chancellor Merz and Foreign Minister Wadephul, I have decided that we should airdrop urgently needed relief supplies over Gaza, as we did in 2024. These airdrops are challenging and require a great deal of expertise and experience. My thanks go to our specialists in the air force and army, who once again will immediately be on the spot. It is also clear that these flights can only make a very small contribution towards providing the people on the ground with the absolute necessities. My expectation is that Israel must ensure comprehensive humanitarian assistance for the people in Gaza, who have been suffering acutely for months. Together with our partners, we must ensure that large quantities of relief supplies and foodstuffs again immediately reach those in need.

Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised:

We are doing everything in our power to help people in Gaza. Given the extremely dramatic situation, the dropping of relief supplies from the air is one additional way of ensuring that the urgently needed supplies reach those in need quickly. Moreover, we continue with the experienced UN organisations to work flat out to restore the established humanitarian land routes, which airdrops cannot replace. It remains clear that relief goods can only reach people in sufficient volumes by road. That is why in our talks we urge the Israeli Government to allow the UN and international relief organisations safe access, and, above all, to ensure safe distribution.

Background information

The German contribution will be made by two A400M aircraft belonging to the air force and by soldiers from the army operating a packing system for the pallets to be dropped. The contribution relies on the German contingent in Counter Daesh/Capacity Building Iraq in Jordan. The two aircraft, which flew from Wunstorf to Memmingen and on to Jordan on Wednesday already, are stationed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in al-Azraq, Jordan.

Previously, from 13 to 31 March 2024, the air force participated with other international partners in providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza with airdrops as part of the Jordanian initiative Solidarity Path Operation. In total, 316 tonnes of aid were dropped by 39 flights. The flights were stopped at the end of March 2024 because more efficient transport routes were available. For further information about airdrops and the aircraft used, see the information provided on www.bundeswehr.de.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China 'appalled' by US sanctions against Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2025 05:49 PM

China is appalled by the US sanctioning officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday, in response to a question about the US State Department's announcement of the sanctions.

We find it disappointing and hard to understand that the US keeps turning a blind eye to the international effort for peace. The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international fairness and justice. As the Palestinian question is at a crucial historical juncture, the international community, the US in particular, should uphold justice and fairness, take on responsibility, earnestly implement relevant UN resolutions, and make an active effort for the proper settlement of the question rather than do the opposite, Guo said.

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, the PA's effective jurisdiction over all of Palestine's territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-state solution. China will continue to work with the international community to make relentless efforts for that, the spokesperson said.

The US State Department announced on Thursday sanctions against the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority, denying organization members visas for the US, citing claims that the groups are "continuing to support terrorism," according to Politico.

The report said that the move comes as Canada and a growing number of European countries have vowed to recognize Palestinian statehood ahead of September's United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese Embassy refutes Philippine defense chief's remarks on the South China Sea

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2025 11:55 AM

In response to Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro's recent claim that China's claim "is not merely sovereign rights but indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters in the nine-dash line," while the Philippines' claim is "sovereign rights," a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that China's position on the South China Sea issue has been clear and consistent, as reflected in multiple government statements, white papers, and official documents.

Formed in the long historic course, China's sovereignty and relevant rights in the South China Sea have solid historic and legal basis, and are in line with international law and international practice, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Anyone who carefully reads China's position papers will not arrive at absurd claims such as "China claims indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters in the nine-dash line," said the spokesperson.

Ultimately, the reason some Philippine officials repeatedly make statements that distort and attack China's position is, more likely, an attempt to escalate tensions between the two countries and mislead the international community, said the spokesperson.

Such actions once again corroborate what the spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense recently pointed out: that the Philippines is a genuine troublemaker and a creator of danger in the South China Sea, said the spokesperson.

We urge relevant Philippine officials to stop spreading false information and engaging in political theatrics, and instead do more to promote bilateral relations and in the interest of peace and stability in the South China Sea, said the spokesperson.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






24 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2025

Since Friday morning, at least 24 Palestinians have been martyred in attacks by the Israeli regime forces on various areas of Gaza, the hospital sources in the Gaza Strip announced.

According to the sources, among the martyrs were five people who were trying to receive humanitarian aid.

On the other hand, the Civil Defense Service in the Gaza Strip reported that five Palestinians were killed and more than 20 others were injured as a result of shooting by Israeli soldiers in the Shuja'iya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City.

2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A strong protest was expressed to Belarus over airspace violation

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-08-01

On 1 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Lithuania and handed him a note expressing a strong protest over the illegal entry of an unmanned aircraft from the Republic of Belarus into the airspace of the Republic of Lithuania on 28 July.

On 1 August, the Lithuanian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft had been located at the Gaiziunai training ground in the Jonava district, within the territory of the Republic of Lithuania. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded that the Republic of Belarus provide an immediate and detailed explanation for this incident and prevent any further violations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachments to changed over

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-08-01

International cooperation

On 31 July 2025 Allied Air Force Detachments conducting the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states rotated at a ceremony at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Siauliai.

After a four-month tour of duty completed by Polish and Romanian airmen, the Hungarian Air Force took charge of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states with four Gripen fighter aircraft, while the supporting detachment with eight Eurofighter Typhoon is contributed by Spain.

"The NATO Air Policing Mission in the Balti states is a symbol of continued long-term military cooperation and strategic trustiness. Each rotation falls in as uninterrupted embodiment of Allied commitment: protection of NATO airspace, operational readiness and response on fleek as situation requires. Lithuania appreciates this kind of practical security commitment - Allied troops standing side by side with the Lithuanian colleagues on a day-to-day basis enhance resilience of the eastern flank and send a clear message to whoever might consider testing the Alliance's borders," said Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskalioviene.

The changeover ceremony y was attended by Minister of Defence of Hungary Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky on a visit in Lithuania.

The Hungarian Air Force will be deployed to air-police the Baltic skies for the fourth time and the Spanish - for the ninth time.

The outgoing Polish and Romanian airmen were guarding the Baltic airspace with eighth F-16 fighter jets. The mission was conducted by approx. 300 military personnel, including pilots, technicians, medical personnel, support groups, specialists of communication and other areas. While deployed in Siauliai, the contingents maintained community engagement, welcomed student and pupil excursions and took part in city events.

NATO Allies began deploying air assets to guard the Baltic airspace since March 2004 when the Baltic states became members of NATO. Since then, 17 Allies have protected the Baltic airspace. The Hungarian-Spanish rotation is the 69th one since the establishment of the mission.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






HANOI, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Eight people have died and three others remain missing following flash floods and landslides in recent days in Vietnam's northern province of Dien Bien, Vietnam News Agency reported Saturday.

As of 6 a.m. Saturday, around 60 houses had been swept away or damaged by floodwaters, according to the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority.

Thirty villages remain isolated due to disrupted traffic.

Nearly 700 personnel, including police, military forces, local militia and members of various mass organizations, have been deployed to search for the missing.

During a field visit to Xa Dung commune on Saturday morning, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha urged local authorities to act swiftly to ensure that no resident is left hungry, cut off for extended periods, or without access to information.

He emphasized that the safety of both rescue workers and flood-affected residents must be guaranteed under all circumstances. 
Lithuania and Poland invest in countermobility, military mobility and fuel reserves together

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-08-01

Acquisitions and infrastructure development | International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Vice Ministers of National Defence of Lithuania Tomas Godliauskas and Orijana Masale with Vice Minister of National Defence of Poland Cezary Tomczyk discussed strategic military mobility projects aimed to improve force movement in the region and strengthen defence of NATO's intern flank at a meeting in Vilnius. They also discussed the East Shield and Baltic Defence Line, unified NATO fuel reserve system and infrastructure development, including Rudninkai Campus, the largest infrastructure project for the military Lithuania has ever undertaken.

"Together with the other Baltic Allies, Lithuania and Poland are working hard to add the East Shield and Baltic Defence Line agendas in European Union priorities. We not only seek EU ReArm funding but also assess the EU Multiannual Financial Framework prospects," said Vice Minister of National Defence T. Godliauskas visiting the countermobility equipment park at the Rudninkai Training Area.

Lithuania plans dedicating EUR 1.1 billion over the period of 10 years to strengthen the countermobility arsenal. Back in June, Heads of State of the Baltic countries and Poland sent a letter to the European Commission noting the project as a priorities for the whole Europe. In July, Ministers of Defence of the Baltic states and Poland propose to the European Commission the concept of defence of the Eastern EU borders, including the required defence capabilities and funding request.

"We want to demonstrate that the East Shield and the Baltic Defence Line are actually one project to all of us. The Polish and Lithuanian borders is not just our but also EU and NATO border. The whole EU needs to recognize that and commit investment from EU programs," Vice Minister of National Defence of Poland C. Tomczyk said.

Vice Minister of National Defence O. Masale responsible for military infrastructure development coordination underscored the importance of a secure fuel supply. "NATO's fuel supply chain was established in 1958 to ensure provision for NATO forces in case of crises. We attach importance to having a fuel supply system tied to Poland, it is a critical factor in effective and quick supply for Allied troops."

O. Masale also stressed that Lithuania and Poland respected shared values and invited the Polish business to invest in Lithuania. "There is plenty of opportunity for the Polish business to partner with companies here in Lithuania at the moment, to place bids. Development of military infrastructure is a responsibility of the governments but also of business. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity for business development and national economy growth," Vice Minister noted.

Vice Ministers of both countries also discussed potential joint acquisition of drones and anti-tank mines in the framework of the EU SAFE, as well as military mobility corridors in the EU and NATO, Poland's rotation of the NATO Air Policing mission flown from Siauliai, and other joint projects of the respective Armed Forces, support to Ukraine and the transatlantic cooperation. Lithuania and Poland are at the top of the EU defence spending list and have committed to increase it to 5% of GDP in 2026, way past the NATO standard.

Lithuania will be conducting an intense development of countermobility arsenal until 2028, taking full advantage of all the EU financing opportunities. In 20229, the long-term maintenance and upgrading phase will begin.

Lithuania has already established 27 engineering equipment parks containing "dragon teeth", "Czech hedgehogs", concrete road barriers and other means, on the border with Russia and Belarus. Other countermobility measures implemented include irrigation ditches in the areas bordering Belarus, development of woodland patches and alleys, fortification of fording sites in Nemunas River on the border with Russia.

All the measures are an important part of the defence concept of the eastern EU border and an integral part of the NATO defence plans which enhances the deterrence and defence potential of the country. In case of aggression, it will block and slow down the aggressor.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Romanian Air Force conclude four-month commitment to NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission in Lithuania

NATO Allied Air Command

Aug 1 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Romanian Air Force conclude their four-month deployment safeguarding NATO airspace in the Baltic region. In an official handover ceremony, held at Siauliai Air Base, the responsibilities of NATO's Air Policing mission was handed over to the Hungarian and Spanish contingents.

The outgoing detachment have been working alongside the Polish Air Force from Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, providing 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert. During their deployment, the Romanian team, known as the "Carpathian Vipers", demonstrated operational readiness and commitment to the collective defence of the Alliance.

"Individually, we are just people. But together, we are the Carpathian Vipers - a team that embodies the professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice of the Romanian Air Force," said Colonel Vasile Petrea, Carpathian Vipers Detachment Commander. "Through our daily actions, we reaffirm Romania's steadfast commitment to NATO and to the collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic space. We don't just represent Romania. We represent the standards of the Alliance we are proud to be part of."

Since April, 2025, the 'Carpathian Vipers' have conducted over 400 flying hours executing a wide range of operational and training activities. Participating in multinational exercises, including Ramstein Alloy, Hedgehog, and Baltops significantly enhancing interoperability with NATO Allies and regional partners. "Behind each combat mission was intense work, supported by rigorous training, discipline and relentless effort, day and night, to achieve the proposed objectives without compromise." Said 'Tatoo" an F-16 pilot on the Carpathian Vipers detachment.

The Romanian Air Force has been a steadfast contributor to Baltic Air Policing since 2007 and has led the mission multiple times. This deployment again demonstrates Romania's dedication to NATO's core task of deterrence and defence. The outgoing Romanian team now passes the baton to detachments from Hungary, flying JAS-39 Gripens, and Spain, flying EF2000 Eurofighter Typhoon, who will together ensure the continued protection of Baltic airspace under NATO command.

NATO's Air Policing mission stands as a cornerstone of the Alliance's commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of NATO airspace. This collective defence initiative ensures that even member countries without their own air defence capabilities are protected.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Polish detachment handover NATO's Air Policing mission in Lithuania, to Hungarian and Spanish Air Force

NATO Allied Air Command

Aug 1 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- After a fourmonth deployment, the Polish Air Force has officially concluded its Baltic Air Policing mission, transferring responsibility to the incoming Hungarian and Spanish detachments.

During their deployment to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, the Polish Air Force detachment accumulated more than 200 flight hours, maintaining NATO airspace integrity across the Baltic region. These sorties formed the backbone of a vigilant air policing posture essential for regional security.

Training formed a key component of the deployment. The detachment participated in a number of NATO-led exercises, including BALTOPS, a large-scale Maritime led multi-domain activity. Polish pilots honed their tactical skills in realistic scenarios, reinforcing readiness for rapid response missions.

The Polish detachment also conducted an integrated air-to-air mission with Romanian and Portuguese fighters, supported by NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft (AWACS). These integrated training activities strengthened Allied interoperability and tactical coordination.

Beyond their defence duties, the detachment engaged meaningfully with the local community. They led a humanitarian aid mission in Soleczniki, delivering critical supplies and provided hands-on support at a Vilnius hospice.

In a formal ceremony held at Siauliai, the Polish detachment handed over mission command to their Hungarian and Spanish counterparts. This seamless transition underscores the effectiveness of NATO's rotational approach under the Baltic Air Policing framework and ensures uninterrupted airspace surveillance.

Since 2004, NATO has maintained the security of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian airspace through a continuous rotation of allied fighter detachments. Under the oversight of Allied Air Command's Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, this mission demonstrates allied solidarity in safeguarding Baltic skies.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by Minister McClay following US tariff announcement

Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government

1 August 2025

Hon Todd McClay

Trade and Investment

The United States has confirmed that tariffs on New Zealand exports will increase from 10 per cent to 15 per cent from 7 August, placing us alongside other key US trading partners including Japan and South Korea.

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says, this decision appears to be based on a calculation of trade deficits, with countries running a surplus with the US moved to the higher rate. In New Zealand's case, the surplus is modest, around US$500 million, and is not overly significant in the context of the US economy.

Over the past decade, our trade relationship with the US has seen periods where the US enjoyed a significant surplus and times, like now, when New Zealand has a modest one. Overall, our trade is balanced and complementary, reflecting the strength of a long-standing partnership.

"I am seeking an urgent call with the US Trade Representative to make New Zealand's position clear: this increase risks harming exporters and consumers of both countries. The US currently faces an average tariff of just 0.8 per cent when exporting to New Zealand, far lower than what we face into their market," Mr McClay says.

"New Zealand exports around $9 billion of goods to the US annually. At 15 per cent, the impact will be considerable for exporters, many of whom absorbed or passed on the earlier 10 per cent rate. At 15 per cent, that becomes much harder.

"Our focus now moves to engaging directly with the US on this current announcement to seek changes to this decision.

"New Zealand has always stood for open, rules-based trade. We will continue to advocate strongly for a resolution that supports our exporters and maintains the strength of our trading relationship with the United States."



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Marking 50 Years of OSCE: Five Decades of Bridging Divides, and Building Peace

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

HELSINKI/VIENNA 1 August 2025

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the world's largest Regional Security Organization under the UN Charter, proudly reflects on a half-century of advancing peace, security and democracy through co-operation for one billion people from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioglu stated: "While the world has changed irrevocably since 1975, the OSCE has proven its staying power, its commitment to the comprehensive approach to security outlined in the Helsinki Final Act, and agile in its response over time. It has also reaffirmed the unique and indispensable role it plays in the security architecture of its vast geography.

That commitment laid the foundation for a more just and equitable world order, grounded in security cooperation, the protection of human rights, and respect for the rule of law.

In the past 50 years, the OSCE has achieved systemic change on multiple levels, in multiple countries and across regions, assisting participating States to prevent conflict, manage crises, and build resilient post-conflict societies in line with OSCE commitments. The foresight of the Helsinki Final Act means that the three dimensions of our work - politico-military, economic and environmental, and human - remain just as relevant today. Yet our shared security architecturepainstakingly built by the founding fathers and mothers of this Organization through decades of dedication and at great costis now at risk of disintegration. We are, regrettably, witnessing the erosion and selective application of international law. Today we must recommit to the Helsinki principles, if we are to successfully navigate the next 50 years. What is urgently required is the rebuilding of a meaningful and inclusive security dialogueone capable, over time, of laying the foundation for a renewed and durable security framework."

Secretary General Sinirlioglu added: "The OSCE's added value in the field - long term presence, trust and technical expertise - enabled it to build relationships and act as an impartial broker in sensitive complex reform or transition processes, often linked with post conflict rehabilitation efforts. The OSCE's added value in diplomacy comes from its convening power, broad-based membership and comprehensive approach to security. Together, through regular political dialogues among and with all 57 participating States, the OSCE provided access to dialogue platforms unparalleled elsewhere. This enables the Organization to support incremental change behind the scenes, fostering sensitive relationships and reforms that require persistence rather than visibility. The OSCE's credibility often depends not only on what it does, but how it does it: our influence is most effective through sustained, low-profile engagement.

The OSCE is proud to have championed the inclusion of women, young people and civil society in its work. Over time, our support has enabled civil society to become active agents of change - monitoring public assemblies, shaping legislation and holding institutions accountable. They contributed especially on issues such as countering violent extremism, domestic violence and anti-trafficking policies."

OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioglu concluded:

"The OSCE has proven its worth in the past 50 years. It delivers for the participating States and its people, guided by the Helsinki Decalogue. The OSCE, its field operations, institutions and structures still have much to offer. In today's polarized world, we are determined to stay the course for the next 50 years to continue to bridge divides, convene governments, and build peace."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement of the OSCE Troika on the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

HELSINKI/VALLETTA/BERN 1 August 2025

HELSINKI/VALLETTA/BERN, 1 August 2025 -- Today, the OSCE Troika - Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, and Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis - made the following statement:

"Today, we have the distinct honour of marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Signed on this day in 1975, the Helsinki Final Act embodied a bold and visionary commitment to peace, co-operation, and mutual respect across Europe and beyond. The principles it enshrined - including respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-use of force, and respect for human rights -continue to provide the foundation for our common security.

Over the past five decades, the Helsinki Final Act has played a vital role in shaping and sustaining the European security order. By affirming the inviolability of borders and recognizing human rights as central to lasting peace, it helped shift Europe's security paradigm from confrontation to co-operation. The Final Act redefined securitynot solely in military terms, but as a comprehensive concept grounded in human rights, economic co-operation, and environmental protection.

The Helsinki principles have proven to be a true compass for peace and stability. They are just as essential today as they were in 1975. This was clearly demonstrated by the statements and discussions at the Helsinki+50 Conference: Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future, held yesterday at the Finlandia Hall. On this occasion, the OSCE Troika pays special tribute toand reaffirms its enduring commitment tocivil society, whose courageous efforts on both sides of the Iron Curtain were a powerful catalyst for change that reshaped history and will shape the future.

The legacy of the Helsinki Final Act lives on also in the landmark commitments it inspired, including the 1990 Charter of Paris for a New Europe, the 1999 Istanbul Charter for European Security, and the 2010 Astana Commemorative Declaration. None of these agreements altered the core principles negotiated in Geneva and adopted in the Finlandia Hall on 1 August 1975; rather, they reinforced and expanded them. This is a testament to the enduring relevance of the Helsinki Accords.

Yet, on this anniversary, we must acknowledge a painful truth: these principles have been repeatedly challenged and violated over the past 50 years. Today, the Russian Federation's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a grave and unprecedented violation of the very principles the Helsinki Final Act was intended to uphold. This unprovoked and unjustified war has inflicted immense human suffering and caused profound damage to the European security order. It is not only an attack on Ukraine, but an assault on the shared commitments of all OSCE participating States.

On this august anniversary, the OSCE Troika holds true to the Helsinki Final Act in condemning Russia's aggression in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Violations of the Helsinki principles cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.

Anniversaries are moments for reflectionbut also for renewal. The current moment demands moral clarity and united resolve. The Helsinki Final Act must remain our guiding compassnot only in response to current violations, but in shaping a more resilient future for European security. The principles it enshrines remind us of what is possible through trust and co-operationand what is at stake if we fail to defend them.

In that spirit, the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship is today hosting the Helsinki+50 Discussions on the Future of the OSCE at the Finlandia Hall, where the Final Act was originally signed. Joined also by representatives of civil society, these discussions offer a crucial platform for open reflection. Throughout this anniversary year, we have heard OSCE participating States clearly reaffirm their commitment to the Helsinki principlesand have called on others to do the same.

We have also heard calls to strengthen the OSCE, ensuring it is equipped to meet tomorrow's challenges. From its early confidence-building measures to the tireless work of its institutions and field operations, the OSCE has made significant contributions to conflict prevention, democratic development, human rights, and post-conflict reconciliation. But past achievements are no guarantee of future relevance. We urge all participating States to seize this moment to make the OSCE more functional, more resilient, and better equipped to carry the spirit of Helsinki forward.

To support this vision, the Finnish Chairpersonshiptogether with interested participating States and the OSCE Secretariathas launched the Helsinki+50 Fund which will improve the use of voluntary funding for the OSCE to deliver on its mandate, based on the principles and commitments of the OSCE.

The Helsinki principles remain an urgent imperative for our time. Even amid crisis, we believe in the power of dialogue over division, and in the enduring strength of shared principles over the use of force. We stand united in our determination to uphold the legacy of Helsinkinot only with words, but through actionto build a more peaceful and secure future for all."



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by the OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office on the 1 August Helsinki+50 Discussions

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

HELSINKI 1 August 2025

HELSINKI, 1 August 2025 -- Today, the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship hosted senior-level government officials and civil society actors for the Helsinki+50 discussions on the future of the OSCE, an initiative launched by the Chairperson-in-Office, Elina Valtonen in January 2025.

The discussions, held on 1 August in Finlandia Hall on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, provided a platform for participating States, Partners for Co-operation and civil society to have an open and constructive dialogue.

"Our goal with the Helsinki+50 discussions is to reinvigorate participating States' ownership of the OSCE and to re-establish the Organization's capacity to act. Strengthening respect for our shared principles is especially important as Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is our collective responsibility to set this Organization - and, with it, European security - on a path toward a better future", said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

During the discussions, participants reaffirmed the validity and importance of the OSCE's principles and commitments. They stressed the key role that the Organization plays in fostering comprehensive security and resilience. Participants offered valuable ideas on how to better implement the Organization's common principles and values in practice. All agreed that in order for the OSCE to deliver fully on its mandate, participating States must ensure its ability to function.

In the coming weeks, the Finnish Chair will take stock of the Helsinki+50 discussions to date. Based on the ideas proposed by participants, the Chair will put forward selected themes for further consideration this autumn. This process will feed into the Ministerial Council in Vienna in December 2025.







NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






MFA statement on the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

01.08.2025

On the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Poland strongly reiterates its commitment to the fundamental principles and values that underpin the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

These principles, such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, prohibiting the use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, represent the pillars of European security and stability. As relevant today as they were half a century ago, these ideas inform the OSCE's Founding Act and lay out a moral and political groundwork for European governance. Such tenets are universal and continue to frame a vision for a continent based on peace, cooperation, and the rule of law.

The Organization's comprehensive approach to security encompassing its political, military, economic, and environmental dimensions as well as human rights and democracyis a prerequisite for facing up the complex challenges of today.

Poland has consistently and fully implemented its commitments under the Final Act and other OSCE documents. The Helsinki Decalogue of 1975 was a source of inspiration and hope for dissidents, the democratic opposition and ordinary people forced to live behind the Iron Curtain. Today, the countries of our region can fully enjoy freedom and democracy in a united Europe.

We recognise the importance of safeguarding the independence of the OSCE institutions such as the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the High Commissioner for National Minorities, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media.

Russia's premeditated, unjustified and brutal war against Ukraine constitutes a brazen and deliberate violation of the Helsinki principles. This is no ordinary conflict between two states but an attack on the cornerstones of the international order, posing a direct threat to security in Europe and beyond.

Russian aggression against Ukraine, actively supported by its allies and partners, runs counter to the legacy of the Helsinki process. Dialog and cooperation within the OSCE are direct victims of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The Organization's credibility and future depend on our ability to protect and uphold its principles and hold aggressors to account. An indispensable condition for restoring stability and trust among the OSCE's 57 participating States is a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The principles we jointly adopted five decades ago must now be emphatically reaffirmed and revived. It is our responsibility to restore their original sense and meaning. Once again, we call on Russia to renounce their politics of force and unconditionally embrace the principles set out in the Helsinki Final Act. Russia is Act's signatory and as such is obliged to follow the rules enshrined in it. Russia must immediately end its war against Ukraine and cease other acts of aggression that put world peace and stability at risk.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PH, Indian navies commit to boost defense ties

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 1, 2025, 4:17 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Indian Navy (IN) reiterated their commitment to boosting their defense ties following the meeting of ranking officials of the two services on Thursday.

In a statement on Friday, the PN said the meeting between Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, commander of the IN's Eastern Fleet, and PN vice commander Maj. Gen. Edwin Amadar took place at the PN's headquarters in Manila.

"Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral naval cooperation through training exchanges, goodwill activities, and strengthened operational collaboration. Both sides recognized the value of ongoing personnel exchanges and common experiences in bilateral training programs and personnel development," the PN said.

It added that the meeting showcased the PN's commitment to strengthening its international defense partnerships, enhancing maritime cooperation, and contributing to the country's broader strategic efforts to ensure regional stability and national security.

"Both officials reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between the PN and the Indian Navy, built on decades of defense cooperation and shared maritime interests. The visit was also timely, as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India," the PN said.

Before the meeting, three Indian naval ships  guided-missile destroyer INS Mysore (D-60), anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan (D-30), and naval tanker INS Shakti  arrived in Manila for a port visit. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Palace hopes to resolve delay in MILF decommissioning

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

August 1, 2025, 3:59 pm

MANILA -- Malacanang on Friday cited the need to hold deeper talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in the wake of the suspension of the final phase of decommissioning of combatants and firearms.

"Medyo nakakalungkot po na balita iyan, dahil alam naman po natin na ang gobyerno po ay talagang naglalaan ng pondo para sa magandang kinabukasan ng mga nagnanais na bumalik at magkaroon ng normal na buhay (That's a bit of sad news, because we know that the government is really allocating funds for the bright future of those who want to return and have a normal life)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

"So, siguro lamang po ay mas kinakailangan pa ng mas malalim ang pag-uusap para mas maging maganda ang kahihinatnan nito para rin sa miyembro po ng MILF (So, maybe a deeper conversation is needed so that the outcome will be better for MILF members as well)."

Castro said the Palace is optimistic of a better result of the upcoming negotiations with the MILF.

She hoped that the issues would be resolved, citing the government's willingness to work with the MILF and provide assistance to decommissioned combatants.

"Katulad po nung sinasabi na PHP100,000 cash assistance po sa bawat combatant, MILF combatant, mayroon din pong nakalaan at inilaan na more than PHP400 billion worth for the socio-economic programs. Hindi lang po iyan, marami pa po at alam naman po natin iyan (Apart from the PHP100,000 cash assistance for every MILF combatant, there is also more than PHP400 billion worth allocated for the socio-economic programs. That's not all, there's a lot more and we know that)," Castro said.

The MILF Central Committee has issued a resolution suspending the decommissioning of its remaining 14,000 combatants and 2,450 weapons because of the Philippine government's alleged failure to meet key provisions of the 2014 peace agreement.

The MILF said the decommissioning will only proceed once the government shows "substantial compliance" with the normalization commitments, especially the delivery of socio-economic support for the 26,145 decommissioned combatants.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday expressed disappointment over the deferral of the decommissioning process, calling it a setback for the Bangsamoro peace process. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian and Djiboutian officials have praised the Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway for its pivotal role in promoting regional trade and economic cooperation.

Their remarks came during a high-level panel discussion held Friday at Lebu Railway Station, on the outskirts of Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, under the theme "Rail Infrastructure Boosting Trade and Regional Cooperation." The event brought together senior government officials and executives from the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR).

Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, described the 752-km electrified transnational railway as "a practical example of successful regional economic cooperation."

"The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway infrastructure has become a critical enabler of economic development and regional integration, fostering trade and economic cooperation between the two connected countries," Sime said.

EDR recently announced plans to increase the railway's annual freight capacity from the current two million tonnes to 6.2 million tonnes by 2027. The goal is for the railway to handle at least 25 percent of Ethiopia's total import and export trade.

Ethiopia's Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, lauded the trilateral collaboration between Ethiopia, Djibouti, and China, calling the project a model of mutually beneficial cooperation.

"This grand infrastructure binds Ethiopia and Djibouti not only for current economic activities, but it is also going to cement the Ethiopia-Djibouti relationship for centuries to come," he said.

EDR Chief Executive Officer Takele Uma described the railway as a "lifeline" for both countries. "We are at the frontier to lead this infrastructure, the lifeline of Ethiopia and Djibouti that connects not only through infrastructure, but through the hearts and minds of people of the two countries," he said.

Underscoring the railway's growing strategic relevance, EDR highlighted its expanding suite of value-added services, including multimodal transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and passenger services, which are reshaping logistics between Ethiopia and Djibouti. 
PH to get more military equipment from India - Brawner

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 1, 2025, 3:03 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines will be getting more military equipment from India, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., citing their affordability and quality.

"We are in fact ordering more equipment and weapon systems from India," Brawner said in an ambush interview aboard the naval tanker INS Shakti (A-57) on Thursday night, when asked on whether the AFP is planning to acquire more equipment from India.

Brawner added that Indian equipment, while of high quality, is not as expensive as those from other countries.

"Kaya't maganda na maki-partner talaga tayo sa India (That's why it's good for us to partner with India)," he said.

The AFP chief did not specify what military equipment it would be procuring from India due to security reasons.

Brawner, however, said India is still in the process of delivering the BrahMos cruise missile systems ordered by the Philippines.

"Meron pa ho tayong dalawang sets ng BrahMos systems na darating in the next few years (We still have two sets of BrahMos systems that will arrive in the next few years)," Brawner said.

Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and BrahMos Aerospace director general Atul Dinkar Rane signed the contract for three BrahMos cruise system batteries worth PHP18.9 billion in a virtual ceremony in January 2022.

A battery usually consists of three to six launchers along with monitoring and tracking components, as well as logistics support vehicles.

The first BrahMos batteries were delivered in April last year, but the Department of National Defense and the AFP have yet to issue any updates regarding its status.

West PH Sea

In the same interview, Brawner said the Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct a bilateral maritime cooperative activity with Indian Navy ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) next week.

The activitiy will coincide with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to India on Aug. 4 to 8.

"So next week, habang (nandun) pa sa India ang ating Pangulo ay magkakaroon tayo ng bilateral maritime cooperative activity with India. So 'yung ating PN at itong tatlong barko ng India ay magse-sail. We will sail together doon sa WPS (By next week, while the President is in India, we will have a bilateral maritime cooperative activity with India. The PN and three Indian ships will sail together to the WPS)," he said.

Brawner said the activity is not a show of force but a "show of unity" and "show of solidarity" among like-minded countries that value a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

"The joint activity will be the first of its kind in the West Philippine Sea  a region increasingly central to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific," Brawner said in a statement on Friday.

Earlier this week, three ships of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet  the guided-missile destroyer INS Mysore (D-60), the anti-submarine corvette INS Kiltan (D-30), and the naval tanker INS Shakti  arrived in Manila for a port visit.

In his statement, Brawner said the presence of the INS Shakti in Manila sends a "powerful signal of solidarity, strength in partnership, and the energy of cooperation between two vibrant democracies in the Indo-Pacific."

He lauded the deepening defense ties between the two nations and reaffirmed the shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and a rules-based international order in one of the world's most geopolitically sensitive regions. (PNA)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






4 million 'Zionist invaders' flee as Yemeni projectile tears past Israeli missile systems

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 10:11 PM

Yemen's Armed Forces have targeted the Israeli regime's most critical airport with another hypersonic ballistic missile in continued support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been subject to a genocidal Israeli war for nearly 22 months now.

The forces announced the operation in a statement on Friday, saying they had struck the Ben Gurion airport near the city of Tel Aviv with a "Palestine-2" projectile.

"The operation successfully achieved its goal, and caused more than four million Zionist invaders to flee to shelters, bringing the airport to a standstill," they added.

The strike came as part of an aerial blockade that the servicemen have been imposing on the regime to force it to end the war and a simultaneous near-total siege it has been imposing on Gaza.

The aerial blockade has seen the forces fire such missile variants towards the airport on many occasions.

Also on Friday, Italy and India's national airlines said they had extended suspension of their flights to Ben Gurion, respectively until September 30 and October 25.

Imposed in May, the blockade marked a notable escalation in the servicemen's pro-Palestinian operations against sensitive and strategic Israeli targets that had begun shortly after the launch of the genocide on October 7, 2023.

'One missile every 2 days'

Earlier, Doron Kadosh, an Israeli military correspondent, said the Yemeni forces had shot at least 15 missiles towards the occupied Palestinian territories over the past month. He said the figure equaled an average of one missile every two days.

According to Kadosh, the servicemen had launched approximately 67 ballistic missiles and 18 armed drones towards Israeli targets since March.

The Friday statement also noted that Yemeni forces were "monitoring the enemy's movements and its plan aimed to halt the Yemeni support front."

They were referring to ferocious attacks that the Israeli regime has been staging against key Yemeni infrastructures as part of its efforts to force Sana'a into stopping the pro-Palestinian operations.

The servicemen, however, asserted that both they and the Yemeni people "are highly vigilant and fully prepared to confront all hostile movements until they are thwarted, just as other plans, conspiracies, and movements have failed during the past period."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Gaza is facing famine, kids suffering from severe malnutrition: UNICEF official

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 7:35 PM

UNICEF's deputy executive director has sounded the alarm about the situation of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, warning that it has crossed the threshold of famine.

"We now have two indicators that have exceeded the famine threshold," Ted Chaiban told a media conference on Friday after he returned from a trip to Gaza earlier this week.

Gaza is in the grip of a full-blown humanitarian emergency, with a significant portion of the population facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among children. "One in three people in Gaza are going days without food, and the malnutrition indicator has exceeded the famine threshold."

Due to international pressure on Tel Aviv to allow aid into Gaza, some truck deliveries and airdrops of food and supplies have occurred; however, these are considered far too short and insufficient to address the widespread need.

Chaiban said the dire situation in Gaza requires sending aid via any means and modality possible, through "every gate, every route, and every modality, but airdrops cannot replace the volume and scale that convoys by road can achieve."

He pointed out that there is a need to move back toward a volume of around 500 trucks a day through all routes, which includes both humanitarian and commercial aid.

The UNICEF official noted that the children's organization has prepared 1,500 trucks loaded with relief supplies waiting at the borders of Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey until the Israeli regime issues permission for them to enter Gaza.

Thirty-three UNICEF trucks have entered Gaza in the last couple of days, Chaiban said, adding, "This is still a fraction" of what is needed. "We need to flood the Strip [with aid] from all channels, all gates," he stressed.

"Gaza now faces a grave risk of famine. One in three people in Gaza are going days without food, and the malnutrition indicator has exceeded the famine threshold, with global acute malnutrition now at over 16.5 percent. Today, more than 320,000 young children are at risk of acute malnutrition."

The UNICEF official condemned what is happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza, particularly the children, due to the Israeli regime's genocidal war and blockade of food, medicine, and supplies, describing it as "inhumane."

He concluded that what is urgently needed in Gaza at present is a permanent ceasefire and a political way forward.

Hamas called on intl. community to pressure Israel to stop 'genocide'

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas called on the international community to mount further pressure on Tel Aviv to stop the "aggression, genocide, and starvation war in Gaza."

"Our people in the Gaza Strip are still subjected to a comprehensive war of extermination, which uses starvation and famine as tools of war to break their steadfastness," it said in its statement on Friday.

"The continuation of the siege, the prevention of food and medicine, the closure of crossings, and the death of children and the sick from hunger is a crime against humanity that will not be subject to any statute of limitations," it added.

Hamas urged the "Arab and Islamic nations and the free people of the world to continue and escalate all forms of popular movement, and to demonstrate in front of the embassies of the 'Israeli' occupation, America, and its supporting countries, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of every week, and in all coming days until the aggression stops and the famine in Gaza ends."

"[W]e call for making Sunday, August 3rd, a national, Arab, Islamic, and international day for supporting Gaza, Al-Quds, Al-Aqsa, and the prisoners, and for a continuous movement until the war of genocide and starvation against our people in the Gaza Strip stops and until the occupation is driven out from all our land," Hamas said.

Since the Israeli regime's killing machine launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, more than 60,300 Palestinians have been killed, of whom nearly 19,000 have been children.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hawkish Israeli minister reiterates call for re-establishing settlements in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 6:24 PM

Israel's far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has repeated his call for Israel to push the Palestinians out of the besieged Gaza Strip and build new settlements there.

In a post on X, Itamar Ben-Gvir lamented that Israel dismantled its settlements in Gaza in 2005 and said Israel should re-establish them.

"The lesson remains clear and simple today: We must go home. To Gush Katif," Ben-Gvir said, using a term referring to a group of 17 old Israeli settlements in the Palestinian besieged region

"To all of Gaza," he continued. "The ones who need to leave are the enemies - not the lovers of the land."

Ben-Gvir, who has a history of making outrage-inciting comments and provoking Palestinians, earlier said that the "war presents an opportunity to concentrate on encouraging the migration of the residents of Gaza."

The minister has also said that encouraging the Palestinians to leave Gaza would allow the Israelis residing around the Gaza Strip to return to their settlements.

Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip were removed in 2005.

Ben-Gvir has also refused to acknowledge the national identity of Gaza residents and has refrained from calling them Palestinians.

Recently, 22 cabinet ministers and several lawmakers from the ruling coalition of Benjamin Netanyahu demanded a tour of northern Gaza by settlement groups to examine possible sites for future Israeli settlements.

They called on the minister of military affairs Israel Katz to "approve a patrol into the northern border area of the Gaza Strip as part of an initiative by the Nachala movement's settlement cadres to examine settlement options in the area."

The Nachala organization is involved in the construction of illegal settlement outposts across the occupied territories.

They argued that Israel should resettle northern Gaza because it is under full military control and "empty of Gaza residents."

A group of far-right Israeli politicians and settlers also met in the Knesset recently to discuss a plan to displace the Palestinians from Gaza, during a conference called "The Riviera in Gaza: From vision to reality."

Among the speakers were the right-wing minister of finance, Bezalel Smotrich, and settler leader Daniella Weiss.

The relentless Israeli aggression has leveled much of Gaza and destroyed basic civilian infrastructure.

The "Riviera plan" proposed by US President Donald Trump would build luxury resorts on the ruins of Gaza once Israel stopped bombing it.

The plan would require Gaza's existing population of about two million to be emptied out. Legal experts warn that forcible displacement on such a scale would amount to ethnic cleansing.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






German FM condemns Israeli annexation plans, settler violence as 'terror'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 6:15 PM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has condemned the escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians as "terror," emphasizing Germany's opposition to any Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank.

During a visit to the West Bank town of Taybeh, which saw settler attacks against Christians earlier this week, Wadephul said on Friday, "Such acts are crimes; they are terror, and they finally need to be prosecuted."

The minister also visited the archaeological site of the historic Church of St. George in Taybeh, which was set on fire by settlers last month. He vowed to continue pushing at the European level for sanctions against violent Israeli settlers.

Germany's top diplomat urged the occupying regime to adhere to international law and protect Palestinian civilians.

Wadephul also slammed Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank, including a plan known as E1 for almost 3,500 new settler units, calling it a major obstacle to the so-called two-state solution, which he argued is the only sustainable path to peace.

Berlin's policy is that "a Palestinian state must have a chance," he stressed.

Wadephul also issued a stern warning to Israel not to annex the West Bank.

"We clearly reject any annexation fantasies, whether for Gaza or the West Bank, which are also put forward by parts of the Israeli government," Wadephul said. "They would not be recognized by Germany."

His remarks came as Knesset lawmakers voted 71-13 in favor of a symbolic measure calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank on July 23.

Two Israeli ministers, Yariv Levin and Israel Katz, also openly pushed for the full annexation of the occupied West Bank.

"Ministers Katz and Levin have been working for many years to implement Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," their offices said in a joint statement on Thursday, using the Israeli term for the occupied West Bank.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

All Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. The UN Security Council has condemned Israel's settlement expansion in the occupied territories in several resolutions.

Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent state with East al-Quds as its capital.

Germany hasn't joined major allies France, Britain, and Canada in their decision to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Wadephul said Germany, Israel's staunch ally, had no immediate plans to recognize a Palestinian state, but saw this as coming "at the end of a political process".

"We support the right of the Palestinians to have their own state at the end of a political process," the Minister said after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Friday.

During his visit to al-Quds on Thursday, Wadephul warned that Israel was in danger of becoming internationally isolated.

"My mission here today was to tell the Israeli side that they must act now and not just at some point," he said, adding, "We need clarity - also from Israel - that no policy of expulsion and no policy of active annexation is being pursued."

Wadephul urged Israel to allow the entry of sufficient aid shipments to Gaza quickly and safely, describing the humanitarian situation in the besieged strip as "beyond imagination", as the occupying regime has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March.

"The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza must end now," Wadephul said, calling on the Israeli regime to ensure safe access for United Nations agencies to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

UN staff had "clearly shown that they are able to provide sufficient supplies to all people in Gaza if they are allowed to do so and if they can work in safety", Wadephul said.

Israel launched the genocidal campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023. It has killed more than 60,200 Palestinians there so far, according to the Health Ministry of Gaza.

The regime has also escalated its West Bank violence since October 7, 2023. Israeli forces and settlers have killed about 1,000 Palestinians in the occupied territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Bloodshed at Gaza aid sites 'a great sin,' says former top UN official

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 5:08 PM

A former senior UN aid official has censured the bloodshed at aid sites of the notorious US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Martin Griffiths, director of the Mediation Group International and the former Under Secretary General of the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, said "all of this was a deep betrayal of humanitarian values."

"I think it's a catastrophe more than a disappointment," he said. "I think it's a great sin. I think it's a great crime."

Griffiths said the aid sites are now massacre grounds for the starving Gazans.

"It was clearly militarized. They'd have their own security contractors."

"They'd have [Israeli military] camps placed right beside them. We know now that they are, in fact, under instructions by [the Israeli military]."

The number of aid seekers killed continues to climb daily beyond 1000, he said.

"The 1,000 killed are an incredible statistic. I had no idea it would go that high and it's going on daily. It's not stopping."

Since May, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,330 Palestinian aid seekers, and over 8,810 others have been wounded in Israeli attacks, mainly at GHF sites run by the United States.

Griffiths said the US-Israeli backed system was flawed from the beginning.

"I think when many of us saw the first plans of the GHF to launch this operation in Gaza, we were immediately appalled by the way they were proposing to manage it."

"But what I at least did not sufficiently anticipate was the killing and was the absolutely critical result of this operation, this sole humanitarian operation allowed by Israel in Gaza," Griffiths said.

Commenting about US envoy Steve Witkoff and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's planned visit to GHF-run aid distribution sites in Gaza, he said this was "likely to be choreographed."

France, a close ally of Israel, on Thursday said the US and Israel-backed aid distribution system in Gaza had generated a "bloodbath" and had to cease activity.

The International Criminal Court (ICC).has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister, Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity on November 21, 2024.

Netanyahu is accused of using starvation as a method of warfare, intentionally attacking civilians and committing other inhumane acts during his genocidal military campaign in the besieged Palestinian territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNRWA chief slams failed Gaza aid ops, demands Israel reopen crossings

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 4:20 PM

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has strongly criticized the failure of humanitarian operations to deliver food to starving civilians in the Gaza Strip. He called on the Israeli regime to reopen closed land crossings into Gaza to allow the unhindered passage of aid trucks.

As famine continues to claim lives across the besieged enclave, Philippe Lazzarini stated on Friday via a post on X (formerly Twitter) that UNRWA should be leading aid deliveries, given its capacity and long-standing experience in managing humanitarian relief operations efficiently.

In recent days, numerous airdrops have been carried out by the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, and others in an attempt to ease the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the besieged strip.

"Airdrops are at least 100 times more costly than trucks. Trucks carry twice as much aid as planes," Lazzarini stated. "If there is political will to allow airdrops, which are highly costly, insufficient & inefficient, there should be similar political will to open the road crossings."

Lazzarini warned that the people of Gaza were starving to death and the "only way to respond to the famine is to flood Gaza with assistance."

He said UNRWA is the largest UN agency on the ground. "Today, UNRWA alone has the equivalent of 6,000 trucks of food and medical assistance stuck in Egypt and Jordan."

Lazzarini reminded that the UN had been able to bring in 500 to 600 trucks a day during the brief ceasefire earlier this year.

He said under UN supervision, aid reached the entire population of Gaza in safety and dignity.

"It succeeded to reverse the deepening starvation without any aid diversion," the UNRWA chief stated.

Lazzarini insisted that there is no replacement to UNRWA. "No alternative to the UN-coordinated response with UNRWA as the backbone had provided similar results."

The UN official urged the US government and the Israeli regime to allow UNRWA to carry out its mission. "Let's go back to what works and let us do our job."

"This is what people in Gaza need today more than ever, together with a lasting ceasefire," the Commissioner-General of the United Nations' agency concluded in his statement on Friday.

During the previous ceasefire, which began in January and was later broken by Israeli forces in March, UNRWA reported that it had successfully managed to "reverse the deepening hunger" in Gaza. But that fragile progress has since collapsed.

On March 2, 2025, the Israeli regime ordered the closure of Gaza's main land crossings, cutting off all food, medical, and humanitarian supplies to the territory. According to reports by international human rights organizations, the move has exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, many of whom are now surviving on grass, animal feed, or nothing at all. These groups have accused Israel of deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war against the Palestinian population.

Now, after more than 80 days of total blockade, and amid mounting international outrage, only limited aid has reportedly been delivered by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial organization backed by the U.S. and Israel. Critics say GHF was established to bypass the UN's longstanding and effective aid infrastructure in Gaza, and it has already been mired in accusations of corruption and politicized distribution.

The failure of the aid mechanism run by GHF to address mass starvation in Gaza has prompted UNRWA to describe it as a "flawed distribution system" violating humanitarian principles by restricting aid to south and central Gaza, requiring Palestinians to walk long distances to collect aid, and only providing limited aid, among other critiques.

The US-Israeli-crafted aid distribution points have been described as "mass death traps" and "slaughterhouses" for starving Gazans.

"Every day, Palestinians are met with carnage in their attempts to receive supplies from the insufficient amount of aid trickling into Gaza," Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said in a statement.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the US-backed aid distribution mechanism is "inherently unsafe" and "it is killing people."

"Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarized zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people," Guterres told reporters.

Guterres said UN-led humanitarian efforts are being "strangled," aid workers themselves are starving and Israel, as the occupying power, is required to agree to and facilitate aid deliveries into and throughout the Palestinian enclave.

"People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence," Guterres added.

The UN estimates that at least 1,373 Palestinians were killed as they tried to access food between May 27 and July 31, 2025.

US contractors said in an interview that they witnessed their colleagues using live fire, stun grenades and pepper spray against civilians during aid distribution inside the GHF sites.

Meanwhile, the overall death count resulting from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza has currently reached 155, including 89 children, and it is projected to escalate rapidly as the siege and the closure of crossings persist.

The World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) this week warned that "time was running out" and Gaza stood "on the brink of a full-scale famine."

Since the Israeli regime unleashed its brutal onslaught on Gaza in October 2023, more than 60,300 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Global trade in chaos as Trump imposes steep tariffs on 92 countries

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 11:40 AM

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on exports from 92 countries, including Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, and India, ahead of his self-imposed August 1 deadline that is expected to reignite global trade tensions.

"We have made a few deals today that are excellent deals for the country," Trump told reporters on Thursday afternoon after signing executive orders to impose tariffs between 15 and 41 percent on goods from around the global market.

He ordered raising tariffs on Canadian imports to 35 percent for goods deemed non-compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing Canada's failure to curb fentanyl smuggling across the border, saying Canada had "failed to cooperate" in curbing illicit narcotics flows into the US.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that he was "disappointed" with Trump's tariff hike, adding that "Canadians will be our own best customer." He emphasized that Canada accounts for just 1 percent of US fentanyl imports, highlighting the minimal role Canada plays in the US fentanyl issue.

"While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong," he said in a post on X.

The decision pertaining to Canada contrasted sharply with Trump's decision to grant Mexico a 90-day reprieve from higher tariffs of 30% on many goods to allow time to negotiate a broader trade pact. However, Trump said the US would continue to levy a 50% tariff on Mexican steel, aluminum, and copper and a 25% tariff on Mexican autos and on non-USMCA-compliant goods subject to tariffs related to the US fentanyl crisis.

Indian goods seemed headed for a 25% tariff after talks bogged down over access to India's agriculture sector, drawing a higher-rate threat from Trump that included an unspecified penalty for India's purchases of Russian oil. New Delhi vowed to protect the country's farm sector, and the threat of higher rates from Trump triggered outrage from the opposition party and a slump in the rupee.

Trump also hit Brazil's exports on Wednesday with a 50% tariff as he escalated his fight with the country over its prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, but softened the blow by excluding sectors such as aircraft, energy, and orange juice from heavier levies.

Meanwhile, China is facing an August 12 deadline to reach a durable tariff agreement with Trump's administration after Beijing and Washington reached preliminary deals in May and June to end tit-for-tat tariffs and a cut-off of rare earth minerals.

Swiss officials are yet to comprehend Trump's 39% tariff against their products, saying it will be subject to a "negotiated solution."

South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau said he was seeking "real, practical interventions" to defend jobs and the economy against the 30% US tariff it faces.

The UK is not on the list of countries who will be hit by tariff changes. It was the first to secure a tariff agreement with the US in May, locking in a 10% rate.

European stocks hit a three-week low on Friday as investors focused on the impact of the new tariffs.

Furthermore, US Commerce Department data released Thursday showed prices for home furnishings and durable household equipment jumped 1.3% in June, the biggest gain since March 2022.

Recreational goods and vehicle prices shot up 0.9%, the most since February 2024. Prices for clothing and footwear rose 0.4%.

Trump set the Friday deadline after his earlier "Liberation Day" tariffs in April triggered a stock market slump and stoked fears of a recession. In response, he introduced a 90-day window for negotiations.

The US president's new order is expected to take effect on August 7.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli ministers say now time to annex occupied West Bank

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 11:17 AM

Two Israeli ministers have openly pushed for the full annexation of the occupied West Bank, signaling a dangerous escalation as they claim the groundwork for the illegal move is already in place.

Yariv Levin and Israel Katz, so-called ministers for justice and military affairs, called for the deployment of the regime's military across the occupied Palestinian territory to claim the biblical cities of "Judea and Samaria" - the term that the occupying Zionist entity uses when referring to the West Bank.

"Ministers Katz and Levin have been working for many years to implement Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," their offices said in a joint statement on Thursday.

The ministers asserted that the groundwork for the annexation of the West Bank commenced during President Donald Trump's first term (2017-2021), when his administration supported a proposal for Israel to assume control over most of the territory.

"This was expressed, among other things, in the work done by minister Levin during President Trump's first term, in which all the necessary things were prepared for the important move - from a proposal for resolutions to precise maps, and minister Katz led a series of unprecedented decisions to strengthen settlement and pave the way for Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," the statement added.

The statement came less than 10 days after the Israeli Knesset voted for a motion on annexation of the occupied West Bank.

In June, the Israeli regime unveiled a new plan for taking more land from the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The plan, led by far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, includes the legalization of settler outposts and the forced displacement of the Bedouin communities.

Under the shadow of the genocidal war in Gaza, Israel has accelerated its annexation drive in the West Bank. The occupied West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967.

The Israeli military has intensified daily raids and mass arrests, notably in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, where Israeli bulldozers have razed entire residential areas, expelling at least 40,000 people.

Approximately 770,000 illegal Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, across 180 settlements and 256 outposts - including 138 classified as agricultural or pastoral, according to Palestinian reports.

Israeli data show illegal settlers staged 414 attacks against the Palestinians in the West Bank in the first half of 2025, up 30% from 2024. At least 1,009 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and settlers since October 2023.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. All mere words.

Israel has already occupied vast pieces of Palestinian agricultural land to construct and expand new settler units in various areas of the West Bank.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran decries 'destructive' rival government in Sudan, foreign interference

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 7:38 AM

Iran has expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Sudan, warning that the establishment of a rival government by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) endangers the North African nation's security and territorial integrity.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the RSF's announcement of a parallel government as a violation of Sudan's sovereignty and a move with potentially "destructive" consequences for the country's stability.

The spokesman also decried foreign interference in the internal affairs of Sudan as "very harmful", calling for intra-Sudan dialogue to solve the crisis in the country.

"The solution to the crisis in Sudan is to halt clashes and initiate Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue without foreign interference," Baghaei said.

Last week, the coalition led by the RSF announced the members of the rival government, with political analysts warning that it could push Sudan further towards de facto division.

In April 2023, war broke out between the RSF, backed by the United Arab Emirates, and the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, after they were once allies. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions of others.

In March, after nearly two years of fighting, the Sudanese army regained its central states and Khartoum.

But the RSF quickly seized most of Darfur with the exception of al-Fashirthe military's last foothold in the western Darfur region, and an RSF strongholdwhere fighting continues.

Nyala in southern Darfur is the seat of the RSF's rival government, which is condemned by the UN and African Union.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






People visit the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 31, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows a view of the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows a view of the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park beside the urban area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

People visit the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

People visit the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows a view of the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park beside the urban area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

People visit the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Aug. 1, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

People take a boat tour at the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 31, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 30, 2025 shows a view of the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

A drone photo shows people posing for photos at the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, July 27, 2025. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Photo by Zhang Shu/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 27, 2025 shows a boat sailing across the "rainbow bridge" leading to Sun Island Scenic Area, in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Located on the north bank of the Songhua River in Harbin, the Taiyangdao (Sun Island) National Wetland Park has a wetland area of more than 7,000 hectares, with a high wetland rate of more than 70 percent. Among them, the Sun Island Scenic Area is one of the few riverfront wetland grassland ecological zones lying in the city center in China.

In midsummer, the charming scenery of the vibrant urban ecological island attracts numerous tourists. (Photo by Zhang Shu/Xinhua)
Court Confirms Prison Sentence For Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik, Who Rejects Case

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service August 01, 2025

An appeals court in Bosnia-Herzegovina has confirmed a prison sentence for Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik for disregarding the decisions of an international peace envoy, a charge the pro-Russia nationalist politician has dismissed as politically motivated.

Dodik was appealing a sentence handed to him in February for defying the Constitutional Court as well as the peace envoy. It included a one-year prison term that under Bosnia's legal system may be exchanged for a fine, as well as a six-year ban on political activities.

"I do not accept the verdict," Dodik told reporters. "I will seek help from Russia and I will write a letter to the US administration."

Goran Bubic, Dodik's lawyer, said they would appeal the ruling to the Constitutional Court and seek a delay of the implementation of the verdict pending the appeal.

The European Union, which Serbia seeks to join, said the ruling "must be respected."

"The EU calls on all parties to acknowledge the independence and impartiality of the court, and to respect and uphold its verdict," the European Union's diplomatic service said of the prison sentence.

The furor around Dodik has ignited a major political crisis in the EU membership hopeful, which is often referred to as the world's most complex democracy.

Since the Dayton peace agreement, which was signed in 1995 and ended the war in Bosnia, the country has consisted of the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska under a weak central government.

While Republika Srpska can pass laws on internal matters, state-level laws and institutions remain supreme according to the constitution.

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) oversees the implementation of civilian aspects of Dayton. Dodik, who is currently under US and U.K. sanctions for actions that Western governments say are aimed at the secession of Republika Srpska from Bosnia, has refused to implement several orders from the OHR.

Source:

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ICYMI: Ranking Member Shaheen Joins PBS News Hour to Discuss Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: August 01, 2025



WASHINGTON -- Last night, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined PBS News Hour to discuss the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and her vote for the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block weapons sales to Israel. During the interview, Ranking Member Shaheen emphasized the need to both address the humanitarian situation in Gaza by getting aid to the Palestinian people and securing the return of all the hostages to put an end to this nightmare for the hostages' loved ones.

Click HERE to listen to the full interview.

Key quotes from Ranking Member Shaheen:

"All you have to do is watch the news reports coming out of Gaza to see the people who are desperate for food. Israel needs to open up those humanitarian corridors. We need to get food in. We need to get it distributed in a way that doesn't harm Palestinians in the process of getting the food. And so, I think it's important to send the message to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government that things need to change."

"We need to see many more aid convoys, and we need to make sure that the food gets distributed in a way that doesn't have Hamas or some other group taking that food away from the people who really need it, who are starving."

"But not only do we need to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but there are still hostages. And the remains of hostages who are still being held by Hamas - we need to get them back to their families and put an end to this horrible nightmare that those families are living through."

You can read the full transcript of Ranking Member Shaheen's interview below:

PBS: A late-night Congressional vote fell short of the votes needed to block weapons sales to Israel as it continues its war in Gaza in response to the October 7 attacks. But in a dramatic shift, more than half of Democrats supported the measure, reaching its highest level of support to date. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She was one of those yes votes and she joins us now from Capitol hill. Senator, welcome back to the News Hour, thanks for joining us.

Senator Shaheen: It's nice to be with you.

PBS: So, back in April you voted against the weapons block. Last night you voted for it. Why the change?

Senator Shaheen: I think the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. All you have to do is watch the news reports coming out of Gaza to see the people who are desperate for food. Israel needs to open up those humanitarian corridors. We need to get food in. We need to get it distributed in a way that doesn't harm Palestinians in the process of getting the food. And so, I think it's important to send the message to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government that things need to change.

PBS: So, is this about sending a message at this moment in time or does it represent some bigger policy shift?

Senator Shaheen: Well, I think we have to wait and see how the government responds. But right now, they have made some slight progress in the last week, really, since the weekend, and are talking about allowing more humanitarian aid in. But we need to see many more aid convoys, and we need to make sure that the food gets distributed in a way that doesn't have Hamas or some other group taking that food away from the people who really need it, who are starving.

PBS: So, back in April you cited not wanting to upset what you called, "the delicate negotiations to restore the ceasefire" as part of the reason that you didn't support the weapons sales block. Now, should we take your yes vote now to mean that you don't have confidence in any ceasefire talks being restored?

Senator Shaheen: Well, sadly, as we've seen in the last week or so, the ceasefire negotiations fell apart in Doha, and the United States' team came home. So hopefully, Mr. Witkoff is going to go back, they're going to be able to get back to the negotiating table and come to an agreement. But not only do we need to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but there are still hostages. And the remains of hostages who are still being held by Hamas - we need to get them back to their families and put an end to this horrible nightmare that those families are living through.

PBS: You mention not seeing enough action from Israel to allow in more humanitarian aid. We saw from President Trump this week, saying based on the images he's seen from Gaza, "you can't fake it" - meaning the images - and he says his Administration is going to be even more involved. We know Israeli Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are on the ground meeting with Netanyahu, they're going to visit Gaza themselves - even as Mr. Witkoff was pulled from the ceasefire talks. What do you think is the role that the U.S. should be playing right now? What is their responsibility right now?

Senator Shaheen: Well, the responsibility is the Israeli government's responsibility. But what I think we can do in the United States, and I was pleased to hear President Trump's comments because I think it heightens the concern that the world has, and looking at pictures coming out of Gaza, looking at starving children who need that humanitarian aid, and they need it now. So, I think that's helpful. I think anything that Envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee can do to be very clear with the Israeli government that the United States has an interest in seeing humanitarian aid get into Gaza is important.

PBS: And do you think that they should threaten to withhold weapons sales to Israel in order to force some of that action you want to see? Is that a line you want to see them take?

Senator Shaheen: Well, I think there are a variety of ways in which we can incentivize and provide carrots and sticks to Israel to try and address the situation. I hope they will discuss a full range of those, and that's certainly one of them.

PBS: I also need to ask you about a Republican member of Congress this week, Marjorie Taylor Greene, saying that the conduct by Israel in Gaza in her view is genocide. She was the first Republican member of Congress to say that, and a Trump loyalist. Do you agree with her assessment?

Senator Shaheen: I think we have a dire, as I said, a horrific humanitarian situation in Gaza. We have people who are starving. I think the Israeli government bears some responsibility for what's happening there, and we need to see that change. And I don't care how do you want to label it. The issue is: how do we make sure people are not starving to death, that starvation is not being used as a weapon of war. And for all of us who are watching what's happening here, there are real questions about the actions of Netanyahu government.

PBS: In the 30 seconds or so I have left, based on the vote you saw last night, are you seeing some larger shift among Democrats in terms of how they view Israel and their conduct in Gaza right now?

Senator Shaheen: I think people are more and more concerned about what's happening there. You can't watch the pictures coming out of Gaza, you can't see the stories of the children who are suffering, the people who have been killed when they're trying to get to the food and not be concerned about what's happening there. And I think that's what's being reflected in the vote last night.

PBS: Senator Jeanne Shaheen, thank you so much for taking the time to join us tonight, we appreciate it.

Senator Shaheen: Thank you.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

1 August 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Briefing Today

Happy August, everybody. Today, at 12:45 p.m., there will be a briefing by Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of August.

He will brief on the Council's programme for the month of August.

** UN80

The Secretary-General this morning provided an update to Member States on his UN80 initiative, focusing on his report, issued yesterday, on what is known as "workstream two," which deals with the implementation of mandates received from Member States. Mandates are the sole property of Member States, he affirmed.

Mr. [Antonio] Guterres said that the problems with mandates are well known: Burdensome processes. Overlap. Duplicative structures. And a growing gap between mandates and resources. And he told the Member States that the review of mandates is not about questioning their decisions but about implementing them  more effectively, more efficiently and with greater impact. Mandates are not ends in themselves, the Secretary-General said; they are tools to deliver real results, in real lives, in the real world.

He said that today, there are more than 40,000 resolutions and decisions on the books  and counting. The risks of duplication and overlap are clear.

Meanwhile, since 2020, the average word count of General Assembly resolutions has increased by 55 per cent. ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) texts have grown by 95 per cent. And Security Council resolutions are now three times longer than they were 30 years ago.

The Secretary-General added that we cannot expect far greater impact without the means to deliver. By spreading our capacities so thin, we risk becoming more focused on process than on results.

That is why, he said, the report puts for their consideration a possible shift: Toward shorter, clearer and more focused mandates.

His remarks and the UN80 report are available online.

** Secretary-General's Travel

The Secretary-General will travel to Central Asia this weekend. On Sunday, the Secretary-General and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym Jomart Tokayev, will witness the signing of the Host Country Agreement for the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Central Asia and Afghanistan, which has been formalized by the General Assembly. The signatories will be Murat Nurtleu, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, and Li Junhua, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

From Kazakhstan, the Secretary-General will travel to Awaza in Turkmenistan, to attend the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. He will reaffirm the need to help the landlocked developing countries overcome physical barriers and connect to global markets, including by leveraging artificial intelligence to strengthen early warning systems.

While in Turkmenistan, the Secretary-General is expected to have bilateral meetings with the host country leaders, as well as leaders and officials attending the Conference.

** Deputy Secretary-General's Travel

In Amman, Jordan today, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is chairing the final session of the Regional Retreat with the UN Resident Coordinators in the Arab States region, focusing on progress in Sustainable Development Goals across the region and on ways to strengthen UN support to countries through the resident coordinator system.

She will return to New York tomorrow.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that large numbers of people reportedly continue to be killed and injured while searching for food. According to our human rights colleagues, more than 100 people were killed in the past two days alone, with hundreds of others injured, along food convoy routes or near Israeli-militarized distribution hubs.

OCHA reiterates that no one should ever be forced to risk their life to find food. Civilians must always be protected and community-level aid delivery at scale must be facilitated, not obstructed.

The months-long deprivation of most life-sustaining basic goods has led to a deepening of the crisis, which can only be addressed through unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza. Humanitarians must also have rapid, safe and unfettered access to deliver aid in a safe and dignified manner.

As market prices remain highly volatile and out of reach for many, our colleagues were able to distribute cash to 10,000 families over the past two weeks. OCHA has warned that humanitarians cannot address this crisis alone  commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter to help address people's needs.

Our colleagues from the World Health Organization (WHO) today reported that they were able to bring 11 trucks bearing medical supplies  including trauma, laboratory and water testing supplies  safely to its warehouse in Deir al Balah. WHO and its partners stress that access to healthcare must be facilitated. This means safe access to health facilities for the people, as well as rapid facilitation of entry permits for Emergency Medical Teams into Gaza.

Nearly a week since the Israeli announcement to allow the scale up of aid and tactical pauses to allow safe passage for our convoys, OCHA says that the aid that has entered Gaza so far remains insufficient, and our convoys continue to face impediments and danger along the routes provided to us by the Israeli authorities.

Fuel remains in short supply, though limited quantities have been entering Gaza in the recent days. Yesterday, the UN was able to collect approximately 150,000 litres of fuel from Kerem Shalom crossing and delivered it to a UN-managed fuel station last night. The UN and our partners need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel every day to power critical facilities, including health, water and sanitation, as well as emergency telecommunication services.

Delays and impediments of humanitarian movements continue to be reported. While fewer humanitarian movements are denied outright, missions that are approved still take hours to complete due to having to wait at different points along routes. The fuel mission yesterday took 18 hours to complete because the team had to wait many hours along the way. For reference, the distance between Deir al Balah and Kerem Shalom is only about 24 kilometres. In addition, the routes that Israeli authorities instruct our teams to drive through remain insufficient and are often dangerous, congested or impassable.

** Haiti

Earlier today, our colleagues in Haiti published their quarterly report on the human rights situation in the country. And as you can imagine, the situation remains extremely worrying.

Between April and June, at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 injured in armed violence, primarily in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, followed by the Artibonite and Centre departments. Our human rights colleagues also report at least 185 kidnappings and 628 victims of sexual violence, during the same period.

The report says that criminal groups have expanded and intensified their attacks outside of Port-au-Prince, particularly in the Centre department and Bas Artibonite.

Abuses by criminal groups accounted for more than 24 per cent of the people killed or injured during the reporting period. Gang members continued to resort to murders, gang rapes, and kidnappings to maintain their control over populations living in areas under their influence. Cases of sexual slavery, sexual exploitation and child trafficking and exploitation were also documented.

A majority of the deaths and injuries documented happened during operations by security forces against criminal groups. More than a third were the result of strikes using explosive drones.

The report calls on the Haitian Government, with the support of the international community, to strengthen the fight against gangs, while strictly respecting human rights and standards on the use of force.

We join our colleagues to urge the international community to support the full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission and to intensify the fight against arms trafficking.

And adding to the human rights report, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is telling us that in the Artibonite and Centre departments, data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicates that more than 45,000 people have been displaced since June. Fifty-five per cent of them are women.

In total, nearly 240,000 people are now displaced in those two departments, as the humanitarian response remains critically underfunded.

Despite this, UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and its partners continue to deliver aid, with more than 12,600 people having received sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services in the country in the past two months.

OCHA urges immediate support to sustain and expand our overall response to protect the most vulnerable.

** Security Council

At 3 p.m. today, the Security Council will hold a briefing on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine. Miroslav Jenca, our Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, is expected to brief Council members.

** World Breastfeeding Week

Today, World Breastfeeding Week begins, and it will continue until 7 August. This year's theme is "Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future". You can find more information online.

** Questions and Answers

Question : Couple of questions. First, on the situation in Middle East. The Trump Administration announced sanctions against members of Palestinian Authority and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to limit its visas. What's the position of the Secretary-General on this sanction?

Deputy Spokesman : Our expectation on this is, of course, that the United States will continue to uphold its own legal obligations under the Host Country Agreement, which, as you know, allows for people to come into the country in order to go about UN business here at Headquarters.

Question : But the sanction from the US Government accused the members of supporting terrorism and seeking to destabilize peace efforts. Is that what the UN observed?

Deputy Spokesman : This is not what we've observed about the Palestinian Authority, which is, as you know, the recognized representative of the Palestinian people.

Question : Okay. Another topic, UN aid initiative. Can you confirm that we heard a lot of news, is this idea of relocate UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN-Women to Nairobi a sure thing now?

Deputy Spokesman : It's not a sure thing. There are certain options, as you know, that are being considered in terms of dealing... with making the United Nations more cost effective. There are certain proposals that are being discussed at different levels, including with the staff of the organizations, with the executive boards of the various agencies, and so forth. So, we're at an early stage, but what the Secretary-General told you is that one of the steps that is being considered is to put more of our operations into the field and into places where the costs are lower, and that is something that the various agencies will be exploring.

Question : And, one last question. I don't know whether someone asked this or not. On 24 July, the Staff Union Council of the UN Office in Geneva declared a vote of no confidence for Secretary-General and Mr. Guy Ryder and its UN80 restructuring plan. How would that impact the whole thing? And what is the response from the Secretary-General on this no-confidence vote?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, what we have basically said is, obviously, we are aware of the difficulties that all of us face in terms of dealing with the pressures on the Organization. And we are working from the management level with staff on a way forward together. We want to continue to encourage staff representatives to be involved in the process with us, and we'll proceed with this collectively. But there's no intention to exclude staff concerns from this process as we go ahead. Yes? Edie and then Gabriel.

Question : Thanks, Farhan. First, a follow-up to Dezhi's question about these reports of UNICEF, UN-Women and UNFPA possibly moving to Nairobi. Whose decision is that? Because all of those agencies have their own boards.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, as you know, for decisions involving UN agencies, funds and programmes, all those steps, for a way forward need to be approved by the boards of the respective agencies, in a dialogue with the management of those agencies. So that kind of dialogue will have to occur at each of those.

Question : Right. And on the mandate issue, the report has a whole bunch of steps that the Secretariat said it's going to take. When are those steps going to start?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, the steps that the Secretary-General can take on his own are steps that he is planning to present ultimately to the relevant budgetary committees of the Member States. So, the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) and the Fifth Committee will be apprised, by the end of the summer, about the sort of steps we're taking, and then it'll go through the budget process in order to be formalized.

Question : Right. So, ultimately, it will be the Member States on the ACABQ who will make those decisions?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. And, of course, the Fifth Committee, which is the budgetary committee of the UN. But the bottom line is all of our various processes involve the Member States. And so, what we'll have to see over the second half of this year is how much of these proposals are acceptable, because at the end of the day, they're the ones who give us our instructions. Gabriel?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. As you know, Steve Witkoff, the Trump Administration special envoy to the Middle East, is in the region. Do you know if he requested to meet with anyone from the UN?

Deputy Spokesman : As far as I'm aware, he did not meet with anyone from either our political or humanitarian sides. I checked with all the various offices and agencies, and none of them have replied about any meeting.

Question : He visited a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site today. My question is, if he would have requested to visit a UN site in Gaza, could you have facilitated that?

Deputy Spokesman : Oh, certainly.

Question : My last question is, do you think that he got a full...? From your perspective, do you think that he got a full picture of the humanitarian situation in Gaza by not visiting anything other than a GHF site?

Deputy Spokesman : We trust and expect that the US officials will continue to be in touch with us. We certainly have made clear what our operations on the ground are, and we've been in touch with them, as with other Member States. Yes, please?

Question : I have a question. Given the recognition of the State of Palestine by some European countries and the US opposition to this move, what is the Secretary-General's view? Does he consider these developments meaningful steps toward a real and lasting peace or more of a symbolic action without practical result?

Deputy Spokesman : From the Secretary-General's perspective, what is important is the show of support given to a two-State solution from the countries who were here this week for the meeting co-convened by France and Saudi Arabia. And he hopes that they will continue to seize upon the momentum of the last few days to reenergize this process so that we can go back to having an achievable two-State solution. Yes, please?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. It is reported that Slovenia has now become the first EU country to formally impose an arms embargo on Israel. Is this a development that the Secretary-General would like to see other Member States take, specifically other Member States within the EU?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we don't comment on bilateral measures taken by States against arms. What the Secretary-General wants to see is to see greater support from Member States for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and full humanitarian access. Yes. Linda?

Question : Oh, thank you, Farhan. This is regarding Yemen. I was wondering if you could just give us an update in terms of the status of those who are still detained, whether they be UN staff, NGOs, diplomats, and so on?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. We continue to have our own UN staff, as well as staff of different humanitarian and human rights non-governmental organizations, detained. And we call on the Houthis to release all of those who are in their detention.

Question : Can I just ask you, how are negotiations conducted, you know, with the Houthis in terms of... some of these people have been there a long time?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. And the UN, as well as some of the other bodies, are continuing to call for their unconditional release, and we will continue to do so.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban's remarks following his recent travel to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank

UNICEF

Remarks

Checked against delivery

01 August 2025

NEW YORK, 1 August 2025 - "I just returned from a five-day mission to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and I speak to you with deep urgency and profound concern today.

"This was my fourth visit to Gaza since the war began after the horrors of October 7th, itself building on decades of an unresolved conflict. You see the images on the news, and you know what has happened, but it is still shocking when you are there.

"The marks of deep suffering and hunger were visible on the faces of families and children. Over 18,000 children have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war. That's an average of 28 children a day, the size of a classroom, gone. Children have lost loved ones, they are hungry and scared, and they are traumatised.

"Gaza now faces a grave risk of famine. This is something that has been building up, but we now have two indicators that have exceeded the famine threshold. One in three people in Gaza are going days without food, and the malnutrition indicator has exceeded the famine threshold, with global acute malnutrition now at over 16.5 per cent [in Gaza City]. Today, more than 320,000 young children are at risk of acute malnutrition.

"On Monday, when I was in Gaza, I met the families of the 10 children killed and 19 injured by an Israeli airstrike while they were queuing for food with their mothers and fathers at a nutrition clinic in Deir el-Balah that UNICEF supports. We met with Ahmed, who is 10 years old and his father. Ahmed was in line with his sister, 13-year-old Samah, that day. She died. There's a picture I saw of him furiously waving down a donkey cart to try to see if he could save her and get her to the hospital, but he was unable to. He is deeply traumatised and does not know what to do. This simply should not be happening. The children I met are not victims of a natural disaster. They are being starved, bombed, and displaced.

"At a stabilisation centre in Gaza City, I met acutely malnourished infants whose bodies were little more than skin and bone. Their mothers sat nearby, desperate and exhausted. One mother told me she no longer produces breastmilk - she herself is too hungry. UNICEF is doing everything we can to address the situation: supporting breastfeeding, providing infant formula, and treating children with severe acute malnutrition. But the needs are enormous after 22 months of war, two months of a blockade, which has now been eased, but is still having an impact, and the aid is not getting in fast enough or at the required scale as of yet.

"In the midst of all this, our staff in Gaza - most of whom have suffered devastating personal losses - continue to work day and night.

"UNICEF is delivering safe water - 2.4 million litres per day in northern Gaza, reaching 600,000 children. That's an average of 5-6 litres of water per day per person - better than it was, but still far below survival thresholds. We've rebuilt the cold chain for vaccines, you'll recall the polio campaign in February, and we continue to vaccinate children. We're providing psychosocial care to children who have been horrified by what they have gone through. We're keeping newborns alive, helping reunite separated families, both within the strip and in some cases internationally, and delivering infant formula to the most vulnerable babies but much more needs to be done.

"There has been some easing of humanitarian access after the pauses announced by Israel. We have over 1,500 trucks of life-saving supplies ready across corridors in Egypt, Jordan, Ashdod, and Turkey. Some have begun to move, and we have delivered in the last couple of days 33 trucks of life-saving infant formula, High Energy Biscuits and hygiene kits. But this is still a fraction of what is needed, and so a big part of the mission has been our advocacy and engagement with the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

"We pressed for a review of their military rules of engagement to protect civilians and children. Children should not be getting killed waiting in line at a nutrition centre or collecting water, and people should not be so desperate as to have to rush a convoy.

"We called for more humanitarian aid and commercial traffic to come in - moving closer towards 500 trucks a day - to stabilize the situation and reduce the desperation of the population and also the looting and, what we call self-distribution, when the population goes after a convoy, and also looting, when armed groups go afer it because the price of food is so high.

"In order to address that, we need to flood the strip with supplies using all channels and all gates. This is not going to be achieved through humanitarian aid alone, and so we also pushed for commercial goods to get into the strip - eggs, milk and other essential supplies that complement what the humanitarian community is bringing in.

"We pressed for 'dual-use' items and more fuel to be allowed in so that the water system can be repaired - pipes, fittings, generators. It is very hot in Gaza - 40 degrees -and water is in short supply, with the risk of disease outbreak looming everywhere.

"We will continue to advocate so that the humanitarian pauses do not lead to further displacement, pressing the population into an ever smaller area.

"It was a good exchange, and there has been some easing of access, and we need to see the full realisation of the measures announced and the issues I raised, in order to address the situation.

"I should also say that I visited the West Bank. There, too, children are under threat. So far this year, 39 Palestinian children have been killed. I visited a Bedouin community east of Ramallah, which was forcibly displaced due to violence.

"We also met with Israeli children impacted by the war. Children who have endured fear, loss, and displacement. Children don't start wars, but they are the ones impacted by the wars

"But today, I want to keep our focus on Gazabecause it is in Gaza where the suffering is most acute, and where children are dying at an unprecedented rate.

"We are at a crossroads. The choices made now will determine whether tens of thousands of children live or die. We know what must be done and what can be done. The UN and NGOs that form the humanitarian community can address this, along with commercial traffic, if the measures are in place to allow access and eventually have enough goods in the Strip that some of the issues that are there with law and order abate.

"Funding is needed. UNICEF's appeal for Gaza is critically underfunded - only 30 per cent of health and nutrition needs are covered.

"We need to remember that humanitarian pauses are not a ceasefire. We hope that the parties can agree on a cease-fire and the return of all remaining hostages by Hamas and other armed groups. This has gone on for far too long. 22 months. I honestly never expected that we would be here 22 months into this war. What is happening on the ground is inhumane. What children need - children from all communities - is a sustained ceasefire and a political way forward.

"Thank you."

#####

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Haiti

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

People reportedly continue to be killed, injured as they seek food

OCHA says large numbers of people reportedly continue to be killed and injured searching for food in the Gaza Strip. According to our human rights colleagues, more than 100 people were killed in the past two days alone, with hundreds of others injured, along food convoy routes or near Israeli-militarised distribution hubs.

OCHA reiterates that no one should ever be forced to risk their life to find food. Civilians must always be protected and community-level aid delivery at scale must be facilitated, not obstructed.

The months-long deprivation of most life-sustaining basics has led to a deepening of the crisis, which can only be addressed through unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza. Humanitarians must also have rapid, safe and unfettered access to deliver aid in a safe and dignified manner.

As market prices remain highly volatile and out of reach for many, our colleagues were able to distribute cash to 10,000 families over the past two weeks. OCHA has warned that humanitarians cannot address this crisis alone - commercial supplies must also be allowed to enter to help address people's needs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported that they were able to bring 11 trucks bearing medical supplies - including trauma, laboratory and water testing supplies - safely to its warehouse in Deir al Balah. WHO and its partners stress that access to healthcare must be facilitated. This means safe access to health facilities for the people, as well as rapid facilitation of entry permits for Emergency Medical Teams into Gaza.

Nearly a week since the Israeli announcement to allow the scale up of aid and tactical pauses to allow safe passage for our convoys, OCHA says that the aid that has entered Gaza so far remains insufficient, and our convoys continue to face impediments and danger along the routes provided to us by the Israeli authorities.

Fuel remains in short supply, though limited quantities have been entering Gaza in the recent days. Yesterday, the UN was able to collect approximately 150,000 litres of fuel from Kerem Shalom crossing and delivered it to a UN-managed fuel station last night. The UN and our partners need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel every day to power critical facilities, including health, water and sanitation, as well as emergency telecommunication services.

Delays and impediments of humanitarian movements continue to be reported. While fewer humanitarian movements are denied outright, missions that are approved still take hours to complete due to having to wait at different points along routes. The fuel mission yesterday took 18 hours to complete because the team had to wait many hours along the way. For reference, the distance between Deir al Balah and Kerem Shalom is only about 24 kilometers. In addition, the routes that Israeli authorities instruct our teams to drive through remain insufficient and are often dangerous, congested or impassable.

Haiti

Women, girls most affected by escalating violence

OCHA warns that escalating violence by armed groups in the departments of Artibonite, West and Centre in Haiti is severely affecting women and girls, who form the majority of people displaced since June. Essential services for them are also in a state of disarray.

Drawing on data from the International Organization for Migration, OCHA reports that more than 45,000 people have been displaced since June, of whom 55 per cent are women, in the Artibonite and Centre departments alone. In total, nearly 240,000 people are now displaced in those two departments, as the humanitarian response remains critically underfunded.

For example, just 8 per cent of the United Nations Population Fund's nearly $29 million appeal has been funded. Despite this, under OCHA's coordination, UNFPA and its partners continue to deliver aid, with more than 12,600 people having received sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services between June and July.

OCHA urges immediate support to sustain and expand this response to protect the most vulnerable.

Posted on 1 August 2025

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNRWA Commissioner-General on Gaza: Airdrops are at least 100 times more costly than trucks

UNRWA

1 Aug 2025

Airdrops are at least 100 times more costly than trucks.

Trucks carry twice as much aid as planes.

If there is political will to allow airdrops - which are highly costly, insufficient and inefficient, there should be similar political will to open the road crossings.

As the people of Gaza are starving to death, the only way to respond to the famine is to flood Gaza with assistance.

UNRWA the largest UN agency on the ground, has 6,000 trucks loaded with aid stuck outside Gaza waiting for the green light to enter.

The UN including UNRWA and partners were able to bring in 500 to 600 trucks a day during the ceasefire earlier this year.

Aid reached the entire population of Gaza in safety and dignity. It succeeded to reverse the deepening starvation without any aid diversion.

No alternative to the UN coordinated response with UNRWA as the backbone had provided similar results.

Let's go back to what works and let us do our job.

This is what people in Gaza need today more than ever together with a lasting ceasefire

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Final US Report On Afghan Mission Paints Damning Picture

By Ray Furlong August 02, 2025

A US body set up in 2008 to assess efforts to support Afghanistan has made its 68th and final quarterly report to Congress -- with damning details of waste and "pervasive corruption" over the course of the nearly 20-year Western intervention as well as concerns about Trump administration aid cuts.

The report was issued by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a government agency, on July 30, two weeks before the fourth anniversary of the Taliban retaking power in Afghanistan.

In a section titled "End-Of-Mission Highlights," it says the Western-backed Afghan government sometimes didn't even want projects that the United States proposed.

"For example, SIGAR found that most of the buildings at five Afghan Border Police facilities costing $26 million were either unoccupied or being used for unintended purposes, including one used as a chicken coop," it says.

The 99-page report notes that it is the final installment in a highly detailed series that charted the ups and downs of the US-led mission in Afghanistan, as US aid for the country is being wound up.

"If you followed those reports, you were clearly aware where it was going and how it would end," veteran Afghanistan analyst Thomas Ruttig told RFE/RL.

"Politicians chose to ignore this and continue to give us good messages from Afghanistan until the troops had to flee in August 2021. It's a very valuable archive of data on what went wrong in Afghanistan. It would have been much better if donors and particularly the US government would have acted on it," he added.

Elsewhere, the report states that Western countries and global institutions flooded Afghanistan with money that fueled corruption, which US officials overlooked as they "prioritized security and political goals."

Ruttig, who worked in Afghanistan for the United Nations, the European Union, and Germany in a series of stints from 2000-2006, agreed with this assessment of Western engagement.

"There was an awareness that [corruption] is a big problem, but it collided with the political strategy and took only second rank," he said. "Security won."

Trump's Afghanistan Policy

But the final SIGAR report is not only a lookback at the mission as a whole.

It also underlines the humanitarian impact of the Trump administration's decisions to cut aid to Afghanistan and says the State Department did not explain why specific programs were being terminated.

"State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), told SIGAR they were not informed why individual awards had been canceled, nor were they involved in the decision-making process," the report noted.

RFE/RL has asked the State Department to respond to this and other elements of the report.

SIGAR says Washington "terminated all foreign assistance awards with activities in Afghanistan" in April.

This followed an Executive Order in January that said "The United States foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values."

Within days, the Trump administration began moves to rapidly dismantle USAID, which was the primary U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.

The SIGAR report also notes "conflicting reports" of Taliban efforts to seize assets, including military vehicles, from USAID operations being wound down in Afghanistan this year.

"USAID noted that heavily armored units from the Taliban general directorate of intelligence forcibly entered implementing partner compounds on multiple occasions, seizing equipment, cash, and project documentation," it said, adding that staff had been detained and interrogated.

But this contradicted official information from Washington, SIGAR said.

"Both State PRM and PM/WRA (Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement) said their implementing partners have not reported any Taliban demands for assets, data, or staff personal information, and, as previously noted, State F (Office of Foreign Assistance) declined to answer any of SIGAR's questions this quarter," the report stated.

The issue is sensitive, with US President Donald Trump demanding the Taliban hand over military equipment left behind by US forces in 2021.

"Afghanistan is one of the biggest sellers of military equipment in the world, you know why? They're selling the equipment that we left," Trump said in January. "We want our military equipment back."

SIGAR will cease operations in September.

Before then, it will produce one more report looking at how lessons learned in Afghanistan, Gaza, Syria, and elsewhere can be applied to future situations where aid missions face interference in undemocratic countries.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/sigar-afghanistan- us-aid-reconstruction/33492067.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 - 01 August 2025 - Day 1255

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

Since the beginning of the day, 130 combat clashes have taken place.

The Russian enemy launched 49 air strikes, used 82 controlled airstrikes, used 1,394 kamikaze drones for strikes, conducted about 400,000 shells on Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Seven clashes with Russian zagarbnikami took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, one of which is ongoing so far.

The Russian enemy made 11 aviation strikes, dropping 21 controlled bombs, carried out 268 shelling, including seven of the reactive systems of ammunition fire.

Today, Russian forces attacked three times in the South-Slobozhansky direction, in the areas of Krasnogo Pershogo and Kamyanka, one confrontation is ongoing so far.

Russian forces attacked Ukrainian fortifications in the Kupyansky direction seven times in the areas of the settlements of Golubivka and Zagrizove, two clashes are still ongoing.

In the Lyman direction today, Russian troops stormed positions of Ukrainian defenders near settlements 17 times:

Karpivka, Yampolivka, Wells, Green Valley, Torske and Dibrova.

Four clashes are ongoing so far.

In the Siver ky direction, the Defense Forces repelled six Russian assaults in the areas of Grigorivka, Verkhnyokamiansky and towards Viimka.

Today, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks towards the White Mountain in the Kramators komu direction.

In the Toretsky direction, the Russian occupiers have attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders near the settlements five times today:

Diliyivka, Crimea, Toretsk and Oleksandro-Kalinove.

In the Pokrovsky direction throughout the day, Russian forces carried out 48 assault and offensive actions.

The activity of Russian occupiers was observed in the areas of populated areas:

Popiv Yar, Lighthouse, Razine, Novoekonomicne, Comfort, Fox, Beam, Beast, Lucky, Dachne and Green Corner.

The fights have not subsided so far.

According to preliminary calculations, today Ukrainian warriors eliminated 112 and wounded 49 Russian invaders in this direction;

Destroyed three cars, three motorcycles, 22 bpla and shelter for personnel warehouse;

in addition, the vehicle, the control point of the BPLA and the Russian enemy's artillery system were damaged.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, the Russian zagarbniki carried out 11 attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops.

The Russian opponent tried to advance in the areas of populated areas:

Oleksandrograd, Piddubne, Tovste, Maliivka, Voskresenka and Novopil.

One confrontation is currently underway.

Ukrainian defenders repelled the Russian attack in the area of Kamiansky in the Orihiv direction.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, seven futile attempts to move forward were carried out by the units of the Russian zagarbnikiv.

There were no combat clashes in the direction of Gulyaipil.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Missouri Guard Hosts Cyber Exchange with Panamanian Partners

By Tech. Sgt. Kaylee Clark July 31, 2025

PANAMA CITY, Panama -- U.S. cyber specialists from the Missouri National Guard, in coordination with U.S. Southern Command, hosted a cyber subject matter exchange alongside Panamanian government and security agencies this week to enhance joint cyber readiness and strengthen regional partnerships.

The engagement focused on developing shared procedures, enhancing Panama's ability to protect critical infrastructure and preparing both nations for participation in the upcoming multinational exercise Panamax Alpha.

"This subject matter exchange is in preparation for the PANAMAX exercise in September, where we'll work together on command and control for cyber operations," said Chief Warrant Officer Katie Herrell, cyber operations chief with the Missouri National Guard. "It's about building capacity and creating a shared understanding."

Panama's role as a critical hub of global trade underscores the importance of protecting its digital networks. According to Herrell, this marks the fourth cyber engagement the Missouri National Guard has conducted in Panama this year, following previous exchanges focused on intelligence, threat hunting and incident response.

"As the mission of protecting critical infrastructure increases and the threat increases, we want to make sure our Panamanian partners have the tools, the resources and the knowledge to respond to cyberattacks," Herrell said.

The training brought together a diverse group of agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security, the Panama Canal Authority and other national emergency services. Throughout the exchange, teams shared best practices, participated in scenario-based discussions and worked to align cyber defense protocols.

"This is a two-way street," said Diego Phillips, a civilian cyber specialist with U.S. Southern Command. "People are engaged, and we're all here to learn from each other."

To ensure a united and effective response to any cyber threats, collaboration is crucial.

"If we reach out to our partner nations during a crisis, we want to be on the same pagefollowing the same protocols," Phillips said. "That's a win for all of us."

This engagement reflects the enduring commitment between the U.S. and Panama to advance regional security through cooperation, shared expertise and mutual respect.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese FM responds to report of US govt's cyberattacks using other countries as springboards

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2025 11:55 PM

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun presided over the regular press conference on August 1. A reporter asked, the Cyber Security Association of China today released two cases in which the US government used Germany, South Korea, Singapore and the Netherlands as springboards to launch cyberattacks against China. The report also revealed that in 2024, overseas state-level APT groups launched over 600 cyberattacks against China's key institutions, targeting critical information infrastructure and important information systems for attack and infiltration. What's China's comment on this?

"I have taken note of the relevant report," said Guo, adding that this is the latest evidence of malicious cyberattacks by the US government against China. It once again shows that the US is the number one cyber threat to China and lays bare the US' hypocrisy as "a-thief-crying-stop-thief" trick on cybersecurity. China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its own cybersecurity. We also noted that the US used its allies in Europe and around China as springboards for such malicious cyber activities. China consistently believes that cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation, said Guo.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






KABUL, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Twin road accidents have left seven commuters dead and injured another in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province on Friday, said a news release of the provincial police office released Friday evening.

In the first accident, which took place in Shahr-i-Bazarg district on Friday afternoon, five travelers lost their lives and another was badly injured, the news release said.

In a similar accident, two commuters were killed after their car turned turtle in the neighboring Raghistan district on the same day, it said. 
NASA Willing to Cooperate - Roscosmos Chief

Sputnik News

20250801

Russian state space corporation Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov said that acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy expressed a desire to continue bilateral collaboration.

"We discussed strategic opportunities to continue cooperation, despite all the tension. And, most importantly, he expressed a desire for our cooperation not to cease," Bakanov told Russian journalists.

He added that the Russian leadership will be informed of the results of the contact, and Duffy will probably inform the White House. Bakanov noted that "it is always important to stay in contact, even in the most difficult periods."

"We all understand the times we live in, but nevertheless, Sean said that he also understands the full extent of responsibility regarding the fact that these projects cannot be lost, cannot be stopped. He understands this," Bakanov said.

NASA Confirms Readiness to Extend ISS Cross-Fight Deal

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy confirmed his desire and readiness to extend the ISS cross-flight agreement between the Russian and American space agencies, Bakanov underscored.

"Signing an agreement is a legal act, but it was important to agree on this in principle. And we are glad that the new NASA administrator, who is also the US Secretary of Transportation, confirmed his desire and readiness to extend this agreement," the Roscosmos chief answered the question about when the ISS cross-flight agreement will be extended after 2026.

NASA Speaks Out in Favor of Continuing Work With Roscosmos

Duffy made it clear during talks with a Roscosmos delegation that "in a difficult period from a geopolitical point of view" the relationship between the two corporations should not be interrupted, Bakanov emphasized.

"During the meeting, he [Duffy] really made it clear that in a difficult period from a geopolitical point of view, our relations should not be interrupted, since the safety of the ISS, the safety of our astronauts who work in orbit, and, most importantly, the joint development of technologies depend on it, because it is easy to break off, but it will be very, very difficult to restore relations later," the Roscosmos head said.

He noted that Duffy "emphasized deep respect for the projects that we are jointly implementing."

In response to a question about whether there are "any disagreements" at the level of the Russian and US space agencies, Bakanov replied: "we must give credit that all issues are being resolved."

Roscosmos Urges NASA to Expand Unsanctioned Cooperation

Bakanov said that at a meeting with Duffy, he proposed to expand cooperation in those projects that were not subject to sanctions.

"We understand that the sanctions pressure is strong, but cooperation in the field of manned space has been removed from sanctions. And we propose to expand this interaction as much as possible within the framework of those projects that were not subject to sanctions," Bakanov underlined.

Talking About New Projects With NASA 'Slightly Ambitious' - Bakanov

Talking about implementing "global new joint projects" between NASA and Roscosmos in the current conditions "would be slightly ambitious," Bakanov said.

"Today it was important for his subordinates to get approval from the head of NASA to continue interacting. Since it was the first meeting, we really did not want contacts to be broken. Therefore, in the current geopolitical situation, talking about the fact that we will now implement new global joint projects would probably be slightly ambitious," the Roscosmos chief noted.

NASA Chief 'Gives the Go-Ahead' for Discussions of Joint Projects With Roscosmos

Duffy "gave the go-ahead" for direct technical discussions between Roscosmos and NASA of joint projects, Bakanov stressed.

"He [Duffy] gave the go-ahead to his subordinates for direct technical discussions between Roscosmos and NASA of joint projects. And by the next meeting, in November-December, we will prepare a full agenda, and work it out at the technical level in order to come to some specific decisions," the Roscosmos head said.

He noted that these decisions "will depend, among other things, on the geopolitical situation and the mood in the relationship."

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






HMAS Sydney completes ADF Regional Presence Deployment

Issued by Defence Media

1 August 2025

HMAS Sydney has successfully completed the year's second ADF Regional Presence Deployment (RPD), returning to her home port in Sydney after more than 28,000 nautical miles during more than four months at sea.

While deployed, HMAS Sydney participated in Exercise Bersama Shield 25 with Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, and helped enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

The shipalso integrated with the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, sailing together from Singapore to Australia to join Exercise Talisman Sabre 25.

Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO CSC RAN, said HMAS Sydney's deployment reinforced the ADF's commitment to maintaining a continuous presence in the region.

"HMAS Sydney's collaboration with regional friends and allies shows that support to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific is a shared value across the region," Vice Admiral Jones said.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith AM CSM RAN, said that each regional presence deployment reinforces Australia's support for a global rules-based order and the conduct of lawful maritime operations.

"All countries in the Indo-Pacific have a vital role and interest in maintaining a region where state sovereignty is protected, international law is followed and nations can make decisions free from coercion," Rear Admiral Smith said.

HMAS Sydney is one of three Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers in service with the Royal Australian Navy, with a crew of more than 240 personnel and an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.

Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney, Commander Ben Weller CSC RAN, said the ship's company was honoured to represent Australia throughout the deployment.

"HMAS Sydney conducted port visits to Singapore, Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, where the crew held professional exchanges and community outreach activities to deepen Australia's defence relationships," Commander Weller said.

"This deployment held many highlights for the crew, from sailing with the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, working with P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft from New Zealand, and operating with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force."

"The time away from home represents a significant commitment by Sydney's crew and sacrifice by their families back home, and I am exceptionally grateful to their collective effort in the success of this deployment."

HMAS Brisbane began the ADF's third RPD for 2025 in late July.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Partners united go 'all clear' underwater

By Corporal Michael Rogers

1 August 2025

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) on a police boat in Gladstone Marina brought Australian and United States clearance divers into action during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

After Queensland Police handed over control of the scene, the divers used electronic countermeasures and conducted a search of the area.

A suspicious package was located on a police vessel at the wharf.

A Talon explosive disposal robot - outfitted with a destructive payload - was deployed to carry out a remote deactivation.

It rolled down the dock under the watchful eyes of Australian, United States and New Zealand observers before safely disabling the device.

But it didn't end there.

A second explosive was located underwater near the marina ramp.

Its complexity required a human touch, so Australian and United States clearance divers launched in Zodiac inflatable boats, suited up and entered the water.

They assessed the threat up close and used specialised tooling to disable it. Once the job was done, the divers glided out of the area and returned to their vessel.

The IED response was one of several training missions conducted by the multinational Mine Warfare line of effort as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.

The task group's headquarters was based in Gladstone, with a forward operating base (FOB) on Curtis Island that allowed forces to operate independently and test their logistics chain under exercise conditions.

Task Group Commander, Commander Robert Woodall, said the overall effort highlighted the strength of allied cooperation.

"We successfully achieved our objectives, strengthened our relationships between our allied nations and furthered our relationships with our observer partner nations," Commander Woodall said.

The group operated in a 10-by-10 nautical mile box, 17 nautical miles offshore, conducting offensive and defensive mine warfare operations supported at sea by the USS John L. Canley as an expeditionary sea base.

For Leading Hand Nicholai Demafelis, a hydrographer and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operator from the Royal New Zealand Navy's littoral Warfare Unit, HMNZS Matataua, the exercise offered a valuable opportunity to compare platforms and processes.

"The exercise has been an interesting experience, seeing how different nations operate their underwater autonomous vehicles," Leading Hand Demafelis said.

New Zealand uses the Remus 100 AUVs, while Australia and the United States field Bluefin systems.

"We plan missions on the ship or land, then we transfer the data over to the vehicle and send a team out to get it in the water," Leading Hand Demafelis said.

"Once we hit the start command it carries out the mission and we wait to retrieve it and download data to look over it and find any mines."

Teams from Australia, New Zealand and the United States worked together using clearance divers and AUVs to identify and investigate items of interest on the ocean floor.

"The sea-based mine warfare area of operations enabled the successful integration of Australian and New Zealand mine warfare AUVs and systems, launched from a United States Navy platform," Commander Woodall said.

"This demonstrated the interoperability of allied nations in support of contemporary mine warfare tactics, techniques and procedures."

The task group also conducted explosive hazard disposal in a remnants-of-war scenario involving United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 (EODMU-5) and Australian Clearance Diving Team Four.

Closer to shore, Australian deployable hydrographic teams ensured safe sea passage in Gladstone Harbour, scanning for notional unexploded ordnance and removing threats from high-traffic waterways.

The combined force included Royal Australian Navy geospatial teams and clearance divers, United States Navy EODMU-5, and the mine countermeasure team from the Royal New Zealand Navy's Matataua.

Supporting elements came from the Expeditionary Logistics Team - Maritime and the Australian Army's 35 Water Transport Squadron.

Operating from the FOB on Curtis Island allowed the combined team to simulate dislocated command operations and stress-test their ability to maintain supplies, fuel and accommodation in remote conditions.

Commander Woodall said operating as a coalition was considered standard practice.

"We find with each iteration of major exercises and in operations - both technically and procedurally - we are more integrated," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement on European security and the OSCE's 50th anniversary

Global Affairs Canada

Statement

August 1, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement:

"Canada joins other OSCE participating states in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, the founding document of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which is the bedrock of comprehensive and cooperative security in Europe and beyond.

"The OSCE has played a vital role in Euro-Atlantic security by establishing an effective arms control architecture and a system for advancing norms in human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy. In a world where our shared values are increasingly being challenged, the OSCE today is more important than ever. Canada reaffirms its commitment to European security and the principles of cooperative engagement that the OSCE has championed to help shape transatlantic stability over the past five decades.

"Canada has been and will continue to be a reliable leader and partner in safeguarding multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Canada reaffirms its commitment to the Helsinki Final Act and the fundamental principles that underscore it: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful cooperation. These principles remain even more relevant today in light of Russia's blatant violations of them."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Macao resident arrested for alleged collusion with anti-China organization in violation of national security law

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jul 31, 2025 03:50 PM

The Macao Judiciary Police announced on Thursday that a Macao resident has been found suspected of violating the Law on Safeguarding National Security and has been arrested by the national security enforcement agency of the Judiciary Police.

According to the released case details, a Macao resident has been found suspected of colluding with an anti-China organization abroad since 2022, providing large amounts of false and inflammatory information for the organization's continued public exhibitions overseas and online.

Even after the new law to safeguard national security came into effect in 2023, the individual allegedly continued supplying such materials to sustain the organization's activities and influence.

The suspect is also believed to have maintained long-term contact with multiple anti-China entities abroad, repeatedly providing false information about Macao to these groups or their affiliated media for propaganda and dissemination purposes.

The intention was to incite hatred against China's central government and the Macao SAR government among local residents and misinformed foreign audiences, disrupt the 2024 Macao Chief Executive election, and provoke hostile actions against Macao by foreign forces.

Following a prolonged investigation and evidence collection, Macao's national security enforcement unit under the Judiciary Police identified the suspect as a 68-year-old Macao resident surnamed Ou. On Wednesday, authorities lawfully apprehended him at his residence in the central district and brought him in for investigation.

The investigation revealed strong indications that the suspect had long colluded with hostile foreign forces, engaging in actions such as conspiring with others to collect or disseminate false and deliberately distorted information.

These actions were carried out individually or in concert with others to incite hatred toward the central government, encourage hostile actions against China and its Macao SAR by anti-China forces, and undermine Macao's electoral processposing a serious threat to national security.

The Macao Judiciary Police transferred the suspect to the local public prosecutions office on Thursday.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA anniversary celebrated with new warship debut, footage released of confrontations in Taiwan Straits, S.China Sea

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Aug 01, 2025 10:47 PM

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated the 98th anniversary of its founding on Friday, as official media made multiple major revelations of the Chinese military's recent achievements in equipment development and defense of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and maritime rights, including the debut of China's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, footage of a PLA helicopter confronting a foreign shipborne helicopter in the Taiwan Straits, and video clips of a China Coast Guard's (CCG) law enforcement operation near Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea.

An expert said the Chinese troops are not only receiving more and more advanced weapons and equipment, but have also showed their determination and readiness in defending national sovereignty and security.

Celebrating the 98th founding anniversary of the PLA on Friday, officers and sailors on the Hubei, standing on the vessel's large flight deck, sent congratulations to their comrades-in-arms, China Bugle, an official media account of the PLA's news media center, reported on Friday. The report noted that the Hubei is the PLA Navy's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, and was given the hull number 34.

Another report, by the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV), showed clips of the Hubei and another Type 075 amphibious ship, the Hainan, in formation and holding a training exercise in the South China Sea. The formation also featured four Type 071 amphibious landing ships, and the Hubei held integration training with the Type 726 air cushioned landing craft, the CCTV report shows.

Often dubbed a helicopter carrier, the Type 075 amphibious assault ship has a straight flight deck similar to an aircraft carrier, but mainly hosts helicopters in addition to amphibious vehicles and landing craft.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the Type 075 amphibious assault ship is a new generation of amphibious landing vessel. While the Type 071 amphibious landing ship focuses on landing from the sea, the Type 075 focuses more on landing from the air, thanks to its ability to carry more helicopters.

A combination of Type 075 and Type 071 enables the PLA to have stronger joint operations capabilities in amphibious combat operations in locations such as the South China Sea and around the island of Taiwan, Song said.

Having four Type 075 amphibious assault ships shows the increasing amphibious combat capabilities of the PLA Navy, which is determined by the demands of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding national security, Song said.

Combat readiness

When it comes to the defense of national sovereignty, security and interests, the Chinese military has more than technologies and equipment in its arsenal, as the Chinese troops' will, determination and combat readiness are another decisive factor, experts said.

A newly released video captured the tense moments of a close aerial encounter between a PLA Army helicopter and a foreign counterpart conducting a provocative maneuver near China's airspace over the Taiwan Straits. The footage shows a dramatic real-life confrontation that underscores the PLA's resolve in safeguarding national sovereignty.

According to the video released by the CCTV military channel on Friday on the occasion of the PLA 98th birthday celebration, the incident began when a foreign warship transited through the Taiwan Straits and deployed a shipborne helicopter that approached Chinese airspace in a deliberate provocation. In response, the PLA dispatched an attack helicopter from a brigade under an army aviation brigade to intercept and drive away the intruding aircraft. After an intensive confrontation, with the Chinese pilot determined to sacrifice his life in a potential collision, the foreign aircraft was successfully expelled.

China Bugle released footage of another incident that took place near Ren'ai Jiao, a Chinese reef in the South China Sea. The footage, released to the public for the first time, showed the law enforcement operation of the CCG against a Philippine vessel that illegally entered Ren'ai Jiao waters. The infringing personnel not only splashed unknown liquid at the CCG personnel but was also equipped with a gun.

"In a narrow encounter, the brave will prevail," the report quoted a CCG law enforcement personnel as saying. With resolute measures, the CCG towed the intruding vessel away from the scene in just six minutes.

Chinese military affairs expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times that these cases showed that the Chinese troops always stand ready for combat, for the defense of national security, and for the safeguarding of the peaceful, prosperous daily lives of the Chinese people. They can take immediate measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security whenever foreign countries make provocations.

It showed the sense of responsibility of the Chinese troops, on top of the development and commissioning of more and more advanced weapons and equipment, Zhang said.

These two factors - will and skill - work in tandem. With technologies and new quality combat capabilities on the rise, the Chinese troops are becoming even more confident in safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, Zhang said, citing recent official revelations of China's national defense achievements, including the Thursday release of video footage of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch from last year and footage of a far seas mission by a new type of submarine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






HK police arrest local man for allegedly threatening media and supporting fugitives

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2025 06:56 PM

The Hong Kong police revealed on Friday the arrest of a 43-year-old local man for allegedly sending threatening letters to several media outlets and running a website that promotes activities suspected of endangering national security, according to local media reports.

Several local media outlets reported to police in June that they had received anonymous letters containing identical threats. The letters directed media organizations to publish a specific news article or face arson attacks on their offices. The article in question concerned a website that claims to sell souvenirs at discounted prices to raise funds in support of fugitives wanted for violating the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong and fleeing overseas. The website also promotes efforts to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong officials and judges, the media reports said.

Given the potential national security implications of the threats and the website, the police took over the investigation. Officers discovered that the website was created using services from an overseas web hosting provider. Based on the site's content and digital trail, investigators identified a man surnamed Tse as a suspect.

On July 31, police arrested Tse in Fanling and searched his residence. Authorities also seized electronic devices containing multiple files, including images and data related to the implicated website. Among the seized documents were detailed lists of local media organizations and their office addresses - including those of the outlets that had reported the threats. Tse remains in custody for further questioning as the investigation continues.

Media reported that the man has been arrested on suspicion of violating the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in Hong Kong, according to police sources. The suspect, who is reportedly single, was detained for allegedly committing the offense of "seditious intention" under Article 24 of the Ordinance and "criminal intimidation" under Article 24 of the Crimes Ordinance.

Authorities accuse him of using threats to pressure media outlets into publishing content promoting "Hong Kong independence" free of charge. Investigations revealed that the suspect had created a website to sell products bearing pro-independence slogans, with part of the proceeds potentially used to support fugitives wanted by Hong Kong police and to fund related overseas activities.

The offense of "seditious intention" is classified as a serious crime in Hong Kong, carrying a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment upon conviction, according to media reports.

Police have issued a stern reminder that any individual who directly or indirectly provides financial support to fugitives - such as by forming joint ventures, partnerships, or similar arrangements with them, or by investing in such relationships - may be in violation of the law and face up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Authorities said they will take stringent enforcement actions against such criminal acts and urged the public not to test the law.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government also issued a statement on Friday strongly condemning the slanderous remarks by the EU on the HKSAR's lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from Hong Kong.

Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law, a spokesperson from the HKSAR government said. No country or organization should harbor criminals nor try to exonerate these people, the spokesperson said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's J-10C fighter jet 'shoots down' J-20 stealth aircraft in drill, official media reports show

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Aug 01, 2025 09:28 PM

Under the support of the combat system, a J-10C fighter jet "shot down" a J-20 stealth fighter jet in a confrontational exercise, an official media report revealed on Friday. An expert highlighted the importance of systematic support, noting that early warning aircraft may have played a key role in providing targeting information.

The combat training result was first briefly mentioned in a report from China Bugle, an official media account of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) news media center on Thursday as part of a documentary film to be aired on Friday.

When the J-10 met the J-20 head-to-head, the J-10 "shot down" the stealth warplane, China Bugle reported.

The details of the confrontational exercise were released as scheduled on Friday, with the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reporting that the pilot of the J-10C revealed details of how he "shot down" the stealth aircraft.

During the confrontational exercise featuring multiple types of aircraft of the PLA Air Force, J-10C pilot Xiao Nan discovered that his aircraft could no longer detect the opposing target after he launched a missile. He requested a friendly unit to scan for the target, suspecting it might be a stealth aircraft, or his radar was jammed by the opponent, according to the CCTV report.

The missile eventually found its target, marking that the J-10C successfully "shot down" the opposing stealth aircraft.

This is the first time his unit had achieved combat results against a higher-generation warplane during an exercise, Xiao was quoted as saying in the report. He noted that without the support of the system, there would be no chance to defeat a stealth aircraft, but with the system support, the J-10C is still at its prime.

The CCTV report gave details of another confrontational exercise, which featured the J-10C fighter jet, the KJ-500 early warning aircraft, the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft and the J-20 stealth fighter jet. The mission was to seize control of the area and destroy a fixed defensive position.

Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Friday that while the J-10C is a world-class aircraft, it would be outmatched by the J-20 in a one-on-one combat, because the J-20 is a generation ahead of the J-10C. The key to the J-10C's victory over the J-20 in the exercise was the support of the system.

Wang said that according to the report, early warning aircraft may have provided information support to the J-10C, enabling it to lock onto the J-20.

This shows that the J-10C remains a mainstay in safeguarding China's sovereignty and security. With numerous J-10Cs in service complementing the J-20s, Wang noted that in terms of both quality and quantity, the J-10C continues to be a top-tier asset for the PLA Air Force.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA Navy's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship makes official debut: media reports

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liu Xin Published: Aug 01, 2025 02:18 PM

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship has been officially named the Hubei and has participated in maritime training exercises in the South China Sea, according to official media reports on Friday.

Celebrating the 98th founding anniversary of the PLA on Friday, officers and sailors on the Hubei, standing on the vessel's large flight deck, sent congratulations to their comrades-in-arms, China Bugle, an official media account of the PLA's news media center, reported on Friday.

The report noted that the Hubei is the PLA Navy's fourth Type 075 amphibious assault ship, and is given the hull number 34.

Another report, by the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV), showed clips of the Hubei and another Type 075 amphibious ship, the Hainan, formed a formation and held training exercise in the South China Sea.The formation also featured four Type 071 amphibious landing ships, and the Hubei held integration training with the Type 726 air cushioned landing craft, the CCTV report shows.Often dubbed a helicopter carrier, the Type 075 amphibious assault ship has a straight flight deck similar to an aircraft carrier, but mainly hosts helicopters in addition to amphibious vehicles and landing craft.

China's first Type 075, the Hainan, was launched in Shanghai on September 25, 2019, and commissioned into the PLA Southern Theater Command on April 23, 2021; the second, the Guangxi, was launched on April 22, 2020, and made its debut in April 2022 with the PLA Eastern Theater Command; the third, the Anhui, was officially debuted in November 2022, also with the PLA Eastern Theater Command, according to official media reports.The official WeChat account of the PLA Southern Theater Command on Friday posted an article to mark the 98th anniversary of the PLA's founding, stating: "Officers and sailors of Hubei solemnly swear an oath to the military flag." This indicates the Hubei is in service with the PLA Southern Theater Command.Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that the Type 075 amphibious assault ship is a new generation of amphibious landing vessel. While the Type 071 amphibious landing ship focuses on landing from the sea, the Type 075 focuses more on landing from the air, thanks to its capability of carrying more helicopters.

A combination of Type 075 and Type 071 enables the PLA to have stronger joint operations capabilities in amphibious combat operations in locations such as the South China Sea and around the island of Taiwan, Song said.

Having four Type 075 amphibious assault ships shows the increasing amphibious combat capabilities of the PLA Navy, which is determined by the demands on defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding national security, Song said.

China has also developed a next generation of amphibious assault ship. In December 2024, China launched the world's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped amphibious assault ship, the Type 076, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Video shows PLA pilot intercepts foreign military helicopter near Taiwan Straits in high-stakes aerial standoff

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 01, 2025 11:30 AM

A newly released video has captured the tense moments of a close aerial encounter between a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) helicopter and a foreign military helicopter conducting a provocative maneuver near China's airspace over the Taiwan Straits. The footage shows a dramatic real-life confrontation that underscores the PLA's resolve in safeguarding national sovereignty.

According to the video released by the CCTV military channel on Friday on the occasion of the PLA 98th birthday celebration, the incident began when a foreign warship transited through the Taiwan Straits and deployed a shipborne helicopter that approached Chinese airspace in a deliberate provocation. In response, the PLA dispatched an attack helicopter from a brigade under an army aviation brigade to intercept and drive away the intruding aircraft.

Kong Xianghui, the pilot who led the intercept, issued a stern audio warning: "This is the PLA Air Force. You are about to intrude into China's airspace. Leave immediately. I repeat, leave immediately."

Kong recalled the confrontation, stating, "After flying out to intercept, we entered a standoff position. We were locked in a deadlock for over an hour before the other side briefly disappeared into the clouds."

However, the foreign helicopter then made a sudden aggressive move toward the PLA aircraft, closing the distance to less than 500 meters. The potential collision window was less than three seconds.

"The enemy won't press pause. Even if it costs my life, I must hold that three-second line!" Kong emphasized. He added, "At less than 500 meters, they backed off."

The foreign helicopter eventually retreated, and the confrontation ended without escalation.

"I represent the Chinese soldier. National sovereignty is inviolable," Kong declared.

Beyond the encounter, Kong has been deeply involved in enhancing the PLA's air assault capabilities. He has led experimental live-fire tests under low-altitude, high-speed conditions to refine the battlefield applications of various missile systems.

"We train for the extreme. We fight for the extreme," Kong said. "Each breakthrough is not an end, but the start of a new mission."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






TAIPEI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's financial markets on Friday experienced immediate turmoil following the U.S. government's announcement of a 20 percent tariff on goods imported from the island.

The Taiwan Stock Exchange opened lower than the previous day, and ended the day down 108.14 points at 23,434.38. The new Taiwan dollar weakened past the key 30-to-1 threshold against the U.S. dollar.

The latest announced rate exceeds the 15 percent rate applied to key regional competitors such as Japan and Republic of Korea, sparking criticism from within Taiwan's business community.

The island's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities previously claimed they had held several rounds of formal negotiations with Washington. The announced 20 percent rate, however, has left many in Taiwan disappointed and concerned about its potential impact on exports and the broader economy.

Lin Por-fong, chairman of the influential Third Wednesday Club, warned that the tariff will severely damage Taiwan's global competitiveness. He urged the DPP authorities to promptly roll out effective policies to stabilize the economy, and to disclose the full details of agreements with the United States to determine whether additional conditions are attached.

Eric Chu, chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, echoed those concerns, describing the tariff as a "significant threat to Taiwan's export industries."

"The lack of a strategic roadmap from authorities has forced businesses to operate blindly, shaking these industries' confidence and undermining Taiwan's competitive edge," Chu said.

In response, the DPP authorities alleged that as the two sides have yet to conclude a final review meeting, the 20 percent tariff is still temporary, with hopes of a reduction pending a future agreement.

Yet analysts remain skeptical. Hsieh Chih-chuan, a current affairs commentator in Taiwan, questioned who ultimately controls the definition of "temporary tariff." With no joint statement published to date, he warned that Taiwan may be facing undisclosed additional obligations, such as large-scale investments in the U.S.

Unless more details are released, the situation for Taiwan's industries -- especially small businesses in central and southern Taiwan -- will only grow more precarious, Hsieh said. 
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on August 1, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 01, 2025 17:56

CCTV: On July 31, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) because they take actions to internationalize the conflict with Israel such as through the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice, continue to support terrorism including incitement and glorification of violence and provide payments and benefits in support of terrorism. The U.S. said it is in their national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: China is appalled by the U.S. sanctioning officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). We find it disappointing and hard to understand that the U.S. keeps turning a blind eye to the international effort for peace. The question of Palestine lies at the heart of the Middle East issue. It is a matter of international fairness and justice. As the Palestinian question is at a crucial historical juncture, the international community, the U.S. in particular, should uphold justice and fairness, take on responsibility, earnestly implement relevant U.N. resolutions, and make an active effort for the proper settlement of the question rather than do the opposite.

China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, the PA's effective jurisdiction over all of Palestine's territory, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian question on the basis of the two-State solution. China will continue to work with the international community to make relentless efforts for that.

China Daily: It's reported that Kosovo recently arrested Igor Popovic, Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija of the government of Serbia, and the French foreign ministry said in a statement that it hopes to "see Igor Popovic released as soon as possible." What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: We follow the arrest of Mr. Igor Popovic and noted the statements released by the French foreign ministry and the EU. We hope to see the safe release of Mr. Popovic. China respects Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and believes that the security and lawful rights and interests of the Serbs in Kosovo should be safeguarded. We hope that parties will continue to engage in practical and constructive dialogue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, actively seek a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue, and refrain from taking unilateral actions that may lead to tensions.

Shenzhen TV: The Cyber Security Association of China today disclosed two cases of the U.S. government launching cyberattacks against China via countries including Germany, the ROK, Singapore, and the Netherlands. It is also revealed that state-level APT groups overseas launched over 600 cyberattacks on important Chinese agencies in 2024, infiltrating China's key information infrastructure and information systems. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted the report. It is the latest evidence of the U.S. government's malicious cyberattacks on China, once again shows that the U.S. is the top cyber threat faced by China and exposes the U.S.'s hypocrisy on the issue of cybersecurityclaiming itself to be the victim while it's the other way around. China will continue to do what is necessary to safeguard its cybersecurity.

We also noted that the U.S. used its allies in Europe and in China' neighboring region to launch the cyberattacks. China always believes that cybersecurity is a common challenge faced by all countries and requires joint response through dialogue and cooperation.

Global Times: It's reported that recently, Hugo Meza, Vice President of Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies, said publicly that Paraguay is wasting time with Taiwan, which China holds for a province. He has called for a national debate on developing relations with China on the basis of national interests. He said Paraguay should stop being a beggar country for cooperation with the Taiwan authorities. What's China's response?

Guo Jiakun: China noted relevant reports. We've heard similar voices more than once. Relevant statements reflect what many in Paraguay strongly want.

In recent years, more and more Paraguayan friends have come to realize that Paraguay should stop being an outlier of the international community and turning its back on China. We hope the Paraguayan government will listen to their voices and make the right choice that truly serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Paraguay and its people. We also welcome more Paraguayan friends to visit China and experience first-hand a thriving China and an open and inclusive Chinese civilization as it is.

AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on a large number of countries. What's the Ministry's comment?

Guo Jiakun: China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism is in no one's interests.

The Associated Press: I want to ask about the reports that the U.S. has opened an FBI office in New Zealand and the remark by the FBI director that this could be a way to "counter China's influence" in the region.

Guo Jiakun: We noted the reports and are shocked by relevant remarks. China believes that cooperation between countries should not target any third party. Seeking "absolute security" for a few in the name of "countering China" will not make the Asia-Pacific or the world safer. Relevant sides need to choose the course of action that is conducive to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation between countries, instead of the other way around.

AFP: In the executive order, Trump also announced a 40 percent tariff on goods rerouted to bypass tariff levies, which may affect Chinese exports. What's the Ministry's comment?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant question. China remains of the view that tariff and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism harms the common interests of all countries.

**********************************************************

During the summer, there will be no MFA regular press conference from August 4 to 15 and the press conference resumes on August 18.

During this period, journalists may submit questions to the Spokesperson's Office via fax, E-mail or WeChat. Notice on any special press briefing will be put on the website of the MFA International Press Center.

Wish all journalists a pleasant summer.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China, Russia Showcase Security Ties With New Pacific Drills

By Reid Standish August 01, 2025

China and Russia have kicked off joint naval exercises near the coast of the Russian port city of Vladivostok as the two countries continue to deepen their ties through military cooperation.

The five-day exercises that began on August 1 have been dubbed Maritime Interaction 2025 and will see naval forces from both countries training in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, search-and-rescue operations, and "joint gun" exercises, according to a statement from Russia's Pacific Fleet.

The drills are annual naval exercises between Chinese and Russian forces that are part of an accelerating trend of strengthening security ties through bilateral and multilateral exercises. According to The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, Beijing and Moscow have carried out 113 combined exercises since 2003.

But in a sign of the quickening pace of their cooperation, half of that total has taken place in the last six years alone. China-Russia joint exercises have a wide geographic reach but have become especially concentrated in the Pacific in recent years. Increasing tension around Taiwan and threats coming from North Korea risk transforming the region into a future flashpoint.

"The international society is in a new crisis era as it faces the biggest challenges since the end of World War II," Japan's Defense Ministry said in an annual report released in July that cited China's growing military cooperation with Russia and an escalating US-China rivalry as chief security concerns for the region.

How Does China-Russia Security Cooperation Affect The Pacific?

China's Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said that the August 1-5 drills are not aimed at any other country or related to the current international or regional situation, but Japan has continued to warn that the tightening cooperation could lead to growing tensions in the future.

In its annual defense report, Tokyo said that some of Russia's newest military hardware has been deployed to the Pacific and that Moscow has added troops, missiles, and warplanes to islands north of Japan, which the Soviet Union took toward the end of World War II, but which Japan says are sovereign Japanese territory illegally occupied by Russia.

Tokyo also says that Russia maintains active military operations around Japan and has violated its airspace. In light of these developments, Japan's Defense Ministry warned in July that increased strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow -- including enhanced military exercises -- pose "strong concern" for the country's security.

Japan also recently echoed similar concerns raised in the past by the European Union and Asian governments like Taiwan and the Philippines that Russia's three-and-a-half-year-old full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and Beijing's continued economic and political backing for Moscow amid the war, could negatively affect the security situation in Asia.

"The security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable," the Japanese Defense Ministry report said, warning that a Ukraine-like war is possible in the region without going into specifics.

Why Are China and Russia's Militaries Training Together?

While China and Russia do not have a formal military alliance, CSIS noted in its report tracking China-Russia military cooperation that "joint exercises are a newer and thriving element of China-Russia military ties and a driver behind the strengthening of China-Russia relations in recent years" that bring several benefits, particularly for Beijing.

According to the study, enhanced exercises allow the People's Liberation Army (PLA), China's military, to "gain valuable experience operating with the far more experienced Russian military and afforded the PLA opportunities to practice maneuvering in a variety of geographies and climates far from China's borders."

An analysis published in May by the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS), a Berlin-based think tank, also noted that the growing number of exercises "serve operational purposes while also signalling political alignment against regional rivals" as both Beijing and Moscow look to challenge the United States and its allies in the Pacific and elsewhere.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/military-exercise-japan- taiwan-navy-china-russia-partnership/33491860.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






Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance at Construction Sites of Wihwado Combined Greenhouse Farm and Permanent Embankments in Island Areas

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 2 (KCNA) -- Amid the erection of the eye-opening creations promising the scope of the struggle extraordinarily extended across the DPRK and the rapid and definite rejuvenation under the energetic guidance of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea, the construction of the largest-ever greenhouse farm and the project for permanent embankments in the island areas to be specially recorded in a new era of changes have been dynamically stepped up on the opposite shore of the Amnok River in the northwestern part of the country, taking on their majestic appearances.

Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, gave field guidance at the construction site of the Wihwado Combined Greenhouse Farm and the construction sites of the permanent embankments in the island areas of Sinuiju City and Uiju County on August 1.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un was accompanied by Jo Yong Won, secretary of the WPK Central Committee.

He was greeted on the spot by No Kwang Chol, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, commanding officers of the large combined units of the services involved in the construction projects and officials of design and relevant institutions.

Kim Jong Un acquainted himself with the construction of the Wihwado Combined Greenhouse Farm.

He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the construction of the greenhouse farm, unprecedented in its extensiveness, originality and synthesis, is being pushed forward with according to the intended timetable thanks to the proud labour struggle of the army-people builders who are upholding the gigantic construction campaign prioritized and declared by the Party with the spirit of unconditional implementation and high executive faculty.

He said that the construction front of the large-scale greenhouse farm, in which not only different types of vegetable greenhouses, vegetable processing factory and storages but also a vegetable science research centre, trial cultivation greenhouses and hundreds of flats are being built simultaneously in the area vaster than that of all the large-scale greenhouse farms built in recent years put together, serves as a great demonstration of the inexhaustible development of our cause steadily expanding the worthwhile pioneering work with great creations and changes.

He went round various places of the construction site.

In order to make our construction work the one of blazing the trail into the future from A to Z, it is important to put designing on a multi-functional, multi-purpose and practical basis in conformity with the characteristics, functions and prospects of the relevant construction projects, while pursuing constant purposefulness for the new and development, he said, pointing out a series of deviations revealed in the construction.

As a typical example, the railway station under construction in the large-scale greenhouse farm area was designed as a passenger station that can not perform a function as a freight station, he said, adding that this shows that our officials are still working mechanically and manually without proper economic calculation and logical thinking. He gave instruction on changing the functional structure of the railway station so as to improve its functionality and practicality as a comprehensive transport center, building a new vegetable storehouse and placing the vegetable processing factory around it.

He set forth a series of important tasks for developing the region including the technical issue of building roads in the island area in a qualitative way, the issue of creating drainage and water passage capacity in a scientific and prospective way in conformity with the geographical and geological conditions, the issue of making good preparations for immediately starting production with the completion of the project including training technicians and skilled workers for the operation of the large-scale greenhouse, supply of farm machines and equipment necessary for farm operation and seed selection, and the issue of planting fruit trees and turf in the surrounding areas of the greenhouse, creating a windbreak forest and tree nursery and building Evodia daniellii Benn forests, fish farm, orchard and natural park.

He also stressed the need to build various cultural bases, a polyclinic and other necessary elements for the promotion of the welfare of the inhabitants to suit the geographical characteristics as a remote area in the developing area, and thus create a new phase in the sphere of cultural life, calling for pushing ahead with such additional projects by including them in the next year's plan.

Saying that the miracle in the construction desired by the Party is guaranteed by the conscious and uplifted mental strength of the masses, he stressed the need to intensify political and ideological education without interruption, holding aloft our Party's traditional slogan of struggle "Let us produce, study and live like the anti-Japanese guerrillas!" to train all the builders into heroes of the revolution and creation, adding that to this end, it is necessary to create a model for the on-the-spot political and ideological education at the construction site.

He affirmed that if the large-scale greenhouse farm which will be put on a modern, intensive and industrial footing is built against the background of the modern houses standing in rows on the shore of the Amnok River, this island area will enjoy fame as a special base of regional development with its own strong potentials of development and as a symbol of innovative rejuvenation.

Then he learned about the project for building permanent embankments in Sinuiju City and Uiju County.

The service personnel of the Korean People's Army, who are upholding with devoted practice the Party Central Committee's order to provide a permanent security guarantee in the island areas in parallel with the construction of the greenhouse farm, have completed the first-stage embankment project ahead of schedule, thus building a splendid bulwark against any natural disaster on the shore of the Amnok River.

He highly praised the soldier-builders for making a contribution to turning the island of disaster handed down to posterity into the one of paradise, saying that flood regarded by the residents as their fate became a past story and the islands are undergoing tremendous changes as promenade and even riverside park are being built like those on the shore of the Taedong River in Pyongyang.

He expressed expectation and belief that the builders would successfully complete the combined greenhouse farm being built in the Sinuiju area, a border one of the country, as a gift to the Ninth Congress of the WPK through their continuous and accelerated creative struggle, deeply aware of their honorable mission and duty as performers, pioneers and executors of the great revolution.

All the builders inspired by the great trust and militant encouragement by Kim Jong Un renewed their firm will to build a modern ideal city of cultural efflorescence on the shore of the Amnok River, where the new life of socialism has been set, as early as possible by redoubling the creative spirit of the revolutionary army and the fighting spirit of the heroic youth. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT MANILA, PHILIPPINES, STRENGTHENING MARITIME COOPERATION IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 01 AUG 2025 3:16PM by PIB Delhi

As part of the Indian Navy's ongoing operational deployment to South East Asia, Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, of the Eastern Fleet, commanded by RAdm Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) , arrived at Manila, Philippines.

The ships were accorded a warm welcome by personnel of the Philippine Navy, underscoring the strong and growing maritime ties between India and Philippines. The visit is a testimony to Indian Navy's commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific .

On arrival, RAdm Susheel Menon interacted with local media representatives, highlighting the shared commitment of both nations towards maintaining stability, and maritime security. He emphasized the importance of such deployments in promoting understanding, trust, and cooperation among friendly maritime forces.

The visits reaffirms the strategic importance of the event and the high-level engagement with the Philippine Navy, representing India's maritime outreach in the region.

During the port call, several harbour interactions are scheduled between the Indian Navy and the Philippine Navy. These include operational planning discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) , cross-deck visits and other professional and social engagements aimed at enhancing mutual learning and interoperability.

The visit will also feature a bilateral maritime exercise between the two navies, focusing on joint manoeuvres and communication protocols to improve preparedness, build mutual trust and strengthen operational synergy in the maritime domain.

****

VM/SKY 149/25

(Release ID: 2151260)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Exceptional back-end support by different departments of MoD to the Armed Forces was key to Operation Sindoor's success: Raksha Mantri

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Shri Rajnath Singh calls for enhanced civil-military synergy to bolster security structure & safeguard national interests

Posted On: 01 AUG 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

To bolster the security structure and safeguard national interests in today's uncertain times, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for enhancing the synergy between civil and military personnel, terming the exceptional back-end support provided by different departments of Ministry of Defence (MoD) to the Armed Forces as key to Operation Sindoor's success. He was addressing the 84th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day event at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on August 01, 2025.

Raksha Mantri asserted that a war is fought not just by the military, but the entire country, and in today's rapidly-changing security scenario, there is a need to move ahead with dynamism and innovative spirit while making constant improvements according to the evolving needs. "We cannot leave scope for even the slightest negligence or mistake," he added.

Emphasising that a robust administrative system is integral for a strong military power, Shri Rajnath Singh commended the AFHQ Civilian Services for playing an important role in strengthening the country's security system during war as well as peace time. "AFHQ Services acts as an institutional memory for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It provides consistency, domain expertise and uniformity in the administration, while playing a key role in policy continuity and establishing civil-military synergy. It is a strong pillar of a modern and integrated national defence system," he added.

Raksha Mantri laid stress on capacity development, urging the AFHQ officials to assess and embrace the best practices being adopted by their counterparts in other Ministries and countries in the fields of training and capability enhancement. "Emerging technologies, new challenges and changing global scenario indicate that training should not be just a formal process, but a continuous cycle of development. Skill upgradation, ethical orientation and behavioural excellence need to be added as integral parts of training," he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh added that training components must not be limited to technical proficiency, but also include value orientation, which can connect actions with national interests. This would make AFHQ a value-based institution along with an administrative structure, he said.

As part of the event, Raksha Mantri launched a redeveloped website of Office of Joint Secretary & Chief Administrative Officer (www.caomod.gov.in), which will provide all relevant information about the office to the employees and general public. The employees would be able to get the latest orders and updates such as promotion, transfer, status of medical allowance, salary slips and Form-16 etc. Through the website, the employees can also apply for various training courses and workshops of Defence Headquarters Training Institute.

Shri Rajnath Singh also released a book 'Viksit Bharat@2047: Karmikon Ke Vichar' and a magazine 'Samvad'. The 'Viksit Bharat@2047' book comprises 40 articles written by employees of various ranks posted in Service Headquarters and Inter Service Organisations. The articles are on various topics related to Viksit Bharat such as digitisation, New Education Policy 2020, Artificial Intelligence, Aatmanirbharta in defence, Green Energy, and Poverty Alleviation. The 32nd issue of the 'Samvad' magazine contains travelogues, essays, articles, poems etc by the employees.

Raksha Mantri also presented awards to AFHQ personnel for their achievements in various fields such as sports, and some of the children of the employees who excelled in academics.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) Dr Niten Chandra, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Dr Mayank Sharma and other senior officials of MoD were present on the occasion.

AFHQ Day is celebrated on 1st August in recognition of the role of civilian personnel functioning shoulder-to-shoulder with the Service personnel, primarily in the three Integrated Service Headquarters, HQ IDS and 24 Inter-Service Organisations of MoD. The purpose of observing AFHQ Day is to foster esprit de corps of the civilian employees of AFHQ cadres who play the role of a bridge between Service Headquarters and MoD.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2151255)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry dismisses 'unfounded and absurd' Western accusations against Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 1, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei has dismissed the latest allegations levelled by the United States, France, and other Western countries against Iran, describing them as a clear diversion tactic aimed at distracting public attention from the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Baqaei made the reaction on Friday, a day after 14 countries, including the U.S., Britian, France, Germany, and Canada issued a joint statement, accusing Iran of what they called assassination attempts and intimidation campaigns against individuals in Europe and North America.

The spokesperson rejected the accusations, saying that the United States, France, and other signatories of the anti-Iranian statement must be held accountable for their violations of international law because of supporting and hosting terrorist groups.

He also pointed to the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran in mid-June, as well as the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which, he said, has been met with either active support or silence from the countries behind the statement.

He described these countries' accusations against Iran as blatant fabrication and an evasive tactic designed as part of a malicious campaign of Iranophobia aimed at exerting pressure on the great Iranian nation.

Baqaei stressed that such actions violate the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, adding that the signatories of the statement must be accountable for their improper and irresponsible behavior.

4208**4194

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Dissenting In Iran? You Won't Be Needing Your SIM Card, Then

By Kian Sharifi August 01, 2025

What You Need To Know

 Iran Requires Praise Online To Regain SIM Access: The Islamic republic is cutting off cell service for Iranians who criticize the state online. To get reconnected, some have been told to post messages supporting the political establishment, RFE/RL's Radio Farda has learned.

 Controversial 'Fake News' Bill Withdrawn: The Iranian government has withdrawn a controversial "fake news" bill following a strong backlash over its threat to free speech. Critics dubbed it the "bill of suffocation," warning that vague terms like "disturbing public opinion" could justify harsh crackdowns on dissent and journalism. The bill, co-drafted by the government and judiciary, had been fast-tracked in parliament and proposed prison terms of up to 15 years for spreading false information, penalties harsher than those for some serious crimes.

 Iranian Shipping Network Hit With Major US Sanctions: The US Treasury this week sanctioned over 50 individuals and entities. It also identified more than 50 ships tied to a vast shipping network run by Hossein Shamkhani, a son of senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani. The United Stated accuses the younger Shamkhani of exploiting his father's political clout to build a massive fleet of tankers and cargo ships, moving oil and goods from Iran, Russia, and beyond, earning billions. Iran's Foreign Ministry has condemned the move, calling it a "crime against humanity" and a violation of international law.

The Big Issue

Speak Out, Lose Service

Over the past year, and with renewed intensity this summer, Iranian authorities have ramped up a quiet but powerful method of pressuring citizens: blocking their SIM cards if they criticize the government on social media.

The targets? Not just journalists and activists, but academics and everyday users too. The pattern is clear: post something critical on platforms like Instagram or X, and you could suddenly lose mobile service. That means no calls, no texts, and in some cases, no access to banking or even ride-hailing apps.

To get reconnected, users say they're required to delete the offending content, sign pledges to avoid future criticism, and in some cases, publish pro-Islamic republic posts.

Why It Matters: Legal experts say this tactic is both illegal under Iranian law and a clear violation of international norms. Some see this as an extension of the post-2022 crackdown on dissent and a warning to anyone who dares speak up.

The implications go far beyond speech. Losing your SIM card in Iran means being cut off from basic digital infrastructure -- a powerful form of pressure in a country where censorship already runs deep.

It's no surprise Iran ranks near the bottom in global freedom indices. In its latest report, Freedom House cited vague laws, harsh penalties, and online surveillance as key reasons Iranians are increasingly afraid to speak openly, even in private.

What's Being Said: Take the case of Ali Akbar Gorji, a law professor at Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University. His SIM card was shut off after he commented on Iran's tensions with Israel. He told the Shargh newspaper that officials demanded the removal of his posts, but Radio Farda has learned that he was also told to post 20 times in support of the state.

Others shared similar stories with Radio Farda. One academic had to erase posts dating back to the 2022 "Women, Life, Freedom" protests. A user named Foad Ahmadi said authorities claimed he supported Israel, and as a result, not only lost mobile service, but also access to his bank account and everyday apps.

Expert Opinion: "Actions like blocking SIM cards or user accounts without filing a case or issuing a court ruling are clear violations of basic legal principles, including the separation of powers, the principle of legality, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial," Mohammad Hadi Jafarpour, a lawyer, wrote.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing-sim-card- suspended-criticism-iran/33491076.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






Slovenia becomes first EU member to ban arms trade with Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 1:45 AM

In a significant development in the ongoing global boycott of Israel, Slovenia has officially become the first European Union member state to ban the import, export, and transit of weapons and military equipment to and from Israel.

The groundbreaking decision made on Thursday marks a notable shift in Slovenia's foreign policy and highlights the growing support for Palestinian rights within Europe.

The Slovenian government underscored that the ban was prompted by the dire humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, coupled with the European Union's perceived inaction regarding Israel's war in Gaza.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasized that this move showcases Slovenia's unwavering commitment to upholding international law and human rights.

"Responsible states must act, even if it means stepping ahead of others," he remarked, signaling Slovenia's willingness to take a stand for what it deems morally and legally right.

The Slovenian government said the decision was prompted by the European Union's inability to adopt concrete measures on Israel.

"Due to internal disagreements and disunity, the European Union is currently unable to fulfill this task," the statement said.

The Slovenian government condemned the denial of humanitarian access, saying: "The result of this is shameful: people in Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied to them. They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food, and basic healthcare."

"This is a complete denial of humanitarian access and a conscious prevention of basic conditions for survival. In such circumstances, it is the duty of every responsible state to act, even if this means taking a step ahead of others."

It said the government will prepare some more national measures against the current Israeli government, "whose actions constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law," in the coming weeks.

Slovenia's decision builds on its previous recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2024 and follows a recent ban on the entry of two far-right Israeli ministers who have been accused of inciting violence against Palestinians.

This illustrates Slovenia's increasingly proactive approach towards addressing issues related to human rights and international law in the conflict.

The ban aligns Slovenia with a growing chorus of voices calling for accountability for Israel, as several countriesincluding Ireland, Norway, and Spainare also taking measures to diplomatically isolate the Israeli government.

This trend marks a significant shift in European attitudes toward the ongoing genocide of the people of Gaza and reflects an increasing concern for the humanitarian implications of military actions.

Furthermore, Slovenia has indicated that it plans to introduce additional national measures targeting Israel in the weeks to come, signaling a potential shift that could inspire other EU nations to follow suit.

As Slovenia takes this historic step, it sets a precedenOKt for a tougher stance on the genocide within the European Union, potentially reshaping the region's diplomatic landscape.

Israel unleashed its Gaza genocide 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 60,249 Palestinians, mostly women, and children, and injuring 146,894 others.

A mass starvation is also gripping Gaza due to Israel's blockade of the territory.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in the besieged coastal territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli Foreign Ministry Orders Partial Evacuation of Diplomats From UAE - Reports

Sputnik News

20250801

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israeli Foreign Ministry has ordered the evacuation of most of the diplomatic staff and their families from the United Arab Emirates, the Ynet news portal reported.

The order for partial evacuation followed a warning against travel to the UAE, which was published by the Israeli National Security Council, the report said on Thursday.

The warning speaks of the increased activity of terrorist groups seeking to "take revenge" on Israel amid an information campaign about the famine in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai are subject to evacuation, the report noted.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on July 23 that WHO was observing a rapid increase in malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza. He added that acute malnutrition affects over 10% of Gaza's population, with more than 20% of screened pregnant and breastfeeding women suffering from malnutrition, often severely. He emphasized that the hunger crisis is worsening due to halted humanitarian aid deliveries and access restrictions.

On Wednesday, Gaza's health ministry said that the starvation death toll in the enclave had risen to 154, including 89 children.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson held on Friday, 1st August 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless assertions and provocative claims made by the Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha debate on the so-called "Operation Sindoor." These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption.

The world knows that India attacked Pakistan without any verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam Attack. During the intervening night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India's targeting of the alleged terrorist infrastructure resulted actually in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children. India failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives. On the other hand, Pakistan's resounding success in neutralising the Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact.

Instead of misleading their compatriots, the Indian leaders would be well-advised to acknowledge the losses incurred by their armed forces and accept the active role played by the third parties in realising the ceasefire.

India did not avail itself of the immediate offer made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a transparent and independent probe into the Pahalgam Attack. Instead, it chose the path of belligerence and aggression. It acted as a judge, jury, and executioner at the same time. Against this backdrop, any claims regarding the so-called "Operation Mahadev" do not hold any significance for us. The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility. Is it a mere coincidence that the alleged perpetrators of the Pahalgam Attack were killed at the start of the Lok Sabha debate?

We also reiterate our unequivocal rejection of the ceaseless Indian statements on establishing a "new normal" in bilateral relations. As we have already shown through our resolute actions in May 2025, we shall forcefully counter any future aggression. For us, the only "normal" in bilateral relations is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.

The Indian narrative of an alleged "nuclear blackmail" by Pakistan is a misleading and self-serving construct, and an attempt to veil its own escalatory impulses while shifting blame onto Pakistan. It is well known that Pakistan deterred India through its conventional capabilities, affirming that discipline and restraint remain its guiding principles.

We also wish to register our disapproval of the Indian leaders' misplaced assertions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. India's decision to hold the Treaty in abeyance shows its blatant disregard for the sanctity of international treaties and strikes at a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation. Instead of taking pride in a unilateral and illegal move, India must immediately fulfill its Treaty obligations.

India's continued reliance on disinformation, jingoism, and chest-thumping risks destabilizing South Asia. However, as a responsible country, Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability, and a meaningful dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, was on an official visit to the United States from 20-28 July 2025, to attend high-level signature events of Pakistan's UN Security Council (UNSC) Presidency in New York, as well as for certain engagements in Washington.

On 24 July 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, in addition, chaired a high-level briefing of the UN Security Council focusing on enhancing cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In his capacity as the President of the UNSC, the DPM/FM delivered Pakistan's statement at the Council's briefing. In his national statement, the DPM/FM described the OIC, the second largest inter-governmental organization after the UN, as a bridge - connecting the global with regional efforts and aligning political with humanitarian priorities. He said, the OIC's legitimacy derives not only from its vast and diverse membership, but from the principled clarity of its mandate  to uphold justice, protect human dignity, respect national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all Member States, and advance solidarity among nations.

The DPM/FM appreciated the OIC's role in championing the right of the Palestinian people to freedom and statehood, in advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination, and end to the prolonged illegal occupation by India, and in supporting peace efforts across Libya, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Sahel and beyond.

The UN Security Council also adopted a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2025/5) during the same session under Pakistan's Presidency. The DPM/FM thanked all UNSC members for their constructive engagement in agreeing on a Presidential Statement (PRST) that will go a long way towards further strengthening the partnership and cooperation between the UN and the OIC.

On 25 July 2025, the DPM/FM travelled to Washington D.C. where he met the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the commitment to long-term Pakistan-US partnership, with renewed focus on economic, trade, investment, information technology, artificial intelligence and counter terrorism cooperation. They further exchanged views on key regional and global developments. Both sides reiterated the importance of close coordination at multilateral fora, including in the UN Security Council. Pakistan appreciated the United States' constructive role in facilitating the recent Pakistan-India ceasefire.

At the invitation of the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, and the Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Noel Barrot, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, represented Pakistan at the opening segment of the UN High-Level International Conference on "The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, on 28 July 2025.

The DPM/FM met the Prime Minister of Palestine, Dr. Muhammad Mustafa; Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain; Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Yahya; and the Foreign Minister of Norway, Essen Barth Eide, on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also held a productive meeting with American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) in New York on 27 July 2025. He appreciated APPAC's sustained efforts in diaspora empowerment, policy advocacy, and community leadership.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, engaged with the Pakistani American Community in New York on 27 July 2025.

On 27 July 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Both leaders discussed the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza impacting millions of Palestinian residents. The DPM/FM expressed the hope of achieving meaningful outcomes from the high-level international conference on Palestine and implementation of the two-state solution scheduled to be held in New York tomorrow. They also exchanged views about an exchange of a high-level visit to Pakistan in the near future.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke with the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan on 28 July 2025. The two leaders strongly condemned Israel's ongoing atrocities in Gaza and expressed grave concern over the deepening humanitarian catastrophe, including starvation, forced displacement, and loss of innocent lives. Expressing unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, they hoped for meaningful outcomes from the international conference on the implementation of the two-state solution, held in New York.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, spoke to the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on telephone on 28 July 2025. Following up on their productive meeting last Friday in Washington D.C., they discussed key bilateral matters, including tariffs, as well as regional & global issues of mutual interest.

Pakistan welcomes the successful conclusion of the special meeting hosted by Malaysia on the Cambodia-Thailand situation. We appreciate the spirit of dialogue and express hope for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy and regional cooperation.

The inaugural session of the Pakistan-Turkiye Joint Standing Committee (JSC) on Security, Defence and Intelligence was held on 24 July 2025 in Islamabad. The Turkish delegation was led by Director General for South Asia, Ambassador Cihad Erginay, and the Pakistan side was headed by Additional Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gillani.

Chinese Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, called on Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Amna Baloch, on 26 July 2025 in Islamabad. The two sides exchanged views on regional cooperation and security challenges. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together to achieve the common goal of regional peace and development.

Additional Foreign Secretary, Hamid Asghar, represented Pakistan at the OIC Contact Group on Somalia, which was hosted by the State of Qatar in Doha on 28 July 2025. The Additional Foreign Secretary called on the Foreign Minister of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, on the sidelines of the conference and discussed enhanced training in different fields, naval capacity building, direct shipping between Karachi and Mogadishu, defence collaboration, medical visas and provision of pharmaceuticals and health care products.

In a major milestone for space exploration and technological progress, Pakistan today successfully launched its Remote Sensing Satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) in China.

The satellite will provide high-resolution, round-the-clock imaging, significantly strengthening Pakistan's capabilities in urban planning, infrastructure development, disaster management and mitigation, agricultural monitoring, food security, environmental protection, deforestation tracking, climate change analysis, and water resource management.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, will pay a state visit to Pakistan on 2-3 August 2025, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Dr. Pezeshkian will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials.

During his stay, President Pezeshkian will meet with the President of Pakistan, H.E. Asif Ali Zardari, and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Shehbaz Sharif.

This marks Dr. Pezeshkian's first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last visited Iran on 26 May 2025. The visit is expected to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran.

I Thank you!

***

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): My question pertains to the visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to the United States, from where he conducted all engagements related to Pakistan's Presidency of the UNSC for about a month time. I wish to know that how far Pakistan achieved the goals which it set for the period of its Presidency of the UNSC? Secondly, I could recall that President Trump, last month, talked of doing something for the resolution of Kashmir dispute. Did the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister take up the question of Kashmir when he spoke to the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio?

Spokesperson: The Foreign Ministry has been actively reporting on all engagements of the Deputy Prime minister/ Foreign Minister in New York, covering entire calendar of activities. The signature events relating to our Presidency of UNSC included an open debate on peaceful settlement of disputes through multilateralism; and a UNSC session on cooperation between the UN and OIC. These led to adoption of a presidential statement and adoption of a resolution by consensus by the UNSC on peaceful settlement of disputes. Other than that, there were a series of bilateral meetings, including with the United Nations Secretary General; President of General Assembly, several foreign ministers and interaction with the Pakistani diaspora. We issued a comprehensive press release on DPM/FM's meeting with the US Secretary of State. The meeting with Secretary Rubio encompassed not only the bilateral relations, but important security, regional and global issue. It was a very productive meeting. We are very satisfied with the outcomes of Deputy Prime Minister's visit to New York as well as Washington.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions, since you said you've issued a comprehensive press release on Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's meeting, what it skipped mentioning was the mention of Iran, remediating Iran. Because and I quote from the US State Department's Statement, which stated: "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." Has Pakistan offered any sort of mediation between US and Iran, as it stated in the US statement?

Number two, the Foreign Minister spoke at the Atlantic Council, and in a departure from what we have seen in the past, he spoke about an independent Kashmir. I wish to know what's Pakistan's stance on the matter of Kashmir. Do we seek an independent Kashmir, or is it Pakistan or India?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, there were media reports while Deputy Prime Minister was in Washington he spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister. So, these media reports originated from Irani press, would you mind confirming the news?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): As we know that Iranian President is visiting Pakistan, both countries have mutual agreements for example there is Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, trade relations, security matters etc. And then there are sanctions of America on Iran. What are Pakistan's expectations from this visit?

Spokesperson: Anas about your second question, if you read the transcript, the DPM/FM has mentioned the UN Security Council and what flows from there. Pakistan has consistently maintained that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. There is no change in this policy. Against this backdrop, different insinuations about Deputy Prime Minister's remarks are baseless and uncalled for.

About the first question, Iran is our close friend and a brotherly neighboring country. We remain committed to making positive contribution to bring the tensions down and promote diplomatic solutions to problem. We are open to play that role, and we will continue to play that role.

With regards to telephone conversation between the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran, I just read the statement in opening remarks and we also released our official statement after the call.

About the Iranian President's visit, it is a state visit and covers delegation level talks and other engagements. The talks will cover the entire agenda of the bilateral relations. When a state visit takes place, that too, with a close friendly country, all issues of mutual interest are discussed in the spirit of cooperation, amity and friendship.

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta News): I have two questions. First question is regarding the statement circulating in media that allegedly India is using the recent statement of Chief Minister of KPK, Gandapur, in FATF that Pakistan is supporting good Talibans in KPK. Can you confirm if the news is true that India is using this statement of CM Gandapur against Pakistan at FATF? Sir, it is being allegedly reported that Pakistan has issued directions to authorities to start the arrest of Afghans who are living illegally in Baluchistan particularly. Your comments.

Spokesperson: With regards to foreigners living illegally I will check with the Ministry of Interior for specific details and will try to share. But broadly, the policy framework remains consistent. Anyone found living illegally in Pakistan without proper documentation will be deported. That policy continues and there is no change in that.

About the FATF question, I will check for the specifics. About FATF there is a national authority for coordination of related issues, and the Foreign Office is working through the inter-ministerial mechanism. Secondly, the deliberations in the FATF are primarily confidential, but I will check through our concerned Division in the Ministry and with the national authority.

(Naveed Iqbal Siddiqui, Business Recorder): There's a perception that Donald Trump's favorable statements and actions can create some differences and strain our relations with our ironclad friend China. Your Comments?

Spokesperson: I will not agree with this perception. China is a very close friend and iron brother. We enjoy a strategic partnership spread over decades. It's a unique relationship between two friendly neighboring countries and has nothing to do with what kind of relations we pursue with other countries. Pakistan-China relations are based on the principles of international law and UN Charter. Our relations remain robust and two sides are working to sustain the positive momentum.

(Shaukat Piracha, AJJ TV): Even before the meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary Marco Rubio, your counterpart in the State Department, Tammy Bruce said that this meeting will discuss India Pakistan relationship. Secondly, President Trump, yesterday when he was talking about trade agreement with Pakistan, said that one day I believe Pakistan could export oil to India. My question is whether the United States or President Trump, particularly is persuading India and Pakistan or acing as a mediator? Is there any formal persuasion through diplomatic channels? Lastly, is your Excellency yourself, or this ministry, has some role in preparing talking points of President Trump, because whenever he speaks, he embarrasses Prime Minister Modi and appeases Rahul Gandhi. I just wanted to know if there was any relevance of our side to his talking points.

Spokesperson: Sir, with regards to your second question, we never try to embarrass anyone. We just articulate our position and pursue our country's national interests. We believe in pursuing diplomacy in good faith and that is a fundamental premise for our diplomatic interaction with other countries.

About the first question, our press release on the matter provides our readout on the meeting. He obviously highlighted our perspective on what is bedeviling peace and security in South Asia, our perspective on Kashmir issue, on relations with India and on what hinders the region's to live upto its potential in economic, trade and other sectors. We always give our perspective on that. Of course, we would welcome any role played by common friends in mitigating tensions, promoting good relations and stability in South Asia.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): From April till now, India has consistently tried to connect Pahalgam attack with Pakistan or Lashkar-e-Tayiba but it failed. Now according to new reports regarding Balochistan, Israel's alleged involvement in disrupting peace in Balochistan is also being reported. Now will Fitna e Israel also be accused alongside the previous BLA (Fitna e Hindustan)?

Secondly, since the statement of Mr. Trump regarding trade, the opposition including Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman or Raza Rabbani, is saying that we came to know about everything through Mr. Trump. Pakistan should also make announcements.

Spokesperson: Sir, about the second question, the Ministry of Commerce will make a comprehensive statement on the Pakistan US trade deal signed between the two sides. With regards to your first question, BLA is a terrorist organization, and we know how it is being funded. We are also aware of India's involvement. But I have not seen this specific report and I will check and get back.

(Zaheer, Samma TV): The report of UN sanction committee has stated that there is a nexus between Taliban and BLA. Need your stance on it and on the question of Mr. Zahid. Secondly, in the report of UN, India failed to link Pahalgam incident with the Lashkar e Tayiba. Need your stance on that please.

Spokesperson: Sir, I have not seen the report. But let me reiterate that we continue to explain that terrorist organization like BLA, TTP and similar other organizations are actually Indian proxies, working to destabilize Pakistan and create security challenges for Pakistan. All of them do enjoy sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. This has been an important topic for our conversation with our Afghan friends, and we do notice better receptivity in Kabul on our key concerns now.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, major decisions are being taken and shared via tweets. Pakistan's oil and minerals decision has also been announced through a tweet. Don't you think that this is a violation of diplomatic norms? Secondly, an additional 19% tariff have been imposed on Pakistan by America. Need your comment on this.

Spokesperson: Sir, it is a question of personal choice. If one believes in more traditional diplomacy, he will wait for an official long handout, which was customary 20 years ago. But now, in an era of instant communication, what was issued in a long press note in an abbreviated form is immediately released in the form of a tweet. I will not be able to comment on that as it is a question of personal choice. Our Foreign Ministry also took some time, but we do now operate an account on X (Twitter) and we continue to issue our position on that platform. This has become a new medium of information sharing.

About the second question, we have mentioned the Ministry of Commerce and Finance will share the details of the agreement.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): Sir, I want to draw your attention to an issue. 500 Pakistanis were working in a call centre located near Thailand - Cambodian border. After Thailand - Cambodian conflict, they are stranded there. Allegedly Chinese police is deployed in that region. The stranded Pakistanis are facing physical abuse, and allegedly one man who tried to escape was found dead after 15 days. Pakistani Embassy retrieved his body. But people e-mailed Pakistani Mission in Cambodia and received no reply. It is unfortunate that complaints are filed against majority of Pakistani Missions, but no action is taken by the Foreign Ministry. Please raise this issue and if the Chinese are involved in this then Pakistan must talk to China to help stranded Pakistan in this matter.

Secondly, questions are being raised on the latest Pakistan-US trade deal as to how Pakistan will benefit from this and at what cost? What concessions will Pakistan receive? 19% Tariff is no concession for Pakistan. Suddenly a deal is announced by the US President, but it has been 48 hours since the trade deal was announced, and no details have been made public.

In President Donald Trump's tweet, he talked about oil. In addition to this, will trade be conducted on other fields as well or trade will be just limited to oil?

Spokesperson: I have already answered the question about trade deal. The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance will brief you on that.

Regarding your first question, Sir you have your critical views, and they are more than welcome. All embassies of Pakistan are working efficiently, their help and success, perhaps may be underreported. We have received different reports on the situation in Cambodia. We have forwarded these reports to our Embassy which is in touch with the local authorities. About a third country being involved, I cannot comment on that until the Pakistan Embassy briefs us on the actual situation. The Embassy has to follow the diplomatic protocol and engage with the local authorities accordingly. The first point of contact is the Foreign Ministry of the country concerned that guides and facilitate us. The Embassy is already in touch with Foreign Ministry of Cambodia, and when we have clear and credible information we will share it with you.

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Is there any form of active diplomatic communication or dialogue between Pakistan and India, whether through USA or any other country? Thank you.

Spokesperson: We have repeatedly emphasized Pakistan's diplomatic position. About diplomatic communication we have High Commissions working in two countries at the Charge d' Affaires level and at reduced strength. They have routine contacts with the respective Foreign Ministry. Lastly, there are other channels of communication, including Director General Military Operations which is also working. However, you may have listened to the Indian position as it came out in the Lok Saba debate and Pakistan in contrast remains open to a composite dialogue, and diplomatic solution to the problems.

(Ghazala Noreen, Suno TV): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in his recent visit to the US, answered a question related to Dr Aafia Siddiqui which became a point of discussion and arguments in Social Media. Did Pakistan change its policy regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui? Your comments on this. Thank you.

Spokesperson: No, ma'am, there is no change in our position. You must have also seen Prime Minister meeting with her sister. Remarks mentioning Doctor Aafia Siddiqui's case during Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister talks on 25th July 2025 at the Atlantic Council are being completely misconstrued. The government led by Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif has consistently pursued diplomatic and legal avenues to secure Doctor Siddiqui's release from the US custody and remains committed to this cause. Pakistan has prioritized Doctor Siddiqui's case since 2010 conviction. Pakistan has worked to uphold Doctor Siddiqui's rights and humanitarian concerns through High Level diplomacy, clemency requests, consular access and legal support. Attempts on social media to misrepresent the government's efforts in this regard are regrettable. The government will continue to tirelessly pursue the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui while upholding international law and bilateral cooperation.

****



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






People watch the lion dance performance in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

A little girl performs a brass instrument in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

A man holds a kerosene lamp in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

People watch the lion dance performance in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 2, 2025 shows the scene in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

People hold lanterns to participate in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

A little boy holds a lantern in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)

A little girl wearing an artistic light costume is pictured in the "Light Up Lyneham" winter community celebration in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 2, 2025. The "Light Up Lyneham" 2025 winter community celebration took place on Saturday in Canberra, featuring food, music, lion dance performance, artistic lighting and lantern display. (Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua)
Visit to Valaam

Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko visited the Smolensk Skete of the Valaam Transfiguration of the Saviour stauropegial monastery.

August 1, 2025

13:30

Valaam

The presidents attended a prayer service held in the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God.

After that, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko held a brief conversation, following which they answered media questions.

* * *

Question: Mr Putin, Mr Lukashenko, good afternoon.

Allow us to use this occasion to ask a few questions.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Yes, but first I would like to greet Mr Lukashenko once again.

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank him for accepting my invitation to come here on such a day...

Alexander Lukashenko: I do what we agreed to do, every year.

Vladimir Putin: On this day, we commemorate all the warriors who have laid down their lives for the Fatherland. It is a memorable date for us, and it has become a tradition. We regularly meet here. Of course, we will also have an opportunity to discuss our current affairs.

The Government is working very actively. Our trade has exceeded $50 billion. That is a very significant achievement. There are many projects on the line in very important and promising areas. Of course, many questions arise with this amount of work. We will have an opportunity to discuss them.

Alexander Lukashenko: We will devote the weekend to discussions.

Mr Putin, you have said it correctly. When I was flying in, I thought that we have created a good tradition, with two Orthodox nations - and we as their representatives - meeting here every year, in this church which feels like home. As I approached this place, I thought that the Smolensk Skete is very nice, but there is no Belarusian skete here.

Vladimir Putin: It is our common asset.

Alexander Lukashenko: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: It was established in 1914.

Alexander Lukashenko: Yes, it was in 1914, and Smolensk is not far away. That is why we will give this a thought. There is enough space here.

Vladimir Putin: You are welcome.

Alexander Lukashenko: We could build a small church. We will think about it, since there is a good road leading to this place. Many Belarusians come here, because both our nations share the same Orthodox faith. Thank you for creating this good tradition.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Question: Mr Putin, we have a question regarding the third round of talks which took place in Istanbul. You have not shared your comments so far. Could you give us an insight into whether Kiev responded to the proposals put forward in Istanbul to set-up three online working groups? Overall, what is your assessment of the way these talks have been advancing and their future? There is another point I wanted to raise too. Not long ago, just the other day, Zelensky said - this could have even been today - that holding talks with Russia does not make any sense and that they had to wait for the regime to change.

Vladimir Putin: As a matter of principle, waiting is an option if the Ukrainian leadership believes that this is not the right time and that they must wait. Be my guests - we are ready to wait. This is my first point.

Second, it is the Constitution of the Russian Federation that defines our political regime, while the existing authorities operate within the strict confines of our country's Constitution. This is not the case for Ukraine. I will not go into details right now, but today's authorities in Ukraine do not derive their powers from the Ukrainian Constitution. It is obvious that they have violated the Constitution, but having said that, I will not elaborate on this matter.

As for the talks, they are always relevant and important, especially if their goal is to bring about peace. My overall assessment is quite positive. How could it be otherwise if hundreds of people were able to return home? This is a positive development. As you know, Russia has handed over thousands of dead Ukrainian soldiers on humanitarian grounds, and has received several dozen bodies of our men who sacrificed their lives for their Motherland in response. No one would argue that this was not a positive development, right? Of course, this is something positive.

As for the question of whether someone is disappointed, all the disappointment stems from heightened expectations. This is a general rule we all know. That said, to settle an issue by peaceful means, you need to hold detailed talks instead of creating publicity. The way forward is to ensure that the negotiating process is private and confidential. This is why Russia suggested creating three groups as you have mentioned. Overall, Ukraine's response was quite positive. We agreed that we can hold these talks without cameras and without making all this political noise by working in a calm environment while searching for compromises. These groups have yet to get down to business. They have not started their work so far, but overall we believe that the initial reaction from Ukraine was rather positive. For this reason, we expect this process to get off the ground.

Question: I have a follow-up question. A year ago, you articulated the terms for a lasting truce. Are they still on the table?

Vladimir Putin: Of course, it goes without saying that these conditions have not changed. In fact, these were objectives, rather than conditions, since I explained what Russia wanted to achieve. Before that, we kept hearing that it was unclear what Russia wanted. This is why we set forth these objectives in June 2024 at the meeting with the Foreign Ministry's senior officials. Everything is clear in this regard, and the core message here is that we must eliminate the root causes of this crisis. This is the main objective.

Of course, there are humanitarian matters and broader security issues that pertain to both Russia and Ukraine. By the way, the Ukrainian delegation told us that it could make sense to discuss security for both Russia and Ukraine in the context of a pan-European security framework. One of the senior members of the Ukrainian delegation voiced this opinion. Overall, we believe that this makes sense, and we share this view.

As for humanitarian matters, they have to do with the Russian language, ensuring independence and providing an adequate environment for the Orthodox Church and the Christian faith in Ukraine. All these matters form a single whole and must be discussed considering their intertwined nature in order to lay the foundation for an enduring, lasting peace without any specific time limits.

Question: Mr Lukashenko, Mr Putin, I cannot but ask you about the latest developments, which include unrelenting sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, and the EU literally pumping out one package after another with 18 sanctions packages already in place and counting. My question is whether the Union State is going to adjust its strategy in any way? Are we going to respond and adjust our anti-sanctions strategy?

Alexander Lukashenko: We have adjusted everything we needed to adjust. If someone shut a door in our face, there are many other doors around the world that remain open. Russia and Belarus made a dramatic pivot today. I believe, over time, the world will appreciate what we did. What we did was unimaginable in the early 2020s, but we did it, turned things around, and we live and will continue to live. No one will ever bring us to our knees. We are determined to uphold our interests. Russia is a treasure trove of minerals and technologies. We need some time to let doubting individuals at home and elsewhere know what we are capable of.

You are aware of yesterday's meeting with the diplomats, where I said that sanctions didn't exist. There is no such thing as sanctions - period. There's nothing to talk about. As soon as we mention sanctions, slackers grab the opportunity and start saying that working under sanctions is a challenge. There is no such thing as sanctions. Sanctions are all about opportunities. I think Russia has an even better understanding of what it means and acts accordingly. We have your back like I said yesterday. Do not worry about the sanctions.

I fully support someone asking President Putin about the talks and where he stands on the issue of talks. That is a very good question. The President said that talks must be held regardless of the ongoing war. The Americans fought in Vietnam thousands of miles away from home and engaged in talks from day one. The Ukrainians are deluding themselves, as I see, as they demand the impossible. Things they are saying and what Russia is offering - as the President just mentioned - should be discussed at the negotiating table. There may be compromises, concessions, pivots, and turnarounds. As you accurately pointed out, speaking about things bluntly is for show, meaning that someone tends to talk rather than do actual work.

I talked in public about our mutual friend Donald Trump, who we worried a lot about, and his statement. I recall us wanting him to win. What we see now are deadlines of 50, 60, or 10 days. That is not the right way to approach politics. If he wants peace, he should step up carefully and in good faith. This is a military confrontation, and dictating things, especially to a nuclear power, is not the way to go. Listen, it's just laughable.

I recently had a meeting with Americans. I told them flatly, since they are his close friends, to let the President know that it is important to take a careful and measured approach, and the parties can come to terms.

Alexander Lukashenko: They started talking about truce in the air again. I told them that Russia, President Putin, is interested in having it, but you are the ones who do not want it. Tell Zelensky to agree to it in order to stop aerial vehicles from falling on people's heads. More recently, a drone carrying 59 kilogrammes of explosives packed with ball bearings hit a ten-storey apartment building in Belarus. Luckily, it did not detonate. This is a dangerous escalation. We need to put an end to this, and proceed with caution while doing so.

Russia continues to talk with Ukrainians in Istanbul. Remember, President Putin called to thank me? The talks continue in Belarus, and we are doing prisoner exchanges on the border. The Ukrainians opened the border crossing and resumed rail traffic. Things are moving along.

There was much ado about children. Russia said anyone willing is welcome to come and see for themselves. Talks are underway between the Russian and Ukrainian commissioners for children's rights. Where did Russia go wrong? There is a war going on. Some children were left without adult supervision. They were fed and provided with clothes. And yet Russia was blamed for that. For what? Please let us talk. Exchanges are underway.

Vladimir Putin: It turned out the number of children was exaggerated.

Alexander Lukashenko: Of course, it was. Three or four children who had lost their parents were exchanged. That is all.

Vladimir Putin: During the talks in Istanbul, we requested the lists. None was given to us.

Alexander Lukashenko: There are no lists. It is all about building up pressure which is not helpful. All the parties need to do is sit down and talk regardless of where they stand.

Vladimir Putin: The first talks were held in Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko: Three rounds were held. If they do not like Belarus, fine, President Putin and I discussed this. We can take the talks anywhere they please, even to the Moon. But we need to sit down and talk, rather than hurl rocks at each other.

"I want to meet with Putin!" What is the point of saying that? Set the stage and issue a statement instead. I told the Americans to get everything ready and then sit down and sign documents. Bring in Trump, Macron, or Starmer - whoever you want, but you need to set the stage for it first. Is it hard to understand that? I am sure they know everything, but since they are saying what they are saying, they do not really want it and are just putting on a show.

Question: If I may, one more question. You mentioned that there is always an extensive agenda between our countries and that you will be discussing it. Will you be discussing security matters?

In particular, perhaps there is already some clarity regarding Oreshnik? Both sides confirmed that Oreshnik would be deployed in Belarus, but maybe there are already some specifics?

Alexander Lukashenko: The specifics are that the military, though they are concrete people who are always in a hurry, wanted to deploy Oreshnik - meaning the Belarusian stance - somewhere next year. President Putin rightly said: this year, we must primarily complete these processes - construction, establishment, and so on. For now, we are not stepping back from this.

Vladimir Putin: No, we are not stepping back.

First, what I would like to say in this regard. We have produced the first serial Oreshnik system, the first serial missile - and it has already been delivered to the troops. Now the series is underway. That is the first point.

Second. Our specialists - both Belarusian military specialists and Russian experts - have selected a site for future positions, and work is currently underway to prepare these positions. So, most likely, we will finalise this matter by the end of the year.

Alexander Lukashenko: We are not rushing - we are working calmly; there is no need to race ahead. As soon as everything is ready, not just the positions. As you said, building them is straightforward. What is needed are combat equipment, warheads, and missiles - these are not cheap.

Vladimir Putin: And protecting this position.

Alexander Lukashenko: And protecting it - of course, it must be protected.

Vladimir Putin: Everything is proceeding according to plan.

Alexander Lukashenko: Do not worry about security.

Question: President Putin, how do you assess the current situation in the special military operation and the overall dynamics?

Vladimir Putin: Yesterday, as usual, I discussed these matters several times with the Defence Minister [Andrei Belousov] and the Chief of the General Staff [Valery Gerasimov], and knowing that we would be speaking to the press, I asked them myself. I said: "How should I answer a question like this - the situation in the special military operation?" The response was: "Please answer honestly." Now they will see and recall this.

And what does "honestly" mean today? It means that our troops are advancing along the entire line of combat contact - the entire line: in the border zone, in the Donetsk People's Republic, in the Lugansk People's Republic, in the Zaporozhye Region, and in the Kherson Region - everywhere, on all sectors, more in some places, less in others, but with positive momentum. Thanks, of course, to the courage and heroism of our soldiers.

We are now in a place that has special significance, where a temple will be erected in memory of all our soldiers who have fallen throughout history in defence of the Fatherland. Today, however, our thoughts are with the participants in the special military operation. The positive momentum on the front lines is undoubtedly due to the courage of our soldiers who are currently advancing. We must also recognise those who gave their lives on the battlefield.

It was thanks to them that the conditions were created for our forces today to advance. This is a shared achievement, and in that sense, not a single loss has been in vain.

As for the current situation, the dynamics is clear. You may have heard reports that Chasov Yar, a sizeable and strategically important settlement, was captured. Some have already tried to dispute this information, claiming it does not reflect reality. I can assure you with full confidence: it is absolutely true. In fact, while the Defence Ministry announced this only yesterday, this town was captured several days ago.

Mop-up operations followed. Counterattacks may occur. Statements about this being false information only suggest that the highest political circles in Ukraine are not fully informed about the developments on the ground. That is their problem.

Let me repeat that overall dynamics are positive. Not long ago, our adversaries were confidently speaking of inflicting a "strategic defeat" on Russia. Today, their rhetoric has shifted: now, their singular and desperate goal is to halt our offensive at any cost, whether by offering incentives, or issuing threats, or supplying more equipment and personnel to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their goal is to stop the advance first, and only then address these issues of rebuilding their military.

To reiterate, we are seeking a lasting and sustainable peace built on fundamentally sound principles that would serve the interests of Russia and Ukraine and ensure the security of both countries. Perhaps, those voices on the Ukrainian side who - albeit cautiously - are beginning to raise the idea of dialogue, are right in suggesting that we must begin to consider the issue of European security in general.

Question: Minsk and Moscow are increasingly often talking about peace and their commitment to overcoming all challenges. All we are hearing from the West is the language of diktats and ultimatums. The EU and the United States admitted that the most recent deal was a disgrace for Europe. Where will the tariff diktat, ultimatums, and trade wars take the global economy? Are we going to be affected?

Alexander Lukashenko: Russia's leadership recently made an astute statement that if continued this policy would lead Europe to deindustrialisation. It already has, in fact.

Vladimir Putin: It is in process.

Alexander Lukashenko: The process continues. They will destroy Europe, the European Union. The word is that the Americans may have weakening this centre of power in mind. After all, the EU was not a weak organisation. That is exactly what will happen.

Instead of clashing with us head-on - I mentioned this many times - they should have stood with us. Together, the EU and Russia would form a formidable force. The Americans would never let that happen, though. That would be far worse for them than China. Had such a union been formed, it would have represented an unparalleled global force. But they do not understand that. Or, perhaps they just do not need it.

When I am looking at these leaders... I will not say a thing about them in President Putin's presence, but some of them are outgoing politicians aka lame ducks, while others have just taken office and are already polling below 20 percent. The people do not like this policy. Why do people in Europe not like this policy? The main reason is because of their stance on Ukraine. Their own citizens are sinking into poverty, while hundreds of billions - even trillions - are spent on weapons and aid to Ukraine. I am not sure, but it just looks wrong.

Vladimir Putin: You know, not long ago, political analysts and figures from the political circles used to say that the EU was an economic powerhouse, but a political dwarf. These words are not mine, and I am not seeking to offend anyone. We know that from Western sources. But - and I have said this before - sovereignty is a critical factor. It has always been important, but it is particularly important today. Sovereignty plays a key role in the economy and elsewhere.

Clearly, the EU, Europe, lacked genuine sovereignty. Today, it can be clearly seen that they have none at all. Lack of sovereignty in a critical situation like today inevitably leads to economic losses. The loss of political sovereignty inevitably leads to loss of economic sovereignty, and huge losses.

That is why I have always said that strengthening Russia's sovereignty is one of the special military operation's key objectives.

Question: The subject of Ukraine is raised this way or another in all the questions. The recent scandals related to the anticorruption agencies that we saw in Ukraine, what was it all about? How can you comment on what happened?

Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, how can you comment on this?

Alexander Lukashenko: You know, I kept thinking about it for a while. Well, the West is exerting pressure on Zelensky, and I am observing it and thinking: what did Zelensky want? He has taken billions, hundreds of billions. The West says: well, we want to know where this money goes and suggested establishing an anticorruption agency and an anticorruption prosecutor's office. That is, if we are speaking of sovereignty.

He took the money, and those who gave it to him said: we want to see how [you spent it]. They agreed. They just woke up to it. Perhaps, they want to run elections or something else. This is for the people. They tried it, but the West got its mind right quick and said no. Two days or so later it said no. It took Rada two hours to cancel everything. He signed the law.

What sovereignty? No sovereignty at all. And there is no need for indignation: you took the money and the one who gave it to you wanted to know how you - a state without sovereignty - spent it. You know where the money went. People have built posh palaces in the French Riviera and elsewhere, and enjoy life. Some of them are sizing up the Presidential office in Ukraine. It is a charade. There is no better word to describe it.

The loss if sovereignty and independence underlies all of that.

Vladimir Putin: Corruption is a negative societal phenomenon, which is characteristic of many, if not all, countries. There is nothing unusual about it. The question is about the extent of corruption and society's ability to combat it. What is society's readiness and ability to combat corruption? It means that society itself should be capable of fighting corruption.

And if society can influence such processes, it is part of democracy. Democracy cannot be brought in from outside, just like you cannot fight corruption from the outside, especially if it is done by those who themselves are haunted by the same scourge. You think Europe or the United States are corruption-free? True, it has been legalised there. They have created an institute of lobbyism. What is it about? They give money to government officials of all levels. That is it. That is corruption, too.

Here it is clear that Ukraine is a country where corruption has indeed become overwhelming. Can it be combated from the outside? President Lukashenko noted that various agencies were created - yet they are not subordinate to local authorities: neither the president, nor the parliament, nor anyone else. This is an external institution.

Consider what was just said - can democracy, including anti-corruption institutions, be imposed from outside? When were these institutions established in Ukraine? In 2015. What year is it now? 2025.

Alexander Lukashenko: In short, they have triumphed over it.

Vladimir Putin: Of course! And so what? Ten years have passed, and everyone around the world is shouting at the top of their lungs: "Help! Ukraine is drowning in corruption!" Yes, that is the case. But the efficiency of externally imposed institutions is zero.

The focus should not be on forcing external governance institutions upon the people - in this case, the Ukrainian people - but on helping them stand on their own feet, to create these institutions themselves.

It is impossible for people to elect a president and parliament yet have no influence over the processes occurring in society. This is a humiliating state. A complete absence of sovereignty.

Indeed, quite right, they attempted to change something, to reclaim at least some sovereignty. When those at the top disapproved - they whistled, snapped their fingers, and everything was immediately reversed. It would have been better to do nothing at all. If they had stayed put, excuse me, sitting quietly - everything would have been on the sly and smooth. Instead, they only brought shame upon themselves.

But the very idea that it is necessary to reclaim at least some sovereignty is, naturally, correct - there is no disputing that.

Let us conclude, otherwise we will be here with you until evening.

Question: I would like to clarify something regarding the negotiation process on Ukraine. It is progressing slowly and with difficulty. In this context - President Lukashenko has already touched upon this - but nevertheless: is Belarus prepared to provide any assistance, and is this needed by Russia at present?

Alexander Lukashenko: We agreed long ago with President Putin - if needed, he will always say so, involving Belarus in the process, or processes.

Today - as I just mentioned, they reached agreements in Istanbul. Key issues include the exchange of prisoners of war, the wounded, and so on... I called the President of Russia and explained that we treat everyone equally. He supports this. The people - both Ukrainians and Russians - are warriors. Some are wounded, some face other hardships... Those in urgent need of medical care are immediately hospitalised. And there are such people.

This concerns not only prisoners of war but also the repatriation of the deceased. The Ukrainians trust no one. So, roughly speaking, let Belarusians handle the transfer of remains - only Belarusians. Railway tracks were restored to bring refrigerated wagons there. Still, only Belarusians may take the helm of those locomotives and move the refrigerated wagons back and forth.

We searched for personnel, even had to involve Afghan War veterans who fought in Afghanistan, and found railway workers experienced in this. The Russians asked us; the Ukrainians agreed - so we are doing it. If further assistance is required, a respective offer will follow.

President Putin made an absolutely correct point - and I fully share this view - regarding Chasov Yar. We are completely informed about the situation there - this is indeed the case. I do not know whether perhaps on the outskirts some houses remain uncleared - I cannot speak to the current status today.

Vladimir Putin: There are none left there.

Alexander Lukashenko: But Chasov Yar constitutes the road to Kramatorsk, effectively the centre of the special military operation in Ukraine. And what comes next? Why am I saying this? Ukraine today should urgently be requesting the President of Russia: "Let us sit down at the negotiating table, let us reach an agreement." Otherwise, within a month, or month and a half, two months - I cannot say precisely - there will not even be defensive structures remaining. The Russians will gradually bite off, seize and advance further, reclaiming territory.

Vladimir Putin: We will regain it. It is ours.

Alexander Lukashenko: The Russians will regain it. Therefore, an agreement must be reached. If they want something, they must run towards it.

Because beforehand - it was clear we would discuss this topic - I gathered all frontline information and additionally coordinated it with your military. Our assessments completely coincide on all points, even in the Sumy Region where you seek to establish a buffer zone. Offensives are underway everywhere. Perhaps not rapidly, maybe slowly. Why slowly - I asked President Putin? He said: "I value human life."

This is correct: slowly but steadily. Far fewer lives are being lost compared to, you know, the Great Patriotic War when hundreds of thousands were thrown into battle and perished. In Poland alone, 600,000 of our people died, Soviet citizens. There is no such scale of warfare in Ukraine - it proceeds quietly, calmly. But this provides Ukrainians an opportunity to say: "Listen, let us sit down and agree." Yet they do not want this.

Vladimir Putin: Regarding Ukraine's participation in the negotiation process, we are very grateful to President Lukashenko and Belarus as a whole for the support and assistance that Belarus and the President of Belarus provide us.

We maintain constant contact. I regularly inform Mr Lukashenko about the outcomes of this negotiation process. All our exchanges occur on Belarusian territory. The negotiation process began there in 2022, then relocated to Istanbul - where we continue.

We know the position of the President of Belarus, the entire Belarusian leadership, and indeed the Belarusian people who strive for peace to be established more swiftly between our two countries - between Russia and Ukraine. President Lukashenko is taking the most direct and active role in this. Thank you.

Question: A very powerful earthquake occurred in Kamchatka, and footage circulated worldwide showing doctors continuing surgeries despite the dangerous situation threatening their lives. Many believe these doctors deserve awards, while others consider they were simply fulfilling their duty. Will you award them?

Vladimir Putin: One may fulfil one's duty in different ways. These doctors fulfilled theirs with dignity and heroism. Of course, they deserve state awards.

Governor [Vladimir Solodov] recently briefed me on the situation in Kamchatka. Let me remind you that years ago we worked to reinforce buildings and structures in Kamchatka precisely because of its location in a dangerous seismic zone, improving communication systems there. I hope this too has played its role, since there are no serious destructions or casualties - which is excellent.

Regarding the doctors you mentioned, I have already given my assessment. I assure you we have many specialists who fulfil their duty to the people most admirably, and we always strive to respond appropriately by providing state recognition, expressed through state awards among other means.

Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Near Russia After Medvedev's Doomsday Threats, Says 'We're Totally Prepared'

By RFE/RL August 01, 2025

US President Donald Trump said he is moving two nuclear submarines to regions near Russia following doomsday threats related to the war in Ukraine from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

"I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that the move was a precaution in case Medvedev's "foolish and inflammatory statements" were more than just rhetoric.

"Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances," Trump added, calling Medvedev a "failed" former president.

Later, in an interview with Newsmax, Trump said in reference to moving the submarines, "We had to do that. We just have to be careful."

"A threat was made, and we didn't think it was appropriate, so I have to be very careful."

"When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared. And we're totally prepared, he said, adding that the submarines were being moved "closer to Russia."

Trump did not specify if he was referring to nuclear-powered submarines or those armed with nuclear weapons. The Navy, which normally does not discuss deployment of submarines, declined to comment.

Earlier this week, Medvedev, currently deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, accused the United States of playing a "game of ultimatums" in response to Trump's announcement that he had shortened a 50-day deadline for Russia to stop its war against Ukraine to 10 days.

On his X page from July 28, Medvedev wrote that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war."

He further urged Trump not to "follow the path" of former US President Joe Biden, whom Moscow had numerously accused of escalating tensions with Russia.

After being told by Trump to "watch his words" on July 31, Medvedev went further reminding the US president of Russia's 'Dead Hand' command system designed to automatically launch Moscow's nuclear missiles if the country's leadership had been taken out.

"If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right," Medvedev added.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Medvedev been one of the most outspoken anti-Western hawks in Moscow.

Some Kremlin critics consider him an irresponsible extremist, while others say his statements reflect the thinking of many senior Russian policymakers.

Reacting to the taunts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's top aide, Andriy Yermak, told the New York Post earlier this week that Medvedev was "very stupid" to make such statements.

"I don't know what his psychological condition is. Maybe he was drunk," he added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he doesn't think Medvedev should be considered a decision-maker in Russia but added that his comments can't be ignored.

"Obviously, he's someone who once held office there and is still in a government role, and his words are going to have an impact in the role of a provocateur," Rubio told Fox Radio on July 31.

This isn't the first time Trump and Medvedev have clashed.

The former Russian leader has been a vocal critic of Trump and recent US strikes on Iran. But it appears to be the first time an exchange between the two may has led to the real action.

Trump later on August 1 stepped his attacks on the Russian leadership, saying that "I have just been informed that almost 20,000 Russian soldiers died this month in the ridiculous War with Ukraine."

"Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year," he wrote on Truth Social.

"That is a lot of unnecessary DEATH! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. They have lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number does not include their missing," he said, adding that both sides have also suffered civilian deaths.

Neither side has given regular military casualty figures.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-medvedev-russia- united-states-nuclear-submarines/33492225.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 Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a media question

1 August 2025 18:36

1289-01-08-2025

Question: On July 31, in an interview with Fox Radio, Marco Rubio talked about continuing to work with Russia. He mentioned recent contacts and conversations held in the hope of arriving at an understanding on ways to achieving peace. However, he said that so far, the United States does not see any progress along this track. What could you say in this regard?

Sergey Lavrov: It is true that we have regular contacts with our American colleagues at various levels, including telephone conversations between our presidents, contacts between Marco Rubio and me, and through United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The fact that the current US administration has revived direct dialogue is totally consistent with normal diplomatic practice, while Joe Biden's refusal to abide by it defied common sense. Moscow and Washington have been engaged in a meaningful discussion on the Ukraine topic, which has been quite useful and effective. It is thanks to President Donald Trump's insistence that the Kiev regime accepted our proposal to resume the Istanbul talks.

Three rounds of talks have already taken place. Apart from important humanitarian agreements, we came forward with a proposal to establish working groups on political and military matters. This could be a major step towards a lasting agreement, just as the President of Russia said on August 1 during his meeting with Alexander Lukashenko in Valaam.

We are waiting for Kiev to provide a meaningful response. So far, all we have are Zelensky's conflicting statements ranging from an immediate truce without any preconditions while calling on the West to use this truce to deliver more weapons to Ukraine, to replacing the Istanbul format with a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin. He goes as far as demanding that the West delivers on the promise of changing the Russian leadership. He can switch from one position to the without 24 hours or every other day. Therefore, I suggest that anyone interested in advancing the settlement process should take this obvious personality disorder into account.

So far, the progress boils down to the fact that our American colleagues have come to realise the existing reality and try taking into account the root causes of the crisis, which sets them apart from the aggressive Russia-hating attitude of the Europeans. Vladimir Putin has set forth these causes in great detail many times, including the need to respect the vote by the people of Crimea, Donbass and Novorossiya following the 2014 government coup. Its leaders designated these people as inhuman and terrorists. Europeans have been screaming about dragging Ukraine into NATO and preparing for war with Russia, while Marco Rubio has recently reaffirmed his commitment to a responsible attitude by making it clear that a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia should never happen. We fully agree with this position. This position also results from an understanding we have been able to reach as part of the Russia-US dialogue.

In order to claim progress in addressing the root causes of the crisis, there is a need to get the record straight regarding the positions of all the Kiev regime's patrons regarding what the Ukrainian regime does to cancel and do away with everything Russian, be it the Russian language, education, culture, history, memory, or the ban on the canonical Orthodox faith. Apart from Ukraine, you will not find any other country in the entire world to enact an official ban on any language. We are certain that the United States has a sincere interest in ensuring that human rights and the rights of ethnic minorities are respected, which is not the case for many hypocrites in the European Union. This way, the United States could deliver an unbiased assessment of this situation. This would be a major step forward.

The fact that our colleagues in Washington are open to continuing an honest and mutually respectful conversation is also encouraging, since it takes into account the need to make the Ukraine settlement part of an effort to promote pan-European security based on a balance of legitimate interests of all the countries involved in this process. Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia is ready to launch this conversation while talking to the media in Valaam on August 1.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






West Never Intended to Fulfill Helsinki Final Act - Lavrov

Sputnik News

20250801

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has blatantly interfered in Russia's internal affairs, stated Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his article "Half a Century of the Helsinki Final Act: Expectations, Reality, Prospects" for Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

"The widely promoted human rights toolkit of the OSCE was in fact used (and, as it has now become clear, was designed) for crude interference in the internal affairs of Russia and other participating states."

Other Statements by the Minister

"From the very beginning, the West has used discussions on human rights issues within this organization to deliver patronizing lectures, impose neoliberal values, and attempt to create a loyal fifth column in countries east of Austria through a network of NGOs and media."

"It has stripped the agenda of fundamental tasks such as promoting intercultural dialogue, ensuring access to information, and protecting the rights of national minorities and religious believers."

"Western countries, the OSCE Secretary General, and the organization's institutions remain silent despite the eradication of the Russian language and culture in Ukraine and Kiev's campaign against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC)."

"For years, the OSCE's executive structures have turned a blind eye to the discrimination against Russian-speaking populations in Moldova and the Baltic states, the cynical disregard by Riga and Tallinn of the issue of mass statelessness, and numerous instances of Islamophobia and Christianophobiaincluding public Quran burnings in Denmark and Sweden and the persecution of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church."

Repressive measures are being applied against Russian correspondents in EU countries and Moldova.

The information space is being "cleansed" in Ukraine as well.

In France, accreditation is being denied to representatives of RT television channel and Sputnik agency under the pretext that they are "not media outlets but mouthpieces of Russian state propaganda."

"This is despite the fact that it was France's initiative that led to the inclusion in the 1990 Paris Charter for a New Europe of a solemn promise by all OSCE participants to ensure free access to any informationboth within their own territories and regarding information originating from other OSCE member states. It turns out that this promise too was deceitful and no longer holds, having fallen victim to 'cancel culture.'"

Europe's militarization is effectively spiraling out of control - the situation is more than alarming, and the OSCE can hardly do anything about it," Lavrov stated.

"Germany, like the whole of Europe under its current leaders, is turning into something resembling a 'Fourth Reich.'"

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sanctions May Have No Effect on Russia, But More Are Coming - Trump

Sputnik News

20250801

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said he is ready to impose sanctions on Russia in connection with the Ukraine conflict but is not sure if they would have any effect.

"We are going to put sanctions. I do not know that sanctions bother him [Russian President Vladimir Putin]. They know about sanctions. I know better than anybody about sanctions and tariffs and everything else. I do not know if that has any effect," Trump told reporters on Thursday.

The West has imposed so many sanctions on Russia and its partners that the threat of additional restrictions has already become a routine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

Such threats cannot contribute to the process of normalization, Zakharova added.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






HTS-linked militants tortured eight detainees to death in July: Monitor

Iran Press TV

Friday, 01 August 2025 7:56 AM

A Britain-based war monitor has exposed a significant increase in the number of detainees who died last month due to torture in prisons and detention facilities overseen by militants affiliated to Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime.

According to the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least eight civilians from various backgrounds were tortured to death in July following arbitrary detentions across different regions of Syria.

The monitor documented multiple cases that reveal not only physical brutality, but also deliberate humiliation and sectarian abuse.

One of the most alarming incidents took place on July 23 at a checkpoint in the western coastal province of Tartous. Four young individuals from the Alawite community were taken into custody by the so-called General Security forces.

One individual, Ahmed Khaour, was allegedly subjected to insults due to his sectarian identity. Following his refusal to imitate a dog, he was brutally beaten to death.

The last three individuals were held in custody without any charges. HTS authorities sought to secretly bury the deceased beyond the boundaries of their village, which exacerbated tensions within the community.

On July 29, SOHR reported that five civilians had died in Homs, which included a father and his two sons belonging to the Alawite sect. They had been detained during a General Security offensive in Wadi al-Dhahab in late December 2024.

Two other individuals held in detention from the same locality were similarly tortured to death, and were buried quietly in the cemetery of Tel al-Nasr.

On July 30, another incident occurred in which a young man from the al-Qaboun neighborhood in Damascus lost his life. He had come back from Germany for a short visit and was apprehended close to the Umayyad Mosque. Subsequently, his body was returned to his family, displaying evident signs of torture, such as numerous bruises and injuries.

These incidents take place within a larger framework of intense repression and a declining rule of law in Syria, subsequent to the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's government in late 2024.

SOHR has denounced the actions of the HTS forces as a blatant infringement of human rights and international treaties that forbid torture.

The watchdog is calling for transparent investigations into every death that occurs in custody and for independent judicial agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The war monitor also urged the prompt release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained, as well as the protection of their legal rights free from any political or security interference.

Violence targeting Syria's Alawite community persists in the aftermath of the brutal campaign executed by HTS forces in March.

According to SOHR, a minimum of 1,600 Alawite civilians were killed in at least 55 distinct massacres during a three-day span beginning on March 7. These massacres were also marked by the organized looting and incineration of Alawite residences.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ministry of National Defense: Minister Ku Presides Over Inauguration Ceremony for Military High Court Service Tribunal and Northern Regional Military Court Soldiers' Rights Protection Committee, Enhancing Human Rights Protection Mechanisms

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/07/29

Ministry of National Defense Press Release

Time: 1950 hours, July 29, 2025

Minister Ku Presides Over Inauguration Ceremony for Military High Court Service Tribunal and Northern Regional Military Court Soldiers' Rights Protection Committee, Enhancing Human Rights Protection Mechanisms

Today (July 29), Minister of National Defense Ku Li-Hsiung presided over the inauguration ceremony for the "Military High Court Service Tribunal and Northern Regional Military Court Soldiers' Rights Protection Committee," marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the military justice system, symbolizing the ROC Armed Forces' proactive advancement toward rule of law and professionalism. This initiative also improves the redress mechanism for soldiers' rights, strengthens the fairness and transparency of institutional operations, and responds to societal expectations for human rights protections within the military.

In the morning, Minister Ku, accompanied by Deputy Minister General Chung Shu-Ming, Vice Minister Lieutenant General Huang You-Min, and Director of Legal Affairs Lieutenant General Shen Shih-Wei, joined Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-Ling, Judicial Administration Department Director Cheng Yi-Yi, and Deputy Minister of Justice Huang Mou-Hsin, among others, to jointly unveil the plaques.

In his remarks, Minister Ku stated that to strengthen the military personnel rights protection system and integrate existing redress procedures, the Ministry of National Defense completed amendments to the Armed Forces Discipline Act and enacted the Military Personnel Rights Incidents Handling Act in 2024. The ministry has actively promoted regulatory reviews, educational outreach, and court preparations, demonstrating its commitment to continuously deepening human rights protections within the military.

Minister Ku noted that both laws will take effect on August 6 this year. In the future, the discipline and redress systems will better align with the principles of the rule of law, balancing unit leadership and soldiers' rights, further strengthening institutionalized and law-based mechanisms for military management and rights protection.

Minister Ku further explained that the "Soldiers' Rights Protection Committee" established at regional military courts comprises defense legal officers and rights protection committee members, including impartial societal figures and expert scholars, tasked with reviewing soldiers' rights redress cases to enhance institutional fairness and transparency. Following the implementation of the Military Personnel Rights Incidents Handling Act, ROC Armed Forces personnel dissatisfied with administrative decisions regarding status changes, public-law property claims, rewards, punishments, or performance evaluations may directly file for review with the "Soldiers' Rights Protection Committee" at regional military courts. For other matters, such as denied training or overseas applications, personnel must first file a complaint with their original unit; if still dissatisfied with the outcome, they may file a secondary appeal with the Rights Protection Committee.

Minister Ku mentioned that if personnel are dissatisfied with the review or secondary appeal outcomes of the Rights Protection Committee, they may file an administrative lawsuit with the Military High Court Service Tribunal, where cases will be adjudicated by military judges, with subsequent appeals possible to the High Administrative Court. This comprehensive system establishes a clear and distinct redress framework, implementing rule of law and human rights protections within the military.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Minister Ku inspected the Military Justice Historical Museum and the Service Tribunal, gaining an on-site understanding of the evolution of military justice and tribunal operations. He encouraged legal personnel to continue strengthening their professionalism and upholding the rule of law, taking concrete actions to implement the transformation of the military justice system, and working together to build a reliable human rights protection mechanism for the ROC Armed Forces, ensuring that every soldier's rights are duly protected.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. sanctions two Taiwan firms over support for Iran's military drone program

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2025 02:58 PM

Washington, July 31 (CNA) The United States is imposing sanctions on an international procurement network -- including two Taiwanese companies -- for supporting Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, the U.S. State Department said Thursday.

The sanctions target five entities and one individual based in Iran, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong for procuring technology and equipment to support Iran's drone development, the State Department said.

The two Taiwanese companies are Mecatron Machinery Co. Ltd. and Joemars Machinery and Electric Industrial Co. Ltd, which are based in Taichung.

"Today's action supports President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 to counter Iran's aggressive development of missiles and other asymmetric and conventional weapons capabilities," the department said in a statement.

"The United States will use all available means, including sanctions on entities based in third countries, to expose and disrupt Iran's schemes to procure equipment and items supporting its UAV program, which destabilizes the Middle East and beyond," the department said.

In a separate statement, the U.S. Treasury Department said the five entities and one individual had procured technology to support the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), which is sanctioned by the department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

HESA, a state-owned subsidiary of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, manufactures military aircraft and Ababil-series UAVs that have been used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Treasury Department said.

Iran-based Control Afzar Tabriz Co. Ltd. procured computer numerical control (CNC) machines and equipment for HESA, using Mecatron Machinery and Joemars Machinery to ship them to Iran in knowing violation of sanctions and export controls, the Treasury Department said.

Joemars Machinery also established a China-based subsidiary, Changzhou Joemars Industrial Automation Co. Ltd., according to the Treasury Department.

All property and interests in property of the designated individuals or entities that are in the United States -- or in the possession or control of U.S. persons -- are frozen and must be reported to OFAC, the Treasury Department said.

The department also said that any entity owned 50 percent or more -- directly or indirectly -- by one or more blocked persons is itself considered blocked. OFAC regulations also generally prohibit U.S. persons, or anyone conducting transactions in or through the United States, from dealing with the property or interests of such individuals or entities.

The Treasury Department added that violations of U.S. sanctions could result in civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign individuals and entities.

In response, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs said it would urge local companies to comply with international export control laws and step up legal compliance. It also plans to invite experts to provide training on U.S. export regulations to help Taiwanese machinery firms avoid sanctions.

(By Chung Yu-chen and Frances Huang)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. open to further tariff talks with Taiwan: President Lai

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2025 02:08 PM

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) The United States is open to further tariff talks with Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te () said Friday, as the two sides have yet to finalize their trade deal.

At a press event at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Lai described the "20 percent" tariff rate announced earlier by the White House as a "stage achievement" by Taiwan's negotiation team, which has met with its American counterparts four times in Washington, in addition to multiple online meetings.

The previous duty on goods from Taiwan was 32 percent, as initially announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2 in his sweeping tariff package that affected over 100 trading partners. The new rate is set to take effect on Aug. 7.

However, "from the very beginning, 20 percent has never been Taiwan's goal in the negotiations," Lai said. "The team will continue its efforts in the talks, and the U.S. government has expressed its willingness to continue the discussions."

In 2024, Taiwan ranked sixth among countries with which the U.S. had the largest trade deficits, totaling US$73.92 billion -- followed by Japan (US$68.46 billion) and South Korea (US$66 billion).

Lai emphasized that the announced tariff rate remains "tentative" because the two sides have not held a conclusive meeting.

He said the negotiations have followed international norms throughout the process.

According to the executive orders issued Thursday (U.S. time), Taiwan was given the 18th highest tariff rate among 69 countries, on par with Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

However, the rate was notably higher than the 15 percent levies imposed on Japan, South Korea and the European Union, and slightly higher than the 19 percent rate set for the Philippines.

Taiwan's two major opposition parties both criticized the outcome.

Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu () called the result a "major setback, while Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang () accused the government of hiding the information from the public for propaganda purposes.

Huang said that the newly released figures "expose the lies overnight."

Asked to respond to the criticism, Lai said Taiwan has followed established procedures and cannot disclose details before a final conclusion is reached. He therefore declined to comment on a rumor that Taiwan pledged an investment of US$400 billion to the U.S.

He called on opposition parties to acknowledge the efforts of the negotiation team and pledged that the Cabinet would report to the Legislature by the law to seek parliamentary support.

Lai said the talks with the world's largest economy have focused on safeguarding Taiwan's interests, including food safety and the health of its citizens.

He added that Taiwan has approached the negotiations with sincerity and transparency, with the aim of not only mitigating America's trade deficit with Taiwan but also strengthening and diversifying bilateral commercial ties, particularly in national defense, science, and technology.

About 24.3 percent of Taiwan's exports went to the U.S., mainly consisting of semiconductors, information and communication technology products, and electronic components, Lai said.

Referring to an ongoing investigation launched by the Trump administration into semiconductor imports, Lai said the negotiations so far remain broad in scope and await a final resolution on specific items.

Since April, the Trump administration has been conducting a probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national security concerns as the reason for a potential new tariff on chip imports.

(By Chao Yen-hsiang)

Enditem/ASG

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan says negotiations with U.S. to lower 20% tariff still ongoing

ROC Central News Agency

08/01/2025 10:14 AM

Taipei, Aug. 1 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () said Friday morning that Taiwan is still negotiating with the United States in an effort to lower the 20 percent tariff announced just hours earlier by Washington on most Taiwanese imports.

Describing the new tariff as "provisional," Lai said in a social media post that he believed the 20 percent rate could be lowered further once both sides reach an agreement.

He said, without elaborating, that both sides had completed "technical consultations" and that Taiwan's negotiating team had adhered to the government's position to protect national and industrial interests and ensure food security and public health.

The U.S. imposed sweeping import taxes on more than 100 countries and regions in early April, including a blanket 32 percent tariff on most Taiwanese goods, excluding semiconductors, which are being addressed through separate negotiations.

According to Lai, Taipei and Washington will also begin talks on semiconductors and supply chains soon.

Under an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31 (Washington time), the new tariff -- which will be added on top of existing duties on Taiwanese imports -- may reflect Taiwan's failure to reach an agreement with the U.S. or meet Trump's trade demands.

In contrast, neighboring Japan and South Korea have reached trade agreements with the Trump administration, agreeing to open their markets to more U.S. goods and committing to major investments and purchases in the U.S. in exchange for reduced 15 percent tariffs.

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines are subject to a 19 percent tariff. Vietnam shares the same 20 percent rate as Taiwan, while India faces a 25 percent tariff.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






This photo provided by the Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) of the Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry shows volcanic materials spewing from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki at East Flores regency in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on Aug. 1, 2025. Indonesian authorities maintained the alert status of the volcano at the highest level. (PVMBG/Handout via Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted twice between Friday night and early Saturday, sending ash columns as high as 18,000 meters into the sky, according to local authorities.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reported that the first eruption occurred at 8:45 p.m. local time on Friday, producing an ash column about 10,000 meters high. The second, more powerful eruption took place at 1:26 a.m. Saturday, with the ash column reaching around 18,000 meters. The gray to black ash was observed drifting to the southwest, west, and northwest.

The eruption was accompanied by rumbling and loud booms from the volcano observation post. Seismographic data showed a maximum amplitude of 47.3 mm and a duration of approximately 14 minutes and 5 seconds for the larger eruption.

The volcano remains at the highest alert level, Level IV.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay out of a 6-kilometer radius around the crater and a 7-kilometer sector in the southwest-northeast of the eruption center.

People in several villages were warned to be vigilant for potential rain-triggered lahar floods. Local authorities also advised people to wear masks to protect against the health hazards of volcanic ash.

Flight operations at Komodo International Airport in East Nusa Tenggara were partially disrupted on Saturday due to the eruption, with cancellations and delays reported. 
US 20% tariff on Taiwan island draws sarcasm toward DPP authorities

Global Times

By Liu Xin and Zhang Weilan Published: Aug 01, 2025 10:38 PM



The White House's announcement of a 20 percent tariff on the Taiwan region -higher than the 15 percent imposed on Japan and South Korea -has sparked intense debate on the island. Some local media even ran headlines likening it to "squeezing a lemon," while many people in the island mocked the tariff as a "success" of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)'s kowtowing to the US, expressing deeper concerns over its impact on the stock market and the island's overall competitiveness.

The Taiwan region's exports to the US will be subject to a 20 percent tariff starting August 7, according to an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The 20 percent levy was higher than the tariffs imposed on Japan, South Korea and the European Union (15 percent), as well as those on the Philippines (19 percent), according to Taiwan regional media.

Media in the Taiwan region gave wide coverage to the tariff move, with some citing a Politico report saying that Taiwan was being "squeezed like a lemon." A Politico report on July 30 said that before the Friday deadline, "US trade negotiators are squeezing Taiwan like a lemon," said a person familiar with trade talks between the US and the island.

Earlier on PTT, a media platform in Taiwan island, threads about Taiwan's new 20 percent US tariff rate went viral, with users sarcastically calling it a "great success" and others fretting over the stock market and lost competitiveness, according to udn.com.

Some netizens mocked comparisons - "20 percent vs. Japan/Korea's 15 percent" - and warned orders would shift to rivals. Many demanded to know what concessions secured the rate.

Eric Chu, the chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang Party, said on Friday that the 20 percent tariff announced by the US, along with an estimated 12 percent exchange rate loss, adds up to a substantial 32 percent cost burden. He noted this is a "serious setback," especially when compared to the 15 percent faced by Japan and South Korea, according to local media.

Wider concerns in island

Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te said on Friday that the new 20 percent tariff rate set by the Trump administration on goods imported from the island is "temporary," and that regional authorities "expect to negotiate a lower figure," according to a Reuters report.

However, local media cited a report from the island's economic authorities stating that, under the 20 percent tariff rate, the machine tool, mold, plastic product, and electronic materials sectors in Taiwan are expected to be among the most severely affected.

It also noted that with Japan, South Korea, and other key rivals facing only a 15 percent tariff, and the New Taiwan dollar continuing to appreciate, the combined impact of tariffs and exchange rates may force Taiwan's machine tool industry to effectively retreat from the US market.

The Labor Party on Taiwan island strongly criticized the US tariff policy, calling it a manifestation of American unilateral hegemony aimed at reshoring strategic industries. It also criticized the Lai Ching-te authorities for allowing repeated US exploitation over the past few months, sacrificing Taiwan's economy, according to a statement sent to the Global Times by Wang Wu-lang, secretary-general of the Labor Party, on Friday.

The DPP authorities negotiated with the US without keeping the public posted of the progress or terms, without industry consultation, or labor input, while making unilateral concessions to the US. "Lai Ching-te's approach  pursuing 'independence' by relying on the US  has come at the expense of Taiwan's traditional industries and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," the statement said, warning that the DPP's failure to challenge US economic unilateralism risks turning the island into a political pawn and pushing it toward a dangerous brink.

The 20 percent tariff is a major blow to the DPP. While Lai claimed to be renegotiating, any future reduction will likely come with new US demands. The Lai authorities have failed to defend Taiwan island's interests, and its lofty rhetoric only masks incompetence, amounting to political deception, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Friday.

The DPP's trade negotiations with the US also expose the collapse of its strategy of relying on the US to seek "independence." The so-called "international support" is a political illusion, and the setback in the tariff talks is the inevitable result of that hollow approach, said the expert.

Global backlash to US tariffs

Aside from the Taiwan region, in a statement issued Thursday evening, the White House said US President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders that included increasing tariffs on dozens of trading partners with steep tariffs ahead of a Friday trade deal deadline, including a 35 percent duty on many goods from Canada, 50 percent for Brazil, 25 percent for India, 19 percent for Thailand and 39 percent for Switzerland, foreign media outlets reported.

This pair of executive orders also included increasing tariffs on Canada from 25 percent to 35 percent and laid out specific tariff rates for about 70 other trade partners. The new tariff regime will go into effect on August 7, CNN reported.

The sweeping tariff hikes have drawn fierce opposition from leaders and officials from various countries and regions involved, some of whom are already vowing retaliatory measures.

The US is again wielding calibrated tariff threats to force trading partners such as Canada and others to rewrite domestic policies and lock in bilateral deals favorable to Washington, Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Friday.

Zhou warned the move will pose a steep challenge for all trading nations. It will expose businesses to significant cost disparities and ongoing compliance uncertainty, resulting in supply chain disruptions and soaring freight costs, foreshadowing a wider impact.

When asked for comment on the Trump administration's executive order imposing tariffs on a large number of trading partners, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Friday said China's opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism is in no one's interests, Guo said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/08/01

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

 Date

6 a.m. Jul. 31 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Aug. 1 (Fri.) (UTC+8)

 PLA activities

20 sorties of PLA aircraft, and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 20 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.

1140801_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140801_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






"It is just a matter of time that we attain the great and strong Turkiye our nation has been longing for"

Presidency of The Republic of Turkey

01.08.2025

Speaking at the TUGVA Summer Schools Finale event, President Erdogan said: "It is just a matter of time that our Century of Turkiye vision comes true. It is just a matter of time that we attain the great and strong Turkiye our nation has been longing for. It is just a matter of time, believe me, that winds of peace blow in our region grappling with oppressions, crises and conflicts."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a speech at the Turkiye Youth Foundation (TUGVA) Summer Schools Finale event in Istanbul.

President Erdogan said: "It is just a matter of time that our Century of Turkiye vision comes true. It is just a matter of time that we attain the great and strong Turkiye our nation has been longing for. It is just a matter of time, believe me, that winds of peace blow in our region grappling with oppressions, crises and conflicts. With Allah's permission, we will hand over to you a Turkiye, where there is no terror, and on every square meter of which calm, security, prosperity and brotherhood prevail."

"INNOCENTS IN GAZA ARE TARGETED BY TREACHEROUS BULLETS"

Drawing attention to the developments in Gaza, President Erdogan stated: "Our Palestinian brothers and sisters have been struggling with hunger, thirst and lack of medication in Gaza, 90 % of which has been razed to the ground by the Zionist gang of murder. Each day we receive reports of the martyrdom of innocent babies, children and women who have become just skin and bone. The innocents in Gaza faint from fatigue and are targeted by treacherous bullets at the so-called food distribution centers. Parents risk their lives by walking for kilometers to get a bag of flour and a drink of water. Scenes far worse than the ones we could only see in concentration camps are now taking place right now in Gaza before the eyes of the so-called civilized world."

Underscoring that the most brutal genocide of the century has been carried out in Gaza, President Erdogan added that not only children or babies, but also everything in the name of humanity is destroyed by a handful of murderers that feed on the blood of the innocent.

"WE HAVE NEVER LEFT ALONE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN GAZA"

President Erdogan continued as follows: "The country that has been showing the strongest reaction to the atrocity in Gaza since the very first day is Turkiye. The government that fearlessly defend the rights of the innocent people in Gaza is the government of the Republic of Turkiye. The government that stand tall against the terror state Israel is our government. I want you and your families especially to know that we have never left alone our brothers and sisters in Gaza. We have stood with our brothers and sisters with our humanitarian aid of over 101 thousand tons. We have stood with the Palestinian people by completely stopping trade with Israel. We have stood with the people of Gaza with our diplomatic contacts and with our efforts in the international arena. We have stood with Gaza and the innocent Gazan people with countless support and countless aid. We have never turned our backs on the gallant children of Gaza despite those who slander the Palestinian resistance as terror to be approved by Israel. We have been threatened, we have been exposed to many overt and covert operations, but we have never given up on defending the Palestinian cause."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Third UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue 2025 Communique

Policy paper

Published 1 August 2025

1. Preamble

The United Kingdom and Nigeria enjoy a deep and long-standing security and defence relationship, underpinned by shared history, mutual trust and Commonwealth principles of democratic governance and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as a mutual desire to support regional and international peace and security.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria held the Third Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) Dialogue in London on 15 and 16 July 2025. The dialogue was opened by the Honourable Minister of Defence of Nigeria, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Honourable Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, Lord Vernon Coaker.

Building on the previous dialogue, hosted in Abuja in February 2024, the third SDP dialogue included Defence Staff Talks, a cyber dialogue, and cross government dialogues on regional security, counter-terrorism, human rights, policing and civil-military coordination. Senior representatives from across the Governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom participated, reflecting the breadth and extent of the partnership.

Our SDP is a key pillar of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, and at this third bilateral SDP dialogue, the United Kingdom and Nigeria affirmed our commitment to deepen cooperation to tackle contemporary and evolving security threats particularly terrorism, conflict, cyber-crime (including fraud) and hybrid threats, while upholding human rights. New areas of cooperation were established on online cyber fraud, included in the cyber dialogue for the first time, as well as tackling hybrid state threats.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed to continue our collaboration based on mutual accountability and delivery of commitments while working in a spirit of partnership.

The UK and Nigeria reaffirmed our commitment to deepening all aspects of our Strategic Partnership. This includes further strengthening the Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue, through which our co-operation on border security, irregular migration, and important matters concerning law enforcement, justice, and countering shared criminal threats are covered.

2. Tackling hybrid and state-based threats

The United Kingdom and Nigeria acknowledged the evolving nature of global security threats and agreed to co-develop a Joint Framework utilising collective capabilities and focused on:

combating cyber-attacks, disinformation, and malicious use of artificial intelligence

disrupting transnational organised crime and financial fraud

strengthening border security

3. Defence cooperation

The United Kingdom and Nigeria's defence partnership continues to deepen in the support of peace and stability in the region. Building on the success of the second SDP Dialogue (February 2024) and reaffirming the United Kingdom's long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria's Armed Forces, the United Kingdom renewed its commitment to support Nigeria's Armed Forces in the development of the Defence Special Operations Force, Strategic Communications capabilities, and joint operational planning. The United Kingdom committed to continuing support for Nigeria's Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre and strengthening Nigeria's maritime domain awareness architecture, and to exploring how it might support the newly established Nigerian Navy Marines.

Both governments agreed to explore further capacity building and defence sales to counter Improvised Explosive Devices and Uncrewed Aerial Systems via doctrine, training, and capabilities. Both governments agreed to share lessons to keep pace with the advancement of enemy technological advancements.

Both governments agreed to maintain progress on our shared priorities to promote human security and human rights, gender mainstreaming, and preventing violence against women and girls. Together, the United Kingdom and Nigeria will scope possibilities for enhanced support to existing security and defence training and, where possible, partner on addressing broader security issues across Nigeria.

4. Counter-terrorism and violent extremism

The United Kingdom and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to work together to respond to the shared threat of terrorism. Both countries recognised the evolving threat from terrorism and agreed to continue to share assessments. The United Kingdom welcomed Nigeria's efforts to delivering a whole of society and whole of government approach to counter-terrorism and offered strategic support as Nigeria updates its counter-terrorism strategy.

The United Kingdom welcomed progress made by the Government of Nigeria on crisis response and offered to continue strategic and operational command training via the Joint Counter-Terrorism Training and Advisory Team. The United Kingdom and Nigeria celebrated progress made through close collaboration on aviation security. The United Kingdom pledged continued security support at Lagos and Abuja airports to ensure progress is maintained. The United Kingdom committed to exploring further maritime and border security support.

The United Kingdom recognised the steps taken by Nigeria's Office of the National Security Adviser to coordinate and prioritise counter-terrorism efforts through its National Counter-Terrorism Centre. Both countries agreed a support programme from the United Kingdom to the Government of Nigeria to enhance the National Counter-Terrorism Centre and other agencies' capacity in counter-terrorism investigations, countering terrorist financing and strategic communications. Both countries agreed to the next steps for the roll-out of Nigeria's Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell to the State level with support from the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency. The United Kingdom pledged to support Nigeria's regional ambition on counter-terrorism, including establishing the National Counter-Terrorism Centre as a regional centre of expertise on counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria committed to continue working together in support of non-kinetic solutions to counter-terrorism, including reaffirming our collaboration on a comprehensive and human rights compliant disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration process. The Government of Nigeria committed to advancing the harmonisation of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration efforts in the country.

Recognising the importance of justice in effective responses to terrorism, the United Kingdom welcomed the commitment from Government of Nigeria to timely, effective, and human rights-compliant investigations and prosecutions of terrorism crimes. To support this, the United Kingdom pledged assistance to address the backlog of detainees held in military facilities in Nigeria. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their longstanding counter-terrorism partnership in line with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

5. Police and civil-military cooperation

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement the Police Act 2020, with the United Kingdom's technical expertise supporting Nigeria's development of new Police Regulations to enhance police service delivery. The United Kingdom and Nigeria acknowledged Nigeria's growing investment in civil-military structures and coordination mechanisms that sought to integrate non-kinetic, inclusive people-centred approaches within Nigeria's broader security responses. The United Kingdom and Nigerian reaffirmed their shared commitment to integrating civilian protection, civil-military cooperation and gender inclusion into Nigeria's security strategies and operational responses.

Nigeria committed to transitioning the delivery of civil-military cooperation training to its Defence Department of Civil Military Relations and broadening the offer to include the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. The United Kingdom committed to supporting the development of this capability. The United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed to co-host a Gender Symposium in Abuja in 2025 with all security actors and the UK undertook to support the implementation of Nigeria's third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

6. Human rights

The United Kingdom and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to a partnership approach on human rights supported by continued dialogue and knowledge-sharing to drive sustainable institutional improvements.

The United Kingdom committed to provide Nigeria with capacity building on strategic communications and protest management, to improve human rights posture and awareness, as well as further engagement on the Conflict, Hunger and International Humanitarian Law Handbook. Nigeria committed to engage with the National Human Rights Commission and civil society on human rights.

The Government of Nigeria committed to prevent and respond to conflict-related human rights violations through its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan. The United Kingdom committed to working with the Nigerian Armed Forces on capacity development to aid the effective implementation of the Action Plan and to sharing the experience of the British military.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to uphold democratic principles and fundamental human rights. Both governments shared lessons learned in relation to handling protests and civil disturbances. They underscored the importance of human rights compliant protest policing protocols, monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and independent oversight. The United Kingdom committed to continuing to share best practice with Nigeria, particularly in the run up to Nigeria's 2027 elections. The United Kingdom further offered the Nigerian Police Force the opportunity to observe training on public order safety before the end of 2025.

7. Cyber security

The second United Kingdom and Nigeria Cyber Dialogue focused on enhancing cooperation and capability for identifying, analysing, and mitigating cyber threats by exchanging views on policies and programmes. The United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed to share information on cyber threats enabling a more structured approach to countering malicious cyber activity, and to begin discussions on the Pall Mall Process. Both countries agreed to further cyber capacity and capability cooperation through the Africa Cyber Programme, with agreed objectives and an implementation plan.

Both sides committed to:

strengthening cyber resilience

protecting critical infrastructure

promoting inclusive and secure digital ecosystems

The United Kingdom commended Nigeria on the progress made on cyber security measures since our first cyber dialogue and welcomed the advancement of cyber threat cooperation and operational partnerships.

8. Cyber fraud

The United Kingdom and Nigeria discussed how to progress commitments made in our bilateral Fraud Memorandum of Understanding, signed in May 2025. The United Kingdom agreed to support Nigeria to develop its fraud strategy, and the United Kingdom and Nigeria committed to enhancing their operational partnership to counter fraud through increased collaboration, and capacity building, as well as increasing the opportunities to engage with the private sector.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed to operationalise their Cyber-Enabled Crime Action Plan to facilitate joint investigations and prosecutions. Both countries agreed the next steps to support their Joint Case Team including the scoping of an information sharing pilot. Both countries shared experiences of public-private partnerships in the fight against online cyber fraud and committed to joint work to enhance their impact.

The two nations agreed that the UK-Nigeria Fraud Partnership should aim to be a model framework for international collaboration.

9. Illicit and terrorist financing

The United Kingdom and Nigeria agreed a shared understanding of the threats emanating from illicit and terrorist financing and committed to work together to address them. Both countries recognised the link between the extractive industry and terrorist financing and agreed practical support from the UK to strengthen accountability in this sector. Both countries underlined the need for a multi-agency and regional response to combat terrorist financing and agreed to share learning. Both countries agreed ways to support Nigeria's financial intelligence and enforcement capabilities, including deterrence and asset recovery on gold and cryptocurrencies, working with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.

The United Kingdom commended Nigeria for the progress made in addressing recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force and welcomed the steps taken to remove Nigeria from the Grey List. The United Kingdom invited Nigeria to take part in an Illicit Finance Summit in London in 2026 to deepen our partnership in this critical area.

10. Regional security cooperation

The United Kingdom recognised Nigeria's role as key stakeholder in ensuring the security and stability of West Africa and the Sahel. The United Kingdom congratulated Nigeria on the conclusion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tenure as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Both countries underscored the importance of Nigeria's ongoing regional outreach to countries in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Both countries agreed to deepen their cooperation on security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria exchanged assessments of the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and impact on the region. The United Kingdom pledged continued support to Nigeria, and other regional partners,' to tackle insecurity, including the growing threat of terrorism and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. Both countries agreed to intensify cooperation on regional security and analytical exchange.

The United Kingdom and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to regional security cooperation via existing regional initiatives, notably the operationalisation of the Nigerian Counter Terrorism Centre as a regional centre of excellence. The United Kingdom pledged to continue to support regional security coordination via the Multi-National Joint Task Force's Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit and the CT Academy in Cote d'Ivoire (AILCT). Nigeria committed to continue to share insights into conflict drivers in the region to help the United Kingdom tailor its support to Nigerian and other regional partners' efforts.

11. Implementation and accountability

The United Kingdom and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to mutual accountability in delivering agreed priorities. The United Kingdom and Nigeria committed to collaborate to monitor progress against commitments made on an ongoing basis and prepare for the next Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue, to be held in Abuja in 2026. The next Dialogue will continue to contribute towards the wider implementation of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and continue to include cross-government participation from the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

NUHU RIBADU

National Security Adviser

Federal Government of Nigeria

JONATHAN POWELL

Prime Minister's National Security Adviser

HM Government of the United Kingdom

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Andrii Sybiha at the Helsinki+50 Conference: security of Ukraine and of Europe is indivisible

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

31 July 2025 21:24

On July 31, during his visit to Helsinki, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, took part in a panel discussion at the Helsinki+50 Conference alongside with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen, and Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh.

At the beginning of his speech, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine informed his counterparts about yet another horrific Russian attack on Ukrainian cities  once again demonstrating Moscow's true aggressive intentions.

According to the Minister, Putin "celebrated" the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act by launching a violent missile strike on Ukraine. The head of the MFA emphasized the necessity of protecting common fundamental principles and of identifying tools that can ensure their observance and strengthen the OSCE's effectiveness.

The Minister reminded that the security of Ukraine and Europe is indivisible. Strong sanctions, isolation and bringing to responsibility must become powerful tools to force Russia to peace.

"The Helsinki Final Act was not final in fact. History has never ended. Today, the history of Europe is being written with blood of Ukrainians who are fighting for freedom," said Andrii Sybiha.

The Foreign Minister of Ukraine assured that Ukraine remains committed to reforms and the fight against corruption in the context of the Verkhovna Rada's adoption of legislative measures proposed by President Zelenskyy to ensure the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.

Andrii Sybiha called for reforming the OSCE to make it a more efficient organization. The Minister emphasized the importance of having effective international mechanisms to prevent wars. He also noted that the Helsinki principles, the defense of freedom and democracy hold particular significance to the Ukrainian people and "are imprinted in their DNA".Andrii Sybiha at the Helsinki+50 Conference: security of Ukraine and of Europe is indivisible

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Denys Shmyhal: We are strengthening our strategic partnership with Italy in the defence sector

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

31 July, 2025, 6:22 PM EEST

Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal held a conversation with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crozetto.

The Defence Ministers of both countries discussed the development of joint weapons production.

Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to Italy for its contribution to the EU's 150 billion SAFE defence fund.

"In this context, we look forward to deepening our cooperation and advancing key defence projects between our countries and companies," said the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

He also thanked Italy for the weapons already supplied under military aid packages and for the preparation of additional support. Denys Shmyhal noted that Italian weapons are making a substantial contribution to countering the aggressor.

Ukraine's Defence Minister informed his counterpart about the overnight attack on Kyiv, which killed several civilians, including a child, and also reported strikes targeting residential areas in Kramatorsk. The parties discussed the possibility of additional air defence system supplies.

"We feel strong support from our Italian friends. Our strategic partnership in the defence sector continues to grow. Italy's solidarity with Ukraine is deeply appreciated," summarised Denys Shmyhal.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Parliament approves UAH 412 billion increase in defense spending

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

31 July, 2025, 2:41 PM EEST

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has approved a law ensuring timely payments to service members.

Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked Members of Parliament for approving amendments to the 2025 State Budget that increase spending on security and defense by UAH 412 billion.

UAH 115 billion of this amount is allocated for timely and stable financial support of the Defence Forces.

UAH 216 billion has been designated for the procurement and manufacturing of weapons, military equipment, and drones.

The remainder will be used to cover other critical and urgent military needs.

"We support our defenders, reinforce our defense, and together bring our peaceful future closer," stated Denys Shmyhal.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Minister Tsahkna: With total escalation, Russia is undermining all peace efforts

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

01.08.2025 | 19:25

On 1 August, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Russia, through increasingly intense missile and drone attacks, is undermining the efforts of all countries calling for a swift end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.

"While much of the world  led by Ukraine, the United States, and European countries  is calling for a ceasefire, Russia continues its increasingly brutal airstrikes on Ukrainian cities," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

"In July alone, Russia launched over 9,000 glide bombs, drones, and missiles toward Ukraine. On the night before the last day of July alone, these attacks killed at least 31 people in Kyiv  a European capital  including five children," the minister added.

According to Tsahkna, Russia's increasingly intense attacks against Ukraine's civilian population show that it disregards calls for peace from the international community. Instead, it continues its efforts to subjugate Ukraine in an especially cruel manner  not only on the battlefield, but through systematic aerial terror against cities and civilian infrastructure.

"Political and economic pressure on Russia must increase further. The 18th sanctions package adopted recently by the EU was very strong, and by tightening sanctions even more, it is possible to deliver a final blow to Russia's already struggling economy and strip it of the ability to continue its aggression," the foreign minister said.

"It is also essential to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient resources to stand up to Russia on the battlefield and has the air defense systems needed to protect its population. Germany's announcement today of delivering two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as well as the additional military aid planned by NATO Allies, are the right steps  and a clear signal that support for Ukraine remains strong," Tsahkna said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Comment by Foreign Minister Tsahkna on the law ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions adopted on 31 July in Ukraine

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

01.08.2025 | 10:31

Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the law ensuring the independence of anti-corruption institutions adopted on 31 July in Ukraine.

"The law adopted in Ukraine on 31 July, which gained the votes of 331 members of parliament, is an important and decisive step that reaffirms Ukraine's commitment to fighting corruption, and to its European future.

Independent institutions, such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) are the pillars of a democratic and functioning rule of law, and reinforcing them is a central part of joining the European Union. The law enshrines the independence of anti-corruption institutions and reiterates NABU's exclusive right to investigate high-level corruption. Other law enforcement agencies can intervene only in exceptional cases during the state of war and only with the permission of the head of SAPO or prosecutor general.

These changes are an important signal to both the Ukrainian society as well as international partners that Ukraine continues on its path of anti-corruption reforms and upholding the rule of law.

Estonia continues its solid support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression and is sharing its experience in state reform and European integration. Estonia stands firmly by Ukraine."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign ministers of Poland and Ukraine meet in Chobielin

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

01.08.2025

The chief diplomats of Poland and Ukraine, Radosaw Sikorski and Andrii Sybiha, met in Chobielin (in Poland's Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province) on August 1st. Held in a snug setting, the talks focused on bilateral cooperation and continued assistance to Kyiv, among other topics.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosaw Sikorski highlighted that Poland plays a key role in striving for a peaceful conclusion to Russia's aggression in Ukraine and in the latter country's post-war reconstruction and EU membership. Also discussed were matters of consistent military aid, the shared strategic interests like peace and security, and unwavering support in political and social issues.

The top diplomats concentrated on security challenges. Minister Sikorski stressed the significance of the successive tranches of EU's military aid and noted that the US has resumed its support, while Russia and its allied countries have been targeted with comprehensive sanctions.

The focus of the bilateral issues on the agenda was on historical dialogue and a bilateral agreement to regulate the Polish minority's education status. Minister Sikorski said that there has been progress in searching for and exhuming the victims of the Wolhyn massacre and that it is important to keep up with Polish education in Ukraine, speaking highly of the current Poland-Ukraine relations.

Minister Sikorski reiterated that Poland supports Ukraine's efforts to join the EU, making a point about the role of the amending provisions that ensure the autonomy of anti-corruption institutions and highlighting that their work must be effective.

To wrap up the event, the two foreign ministers made statements and gave a press conference.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






World Bank to provide 700-mln-USD loan to boost Philippines' resilience to natural disasters

Xinhua) 14:04, August 02, 2025

MANILA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has said it will provide 700 million U.S. dollars for a project to strengthen the Philippines' resilience to natural disasters and climate change.

Approximately 18 million households in the Philippines are expected to become less vulnerable to natural disasters in the coming years, due to enhanced community-led planning and infrastructure investments, the World Bank said in a press release on Thursday.

Of the total 874.35 million dollars, the World Bank will provide 700 million dollars through an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan. The Philippine government will provide the remaining 174.35 million dollars.

The Philippines ranks at the top of the World Risk Index due to its high vulnerability and exposure to cyclical extreme events, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, the World Bank said.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A new survey has revealed Cambodian youth's strong affinity for Chinese culture and tourism, a prominent researcher said on Saturday.

Conducted recently by the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center (CMSRRC) of the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the Center for Cambodian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, the survey interviewed 2,200 Cambodian Gen Z youth.

"The findings reveal a deep and multifaceted connection between Cambodian youth and Chinese culture, tourism, and educational opportunities, while also highlighting areas for further engagement and improvement," CMSRRC Director Neak Chandarith told Xinhua.

According to the survey, China emerged as the overwhelming favorite travel destination among Cambodian youth, with an impressive 92.2 percent of respondents expressing a desire to visit the country.

This preference underscores China's unique appeal to Cambodian youth, driven by its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural landscapes, the survey said, adding that the advanced education system and diverse cuisine further enhance China's attractiveness.

The results found that Beijing and Shanghai stood out as the most desired cities to visit, reflecting a dual interest in China's capital which has a long history and its modern financial hub.

According to the results, Cambodian youth hold a highly favorable view of Chinese tourists, as Chinese tourists were perceived as the most respectful toward Cambodian culture, the results said.

Additionally, the results revealed that recognition of major Chinese festivals in the Southeast Asian country was exceptionally high.

The Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, was recognized by 96.7 percent of respondents, followed by the Qingming Festival (92.4 percent), and the Mid-Autumn Festival (86.2 percent).

The survey also indicated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has found a strong foothold among young Cambodians, with 70.8 percent expressing willingness to try TCM treatments.

Of these, 96.1 percent believed in TCM's therapeutic efficacy to varying degrees.

The results also showed that Chinese films enjoy widespread popularity among Cambodian youth, with over 97 percent expressing interest.

This enthusiasm highlights the soft power of Chinese culture and its ability to captivate and inspire Cambodian youth, the results added.

The survey found that 89.4 percent of the respondents said that youth exchange programs between Cambodia and China were seen as highly valuable, particularly for educational opportunities.

These programs offer Cambodian youth the chance to gain firsthand experience of Chinese culture, language, and education, fostering mutual understanding and personal growth.

"The overwhelming preference for China as a travel destination, coupled with the widespread recognition of Chinese festivals and the popularity of Chinese films, demonstrates the deep cultural resonance between the two nations," Chandarith said.

He added that the openness to TCM and the enthusiasm for youth exchange programs further highlight the potential for even stronger people-to-people connections.

"By addressing information gaps and language barriers, Cambodia and China can build on this foundation of mutual interest and appreciation to foster deeper cultural and educational exchanges," he said. 
As Trump's Deadline For A Ukraine Peace Deal Draws Close, Here's What To Watch

By Steve Gutterman August 01, 2025

Not long after he gave Russia 10 days to stop the war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said unequivocally on July 31 that the United States will "put sanctions" on Moscow over its lack of movement toward a cease-fire or peace deal with Kyiv.

At the same time, he said it was unclear whether financial punishments would push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward a truce and told reporters his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would travel to Moscow after a trip to Israel, where he arrived on August 1.

If Trump imposes sanctions on Russia before or after the 10-day deadline he announced earlier this week passes on August 8, it will be the first time he has penalized the Kremlin in the more six months since he took office in January following campaign promises to swiftly broker an end to the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

The threat of new sanctions comes as Russia pushes forward on the battlefield and pounds Ukrainian cities with air strikes such as a missile and drone attack that killed at least 31 people, five of whom were children, in Kyiv this week - relentless attacks that Trump called "disgusting" in his remarks on July 31.

Could it lead to a turning point in the war? Here's what to watch.

Will Witkoff Make A Difference?

While Trump suggested that the imposition of sanctions is now unavoidable, dispatching Witkoff, who has met with Putin multiple times since January, could be a last-ditch effort to make the Kremlin budge ahead of the deadline.



But the chances of that seem slim, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that unannounced talks this week with "some of Putin's top people" had brought no progress on "arriving at some understanding on a path forward that would lead to peace."

Three rounds of direct talks in Istanbul in May and June also left Russia and Ukraine miles apart on key hurdles to any cease-fire or comprehensive peace agreement.



"Russia will not make any further concessions," Prague-based political commentator Ivan Preobrazhensky told Current Time on August 1.

"The Kremlin realized that Trump has figured out he's being led on. As a result, Moscow is essentially preparing for a rupture in relations -- going back to the format that existed about six months ago under Joe Biden."

The flipside: Putin could see Witkoff's visit as a chance to convince the White House to back down on the sanctions threat or reverse its current course and return to laying a large chunk of the blame for the lack of progress toward peace on Kyiv, as Trump had been doing until recent weeks, when he began showing increasing frustration with Russia.



While Trump has directed his ire at Moscow lately, he has also stressed that it takes two sides to make a deal and that Ukraine must do "what they have to do" to end the war. "Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a cease-fire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal," John Kelley, the acting US representative to the UN, said on July 31.



So, even though Ukraine has agreed to a cease-fire proposed by Trump and Russia has not, Moscow may see an opening for a bid to get Washington to press Kyiv for concessions.

What Sanctions - And Will They Work?

Trump has not said exactly what sanctions he plans to impose, but he has made clear they could include "very severe tariffs" on Russia itself and, as he said on July 28, "maybe...secondary tariffs" on countries that trade with Moscow.



The former would probably have little impact, analysts say, because the volume of US-Russian trade is small. Secondary tariffs could be far more significant, particularly when it comes to oil and gas, Russia's most lucrative exports. In an interview with Fox News Radio, Rubio noted that oil exports bring in "a huge part" of Russia's revenue.



But there are risks: China, India, and Turkey are by far the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil, and they are also among the top customers for its oil products, so secondary tariffs could complicate relations with all three.

Meanwhile, the rewards are uncertain, with the Kremlin showing no signs of moving toward making any concessions and China seemingly unwilling to abandon its support for Russia's war on Ukraine.



Rubio said that Trump has "a lot of options," including secondary sanctions on sales of Russian oil and "sectoral banking sanctions that would also be very powerful." But in his own remarks on July 31, Trump seemed to play down the chances that punitive measures could sway Putin.



"I don't know that sanctions bother him," he said.

Will Trump Lean In Or Walk Away?

Sanctions aside, a crucial question is whether Trump will continue to show an interest in ending Russia's war against Ukraine in the coming months, or will he walk away, as he and other administration officials have repeatedly suggested he might.



At some point, Trump will have to decide "how much to continue to engage in an effort to do cease-fires if one of the two sides is not interested in one," Rubio said, adding that "obviously the president's not going to wait forever."



Even before his election last November, Trump had hinted he might use a combination of sanctions on Russia and support for Kyiv, mainly in the form of weapons supplies, to push the countries toward a peace deal.



On the question of arms for Kyiv, it's unclear how far Trump is willing to go. On July 14, when he set a 50-day deadline for peace -- which he reduced this week to 10 days -- he also announced plans to bolster Ukraine's arsenal, but not through direct deliveries.



Instead, he described an arrangement in which NATO members would send existing weapons like Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and backfill them by buying new ones from the United States - or simply buy US weapons and ship them to Kyiv.

But there are questions about how many weapons will get to Ukraine this way in the near future, and how quickly they will get there.



Meanwhile, Trump has not authorized new arms deliveries to Ukraine under a program, frequently used by his predecessor Joe Biden, that gives the president the power to send weapons from existing stockpiles. When Trump took office, there was about $4 billion available under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).

What Will Happen On The Battlefield?

Ukrainian forces have made few gains on the battlefield since a major counteroffensive fizzled in 2023. Russia has been taking additional territory ever since -- albeit slowly and a huge cost in terms of casualties.



When Trump announced the 50-day deadline on July 14, critics warned that it would give Russia more time to push further forward before facing sanctions or other measures, weakening Kyiv's position in any talks over territory.

The much shorter deadline mitigates those concerns, and analysts said that in any case, Russia does not have the capacity to take the entirety of what it baselessly claims as its own - the mainland regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson, in addition to Crimea -- anytime soon.



So far, though, Russia has shown no sign of letting up in its efforts to advance on the ground, and there is no indication that the July 8 deadline - or the sanctions likely to ensue - will change that.

AFP on August 1, citing its own research, said Russia launched more drones at Ukraine in July than in any month since it launched its 2022 invasion.



The same day, Putin projected confidence, saying Moscow's goal for the war remain unchanged while asserting that Russian forces are moving forward along the entire front line despite what he described as the West's desire to stop their advance.



"In the coming months, Russia will increase pressure on Ukraine and will, of course, attempt a new offensive before the cold sets in," Preobrazhensky told Current Time, the Russian-language TV and digital network run by RFE/RL.

(Current Time contributed to this report)

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-russia-threat- sanctions-trump/33491994.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






Kyiv Death Toll Hits 31 In Russian Air Attack Trump Calls 'Disgusting'

By RFE/RL August 01, 2025

US President Donald Trump again displayed anger with Russia following its latest deadly attack on Kyiv -- a strike that killed 31 people, including five children -- calling the action "disgusting" and vowing to slap new sanctions on Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post on August 1 that rescue operations after the "vile attack" had now ended, with 159 others injured. Among the dead, he added, was a two-year-old.

"Once again, this vile strike by Russia demonstrates the need for increased pressure on Moscow and additional sanctions. No matter how much the Kremlin denies their effectiveness, sanctions do work - and they must be strengthened," he wrote.

Speaking earlier at the White House, Trump said the United States plans to impose new sanctions on Moscow, without being specific.

But he added that "I don't know that sanctions bother him," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Western nations have imposed a long series of financial measures against Russia, causing the economy to crater as they seek to deny the funding needed to finance the Kremlin's war.

"Russia, I think it's disgusting what they're doing," Trump told reporters.

"I think what Russia's doing is very sad. A lot of Russians are dying."

The US president said his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would travel to Moscow following a trip to Israel, where he is discussing the situation in Gaza with Israeli officials. He did not provide an itinerary for Witkoff's Moscow stop.

"He's going to Russia. Believe it or not," Trump told reporters.

The remarks come hours after Zelenskyy called for "regime change" in the Kremlin, saying it was the only way to prevent Russia from attempting to "destabilize" the region in the future.

Speaking remotely to an event marking 50 years since the signing of the Cold War-era Helsinki Final Act, Zelenskyy on July 31 said he believed it was still possible for Western allies to "push" Russia to stop its war on Ukraine.

"But if the world doesn't aim to change the regime in Russia, that means even after the war ends, Moscow will still try to destabilize neighboring countries," Zelenskyy said.

"Today, we clearly know what is needed to bring peace back to Europe, to force Russia into peace, to end this war," he said later during his nightly video address.

"There will be new sanctions against Russia and new strong steps in support of Ukraine. I thank everyone around the world who is helping," he added.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations, senior US diplomat John Kelley told the Security Council on July 31 that Trump is adamant about an announced August 8 deadline for a cease-fire deal to be reached in Ukraine.

"Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a cease-fire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8," he said.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the situation in Ukraine later on August 1.

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that, after waiting through six months of diplomacy, Trump will soon be forced to decide how actively to continue his efforts toward a cease-fire if one side refuses to accept a truce.

Rubio said US and Russian officials had conducted private negotiations on the Kremlin's war in Ukraine but that Washington saw "no progress" in the talks.

Trump, who has said he was "very disappointed" with Putin for refusing to end the war, announced on July 29 that he would shorten his previously announced 50-day deadline for the Russian leader to reach a cease-fire deal to "10-12 days."

Trump had said the United States would slap new tariffs on Russia should it refuse to accept a cease-fire. Zelenskyy has said he is ready to accept such a truce and has suggested a direct meeting with Putin -- which the Kremlin has rejected.

Putin hasn't commented publicly on the new deadline, but on August 1 said he hoped peace talks can continue and make progress.

However, he again showed little room for compromise, reiterating that Moscow's goals remain the same.

Though Putin did not list the goals, Russia has put forth several conditions for peace on numerous occasions that Kyiv says are unacceptable.

Among them: Ukraine ceding five regions that Moscow claims as its own, including the parts that its forces do not occupy; permanent neutrality for Ukraine; and strict limits on the size of its military.

As progress toward a cease-fire appears stalled, the violence and killing continued among the civilian population in Ukraine.

Following the July 30-31 attacks on Kyiv, authorities on August 1 said that at least 11 people were injured in a massive Russian drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Officials saidthe drones hit near a residential building.

Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, said on August 1 that during conversations with British, French, German, and Italian officials, Kyiv had received "positive signals" on the White House ratcheting up pressure on Moscow.

"The partners confirmed the presence of positive signals from the White House regarding decisive action against the Russian Federation, in particular, regarding sanctions on Russian oil and secondary duties after the expiration of the 10-day deadline set by President Donald Trump," Yermak wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskyy on August 1 spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to the U.K. government. The two agreed that "it was clear Russia was the only barrier to peace," an official summary of the conversation said.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, described the Russian attacks on August 1 as "depraved."

"More weapons for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia are the fastest way to end the war. Getting more air defenses to Ukraine fast is our priority," she said in a social media post that included a picture of the bloc's flag at half-mast.

With reporting by Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-disgusting-putin- russia-ukraine-kyiv-ceasefire/33491320.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






Russia's 2024 Conditions on Ukraine Remain Unchanged - Putin

Sputnik News

20250801

The talks are always in demand and important, President Putin said, commenting on the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

The main thing is to eradicate the causes of the Ukrainian conflict, Putin told journalists following his meeting with Belorussian President Lukashenko.

The conditions set by Russia regarding the Ukrainian issues announced in summer of 2024 remain unchanged.

They include:

Ukraine pledging not to join any military blocs

Ukraine maintaining its non-nuclear status

Recognizing the Donetsk People's Republic, the Lugansk People's Republic, the Kherson and Zaporozhye region as Russian territories

Lifting anti-Russia sanctions

It is necessary to discuss steps required to establish long-term peace in Ukraine without any time restrictions.

If Kiev believes it is not yet necessary to deal with Moscow, Russia can wait.

Russia finds it sensible to discuss the Ukrainian settlement in context of Pan-European security.

Russia handed over thousands of bodies of dead soldiers to Ukraine and received dozens of bodies of its own dead soldiers

Putin also said that the Russian armed forces are advancing along the entire fron line.

"Information about Russian troops taking control of Chasov Yar is completely true," Putin said, adding that attempts are being made by Ukrainian army to counterattack there.

Lukashenko's Statements

Ukrainians are demanding impossible in terms of the settlement of the conflict with Russia.

If US President Trump wants peace in Ukraine, he should carefully engage in the settlement process.

Lukashenko said he agreed with Putin to include Minsk in the negotiations with Ukraine if necessary.

The leader of Belarus stressed that he absolutely supports Putin's position concerning the negotiations with Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Talks in Istanbul

The third round of Russia-Ukraine talks took place in Istanbul on July 23 and lasted about an hour.

The talks were held at the Ciragan Palace in a closed format after the heads of the delegations  Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Ukrainian National Security Council Secretary Rustem Umerov  had a private meeting.

Among other things, the issue of returning civilians from Russia's Kursk Region displaced by military action was discussed, Medinsky said following the negotiations.

A Russia-Ukraine high-level meeting should conclude the settlement process and finalize the results of expert-level work, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists following the third round of talks in Istanbul.

At the moment, Moscow and Kiev's approaches are diametrically opposed, and it is unlikely they can be reconciled overnight, he emphasized.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Denys Shmyhal: Germany to supply Ukraine with two more Patriot systems

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

1 August, 2025, 1:13 PM EEST

Ukraine will receive two additional Patriot air defense systems from Germany.

"The importance of their transfer was discussed this week with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius," said Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, in the coming days, the Bundeswehr will deliver additional Patriot launchers as the initial stage. In the second stage, over the next two to three months, further components of the systems will be delivered.

"This is the result of joint efforts by the United States, Germany, and other NATO member states. We are grateful to all our partners involved in this project. More air defense capabilities for Ukraine mean more lives saved," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






It Is Very Important That the Prospect of New Sanctions Has Now Begun to Put Pressure on Russia - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

1 August 2025 - 20:19

Dear Ukrainians!

Today, the search operations at the site of the Russian strike on Kyiv have concluded - a regular residential building, a direct hit. The missile killed 28 people. In total, the city suffered 31 fatalities from that strike, including 5 children. Children born in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2018, and even 2022. My condolences to the families and loved ones. This was one of the most brutal Russian strikes on Kyiv. One hundred fifty-nine people were injured. Ordinary buildings, enterprises, and even one of Kyiv's mosques were hit. There was no military purpose at all. Many around the world have supported Ukraine, many have condemned Russian terror, their strikes, and their Russian refusal to end the war. Ceasefire proposals have been made long ago - Ukrainian proposals, U.S. proposals, and many others around the world have communicated this to the Russians. Each time, the only response from there has been attempts to gain more time for war, more time for terror. Russia does not operate otherwise. So it is very important that the prospect of new sanctions, strong sanctions, has now begun to put pressure on Russia - and not only against the aggressor state itself. All Russian finances, every scheme that fills the Russian budget, must be targeted by the world. Only this will convince Moscow to genuinely work for peace. Ukraine is grateful to the United States, grateful to Europe, and all our other friends around the world who strive for peace. Ukraine is ready to work as swiftly as possible for the sake of peace. We all clearly understand what steps are needed. We understand who calls the shots in Russia, and thus Ukraine is once again offering to move beyond technical talks - not to exchange statements, but to actually meet at the level of leaders. I want to thank President Trump for his readiness for such a meeting. I am grateful to everyone who has supported this. Russia's readiness is needed. The Head of the Office, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will continue communication with our partners on this matter. Today, I spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, including about such diplomatic efforts, about contacts with our partners. I am grateful to the United Kingdom for their readiness to assist. Of course, it is important that we can count on further defense support and political cooperation.

There were reports today from our government officials: Yuliia Svyrydenko, the Ministers of Defense, Economy, and Finance. We discussed our work with partners - decisions we are making and financial matters. We are ensuring all aspects of resilience for our country as needed. The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported on the elimination of the aftermath of Russian strikes.

Also today, I held a session summarizing the results of a meeting with our people who were released from Russian captivity. That meeting took place on Monday. It was very-very substantive; many issues were raised: post-captivity rehabilitation, guarantee of all rights, restoration of documents, and social reintegration. A very sensitive matter is the return of civilians from captivity. Andriy Yermak reported on decisions already developed by our Coordination Headquarters, those that are already being implemented. A bill is also being drafted that ensures protection and proper recovery after captivity. It concerns illnesses acquired during captivity. Therefore, it is only fair that assistance be equivalent to that provided for illnesses acquired while serving in the Defense Forces. Ihor Klymenko reported on the rehabilitation of former prisoners. Kyrylo Budanov reported on preparations for new exchanges - I hope that all of this will be successful and that we will implement it all. I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine, all who work and all who fight for our state.

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer Discuss Increased Drone Production and Sanctions Against Russia

President of Ukraine

1 August 2025 - 16:20

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer to coordinate next steps.

Keir Starmer expressed his condolences over the deaths of 31 people, including five children, as a result of the massive Russian strike on Kyiv on Thursday night. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him for his support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The leaders discussed the need to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and expand drone production capacity, particularly of interceptor drones. The President and the Prime Minister agreed to work together on solutions to address the financial needs.

The conversation also focused on increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. The Russian Federation genuinely fears sanctions, despite its attempts to pretend that it couldn't care less. It is crucial that all sanctions decisions are synchronized and coordinated. This will restrict Russia's ability to continue the war and will help bring about a just and lasting peace.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer also discussed cooperation with American partners, including coordination of actions with U.S. President Donald Trump, and possible formats for peace negotiations at the level of leaders.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom aligned their positions ahead of upcoming international events and planned further diplomatic engagement with partners in Europe and the United States.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A mandate for change: UN releases proposals for streamlining of tasks as part of major reform agenda

1 August 2025 - Millions of lives have been improved by the mandates assigned to the UN. Yet duplication, fragmentation and outdated tasks are stretching resources and undermining the organization's ability to deliver for those who need it most. As part of the UN80 Initiative, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has presented a set of proposals to Member States to make the UN more efficient, coherent and impactful.

Mandates - requests or directives for action issued by the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council - have multiplied significantly since 1945. Today, there are more than 40,000 active mandates, serviced by around 400 intergovernmental bodies. Together, they require more than 27,000 meetings a year and generate roughly 2,300 pages of documentation every day, at an estimated annual cost of $360 million.

A growing challenge

Mandates guide the UN's work in over 190 countries and territories, from peacekeeping to humanitarian response and development. But many are outdated or overlapping, and their complexity is increasing. Since 2020, the average word count of General Assembly resolutions has risen by 55 per cent, while Security Council resolutions are now three times longer than they were 30 years ago.

"Let's face facts," said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a briefing to the General Assembly on Friday, "we cannot expect far greater impact without the means to deliver. By spreading our capacities so thin, we risk becoming more focused on process than on results."

A lack of coordination adds to the strain. Several UN entities cite the same mandates to justify separate programmes and budgets, leading to duplication and reduced impact. More than 85 per cent of mandates contain no provisions for review or termination. "Effective reviews are the exception, not the rule," Mr. Guterres said. "The same mandates are discussed year after year - often with only marginal changes to existing texts."

The UN80 Initiative: a systemic approach

The Report of the Mandate Implementation Review, released on 31 July, is part of the Secretary-General's broader UN80 Initiative - a multi-year effort to modernize how the UN works. Rather than assess mandates individually, the report takes a "lifecycle" approach, looking at how mandates are created, implemented and reviewed, and proposing ways to improve each stage.

"Let me be absolutely clear: mandates are the business of Member States," Mr. Guterres told the General Assembly. "They are the expression of your will. And they are the sole property and responsibility of Member States. The vital task of creating, reviewing or retiring them lies with you - and you alone. Our role is to implement them - fully, faithfully, and efficiently."

"This report respects that division," he added. "It looks at how we carry out the mandates you entrust to us."

From creation to delivery

To address duplication and complexity, the report calls for digital mandate registries that make it easier to track what has been adopted across different bodies. It also encourages shorter, clearer resolutions with realistic resource requirements. "We cannot expect far greater impact without the means to deliver," Mr. Guterres said.

The report also highlights the growing operational burden of meetings and reports. Last year, the UN system supported 27,000 meetings and produced 1,100 reports - three out of five on recurring topics. "Meetings and reports are essential," Mr. Guterres said. "But we must ask: Are we using our limited resources in the most effective way?"

Funding and impact

Proposals include reducing the number of reports and meetings, streamlining formats and monitoring report usage to ensure relevance. The Secretary-General is also calling for stronger coordination among UN entities to avoid overlap and ensure each mandate is linked to clear deliverables.

The report warns that fragmented funding is undermining coherent delivery. In 2023, 80 per cent of the UN's funding came from voluntary contributions, 85 per cent of which were earmarked. "Fragmented funding, combined with fragmented implementation, leads to fragmented impact," said Mr. Guterres. "Each of us has a role to play to address this. And each of us must act on the levers within our control."

Putting people first

For the Secretary-General, reforms are not only about process but about impact. "Mandates are not ends in themselves," he said. "They are tools - to deliver real results, in real lives, in the real world."

He praised UN staff as central to this effort. "None of the work in implementing mandates is possible without our staff - the women and men of the United Nations," Mr. Guterres said. "Their expertise, dedication and courage are indispensable to this endeavor. If we are to improve how we implement mandates, we must also support and empower the people who carry them out."

A call to Member States

In his concluding remarks, the Secretary-General underscored that the next steps must come from Member States. "The path forward is yours to decide," he said. "My responsibility is to ensure that the Secretariat provides the capacities and inputs required by the course of action that you choose."

The report invites Member States to consider a time-bound intergovernmental process to carry proposals forward and ensure that this effort succeeds where earlier ones have fallen short. The upshot, the report says, would be a more agile, coherent and impactful UN that is better at delivering programmes and services.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address










SINGAPORE, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ostium , a decentralized trading platform, has announced the launch of a new leveraged trading instrument: 0DTE perpetuals for equities. The instrument combines intraday expiry with perpetual structure, offering day traders up to 100x leverage on individual stocks during market hours  a structural innovation aimed at addressing the limitations of traditional options and CFDs.

The product launch introduces a new instrument category that unifies the simplicity of perpetual swaps with the risk-management features of 0DTE (zero days to expiry) options. These 0DTE perpetuals allow traders to open high-leverage positions during the day that are automatically reduced or closed prior to market close, mitigating overnight gap risk.

Perpetual futures dominate crypto markets because traders prefer instruments with linear payouts and no expiries, said Kaledora Kiernan-Linn, CEO of Ostium. Yet in stock markets, there hasn't been a direct equivalent. Our 0DTE perps fill that gap by offering high leverage with intraday control, and rolling flexibility for positions a trader wants to extend beyond a single session.

Solving Gaps in Traditional Instruments

In equity markets such as the US and India, short-dated options, especially 0DTE contracts, have become widely used for intraday strategies due to their affordability and leverage. However, these options require precise timing and modeling of factors like time decay and implied volatility, which can lead to losses even when a traders directional thesis is correct.

CFDs, while offering linear payouts and higher leverage in some jurisdictions, typically do not support substantial leverage on stocks due to overnight risk. As a result, most CFD platforms limit leverage or impose rollover costs and restrictions on holding positions.

The new 0DTE perps from Ostium are designed to address these structural constraints. They separate the intraday and overnight trading regimes, allowing positions with over 10x leverage to auto-close shortly before market close. Positions with lower leverage can remain open and roll forward to the next trading day without interruption.

Key Product Characteristics

Unified Instrument : A single position behaves like a 0DTE contract or a perpetual swap depending on how it's managed, without requiring manual rollovers.

: A single position behaves like a 0DTE contract or a perpetual swap depending on how it's managed, without requiring manual rollovers. Intraday High Leverage : Traders can use up to 100x leverage during market hours when liquidity and price discovery are robust.

: Traders can use up to 100x leverage during market hours when liquidity and price discovery are robust. Auto Risk Management : Positions above 10x leverage are automatically closed 15 minutes before the trading session ends.

: Positions above 10x leverage are automatically closed 15 minutes before the trading session ends. On-Chain Transparency: Trades are executed onchain, offering transparency and settlement finality.

Unlike traditional options, which require managing multiple expiries and strike prices, Ostiums approach allows for liquidity to concentrate into a single instrument per asset. This design may improve order book depth and reduce slippage.

Availability and Market Scope

Ostiums 0DTE perpetuals are now available for a growing set of individual stocks, including popular high-volatility names. The launch follows extensive internal testing and is part of Ostiums roadmap to expand decentralized access to leveraged equity trading.

By delivering an instrument that blends linear returns, predictable structure, intraday flexibility, and controlled risk exposure, Ostium aims to provide traders with a product that aligns with real-world trading preferences already reflected in the growth of perps and 0DTE strategies globally.

For more information or to start trading, visit: https://ostium.io

Media Contact

Kaledora Kiernan-Linn

press@ostium.io

Website: https://ostium.io

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Ostium. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18a2ed80-23ed-4a93-9f5d-7665215f8fe7
Las Vegas, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant is thrilled to announce a new addition to their expanding menu to delight the taste buds of food lovers across Las Vegas. Famous for their wide variety of traditional Thai and Chinese dishes, the restaurant now presents the Best Chow Mein Combination in Las Vegas as a part of their diverse offerings. This addition underscores the restaurant's dedication to mixing authentic flavors with varied dining preferences.

For eaters looking for a blend of delightful textures and tastes, this new chow mein combination is a must-try. Known for its careful preparation, the dish features fresh vegetables, tender meats, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coming together in a harmonious blend. Available now, it shows how Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant remains committed to delivering top-quality dining experiences in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

"The introduction of this new chow mein combination aligns with our mission to bring diverse flavors to our customers," says a spokeperson from Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant. "We aim to offer a memorable dining experience for everyone, and our growing menu reflects our commitment to bringing high satisfaction to our valued guests."

Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant isn't just about expanding its menu. It serves as a hub for traditional Thai and Chinese culinary offerings, tailored with a modern twist to fit today's tastes. Whether eaters choose to dine in or take out, each meal is crafted with great attention to detail, ensuring an enjoyable culinary journey.

The restaurant prioritizes quality and authenticity by sourcing fresh ingredients, ensuring the vibrant flavors of each meal. Now, guests can enjoy dishes from a menu that embodies the restaurant's passion for excellence and customer satisfaction. This includes both fan favorites and the newly introduced chow mein, which offers a mix of traditional and new-age recipes. For more about their diverse menu, including the variety of entrees, appetizers, and desserts, visit their official website.

Check out their website to discover more about the new chow mein and other offerings. The menu continues to represent the restaurant's commitment to quality and authentic dining experiences, as their culinary team tirelessly works to meet and exceed customer expectations. Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant strives to offer diners unforgettable moments, with each dish highlighting their depth of expertise and passion for food.

In addition to appealing to a wide variety of tastes, the restaurant is built upon strong community values, aiming to create memorable experiences. Diners can enjoy flavors that evoke the comfort of home-cooked meals, accompanied by excellent service from skilled staff in a warm environment.

"We're excited to be a part of the community, offering flavors that remind many of home and cherished moments," says a spokesperson from Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant. "Our goal is to continually improve what we offer, creating a warm space where folks can come together for a fantastic meal."

Blending traditional recipes with modern techniques ensures that each visit becomes more than just a meal  it's a voyage through rich culinary artistry. Whether foodies are there for a casual meal or a special occasion, the restaurant combines the essence of Thai and Chinese culinary traditions with the vibrant Las Vegas dining scene.

The chow mein combination is another step in cementing the restaurant's status as a top destination for delicious and authentic Asian cuisine. Customers curious about the menu's new highlight can explore details and options through this link: https://www.kungfuplaza.com/entrees/noodles-stir-fried/741-chow-mein-vegetable. Here, locals and visitors alike can find out why this dish is a standout addition to the local dining scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxfsRvj8Eqs

Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant warmly invites everyone to enjoy the Best Chow Mein Combination in Las Vegas, emphasizing excellent flavors and memorable dining moments. As they embrace new culinary developments, the restaurant stays true to delivering the warmth and tradition of their classic menu offerings. Learn more about how to order online or avail their delivery services by visiting their website.

###

For more information about Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, contact the company here:



Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant

Alan Wong

702-247-4120

aw@kungfurestaurants.com

3505 S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHARC International Systems Inc. (CSE: SHRC) (FSE: IWIA) (OTCQB: INTWF) ("SHARC Energy" or the Company) would like to announce its intention to complete a non-brokered private placement of secured convertible debentures (each, a Debenture) with a principal amount of up to $1,500,000 (the Offering). The Debenture is secured against all present and after acquired assets of the Company.

The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 8.0% per annum and mature on the date that is 24 months from the date of issuance (the Maturity Date). The holder will have the option to extend the Maturity Date for a period of 12 months and receive all accrued and unpaid interest in cash or in common shares in the capital of the Company (Common Shares) at a price of $0.10 per Common Share (the Conversion Price). Additionally, the outstanding principal amount owed under a Debenture may be converted into Common Shares at the Conversion Price at the option of the holder at any time on or prior to the last business day prior to the Maturity Date. The Company may from time to time, in its sole discretion, prepay all or a part of the principal amount and accrued interest without penalty.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for working capital purposes as the Company continues to fulfil the shipment and delivery of SHARC and PIRANHA WET systems.

The Company may pay a finders fee in connection with the Offering to eligible arms length finders in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

The securities of the Company referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities of the Company may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The above Offering is being carried out in place of the previously announced offering on June 20, 2025, which is now cancelled.

About SHARC Energy

SHARC International Systems Inc. is a world leader in energy recovery from the wastewater we send down the drain every day. SHARC Energy's systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating one of the most energy-efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water production for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings along with thermal energy networks, commonly referred to as District Energy.

SHARC Energy is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: SHRC), the United States (OTCQB: INTWF) and Germany (Frankfurt: IWIA) and you can find out more on our SEDAR profile.

Learn more about SHARC Energy: Website | Investor Page | LinkedIn | YouTube | PIRANHA | SHARC

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fred Andriano

Chairman

For investor inquiries, please contact: For media inquiries, please contact: Hanspaul Pannu

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

SHARC Energy

Telephone: (604) 475-7710 ext. 4

Email: hanspaul.pannu@sharcenergy.com Mike Tanyi

Director of Marketing & IT

SHARC Energy

Telephone: 604.475.7710 Ext.109

Email: mike.tanyi@sharcenergy.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as anticipate, plan, estimate, expect, may, will, intend, should, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. SHARC Energys actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information because of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. SHARC Energy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Companys expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.
A woman protests against former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in Bogota, Colombia, Aug. 1, 2025. Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest in the first instance after being found guilty of witness tampering and procedural fraud, becoming the first former head of state in the country's history to be criminally convicted. (Photo by Andres Moreno/Xinhua)

BOGOTA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was sentenced to 12 years of house arrest in the first instance after being found guilty of witness tampering and procedural fraud, becoming the first former head of state in the country's history to be criminally convicted.

Judge Sandra Heredia delivered the sentence on Friday in Bogota, ordering Uribe to serve his term at his residence in Rionegro, Antioquia department. He is also barred from holding public office for more than eight years and was fined approximately 3.4 billion Colombian pesos (around 825,000 U.S. dollars).

The conviction stems from a case dating back to 2012, when Uribe accused Senator Ivan Cepeda of manipulating testimony from former paramilitaries. Colombia's Supreme Court of Justice dismissed the allegations and instead opened an investigation into Uribe in 2018.

Uribe, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010, said he is preparing an appeal. The court's ruling follows over a decade of investigations and a months-long public trial that began in February. 
LUXEMBOURG , Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitcoin Swift, a blockchain protocol combining Proof-of-Work (PoW), Proof-of-Stake (PoS), and an AI-powered Proof-of-Yield (PoY) mechanism, has officially entered Stage 3 of its presale. The platform is offering tokens at $3 during this limited 64-day window, with a scheduled increase to $4 in the next stage and a confirmed launch price of $15.

At the core of this phase is the introduction of the PoY systeman AI-governed, smart contract-based rewards framework that adjusts dynamically based on network activity, participation, and energy efficiency.

Whats New in Stage 3

Bitcoin Swifts third stage introduces participants to a live APY of 121%, with staking and on-chain participation integrated directly into the protocols smart contracts. Token holders can access the BTC3 protocol, gaining eligibility for governance, programmable rewards, and smart contract-based incentives.

Unlike traditional static rewards systems, PoY leverages real-time oracles and adaptive smart contracts to determine yield distribution. These are governed on-chain, with oversight provided by AI agents that also evaluate security proposals, energy metrics, and user participation trends.

Core Architecture and Hybrid Consensus

Bitcoin Swift is structured on a hybrid consensus model that integrates:

Proof-of-Work (SHA-256) for base-layer security

for base-layer security Proof-of-Stake validators for governance checkpoints every 100 blocks

validators for governance checkpoints every 100 blocks AI-Orchestrated Governance for proposal screening and security risk minimization





The PoY model is designed to align long-term sustainability with user incentives, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining a robust reward economy.

AI and Smart Contract Integration

The protocol operates on a WASM-compatible smart contract engine that supports multiple languages and AI enhancements. Its smart contracts can adjust based on live data inputs, enabling intelligent allocation of rewards and seamless evolution of protocol rules.

Real-time AI oracles aggregate both on-chain and off-chain data to guide contract behavior and validate governance changes. This ensures decisions are made based on updated network conditions and user input.

Privacy and Compliance Features

Bitcoin Swift incorporates privacy features through zk-SNARKs and decentralized identity frameworks. Participants can validate compliance requirements such as KYC and residency without disclosing personal data publicly. Shielded transactions are supported, enabling confidential yet compliant financial activity.

Governance features include quadratic voting and decentralized reputation scoring to encourage fair participation while limiting the influence of large token holders.

Audits and Community

Security and transparency are foundational to Bitcoin Swift. The project has completed audits with Spywolf Audit and Solidproof Audit , confirming the integrity of its smart contracts and governance processes.

An active community is engaging in discussions on the platforms roadmap, governance direction, and yield models, contributing to the projects ongoing development and decentralization.

Also, Bitcoin Swift continues to capture attention from big voices in the space, with Crypto League and Crypto Nitro both pointing out why this project is standing out from the noise.

About the Bitcoin Swift Presale

Stage 3 is live for a limited 64-day period. The current token price is $3, with Stage 4 priced at $4 and the final launch set for $15. Participants in this round can access programmable rewards and governance capabilities through the BTC3 protocol.

For more information, visit: https://bitcoinswift.com

Contact:

Luc Schaus

support@bitcoinswift.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Bitcoin Swift. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article.This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d597ba8-d771-4dd9-bbe8-36b528f1890c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58ec9d44-8ffd-4055-8862-da0ecc7bcdec

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ad38787-2f27-43f3-ace8-4eb137e2a243
LONDON, Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TwentyOneVC, a financial business, has launched a new suite of trading tools to assist individual investors in making smarter financial decisions. The updates provide a more transparent market view, enhanced access to trading, and enhanced risk management to users who trade in forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, and commodities.

These new features are designed to satisfy the demands of the modern traders who usually require real-time information and easy-to-use tools that enable them to act fast. The platform updates are now live for all account holders.

Better Charts and Market View

The platform now includes simpler charts with key indicators like moving averages, support and resistance zones, and volume analysis. These updates help users understand market direction with fewer distractions on the screen.

Many traders get overwhelmed with too many indicators and tools, said a company spokesperson. We focused on the core elements such as: price movement, trends, and volume, so users can spot trade setups faster and more clearly.

Users can now customize charts based on their trading style. Whether they prefer day trading or longer-term setups, they can switch views easily. Assets are grouped by type, and users can track live data without needing to leave the page.

Improved Risk and Trade Control

One of the main updates is the new risk summary feature. Before placing a trade, users can now see how much margin the trade will use, possible drawdowns, and potential exposure. This helps traders plan entries and exits more carefully.

Understanding your risk is just as important as placing a trade, the spokesperson added. These tools help users think about their account balance, position size, and overall exposure in simple terms. We want them to see the bigger picture.

The order placement process has also been simplified. This saves time and minimizes errors, particularly among traders who have more than one position.

More Support for Active Traders

Active users trading across multiple markets will find new shortcuts and updates helpful. The platform now supports faster execution, quicker portfolio reviews, and real-time alerts on price movements. This simplifies the task of users in managing their accounts without having to move between several windows.

The education section has also been updated. New video guides explain how to use each tool. Quick tips and strategy examples help users learn how to apply these updates in real trading situations.

Clearer Navigation and Layout

The navigation has been changed to prevent confusion. With sections for markets, transactions, charting, and account settings properly defined, the platform's main navigation has been made easier. It is significantly easier for users to locate trading tools, filter assets and make orders. The objective was to ensure that users could use the site without any further guidance or assistance.

TwentyOneVC says these updates reflect a bigger focus on user control. Many traders today want platforms that let them act quickly and make informed choices. The company says it will continue to release updates based on how users trade and what features they ask for. Our goal is not to predict the market for the user, said the spokesperson. Its to give them the tools to respond to it in a smarter way. Weve kept it simple because thats what traders want.

About TwentyOneVC

TwentyOneVC is a financial firm providing access to various financial markets, including indices, stocks, cryptocurrencies and commodities. The business offers multiple account options, a platform with analytical tools, and educational resources. TwentyOneVC features a transparent fee structure with competitive spreads and commissions, alongside several payment methods for deposits.

Media details:

Name: Tony Weissman

Email: support@21vc.io

Website: 21vc.io

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by TwentyOneVC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
SINGAPORE, Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Bitcoin continues to surge to new highs and the market enters a phase of high volatility, holding traditional spot positions may not be enough to generate short-term profits. With Bitcoin's price moving rapidly, traders are seeking more effective ways to capitalize on these fluctuations. In response to this market need, BexBack offers a powerful solution: 100x leverage on crypto futures trading, allowing traders to amplify their positions and maximize their profits from even the smallest market moves.

100x Leverage  Amplify Your Profits

With up to 100 times leverage, BexBack allows traders to open larger positions with smaller investments, turning minor price movements into substantial profits. This leverage mechanism enables seasoned investors to make the most of Bitcoins volatility, maximizing returns and minimizing the need for large amounts of capital. A small price change can lead to huge potential profits, making high-leverage trading a popular choice for experienced investors looking to seize opportunities in todays turbulent market.

100% Deposit Bonus  Double Your Trading Power

To make trading even more rewarding, BexBack is offering a 100% deposit bonus . New users can double their deposits, giving them more capital to work with and increasing their potential trading power. Whether youre using leverage or trading with your original funds, the deposit bonus enhances your ability to generate greater returns.

No KYC  Quick and Easy Access

BexBack is committed to offering seamless and anonymous trading. With no KYC (Know Your Customer) required, users can start trading immediately without the hassle of lengthy identity verification processes. This allows traders to focus on what matters mostcapturing opportunities in the fast-moving crypto market.

Why BexBack?

No KYC : Enjoy anonymous and fast trading without identity verification requirements.



: Enjoy anonymous and fast trading without identity verification requirements. 100x Leverage : Maximize your potential returns with up to 100 times leverage on crypto futures.



: Maximize your potential returns with up to 100 times leverage on crypto futures. 100% Deposit Bonus : Double your deposit and boost your trading capital with BexBacks exclusive offer.



: Double your deposit and boost your trading capital with BexBacks exclusive offer. Easy-to-Use Platform : Trade seamlessly via web or mobile, with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the trading process.



: Trade seamlessly via web or mobile, with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the trading process. Large Selection of Assets: BexBack supports over 50 cryptocurrencies for trading, giving you access to a wide range of market opportunities.



About BexBack?

BexBack is a top-tier cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering up to 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and over 50 other futures contracts. Headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the UK, and Argentina, BexBack is licensed as a US MSB (Money Services Business). Trusted by more than 500,000 traders globally, the platform welcomes users from the US, Canada, and Europe. BexBack offers zero deposit fees and provides comprehensive customer service available 24/7 to ensure an exceptional trading experience.



Take Action Now

The market is ripe for the taking, and with Bitcoins high volatility, theres no better time to start using leverage to make the most of every market movement. With 100x leverage, no KYC, and a 100% deposit bonus , BexBack provides traders with the ideal environment to profit from Bitcoins fluctuations and the broader crypto market.

Sign up on BexBack now , claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:Amanda

business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbd83bfb-55bd-4238-b2fb-b2bb4f067831

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86d4418c-c556-4c43-8a7c-fe6c06d9c142

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1e9c43df-1683-49d6-b17c-9082262c2b32

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8afdc4b2-04ae-4a52-9450-914a46957e27
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that securities class action lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (Hims & Hers) (NYSE: HIMS) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Hims & Hers securities between April 29, 2025, and June 23, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). The lead plaintiff deadline is August 25, 2025.

CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:

If you suffered Hims & Hers losses, you may CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hims-hers-health-inc?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=PR

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at info@ktmc.com.

DEFENDANTS ALLEGED MISCONDUCT:

The complaints allege that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Hims & Hers was engaged in the deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk; (2) as a result, there was a substantial risk that Hims & Hers collaboration with Novo Nordisk would be terminated; and (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Please CLICK HERE to view our video or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/xuStgUOFgE8

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS:

Hims & Hers investors may, no later than August 25, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Hims & Hers investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hims-hers-health-inc?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=PR

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

info@ktmc.com

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
New York City, NY, Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Matsato Knife a trailblazing brand in premium kitchen cutlery, is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Matsato Knife in Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Crafted with centuries-old Japanese blacksmithing techniques and modern engineering, the Matsato Knife is set to revolutionize the culinary experience for home cooks and professional chefs alike. With its razor-sharp blade, ergonomic design, and innovative features, Matsato Knife promises to elevate kitchen performance while embodying the brands commitment to precision, durability, and style.

A New Standard in Kitchen Cutlery

The Matsato Knife is more than just a kitchen toolits a masterpiece of craftsmanship designed to transform the way people prepare food. Inspired by the artistry of samurai sword-making, Matsato combines traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary innovation to create a knife that delivers unparalleled sharpness, balance, and comfort. Whether slicing delicate vegetables, carving meats, or chopping herbs, the Matsato Knife ensures effortless precision, making every cut a seamless extension of the users skill. Click Here To Visit Official Website

The launch of Matsato Knife in Australia, the United States, Canada, and the UK marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has already garnered global attention for its quality and performance. With a focus on accessibility and excellence, Matsato aims to empower cooks across these key markets to elevate their culinary creations with a tool that is as functional as it is beautiful.

The Matsato Knife: Engineered for Excellence

The Matsato Knife stands out in the crowded cutlery market due to its meticulous design and superior craftsmanship. Every aspect of the knife has been carefully engineered to meet the needs of modern kitchens while honoring the heritage of Japanese blade-making. Here are the key features that make the Matsato Knife a must-have for any kitchen:

Premium 4CR14 Stainless Steel Blade : Forged from high-grade Japanese stainless steel, the Matsato Knife boasts exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Its ice-hardened blade, cooled to -148F, forms a wear-resistant martensite structure, ensuring long-lasting sharpness even with heavy use.

: Forged from high-grade Japanese stainless steel, the Matsato Knife boasts exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Its ice-hardened blade, cooled to -148F, forms a wear-resistant martensite structure, ensuring long-lasting sharpness even with heavy use. Razor-Sharp 15-Degree Edge : The blades precision edge allows for clean, effortless cuts through a variety of ingredients, from soft tomatoes to dense proteins, delivering professional-quality results with minimal effort.

: The blades precision edge allows for clean, effortless cuts through a variety of ingredients, from soft tomatoes to dense proteins, delivering professional-quality results with minimal effort. Anti-Stick Dimple Design : The blade features a unique dimpled texture that creates air pockets to prevent food from sticking. This innovation is particularly effective for slicing sticky ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or raw meat, ensuring smooth, efficient prep.

: The blade features a unique dimpled texture that creates air pockets to prevent food from sticking. This innovation is particularly effective for slicing sticky ingredients like cheese, potatoes, or raw meat, ensuring smooth, efficient prep. Ergonomic Beech Wood Handle : Crafted from roasted beech wood, the handle is contoured for comfort and provides a non-slip grip, reducing hand and wrist fatigue during extended use. Its sleek, dark grain adds a touch of elegance to the knifes aesthetic.

: Crafted from roasted beech wood, the handle is contoured for comfort and provides a non-slip grip, reducing hand and wrist fatigue during extended use. Its sleek, dark grain adds a touch of elegance to the knifes aesthetic. Innovative Blade Hole : A laser-carved circular hole in the blade enhances grip versatility, allowing users to adopt a pinch grip for precision tasks or a standard grip for chopping. This feature improves control and reduces strain, making the Matsato Knife ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.

: A laser-carved circular hole in the blade enhances grip versatility, allowing users to adopt a pinch grip for precision tasks or a standard grip for chopping. This feature improves control and reduces strain, making the Matsato Knife ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Balanced Full Tang Construction: The full tang design, where the blade extends through the entire handle, ensures perfect weight distribution, enhancing stability and precision during every cut.

The Matsato Knife is the result of a meticulous 138-step manufacturing process that blends traditional Japanese forging methods with modern quality control. Each knife undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, making it a reliable companion for years of culinary creativity. Click Here To Visit Official Website

Why Matsato Knife?

The Matsato Kitchen Knife addresses common pain points in the kitchen, such as dull blades, uncomfortable grips, and inefficient cutting. Unlike mass-produced knives that prioritize cost over quality, Matsato delivers a premium experience at an accessible price point of $29.95 (after a 70% launch discount). Heres why the Matsato Knife is a game-changer:

Effortless Cutting : The razor-sharp edge and anti-stick dimples allow users to slice through ingredients with minimal pressure, reducing prep time and ensuring clean, uniform cuts.

: The razor-sharp edge and anti-stick dimples allow users to slice through ingredients with minimal pressure, reducing prep time and ensuring clean, uniform cuts. Enhanced Safety : Contrary to common misconceptions, a sharper knife is safer than a dull one. The Matsato Knifes enduring sharpness minimizes the need for excessive force, reducing the risk of slips and accidents.

: Contrary to common misconceptions, a sharper knife is safer than a dull one. The Matsato Knifes enduring sharpness minimizes the need for excessive force, reducing the risk of slips and accidents. Versatility : From fine mincing to heavy carving, the Matsato Knife excels in a wide range of kitchen tasks, making it suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs.

: From fine mincing to heavy carving, the Matsato Knife excels in a wide range of kitchen tasks, making it suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs. Comfort and Control : The ergonomic handle and balanced design make the knife feel like a natural extension of the hand, enabling precise cuts without fatigue.

: The ergonomic handle and balanced design make the knife feel like a natural extension of the hand, enabling precise cuts without fatigue. Durability: The ice-hardened stainless steel and robust beech wood handle ensure the Matsato Knife withstands the rigors of daily use while maintaining its pristine condition.

By focusing on the Matsato Knife brand, the company has created a product that resonates with culinary enthusiasts who value performance, aesthetics, and value.

Launch Strategy: Bringing Matsato Knife to Key Markets

The launch of Matsato Knife in Australia, the United States, Canada, and the UK is a strategic move to meet the growing demand for high-quality kitchen tools in these regions. Each market was chosen for its vibrant culinary culture and appreciation for premium craftsmanship:

Australia : Known for its diverse food scene, from fresh seafood to multicultural cuisines, Australia is a prime market for the Matsato Knife. Home cooks and chefs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne will appreciate its versatility and precision for preparing everything from barbecued meats to delicate salads.

: Known for its diverse food scene, from fresh seafood to multicultural cuisines, Australia is a prime market for the Matsato Knife. Home cooks and chefs in cities like Sydney and Melbourne will appreciate its versatility and precision for preparing everything from barbecued meats to delicate salads. United States : With a strong culture of home cooking and professional culinary arts, the U.S. is a key focus for Matsato. From bustling restaurant kitchens in New York to suburban homes in California, the Matsato Knife is poised to become a staple for American cooks.

: With a strong culture of home cooking and professional culinary arts, the U.S. is a key focus for Matsato. From bustling restaurant kitchens in New York to suburban homes in California, the Matsato Knife is poised to become a staple for American cooks. Canada : Canadians, with their love for farm-to-table cooking and seasonal ingredients, will find the Matsato Knife an ideal tool for creating wholesome, beautifully presented dishes.

: Canadians, with their love for farm-to-table cooking and seasonal ingredients, will find the Matsato Knife an ideal tool for creating wholesome, beautifully presented dishes. United Kingdom: The UKs rich culinary heritage, from traditional roasts to modern fusion cuisine, makes it a perfect fit for the Matsato Knife. Chefs and home cooks in London, Manchester, and beyond will value its ability to deliver precise, professional-quality cuts.

To support the launch, Matsato is offering a limited-time 70% discount, bringing the price to $29.95, along with free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The knives are available exclusively through the official website, Matsato Knife, ensuring authenticity and quality. Click Here To Visit Official Website

Real-World Impact: What Users Are Saying

Since its soft launch, the Matsato Knife has received glowing feedback from users across the globe. In Australia, the United States, Canada, and the UK, both professional chefs and home cooks have praised its performance:

Emma T., Sydney, Australia : I use my Matsato Knife every day for meal prep, and its a game-changer. The sharpness is unreal, and the handle feels so comfortable. Its made cooking so much more enjoyable!

: I use my Matsato Knife every day for meal prep, and its a game-changer. The sharpness is unreal, and the handle feels so comfortable. Its made cooking so much more enjoyable! James R., New York, USA : As a professional chef, Im picky about my tools. The Matsato Knife outperforms knives that cost three times as much. The dimples really help when cutting sticky ingredients like cheese.

: As a professional chef, Im picky about my tools. The Matsato Knife outperforms knives that cost three times as much. The dimples really help when cutting sticky ingredients like cheese. Sophie L., Toronto, Canada : I love how lightweight yet sturdy this knife is. It makes chopping vegetables so easy, and the blade hole gives me better control for precise cuts.

: I love how lightweight yet sturdy this knife is. It makes chopping vegetables so easy, and the blade hole gives me better control for precise cuts. Liam H., London, UK: The Matsato Knife has transformed my kitchen prep. Its sharp, balanced, and looks stunning. Ive already bought another as a gift for my mum!

These testimonials highlight the Matsato Knifes ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results across diverse culinary tasks.

Addressing Market Challenges

The Matsato Knife launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly frustrated with subpar kitchen tools. Many knives on the market are either too expensive for the average home cook or lack the durability and sharpness needed for consistent performance. Matsato addresses these challenges by offering a premium product at an affordable price, backed by rigorous quality control and a customer-centric approach.

However, Matsato is aware of concerns raised in some online forums about aggressive marketing tactics and imitation products. The company is committed to transparency and ethical practices, ensuring that all purchases are made through its official website to avoid counterfeit knives. resolution.

The Science of Matsato Knife

The Matsato Knife is the result of extensive research and development, combining advanced metallurgy with user-focused design. The blades 4CR14 stainless steel is subjected to a sophisticated heat treatment process, including ice-hardening at -148F, to enhance strength and edge retention. The 15-degree edge angle is optimized for precision, while the dimpled blade texture reduces food adhesion, improving efficiency. The ergonomic handle, made from roasted beech wood, is designed to minimize strain and maximize grip security, even during prolonged use.

This scientific approach ensures that every Matsato Knife delivers consistent performance, making it a trusted tool for both novice and experienced cooks.

Matsatos Commitment to Quality and Community

Beyond creating an exceptional product, Matsato is dedicated to fostering a community of culinary enthusiasts. The brand plans to launch online forums and social media groups where users can share recipes, tips, and experiences with their Matsato Knife. Additionally, Matsato is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and partnering with suppliers who prioritize ethical sourcing.

Matsato also aims to give back to the communities in Australia, the United States, Canada, and the UK by supporting local culinary schools and food banks. A portion of every sale will be donated to initiatives that promote food education and access to nutritious meals.

The Future of Matsato Knife

The launch of Matsato Knife is just the beginning. The brand plans to expand its product line with specialized knives for tasks like filleting, bread cutting, and vegetable prep. Matsato is also exploring partnerships with culinary influencers and restaurants to showcase the knifes versatility in professional settings.

Were not just launching a knife; were launching a movement to make cooking more accessible, enjoyable, and precise, said Harry Bailey, Matsato spokesperson. The Matsato Knife is designed for everyone who loves food, from home cooks to Michelin-starred chefs. Were excited to bring this tool to Australia, the United States, Canada, and the UK, and we cant wait to see how it inspires culinary creativity.

How to Get Your Matsato Knife

The Matsato Knife is available for purchase at Matsato Knife, with a special launch price of $29.95, free shipping, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. To ensure authenticity, Matsato recommends buying directly from the official website and warns against purchasing from unauthorized retailers to avoid imitations.

About Matsato

Matsato is a leading innovator in premium kitchen cutlery, dedicated to blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design. Headquartered in Kearny, New Jersey, Matsato creates tools that empower cooks to achieve precision, efficiency, and creativity in the kitchen. With a focus on quality, affordability, and sustainability, Matsato is committed to transforming the culinary experience for home cooks and professionals worldwide. For more information, visit Matsato Knife. Click Here To Visit Official Website

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include expectations regarding the success and impact of the Matsato Knife. Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including market acceptance and competitive pressures. Matsato undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.

For media inquiries, please contact:



Harry Bailey

Project Name: Matsato Knife

Matsato Support Team

Email: contact@matsato.com

Phone: +1 (434) 425-7300

Website: https://matsato.com/





Attachment
New York, Aug. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Introduction

High in the remote Himalayas, local monkeys scale near-vertical cliffs to access a strange black substance that oozes from the rocks  a behavior that has baffled scientists and intrigued spiritual communities for centuries. This wealth resin, known traditionally as Shilajit, has become the subject of renewed public interest as modern wellness seekers explore its potential connection to pineal gland health, intuitive clarity, and enhanced dream states.

Recent online surges in search phrases like pineal decalcification, third eye activation, and Shilajit for manifestation indicate a cultural shift. Fueled by influencers, ancient texts, and anecdotal discovery, the conversation is accelerating  and Pineal Awakening now sits at the center of that movement.

The company behind this formulation presents a modern take on a long-forgotten natural compound, leveraging ingredient transparency, tradition, and bioavailability to address a problem almost no one is talking about: the calcification of the pineal gland.

For individuals exploring alternative approaches to mental clarity and self-guided transformation, this isnt just a trend  its a signal. And its happening fast.

Discover whats inside the Pineal Awakening system by visiting the official site here:

Explore the Full Pineal Awakening Formula

Why Interest in Pineal-Linked Search Terms Is Surging in 2025

Across search engines, forums, and video platforms, theres been a measurable uptick in interest surrounding phrases like decalcify the third eye, pineal gland reset, and how to activate intuition. Google Trends confirms a sustained rise in global search behavior targeting terms previously confined to fringe spirituality  now entering mainstream wellness.

TikTok creators post pineal-related rituals. Reddit threads dissect natural methods of brain defogging. YouTube videos exploring DMT, lucid dreaming, and pineal energy protocols are racking up millions of views. Even wellness podcasts now mention spiritual clarity molecules and internal frequency tuning as part of modern optimization stacks.

But whats driving this interest?

According to digital research group TrendLens, terms like Shilajit pineal gland, resin for third eye, and natural decalcifiers are experiencing a 300400% increase year-over-year. This suggests a broader cultural reevaluation of how ancient practices and neurological science intersect.

Unlike short-lived supplement fads, this movement appears anchored in persistent consumer questions: Why do I feel disconnected? Whats blocking my intuition? Is there a physical reason manifestation techniques dont work for me?

The idea that pineal calcification  caused by modern exposures like fluoride, heavy metals, and EMF stress  might be playing a role has transformed from niche theory into a talking point among health-conscious communities. And more people are asking whether natural compounds like Shilajit might offer a tool for self-directed neurological renewal.

These questions may not have definitive answers. But the conversation is growing louder  and the resin at the center of it all is gaining serious momentum.

Learn more about how Pineal Awakening fits into this movement here:

Explore the Science Behind Pineal Awakening Ingredients

Pineal Awakenings Ingredient-First Response to These Trends

As curiosity around pineal gland optimization intensifies, Pineal Awakening has emerged with a formulation rooted in transparency, tradition, and targeted synergy. Unlike trendy cognitive enhancers that rely on synthetic stimulants, this product is positioned squarely within the clean label movement  prioritizing natural ingredients that align with what many users are already seeking online: clarity, simplicity, and substance.

At the core of Pineal Awakening is a rare form of Himalayan Shilajit  a resin that local monks have revered for centuries. Rather than being processed into diluted powders or cut with fillers, the Shilajit used in this blend is sourced through a high-altitude family operation using traditional extraction methods that preserve molecular integrity. It's a dense, black, mineral-rich substance formed over thousands of years by pressure and organic decay  not something fabricated in a lab.

But Pineal Awakening isnt just about single-ingredient purity. Its creators recognized that detoxifying the pineal gland is only one part of a deeper process. Thats why this formula includes what they call the Pineal Activation Stack  a three-phase support system designed to help cleanse, protect, and stimulate the brains most overlooked gland.

Rather than making bold claims, the brand offers an ingredient-first framework built around consumer goals: mental clarity, intuitive access, and spiritual alignment. Every capsule is backed by the philosophy that ancient bioactive compounds  when purified and combined with modern insight  can serve a supportive role in the pursuit of higher cognitive performance.

For those interested in this blend of science and ancestral wisdom, a closer look at Pineal Awakening may reveal more than just another supplement.

Get the full breakdown of whats inside:

Discover Whats Inside the Pineal Awakening Formula

Ingredient Spotlight  Whats Inside the Wealth Resin Formula

At the heart of Pineal Awakening is Shilajit  the so-called wealth resin revered by ancient Himalayan cultures, mentioned in explorer journals, and now attracting attention in neuroscience-adjacent wellness circles. Unlike mass-market powders or diluted extracts, this formula utilizes ultra-pure Shilajit resin harvested using generational techniques designed to preserve both its mineral content and molecular integrity.

But Shilajit is only the beginning.

Pineal Awakenings creators identified several synergistic compounds that support the resins natural mechanisms, enhancing its potential to assist with pineal detoxification, oxidative stress, and neurological clarity. Below are a few of the formulas most discussed components, presented in an informational, non-clinical context:

Shilajit  Known in traditional medicine and modern biohacking communities for its fulvic acid content, this resin is valued for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In public wellness discussions, its frequently associated with focus, clarity, and inner stillness.

 Known in traditional medicine and modern biohacking communities for its fulvic acid content, this resin is valued for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In public wellness discussions, its frequently associated with focus, clarity, and inner stillness. Chlorella  A freshwater algae often referenced in environmental detox literature. While not clinically proven for pineal use, it is a popular subject in discussions about heavy metal chelation and cellular oxygenation.

 A freshwater algae often referenced in environmental detox literature. While not clinically proven for pineal use, it is a popular subject in discussions about heavy metal chelation and cellular oxygenation. Burdock Root  Traditionally used to support liver and lymphatic system function, this plant appears frequently in botanical wellness protocols that aim to assist internal purification.

 Traditionally used to support liver and lymphatic system function, this plant appears frequently in botanical wellness protocols that aim to assist internal purification. Amla  Called Indian gooseberry, this antioxidant-rich fruit shows up in skin, hair, and vitality regimens. In the context of Pineal Awakening, it serves as part of the protection phase within the 3-part stack.

 Called Indian gooseberry, this antioxidant-rich fruit shows up in skin, hair, and vitality regimens. In the context of Pineal Awakening, it serves as part of the protection phase within the 3-part stack. Turmeric  Widely known for its role in inflammation response. Curcumin, its active compound, is often mentioned in brain longevity and clarity-related content.

 Widely known for its role in inflammation response. Curcumin, its active compound, is often mentioned in brain longevity and clarity-related content. Schisandra  A cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this adaptogen is increasingly discussed in connection with neurotransmitter activity and stress modulation. Some describe it as helping to turn up the volume on inner awareness.

Together, these elements form the Pineal Activation Stack  a proprietary combination that goes beyond detoxification, aiming to create the internal conditions where clarity, creativity, and intuition might begin to resurface.

For a deeper look at how each ingredient is sourced and integrated, visit:

Explore the Science Behind Pineal Awakening

What Reddit, Podcasts & TikTok Creators Are Saying

In 2025, online communities are buzzing about the pineal gland  not just in spiritual forums, but across mainstream platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and Spotify-hosted wellness podcasts. The phrase third eye decalcification has gone from niche terminology to a trending search query, prompting new waves of public curiosity.

Reddit users have created threads dissecting daily protocols for pineal clarity, with many citing Shilajit as a recurring theme. Posts with thousands of upvotes explore non-medical regimens, including cold exposure, breathwork, and fulvic acid intake  often speculating on their role in restoring intuition or improving lucid dreaming.

Meanwhile, TikTok creators produce short-form content with millions of views, walking audiences through pineal cleansing routines and morning rituals involving resin-based formulas. These clips, typically framed around self-awareness and inner vision, reflect a generational shift toward decentralized wellness  one rooted in exploration rather than prescription.

Podcast discussions have also surged. Interviews with neuro-enthusiasts and holistic researchers often touch on electromagnetic exposure, fluoride accumulation, and lifestyle stressors that may affect the pineal region. While guests are careful not to make medical statements, they frequently reference the glands symbolic and neurological roles, citing its central position in spiritual traditions across cultures.

This public conversation doesnt prove or disprove anything  but it does illustrate a cultural appetite for tools, language, and formulations that support personal sovereignty and internal exploration. In that context, Pineal Awakenings clean-label design and resonance with ancestral preparation methods are making it a recurring name in pineal-focused content circles.

To understand whats driving this groundswell of interest, or to view the formula in question, visit:

Learn More About Pineal Awakening and Its Activation Stack

Who Might Be Drawn to This Type of Supplementation in 2025

As mainstream interest in mental clarity, intuitive awareness, and digital detox deepens, a growing demographic is seeking out wellness tools that prioritize ancient sourcing and ingredient transparency over temporary stimulation. For these individuals, the goal isnt just more energy  its alignment.

Pineal Awakening appears to resonate with those who feel modern life has dulled their inner compass. These are people who suspect that their mental fog, creative stagnation, or lack of inspiration may have physical roots  and that addressing those roots might open the door to new states of insight.

Some are long-time meditation practitioners exploring ways to enhance their depth of focus or dream recall. Others are newcomers to biohacking and self-directed wellness, curious about how compounds like Shilajit, Chlorella, and Schisandra might support a broader mental reset. A significant portion are also professionals  educators, creatives, wellness entrepreneurs  looking for natural ways to restore their cognitive sharpness without relying on synthetic nootropics.

What connects these groups is not a shared lifestyle, but a shared feeling: that theres more to access  mentally, emotionally, even spiritually  and that something in their current environment may be blocking it.

By combining high-elevation Shilajit with antioxidant-rich support compounds in a phased delivery system, Pineal Awakening has positioned itself as a non-synthetic option for individuals seeking to engage with this deeper layer of optimization.

To explore whether this type of ingredient-first formula aligns with your goals, visit:

Learn More About the Pineal Awakening System

Spiritual Optimization & Pineal Curiosity  2025 Market Reflections

The intersection of neuroscience, spirituality, and self-optimization has become one of the most dynamic frontiers in the wellness sector. In 2025, consumer demand is shifting beyond physical performance enhancers and toward supplements that support what many describe as energetic alignment, internal clarity, or cognitive sovereignty.

This evolution isnt driven by hype, but by behavior. People arent just buying supplements  theyre searching, listening, reading, and testing protocols for themselves. And in that testing, a quiet pattern is emerging: formulas with ancient roots and modern scientific curiosity are generating sustained interest.

The pineal gland has become a focal point for this shift. Whether viewed through the lens of sleep regulation, intuitive awareness, or symbolic resonance, it represents something primal. And products that acknowledge both the biological and metaphysical conversation  without making unsupported claims  are gaining traction among mindful consumers.

Within this movement, Pineal Awakening stands as an example of what some call the third wave of supplementation: formulas that balance clean sourcing, holistic structure, and functional framing without falling into either mysticism or clinical overreach.

Its not about promising transformation  its about offering tools for people on that path already.

To see how Pineal Awakening reflects these market dynamics, and to explore the formula behind the movement, visit:

Explore the Full Pineal Awakening Formula

The Public Debate Around the Wealth Resin  Signals, Skepticism, and Saturation

As with any substance gaining cultural traction, the rise of Shilajit  especially in the context of pineal gland conversation  has sparked a range of responses. From cautious optimism to vocal skepticism, the dialogue reflects a public still navigating the space between tradition and science.

Supporters describe the resin as a mineral-rich compound aligned with holistic vitality. They point to its long-standing use in Ayurvedic systems, its inclusion in historical military campaigns, and its widespread reference in spiritual disciplines. For many, it symbolizes a return to elemental simplicity  something nature created, untouched by mass manufacturing or synthetic design.

Others express skepticism. They question whether anecdotal benefits can be reliably linked to the resin itself, or whether placebo, context, and expectation play a larger role. Forums often debate whether modern Shilajit sourcing matches the purity referenced in ancient texts, or whether the current surge is part of a broader marketing wave.

Then there are neutral observers  individuals not sold on the mystical framing, yet intrigued by the fulvic acid research, mineral density profiles, and potential neurological implications. For them, the wealth resin is less about belief and more about experimentation: an ingredient worth testing, not worshipping.

Pineal Awakening doesnt claim to settle this debate. Instead, it offers a formulation for those curious enough to explore  and committed enough to do so through clean, transparent supplementation.

To learn more about the formula at the center of this conversation, visit:

View Details About Pineal Awakenings Full Ingredient Stack

About Nutraville

Nutraville is a holistic wellness company dedicated to bridging ancient spiritual wisdom with modern nutritional science. Founded on the belief that the pineal gland is the gateway to higher consciousness, Nutraville develops clean-label supplements that support spiritual clarity, intuitive alignment, and optimal cognitive health.

Through flagship formulations like Pineal Awakening, PinealXT, and Pineal Guardian, Nutraville integrates time-honored botanical practices with cutting-edge research to help individuals detoxify and activate the pineal gland. Every product is made from 100% vegan, cruelty-free ingredients and is designed to support clarity, focus, and self-guided awakening.

Nutravilles mission is to empower individuals to become the best version of themselves  effortlessly and naturally. The company adheres to five core values: Integrity, Holistic Wellness, Innovation, Empowerment, and Community. Whether through supplements, cookbooks, meditation tools, or educational guides, Nutraville exists to help people reconnect with their inner potential and elevate their wellness journey.

Contact

Disclaimer (FTC + FDA + Affiliate Compliance)

This press release is for informational purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pineal Awakening is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, routine, or health program.

Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. Results described or implied may not be typical and should not be interpreted as guarantees.

Statements made about ingredients or outcomes reflect public discussion and historical usage only, and are not endorsed by medical professionals or regulatory agencies. Always do your own research and make informed decisions.
A second-degree robber, a judge could be told, would carry a price tag of less than $9,000 for five years of intensive probation, but more than $50,000 for a comparable prison sentence and parole afterward. The bill for a murderer's 30-year prison term: $504,690.

How much does it cost?It is a question we have asked hundreds of times since we were old enough to visit the candy store with a few coins in our pockets. In a market economy, each of us makes hundreds of decisions about what to eat, drive and wear, and our choices are guided in large part by prices.Governments often operate in the dark when it comes to cost, particularly in the realm of criminal justice.A recent article in The New York Times notes that Missouri judges will now be informed of the costs associated with the sentences they issue. According to the article:Prosecutors worry that judges will now tend to hand out more lenient, less costly sentences. But others claim that this information will only help judges make smarter choices in a world of limited resources.In California, for example, budget woes have prompted the early release of prisoners. noted that "The goal is to reduce the number of inmates in the state's 33 prisons next year by 6,500 -- more than the entire state prison population in 2009 of Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah or West Virginia." It costs California about $47,000 on average to house a prisoner for a year, and currently the Golden State spends more on incarceration than higher education. Given the state's budget crisis, these costs are coming under scrutiny, and the state is moving to release the least dangerous prisoners early to cut costs and relieve overcrowding.There are some who argue that you shouldn't put a price tag on "justice." But imagine grocery shopping in a store without any prices. Guided only by desires, the cart might get filled with filet mignon and caviar, not to mention those yummy whoopee pies from the bakery.But in a world of limited resources -- that is, the real world -- every expenditure represents a tradeoff. More of this means less of that. How can anyone make good decisions without cost information?Yet when it comes to cost, government often operates in the dark. How much does it "cost" to borrow a library book? At your local "free" public library there is no price, but there is a cost. Just like there is a price but no cost for a visit from police, a criminal trial or a year spent in jail.Government can't and shouldn't attempt to charge for its services -- you don't want to have to enter your credit card number for the fire department when your house is on fire. But understanding costs can lead to better decision-making.Texas is hardly a state known for coddling criminals, or for lavish public spending. But when the Texas Sunset Commission looked at the operations of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, it recommended "significant additional funds to TDCJ for offender treatment and rehabilitation programs proven to reduce recidivism." Why? Because a dollars and sense case was made that it was worthwhile to invest in rehabilitation and education for inmates to avoid the costs of future visits to the pokey. The Sunset Commission noted that legislators lacked good data on what programs did and didn't work, and how much various approaches cost. Recidivism, it turns out, is a huge cost driver. But without insight into the relative costs and effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, lawmakers were operating in the dark.They say that justice should be blind. When it comes to guilt or innocence, that is certainly true. But when it comes to putting scarce resources to use to maximize public value, we need to better understand costs and trade-offs.
2026 cars will reward brains over talent says Albon

2026 cars will reward brains over talent says Albon

Alex Albon, Belgian GP 2025

 Williams

The Williams driver, who has recently tested a 2026-spec car in the simulator, said the experience was a glimpse into a future where intelligence and energy management may matter more than traditional driving feel.

Technologically speaking, the driver involvement is extremely high, said the 29-year-old. The driver has a lot to do. As far as we're concerned, I wasn't shocked by the car and its performance. I was more focused on understanding how the power unit works and how to get the most out of it.

Set to debut next season, the sweeping 2026 rules include a move to smaller, more efficient hybrid power units and active aerodynamics, with several drivers and engineers already expressing concerns about complexity, 'clipping', and reduced driving purity.

You have to learn a different driving style, Albon acknowledged.

I don't think it will come down purely to the drivers' talent in the corners. A driver who is intelligent enough will be able to understand the system, and even abuse it, decode how it works to become more efficient. They will also find performance in this aspect.

While some fear the new regulations could turn races into energy management exercises, Albon pushed back slightly.

There is a bit of clipping or that kind of thing, he admitted. But next year the package will be a bit more complete in terms of how to get the most out of it. It won't become like Formula E, with big lift-and-coast phases and so on.

Albon acknowledged that drivers must remain open-minded: It's part of the regulations and it's a technology like any other in the end. I think the drivers who will do best are those who will really know how to adapt. We will have to have a very open mind about how to drive these cars.

Despite high hopes that the new rules might shake up the pecking order, Albon was cautious. I don't think much will change, he said when asked if Williams could spring a surprise in 2026. I don't think the speed of the cars or the way they are driven will change that much.

Asked about the racing spectacle, Albon concluded: Honestly, I can't say. I don't think so. I just want good battles, I guess that's what we all want.

(GMM)
Team members analyze data at a lightning research base in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Qiu Jingyi)

GUANGZHOU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The morning light gently broke, casting a glow over clouds that billowed like snow-capped mountains, while the crowing of roosters added a serene touch to the dawn at a lightning research base, where scientists wrestle with Mother Nature's most thunderous event.

Zhu Wei, a graduate student working at this base in the wilderness of Leizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, began his morning routine just like the rest of the team -- checking atmospheric data curves and radar echo maps to predict whether or not distant clouds would bring thunderstorms.

"Thunderclouds will pass here in an hour and a half!" Wang Jianguo, the head of the lightning research base, called out. His words rang like an order, jolting the entire team into action, which saw them hurrying to their respective observation chambers and devices.

They are a team of lightning chasers associated with the Engineering Research Center for Lightning Protection and Grounding Technology at Wuhan University in central China's Hubei Province. Their quest, harking back to that of Benjamin Franklin centuries ago, symbolizes humanity's ceaseless efforts to understand two formidable forces of nature -- thunder and lightning.

Leizhou, where the team conducts triggered lightning experiments, literally means Thunder City. As the name suggests, it experiences many thunderstorm days -- over 90 a year.

Currently, most lightning research is conducted through laboratory discharge simulations. However, a rocket-triggered lightning experiment, carried out in the "laboratory" of Mother Nature, provides more accurate data due to the natural experimental environment. Given the very unpredictable nature of lightning, conducting such real-life experiments is no easy task.

As the dark clouds approached and the rain intensified -- team members were ready and waiting at their observation posts. Notably, this process of triggering lightning felt like a relay race for the more than ten sun-baked faculty members and students at the base.

"Power on! Get into position quickly!" Li Quanxin, an associate researcher, called out. Li and Zhu had rushed to a cabin located a kilometer away, where they were poised to measure the electromagnetic, acoustic and optical parameters of coming lightning strikes.

The center features six launch towers and hundreds of precision instruments, which are only activated just before launching.

Thunderstorms typically last only 20 to 30 minutes -- which requires everyone to get into position within ten minutes after observing the storm's approach.

Thanks to thorough training, preparation time at this base has been reduced from an initial 15 minutes to 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Zhang Li, a graduate student responsible for overvoltage monitoring devices in five different positions, even timed his running down to the second and mapped out the fastest possible route.

In the launch chamber, when the data curve on the monitoring platform spiked, everyone held their breath. "All teams, attention! The atmospheric electric fields have reached the threshold. Prepare for launch!" commanded postdoctoral researcher Cao Jinxin over the intercom.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1, launch!"

A long "whoosh" was heard as the rocket soared into the air. A few seconds later, a flash of lightning streaked across the sky, followed by a loud rumble of thunder.

"The lightning struck right in front of me, and the dark sky instantly lit up like it was daytime," recalled Zhu, beaming with excitement.

Cheers, screams and applause filled the launch cabin, but moments later, everyone returned to intense focus. The launches continued.

Altogether, six successful launches out of six attempts for the day were achieved. This marked the second successful lightning-triggering event since the team was stationed at the base two months ago, just ahead of the thunderstorm season.

What exactly is the purpose of such lightning experiments, you may ask. Wang explained it by using the wind power sector as an example. Wind turbines are typically located on coastlines, hillsides and even offshore, where there are few lightning receptors, making them susceptible to lightning strikes. As the equipment for large wind turbines is quite expensive, any damage from lightning can result in significant repair costs and extended downtime.

The base installed a small wind turbine last year to carry out lightning strike experiments. The team aimed to strike the turbine with lightning while it was operational to verify whether the blade and power cable system could withstand the force.

Lightning triggered by rockets closely resembles natural lightning. The research findings from these experiments will offer valuable insights for implementing protective measures on engineering facilities, Wang said.

The team has built the base from the ground up since 2022. Despite the challenges they have faced on this pioneering journey, and the constant vigilance required to accurately anticipate the unpredictable lightning, with the team often waiting in vain -- no one has wavered in their commitment to this project.

"Since I began working at the center, I have truly come to understand what it means to contribute to the development of our homeland," said Zhou Fangjia, a graduate student. "It no longer feels like a distant promise." 

This photo taken on July 4, 2025 shows the scene of a triggered lightning experiment at a lightning research base in Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua)
Alonso sits out FP1 with back injury

Fernando Alonso sat out Friday practice in Hungary after sustaining a back injury at last weekend's Belgian GP.

Felipe Drugovich, Hungarian GP 2025

 Aston Martin Racing

The 44-year-old - currently the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid - hurt himself during the Spa race and underwent an MRI scan this week, revealing a muscular lesion on the left side of his back.

As he continued treatment on Friday morning, Aston Martin announced Alonso would skip FP1. A decision will then be made on Fernando's participation in FP2 and the remainder of the weekend in due course, the team added.

Reserve driver Felipe Drugovich took his place for the session.

Alonso returned to the cockpit for FP2, telling Spanish media the team had limited his mileage and made some modifications for comfort.

We changed the seat and we have some airbags that we can inflate and deflate. They're working well, he said. Obviously, if you're a normal person you'd be out for two weeks. But I think it's manageable. I'm not in pain in the car, which is the most important thing.

Aston Martin trackside boss Mike Krack said the team simply wanted to give their veteran more time to recover. Every lap less is good, he said.

And since we only did a comparison between the floor and the nose in the first practice session anyway, missing it didn't make much of a difference.

Looking ahead to qualifying and the race, Krack added: We're confident it'll be fine. With our calendar, there's not much time to recover. Sometimes there's not even time to sleep because you have to go somewhere.

(GMM)
Bottas deal with Cadillac already settled

Valtteri Bottas says he's still aiming for a full-time Formula 1 comeback in 2026, as speculation linking him to Cadillac's new team continues to grow.

Valtteri Bottas, Hungarian GP 2025

 Mercedes

I want to be back on the grid, the 35-year-old told Sky Deutschland in Hungary. That's my goal.

Bottas confirmed discussions are taking place but denied a deal is done. Hopefully, I'll know what's next in August, he said. "I'm looking at something long-term, but something short-term would also be Ok.

Discussions are taking place, the Finn added. There'll be more time to talk in August.

The comments follow mounting reports that Bottas is the frontrunner to spearhead Cadillac's entry into F1, potentially alongside Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich.

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland he believes it's already a done deal.

I think it's good for such a new team to have at least one experienced driver like Valtteri Bottas, Schumacher said. From what we hear, that's settled. We're curious about the number two.

According to Austria's Kleine Zeitung, one possible contender is Sergio Perez, who is also being linked to Alpine. The Mexican is believed to be supported in those efforts by his powerful backers, including Carlos Slim, with struggling Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto's seat reportedly at risk.

Yuki Tsunoda has also been mentioned as a candidate for Cadillac, as Red Bull re-evaluates its driver structure - especially with Honda's impending move to Aston Martin.

Asked about Tsunoda's future, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Sport1: "Our driver evaluation traditionally takes place after the summer break. Currently, everything is open.

We're looking at their performance - both positive and negative.

(GMM)
F1 bosses open to weekend overhaul as sprint rumours swirl

Formula 1 bosses say they are open to reinventing the sport's weekend format again in future, amid speculation Liberty Media may push for further changes beyond 2026.

Sprint Start, Belgian GP 2025

 Red Bull

In Hungary on Friday, team bosses and suppliers were asked about Liberty's direction since acquiring the sport in 2017, and whether F1 needs to continue evolving to maintain mainstream growth and audience relevance.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised the work done by Formula 1 and CEO Stefano Domenicali, but admitted more change may be necessary.

We all have a responsibility to sustain this journey that F1 as an overall business is going through, he said. "As part of this responsibility, we need to be open to reinventing ourselves if this is needed to sustain this growth.

"We understand also that the fandom has changed, and it could be that there's a need to review the way we approach free practice, the way we approach the entire race weekend.

I think we have to be open to that. Obviously, we will try to be reasonable, we will try and protect some elements of the DNA of Formula 1, but definitely, I think it's part of our responsibility to contribute.

While rumours have swirled about expanding the number of sprint races or reshaping Friday practice, a recent leak from Zandvoort appears to confirm that the number of sprint events will remain at six for the 2026 season.

Beyond that, however, the door remains open - even though further changes are likely to be unpopular with many drivers and purist fans.

New Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane, said: We need to give our customers what they want at the end of the day - the spectators, the people watching us. I think sprints are good fun. I'd be happy to do a few more, no problem.

Mario Isola, motorsport boss at Pirelli, agreed that evolution is necessary, even when the sport appears healthy.

Changing something when everything is going well is risky, and nobody wants to take any risk, he said. "But if we don't want to be late, we need to anticipate what could be the success of the future Formula 1, that is not granted, as Andrea said.

We arrived at this point because Stefano and his organisation decided to do something that was at the beginning quite strange, unusual - and it worked well. So now we are saying Formula 1 is a fantastic platform for all of us, but we need to continue with this bid to create something new.

(GMM)
Next article: Why Kennedy Agyapong says Ghanaian entrepreneurs should keep family out of business

Featured

I have over 277 houses, I don't get people to rent them - Kennedy Agyapong

Jemima Okang Addae Business News Aug - 02 - 2025 , 12:14

A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed regret over investing heavily in real estate in Ghana instead of channelling his resources into business ventures.

Speaking on the Konnected Minds Podcast, the former Assin Central Member of Parliament revealed that he owns over 277 houses across the country, many of which remain unoccupied or unrented.

I have so many houses here (Ghana) that I have regretted. Some of them, I don't even know, Mr Agyapong said. I have regretted because if I had invested that money in business, I would have made a lot of money. I have over 277 houses in Ghana, and it is a waste. I have regretted buying those houses because I don't get people to rent them.

He explained that owning luxury properties does not necessarily translate into regular income. For instance, he noted that a property valued at $500,000 might only fetch about $4,000 in monthly rent, which he considered a poor return compared to investing the same amount in business.

Mr Agyapong, however, said he has no intention of selling the houses. Instead, he plans to leave them to his children, whom he said could rely on the properties as a form of security.

My plan is, if you're a girl or a woman, you marry and your relationship doesn't work, you come back home, you have your properties, you can dispose of some of them to start a business, he explained.

Recounting his early financial struggles, Mr Agyapong said in 1990, he was forced to sell six out of 11 properties to restart his life.

At that time, anybody selling their property, except the real estate guys building, means he was broke. But I had to do it to start over, he added.
Featured

Twicy: Luck, not talent, helps artistes blow

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Aug - 02 - 2025 , 15:29 3 minutes read

AFROBEATS artiste Twicy has shared a thought-provoking perspective on the music industry, asserting that luck is a major factor in an artiste's success.

While acknowledging the importance of talent and hard work, he believes achieving stardom often hinges on being at the right place at the right time.

In a chat with the Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, July 22, Twicy noted that many artistes currently in the limelight may not necessarily be more talented or hardworking than their lesser-known counterparts.

According to him, his comments are not to undermine talent or hard work which are very crucial but the industrys dynamics show that luck plays a huge role in an artistes blowing.

He explained, Im very talented and know just how much hard work my management team at Daileys is putting into my craft yet there are times you feel like you arent progressing. And then you ask yourself, what am I not doing right? That is why I realised good fortune is very much at work for some artistes.

I can bet there are countless underground musicians with incredible talent but are buried because luck is yet to smile on them so they are struggling, he stated.

Twicy, who is currently promoting his new song, All Over Me, disclosed that lately, the few, who are privileged to get some recognition are forced to emulate Nigerian musicians to gain traction, often at the expense of originality and creativity.

Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Twicy believes that his journey to success is part of a larger plan.

I think everybody and their journey and mine is how God has planned it. I think at the right time, the world will recognise and accept my talent, he added.

Since launching his career, Twicy has steadily built a reputation in the ever-evolving music scene.

Last year, he earned seven nominations at the Central Music Awards (CMA). He got nods in categories including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Music Video for his songs Lotto and Live It Up from his debut album Far Away.

In 2023, Twicy released 'Live It Up' which brought him attention, performing it at Glitch Africa Studios.

He told Graphic Showbiz he is determined to make his mark on the global music scene. With a passion for contributing to the growth and recognition of Ghanaian music, he hopes to join the ranks of fellow Ghanaian artistes who are taking their talents to international heights.

I want to contribute to raising the flag of Ghana high and even Africa as a whole when it comes to music. Im confident Ghana will win her first Grammy soon, he added.
Featured

Daddy Lumba: Personal encounters - Occasional Kwatriot Kwesi Yankah writes

Kwesi Yankah Opinion Aug - 02 - 2025 , 10:40 5 minutes read

Saturday, July 26, the breaking news also broke hearts, and filled airwaves. Iconic Daddy Lumba was gone, and with him the best of popular music.

Finger pointing for his exit brought into the dock Lumbas own song Akwanoma which foretells his destiny as bird of the wilderness.

At 60, he has gone too soon. Yet Akwanoma composed at 26, is a script Lumba's life has fulfilled. Hear an excerpt, I came to the world not to seek long life, but a good name. These are words of a sage. The tragedy evokes memories of my first encounter with the legend.

Wednesday 8th November 2017, Ministry of Education. A soft knock on my door mid-morning. Robert my executive assistant pokes his head in the doorway, and says an august visitor was there to see me. Within seconds, the guest barges in grinning from ear to ear. Daddy Lumba in my office! Lumba, I bet you have lost your way, I teased. No Prof, I came to say hello.

Oh my God, the privilege to meet the living legend! Where did I sleep last night? Lumba exploded in jitters as I struggled to adjust to reality.

He humbly walked to my desk wearing a white kaftan and his signature hair braid. I nearly screamed my pleasure, only to be minded of my new role as minister. Music and its makers have the power to hypnotize, turning mature adults to babbling infants.

At 52, the process of ageing had given up on Lumba, preserving teenage looks that give him access to the teeming youth. Our friendship started and continued through phone chats.

But Lumba transcends music; he is a complex blend of music, dance, theater, and fashion: composite art personified. His appeal as a global star was evident when Prince Charles now King of England included Lumba on his personal playlist.

Elsewhere, Daddy Lumba, author of over 200 hit songs on 34 albums, would have received state acclaim at the prime of his life. He was once overheard saying, if the White man spoke Twi he would have admitted that Michael Jackson is no match for Daddy Lumba. A state award Lumba received late 2024 was perhaps too little too late, in a country where awards investiture has become a market commodity.

Mid 1997, I sat at a maiden COSGA awards night, three seats away from President Rawlings, the Guest of Honor. The MC was Kwasi Kyei Darkwa (KKD), the finest. But that event triggered another side show, when J. J. was asked to say a word and exhibit any musical skills left in him. Jerry complied, but invited his driver on stage to help him sing: Hei Zamina Mina Mina Mina. Hei Zamina Mina. A great night of fun and highlife music. After three hours of joy and nostalgia, though, I went home disappointed. The great expectation that Daddy Lumba then at 31 would be celebrated to mark his early rise to fame, was shattered.

A panel of COSGA judges had decided to see not Lumba, hear not Lumba, and hail not Lumba. Listen to my write hand in Yao Grahams Public Agenda, May 1997:

Who told COSGA to give a song of the year award, to a song that was NOT of the year. And give the composer of the year award to a composer who was not of the year; and arranger of the year award to an arranger who was not of the year, but of yesteryear. And to give the best new artist award to a new artist who was not new. It is indeed hard to tell what type of calendar hung on the wall of COSGA. It was unjust not seeing any award for Daddy Lumba or Nana Acheampong, or Nat Brew who are more of the year, than award recipients who have a great future behind them." That was my pen in 1997.

To Lumba, every twist in lifes journey deserves a poetic rendition, a witty saying that enables the pedestrian to own the song and with it, tell his story: travel, love, tragedy, mischief, hypocrisy, rebellion. But Lumba also has midnight themes that are carefully padded to attract the young and old. Often times such songs are gleefully sung by the youth in hopes that parents would misinterpret the coded meaning of aben woha, or nea adepa akohye. The youth indeed misread our confidential sources of delight.

One incident, however, gave a clue that the Lumba impact had tip toed its way to official circles. Late 2016, the Yentie Obiaa hit song almost brought down the roof at an official dinner at the Manhyia palace, aptly conveying collective sentiments at the event. Ghanas President Mahama defying prevailing odds, had gone ahead to successfully commission an airport lighting project at the Opposition stronghold, Kumasi, In a viral video leaked to the social media, the dinner held to round off the event almost imploded, when the live band purposefully played Lumbas Yentie Obiaa. Spontaneously, the President, His Royal Majesty, and guests together dashed to the dance floor merrily singing the refrain, Yentie Obiaa in a collective celebration of presidential defiance that had yielded results. Daddy Lumba had virtually lured Ghanas leadership into his fold, with a song that defined the moment, and compelled adults to relive playtime at school.

The country has been thrown into a state of mourning by the home call of a sage, global artist, poet, entertainer whose music has inspired names of suburbs, textile designs, hair styles, popular culture.

In all this though, expect among the chief mourners the New Patriotic Party for whom Lumba composed perhaps, the most magnetic campaign song in contemporary history: Na-na-na-na=na-na the winner, a virtual serenade for Nana Akufo-Addo, which mobilized the youth, and expedited the Ex-Presidents 2016 victory.

Happily, the Lumba stature looms beyond partisan politics. Among the earliest to convey sympathies and condolences to the Lumba family, was President John Mahama and several others in the ruling Government, and the opposition NPP.

Lumbas exit is Ghanas loss; a man who lived and died singing his destiny.

Akwanoma, Da Yie!

[email protected]
Featured

Ace Ankomah chases Kevin Taylor with judgment in GH2.95 million damages defamation suit

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Aug - 02 - 2025 , 20:08 4 minutes read

Private legal practitioner Ace Anan Ankomah has initiated moves to enforce the judgment he won against social media commentator, Kevin Ekow Baidoo Taylor in a defamation suit in February 2020.

Mr Ankomah won his defamation suit against Kevin Taylor, with the Accra High Court ordering Taylor to pay a total of GH2.95 million in damages.

Kevin Taylor had been out of the jurisdiction until recently.

On Saturday, August 2, 2025, and following an Order for substituted service granted by the court, giving Mr Ankomah the leave to serve Kevin Taylor with the Entry of judgment and Penal Notice by Substituted Service by a one time-publication half page graphic publication in the Daily Graphic Newspaper, Mr Ankomah went ahead with the publication, that indicates that Kevin Taylor has been served with the judgment.

Related: Ace Ankomah wins defamation suit against Kevin Taylor; Court orders GH2.95 million damages

Mr Ankomah had sued Taylor and his firm, Loud Silence Media and demanded GH10 million as damages for dragging his name in the mud.

Kevin Taylor, through his productions company, 'Loud Silence', had released weekly video documentaries dubbed With All Due Respect on controversial issues which were then circulated on social media platforms.

He accused Mr Ankomah in one of his videos of allegedly being involved in a scheme by a Dubai-based minerals firm, and some top members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of planning to destroy the CEO of embattled Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah also known as NAM1.

Mr Ankomah subsequently filed the defamation suit, and said the allegations made against him were malicious and had brought his hard-earned reputation into "hatred, ridicule, Obloquy, discredit, contempt, vilification, reproach, great distress and emotional trauma".

The Accra High Court presided over by Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo on Monday, February 24, 2020 gave judgment and ordered the United States-based Kevin Taylor to pay the damages for defamatory comments made on his social media programme dubbed With All Due Respect.

Mr Ace Ankomah was represented in court by Mr Thaddeus Sory with Marie-Nicole Poku.

Mr Taylor on his part was, however, absent and was also not represented in court.

He has also not been seen in Ghana for a long time until recently.

Order for substituted service

On July 30, 2025, Mr Ankomah through a deponent filed in support of a Motion Ex-parte to serve Kevin Taylor with the Notice of Entry of the judgment delivered on February 24, 2020, and filed on June 2, 2025.

The Court therefore granted leave to serve Kevin Taylor with the Entry of judgment and Penal Notice by Substituted Service by a one time-publication half page graphic publication in the Daily Graphic Newspaper.

COPY OF JUDGEMENT ATTACHED BELOW

The breakdown of the damages are General Damages of GH2,000,000; Aggravated Damages of GH500,000; and Exemplary Damages of GH400,000.

The court also ordered a perpetual injunction to restrain the publication of further material and asked the defendants to publish apology within 14 days as well as a mandatory injunction compelling defendants to remove offending material within 14 days; and costs of GH50,000

The court described Taylors comments as cavalier and said that when the plaintiff [Ace Anan Ankomah] called his bluff and dared him by suing him, Taylor did not have the cojones to respond in spite of him [Taylor] creating the impression of being able to appear anywhere to defend his bombastic video.

The court held that it had jurisdiction in the matter because, although the defendants are outside Ghana, the defamatory matter was intended to be shared in Ghana, received considerable interest in Ghana, was downloaded in Ghana where the plaintiff has ties, and that injury to the plaintiff in Ghana was foreseeable.

The court further held that it was the proper forum and had jurisdiction.

In awarding that extent of damages, the court took into consideration how widely the videos outrageous and malicious contents were circulated, the insults to the plaintiff by other persons following the publication of the matter (naming some of those persons), Taylors malevolence, spite, and his reprehensible conduct and egregious conduct and held that, that offends the courts sense of decency.

Writer's email: [email protected]

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
Next article: KNUST SHS cries for help

Previous article: Former President Akufo-Addo, other dignitaries sign Daddy Lumbas book of condolence

GTA rallies global spotlight on Pikworo Slave Camp

Gilbert Azeem Tiroog Aug - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

There is a movement taking shape across Africa  quiet in tone, but radical in its implications.

A movement to break down the bureaucratic and psychological borders that have, for decades, made African travel an ordeal for Africans themselves.

It is the emerging visa waiver mentality, which could change the face of travel, tourism and integration on this continent forever.

Kenyas bold signal

In recent weeks, news broke that Kenya was introducing visa-free travel for all African and Caribbean nationals, beginning this July.

A section of the gathering

According to the announcement, only Libya and Somalia would be excluded, due to security concerns.

If confirmed and sustained, it would be a landmark policy, allowing fellow Africans to enter Kenya without cumbersome visa forms, costly fees or endless embassy queues.

This move aligns with Kenyas ambition to achieve five million tourist arrivals by 2027, a major leap from the 2.4 million recorded in 2024.

It is a strategic step that positions Kenya as a leader in opening its borders to the continent.

Ghana and Morocco Lead by Example

Kenya is not alone in shifting its posture. Just days ago, Ghana and Morocco signed a mutual visa waiver agreement, enabling nationals of both countries to travel without visa requirements.

It is a significant diplomatic achievement, not only for what it allows in terms of movement, but for what it represents: a growing confidence among African states to embrace one another.

This builds on Ghanas earlier agreement with South Africa, signed in 2023.

The result has been remarkable  a 340 per cent increase in travel from Ghana to South Africa within a year.

That is a powerful message to the rest of the continent: when borders open, people move.

However, not all promising announcements have been followed by action.

In December 2024, Ghana made headlines with reports that it would ease visa restrictions for all African nationals.

The news generated excitement and optimism.

But eight months later, the policy remains unimplemented and no official update has been issued.

A brilliant idea has stalled. One hopes it gets confirmed and activated soon.

This is a reminder that good policy must be backed by consistent execution.

Without follow-through, we risk turning bold ideas into forgotten headlines.

Southern Africa embraces free movement

While West and East Africa are advancing policy reforms, Southern Africa is taking practical steps.

The newly elected president of Botswana recently championed and reportedly signed a free movement agreement with Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, allowing citizens to travel using only national ID cards, according to a news report.

No passports. No visas. Just freedom of movement.

This is precisely the spirit of Agenda 2063  the African Unions vision of a continent where citizens move, trade, collaborate and explore without being treated as foreigners.

Barriers beyond visas

Despite these positive shifts, African travel remains harder than it should be. It is often easier  and cheaper  for an African to fly to Europe or the Middle East than to a neighbouring country.

Visa processes are unclear, embassy appointments are hard to get and African travellers are too often met with suspicion by fellow African immigration officers.

Even when entry is permitted, the cost of travel is excessive. On a recent trip to the DRC, I discovered that travellers must pay $55 to exit the country, as a security charge.

In Sierra Leone, one must pay $25 on arrival and $25 on departure.

These charges are more than administrative nuisances  they are economic barriers that punish travellers and stifle tourism and business.

Why intra-African travel matters

Lets be clear: when Africans move, Africa gains.

Tourism receipts increase. Local economies grow. Airlines expand. Artists tour.

Students connect. Entrepreneurs explore new markets. Free movement fuels opportunity.

This is the Africa we should be building  open, confident and interconnected.

The examples are already there.

What remains is the political will to implement, sustain and scale these policies across the continent.

The road ahead: More than just removing visas

As more countries come on board, they must look beyond simply scrapping visa requirements.

They must also tackle the real cost of travel, improve infrastructure and change the mindset at borders.

We must not only dismantle bureaucratic walls, but also transform the culture of suspicion that continues to define African immigration experiences.

Integration must become a lived reality, not just an aspiration on paper.

Let Africans travel Africa

So yes, let us celebrate the progress being made.

But let us also keep the pressure on.

We must push  urgently and deliberately  for a continent where an African passport truly means something.

Let Africans travel Africa. Tear down these borders  and long may this movement continue.
Featured

Implementing affirmative action collective responsibility  Vice President

Diana Mensah Aug - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has appealed for collective responsibility in the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), stressing that the success of the Act cannot rest solely on the government.

Everyone, from local government assemblies to the private sector, must contribute to making this a success.

This is not a challenge government can undertake alone.

The success of the Affirmative Action Act, the broader Reset Ghana agenda, and the 24-hour economy depends on our collective effort, she said.

The Vice-President stressed the need for unity across sectors and communities to achieve the desired affirmative action goals.

She made the statement through her Policy Advisor on Social Sector, Dr Miriam Rahinatu, at the launch of an implementation programme for the Affirmative Action Act as part of this years Africa Womens Day celebration last Thursday.

The African Womens Day is observed annually on July 31, with this years event held on the theme: Leading with Purpose: Advancing Gender Equality through Strategic Implementation of the Affirmative Action Act.

The event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including government, Parliament, the judiciary, civil society, development partners, traditional authorities, and the diplomatic community.

Present were the chief Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Afisah Zakariah ; the Member of Parliament(MP) for Ada constituency and President of the Womens Caucus of Parliament, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah; MP for Kintampo South , Felicia Adjei ; MP Dormaa East, Rachel Amma Owusuah,MP for Krachi West constituency, Helen Adjoa Ntoso.

National commitment

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang emphasised that the Act was a national commitment to justice, fairness and equal opportunity, stating that the legislation aligned with the countrys broader vision for a 24-hour economy, aimed at unlocking opportunities, modernising services, and creating decent jobs.

This Act is not just a legal instrument. It is a testament to years of advocacy, resilience and leadership.

It reflects the relentless efforts of civil society, bipartisan collaboration, both within and outside of Parliament, and the courage of women across generations who refused to remain invisible, she added.

Beyond the legislation, the Vice President also stated that the government would also invest in strengthening institutional capacity, raise public awareness, and establish effective monitoring and accountability systems to ensure full implementation.

Beneficiaries

Addressing young women and girls , Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said , This law was made with you in mind. It tells you that your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and your country is creating space for your leadership.

Mandate

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said that her ministry was mandated to promote gender equality through gender-sensitive policies and social protection interventions for the vulnerablecritical roles in advancing national development.

She also announced the establishment of the Gender Equity Committee, created under the new law to guide and monitor its implementation.

The Act would position Ghana as a regional leader in gender equality and inclusive governance, she added.

The Vice-President expressed gratitude to civil society organisations, gender advocates, lawmakers and community leaders who championed the bills passage over the years.

She paid special tribute to the Vice-President, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, celebrating her historic role and Ghanas strides in womens empowerment.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudhury, affirmed the UNs continued partnership to help translate the ambitions of the Affirmative Action Act into real improvements in the lives of women and girls.
CAPE TOWN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in South Africa's Western Cape have confirmed new outbreaks of bird flu in the province, urging the public to "stay alert," but "not alarmed."

"The Western Cape Department of Agriculture wishes to alert poultry farmers and the general public to new outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu," said the department in a statement released on Friday night.

Recent outbreaks have been confirmed in chickens in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces, along with a single outbreak in the Western Cape, detected in farmed ducks near Paarl in early July, the statement said, adding that the affected ducks, along with related flocks of chickens, were voluntarily and humanely culled to prevent further spread of the disease.

In addition to poultry cases, bird flu has caused fatalities among great white pelicans in the Cape Town area. "These are the first wild bird cases reported in the Western Cape since April 2024 and the first mass mortalities since 2022," the statement said.

While the situation is concerning, "consumers can be assured that poultry products from grocery stores are safe for consumption," it added.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. While the virus has occasionally infected mammals and humans abroad, the department emphasized that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission and that the risk to humans remains low.

Nevertheless, officials advised the public not to handle sick or dead wild birds without proper protective gear and to report any unusual bird deaths to local authorities.

"The Western Cape government urges the participation of the public and the agricultural sector in preventing the spread of this disease in poultry," it said. "It is important to report suspected outbreaks in poultry to the local State Veterinarian immediately."

The department also urged farmers and poultry producers to apply strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection from wild or domestic birds.

"Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can help prevent the further spread of avian influenza and protect our birds, our poultry industry, and communities," it added. 
Featured

UDS student gets life sentence - In murder over love affair

Mohammed Fugu Aug - 02 - 2025 , 12:35 3 minutes read

The High Court in Tamale has sentenced a Computer Science student of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Salifu Nurudeen, to life imprisonment for the murder of a fellow student.

The court, presided over by Justice Charles Kwesi Acheampong, convicted Nurudeen, alias Salifu Nko-nya, last Thursday after finding him guilty of the murder of Wumpini Mohammed Zakiu, a Pharmacy student of the same university.

The incident, which occurred on September 25, 2024, stemmed from a dispute over a romantic relationship.

The fellow female student, also of UDS, was said to have ended her relationship with Nurudeen and moved on to a new affair with Zakiu.

A supposedly jealous Nurudeen stabbed Zakiu multiple times, resulting in his death.

The tragic incident sent shockwaves across the UDS community.

Jealousy turns deadly

The facts as presented in court were that on September 25, 2024, Zakius body was discovered with multiple stab wounds in an uncompleted building at the university, with his mobile phone missing.

The deceased, Wumpini Mohammed Zakiu

Nurudeens actions, the court heard, were fuelled by jealousy after his former girlfriend ended their relationship and began dating her new friend.

Nurudeen, in a calculated scheme, created a fake snapchat account using the identity of a non-existent female admirer to lure Zakiu to an uncompleted building, and brutally attacked and stabbed him multiple times.

The prosecution, led by state attorneys, presented compelling evidence, including CCTV footage from a nearby installation, which captured Zakiu being chased into the building.

In an attempt to mislead investigators and frame his ex-girlfriend, Nurudeen was said to have removed the SIM card from Zakiu's mobile phone, inserted it into his own device, and began impersonating the deceased.

He sent messages to the girl, pretending to break up with her, and then sent a text message to one of Zakius close friends, saying, Charley I go find trouble o, dem go kill me.

The deception, however, could not succeed as investigators from the police cybercrime unit traced the phone's location to Nurudeens residence in Nyankpala.

Search

A search of Nurudeens room led to the recovery of Zakius phone hidden under Nurudeens bed.

Subsequent forensic and digital evidence tied him directly to the crime.

Subsequently, Nurudeen was arrested at the Tamale Jubilee Park after being lured by the police through coordinated efforts.

Despite overwhelming evidence, he consistently denied committing the murder throughout the trial.

Throughout the proceedings and even as the verdict was delivered, the convict reportedly showed no visible emotion.

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, a seven-member jury returned a guilty verdict by a margin of 6 to 1, leading to the life sentence.

Writers email:[email protected]
Featured

Tsatsu Tsikata to be honoured with 3-day celebration marking 50 years at the Ghana Bar

GraphicOnline Aug - 02 - 2025 , 10:16 2 minutes read

One of Ghanas most eminent legal minds, Tsatsu Tsikata, will be celebrated this month as he marks 50 years since his call to the Ghana Bar, a milestone that has drawn admiration from across the legal, academic, corporate and governance communities.

A three-day commemorative event, under the theme Celebrating 50 Years of Tsatsu Tsikata at the Ghana Bar  1975 to 2025, will be held from August 6-8, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

The event promises an engaging series of conversations, memories and reflections from colleagues, former students, friends and associates, both in Ghana and abroad.

The first day will delve into Mr. Tsikatas legal practice, with discussions reflecting his work in the courts, military tribunals, the corporate world, and even during his incarceration. Prominent legal practitioners and former students Tony Lithur and Thaddeus Sory will lead the conversation.

They will be joined by Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy, and Nana Appia Kyei, Director of Kosmos Energy Ghana, both of whom worked with Tsikata during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The session will be chaired by Justice Emile Short, Ghanas first Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice and former judge at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

On August 7, the spotlight will shift to Tsikatas academic legacy. Former students such as Kwesi Quartey, Professor Martin Tsamenyi, and Christopher Quaye will share their experiences. The evening will also feature a lecture by Professor Raymond Atuguba, outgoing Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, on Challenges of Legal Education in Ghana. The days proceedings will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Doe Adjaho, former Speaker of Parliament and a former student of Tsikata.

The final day of the event, August 8, will focus on Tsikatas political and national influence. Mrs Betty Mould Idrisu, a former Attorney General, and Kyeretwie Opoku, a lawyer and former GNPC associate, will deliver remarks before Tsikata himself takes the stage to share personal reflections. Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, will chair the closing session and offer final comments.

Organisers say the celebration is not only about honouring a single mans accomplishments but also recognising his profound impact on Ghanas legal, academic, and political spheres.

In addition to the live event, the public is invited to share personal congratulatory messages and tributes via a dedicated online platform at: https://forms.office.com/r/TZWKTTCyAh.
Previous article: Tsatsu Tsikata to be honoured with 3-day celebration marking 50 years at the Ghana Bar

Featured

Two robbery suspects killed in police shootout at Atebubu

Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 02 - 2025 , 10:06 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that two robbery suspects were fatally wounded during an anti-robbery operation at Atebubu in the Bono East Region on Tuesday, July 30, 2025.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred when a patrol team encountered an ongoing robbery attack targeting commuters along the Atebubu highway.

Upon sighting the officers, the armed gang opened fire on the police, prompting the team to return fire. Two suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital, but were pronounced dead on arrival.

The remaining members of the gang managed to flee into a nearby bush and are currently being pursued.

A search conducted at the scene led to the retrieval of a short gun loaded with two live cartridges, four spent cartridges, and a machete.

The Police said efforts were underway to track down and arrest the remaining suspects and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters across the country.
Next article: I didnt know it was wrong: NDC Chair drops Professor title after GTEC warning

Previous article: Politics and the law: Justice, recovery, the case of Dr Kwabena Duffuor

Featured

The cost of running for elected office

Dr John Osae-Kwapong Politics Aug - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

It costs money to run for elected office.

Those who have never told us, win or lose, exactly how much they spent in their bid to become an elected party executive, Member of Parliament, or president.

Across all these elections, it is safe to assume that the least costly is running for an elected party position at the local level.

The cost of trying to win a polling station executive position pales in comparison to that of the national chairman of a party.

In a recent exploratory study by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the estimated cost of winning a presidential election was pegged at $150 million and $693,000 for a parliamentary election.

If all candidates who run for these two elections were to publicly make available their campaign finance and expenditure records, we could get an even clearer picture of the cost.

But why is the cost of running for elected office coming up again for discussion in the public square?

It is the cost of participating in the presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) slated for January 31, 2026. As reported by the Daily Graphic, the NPP is requiring all prospective aspirants to pay a non-refundable application fee of GH100,000 and a filing fee of GH500,000  both payable via bankers draft to the partys national headquarters in Accra. An additional development levy, yet to be disclosed, will also be mandatory.

As per my research, this represents a six-fold increase between the nominating contest for the 2016 and the 2028 election.

Lets assume the mandatory development levy is GH100,000; it brings the total cost of contesting to GH700,000. And lets further assume other campaign expenditure costs between now and January, travelling the country to win over members of the partys electoral college of about GH300,000.00.

This means a probable cost of GH1,000,000.00 to win the primary.

Ensuing Debate

If I can accurately sum up the debate, there are two camps.

One camp argues that an aspirants ability to raise the money to contest is a sign of resourcefulness.

That kind of resourcefulness is not only needed to clinch the nomination, but more importantly, for the general election, which is even more costly to the party and the candidate.

In essence, if you cant raise this money, you have no business trying to become flag bearer and ultimately president.

The other camp argues that this high cost associated with contesting in internal party elections creates entry barriers and turns them into a money contest and not one of merit.

In essence, the candidate with the most money likely wins and not the one most qualified.

It does not mean the candidate with the most money is not qualified to be president.

It is, however, a stark warning of the dangers of the undue influence and role of money in our democratic politics.

Points for Reflection

I share the sentiments of those who describe these filing fees as exorbitant, not because of the price tag alone, but the message it communicates about our democratic politics.

Let me quickly add this.

For the party, organising elections certainly has associated administrative costs and, therefore, such fees are helpful. For the candidate, contesting also has associated campaign costs.

My objections, therefore, are not borne out of failure to recognise the role money plays in any electoral democracy.

Rather, it is borne out of what this price tag means when a citizen decides to run for elected office.

Here are two points for reflection

First, the source of financing for candidates.

In a system where political financing rules are largely silent on candidates and campaign finance lacks transparency, such a price tag creates a perverse incentive of permitting candidates to raise money from dark sources.

Sure, critics are likely to respond with some of the candidates have their own wealth.

Fair enough, but how many candidates have their own wealth to the tune that it costs to seek the nomination and subsequently the presidency?

Critics are further likely to say, they also have friends ready to support them financially. Fair enough again.

And that brings me to my second reflection point  what do financiers want in exchange for financial support of political candidates?

This is especially relevant in our electoral politics, where support (financial or non-financial) is viewed as an investment to be reaped when the candidate eventually wins the office.

Are we, therefore, surprised when time and again, allegations of compromised elected public officials are also linked to who helped them financially to get elected?

It is not known what price tag the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will set for its 2028 nominating contest when the time comes.

Is it safe to say it will not be below the GH400,000 for 2020?

There is an urgent need for political financing reforms.

The writer is the Director, Democracy Project
Next article: Politics and the law: Justice, recovery, the case of Dr Kwabena Duffuor

Featured

Violence has no place in our schools  Zanetor mourns Kinbu SHS student

Gertrude Ankah Politics Aug - 02 - 2025 , 12:28 2 minutes read

The Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korle, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has condemned the fatal stabbing of a student at Kinbu Senior High School in central Accra, describing the incident as tragic and senseless.

In a statement issued on Friday, the MP expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 31 July, and called for swift investigations by the Ghana Police Service to ensure justice is served.

Violence has no place in our schools! Our children must feel safe in their learning environments, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said.

She urged education and security authorities to treat the incident as a wake-up call, warning that school safety protocols must be urgently reassessed and strengthened.

Shock in the capital

The stabbing, which reportedly occurred during a confrontation on school premises, has sent shockwaves through the Kinbu SHS community and beyond. Located near the heart of Accra, Kinbu SHS is one of Ghanas oldest second-cycle institutions and serves hundreds of students from the capital and surrounding areas.

The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the attack, but reports suggest that tensions had been rising among students in recent weeks.

Call for reforms

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings, who also has a background in public health and humanitarian work, emphasised the need for a multi-sectoral response. She pledged to work closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES), school leadership, local authorities, and security agencies to improve safety measures and mental health support in schools across her constituency.

This tragedy must be a wake-up call for all stakeholders, she added.

Her comments come amid growing concerns about student safety and mental well-being in Ghanaian schools. Over the past year, there have been several isolated incidents involving violence among students, sparking national debates on discipline, security, and youth mental health.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings extended her condolences to the family of the deceased, as well as to the students, staff, and broader Kinbu SHS community.

Read the full statement below
Qualcomm is hosting the Snapdragon Summit next month, where it's expected to introduce its new flagship chip, which will power the majority of the Android flagships next year. The chip reportedly has model number SM8850 and will either be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. There have also been rumors of another high-end Snapdragon chip, having model number SM8845, and according to popular leakster Digital Chat Station, it may be called Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

Note that this is not the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, which would succeed the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will sit above the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 but will be a tier below the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

If this rumor is true, it marks a significant shift in Qualcomm's naming convention because after launching the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chip, Qualcomm adopted a new naming convention, and what was expected to be called the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 was introduced as the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead.

Regardless of what the SM8845 SoC will be called, it's unclear if it will go official at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii next month alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC or will be introduced later.

Source (in Chinese)
BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- China renewed weather alerts on Saturday, warning of rainstorms and high temperatures in several regions.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) maintained a yellow alert for rainstorms, forecasting heavy rainfall from Saturday to Sunday across parts of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shanxi, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Taiwan island.

Some of these regions may experience hourly precipitation topping 70 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, according to the NMC.

Local governments have been urged to take necessary precautions and inspect drainage systems in cities, farmlands and fishponds.

The NMC has also renewed a yellow alert for high temperatures in multiple regions.

High temperatures ranging from 35 to 39 degrees Celsius are expected in parts of northern China, Shaanxi, regions between the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, the Jianghan Plain, the Sichuan Basin, areas south of the Yangtze River, southern China, Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia during daylight hours on Saturday.

Temperatures in parts of Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing and the Turpan Basin in Xinjiang may exceed 40 degrees Celsius, the NMC said.

The center has advised people to take protective measures and avoid excessive sun exposure.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School and Finegayan Elementary School passed their public health inspections, the Guam Department of Education said in separate releases on Friday.

Benavente Middle School improved its score from 38 demerits last year to 32 demerits this year, GDOE said. The school got a C grade.

"This achievement reflects the schools ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe a healthy learning environment for all students and staff," GDOE said.

Finegayan got a C grade with 29 demerits.

The cafeteria, which was previously shut down after inspectors found evidence of insects, rodents or animals, got 0 demerits and an A grade during its reinspection, GDOE said.

VSABMS extends its appreciation to the dedicated individual and teams who contributed to this accomplishment, including school staff, teachers, families, and friends, GDOE leadership, GDOE Division of Facilities and Maintenance, GDOE CIP, GDOE Safety Officer, GDOE Student Support Division, community partners including VSABMS PTO, Church of God volunteers, and Governor Youth Summer Employment interns.

Finegayan Elementary School Principal Marites D.C. Garcia, together with Acting Principal Melvin Finona and Assistant Principal Gerardo P. Galang thank the efforts of everyone involved in helping the school pass inspection.

The hard work and dedication of FES faculty and staff to ensure that students return to a safe and healthy learning environment for SY 25-26 are commendable, GDOE said.

GDOE thanks all who assisted FES including Simon Sanchez High School Principal Carla Masnayon and staff, GDOE Facility and Maintenance Crew under the leadership of Dominic Orbe, FES Family and Teachers Empowerment Parent Teacher Organization (FATE PTO) and volunteer, Ronevin Chaco, Guam Summer Youth Employment Program interns, Guam Cleaning Masters, GDOE Food and Nutrition Services Division, Sodexo and everyone who in one way or another contributed in ensuring the campus is ready to receive the students.




Haiti - Politic : Councilor Saint-Cyr calls for renewed commitment from the private sector





Laurent Saint-Cyr (from the business sector), who will take over as President of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) on August 7, took part in the closing ceremony of the Private Sector Engagement Forum on Reducing Community Violence. This forum was part of the co-construction process of the National Action Plan on Disarmament, Dismantling, Reintegration, and Reduction of Community Violence. It was organized with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti (CCIH), and the United Nations system.



Saint-Cyr praised the exceptional mobilization of regional chambers of commerce, government institutions, and international partners around a common goal : sustainably reducing community violence, which he considers an essential condition for economic recovery, stating, "We do not create wealth in fear. We do not build a future in instability. This reality calls for a joint mobilization of the State and the private sector to restore security, promote investment, rebuild stable communities and productive value chains, so that the wealth created benefits everyone."



In his opening speech, Saint-Cyr emphasized the strategic importance of the private sector's reflections on security issues and the reshaping of our governance pact. "The time has come for the private sector to deny certain stereotypes with which it has too often been associated or reduced. Not through rhetoric, but through concrete action. Not by defending itself, but by committing to peace, to social justice, to Haiti. Committing to rebuilding an economy that serves life, that serves the collective interest."



Saint-Cyr once again reiterated his commitment to working with his colleagues on the CPT, the Prime Minister, and his government. He promises to engage in dialogue and action throughout his coordination, starting August 7, with a view to ensuring the success of the major transition projects: security, elections, and economic recovery.



On the sidelines of his speech, the Presidential Advisor spoke with the audience, reaffirming his commitment to creating viable opportunities for young people and women, inclusive and sustainable growth, and Haiti's development. "The country can no longer wait. Let's roll up our sleeves. Let's get to work, now !" he concluded, to applause from the audience.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's police apprehended a local couple suspected of possessing contraband items during a routine stop, local media reported on Saturday.

According to the local daily Borneo Bulletin, police stopped a blue vehicle in the Temburong District of Brunei, and then found a black plastic box containing a carton and 19 sticks of cigarettes, along with two bottles of alcohol.

Both suspects, identified as husband and wife, were taken into custody and brought to the police station for further investigation. The seized items and the suspects were later handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further action, according to a statement from the Royal Brunei Police Force.

Brunei is a sultanate located in Southeast Asia. The laws in Brunei impose strict regulations on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages to protect the health of its people. 
Nvidia representatives in China had to explain themselves to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) on July 31. The reason for this is the H20 AI accelerators specially designed for China, which Nvidia has recently been allowed to sell there again.

Anzeige

The CAC's accusations are far-reaching:

"It was recently revealed that Nvidia's compute chips have serious security issues. Previously, US lawmakers demanded that the United States export advanced chips with tracking and positioning capabilities.

Experts in the field of artificial intelligence in the United States have revealed that the technology for 'tracking and positioning' and 'remote shutdown' in Nvidia's compute chips is mature.

In order to protect the network security and data security of Chinese users, the Cyberspace Administration of China conducted a survey of Nvidia on July 31, 2025 in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Network Security Law, the Data Security Law and the Personal Information Protection Law, and requested Nvidia to explain the security risk of the vulnerability of H20 chips sold in China and provide relevant documents."

Background partly unclear

The first part refers to a bipartisan bill from May 2025 that calls for geotracking capabilities in all powerful chips for AI training. The draft is so far-reaching that the law would even include high-end graphics cards such as the GeForce RTX 5090. The initiators want to prevent hardware smuggling to China. The law has not yet been passed.

Anzeige

We are not aware of any confirmation that there are "sophisticated technologies" for tracking and switching off remotely. Which experts are meant remains questionable.

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.
Just last April, Microsoft presented a report in which the company celebrated the implementation of measures to ensure greater security in the company and its products. Secure by Design, Security first  was the complete program. This was a reaction to the fact that an official commission of inquiry (the Cyber Safety Review Board) had previously found the company to be systematically sloppy when it came to IT security.

Anzeige

The Secure Future Initiative (SFI) was supposed to make things better, and the reports did indeed look promising. But now it's time to call bullshit. The SFI turned out to be exactly the Potemkin security facade that many experts had feared.

An opinion by Jurgen Schmidt Jurgen Schmidt  aka ju  is head of heise Security and Senior Fellow Security at Heise-Verlag. A physicist by training, he has worked at Heise for over 25 years and is also interested in networks, Linux and open source. His current project is heise Security Pro for security managers in companies and organizations. heise Security Pro

The reason for this sobering assessment are two events that allow a look behind the scenes and reveal that nothing has changed at all: Microsoft is sloppy on security and ignores security requirements when it promises bigger profits.

The Sharepoint fiasco

In May, two Vietnamese security researchers served up two critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft's SharePoint server on a silver platter, including exemplary exploits that demonstrate how they can be used to take over servers completely. Not only did it take Microsoft almost two months to release patches on June 8 to fix these vulnerabilities. The patch for CVE-2025-49706 turned out to be so botched that it could be bypassed by simply appending a / to a URL. The other patch also proved to be an amateurish hotfix on closer inspection. The result: several attacker groups used these loopholes to hijack Sharepoint servers. They took over hundreds of servers, and ransomware gangs will continue to profit from this reservoir of easy-to-harvest fruit for months to come.

Microsoft was forced to make amends on July 20 and provided Sharepoint with new software patches. However, installing the new security updates still did not ensure that previously compromised systems were secure. To achieve this, at least the so-called MachineKey of the IIS server had to be changed. Otherwise, the attackers would still have access with its help. Why didn't the security update also trigger this essential measure? Ask Microsoft! You will probably get just as little answer as we did to our questions about this Sharepoint issue.

The cloud rip-off

Anzeige

I could rant on for hours about this Sharepoint disaster and the self-inflicted incompetence in security matters that it demonstrates  but let's move on to the second data point that demonstrates Microsoft's already outrageous greed: the so-called digital escorts. The US government actually has strict requirements for providers who want to offer cloud services to US authorities. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP for short) stipulates that specially trained personnel must look after the servers that provide these services. And because the data on these servers is confidential and security-relevant, these administrators must also have a special security clearance that is only granted to US citizens.

Such personnel are in short supply and correspondingly expensive. It's not that you can't afford it. These FedRAMP government contracts are extremely well paid precisely because of the quality required. These are the fillet pieces in the cloud market that all cloud providers are licking their chops for. But what is Microsoft doing? As ProPublica recently uncovered, they hired cheap admins with the necessary certificates for server administration abroad. And they put ex-military personnel with security clearance at their side, who they also hired for minimum wages.

They were then supposed to carry out the actions specified by the trained admins. They were also supposed to monitor what they were doing. But they were not sufficiently qualified for this.Proven knowledge in the administration of Windows servers, domain servers, supporting desktops, desktop applications and Active Directory are listed in a job advertisement for a DoD Secret Cleared Escort merely as dispensable nice to have skills. Ultimately, they were copying and pasting command sequences or executing scripts they didn't understand. We trust that what they're doing is not malicious, but we can't say for sure, ProPublica quotes an escort it interviewed.

In this way, Microsoft is saving millions on staff and has seemingly satisfied the letter of FedRAMP: only US citizens with security clearance are tampering with the cloud servers of US authorities. The fact that this has now blown up in their faces is again thanks to their greed. They did not limit themselves to cheap IT specialists from the Five Eyes or perhaps the EU. They apparently took the cheapest available  even if they lived in China. You read that correctly: In fact, Chinese IT specialists were administering the cloud servers of the US Department of Defense, among others. What could possibly go wrong?

Now, of course, the outrage is huge; even US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is ranting about cheap Chinese labor. And Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer, Frank Shaw, asserts that they will ensure that no more engineers based in China are employed. But note: only the Chinese are excluded; IT workers from India, Vietnam and so on would still be okay. I'm waiting every minute for the announcement that the overworked digital escorts will be assigned a specially trained AI co-pilot in the future.

My conclusion

Two specific examples  are certainly not isolated cases but rather glimpses behind the carefully crafted scenes that prove the point: The Secure Future Initiative is just security theater to keep up appearances, nothing more. When it comes to money, no trick is too embarrassing for Microsoft, no cutback too counterproductive, and no risk too high  as long as it affects others. As a customer, you should know that  and act accordingly.

Jurgen Schmidt originally wrote this commentary for the exclusive newsletter of heise security PRO, where every week he puts events in the IT security world into perspective for security managers in companies:

(ju)

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.
An agreement in the EUUS tariff dispute was reached last week, but uncertainty continues. The US is expected to impose a 15 percent tariff on most foreign goods, with unresolved details still casting doubt on long-term trade conditions.

Many Finnish companies plan to grow exports to the United States and Canada despite rising trade tensions and the threat of new import tariffs, a new survey shows.

A poll conducted in May and June by the Finnish Entrepreneurs' Association found that while the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises are focused on EU and Nordic markets, the US remains a key target. Out of 855 companies surveyed, 28 percent said they were considering expanding exports to North America.

"Roughly 75 percent of companies are looking at increasing exports within the EU," said Harri Jaskari, Director of the Finnish Entrepreneurs' Association. "North America came in third, ahead of Asia, which is drawing less interest."

The threat of higher tariffs, along with a weaker US dollar, is expected to increase costs for American buyers. But many Finnish companies believe their products remain attractive enough to justify the price.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises are facing a really challenging situation," Jaskari said. "But when a product is unique, American consumers are often willing to pay."

One example is Planmeca, a Helsinki-based manufacturer of dental and medical imaging equipment. The company exports around one-third of its X-ray systems to the United States and sees no immediate risk to its market position.

"I don't think competitiveness will change much because the US doesn't have this type of manufacturing," said Timo Muller, Executive Vice President of Planmeca. "And since tariffs apply globally, they affect all importers, not just us."

Planmeca differs from the majority of respondents in the survey. With a turnover of 1.2 billion and a workforce of 4,400 globally, it has a scale and resilience not available to most Finnish SMEs. About 1,000 of its employees work in Finland.

The survey results show a broader pattern. Finnish companies are readjusting their export strategies to reflect political and economic shifts in key markets. The appetite for growth remains, even when margins may shrink.

To maintain export levels, some firms are preparing to absorb part of the tariff impact or accept lower profits. Others may consider production changes or alternative routes through free trade zones.

Still, for many businesses, the US represents a market too large and stable to ignore.

HT
A CRACKDOWN on dog fouling in Whitchurch could be launched by the parish council.

The majority of instances of fouling are seen in Muddy Lane, south of Hardwick Road.

Councillor Frances Parkes told a meeting that notices could be installed to educate dog owners.

She said: Faeces needs to be picked up because its a health hazard for children who play in the area. But what will a sign actually do?

There are plenty of people who are binning it because I empty the bin every week, so its probably just a small minority.

Councillor Kitty Higley agreed and suggested looking at a hard-hitting campaign by Westminster City Council for inspiration.

She said: People park along Hardwick Road with dogs to walk on Muddy Lane, which leads me to believe if you lived in the village, would you drive there to walk your dog? I think its a bit of a stretch.

People dont realise that its serious. It is an offence, and that is lost on people. They know theyre not going to get picked up on it.

Councillor Debbie Leach said: We could do something with the school and ask children to say something like We play in this area. Down the Oxford Road, there are speed signs that children have done, I find that quite impactful.
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- A mortar shell blast killed five children and injured 13 others in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday morning, police sources said.

The incident happened at about 9:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) in Lakki Marwat district of the province when a group of children, while playing in the nearby mountainous area, found an unexploded mortar shell, police sources told Xinhua.

The device went off as the children began tampering with it, resulting in multiple casualties, including five fatalities, the sources added.

Rescue teams shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The sources said an investigation has been launched to trace the origin of the explosive device. 
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An ASEAN interim observer group has inspected conflict-affected areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border after a ceasefire was reached, a Cambodian defense spokesperson said on Saturday.

The group included military attache of Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, as well as Vietnamese and Philippine assistant military attaches, said Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata.

"Cambodia stands ready to cooperate with the observation group led by Malaysia to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire," Socheata said.

On July 24, armed clashes erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in border areas. The two countries agreed on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on July 28, taking effect at midnight of the same day. 
by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's facilitation of Azerbaijani natural gas exports to Syria marks another key step in its deepening role in the reconstruction and infrastructure revival of its war-torn southern neighbor, analysts said.

While speaking at the inauguration ceremony in the Turkish border province of Kilis on Saturday, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the formal start of gas deliveries to northern Syria's Aleppo region via a newly restored cross-border pipeline.

The pipeline, connecting Kilis to Aleppo, had been severely damaged during the Syrian conflict and was fully repaired by May 21.

"Natural gas from Azerbaijan will now be delivered to Syria through Kilis," Bayraktar said.

"We can export up to 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas per year, which can generate electricity for up to 5 million households," he pointed out.

The pipeline launch follows months of coordination between Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Qatar, the latter providing financial backing for the project, as well as high-level diplomatic engagement between Ankara and Damascus.

It also comes amid increasing signals that Turkiye is positioning itself to lead reconstruction efforts in war-torn Syria, especially in areas near its southern border.

For Turkish analysts, the gas flow represents more than an energy deal. It reflects a deliberate recalibration of Turkiye's Syria policy and a broader effort to stabilize the region through economic integration and infrastructure diplomacy.

According to Oytun Orhan, a regional affairs expert at the Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Studies, consistent energy access in urban centers like Aleppo could play a pivotal role in restarting local economies and restoring public services such as schools, hospitals, and municipal utilities.

"Without electricity, recovery is impossible," the expert stressed. "This project lays the groundwork for long-term reconstruction."

Turkish officials believe that improving infrastructure and living conditions inside Syria may encourage the voluntary return of displaced Syrians, a priority issue in domestic political debates. Amid ongoing returns, Turkiye still hosts some 2.6 million registered Syrian refugees, according to official data.

Turkiye's broader energy strategy with Syria also includes plans to boost electricity exports via a dedicated cross-border transmission line capable of carrying up to 500 megawatts.

The line, currently undergoing repairs on the Syrian side with support from the World Bank, is expected to further enhance cross-border electricity flow once operational.

Experts argue that Turkiye's growing involvement in Syria's energy and utility sectors is part of a long-term strategy to build political and economic influence in northern Syria, while contributing to regional stabilization.

"Turkiye is essential to the reconstruction process in Syria and is the country best poised to do so," Batu Coskun, a nonresident fellow at the Abu Dhabi-based Trends Research and Advisory, said to Xinhua.

"The recent gas deal underscores the possibility of extending Turkish infrastructure into Syria. This already includes electricity grid infrastructure as well," he explained.

Coskun said the pipeline was likely to be the first in a series of infrastructure projects driven by Turkish public-private partnerships.

"We will likely see this as a major trend with Turkiye at the heart of Syria's essential services," he said.

The project is seen as a tangible outcome of Turkiye's broader effort to leverage its geographic position and technical expertise into post-war influence across the region.

Bayraktar previously said that in addition to gas and electricity, Turkiye is also exploring opportunities to assist with Syria's water management systems, urban services, and agricultural infrastructure. 
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy on Friday announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will cancel two grants totaling over 26 million U.S. dollars for a planned high-speed rail that would link Baltimore, Maryland and Washington.

"After nearly a decade of poor planning, significant community opposition, tremendous cost overruns, and nothing to show for it, Secretary Duffy is ending federal involvement in the project and its cost to taxpayers," the Transportation Department said in a statement.

As part of its analysis, the FRA also determined that the so-called Superconducting Magnetic Levitation Project would result in significant, unresolvable impacts to federal agencies and federal property, including national security agencies.

"This project lacked everything needed to be a success from planning to execution. This project did not have the means to go the distance, and I can't in good conscience keep taxpayers on the hook for it," said Duffy.

The project was proposed to be a high-speed rail project using superconducting magnetic levitation technology linking Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C. The estimated capital cost to build this project is nearly 20 billion dollars.

The FRA's involvement in the project dates back to 2016. The project has since experienced numerous delays and cost overruns, according to the statement.

The Transportation Department previously cut federal support for the California high-speed rail project, blaming Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democrats for enabling waste for years. On July 16, Duffy announced that the FRA had terminated approximately 4 billion dollars in unspent federal funding for California's high-speed rail "boondoggle."

Newsom and the California High-Speed Rail Authority have been strongly criticizing the move, calling it politically motivated, and have filed a lawsuit to restore the funding. 
In pics: Fuzhou, international wetland city in China's Fujian

Xinhua) 14:06, August 02, 2025

A kingfisher perches on a lotus seedpod in a lotus pond at Jin'an Lake Park in Jin'an District, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 21, 2025. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 1, 2025 shows the landscape around a wetland park in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 27, 2025 shows the wetland scenery at the Minjiang River estuary, in southeast China's Fujian Province. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Colored sandpipers forage for food in Shantang Village of Lianjiang County, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 30, 2025. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A gallicrex cinerea flies over a pond at Shantang Village of Lianjiang County, in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 30, 2025. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 27, 2025 shows the landscape around the Jin'an Lake Park in Jin'an District, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 27, 2025 shows the wetland scenery at the Minjiang River estuary, in southeast China's Fujian Province. Rich in wetland resources, Fuzhou has a wetland area of 194,200 hectares and a wetland rate of 15.14 percent, accounting for about one-third of the wetland area in Fujian Province.

In the practice of wetland protection, the city has invested 30 million yuan (about 4.16 million U.S. dollars) annually returning farmlands to wetlands, and providing employment opportunities to farmers.

Fuzhou was accredited as an international wetland city during the opening of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15) held in Zimbabwe's resort city of Victoria Falls. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Good morning. Companies earning a spot on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 demonstrated significant momentum this yearincluding those in the financial sector.

The corporations on this years list, released this week, combined to generate $41.7 trillion in revenue in 2024, up 1.8% from the previous year. Together, they employ 70.1 million people, and their revenue represents more than one-third of the worlds GDP.

For the 12th consecutive yearand the 20th time since 1995Walmart is No. 1 on the list. The ranking showed a dominant presence of U.S. companies (138). The U.S. remains ahead of Greater China, which has 130 companies (down three from last year). You can view the complete list here.

Overall, the Global 500 earned $2.98 trillion in profit in its second-most-profitable year everand $1 trillion of that was generated by finance companies. Landing at No. 10 is Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, the leader in the financial sector.

Also notable: several companies in the financial sector made large advances on this years list.

The CFOs of U.S.-based companies BNY and Prudential Financial shared with me whats driving the momentum:

Yanela Frias, EVP and CFO of Prudential Financial (No. 192, up 74 spots): We have seen strong momentum across our market-leading insurance, retirement, and asset management businesses. Our unique combination of global scale, distribution power, brand, and talent sets us apart as we serve 50 million customers worldwide. We are also finding new ways to serve our customers as their needs continue to evolve.

With more people getting older and facing shifting retirement systems, we are committed to offering flexible retirement solutions that provide protected savings and income strategies to help people live better lives, longer. And, as investors seek a broad range of investment products like private credit and alternatives, we have unified PGIMs multi-manager model into a single asset management business, including a $1 trillion private and public credit platform. To deliver even stronger performance, we are evolving our strategy, improving execution, and building a high-performing culture.

Dermot McDonogh, CFO of BNY (No. 389, up 77 spots): Were hitting our stride in BNYs transformation and firing on all cylinders. Weve built a more connected, agile organizationone thats breaking down silos and working more closely with clients than ever before. As a company that sits at the center of the global financial system, we have a unique opportunity to help our clients navigate change, unlock opportunity, and operate with greater confidence.
Two years ago, Anita Robinson took early retirement from her position as a senior partner at a tech firm in Atlanta. She was 57 and had been at the company for more than three decades.

It wasn't my intent, but special circumstances called me to duty as a daughter, Robinson told me.

Her 83-year-old mom is blind, has dementia, four different types of cancer, and requires full-time care. I just couldn't in good conscience leave her, she said.

There are millions of Americans facing similar heart-wrenching and financially difficult decisions as Americas caregiving crisis is worsening.

An astonishing 63 million Americans  nearly 1 in 4 adults  now provide care to an adult with health or functional needs, or to a child with a serious medical condition or disability  a record high, according to a new report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. Thats up from 53 million in 2020 and 43.5 million a decade ago.

Whats even more troubling is what caregiving costs people, AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan, told Yahoo Finance.

Nearly half of caregivers are struggling with significant financial factors. More than 2 in 10 have taken on more debt, about a third have used up short-term savings, 3 in 10 have stopped saving, and roughly 20% are leaving bills unpaid or paying them late, according to the data.

At the same time, they are grappling with work and career fall out. More than 60% of caregivers are balancing their caregiving responsibilities while still employed, the report shows. And half report they reduced hours, have taken unpaid leave, or even quit their job entirely as Robinson did.

There are a number of factors driving the financial strain. Its increasingly challenging for caregivers to access affordable, quality supports and services that are needed to provide adequate care  things such as respite care and access to paid leave from their employers, Minter-Jordan said.

Robinson was initially able to step away from her job temporarily through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to see if she might be able to find a way to do both jobs.

The FMLA provides 12 weeks a year of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage.

Afterwards, my company wasn't flexible with options and started requiring everybody back into the office, she said. There were not many exceptions granted for working from home. It was just not an environment conducive for me to continue to work.

Shes getting by on savings but trying not to tap all of her nest egg.
Shares in Anheuser-Busch InBev tumbled today (31 July) after the world's largest brewer reported falling sales in Brazil and China.

AB InBev's share price was down 11.56% today as of 16:39 BST.

Revenue in Brazil dipped 1.9% during the Leffe brewer's second quarter. Volumes dropped 6.5%, attributed to "underperforming a soft industry, which was primarily impacted by adverse weather".

In its first half, AB InBev saw revenues drop 1.5% in Brazil year on year while volumes slid 2.4%.

Second-quarter volumes for the group's overall South America business declined 4.9% to 34 million hectolitres. In the half year, volumes dipped 1.6% to 75 million hectolitres.

In a note to clients, Bernstein analyst Trevor Stirling described Brazil as "the pain point" for AB InBev in the second quarter.

On a call with analysts, CEO Michel Doukeris said: "During the second quarter, we made strategic revenue management choices to position the business well for the second half of the year."

In China, AB InBev's volumes declined 7.4% in the second quarter. The business said it saw "continued weakness in our key regions and channels". However, revenue per hectolitre increased 1.7%.

Revenue was down 9.4% in the region in the first half while volumes dropped 8.2%.

AB InBev also booked volume declines in its wider Asia Pacific market, with total volumes down 6.6% in the second quarter to 23.7 million hectolitres. In the first half, these dropped 6.4% to 43.4 million hectolitres.

Reflecting on China with analysts, Doukeris said the industry was seeing a "slowdown" but that was not anything "new".

He added: "Of course, the size of the underperformance now is much smaller relative to what we saw last year.

"And we continue to think that as we move through the quarters, we'll see this impact reducing the comps, becoming more in favor of the industry, and at one point, this industry should start a fire on the right direction but not there yet on quarter two."

The Stella Artois brewer continued to see slower sales in China in its second quarter in the on-trade, a problem which the group also highlighted in May. At the time, the company said it planned to focus on off-trade in efforts to boost its performance in the market.

"The own trade is not rebounding," Doukeris told analysts today. "The growth that we see in the industry is more in the off premise. So a big portion of our plans in China now are improving the route to market, improving the propositions that we have for the off-premise.
(Reuters) -Activist investor Carronade Capital Management urged Viasat to split its defense business as part of the satellite communications firm's ongoing strategic review.

Carronade  which holds a 2.6% stake in the satellite communications firm  in an open letter to shareholders on Thursday called for either a spin-off or an IPO of the defense and advanced technologies (DAT) business, which it said is alone worth $50 per share.

"We believe DAT's business lines span critical and rapidly growing areas. This is further enhanced by market share gains, driving growth that continues to exceed overall total addressable market growth," Carronade said in the letter.

The split could result in Viasat's shares trading at a range of $50 to $100 plus per-share pre-event, Carronade said.

Shares of Viasat were up 1.4% at $16.66 in afternoon trading on Friday.

Viasat, in a statement on Friday, said its board and management will evaluate Carronade's ideas.

The company's communication services unit posted revenue of $3.3 billion for fiscal year 2025, while the defense segment brought in $1.22 billion.

Viasat expects mid-teen percentage revenue growth in the defense unit for fiscal 2026, driven by strong double-digit gains in information security, cyber defense, and space and mission systems.

The Financial Times, which first reported the development, said Carronade continues to build its stake in Viasat and also holds $30 million of the company's debt.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Alan Barona)
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is included among the 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Retirement.

Aflac (AFL): A Reliable Retirement Dividend Stock for Steady Income

A nurse talking on the phone with a client while assisting them in filling out paperwork for a medical insurance policy, demonstrating the company's dedication to customer service.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) stands out as a major player in the supplemental insurance market in both the United States and Japan, offering policies related to life, cancer, and general health coverage. Its operations in Japan play a particularly important role in driving overall profits. The companys growth strategy centers on enhancing its product lineup, introducing innovations, and strengthening its sales reach through strategic partnerships.

In the first quarter of 2025, Aflac Japan maintained a strong premium persistency rate of 93.8% and achieved a 12.6% year-over-year increase in sales. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) has continued to emphasize its third sector offerings, particularly the new cancer insurance product, Miraito. These policies are also being introduced to a younger customer base through Tsumitasu, a first-sector product.

In the United States, Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) reported a premium persistency rate of 79.3%. It also recorded a 1.8% increase in net earned premiums and a 3.5% rise in overall sales, reflecting steady performance in the domestic market.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) offers a quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.35%, as recorded on July 30. AFL is one of the best dividend stocks for retirement, as the company holds a 42-year streak of consistent dividend growth.

While we acknowledge the potential of AFL 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: 13 Best Materials Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Best and Safe Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None.
(Bloomberg) -- Meituan, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., and JD.com Inc. vowed Friday to curb disorderly competition and cease the price-based rivalry thats threatened to erode margins and prompted warnings from government agencies.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Hong Kong-listed shares in all three companies rose after they issued statements within minutes of each other pledging to promote a fair business environment. The three companies have sought to out-do each other with a series of discounts and subsidies aimed at carving out a greater share of the $80 billion-plus food delivery market.

In July, the State Administration for Market Regulation summoned the trio and asked them to dial it down. The three companies all called for resisting self-destructive competition  commonly referred to as involution in China  in their respective statements on Friday. Alibabas Ele.me said it will protect merchants margins and avoid irrational promotions, while Meituan said it wont force businesses to participate in subsidies.

Anti-involution is not anti-competition, said Xiaoyan Wang, an analyst with 86Research in Shanghai. The ongoing competition appears to have a positive impact on the entire delivery industry, so I believe the competition will continue.

In just a few months, JD, Chinas largest online retailer by revenue, ratcheted up the competition with aggressive pricing and promotions that brought in millions of daily takeout orders. Market leader Meituan and runner-up Ele.me responded with their own incentives. Consumers have been offered deals including $1 meals and free bubble tea, as part of several rounds of billion-yuan subsidies. JD on Friday said it will resist malicious subsidies and avoid creating bubbles in the market.

On Thursday, Chinas top leadership emphasized its determination to reduce excess competition in the economy and ramp up management of overcapacity in key industries, following President Xi Jinpings earlier concerns about over-capacity and price wars last month.

JDs entry into food delivery did help revitalize the landscape that had long been dominated by a duopoly. Alibaba in June merged its food delivery app with Taobao, its main e-commerce platform, in an effort to drive more users to the service. And over the 618 summer shopping festival, Meituan for the first time offered discounts on products like smartphones and alcohol, as it ventured further beyond its core business.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Low Cost Stocks To Buy Under $50. Altice USA, Inc. stands fifth on our list.

Altice USA, Inc. (NYSE:ATUS), one of the largest broadband and video service providers in the U.S., serves around 4.5 million customers across 21 states under the Optimum brand. It also operates Optimum Media for advertising solutions and News 12 for hyperlocal news coverage.

In a significant move, the company announced a $1 billion asset-backed loan facility on July 17, 2025, secured by its Hybrid-Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network assets in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Partnering with Goldman Sachs and TPG Angelo Gordon, this marks a strategic shift toward infrastructure-backed financing. By monetizing physical network assets, Altice USA, Inc. (NYSE:ATUS) aims to unlock liquidity for reinvestment without diluting equity or relying on traditional debt, strengthening its financial position.

Altice USA, Inc. (ATUS) Secures $1B Loan Backed by NYC Network Assets

A sleek broadband amplifier reflecting the rays of light in a server room.

This financing strategy aligns with the growing demand for high-speed internet and underscores the importance of maintaining and upgrading broadband infrastructure. It also reflects a broader industry trend of telecom companies leveraging physical assets to support growth and competitiveness. Altice USA, Inc. (NYSE:ATUS) is set to release its Q2 2025 earnings on August 7, which will offer deeper insights into the companys progress.

While we acknowledge the potential of ATUS 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
Analysts revise Amazon stock-price targets ahead of Q2 earnings report originally appeared on TheStreet.

If you don't know why there's no sun up in the sky, look again.

Washington state's largest city gets a lot of stormy weather, but one investment firm is seeing nothing but blue skies for Amazon (AMZN) this week.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 

The e-commerce and cloud-services giant is scheduled to report second-quarter results on July 31 after the closing bell, and Wedbush analysts are looking beyond the clouds in a research note entitled "Seattle Sunny Summer Skies."

Investor sentiment is broadly positive, the investment firm said, with expectations improving in recent weeks following May's disappointing second-quarter guidance.

Still, profitability forecasts for the year remain depressed as investors weigh the impact of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff agenda. macroeconomic uncertainty, currency risk, rising expenses to support artificial-intelligence initiatives, and an uncertain cost trajectory associated with Project Kuiper, Amazon's satellite network.

The company said that at Kennedy Space Center it recently opened a 100,000-square-foot payload-processing facility that prepares satellites for launch.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says many consumers will have robots in the home in the next 10 years or so.

Amazon CEO: No major price increases

"We think the risk/reward is attractive, and we see opportunity for Amazon to deliver upside to current operating-income expectations," Wedbush said.

The firm said it was focusing on Amazon's retail performance and consumer-demand trends; widening operating margins supported by a product-mix shift to wider-margin revenue; momentum within the Amazon Web Services cloud division, and emerging monetization of its AI efforts.

More Tech Stocks:

Wedbush, which maintained its outperform rating on Amazon and boosted its price target to $250 from $235, said it was also monitoring capital-spending requirements to support infrastructure and AI investments, plus persistent growth within the advertising business.

"We expect Amazons [market-share] gains of e-commerce and total retail to continue, supported by faster shipping speeds and growing penetration in household essentials," the firm's analysts said.

Wedbush said Amazon continued to increase market share in total retail, and the U.S. backdrop is favorable in Q2. Management in May said that the company had not seen any indication of softening demand in the core retail business.
James Devaney / Getty Images A majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. now come from India, Apple CEO Tim Cook said

Key Takeaways

Apple expects tariffs to cost the company $1.1 billion this quarter, CEO Tim Cook told investors on Thursday's earnings call.

The iPhone maker said it absorbed $800 million in tariff costs in the fiscal third quarter.

Morgan Stanley analysts have said President Trump could soon subject Apple to Section 232 tariffs, which are tied to national security issues.





Apple (AAPL) is preparing to absorb $1.1 billion in tariff costs this quarter, CEO Tim Cook said Thursday.

That's after the iPhone maker took a tariff-related hit to the tune of $800 million during the fiscal third quarter which ran through June, Cook told investors on the company's earnings call.

The $1.1 billion estimate assumes no changes in current tariff levels, which Cook said isn't something the company can be certain of. Last week, Morgan Stanley analysts said the Trump administration could soon subject Apple to Section 232 tariffs, which are tied to national security issues.

In response to tariffs, Apple has shifted some production from China to India. A majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. now come from India, Cook said, while the majority of Macs and other Apple products sold stateside are shipped from Vietnam.

Apple reported third-quarter earnings that topped estimates as its services revenue hit a record high. Its iPhone sales of $44.58 billion were up 13% year-over-year, and above the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha.



Read the original article on Investopedia
Pictured (from left): Mr Donatien Carratier, Head of Dusit France; Mr Jordan Elbaz, Partner, SYDEL; Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International; and Mr David Elgrably, Partner, SYDEL. - Image Credit Dusit International



Dusit International has partnered with SYDEL to form a joint venture aimed at developing hotel properties in France.

Dusit International has entered into a strategic partnership with SYDEL, a French real estate investment firm, to create Dusit France. This joint venture is designed to introduce Dusit's hotel brands to the French market. The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony in Paris on July 10, 2025.

The collaboration will focus on identifying strategic locations for hotel development and supporting asset owners with repositioning projects. Dusit International's portfolio includes nine hotel brands, ranging from lifestyle hotels to luxury retreats. The brands being considered for the French market include Dusit Thani, Devarana  Dusit Retreats, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Dusit Suites.

The joint venture aims to leverage SYDEL's local expertise to facilitate the introduction of Dusit's hospitality offerings in France. The partnership will explore innovative hotel concepts that emphasize guest experiences, well-being, and sustainable value creation.

Dusit International currently operates 294 properties in 18 countries, including 55 under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 239 luxury villas under Elite Havens. In Europe, the company manages Dusit Suites Athens in Greece.

The signing ceremony in Paris was attended by representatives from both companies, including Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International, and partners from SYDEL.
UPDATE: Jacob's Pillow Production Manager Dies in Accident on Grounds

Updated on Aug. 2, 2025 at 11 am  The Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that there are no criminal charges being brought to the accidental death of the Jacob's Pillow summer employee, 40-year-old Kathryn "Kat" Sirico o Rochester, N.Y. After an investigation it was found that the events leading to Sirico's death were related to a work-place accident. In the early afternoon of Friday Aug. 1, Sirico and a summer intern were moving platforms used for staging for a theater across the Jacob's Pillow property. The platforms were on a dolly. As the victim and intern began moving the dolly down a sloped area, they lost control of the dolly, and it began to roll. The Sirico attempted to regain control of the dolly; however, tripped and fell. The dolly ran over Sirico and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on Sirico. Bystanders attempted life saving measures. Becket Police responded to the scene at approximately 12:31 p.m. At approximately 12:35 p.m, the Town of Becket's Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office also responded to the scene. The official cause of death will be announced by the Medical Examiner. BECKET, Mass.  Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival on Friday night identified the person who died on the grounds earlier in the day as a member of its staff.

The venue reported that a "tragic accident" occurred outdoors Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of one of the company's production managers, Kat Sirico.

There were no other injuries.

"Kat was a Pillow alum and an essential and hugely devoted leader on our team," executive and artistic director Pamela Tatge said. "Their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together."

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office Friday afternoon confirmed that a fatality had occurred on the grounds but could not provide any more information, only noting that the incident was under investigation and that the public was not in danger.

The fatality had been reported at 12:32 p.m. and State Police responded to the scene. The festival's website posted that an "unforseen accident" accident had occurred and that the day's performances had been canceled. A spokesperson told iBerkshires that "There is a critical incident under investigation. We are not able to say more at this time."

In its Friday night statement, Jacob's Pillow said investigations are underway by State Police, the state medical examiner and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Jacob's Pillow also announced that all performances at the venue through Sunday, Aug. 3, have been canceled.

People holding tickets for the canceled performances will receive detailed updates from Jacob's Pillow by email.

Updated with the identity of the victim on Friday at 10:45 p.m.
Sawayasu Tsuji / Getty Images Apple stock was down about 17% for 2025 through Thursday's close

Apple (AAPL) reported fiscal third-quarter earnings that topped analysts expectations, as its services revenue hit a record high.

The iPhone maker posted revenue of $94.04 billion, up 10% year-over-year and above the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Net income of $23.43 billion, or $1.57 per share, rose from $21.45 billion, or $1.40 per share, a year earlier, topping Wall Streets estimates. Apple's services revenue improved 13% to a record $27.42 billion, above expectations.

Apple's iPhone sales climbed 13% to $44.58 billion, ahead of projections, while Mac sales rose 15% to $8.05 billion, and iPad sales decreased 8% to $6.58 billion.

Apple shares gained more than 2% in after-hours trading. The stock was down 17% for 2025 through Thursday's close.

CEO Tim Cook Says Apple Is 'Significantly Growing' AI Investments

CEO Tim Cook told investors on the company's earnings call that Apple is "significantly growing" its investments in AI and reallocating employees within the company to focus on development, but didn't provide a specific figure.

A more personalized, AI-powered version of Apple's Siri virtual assistant is expected to launch in 2026, Cook confirmed. Significant delays have raised pressure on Apple to prove it can compete with other tech leaders on AI development.

Cook also said Apple absorbed roughly $800 million in tariff-related costs during the third quarter, and expects to take a $1.1 billion hit in the current quarter, assuming tariff levels remain the same. Last week, Morgan Stanley analysts cautioned that the Trump administration could soon subject Apple to Section 232 tariffs, which are tied to national security concerns.

This article has been updated since it was first published to include additional information and reflect more recent share price values.



Read the original article on Investopedia
It is therefore up to the magistrates to assess the profiles, boundaries, and risks of international politics. The shocking decision of the European Court establishes that the designation of 'safe' countries must be evaluated by judges. 'The designation of a safe State,' says the Court of Luxembourg, 'can be made by legislative act, provided that it can be subject to judicial review.' Translation: it is not enough for the Italian Parliament to have defined countries like Egypt and Bangladesh as 'safe.' A judge can decideas has been decided so farthat this is not true. It is a real inversion of powers. The judiciary overrides the legislative and executive. It will be acknowledged that institutions dealing with foreign policy obviously have infinitely greater investigative and verification powers than any magistrate. But the opinion and will of the judge prevail over any institutional investigation. The most disturbing detail is another: 'The EU member state cannot include a country in the list of safe countries of origin if it does not offer sufficient protection to its entire population.' Common sense would suggest that a heterosexual person can be sent back to a country that persecutes gays and a Muslim can return to a nation that does not like Christians. But no. The fact that it persecutes homosexuals and Christians makes it unsafe even for a person outside these two categories. This contradicts a decision of the Court of Cassation that entrusted the government with the decision on whether a country was indeed safe, 'even in the presence of subjective conditions.' That is, according to the examples we made above. But the Court of Luxembourg goes further. In 2024, it was the Italian Parliament that indicated which were the safe countries. Italian judges objected that the sources on which the legislator had based its decision were not clear, and the Court of Luxembourg agreed with them. The judge, therefore, should not apply the law, but scrutinize the ways in which the law was made. In ten months, the European pact that should clarify everything will finally come into effect. And until then, it can be sworn that any attempt to divert dangerous immigrants to Albanian centers will be challenged by Italian magistrates. Because if it is true that the decision of the Court of Luxembourg applies to all EU countries, it is also true that the only judges who stand in the way of repatriations are ours. Germany, in fact, has been able to repatriate migrants from Afghanistan since August 2024, which is notoriously a very safe country. It is striking that while socialist governments like the British and the German before Merz's victory were interested in imitating Italian solutions, the Italian left cries victory. On the one hand, the decisions of the Italian judges will give strong support to the separation of careers, on the other hand, it is difficult to imagine that it will bring political consensus to multiply the number of migrants without skills and often with serious criminal records who wander undisturbed around Italy.

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This article is automatically translated
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A number of Nordic countries are facing a truly unprecedented heatwave.

Scientists have said the hot temperatures, above 30C, were recorded in the Norwegian part of the Arctic Circle for 12 days, and three weeks in Finland have been the longest streak since 1961.

Mika Rantanen, a climate scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, said was a, Truly unprecedented heatwave still in full swing with maximum today about 32-33C.

Even the Arctic regions  have seen three weeks above 25C, and may rival tomorrow their August heat records, he added.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute said temperatures above 30C were recorded on 12 days in July by at least one station in its three northernmost counties.

The institute said it expected temperatures of 30C might be reached again over the weekend.

We have some hot days ahead of us in northern Norway, it told The Guardian.

Meteorologists in Sweden said youd have to go back more than a century to find longer periods of heatwaves in certain areas after several stations in the North of the country noting long-term heatwaves - one in Haparanda measuring 25C or more lasted 14 days in a row.

Northern Europe was faced with sweltering heat in mid-July. Last month was the UK's fifth warmest July on record, according to provisional figures from the Met Office. The mean average temperature across the month was 16.8C, ranking it behind 2006 (17.8C), 2018 (17.2C), 1983 (17.1C) and 2013 (17.0C).

Researchers have found that countries such as the UK, Norway and Switzerland will face the greatest relative rise in uncomfortably hot days as the planet heats up, and have warned that their infrastructure is not well-suited to cope.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A police chief has been suspended after serious concerns were raised about his behaviour outside of work.

Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble, who denies any wrongdoing, is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for the matters which pre-date his employment with the force.

The watchdog said it is also probing allegations that Mr Noble shared confidential information without a policing purpose.

Staffordshire police and fire commissioner Ben Adams said his decision to suspend Mr Noble was a "neutral act" and has "no bearing on any indication of guilt".

Mr Adams said: "Public confidence in the police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated.

"In the interests of the public, Staffordshire Police and the chief constable himself, I have decided to suspend Mr Noble from his role pending the outcome of the IOPC's investigation.

"Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such."

Mr Adams added: "I know that this announcement will come as a shock to many across Staffordshire, especially our hard-working officers and staff, but it is right that allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly."

The police and fire commissioner said his team is working to identify a temporary chief constable.

An IOPC spokesman said: "We received mandatory referrals from Staffordshire's Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner on April 30, June 27 and July 29 this year in relation to Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble.

"The referrals relate to reports we've received raising serious concerns over Mr Noble's behaviour outside of his work duties.

"The matters pre-date Mr Noble's appointment as Chief Constable for Staffordshire Police.

"The IOPC is also separately investigating Mr Noble over allegations he shared confidential information without proper policing purpose.

"That followed a referral in 2024 from the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire.

"Our enquiries are ongoing."

A spokesperson from the Chief Police Officers' Staff Association said: "Chief Constable Chris Noble completely and categorically denies any wrongdoing, and will continue to co-operate fully with the IOPC investigation."
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

The UK Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to parts of Pakistan after a US security alert reported a threat to high-end hotels in Karachi.

"The US Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi," the United States Embassy in Islamabad issued a travel advisory said in a security alert.

It added: The US Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official US government personnel to these hotels."

The State Department said it sometimes places areas in foreign countries such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official US government personnel in response to such threats.

People have been urged to avoid crowds, stay alert in places frequently visited by tourists and citizens of Western countries and to keep a low profile.

A US security alert reported a threat to high-end hotels in Karachi ( PA Archive (Donall Farmer/PA) )

The State Department currently has a travel advisory in place for Pakistan that advises US citizens to reconsider traveling there due to the risk of terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Following the US alert, the UK made a similar move and Britains foreign ministry also advised against all but essential travel to parts of Pakistan.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) explains levels of violence in Karachi can vary and the area has seen a recent increase in armed robbery.

The safety of daily activity can be unpredictable. Criminal and political violence is common, including armed carjacking, robbery, kidnap and murder, The FDCO explains.

Strikes called by religious and political parties can cause significant disruption and sometimes lead to violent civil unrest. Smaller-scale labour strikes are also common and cause regular disruptions locally, it added.

The FDCO explained there is a risk of violence in parts of the city including the government offices.

Although big hotels and the financial district are generally seen as more stable, there is still a risk.

Travellers who do visit are told to travel carefully and to take advice from hosts or trusted contacts, follow instructions from law enforcement officers and be prepared to cancel or cut back your plans.
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

In an interrogation room at just after 1am, 68-year-old grandmother-of-seven Marji Mansfield was sitting across from counterterrorism officers after being arrested at a pro-Palestine protest in central London.

She had suffered days of poor sleep in anticipation of this eventuality. Now, an aggressive man was asking her repeatedly if she sympathised with a terrorist organisation, leading her through an extensive list of questions about her politics and who she knew in Gaza.

A few hours earlier, on the afternoon of 5 July, half a dozen officers had handcuffed the pensioner and hauled her off the ground and into a police van alongside her 73-year-old husband.

The couple, who once described themselves as small-c conservatives, had travelled to the capital from near Chichester for the protest, declining to tell their children what they were about to do.

It was only a day later that their son realised what had happened after he saw his mother on the news, suspended and flanked by the large group of officers.

open image in gallery Half a dozen police officers carry a handcuffed Marji Mansfield to a police van ( PA )

Mansfield had been following the conflict in the Middle East since the Israeli invasion of Gaza in 2014, but only became an active protester after former home secretary Suella Braverman described peaceful protests as hate marches in October 2023.

I have never been political or an activist. I was just an ordinary, middle-England person, she says. But then I became outraged.

Mansfield says she was shocked by the events of 7 October, when Hamas militants crossed the border into Israel and killed around 1,200 people, taking 251 more hostage. But the actions that subsequently followed, where entire families are being wiped out, I had to join those urging for a ceasefire now, she adds.

More than 60,000 Palestinians are believed to have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory aerial and ground offensive in Gaza. Humanitarian organisations have warned that, with not nearly enough aid entering the territory, the 2.3 million residents of Gaza are now in effect being starved.

Keir Starmer warned this week that Britain would recognise the Palestinian state if Israel did not end its appalling war in Gaza. He urged Israel to work towards a ceasefire and a two-state solution.

Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Starmer of rewarding Hamass monstrous terrorism. Mansfield dismisses Starmers move as having been performative rather than substantial.

Fighting her own battle for Gaza, the pensioner was arrested under Sections 12 and 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for holding up a placard that said: I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. Being charged under Section 12 carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

The protest group Palestine Action had just been proscribed as a terrorist organisation, after it claimed responsibility for activists spraying red paint on fighter jets at RAF Brize Norton. The proscription means it is illegal to support the group. It puts Palestine Action in the same legal ranks as Isis, al-Qaeda and Hamas, leading critics to accuse the government of heavy-handedness.

Mansfield knew it was possible she would be arrested, but had no idea how the police would actually react when she and dozens of others held up placards in support of Palestine Action outside the Houses of Parliament. It was the first of what would become weekly protests, all of which resulted in arrests.

As the police interview with an exhausted Mansfield drew to a close at around 2am, after more than 60 questions had been asked, the counterterrorism officer made one final remark.

open image in gallery The majority of protesters arrested for supporting Palestine Action in July were over the age of 60 ( PA )

Look, even if you get hundreds of people, thousands of people, were 30,000 strong, Mansfield recalls him saying. Well put all our resources, and not just police forces, into arresting and interrogating you.

Then he let the traumatised pensioner go free, hundreds of miles from home. She had not been charged with a crime.

A total of 385 MPs voted in favour of the unprecedented move to criminalise Palestine Action. Only 26 dissented.

Announcing the vote, home secretary Yvette Cooper said that while free speech and the right to protest form the cornerstone of our democracy, Palestine Action was guilty of violence and serious criminal damage that does not constitute legitimate protest.

As a result, Palestine Action was proscribed alongside a white supremacist, neo-Nazi organisation called Maniacs Murder Cult and a pro-Kremlin ethno-nationalist organisation that seeks to create a new Russian imperial state.

open image in gallery The home secretary Yvette Cooper said Palestine Action had gone beyond the limits of legitimate protest ( PA )

Critics and human rights activists quickly accused the government of infringing on peoples right to protest following the proscription of Palestine Action.

In a letter to Cooper, the Network for Police Monitoring said: Misusing terrorism legislation in this way against a protest group sets a dangerous precedent, threatens our democratic freedoms, and would be a terrifying blow to our civil liberties.

Several United Nations human rights experts, meanwhile, said that criminal damage that does not endanger life is not sufficiently serious to qualify as terrorism.

On Wednesday, a judge ruled that Palestine Action would be allowed to challenge the Home Office in court over its proscription, but it could be months until a result.

open image in gallery Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, central London, after it was ruled that Palestine Action could challenge the proscription ( PA )

The outrage over the move has increased as more protesters are arrested.

Private Eye editor Ian Hislop branded the arrest in Leeds on 19 July of 67-year-old Jon Farley, for holding up a printout of the magazines front page that questioned the proscription, as mind-boggling. Farley has not been charged.

The case was cited by Mr Justice Chamberlain on Wednesday as a reason to allow Palestine Action to fight the proscription. He said it was evidence of the chilling effect the proscription was having on those wishing to express legitimate political views.

In total, more than 200 people have been detained since the ban. Not a single person in England or Wales has been charged.

The large majority are over 60, according to Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer who now campaigns for Defend Our Juries, an organisation that is supporting many of the detainees. He says some of the protesters are well into their eighties.

The police are aware of these optics. Mansfield claims that her male counterterrorism interrogator even asked her at one stage: Was this a conspiracy to make the police look bad?

The reality, she says, is simpler: the seriousness of terrorism charges is a significant disincentive to younger protesters at the start of their careers; for pensioners determined to take a stance, it is the perfect opportunity to step up.

open image in gallery Zara Ali, 18, is among some of the youngest protesters to have been arrested in support of Palestine Action ( Tom Watling/The Independent )

Robert Lee, 61, another protester arrested on 5 July but not charged, who later went to support demonstrators in Bristol, says he remembers one 83-year-old woman gleefully telling him that police were afraid to arrest her because they are terrified I might die in custody.

But the crowds of pensioner protesters are nonetheless peppered with younger demonstrators, a reality they say nods to the broad spectrum of opposition to the proscription of Palestine Action.

For Zara Ali, 18, who is among the youngest to have been arrested, her involvement felt especially high-stakes. She was already on bail for conspiracy to cause public nuisance after blocking a road in March. She has not been charged.

I was told to prepare myself for prison, she says, admitting that she was very anxious when she arrived in Parliament Square for the protest on 19 July. But at the end of the day, I had it in my mind that this is not about me but about Palestine, and about every single political prisoner who is being held.

The Independent spoke to half a dozen protesters for this piece, all of whom said that their disgust at Israels war on Gaza was the primary motivation for their involvement. Claims that the proscription pointed to a dystopian future in Britain were also commonly cited as a key motivation.

The Home Office declined to comment.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Talks have been held over giving Donald Trump the Freedom of the City of London during his state visit in September, in a highly symbolic move.

According to a source, the proposal to give the US president the honour was made because it would allow the City of London Corporation to meet him and make the case for free trade and against tariffs at the ceremony.

It would also be a way of marking the UK having received the first of the Trump trade deals, with questions still hanging over tariffs on steel.

The president would helicopter in from Windsor Castle to the US ambassadors Winfield House residence in Regents Park for the ceremony.

The Independent was told: It would be an important honour for the president, just as our countries prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.

The president was understood to be keen on the idea of receiving the honour ( Reuters )

More importantly, it would be the perfect opportunity for the City to address the importance of free trade and the issues of tariffs.

The symbolism of being allowed to herd your sheep across [London Bridge] and not pay taxes is very important, all things considered.

But while the president was understood to be keen on the idea of receiving the honour, the freedom applications subcommittee (policy & resources), chaired by Sir William Russell, half-brother of the actor Damian Lewis, has not been persuaded.

According to sources, the subcommittee was warned that the award would be too controversial.

The corporation rarely gives government leaders the honour and had to withdraw it from Myanmars Aung San Suu Kyi after criticism of her governments involvement with the persecution of the Rohingya people.

However, the official explanation is that President Trump has not been in government long enough.

A spokesperson said: By convention, only heads of state or government who have served a minimum of seven years in office are eligible to be considered for the honorary freedom.

The decision to grant the honorary freedom rests solely with the Court of Common Council  our highest decision-making body  not with any individual elected member.

The last head of government to be awarded the honorary freedom was Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who was recognised after serving 10 years as prime minister.

The honour, first recorded in 1237, has never been awarded to a sitting US president, although Dwight Eisenhower received it after the Second World War for his role as commander-in-chief of the Allied forces.

According to a source, the City may change its mind if there is a request from the government, which has not yet been made.

It means that the US president is facing a second snub in his state visit. It follows a decision not to ask him to address a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, with the state visit happening the day after parliament rises for the conference season recess.

This is despite the fact that when Pope Benedict came on a state visit in 2010, he was given the honour of addressing parliamentarians in Westminster Hall, even though it was the day after recess had begun.

Mr Trumps state visit, the first time an individual has been granted a second state visit, will take place between 17-19 September. It will include a state banquet hosted by the King and the president staying at Windsor Castle.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Sir Keir Starmers historic decision to recognise Palestinian statehood later this year will not be enough to stop some of his top cabinet ministers from facing major battles to hang on to their seats, leading pollsters have warned.

Health secretary Wes Streeting and justice secretary Shabana Mahmood are among those who could be ousted from parliament at the next general election, the UKs top pollster Sir John Curtice warned, in the face of major challenges from pro-Gaza candidates.

Sir Keir lost a key member of his top team, Jonathan Ashworth, to a pro-Palestine independent candidate at the last election.

Mr Streeting was among those who held his seat, but saw his majority in his Ilford constituency slashed from 5,198 in 2019 to just 528.

Now, pollsters warn that anger over the issue of Palestine, on which Jeremy Corbyns newly announced political party will attempt to capitalise, could see the end of Mr Streeting and other high-profile casualties from the cabinet.

open image in gallery Wes Streetings majority in Ilford was just 528 ( PA Wire )

Labour pledged to recognise a Palestinian state in its manifesto before the last general election, and Sir Keir this week bowed to growing pressure from his own MPs  and some high-profile members of the cabinet  to lay out a plan to recognise the state of Palestine.

Asked if the move on Palestinian statehood could help save Mr Streeting and Ms Mahmood next time around, Sir John told The Independent that it may not be sufficient, given the current condition of the Labour Party. Luke Tryl, from pollsters More in Common, was more blunt. No, he said.

Sir John added that it was clear that Starmer had also lost out on votes in his own constituency last year because of the issue, although the PMs majority is significantly larger than some of his cabinet colleagues.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has said the UK could take the step of recognising Palestine in September, ahead of a gathering at the UN ( PA Wire )

After promising to tackle Labours antisemitism crisis when he came to power, Sir John summed up the PMs problem: Here is somebody who spent a great deal of time and effort trying to reconnect with the Jewish community, and now hes finding himself having to spend a great deal of effort trying to reconnect with the Muslim community. It is very difficult to keep himself on board with both groups at the moment.

Mr Tryl said the war in Gaza had uncovered deeper problems for Labour.

When we have done focus groups with voters in Muslim areas, particularly some of those who backed or were thinking about backing pro-Gaza independent candidates, I compared it to speaking to voters in the red wall after Brexit, he said.

In the sense that Brexit was the thing which caused the split, but it actually brought to the fore much deeper resentments  that they have been taken for granted, ignored, left behind by Labour  I think were going to see exactly the same thing with Muslim voters.

Mr Corbyn confirmed his party would campaign heavily on Palestine when he launched it last week.

Sir John said that the polling suggested that the new party would take the most votes from the Greens, followed by Labour. But he added, when it came to a new party run by their ex-leader: Given that Labour, even without Corbyn being put onto the hypothetical ballot, are behind Reform, they dont really want this.

Sir John said the Palestine announcement could be seen, in one way, as an example of Labours problem connecting with the wider electorate.

Asked what the party could do to win back voters across the board, he said: Explain to people what you are about. Its the point that everybodys making now. This is a government that has no known direction. And of course, some people are painting [the Palestine move] as yet another example of policy change.

In terms of substance, [Labour should] turn around the economy and make sure that the health service doesnt have long waiting lists. Its not complicated, just very, very difficult to do.

No 10 has been approached for comment.
Tariffs are projected to cost Apple $1.1 billion in the July-to-September quarter, an uptick from the previous period, CEO Tim Cook said during the companys earnings call with investors Thursday.

Those cost projections, which are based on current rates and policies, could end up lower than expected as they did in the previous quarter. Apple incurred about $800 million of tariff-related costs for the June quarter, less than the $900 million estimate the company shared in May.

Cook said most of the tariffs levied against Apple stem from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Earlier this year, and amid a brewing trade war, the U.S. government and China agreed to a 30% tariff on imports from China. That trade agreement, which reduced reciprocal tariffs from 125% to 10% (plus the 20% duty against China related to fentanyl), stands until August 12.



While sales growth suggests fear of tariffs helped fuel sales, Cook downplayed the pull forward effect, noting that consumers were more motivated by the strength of the product.

If you look at iPhone, the 16 family grew double digits, as opposed to the 15 family from the year-ago quarter, Cook said on the call. And so we did set an upgrade record  I think it directly is because of the strength of the product.

Sales of the iPhone rose 13% year-over-year and generated $44.5 billion in revenue  nearly half of the entire companys total revenue this quarter, which reached $94 billion.

Still, tariffs have had an impact and may continue to do so, even if Apple shifts its manufacturing strategy to countries with lower tariffs.

Apple devices are mainly manufactured in India, China, and Vietnam. Nearly half the iPhones sold in the U.S. are produced in India, while Macs, iPads, and watches bound for U.S. customers are made in Vietnam. Both India and Vietnam are subjected to tariffs of 25% and 20%, respectively.

President Trump previously expressed his dismay at Apple shifting its supply chain focus more toward India, threatening the company with a 25% tariff unless Apple moved iPhone production to the U.S.



Cook reiterated Apples commitment to the U.S. in Thursdays investors call, saying the company has committed $500 billion in investments to the U.S. over the next four years, building chips and semiconductors across the country.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A woman from Massachusetts is facing more than $20,000 in medical bills after a wild bat flew into her mouth while she was on vacation.

In August last year, Erica Kahn, 33, was taking photos of the sky in Arizona when a bat got stuck between her head and the camera, and partially entered her mouth as she screamed, according to KFF Health News.

Her doctor father urged her to get a number of rabies vaccinations, even though Kahn doesnt believe the bat bit her. She told the outlet she had recently been forced to leave her biomedical engineering job and purchased a health insurance policy online the day after the bat flew into her mouth to help with the treatments in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Colorado.

But the insurance company rejected paying for the treatments and pointed to a 30-day waiting period.

open image in gallery Erica Kahn, seen along with her father Rich Kahn, faced horrible medical bills after a the incident in Arizona ( Instagram / Erica Kahn )

Kahn believed she would be covered as long as she got insurance before going to the hospital in Flagstaff, Arizona, noting that she called the company before she bought the policy and that she was told services connected to an accident or life-threatening emergency would be covered.

The required waiting period for this service has not been met, said the company. After being treated at four different treatment centers, she faced bills of $20,749.

I thought it must have been a mistake, she told KFF. I guess I was naive.

The outlet noted that Kahn has since acquired a new job, negotiated down one of the bills, put in place a payment plan for another, and is in the appeals process for the rest.

open image in gallery Erica Kahn said she regrets allowing gaps in her healthcare coverage after losing her job ( Instagram / Erica Kahn )

She said she regrets allowing gaps in her healthcare coverage after she lost her job.

Thats a very big lesson I learned the hard way, said Kahn, who still looks back at the incident with a sense of humor.

open image in gallery Erica Kahn was taking pictures of the sky in Arizona last August when a bat flew into her mouth ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

I know what bats taste like now. Its an earthy, sweet kind of flavor, she told KFF.

Its actually a pretty funny story  if it werent for the horrible medical bill that came with it.
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

Deputies are still searching for a California woman and her 8-month-old daughter who went missing after they left a doctor's appointment more than two weeks ago.

Whisper Owen, 36, and her baby daughter, Sandra McCarty, were last seen on July 15, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said investigators still have no clues as to where the mother and daughter went or what lead to their disappearance.

The duo's loved ones are trying to make sense of the frightening developments.

It just makes it really hard for me as her mother to shut my brain off and not constantly imagine what couldve happened to her, Owens mother, Vickie Torres, told the Los Angeles Times. And that beautiful little baby. God, I hope, whatever happened, shes with her mama.

open image in gallery Whisper Owen, 36, and her 8-month-old daughter, Sandra McCarty, were last seen nearly two weeks ago on July 15, according to police ( Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook )

The Fresno Police Department's Missing Person's Unit is leading the investigation into the woman and childs disappearance.

As of Wednesday, the department had nothing new to report, but noted that there was no reason to suspect foul play was involved in the disappearance.

There is nothing in the current missing persons investigations which leads us to believe any foul play is involved with Whisper and her child not being located yet, the department said in a statement to the LA Times.

On the day of their disappearance, Owen left her home in Elk Grove, where she lives with her partner and their three other children, around 4 a.m. She was leaving early to make a 160-mile drive to Fresno to make a doctor's appointment for 8-month-old Sandra.

After the doctor's visit, Owen visited her brother in Fresno and stayed there until around 2.45 p.m., after which she went to visit her mother's house. She left Fresno around 5 p.m., but never made it home.

open image in gallery Sandra McCarty and her mother, Whisper Owen, vanished during a routine trip home in California on July 15. The Fresno County Sheriffs Office has found no sign of the pair ( Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook )

A license plate reader in Atwater, approximately 65 miles from Fresno, flagged Owen's 2006 Chevy Trailblazer.

Surveillance footage from a nearby tobacco shop showed Owen changing Sandra's diaper in the parking lot about a half and hour before the license plate reader picked up her vehicle.

No one has heard from or seen the mother or daughter since.

Owen's mother, Torres, told the LA Times it wasn't unusual for her to stay in Fresno for days at a time. Three days later, she received a call from Owen's partner, who police have not identified, asking where she was.

So then everything started to get scary at that point, Torres told the paper.

Torres has been frustrated with the lack of answers from law enforcement. She contacted the Sacramento Police Department and the FBI for help, though she noted that neither have been responsive.

"They've all blown me off," she told the LA Times.

That's left family members to search the route between Elk Grove and Fresno searching for any sign of Owen. Torres said her daughter's other children are "losing their minds" and insisted her daughter would never run off and abandon her children.

She also told the paper that Owen's partner has been "constantly searching, and he's exhausting every resource to him."

Owen is 5'6 and weighs approximately 145 pounds. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Her daughter is an infant weighing around 17 pounds with green eyes and brown hair.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Department has asked anyone who sees Owen and her daughter to call 911 immediately.
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 new social media trend is sweeping across the country - and officials are fearful it will end in tragedy.

The door-kick challenge takes the ding-dong-ditch prankringing peoples doorbells and running away before they answerto new extremes. Pranksters choose a door at random in the middle of the night and kick it aggressively, sometimes until it comes off the hinges, and upload a video of it online.

Thats a good way to end up dead, Floridas Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood bluntly put it. Especially in Florida. Youve got to think youre about to become a victim of a home invasion robbery and, under the Castle doctrine, youre gonna shoot first and ask questions later.

Online safety advocacy groups also warn that kids could lose their lives over the social media trend or end up in jail.

This trend has the potential to end in absolute tragedy, Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control app, told The Independent. Were not just talking about property damage  kids are putting themselves at serious risk. If homeowners are armed or on high alert, its not hard to imagine how a prank like this could escalate into something irreversible.

open image in gallery The door-kick challenge takes the ding-dong-ditch prankringing peoples doorbells and running away before they answerto new extremes. ( Volusia County Sheriff's Office )

Whats at stake is more than just a viral moment gone wrong, Jordan adds. Its a childs life, a familys future, and the potential for criminal charges that could follow them for years.

Authorities are warning parents about the dangerous door kick challenge as recent incidents have cropped up in California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin, Texas and Michigan, to name a few. Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, said that social media has conditioned American teens to re-enact dangerous challenges and pranks.

Social media incentivizes users, especially teens, to post content that will generate likes, shares, and views, or clout as some may call it, Berkman told The Independent.

Unfortunately, what generates that social media attention is often salacious content: violent, explicit or otherwise extreme. Our teens, spending upwards of five hours a day viewing this content, quickly become desensitized to it, and violence, cruel pranks, and challenges become normalized.

Police in Louisville, Kentucky, said that the prank was stupid and dangerous following an incident in the city over the weekend.

A woman caught masked teens kicking down her door at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Wave reports.

open image in gallery Authorities and online safety advocates are warning that the trend is dangerous. Two teens in Volusia County were caught by authorities after they kicked a homeowners door in. ( Volusia County Sheriff's Office )

Anyone participating in this type of behavior is certainly risking their own life, said Louisville Metro Police Department spokesperson John Bradley. A resident could easily assume resorting to deadly force against the person is the next appropriate course of action to protect themselves from what they believe may be an intruder. This type of behavior is stupid and dangerous.

In Las Vegas earlier this month, homeowner Tyler Reggie and his pregnant girlfriend were asleep when pranksters kicked the door in at 3 a.m. on July 8.

Reggie told FOX5 that he assumed the worst when the banging started, but saw it was teenagers after reviewing his doorbell camera footage. They caused $5,000 worth of damage to his property, he said.

In Florida, two teenagers are facing a charge of felony burglary after taking part in the challenge in the city of DeBary, Volusia County.

The teens kicked a homeowners door in so aggressively that it broke open. The so-called door kicking challenge is a surefire way to get locked up with a felony or even worse, shot and killed by a homeowner, Sheriff Chitwood said in a social media post on July 7.

The teens told deputies they were just being stupid. One of them, a 13-year-old girl, was found hiding in her attic after deputies searched for her inside the house.

And, let me tell you, mom was furious with her daughter after deputies told her what she had been up to, Chitwood said. Parents, use this as a reminder to TALK with your kids that this challenge is not harmless and is the dumbest way to end up with a felony charge or dead.

Similar social media trends have met a tragic end in recent years. Teenage lacrosse star Michael Bosworth Jr was allegedly shot dead by a homeowner in May during an alleged break-in, but his friend told police it was a TikTok ding-dong-ditch prank gone wrong.

Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the 18-year-olds death, who was fatally shot in the torso in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Butler is being held in Rappahannock Regional Jail until a preliminary hearing in September. His family said he acted out of a genuine fear for his safety and the safety of his mother.

In another devastating case in Riverside County, California, Anurag Chandra killed three teenage boys after they played a doorbell prank on him in 2020.

The group of six teenagers pranked Chandra before running back to their vehicle. Chandra then got in his car and intentionally rammed the teenagers vehicle off the road, killing three of them, authorities said.

open image in gallery Online safety advocacy groups also warn that kids could lose their lives over the social media trend. ( Getty Images )

Parenting expert Jordan noted that similar pranks have been around for decades, but social media has elevated them.

Pranks like ding dong ditch have always existed, but social media has given them a megaphone, Jordan said. What used to be a local stunt can now go viral in seconds. Even if kids arent sharing their own videos, just seeing others do it on repeat can make it feel normalized or even encouraged.

Kids may take part in the challenges due to peer pressure, the simple thrill of doing something they shouldnt, or more likely, for social validation, Jordan said.

Even if theyre not filming themselves in the act, just being part of a trend gives them a sense of belonging, Jordan explained.  Its easy to forget how impulsive kids can be when theyre trying to impress their peers or prove theyre not afraid to push boundaries.

Jordan recommends parents have regular conversations with their kids, not just about what theyre posting but what theyre watching online. Ask what trends are showing up in their feeds and how they feel about them, she said.

This kind of open dialogue is your best defense, Jordan added. At the same time, it can be helpful to use tech tools that give parents a window into their childs digital world.
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

Night vision goggles may have hindered the U.S. Army helicopter pilots in the moments before the deadly crash with a jet in Washington D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 people, experts have said.

The technology, worn by the pilots, would have made it difficult to see the color of the lights on the passenger plane, which could have helped determine the direction in which it was traveling, as well as limiting peripheral vision.

Friday saw the final day of public testimony to the National Transportation Safety Board over the fatal midair crash  which occurred almost exactly six months ago in February.

Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter before exploding. There were 67 people aboard the two flights when they crashed, and none survived.

At Fridays hearing, experts said that, in addition to the possible hindrance caused by the use of night vision goggles, pilots also may not have been able to distinguish the aircraft from lights on the ground while the two aircraft were on a collision course.

open image in gallery Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter before exploding a huge fireball. There were 67 people aboard the two aircraft when they crashed, and none survived ( EPA )

The helicopter pilots may not have known where to look for a plane that was landing on a secondary runway that most planes didn't use, experts said.

Knowing where to look. Thats key, said Stephen Casner, an expert in human factors who used to work at NASA.

Though it is still too early to identify what exactly caused the crash, with a final report from the board expected next year, a number of factors that may have contributed to the tragedy have been unearthed over the past two days of testimony.

open image in gallery Night vision goggles may have hindered the U.S. Army helicopter pilots in the moments before the deadly crash with a jet in Washington D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 people, experts have said ( AP )

open image in gallery NTSB Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Administration to do better as she pointed to warnings the agency had ignored years earlier, during the hearings ( AP )

Major issues to emerge included the fact that the Black Hawk helicopter had been above prescribed levels near the airport as well as the warnings to FAA officials for years about the hazards related to the heavy chopper traffic there.

Mary Schiavo, a former U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General, told The Associated Press that both the Army and the FAA appear to share significant blame for the deadly incident.

The Black Hawks' altimeters could be off by as much as 100 feet and were still considered acceptable, she told the outlet. The crew was flying an outdated model that struggled to maintain altitude, while the helicopter pilots flying was loose and under loose supervision.

open image in gallery The D.C. collision was the first in a string of crashes and near misses this year that have alarmed officials and the traveling public, despite statistics that still show flying remains the safest form of transportation ( Getty Images )

Its on the individuals, God rest their souls, but its also on the military, Schiavo said. I mean, they just seem to have no urgency of anything.

Questions were also raised during the hearings by the FAAs lack of alcohol testing for air traffic controllers after the crash.

Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Administration to do better" as she pointed to warnings the agency had ignored years earlier.

The D.C. collision was the first in a string of crashes and near misses this year that have alarmed officials and the traveling public, despite statistics that still show flying remains the safest form of transportation.
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 Miami jury has ordered Elon Musk's car manufacturer, Tesla, to pay $329 million to victims of a fatal crash involving its Autopilot driver-assist technology. The ruling, delivered on Friday, could open the door to further costly lawsuits and deals a significant blow to the company's reputation for safety.

The federal jury found Tesla bore substantial responsibility, citing a failure in its technology. This determination means that not all blame could be attributed to the reckless driver, who admitted being distracted by his mobile phone before hitting a young couple who were stargazing.

The conclusion of this four-year case is remarkable, not just for its outcome, but because it even reached trial. Many similar cases against Tesla have previously been dismissed or settled by the company to avoid public scrutiny.

This decision comes as Mr Musk seeks to convince the public of his vehicles' safety, particularly as he plans to roll out a driverless taxi service in several cities in the coming months.

Mr Musks Tesla company doesnt have the permits required to run any autonomous service, even with a safety driver, and theyre unable to charge for it.

Without such permits, its unlikely there would be a Robotaxi service in California. Tesla has been in discussions with Golden State regulators about expanding the service to California but it would be with significant restrictions to Elon Musks promises for his Robotaxi service, Politico reported.

Tesla representatives have met with California Department of Motor Vehicles officials at least five times since the start of last year, documents reviewed by the outlet show.
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 British man has died after reportedly going to Turkey for a hair transplant.

The man, 38, had travelled to Istanbul to be treated at the Dr Cinik clinic in the Besiktas district of the major city, Turkish outlet OdaTV reports.

In a statement after the mans death, the clinic said the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown as he was being prepared for surgery, adding that he became ill before the hair transplant procedure had begun.

The man was taken to hospital but died later that day. He was reportedly at the aesthetics clinic for a second procedure after a successful first operation.

The man travelled to Istanbul for the hair transplant ( Getty Images )

According to OdaTV, Turkish health authorities have launched an investigation and the mans body has been taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson told The Independent: We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities.

A spokesman for the clinic told The Telegraph: All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and the matter is currently being investigated by judicial bodies.

Due to the ongoing legal process and out of respect for the familys privacy, no further details will be disclosed at this time.

The Independent has contacted the Dr Cinik clinic for further comment.

The Dr Cinik website describes itself as a leading clinic which has carried out over 50,000 transplants 20 years of experience.

Over one million people travel to Turkey annually for hair restoration treatments, the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council reports.
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

France has suspended all evacuations from Gaza following an antisemitism controversy involving a Palestinian student recently admitted to the country.

The move comes after it was revealed that Nour Atallah, a 25-year-old woman from Gaza, had posted antisemitic content on social media before being accepted into a prestigious French university.

Frances foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the decision in Paris on Thursday.

She must leave the country. She does not have a place in France, Mr Barrot said in an interview with the radio station France Info, without naming the student.

He did not specify whether the student would be sent back to Gaza.

He added that no new visas will be issued, and no new admissions from Gaza will take place, until an investigation has been conducted.

open image in gallery Frances foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot ( AP )

The French and Israeli vetting of Ms Atallah before she arrived in France did not reveal the antisemitic and unacceptable posts, Mr Barrot said.

The temporary suspension of evacuations will also see a review of all Gaza evacuees who have arrived in France so far. The scandal has triggered strong condemnation across Frances political spectrum.

Ms Atallah, who had been awarded a scholarship to study at Sciences Po Lille, faces expulsion from France after the university withdrew her accreditation.

Her social media posts, containing antisemitic rhetoric and praising Adolf Hitler, surfaced recently. French authorities say a criminal investigation has been opened on the grounds that the posts could be seen as justifying terrorism and crimes against humanity.

open image in gallery French interior minister Bruno Retailleau ( AP )

French interior minister Bruno Retailleau wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that he has requested legal action be taken.

Hamas propagandists have no place in our country, he added.

Since October, France has evacuated more than 500 people from Gaza, including children, journalists and artists, as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts. This incident has invited renewed scrutiny of the vetting procedures coordinated with the Israeli authorities.

A statement from Sciences Po Lille said the content of the students social media posts was in direct contradiction to its values.

(Sciences Po Lille) fights against all forms of racism, antisemitism, and discrimination, as well as against any type of call to hatred, against any population whatsoever, the university said on X on Wednesday.

The French government has not said when evacuations might resume, promising a thorough review and strengthened protocols before any further admissions from Gaza will be considered.
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

As the international community embroils itself in a row about Palestinian statehood, the crisis of hunger in Gaza continues to deteriorate  and starving Palestinians say they are struggling to survive.

Reports of starvation in the enclave persist despite an increase in aid deliveries via the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and airdrops by Jordan, Germany and France. These efforts, Palestinians say, are changing nothing on the ground.

This is not life, Asmaa Abu Diya, a 46-year-old mother of eight, tells The Independent. We are not living a dignified life. The state we have reached is difficult to describe in words. There is no life.

open image in gallery US envoy Steve Witkoff visited the war-torn strip on Friday ( Reuters )

The challenge of finding food and aid has become known as the death journey, Ms Diya says, a journey her son takes regularly. Either they bring us something and return safely, or they come back dead.

My son went to get American aid, and a quadcopter dropped a bomb on them, killing people right in front of his eyes. Four people were cut into pieces. My son was hit by shrapnel in his chest, and it remains there to this day, she adds.

If our children dont go to die, we wont eat.

On Thursday, the UNs humanitarian office (UNHCR) said that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach aid since the GHF took over aid distribution in May. At least 859 of these killings have been near GHF sites, most by the Israeli military, it says.

open image in gallery Mourners at the funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid on Thursday ( Reuters )

The GHF denies the killings are a result of its aid distribution practices, accusing Hamas of spreading disinformation by falsely attributing casualties to the agency. The agency, along with Israel and the US, says that systematic theft of aid by Hamas is the reason there is starvation in the strip. Israeli military officials and US government analysts have cast doubt over such claims.

Another 91 Palestinians were killed at aid sites on Thursday, Gazas health ministry said. Despite this, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee hailed the incredible job of the GHF, following a visit to the Gaza Strip on Friday alongside Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The visit came ahead of the expected unveiling of a new humanitarian aid plan for Gaza, touted by President Trump during a visit to Scotland earlier in the week, in which the US would set up new food centres.

Shortly after Mr Trumps departure on Tuesday, the British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was embroiled in a diplomatic row by threatening to recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel dramatically changed the course of its actions in Gaza. France had recently become the first G7 state to promise to recognise Palestine, and Canada has since vowed the same.

open image in gallery A woman collects flour from the ground as Palestinians receive aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ( Reuters )

For Gazans, however, diplomatic posturing makes little difference in their desperate pursuit of food and resources.

We dont just want political statements; we want real action on the ground, says Umm Odary Nassar, 45, who has two children. We want them to recognise us on the ground and in a realistic way. Not in a way that makes us feel insensitive. Recognition is meaningless if there is no change on the ground.

As for Mr Trumps promise of new food centres, Ms Nassar said she doesnt consider any positive-sounding statements to be worthwhile unless they are implemented on the ground and real change is achieved.

The level of starvation in the Gaza Strip is the work of Netanyahu and Israel, with full support from Trump, Ms Nassar said  and despite a supposed increase in aid deliveries, the people of Gaza say they are not noticing a significant change.

open image in gallery Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Gaza City ( AP )

The aid so far has only been symbolic because the quantity is very small in relation to the number of people and doesnt suffice for all peoples needs, and the types of aid are not enough for everyone, says Ms Nassar.

We have been living on canned food for two years. Our children have become dwarfs due to the lack of food and nutrition. Everyone has brittle bones and health, and psychological problems.

Recent airdrops by France, Germany, the UAE and Jordan  an initiative which the UK aims to join, Sir Keir said  have done little to alleviate a growing crisis of hunger, residents say.

Ms Nassar describes them as a theatrical performance which benefits only Israel.

open image in gallery Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip ( AP )

As the world sees them, they are airdrops, and they allow aid. But I havent actually heard from any segment of society that theyve benefited, she says. Most of this aid is dropped in prohibited areas, forbidden to enter, and entering them is considered suicide.

Ms Diya says the airdrops dont exceed five truckloads. She adds: All of this is death. For me and others, we consider it a smokescreen for the world. Even if they come and bring aid, its not enough.

Ms Nassar adds: Weve reached the point where there is no life, weve reached the peak of starvation. The story of bread has become a tragedy. We are now in an age where a mother distributes a livelihood to her children.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

Hamas has said it will carry on fighting until an independent Palestinian state is established in a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza.

The militants said Hamas would not stop armed resistance until an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is recognised.

Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weapons.

Last week, indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and deal for the release of hostages ended in deadlock.

On Tuesday, meditators Qatar and Egypt endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution on condition of Hamas handed arms to a Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

open image in gallery Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said any future independent Palestinian state would be a a platform to destroy Israel ( Getty )

Last month, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said any future independent Palestinian state would be a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over the occupied Palestinian territories must remain with Israel.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt last week called for the terrorist group to disarm and disband. It was the first time these countries have condemned Hamas and demanded it play no part in the future of Palestine.

The declaration read: In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Mr Netanyahu also criticised several countries, including the UK, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to devastation of Gaza.

The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killed over 60,000 Palestinians and set off a humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal.

Hamas also condemned Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Friday as "nothing more than a premeditated staged show".

Mr Witkoff and Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, visited a centre run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

Hamas said the trip was "designed to mislead public opinion, polish the image of the occupation, and provide it with political cover for its starvation campaign and continued systematic killing of defenceless children and civilians in the Gaza Strip".
Apple (AAPL) stock rose on Friday after the company reported third quarter earnings that beat on the top and bottom lines, thanks to better-than-anticipated iPhone sales.

Today Apple is proud to report a June quarter revenue record with double-digit growth in iPhone, Mac, and Services and growth around the world, in every geographic segment, CEO Tim Cook said in a statement Thursday.

Shares in the tech giant were up 1.8% in premarket trading following the release.

For the third quarter, Apple saw earnings per share (EPS) of $1.57 on revenue of $94 billion. Wall Street was anticipating EPS of $1.43 on revenue of $89.22 billion, according to Bloomberg consensus estimates. The company saw EPS of $1.40 and revenue of $85.7 billion in the same quarter last year.

Apple's China sales hit $15.3 billion. Wall Street was expecting $15.1 billion.

Apple's iPhone revenue topped out at $44 billion versus expectations of $39.8 billion. Services revenue came in at $27.4 billion. Wall Street was looking for $26.8 billion.

Mac revenue topped out at $8 billion, but iPad and Wearables revenue fell year over year to $6.5 billion and $7.4 billion, respectively.

Apple is dealing with a handful of major issues. President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones unless Apple begins producing them in the US.

The company could also have to deal with the impact of Google's antitrust lawsuit on the company's $20 billion per year agreement to use Google Search as the default option in the Safari browser and Siri.

Read more: Live coverage of corporate earnings

Revenue from that deal falls under Apple's Services segment. The federal judge overseeing Google's (GOOG, GOOGL) antitrust case is expected to rule on the "remedies" phase of the trial, which will spell out what the company has to do to correct its monopolistic behavior, in August.

If the judge requires Google to abandon its exclusivity deals, it would put a $20 billion hole in Apple's Services business.

Apple is also facing continuing criticism for its slow AI rollout. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives has called for the company to purchase AI startup Perplexity AI (PEAI.PVT).

"It's time for Cook and Cupertino to face the new reality of this quickly morphing AI driven tech landscape ... because if they do not change it will be a historic strategic black eye for Apple, in our view," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in an investor note ahead of earnings.

BofA's Wamsi Mohan offered a similar critique of the company's AI moves in an investor note Monday, saying that while Apple usually slowplays rolling out new technologies, the fast pace of AI innovation could leave it behind user expectations.
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

Americans are racing to take advantage of Caribbean nations offering citizenship by investment schemes, programs that grant citizenship to overseas investors willing to put six-figure investments into their new home countries.

"Up to 70% of all buyers right now are wanting citizenship, and the vast majority are from the US," Nadia Dyson, a realtor in Antigua, told the BBC.

"We don't talk politics with them, but the unstable political landscape [in the US] is definitely a factor...This time last year, it was all lifestyle buyers and a few CBI. Now they're all saying 'I want a house with citizenship'. We've never sold so many before."

Lawyers in the U.S. faced a similar deluge of calls about the programs during the 2024 election of Donald Trump, according to the American Bar Association.

In general, it comes in uncertain times, Betina Schlossberg, an attorney at Schlossberg Legal, told a 2024 ABA report. We never thought of people just running away from the United States. All of a sudden, people feel uneasy, and they want to be ready.

open image in gallery Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia (pictured) offer citizenship by investment schemes ( Getty Images )

The investment consultancy Henley & Partners has clocked a similar trend, noting the majority of applications for such programs came from U.S. citizens over the last year, part of a general surge in interest that saw applications to these schemes increase 12 percent overall.

A variety of Caribbean nations offer such programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.

open image in gallery An aerial view of St. Kitts ( Getty Images )

Dominicas program has the lowest door to investment of the group, at $200,000, while St. Kitts and Nevis has the highest barrier, at $250,000.

Many of the programs also confer wider visa benefits.

Investors in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Lucia get travel access to Europes Schengen Area.

open image in gallery A minimum investment of $230,000 in the national development fund is required to qualify for Antigua and Barbudas program ( Getty Images )

The programs have attracted a measure of controversy on the islands themselves, as well as from the governments of the U.S. and Europe, which have expressed concern that the investments could be used to avoid taxes or shield financial crimes.

Nonetheless, their defenders point to success stories like Dominicas initiative raising more than $1 billion, or Antiguas program helping the country avoid bankruptcy.

open image in gallery Observers say the 2024 election and post-pandemic work from home policies are driving interest in CBI programs ( AP )

Similarly situated European nations  ones with equally desirable locations, with economies heavily dependent on tourism  also offer golden passport schemes, including Italy, Greece, and Portugal, each with investment floors of about $250,000.
European banks would weather an economic shock, stress tests find

AIB and Bank of Ireland were among the 64 banks tested

The European Central Bank. Photo: Bloomberg

John Burns Fri 1 Aug 2025 at 19:14

Banks across the European Union are strong enough to weather an economic shock driven by geopolitical and trade tensions, the European Banking Authority (EBA) said as it presented the outcome of its latest stress tests.
I believe there are a lot more victims  detective who uncovered truth about brutal murder of Katie Simpson

Jonathan Creswell killed the 21-year-old showjumper and tried to pass her death off as a suicide. Now her family is supporting a charity set up to help others dealing with hidden homicides

Jonathan cresswell

Catherine Fegan Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Jonathan Creswell was dressed in his horsey attire, waiting to receive mourners. The man who had murdered Katie Simpson wanted a front-row seat at her wake, and as he callously mingled with her bereft loved ones, his evil deeds were still unknown.
Irish influencer unaware of Central Bank probe into promotion of unregulated offshore trading platform T4Trade

In recent months, Dubliner Jonathan Finlay has been encouraging his social media followers to sign up to the Seychelles-registered service

Jonathan Finlay, aka Nasti_2k, has 856,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram from posting food content

Amy Molloy Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Irish influencer Jonathan Finlay has said he is not aware of any ongoing investigation by the Central Bank into his affairs or his promotion of an unregulated trading platform.
Final confirmation on pharma rates is expected within a fortnight

The introduction of the 15pc tariff rate for most EU exports to the US has been delayed for a week, after president Donald Trump extended his self-imposed deadline to August 7.

This gives European Commission negotiators more time to clarify details of the new trade deal, as they try to extend the range of goods to which the 15pc rate will not apply. On Thursday, the commission said it had not been able to achieve a zero-for-zero carve-out for the drinks sector.
Our wine expert shares five brilliant bank holiday picks

I drink Champagne when Im happy and when Im sad, said Lily Bollinger, famously. Sometimes I drink it when Im alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if Im not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it  unless Im thirsty.

Bollinger headed up Bollinger Champagne for 30 years, after being widowed in 1941 by third-generation owner Jacques Bollinger. She spent those decades making the most of her access to some of the finest wine known to mankind (Champagne being, primarily, a wine).

Most of us mortals dont get to drink Champagne so frequently: neither our pockets, our diaries nor our livers could afford it. But she makes an excellent point about the versatility of Champagne and indeed other bottle-fermented sparkling wines produced with the same traditional method like cremant and cava. As complex wines, they can be paired with any part of a meal, from aperitif through starters, mains and desserts, or they can be enjoyed as a solo treat or as the heart of a party.

Champagne is traditionally a blend of three local grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Where Chardonnay brings grace, elegance and light, the pinots bring red fruit notes and structure. Bollinger is long beloved for it high Pinot Noir content, but its PN series takes that further, with each years release featuring exclusively Pinot Noir Champagnes and showcasing a specific subregion.

Todays wine of the week is the latest release: Bollinger PN TX20 blends five components of Pinot Noir-based Champagne. The two base wines were from the 2020 vintage, from two adjacent vineyards in Tauxieres, one chalk-based, one clay-based. Both were vinified and aged as Champagne, and then blended with three older reserve wines, from 2019, 2012 and 2008. The result is extraordinary and worthy of a special intimate celebration. Youll find earlier releases like PN VZ19 (130) and PN AYC18 (140) in Bubble Brothers, Brown Thomas, The Corkscrew, Mitchell & Son and Jus De Vine.

Ive also included four other bubbles of very different styles and prices. The pet nat is for purists, the prosecco delivers well above its affordable tag, and both the cava and cremant are made in Champagnes traditional method at a fraction of the price. Or, from Frances favourite champagne producer, OBriens now has the keenly priced Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut Champagne (40, from 50): bright with brioche, white flowers, lemon and apricot notes, mineral bite and a properly dry finish, serve as an elegant aperitif or with crab or oysters.

Wines of the week

Bollinger PN TX20

Bollinger PN TX20, Champagne, France, 12.5pc, 130

Just landed in Ireland, this superb new release from Bollingers exclusively Pinot Noir PN series showcases the warm, wet 2020 vintage in two adjacent vineyards in Tauxieres. Complex, creamy and perfumed notes of mirabelle plums, raspberry and bergamot with an earthy backdrop and a textural quality, this is chalky, nervy and mineral with sweet subtle spice notes of vanilla, tonka bean, clove and hay. Magic with grilled lobster or any umami-rich shellfish; savour with someone special rather than a crowd. Grapevine Dalkey and independent stockists

Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry 2024

Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry 2024, Italy, 11pc, 13.49

Clean and fresh with fine, fully sparkling bubbles (spumante style, as opposed to lightly sparkling frizzante), this is a little sweeter than a Brut (extra dry means 12g-17g sugar per litre) but well balanced, with delicate peach and papaya, a zesty palate and dry finish. Perfect solo or with seafood nibbles. Lidl

Cremant de Bourgogne Mancey Brut Reserve

Cremant de Bourgogne Mancey Brut Reserve, Burgundy, France, 12pc, 22.99 (from 25.99)

Cremant is a French sparkling wine produced outside Champagne but in the same traditional method. This blends Chardonnay, Aligote and Pinot Noir grapes to ripe, rich effect, with toasted nuts, brioche and baked apple balanced by citrus freshness. OBriens Wine; obrienswine.ie

La Sapata Petiant Artizanal Babeasa Neagra Rose

La Sapata Petiant Artizanal Babeasa Neagra Rose, Romania, 12.5pc, 22.50

Pet-nat is made in the ancestral method, with secondary bottle fermentation. This rustic, unfiltered example from Podgoria Sarica Niculitel AOC will wake your palate with its tart freshness, before wooing it with fragrant apricot, mandarin and strawberry charm. Divisive, but delicious, especially with seafood ceviche. Wines Direct, Athlone and Mullingar; winesdirect.ie

Carles Andreu Brut Reserva DO Cava 2022

Carles Andreu Brut Reserva DO Cava 2022, Serra de Prades, Spain, 11.5pc, 23.95 (from 27.25)

A case of this organic, grower-made cava would be a well-priced alternative to grower Champagne for a special gathering. Lees aged for 25 months, with blossom and brioche, lemon sherbet and green apple, good weight and a dry finish. Wines Direct, Athlone and Mullingar; winesdirect.ie
Justin Trudeaus rumoured fling with Katy Perry pales in comparison with his fathers lothario lifestyle

Sex, scandal and multiple affairs abound in the familys history

Actress Kim Cattrall was one of Pierre Trudeau's high-profile lovers. Photo: Getty

Alexander Larman Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Of all the rumours and conspiracy theories surrounding former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, perhaps the most outlandish argues that he is the illegitimate son of late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
Ciara Kelly: The backlash to U2s statement illustrates that the woke are more interested in gatekeeping than truly supporting the people of Palestine
The dear little Swiss meet ghosts of Brexit Britain as they debate relations with EU

Bern and Brussels may be trying to foster stronger links, but many people in Switzerland fear increased immigration

Bern, the administrative capital of non-EU member Switzerland. Photo: Getty

John Downing Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Some French cynics, especially those who live close to the Swiss border, mockingly refer to their rich neighbours as Les chers petits Suisses. The pun, enhanced by the coincidence that it is also the name of a type of sweet cake, also works in English: The dear little Swiss.
Declan Lynch: Where is Barack Obama in Americas hour of need? Having a cosy chat at the 3Arena

Former president talks about Trumps fascism, so why is he spending his time telling funny stories to Fintan OToole?

Barack Obama and Fintan O'Toole are due to hold an on-stage conversation at the 3Arena next month. Graphic by Gabriel Bruton

Declan Lynch Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 14:30

It seemed like a good idea to have our 10-year-old daughter watch the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States.
Financial regulators have long worked to address anti-competitive practices like collusion and price fixing in markets. But in retail, AI has taken the spotlight, particularly as legislators call on companies to address algorithmic pricing. For example, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called Deltas practice of using AI to set individual airfare prices predatory pricing, though the airline previously told Fortune its fares are publicly filed and based solely on trip-related factors.

In both mechanisms, they basically converge to this pattern where they are not acting aggressively, and in the long run, its good for them, study co-author and Wharton finance professor Itay Goldstein told Fortune.

In another model, AI bots had over-pruned biases and were trained to internalize that if any risky trade led to a negative outcome, they should not pursue that strategy again. The bots traded conservatively in a dogmatic manner, even when more aggressive trades were seen as more profitable, collectively acting in a way the study called artificial stupidity.

In one algorithmic model looking at price-trigger strategy, AI agents traded conservatively on signals until a large enough market swing triggered them to trade very aggressively. The bots, trained through reinforcement learning, were sophisticated enough to implicitly understand that widespread aggressive trading could create more market volatility.

In the study, researchers let bots loose in market models, essentially a computer program designed to simulate real market conditions and train AI to interpret market-pricing data, with virtual market makers setting prices based on different variables in the model. These markets can have various levels of noise, referring to the amount of conflicting information and price fluctuation in the various market contexts. While some bots were trained to behave like retail investors and others like hedge funds, in many cases, the machines engaged in pervasive price-fixing behaviors by collectively refusing to trade aggressivelywithout being explicitly told to do so.

A working paper posted this month on the National Bureau of Economic Research website from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found when AI-powered trading agents were released into simulated markets, the bots colluded with one another, engaging in price fixing to make a collective profit.

Artificial intelligence is just smartand stupidenough to pervasively form price-fixing cartels in financial market conditions if left to their own devices.

A study from University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that when placed in simulated markets, AI trading bots did not compete with one another, but rather began colluding in price-fixing behaviors. According to the study authors, research on how AI behaves in market environments can help regulators understand gaps in existing rules and statutes.

Story Continues

For the [Securities and Exchange Commission] and those regulators in financial markets, their primary goal is to not only preserve this kind of stability, but also ensure competitiveness of the market and market efficiency, Winston Wei Dou, Wharton professor of finance and one of the studys authors, told Fortune.

With that in mind, Dou and two colleagues set out to identify how AI would behave in a financial market by putting trading agent bots into various simulated markets based on high or low levels of noise. The bots ultimately earned supra-competitive profits by collectively and spontaneously deciding to avoid aggressive trading behaviors.

They just believed sub-optimal trading behavior as optimal, Dou said. But it turns out, if all the machines in the environment are trading in a sub-optimal way, actually everyone can make profits because they dont want to take advantage of each other.

Simply put, the bots didnt question their conservative trading behaviors because they were all making money and therefore stopped engaging in competitive behaviors with one another, forming de-facto cartels.

Fears of AI in financial services

With the ability to increase consumer inclusion in financial markets and save investors time and money on advisory services, AI tools for financial services, like trading agent bots, have become increasingly appealing. Nearly one third of U.S. investors said they felt comfortable accepting financial planning advice from a generative AI-powered tool, according to a 2023 survey from financial planning nonprofit CFP Board. A report last week from cryptocurrency exchange MEXC found that among 78,000 Gen Z users, 67% of those traders activated at least one AI-powered trading bot in the previous fiscal quarter.

But for all their benefits, AI trading agents arent without risks, according to Michael Clements, director of financial markets and community at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Beyond cybersecurity concerns and potentially biased decision-making, these trading bots can have a real impact on markets.

A lot of AI models are trained on the same data, Clements told Fortune. If there is consolidation within AI so theres only a few major providers of these platforms, you could get herding behaviorthat large numbers of individuals and entities are buying at the same time or selling at the same time, which can cause some price dislocations.

Jonathan Hall, an external official on the Bank of Englands Financial Policy Committee, warned last year of AI bots encouraging this herd-like behavior that could weaken the resilience of markets. He advocated for a kill switch for the technology, as well as increased human oversight.

Exposing regulatory gaps

Clements explained many financial regulators have so far been able to apply well-established rules and statutes to AI, saying for example, Whether a lending decision is made with AI or with a paper and pencil, rules still apply equally.

Some agencies, such as the SEC, are even opting to fight fire with fire, developing AI tools to detect anomalous trading behaviors.

On the one hand, you might have an environment where AI is causing anomalous trading, Clements said. On the other hand, you would have the regulators in a little better position to be able to detect it as well.

According to Dou and Goldstein, regulators have expressed interest in their research, which the authors said has helped expose gaps in current regulation around AI in financial services. When regulators have previously looked for instances of collusion, theyve looked for evidence of communication between individuals, with the belief that humans cant really sustain price-fixing behaviors unless theyre corresponding with one another. But in Dou and Goldsteins study, the bots had no explicit forms of communication.

With the machines, when you have reinforcement learning algorithms, it really doesnt apply, because theyre clearly not communicating or coordinating, Goldstein said. We coded them and programmed them, and we know exactly whats going into the code, and there is nothing there that is talking explicitly about collusion. Yet they learn over time that this is the way to move forward.

The differences in how human and bot traders communicate behind the scenes is one of the most fundamental issues where regulators can learn to adapt to rapidly developing AI technologies, Goldstein argued.

If you use it to think about collusion as emerging as a result of communication and coordination, he said, this is clearly not the way to think about it when youre dealing with algorithms.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Cork bar relaunches as a vibrant shrine to the magic of Guinness in a mini-Storehouse on the Lee

Merchandise will now play a key role in the business, including specially branded Guinness glasses

Cliodhna Octigan Montgomery and Paul Montgomery, Clancys, pictured at an event celebrating the reopening of a reimagined Clancys Bar in Cork City. Paul says the move is to provide a unique experience in the city, under a changing climate for the industry. Picture: Alison Miles/OSM PHOTO

Kevin Galvin Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 08:00

One of Corks leading pubs has made some big changes in the last few weeks, nailing their colours to the Guinness mast, as well as introducing a brand-new restaurant.
The woman shoplifted a number of items from Marks & Spencer. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA.

A woman who stole clothes and groceries from Marks & Spencer told a judge she did it in a moment of madness after seeing images of people suffering in Gaza.

Clodagh Byrne (32), of Tullycar Road, Castlederg, Co Tyrone, pleaded guilty at Dun Laoghaire District Court to theft on July 24 last.

The court heard she passed all points of payment at Marks & Spencer in Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16, with items worth 223.70. She was charged under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

Byrne, who represented herself in court, told Judge Anne Watkin she had taken the items in a moment of madness after seeing disturbing images from Gaza.

She said she believed Marks & Spencer was funding genocide and supporting the Zionists, and claimed the theft was a reaction to the horrific scenes she had seen.

She said that her kind of explanation might arise from overstepping at a protest march, but not from stealing from a shop.

Judge Watkin said it was an abuse of people who are suffering to use their situation as an excuse for stealing groceries and clothing.

When Byrne asked, What am I meant to do?, the judge suggested it would be better to avoid shopping there at all if that was how she felt.

Byrne told the court she works as a self-employed therapist.

Well, I hope you give better advice to your clients than to yourself, Judge Watkin replied.

When Byrne said her clients were all in the same position as her, the judge disagreed.

No, theyre not, she said. Theyre not standing here in court being charged with theft.

Judge Watkin imposed a 500 fine and gave Byrne six months to pay.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
A man accused of holding a carving knife to an escorts throat and robbing her after she refused to give him a hug has been refused bail, with a judge describing the alleged incident as very violent and serious behaviour.

The court heard that the woman, a makeup artist from England, suffered a deep laceration between her thumb and forefinger and was later told by a doctor she was lucky not to lose her thumb and that she had lost a significant amount of blood".

The man, who is aged in his 30s, appeared before Tallaght District Court, where he was remanded in custody.

He is charged with one count of robbery, contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001; one count of production of an article, and additional offences under Sections 9(1) and 9(7) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. The charges relate to the alleged theft of two iPhones, a black handbag, and 1,340 in cash during the incident.

Garda Louise Hayes objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the serious nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence, and the risk of further offending. She told the court: "The footage shows him violently dragging the injured party from the building while holding a knife".

The alleged incident happened at the mans apartment in South Dublin in the early hours of Sunday, July 27.

The woman told gardai she had travelled to Dublin from England to visit friends and had posted an ad on an escorting website to earn extra money. She said she arrived at the mans home around 8pm on Saturday night and stayed several hours.

She said they engaged in consensual sexual activity, and that the man was drinking and took cocaine.

Garda Hayes told the court that the woman alleges that around 5am, as she was preparing to leave, the man asked her for a hug. When she declined, he allegedly became aggressive, demanded his money (1,340) back, and is said to have produced a large carving knife, which he held to her throat before allegedly taking two of her mobile phones.

She managed to escape by telling him her friends were outside, and called 999 once she reached safety. She was taken by ambulance to Tallaght University Hospital, where doctors treated the deep wound to her hand.

Gardai arrested the accused shortly afterwards. The court heard that a search of the apartment uncovered cash, clothing, a used condom, and one of the womans missing phones. Blood was still visible at the scene, and investigators took swabs and photographs, the court heard.

The court was shown CCTV footage from the hallway of the apartment complex. The 35-second clip allegedly shows the man dragging the woman aggressively while holding a knife in his left hand. While viewing the footage, Judge Patricia McNamara remarked: "Its like a carving knife - a large carving knife in his left hand".

Barrister Ciara Ni Ghabhann BL, defending, said the man is due to start a new role with the large multinational tech firm where he currently works.

She said a refusal of bail could cause her client to lose both his job and his home, which could have knock-on effects for his family. She said there was no possibility of contact with the complainant as she had returned to England.

Counsel said her client was willing to comply with strict bail conditions and was desperate to return to work.

However, Judge McNamara said: He has the presumption of innocence. But he is charged with two very serious offences that cant be ignored. The seriousness of the alleged offence, the strength of the evidence, and the likely sentence if convicted - for these reasons, under Section 2, I am refusing bail.

The man was remanded in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court at 10am on Thursday, July 31.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
A plumber issued a grossly offensive and menacing threat to a client on Christmas Eve, warning him a near 1,400 bill for works carried out on his home had been passed onto a Dublin based crime gang before telling him: If I ever see you locally again, God help you, happy Christmas you English b******.
A former soldier has been jailed for three years on endangerment and serious assault charges.

Derek Donegan (39), Hyde Park, Dundalk at the time, used his vehicle as a weapon to strike another motorist as he fled the scene of an accident he caused in North Louth more than four years ago.

He appeared before the circuit court for sentencing on this and a separate matter when he struck his partner in the face. He admitted assaulting the woman causing her harm, as well as the endangerment charge.

The defendant was described as having been an alcoholic abusing cocaine. He was no longer taking drink or drugs and had reconciled with his partner.

Judge Dara Hayes remarked that the endangerment victim was lucky his injuries were not more serious.

"To drive at somebody in that way, seeking to flee an accident, was an extremely serious matter.

The judge added that Donegan had shown no regard for the safety of his partner.

Consecutive two-and-a-half year and two-year sentences were imposed, the final 18 months conditionally suspended, along with a five-year driving disqualification.

At a sentence hearing last June, Gda Siobhan Leech gave evidence that at around 2pm on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Bellurgan, north of Dundalk, a Seat Leon was reared ended by a Ford Connect van as they travelled towards Ballymascanlon on the main road between Bellurgan Point and Marsh Road.

Both vehicles pulled over and the drivers got out. Mr Donegan said he was sorry for driving so close. The car driver (29) pointed out that he did a lot of damage.

The accused replied, I dont care. Its a company vehicle.

The other man asked for insurance details. He was taking photos of the damage. By this stage the defendant had got back into the van and appeared to be looking for a gap in the traffic.

He drove at the victim, hitting him below the knees. The car driver managed to clamber onto the bonnet and was dumped into the middle of the road. He feared he was about to be killed. His phone was damaged and he couldnt call for help.

Donegan sped off towards Ballymascanlon. The other man got back into his car and went after him.

Just past Ballymascanlon Hotel the van turned right before crossing the Thistle Cross junction without stopping.

It slowed down around St Brigids Shrine and the car pulled up alongside. The accused reversed and rammed the Seat Leon into a ditch. The driver managed to get out and asked people at the scene to phone Gardai.

He was distraught and had no more energy at this point but was able to make his way to Dundalk Garda station at 2.25pm to report the incident before attending Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where he had x-rays.

The man was in pain. He had cuts and shooting back pain. He said that he felt lucky to be alive.

Meanwhile, Gardai on the look out for the offending vehicle spotted a white van extensively damaged to the front at Castletown Road, Dundalk. They signalled it to stop and the driver complied.

Derek Donegan was arrested at 4.45pm. He admitted running into the back of the car. He had no explanation for his behaviour.

The court also heard about what happened at Erne Terrace, Dublin 2, on July 13, 2024.

A garda who responded to a report of an altercation saw a woman emerge from a neighbours house with blood running from her mouth and nose.

While walking home with Mr Donegan after having drinks at a friends house she said they had an argument and parted ways.

He was waiting outside the house in Erner Terrace when she arrived home. The woman told him to return to Dundalk and gave him 15 on Revolut.

He stayed, saying it was his house as well. He walked towards her. The victim recollected being struck in the face by him before going to a neighbours house. She was brought to A&E at the Mater Hospital.

His partner made a statement of withdrawal on August 14.

She gave evidence on his behalf at a High Court bail hearing which helped him get bail after nine weeks on remand. They were back together.

It was stated on Mr Donegans behalf that he wanted to apologise to the driver. He accepted complete responsibility.

He had little recollection of striking his partner. He was ashamed.

On the adjourned date there were three clear urinalysis results before the court.

Judge Hayes said a probation report stated that Derek Donegan grew up in Dundalk. He has two children, one from a previous relationship.

A former soldier, he had risen to the rank of corporal. There was a drinking pattern in the Defence Forces, while be began experimenting with cocaine in his early thirties.

Since leaving the Army he worked for a tyre company.

The sentence was backdated to May 23 last to account for the nine weeks spent on remand.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
A Tournore Court welcome from Tournore Court Residents Association members John Joyce, Sharon Moore, and Pascal Hosford to Tom and Alison Dowling, adjudicators for the 2025 Pride of Place Awards.

Tom and Alison Dowling, adjudicators for the 2025 Pride of Place Awards were welcomed to Tournore Court by Tournore Court Residents Association members Pascal Hosford, John Joyce and Sharon Moore.

Tournore Court Residents Association recently welcomed two Pride of Place adjudicators to Dungarvan following their recent prestigious community award win.

Waterford City and County Council hosted Tom and Alison Dowling, adjudicators for the 2025 Pride of Place Awards, at Tournore Court, Dungarvan, where the residents association showcased their outstanding community initiatives. The visit follows the associations recent triumph at the 20th annual Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards.

There, they were honoured with the overall award at a gala ceremony held in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, last November and the subsequent proud nomination by the council to represent Waterford at the all island Pride of Place Awards.

During the adjudicators visit, members of the residents association highlighted a range of innovative and impactful projects, including the Beach Toy Library, Adopt a Verge Programme, Scare and Rewear Costume Swap Shop and the Party Kit initiative.

These efforts reflect the groups commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and fostering strong neighbourly connections.

The adjudicators were impressed with their visit and particularly enjoyed afternoon tea provided by the residents in the basking sunshine as the local children played around the green.

The Pride of Place Awards will be held in Limerick later this year and will celebrate excellence in community participation across the island of Ireland.

Waterford City and County Council said it is proud to support Tournore Court Residents Association as they continue to lead by example with tremendous community spirit and initiative and wishes them the best of luck.
This is an extremely significant rise when you consider the small number of properties that are available to rent in Wexford

Properties under the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme in Wexford rose to 941 from January to July of this year. Properties listed under the scheme revealed Wexford was the seventh highest listed county.

Wicklow Wexford TD, Fionntan O Suilleabhain, has said that the number is a significant rise in the number of properties being awarded payments under the scheme for Ukrainians in County Wexford.

Deputy Fionntan O Suilleabhain said it is very concerning at a time of rising rents and an ongoing housing crisis. The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is a tax-free monthly financial contribution of 600 available to landlords who provide housing for people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.

There are now 941 properties in receipt of payments under the ARP in County Wexford. We have the 7th highest figure in the state - doubling that of neighbouring Co. Wicklow; almost doubling Co. Carlow and more than three times that of Co. Kilkenny.

This is an extremely significant rise when you consider the small number of properties that are available to rent in Wexford at present said Deputy O Suilleabhain.

Fionntan O Suilleabhain

Deputy O Suilleabhain further said the scheme has had negative impacts on those who are trying to secure housing. The failure of the government to recognise the impact of this scheme on the private rental sector is outrageous, particularly given soaring rents and the fact that we are in the middle of such a severe housing crisis.

The figures revealed in a Parliamentary question to Sinn Fein show an increase in every county, and an overall rise of 3,125, in the number of properties being awarded ARP payments between January and July of this year.
Maura Bell says there isnt huge price gouging as the race for last minute accommodation heats up

Theres no accommodation crisis in Wexford town ahead of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann with a large range of beds available for those visiting the town during the week.

Chairperson of the Fleadhs accommodation committee, Maura Bell, said she isnt aware of price gouging but was keen to stress the committee offers information on available accommodation and doesnt act as a booking site.

Im sure youll have a minority of people (price gouging), but that said, we have no control over that. Our official website and the accommodation listed is just an information platform, were not a booking agent. There isnt huge price gouging as far as Im aware, said Ms Bell.

She also feels it would be unfair to tarnish Wexfords hotels with the allegation that they have been unfair in relation to setting their pricing for the Fleadh.

You have to understand, August in Wexford is high demand anyway, regardless of the Fleadh. Its really June, July and August when hotels make their money.

Recently, General Manager of Waterfords Faithlegg Hotel issued a warning of potential reputational damage to the hospitality sector as a result of gouging and Ms Bell made a similar point.

We want these people to come back and experience our attractions our restaurants and our bars. Were looking to put on such a good show that people will come back from their holidays at any time of the year.

The Fleadhs official campsite is again situated just outside Wexford town in Pairc Charman and is unique not just in terms of how ideal it is for Fleadh goers, but also the work required to make it a success.

Werent we absolutely blessed to have the Faythe Harriers, the Sarsfields, the Volunteers and Wexford Wanders come together, which was no mean feat. There was a good few meetings had and everybody was sitting around the table and they came together because they knew they would have been able to make a bit out of it for their clubs. It ran like clockwork last year.

Pairc Charman, the official Fleadh campsite

For Maura its her second year, putting everything into the Fleadh. Her highlight from last year was spending time on the streets of her hometown.

Former Councillor and Fleadh accommodation chair Maura Bell, pictured with Wexford County Council CEO Eddie Taffee.

My favourite part of last year was being a street ambassador. You were getting all sorts of queries on the streets and had the opportunity to help people. For me as a townie, that was important. And for sure, the local knowledge was there.

And for Maura who is Wexford town through and through, she has this advice for those coming to Wexford for the first time.

First of all, if they have qualified for a competition, I would say congratulations and we look forward to seeing them. I would then ask, please check out the Fleadh Cheoil website, everything is on that. If they cant find the information they are looking for, send an email to info@fleadhcheoil.ie, which will go into the central office.

I would say have a rissole, but sure theyre going to have that anyway. And the other thing, the Wexford strawberries.

Do you want to be featured in our Wexford Fleadh gallery? Then send us your photos below!
Catherine Zeta-Jones: My husband and I went to play golf on the west coast. Adare Manor is one of our favourite places to go, so we did that a couple of times
Police have been called in to remove pro-Palestinian protesters from an event with First Minister John Swinney at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Mr Swinney was speaking to comedian Susan Morrison when the event was disrupted five times by six different groups of protesters who held up signs that spelled the word genocide.

As the event went on, tensions rose between the protesters and other members of the crowd, with three police officers called in and the First Ministers security team forced to keep people back from berating Mr Swinney on the stage.

Police were called in to remove pro-Palestinian protesters from the event (Craig Paton/PA)

The protesters shouted at the First Minister to stop funding arms companies through the Governments commercial arm Scottish Enterprise, as well as to describe the ongoing crisis in Gaza as a genocide.

The First Minister sat quietly during the protests.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway said on Saturday it took a $3.76 billion write-down on its stake in Kraft Heinz during the second quarter, an acknowledgment the decade-old investment hasn't worked out.

Berkshire also reported a 4% decline in quarterly operating profit as insurance underwriting premiums fell. The write-down and lower gains from common stocks caused a 59% drop in overall net income.

Buffett's conglomerate signaled it remains cautious about market valuations, amid uncertainty about tariffs and growth in the broader economy.

It reported a near-record $344.1 billion cash stake, and sold more stocks than it bought for an 11th straight quarter. As of mid-July, Berkshire hadn't repurchased any of its own stock since May 2024.

Buffett, 94, has led Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire since 1965, though he plans to step down at year-end.

"Investors are getting antsy and want to seek activity, and nothing is happening," said Kyle Sanders, an analyst at Edward Jones. "Buffett definitely views the market as overvalued, and will sit back and wait for something to come to him."

Uncertainty about trade policies, including tariffs, has become a headwind as delayed orders and shipments led to declining revenue at most of Berkshire's consumer businesses.

Jazwares, which makes the popular Squishmallows plush toys, saw revenue fall 38.5% in the year's first half.

Analysts viewed overall results as lackluster.

"Berkshire and the economy are at an inflection point," said Cathy Seifert, a CFRA Research analyst. "I don't think the market will embrace the combination of mediocre results, a lack of stock buybacks, and Berkshire's recent share underperformance amid a management transition."

Seifert and Sanders rate Berkshire "hold."

KRAFT HEINZ

Second-quarter operating income fell to $11.16 billion, or about $7,760 per Class A share, from $11.6 billion a year earlier. Results included $877 million of currency losses as the U.S. dollar weakened.

Net income, including gains and losses on stocks such as Apple and American Express, fell to $12.37 billion from $30.35 billion. Revenue fell 1% to $92.52 billion.

Buffett views unrealized investment gains and losses, including on stocks Berkshire has no plans to sell, as often meaningless to understanding his company.

The $3.76 billion after-tax write-down for Berkshire's 27.4% Kraft Heinz stake, equal to $5 billion before taxes, followed the struggling food company's announcement it would consider strategic alternatives, which could include a breakup.
Footage showed the child brushing past an open window on the 17th floor, shifting his trajectory and landing in the branches of a tree before plunging face first into a bush on the ground. Stock image/Posed/Getty

A threeyearold boy in China survived a fall from the 18th floor of his apartment block.

The incident took place in Zhejiang provinces Hangzhou at around 3pm on July 15 when the toddler was left in the care of his grandparents.

Believing he was asleep, the grandparents stepped out to buy groceries, bolting the door behind them to ensure he stayed inside, according to a report in Jimu News.

However, the child woke up and went to the bathroom where he climbed onto the toilet and out of an unlocked window that had no safety bars, plunging down.

A resident from the same community discovered the boy lying on the ground, filmed the scene and posted the footage in the property management group. It was only after seeing the message that the childs father, identified only as Zhu, learned that his son had fallen.

At first, I could not believe he had fallen from the 18th floor until surveillance footage from the property management group confirmed it, he said, according to the South China Morning Post.

The surveillance footage showed the child brushing past an open window on the 17th floor, shifting his trajectory and landing in the branches of a tree before plunging face first into a bush on the ground, rather than directly on concrete.

According to Beijing News, property management staff immediately called police and an ambulance to take the child to a local hospital. Doctors who treated him at the Childrens Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine described his survival as a miracle.

The toddler sustained a fractured left arm, spinal strain, and damage to internal organs, but his head remained uninjured and he was fully conscious throughout. Astonishingly, he even asked the medical team to ask daddy to buy me a Bumblebee toy shortly after admission.

Reports from Chinese media stated that the child was gradually recovering.

In a traditional gesture of gratitude, the family tied a large red flower around the tree that cushioned his fall, a symbol of honour and thanksgiving in Chinese culture.
Pragmatist or featherweight? Ursula Von der Leyen blamed for bad deal on tariffs, but EU had no stomach for a fight

Those who defend the EU Commission president argue that it may be better in the long term to allow Donald Trump appear to get a big win

John Downing Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 06:30

It was a tough week for Ursula von der Leyen. Sadly, the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban  who was never, ever, going to do her a favour  touched a nerve when he dubbed the EU Commission president a featherweight who had been eaten for breakfast by the Americans.
Europe

Paris police arrest man on suspicion of multiple murders after four bodies are found in River Seine
North America

US worker deported in error to El Salvador may now face his second deportation  this time to Uganda
Kerala lottery result today, August 2, 2025: The Kerala lottery result for today, August 2, 2025, features the much-awaited Karunya KR 717 Saturday bumper lucky draw. This popular lottery offers exciting cash prizes, including a grand prize of 1 crore, along with several other lucrative prizes. Drawn at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, the Karunya lottery is known not only for its attractive rewards but also for contributing to social welfare through the Karunya Benevolent Fund.

Participants eagerly await the official winning numbers to see if they have struck luck in this weekly event. The results are expected to be declared by evening, with live updates and verified numbers accessible through official Kerala State Lottery channels.

Kerala lottery winning numbers, August 2, 2025: Karunya KR 717

Below is the Kerala Karunya KR 717 lottery winning numbers, August 2, 2025 listed:

First Prize (1 Crore): TBU

Consolation Prize (5,000): TBU

Second Prize (30 Lakhs): TBU

Third Prize (5 Lakhs): TBU

Fourth Prize: TBU

Fifth Prize (2,000): TBU

Sixth Prize (1,000): TBU

Seventh Prize (500): TBU

Eighth Prize (200): TBU

Ninth Prize (100): TBU

How to check Kerala lottery result today online?

To check the Kerala lottery result today, August 1, 2025, online for the Karunya KR 717 Saturday bumper lucky draw, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Kerala State Lottery website or authorised result portals such as:

2. These websites publish the live Kerala lottery results starting around 2:55 PM IST, with the official declared results by about 4:30 PM IST on draw days.

3. You can search for the specific lottery name and date (e.g., Karunya KR 717 August 2, 2025) to find the winning numbers and prize details.

4. Additionally, mobile apps like "Kathakali Lottery Results" on Google Play provide timely and convenient updates on Kerala lottery results directly to your smartphone.

Always verify the winning numbers with the official Kerala Government Gazette to confirm and prepare to claim your prize within the stipulated time.

Kerala lottery prize details 2025: Karunya KR 717

Below is the required Kerala lottery prize details 2025 for Karunya KR 717 listed:

Prize Level Number of Winners Prize Amount () 1st Prize 1 10,00,00,000 2nd Prize 5 10,00,000 3rd Prize 5 5,00,000 4th Prize 5 3,00,000 5th Prize Multiple (by digits) 5,000 6th Prize Multiple (by digits) 1,000 7th Prize Multiple (by digits) 500 8th Prize Multiple (by digits) 250 Consolation Prize 4 1,00,000

Kerala lottery result today, August 2, 2025: How to claim your prize?

To claim your Kerala lottery prize for today's draw on August 2, 2025, including the Karunya KR 717 Saturday bumper lucky draw, follow these steps:

1. Verify Winning Ticket: Confirm your ticket is a winner by matching the numbers with the official Kerala lottery results.

2. Sign Your Ticket: On the back of the original winning ticket, write your full name, address, and signature to prevent misuse.

3. Prepare Required Documents:

Original signed winning ticket.

Claim application form (available at Kerala lottery offices or official websites).

Two passport-sized photographs attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary.

Self-attested copies of PAN card and valid ID proof (like Aadhaar or voter ID).

Revenue stamp (1) affixed on the receipt form.

For minors, a guardianship certificate.

In case of joint claims, a joint declaration on stamp paper may be needed.

Bank passbook copy with IFSC code and account number (for direct deposit).

4. Submit the Claim:

Prizes up to 1 lakh: Claim at the District Lottery Office in Kerala.

Prizes above 1 lakh: Submit claims at the Office of the Director of State Lotteries, Thiruvananthapuram.

Prizes above 10 lakh: Will be processed and approved by the Finance Department.

5. You can also claim via Nationalised, Scheduled, or State/District Co-operative Banks by surrendering the ticket and required documents; the bank forwards the claim.

6. Claim Period: Submit your claim within 30 days from the date of the draw.

7. Tax Deduction: Income tax of 30% is deducted at source for prize amounts above 10,000 as per the prevailing law.

Kerala lottery result live: What time are Karunya KR 717 results published?

The Karunya KR 717 lottery draw for August 2, 2025, is conducted at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, starting at 3:00 PM IST. Live results for the Karunya KR 717 are typically published shortly after the draw begins, with updates appearing online from 3:00 PM onwards.

The official and finalized Kerala lottery results are usually declared within 1 to 2 hours after the draw, generally by around 4:30 PM IST.

Next Karunya KR 717 lottery date and time

The next Karunya lottery draw after August 2, 2025, is scheduled weekly on Fridays at 3:00 PM IST. The Karunya lottery, which is a popular Saturday bumper draw, consistently holds its draw at this time every week at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Participants looking forward to the upcoming Karunya KR 718 or subsequent draws can expect the same schedule, with results published soon after the 3:00 PM draw and official announcements by the afternoon.

FAQs

Q. What is the first prize for Kerala Karunya KR 717 lottery today?

Answer: The Kerala lottery result today, August 2, 2025, for Karunya KR 717 offers a first prize of 1 crore to the lucky winner, drawn live from Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.

Q. When will the Karunya KR 717 Kerala lottery result be published?

Answer: The Karunya KR 717 result will be declared live starting from 3:00 PM, with the official Kerala lottery result published by 4:30 PM IST on August 2, 2025.

Q. How to check Kerala lottery result today online for Karunya KR 717?

Answer: To check the Kerala lottery result online, visit official sites like keralalotteries.net or use mobile apps like Kathakali Lottery Results after 3 PM for Karunya KR 717 winning numbers.

Q. What are the prize amounts for todays Kerala Karunya KR 717 draw?

Answer: Todays Kerala lottery prize structure includes 1 crore (1st prize), 30 lakhs (2nd), 5 lakhs (3rd), along with lower-tier prizes of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 250, and 100 in the Karunya KR 717 draw.

Q. How to claim a Kerala lottery prize for August 2, 2025?

Answer: Winners of the Kerala Karunya KR 717 lottery result today must submit the original ticket, ID proof, and claim form at the District or State Lottery Office within 30 days of the draw.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
The man from Assam who went missing after a mid-air IndiGo flight altercation has finally been located. Hussain Ahmed Majumdar, whose sudden disappearance triggered worry among his family and police, is now reportedly travelling home by train. His phone had gone missing earlier, which made it difficult to trace his location.

Hussain Ahmed Majumdar was found by the police after 2 days of search

According to India Today, Cachar SSP Numal Mahatta confirmed that the Assam Police had been working with their counterparts in Kolkata to locate Majumdar. Family members said he finally made contact while at Barpeta station, confirming that he was on his way back to Silchar from Kolkata.

The mid-air slap incident and the mysterious disappearance of Hussain Ahmed Majumdar quickly sparked a wave of uproar on social media and in the news. As details trickled out, hashtags flooded Twitter, and concerned users demanded answers, questioning flight safety and the airlines handling of the situation.

Assam man missing after mid-air slap on IndiGo flight; family seeks help (Hussain Ahmed Majumdar)



(I request Assam police to take immediate action against the person who slapped me) @assampolice@IndiGo6E #HussainAhmedMajumdar pic.twitter.com/lQhMmuJTgI  THIR UDDIN FM (@tahiruddinfm) August 1, 2025

IndiGo puts the passenger who slapped in flight on 'no fly list', now he will not be able to travel .

No more fly pic.twitter.com/XsTCmBk8xD  Jhalak (@_jhalak_1) August 2, 2025

Videos and memes began circulating, with many speculating whether Majumdar had been wrongfully mistreated or if something more sinister had happened post-landing. Several local news channels in Assam and Bengal ran continuous updates, while family appeals and the growing media attention added pressure on authorities to trace him. The frenzy only settled after reports confirmed he was found safe.

What had happened on the IndiGo flight?

Majumdar was travelling from Mumbai to Kolkata on July 31 when he got into an argument with another passenger. Things escalated, and he was allegedly slapped during the flight. The CISF intervened once the flight landed, and both passengers were questioned. The matter was reportedly settled by mutual understanding.

A young man suffers a panic attack, his co passenger slaps him. Indigo airlines says All appropriate regulatory agencies have been duly informed, in line with protocol.



This is a criminal case and the man needs to be on a No Fly List @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/dY1gQC6ze0  Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) August 1, 2025

He was supposed to board another flight to Silchar the next morning, but he never showed up. With no phone and no contact, his family feared the worst and alerted the police.

Mobile phone loss led to confusion

Hussain Ahmed Majumdar had apparently lost his mobile phone while still in Mumbai, which may explain why he couldnt contact his family after landing in Kolkata. His disappearance soon became a joint effort between the Assam and Kolkata Police, who worked together to track his movements.

Hussain Ahmed Majumdar contacted from Barpeta, train officials alerted

Police sources later said they believed Majumdar had boarded a train towards Assam. Their suspicions were confirmed when his family heard from him near Barpeta station. Local police and railway officials are keeping track of his journey to make sure he reaches Silchar safely. Authorities remain alert until hes home.
Beyond the Bar Episode 1 online: Fans awaiting the K-drama Beyond the Bar can stream Episode 1 online today, August 2, 2025, at approximately 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST, as per the official schedule.

The story follows Yun Seok Hun, a brilliant but cold partner at Yullim Law Firm, known for his bold strategies and sharp logic. Working with him is Kang Hyo Min, a socially awkward but confident rookie lawyer. Though they constantly clash, their partnership challenges them both - and helps Hyo Min grow into a true lawyer.

Beyond the Bar poster. Credit: X

Beyond the Bar : Release date and time for Episode 1

Episode 1 airs on Friday, August 2, 2025, in South Korea and will go live around 10:40 PM KST on the JTBC channel. Viewers in other time zones can expect the release at approximately 2:40 PM BST in the UK and 7:10 PM IST in India on the same day. The episode will also be available for international audiences via streaming on Netflix, which provides English subtitles to make the series accessible worldwide.

Where to Watch Beyond the Bar Episode 1 Online?

Episode 1 is available to stream on Netflix, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Netflix continues to be the top choices for watching the series.

Beyond the Bar: Plot highlights of Episode 1

At Yullim Law Firm, cold and brilliant partner Yun Seok Hun is forced to work with rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min, who's awkward but fiercely principled. Their constant clashes spark unexpected growth, as both begin to redefine what it means to be a lawyer.

Beyond the Bar episode 1: Spoilers

Here are the spoilers for Episode 1 of the Korean series Beyond the Bar based on the YouTube preview:

According to Netflix, Yun Seok Hun is a partner and the head of the litigation team at Yullim Law Firm. Known for his cool head and bold approach, he outmaneuvers opponents with sharp, creative logic. Though highly respected for his legal expertise, his cold demeanor and refusal to engage in small talk make him difficult to approach.

Working alongside him is Kang Hyo Min, a rookie lawyer who is socially awkward but confident and deeply principled. Constantly clashing with Yun Seok Hun, she gradually learns and grows, evolving into a true lawyer.

Beyond the Bar: Cast and Characters

JTBC and Netflix team up once again for the upcoming legal drama Beyond the Bar, starring Lee Jin-wook of Squid Game and Sweet Home fame. The series also features Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo, and Jeon Hye-bin in key roles.

Beyond the Bar cast. Credit: X

FAQs

1. When will Episode 1 of Beyond the Bar be released?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 1 will be released on August 2, 2025, and will air at 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST.

2. Where can I watch Episode 1 of Beyond the Bar online?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 1 will be available for streaming on Netflix, the platform offering English subtitles.

3. Does Beyond the Bar have English subtitles?

Answer: Yes, Beyond the Bar is fully subtitled in English on Netflix, including Episode 1.

4. What is the plot of Episode 1 of Beyond the Bar?

Answer: Beyond the Bar Episode 1 will see a rookie lawyer with strong ideals faces the legal world under a cold, demanding mentor.

5. Is Beyond the Bar available on Netflix?

Answer: Yes, Beyond the Bar is available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on this site.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Friendship Day 2025: Friendship is one of lifes most cherished relationships. From standing by our side during tough times to creating joyful memories together, friends truly make life beautiful. In India, people celebrate Friendship Day with great warmth and excitement every year on the first Sunday of August. In 2025, this special day falls on 3rd August

Let's look at the date, history, and importance of Friendship Day 2025. This day is a special celebration around the world.

Why is Friendship Day Celebrated on the First Sunday of August in India?

Happy Friendship Day image to share on WhatsApp | Credit: Freepik

Unlike many fixed-date holidays, people celebrate Friendship Day in India on the first Sunday of August every year. This tradition allows people to celebrate without the stress of work or school. Sundays are usually holidays.

No official Indian history links to this date. However, it is a great time for social gatherings. People enjoy heartfelt reunions and outdoor fun with friends, especially during the lively monsoon season.

History of Friendship Day: How It All Began

Friendship Day started in the 1930s in the United States. The US Congress proposed it to honour friendships and promote peace and goodwill.

Happy Friendship Day image to share on WhatsApp | Credit: Freepik

In the 1950s, Joyce Hall, who started Hallmark Cards, made the idea of a friendship day popular. Over time, this heartfelt tradition crossed borders and reached various parts of the world.

In 2011, the United Nations declared July 30th as the International Day of Friendship. This day aims to promote unity and kindness among different cultures and communities.

How Friendship Day is Celebrated in India

The UNs Friendship Day is on July 30th. However, in India, people celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. The focus is on personal bonds instead of global unity.

Happy Friendship Day image to share on WhatsApp | Credit: Freepik

People across the country express love for their friends through warm messages, gifts, friendship bands, and heartfelt gestures. Friendship Day in India is a time for emotions and appreciation. College students tie bands on their wrists. Childhood friends reconnect over tea.

Why Friendship Day 2025 Matters More Than Ever

In todays fast world, digital connections often take the place of real conversations. Friendship Day 2025 reminds us to stop and appreciate the people who truly matter. A chance to rekindle old friendships, mend broken ones, and strengthen existing bonds exists.

The main idea of this day is simple  Friendship has no limits. It does not depend on age or conditions. This relationship relies on trust, love, and understanding.

Heartfelt Wishes for Friendship Day 2025

Looking to send a thoughtful message to your best friend? Here are some sweet and meaningful Friendship Day 2025 wishes you can share:

Happy Friendship Day image to share on WhatsApp | Credit: Freepik

On this Friendship Day 2025, I want to thank you for being by my side through thick and thin. Your presence makes every struggle easier and every joy brighter.

To my confidante and biggest supporter  thank you for always standing with me, no matter what. Wishing you a Happy Friendship Day!

A true friend is like sunshine on a rainy day  always lighting the way. Thank you for being my guiding light. Happy Friendship Day 2025!

We never need to pretend with each other, and thats what makes our friendship special. Cheers to our unbreakable bond. Happy Friendship Day, bestie!

No matter how far we are, our connection stays strong. This Friendship Day, lets celebrate the love that distance cant destroy.

Our friendship is like an old melodycomforting, nostalgic, and unforgettable. Happy Friendship Day!

Thank you for being the ray of sunshine on my cloudiest days. Wishing you a Happy Friendship Day 2025!

Youre not just my friend; youre my chosen family. Wishing you all the happiness this Friendship Day.

Life is better with friends by your side. Here's to many more years of laughter and shared dreams.

Lifes better with friends like you. Thank you for making everything brighter.

A friend like you is a true blessing. May our bond remain unbreakable. Happy Friendship Day!

To the ones who have stood by me through thick and thin, Happy Friendship Day!

No matter how far we are, youll always be close to my heart. Happy Friendship Day!

Heres to the friend whos been my constant in a world full of changes.

Through ups and downs, you've been my constant. Here's to another year of amazing friendship my Bestie!

You laugh at my worst jokes and stand by my worst decisionsthats real friendship!

You make my life more colourful with your presence. Happy Friendship Day!

Thanks for being my unpaid therapist and forever cheerleader.

To the one who never gave up on me even when I gave up on myselfthank you.

Friends like you are the reason I still believe in goodness.







Friendship Day quotes

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.  Aristotle

"Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world." - John Evelyn

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be." - Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne)

"A true friend is the greatest of all blessings and the one that we take the least thought of acquiring." - Francois de La Rochefoucauld

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." - Jim Morrison

Theres not a word yet for old friends whove just met.  Jim Henson

"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together." - Woodrow Wilson

A friend is what the heart needs all the time.  Henry Van Dyke

"Depth of friendship does not depend on length of acquaintance."  Rabindranath Tagore

"The friend who holds your hand and says the wrong thing is better than one who stays away."  Ratan Tata

Whether youre young or old, near or far, Friendship Day 2025 is a perfect reminder to celebrate the bonds that uplift our hearts. Take a moment this 3rd August 2025 to thank your friends, share a kind word, and show them how much they mean to you. Because in the end, lifes true treasure lies in the people who walk beside us.
Happy Friendship Day 2025: Theres something incredibly special about the bond between siblings  especially when that bond is built not just on blood, but on friendship. If youve ever laughed till your stomach hurt with your brother or cried on your sisters shoulder after a tough day, you know what true friendship feels like. This Friendship Day 2025, lets celebrate those brothers and sisters who are more than just family  theyre our lifelong best friends, partners-in-crime, and secret-keepers.

Friendship Day in India is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, falling on August 3rd in 2025, while the International Friendship Day is observed on July 30th. Whether its your younger sibling who annoys you but always stands by you, or your elder sibling whos been your guiding light, these messages are perfect to express your love, gratitude, and joy.

Scroll down for the Top 25+ sweet wishes and messages for brother and sister on Friendship Day 2025, carefully crafted to make your siblings feel extra special!

Heartwarming Friendship Day Wishes for Sister

Happy Friendship Day image | Credit: Canva

Dear sister, youre not just my family  youre my first best friend and forever soul mate. Happy Friendship Day 2025!

From childhood giggles to adult struggles, youve held my hand through it all. Love you loads, sis. Happy Friendship Day.

Youre the one who understands my silence and celebrates my joy like her own. Grateful for your friendship, sister.

Friendship Day 2025 is just another excuse to tell you how much you mean to me. Thank you for being my friend before a sister.

No matter how far life takes us, youll always be the closest to my heart. Happy Friendship Day, my forever sister-friend.

To the one who shared her wardrobe, secrets, and dreams  I cherish you. Happy Friendship Day, sister!

Youve been my diary, my partner in crime, and my strongest support. Heres to you, sis, on Friendship Day.

Weve had our share of fights, but our bond only grew stronger. Thank you for being my unshakable sister and friend.

Even when the world felt like a mess, you were my safe space. I love you, my sister, my friend.

Youre the calm in my chaos, the smile in my storm. Happy Friendship Day, sis!

Heartfelt Friendship Day Messages for Brother

Happy Friendship Day image | Credit: Freepik

Dear brother, our friendship makes this sibling bond even more beautiful. Happy Friendship Day 2025!

From pulling my hair to pulling me out of trouble, youve done it all. Thanks for being the best friend a sister could ask for.

Youve always had my back, no matter what. Thats real friendship. Happy Friendship Day, bro.

Brothers like you are rare  equal parts annoying and amazing. Love you always. Happy Friendship Day!

You were the first person to teach me how to fight  and then how to forgive. Happy Friendship Day, my lovely brother.

We may not say it often, but our bond is stronger than most friendships. Happy Friendship Day to my built-in best mate.

Even in your silence, you always showed you cared. Thank you, bhai, for being my rock.

You may tease me, trouble me, and even steal my food  but I wouldnt trade you for the world. Happy Friendship Day, brother.

Every memory weve shared, from silly fights to deep talks, makes me grateful for you. Happy Friendship Day.

To the one who knows all my secrets and still doesnt judge  thank you for being my brother and friend.

For Siblings Who Are Your Forever Friends

To my sibling, thank you for making life lighter, funnier, and warmer. Happy Friendship Day 2025.

We didnt choose each other, but we chose to be friends anyway  and Im so glad we did. Happy Friendship Day, dear sibling.

Youre more than just my sibling  youre my lifeline. Thank you for being my everything. Happy Friendship Day!

True friendship lies in understanding without words  just like ours. Cheers to us on this Friendship Day.

Weve seen each others highs and lows, yet we stay rooted in love. Happy Friendship Day, my forever sibling.

From fighting over the remote to fighting the world together  weve grown as friends. Happy Friendship Day 2025.

Siblings by birth, best friends by choice. Theres no bond more special. Happy Friendship Day!

Friendship Day Wishes That Make Your Siblings Smile

Happy Friendship Day image | Credit: Canva

Youre like my sibling and bestie rolled into one  double trouble and double the love! Happy Friendship Day!

Weve grown weird together  and I wouldnt have it any other way. Happy Friendship Day, bro/sis!

Youre the only person I trust to see me at my worst and still laugh with me. Happy Friendship Day, sibling!

No matter where we go in life, this bond stays unbreakable. Cheers to endless memories. Happy Friendship Day!

From bedtime stories to adulting woes  youve been my go-to human. Happy Friendship Day, brother/sister.

Friendship Day 2025 is the perfect opportunity to remind your brother, sister, or sibling how important they are  not just as family, but as friends for life. These wishes and messages are crafted to bring smiles, trigger nostalgia, and celebrate the beautiful relationship you share. Go ahead, send that text, write a note, or share a heartfelt message this Friendship Day  because every bond deserves to be honoured.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
MBC's bold new drama Mary Kills People wasted no time making waves. Premiering on August 1, the series dove headfirst into two big taboo topics: euthanasia and underage same-sex attraction - both tackled within its very first episode.

Veteran actress Lee Bo-young stars as Woo So-jung, an ER doctor who moonlights as a secret angel of death for terminally ill patients. Adapted from the Canadian series of the same name, the Korean remake reimagines the morally gray original with a culturally specific twist - one that's already igniting debate across Korean social media.

Euthanasia enters the K-drama spotlight

The opening sequence sets the tone: a gravely ill man named Choi Kang-yoon (played by special guest Lee Sang-yoon) calmly declares his intent to die. "This is my choice, and I feel happy and satisfied at this moment," he says, raising a glass of champagne dosed with pentobarbital.

"How long will it take?" he asks. Woo So-jung's reply is emotionless: "Usually, it ends in an instant." And just like that -he's gone.

Euthanasia enters the K-drama spotlight. Credit: X

Queer-coded teens raise eyebrows

But the episode doesn't stop there. A provocative subplot features So-jung's teenage niece Jae-yeon (Kim Sang-ji) and her friend Woo-mi (Kang Na-eon), who spend a sleepover sharing moments that blur the line between platonic and romantic.

"My mom thinks it's totally safe if it's just girls," Woo-mi scoffs. "She thinks she knows everything but knows nothing." The tension builds as the girls exchange lingering glances and tender compliments, including Woo-mi telling Jae-yeon, "Your eyes are really pretty."

Queer-coded teens raise eyebrows. Credit: X

Pushing the boundaries of primetime

From assisted dying to queer-coded adolescent intimacy, Mary Kills People is making it clear: this isn't your average K-drama. The premiere has already sparked fierce online discussion - some praising its plot while others are calling it deeply uncomfortable.

Regardless of the views of K-drama fans, Mary Kills People has started a conversation Korea wasn't ready to have - but can no longer ignore. Episode 2 airs August 2 at 10 PM KST on MBC. For viewers abroad, fans can watch it on Prime Video.



For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
By Leika Kihara

TOKYO (Reuters) -Profits of Japanese firms are likely to fall this year because of U.S. tariffs, leading them to downgrade capital expenditure plans, the central bank said on Friday, signalling caution over an expected hit to the export-dependent economy.

Automakers have swallowed the rising costs from the tariffs instead of passing them on to U.S. consumers, as seen in a fall of roughly 20% in export prices since April, the Bank of Japan said in a full version of its quarterly outlook report.

"This suggests Japanese automakers are averting price hikes that may lead to falling sales volume, at the cost of seeing profitability worsen," the BOJ added.

The hit to Japanese exports from U.S. tariffs will become clearer once global trade volume, now inflated by companies front-loading shipments to avert higher U.S. levies, turns down, the bank said.

"Due to such direct and indirect effect of higher U.S. tariffs, Japanese companies face an increasing chance of profit declines in the current fiscal year," it added.

There was a need to scrutinise how falling profits could affect firms' willingness to keep hiking pay, it said.

The BOJ said U.S. tariffs have yet to cause any major change in Japanese companies' plans for capital expenditure.

But past shocks of such scale have caused firms, many of which set spending at the start of Japan's fiscal year in April, to downgrade plans toward the latter half of the year, it said.

"Uncertainty surrounding trade policy could affect capital expenditure plans with a lag," it said.

In a summary of the outlook released on Thursday, the BOJ projected the economy to expand 0.6% in the current fiscal year, before growing 0.7% in 2026 and 1.0% in 2027.

U.S. President Donald Trump struck a trade deal with Japan last month that lowers tariffs on auto imports and spares Tokyo from punishing new levies on other goods.

Japan's auto sector, which accounts for more than a quarter of its U.S. exports, would see tariffs cut to 15% from 25% now, at an unspecified date. Duties set to take effect on other Japanese goods from August 1 were also cut to 15% from 25%.

(Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
The NYT Mini may be quick, but it still throws in some clever clues to trip up your morning. Todays puzzle covers everything from apps and art to self-indulgent journeys. If youre stuck and dont want to waste another minute, heres every extra hint and the full set of answers.

NYT Mini Crossword August 2 Across hints

1 Across: Piece of phone software  Think TikTok, Tinder

4 Across: Dancing Queen group without the middle letter

7 Across: High school science room

9 Across: Cologne test location

10 Across: Less intense, dialed _____

11 Across: Not plastic or paper

13 Across: A narcissists trip

14 Across: Bing lives here

15 Across: These interrupt phone screens

NYT Mini Crossword August 2 Down hints

1 Down: Bank storage, in short

2 Down: Casual camera users

3 Down: Cyclist group

4 Down: Math branch, x marks the spot

5 Down: First-aid fix

6 Down: Japans ex-PM, assassinated in 2022

8 Down: Show me the ___ art pun

11 Down: Temporary worker minus one letter

12 Down: Drivers navigation help

NYT Mini Crossword August 2 correct answers

Across:

APP

ABA

CHEM LAB

COLOGNE

TONED

TOTE BAG

EGO TRIP

MSN

ADS

Down:

ACC

PHOTOGS

PELOTON

ALGEBRA

BAND-AID

ABE

MONET

TEM

GPS

Check back tomorrow for more quick hints and full answers to the NYT Mini Crossword. Happy solving!
Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle are deep in the fashion trenches this week, and it is all because of... jeans. Or rather, genes. The 27-year-old Euphoria actress starred in a denim ad campaign with the cheeky line, Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans and the internet immediately lost its collective mind.

American Eagle breaks silence on Sydney Sweeney ad controversy | Credit: Instagram/americaneagle

American Eagle vs the internet: The great jeans meltdown

The pun, clearly riffing on both genetics and denim, was too much for some users to handle. Social media lit up with backlash, accusing the brand of toeing dangerously close to Nazi ideology due to the campaign's emphasis on Sweeneys blonde hair and blue eyes. One user even predicted the ad would end up in history books. Talk about drama in the group chat.

American Eagle breaks silence on Sydney Sweeney ad controversy | Credit: Instagram/americaneagle

Critics cry fascism, others call it a stretch

TikTok and Instagram users had some strong opinions, calling the ad Nazi propaganda weird and fascist-coded. The combination of a conventionally attractive white woman praising her great genes stirred a cultural pot no brand wants to boil over. One person remarked that the visual message felt straight out of a fascist handbook. Another chimed in saying the ad felt like Nazi st, throwing all chill out the window.

American Eagle breaks silence on Sydney Sweeney ad controversy | Credit: Instagram/americaneagle

Even celebrities jumped in. Lizzo posted a photoshopped version of herself in the same denim outfit, captioned, My jeans are black Meanwhile, Doja Cat made a TikTok mocking Sweeneys ad voiceover with an exaggerated accent. The sarcasm was thick, the eye-rolls even thicker.

AE finally responds kinda

After days of being dragged, American Eagle issued a statement trying to pull the brakes on the internet spiral. They clarified the campaign was only about the jeansher jeans, her story, her confidence. The brand reassured fans that their denim is for everyone and that great jeans look good on everyone.

However, AE seems to be slowly nudging Sydney out of the spotlight. Their latest promo featured other models, captioned: Denim on denim on denim AE has great jeans. Subtle? Maybe. Strategic? Absolutely.

American Eagle breaks silence on Sydney Sweeney ad controversy | Credit: Instagram/americaneagle

Controversy sells apparently

Despite the drama, AEs stock surged over 10% after the campaign launched. While the court of public opinion is still divided, the brands bottom line says otherwise. Whether accidental or genius marketing, one thing is clear, this campaign has legs.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 is inching closer to its climax, and Episode 17 is set to bring another wave of tension and mystery. With each passing week, the story has only grown darker and more emotional, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Nenes fate, Hanakos past, and the looming presence of the School Wonders have all added layers to a plot that refuses to slow down.

As the lines between the near shore and far shore blur even more, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 episode 17 might hold answers no ones ready to hear and choices that cant be undone.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 17 release date & time

The highly anticipated Episode 17 of ToiletBound Hanakokun Season 2 Part 2 is officially set to premiere on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Japan, during the usual TBS anime block at 4:30 pm JST.

Under the title Aoi and Akane, this episode continues the supernatural high school drama with deeper revelations about the Clock Keeper duo.

Japan (TBS): Sunday, Aug 3 at 4:30 pm JST

India (IST): Sunday, Aug 3 at 1:00 pm IST

GMT (UK/Europe): Sunday, Aug 3 at 7:00 am GMT

ET (US East Coast): Sunday, Aug 3 at 3:00 am ET

 AnimeTV  (@animetv_jp) July 28, 2024

Where to watch Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 17 online?

Japan: On TBS-affiliated stations (and reruns on local networks after 5:30 am JST).

International: Watch on Crunchyroll worldwide or Hulu in the U.S. directly after the Japanese broadcast.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 16 recap

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 16 was all about secrets, memories, and timelines. It opened with Aoi Akane and Akane Aoi trying to stop time to fix what was broken. But messing with time always comes at a price.

Nene discovers more about Hanakos connection to the Clock Keepers and how his past continues to haunt himespecially when her lifespan was mentioned again, making things tenser.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Season 2 Part 2 Episode 16 was all about secrets, memories, and timelines (Credits: Crunchyroll)

Meanwhile, Kou tried to calm down the escalating situation between the school spirits. He realised some things are too big to solve by logic alone. There were also quick flashes of the Grim Reaper and the mysterious Red House, teasing whats coming.

The episode ended with Aoi suddenly collapsing after a failed attempt at time manipulation, setting up the emotional weight of Episode 17.

Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 17 spoilers

This episode marks a key turning point in the Summer Lights arc. As the countdown builds toward the Grim Reaper and Red House arcs, Episode 17 focuses on Aoi Akanes storyline, deepening the bond and secret between him and Nene, and stirring tension around the mysteries of the Clock Keepers. Character growth and supernatural complexity continue to expand in this gripping supernatural saga.

This episode marks a key turning point in the Summer Lights arc (Credits: Crunchyroll)

FAQs: Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 17

Q1. What is the release date of Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2, part 2, episode 17?

It releases on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 4:30 pm JST in Japan. It drops globally within hours on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Q2. What is Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 17 called?

Episode 17 is titled Aoi and Akane.

Q3. Where can I watch Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2, part 2, episode 17?

You can stream it on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ (region-dependent). In Japan, it airs on TBS and other domestic platforms like ABEMA and d Anime Store.

Q4. What happened in Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 episode 16?

A. It focused on Aoi and Akanes roles as Clock Keepers, Nenes shortened life, and new hints about the Red House and Grim Reaper arcs.

Q5. How many episodes will Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun season 2 part 2 have?

A. Its expected to have 12 episodes, though the official count is yet to be confirmed.
The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has asked President Tinubu to pardon suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari.

The commission cited national security concerns as the reason for its appeal.

In a statement on Friday, IHRCs Head in Nigeria, Duru Hezekiah, said the appeal was due to rising insecurity, including terrorism, kidnapping, and organized crime.

Advertisement

According to Hezekiah, Our position is not to circumvent justice or interfere with legal processes.

Rather, we urge a future-focused, constitutionally grounded approach that recognises the tactical value of experienced security personnel if found eligible under the law and subject to public accountability.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/apc-leading-nigeria-with-lies-and-hunger-dino-melaye.html

The Commission proposed conditional clemency under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the President to grant pardons and reprieves.

It added that global precedents support pardoning skilled convicts for national service under strict oversight.

In post-conflict African states, ex-warlords have been granted conditional amnesties to enable peace and stability, the statement noted.

The IHRC emphasized that its appeal was not an endorsement of impunity but a call for strategic national interest.

A conditional pardon for Kyari subject to public accountability could transform a controversial figure into a rehabilitated asset in Nigerias fight against crime.

It urged stakeholders to begin dialogue on balancing justice with national security.

This is a call for strategic statecraft, not political favouritism, Hezekiah added.
Ex-Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has accused the APC of deepening Nigerias hardship with false promises and failed policies.

Speaking on Channels TV on Friday, Melaye alleged the APC-led government is deceiving Nigerians while causing poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

They are speaking in tongues. And what are they telling you? That they are taking tough decisions.

Advertisement

They are telling you that we are putting Nigerians on a top off, he said.

Melaye likened the APC government to a vehicle driven without direction or control.

When you have a roadmap and a GPRS, you are likely to get to your destination.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/our-doors-are-open-to-receive-peter-obi-others-back-to-pdp-but-we-wont-beg-them-ex-party-legal-adviser.html

But APC and this government is a car being driven by a drunken driver.

The possibility of getting to your destination is not there, he stated.

He criticised the governments introduction of two national anthems and the coexistence of different versions of naira notes, describing the situation as chaotic.

In a country where you have two national anthems where you have two types of 1,000 Naira notes, two of 500, two of 200, and two of 100 it doesnt happen anywhere else in the world, he said.

According to Dino Melaye, this confusion has led to the widespread circulation of fake currency, worsening Nigerias economic crisis.

We are in an outrageously calamitous situation, he declared.
Media entrepreneur and political analyst Dele Momodu revealed that ex-President Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar had a deal for Atiku to succeed him after their first term.

Dele Momodu, in a statement on Friday, revealed that the deal backed by most governors collapsed before it materialized.

At the time, Atiku served as Nigerias Vice President from 1999 to 2007, while Obasanjo was the President.

Advertisement

According to Dele Momodu, The deal was that he would take over after their first term in office but it fell through despite the humongous support from the majority of the governors.

He added that despite being sidelined, Atiku remained loyal to Obasanjo throughout their second term in office.

He still respected his boss and doused the tension in the second term when he was virtually stripped of his constitutional obligations and rights, he stated.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/i-dont-identify-with-nigeria-anymore-kemi-badenoch.html

He accepted his fate with uncommon equanimity, Momodu continued. Many in his position would have taken a confrontational approach, but he chose peace and patience.

The media entrepreneur also praised Atikus conduct after leaving office, noting that the former VP transitioned successfully into private business.

Since then, he has engaged in productive and well-managed businesses, unlike most of his contemporaries who cannot survive outside power and politics, he wrote.

Dele Momodu further described Atiku as a man with Midas touch, adding, Nigeria would have been a much better place if the majority of our leaders had been gainfully employed like him.
A fire outbreak in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, razed no fewer than six shops, destroying properties valued at millions of naira.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the fire broke out on Thursday at Ile-Ewe in the Sawmill area of Ogbomoso, destroying six out of ten locked-up shops in the vicinity.

Mr. Maroof Akinwande, Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Ibadan on Friday.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer, Recover Items

Akinwande stated that the agency received a distress call regarding the fire from one Mr. David Ajagbe at exactly 2:08 p.m. on Thursday.

Akinwande noted that the agencys personnel, led by CFS Dairo, responded swiftly and arrived at the scene promptly.

On getting to the scene, we met six out of 10 locked up shops well alight and quickly engaged our appliance, and we were able to curtail the fire from spreading to other shops and nearby properties.

Properties worth millions of Naira were affected by the fire, and the fire service was able to save millions of properties, the chairman said.

He further stated that no lives were lost in the incident, and efforts are ongoing to uncover the cause of the fire.

NAN
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM in Minna over alleged incitement and unethical broadcasts.

The order, issued on Friday, during an All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Minna, has drawn backlash from media and rights groups.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor accused the station of undermining government and promoting public unrest.

Advertisement

The daily activities of the radio station have been unethical. The owner of the station has incited the people against government, Bago alleged.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/apc-leading-nigeria-with-lies-and-hunger-dino-melaye.html

He then directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the station and revoke its license.

Reacting swiftly, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, slammed the move, calling it lawless and repressive.

He stated, Governor Bagos order represents an alarming escalation in the clampdown on independent media. Accusing Badeggi FM of incitement without due process is a clear abuse of power.

Similarly, the Chairman of Wadata Media and Advocacy Center (WAMAC), Zubair A. Idris, described the closure as a blatant attempt to muzzle press freedom.

We view this harsh and punitive action as an attempt to gag the press from performing its constitutional and professional responsibility, he said.

WAMAC called for immediate reversal of the order, insisting, This order is an aberration of our constitution and recklessly undermines the statutory responsibility of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Ondo state Governor Aiyedatiwa and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have endorsed President Tinubus 2027 re-election bid.

The endorsement was made on Friday, during a meeting of the APC Leaders Caucus held at the Government House in Akure.

Speaking at the gathering, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for unity within the party, urging all support groups to align with the central structure.

Advertisement

Our strength lies in our unity, and all of us as leaders of the APC in the state must come together to build on the foundation already laid, he said.

He added, Because we are heading towards general elections, it is expected that various support groups will spring up.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/dino-melaye-officially-joins-adc-gets-membership-card-after-pdp-resignation.html

However, all groups must be under the leadership of the central party structure, which has the State Working Committee and the State Caucus as core components.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised that all political focus in Ondo should now be on ensuring Tinubus re-election in 2027.

We dont have any pending governorship election here in Ondo State.

Therefore, we have to focus all our efforts on mobilising grassroots votes for the re-election of the President in 2027, he declared.

It is granted that the President will win the election. However, for us in the South West and Ondo State, the victory must be overwhelming.

Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Derin Adesida said, This is a constitutional gathering to chart a clear direction for the APC in Ondo State.

Former Ambassador to Togo, Sola Iji, praised the governor for his leadership, saying, This is the type of political coordination our party needs.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has urged residents in flood-prone Abia communities to relocate due to predicted heavy flooding.

This advisory was issued by the NSCDC Abia State Commandant, Akinsola Aderemi, during a press briefing held at the command headquarters on Friday.

The statement was signed by the commands Public Relations Officer, Doreen Udugwu.

Advertisement

Citing warnings from NIHSA and NiMET, Aderemi warned that Abia may face major flooding from August.

The safety of lives and property is our top priority, Aderemi said.

Based on expert forecasts, it is imperative that residents in high-risk areas take proactive steps and relocate immediately to avoid disaster.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/pdp-governors-no-longer-acting-as-opposition-dino-melaye.html

He also assured residents of the NSCDCs preparedness, saying, We have mobilised our Disaster Management Unit to work closely with area commanders and divisional officers.

Sensitisation campaigns are already underway in the 17 local government areas.

We will continue to educate communities about the dangers of flooding and how best to prepare.

No life should be lost due to avoidable ignorance, he stressed.

According to the NSCDC, nine local government areas have been listed as high-risk: Aba North, Isiala Ngwa North, Isuikwuato, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Arochukwu.

We urge residents not to dismiss this warning, Aderemi warned.

Prevention is always better than cure. We must act now to avoid future regrets.
Brookfield Wealth Solutions (BWS) has reached an agreement to purchase Just Group, a financial services firm in the UK, in a deal valued at 2.4bn ($3.2bn).

The transaction will be carried out by Bidco, a subsidiary owned entirely by BWS and will include all shares of Just Group that have been issued or are planned to be issued.

Shareholders of Just Group will receive 220 pence per share in cash. This price is higher by 75% compared with the share price on 30 July 2025, the day before the acquisition announcement.

Just Group is known for its work in the retirement and pension sector and is listed on the stock market.

Just Group CEO David Richardson said: "The proposed combination with BWS reflects the strength of the Just platform and the long-term value of the strategy we have delivered.

BWS and the wider Brookfield group's scale, investment expertise and alignment with our purpose will enable Just to broaden its reach and enhance its offering, which will accelerate the fulfilment of our purpose to help more people achieve a better later life."

BWS, primarily active in North America, has already started a UK insurance branch, Blumont Annuity Company UK. (Blumont).

The acquisition is intended to merge Blumont with Just Group to operate in the UK's annuity and life insurance industry.

The new group will be managed by the Just Group leadership team, retain the Just brand, and its headquarters will remain in London.

BWS CEO Sachin Shah stated: "The acquisition of Just will accelerate our growth ambitions for the UK, a core region for us given its status as one of the world's preeminent pension markets combined with highly attractive investment opportunities.

We look forward to supporting Just's growth in the UK, building on its commitment to providing financial certainty and excellent service to its policyholders.

The deal is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2026 (H1 2026), pending regulatory approval from UK financial authorities.

"Brookfield to acquire UKs Just Group in 2.4bn deal " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Friday, Melaye said, PDP has been purchased by the APC. The PDP is a parastatal of the APC.

His claims came just a day after he formally resigned from the PDP. The former lawmaker, who once represented Kogi West in the National Assembly, accused PDP governors of failing in their role as opposition leaders.

Advertisement

He insisted that key decisions in the party are now influenced directly by the Presidential Villa. They take dates for NEC meetings and NWC from Aso Villa.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/tinubu-transfers-office-of-surveyor-general-to-presidency-for-direct-supervision.html

Look at these PDP governors, are they acting as opposition? And you know how powerful governors are, Melaye added.

He further alleged that internal democracy in the PDP had completely collapsed, saying, This is no longer the PDP that once stood for the people.

What we now have is a compromised shell, hijacked by individuals serving the interest of the ruling party.

Melaye also expressed disappointment in the partys national leadership, stating, Theres no direction, no resistance to the ruling government, no courage. The PDP of today has lost its voice.
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 24 suspected armed robbers following a coordinated sting operation carried out in the early hours of Wednesday, July 30, in Minna, the state capital.

The operation, which began around 3 a.m., was conducted by operatives of the Anti-Thuggery Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), in collaboration with officers from the Maitumbi and Central Police Stations, as well as local vigilante members.

A pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and several weapons including cutlasses and knives were recovered during the raid. The police also found a bolt cutter, scissors, shisha pots, and other illicit substances at the hideouts.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer, Recover Items

Confirming the arrests in a statement issued Friday, the spokesperson for the Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said the operation was part of an intensified effort led by Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman to clamp down on thuggery, youth restiveness, and violent crimes in the metropolis.

The Niger State Police Command under the leadership of CP Adamu Elleman intensifies the fight against the menace of thuggery, youth restiveness and armed robbery in Minna metropolis, the statement read.

On 30th July, 2025, at about 3am  5.30am, Police operatives of the Anti-thuggery unit of SCID Minna with Maitumbi, Central Police Stations and vigilante members stormed areas of Angwa-Roka, Kwari-Berger, Flamingo and Tudun under the Maitumbi area of Minna for a sting operation against thuggery, armed robbery and other social vices.

In the course of the operation, twenty-four suspects were arrested at various locations within the area, and some of the suspects are Abubakar Nura, 23 years of Angwan Roka; Auwal Mohammed, 20 years of Angwan Roka; Suleiman Hassan, 21 years of Angwan Roka; and Alhassan Mohammed, 19 years of Maitumbi.

These suspects were arrested in Angwan-Roka in a residence where one Saidu Umar Namaska, presently at large, who is a notorious gang leader, used as a hideout. A search was carried out in the house and the following exhibits were recovered: one automatic pump gun with two live cartridges, one bolt cutter, cutlasses, scissors, shisha pots, and other illicit substances.

Other suspects arrested include Usman Abubakar Bahago, 18 years of Maitumbi; Abubakar Sadiq Bahago, 24 years of Angwan Roka; and Mubarak Abubakar, 18 years of Angwan Roka. These miscreants were also arrested in another house where one Sudaise, another gang leader, usually assembles his gang for their escapades. They were equally arrested with some dangerous weapons.

Among the suspects are Jemilu Ibrahim, 23 years of Berger junction; and Jemilu Ilyasu, 16 years of Kwari-Berger. The two suspects were found in a shop, and during an attempt to effect arrest, they threatened the security team members with a knife while they tried to escape through the rooftop. Exhibits of cutlasses and knives were found under their bed.

Also, parts of the suspects include Shafiu Umar Chukuli, 30 years of Maitumbi; Daniel Joseph, 16 years of Angwan-Gwari; Saidu Aminu Babayi, 25 years of Tudun; and Mustapha Mohammed, 25 years of Berger junction. This batch of gang was found in a house where a vigilante member was killed last year, and its one of the houses used as a hideout. Eleven others were also arrested in different situations within the areas at the early hours of the day.

According to Abiodun, all 24 suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing gang members.
When West Philly filmmaker Wale Oyejide isnt in the directors seat, hes busy photographing hidden corners of Philadelphia or cocreating designs for the label, Ikire Jones, with tailor Sam Hubler  some of which end up on the big screen, like the scarf worn by actor Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther. Oyejide, a former lawyer, is also a musician.

How he manages to tread all these creative mediums is somewhat a mystery, but he does it all with grace and a trademark style. He is somewhat of a modern-day Renaissance man whose newest film, Run, Sister Joan, premieres at the BlackStar Film Festival on Aug. 3.

Advertisement

Here, he tells us of his perfect Philly day.

6 a.m.

I light up the Moka pot. I brought this practice home from Assisi, Italy, where I made Run, Sister Joan. My cinematographer and I shared a small apartment in the countryside. Every morning, wed talk over the upcoming days labor while divvying out fresh prosciutto to the rattling of a bubbling coffee pot. One of us would rescue our espresso from the stove before it erupted. Now, back home, I start each morning the same way. The ritual of preparing Moka requires patience, focus, and readiness for quick action. I try to carry these principles with me when stepping out into Phillys streets.

7 a.m.

Ten laps in the pool at my house. Ive found that solutions present themselves when Im mid-flight, or when submerged in water and pushing myself to hit the last two laps of my daily regimen.

10 a.m.

Tour Phillys murals with Mural Arts Philadelphia. You see flashes of color from the windows of SEPTAs elevated trains, or in the distance while speeding through traffic. But not all of us have taken the time to walk up close and learn their stories. The many walls of art that adorn this city speak to our deep sense of culture.

1 p.m.

Get a haircut at Cedar Parks Spinning Chairs. Black men in Philly trust their barbers more than their lawyers and their priests. The state of our edge-ups says more about our well-being than any expert market indicator can. Ive been a proud patron of Spinning Chairs for well over a decade. There is none better.

2 p.m.

If I need to shop, I go to Briar Vintage in Juniata. It has a giant warehouse and run by an amazing gentleman, and its truly slept on. They have vintage clothes that range from old military gear to suiting from the 1940s and 50s. Its really a great spot. Its almost like record shopping. You go in, and plan to be there for an hour, minimum. Its genuinely a great space. Its like what Denzel Washington said, Im leaving here with something.

I also have to shout out Jamaaladeen Tacuma. Hes a Philly jazz legend, but also the most interesting and stylish man in the world. An elderly Black Philadelphia man whos always swagged out. And he has his own [online] vintage fashion boutique, where he sells stuff that hes collected over the years from his travels as a musician. His spot is called the Redd Carpet Room. The amount of worldliness and taste level he has is top-notch.

3 p.m.

Go to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink. If you are a parent with a preteen, you appreciate the rare moments of true, uninterrupted connection. Roller-skating is one of them. Take your kid to the waterside. Spend a kings bounty on soda and funnel cake. Youll be regarded as a hero for at least an hour.

5 p.m.

A quick massage at the Four Seasons. This, for men especially, is underrated. My wife pointed out that we dont often take the time to pamper ourselves. Leave the kid at home. Put on a terry cloth robe, get a relaxing massage, and take in a view of the skyline while sipping Champagne. There are worse things in life.

7 p.m.

Catch a screening at a Philadelphia Film Society theater. Where else can one go to see classics by Krzysztof Kieslowski, Akira Kurosawa, or Djibril Diop Mambety screened in all their glory?

Along with the latest blockbusters, Philadelphia Film Society offers access to European art house films and cinematic masterpieces many of us wouldnt otherwise be exposed to. Treat yourself to the experience of seeing these wonders at the scale they were intended.

9 p.m.

Unsurprisingly, the perfect evening in Philadelphia must end with dinner at Friday Saturday Sunday. We begin down at the bar with their excellent cocktails, then we order the Calabrian-pepper pasta for a spiritual return to my beloved Italy, before heading upstairs for the tasting menu. Plus, points for the restaurants excellent playlist, which pays homage to hip-hop classics.

Alternatively, for a cozy mix of Franco African cuisine that hits authentic notes without sacrificing delightful service and presentation, consider the newly opened Chateau Rouge.

Run, Sister Joan screens on Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m. at Perelman Theater as part of BlackStar Film Festival, and streams virtually. blackstarfest.org
Emergency medicine doctor Sharon Griswold sued Drexel University, saying she was fired for complaining that she and female colleagues were mistreated by its male-dominated leadership. Read more

Drexel University medical school leaders did not retaliate against a former emergency room doctor and professor for speaking out about gender discrimination, a federal jury found on Friday in a high-profile civil rights case.

The jury of six women and two men also concluded that the doctor, Sharon Griswold, was not subjected to a gender-based hostile work environment during the 13 years that she worked at Drexel, ending with her termination in early 2020.

Advertisement

Rather, the jury found Drexel complied with civil rights laws that prohibit workplace sex discrimination, and her supervisor took reasonable steps to address Griswolds grievances.

In the days before the trial, Griswold sought to rally female doctors to attend in support of her case and against gender bias in a field that remains male-dominated, especially in emergency medicine. She sent Evite invitations to the trial to peers and posted about the case in a 4,200-member private Facebook group for Philadelphia-area female doctors.

I am here to stand up for justice, Griswold told jurors on the trials second day, Tuesday.

After a five-day trial in U.S. District Court in Center City, jurors reached their verdict in Drexels favor after deliberating for 90 minutes.

Lawyers for both Drexel and Griswold declined comment after the verdict.

During the trial, Griswold, 57, argued she suffered emotional distress and financial loss for complaining about sex discrimination, claiming she was denied a promotion to academic vice chair  a stepping stone to become chair, a prominent position worth millions in salary over the span of her remaining career.

Drexels lawyer, Charlene Gedeus, told jurors Griswold was repeatedly promoted and did not suffer financial harm: She went on to new positions at Penn State Health and Merck.

After being hired in 2007, Griswold became the first full-time female professor in Drexels emergency medicine department.

Doctor Griswold enjoyed a flourishing career at Drexel, Gedeus said during her closing statement.

Gedeus said Griswold was laid off, along with scores of other faculty doctors, because its teaching hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital, closed in summer 2019.

Griswolds lawyer, Rahul Munshi, told jurors Griswold could have continued to run a masters program at Drexels graduate school, arguing the real reason for her termination was a sex-discrimination complaint that she had filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the agency that enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination.

They were mad at her because they knew she about to file a lawsuit, Munshi said in closing. The hospital closing is just a red herring.

Griswold testified that she and other females within Drexels emergency medicine department were treated poorly by male leaders, and the rules were different for the sexes. She described how female faculty came to her in tears over lewd and belittling behavior by men.

Drexel contended that Griswolds department chair, Richard Hamilton, supported her for a third promotion just days after she complained to human resources about gender bias in 2019. Hamilton also nominated her for a prestigious fellowship program for female leaders in medicine and allocated funding to help Griswold establish and lead a new masters program.

Hamilton testified that he took Griswolds complaints seriously but when he asked her for specifics, he found that the disputes with male colleagues centered on scheduling conflicts and clashes over resources, not actions taken against women. Griswold chose not to move forward with a formal complaint process with the universitys Office of Equality and Diversity, Drexels lawyer noted.

About 60% of Griswolds work involved treating patients and training medical residents at Hahnemann and leading the departments simulation division, which used computerized mannequins to train medical residents.

The remainder of her workload focused on her role at Drexels graduate school as director of a masters program in healthcare simulation that she had pioneered.

Former colleagues testified that Griswold was a talented doctor and an exceptional professor, who at times was also temperamental and exacting.

On Thursday, a former Drexel staffer testified that Griswold got angry over a scheduling conflict and said she felt like burning this building down. The staffer reported the October 2019 incident to university leaders.

Drexel leaders placed Griswold on paid administrative leave pending an investigation and university police officers escorted her out of the building. She was barred from contact with students and faculty.

It was horrible, and it was isolating, Griswold testified. Because I tried to raise concerns and do the right thing, I felt as if they are making me out to be a criminal.

A detective with Drexels public safety department testified his superior told him to hold off on his investigation, citing the PHRC complaint Griswold filed shortly after being put on leave. Griswolds lawyer, Munshi, told jurors that Drexel slow-walked its investigation to prevent her from renegotiating her contract before its end date.

The investigation ultimately closed with no findings against Griswold. By then, however, her contract had ended.

Several witnesses testified that Griswolds masters program had struggled with enrollment. A Drexel leader testified the program ultimately closed because Griswold sent a cease and desist notice, seeking to prevent use of her curriculum materials after she was let go.
Elliott Hinkle experienced depression and suicidal thoughts even before entering the foster care system in Casper, Wyo., at age 15.

At the time, Hinkle, who is transgender, struggled with their sexual identity and gender issues, and their difficulties continued in foster care. They felt like they had no one to confide in  not their foster parents, not church leaders, not their caseworker.

Advertisement

To my knowledge, I dont remember ever taking a suicide screening, Hinkle said. No one ever said: Are you having thoughts of taking your life? Do you feel hopeless?

With their psychological and behavioral health needs left unaddressed, Hinkles depression and suicidal thoughts worsened.

Do I stay in the closet and feel terrible and want to end my life? Hinkle said. Or do I come out and lose all my supports, which also feels dangerous?

Children in foster care are significantly more likely to have mental health issues, researchers say. They attempt or complete suicide at rates three to four times that of youths in the general population, according to several studies.

LGBTQ+ people in foster care, like Hinkle, are at an even higher risk of having suicidal thoughts.

Yet despite the concentration of young people at risk of serious mental illness and suicide, proactive efforts to screen foster children and get them the treatment they need have been widely absent from the system. And now, efforts underway to provide widespread screening, diagnosis, and treatment are threatened by sweeping funding cuts the Trump administration is using to reshape healthcare programs nationwide.

In June, federal officials announced they would shut down a suicide hotline serving LGBTQ+ youths as part of those cuts.

Children in foster care use a disproportionate amount of Medicaid-funded mental health services. Meanwhile, President Donald Trumps massive budget package, passed last month by Congress, contains substantial shifts in Medicaid funding and policies that are projected to drastically reduce services in many states.

I think anybody who cares about kids well-being and mental health is concerned about the possibility of reduced Medicaid funding, said Cynthia Ewell Foster, a child psychologist and clinical associate professor in the University of Michigan psychiatry department. The most vulnerable children, including those in foster care, are already having trouble getting the services they need.

A lack of federal standards and other system-level issues creates barriers to psychological and behavioral care in the child welfare system, said Colleen Katz, a professor at Hunter Colleges Silberman School of Social Work in New York.

When youre talking about anyone getting screened for suicide ideation upon entrance into the system, its inconsistent at best, she said.

Katz said all children entering foster care should have a brief, standardized suicide screening embedded into their initial medical assessment. And more screenings need to be conducted throughout a foster care stay, she said, because youths getting ready to transition out of the system are also vulnerable.

Hinkle, now 31, said the summer before they aged out of the system was one of the darkest periods, because I was coming to terms with the church not wanting me to be gay and I was about to lose stable housing and whatever foster care support there was.

Katz studied transition-age youths in foster care in California, which has the highest numbers of placements in foster care nationwide. According to her analysis, 42% of study participants had thoughts of taking their life and 24% had attempted suicide, and she expects findings would be similar in other states.

Katz also examined suicide screening tools and found many that already exist could work and be easily administered by trained child welfare workers or alternative front line service providers, or embedded in existing mental health services.

Still, the quality of services varies by state and locality and can hinder attempts to curb suicides.

Julie Collins, vice president of practice excellence at the Child Welfare League of America, which advocates for improvements to the child welfare system, said the gap in suicide prevention in foster care mirrors the overall nationwide void of behavioral health services for children and adolescents. The preparation of people coming into the field isnt what it needs to be, Collins said of the lack of training for caseworkers.

Ewell Foster is trying to change that.

She worked with the state of Michigan to redefine and update the competencies required to earn an undergraduate certificate in child welfare in the state. Eighteen colleges and universities that offer certificate programs in child welfare in Michigan now teach about suicide prevention.

Its something the workforce has asked for, Ewell Foster said. They need real clear guidance on what to do when they are worried about someone.

So far, Ewell Fosters effort to change the wider system has not run into any roadblocks. Her work with Michigans child welfare agency is still being funded under a grant administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Agency spokesperson Danielle Bennett said such grants will continue for up to three years.

However, the future of the federal agency has been in question for months. The Trump administration has laid off hundreds of its employees and has proposed folding its functions into another agency.

Some states have made changes to address the foster care gaps on their own, but often it has taken legal action to spark changes in suicide prevention efforts.

In Kansas, officials made several changes after the state settled the McIntyre v. Howard class action lawsuit in 2021 on behalf of foster children who the suit alleged were subjected to inadequate access to mental health resources and moved from home to home frequently.

The state increased salaries for social workers in the child welfare system and reduced their caseloads, among other things.

Other states, including Texas, have implemented similar changes after facing lawsuits.

Still, experts caution that the changes taking place in foster care systems are not enough to steer outcomes.

Lily Brown, an assistant professor of psychology and director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, said moving the needle in suicide prevention will require implementing a universal risk assessment for children in state care.

Brown recently sought a grant to fund and implement free, universal suicide risk screening in foster care throughout Pennsylvania. She had several counties agree to the project, but not enough to support her application  the study wouldnt have had enough participants to work statistically, she said.

Without such studies, foster care systems nationwide cant meet the needs of children, she said.

April Miller, 27, entered the system in Minnesota at age 3. As a Native American, she is part of a group that is overrepresented in foster care.

The child welfare system as a whole neglected me, said Miller, who said she endured several traumatic events in her early life, including witnessing a murder.

I did a lot of self-harm and had thoughts of suicide but didnt have access to means, which is why I am still alive, she said.

Today, Miller is a social worker and suicide prevention coordinator in Bemidji, Minn.

Similarly, Hinkles experience in the system made them driven to change the trajectory of other young people.

Hinkle provides training, consultation, and policy development services at Unicorn Solutions in Oregon in support of youths and young adults affected by systems such as child welfare, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

They said they are committed to making sure that sexual identity and gender topics are not avoided in the system.

I think every young person should feel loved and cared for, Hinkle said.
Drexel University professor Eric Zillmer put together a map of the 28 happiest places in Philly based on project from his Psychology 101 class. The map is on display inside W.W. Hagerty Library through Nov. 30. Read more

Whats your happiest place in Philadelphia, and is it really worth gatekeeping?

Those are questions Drexel University psychology professor Eric Zillmer asked the 243 students in his spring semester Psychology 101 class.

Advertisement

It was for science, he promised.

Zillmer is the director of Drexels Happiness Lab, where he studies the meaning and science behind joy. Twentysomethings are the unhappiest age cohort in the United States, according to the United Nations World Happiness Index, where they are bogged down by a loneliness epidemic, financial uncertainty, a thankless job market, and the evergreen awfulness of growing up. Perhaps, Zillmer reasoned, he could use his class as a way to help young people focus on the pockets of happiness that already exist in their lives.

The result: A map of the 28 happiest places in Philly  according to Zillmers students  thats been viewed over 40,000 times since it was uploaded on June 18. An oversize version is on display in Drexels W.W. Hagerty Library through Nov. 30 as part of the Philadelphia Challenge exhibit, which pulls from Zillmers class assignments to show how everyday objects and routines in Philadelphia made it easier for people to open themselves up to happiness.

As a psychologist, Im trying to help my students focus on whats good about Philadelphia and whats good about their lives, Zillmer said, instead of whats negative in their city in their lives.

Zillmer asked each of his students to nominate the single place that makes them feel the happiest, whittling down the list to a mere 28 locations to account for duplicates, access to public transit, and cost of entry.

The final map is both a greatest hits list of Philadelphias public parks and cultural institutions and a rundown of hidden ponds, pocket parks, and whimsical dessert cafes. Hot spots like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cira Green, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, and Rittenhouse Square were immediate front-runners, Zillmer said.

Rittenhouse Square park is such an easy answer. Its the social hub of Philadelphia, Zillmer said with a playful eye roll. But theres something to be said about it. Its accessible, easy to navigate, and you can hang out there on your own terms.

So too is the unofficial cat park at 526 N. Natrona Street in Mantua, where neighborhood strays have long gathered to sunbathe among potted plants and rusted lawn chairs. A neighbor maintains the space and feeds the felines, said Amanda Moore, Zillmers research assistant, who grew to know the cats by name after frequenting the park as a student. Moore made sure it and the University of Pennsylvanias public James G. Kaskey Memorial Park made the final cut.

There, Moore said, she finds peace by watching the koi fish and turtles swim around a tree-covered pond. It feels like youre in some national park, not the city, said Moore, 23, whos originally from Austin, Texas.

Zillmer said the project reaffirmed that there is no single formula for getting to happy, but there are a few shortcuts. Happy places are safe, said Zillmer, and they often involve nature or overlap with third spaces, or environments that arent home or work. Mostly, Zillmer explained, happy places should encourage a sense of urban citizenship, which is just a fancy way of saying they should make you feel like you belong where you live. His go-to is Society Hills historic Athenaeum library.

I think theres something that feels a little secret about finding a happy place, said Zillmer. But I think the highest level of happiness you can feel is the moment when you feel most connected to your city and want to share.

Philadelphia is consistently ranked as the most walkable city in the United States and lauded for its green spaces. Nearly 95% of Philadelphians live within a 10-minute walk to a park, according to the Trust for Public Land. Far fewer live near year-round third spaces, which have dwindled post-pandemic.

Struggling to find a happy place in Philly? Get a little cringe, recommended Zillmer, and try playing tourist.

Think about the things you like to do when youre on vacation, said Moore, Zillmers happiness protege. We get so used to just living, going to work and school and the grocery store, that we forget how important it is to explore.

Do you have a Philly happy place worth sharing? The Inquirer is taking nominations to build the definitive Philly Happy Map, inspired by Zillmers project. Fill out this form to help us find all the happy!
A LED street lights along the 1500 block of W Venango Street in North Philadelphia on Friday, July 25, 2025. Read more

Its the middle of the night, you cozy up under the blankets and turn off the lights, but the room still isnt dark.

Thats what Delaware County resident Debora Winter saw when her son sent her a picture of his Point Breeze bedroom. The culprit? An LED street light.

Advertisement

They had put these new lights out  his room was completely illuminated from the outside, Winter said. He was able to contact 311, and they turned it down, but it seems that you have to do that every time.

Aware of the citys transition into LED lights, the 70-year-old asked Curious Philly, The Inquirers forum for questions about the city and region: Why are the street lights programmed to be so bright?

Its a matter of safety, according to Christopher Young, the Department of Streets communications manager.

In August 2023, the city launched a project to upgrade 130,000 street lights to LED by the end of 2025, including on all roadways, alleyways, and residential and commercial corridors.

These new lights are brighter than the high-pressure sodium lights they are replacing while using 50% less energy, according to the project website.

The new lights are meant to improve nighttime visibility, making it easier to spot illegal activity and boost safety for people walking, biking, or driving, Young said. But, this luminance increase is not equal everywhere.

Gun violence, in particular, is behind the difference in the intensity of the LEDs. Last year, The Inquirer reported that LEDs would be brighter in areas experiencing increased gun violence.

Nighttime crime data, nighttime vehicle crash data, and other data from several organizations was used to determine the neighborhoods that would get the lights first.

A University of Pennsylvania study found outdoor gun crimes at night dropped 21% with new lights, Young said.

The lights are on track to be fully upgraded by late fall, he added.

Bill McGeeney, from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council, told The Inquirer last year that brighter lights may not reduce gun violence but can make people feel safe.

For Winter, the explanation makes total sense.

I definitely dont feel comfortable walking down a dark street, she said. People might be deterred from doing something when there is obviously a chance for someone to see what they are doing.

This doesnt mean folks have to get used to sleeping in brightness. The new system is connected to a lighting management system, making it easier for the city to manage streetlights remotely.

Like Winters son, Reddit users report calling 311 and having their street light dimmed within a few days. Young recommends directly emailing ledstreetlighting@phila.gov.
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
Meta Platforms (META) shares soared more than 12% on Thursday after the tech titan reported its second-quarter financial results that topped Street estimates across the board.

Investors are cheering META shares this morning also because management guided for at least $47.5 billion in revenue in the current quarter, also well above the $46.14 billion expected.

More News from Barchart

Including the post-earnings rally, Meta stock is up some 62% versus its year-to-date low set in April.

www.barchart.com

Q2 Earnings Brought in Many Positives for Meta Stock

Metas strong Q2 financials reflect how significantly its artificial intelligence (AI) investments are making its core business, advertising, more efficient than ever before.

In the second quarter, the tech behemoth generated $46.56 billion in revenue from ads, handily beating consensus estimates at $43.97 billion.

META shares are rallying today also because daily active people across the companys family of apps went up by another 50 million (sequentially) while Reality Labs, its metaverse-focused unit lost a less-than-expected $4.53 billion in Q2.

Note that Meta Platforms earnings release arrives only a day after CEO Mark Zuckerberg said developing superintelligence was now in sight.

Is There Any Further Upside Left in META Shares?

While META stock has already experienced a substantial rally in recent months, Bank of America analyst Justin Post continues to see it as the best AI pick with significant further upside.

In a post-earnings research note, Post raised his price objective on the company to $900 as a growing list of new ad capabilities reinforces our confidence in the strength of Metas AI ad engine.

According to the analyst, managements upbeat third-quarter guidance suggests their AI investments are bearing fruits. All in all, the BofA analyst recommends owning Meta shares here as the company is well-positioned to lead in an emerging agentic AI ecosystem.

Catalysts for the second half of 2025 include growing usage, and ads on Threads and WhatsApp, he concluded.

Meta Platforms Is Not an Expensive Stock to Own

Despite a meteoric rally since April, Meta stock is going for a forward price-earnings multiple of about 27x at the time of writing, which isnt particularly expensive for a top AI name.
The word Jibrin may not mean anything to you but mention Izz Cafe on George Quay in Cork city and peoples eyes light up.

This little cafe, serving traditional Palestinian food, was originally opened in 2019 by Izzeddeen Alkarajeh and Ema Aburabi.

They sought asylum in Ireland from a variety of challenging situations.

After a spell in Direct Provision, they eventually got their papers processed and were determined to contribute to the country that gave them refuge.

Through the Society of Friends in Cork, they were introduced to Rupert Hugh-Jones who operates Farmers Markets in both Mahon Point and Douglas.

With much encouragement and goodwill, they eventually set up a stall selling manaeesh zaatar (flatbread), hummus and moutabal.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. On the first day, they sold out in just 2 hours.

This encouraged them to follow their dream of opening a cafe.

Izz, who has a bachelors degree in computer science, is particularly passionate about coffee.

He longed to roast and blend and introduce customers to the Palestinian coffee they are now famous for. Izz Cafe was opened a year to the day later on Georges Quay in Cork city.

Eman, who holds a diploma in interior design, cooked from scratch, the hauntingly delicious traditional Palestinian dishes that she had learned from her mother and grandmothers kitchen.

Word spread, Corkonians flocked to get a taste of Emans rich and comforting food, perfumed with fresh spices  zaatar, sumac, citrus and extra virgin olive oil.

Both they and Izz Cafe have become a beloved part of the Cork restaurant scene. They have since expanded their space in response to the growing demand.

Such a lovely story and now Habib, a talented, young refugee from Gaza who loves to cook has also joined Izz Cafe.

They are actively involved in community-driven initiatives including fundraisers such as Coffee for Palestine and One Plate for Palestine.

But the most recent excitement is the publication of their first cookbook in which they share many of the Izz Cafe favourites.

Its published by Blasta Books (#15 in the series) and entitled Jibrin. named for both Izz and Emans now abandoned family homeland, Beit Jibrin in Palestine. How poignant is that?

Im hoping to do an East Cork Slow Food event here at the Ballymaloe Cookery School with Izz Cafe in the near future (they have recently been awarded the Best Middle Eastern restauarnt in Ireland).

Ill keep you posted, but meanwhile, seek out the original: Izz Cafe on Georges Quay in Cork city.

Here are three recipes from the Jibrin cookbook to whet your appetite.

Cafe Izz' Nabulsi Knafeh recipe by:Darina Allen Nabulsi knafeh is a sweet, cheesy pastry layered with kataifi pastry, then soaked in aromatic sugar syrup. Servings 10 Course  Main Ingredients 200g Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese, diced small, or grated mozzarella

500g frozen kataifi pastry

225g ghee or unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing

2 tsp caster sugar

For the syrup:

400g caster sugar

240ml water

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp rosewater or orange blossom water (optional)

To decorate:

finely chopped pistachios Method The Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese needs to have the salt removed, so put the diced cheese in a bowl, cover with cold water and soak for 15 minutes, then drain. Repeat this process every 15 minutes for 4 hours to remove the salt. Squeeze the diced cheese into even smaller pieces and set aside. Skip these steps if youre using grated mozzarella. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. This works best in a conventional oven, using the top and bottom heat. Grease a 30.5cm cake tin generously with melted ghee or butter. Knafeh is traditionally made in a copper tray because it conducts the heat so well, but this will work too. Chop the frozen kataifi pastry into small pieces to make it easier to blend. Add it in batches to a food processor and pulse until its a fine powder. Put the pastry in a large bowl with most of the melted ghee or butter and the sugar. Use your hands to combine into a dough. Add more ghee or butter if needed to bring it together  it should hold together when you squeeze it. Spread half of the dough over the base of the greased tin, making sure there are no gaps and pressing it down in a firm, even layer. Scatter the cheese over the pastry base, keeping the edges clear. Scatter the rest of the dough on top, pressing it gently to flatten the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the top is golden and crisp. Meanwhile, to make the syrup, put the sugar, water and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar, until thickened. Stir in the rosewater or orange blossom water (if using). Set aside to cool. Remove the knafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over it, then scatter over the pistachios to decorate. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cafe Izz' Sumagiyya (Palestinian Sumac Stew) Sumagiyya is a tangy Palestinian stew from Gaza, featuring slow-cooked meat with Swiss chard, tahini and subtle spices in a sumac-infused broth, which is what gives the stew its signature tartness. Preparation Time  2 hours 0 mins Cooking Time  1 hours 30 mins Total Time  3 hours 30 mins Course  Main Ingredients For the sumac water:

100g whole dried sumac berries

720ml cold water

For boiling the meat

500g stewing beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 onion, quartered

2 bay leaves

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the stew:

120ml olive oil, plus extra to serve

3 medium onions, finely diced

500g Swiss chard, finely chopped

1 x 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tsp mixed spice

60g plain flour

120ml tahini

For the daqqa (spice mix):

4 garlic cloves

1 tsp chilli flakes

1 tsp dried dill

1 tsp salt

To serve

warm pitta Method Put the sumac berries in a bowl, cover with the cold water and soak for 2 hours. Put the meat, onion and bay leaves in a large pot and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and skim off any foam that appears on the surface. Add a little salt and pepper and simmer for 40 minutes, until the meat is cooked. Strain the broth into a bowl, then set the meat aside and keep the broth. Pour the sumac berries and their soaking water into a separate saucepan and bring to a boil, then cook for 15 minutes. Strain the berries through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the berries and keep the sumac-infused water. For the stew, heat the olive oil in a large pot on a medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 10 minutes, until completely soft. To make the daqqa (spice mix) while the onions are cooking, crush the garlic, chilli flakes, dill and salt together until smooth. Stir the daqqa into the onions and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the Swiss chard and stir until wilted, then add the boiled meat, chickpeas and mixed spice. Pour over the strained sumac water, making sure all the ingredients are fully covered. Stir well and simmer on a medium heat for 10 minutes. Gradually add the flour while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, then stir in the tahini. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. To serve, ladle the sumagiyya into serving bowls and let it cool completely. We leave it in the fridge overnight and eat it cold the next day, but its often served at room temperature. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each bowl and serve with warm pitta.
Music-loving Limerick couple Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen were delighted to find a celebrant who sang from the same hymn sheet as themselves in every sense.

Chloe, who grew up in Monaleen, and Michael, from Father Russell Road, were wed recently in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, Co Laois, by Fr Paddy Byrne and held their reception in Castle Durrow, Co Laois.

Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen and their wedding party.

Fr Paddy was an absolute gent! He was just wonderful  so much fun. When we asked him about church music, he said, Whatever music you want'  so we got to have a very eclectic range, including songs from The Cure, Oasis, The Cranberries, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beatles, and Taylor Swift. When I looked up at one stage during the Mass, I saw Fr Paddy singing along to Champagne Supernova, says Chloe.

We are also fortunate that our incredibly talented and kind singer and harpist Sinead Walshe learned some songs for us.

Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Rewind 10 years and Beyonces hits were the soundtrack as Chloe, a teacher, and Michael, who works for Limerick County Council, first spotted one another  at a New Years Eve ball on December 31, 2015, at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick. We danced. [Afterwards] I was shy and ran away, says Chloe.

Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

But Michael asked around about Chloe. I was in a musical that year with Limerick Musical Society, and we were part of the St Patricks Day parade in 2016. Straight after we went to Nancys [Nancy Blakes Bar] in Limerick where Michael and I bumped into one another," she says.

As Chloe was about to take up a teaching position in Dubai, a two-year long-distance romance ensued. Eight years later, and back in Ireland, Kilkenny's five-star Mount Juliet resort was the backdrop to their engagement on January 7, 2024.

The bride's parents Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan.

Both sets of parents, Trish Forde Brennan and Donal Brennan and Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen, were there to help them celebrate on their big day, along with Chloes grandfather Dan Forde.

We were so appreciative of everybody being there, especially Susan, Michaels mum, who passed away a few months after our wedding, says Chloe.

The groom's parents, Susan Cussen and Mick Cussen.

They showed us what love is, and we were able to honour them.

Susan loved weddings and was always the life and soul of every party. It meant so much to Michael and me that she was able to be there.

Attending the wedding was my grandads first time leaving the house since Covid. He had the best time and stayed for the afters.

The bride's friends were by her side also, with Aisling Kelliher as her maid of honour and Clodagh Hayden, Elisse ODonnell and Grace McDonnell as her bridesmaids.

The groom's brother Shane Cussen was his best man, and his cousin Ed Cussen and friends John Reddington and Neil Connaughton were the groomsmen.

Bride Chloe Brennan. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Chloe looked super-elegant in two bespoke gowns by Cleo Bridal. Mary Flynn customised the two dresses, she says.

Designer Mary O'Sullivan did the veil, and my hair and makeup were by the amazing Catherine Hickey Hair and Make Up.

Fr Paddy Byrne with Chloe Brennan and her bridal party.

The suits were from Anthony Ryans Galway, and capturing the occasion on film was Black Diamond Photography ( blackdiamondphotography.ie) and Ivory Films.

Bobby Mc & The Dukes performed during the drinks reception, and Soul Power Music was the wedding band, followed by DJ Jack Enright.

Chloe Brennan and Michael Cussen. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography

Our first dance was to You and Me by Penny and the Quarters, says Chloe. The newlyweds, who live in Monaleen, honeymooned in Las Vegas, California and Mexico.
Daniel OConnell liked to remind people that he was born in the year that America began to assert its independence. His date of birth was August 6, 1775.

Americas Independence wasnt completed until the following July 4, but OConnell was a good storyteller, specific with dates when needed, vague when a convenient narrative required embellishment.

The Times of London reported that he took great pleasure in noting the coincidence which, succeeded in persuading his admirers that that incident, taken in connection with others, shadowed forth his destiny as a champion of freedom.

He was, during his lifetime and for maybe half a century after his death, considered in many circles to be the greatest Irishman who ever lived. That status would come under attack following the violent birth of the independent state in the early 20th century.

The men and women of 1916 were considered in the broad public consciousness to be those whose vision and action led to the establishment of a free state. The narrative was promoted by politicians who had fought at the side or in the shadow of the signatories of the proclamation.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

In elevating the blood sacrifice and all that flowed from it, OConnells contribution, and that of others like Parnell, was thus relegated. Yet what the Kerry man achieved was, by any standards, quite amazing.

Arguably, without those achievements - the opening up of some narrow yet vital channels through which native Catholic people could practice their religion, receive an education and promote their culture - he paved the way for those who would secure the State, if not the island nation.

That he did so through peaceful means at a time when violence ruled was, through most the 20th century, ironically seen as a failing rather than a singular triumph. On the day of his birth 250 years ago on August 6, few anywhere could have foreseen his destiny.

OConnell was born in Carhan outside Caherciveen, one of 10 children. His family was not well off and Daniel, his bright intellect spotted early, was sent out to a wealthy uncle in Derrynane, Maurice Hunting Cap OConnell, when he was young.

Hunting Cap had made much of his fortune through smuggling. He would will Daniel his home and lands which would come in handy when pursuit of politics often left OConnell broke, although the legacy was a double-edged sword on account of its upkeep.

Derrynane House which was willed to Daniel O'Connell by an uncle. Photo: Facebook

As a Catholic, OConnell had no right to an education. Hunting Cap sent him to France where he saw the brutal level of violence exercised in that countrys revolution. That was to have a formative influence on him.

Not for all the universe contains would I, in the struggle for what I conceive my countrys cause, consent to the effusion of a single drop of blood, except my own, he would state when explaining his politics.

On his return to Ireland he set up as a barrister and quickly gained a reputation as an outstanding counsel. He married Mary OConnell in a union not approved by Hunting Cap who briefly disinherited his nephew.

The couple had 11 children of whom seven survived into adulthood. After Hunting Caps death, the family moved into Derrynane House where Mary spent the rest of her days. The term long-suffering wife might well be applied to her.

She is buried in Derrynane and for a long period was, like many women, written into the margins of history rather than taking her rightful place in the centre. Apart from that, her husband was a well-known philanderer.

(Left to right) The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, TCD Provost Linda Doyle, and An Post CEO, David McRedmond at the unveiling of two stamps on Wednesday marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel OConnell. One stamp depicts his release from Richmond Bridewell after his three-month imprisonment while a second stamp shows him front and centre at one of his famous monster meetings. Picture: Maxwells

In this respect, he was lucky with his timing. Had he lived in the post-Famine Ireland where the Church took an iron grip of power, he may well have run into serious trouble, as did Parnell for the relatively innocuous business of divorcing his wife for a new partner.

OConnells primary focus for the first half of his political life was Catholic emancipation. For over 100 years Catholics were not allowed to practice their religion or access to an education. He saw it as his task to raise Catholics up off their knees.

As his biographer, Patrick Geoghegan, told an RTE documentary OConnell said he could point out Catholics on any streets because they were the ones who would shuffle, had bad posture, were afraid of meeting your gaze, beaten down.

Yet even then, he had his eyes on the Act of Union, which dated from 1800 and joined Ireland to Britain. In 1810, he set out his stall in one speech in Dublin.

The Protestant alone could not hope to liberate his country, the Roman Catholic alone could not do it, neither could the Presbyterian, but amalgamate the three into the Irishman and the union is repealed.

It was a cry echoed in the 1916 proclamation under the phrase cherishing all the children of the nation equally, but has remained a stumbling block down through the centuries.

In 1815, OConnell could have met his end. After criticising Dublin Corporation for its treatment of Catholics, one of the council members John DEsterre challenged OConnell to a duel.

It took place near Naas and OConnell, against the predictions, emerged victorious, fatally wounding his opponent. He was, by all accounts, devastated and contributed an allowance to DEsterres daughter for the remainder of his life. He would never duel again and became an implacable opponent of the practice.

In 1823, he formed the Catholic Association and six years later he was returned as an MP for Co Clare. The British had a dilemma as he was not entitled as a Catholic to take his seat. They caved and lifted the restrictions on Catholics.

The enormity of this achievement is difficult to fathom in todays world, according to Geoghegan.

Really it was a great civil rights victory because what he was doing was giving the vast majority of the people equal rights in the country, the historian asserted.

In this illustration from 1831, John Bull supports a political see-saw on his back with the Tories on the left, weighed down by the Charles Street Committee Purse, and the Whigs on the right, with the crown on their side. The devil stands in the foreground with 'Reform' written across his head. From left to right, the Tories are Wetherell, Robert Peel, the Duke of Wellington, the Duke of Cumberland and a fat bishop; the Whigs are British prime minister Earl Grey, Henry Brougham, Lord John Russell, Burdett and Daniel O'Connell. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

He believed in Jewish emancipation and he fought for Jewish rights in the British Parliament. He believed in the emancipation of African Americans who are being held in slavery in the United States and became one of the greatest champions of freedom for those people in the 19th century.

In Westminster he was a fiery advocate, adept at deploying his lawyerly capacity for argument and not a little wit. Malachi ODoherty, in his book Can Ireland Be One, compares OConnells style to that of Ian Paisley.

In one attack on the British for their continued subjugation of Irelands democratic want he had a cut at Edward Sugden, who was the last English chancellor of Ireland.

He is a pretty boy, sent here from England, OConnell said. But I ask; did you ever hear such a name as he has got? I remember in Wexford, a man told me he had a pig at home which he was so fond of that he would call it Sugden.

Later he would receive criticism for promoting the English language rather than speaking in Irish.

After emancipation he dedicated himself to chasing repeal of the union which had been law since 1800. In 1840, this campaign was stepped up with the formation of the Repeal Association.

In August 1843, he assembled a monster meeting at the Hill Of Tara, the original seat of the High Kings of Ireland. A reported one million people gathered to hear him. There were also meetings in the Curragh in Kildare and other locations around the country as his campaign to pursue repeal grew increasingly popular.

Daniel O'Connell depicted at a the 'monster meeting' on the Hill Of Tara in Co. Meath, in 1843. Photo: Spencer Arnold Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

At these meetings, as the Times of London would recall in OConnells subsequent obituary, the Irish populace were drilled, and marshalled, and marched under appointed leaders, whose commands they obeyed with military precision, while the master-spirit who evoked and ruled this mass movement announced to all of Europe that he was at the head of 500,000 loyal subjects but fighting men.

The last sentence betrayed the contempt that much of the British establishment had for OConnell, not to mind his capacity to peacefully pursue his aims. Casting him as somebody who used the veiled threat of violence was inaccurate and designed to blacken his legacy.

Another monster meeting was scheduled for October 8, 1843, at Clontarf, scene of the last, most famous battle of Brian Boru. The British, however, decided that things were getting a little out of hand. Home secretary Robert Peel assembled 3,000 soldiers to ensure that the meeting would not go ahead and two gunships were also on hand nearby.

OConnell backed off. He knew Peel and he knew he was not bluffing. OConnell was subsequently prosecuted and spent three months in prison. On his release, now heading for 70 years of age, he never recovered the vigour or momentum that he had enjoyed up until the stand-off at Clontarf.

An illustration from 1829 depicting Daniel O'Connell after failing to take his seat in the British parliament with the words 'I'll get lave to walk back again aney how'. Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

That event was to impinge hugely on his legacy, particularly in the wake of partition and the founding of the Irish state. At the time the radical faction, the Young Irelanders, within the Repeal movement agreed with his decision, but pretty soon after the sniping began.

But what would have happened? There would have been multiple fatalities and to what end? Those who like to retrospectively apply conditions that would later prevail in the early 20th century resort to claims that the bloodshed would have sparked the risen people. This simplistic narrative has it that revolution could have come about.

There is precious little evidence to back that up, even through the lens of simplistic revision. In 1843, Britannia ruled half the world by force. The conditions that would prevail in 1916 and beyond simply were not present and it is difficult to objectively imagine any outcome but needless death.

OConnell took a strategic decision, one that sat with his lifelong allegiance to peaceful means, and he gave in.

The newly refurbished crypt of Daniel O'Connell which was opened by President Mary McAleese in 2009 at Glasnevin Cemetery. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin

In modern times, chief among those who would condemn him as a choker are the contingent who supported, either in real time or retrospectively, the Provisional IRAs campaign to allegedly finish off the job of removing Britain from this island. As history has shown they didnt achieve that, despite plumbing depths of depravity, but once mired in violence it is apparently deemed necessary to claim that there never was any alternative.

Whatever about his status as greatest Irishman, OConnell was indisputably the best politician in these islands. This he managed exclusively through the force of his personality and intellect. He knew what made his people tick.

He knew how to strategically use the British House of Commons to his best ends. Of course, he didnt succeed in his ultimate goal, but at a time of empire that would have been beyond anybody, through peaceful or violent means.

Former Attorney General Paul Gallagher, in an essay in the Irish Judicial Studies Journal on OConnell, put it thus:

OConnell worked within the law, and gave hope to a downtrodden and helpless people. He was a champion for those who never had a champion. He was a voice for those who never had a voice. He gave self-respect to those who enjoyed no respect.

He taught the People to disown servility and to develop the courage to oppose. In a real sense all the Catholic population of Ireland were his clients.

Daniel OConnell died on May 15, 1847, in Genoa on his way to see the pope. He was 71 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, which he was involved in founding for the people of Dublin.
Its the summer season, and youve planned your getaway for months. You are heading for the sunnier climes of Spain or Portugal, even as far as Greece. The traditional sun holiday had it all: beaches, sea, some nice food and most of all, the guarantee of good weather.

The sun holiday has been with us for decades, and it's something Ive always enjoyed; its a break from Ireland and the inclement weather.

This was something we all revelled in for countless summers. Come the school holidays and the quieter month of August, when the country traditionally shuts down for silly season, we all flocked to the Med.

But one would want to be wilfully ignoring the weather forecast for Europe for the last few years, not to know heatwaves are becoming more common; what was once an occasional flare-up now seems to be the norm.

I first noticed it in 2018 when a summer heatwave and drought hit Ireland and the UK. Having lived in Australia for nearly a decade, I initially welcomed that warm spell, but then the heat lingered, and I began to have second thoughts. And that was only the start of it.

Greece and Turkey are currently battling wildfires, with temperatures above 40C. Picture: Pantelis Fykaris/Politischios.gr via AP

The year 2022 saw the worst drought in the Iberian Peninsula for 1,200 years, but it wasnt alone. California also experienced a megadrought, the worst in 1,00 years. The droughts also go hand-in-hand with that deadly outcome: fire. Over the past few summers, wildfires have burned across Europe in our traditional holiday countries.

Wildfires and 40C temperatures

Indeed, at the time of writing, Greece and Turkey are battling wildfires, with temperatures above 40C. In southern Turkey, the temperatures reached 50.5C in the southeastern city of Silopi, as reported by the BBC, with people being evacuated in the region in their thousands.

Tourists have in recent years at times been caught in the crosshairs of these extreme heat and wildfires, with tourists evacuated from holiday regions. Just recently, 5,000 people were evacuated from the island of Crete (more than half of them tourists.) And evacuation is a best-case scenario  in the Greek wildfires in 2023, there were 28 deaths and 75 people injured.

But it's not just wildfires, the extreme heatwaves can have more subtle impacts, with estimates now saying some 2,300 people died due to high heat across 12 European cities between June 23 and July 2 of this year, according to research conducted by Imperial College London. France alone saw some 480 people die due to extreme heatwaves that affected nearly the entire nation from June 19 to July 6.

The numbers and temperatures can seem improbable at the remove of, by-and-large, temperate Ireland, but once one has experienced 40C, you remember that sort of heat and how oppressive it can be.

We knew the climate was changing, but the rate of change of warming in Europe is now faster than the global average  indeed, it is the fastest-warming continent on the planet.

With all this in mind, quite a few of us have now started to do something different. Instead of heading for an oppressive Mediterranean beach, people are opting for cool-weather tourism. Cool-weather tourism, or coolcations as it is known, is the option to switch from the heat to a cooler climate country.

Escaping heat and overtourism

Its not that we are choosing bad weather, rather we are opting to escape the heat and, in the case of many city breaks, the scourge of overtourism.

The great thing about coolcations is we don't have far to go  Ireland is right up there on the list of coolcation destinations. Countries like ours, the Scandinavian nations, and even as far flung as Patagonia in Chile and Argentina are now coming into focus for holiday makers.

It's why this year Ill be taking my few days' holiday in Ireland and Scotland. The benefits are many if we can break away from the concept of sun worship.

Many coolcation regions are a short flight or drive away, they dont suffer from overtourism for the most part, and you can relax at ease knowing that even the big famous tourism spots wont be inundated with snap-happy tourists.

My choice of holidaying in a cooler Ireland and Scotland, however, does come with some consequences. Things are more expensive here than say a sunny beach town in Spain, and hotels prices and eating out can put a real dent in holiday plans.

Last summer, we went to Dingle in Kerry, pictured, the summer before, we went to Connemara. There were tourists there, but it never felt oppressive.

But then I know how much it costs to do this in Ireland already, so we can maybe opt for different approaches, an Airbnb, and cook our own meals rather than going out to restaurants each night of the holiday, or going to galleries and museums, many of which are free.

Im not some Johnny-come-lately on coolcations, though  I knew about it before it was cool, as they say. Last summer, we went to Dingle in Kerry, the summer before, we went to Connemara. There were tourists there, but it never felt oppressive, and the weather was good, bright, but never too hot.

And it turns out, I'm far from alone. Euronews reported earlier this year there has been a 44% increase in people travelling to cooler-weather locations for their holidays, including the Nordics, Canada and Iceland.

A different sort of holiday

Of course, a cool-weather holiday is a different sort of holiday. In Scotland or Ireland, lying on a beach is probably not going to be your number one priority, but if we can get over that stumbling block, there are plenty of more active opportunities on offer.

Hill-walking and mountain-climbing in Scotland or Ireland is breathtaking, one can catch a wave on some of the best surf in the world on Ireland's west coast or, as I have heard from fishing friends, go for salmon in the Baltics or even northern Russia.

Tourism is already our largest indigenous industry, so we are well used to managing crowds, but we'd better ensure the good thing about Ireland, which is that it never feels too busy, can remain while we accommodate the expected surge.

It all sounds good on paper, but if coolcations take off, do we risk these cool-weather locations and countries suffering the same overtourism as our Mediterranean neighbours?

We dont want the MacGillycuddy's Reeks to have a queue to get to the top like the Eiffel Tower, or a fjord in Norway to become the new Venice, polluted with cruise ships.

As this new trend emerges, it's up to us cool-weather nations to manage the inflow of these extra tourists coming to our nations.

Tourism is already our largest indigenous industry, so we are well used to managing crowds, but we'd better ensure the good thing about Ireland, which is that it never feels too busy, can remain while we accommodate the expected surge.

Its a holiday option Ill be taking for the foreseeable and one that gives me a sense of relief. I dont have to fly south, I dont have to suffer sweltering heat, and as Im holidaying with the family in Ireland, I can drive there in the comfort of my own vehicle.

Europe and the world is changing. I dont want to live through another 40C heatwave, and if I have my way about it, I wont. Theres something to be said for that. And something that thousands are starting to catch on to.

If Ireland is smart, well be a player in coolcation opportunities, and we can do it and welcome people from around the world as we have always done  with a smile and perhaps a hot whiskey to warm them up.
The whole world is in thrall to the whims of Donald Trumps tariff agenda, as it has been since the 47th president of the United States swearing-in last January.

Weve learned a few uncomfortable truths along the way. Much of the early outcry from Americas allies and trading partners surrounded the lack of economic logic to the imposition of tariffs  which are effectively a tax for Americans on foreign products, in theory making them less attractive to US consumers and heightening the allure of their own domestic suppliers.

Critics said that the new regime would disrupt the world economy needlessly and perhaps bring about a global recession. That may well come to pass.

The problem is that in this stand-off America has the greater wherewithal in terms of raw economic power. It holds the cards as Trump himself might say. And nations worldwide are beginning to fall into line, the EU just the latest after agreeing to a blanket 15% tariff on goods and services going forward.

After President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump agreed the trade deal, the spin is that the pain of those tariffs is worth it in order to avoid a global trade war. Also, 15% is better than 30% or worse, is the thinking. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The spin is that the pain of those tariffs is worth it in order to avoid a global trade war. Also, 15% is better than 30% or worse, is the thinking.

Whether that represents capitulation in the face of bullyboy tactics, given that little or nothing has been asked of the US in return, is a separate conversation.

Ireland's pharmaceutical industry

Here in Ireland we have a bigger problem though, and that problem is the pharmaceutical industry. That industry contributes massively to the economy here via billions of euro in corporation tax contributions, with about 90 companies employing 50,000 people in highly-paid roles.

A total 30,000 of those jobs are with American firms.

Should foreign pharmaceutical concerns exit Ireland the impact on the country would be catastrophic. The industry globally had pleaded with Trump for it to be exempted from any tariff regime, ostensibly for altruistic reasons  that lifesaving medicines shouldnt be subject to capricious taxation.

At an EU level, the industry asked that the bloc not apply reciprocal tariffs, one wish that has at least been granted.

Pfizer is one of the massive American pharmaceutical companies holding bases in Ireland, in this case Cork. File picture: Dan Linehan

Oddly enough, in Trumps world of permanent grievance where everyone has been making a sucker of the United States for decades, the outsize presence the US pharmaceutical industry holds in Ireland is one situation on which he indisputably has a legitimate point.

Drug prices in the US can retail for as much as five times what an EU citizen would pay. Meanwhile, American pharma firms make a pretty penny avoiding American tax by basing themselves here. Trumps protectionist agenda demands that those jobs and companies should return home.

The Government has been worrying about and planning for a worst-case scenario in terms of tariffs on pharmaceuticals for months.

Reaction from the pharma companies

But what of the pharma industry itself?

The official line from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the industrys lobby group here, is that it is reviewing the announcements coming out of Washington as and when they happen as key implications for the pharmaceutical sector remain uncertain.

A stance its hard to argue with given the whole world has grown used to the haphazard nature of the Trump administrations demands.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) notes that tariffs are a blunt instrument that will disrupt supply chains, impact on investment in research and development, and ultimately harm patient access to medicines on both sides of the Atlantic.

It added that if the goal is to rebalance trade and ensure a fairer distribution of how pharmaceutical innovation is financed, then there are more effective means than tariffs that would help.

Impact on pharma in Ireland

The IDA, the body with prime responsibility for attracting foreign investment to Irish shores, says of the pharma implications that it welcomes the deal made between Europe and the US, arguing it provides much-needed certainty for Irish, European and American businesses who together represent the most integrated trading relationship in the world.

We are very much reliant (on the US market), theres no arguing with that, says one industry insider. Last year a massive 44bn in pharmaceutical products were exported directly from Ireland to the US.

But when you stand back 100bn was exported globally. So half went to America, but its not like all business went there, though it is certainly the biggest partner, says the source.

That doesnt mean that those massive American companies holding bases here  MSD, Pfizer, ELI Lilly, Johnson and Johnson etc  are about to up sticks on the back of the new tariff regime.

They are not going to leave today or tomorrow, no. But it could definitely impact future investment decisions, the source says.

One of the problems is that a great deal of uncertainty still surrounds the 15% tariff agreement, particularly with regard to pharma.

One of the Eli Lilly production buildings at its state-of-the-art facility in Dunderrow, Kinsale, Co Cork.

For starters, most people concerned thought that the pharmaceutical industry wasnt to be included in the deal. Then about two hours after the deal was agreed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said it would be included, a point Trump appeared to back up.

The following day the White House produced a fact sheet describing how the new regime would work, and affirming the 15% rate for pharma. Except that the same sheet stated that the European Union would pay the tariff  which isnt how tariffs work.

Then there is the Section 232 investigation which the US Department of Commerce initiated into the pharma industry in April  aiming to establish if how the pharmaceutical system worldwide currently functions impacts negatively on the US from a national security standpoint.

Should the answer arrived at be a yes, then additional tariffs on pharma may well follow (such investigations typically take a minimum of six months to conclude, so well probably get an answer sometime towards the end of the year).

Pharma plans in the long-term, says Aidan Meagher, tax partner specialising in life sciences with consultants EY, noting that most pharma manufacturers will have been planning for this scenario for months and will have frontloaded stock into the American market, thus negating immediate impacts in the near term.

He says that companies will be likely looking at dual sourcing initiatives, supplying the American market from within the US itself and using Irish operations for its trade around the rest of the globe.

'Ireland needs to up its game'

But Meagher says that it would be remiss of Ireland, and the pharma industry here, to take a wait and see approach, perhaps with the supposition that Trumps policies will last for the remaining three-and-a-half years of his term, and no longer.

It is all about the next investment. A lot of these drugs only have patent protection for a certain life or longevity. Ireland needs to maintain investment and to incentivise the right kind of activity in terms of attracting that innovation, he says.

That means thinking outside the box in terms of tax credits for research and development, and improvements to infrastructure, particularly housing, Meagher says, areas in which we are notably lagging behind in terms of international competition.

But he argues that the situation is far from a doomsday scenario.

Its not as simple as that, its a whole range of business factors that need to be considered  it's all about impacts for specific companies, he says.

Its not all necessarily doom and gloom. Companies have had plenty of time to consider this. And pharma companies are long-term thinkers. Ireland has had just two issues with the FDA (the US food and drug administration, responsible for approving new drugs) in its history.

"The country has a strong reputation. These countries have invested significantly and Ireland is the owner of a lot of valuable intellectual property.

But its certainly not a time to be complacent, Meagher argues.

We have dropped down the competitiveness radar, and our competitors now arent in the EU  they're in Switzerland, Singapore and the US itself. We need to be a top competitor for inward investment, and R&D and infrastructure will be critical. That is where Ireland needs to up its game.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy says he does not accept Irans claims that the country is enriching uranium for academic purposes.

Representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany and France held talks with Iran last week to try to break the deadlock over the countrys nuclear programme.

Tehran maintains it is open to diplomacy, though it recently suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A central concern for western powers was highlighted when the IAEA reported in May that Irans stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%  just below weapons-grade level  had grown to more than 400kg.

We would be very suddenly handing over to our children and grandchildren a world that had many more nuclear weapons in it than it has today.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian, Mr Lammy said: Its leaders cannot explain to me  and Ive had many conversations with them  why they need 60% enriched uranium.

If I went to Sellafield or Urenco in Cheshire, they havent got anything more than 6%. The Iranians claim its for academic use, but I dont accept that.

Mr Lammy warned that Iran developing nuclear weapons could lead to an escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Israel and the United States carried our strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Many of your readers will have watched Oppenheimer and seen the fallout of (the US building an atomic bomb), he said.

So its what (a nuclear Iran) might mean in terms of other countries in the neighbourhood who would desire one, too. And we would be very suddenly handing over to our children and grandchildren a world that had many more nuclear weapons in it than it has today.

The Foreign Secretary said he had heard Israeli arguments in favour of regime change in Tehran, but did not believe that was behind the US decision to strike.

The Tottenham MP added any decision to topple the government was one for the Iranian people, with his focus on what the UK can do to stop Iran becoming a nuclear power.

Last month, Mr Lammy suggested that Britain, France and Germany could snap back on sanctions against Iran unless the country gets serious about stepping back from its nuclear ambitions.

He told the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee: Iran face even more pressure in the coming weeks because the E3 can snap back on our sanctions, and its not just our sanctions, its actually a UN mechanism that would impose dramatic sanctions on Iran across nearly every single front in its economy.

So they have a choice to make. Its a choice for them to make.

Im very clear about the choice they should make, but Im also clear that the UK has a decision to make that could lead to far greater pain for the Iranian regime unless they get serious about the international desire to see them step back from their nuclear ambitions at this time.
Hospitals in Gaza reported the killing of at least 18 people, eight of them food-seekers, by Israeli fire on Saturday as Palestinians endured severe risks in their search for food amid airdrops and restrictions on overland aid delivery.

Near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site, Yahia Youssef, who had come to seek aid on Saturday morning, described a panicked scene now grimly familiar.

After helping carry out three people wounded by gunshots, he said he looked around and saw many others lying on the ground bleeding.

Its the same daily episode, Mr Youssef said.

We weren't close to them (the troops) and there was no threat. I escaped death miraculously

In response to questions about several witness accounts of violence at the northernmost of the Israeli-backed American contractors four sites, the GHF media office said nothing (happened) at or near our sites.

The episode came a day after US officials visited one site and the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called GHFs distribution an incredible feat.

International outrage has mounted as the groups efforts to deliver aid to hunger-stricken Gaza have been marred by violence and controversy.

We werent close to them (the troops) and there was no threat, Abed Salah, a man in his 30s who was among the crowds close to the GHF site near Netzarim corridor, said. I escaped death miraculously.

Families of hostages protest Tel Aviv, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

The danger facing aid seekers in Gaza has compounded what international hunger experts this week called a worst-case scenario of famine in the besieged enclave.

Israels near 22-month military offensive against Hamas has shattered security in the territory of some 2.0 million Palestinians and made it nearly impossible to deliver food safely to starving people.

From May 27 to July 31, 859 people were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites, according to a United Nations report published on Thursday. Hundreds more have been killed along the routes of food convoys.

Israel and GHF have said they have only fired warning shots and that the toll has been exaggerated.

Health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 18 Palestinians on Saturday, including three whose bodies were transported from the vicinity of a distribution site to a central Gaza hospital along with 36 others who were wounded.

Officials said 10 of Saturdays casualties were killed by strikes in central and southern Gaza.

Nasser Hospital said it received the bodies of five people killed in two separate strikes on tents sheltering displaced people.

The dead include two brothers and a relative, who were killed when a strike hit their tent close to a main thoroughfare in Khan Younis.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages protested and urged Israels government to push harder for the release of their loved ones, including those shown in footage released by militant groups earlier this week.

US President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff joined them a day after visiting Gaza and a week after walking away from ceasefire talks in Qatar, blaming Hamass intransigence and pledging to find other ways to free hostages and make Gaza safe.

Of the 251 hostages who were abducted when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, about 20 are believed to be alive in Gaza.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the second-largest militant group in Gaza, released separate videos of individual hostages this week, triggering outrage among hostage families and Israeli society.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not distinguish between militants and civilians and operates under the Hamas government.

The UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
There are no important events for this country at this time. Select "All" to see top events in other countries or view all events.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter.

Deirdre Mahlan | Diageo

Alcoholic beverage maker Diageos former finance chief, Deirdre Mahlan, will return to the group as interim CFO on Aug. 18. Mahlan first joined Diageo, the maker of Guinness, Casamigos and Johnnie Walker, in 2002 as part of its North America finance team. She took over as chief financial officer in 2010. After five years in the top finance spot, she was promoted to president of Diageo North America. She retired from the company in July 2020. In early 2023, Mahlan was named CEO and board chairperson of luxury wine producer The Duckhorn Portfolio, a role she held until December 2024. Mahlan replaces Nik Jhangiani, who earlier this month became the companys interim CEO after Debra Crew stepped down by mutual agreement.

Wayne DeVeydt | UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group appointed Wayne DeVeydt as CFO, effective Sept. 2. The former managing director and operating partner at Bain Capital will replace John Rex, who will transition to strategic adviser to the CEO. Before DeVeydts time at Bain, he served as chairman and CEO of Tennessee-based surgical facilities operator Surgery Partners from 2018 through 2020. This isnt DeVeydts first time serving as finance chief of a major insurer; he previously worked as CFO of Anthem from 2007 to 2016. He also worked as a partner at PwC, where he focused on the health care sector. In a news release, outgoing CFO Rex said that DeVeydts appointment comes at a pivotal moment for UnitedHealth Group.

Costin Corneanu | Amtrak

Costin Corneanu was promoted to chief financial officer of Amtrak, effective Aug. 4. Corneanu joined the national passenger railroad in 2020 and has been deputy CFO since January. He earlier spent eight years at Spirit Airlines, most recently as senior director of FP&A and head of finance, and four years at US Airways, most recently as senior financial analyst operations. Corneanu will succeed Tracie Winbigler, who will remain in her EVP role as chief transformation officer, leading the procurement and real estate teams before retiring on Jan. 1, 2026.

James Maryniak | Everton Football Club

James Maryniak, chief financial officer of Premier League team Everton Football Club, will leave the club next month after the opening of its new Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. Maryniak joined Everton in 2017 as head of reporting and FP&A and has worked as deputy finance director and financial director. He has been finance chief since December 2023 after holding the role in an interim capacity before that. Before joining Everton, Maryniak was a group accountant at chemicals company Multisol Group and a supervisor at Baker Tilly. He started his career at Grant Thornton UK as an associate.
Oxford (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  The dam has burst. Netanyahu and his far-right regime have gone too far. Public pressure on politicians in Europe and many other countries has become irresistible, forcing them to change course. Most countries, 147 of the UNs 193 members, have formally recognized a Palestinian state, and last week, France pledged to do so at the UN meeting in September. Fourteen nations, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia, join France in a push to recognize a Palestinian state.

The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, one of Israels staunchest allies who even refused to condemn the Israeli blockade of food, water, medicine and fuel to the Palestinians after the terrible events of 7th October, has buckled under the pressure of public opinion. More than 255 MPs of all parties signed a letter addressed to the prime minister in which they urged him to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. The list included more than a third of the cabinet, including the deputy prime minister, the foreign secretary, the home secretary and many other senior ministers.

The result was an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday 29th July and the dramatic announcement that the UK will recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. On the same day, as he returned from his meetings with President Donald Trump in Scotland, in a speech at 10 Downing Street, Starmer said Britain will recognize a Palestinian state in September. He said the recognition will happen unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza, including a ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace process.

Although the statement is weak, hedged with certain conditions and far too late, it is better late than never. For a country that is mainly responsible for the creation of the state of Israel with the Balfour Declaration, at a time when it had no jurisdiction over Palestine and when the world was decades away from the Holocaust, the promise to recognize Palestine is a very significant and welcome move.

Shortly after Starmer announced his plan in London, his foreign secretary did the same before the UN. British Foreign Secretary David Lamy said: Let me be clear: the Netanyahu governments rejection of the two-state solution is wrong. Its wrong morally and its wrong strategically. And so it is with the hand of history on our shoulders that his majestys government therefore intends to recognize the state of Palestine when the UN General Assembly gathers in September.

The global revulsion at the Israeli genocide, and especially the photos of hundreds of emaciated babies and children dying of starvation in front of the eyes of their helpless mothers, brought to our television sets daily, has forced even the hardest politicians to buckle under the pressure.

On 24th July, in a post on X, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would officially recognize a Palestinian state in September. He wrote: The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and massive humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

In his post on X, Macron wrote: True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine Finally, we must build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and ensure that by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel, it contributes to the security of all in the Middle East. There is no alternative.

The State Department strongly criticized French recognition of a Palestinian state. In a post on X on 24 July, Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote: The United States strongly rejects Emmanuel Macrons 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.

It is interesting that on his way back from Scotland, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump was asked about Keir Starmers announcement. His response was non-committal and more measured than Rubios outright denunciation of the French decision. Trump said that he never discussed the issue of Palestinian statehood with Starmer, except for brief remarks during the pairs impromptu Q&A on Monday. We [the US] have no view on that, Trump said. Were going to get a lot of money to the area so they get some food. However, he went on to say a case could be made that recognition of a Palestinian state is akin to rewarding Hamas. And I dont think they should be rewarded, he added.

French and British recognition of Palestine is not a reward for Hamas atrocities, as they stress that Hamas should play no part in the future administration of Gaza. However, refusing to recognize a Palestinian state would be a reward for the Israeli regimes continued occupation of Palestinian lands, expanding its illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, its violation of Palestinian rights, keeping them stateless under a most brutal occupation, and above all the horrendous genocide that has been going on in Gaza for the past 21 months.

UN General Assembly resolution 181, adopted on 29 November 1947, which recognized the state of Israel, recommended the partition of Mandatory Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem placed under a special international regime. In other words, the creation of Israel was also dependent on the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Resolution 242, adopted after the Six-Day War, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied during the conflict and affirmed the right of both states to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. Resolution 2334, adopted in 2016, reaffirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories and called for their cessation. Ever since the signing of the Oslo Accords, the United States has recognized the necessity of a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state established on the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital.

All Western countries have paid lip service to the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state. The state of Israel has been established, while the establishment of a Palestinian state has been forgotten and delayed for far too long. Ever since coming to power, Netanyahu has openly campaigned against a two-state solution and has said that he wants to annex the West Bank and Gaza to Israel.

For the past 21 months, the Israeli regime led by Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right, extreme Zionist ministers has been engaged in the worst genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and to a lesser extent in the West Bank, since the Holocaust. The world has strongly condemned the atrocities committed by HAMAS, Islamic Jihad and others on 7th October. However, Israels response to those atrocities has been completely disproportionate and has violated many humanitarian laws. Since the 7th October attacks, Israeli settlers and the army have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians and have destroyed or occupied their properties. More than 1,400 starving people have been killed at the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation while trying to receive meagre amounts of food.

As early as 26 January 2024, the International Court of Justice, the highest judicial authority in the world, in its provisional ruling, described Israels actions in Gaza to that point as plausible genocide and ordered Israel to stop those operations. In April 2024, some 600 British lawyers, including four former Supreme Court justices, signed a letter to the UK Prime Minister, asking him to stop arms sales to Israel and referring to a plausible risk of genocide.

In a significant advisory opinion in July 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israels continued presence in the occupied territories as unlawful and called for an end to the occupation and settlement activities. The Court also stated that Israel should make reparations for damages caused by its actions.

On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court indicted Benjamin Netanyahu and his then-defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and issued arrest warrants for them. Instead of arresting those indicted individuals, the United States has cut off funding to the ICC and sanctioned some of its judges.

So far, at least 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed and tens of thousands wounded and maimed. Some experts and reputable organizations, including the Lancet, have stated that these figures are gross underestimates and the number of dead exceeds 200,000.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said in an alert that conflict and displacement have intensified, and access to food and other essential items and services has plummeted to unprecedented levels, adding that mounting evidence shows that widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.



File photo of UK Parliament building by Yoksel  Zok on Unsplash

During the past 21 months, Israeli forces have destroyed at least 160,000 buildings, homes, schools, universities, mosques, hospitals, farms, etc. Israel does not allow foreign journalists to visit Gaza to see what has happened with their own eyes, but Satellite imagery confirms that Gaza has been practically annihilated. Israel has deliberately made Gaza uninhabitable with threats of the ethnic cleansing of all its inhabitants.

Countries representing over 90 per cent of the world population have formally recognized a Palestinian state. In a vote at the General Assembly meeting on the right of Palestinian people to self-determination on Dec 19, 2023, 172 countries, including all European countries, voted in favor and only Israel, Micronesia, Nauru and the United States voted against. There is only one major obstacle on the path of establishing a Palestinian state: a US veto at the Security Council. For how long will US leaders wish to turn their backs on the vast majority of the people of the world and only align themselves with three small countries? Freedom, independence and self-determination are some of the USs cherished principles. It should not violate its principles in support of an apartheid, occupying regime.

Maybe President Trumps relatively moderate statement, saying that he has no view on the establishment of a Palestinian state, can remove that last obstacle and allow the oppressed Palestinians who have been kept under a brutal occupation for more than 70 years to finally be allowed to live in freedom and dignity in a Palestinian state next to Israel.
By Lauren Gifford, Colorado State University and Daimeon Shanks-Dumont, University of California, Berkeley

(The Conversation)  The International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion in July 2025 declaring that all countries have a legal obligation to protect and prevent harm to the climate.

The court, created as part of the United Nations in 1945, affirmed that countries must uphold existing international laws related to climate change and, if they fail to act, could be held responsible for damage to communities and the environment.

The opinion opens a door for future claims by countries seeking reparations for climate-related harm.

But while the ruling is a big global story, its legal effect on the U.S. is less clear. We study climate policies, law and solutions. Heres what you need to know about the ruling and its implications.

Why island nations called for a formal opinion

The ruling resulted from years of grassroots and youth-led organizing by Pacific Islanders. Supporters have called it a turning point for frontline communities everywhere.

Small island states like Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Barbados and others across the Pacific and Caribbean are among the most vulnerable to climate change, yet they have contributed little to global emissions.

For many of them, sea-level rise poses an existential threat. Some Pacific atolls sit just 1 to 2 meters above sea level and are slowly disappearing as waters rise. Saltwater intrusion threatens drinking water supplies and crops.

Their economies depend on tourism, agriculture and fishing, all sectors easily disrupted by climate change. For example, coral reefs are bleaching more often and dying due to ocean warming and acidification, undermining fisheries, marine biodiversity and economic sectors such as tourism.

When disasters hit, the cost of recovery often forces these countries to take on debt. Climate change also undermines their credit ratings and investor confidence, making it harder to get the money to finance adaptive measures.

Tuvalu and Kiribati have discussed digital nationhood and leasing land from other countries so their people can relocate while still retaining citizenship. Some projections suggest nations like the Maldives or Marshall Islands could become largely uninhabitable within decades.

For these countries, sea-level rise is taking more than their land  theyre losing their history and identity in the process. The idea of becoming climate refugees and separating people from their homelands can be culturally destructive, emotionally painful and politically fraught as they move to new countries.

More than a nonbinding opinion

The International Court of Justice, commonly referred to as the ICJ or World Court, can help settle disputes between states when requested, or it can issue advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized U.N. bodies such as the General Assembly or Security Council. The advisory opinion process allows its 15 judges to weigh in on abstract legal issues  such as nuclear weapons or the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories  without a formal dispute between states.

While the courts advisory opinions are nonbinding, they can still have a powerful impact, both legally and politically.

The rulings are considered authoritative statements regarding questions of international law. They often clarify or otherwise confirm existing legal obligations that are binding.

What the court decided

The ICJ was asked to weigh in on two questions in this case:

What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system  from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases? What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system?

In its 140-page opinion, the court cited international treaties and relevant scientific background to affirm that obligations to protect the environment are indeed a matter of international environmental law, international human rights law and general principles of state responsibility.

The decision means that in the authoritative opinion of the international legal community, all countries are under an obligation to contribute to the efforts to reduce global greenhouse emissions.

To the second question, the court found that in the event of a breach of any such obligation, three additional obligations arise:

The country in breach of its obligations must stop its polluting activity, which would mean excess greenhouse gas emissions in this case. It must ensure that such activities do not occur in the future. It must make reparations to affected states in terms of cleanup, monetary payment and apologies.



International Court of Justice, the Hague, Digital, Dall-E, 2025

The court affirmed that all countries have a legal duty under customary international law, which refers to universal rules that arise from common practices among states, to prevent harm to the climate. It also clarified that individual countries can be held accountable, even in a crisis caused by many countries and other entities. And it emphasized that countries that have contributed the most to climate change may bear greater responsibility for repairing the damage under an international law doctrine called common but differentiated responsibility, which is commonly found in international treaties concerning the environment.

While the ICJs opinion doesnt assign blame to specific countries or trigger direct reparations, it may provide support for future legal action in both international and national courts.

What does the ICJ opinion mean for the US?

In the U.S., this advisory opinion is unlikely to have much legal impact, despite a long-standing constitutional principle that international law is part of U.S. law.

U.S. courts rarely treat international law that has not been incorporated into domestic law as binding. And the U.S. has not consented to ICJ jurisdiction in previous climate cases.

Contentious cases before international tribunals can be brought by one country against another, but they require the consent of all the countries involved. So there is little chance that the United States responsibility for climate harms will be adjudicated by the World Court anytime soon.

Still, the courts opinion sends a clear message: All countries are legally obligated to prevent climate harm and cannot escape responsibility simply because they arent the only nation to blame.

The unanimous ruling is particularly remarkable given the current hostile political climate in the United States and other industrial nations around climate change and responses to it. It represents a particularly forceful statement by the international community that the responsibility to ensure the health of the global environment is a legal duty held by the entire world.

The takeaway

The ICJs advisory opinion marks a turning point in the global effort to hold countries responsible for climate change.

Vulnerable countries now have a more concrete, legally grounded base to claim rights and press for accountability against historical and ongoing climate harm  including financial claims.

How it will be used in the coming years remains unclear, but the opinion gives small island states in particular a powerful narrative and a legal tool set.

Lauren Gifford, Faculty, Ecosystem Science & Sustainability; Director, Soil Carbon Solutions Center, Colorado State University and Daimeon Shanks-Dumont, Doctoral candidate in Law and Social Policy, University of California, Berkeley

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Stop the War Now!

Statement from the Faculty of the Department of Middle East Studies,

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

We, the faculty of the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, issue this statement to unequivocally call for an immediate end to Israels war crimes in Gaza. We say this as researchers of Middle East studies, whose work, among other topics, includes Palestinian studies, Israeli-Arab relations, the regions social and political conditions, its history and religious movements, but above all, as Israeli citizens living in this country.

Israels policies in Gaza and the nature of the warfare there have exceeded all human and legal standards. Israeli policy has rendered Gaza uninhabitable, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, starvation of the civilian population, destruction of civic infrastructure, health, welfare, schools, universities, and residential buildings, attacks on medical and rescue teams, and the prevention of entry by the foreign press. According to human rights organizations, the mortality rate in the Gaza Strip has created the largest orphan crisis in modern history. This mortality is partly a direct result of the policy of starvation and attacks on those seeking to obtain food for their families at aid distribution sites. This destruction is accompanied by the articulation of plans to conquer the Strip and establish a military regime there, while expelling the Palestinian population. This policy is entirely contrary to basic morality, as well as the laws of war. A consensus is emerging in the international research community that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

It should be noted clearly that Hamass murderous attack of October 7, 2023, including the killing of approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and soldiers, the abduction of 251 people, and widespread acts of sexual assault and violence, constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, revenge against civilians, and responding to war crimes committed against the state with war crimes committed by the same state, cannot under any circumstances be justified as a legitimate response.

Over the past two years, Israel has had several opportunities to resolve the crisis through political means, including enabling the entry of the Palestinian Authority or an international force into Gaza and the demilitarization of the Strip. Although each course of action has its drawbacks, all are preferable to a policy of revenge and widespread harm to civilians, the consequences of which are prolonged grief and suffering. These criminal actions have not only failed to contribute to the return of the hostages, but also put their lives at daily risk.



File photo of Beer-Sheva, Israel by Evgeny Tkachenko on Unsplash

Over the past two years, we have struggled to maintain some semblance of academic routine for our students out of a sense of commitment to them in the face of numerous hardships. Our students have lost family members and friends, some have been absent from their studies for extended periods, and all have had to cope with the anxieties accompanying such a terrible war. In the name of our commitment to the well-being and future of our students, we cannot remain silent. As lecturers and researchers in Middle East studies, we are confident that a different reality is possible  one that is not afflicted by messianic delusions and perpetual war and does not encourage further acts of violence and dispossession, on top of those in Gaza, such as those occurring in the West Bank.

We call for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and a political solution, the return of the Israeli hostages, and the sanctification of human life and the dignity of every human being.

Reprinted with permission.


Vancouver, British Columbia  TheNewswire - August 1, 2025  Norsemont Mining Inc. (CSE: NOM, OTCQB: NRRSF, FWB: LXZ1) (NOM or the Company) is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a nonbrokered private placement of up to seven million units (each, a Unit) of the Company at a price of CAD $0.60 (USD$0.44) per Unit for gross proceeds of up to CAD $3,500,000 with an overallotment of up to 20% of the offering (the Offering). Each Unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of CAD $0.75 (USD $0.55) per common share for a period of two years from the date of closing (the Warrants). The Company anticipates closing the first tranche of $2,000,000 on August 11, 2025, subject to the standard five-day notice period required by the Canadian Securities Exchange (the Exchange).

In the event that the Companys common shares close at a price on the Exchange of CAD $1.25 (USD $0.92) or greater per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days after four months and one day from the closing of the Offering, the Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof (by disseminating a news release advising of the acceleration of the expiry date of the Warrants) and, in such case, the Warrants will expire on the ten (10th) business day after the date of such notice. For Canadian investors, there is a hold period of four months and one day from the issuance of the Units. For United States investors they will additionally be subject to hold periods as required by applicable federal and blue sky securities laws.

The proceeds of the Offering are anticipated to be used for phase 3 drill programs which will include DDH deep 600m holes into copper porphyry zone, 300m drill holes into high grade gold zones and shallow holes into oxide / leachable gold zone, metallurgy and general working capital, in order to advance the Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper project in Northern Chile.

The Offerings are subject to compliance with CSE policies.

Marc Levy, CEO and Chairman of Norsemont, said, I am excited to welcome several new strategic investors from both North and South America, along with key existing investors, to participate in this financing. Their support is a strong endorsement of our vision and will enable us to advance our Choquelimpie project through upcoming drilling and technical programs scheduled for this year.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available.

Engagement of Marketing Consultants

The Company has engaged Danayi Capital Corp. (Danayi), an arms-length service provider, to provide the Company with certain investor relations and digital marketing services, in accordance with the policies of the CSE and applicable securities laws. Based at 710-1030 West Georgia, BC V6E 2Y3 (e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; tel: 604-767-2983), Danayi specializes in marketing, advertising and public awareness within the mining and metals sector. Under a digital marketing agreement dated August 1, 2025, Danayi will provide digital media, marketing strategies and advertising for a trial period of one month at a fee of USD$50,000. The Company may extend the agreement at its discretion for up to 6 months. The engagement is subject to the approval of the CSE. Danayi does not currently have any direct or indirect interest in the Company or its securities and has no intention or right to acquire such an interest during the engagement.

Additionally, the Company announces that it has entered into a digital marketing services agreement with Altura Media Co Inc. (Altura), for a monthly fee of CAD$20,000 for marketing services. The Company agreed to a minimum initial term of one (1) month, with the option to extend the agreement on a month-to-month basis for up to five (5) additional months, subject to mutual agreement and subject to CSE approval, to commence on August 15, 2025. Under the agreement, Altura will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including digital advertising, media creation, social media marketing and shareholder communications. Altura and its principals have an arms length relationship with the Company. Altura has a business address at 1500-1055 West Georgia St., Vancouver BC V6E 4N7 and may be contacted via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone at 778-988-5503. Altura does not currently have any direct or indirect interest in the Company or its securities and has no intention or right to acquire such an interest during the engagement.

Pursuant to its equity incentive plan, the Company has granted 50,000 restricted share units to a geological consultant of the Company. The RSUs vest immediately. The RSUs, as well as any common shares issued upon settlement or exercise thereof, are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of grant.

On Behalf of the Board,

NORSEMONT MINING INC.

Marc Levy

CEO & Chairman

About Norsemont Mining Inc.

The Norsemont team comprises experienced natural resource professionals focused on growing shareholder value and developing its flagship project through to bankable feasibility, with an initial mineral resource estimate of 2,184,000 indicated gold equivalent ounces and 557,000 inferred gold equivalent ounces for its Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper project. Norsemont Mining owns a 100% interest in the Choquelimpie gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile, a previously permitted gold and silver mine with significant exploration upside. Choquelimpie has over 1,700 drill holes, with significant existing infrastructure, including roads, power, water, camp and a 3,000-tonne-per-day mill. Norsemont is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development, leveraging modern exploration techniques to unlock further value for all stakeholders.

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Investor Relations:

Paul Searle (778) 240-7724

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 release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the Offering and entry into the marketing agreements.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Offering and marketing agreements contemplated herein and, with respect to the Offering, risks adverse to the capital markets, the mining industry, and investor support. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals and receive market interest to close the Offering on the terms herein.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Israel's top general has warned that there will be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to quickly secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

"I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages," said army chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a military statement.

"If not, the combat will continue without rest," he said, during remarks to officers inside Gaza on Friday.

Footage released by the Israeli military showed Zamir meeting soldiers and officers in a command centre.

Of the 251 people who were kidnapped from Israel during Hamas's attack in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, 27 of them dead, according to the military.

Palestinian armed groups this week released two videos of hostages looking emaciated and weak.

Negotiations -- mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar -- to secure a ceasefire and their release broke down last month, and some in Israel have called for tougher military action.

This comes against the backdrop of growing pressure -- both internationally and domestically, including from many of the hostages' families -- to resume efforts to secure a ceasefire in the nearly 22-month conflict.

Aid agencies have meanwhile warned that Gaza's population is facing a catastrophic famine, triggered by Israeli restrictions on aid.

Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand.

"The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (military), a moral army, of war crimes," he said.

"The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas."

Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed since ground troops were sent into Gaza, according to the military.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday urged lawmakers to declare "genocide" had occurred in the conflict-torn east of the country, long wracked by armed violence.

His call came amid talks between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda after both countries in June signed a peace deal, following a fresh surge of unrest early this year when the M23 armed group, backed by Rwandan troops, captured key eastern cities.

"I solemnly call upon both houses of parliament to examine as soon as possible the adoption of an official resolution proclaiming the recognition of genocide committed on our territory," Tshisekedi said.

He argued that the deaths of thousands during the fighting met criteria set out in the 1948 Convention against genocide, and pledged to campaign in international forums for it to be applied to eastern DRC.

Eastern DRC, a region with abundant natural resources including minerals such as cobalt and gold, has been plagued by non-state armed groups for more than 30 years.

The peace deal with Rwanda has yet to be implemented, and analysts remain sceptical about the chances of long-term peace. Militias still hold sway in much of eastern DRC.

The DRC and Rwanda on Friday reached an outline economic cooperation accord, according to the United States, which oversaw the peace agreement.

The "economic integration framework" they initialled should be effective by the end of September, the US State Department said.

Since February, the M23 has halted an advance that at one point threatened to take the group all the way to the capital, Kinshasa, in the west of the country.

Kinshasa and the M23 have given themselves until August 8 to start talks on a comprehensive peace accord, meant to be signed by August 17.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia  As scrutiny over personal identity, data collection, and financial transparency increases globally, a growing number of tech entrepreneurs are embracing a strategy long favored by asset protection experts and family offices: going anonymous.

In 2025, founders across the startup landscape are launching companies under offshore legal structures that not only protect their intellectual property and operational control but also keep their names off public registries and databases.

Far from being fringe behavior, anonymous incorporation is becoming a deliberate strategy to insulate founders from reputational risk, cancel culture, predatory litigation, and even competitive sabotage. Using offshore jurisdictions, nominee directors, digital banks, and layered legal entities, tech founders are building global businesses with one thing missing  their identity from any public record.

This press release explores how anonymous startup formation works, where it is legally possible in 2025, and how founders are using these structures to quietly raise capital, scale operations, and go to market  without being publicly exposed.

Why Tech Founders Are Choosing Anonymity in 2025

The startup world celebrates bold ideas and disruption, but it also comes with heightened vulnerability. Founders today face a unique set of challenges:

Reputation-based attacks from media or online communities

from media or online communities Targeted harassment or doxxing from political or social critics

from political or social critics Fear of failure being permanently indexed online

Legal threats from competitors or ex-partners

Pressure from former investors, board disputes, or cofounder fallouts

In this climate, anonymity offers a buffer. It allows the idea to shine while shielding the individual behind it.

Case Study: Former Social Media Executive Launches Platform in Stealth

In 2023, a former C-suite executive from a major U.S. social media company exited amid controversy and faced significant online backlash. Rather than leave the industry, he re-entered through stealth. Working with legal consultants, he formed a Seychelles IBC held by a Belize trust, using nominee directors.

The new venture  a subscription-based creator monetization platform  was launched under the IBC. All vendor contracts, payment systems, and domain registrations were done under the companys name. His identity has never been publicly associated with the project, which now generates over $1.4 million in annual recurring revenue.

How Anonymous Startups Are Structured

Anonymous startups are built through a series of strategic legal steps designed to maintain control while removing the founders name from public view:

Incorporation in an offshore jurisdiction that does not publish beneficial ownership information (e.g., Nevis, Seychelles, Belize) Appointment of nominee directors and shareholders, who legally represent the company on paper Ownership layering via a trust or private foundation, adding another level of separation Bank accounts and payment gateways opened with full compliance disclosure  but no public trail Digital infrastructure  domains, codebases, licensing  registered to the company, not the founder

These steps, when managed professionally, ensure total operational legitimacy while removing personal attribution.

Top Jurisdictions for Anonymous Startup Formation in 2025

Several countries continue to offer legal frameworks for anonymous company formation:

Nevis

LLCs with no public registry of members

Strong legal protections and asset security

Commonly used for holding companies and fintech ventures

Seychelles

International Business Companies (IBCs) with nominee-friendly regulations

Low maintenance costs and high-speed incorporation

Frequently used for SaaS platforms and digital brands

Belize

Trusts and IBCs with complete privacy protection

Strong confidentiality laws and nominee support

Suitable for layered ownership and IP holding

Panama

Private interest foundations with no public beneficiary listing

Used to own shares in IBCs or manage operating entities

RAK ICC (UAE)

Recognized jurisdiction for regulated tech startups

Nominee services permitted under DIFC and ADGM compliance frameworks

Marshall Islands

Corporations and LLCs are modeled after U.S. legal norms

No public beneficial ownership registry



Case Study: AI Developer Launches Pseudonymous Research Company

An AI engineer working on large language models left a prominent Silicon Valley firm to pursue independent research. Wishing to avoid attention from his former employer and online critics, he formed an RAK ICC company in the UAE using a nominee director. A Panamanian foundation held the shares. He opened accounts in Mauritius and received client contracts through the offshore entity. The company now services four enterprise clients across Asia and Europe  all under a pseudonymous corporate brand with zero public affiliation to the founder.

Who Is Using Anonymous Startup Structures?

While once mainly used by wealth managers and legacy families, anonymous structures are now gaining popularity among:

Software developers building B2B or B2C apps

Crypto and DeFi founders launching anonymously or pseudonymously

Web3 developers using DAO governance and multi-sig wallet structures

Influencers launching DTC brands away from their main accounts

Professionals reentering tech after public disputes or litigation

Digital nomads running global operations without tying activity to one country

These founders seek control and compliance  not exposure.

Digital and Financial Infrastructure Without Identity Exposure

Todays anonymous founders build their companies on infrastructure that allows for identity separation:

Corporate domain registrations through privacy-respecting registrars

through privacy-respecting registrars Server contracts under offshore company names

Licensing and user agreements under corporate seals

Crypto wallets assigned to legal entities, not personal IDs

Fintech and digital banks that accept layered corporate documents with KYC only at onboarding

These tools enable the whole operation  marketing, hiring, coding, selling  without exposing the founder.

Compliance: Anonymous, Not Illegal

Despite the emphasis on invisibility, anonymous startup structures comply with all applicable regulations:

UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) disclosure is required for banking and legal agents

is required for banking and legal agents Tax residency compliance is maintained under the founders jurisdiction (e.g., U.S. citizens file FATCA; others may file CRS)

is maintained under the founders jurisdiction (e.g., U.S. citizens file FATCA; others may file CRS) AML and KYC regulations are met at the onboarding stage

are met at the onboarding stage Economic substance laws are reviewed and applied where necessary

are reviewed and applied where necessary Proper legal documentation (e.g., POAs, trust deeds, nominee contracts) ensures enforceability

Anonymity is a legal configuration  not an avoidance of responsibility.

Case Study: European Founder Creates Global EdTech Brand Discreetly

A German entrepreneur, concerned about personal data exposure from past activist affiliations, created a multilingual EdTech startup using a Nevis LLC with nominee directors. A Belize trust was established to own the LLC, and a Seychelles IBC operated as the marketing and payments entity. All student contracts, teacher onboarding, and platform licensing were conducted under the IBC. He paid taxes in his new country of residence while maintaining complete anonymity from users and investors. The company now has over 15,000 active users in 12 countries.

Why Investors Are Now Accepting Anonymous Founders

Historically, venture capitalists demanded transparency. In 2025, many investors are more flexible, especially in early rounds or syndicate structures. Why?

DAO-based investing has normalized pseudonymous founders.

has normalized pseudonymous founders. Innovative contract-based governance allows founders to be accountable via code

allows founders to be accountable via code Legal proxies and appointed representatives can handle all investor-facing communication

can handle all investor-facing communication Some offshore foundations and funds accept structured anonymity if disclosures are made internally

In short, transparency with insiders has replaced full public exposure.

What Amicus International Consulting Offers Anonymous Founders

Amicus International Consulting specializes in building anonymous startup infrastructure that protects clients while ensuring global operability. Services include:

Anonymous company formation in Nevis, Seychelles, Belize, Panama, and the UAE

Trust and foundation creation for ownership layering

Nominee director and shareholder appointments

Legal documentation: POAs, control agreements, trust deeds, succession planning

Offshore banking and fintech onboarding

Intellectual property assignment and contract management

Compliance support for FATCA, CRS, AML, and KYC

Amicus ensures every anonymous startup client can run a legal, scalable, and secure business  invisibly.

Case Study: Developer Reemerges Post-Scandal With Anonymous SaaS Venture

After being embroiled in a harassment scandal, a European developer was blocked from several major freelance platforms. He launched a new SaaS tool under a Seychelles company, using a nominee director and a Panamanian foundation. The company was built entirely in private Git repositories and deployed on cloud servers under the company name. With no marketing tied to the founder, and billing handled through a Georgian digital bank, the product gained traction in the startup community. To this day, the founders identity remains unknown to users  but the business operates fully and legally.

Conclusion: In 2025, Founders Dont Have to Choose Between Innovation and Exposure

Tech founders are no longer required to publicly attach their names to every product, pitch deck, or line of code. Through legally compliant offshore structures, anonymity can now be a default business mode  not a red flag.

In an economy where privacy is both power and protection, anonymous startup formation is more than a niche option  it is an emerging standard for digital entrepreneurs worldwide.

Contact Information

Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amicusint.ca
The share price of Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP) surged by 7.73% between July 23 and July 30, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week.

Cheniere Energy Partners (CQP) Gains Amid a Bullish Outlook for American LNG

A close-up view of a gas liquefaction plant, indicating the scale and complexity of the process.

Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP) provides LNG to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies around the world.

Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP) was among the LNG stocks that shot up this week following a trade deal between the United States and the European Union, which includes a pledge by the European bloc to massively ramp up its energy imports from the US to $250 billion annually for three years. The American LNG sector is set to be the biggest winner from this deal, since liquified natural gas made up the bulk of the energy that the United States exported to its allies across the pond last year.

Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP) also received a boost after the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.82 per share this week, to be paid on August 14, 2025.

While we acknowledge the potential of CQP 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: 12 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and The 5 Energy Stocks Billionaires are Quietly Piling Into.

Disclosure: None.




Friday, August 1, 2025 - A Kenyan woman has come forward with a chilling account of her past relationship with her abusive baby daddy, revealing just how close she came to emotional collapse.

In a candid Facebook post, she detailed the emotional and physical abuse she endured during the relationship, which she described as deeply toxic.

The abuse pushed her to the brink of depression, forcing her to walk away when their baby was just six months old.

Determined to break free from the cycle of violence, she cut off all communication with her baby daddy and later found love again.

She is now happily married to a supportive man.

In a shocking twist, she revealed that her former partner is currently in remand after allegedly stabbing his wife 15 times during a violent domestic altercation.

She used her experience as a wake-up call to other women trapped in toxic unions, urging them to walk away instead of holding onto the hope that their abusive partners will change.










Friday, August 1, 2025 - Francis Amisi, better known as Frasha, the iconic rapper from Kenyas celebrated group, P-Unit, recently captured attention online, not for a chart-topping hit, but for a deeply personal Instagram post.

As his son turned 11, Frasha shared a heartfelt message expressing love and pride in his growing boy.

But it was the photo choice that got netizens talking.

The image, taken at a past funeral, shows a visibly emotional moment where his son clings to him in tears.

To my son, I love you always be your friend, always be there for you I have seen you grow into a wonderful gentleman and Im so proud of you, the rapper wrote.

While the message touched many, some questioned why he used a sorrowful image for such a joyful occasion, suggesting a birthday post should reflect happy memories.

Frasha was once part of the hit-making trio alongside Gabu and BonEye.

They are behind Kenyan anthems like You Guy (Dat Dendai), Weka Weka and Gentleman featuring Sauti Sol.

See the post and reactions below.




By Sheila Dang

HOUSTON (Reuters) -Chevron beat analyst estimates for second-quarter profit on Friday as record oil and gas production and lower capital expenditure helped to offset the impact of lower crude prices.

The No. 2 U.S. oil major last month headed off a legal challenge from the biggest U.S. producer Exxon Mobil enabling it to close its $55 billion acquisition of Hess.

The deal includes a stake in the Stabroek Block oilfield, offshore Guyana, that Exxon operates, and should provide Chevron with a source of long-term growth to help to fund dividends into the 2030s and make Chevron's earnings more resilient to oil price volatility.

International crude prices declined by 11% during the quarter as OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, increased output.

Exxon Mobil also beat Wall Street estimates for second-quarter profit on Friday.

"We had strong execution, record production and exceptional cash generation," said Chevron Chief Financial Officer Eimear Bonner in an interview.

"The financial performance was really underpinned by the stellar operational performance from across the company."

Adjusted earnings for the quarter ended June 30 were $3.1 billion, or $1.77 per share, beating consensus analyst estimates of $1.70 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Global production totaled 3.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, up from 3.3 million boed in the same period last year. Production from the Permian Basin, the biggest U.S. oilfield, reached 1 million boed during the quarter.

Third-quarter production is expected to be lower by 60,000 boed due to maintenance.

"Following the clouds of uncertainty being lifted around the Hess deal, Chevron has hit the ground running with a strong set of results and beat versus market expectations," said Biraj Borkhataria, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, in a research note.

Capital expenditure declined 7.5% from the same period last year, as the company spent less on its downstream operations.

Chevron raised its free cash flow guidance for 2026 to $12.5 billion.

The company paid $2.9 billion in dividends and repurchased $2.6 billion worth of shares during the quarter.

Although Chevron has said the Hess acquisition will allow it to increase dividends and repurchases over the long term, at least for this year, CFO Bonner said it did not expect to change its guidance of between $10 billion and $20 billion in full-year share repurchases.

"We're still in the range and we've got a strong program, and we wouldn't see a change unless we saw a sustained and significant shift in where the commodity prices are today," she said.






Friday, August 1, 2025 - Prophet Dr. David Owuors Ministry of Repentance and Holiness has broken its silence on viral reports claiming the world will end on August 2nd, 2025.

In an official statement released Friday, August 1st, the Ministry dismissed the doomsday claims as false, baseless and malicious, aimed at tarnishing Prophet Owuors reputation and sowing division within the Church.

Senior Archbishop Michael Nisewand, who signed the statement, reiterated the Ministrys long-standing position:

The Prophet has always been clear that no one knows the day or hour of the Messiahs return, as stated in Matthew 24:36.

The church noted that similar rumors were previously addressed in a July 13 statement, aired on KBC and shared across social media and radio platforms.

We urge media houses, bloggers, and content creators to stop spreading unverified allegations, the statement said.

Believers must stand for truth, peace, and righteousness.

This comes as apocalyptic content falsely linking Prophet Owuor to end-time prophecies continues to spread on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, prompting confusion among followers.

The Ministry urged the public to remain prayerful, discerning, and focused on repentance and holiness rather than fear.

Church leaders also warned that misinformation of this kind poses spiritual and societal risks, calling for vigilance and unity among believers.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, August 1, 2025 - The United States Government has issued updated guidelines for non-immigrant visa applications, with the changes set to take effect on September 2nd, 2025.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has urged Kenyan applicants to familiarize themselves with the new procedures.

Under the revised rules, most applicants - including those under 14 and over 79 - will still be required to attend in-person interviews.

However, certain categories are exempt.

Exemptions apply to diplomatic and official visa types, including A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.

These applicants, typically Government officials and employees of international organizations, will not require interviews due to the official nature of their travel.

Applicants renewing full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas may also qualify for an interview waiver, provided they apply within 12 months of visa expiration and were at least 18 years old at the time of the previous issuance.

Renewals must be submitted in the applicants country of nationality, meaning Kenyans must apply through the U.S Embassy in Nairobi.

Despite meeting exemption criteria, consular officers reserve the right to require an in-person interview.

The new policy replaces the Interview Waiver Update issued in February 2025.

The embassy has advised applicants to regularly check its official website for the latest information.

The update comes as part of broader efforts by the U.S to tighten immigration controls.

In July, the embassy warned that fraudulent applications could lead to lifetime bans from entering the U.S.






Friday, August 1, 2025 - Kenya has emerged unscathed in the latest wave of U.S import tariffs following an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, July 31st.

The sweeping directive, aimed at restructuring global trade, imposes additional duties of between 10% and 41% on imports from several major economies and African nations - but notably excludes Kenya from the harshest penalties.

Among the hardest-hit are Brazil, India, Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, which face significant tariff increases.

In Africa, South Africa and Algeria were slapped with 30% duties, while Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Cameroon, Botswana, and Angola saw tariffs rise by 15%.

In East Africa, Uganda was the only country impacted, while Kenya was spared from these harsher measures.

However, Kenyan exports will still be subject to a baseline 10% import duty under the new rules.

Other African countries affected by the 15% tariff hike include Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Executive Order follows failed negotiations with several trade partners to address what the U.S terms as persistent imbalances.

It also warns of additional actions should countries fail to take corrective steps.

The tariff changes take effect seven days after the signing date, although goods already in transit by August 7th will be exempt from the new duties.

The exemption offers a measure of relief for Kenyan exporters.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
BEIJING (Reuters) -China's factory activity deteriorated in July, as a softening of new business growth led manufacturers to scale back production, a private-sector survey showed on Friday.

The S&P Global China General Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.5 in July from 50.4 in June, undershooting analysts' expectations of 50.4 in a Reuters poll. The 50-mark separates growth from contraction.

The reading, combined with Thursday's official survey, bodes ill for growth momentum at the start of the third quarter, following robust growth in the first half of the year.

Amid a trade truce with Washington, economists say the support of exports front-loading ahead of higher U.S. tariffs to the world's second-biggest economy may fade over the remainder of the year.

According to the S&P Global survey, new export orders contracted for a fourth straight month and at a faster pace than in June.

After rising in June, manufacturing output declined in July. Firms looked to utilise their current stock holdings for the fulfilment of orders, which contributed to a second successive monthly decline in post-production inventories.

Falling production together with a stable backlog prompted factory owners to lower their headcount in July. Firms also said cost concerns had underpinned decisions to shed staff.

However, business sentiment improved at the start of the second half of 2025 but was still below the series average. Manufacturers expected better economic conditions and promotional efforts to spur sales in the year ahead.

As Beijing started to tackle "price wars" among manufacturers, average input prices increased for the first time in five months. Firms nevertheless lowered their selling prices again as competition for new business intensified. But export charges increased at the fastest pace in a year due to rising shipping and logistics costs.

Top leaders on Wednesday pledged to support an economy that is facing various risks, by managing what is viewed as disorderly competition in the second half of the year.

Markets expected that Beijing may be about to start a new round of factory capacity cuts in a long-awaited but challenging campaign against deflation.

From July, Caixin no longer sponsors the S&P Global China PMI.

(Reporting by Ellen Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Sam Holmes)
Thirteen teenagers from Kildare were among over 300 young people who took part in the Foroige Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University last week.

The conference brought together teens from Ireland and the US for a week of personal growth, teamwork and leadership development.

"Ive always been passionate about making a difference, but this week gave me the tools and belief to actually do it. Im proud of who Im becoming, said Lily Costello.

The Leadership for Life Youth Conference, now in its fifteenth year, is designed to empower young people to become strong, effective and compassionate leaders in their own lives and communities.

Throughout the week, participants took part in workshops on team building, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and self-awareness. Guest speakers from the world of politics, business, sport and the not-for-profit sector also shared their leadership journeys.

The local teens were among more than 300 young people from Ireland and the United States who gathered at Maynooth University for Foroiges week-long Leadership for Life Youth Conference. The programme equips young people with the confidence, vision and skills to lead in their schools, communities and wider society.
Kenneth Fox

A man in his 50s has appeared in court in Cork, following the seizure of approximately 107kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of 2.1 million.

In a joint operation, Gardai and Revenue seized the drugs that were hidden in a truck that arrived into Cork Port from Belgium last Sunday.

They were found in a trailer which had originated in Croatia and had disembarked a vessel arriving from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Investigations are ongoing.
Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) has gained a conviction against a New Ross man for illegal netting for salmon and obstruction, resulting in a five-month prison sentence and fines and costs of 1,750.

The man was observed setting a net by a Fisheries Officer at the River Nore near the townland of Rathsnagadan, Kilkenny, northwest of New Ross.

The IFI Fisheries Officer intercepted the offender, who refused to remove a balaclava from his face and failed to provide his name and address. The law-breaker was found to have used an illegal net for the capture of salmon, to have used a boat in the commission of an offence, and to have obstructed an authorised officer by refusing to identify himself.



Net seized from the River Nore in County Kilkenny

Commenting after the court verdict, Lynda Connor IFIs Director of the south eastern region said: "Illegal netting is a serious threat to wild Atlantic salmon, which also face increasing environmental pressures.

"Fisheries Officers are committed to protecting these vulnerable fish.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS

"Incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by our officers on a regular basis, and I commend them for their determination on this case."

The court sentenced the New Ross man to five months imprisonment for obstructing a Fisheries Officer, contrary to Section 301(7) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959.

He was found in contravention of the Act on three other counts, namely using a net for the capture of salmon, contrary to Section 97(1); the use of a net for the taking of fish, contrary to Section 96(1)(a); and using a boat in the commission of an offence, contrary to Section 285A(1) of the Act.

In relation to these three offences, the defendant was ordered to pay 1,000 in fines and to pay 750 in legal costs and expenses to IFI.

The court fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal. The case was finalised at Kilkenny District Court on July 24, 2025. The incident took place on July 20, 2024.

IFI urges the public to report instances of illegal fishing, water pollution, or fish kills to its confidential 24/7 number, 0818-347424.
Teagasc is placing a strong focus on safe farmyard design, following on from farm safety week.

Safe farmyards are developed by careful thought and detailed design.

Farmyards must be functional for livestock and crop enterprises, but, farmers are reminded, they must also facilitate safe efficient movement of people, livestock and farm machinery.

Clear separation of people, livestock and machinery must be in place throughout the farmyard to safely manage farm tasks.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Teagasc advisors across the country are highly trained to help farmers maximise the efficiency and safety of their farmyards, said Tom Fallon, Teagasc Farm Buildings and Infrastructure specialist.

Teagasc advisors seek to help each individual farmer with decisions around development of their farmyard in the short and longer term to improve work routines, labour efficiency and safety.

Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist said: Good facilities have a direct positive impact on safety and efficient management of the farm. I would strongly encourage farmers to plan ahead and to talk to their advisors about their ideas for their farmyard, and to explore possible sources of government funding to assist with the cost of works.

The Accelerated Capital Allowances for farm safety scheme allows farmers to write off 50% of the cost of eligible equipment each year over two years, instead of the standard eight years. The list of eligible equipment was expanded this year.

The accelerated capital allowance scheme complements the 60% grant aid which is available under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (DAFM) Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) for safety-related investments. I would encourage all farmers to assess the opportunities under the scheme.
Met Eireann has officially issued several weather warnings for Bank Holiday Monday as Storm Floris is set to bring "very strong and blustery southwest winds" and heavy rainfall to many parts of the country.

Given the time of the year, there are concerns that significant damage could be caused because of the number of people travelling over the weekend and the number of events taking place, many of which will have temporary structures installed.

It is also possible that some outdoor events and festivals may be impacted by the stormy weather.

The wind and rain warnings, issued this Saturday morning, impact eight counties along the west coast with Met Eireann stating that possible impacts include dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage, fallen trees, debris and loose objects, power outages and wave overtopping.

All of the warnings are due to come into effect in the early hours of Monday and will remain in place in some counties until 4pm on Monday.

READ NEXT: Check your freezer! Popular brand of Turkey burgers recalled amid Salmonella fears

The first of the warnings - a status yellow wind warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo - will come into effect at 2am on Monday and will remain valid until 1pm.

A separate status rain warning will in place from 2am to 10am across five counties - Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo while a status yellow wind warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim will be valid from 4am to 4pm on Monday.

#StormFlorisYellow Warnings



Wind Warning - Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo

Mon 02:00 to 13:00



Wind Warning - Cavan, Donegal, Monahan, Leitrim

Mon 04:00 to 16:00



 Rain Warning - Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo

Mon 02:00 to 10:00



Visithttps://t.co/fnH5Jnsmdb pic.twitter.com/ZdMWdANk73  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) August 2, 2025

According to the latest Met Eireann forecast, strong winds will gradually ease throughout Monday with highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees.



Once Storm Floris departs, it will be a mostly dry night with clear spells and cloudier conditions over parts of the north and northwest with isolated showers.
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.
By Colleen Howe

BEIJING, August 1 (Reuters) -China's biggest solar firms shed nearly one-third of their workforces last year, company filings show, as one of the industries hand-picked by Beijing to drive economic growth grapples with falling prices and steep losses.

The job cuts illustrate the pain from the vicious price wars being fought across Chinese industries, including solar and electric vehicles, as they grapple with overcapacity and tepid demand. The world produces twice as many solar panels each year as it uses, with most of them manufactured in China.

Longi Green Energy, Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, JA Solar, and Tongwei, collectively shed some 87,000 staff, or 31% of their workforces on average last year, according to a Reuters review of employment figures in public filings.

Analysts say the previously unreported job losses were likely a mix of layoffs and attrition due to cuts to pay and hours as companies sought to stem losses.

Layoffs are politically sensitive in China, where Beijing views employment as key to social stability. Other than a 5% cut acknowledged by Longi last year, none of the firms mentioned above have announced any job cuts or responded to questions from Reuters.

"The industry has been facing a downturn since the end of 2023," said Cheng Wang, an analyst at Morningstar. "In 2024, it actually got worse. In 2025, it looks like it's getting even worse."

Since 2024, more than 40 solar firms have delisted, gone bankrupt or been acquired, according to a presentation by the photovoltaic industry association in July.

China's solar manufacturers built new factories at a fever pitch between 2020 and 2023 as the state redirected resources from the sinking property sector to what it used to call the "new three" growth industries: solar panels, electric cars and batteries.

That building spree led to falling prices and a brutal price war made worse by U.S. tariffs thrown up against exports from the many Chinese-owned factories in Southeast Asia. The industry lost $60 billion last year.

MORE TO COME

While analysts say it is unclear whether job cuts continued this year, Beijing is increasingly signalling it intends to intervene to cut capacity, sending polysilicon prices soaring nearly 70% in July while solar panel prices have increased more modestly.

Major polysilicon producer GCL told Reuters on Thursday that top producers plan to set up an OPEC-like entity to control prices and supply. The group is also setting up a 50-billion yuan vehicle to buy and shut around a third of the industry's lower-quality production capacity.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron Focused Growth Fund second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund maintained its strong relative performance from the first quarter into the second quarter, with overall performance improving as it completely recovered from the losses experienced earlier, which were related to economic concerns stemming from newly implemented tariffs by the administration. Most of the firms company management teams expect the tariffs to have a minimal impact, as costs will likely be shared with suppliers and passed through in small price increases that won't significantly affect demand. As a result of this clarity, the fund appreciated by 12.78% (Institutional Shares) compared to an 11.31% gain for the Russell 2500 Growth Index. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron Focused Growth Fund highlighted stocks such as Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH). Headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) operates as a hotel franchisor. The one-month return of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) was -2.88%, and its shares gained 0.56% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 31, 2025, Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) stock closed at $127.71 per share, with a market capitalization of $5.926 billion.

Baron Focused Growth Fund stated the following regarding Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter:
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.
Coinbase clocked $1.5 billion in total revenue, a 25% drop from the previous financial quarter, as the trading platform faced financial fallout from its May data breach but also experienced upside from its investment in the recently publicly listed stablecoin issuer Circle, the company said in its second-quarter earnings statement.

The trading platform's second-quarter revenue came in roughly 6% below analysts forecasts of $1.59 billion, according to FactSet data. Adjusted earnings (ebitda) of $512 million dropped more than 13% from the same quarter a year ago.

The company posted $1.4 billion in net income, up from the $66 million in Q1 with the jump due to the value of its stake in Circle and crypto holdings appreciating, the company said.

"Crypto markets were softer in quarter two compared to quarter one...markets are not linear," Coinbase's Vice President of Investor Relations Anil Gupta told Decrypt, noting crypto prices and volatility trended down in the second quarter."Those were kind of two big macro factors that were headwinds to the overall trading environment," he said. (edited)

Coinbase's latest earnings come as the firm has looked to expand and been buoyed by the crypto favoring political environment in the U.S. On Thursday, the company divulged its plan for a new "everything exchange" that would launch first in the U.S. and then in foreign markets over the next couple of months, CNBC reported on Thursday. The platform will offer tokenizied real-world assets equities, derivatives, and early-stage token sales, in addition to contracts for real-world event outcomes, Coinbase's vice president of product told CNBC.

But the firm also faces challenges, including growing geopolitical tensions and increased competition.

Crypto prices took a hit briefly as Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire earlier last month, but investors largely shook off other uncertainties, including U.S. President Donald Trump's back-and-forth trade talks that roiled global markets in April.

Bitcoin's price rose roughly 26% in the three-month period ending on June 30, with the token surpassing $107,000 on that day. (The token gained even more ground since then, hitting a record high near 122,850 in July before retreating to its current level near $118,000).

Coinbase's stock was down more than 6% in after markets trading to change hands at $353. COIN hit a record high near $420 in July and is up roughly 45% since the beginning of 2025.
Jakub Porzycki / NurPhoto via Getty Images Coinbase Global's shares have climbed substantially this year.

Shares of Coinbase Global (COIN) slid late Thursday after the crypto exchange reported second-quarter earnings that missed analyst estimates.



Coinbase reported revenue of $1.49 billion and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $512 million. Analysts tracked by Visible Alpha anticipated $1.56 billion in revenue and adjusted EBITDA of about $564 million. Revenue from transactions as well as subscriptions and services were down quarter-over-quarter, though the latter, at $656 million, was within the range Coinbase previously forecast at $600 million to $680 million.

The stock was recently down about 4% in late trading after finishing the regular session essentially unchanged.

Lower trading volume dragged on transaction revenue, as it did in the first. A March increase in stablecoin pair trade fees weighed on trading volume, a company representative told Investopedia. However, Coinbase sees July transaction revenue of roughly $360 million; if that pace keeps up through the next couple months, third-quarter results should be better.

The company also expects subscriptions and services to rise, driven primarily by higher average crypto prices and stablecoin revenue. Its partnership with Circle should help with stablecoin USDC usage ticking up.



Coinbase has been pulling on growth levers all year, making acquisitions and inking partnership deals with big firms in the financial industry. It acquired crypto options exchange Deribit in May, and earlier this month acquired token management shop Liquifi. It partnered with American Express (AXP) for a bitcoin-rewards credit card in June. And recently, it joined forces with JPMorgan Chase (JPM) to offer customers another way to link their bank accounts to the exchange.

Coinbase shares are up nearly 50% year-to-date.

This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect added information and new share-price movement.







Read the original article on Investopedia
This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter.

Colliers reported 18% revenue growth year over year to $1.35 billion as it benefitted from strong momentum in all three of its segments, the real estate services and engineering company said in its second-quarter 2025 earnings report.

The firms engineering segment increased 67% year over year to $436 million, from $261.3 million as it capitalized on tailwinds in infrastructure development and energy projects, among other things, the company said in its earnings presentation.

Its backlog of engineering work is worth 12 months of revenue, but it will need to grow even more to meet demand, Colliers Chief Financial Officer Christian Mayer said on the companys July 31 earnings call.

We are having success with gaining wins on contracts for new infrastructure projects, larger scale type projects as well in the private sector, Mayer said. We feel very confident about our pipeline of revenue in that business, and we're tracking right where we expect it to be in terms of our planning.

The companys real estate services segment grew revenue 4% year over year, led by U.S. markets. Globally, leasing declined modestly due to tariff-driven uncertainties, especially in industrial, the company said.

While office leasing was strong, it was offset by weaker industrial volumes due to tariff-related and other macroeconomic uncertainty, Mayer said. Leasing has been challenged in the first half of the year. So that implies we're going to have some healthy uptick in leasing activity  and we expect that anyways for Q3 and Q4  to deliver on the full year, mid-single-digit area in terms of growth.

A large focus of the earnings call was Colliers acquisition of a 60% stake in Roundshield Partners, a European credit platform, that will boost its student housing and hospitality capabilities, and the rebranding of its investment management division as Harrison Street Asset Management.

The company also said four tuck-in acquisitions in its engineering segment and two in its real estate services segment are expected to boost its value creation potential. The engineering additions are: Terra Consulting Group, a telecommunications infrastructure consulting firm based in Chicago; Higher Ground Consulting, a geotechnical and environmental specialist in Western Canada; Herold Engineering, an engineering consulting firm in British Columbia; and Cambium, another engineering consulting firm, in Ontario.
GARDA checkpoints are being conducted across Laois over the August bank holiday weekend, as part of an ongoing road safety campaign.

Gardai said today that a series of high-visibility checkpoints across the county began on Friday, conducted by the Laois Roads Policing Unit in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The checkpoints will continue until Monday night.

Posting pictures on the An Garda Siochana Laois Offaly social media page, gardai said that one disqualified driver was arrested and charged to appear before Portlaoise District Court, while another vehicle was seized for road traffic offences.

Gardai said: With the August bank holiday weekend ahead, traffic volumes are expected to increase significantly, especially on motorways and main routes across Laois. Extra checkpoints will be in place across the county this weekend.

They urged motorists:

*Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy

*Never drive under the influence

*Dont drive while disqualified or uninsured

*Obey the speed limits

*Buckle up, every time

They added: Lets all do our part to keep the roads safe. Plan ahead. Stay sober. Arrive alive.
Data breaches at Tusla and gardai facing corruption charges are among the stories that feature on Saturday's front pages.

Tusla had 500 'high risk' data breaches, The Irish Times reports.

The Irish Examiner leads with a story on crimes committed by people on bail.

The Irish Independent leads with gardai facing corruption charges over a drug search.

Cocaine is a 'huge issue' in Co Cork, The Echo reports.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with a story on prisoners being released due to overcrowding.

The Irish Daily Star, Irish Daily Mirror and The Herald lead with stories on Conor McGregor losing his appeal over the finding of a civil rape case.

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill saying unionists thanked her for meeting Britain's King Charles.

The Irish News leads with a story on the North's Housing Executive spending 46 million on B&Bs and hotels for emergency accommodation.

The UK front pages lead with a range of different stories.

The Financial Times reports British banks are set to avoid a huge payout for car loans.

The Sun also leads with the car loans story.

The Daily Mail leads with a story on a man who attempted to kidnap Britain's Princess Anne being released from prison.

The Daily Mirror leads with a story on calls for Britain's Prince Andrew to appear before the US Congress to answer questions about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The Daily Star leads with a story on Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the next James Bond film.

The Daily Express leads with a story on Storm Floris.

Saturday's EXPRESS: Holiday hell as Storm Floris hits UK #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/VAbtFhDKHW  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 1, 2025

The Times leads with a story on US president Donald Trump deploying US nuclear submarines near Russia.

Saturday's TIMES: Trump in nuclear sub deployment against Putin #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/zeO9QPqN8o  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 1, 2025

The Daily Telegraph leads with the same story.

The Guardian leads with a story on a 'waiting list crisis' in the NHS.

Saturday's GUARDIAN: 'Staggering' scale of NHS hidden waiting list crisis #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/q7OEp7u4Ah  Louis O'Brien (@Lou_obrien19) August 1, 2025

The New York Times leads with a story on Donald Trump firing a US Labour chief over continuing job losses.
Met Eireann has warned that a greater number of people will be at risk from Storm Floris due to large number of outdoor events over the August Bank Holiday weekend with camping higlighted by the forecaster as an area of concern.

Storm Floris was named by the UK Met Office, Met Eireann's official storm forecasting partner, on Friday, August 1.

A Met Eireann commentary on Floris said a weather advisory has been issued with weather warnings expected to follow Saturday for the wet and unseasonably windy weather expected.

It says that a greater number of people will be exposed to these weather conditions than normal storm event because of the large number of outdoor events, camping, etc.

It outlined some of the impacts people can expect.

Dangerous travelling conditions

Fallen trees, debris and loose objects

Structural damage

Knock on impacts for outdoor events

Power outages

Wave overtopping

Localised flooding due to leaves and debris

Outlining the meteorological situation on Friday, Met Eireann said unseasonably impactful weather is expected for Sunday night and into Monday as a deepening low pressure system will likely track to the northwest of Ireland, bringing a spell of heavy rain and very strong winds. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

It said an unusually strong Jet Stream for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday).

Storm Floris is expected to track to the northwest of Ireland through Sunday night and Monday morning, before tracking over Scotland before clearing into the North Sea later in the day.

Andrew Doran-Sherlock, Met Eireann forecaster, elaborated.

Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.

READ ALSO: Laois call for more Electric Picnic tent and sleeping bag salvage

"However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case. And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west.

"Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities, said Mr Doran-Sherlock.

Weather Advisory for Ireland

Storm Floris will bring wet & unseasonably windy weather during Sunday night and Public Holiday Monday.

Some potential impacts

 Dangerous travelling conditions

 Knock on impacts for outdoor events

 Structural damage

 Fallen trees, debris and loose objects

 Power outages

 Wave overtopping

 Localised flooding due to leaves

Warnings will be issued on Saturday 2/8/25 with further updates.

Please refer to our Meteorologists Commentary

https://www.met.ie/forecasts/meteorologists-commentary

Valid: 12:36 Friday 01/08/2025 to 13:00 Monday 04/08/2025

Issued: 12:37 Friday 01/08/2025
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has said that over 1,300 Leitrim premises in its Rooskey deployment area can now avail of a high-speed fibre broadband connection. The includes the rural surrounds and townlands of Mohill, Dromod and Beihy.

12,000 premises in Co Leitrim are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Leitrim will receive 46m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 1,342 Leitrim premises in the Rooskey deployment area that can join the NBI network. National Broadband Ireland is calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie/map/ and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Leitrim, including the rural surrounds of Keshcarrigan and Manorhamilton. There is a total of 9,863 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across the county with 2,198 connections made so far.

Network build works are also continuing across Leitrim with build works in progress for almost 900 premises in the Dowra deployment area, due to be connected by the end of next year. Signing up to the NBI email notifications at https://nbi.ie/eoi/ is the easiest way to get the most up-to-date status of premises during the rollout and when premises will be ready for order.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: We are delighted to announce that over 1,300 Leitrim premises in the Rooskey deployment area can now order high-speed broadband services through the NBI network. This will enable those who connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

READ MORE: Storm-Damaged Coillte sites in Sligo and Leitrim set for repairs under 4M national investment

Overall, almost 9,900 homes, businesses and farms in Co Leitrim can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. This includes Keshcarrigan and Manorhamilton. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We encourage Leitrim residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.
Cotton futures closed out the Thursday session with contracts down 24 to 29 points, as outside markets continued to add pressure. The US dollar index was up $0.249 to $99.835, as crude oil futures were 78 cents/barrel lower.

This mornings Export Sales report indicated a total of 39,124 RB of old crop cotton in the week ending on July 24, the highest in 3 weeks. Vietnam was the buyer of 27,100 RB. Sales for new crop were 71,683 RB. The top buyer of 2025/26 was Vietnam at 27,400 RB, with 13,800 RB sold to Honduras. Shipments were 230,949 RB which was a 3-week high. The top destination was Vietnam at 66,400 RB, with 44,400 RB headed to Turkey.

More News from Barchart

The Seam showed sales of 326 bales on Wednesday, with an average price of 64.83 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was down 60 points at 78.20 cents on July 30. ICE cotton stocks were steady on 7/30. with the certified stocks level at 21,617 bales. USDAs Adjusted World Price (AWP) was back down 43 points this afternoon at 54.52 cents/lb.

Oct 25 Cotton closed at 65.61, down 29 points,

Dec 25 Cotton closed at 67.25, down 25 points,

Mar 26 Cotton closed at 68.6, down 24 points

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
CAPPAMORE Show has announced that the 2025 raffle charity partner will be East Limerick Red Cross, in recognition of their longstanding assistance on show day and at numerous local events.

Show chairperson John McCarthy said: For the past two years, weve proudly partnered with St Michaels Day Care Centre, Cappamore and Circle of Friends Cancer Support Tipperary, providing them with vital funding to help cover their ongoing running costs.

"This year, we are delighted to name East Limerick Red Cross as our chosen charity partner.

READ ALSO: Memorial tractor run ready to roll again this weekend in Limerick for good causes

Show Secretary John Hassett praised the Red Cross for their dedication.

Theyve always been there when needed. Their presence is not just reassuring - its essential. We are very grateful for their ongoing support, he said.

John Collins, of East Limerick Red Cross, expressed his gratitude to all involved in the Cappamore Show committee for selecting them as the charity partner for their show raffle 2025.

All local branches are affiliated to the National Association of the Irish Red Cross but they have to provide their own funding for their day to day running costs, equipment and facilities.

While the East Limerick branch, based in Doon, is relatively young in terms of the Red Cross they have made great progress since their establishment and have provided an invaluable service for people.

A building project - ambulance/operations bay - in Doon when completed will provide a great training/social outlet for young and old long into the future.

The final phase involves completion of ground works and car parking on the site. Unfortunately their funding has been adversely affected by the pandemic with price increases and building costs so the support from Cappamore Show is greatly appreciated.

The annual raffle plays a crucial role in helping Cappamore Show balance the books as costs continue to rise.

Raffle coordinators Simon Earlie and John Berkery say the top prize is 1,000, generously sponsored by Lenihans Centra and the Cappamore Show. A second prize of 500 is sponsored by Carr Construction in Cappamore.

Tickets will be sold at local shopping centres and shops, offering the wider community a chance to support both the show and the Irish Red Cross, and on show day, Saturday, August 16.
(Bloomberg) -- Airbus SE delivered about 63 aircraft last month, roughly 18% fewer than during the same month a year ago, as a shortage of engines on its best-selling A320neo model hampered handovers to customers, people familiar with the matter said.

The worlds biggest planemaker has delivered around 370 planes in the first seven months of 2025, less than half its annual goal. July delivery figures are preliminary and could change slightly, the people cautioned, asking not to be identified discussing confidential data.

An Airbus spokesperson declined to comment on the July tally ahead of official publication of figures next week.

Deliveries are closely watched by investors because that is when airline customers pay over the bulk of the money for an aircraft order.

This week, Airbuss Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said that while the company continued to maintain its full year guidance of around 820 handovers, supply chain issues would push out the bulk of the deliveries into the second half of the year.

By comparison, Airbus delivered 77 jets in July a year ago, taking seven month handovers to 400 at that point.

The company had 60 so-called gliders  newly built aircraft on the ground without engines  at the end of June, a number it aims to eradicate by the end of the year, Airbus management said on an earnings call on Wednesday.

Boeing Co. has been ramping up production of its competing 737 Max jet and has been catching up to its European rival. It was neck-and-neck with Airbus at the half year mark with 280 deliveries versus 306 at the European planemaker.

The US planemaker has been working to return its factories to a steadier tempo. Its also cushioned by a surplus of inventory as a consequence of a strike in late 2024 and its decision earlier in the year to slow production to address quality shortfalls after a door-shaped panel blew out of an airborne 737 Max.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Codelco found human remains during its efforts to reach five workers trapped underground in a central Chilean copper mine, dealing a blow to the state-controlled companys rescue efforts.

Just hours after telling reporters that there was a chance the workers would be found safe in a collapsed tunnel at the El Teniente mine, a Codelco official said authorities and families of the trapped workers had been informed of the discovery of remains that havent yet been identified.

This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also shows us that we are in the right place, that the strategy followed led us to them, said Andres Music, who heads the operations for the mine, which is located south of Santiago.

We will continue working with all our strength and hope but now with greater caution, which could mean that progress will be slower, he said about the rescue efforts.

The worlds biggest copper supplier halted production at the site after a collapse attributed to seismic activity on Thursday trapped workers in a new section of the mine, called Andesita. One person had been confirmed dead and nine others were injured in the incident, the latest setback for Codelcos efforts to recover from a years-long output slump.

A 100-person team  including some of those who helped rescue 33 workers trapped in another Chilean mine in 2010  has been working on the El Teniente rescue effort.

Days after celebrating the US governments decision to spare its copper from hefty tariffs, Codelco is reeling from the deadly incident and facing renewed doubts about its ability to meet its production target.

El Teniente is crucial for Codelcos aim to return to pre-pandemic production levels of about 1.7 million tons (1.5 million metric tons) a year from about 1.4 million tons currently. Codelco delayed reporting its quarterly results, including annual production guidance, on Friday as it deals with the accident.

When production can resume at the mine will depend on the outcome of an investigation into the collapse, how much reinforcement of infrastructure is required and whether mining method adjustments are needed.

Mines in Chile are designed to withstand much stronger seismic activity than the 4.2-magnitude event that caused the collapse.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- The White House is eyeing a settlement of as much as $100 million in negotiations with Cornell University about an agreement that would reinstate hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen federal research funding, according to people familiar with the matter.

A deal could be announced as soon as next week, said the people, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. One of the issues still under discussion is whether the pact would call for a resolution monitor to supervise how Cornell is carrying out changes required by the US  an arrangement accepted by Columbia University in a landmark $221 million deal last month.

An agreement would make Cornell the latest Ivy League school to settle with President Donald Trump as the White House probes US colleges over allegations they mishandled antisemitic incidents on campus after the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel and the Jewish states retaliatory response in Gaza. Brown University announced a $50 million deal with the government this week.

Cornell declined to comment.

The Cornell terms are still under discussion and subject to change. One of the people familiar with the talks characterized $100 million as the maximum, while another described it as within the range of $100 million.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said that additional settlements with universities are likely to use the Columbia agreement as a roadmap. That deal included a cash fine for civil-rights violations and a wide set of policy changes.

In addition to mounting probes of antisemitism on campus, the administration has also pushed colleges to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs and criticized them for political bias against conservatives. The government agreed to restore funding to the University of Pennsylvania after the school reached a deal limiting the participation of transgender athletes in sports.

The broad-based push for change has fueled concerns that the government is impinging on academic freedom and seeking to use the universities to advance its own viewpoints and agenda. Harvard University, the primary target of the Trumps pressure campaign, has filed two lawsuits challenging the governments efforts to freeze research funding and block international student enrollment.

But the funding freeze has been taking a toll. Cornell warned in June that the pullback of US funding would force it to adopt financial austerity in all areas. Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff said at the time that job cuts would likely be required, in addition to restrictions on discretionary spending and hiring.

Cornells $10.7 billion endowment is one of the smaller funds in the Ivy League.

--With assistance from Janet Lorin.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Starbucks has decided to shut down its mobile order and pick-up only store model just six years after introducing the concept that catered to on-the-go customers and also defined much of the chains recent expansion.

The move, effective this year, comes as these quick grub stores no longer align with the coffee giants business strategy.

Rationale behind the closure Explaining the rationale behind the closures in Tuesday's earnings call with analysts, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol stated , We found this format to be overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand.

The coffee giant also plans on completing an evaluation of its North American portfolio to ensure it has "the right coffeehouses in the right locations to drive profitability and deliver the Starbucks experience," Niccol said during the call.

Confidence in digital offerings Starbucks will convert or close approximately 80 to 90 of these mobile order-only locations nationwide in fiscal 2026, Niccol said.

Built primarily in urban centers, airports, and hospitals, these stores were designed to maximize convenience as it did not require any cash registers, had limited or zero seating area, and an efficient pick-and-go experience facilitated through the Starbucks app. However, with the recent changes, Starbucks wants to bring back the warm coffeehouse.

Despite phasing out these specific stores, Niccol expressed confidence in Starbucks existing digital capabilities. He believes the companys current digital offerings are robust enough to provide customers with a high level of convenience without needing a dedicated pick-up only location.

Starbucks new approach Starbucks has also announced a program in its earnings call to uplift its coffee houses, which involves investing $150,000 on each store to upgrade its seating, lighting, and atmosphere in more standard locations. Niccol said some mobile-only stores will also get converted to this new setup.

Starbucks is also piloting smaller-format stores with limited seating to blend convenience with a sense of place, which is another sign the brand isnt completely abandoning quick service, but is instead tweaking its approach.

Also Read | Starbucks India to accelerate store expansion after 'tempered' growth period

The era of the app-only Starbucks is ending, as the company bets that its future lies in connection, not just convenience.

These investments are part of Niccols $500 million Green Apron Service initiative, intended to restore hospitality to the center of its business.
Businesses around the world are still seeking clarity on the barriers they will face as exporters to the U.S., with many pausing big decisions on investment and hiring, according to the deputy head of the International Chamber of Commerce.

President Trump raised tariffs on scores of countries late Thursday, but delayed their implementation until Aug. 7. That came after his trade-deal deadline for many countries to clinch agreements or face tariff hikes expired.

However, the tariff announcements lacked detail, adding to uncertainties that include decisions that have yet to be taken on key sectors, as well as continuing talks with China and others, and the legal status of the new duties.

Last nights announcement provides confirmation that the administration is set on applying generally higher tariff rates," said Andrew Wilson, deputy secretary-general of the ICC. But at a more practical level, we still see companies struggling to understand how the country specific rates will apply in practice."

Wilson said a particular issue is whether the new tariffs outlined in Trumps executive order will be added to existing dutiesstack in trade jargonor replace them.

The Executive Order only states the headline tariff rate, with no specifics as regards their implementation aside from the E.U. deal," he said.

Uncertainty about the tariff framework dates back to Trumps victory in the November election, although it ratcheted up when he announced a series of huge increases on April 2 and then suspended those rises pending negotiations. The deadline for those talks was then extended, but, despite Thursdays announcements, questions remain.

Still, figures released earlier this week showed the eurozones economy avoided a forecast contraction during the second quarter, while the U.S. returned to expansion after a first-quarter contraction. Data published last month pointed to continued strong growth in China during the second quarter.

Weve certainly avoided the biggest risk that we saw several months ago, which was widespread tit-for-tat retaliation and a global rise in protectionism," Wilson said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

But Wilson said it is likely too early to draw any firm conclusions about the impact of tariff rises on the global economy.

There are still so many uncertainties, so many delays in decision making that it may be too early to tell," he said.

The uncertainty relates not just to the level at which tariffs will settle, but also whether they are legal. Federal appeals judges on Thursday pushed back against the presidents claims that a 1977 law addressing economic emergencies gives him the ability to rewrite the tariff schedule.

What we have heard major executives say is that, if you dont know what the tariff rate is going to be next week, let alone next month, let alone in three years time, how on earth can you make an investment that will take eight to ten years, possibly even more, to pay off," Wilson said.

For the ICC, which represents 45 million businesses in 170 countries, it is at least clear that the Trump administration is determined to push tariffs sharply higher, and that the TACO jibewhich asserts that Trump Always Chickens Outhas little truth.

The conclusion weve come to is that essentially this administration is looking at how far it can push the effective rate, in the first instance without freaking out the financial markets," Wilson said.

Equity markets fell back Friday in response to the new announcement of higher tariffs, but to a much smaller degree than after the April 2 surprise.
Two thousand years before Adam Smiths theory of the invisible hand transformed economic thought, an Indian Brahmin with a razor-sharp mind was quietly drawing up the blueprint for a political economy that would support a kingdom.

That man, born in Pataliputra, was Kautilya, more commonly remembered as Chanakya.

History has dubbed him the original kingmaker, the strategist who powered the rise of Chandragupta Maurya. But to those who have read his text, Arthashastra, he was a proto-economist and a policy wonk with a startlingly modern outlook.

Also Read | Harpal Singh Randhawa defied geography to build an African fortune

Two thousand years before Adam Smiths theory of the invisible hand transformed economic thought, an Indian Brahmin with a razor-sharp mind was quietly drawing up the blueprint for a political economy that would support a kingdom.

That man, born in Pataliputra, was Kautilya, more commonly remembered as Chanakya.

History has dubbed him the original kingmaker, the strategist who powered the rise of Chandragupta Maurya. But to those who have read his text, Arthashastra, he was a proto-economist and a policy wonk with a startlingly modern outlook.

The wartime consigliere bit was important, too, since he did engineer the rise of the Mauryan dynasty, giving India its first pan-subcontinental empire.

The economist

But we must turn to the Arthshastra (literally, treatise on economic science) to recognize his true genius. Composed around the 4th century BC, it is a no-nonsense manual of statecraft and economic management. In it, Chanakya, who has been pictured in popular imagination as a bald-headed, thickset man with sharp, piercing eyes, lays out a meticulously detailed system where the health of the treasury ranks above all else.

Kosh mulo dandah," he wrote. The language, Sanskrit, is pithy, but the meaning is profoundpower rests with the treasury.

It wasnt just empty advice. Under his tutelage, the growing military strength of the Mauryan empire led to political stability, which in turn resulted in increased agricultural output and greater trade. This meant higher revenues and resources for the empire, allowing it to build even better roads, which facilitated more trade. It was a virtuous cycle of economic and military might feeding into and of each other.

Also Read | How tyre baron Raunaq Singh lost his empirebut cemented his legacy

His antecedents remain elusive, with the place of his birth and his early years shrouded in mystery. The most authentic version says he was born as Vishnugupta and went to Takshashila, the ancient centre of learning, where he studied economics, politics, war strategies, medicine, and astrology.

He started his career as an advisor to the Nanda king but was exiled from the court following a perceived insult. Chankaya swore revenge. At this time, he came upon Chandragupta, a young outsider with enormous promise, whom he groomed and eventually helped take over as emperor of the Mauryan Empire, overthrowing the Nanda dynasty.

But Chanakyas influence went far beyond battlefield strategy. He placed economics at the heart of governance. In his thinking, the state reigned supreme with control of mines and forests, the trade in salt, liquor and weapons.

It also carefully regulated everything from grain prices to prostitution. Significantly, taxes, while high, were never extortionate. Do not squeeze the subjects like milking a dry cow", the Arthshastra warned, a warning that many subsequent governments ignored at their own peril.

His wisdom extended to using economic diplomacy not just as commerce, but as a means to expand influence and preserve national security. Very appropriately, New Delhis diplomatic enclave that houses foreign embassies is named Chanakyapuri.

The realist

In the world of Chanakya, ideals took a backseat as he prioritized results over rhetoric. For that, like the great Chinese general and military strategist Sun Tzu, who lived 150 years before him and considered espionage a crucial element of warfare, the Arthashastra too stressed the importance of spying, auditing, and surveillance.

Ministers were to be watched by spies disguised as mendicants. Bookkeepers were assumed to be cooking the numbers unless proven otherwise. Even trustworthy officials should not be fully trusted," he wrote with dispassionate realism.

Yet, he was not without a social conscience. He encouraged welfare during famine, making it an essential part of a kings duties: Kingship requires detailed and expert knowledge of goods and the raw materials from which they are made, for provisioning the palace and the army, as also for distributing food to people in times of famine."

Economist Amartya Sen once noted that Kautilyas sense of public welfare rivalled anything seen in ancient Greece or China. Patrick Olivelle, the Sanskrit scholar, described him as Machiavelli before Machiavelli, only more systematic, more ruthless, and perhaps more humane".

Despite his intellectual heft, Chanakya vanished from collective memory for centuries, and it was only in 1905 that the Arthashastra was rediscovered in a South Indian manuscript trove and translated and published by R. Shamasastry, a Sanskrit scholar and librarian at the Oriental Research Institute, Mysore.

Since then, he has found a second life, not just in Indian politics and civil services, but in business schools and military academies. His words, often stripped of context, are now memes on social media. That doesnt distract from the Arthashastras stature as a seminal work of economic statecraft.

For more such stories, read The Enterprising Indian: Stories From India Inc News.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 2 (PTI) Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called upon real estate developers to invest in tier II and III cities for balanced urbanisation and ensuring sustainable development.

He also stressed the need for ethical business practices and customer-centric models to build trust in the sector.

Odisha stands at a critical inflection point - emerging as the growth engine of Eastern India. Smart cities like Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri Corridor, and major industrial corridors are unlocking immense potential, he said.

Addressing an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (Credai) on Friday, the governor said, "The real estate developers should focus on tier-2 and 3 cities for balanced urbanisation and invest in affordable housing, green development, and digital infrastructure."

The EGM of the association returned to Odisha after a nine-year gap.

The event brought together a distinguished panel of national leaders, developers, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of real estate, investment prospects, and sustainable urban development.

Credai president Shekhar G Patel highlighted the evolution of Bhubaneswar over the last decade, stating, From a twin city, we now see a vision for a dynamic tri-city cluster comprising Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri. This region is poised to be one of Indias top 50 urban centres.

He underscored the contribution of the real estate sector to Indias economy.

Currently contributing 8.4 per cent to Indias GDP, it is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. With RERA streamlining the industry, 95 per cent of the sector is now organised. By 2030, it is projected to become a USD 1 trillion sector, contributing 10 per cent to the GDP.
CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) is included among the 13 Best Materials Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

CRH: A Reliable Source of Materials Dividends for Global Investors

A construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses at a site, carrying concrete blocks.

CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) is an Ireland-based building materials company that supplies materials and end-to-end services for construction across sectors like transportation, infrastructure, buildings, and outdoor spaces. In 2024, the company made around 40 acquisitions, spending roughly $5 billion.

Through CRH plc (NYSE:CRH), investors gain access to cement demand and US infrastructure growth, along with rising opportunities in developing countries like Brazil. In the US, CRH operates under the Ash Grove Cement name. The company has recently reached a deal to purchase Eco Material Technologies, a Utah-based company, for $2.1 billion. Eco Material specializes in ash-based supplementary cementitious materials and operates throughout North America. Its network includes over 125 utility sources, production sites, and terminals focused on fly ash, pozzolans, synthetic gypsum, and eco-friendly cement products.

The business will retain its name as Eco Material Technologies, a CRH Company, and its workforce of more than 1,100 employees will become part of the CRH organization.

CRH plc (NYSE:CRH) holds a solid dividend policy. The company has been paying uninterrupted dividends to shareholders since 1970. It currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.53%, as of July 29.

While we acknowledge the potential of CRH 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: 11 Innovative Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best and Safe Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None.
JERUSALEMAbout 10 miles stand between truckloads of food and flour and the more than two million hungry Palestinians who need it. Yet only a trickle is reaching them.

The biggest obstacle right now between stockpiles of food just beyond the border and Gazas most vulnerable peoplestarving children, women, elderly and injuredis a breakdown of law and order. Chaotic mobs ransack every food-bearing truck that enters, aid workers say. The masses are largely made up of desperate civilians, armed criminals looking to sell it on the black marketor a dangerous mix of both.

Officials and aid groups have no control over where it goes from there.

Antoine Renard, a United Nations official in Gaza, recalls how a wave of gaunt-faced men converged on his armored vehicle and the convoy of aid trucks following him as they tried to reach the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah on Tuesday. He said the vehicle rocked from side to side as the men swarmed, jostling over the cargo.

Ive never seen anything even a little bit like this," said Renard, who has worked with the U.N.s food agency, the World Food Program, for more than 20 years and now heads its operations in the Palestinian territories. I have never, ever seen this level of despair."

Israel and the U.N. have traded blame for the worsening hunger crisis that experts warn is now tipping into famine. Israel says the U.N. has failed to distribute the food that it allowed in. The U.N. says Israel created impossible conditions that put staff and civilians at risk, while impeding their work with delays and restrictions on movement.

At the core of the crisis is extreme and widespread food scarcity. Israel banned all aid and commercial goods from entering Gaza in early March in what it said was an effort to pressure Hamas. Israel says the group steals aid to fund its war effort, which Hamas denies. Aid groups say they have seen no evidence of systematic diversion.

Israel started letting in much smaller volumes of aid in late May as food supplies dwindled, but it hasnt been nearly enough.

The World Food Program says almost 95% of its trucks entering the Gaza Strip are looted before they reach their destination. It says the only solution is to flood the enclave with food until scarcity no longer drives civilians to risk their lives for a bag of flour, or provides an opportunity for militants and criminals to exploit their desperation.

Under growing international pressure, Israel took steps recently to ease the flow of aid. It started with airdrops, then announced a pause in fighting in some parts of the strip and the creation of humanitarian corridors. Israeli officials say the country isnt blocking aid and is doing more to facilitate it.

The bottleneck, regarding food reaching the people of Gaza, is the U.N. agencies not distributing the aid, not picking it up and not distributing it," a senior Israeli military official told The Wall Street Journal.

Until Israel recently eased some restrictions, the U.N. also had difficulty getting aid in at all. Part of the problem stemmed from the overall unworkable conditions of destroyed roads, chronic fuel shortages and frequent fighting along what few routes were available, despite deconfliction efforts.

Medical workers say they are now battling the worst hunger crisis to grip the enclave since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparked the war in Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, a group of experts set up to study hunger crises around the world, said Tuesday that the worst-case scenario of famine" is currently unfolding in Gaza.

Since a cease-fire collapsed in March, Israel has taken control of roughly 70% of Gaza, Israeli officials say, pushing the population into a small area along the coast and creating a large civilian-free zone all around them occupied by soldiers. To reach population centers, aid must traverse this territory.

Aid can enter Gaza through one of four border crossings, a senior Israeli military official told the Journal, but the lions share comes through just twoZikim in the north and Kerem Shalom in the south.

The most perilous part of the journey is when an aid convoy crosses out of Israeli-held territory, as crowds must come close to Israeli military positions to be first to grab the supplies.

They frequently overtake the aid convoys, swarming the trucks and taking everything they can carry, at times drawing deadly fire from Israeli soldiers.

In the north, Palestinians often go deep inside Israeli-held territory, which the military refers to as a dangerous combat zone and warns them not to enter, to intercept aid convoys a mile or two from the border, according to the WFP.

And in the south, Egyptian officials told the Journal that almost all aid coming from the country is ambushed by criminal gangs almost immediately after it enters through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Some of it is sold for exorbitant prices at markets, they said. Most is completely unaccounted for.

Some aid makes it in, yeahbut thieves steal 90% of it and sell it for insane prices," said Mohammed Al-Saafin, a 25-year-old Gazan sheltering in Deir al-Balah. Total robbery, but we have no choice," he said.

Currently, there are two distribution channels for aid. One is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or GHF, a controversial new initiative backed by Israel and run by private American contractors. The other is a U.N.-led system it was meant to replace.

Israel allowed both to start bringing aid into Gaza in late May. Both have been completely overwhelmed, as hunger was already widespread by then.

Palestinians carrying aid in the central Gaza Strip on Friday.

GHF has four distribution points, three of them in the south, all within areas under Israeli control. That meant Gazans largely have to travel by foot or donkey cart through a militarized zone to get there. Large crowds drawn to the sites have at times come under fire by Israeli soldiers when they were perceived to pose a threat.

Before the blockade, the U.N. had a network of more than 200 distribution sites throughout the Gaza Strip. It has warehouses peppered around dense areas like Deir al-Balah and Gaza City, which it kept regularly stocked with food from its stockpiles kept in Israels Port of Ashdod, as well as in Jordan and Egypt.

From there, partner organizations would load up and take it to community kitchens or pickup points closer to where people live.

Since the U.N. was allowed to resume aid distribution on May 21, almost none of World Food Programs trucks have reached the warehouses, and its distribution network has collapsed, according to U.N. officials.

Part of the problem is that even when Israel technically allowed the U.N. to start delivering aid again, the military frequently denied its movements. This meant that from May 21, when aid resumed, to July 26, the day before Israel started easing restrictions, there was very little aid entering the Strip and people were largely relying on food stored during the cease-fire.

The U.N. uses a standard protocol in many of the war zones where it operates around the world called the Humanitarian Notification System, according to U.N. officials. In noncombat zones, it notifies armed actors of movements by its agencies and partners so they can avoid harming aid workers. In battle zones, it coordinates with the warring parties to ensure a safe route.

In the period from May 21 and July 26, 53% of U.N. requests to coordinate movements were either denied or impeded by Israeli authorities, according to data provided by the U.N.s humanitarian agency, OCHA.

During that time, the U.N. said 271 movements were facilitated, which means they were approved and accomplished, while 288 were denied by Israel. Another 99 were canceled by the U.N. or its partners, either because they determined it wasnt safe, were routed on roads known to be impassable or for other prohibitive reasons, OCHA said.

An Israeli military vehicle near the Gaza border recently.

A further 119 movements were in some way impeded by Israel, OCHA said. That could mean that the military caused long delays, detained their staff, changed their route with little notice or hindered them in other ways that kept them from being fully accomplished.

The Israeli military unit charged with humanitarian coordination, called COGAT, didnt respond to a request for comment on the figures. A senior Israeli military official told the Journal recently that delays and denials are made out of necessity to avoid potential conflicts.

Since Sunday, the proportion of requests that are approved has markedly increased, raising questions by aid groups about how Israel is able to facilitate more movements now than it could before, even though conditions on the ground have deteriorated further.

Aid doesnt reach people because of the chaos," said Nahid Shuhiber, who runs a transportation company that provides trucks for aid agencies inside Gaza. Israel, he said, is not interested in creating order."

Write to Feliz Solomon at feliz.solomon@wsj.com
WASHINGTONIn just a matter of months, President Trump has gone from praising India as a major strategic partner to saying he wouldnt care if its economy implodes.

The Trump administration still values the U.S.-India partnership, officials say. But ties between Washington and New Delhi have steadily soured over disputes about trade, Russia and whether Trump deserves credit for brokering a cease-fire following a four-day conflict in May between India and its rival Pakistan.

The standoff, fueled by the presidents public broadsides against India, threatens to sink a key but complex geopolitical relationship and break the bonds Trump has forged with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fractures have appeared as U.S. ties with Pakistan have grown in recent months, culminating in a White House meeting between Trump and the countrys powerful army chief, Asim Munir, in June.

Modi must be very, very unhappy," said Manoj Joshi, a distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank.

India, viewed by the U.S. as a bulwark against China, has rankled Washington with its persistent relationship with Russia. New Delhi purchases Russian oil and weapons, propping up Russias economy, and along with Moscow is part of a loose, five-nation grouping of nations known as the Brics.

As Trump has turned against Russian President Vladimir Putin for not ending the war in Ukraine, he has vowed to impose tariffs on countries that do business with Moscow. India, Trump said Wednesday, would incur a penalty" for its continued purchases of Russian goods.

I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care," Trump added in another social-media post Thursday.

President Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House in February.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters Friday that the U.S.-India relationship has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward."

Still, Trumps comments are a stark shift from the early days of the administration, when officials in both Washington and New Delhi hoped to build on the Trump-Modi relationship established during the presidents first term. Mike Waltz called ties between the two countries the most important relationship of the 21st century" before Trump tapped him as national security adviser.

Trump hosted Modi at the White House in February and praised him as a much better negotiator," while Modi mirrored Trumps campaign catchphrase and said he wanted to make India great again." High-profile visits to New Delhi by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance followed.

Yet the warm glow faded in the following months, when efforts to swiftly clinch a bilateral trade deal foundered. Trump, current and former officials said, is deeply frustrated by the lack of progress with New Delhi.

A point of contention in tariff negotiations is the U.S.s push to open Indias agricultural markets, which employs over 40% of the countrys workforce.

Opening up the sector, which has long been protected by New Delhi, would anger Indias farmers, a powerful voting bloc. That presents a perilous political risk for Modi, who abandoned an effort in 2021 to deregulate the agricultural sector after facing nationwide protests from farmers.

Trump said the U.S. and India are still negotiating a trade deal even after the Aug. 1 deadline for an agreement.

View Full Image A screen at the Bombay Stock Exchange building in Mumbai showed a news broadcast Thursday on Trumps tariffs.

Credit for a cease-fire

U.S.-India ties hit another snag in May when India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers, clashed over a four-day stretch. The conflict started after a militant attack in the disputed Indian-administered Kashmir region that Modis government blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan denied any role in the assault.

As the conflict raged, the U.S. received intelligence that India launched the Brahmos cruise missile to strike targets in Pakistan, according to Trump administration officials. The U.S. assesses that the weapon, produced in partnership with Russia, can carry nuclear warheads, current and former officials said, though India says it is solely a conventional missile.

Trump feared that India might decide to equip one of the missiles with a nuclear bomb if the crisis spiraled out of control, officials said, or that Pakistan could decide to launch a nuclear device of its own, leading Trump to encourage Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to call their counterparts.

Trump posted on social media that his team brokered a deal that led to a cease-fire on May 10. Pakistan embraced the announcement, praising Trump and nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

India, by contrast, bristled at Trumps assertions and insisted no outside power dictated the cease-fire. Indias insistence that the U.S. role was overblown has privately angered Trump, who has told aides hes upset with Modi for not thanking him.

A White House official said Trump leveraged his relationships with both India and Pakistan to secure a cease-fire that the administration insists could have gone nuclear without his involvement. The official wouldnt comment on Indias use of the Brahmos missile as the reason for Trumps concerns.

Officials at the Indian Embassy in Washington said India has a no-first-use nuclear policy, so its use of the Brahmos missile should have caused no alarm in the U.S. about a nuclear escalation.

Trump strained ties even further by offering to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.

That was embarrassing for India. India has always rejected the idea of third-party mediation, something that Pakistan has always sought," said Lisa Curtis, a former senior National Security Council official who oversaw South Asia policy in Trumps first term. If there had just been one or two tweets on May 10, the two sides could have recovered from it. However, Trump has talked multiple times about the U.S. bringing about the cease-fire."

View Full Image A resident of the Neelum Valley in disputed Kashmir inspected damage to his house following cross-border shelling in May between India and Pakistan.

Russian ties

Trumps embrace of Pakistan and pressure on India over its ties with Russia and trade could backfire at just the moment when India was warming up to defense ties with the West.

Its going to push India increasingly into the hands of Russia," said Derek Grossman, a former U.S. intelligence official and professor on Indo-Pacific security affairs at the University of Southern California.

In recent years, India has sought to pivot away from relying on Russia for military equipment, especially after the Ukraine war cut off the ready flow of Russian-made weapons.

From 2020 to 2024, India imported 36% of its military hardware from Russia, its largest supplier, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That was a shift from the 2006-10 period, when 82% of Indias military equipment was imported from Russia.

The U.S. has previously targeted Indian businesses for allegedly helping Russia evade sanctions by selling dual-use technology that could bolster Moscows military production.

In announcing that the U.S. would place 25% tariffs on Indian goods, Trump also criticized India for purchasing large quantities of Russian oil. India has taken advantage of discounted oil prices from Russia after many Western countries stopped buying or curbed their purchases. In the last quarter of 2024, India accounted for one-third of Russias oil exports, according to ORF.

It is most certainly a point of irritation in our relationship with Indianot the only point of irritation," Rubio said in a Fox News interview on Thursday. With so many other oil vendors available, India continues to buy so much from Russia, which in essence is helping to fund the war effort and allowing this war to continue in Ukraine."

The newfound U.S. attention to the matter has put India in a bind.

Abruptly dropping Russian oil will have consequences for the relationship. On the other hand, the promised U.S. sanctions will have their own impact," said ORFs Joshi. Just how to square this circle is a tough one."

Write to Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com, Robbie Gramer at robbie.gramer@wsj.com and Shan Li at shan.li@wsj.com
India has slashed the security certification fee for telecom equipment makers, the latest in a series of regulatory moves to ease business compliance requirements for companies importing or making telecom and tech equipment or products indigenously.

Companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco Systems Inc., HFCL Ltd, and Dixon Technologies (India) Ltd will benefit from the governments decision to cut the fee by up to 95% for more than 50 categories of telecom and tech products.

These include routers, connected devices, satellite equipment, smart meters, optical fiber cables, and 5G and WiFi gear, according to a government official and an internal document reviewed by Mint.

Testing of telecom equipment is a key requirement," the official said, declining to be identified. The current downward revision in pricing pertains to the fee paid by the companies to the government to get certification, which is also known as security test report evaluation fee."

A telecom or tech equipment maker or importer needs to engage a lab designated by the government to test its products and ensure the devices are safe for users and secure for communication networks.

The government will later issue a security certificate if satisfied with the labs report. Effective 1 August, the cost for this certification has been slashed to 10,000-50,000 per equipment model from 2-3.5 lakh.

The National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) on 30 June circulated a note to Department of Telecommunications officials informing about the reduction in the security test report evaluation fee.

On an average, the overall cost for testing comes to 60-65 lakh per unit, which largely includes the third-party lab-testing costs," said Paritosh Prajapati, chief executive and founder of Sweden-based broadband equipment maker GX Group, which is a beneficiary of Indias productivity-linked incentive scheme for the telecom sector.

While this reduction in certification fee now is a breather, there is also a need for the government to increase testing labs and increase their capacity," he added.

Key Takeaways India has cut security certification fees for telecom and tech equipment to 10,000-50,000, down from 2-3.5 lakh, benefiting over 50 product categories.

Companies like Nokia, Cisco, HFCL, and Dixon stand to gain from lower compliance costs, aligning with Indias ease-of-doing-business goals.

Despite the cost relief, the telecom industry continues to face hurdles such as limited testing lab capacity and lengthy certification timelines.

A time-consuming process

The relaxation in testing and certification costs for telecom companies comes at a time when India is engaged in key trade negotiations with the United States, even as the US announced a 25% tariff plus a penalty on Indian goods from 1 August.

In March, the US Trade Representative (USTR) had raised concerns about Indias testing and certification system. The concerns included limited testing capacity, a slow and complex registration process, cancellations over non-safety issues, and high compliance costs.

The US government has recommended that the Indian Government recognize internationally accredited labs, harmonize labeling requirements withglobal practices, harmonize the validity period of test reports and certification, and eliminate retesting requirements," USTR said in its report.

India has seven designated telecom security testing labs, and has issued 92 security certificates so far, NCCS data show. HFCL, Cisco, Dixon Electro Appliances, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, among others, have applied and received security certifications for different products.

Also Read | New doubt? Equipment source concerns trigger review of trusted telecom framework

While India launched the Communication Security Certification Scheme in 2020 to streamline the process, there have been delays in implementing rules related to certification.

Also, as telecom equipment makers raised complaints about inadequate testing capacity and a cumbersome registration process, the scheme has not been universally applied across the telecom ecosystem.

While the governments decision to reduce the security certification fee will help the industry, the more challenging part is the time consumed in this process of testing, which also needs to be brought down", said Konark Trivedi, founder and managing director of telecom equipment maker Frog Cellsat Ltd.

The industry also needs a system to ensure that every equipment entering the country meets the governments security criteria, he added.

Ease of doing business, but at what cost?

Apart from a security certificate, telecom companies are also required to obtain a trusted source certification from the National Security Council Secretariat, and mandatory testing and certification of telecom equipment, which is issued by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre.

On 7 April, the National Centre for Communication Security excluded products related to optical network terminals and optical line terminals from mandatory testing and security certification, and including them under the voluntary security certification regime till 31 August.

NCCS also waived administrative and security test evaluation fees for the period.

An optical line terminal is the main device at a telecom providers end that manages data flow over fiber networks. An optical network terminal is the device at the customers home that converts fiber signals into internet and other services.

Also Read | Draft telecom policy proposes incentives for using made-in-India gear

The fee reductions were part of the governments efforts towards improving ease of doing business in India for global telecom equipment makers.

On 15 July, Mint reported that India had dropped its demand that telecom equipment suppliers hand over proprietary source code, a key piece of software that controls the working of an equipment. Instead, manufacturers are required to provide just a summary of internal security test results.

However, local gear makers expressed concerns sustained pressure from multinational companies may have influenced the governments decision to relax its source code sharing and certification requirements.
New Delhi [India], August 2 (ANI): Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) turned net sellers in the Indian equity market in July, with a total outflow of -17,741 crore, according to data released by NSDL.

This marks the first month of negative investment by FPIs after three consecutive months of positive inflows during April, May, and June.

The sharp reversal in sentiment was driven by a sudden surge in selling during the last week of July. Between 28 July and 1 August, foreign investors pulled out 17,390.6 crore from Indian equities, which significantly impacted the overall monthly numbers and pushed July's investment into negative territory.

The recent selling pressure is largely due to the fresh reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, which has impacted India among several other countries.

These tariffs have raised concerns over global trade stability and investor sentiment, prompting FPIs to reassess their exposure in markets.

The data also highlighted that May saw the highest FPI inflows so far in 2025, while January witnessed the largest sell-off, with net selling of -78,027 crore.

With the recent selling in July, the total net outflow by FPIs in the calendar year 2025 has now crossed -1,01,795 crore.

The reversal in FPI trend raises concerns for the Indian equity market, which had been witnessing strong support from foreign investors in the previous months.

However, the global economic developments like reciprocal tariffs by US President Trump and geopolitical tensions between US and Russia will continue to influence FPI behavior in the coming weeks.

In the previous month of June, FPIs had made a net investment of 14,590 crore in the Indian equity segment. In May, foreign investors poured in 19,860 crore, making it the best-performing month of the year so far in terms of FPI inflows.
A forthcoming exhibition, Shared Worlds , at Delhis Bikaner House explores the intricate relationship between artists and the world around us. Curated by Deeksha Nath, the exhibition features 30 artists, who engage in a critical dialogue around ecology, architecture, identities, inherited histories, gender and materiality through their works. Each artist offers a distinctive visual language to interpret these pressing concerns. The lineup includes Alex Davis, Gigi Scaria, Jagannath Panda, Mithu Sen, Richa Arya and Sumakshi Singh. Shared Worlds is significant not just for its conceptual value in embracing multiplicity, but also because it celebrates 15 years of the contemporary art space, Exhibit 320. The show highlights the deep and enduring relationships that the Delhi-based gallery has cultivated with these artists over time.

Founder Rasika Kajaria says the show features artists who have been a part of the gallerys journeysome who had their very first show with Exhibit 320, and others, who have supported the gallery over the years. The diverse roster also introduces the viewers to a range of materiality. Take Yasmin Jahan Nupurs textile work Cross the Border, Being Together, which delves into the idea of collective memory and shared cultures, with a world map intricately threaded together to connect the Global South and the West.

Then there is Kaushik Sahas Searching Home series, a visual commentary on the relationship between architecture and loss. His work, depicting an abandoned brutalist structure pushing into the soil, prompts us to reflect on the ways we exploit nature, and the shifting dynamic between humanity and ecology. Meanwhile, true to her practice, Anju Dodiyas Lullaby places the interior worlds of women at its core. It shows the figure of the woman as a powerful symbol of resistance and endurance.

The journey of Exhibit 320 needs to be viewed in context of the evolution of the contemporary arts ecosystem in India in the last two decades. What was once a small tightly knit community, with just a handful of galleries and institutions, has burgeoned into a rich and diverse ecosystem. Today, we have a mix of older galleries such as Chemould Prescott Road, which celebrated 60 years in 2023 and set the framework for contemporary arts in post-independence India, and younger ones such as Tarq and Experimenter, which completed 10 and 15 years in 2024 and 2023, respectively. Together, they have created a sense of community and shared space for art making and dialogue.

The conversation between Indian art and the wider global discourse is now taking place at a faster pace than ever before, actively facilitated by many players such as philanthropic institutions, cultural organisations and artist collectives. There is often criticism against how galleries position themselves, and their commercial underpinnings, but it cant be denied that despite their limitations, they contribute to the growth of artists and the community. They are keen players in creating a system, which is willing to accept new voicessome of them being truly unconventional.

Exhibit 320 has, over time, represented acclaimed artists such as Devraj Dakoji and Gopi Gajwani, while keeping its space open to younger practitioners. The gallery was born out of a desire to create a space where young people could engage with art. At that time, many emerging artists lacked the international platform needed for representation. That vision still endures, and as we have grown, our artists too have matured into established and mid-career talents," elaborates Kajaria.

View Full Image Monuments, Variable, Thread, by Sumakshi Singh

Today, Sumakshi Singh, whose novel style of mark-making using thread, first found a space at the gallery, is a finalist for the 2025 Loewe Craft prize. Deena Pindoria, who draws on the craft and textile heritage of Kutchthe region that she hails fromin her printmaking practice has recently won The Art Family Londons Emerging Artist Award 2025. Hailing from Madhapar, a warrior village in Kutch, Pindorias art draws deep inspiration from their ancestors involvement in the India-Pakistan War of 1971. Stories of courage and resilience shared by their grandmother, where 300 women warriors rebuilt airstrips within 72 hours, have profoundly influenced Deenas artistic expression. With each stroke of the block against the fabric, Deena carries the weight of history and the resilience of their ancestors, honouring their spirit through vibrant colours and intricate patterns," states the gallerys description of Pindorias work.

Kajaria realises the responsibility of galleries to showcase art that is sensitive, provocative, experimental and honest. For any young artist just starting out, the gallery thus is simply not a space to show their art; it is an entry point into the wider arts landscape. Richa Arya, a young practitioner who works with repurposed scrap and industrial material, acknowledges the environment for experimentation at Exhibit 320 for artists, who are still discovering their voice. Even as the Indian contemporary arts ecosystem transforms and shape shifts at an accelerated speed, this seems like an apt moment to look at what has made certain galleries endure over time.

At Bikaner House, New Delhi, 3-13 August.

Manan Shah is a museologist, curator and writer shuttling between Delhi and Mumbai.
Thirteen years after Son of Sardaar hit cinemas with its brand of crowd-pleasing comedy, its sequel arrives with less humour and even less purpose. Vijay Kumar Arora takes the helm of Son of Sardaar 2, repackaging the chaotic energy of the original into a modern comedy about mistaken identities, cross-border friction, and manufactured family values.

Son of Sardaar 2 is not a direct narrative continuation of the original but borrows the premise of an impromptu fake family assembled for a wedding from the 2017 Turkish film Aile Arasnda (Between Family). In this version, a Pakistani family enlists the help of a kind-hearted, gullible Indian Sikh man to help the youngest member marry her Sikh boyfriend.

Ajay Devgn plays Jassi, a gentle Sikh protagonist whose journey from Punjab to the UKafter finally receiving his long-awaited spouse visadoesnt yield the results he expected. Cuckolded by his wife Dimple (Neeru Bajwa), an aimless Jassi finds himself caught in the middle of India-Pakistan cultural chaos.

Mrunal Thakur is radiant, bringing some life to the screen as Rabia, a wedding performer who lives and works with her girl gang, which includes her stepdaughter Saba (Roshni Walia), Gul (Deepak Dobriyal), and Mehwish (Kubbra Sait).

Rabia convinces Jassi to pretend to be Sabas father in order to win over Sabas boyfriend, Goggis conservative Sikh father, Raja (Ravi Kishan), a sheep farmer in Scotland who never misses an opportunity to pull out a gun or to bash Pakistan. The films overuse of IndiaPakistan humour is one of its most jarring elements, especially when Raja leads crowds in patriotic chants. The screenplay opts for easy jabs and recycled gags, undermining its half-hearted attempts at conveying a message about unity and tolerance. Jokes about national stereotypes, gender roles, and interfaith romance fly fast and loose, but few actually land.

Jassi poses as an army man, Rabia and her girls pretend to be Indian, and Rajaalong with his equally small-minded brothers Tittu (Vindu Dara Singh) and Tony (Mukul Dev)is almost convinced of the match. Devgn leads an ensemble of interchangeable actorsSanjay Mishra, Vindu Dara Singh, Sharat Saxena, and Ashwini Kalsekarwho seem to migrate from one ensemble comedy to the next.

Shot in Punjab and the UK, the film does have visual appeal and a clean production design. But these surface-level strengths cant compensate for a screenplay that doesnt know whether it wants to be a satire, a family entertainer, or a commentary on modern relationships.

The performances reflect this uncertainty. Devgn plays Jassi with the kind of weary familiarity that suggests he knows exactly what kind of film hes inand is content to coast through it. Like the rest of the film, his romance with Mrunal Thakur feels laboured and unconvincing. The supporting cast fares worse, with many actors leaning into broad, theatrical performances that only add to the overall chaos.

Amid all this, Deepak Dobriyal emerges as a rare bright spot. As a quick-thinking trans woman, he brings a much-needed sense of timing and restraint. His natural delivery and understated presence are completely at odds with the rest of the casts exaggerated antics. Ravi Kishan adds a dash of sparkle to his scenes, though he too is hemmed in by the films tonal inconsistency.

The film lurches between farce and sentimentality without ever finding its comic rhythm, seeming constantly unsure of who its entertaining.

Udita Jhunjhunwala is a Mumbai-based film critic.

Also Read | Screenshots are now serious business
The late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee remains the first authentic hero from the Hindu right who was respected across the political spectrum, believes writer Abhishek Choudhary, who recently published the second volume of his biography of the man.

Divided into four parts, Believers Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Rights Path to Power (1977-2018) examines the rise of the Hindu right from the end of the Emergency in 1977 to 2018, when Vajpayee died. Based on years of archival research, the book chronicles how the fall of institutions, mistakes made by the Congress Party, and fears of change were key to the ascent of Hindutva politics in India.

As Choudhary shows, Vajpayee played a key role in this phenomenon. Among his many contributions was helping the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) function as Indias deep nation, which Choudhary describes as a parallel moral-political order shaping institutions without holding any formal power.

In an interview with Lounge, Choudhary spoke about his journey as a writer, why he doesnt like labelling his books as biography, and Vajpayees role in bringing the Hindu right into the political mainstream. Edited excerpts:

Can you tell us a bit about the broad scope of this sequel? Even though my new book is a sequel, it can easily be read independently. It picks up the thread from 1977 and charts out how we arrived at our present political moment. It covers the years from the Janata Partys installation as the first non-Congress government until Vajpayees final stroke-crippled vote against the nuclear deal (in 2008). I also write about the years 2009-2025 in the preface.

Also Read | A new book unpacks Indira Gandhi's controversial legacy during the Emergency

My broad argument is that Indias tragedies implicate many of the Sangh Parivars present-day haters. Attributing the Hindu rights early success solely to the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 is lazy and misleading. Instead, I explain the sociological universe in which the Hindu right operated. I describe the Congresss role in plummeting the credibility of state institutions, the demise of global communism, and the rise of pan-Islamic militancy. Hindutva benefited by merging historical victimhood with new sociological and geopolitical neuroses.

Where did the title come from? The title came long before the book did. It was sometime in late 2015, in my early days of visiting the Teen Murti Library archives (in New Delhi) to see whether a book like this was even possible. One weekend the phrase just arrived. Im a failed economist, and it may have subconsciously come as a pun on the prisoners dilemma problem from game theory. It seemed to capture what I intended to say. Since then I have tried hard but never found a betteror a less worsetitle.

The manuscript overshot the proposed length and became three times its planned size. So my publisher and I split the book, and landed on Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 19241977 as the first volume. But I began regretting the change almost immediately. So, I reverted to the original title for the second volume.

Believers Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Rights Path to Power (1977-2018); Picador India.

Is Vajpayee still relevant in todays polity? Vajpayee is relevant, and will stay so, because he is now firmly, if sometimes grudgingly, part of the Hindu-right iconography. If Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was the ideologue and M.S. Golwalkar the organiser, Vajpayee was the bridge, the persuader. He made Hindutva electable, respectable. We will keep oscillating every few decades towards a wobbly coalition era, and he will remain a study in successfully managing the contradictions.

There is often a comparison made between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vajpayee. Yes, and it bores me. Its like trying to quantify whether going from zero to X is more crucial than going from X to 2X. Sangh Parivar is irritated by hyper-fixation on superstars. What matters is that the RSS is among the few right-wing organisations in the world still expanding steadily in its centenary year. Vajpayee helped the Sangh Parivar function as Indias deep nation.

Did you come upon any striking surprises while writing the book?

Let me emphasise just one. The familiar but cliched explanation for the Janata Partys disintegration is that some members of it continued to hold dual membership of the RSS. In truth that was secondary. The most significant reason was that the Janata eldersespecially Morarji Desaifailed to give former prime minister and party member Chaudhary Charan Singh or his middle-caste constituency their due. Neither Janata nor successive Congress governments grasped the sociological undercurrents.

Also Read | Why writer Yashpals feminism provokes thought 50 years on

Then, in 1990, the middle castes broke the door open. Suddenly we had Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar, Mulayam Singh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, and a few months later, the Mandal Commission imbroglio. Lal Krishna Advani began his rath yatra partly to save a BJP vertically split on Mandal. Now we have a middle-caste Prime Minister. We will likely never again have a long spell by an upper-caste Prime Minister; and thats not such a bad thing.

We know little about the personal lives of most Prime Ministers, but a lot has been talked about Vajpayees. Neither is entirely true. In Vajpayees case, the curiosity stems from the fact that he was never formally married. But the interest has mostly been salacious. No one before me wrote about the most fundamental fact: that he had a biological daughter. That one detail puts his life in perspectiveincluding how the Prime Ministers Office-Prime Ministers family axis came to wield such a colossal clout during his years in office.

In a recent social media post you said you felt uneasy with your work being labelled biography. Im uneasy with the label because, in our part of the world, a biography often ends up worshipping a great man (sometimes a great woman). Thats not how I saw the life-writing craftwhether full-length books or journalistic or literary profileswhen I first began reading them seriously in my early 20s. My kick was to study the making of political power in its myriad ways.

Something shifted when I began working full-time on the book from 2017. The country was entering a phase of schizophrenic polarisation, one that continues. In that climate, anyone researching a right-wing icon raised suspicion. I got the cold shoulder from a certain section of the literati. Although I got stung, deep inside I know that this is an elite bubble, which, when faced with Hindutva populism, has retreated into the comfort of old social capital, and are content churning out op-eds with empty progressive cliches.

I never doubt their intentions to resist majoritarianism. But the truth is: few have bothered to make a real psychological or sociological inquiry of the aspirations and anxieties of the bottom 75 per cent.

Can you briefly tell us about the process of your research? My research process is terribly slow. After I got the New India Foundation (NIF) fellowship in 2017, I tried to look at every primary material on the Sangh Parivar I could find from across the world. I also scanned the archives of dozens of newspapers and journals. I kept filing the material chronologicallyby year, by date. In late summer 2019, once everything was in, including all interviews transcribed, I took printouts of the entire material. I would read a thousand pages, discern patterns, and write a first draft.

After completing three drafts, I would send three or four chapters to (writer and editors) Rivka Israel and Ramachandra Guha at the NIF, which funded the writing of the book. Since 2021, my agent Shruti Debi has been reading the chapters too, and her sharp comments are one of the reasons the second volume took so long to rework.

Also Read | Why the Indian government needs to redefine the idea of reform

After the 1960s, the archives dry upthere arent even the basic intel files that other third-rate democracies release. As for the Sangh Parivar, there is very little of value in their archives.
It looked and smelled like many other Indian markets. I could smell the jackfruit and guava, ripe and intoxicating. Women sold strands of white jasmine flowers and pink lotuses. A man was hawking a pile of multicoloured Jockey" briefs of questionable provenance. The orange-yellow mangoes, a little longer and more lissome than I was used to, looked like the genuine article however. A goat nibbled at flower garlands strung around the front of a three-wheeler till the irate owner delivered a kick to its rear end. It all felt very familiar, yet I felt a stranger in my own country.

I understood nothing anyone was saying around me. In the bustling marketplace of Trichy everyone seemed to speak Tamil. Even the signs were mostly in Tamil. The usual smattering of English that is part and parcel of Indian metropolises was largely missing, except for an occasional store sign. Vasanth and Company promising quality and trust" when it came to appliances, the mustachioed Mr Vasanth beaming at us from a billboard. Even the colas had different names from the ones I was used to. Now I could choose between Kalimark ice-cream sodas and Bovonto colas but I would have to choose blindly. The storekeeper was all smiles but could not understand my queries.

Also Read | Like most great love stories, the mango is all about pining

Having just visited the Rockfort temple, my forehead was smeared with sacred ash and I sported a tilak. I must have looked somewhat local. An elderly lady came up and asked me for help with something. I just smiled foolishly.

At first it felt a bit disconcerting as if cast out to sea without a life-jacket. As a writer I am used to eavesdropping on conversations around me wherever I am. I tape interviews and select the clips that would move my narrative forward. There is power in that.

Here I was flailing, understanding neither head nor tail of the conversations in the market, at restaurants, in bars.

In hindsight that should not be so unusual in a language soup like India. India recognises 22 official languages. But the Peoples Linguistic Survey of India estimated in 2012 that there were at least 780 languages in India, putting it in the top 5 countries of the world, alongside Papua and New Guinea and Nigeria, when it came to linguistic diversity.

Some Indian languages are mind-bogglingly ancient. The Great Andamanese, for example, are descended from the first migrants from Africa some 70,000 years ago. Their language still retains archaic structures long lost even in the mother continent. For example, they divide the body into seven parts and prefix nouns and words with monosyllables that indicate the relevant part. Linguist Anvita Abbi says for the rest of us, blood is blood. But the Great Andamanese need to know where the blood is coming from. Blood from the forehead is a different word than blood from inside from internal bleeding. Cultural activist Ganesh Devi talks about how Indian languages had a richer palette of colour terms which started disappearing after synthetic colours were created in the 19th century. Even today Gondi has more colour terms than Hindi, he says.

This linguistic diversity should fill us with pride; instead it often scares us. Some politicians think India would be more united as a country if everyone could rally around one official language like Hindi. States that dont speak Hindi resent any whiff of imposition of Hindi on them whether as first, second or third language, fearing its really Hindi by the backdoor. Language has become a means to rouse passions and mobilise voters. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee hopes to do that, kicking off her 2026 election campaign earlier this week in Rabindranath Tagores Bolpur, claiming that Bengali-speakers are facing discrimination in other parts of India. WhatsApp forwards are popping up, offering quick linguistic tests to tell Bangladeshis from Bengalis from this side of the border. Who calls water pani and who says jol? Who calls salt lobon and who calls it noon? Oddly as some linguists point out in the middle of these charged debates both pani and jol share Sanskrit roots. But the meanings of words, their antiquity, their etymology can all be used to divide people into them" and us".

Recently, a Bengali journalist for a Bengali publication asked Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee a question in Bengali at a press meet in Mumbai. Chatterjee, who knew the journalist well, wondered smilingly why she was asking the question in Bengali given that the event was happening in Mumbai. In these language-sensitive times, the clip went viral. Chatterjee was immediately pilloried for allegedly disrespecting his mother tongue. He had to issue an official statement to explain that he was just trying to be sensitive to the linguistic preferences of everyone around him, requesting people to not read anything more into it.

In Trichy, words for me were suddenly leached of meaning. At first I felt as if I needed an interpreter. But slowly as I got used to the noise around me I realised what a relief it was to just experience a city without trying to eavesdrop on its conversations. I didnt have to make sense of the words. I could just listen to the soundscape of the city.

At the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, as a flock of parrots suddenly took flight, I could listen to their squawks echoing around the candy colours of the gopuram. Lakshmi, the temple elephant, gently harrumphed as she took currency notes from devotees.

As I walked into the sanctum sanctorum of Andal, the only female saint of Tamil Vaishnavites, I came upon a group of elderly women singing together. They stood in a cluster, their white hair glowing, their saris, parrot green, teal blue, deep purple, almost iridescent in the lamp-lit darkness of the temple, their voices rising and falling hypnotically while the priests little bell tinkled.

I could not understand a word they were singing but I could have listened for hours. Later my writer friend Sudha Tilak told me those were verses from the Tiruppavai by Andal, songs of love, devotion and food. In one, Tilak said, Andal writes about her akkara adisil, a porridge made of rice and ghee, describing it as having golden ghee that would melt and run down from the palms to the elbows." I understood none of this when I heard the women singing but it didnt matter. The sweetness still came through.

Instead of listening for the meaning I could just listen to the sound of the words the way one feels a piece of fabric, its texture, its colour, its sheen. It was oddly liberating to listen to a collage of sounds of a city without reaching for a dictionary to figure out its meaning. Raw sound has its own beauty.

Later on that same trip I walked into an old Danish fort museum in Tharangambadi or Tranquebar. It had a modest little museum. Danish weapons, documents and ancient Tamil sculptures were just piled haphazardly around. In one corner was a giant whalebone weathered white by the sun.

A man asked me what it was. He spoke no English or Hindi. I spoke no Tamil. Whale, I said hesitantly. He looked confused. Big fish, I said somewhat incorrectly. That was no help either. For a moment we were stuck on either side of the language divide. Suddenly I had a brainwave. I opened my notebook and drew a cartoonish whale.

Oh like with a spout of water, he pantomimed. I drew a spout as well. He chortled and brought over his wife and children to admire my creation. And we beamed at each other because somehow despite having no language in common we had managed to be on the same page.

Cult Friction is a fortnightly column on issues we keep rubbing up against.

Sandip Roy is a writer, journalist and radio host. He posts @sandipr.
EPFO Rules: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) makes it mandatory for all companies to sign up for its PF scheme in order to build a safe nest for workers after their retirement. For companies with 20 or more employees, the contribution must be 12 per cent of the basic salary.

As per PF rules, both employees and employers are required to pay a certain amount, in line with the employee's salary, towards their provident fund. The amount is deducted from the basic salary of the employee, and the employer must match the amount as part of their contribution.

However, in your pay slip, you may see the employer contributing much less than you in your PF account. In this article, we explain why it happens and how employer contribution in PF account works.

How does PF employer contribution work? Before explaining how employer contribution works in provident fund, it must be noted that EPF comprises three different schemes  retirement benefits part, EPS (pension) part, and EDLI (insurance) part.

1. Let us assume you contribute 2,000 from your salary to your PF account. Therefore, your employer will also have to contribute 2,000 towards the EPF scheme. The total contribution towards your EPF will therefore stand at 4,000 each month, on which you will earn an annual interest.

2. The employee and employer both contribute 12 per cent of the basic salary towards the EPF scheme.

3. While the entire contribution of the employee is directed towards the provident fund account, the employer is responsible for covering the other schemes of the EPF.

4. Here is a breakdown of the employer's contribution towards EPF  8.33 per cent of the employer's component is distributed towards the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS, also known as EPF pension) and 3.67 per cent towards the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

Also Read | EPFO sees an all-time high net payroll addition at over two million in May

Also Read | EPFO member may soon be able to withdraw EPF money through ATMs, UPI directly

5. Therefore, if you are contributing 2,000 towards your PF account every month, your employer will contribute around 611 to PF and the rest to the EPS scheme.
Quant Mutual Fund has received an approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch a Specialized Investment Fund (SIF), becoming the first assets management company in India to launch such funds.

quant Mutual Fund gets SEBI approval to launch Indias First Long- Short Fund in Newly created SIF (Specialised Investment Fund) category, the company said in a post on X on Friday.

It also confirmed the news in a newsletter to investors.

QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund: What is it? The QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund approval comes along with long-short strategies across equity, debt, and hybrid categories. Through this, Quant MF will be able to buy stocks it expects to go up (long positions) and also bet against those likely to fall (short positions). This enables the AMC to lower the risk while providing better returns, which is crucial especially in volatile markets.

Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs), which allow mutual funds to launch advanced investment strategies as open-ended, close-ended and interval structures, will add depth and variety to the investment landscape of the country.

QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund: Launch date The SIF of Quant Mutual Fund, named QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund, is slated to launch in August this year. This marks a huge milestone in the evolution of Indias asset management landscape.

SEBI rules on SIFs

The SEBI on Tuesday came out with a mechanism for monitoring compliance with minimum investment threshold under Specialized Investment Funds (SIF).

In case of any active breach of the threshold of 10 lakh by an investor, including through transactions on stock exchanges or off-market transfers, Sebi said that all units of such investors held across investment strategies of the concerned SIF would be frozen for debit.

Besides, a notice of 30 calendar days would be given to such investors to rebalance the investments in order to comply with the threshold.

"In case an investor rebalances his/her investments in SIF within the notice period of 30 calendar days, the units of SIF of such investor shall be unfreezed, and no further action shall be taken with regard to compliance with minimum investment threshold," Sebi said in its circular.

If the investor fails to rebalance the investments within a 30 calendar day period, the frozen units will be automatically redeemed by the AMC, at the applicable Net Asset Value.
Cruise line stocks have been on a tear in recent months, with no signs of a slowdown as industry efforts to woo vacationers to the sea show signs of paying off.

Carnival (CCL) shares have rebounded more than 70% from their April lows when tariff turmoil rocked the markets. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) also rose roughly 55%, while Royal Caribbean (RCL) rallied more than 70% over the same period.

Trump's trades deals have, to some extent, helped the industry gain clarity. Airlines like United (UAL) and Delta (DAL) reinstated financial guidance, crediting a clear picture of signals out of Washington. Similarly, cruise operators noted a sharp improvement in bookings over the last several months.

The rebound in cruise line stocks, Friday's market sell-off aside, came after Aprils market turmoil and subsequent recovery on the heels of President Trumps broad-based tariff pause.

On Thursday, Norwegian Cruise Line shares jumped 9% after the company posted record second quarter revenue and shared bookings now ahead of historical levels.

It's never a single thing that drives the change that we saw from a choppy April to a record May through July," Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, told analysts during the earnings call. "But I'd say the primary driver was the improvement in the macroeconomic environment." He added that July was on its way to a record month for the company.

Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean posted record adjusted earnings on strong demand, though the cruise operator's top line came in below Wall Street expectations. Management credited an acceleration in "close-in demand," or bookings with little lead-time, allowing operators to keep prices higher for longer.

Strong performances from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian follow Carnival's record second quarter revenue of $6.3 billion in June.

The industry's outperformance has been in the making for a while now. In recent years, cruise operators have invested in newer, more advanced ships; thematic voyages; and exclusive destination-led experiences to attract new customers. Those efforts appear to be working as cruises, which often work out cheaper than land-based vacations, have grown in popularity.

The number of cruise passengers rose from 29.7 million in 2019, before the 2020 pandemic, to an estimated 37.7 million projected for 2025. The trend reflects passengers beyond baby boomers taking cruises as interest from first-time travelers rises.

Royal Caribbean management noted this week that millennials and younger travelers now represent about half of its customer base.
SThe 15-year-old girl from Odisha who was allegedly set on fire by three miscreants in Puri district, died on Saturday. She was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for her treatment, where she succumbed to her burn injuries in the Burns and Plastic Surgery block of the hospital.

The teen was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi from AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 20. She had 75 per cent burn injury and was put on oxygen support after being received at the national capital's hospital.

The girl was set on fire by three unidentified youths on the banks of river Bhargavi in Puri district, while she was on her way to a friends house on July 19 morning.

Odisha CM condoles death of teen Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi condoled the 15-year-old's death on social media platform X.

I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of the girl from Balanga area. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock endeavours of specialist medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of the girl's soul and pray before God to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss, wrote Majhi.

How did the incident unfold? The 15-year-old girl was brutally attacked by three unidentified men on a motorcycle while she was on her way to a friends house around 9 am in Bayabar village of Odisha.

The attackers reportedly dragged her to the banks of the Bhargavi River, poured a flammable substance on her, and set her on fire, according to police officials.

She was gagged, her hands were tied One of the eye-witnesses, Dukhishyam Senapati, who helped douse the flames, recounted harrowing details, stating that the girl's hands were tied.
US President Donald Trump dismissed the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics just hours after a disappointing jobs report was released, sparking concern among economists and policymakers over the future credibility of the agencys data.

In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Trump announced he had instructed his team to sack Erika McEntarfer  a Biden appointee  IMMEDIATELY.

Also Read | Trump demands Powell's resignation as Fed Guv steps down

Why did Trump fire labour stats chief Erika McEntarfer? Donald Trump fired Erika McEntarfer hours after a government report showed that hiring had slowed down significantly over the past three months.

On Friday morning, the BLS reported that the US economy added just 73,000 jobs in July, well below estimates. It also said it had revised the May and June numbers and they turned out to be lower than previously announced by more than 200,000 jobs.

Taking to Truth Social, he attacked Erika McEntarfer, the commissioner of the BLS. He claimed that the country's jobs reports "are being produced by Biden appointee" and ordered his administration to terminate her.

"We need accurate Jobs Numbers," Trump wrote, adding, Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they cant be manipulated for political purposes.

Trump intensified his attack in a later post, writing: "In my opinion, todays Jobs Numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad." He didn't cite any evidence for his claim.

Who's next US data chief? Not long after Trump posted about firing the BLS chief on Truth Social, Chavez-DeRemer chimed in on X, naming deputy commissioner William Wiatrowski as acting head of the agency.

I agree wholeheartedly with @POTUS that our jobs numbers must be fair, accurate, and never manipulated for political purposes, she wrote, echoing Trumps unfounded claims.

JD Vance, Labor Dept Praised Jobs Data Trump, Now Slams Social media was abuzz with the news of Trump firing the top data chief over. One such comment pointed at Trump's post on TRUTH social media two months ago, saying, Trump loved the jobs report from 2 months ago produced by the same woman that he fired today.

GREAT JOB NUMBERS, STOCK MARKET UP BIG! Trump posted at the time.

Vice President JD Vance and Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer attempted to cast a favourable light on disappointing jobs figures just hours before their boss, President Donald Trump, dismissed the official responsible for the data  alleging, without evidence, that the gloomy report was politically driven.
New Delhi: India continues to buy oil from Russia notwithstanding the punishing penalty and calling out by the US earlier this week, and it is even reaping a bigger discount.

State-owned refinersIndian Oil Corp Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL)continue to buy oil from Russian suppliers, and negotiations are underway for spot deals, said two people in the know of the developments.

One of the two people mentioned above said that over the past few days, two cargoes of Russian oil had been purchased by Indian refiners with better discounts than usual.

Also Read | Oil prices rise further on trade war relief

OMCs (oil marketing companies) are negotiating for Russian oil supplies currently. There is no decision as to go slow or stop Russian oil," said the person mentioned above. "They (Russian supplies) may have declined amid cheaper global oil prices and narrowing discounts in the past, but there is no decision on halting imports from Russia."

Although discounts have declined from the highs, of late, there has been a spike of around $1 per barrel in discounts in the latest few deals," the person added.

The last two or three cargoes have been booked at a discount of up to $3 a barrel, compared to about $1.7 in the earlier purchases, and it is likely to rise further, even if not significantly, after US President Donald Trump's censure of India for its Russian energy purchases, the person in the know said.

The discounts on Russian oil have narrowed down to single-digit from the high of around $30 per barrel in 2022.

The deals which are being negotiated now are for deliveries to be made in September. Till then, refiners are already tied up," said the second person in the know of the developments.

There was no response to queries on the issue sent to the petroleum ministry, IOC, BPCL, HPCL and Rosneft till the publishing of this report.

On 30 July, the US President announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports, starting 7 August, along with a penalty for India's energy and defence purchases from Russia, which has been berated for its war with Ukraine.

The punishing announcement had raised concern over energy supply crunch and price increase. Russia exports about 4.5 million barrels of oil daily on an average, and if it goes out of the market global prices may shoot up as was witnessed in 2022, according to experts.

Prashant Vasisht, senior vice-president and co-group head, corporate ratings at ICRA Ltd, said refiners would need to carry out techno-economic feasibility before halting refining of a particular variety of crude oil and completely replacing it with another.

Of late, prices have seen an uptick due to optimism of completion of the US-European Union (EU) trade deal. However, the demand-supply dynamics will play out, going ahead. Further, if supplies from Russia continue as usual and demand supply dynamics play out, prices may somewhat ease going ahead from the current levels," Vasisht said.

The second person cited above said the supply of Russian oil is not prohibited since it is not sanctioned, as in the case of Iranian and Venezuelan crude, which are sanctioned and are not purchased by Indian refiners.

The only thing OMCs need to respect, and they have always complied with, is the price cap (of $60 per barrel)," the person said.

The price cap announced by the US and G7 countries in December 2022. The European Union last month announced to lower the cap to about $47 per barrel, which will be implemented starting September.

Also Read | Crude oil prices rise on US demand uptick, China stimulus hopes

Russian oil comprises of about 7% of the daily global oil consumption and 36% India's total oil imports. On the back of deep discounts starting February 2022, after its invasion of Ukraine, Russia became the top supplier to India. Earlier, the country catered to only about 2.5% of India's oil import. China and India are top buyers of Russian oil.

Although the US and EU have raised concern over India's oil purhases from Russia, India has maintained that its energy procurement would depend on its needs. India imports over 88% of its crude oil requirement, and has diversified its oil sources to nearly 40 countries in order to ensure energy security.

Responding to the US President's warning of secondary tariffs on countries that import Russian oil, minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri had said the country was not overtly worried, and would navigate any eventuality as there was enough supply in the market.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that India is no longer going to purchase oil from Russia following his announcement of a supposed penalty as a result of New Delhi's Russian crude buying.

Calling it a good step if confirmed, Trump seemed to keep all possibilities open after being asked if he had a number in mind in terms with the penalty.

I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard, I don't know if that's right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Trump's statement comes after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stated that India's energy purchases are aligned with market dynamics and national interests, adding that the government is unaware of any specific developments regarding Indian oil companies pausing Russian imports.

Donald Trump had on Thursday imposed a 25 per cent import tariff on India, along with unspecified penalties for its Russian oil purchase. He later indicated that the high tariffs were results of India being a member of the BRICS and its relationship with Russia.

MEA response to Trump tariffs During a weekly press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had made a clear response on buying Russian oil, after being asked about reports of some Indian companies having stopped the purchases.

You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics, he said.

Also Read | Centre scrambles to revamp export plan as US tariffs hit India, favour ASEAN

The MEA's response came after a series of statements by Donald Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticising India's move to continue with Russian oil imports despite the US and other countries putting sanctions on the country over its war with Ukraine.

On the front of India-US ties, New Delhi on Friday expressed confidence that its relationship with the United States will continue to move forward and it remains focused on the substantive agenda the two countries are committed to.

US-India negotiations to remain open? Donald Trump's tariffs on India came at a time when New Delhi is negotiating with Washington on striking a trade deal.

On being asked whether the US-India trade talks are still open, Trump did not provide a clear answer.
One terrorist has been killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, police said.

Security forces said Friday's search operation had turned into an encounter after the terrorists hiding in the forest area in the south Kashmir district's Akhal opened fire at the forces.

The SOG, J&K Police, Army, and CRPF are conducting this retaliatory encounter, which has continued for a second day on Saturday.

According to Chinar Corps, the Indian Army tweeted, the intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night.

Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far, they said.

The operation, Op Akhal, is continuing, they added.

On Friday, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Akhal after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists there.

The official said the cordon is being strengthened, and additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area.

This comes days after three terrorists were killed in an intense firefight with security forces in the Harwan area near Dachigam National Park of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

The anti-terror operation, named Op Mahadev, took place in the general area of Lidwas, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh High Court that it has decided to grant a visitor's visa to Rakshanda Rashid, a Pakistani woman who was deported from Jammu after the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting the court to dismiss her petition seeking nod to return to her family here.

The court, however, stated that the MHA order should not constitute a precedent in any manner.

Rashid (62), a Pakistani citizen who married Sheikh Zahoor Ahmed 35 years ago in Jammu, was deported as part of the decision taken by the Indian government to deport Pakistani nationals staying in India in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the home ministry, informed the court that after considerable deliberation and in light of the peculiar circumstances of this case, an in-principle decision had been made to grant a visitor visa to Rashid.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal acknowledged this in its order.

The bench further noted that Rashid can pursue the two applications moved by her regarding acquiring Indian citizenship as well as a long-term visa.

The court recorded the submission of the solicitor general and noted that "once an in-principle decision is taken by the competent authority, there is hardly any doubt that, post compliance of the requisite procedures and formalities, the authority would process and accord a visitor's visa to the respondent at the earliest".

The court dismissed Rashid's writ petition seeking relief from the deportation, saying that as a natural consequence, the impugned interim order loses its relevance and thus ceases to exist and operate.

On July 22, Mehta requested the court to defer the proceedings to enable him to explore whether the respondent could be helped in any manner or if it was still feasible to address her concerns.

In response, Rashid's counsel, Ankur Sharma and Himani Khajuria, submitted that she was agreeable to the course suggested by the solicitor general.

On June 6, a single-judge bench of Justice Rahul Bharti ordered the Central government to "retrieve" Rashid.

While passing the order, Justice Bharti observed, This court is bearing in mind the background reference that the petitioner was having long-term visa (LTV) status at the relevant point of time, which per se may not have warranted her deportation, but without examining her case in a better perspective and coming up with a proper order with respect to her deportation from the authorities concerned, she came to be forced out.

Rashid was served with a Leave India Notice on April 28 under Sections 3(1), 7(1), and 2(c) of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 1946, issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, directing her to leave the country by or before April 29.

She approached the high court and sought interim relief to stay the operation of the order.

However, she was issued an exit permit and escorted to the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar by the authorities, from where she crossed over to Pakistan.

Rashid, a resident of Jammus Talab Khatikan area, has four children who continue to reside in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rashid, daughter of Mohammad Rashid from Namuddin Road in Islamabad, entered India on February 10, 1990, via Attari on a 14-day visitor visa to visit Jammu.

She continued to stay under an LTV granted by the authorities on an annual basis. During her stay, she revealed that she married an Indian national.

"It wasnt disputed either that her LTV was valid up to January 13, 2025, and she had applied for an extension on January 4, 2025. But no such extension was ever accorded," the order noted.

Her husband expressed happiness over the decision and thanked the court.
Gujarat traffic police has been facing backlash after safety campaign posters allegedly sponsored by the police brass sparked outrage as some of them urged women to stay home to avoid getting raped, and had statements like do not attend late night parties, you could be raped or gangraped.

The posters have since been removed, with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West), Neeta Desai clarifying that the city traffic police had sponsored posters concerning road safety, not women's safety, and the posters were created without the consent of the traffic police officials, reported PTI.

Gujarat safety poster row Gujarat police officials said that a group called Satarkta had sought permission to put up posters in Gujarati to promote traffic awareness. However, the police were unaware of the specific messages printed on the posters, which had been placed on road dividers in areas like Sola and Chandlodi.

The NGO had approached us and said they wanted to organise traffic awareness programmes in schools and colleges and wanted our staff to accompany them. We were shown posters related to traffic awareness. But such controversial posters were not shown to us and were plastered without our consent, newswire PTI quoted Desai as saying.

What did the posters state? Posters with statements, "do not attend late night parties, you could be raped or gangraped," and "do not go with your friend to dark, isolated areas, what if she is raped or gangraped?" were pasted on road dividers in Sola and Chandlodia areas.

The DCP said that the posters were immediately removed when the issue was brought to their notice.

How residents reacted to the posters The posters left residents fuming with one local calling the content insensitive," and said that the police officials should have filtered the content before putting up the posters.
A special court in Chhattisgarhs Bilaspur district on Saturday granted conditional bail to three individuals  including two Catholic nuns from Kerala  who had been arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. The arrests had sparked a political uproar and drawn condemnation from across Kerala.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi, presiding over the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, issued the bail order after reserving the decision on Friday following a day-long hearing.

The three accused  Sister Preethy Mary and Sister Vandana Francis from Kerala, along with Sukaman Mandavi  were arrested on 25 July at Durg Railway Station. The arrests followed a complaint filed by a local functionary of the Bajrang Dal, who alleged that the women were attempting to forcibly convert three girls from Narayanpur and traffic them.

The court has granted conditional bail to all three, said defence lawyer Amrito Das, confirming the decision. He further noted that the prosecution had not requested custody for further interrogation and that the alleged victims had already been sent back to their homes.

Also Read | Dark Nuns: A horror drama that throws light on personal finance

Defence Argues Lack of Evidence in Court At Fridays bail hearing, Das contended that there was no substantial evidence indicating that the accused had engaged in any act of forced conversion or trafficking. The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, reserved its decision until Saturday.

The case had been filed under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to human trafficking and unlawful religious conversion.

LDF Slams Arrests as Attack on Civil Liberties In Kerala, the arrests have been met with widespread condemnation, particularly from the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has announced statewide protest gatherings on 3 and 4 August across all 140 assembly constituencies.

Speaking to the media, CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan said:

The Party does not see this as an isolated issue concerning just a few individuals. What is at stake are the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution, including freedom of religion, freedom of movement, and other civil liberties, which are now being openly challenged.

He went on to condemn the apparent complicity of law enforcement officers at the scene of the arrest:

The shocking visuals of Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar members confronting nuns while the police stood by silently have been seen by the entire world. To expose such dangerous and unconstitutional actions and to defend the rights of the Indian people, the LDF will organise protest gatherings across all 140 constituencies in Kerala on August 3 and 4.

Political and Religious Tensions Escalate The arrest of the nuns has further fuelled tensions around religious freedom and minority rights in India. Religious and human rights organisations have criticised what they see as a pattern of harassment and targeting of minority communities under the guise of anti-conversion laws.
Two nuns from Kerala, arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, were on Saturday released from Durg Central Jail in Chhattisgarh after a special court granted them bail, reported PTI.

The Catholic nuns were identified as Sister Preethy Mary and Sister Vandana Francis. They were received outside the jail by several leaders from Kerala, including LDF MPs and Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Earlier in the day, the special court of Principal District and Sessions Judge (NIA court) Sirajuddin Qureshi at Bilaspur granted bail to the two nuns along with co-accused Sukaman Mandavi on the condition that they surrender their passports and not leave the country. They were also asked to submit a bond of 50,000 each with two sureties and cooperate with the probe.

About the nuns: Sister Preethi Mary is a nun from Kerala's Ernakulam district. She hailed from a family of seven siblings and is the oldest. She arrived in Chhattisgarh as part of her philanthropic leanings.

On the other side, Sister Vandana belongs from Udayagiri village in Kerala's Kannur district. She used to work in a pharmacy in Chhattisgarh.

Preethi and Vandana both belong to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) congregation, headquartered at Cherthala in Keralas Alappuzha district, reported the Indian Express.

About the case: Last week, the two Catholic nuns were taken into custody at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh. They reportedly arrived to pick up women coming to work at a local convent, but were arrested along with a third person based on a complaint by a Bajrang Dal functionary.

In the complaint, the Bajrang Dal functionary alleged that they were forcibly converting and trafficking three girls from Narayanpur.

However, the kin of two of the three tribal women involved firmly denied police allegations a day after their arrest. They said that the arrests were politically driven and devoid of merit.

Their arrest stirred a political storm, and both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan raised serious concerns over the incident.

In fact, Vijayan urged a direct intervention of PM Modi, citing the families of the nuns were unable to contact them since the detention. Also, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also condemned the arrest.
Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren reportedly suffered a brain injury after he fell in the bathroom in his residence early on Saturday.

He was airlifted to a Delhi hospital for better treatment, a senior leader was qyoted by news agency PTI saying.

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said Ramdas Soren was admitted to a hospital in Jamshedpur, where doctors detected blood clotting in his brain.

"Soren was airlifted to Delhi. I have spoken to the director of Delhi Apollo. He assured me that the treatment will be started as soon as the minister reaches the hospital," former Union minister Arjun Munda, who was at Sonari airport in Jamshedpur, said.

Munda, a BJP leader and former Jharkhand chief minister, said that Ramdas suffered a "brain haemorrhage due to the sudden increase in pressure".

Also Read | Watch: 162 students rescued from submerged school in Jharkhand after heavy rains

"His condition is stated to be critical, but I hope he will get well soon," he said.
Local Fire Safety Enforcement Crackdowns. Cities like Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago have escalated fire marshal inspections, often requiring immediate access to digital records of system testing, maintenance logs, and training history to issue permits or occupancy approvals.

NFPA Code Tightening. Revisions to NFPA 72 and 101 are adding more stringent requirements around alarms, mass notification systems, emergency signage, and even system testing documentation. NFPA 855, which governs energy storage systems, is also increasingly relevant to power sector teams managing batteries and other energy infrastructure.

ESG and Insurance Pressure. ESG reporting frameworks such as the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) now include building safety indicators, and insurers are adjusting premiums based on demonstrable safety documentation. Inadequate records can lead to increased liability, delayed claims, or even loss of coverage.

OSHA Pressure. In 2023 alone, OSHA stepped up inspections in the energy sector, issuing over $25 million in citations related to fire protection system failures, lack of fire watch documentation, and insufficient training. This marks a trend toward proactive enforcement over reactive penalty.

Compliance requirements are a constant across every power project, but the rate and frequency at which codes and requirements are changing has increased. In recent years, the U.S. has seen:

Ensuring compliance in power generation projects is non-negotiableand its no longer a box to tick at the end of a project. It now demands continuous oversight, code alignment, and documentation from the very first planning meeting to final handover. For project teams in the energy sector, this shift comes at a time of tighter National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes; more rigorous Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforcement; increasing environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-linked reporting pressures; and mounting insurer scrutiny. Whether working on oil refineries, thermal plants, or electrical generation facilities (Figure 1), consultants are being asked to provide more proof, more quickly, with more accuracy. The question is: how? The answer increasingly lies in digital tools that streamline field documentation, centralize compliance data, and align with evolving codes. [caption id="attachment_238701" align="aligncenter" width="650"]

Story Continues

At the same time, projects themselves are growing more complexwith subcontractor churn, overlapping timelines, and new technologies. Adding to the strain is a nationwide shortage of experienced professionals. Many firms struggle to onboard and train new inspectors quickly enough to meet rising demand, making it critical to equip teams with intuitive tools that reduce admin time and standardize workflows. The urgency is also backed by data. A 2024 survey by the Construction Financial Management Association found that compliance and regulatory scrutiny jumped from the 16th to the 5th highest operational risk among energy sector leadershighlighting a shift in how seriously firms are treating this issue.

What a Strong Digital Compliance Solution Involves

Managing compliance with static checklists, scattered PDFs, or memory is no longer viable. In todays high-stakes environment, documentation isnt just about meeting minimum requirementsits become a marker of professionalism, preparedness, and risk control. Modern compliance demands flexibility and precision. Site conditions change, subcontractor teams rotate, and regulatory frameworks evolve. In this environment, waiting until the end of a project to verify compliance is no longer effectiveits inefficient, costly, and increasingly risky. Strong digital compliance solutions support a continuous approach by enabling real-time data capture and oversight. Key components include:

Standardized Assessments. Pre-set forms that guide onsite teams to input the right compliance data. This ensures consistency and avoids omissions.

Easy Real-Time, Onsite Logging. Mobile apps that allow teams to log issues and observations as they go, reducing lag between inspection and documentation.

Centralized Collaboration and Oversight. With all findings visible in one place, project managers can uphold quality standards, assign senior reviews when needed, and maintain accountability.

Audit-Ready Records. A structured digital record of inspections, reports, and decisions makes it easier to demonstrate compliance and respond quickly to client or regulatory requests.

Reduced Post-Site Reporting. With everything logged onsite, teams can instantly generate final reportssaving hours or days of admin work.

This shift reflects broader industry trends. Research published by the NFPA highlights the growing role of digital documentation in improving safety outcomesparticularly in complex, high-risk projects where real-time oversight can prevent issues from escalating. The demand for transparency also extends beyond inspections. Regulators increasingly expect digital records of workforce training, safety drills, and certificationslinked to individuals and timestampedto demonstrate a companys ongoing commitment to compliance, readiness, and risk mitigation.

Inside a Digital Compliance Workflow: SenezCos Fire Protection Strategy

SenezCo, a fire science and engineering firm, specializes in complex inspections across energy sites. Recently, their team was brought into an oil refinery project facing tight compliance deadlines. The objective: survey and document existing fire protection systems across multiple zones, while aligning findings with NFPA code. Traditionally, this type of work involved paper checklists, photos on personal devices, and days of post-site documentation. Instead, SenezCo shifted to a digital-first workflow. Using PlanRadara leading building compliance and inspection platformthe team logged deficiencies, linked issues with photos onto plans, and aligned all issues directly to NFPA references. The team developed custom templates aligned with internal standards and used standardized forms for capturing field data. These forms ensured consistent documentation across teams while making it easy for site engineers to capture information quickly. With intuitive mobile workflows, engineers logged data in real timegenerating high-quality, client-ready reports in seconds and minimizing admin time in the office. SenezCo successfully delivered a detailed, code-aligned fire safety assessment on schedule, giving their client confidence that the refinery met all compliance obligations before moving into the next project phase. By reducing post-site reporting time, the team stayed ahead of schedule and unlocked capacity to take on additional high-priority projects.

A New Generation of Tools for Safer Projects

Digital compliance in the power sector is evolvingfrom fragmented records and end-of-project checks to live documentation that supports day-to-day oversight and long-term risk reduction. A new generation of tools is making safety and compliance part of the daily workflow, enabling teams to capture structured, real-time data onsite (Figure 2). That information doesnt just support current reporting needsit also builds a critical foundation for analysis, prediction, and prevention. [caption id="attachment_238702" align="aligncenter" width="650"]

2. Managers are increasingly turning to digital tools that can be used in the field to enable real-time data capture and oversight. Courtesy: PlanRadar[/caption]

360 Documentation for Compliance and Progress Tracking

PlanRadar SiteView. This 360 reality capture feature turns routine site walks into powerful visual records. With a helmet-mounted camera, teams can capture high-resolution imagery that is automatically mapped onto 2D plans by an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform. SiteView not only speeds up inspections for field teamsit also enables remote stakeholders to monitor progress and safety systems without needing to be onsite. It integrates seamlessly with compliance workflows, adding 360 visual proof to documentation and building a timestamped log of site conditions.

vHive. vHive enables autonomous drone-based inspections of complex assets, such as substations or transmission infrastructure. It generates digital twins and visual data models that enhance planning, inspection, and documentation. Particularly valuable in hard-to-reach or hazardous environments, vHive helps ensure that visual compliance checks are safe, structured, and repeatable.

Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

Intenseye. Built to work with existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) infrastructure, Intenseye uses AI to detect unsafe behaviors or compliance breachessuch as missing personal protective equipment (PPE) or unsafe equipment use. When a violation occurs, it automatically sends real-time alerts to site managers. The system also generates dashboards to track safety trends and support data-driven decision-making.

Everguard.ai. Everguard takes safety a step further by combining AI with wearable tech. It monitors workers locations and conditions, detecting fatigue, risky behavior, or proximity to hazards. When an issue is identified, alerts can be sent to supervisorsor even directly to the worker via a connected device. Its an example of how intelligent systems are shifting compliance from reactive to preventive.

Together, these innovations are helping safety become a living process, not an end-of-project afterthought. By embedding documentation, oversight, and alerts into everyday tasks, project teams can ensure compliance at every stage. And with structured data captured in the field, theyre laying the groundwork for smarter decision-making, AI-driven insights, and a more proactive approach to risk management.

Why This Matters Now

Digital platforms are no longer just helpfultheyre essential. A 2023 SmartMarket report from Dodge Construction Network shows a clear shift: contractors increasingly prioritize digital tools for safety and compliance. Meanwhile, the global fire protection system market size is calculated at $95 billion in 2025 and is projected to surpass about $171.73 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2025 to 2034, according to Precedence Research. The growth is being spurred by rising safety expectations and the need to de-risk infrastructure investments. The drivers are clear:

Transparency for Regulators. Agencies are placing increasing weight on traceable, time-stamped records during audits and inspections.

Proof of Diligence for Insurers. Insurers are asking for greater evidence of proactive risk management, including digital documentation of inspections, maintenance, and training.

Accountability for Asset Owners. Owners and operators are under pressure to ensure their facilities are continuously compliantnot just at project closeout.

Adding to the urgency is the industrys labor shortage and increasing project complexity. With fewer resources and tighter timelines, teams need tools that not only help meet compliance goals but do so efficiently. Firms that still rely on fragmented, manual systems are at a growing disadvantageespecially when every project handover comes with scrutiny from multiple stakeholders. The shift toward digital also aligns with broader industry trends in AI-readiness and ESG reporting. Clean, structured data captured from the field forms the foundation for analytics, automation, and future innovations in safety monitoring.

Raising the Standard for Compliance

As energy projects grow more complex, so do the demands of safety compliance. Its no longer about passing the final inspectionits about creating a defensible, adaptable process from day one. Digital platforms can replace administrative burdens with real-time insight. By embedding compliance into daily workflows, firms are building a more resilient, responsive approachone that not only meets the code, but also sets a higher standard for what compliance looks like in the U.S. power sector. David Homola is PlanRadars U.S. general manager.
The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi issued a notice to businessman Robert Vadra and other accused in the money laundering complaint on Saturday. The hearing is scheduled for August 28. The notice seeks to hear from the proposed accused during the pre-cognisance stage.

What's the case? This case is linked to the land deal in Shikohpur village in Gurugram, Haryana, news agency ANI reported.

It stems from an FIR registered by Gurugram Police, alleging that Vadra, through his company Sky Light Hospitality, fraudulently purchased 3.53 acres of land in Village Shikohpur, Sector 83, Gurugram, from Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. on February 12, 2008.

The complaint alleges the use of false declarations in the acquisition and claims that a commercial license was secured for the land using Vadra's personal influence.

Special judge Sushant Changotra issued the notice to the proposed accused persons after hearing submissions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Enforcement Directorate had recently filed a money laundering charge sheet.

The court directed the Enforcement Directorate to supply a copy of the charge sheet to all proposed accused persons.

Also Read | Congress expels Digvijaya Singh's brother for 6 years

Special public prosecutor (SPP) Naveen Kumar Matta, along with Mohd. Faizan and special counsel Zoheb Hossain, appeared through video conferencing.

On July 24, the Enforcement Directorate said during preliminary submissions on its prosecution complaint that it is a clear and classic case of money laundering. The proceeds of crime, it said, was used to acquire immovable properties.

The Enforcement Directorate also stated that the evidence conclusively established the offence of money laundering, where proceeds of Crime (PoC) are generated, layered, and enjoyed.

The Enforcement Directorate stated that we have presented the funds flow, property, and statements of witnesses. It is a clear and classic case of money laundering, the ED added. There is a generation of proceeds of crime, it said.

The ED submitted that during the investigation, the source of the proceeds of crime, false statements in the land deal were found, the ED said.

What's alleged? It was submitted that Skylight Hospitality purchased land measuring 3 acres and, valued at crores.

There were false declarations in the sale deed that 7.5 crore had been paid when no money was paid. It was paid later in order to avoid stamp duty. Key witnesses corroborate this, ED's special counsel submitted, as per ANI.

Zoheb Hossain alleged that the first layer of proceeds of crime was generated through Skylight Hospitality, whose 99 per cent shares are held by Vadra.

Hossain submitted that 7.50 crore is shown as the price of approximately 3 acres of land purchased by Skylight through a cheque which was never encashed.

This land was later sold to DLF for a higher amount. This part is still being scrutinised, the ED said.

The Application for a licence was processed in haste without following the procedure, as witnesses stated in their statement. Hossain referred to the statement of the Prosecution witness concerned with the process.

Special counsel also referred to the Statment of Satyanand Yajee, Director of Omkareshwar properties. He knowingly assisted in the generation of proceeds of crime. Yajee knowingly assisted the company of Vadra in acquiring of proceeds of crime.

The ED said that there was enjoyment of the proceeds of crime till July 2025, till the time of provisional attachment. Money Laundering continues to this day, despite the arguments. It is a continuing activity as long as the person enjoys the PoC

The use of PoC continued through the 7 properties, which were purchased using the proceeds of crime. Enjoyment of PoC continued till the properties were attached, the ED said.

Hossain further submitted that we have also invoked section 70, as all the companies where PoC has gone are either 98% or 99% owned by Vadra.

Therefore, he is vicariously liable also apart from his individual role, the ED said.

He was the majority shareholder, beneficial owner, and actual owner, and also served as a director of companies, the ED said.

The complaint, filed on July 17, 2025, names 11 individuals and entities as accused, including Vadra, his company M/s Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., Satyanand Yajee, and Kewal Singh Virk.

As part of the ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order on July 16, 2025, attaching 43 immovable properties worth approximately 37.64 crore. These properties are reportedly linked to Vadra and his associated entities, including Sky Light Hospitality.
Over ten days after Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as the Vice President of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) released the schedule for the Vice Presidential Election on 1 August to fill the vacancy.

The Vice President holds the office for a term of five years from the date on which he or she enters upon his or her office. However, Article 68(2) of the Constitution states that in case of the Vice President's death, resignation or removal or otherwise, an election shall be held as soon as possible after the occurrence of the vacancy.

Dhankhar's term was until 2027, but he resigned with two years of his term remaining. The new VP will be elected for a full five-year term.

In accordance with the Constitutional provisions and relevant laws and rules, the Election Commission of India released the schedule for the 17th Vice Presidential Election. The polls for electing the next Vice President of India, if required, would be held on 9 September.

Qualifications required by a candidate to contest polls: a) Be a citizen of India.

b) Have completed 35 years of age.

c) Be eligible to be a member of the Rajya Sabha.

d) Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said governments.

Conditions for candidates filing nomination: 1. A candidate filing nomination has to be subscribed by at least twenty electors as proposers and at least twenty electors as seconders. The nomination has to be presented to the Returning Officer, between 11 am and 3 pm on any day appointed for the purpose  either by the candidate or by any of his proposers or seconders.

2. A candidate must submit a security deposit of 15,000 to the Returning Officer in cash or any other legal means for the election.

Also Read | Vice Presidential polls to be held on 9 September: Election Commission

3) Electors have to mark the ballot only with this particular pen and not with any other pen.

4) The ECI has appointed the Rajya Sabha's secretary general as the returning officer for the VP elections.

5) The political parties cannot issue their MPs a whip for voting in the VP election.

6) The Counting of votes will be held in New Delhi under the supervision of the returning officer. On completion of counting, the returning officer will sign and issue the return of election.

How do the numbers stack up in the Electoral College? As per the details, the Electoral College consists of 233 elected members of the Rajya Sabha, 12 nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, and 543 elected members of the Lok Sabha for the 17th Vice Presidential Election.

Now that the dates are out, both the NDA and the INDIA bloc will nominate their candidates.
After a video showing a passenger slapping a co-traveller who appeared to be having a panic attack on IndiGos Mumbai-Kolkata flight went viral on social media, the airline has suspended the individual involved from flying.

"Following due diligence, the incident involving an unruly customer has been formally reported to the relevant authorities for necessary action. In line with our commitment to discourage such unruly behaviour onboard flights, the individual has been suspended from flying on any IndiGo flights, in accordance with regulatory provisions.

We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for all onboard. Thank you for your continued trust," IndiGo tweeted.



What Actually Happened?

32-year-old Hussain Ahmed Majumdar, hailing from Assams Cachar district, reportedly suffered a panic attack while aboard IndiGos Mumbai-Kolkata-Silchar flight. He was travelling on Flight 6E-2387 on Thursday when he experienced a panic episode.

As two cabin crew members were assisting him in deboarding the aircraft, a video recorded by a fellow passenger showed another traveller seated on the aisle suddenly slapping him.

The crew immediately urged the man not to resort to violence, while another passenger also objected to the assault.

The attacker, identified as Hafijul Rahaman, was detained by security personnel upon arrival in Kolkata and handed over to the police. He was later released.

Mazumdar Missing? Mazumdar has been reported missing following the in-flight incident. According to a report by The Times of India, the passenger who was assaulted during the journey was supposed to travel from Kolkata to Silchar but never reached his destination.

When we didn't find him on the Silchar flight, we contacted the local authorities and even went to Udharband police station near the Silchar airport, a relative reportedly said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Saturday, August 2, and launched multiple development projects worth around 2,200 crore. While addressing the public, he accused SP and Congress governments of spreading rumours and misleading people.

As he launched the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme he said, Our government is working tirelessly for the welfare of farmers. The earlier governments did not even fulfil one scheme they had promised. BJP government delivers what it promises. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has become an example of the strong will and intentions of the government.

Also Read | PM Modi urges citizens to suggest ideas for his Independence Day 2025 speech

With plans to benefit over 9.7 crore farmers across the country, the scheme aims to offer direct financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Charging at the opposition, he said, The anti-development governments like SP and Congress would spread rumours and mislead people in all ways possible.

According to PIB's press release dated August 1, 3.69 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers accounts through 19 instalments since the scheme's launch in 2019.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi failed to answer questions, says Opposition

"This is very unfortunate for the country that a hopeless opposition is living with these false hopes. All they can do is lie to the farmers and mislead them... PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has been ongoing without a break since its inception. So far, 3.75 lakh crore have been credited into he accounts of beneficiary farmers... Farmers of Kashi alone have received 900 crores," DD News quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Sectors in focus The development projects aim to nurture and boost infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, urban development and cultural heritage sectors.

The prime focus of the allocated funds would be to preserve culturally significant water bodies, progressive work on water purification and maintenance works at various kunds including Ramkund, Mandakini, Shankuldhara and others. Striving to achieve holistic urban transformation with improved road connectivity and power infrastructure, significant investment will be made on widening and strengthening of the Varanasi - Bhadohi road and Chhitauni- Shool Tankeshwar road; and Railway Overbridge at Hardattpur.

Educational projects in focus include upgradation of 53 school buildings within the municipal boundary, the construction of a new district library and the rejuvenation of Government High Schools at Jakhini and Lalpur, among others.

From inaugurating Animal Birth Control Centre and an associated Dog Care Centre, PM Modi facilitated inauguration of advanced medical equipment installations, including robotic surgery and CT scan facilities.
In a bizarre incident at a Spanish airport, an unnamed couple allegedly left their 10-year-old son behind and boarded a flight for their vacation  a scene straight out of Home Alone, according to a report by The New York Post.

After reaching the airport, the couple realized that they didnt have the required travel documents for their kid so they decided to leave him behind at the airport terminal and continue with their vacation plans, said the media report.

Airport staff calls it "completely surreal" The incident was reported in a TikTok video by a woman, Lilian, an air-operations coordinator at the unidentified airport. She described the incident as "completely surreal".

However, her claims could not be verified.

According to the New York Post report, Lilian said in Spanish in the clip, [The kid] told [police] that his parents were on the plane, on their way to their home country for vacation.

The explanation given to [the authorities] was that the child was traveling with an expired passport from Spain, and needed a travel visa.

Since he didnt have a visa, they left the kid in the terminal and called a relative to pick him up.

I didnt see it as normal.

Also Read | Who was Sumeera Rajput? Pakistani TikTok star found dead at Sindh home

The police didnt see it as normal either.

According to Lilian, the police were informed and the parents luggage was removed from the plane.

The couple was then escorted to the on-site police station for questioning.

The incident sparked outrage and drew comparisons to other such instances of children being left at airports and train terminals.

In 2018, a couple in Germany forgot their five-year-old daughter at Stuttgart Airport in Berlin. Both the parents claimed that they each had thought the other parent had taken charge of the girl.
Washington: The Trump administration says that some serious criminals need to be deported to third countries because even their home countries won't accept them. But a review of recent cases shows that at least five men threatened with such a fate were sent to their native countries within weeks. President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and his administration has sought to ramp up removals to third countries, including sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, two sub-Saharan African nations.

Immigrants convicted of crimes typically first serve their U.S. sentences before being deported. This appeared to be the case with the eight men deported to South Sudan and five to Eswatini, although some had been released years earlier.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in June that third-country deportations allow them to deport people so uniquely barbaric that their own countries wont take them back. Critics have countered that its not clear the U.S. tried to return the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini to their home countries and that the deportations were unnecessarily cruel.

Reuters found that at least five men threatened with deportation to Libya in May were sent to their home countries weeks later, according to interviews with two of the men, a family member and attorneys. After a U.S. judge blocked the Trump administration from sending them to Libya, two men from Vietnam, two men from Laos and a man from Mexico were all deported to their home nations. The deportations have not previously been reported.

DHS did not comment on the removals. Reuters could not determine if their home countries initially refused to take them or why the U.S. tried to send them to Libya.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin contested that the home countries of criminals deported to third countries were willing to take them back, but did not provide details on any attempts to return the five men home before they were threatened with deportation to Libya.

If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, you could end up in CECOT, , Guantanamo Bay, or South Sudan or another third country, McLaughlin said in a statement, referencing and a detention center in the subtropical Florida Everglades.

Far From Home DHS did not respond to a request for the number of third-country deportations since Trump took office on January 20, although there have been thousands to Mexico and hundreds to other countries. The eight men sent to South Sudan were from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, South Sudan and Vietnam, according to DHS. The man DHS said was from South Sudan had a deportation order to Sudan, according to a court filing. The five men sent to Eswatini were from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, according to DHS.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini were the worst of the worst and included people convicted in the United States of child sex abuse and murder. American communities are safer with these heinous illegal criminals gone, Jackson said in a statement.

The Laos government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the men threatened with deportation to Libya and those deported to South Sudan and Eswatini. Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson said on July 17 that the government was verifying information regarding the South Sudan deportation but did not provide additional comment to Reuters.

The government of Mexico did not comment.

The Trump administration acknowledged in a May 22 court filing that the man from Myanmar had valid travel documents to return to his home country but he was deported to South Sudan anyway. DHS said the man had been convicted of sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting. Eswatini's government said on Tuesday that it was still holding the five migrants sent there in isolated prison units under the deal with the Trump administration.

'A Very Random Outcome' The Supreme Court in June allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries without giving them a chance to show they could be harmed. But the legality of the removals is still being contested in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could potentially wind its way back to the conservative-leaning high court.

Critics say the removals aim to stoke fear among migrants and encourage them to self deport to their home countries rather than be sent to distant countries they have no connection with.

This is a message that you may end up with a very random outcome that you're going to like a lot less than if you elect to leave under your own steam, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute. Internal U.S. immigration enforcement guidance issued in July said migrants could be deported to countries that had not provided diplomatic assurances of their safety in as little as six hours.

While the administration has highlighted the deportations of convicted criminals to African countries, it has also sent asylum-seeking Afghans, Russians and others to Panama and Costa Rica. The Trump administration deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador in March, where they were held in the country's CECOT prison without access to attorneys until they were released in a prisoner swap last month. More than 5,700 non-Mexican migrants have been deported to Mexico since Trump took office, according to Mexican government data, continuing a policy that began under former President Joe Biden.

The fact that one Mexican man was deported to South Sudan and another threatened with deportation to Libya suggests that the Trump administration did not try to send them to their home countries, according to Trina Realmuto, executive director at the pro-immigrant National Immigration Litigation Alliance.

Mexico historically accepts back its own citizens, said Realmuto, one of the attorneys representing migrants in the lawsuit contesting third-country deportations. The eight men deported to South Sudan included Mexican national Jesus Munoz Gutierrez, who had served a sentence in the U.S. for second-degree murder and was directly taken into federal immigration custody afterward, according to Realmuto. Court records show Munoz stabbed and killed a roommate during a fight in 2004.

When the Trump administration first initiated the deportation in late May, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government had not been informed.

If he does want to be repatriated, then the United States would have to bring him to Mexico, Sheinbaum said at the time. His sister, Guadalupe Gutierrez, said in an interview that she didnt understand why he was sent to South Sudan, where he is currently in custody. She said Mexico is trying to get her brother home.

Mexico never rejected my brother, Gutierrez said.

Using US AS A Pawn Immigration hardliners see the third-country removals as a way to deal with immigration offenders who cant easily be deported and could pose a threat to the U.S. public.

"The Trump administration is prioritizing the safety of American communities over the comfort of these deportees, said Jessica Vaughan, policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports lower levels of immigration.

The Trump administration in July to take migrants and the Pacific Islands nation of Palau, among others.

Under U.S. law, federal immigration officials can deport someone to a country other than their place of citizenship when all other efforts are impracticable, inadvisable or impossible.

Immigration officials must first try to send an immigrant back to their home country, and if they fail, then to a country with which they have a connection, such as where they lived or were born.

For a Lao man who was almost deported to Libya in early May, hearing about the renewed third-country deportations took him back to his own close call. In an interview from Laos granted on condition of anonymity because of fears for his safety, he asked why the U.S. was using us as a pawn?

His attorney said the man had served a prison sentence for a felony. Reuters could not establish what he was convicted of.

He recalled officials telling him to sign his deportation order to Libya, which he refused, telling them he wanted to be sent to Laos instead. They told him he would be deported to Libya regardless of whether he signed or not, he said. DHS did not comment on the allegations.
The US has imposed 25% tariffs on Indian exports and threatened penalties for buying oil from Russia. Meanwhile, Tata Consultancy Services has announced plans to lay off staff worldwide, and a new report highlights the struggles of women in Indias blue- and grey-collar workforce.

What's a little tariff between friends?

US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on "friend" India and additional penalties for buying Russian oil from 1 August even as the two countries negotiate a trade deal.

While there is little clarity on the impact of the new tariffs and penalties, the move has for now put India at a disadvantage to other countries that have struck trade deals with the US, with their tariffs ranging from 10-20%.

India has so far refused to concede to the USs demand for greater access to its agriculture and dairy sectors.

Crude awakening

The US's latest threats of secondary sanctions on Russia, or more precisely its energy trade, has led to a sharp rise in oil prices. After hovering around $70 per barrel since the Israel-Iran ceasefire, Brent crude oil prices jumped to nearly $73 per barrel on Wednesday, following Trumps threats.

The US also sanctioned 20 entities, including six from India, for petroleum, petroleum products and petrochemical trade with Iran. Even as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) is expected to increase output, policy uncertainties will keep oil prices volatile.

TCS's payroll purge

12,000: That's the the number of employees TCS plans to lay off worldwide, as Mint reported. The layoffs, comprising around 2% of its workforce, will mostly affect mid- and senior-level staff. Indias largest IT firm said the move was part of its strategy to become a future-ready organisation, focusing on AI, tech investment, and workforce realignment. This has sparked worries of similar moves by other IT giants also facing uncertainty in their biggest market, the US.

Also Read | TCS campus hiring plans intact despite layoffs

Global economy shows grit

Lower-than-expected trade disruptions led to a more optimistic global growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this week. The agency raised its 2025 global growth projection to 3% from 2.8% in April, along with a broader upgrade from the US, EU, China to India.

While the IMF cited stronger front-loading of trade, lower effective US tariffs, and improved financial conditions as key drivers in the first half of the year, it also said the risks to projections remained tilted to the downside.

We work, we list

Indias coworking sector is in expansion mode, with Awfis, Smartworks, and IndiQube now listed, and WeWork India expected to go public in August.

Riding a post-covid boom, the industry has scaled rapidly, with flexible office supply in top cities expected to rise to 121 million sq ft by FY2027 from 85 million sq ft in FY25, an analysis by howindilives.com showed.

As their business models are maturing, they are seeing strong revenue. However, despite strong operational margins, high upfront capital costs and depreciation continue to weigh on their profitability.

Tata Motors spends a truckload

$4.36 billion: That's the amount for which Tata Motors Ltd will acquire Italian truck and bus maker Iveco, its largest acquisition ever, amid plans to demerge its commercial and passenger vehicle business.

The auto company is looking to boost its commercial vehicle business with the acquisition, which is expected to conclude by April-June 2026. For Tata Motors, the commercial vehicles business is the second-largest revenue contributor, with a 17% share in FY25. The company had acquired Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 for $2.3 billion.

Giants claw back profit share

Indias markets are dominated by large firms, with the top 10% by revenue accounting for more than 90% of net profits. This began changing after the pandemic as smaller firms gained ground during a broader recovery. But this comeback is now running out of steam.

In FY25, companies outside the top 10% made up 7.3% of aggregate net profit, down from 10.4% in FY23, a Mint analysis of 5,096 BSE-listed firms showed. Still, their performance was better than in pre-covid era, underlining their resilience.

Chart of the week: Women's barriers to work

Low income, poor work culture and safety fears are among the top reasons why women have shorter tenures in Indias blue- and grey-collar jobs, according to a new survey report by the Udaiti Foundation and Quess Corp. Despite the growing numbers of women workers, more than half of respondents said they planned to leave the workforce within a year.

Follow our data stories on the In Charts and Plain Facts pages.
Princess Dianas fairytale wedding to King Charles III was, behind palace walls, overshadowed by deep emotional turmoil, with both bride and groom reportedly in tears the night before the ceremony.

Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner claimed, Diana was reluctant about marrying Charles but was told by her sister it was too late. The tea towels with their joint images were already being sold.

He added, They both cried.

Charles and Diana's Marriage Always Included Camilla From Day One Charless longstanding attachment to Camilla Parker Bowles reportedly haunted him even on the day of his marriage. He allegedly wore cufflinks bearing Camillas insigniainterpreted by some as a subtle but intentional gesture of emotional loyalty.

Also Read | PM Modi in London today. Check full itinerary here

At the time, Camilla was married to Andrew Parker Bowles and was considered unsuitable for royal marriage, due to her past with Charles and her status as a divorcee. Yet, her presence loomed large.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted that Charles was emotionally torn and struggling between personal desires and royal duty. His godmother, Patricia Mountbatten, had reportedly warned him against proceeding with the wedding, fully aware of his unresolved feelings for Camilla.

Also Read | Woman faints after winning Princess Dianas dress in a viral video

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich added that Charles felt pressured into marrying Diana due to intervention from Prince Philip and senior courtiers.

Even during the honeymoon, Dianas suspicions were reinforced when she discovered a bracelet Charles had commissioned for Camilla.

Though Diana entered the marriage with hope, the persistence of Camilla in Charless life reportedly led to deepening emotional pain.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams observed, From the start, the public preferred the princess, though privately she was angst-ridden and bulimic.
Nikhil Ravishankar is making headlines after the new chief executive officer of Air New Zealand became the centre of racist remarks on social media following his appointment. He made history by becoming the first Indian-origin person to get promoted to this position in the island country, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

He will be succeeding Greg Foran and will reportedly be assuming the new role and responsibility from October 20, 2025. This landmark achievement of the Indian-origin business executive was met with criticism and the country's media claimed that they had to disable comments on social media after a barrage of racist remarks targeted Ravishankar's ethnicity.

After New Zealand Herald, Radio New Zealand and TVNZ's 1News digital service also disabled comments to restrict insulting, inflammatory or derogatory comments on the post.

"We appreciate the high level of interest in this story but cannot safely moderate it at this time," New Zealand Herald news outlet said in a Facebook post.

"Under RNZ's comments policy, we will proactively disable comments on posts which may attract abusive or harmful comments or when resources are required elsewhere," Otago Daily Times quoted a spokesperson as saying.

1News spokesperson said that the publication was forced to restricting comments as sufficient monitoring of inappropriate comments wasn't possible. "The vast majority were appropriate, however some were not. With our news team diverted to cover the tsunami event yesterday afternoon and evening we opted to turn comments off given sufficient monitoring wasn't possible," the spokesperson of the news outlet informed Otago Daily Times.
A member of the Russian Parliament Duma said there are enough Russian nuclear submarines in the high seas to tackle two American subs dispatched by US President Donald Trump to counter Russia.

"The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the world's oceans is significantly higher than the American ones," a senior Russian lawmaker, Viktor Vodolatsky, was quoted as saying by TASS.

He added that the submarines that US President Donald Trump ordered to be "redirected to the appropriate regions have long been under their [Russian nuclear submarines] control."

"So, no response from the Russian Federation to the American leader's statement about the submarines is required," Vodolatsky said.

Trump orders 'redeployment of US submarines' Vodolatsky's statement came after Trump wrote on his Truth Social post that he had ordered the redeployment of US submarines "to appropriate regions" allegedly over "extremely provocative statements" by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is also the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.

"Let the two US subs sail, they have been in the crosshairs for a long time now," the Russian lawmaker said.

"A fundamental agreement that must be concluded between Russia and America so that the whole world calms down and stops talking about the beginning of World War III," he added.

Trump's remarks 'should not be taken seriously' Meanwhile, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, Fyodor Lukyanov, said that Trump's nuclear submarine statement should not be taken seriously for now.

"Trump, as we know, runs his own channel and reacts, so to speak, emotionally, humanely and spontaneously. I think that the armed forces, the naval forces of the United States read this with great surprise," Lukyanov told local private news channel RBC TV.

"If this exchange of opinions continues, and Trump continues to be drawn into it, then, one way or another, he will probably have to take some action. In my opinion, so far this is only at the level of words," Lukyanov said.

Following the American leader's statements, the Moscow Exchange index plummeted 2,709.26 points (0.99%) by 08:01 pm Moscow time (10:31 pm IST) on Friday.

'Military confrontation between Moscow and Washington' Earlier, responding to a media question over US State Department Secretary Marco Rubio's recent interview with Fox News, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia agrees with the US administration that a direct military confrontation between Moscow and Washington must not happen.

"While Europeans are hysterically pushing for Ukraines integration into NATO and preparing for potential conflict with Russia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed a responsible stance, explicitly stating that a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia must be avoided," Lavrov said.
We recently published 10 Stocks Investors Are Dumping Fast. Avantor, Inc. (NYSE:AVTR)is one of the worst-performing stocks on Friday.

Avantor dropped for a third consecutive day on Friday, shedding 15.48 percent to end at $11.36 apiece as investor sentiment was dented by a broader market pessimism and a dismal earnings performance in the second quarter of the year.

In its updated report, Avantor, Inc. (NYSE:AVTR) said net income during the period decreased by 30 percent to $64.7 million from the $92.9 million reported in the same period last year. Net sales dipped by 1 percent to $1.68 billion from $1.7 billion year-on-year, primarily due to a 3-percent negative impact from a recent M&A, which resulted in flat organic sales.

Dismal Q2 Earnings Weigh Heavily on Avantor (AVTR) Shares

ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

In the first half, net profit decreased by 15.7 percent to $129.2 million from $153.3 million year-on-year, while net sales ended at $3.26 billion, lower by 3.5 percent year-on-year.

In other news, Avantor, Inc. (NYSE:AVTR) announced that it is soon to be led by Emmanuel Ligner as its new president and chief executive officer, replacing Michael Stubblefield, who will step down from the post, as well as a director of the company.

While we acknowledge the potential of AVTR 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.
In our new newsletter The Beat Report", Mint's journalists bring you unique perspectives on their beats, breaking down new trends and developments, and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from their fieldwork. This weeks report is by Jas Bardia, who covers the IT sector for Mint. Subscribe here to get the newsletter in your inbox.

Off days for journalists are rare. Mostly, we are on the move, and on the chance day we do take an off for a swig or two, the merriment lasts only until some fresh earth-shattering news emerges. Last Sunday (27 July) was one such day.

Despite Bengaluru traffic, my trip home from the downtown diner didnt take me much longer than it'd take to gulp half a pint. Yes, it was quick; very quick. Why, you ask. Because Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had just announcedthrough another media outletthat it was going to lay off 2% of its global workforce, or about 12,200 people.

This was the story of layoffs at the countrys largest information technology services company, an event many thought was impossible. We had to talk to expertsand the real humans in the firing lineto piece together what happened, and what lay ahead. And we had to be quick if a story was to see the light of day for Mondays edition.

This newsletter is the story of the human face of a looming layoff. (Heres what I wrote with my colleague, Varun Sood.)

***

Soon, the phone calls started. The mandate was clear: get a complete picture of the events leading up to 27 July and dig up notes on companies that have dropped the slightest hints of layoffs. We reached out to everyone, from middle and senior employee levels who stood affected, to those likely tasked with formulating and pushing across the marching orders.

(In a media statement that afternoon, TCS said this was part of its reskilling and redeployment initiatives" as it was on a journey to become a future-ready" organization. It said it would be releasing those staff whose deployment may not be feasible".)

The mood at TCS in the six days since then has been that of uncertainty, stress and anxiety. Analysts and fearful employees across the rank and file of TCS are coming to terms with the gravity of this announcement; just weeks ago, they had heard of deferred wage hikes and a new bench policy that essentially restricts staff from staying without a project for more than 35 days.

Layoffs is a dirty word. Rarely do companies announce layoffs publicly, that too through the media. Did something change for a company that had stayed away from culling roles for the longest time? Observers feel so. The 613,000-strong TCS workforce thought job stability was guaranteed, even at the cost of low salaries. For them, Sunday was a rude awakening.

One employee told me he had EMIs and loans to repay; another was anxious about how hed sustain his family of four.

Another said, We first settle for lower pay, then they forcibly move us to the bench where we cant remain for 35 days, and now this. It seems like the company is now directly asking us to move out rather than just moving us to the bench."

Yet another employee, a project manager with about 13 years of experience, said the school fees of his two children hinged on his job at TCS.

A 43-year-old said he had to now start hunting for new jobs in case he was let go. This was a view many others echoed. I never thought Id be hunting for jobs at the age of 43, that too when Im at TCS," he said.

***

TCSs tough call also set off uncertainty into the minds of the scores of IT professionals working in other companies. This is partly because of a herd mentality that companies follow. When the leader of the pack does something, the rest tend to follow suit.

We are now scared of losing our jobs. What happened with TCS might now happen with us," an employee at a rival firm told us. Another said TCS had lost its allure as an employer:

We all think of joining TCS eventually when we become a little senior because it is a source of pride to work for the largest outsourcer and also we are guaranteed stability. But not any longer."

Covering something like this for the first time, I was faced with a dilemma. Dispensing my duties and at the same time broaching the topic of layoffs in my conversations was tough. Delivery and project managers who had spent years in the company could now lose their job. Those in their 40s and above were even more anxious about finding a new job, as they compete with digitally agile freshers.

Sifting through emotion was a challenge that we had to overcome as employees started drawing all sorts of inferences. While some said they would be in the firing line because of a tiff with their managers, others felt they would lose their roles for not abiding by the companys five-days-a-week work-from-office policy.

While existing employees had a sword over their heads, fresh talent also started to get concerned. We might not get onboarded even though we received offer letters," said one graduate. A second graduate started doubting TCSs plans to hire about 42,000 freshers, which led me to do this second story with my colleague, Devina Sengupta.

For any of the countrys millions of graduates, bagging a job in a Tata Group company would imply a guaranteed job, even at a time when automation tools might replace the tasks they would be hired to do. That doesnt seem to be the case any more.

***

By the end of the day, we had enough to file a storyfrom the background to the details of what may have transpired.

Truth be told, this was my first time covering layoffs of this scale, and boy, was it intense! Industry executives say the last time TCS did such an exercise was in 2014-15, when Ajoy Mukherjee, then HR head, announced plans to let go of 25,000 people. I was in the 10th grade back then, and had no clue about what a layoff meant. And here I was, trying to keep a calm head while segregating the news from the noise, and while listening to heartbreaking stories of anxiety about livelihoods.

While the impact of the current layoffs is not known yet, time will determine the outcome. For now, do keep an eye out for more such insightful, sharp and timely stories from Mint that answer your burning questions on a daily basissometimes even before you know you have them!
NotebookLM is no ordinary digital notebook. It doesnt have pages, even virtual ones. You dont just drop some info into it and move on.

Thats because NotebookLM doesnt just organise your information. Thanks to AI smarts under the hood, it understands what you feed it. This means it can help you summarise information and even deliver insights and connections between ideas.

To find NotebookLM, well, just Google it. Sign in with your Google account and youre in. Theres an app as well, but Id recommend ignoring it for now, except for lining up stuff to listen to, because its missing all the best features.

Ive been using NotebookLM for a few months and I cant believe the free tier gives you access to almost everything. NotebookLM Plus, which comes with a paid subscription to Gemini and Googles storage plan, increases the token limit but delivers essentially the same experience.

How to use it

You need no tech know-how to use this fascinating platform. Click the plus sign and youll see a three-pane interface called Sources, Chat, Studio.

It all starts with Sources, which you use to add content. Sticking to one subject, add files from your own device or cloud storage. You can feed it PDFs, Google Doc files, YouTube video links, website links, notes, text files and images in some formats. But dont give it junk  use quality content. You can add up to 50 pieces per notebook and you can have 100 notebooks on the free tier.





The content you feed it stays in the cloud but is private to you. You can share notebooks with others, but only by intention and with a link. Unlike general-purpose LLMs such as Gemini and ChatGPT, it isnt prone to hallucinations and sycophancy.

Theres also a Discover Sources feature that lets you specify what youre looking for and it serves up links you can add to your collection of sources. But be warned, it can often contain sub-par content so you have to vet each one.

Where the magic happens

The magic begins when you finish uploading your content and move on to the other tabs  Chat and Studio. This is where you can interact with your content using the chatbot. Whats great about this is that AI already seems capable of seeing patterns and connections that humans cant. This means it can give you insights and even advice. From these two panes, you can get FAQs, briefing docs, notes and study guides.



At some point Google added mind maps. These are flow charts of your content, dividing it into subtopics and further subtopics, expanding as you click. This lets you see exactly how the content is organised, idea-wise. Clicking each box in the map takes you to that chunk of content. Its a beautiful structure that you can use for clarity, re-organisation, and insights. You can even use this to plan a presentation or training, to write a paper or book or to quiz students.





Another extremely powerful feature is Audio Overview, which weve written about before. It turns your content into a podcast featuring two AI hosts. You can specify whether you want it short, medium or long, and even ask the AI hosts to focus on specific aspects using the Customise box. You can also use an experimental feature to interrupt the hosts and join the podcast by asking a question. Again, this podcast is private to you by default.

Video killed the radio star

On 29 July Google added the much-anticipated Video Overview feature in the redesigned Studio section. This generates a set of presentation slides with a voiceover by an AI host. Here, too, you can choose what you want the AI to focus on. Video Overviews will apparently feature different formats in the future but even as they are, their potential use for remote training is obvious. Itll be interesting to see how else users put this feature to use.



Google recently partnered with content sources such as The Economist to start a feature called Featured Notebooks, the first eight of which have appeared in the interface. These high-quality notebooks show how its done, and can be queried deeply for insights. We recommend you try them before creating your own notebooks.

Also Read | Deep research with AI is days' worth of work in minutes

The New Normal: The world is at an inflexion point. Artificial Intelligence is set to be as massive a revolution as the Internet has been. The option to just stay away from AI will not be available to most people, as all the tech we use takes the AI route. This column series introduces AI to the non-techie in an easy and relatable way, aiming to demystify and help a user to actually put the technology to good use in everyday life.

Mala Bhargava is most often described as a veteran writer who has contributed to several publications in India since 1995. Her domain is personal tech and she writes to simplify and demystify technology for a non-techie audience.
Patna, Aug 2 (PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for claiming to have an atom bomb of evidence which would prove that the Election Commission was committing vote theft in Bihar.

Addressing a function organised by a media house in the state capital, Singh also likened the upcoming assembly polls to a crossroad, with one path (under NDA) leading to further progress and another (under the INDIA bloc) taking Bihar back to its old era of lawlessness and caste strife.

Rahul Gandhi says he is in possession of an atom bomb. If it is so, he should detonate it at once. He should just ensure that he is himself out of harms way, said the former BJP president, tongue in cheek.

Singh added that the nation remembers his past rhetorics.

"He had threatened Parliament of an earthquake, but when he spoke, it turned out to be a damp squib," the BJP leader said.

The Union minister said the Election Commission of India is an institution that enjoys a reputation for unquestionable integrity.

"It is pulling out all the stops to ensure that the upcoming assembly polls in the state are held in a free and fair manner. It does not behove the Leader of the Opposition to make frivolous statements about a constitutional body," Singh said.

He reminded the Congress leader that his own party has blood on its hands, having tried to murder democracy in 1975 with the imposition of Emergency.

Also Read | BJP highlights difference in Tharoor, Rahul remarks after Trump tariffs

The senior BJP leader also showered encomiums on alliance partner Nitish Kumar for helping the state turn the corner during his 20 years' rule in Bihar.
New Delhi: Faced with steep tariffs imposed by the US government, the Centre is huddling with export promotion councils and manufacturers to find a way to rework the countrys exports strategy, two government officials aware of the development said.

The development comes on the back of a deadlock in bilateral trade agreement (BTA) negotiations between India and the US, which the two countries have been grappling with since June, as reported by Mint on 11 June.

The new plan involves diversifying into markets such as the UK, with which India recently signed a free trade agreement (FTA), and the European Union (EU), where negotiations are in the final stage and a deal could be signed before the end of the year, the officials cited above said on the condition of anonymity.

Indias plan would also focus on sector-specific challenges and policy measures to support exports, including exploring new markets with the help of Indian missions overseas, the officials said. The government sees strong export potential in regions like Saudi Arabia, France, Vietnam, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Ethiopia, among other countries.

The review will additionally focus on Indias growing competitiveness gap with Bangladesh and with ASEAN countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, which have received significant tariff relief under the latest US executive order.

While India faces a 25% duty  just 1 percentage point down from 26% in the 2 April notification  Vietnams tariffs have been reduced from 46% to 20%, Indonesias from 32% to 19%, and Bangladeshs from 37% to 20%, giving these exporters a clear edge in the US market.

Sectoral discussions will have special attention to cases like Vietnam, which imports Indian shrimp, processes it, and re-exports it to the US under a more favourable tariff, and Indonesia, which enjoys a lower duty on electronics exports," one of the officials said. Bangladesh, a major garments exporter, now benefits from a lower 20% rate compared to the 25% levied on Indian textiles."

The meetings will also examine the implications of the new US rules on transshipment, which impose a 40% punitive duty on goods rerouted to evade tariffs, this person said.

Queries sent to the commerce ministry, which is spearheading the consultations with industry, remained unanswered till press time.

The tariffs explained

On Thursday, the US imposed a 25% tariff on the value of all goods shipped from India that will come into effect on 7 August. To be sure, Indian goods will also attract existing MFN (most-favoured nation) duties, which average 3% but differ across sectors.

Goods that are already on their way to the US and will reach ports there before 5 October will have to pay 10% duty. Further, certain sectors are exempted from the new 25% tariff, but they still have to pay the MFN duty.

As of now, exports worth around $30 billion  comprising sectors like petrochemicals ($4 billion), pharmaceuticals ($15 billion), and electronic goods ($11 billion)  would not be impacted, as these are exempt from the additional duty," said the first among the two officials mentioned above.

The first official added that sectors that are of concern are textiles (exports worth $10.91 billion), engineering goods ($19.16 billion), agriculture ($2.53 billion), gems and jewellery ($9.94 billion), leather ($948.47 million), marine products ($2.68 billion), and plastics ($1.92 billion).

Notably, India exported goods worth $86.5 billion to the US in FY25, which is 20% of the countrys total merchandise exports of $433.56 billion in FY25.

Industry reactions

According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), a Delhi-based think tank, Indias goods exports to the US may decline by 30% to $60.6 billion in FY2026. This order is more than just a tariff measure  its a pressure tactic," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of GTRI, adding that the US is using access to its markets through tariffs as leverage to advance its geopolitical goals and extract one-sided trade concessions.

Countries like China have retained exemptions on critical goods such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and energy. But India has been singled out for harsher treatment, with no product-level exemptions whatsoever," Srivastava added. Tariffs on China have not been revised under the latest order and will continue at 30%.

Vipul Shah, former chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), said the government should consider incentivising exporters, especially those heavily dependent on the US market, as the new tariffs are a significant blow to sectors like gems and jewellery. Immediate support is crucial to help these industries navigate the shock," he said.

However, Ashwani Mahajan of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, which opposes a one-sided trade deal, said India should not be overly worried about higher US tariffs, as the country is not as export-dependent as China. Work is already underway to diversify and explore new markets," he said.

Mithileshwar Thakur, secretary general of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said the Indian apparel industry has an exposure of about 33% to the US market. He added that the FTA with the UK and ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU together can offer significant opportunities for the Indian apparel industry, and partly offset losses in US business. But, to tide over the current crisis, the government should offer incentive in the immediate term to the exporting community to stay afloat in the US market.

It is unfortunate that India has been hit with the highest tariffs. This will definitely impact our competitiveness. We are in a wait-and-watch mode to see whether prices rise in the US market and if American buyers can absorb the increased costs or not," said Pankaj Chadha, chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC).

Exploring newer markets

For engineering goods, the government is focusing on expanding exports to new target markets such as Sao Tome, Macao, Georgia, Croatia, Guinea-Bissau, Belize, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Lithuania, Norway, Somalia, and Greece. Currently, key export destinations for Indian engineering goods include the U.S., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Italy. The Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Mexico, Japan, and Kuwait are also seen as promising markets.

For pharmaceuticals, new destinations identified include Montenegro, South Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland, Sweden, Haiti, and Ethiopia, while Greece is listed as a promising market. Traditional export markets for Indian drugs are US, UK, Netherlands, South Africa, and Brazil.

In electronics, the government has listed Sao Tome, Montenegro, Cayman Islands, St. Vincent, Mongolia, El Salvador, Turkmenistan, Honduras, Bahrain, Somalia, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, and Sweden as new export destinations. Russia, Mexico, and Turkey are marked as promising markets.

For agricultural and processed food products, the focus will be on Nigeria, Switzerland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Mexico, Sweden, Portugal, Cameroon, Djibouti, Latvia, Egypt, Senegal, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.
Uttar Pradesh's real estate investor, Arvinder "Arvi" Singh Bahal, is all set to join Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's upcoming space tourism flight.

The flight, NS-34, is part of Blue Origin's New Shepard programme, set to take off from West Texas on 3 August at 6 pm (IST). The NS-34 has so far taken 70 people past the Karman line, the internationally recognised boundary of space.

Also Read | Blue Origin set to send six civilians to space on latest New Shepard flight

Welcoming Arvinder "Arvi" Singh Bahal on the New Shepard programme, Blue Origin took to X and wrote, Welcome to Astronaut Village, NS-34 Crew!

Bahal will be joined by Turkish businessman Gkhan Erdem, Puerto Rican meteorologist and Emmy Awardwinning journalist Deborah Martorell, English philanthropist Lionel Pitchford, entrepreneur J.D. Russell  previously flew on NS-28), and H.E. Justin Sun, the winning bidder of the first New Shepard seat in 2021.

Also Read | New reality show offers Indians to travel to Space in Blue Origins rocket

As per the details, Sun bid $28 million which benefitted 19 space-focused charities and inspired young people in STEAM fields.

This will be 14th human flight and 34th overall mission for Blue Origins New Shepard program.

About Arvinder "Arvi" Singh Bahal: Bahal is a US citizen but has roots in Uttar Pradesh's Agra. His journey began from the city on the banks of the Yamuna river. He has stood at both the North and South Poles and skydived Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza.

Apart from this, Bahal also holds a private pilot's licence and is trained to fly helicopters.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Bahal is the president of Bahal Properties, a real estate company which he has led since 1975.

Also Read | Blue Origin launch updates: Gayle King claps back at critics

Alongside his global travels, Bahal has built a successful business career. Earlier, Bahal had remarked on his love for challenging boundaries.

Previous flight: Earlier on 14 April, pop icon Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and four other women were part of the Blue Origin mission that lasted approximately 11 minutes, crossing the Karman line before returning safely to Earth.

The flight featured Katy Perry, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, astronaut and activist Amanda Nguyen, CBS host Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sanchez, fiancee of Jeff Bezos.
At this point Metas hiring spree to catch up in the artificial intelligence race isn't something new. However, as Mark Zuckerberg and his band of geniuses aim for superintelligence, new details have emerged about how extravagantly Meta has paid for some of these talents and others who refused even better offers.

While some like Mira Murati's co-founder at Thinking Minds Lab, Andrew Tulloch, couldn't be swayed by even $1.5 billion pay packages, others like former Apple AI models team head Ruoming Pang and Shengjia Zhao have jumped at the opportunity.

A new name now joins the mix of young AI researchers Matt Deitke who has joined the newly set up Superintelligence Labs unit after a personal chat with Mark Zuckerberg, according to a report by The New York Times.

While Deitke was initially offered a compensation of around $125 million in stock and cash over four years, the 24 year old AI researcher refused. After that Zuckerberg reportedly personally met with Deitke and returned to him with a revised offer of around $250 million over four years with up to $100 million to be paid in the first year itself.

Similar reports of Zuckerberg meeting with other potential recruits have come in the past few weeks with the Meta CEO trying to get his company back on track in the AI race with the aim of building superintelligence which refers to a hypothetical stage where AI beats even the most advanced human being faster than its rivals. In this attempt, Zuckerberg has poached talent from the likes of OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Apple among other companies.

In its earnings report released on Wednesday, Meta said that its capital expenditure will go up to $72 billion in 2025 from $30 billion just a year earlier.

Who is Matt Deitke? Deitke is a recent dropout of a computer science Ph.D. programme at the University of Washington. He had previously moonlighted at a Seattle AI lab called the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. During his stay at the company, Deitke led the development of a project called Molmo which is an AI chatbot that juggles images, sounds and text similar to the kind of system Meta is trying to build.
Google has been aggressive with its AI launches this year and has kept OpenAI and others in the AI field on their toes with the latest Gemini model announcements. However, Google's AI strategy is not just about bringing newer and newer features to Gemini. There are other AI-powered products the tech giant is working on quietly in the background. One Google AI tool that almost always slips under the radar is NotebookLM, the company's research and note-taking tool, which continues to earn praise on social media.

NotebookLM first started under the codename Project Tailwind inside Google before the company unveiled it at the I/O 2023 conference. While the AI tool received great reviews from users, Google's focus on Gemini meant that NotebookLM didn't always have the company's full attention. This year, however, things have changed for good. Google has not only announced an Android and iOS app for NotebookLM in May but has also introduced more novel features like video overviews.

Project Tailwind

In case you don't know about NotebookLM, here's a look at its top features.

Top NotebookLM features you should know 1) Ability to upload sources Unlike a traditional chatbot like Gemini or ChatGPT, users have the ability to upload various types of sources in their Notebook in the app. These sources can include PDFs, Google Docs, Slides, website links, YouTube videos, audio files, and markdown files.

The uploaded content then acts as the knowledge base for NotebookLM, which the AI analyzes to answer user queries in natural language. Since NotebookLM does not rely on generic or external information like other AI chatbots, it stays grounded in context and reduces the chances of hallucinations or factual errors.

2) Multi-source integration Users are not limited to a single source in NotebookLM. They can upload multiple file formats together, allowing the AI to pull information across different types of content and provide more informed summaries and responses.

3) AI-generated insights NotebookLM goes beyond basic summarisation. It can generate insights, identify trends, and suggest new ideas by drawing connections across the documents uploaded by the user.

4) Acts as a study guide NotebookLM is an excellent study companion. It can summarise lengthy PDFs or slides and generate FAQs, quizzes, key terms, and more from the material. Users can also create and organise manual notes within the notebook. This helps students revisit topics by reviewing both AI-generated and personal notes while using the in-built study tools for better understanding.

5) Turn boring topics into podcasts Perhaps the standout feature of NotebookLM is its ability to turn dry or complex topicslike a product guide or a policy documentinto audio overviews. These are styled like a two-person podcast, making the content more engaging. Imagine uploading Plato's Republic or Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy and listening to it as a podcast-style dialogue.

Audio overviews in NotebookLM

6) Video overviews Much like the audio overviews, Google recently rolled out video overviews for NotebookLM. This feature converts source material into AI-narrated slideshows or explainer videos. The AI pulls in images, diagrams, quotes, and figures from the original content. Users can also add custom visuals to highlight key points more effectively.
Apple CEO Tim Cook held a rare all-hands meeting after the iPhone maker's earnings to rally the company's employees around artificial intelligence and its upcoming amazing pipeline of products, according to a report by Bloomberg. Cook addressed Apple officials at the company's on-campus auditorium where he told them that the AI revolution is as big or bigger than the internet, smartphones, cloud computing and apps.

Apple must do this. Apple will do this. This is sort of ours to grab, Cook reportedly told his employees.

We will make the investment to do it. He added.

Notably, Cook had also talked about Apple being open to mergers and acquisitions during the company's earnings call. Earlier reports have stated that Apple has internally discussed buying AI search startup Perplexity or France's Mistral AI.

We've rarely been first: Tim Cook tells Apple employees Apple was months behind OpenAI, Alphabet, Microsoft and others in unveiling its Apple Intelligence features last year. Even after the announcement of these features, the company was not able to deliver them on time for the iPhone 16 launch while many of them also ran into controversy.

However, Cook didn't seem too fazed by the patchy and delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence, telling the staffers, Weve rarely been first.

There was a PC before the Mac; there was a smartphone before the iPhone; there were many tablets before the iPad; there was an MP3 player before iPod, Cook stated.

Apple, however, went on to create modern versions of these product categories. This is how I feel about AI, he said.

During the hourlong address, Cook discussed a range of topics including the retirement of Apple COO Jeff Williams, increasing Apple TV+ viewership and advancements in health care features like AirPods' hearing-aid technology. There were also talks about donations and community service by Apple employees, the iPhone maker's goal to become carbon neutral by 2030 and the impact of regulations.

The reality is that Big Tech is under a lot of scrutiny around the world, Cook stated.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg tried to buy former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's AI startup Thinking Machines Lab a few months ago. However, when Murati refused, Meta responded by launching a full-scale recruitment drive targeting the startup and approached more than a dozen out of her 50 employees, according to a report by Wall Street Journal.

However, the chief target for Zuckerberg and Alexandr Wang, Metas newly appointed head of Superintelligence Labs, was Murati's co-founder Andrew Tulloch. Reportedly, Zuckerberg and Wang peppered Tulloch with messages asking him to join and offered a $1 billion pay package. Tulloch could have made as much as $1.5 billion, including top bonuses and stock performance, over a period of six years.

However, not only did Tulloch say no, none of Thinking Machines Lab's employees left either.

Who is Andrew Tulloch? Originally from Australia, Tulloch is a co-founder at Thinking Machines Lab. While not much is known about the startup, Murati has raised over $2 billion from investors. The company's stated mission is to make AI systems more widely understood, customizable and generally capable..

Murati has said that the startup will share its first product in the next couple months. It has reportedly leased an office in a quieter part of San Francisco's Mission District, a couple of blocks from OpenAI.

Tulloch graduated from the University of Sydney and had the highest GPA among science students. After that, he worked on machine learning at Facebook for 18 months before starting graduate school at Cambridge.

He eventually went on to work at Facebook's AI Research Group and became a distinguished engineer. OpenAI President Greg Brockman tried to hire him in 2016 as one of the company's first employees, but he was worried about taking a large pay cut from his $800,000 job at Facebook and decided not to join the startup. OpenAI was paying its new recruits an annual salary of $175,000 and a $125,000 annual bonus.

Tulloch did go on to join OpenAI in 2023 after ChatGPT had already become a viral sensation.

Mark Zuckerberg's attempt to buy Thinking Machines Lab As per a report by Wired, Mira Murati's AI startup Thinking Machines Lab was offered $1 billion by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta to join its AI Superintelligence team.

So far at Thinking Machines Lab, not a single person has taken the offer, Murati was quoted as saying by the outlet.

According to the report, Mira Murati's team members were offered packages that ranged between $200,000 to $1 billion, every single one of which was rejected as employees refused to join the Meta Superintelligence Lab.

Notably, Zuckerberg has been trying to revive Meta's AI efforts in recent months after the company's Llama 4 models failed to gain widespread recognition compared to rival models from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic. The Meta CEO has set up a new Superintelligence Labs unit in the company to aim for superintilligence  the cognitive performance of the brightest and most gifted human beings.
This story was originally published on Cybersecurity Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Cybersecurity Dive newsletter.

The Department of Justice on Thursday announced a $9.8 million settlement with Illumina over allegations that the company sold genomic-sequencing systems with software vulnerabilities to federal agencies for multiple years.

Between 2016 and 2023, the government said, the company sold the systems without having an adequate security program and knowingly failed to incorporate cybersecurity into its product design process.

According to prosecutors complaint, Illumina is the dominant company in the global market, with a share of roughly 80%.

Companies that sell products to the federal government will be held accountable for failing to adhere to cybersecurity standards and protecting against cybersecurity risks, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the DOJs Civil Division said in a statement.

This settlement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in handling genetic information and the departments commitment to ensuring that federal contractors adhere to requirements to protect sensitive information from cyber threats, he added.

Illumina denied the allegations that it knowingly sold defective products, and the agreement states that the company is not making any admissions related to those claims.

The Food and Drug Administration in 2023 issued a warning about a vulnerability in Illumina software that could allow an attacker to change settings on the device or even take it over remotely.

In 2022, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned about a flaw in Illuminas Local Run Manager software that could allow an attacker to remotely alter test results. The company later patched the flaw.

The case involved a whistleblower  Erica Lenore, a former director of platform management at Illumina  who provided the government with details about the company's alleged noncompliance. Lenore will receive $1.9 million from the settlement.

Illumina said while it disagrees with the allegations from the government, it decided to settle the matter due to the uncertainty, expense and distraction of litigating the case.

The company noted the claims related to software issues, which Illumina says it successfully remediated from 2022 to 2024.

Government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are important customers and Illumina values these relationships, the company said in a statement. Illumina takes data security seriously and has invested significantly in its programs to align with cybersecurity best practices for the development and deployment of our products.
UPDATE: A court date has been set for the Alabama man accused of shooting and injuring a Scottsboro (AL) police officer in July.

Daniel McCarn faces a charge of attempted murder from the July 26 shooting of SPD Lt. Derek Porch.

McCarn led police on a chase, crashed his vehicle and then began firing, hitting Porch in the hand.

A daylong manhunt finally ended with McCarn's capture.

McCarn is scheduled to appear in court August 20.

PREVIOUS STORY: Law enforcement in Alabama have arrested and charged a second suspect in the officer-involved shooting and manhunt from last weekend.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office arrested 36-year-old Daniel Hendon on Thursday, July 31.

They are charging him with obstructing police and making a false report to law enforcement authority.

NBC affiliate WAFF in Huntsville learned from Scottsboro police that Hendon submitted false information to divert resources away from the manhunt of Daniel McCarn.

McCarn is accused with the shooting of Scottsboro Police Lieutenant Derek Porch on July 26.

Scottsboro police say that while the manhunt was ongoing, a local business contacted them about an employment application under McCarn's name.

This prompted officers to immediately follow up, taking resources away from the search for McCarn, police explained. They later determined this to be a fraudulent application.

After investigating, Scottsboro police said Hendon was responsible for submitting this information.

He is being held at the Jackson County Jail.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: A court date has been set for an Alabama man who led law enforcement in a weekend manhunt after Scottsboro police said he shot one of their own.

WAFF, the NBC affiliate in Huntsville, reports that 29-year-old Daniel Victor McCarn is scheduled to appear in court on August 20.

Authorities said McCarn is accused of shooting Scottsboro Police Lieutenant Derek Porch during a pursuit shortly after midnight on Saturday, July 26.

McCarn fled from the scene but was captured following a 22-hour manhunt.

McCarn is charged with attempted murder and remains in the Jackson County Jail without bond.

WAFF reports that Lt. Porch has a long recovery ahead and remains in good spirits.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Scottsboro officer who was shot and wounded during the pursuit of a suspect has been identified.

Medics treated Lieutenant Derek Porch after he sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand, according to the NBC Affiliate in Huntsville.

The suspect who police say shot Lt. Porch was captured hours later near the railroad tracks. He faces an attempted murder charge, jail records show.

Lieutenant Porch has been with the Scottsboro Police Department for 29 years, and is expected to make a full recovery.

PREVIOUS STORY: After a 22-hour manhunt, Daniel Victor McCarn is in custody, according to a Facebook post by the Scottsboro Police Department.

Police say they responded to a domestic incident on Ruth Street, where the suspect then fled, leading police on a car chase until he crashed and started firing shots at officers, injuring one of them. Shortly after midnight he ran toward Highway 72 and County Park Road.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency had issued a blue alert early Saturday morning.

A business owner on Old Larkinsville Road reported seeing a male subject that matched the suspect's description on their security camera just before 10:00pm.

Officers used drone technology to detect his heat signature nearby, then moved in and arrested him without incident.

For residents, in what they say is a fairly quiet part of town, the hours-long search had put them in a state of unrest.

"To have something like that going on, it's definitely alerted everyone in the area, says Cage Crawford, who works at an Exxon station close to where the shooting took place. It makes me nervous, and I understand that it probably makes a lot of other people nervous to know that someone capable of something like that could be anywhere out there.

Crawford says Saturday was like any other day.

When I left my house this [Saturday] morning, I had no ideadidnt check my phone or anythingand got up and came to work like I normally do.

Crawford says he and his aunt live nearby the area, and he says he grew suspicious when he got a call from her.

"When my phone rang and it was her, I knew something was up, he says. She heard about it, and I had just left my house, and, for the information we had received, he was in an area near my house.

Crawford says he had no idea what he was getting into when he drove up to the doors of the gas station.

"When I woke up and got here I noticed signs on the door. We were locked, and that's when they told me. The first words spoken were, there's an active shooter in the area, he says.

"When one of the police got attacked, it's clear that we're not dealing with your everyday misdemeanorThis got serious really quickly."

Chick-fil-A employee Asa Weekly was mid-shift when the chaos started to unfold.

"We had the dining room closed and everybody in the drive-thru line kept asking hey what's going on what's going on."

From then on, dozens of agencies could be seen scoping out the area for hours to come, emerging from the woods off main roads, patrolling neighborhoods and keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of the suspect

"There was a helicopter circling around our neighborhood, because the guy lives really close to us, Weekly says.

Crawford says the areas geography could have played a role in McCarns escape.

Theres a lot of areas that are much more easily accessible on foot than in a car, he says.
A man has been given consecutive jail terms for his involvement in payment redirect frauds, which saw two separate companies scammed out of tens of thousands of euros in November and December 2019.

Paul Adetunji (24), with an address at 55 Lana Aoibheann, St Michaels Road, Longford, sat alone, wearing a black jacket and tracksuit pants as Judge Kenneth Connolly sentenced him to two years and three months in prison at Longford Circuit Court.

He appeared charged with six counts of money-laundering - one count relating to one Finnish company, and five counts relating to a second Finnish company.

READ NEXT: Longford County Council's strategic site sale to Technimark could create up to 120 jobs

Detective Garda Clive Glancy told Shane Geraghty BL, for the state, that he received a report from AIB in January 2020 relating to a suspected fraudulent payment made to a Longford account under the accuseds name.

On November 27, 2019, a company in Finland made a payment of 23,140 into Mr Adetunjis account after a false email instructed the company to change the account details, from those of the Polish company that was meant to receive the payment, to those of the accused.

The Finnish company later recalled the funds, stating their client had been defrauded, but the funds had been depleted.

A number of documents were provided to Gardai, including an account ledger.

READ NEXT: Second round of funding for Longford Town Night-Time Economy grant open

Those documents were backed up by CCTV footage from November 27, which showed the accused withdrawing 600 from an ATM outside the bank, and from November 28, which showed him withdrawing 600 outside, another 1,500 from an ATM inside the bank, and 1,160 from the bank teller.

The rest of the money was distributed via a number of internet transactions, including a beneficiary labelled iNet Family.

Mr Adetunji, when arrested and questioned, told Gardai he was in a nightclub in Dublin when a male named Alex approached him and bought him drinks before asking if he had a bank account and would he accept a payment.

The accused handed over his account details and later received a call asking him to make the withdrawals and meet three other males in a BMW, so he could hand over the money. He said he thought the money belonged to Alex.

The injured party has not been refunded, Det. Gda Glancy revealed. The accused has 11 previous convictions, including public order, assault, drugs offences and driving offences.

Detective Garda Mark Kelly of Galway Garda Station gave evidence of how, in January 2022, he was assigned to investigate an alleged fraud or deception at AIB in Galway, which took place between December 16 and 20, 2029 - just a short time after the fraud in Det Gda Glancys investigation.

Again a separate Finnish company was the victim of a redirect fraud and 44,089.68 was paid into the AIB account in Eyre Square, Galway, belonging to a man who has since been prosecuted.

We followed the money and, straight away, as soon as it came in, it was filtered to other accounts, including an An Post account, said Det. Gda Kelly.

That An Post account belonged to Mr Adetunji, who received a total of 8,200 of that initial 44k.

Det. Gda Kelly discovered Det. Gda Glancy was conducting a similar investigation into the accused and got his contact details before meeting him in Longford Garda Station.

Mr Adetunji admitted he had been advised by a third party to open an An Post account, which he did on November 11, 2019. He said he was aware money would be transferred, and he would receive 500 for providing the account details.

He withdrew a total of 3,000 from his An Post account, and 600 from a Bank of Ireland ATM, and handed it to a man he would only identify as P. He then gave his card to P, and two further withdrawals were made in Dublin.

A total of 12,000 was successfully recalled by the Finnish company, but none of the 8,200 that was transferred to Mr Adetunjis account was recovered.

Again, a false email had been received by the company, requesting a change in bank account details and resulting in the loss.

In mitigation, Kieran Collins BL, for the accused, said his client had a limited function in the scam. He was 18 years old at the time and still in school.

He has a very poor record since these offences, with five incidents resulting in 11 convictions, he said, but most were dealt with summarily in the District Court, with only one driving offence before the Circuit Court.

The accused works shift work, and has a new baby. He is taking a pro-social attitude towards his behaviour, Mr Collins explained.

In a letter of apology, he stated he accepts full responsibility for his actions and regrets what he did.

I have learned from my mistake and I really hope you can forgive me for my actions here today, he said.

A probation report assessed him at the higher end of a moderate risk of reoffending, but said he has some level of insight into his offending and would be suitable for Community Service.

However, Judge Connolly said the offences were very serious and very significant, with penalties of up to 14 years.

He noted the significant value of the losses to the two companies, with one company losing over 23,000 to Mr Adetunjis account, and the other losing more than 8,000 to Mr Adetunji.

None of that money was recovered and no offer of compensation was made, said Judge Connolly, noting that the accused had made under 1,000 from the two scams.

The accounts he gave are touching on fantasy. He states he met a man he didnt know in a nightclub. That man bought him drinks and requested the use of his account, said Judge Connolly.

That is very difficult to believe indeed. I cant say its untrue but if it is true, it paints a very poor picture of Mr Adetunji that hed go along with that.

In the second incident, he was approached by a man he called P, and allowed him to use his account and gave him his card and pin number. I cannot, for a moment, believe he thought anything lawful was going on.

There is a complete loss of public confidence in the banking sector as a direct result of these types of crimes, he said, and people like the accused have complete disregard for that when they engage in this type of offending.

He noted the accused had no previous convictions at the time of the offence, but has 11 convictions since and, despite his young age and the apology afforded to the court, he is at risk of reoffending.

He says he learned from his mistake, but the court must take that with some scepticism given his 11 subsequent convictions.

He set headline sentences of three years for the first charge, and two years for the second, stating that these sentences would be served consecutively because there were two separate victims in two separate schemes. The remaining four counts on the indictment would be taken into consideration.

He noted the plea of guilt in mitigation and the fact that the accused has an infant, so it is not at all comforting to the court that it has to impose a custodial sentence.

Following mitigation, he proceeded to reduce those sentences to two years and two months, and one year and four months respectively.

Noting the total sentence amounted to three years and six months, he said the total is somewhat disproportionate, and so reduced the second sentence to ten months, bringing the total of the two sentences to three years.

He then suspended the final nine months for a period of two years post-release.
The scheme to support Long Established young farmers has opened for submission of online applications, a Fine Gael Deputy Micheal Carrigy has said.

Deputy Micheal Carrigy said this scheme will recognise the hard work of farmers in Longford that missed out on payments previously.

The Long Established Young Farmers, often called the Forgotten Farmers, is a group who were under the age of 40 in 2015, had commenced in agriculture prior to 2008, but did not receive young farmer Installation Aid and were not eligible for young farmer support under the CAP from 2015.

READ NEXT: Longford's Cian Gray Memorial Run on this weekend for 4th year

Its great to see this anomaly being addressed with the opening of applications for this scheme. So many farmers across the country have waited for this issue to be addressed.

5m was allocated for this scheme in the Budget to ensure that these farmers get access to this vital scheme. The government also committed to deliver a scheme that recognises the Forgotten Farmers in the Programme for Government.

Online applications can be submitted until 5.30pm on 13 August 2025 and I encourage all those eligible in Longford to apply. Applications can be made at Agfood.ie.

READ NEXT: Longford businesses say there is too much 'uncertainty' with tariffs

Farmers can be reassured that Fine Gael and Minister Martin Heydon are doing everything we can to support the agricultural sector, concluded Deputy Micheal Carrigy.
A man, in his 30s, accused of raping an elderly woman in county Longford earlier this year, has been sent forward for trial in the Central Criminal Court.

The defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court last Tuesday.

The accused faces seven charges, including one count of rape under section 48 of the Offences Against a Person Act, 1861 and two counts of rape under section 4 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act, 1990.

READ NEXT: Longford businesses say there is too much 'uncertainty' with tariffs

It is alleged that the rape occurred on February 25, 2025, at the home of the victim.

The defendant has also been charged with trespass with intent to rape the woman, attempted rape of the victim and sexual assault and one count of theft of 25 from the victim.

The accused was unemployed and on social welfare at the time.

Garda Declan O'Grady told Judge Owens he served the book of evidence on the defendant on the morning of the court sitting.

READ NEXT: Longford's Cian Gray Memorial Run on this weekend for 4th year

Sergeant Enda Daly said the Director of Public Prosecutions had given consent for the accused to be sent forward for trial at the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Bernadette Owens issued the defendant with an alibi warning informing that if he wished to rely on an alibi he must inform the State within 14 days.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds, defending, stated she would not be applying for bail at this time.

The legal representative applied for legal aid for both a senior and junior counsel to represent her client in court.

Judge Owens approved the application.

Judge Owens remanded the accused in custody to the ongoing sittings of the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
By Ankur Banerjee

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Shares of European drugmakers slipped on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to major pharmaceutical firms to cut drug prices in the United States, months after signing a sweeping executive order aimed at lowering prices.

The letters came as the latest setback for a sector that's already grappling with the prospect of tariffs outlined in the U.S.-EU trade deal, which some analysts estimate could add as much as $19 billion in annual costs.

Trump called on 17 drugmakers to provide so-called most-favoured-nation prices to every patient enrolled in the government Medicaid health programme for low-income people, and to guarantee such pricing for new drugs.

Shares of European drugmakers Sanofi, AstraZeneca, GSK, Merck KGaA and Novo Nordisk slipped between 1% and 4% on Friday.

Novo's 4% fall extends a selloff this week that started on Tuesday with a 28% plunge, wiping out $70 billion of the company's market value after the maker of weight-loss drug Wegovy issued a profit warning and named a new CEO.

Its shares pared some losses after a report that the U.S. could pilot coverage of weight-loss drugs under government-backed Medicare and Medicaid program. Rival Eli Lilly's shares rose nearly 2% in U.S. premarket hours.

The European healthcare index was down 0.7% by 1209 GMT after hitting its lowest since April earlier in the day.

The pharmaceutical companies that received the letters have until September 29 to respond with binding commitments to the terms laid out by Trump.

Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Merck are among the U.S. drugmakers that received the letters.

Shares of U.S. drugmakers Merck, J&J, Gilead, AbbVie and Pfizer moved marginally lower premarket.

"Trump's directive to the pharma companies will put them on the defensive and adds yet another layer of uncertainty for the sector which could also face import tariffs in time to come," said Vasu Menon, managing director of investment strategy at OCBC.

"While Trump has set a deadline for these companies to comply, it remains to be seen if this is hard coded or if he will roll back some of his threats if these companies make an effort to engage him and soften his stance."

Analysts, lobbyists and drug pricing experts though said it seemed unlikely that the pharmaceutical companies would comply with Trump's demand to lower U.S. prices.

"It is unlikely the Trump administration will be able to successfully implement these policies - in some cases likely lacking legal standing to execute on what he outlines," said BMO Capital analyst Evan Seigerman.
The tents of a homeless camp line the sidewalk in area commonly known as Mass and Cass, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Boston. AP

The problem has vexed Boston leaders, public health officials and police for years: How best to address the interwoven issues of homelessness and public drug use that collide near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Two years after the city cleared a nearby tent encampment where officials said drug use, drug dealing and sex trafficking ran rampant, the troubled area known as Mass and Cass remains a hotbed of drug activity and a congregation point for people who are homeless.

South End residents say many of the former occupants of Mass and Cass have since dispersed into the surrounding areas. In recent months, they say visible substance use, drug dealing and discarded needles have increased in their neighborhoods.

Its not okay, Mayor Michelle Wu said in an interview with WBUR that aired Tuesday. I have three kids. No parent should ever have in the back of their minds even that it could be a concern that one of their children just walking around in the city or in any area might experience something like this.

Wus main challenger for reelection, philanthropist Josh Kraft, said the mayor has failed to address the conditions near Mass and Cass and needs to do more to guide people off the streets and into addiction programs.

Both acknowledged the tremendous difficulty of addressing the nationwide opioid epidemic and growing homelessness crisis at the local level.

Here is what the mayor says her administration is already doing, and what Kraft proposes doing differently.

Mayor Michelle Wus plan

Wus plan calls for using all levers of city government, in partnership with the state and nonprofits, to end congregate substance use in Boston and the criminal activity that supports it, she wrote to South End residents in a letter in June.

A key part of that plan was dismantling the tent encampment on Atkinson Street, a side street near Mass and Cass, in November 2023. With drug use and violence festering in and around the tents, the site had become a public health crisis, city officials said. Breaking up the encampment allowed social workers to guide people living there into housing and recovery services.

Equally important were dedicated efforts to prevent the tents from reemerging, officials said.

In the year after authorities removed the tents from Atkinson Street, police did not log a homicide in the area of Mass and Cass. Violent crime  rapes, attempted rapes, robberies and assaults  all dropped, according to a seven-page memo the Wu administration sent Boston City Councilors in February.

Today, the citys approach is continuously adapting to meet the ongoing issues of group outdoor drug use that has spread to the South End, Downtown Boston and Boston Common, Roxbury, and parts of Dorchester and South Boston, the memo said.

A Boston Public Health Commission police cruiser parked on Atkinson Street, near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue with Melnea Cass Boulevard, an area known as Mass and Cass. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

Bostons Coordinated Response Team is a key part of the strategy, coordinating city agencies to enforce laws preventing outdoor encampments and responding to constituent calls reporting congregate public drug use and related issues.

Alongside Boston Police, the team works to connect people dealing with addiction to residential recovery services and treatment programs offered by the Boston Public Health Commission and partner organizations.

For certain people facing nonviolent drug charges, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office offers programs that direct people into treatment rather than the traditional criminal justice system.

Last month, Wu announced $200,000 in new grant funding to expand the Coordinated Response Team.

Those measures have also come alongside an ongoing surge in police presence around Mass and Cass and other hotspots of congregate drug use, with a focus on enforcing drug-related crimes.

Police also increased the availability of specially trained outreach officers to respond to people dealing with mental health and substance use disorders in the Mass and Cass area.

A person sits on the street beside a wheelchair outside the Boston Health Care for the homeless program on Albany Street in Boston's South End. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

Josh Krafts plan

Kraft says the prevalence of outdoor living, trespassing and discarded needles have reached intolerable levels in many neighborhoods, and that Wus plan has failed to solve  and often exacerbated  the problems at Mass and Cass."

Under his plan, police would increase enforcement of public drug consumption, trespassing, tent camping and other quality-of-life crimes. Prosecutions would be handled in specialty courts, aiming to drive people into recovery programs rather than prison.

Kraft would also revive the Community Syringe Redemption Program, a needle collection program supported by pandemic relief money that encouraged people to return used needles for a monetary refund.

Funding for the program ended last year.

The citys needle collection efforts are now focused elsewhere.

The Boston Public Health Commissions Mobile Sharps Team continues to operate at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week, cleaning up needles around the city, according to the Wu administration. Another program hires individuals in early recovery to clean the streets and collect syringes.

Still, Kraft has upped his calls to increase the clean-up efforts this week after reports that a 4-year-old child stepped on a discarded needle at a South Boston park and now has to enter a prolonged HIV prevention regimen.

This is something that no mother, or any 4-year-old child, should ever have to endure, Kraft said Monday.

Under Kraft, authorities would also establish a dedicated recovery campus in or near Boston to provide housing and support services while people work to overcome addiction. The campus could fill the gap left by the closure of the Long Island facility in Boston Harbor more than a decade ago, where the city offered shelter and social services to hundreds of homeless people, Kraft said.

Authorities closed the facility after determining that the bridge connecting Long Island with the mainland had become structurally unsafe.

The campus proposed by Kraft would be funded and managed jointly with the state, part of an effort to deepen the local-state partnership on public health issues that Kraft said deteriorated under Wu.

The Kraft plan also calls for a surge in shelter beds to house every person living on the street, also in partnership with the state.

One South End neighborhood leader called for National Guard troops to be deployed in the Mass and Cass area to bolster the citys response to homelessness and public drug use, only to later back off the suggestion, according to the Boston Herald.

Wu rejected that idea, saying Monday that she didnt think we need or should have a military deployment in our city.

Asked whether Kraft supported deploying Guard troops, a Kraft campaign spokesperson did not directly answer. Instead, he referred a reporter to the candidates Mass and Cass policy and recent comments surrounding discarded needles, which included a call for the mayor to commit to taking emergency measures to pick up all discarded needles throughout Boston.
A GoFundMe was created to raise funds for the family of an 18-year-old from Pawtucket, Rhode Island, who was killed in a July crash in Dartmouth.

The 18-year-old, Amilton De Pina Semedo, along with 19-year-old Kevin Dos Santos Lopes of New Bedford, were killed in a crash on July 26.

At about 1:35 p.m. on July 26, there were multiple 911 calls reporting a crash on Interstate 195 in Dartmouth near mile marker 19.4 near the Reed Road exit.

A 2006 gray Chevy Equinox was the only car involved.

The teenagers had been ejected from the SUV and the crash dislodged the SUVs engine. They were taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

The crash is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police along with Troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Officials said it is not deemed suspicious, MassLive previously reported.

The GoFundMe is raising money for funeral and memorial services, grief support, counseling services and any other additional costs that the family might need.

As you can imagine, no parent is ever prepared to lose a child, and during this unimaginable time, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming, the GoFundMe page reads.

The GoFundMes goal is set for $15,000. As of Aug. 2, $5,702 has been raised from 121 donations.
A new restaurant is slated to open its doors in Bostons South End on Aug. 6.

Louis Corner, a 48-seat gastropub, will move into the space previously occupied by the Butcher Shop at 552 Tremont Street, according to a press release sent to MassLive.

The restaurant will be owned by MAZI Food Group, a Boston-based restaurant group behind Desnuda Cocina & Bar, Gigi, Ilona, and Kava Neo-Taverna in Boston.

Louis Corner will feature a menu rooted in core American cuisine with occasional Irish influences, the press release reads.

The menu has been curated by MAZI Food Groups executive chef and owner Jesus Preciado. Guests can expect regional delicacies from the Northeast to the South, including Rockefeller oysters, jambalaya, fish and chips and Cubano sandwiches, the press release continues.

Louis Corner will also serve cordials, wine, classic American cocktails and locally-made beer.

The restaurant will be open on weekdays beginning at 11 a.m. and weekends beginning at 9 a.m., according to the press release.
Editors note: This story was updated at 11 a.m. Saturday to include additional details.

A production manager for the dance center known as Jacobs Pillow was killed on Friday, according to a statement from Jacobs Pillows Director of Marketing and Communications, Nick Kepley.

Kat Sirico was killed in a tragic accident that occurred outdoors at the centers campus on the afternoon of Aug. 1, Kepley said.

Authorities were immediately notified, and an investigation by state police and the state medical examiner is ongoing, according to Kepley.

The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit responded to Jacobs Pillow for a reported fatality at 12:32 p.m. on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Berkshire County District Attorneys told MassLive the investigation into the incident is still ongoing but noted there would be no criminal charges.

The events leading to the fatal incident were due to a work place accident, the spokesperson wrote in an email on Saturday.

During the afternoon of Aug 1, both the victim, (Sirico) and an intern were moving platforms used for staging a theater at Jacobs Pillow, according to the email. The platforms were on a dolly and as both Sirico and the intern began moving it down a sloped area, they lost control and the dolly began to roll. Sirico tried to regain control of the dolly but tripped and fell. The dolly ran over the them and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on Sirico. Bystanders attempted to save their life, according to the email.

Additionally, a separate investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also ongoing, according to Kepley. The director provided no further information about the incident.

Kat was an alumni of the Pillow and an essential part of our team, and their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many, a statement on Jacobs Pillows Facebook page reads. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together.

All performances and events from Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3 have been cancelled.

Sirico began work at Jacobs Pillow as a production intern in 2005, according to their LinkedIn page.

They served as an event production manager for the organization from May through August 2024. They then returned to Jacobs Pillow in 2025 as the production manager for the Doris Duke Theater.

Sirico also worked as a production manager throughout the United States, including, but not limited to, the Childrens Theater of Madison in Wisconsin and at the Fisher Center at Bard College.

They also worked as a faculty lecturer at the University of Rochester, according to their LinkedIn.
NEW YORK (AP)  Exxon Mobils second-quarter profit dropped to the lowest level in four years and sales fell as oil prices slumped as OPEC+ ramped up production.

The Texas oil driller still topped Wall Street profit expectations Friday and shares rose slightly before the opening bell, even with global markets falling on the erratic trade polices of the U.S.

The price for a barrel of U.S. benchmark crude has remained below $70 for most of the year and in May, it was well below $60.

Exxon earned $7.08 billion, or $1.64 per share, for the period ended June 30. A year earlier it earned $9.24 billion, or $2.14 per share.

That was better than Wall Street expected, but Exxon does not adjust its reported results based on one-time events such as asset sales. Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research were calling for earnings of $1.49 per share.

We achieved our highest second-quarter Upstream production since the merger of Exxon and Mobil more than 25 years ago," Chairman and CEO Darren Woods said, referring to the company's exploration and production operations.

Exxon offset lower prices by ramping up production as well. Second-quarter net production was 4.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. That was an increase of 79,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day when compared with the first quarter.

Revenue fell to $81.51 billion from $93.06 billion, missing the $82.82 billion that Wall Street was looking for.

Chevron Corp. reported a second-quarter profit of $2.49 billion, or $1.45 per share. Removing one-time costs, earnings were $1.77 per share.

That was also a four-year low for the second quarter, but it too beat Wall Street profit expectations and missed revenue expectations by industry analysts.

Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research expected Chevron per-share earnings of $1.70.

Quarterly revenue for Chevron, which scored a critical ruling in Paris last month that gave it the go-ahead for a $53 billion acquisition of Hess, was $44.82 billion.

The company said that Permian Basin production increased to 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the quarter. U.S. net oil-equivalent production was up 123,000 barrels per day from a year earlier.

In July eight members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries said that they will boost production by 548,000 barrels per day in August in a decision that could further reduce gas prices this year. They cited a steady global economic outlook and low oil inventories.

Oil prices spiked sharply in June during the bloody, 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran but then tumbled back down as the U.S. helped broker a peace deal after dropping bombs on three of Irans key nuclear sites.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 01: Cooper Criswell #64 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Fenway Park on August 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Getty Images

BOSTON  As a swingman who has been up and down from the minor leagues several times this season, Cooper Criswells job is to be ready when hes called upon.

When the team needs him, its Criswells job to provide multiple innings, or, as was the case Friday night, a spot start.

Technically, Friday was supposed to be Garrett Crochets turn to pitch. But the Red Sox made a decision last week to give their ace some extra rest while they can and moved his start to Tuesday.

With Richard Fitts optioned on the recent road trip and opening a temporary spot in the rotation, Criswell seized the opportunity and turned in what was likely the second-best start of his major league career. Criswell scattered seven hits over seven innings to the Houston Astros, allowing just one run in a game the Sox went on to win, 2-1, in 10 innings.

Amazing, amazing, gushed Alex Cora. Using all his fastballs, kept them off balance. We needed that and he did an amazing job.

Opposing Astros All-Star righthander Hunter Brown, Criswell was every bit his equal on this night. The only damage against him came in the second inning on a solo homer by Christian Walker.

Obviously, each outing you want to go out and give your best stuff and give your team a chance to win, said Criswell. Not too many guys had us taking Game 1 tonight, so thats obviously nice.

The Astros were aggressive with their approach, often swinging early in the count and Criswell successfully used that to his advantage. He got ahead  throwing first-pitch strikes to the first 10 hitters he faced  and was able to be efficient, throwing an average of just a dozen pitches per inning.

Certain hitters, going over the scouting report, they were looking for stuff in, so I tried to stay sinkers away, said Criswell, I left a few over the middle of the plate; I know Pena got a few hits there. But cutters away were really good, and then the changeup as well.

Whether he was starting in Worcester or pitching in relief for the parent club, Criswell was awaiting a chance to start for Boston.

I feel like Im most comfortable (starting), he said. I also feel like I do any role, almost, to help the team win. Whatever they want from me, Im open to doing. But yeah, it is nice. I feel like Ive been stringing together some good starts in Worcester and getting this opportunity was nice.
Video News: [Video News] La premiere journee hippique de 2025 en Live[Video News] Jubile des Iles 2025 a lile Maurice[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du aout 2025Declaration de Nando Bodha sur le tarif de 15% impose par Washington.[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 1er aout 2025 en Live[Video news] Conference de presse de la Plateforme Citoyenne du 31 juillet 2025[Video news] Presentation du Jubile des Iles 2025 et Festival des Vocations[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 30 juillet 2025[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video News] Diner-conference de Bando avec LTV Trading Company Limited et VCJ Trading Ltd[Video News] Innovation Challenge 2025 de la TurbineMCB Talk on Container Homes: Less concrete, more sustainable[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 29 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 29 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] M.A.C Cosmetics relance son iconique Studio Fix Powder[Video News] Dr. Renganaden Padayachy a dit[Video News] Courts Mammouth celebre 40 ans de succes et devoile une application dachat innovante[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 27 juillet 2025[Video news] Courts Mammouth fete ses 40 ans[Video news] MAC lance le nouveau Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation a Bagatelle[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 25 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 25 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Table Ronde de la Turbine[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 23 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 22 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 22 juillet 2025[Video news] Nando Bodha : Mo convaincu ki linite loppostion li sel solution contre enn gouvernement 60/0Parlons de : 175 ans de lEglise St John.[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 19 juillet 2025[Video News] La MFDC, Mauritius Telecom et Media Trust unissent leurs forces pour former les assistants-cameramans mauriciens[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 18 juillet 2025[Video News] Sonu Nigam promet une soiree electrisante, ce samedi 19 juillet a 20H au SVICC, Pailles[Video News] Conference de presse de Nando Bodha[Video News] Assurance Quantum Insurance transforme lexperience client avec un service 24/7[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 16 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 15 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 15 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 12 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 11 juillet 2025Parlons de:  Systeme de parking relais a Rennes  [Video News] [Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 09 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 9 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 8 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Renganaden Padayachy a dit[Video News] Sudheer Ramnoruth a fait la premiere partie de Robin Sharma[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 5 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 4 juillet 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 4 juillet 2025 en Live[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 2 juillet 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 1er juillet 2025[Video News]Lancement officiel du programme 2025 JCI Mauritius Creative Young Entrepreneur[Video News] Renganaden Padayachy a dit[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 30 juin 2025 en LIve[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 27 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 27 juin 2025 en Live[Video News]Horizon 2024 : Une initiative qui change des vies[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 26 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 juin 2025[Video News] Cloture du programme Horizon 2024[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 24 juin 2025 en Live[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 23 juin 2025 en Live.[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video News] Fete de la Musique a lIFM[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 21 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 20 juin 2025[Video news] Conference de presse de la SEF du 18 juin 2025[Video news] Conference de presse de la FPU du 19 juin 2025[Video news] Seance parlementaire du 19 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 18 juin 2025[Video News] Educathon @ IFM[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 18 juin 2025 en Live[Video News] Middlesex University Mauritius tient un colloque sur lexcellence et linnovation dans lenseignement et lapprentissage a lere numerique[Video news] LAMM et Made in Moris marque leurs presences dans Hotel World 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 17 juin 2025[Video News] Seance parlementaire du 17 juin 2025[Video news] Teaching and Learning Colloquim 2025[Video News] Lancement de  Paradise Club et autres histoires [Video News] Conference de presse  Platform Pas Touss nu pension 60 ans [Video news] Conference de presse de Roshi Bhadain[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 14 juin 2025[Video news]MCB Talk : Une banque pour tous, mais des defis bien reels[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 13 juin 2025The Lux Collective continue de definir les standards de lindustrie en matiere de formation professionnelle[Video news] Pravind Jugnauth decortique le budget 2025-2026[Video News] 14 equipes en lice pour le STEM Racing Mauritius[Video News] Avinash Ramtohul a dit[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 11 juin 2025[Video news] Presentation de New Hair Graft[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 10 juin 2025[Video news] Mets-Tissages[Video news] Debrief de lEDB sur le Budget 2025-2026 au Sir Harilall Vaghjee Hall[Video news] Forum Terre & Eau : cultiver lavenir @ LIFM[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 7 juin 2025[Video news] Commentaires et explications de Roshi Bhadain sur le Budget 2025-2026[Video news] Coca-Cola annonce le retour du Coca-Cola Food Fest Moris
A fundraiser has been launched for a "bright, beautiful and determined" 12-year-old Clare native who is fighting an extremely rare and aggressive cancer.

Layla Kelly, from Kilfenora, was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma in 2023.

The illness first started with back pain and fatigue when she was just nine-years old. This turned into a "devastating diagnosis," according to the youngster's GoFundMe page, set up by cousin Linda Keane.

Since then, the young girl has endured two major surgeries, where her adrenal gland, a kidney and a section of her liver were removed along with tumours.

12-year-old Layla has undergone months of "gruelling" chemotherapy and spent almost seven consecutive months in hospital.

Earlier this year, scans unfortunately revealed that another more aggressive tumour had been detected.

She began immunotherapy but her body rejected it after two rounds of treatment. Layla became "very sick" and as a result of this, her medical team determined that the primary school pupil needs a complex, lifesaving surgery. This can only be done by a select group of specialist surgeons in the Netherlands.

The family are now campaigning for funds that will go directly towards Laylas treatments, medications and future support that she may need.

"Layla has faced every challenge with courage, determination, and a smile and her parents, Teresa and Brian, are so very proud of her. Layla dreams of getting back to school, playing sport again and being the big sister to her younger siblings, Jack (9) and Alannah (5)," the fundraising page reads.
Wiederhorn also faces scrutiny after federal charges were dropped against him. FAT Brands

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletter.

FAT Brands is moving full speed ahead with store development despite ongoing financial challenges to the portfolio company. Chairman Andy Wiederhorn confirmed during Wednesdays earnings call for the second quarter ended June 29, that the company plans to open an additional 100 stores in 2025, with 1,000 units in the pipeline across the 15-concept company.

Backed by a robust pipeline of roughly 1,000 signed deals, we opened 18 new locations during the second quarter, including three co-branded Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies stores, and are well positioned to meet our goal of more than 100 restaurant openings this year, Wiederhorn said. In Florida, we've signed a development deal to open 40 additional Fatburger locations over the next decade, growing our state presence to approximately 50 locations.

In contrast to this optimistic store pipeline, FAT Brands continues to struggle financially, reporting a 3.9% decline in same-store sales, 3.4% revenue decrease, and accumulated debt that has reached $1.276 billion. FAT Brands largely attributes the revenue declines to store closures and decreasing same-store sales. FAT Brands stock has dropped 56.5% year-over-year.

FAT Brands co-CEO Ken Kuick laid out a strategic financial plan to cut down on the companys accumulating debt, which includes making interest-only payments to bondholders, temporarily stopping dividend payments to shareholders, and debt restructuring. The company also plans to refranchise 57 Fazolis locations and double down on its manufacturing business of pretzel and cookie dough for Great American Cookie and Pretzelmaker.

For the second quarter ended June 29, FAT Brands opened 18 net new restaurants. The company reported total revenue declines of 3.4% to $146.8 million, compared with $152 million in the second quarter of 2024. The company swung to a loss of $54.2 million, or $3.17 per diluted share, compared to $39.4 million, or $2.43 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024.

On the same day of FAT Brands second quarterly earnings call, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped all criminal charges against former CEO Wiederhorn, who was indicted in May 2024 on federal charges alleging a scheme to conceal $47 million in distributions.

Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com
A recent cancer survey reveals that young patients often struggle with body image, while older adults are more concerned about caregiver burden.

Did You Know?

#Managing_anxiety is challenging for cancer patients and loved ones. It is essential to provide #psychological_support during cancer treatment. #lovedonescancerdiagnosis #cancermentalhealth #psychology #medindia

#Managing_anxiety is challenging for cancer patients and loved ones. It is essential to provide #psychological_support during cancer treatment. #lovedonescancerdiagnosis #cancermentalhealth #psychology #medindia

Advertisement

Top Concerns for Loved Ones

Side effects (55%)

Family stress (54%)

Grief (49%)

Medication (42%)

Caregiver stress (34%)

Body image (11%)

None of the above (2%)

Advertisement

Age-Related Differences

Young Americans ages 18-29 are more likely than all other age groups to report grief (66%) as a top concern when a family member is diagnosed with cancer.

Young adults are also more likely than older adults, age 65 and over, to say that body image (18%) is a top concern.

For older Americans, treatment course (74%) and caregiver stress (37%) are the primary anxieties when a loved one battles cancer.

Advertisement

OSUCCC  James Initiatives in Oncology Program

A newly launched survey by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center  Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC  James) underscores theKevin Johns, MD, director of the psychosocial oncology program at the OSUCCC  James said investigations propose thatDepression and anxiety can significantly impact a patients ability to finish care and fully recover after treatment  all of which impacts long-term survival. Its not uncommon for patients to wait up to a year to see a psychiatrist, depending on where they live and what insurance they have. Patients going through cancer treatment simply cant wait that long  the need is acute but also chronic, so timely access is critical. We are working to fill those gaps in care to better support our patients and their caregivers, said Johns.A recent survey commissioned by the OSUCCC  James among U.S. adults age 18 or older focused on the top concerns when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer diagnosis provokes deep-seated fears, and three-quarters of adults agonize for loved ones. 76% fear life expectancy , 69% dread treatment, and 65% anguish over pain in loved ones.The list of concerns was extensive, including:The complex nature of caregivers concerns is very representative of the unique challenges we face as a mental health community in supporting our patients through treatment and into their new normal as a cancer survivor, Johns said. It is truly a life journey, and like any journey, it can have extreme ups and downs that must be navigated. Helping our patients thrive beyond the diagnosis through proper mental health care is paramount to achieving high quality of life.Other notable points from the survey:Johns noted that mental health is especially complicated in the cancer survivor population because challenges can manifest in different ways at different stages of the cancer journey through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship follow-up. He citedthat are not often talked about but that can be very jarring for patients and caregivers alike.If patients or their caregivers are not warned beforehand that these symptoms can occur, it can cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety and shame, so it is very important that we work with our patients and caregivers upfront to prepare them for what might happen, said Johns.Under Johns leadership, the OSUCCC  James Psychosocial Oncology Program has greatly expanded its team of psychiatric providers, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals to support OSUCCC  Jamess patients.In addition, Johns also helped the OSUCCC - James pilot an innovative oncology consulting service to help breast medical oncologists navigate medical management of anxiety and depression among their patients.Patients going through cancer treatment already have so many appointments, and generally they develop a very close relationship with their medical oncologist, so this practitioner also becomes the default mental health provider if they do not have immediate access to a specialized health care provider, said Johns.Source-Eurekalert
India celebrates its 15th Organ Donation Day to honor donors and raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ transplants.

Highlights: Indias deceased donor rate remains low at 0.34 per million people

99.7% willing to donate after death, but only 0.3% while alive

Southern states like Tamil Nadu lead with successful DDT models

  Trusted Source

Organ Donation Statistics



Go to source Trusted Source

Did You Know?

One organ donor can save up to eight lives! #IndianOrganDonationDay #organtransplant #medindia

One organ donor can save up to eight lives! #IndianOrganDonationDay #organtransplant #medindia

Advertisement

What Do People Really Know About Organ Donation?

Aspect Statistical Details Heard about organ donation 98.3% through mass media Knowledge about organ donation 30.3% adequate, 69.1% average Willingness to donate after death 99.7% expressed willingness Willingness to donate while alive 0.3% expressed willingness (for family needs) Main reasons to donate organs 35.3% to save lives, 41.3% to avoid wastage Undecided about organ donation 47% remained unsure Preferred donation type 58% more willing to donate blood than other organs

  Trusted Source

Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness Towards Organ Donation among People Attending Out Patient Departments of a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study



Go to source Trusted Source

Advertisement

The Psychological Pull Behind Every Organ Donor

Greater knowledge leads to increased chances of donation.

Key barriers include fear, distrust of the healthcare system, and religious beliefs.

Preexisting awareness and grief counseling increase the rate of consent among families to support organ donations (   Trusted Source

Organ donation: psychosocial factors of the decision-making process



Go to source Trusted Source

Advertisement

Organ Donation in India

  Trusted Source

State of deceased donor transplantation in India: A model for developing countries around the world



Go to source Trusted Source

Know This Before You Decide to Donate

Diagnosis of brain death (as per the Indian Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994)

(as per the Indian Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994) Consent from the family

Maintenance of donor organs

Organ retrieval and preservation

Matching recipient via centralized databases

Successful transplantation (   Trusted Source

Organ donation: from diagnosis to transplant



Go to source Trusted Source

Indias Policy Push

Digital donor registries

Compulsory brain death certification

Public education campaigns

Green corridors for rapid organ transport

Hospital transplant coordinators

Live Organ Donation Event

  Trusted Source

15th Indian organ donation day



Go to source Trusted Source

Organ Donation Statistics - (https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/organ-donation-statistics) Knowledge, Attitude and Willingness Towards Organ Donation among People Attending Out Patient Departments of a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12085764/) Organ donation: psychosocial factors of the decision-making process - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10252116/) State of deceased donor transplantation in India: A model for developing countries around the world - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4919737/) Organ donation: from diagnosis to transplant - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31895123/) 15th Indian organ donation day - (https://notto.mohfw.gov.in/WriteReadData/Portal/News/914_1_IODD_POST_FOR_NEWS_AND_EVENTS.pdf)

Every year on, India observesto honor deceased donors and raise awareness about the lifesaving impact of organ transplants. The, led by the, marks a renewed national commitment to bridge the gap between organ demand and availability.Despite medical advances, thousands of people die every year while waiting for a transplant. But behind every statistic lies a simple truthone donor can save up to eight lives ().To understand public awareness, researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey with over 350 adults visiting the outpatient departments (OPDs) of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal. The results revealed the following:Factors such as higher education, prior exposure to real-life donation stories, and positive experiences within hospital environments were found to influence people's willingness to donate ().Behind every organ donor, their family support is also important. Choosing to donate a loved ones organs is often a deeply emotional and culturally influenced decision. Studies show:Clear communication and empathy from healthcare providers are essential in shaping a positive decision. This impacts not only the individuals who choose to donate but also their closest ones.India is currently the, However the deceased donor transplantation rate is, emphasizing the critical need for public education, systemic coordination, and psychosocial support ().We cannot simply donate our organs like we would for charity; there are specific steps that must be taken:NOTTO and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs) are working towardsIndia's organ donation infrastructure is growing, but community engagement and consistent policy implementation remain critical.NOTTO has organized a live event for theonat theto celebrate transplant recipients, and honor organ donors, and raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in India; the event is also livestreamed on YouTube ().Organ donation is more than a medical act; it is a human act of eternal compassion. On the occasion of the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, we should remember to appreciate the selflessness of donor families, the hard work of transplant teams, and the power we each hold to save lives.Source-Medindia
The discovery of a glutamate biomarker could pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches in schizophrenia.

  Trusted Source

Camilo de la Fuente-Sandoval: Glutamate as biomarker of treatment response in early-stage schizophrenia



Go to source Trusted Source

Did You Know?

A brain scan of #schizophrenia_patients reveals a #chemical_clue that could revolutionize #psychotic_therapy! #neuroimaging #biomarkers #antipsychotics #mentalhealth #medindia

A brain scan of #schizophrenia_patients reveals a #chemical_clue that could revolutionize #psychotic_therapy! #neuroimaging #biomarkers #antipsychotics #mentalhealth #medindia

Advertisement

His Scientific Excellence was Born of Political Exile

Advertisement

A New Model for Patient Care in Areas with Limited Sources

Advertisement

Glutamate and Treatment Prognosis

Building Global Understanding

Camilo de la Fuente-Sandoval: Glutamate as biomarker of treatment response in early-stage schizophrenia - (https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm025k.0092/article-10.61373-bm025k.0092.xml)

In a disclosing genomic press interview published today in, Dr. Camilo de la Fuente-Sandoval quotes how).The renowned scientist recently honored with the Schizophrenia International Research Society's prestigious 2024 Global Schizophrenia Award, has developedDr. de la Fuente-Sandoval's path to studying psychosis was intensely personal. His father, a scientist who had to leave Chile because of political reasons, was never able to continue his research career. This incident motivated the young de la Fuente-Sandoval to dedicate himself to make a lasting impact in neuroscience.During his psychiatry residency at the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia, patients experiencing psychosis captivated his attention. Guided by fellow resident Ariel Graff-Guerrero, who had completed advanced neuroscience training, Dr. de la Fuente-Sandoval embarked on spectroscopy studies that would fundamentally alter understanding of early psychosis mechanisms.The accomplishments of his early research led to the establishment of a new lab. Its main goal was to develop neuroimaging techniques that could help doctors choose the right treatment from the beginning, instead of using the normal trial-and-error method.Operating within Mexico City's sprawling metropolitan area of 22 million residents, where mental health resources remain severely limited, Dr. de la Fuente-Sandoval has engineered an innovative clinical research ecosystem. His team established a specialized outpatient clinic staffed by laboratory-affiliated psychiatrists while simultaneously implementing comprehensive evaluation protocols in the emergency department.This integrated approach ensures that first-episode psychosis patients receive immediate, thorough assessment including routine laboratory tests, head CT scans , and selective lumbar punctures based on clinical judgment. Remarkably,Could this systematic screening approach, if implemented more broadly, prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment in similar patient populations worldwide?All patients undergo comprehensive evaluation within 24 hours of emergency admission, including neuropsychological testing and MRI studies. This rapid assessment protocol serves dual purposes: enabling immediate treatment initiation while generating crucial research data. The entire process occurs at no cost to patients, addressing both scientific questions and healthcare access barriers simultaneously.The laboratory's most significant contribution centres on discoveries about glutamate dysfunction in early psychosis. Through sophisticated MRI spectroscopy techniques applied to antipsychotic-naive patients,This finding opens unprecedented possibilities for treatment personalization. Rather than subjecting patients to potentially ineffective medications for weeks or months, clinicians might soon predict treatment response through baseline neuroimaging assessments. What implications might this hold for reducing the duration of untreated psychosis, a factor strongly associated with long-term outcomes? The potential to match patients with optimal treatments from the outset represents a paradigm shift in psychiatric care delivery.The research extends beyond glutamate to encompass electrophysiology, cognitive assessment, and inflammation markers. This multidimensional approach recognizes psychosis as a complex phenomenon requiring equally sophisticated investigative strategies. By integrating multiple biological markers, the laboratory works toward comprehensive predictive models that could transform clinical decision-making.Despite geographic and resource constraints, Dr. de la Fuente-Sandoval has positioned his laboratory at the forefront of international schizophrenia research. His leadership role in the ENIGMA Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Working Group facilitates data sharing and collaborative analyses across continents. This participation ensures thatSource-Eurekalert
Ajay Devgns latest release, Son Of Sardaar 2, has been getting abysmal reviews and reactions from critics and audiences since its release. Yes, Son Of Sardaar 2 is pitted against Dhadak 2 and in this age of aggressive PR marketing, one can not fully deny the probability of negative promotions for a movie by the makers of another movie. In an interesting turn of events, some fake negativereviews reached the leading star of Son Of Sardaar 2, Mrunal Thakur,and she also reacted to them.

 Jio Studios The fake negative reviews Two different YouTube channels recently uploaded reviews of Son of Sardaar 2, featuring the same man criticising the film, albeit in different outfits. Eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted this inconsistency and shared clips on social media, accusing it of being part of a paid negative campaign aimed at tarnishing the movies reputation. Always Bollywood posted the videos and wrote, If you didnt like the movie, why did you watch it 2 times - in different theatres & wearing different shirts? Something seems fishy looks like it was recorded intentionally just to spread the negativity of the film.

Mrunal Thakurs reaction to fake negative reviews Reacting to the clips, Mrunal Thakur replied, Omg, please dont do this guys! This breaks my heart.

Not only this, Mrunal also replied to one of the social media users who called her performance ghatiya in the movie. One user tagged Mrunal and wrote, what a ghatiya wahiyat film #SonOfSardaar2. MrunalThakur please stop acting. Mrunal replied, Sorry apko pasand nahi aayi! I wont stop acting coz theres an audience who enjoys my performance i hope one day you ll appreciate my performance! Sending you a big hug sir.

Social media users are empathising with Mrunal and are saying that these stunts should stop. One user said, Paid negative campaign against SOS2 and @ajaydevgn sir plz let your team handle this kind of negative campaign run by some jealous soul.

Another user said, It's a very bad thing for Bollywood that a good is not working because of spreading negativity against only Ajay Devgan movie in clash or without clash everytime.

One user commented, Interesting, so now, instead of making a effort to earn money, some psychopaths started earning money by spreading this kind of negativity about the big stars, I dont know why are they behind Ajay Devgn always, and how do their conscious permit them to do so?
After months of anticipation, Marvel and Sony recently announced Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which will feature Tom Holland as Spider-Man in a brand new suit. According to the latest reports, Mark Ruffalo will also be returning as Hulk in the movie alongside Jon Bernthal, who will be reprising his role as The Punisher. According to a report by Hollywood Reporter, we might see a fight between Spider-Man, the Punisher, and Hulk over who is the bad guy?

 Marvel Studios Michael Mando, best known for his role in Better Call Saul, is set to return as Scorpion, reprising the villainous character he first portrayed in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). The reactions to Spider-Man: Brand New Day Fans are divided over this news and many of them are saying that the makers are just milking all the characters by pitting them against each other. One user commented, Uh... this movie is looking like it's going to be very bloated. As in, way too many characters and too many plots being woven into one, but will crash like a bunch of semi-trucks in an intersection. I hope I'm wrong because I don't want another Amazing Spider-Man 2 scenario.

Another user commented, Just wanted a street level film, man. Happy about the Punisher but I feel like the Hulk is too much. I was hoping the new trilogy would ditch the whole supporting MCU character has to be in the film schtick but instead weve got two.

One user reacted, Marvel slop at it again, I thought this was going back to fighting street level thugs, thanks for ruining the hype by revealing this fight would happen too lmao.

Another user reacted, Three of Marvel's most iconic forces colliding in Spider-Man: Brand New Day? This isn't just a crossover it's a war of ideologies, trauma, and raw power. Spider-Man's relentless morality, The Punishers brutal justice, and Hulks uncontrollable rage all clashing? You couldnt script a more explosive triangle. This isnt just a fight its a reckoning. Marvels about to shake the foundations of what it means to be a hero.
MILAN  Weak traffic, particularly in Asia-Pacific, and a difficult wholesale scenario weighed on Ferragamos first-half performance but executive board member Ernesto Greco mapped out a detailed strategy during a conference call with analysts on Thursday, seeing some positive signs, such as an increase in conversion rates and a higher average ticket since the second quarter.

We have undertaken a comprehensive diagnostic of our brand positioning and consumer base, with the objective of assuring full clarity and alignment across style, product, communication and distribution, said Greco. This has led to the identification of the key business priorities and the development of a focused action plan. We have already started implementing tangible changes, and are confident that these efforts will become increasingly effective by the end of this year, and then even more in 2026.

More from WWD

Revenues in the first six months ended June 30 were down 9.4 percent to 474 million euros compared with 523 million euros in the same period last year. At constant exchange rates, they fell 7.1 percent. The performance was mainly penalized by the wholesale channel, which was down 17.9 percent to 105 million euros.

In the second quarter, revenues were down 14.6 percent to 253 million euros.

To improve the companys performance, Greco said the focus will be on its core offering of shoes and leather goods in classic and contemporary styles and less fashionable. Our goal is to deliver a global assortment, partially diversified by geography, to adapt to specific market needs, ensuring a stronger alignment with our target clients. This will be achieved through a more punctual and efficient collection structure, featuring higher depth, fewer skus  reducing them by 30 to 35 percent  and an optimized pricing architecture.

Ferragamo increased its prices by 3.5 percent to 4 percent in the U.S. at the end of June, which should absorb the tariffs and the currency effects. The problem is the mood of the consumer and traffic but, while we have seen less customers, the conversion rate is improving and there is more interest in the products, said Greco.

Asked about the arrival of a new chief executive officer, following the exit of Marco Gobbetti in March, Greco said the recruiting process is underway and ongoing. He said the strategy presented during the call was mapped out by a large group of professionals, internal management and external consultants. He added that while the luxury industry went up by 5 to 10 percent in the 2022-2025 period, Ferragamo lost 18 to 19 percent of revenues.
The entire Air Force is doing a service-wide inspection of the M18 handgun after a Security Forces airman suddenly died last month, adding more scrutiny to Sig Sauer's controversial product.

Airman Brayden Lovan, 21, was killed by a firearm discharge on July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Following the incident, Air Force Global Strike Command announced an immediate pause and subsequent investigation of the use of 9mm Sig Sauer M18 handguns. Now, an additional inspection across the entire service has been ordered as well.

"The Air Force directed a service-wide supplemental inspection of the M18 out of caution to validate the serviceability of weapons and reinforce confidence in their use," an Air Force spokesperson told Military.com on Friday. "In addition, some units are conducting refresher training for their airmen."

Read Next: Navy Leader Confirmed by Senate After Half-Year Vacancy

Lovan's death and the expanded inspections into the sidearm comes as Sig Sauer faces yearslong allegations and lawsuits that its P320 series handgun, as well as the M17 and M18 military versions of the weapon, can discharge without pulling the trigger.

Air Force Global Strike Command's pause and inspections into the weapon, as well as Lovan's death, led some commanders of Air Combat Command units to restrict the use of the M18s until they complete "refresher training," ACC said in a statement.

"Upon completion of the training, personnel are authorized to resume use of the weapon," the Air Combat Command statement said. "The duration of these localized pauses is determined by the completion of refresher training and is not linked to the broader investigation. Training is anticipated to be fully completed within the next two weeks."

Sig Sauer announced in a news release Tuesday that the sidearm is still being used by all branches of the military.

"We proactively offered assistance to the U.S. military as they investigate the incident," Sig Sauer said in the news release. "Contrary to several online reports, (P320 based) M17 and M18 pistols remain on active duty with all branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Air Force, defending freedom around the world."

The gun manufacturer added that "we have absolute confidence in the U.S. military's ability to conduct a thorough investigation and report their findings."

An email sent to Sig Sauer seeking comment on the service-wide inspection was not immediately returned Friday.

Instances of alleged unintended discharges have been reported by military, law enforcement and civilians.

In June, Sig Sauer reportedly filed a lawsuit in court asking the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to reverse a ban stopping police recruits from carrying the sidearm over concerns of unintended discharges, according to local TV stations.

An August 2024 FBI report requested by the Michigan State Police, which was widely publicized, detailed an incident in which an officer's M18 "fired uncommanded" while it was holstered. It reported that, while the weapon in question "did not independently provide evidence of an uncommanded discharge, it does indicate that it may be possible" under certain conditions.

A New Hampshire Public Radio investigation last year obtained nine reports of unintended discharges of Sig Sauer M17s and M18s within the military.

Sig Sauer, in its news release, defended the safety of its P320 series handguns.

"The P320 pistol is one of the safest, most advanced pistols in the world -- meeting and exceeding all industry safety standards. Its design has been thoroughly tested and validated by the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state and local levels," the gunmaker said.

Related: Airman Killed by M18 Handgun Discharge Identified as 21-Year-Old Kentucky Native
The Diamondbacks announced Friday that theyve selected the contracts of lefty Kyle Nelson and shortstop Connor Kaiser from Triple-A Reno. Arizona also reinstated veteran reliever Jalen Beeks from the injured list. First baseman Tyler Locklear, acquired in the Eugenio Suarez trade, was added to the major league roster. Lefty Brandyn Garcia (acquired in the Josh Naylor deal) and infielder Tristin English were optioned to Reno.

Nelson, 29, was a key member of Arizonas bullpen in 2022, tossing 37 innings with a 2.19 ERA in his first year after coming over from Cleveland. His numbers dipped in 2023-24, however, and Nelson was removed from the 40-man roster in early July by way of a DFA. He passed through waivers unclaimed. In 22 2/3 innings for Reno this year, hes been roughed up for a 6.35 ERA thanks to a whopping seven home runs allowed. Most of those struggles came earlier in the year, however. Hes rattled off 6 1/3 shutout innings over his past eight appearances.

Kaiser, 28, provides a glove-first infielder off the bench. Hell work in a utility capacity as Blaze Alexander, who had been the depth infielder, will get everyday third base run with Suarez out the door. A Vanderbilt product, Kaiser is hitless in four career major league plate appearances. Those came over three games with the Rockies two seasons ago. Hes batting .236/.346/.423 in a hitter-friendly Triple-A setting this year.
By Summer Zhen and Samuel Shen

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Fintech companies are rushing to raise equity in Hong Kong to fund expansions in cryptocurrencies, capitalising on investor fervour as the city starts accepting applications for stablecoin issuer licences on Friday.

At least 10 Hong Kong-listed companies raised a total of more than $1.5 billion from share placements in July to be invested in areas including stablecoins, digital assets and blockchain-based payments, according to a Reuters calculation based on exchange filings.

They include digital asset platform OSL Group, China's biggest retail cloud solution provider Dmall Inc and artificial intelligence giant SenseTime Group.

The equity offerings had been snapped up by investors upbeat about stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to assets such as the U.S. dollar.

Hong Kong's stablecoin bill passed in May is taking effect on Friday as the Asian financial hub races the United States in setting up a regulated market for such tokens, seen as a key lubricant in the burgeoning digital economy.

Before the bill passed, raising funds for stablecoin development in Hong Kong held less appeal for investors.

"We're seeing a notable increase in fundraising activity linked to stablecoins and digital assets," said Anthony Pang at international law firm Baker McKenzie, which advised on Dmall's HK$388 million ($49.43 million) share placement last month.

"The momentum in this space is real, and it's accelerating."

OSL raised $300 million in late July to support global initiatives including development in stablecoins and a digital payment network.

The equity raising was completed within three days after the company appointed Macquarie to help with the offering, and the bookbuilding - which attracted sovereign wealth funds and big hedge funds - took less than three hours.

"Investor zeal toward cryptocurrencies and stablecoins was palpable," OSL Chief Financial Officer Ivan Wong said.

An index tracking Hong Kong-listed stablecoin concept stocks has surged 65% this year, far outperforming the benchmark Hang Seng Index, which is up roughly 23%.

Hong Kong's de facto central bank cautioned the public last week against "growing frothiness" and "excessive exuberance" due to the recent hype around stablecoins.

PRIVATE MARKET

The crypto exuberance has also spilled into the private equity and startup markets.

"Venture capitalists are very interested in this area, and many are actively looking at such projects," said Liu Honglin, a Shanghai-based attorney at Man Kun Law Firm, who helped venture capital-backed digital payment service provider Kun raise more than $50 million in Hong Kong last month.
Cyndi Lauper on her "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" farewell tour. She performed at Pine Knob in Clarkston, MI on Friday, August 1, 2025. Photo byPhoto by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

CLARKSTON, MI - Some concerts are a little more special and memorable than others. This one is among those as Cyndi Lauper bid a tearful farewell to fans at her last Michigan concert.

Lauper brought her Girls Just Want to Have Fun farewell tour to Pine Knob on Friday, August 1.

And, yes, we know what youre thinking: They all say this is it. And while a music artist does decide to unretire, seemingly more often than not, the 72-year old, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, seems to mean it when she says shes done after this tour.

I did want to come back and say goodbye and I love you guys, Lauper said after performing last year on this same tour at Detroits Fox Theater. And thank you for all the love, for all the years. I want to thank my crew and my band and everybody for putting this crazy show together.

Lauper took the stage just after 9:00 p.m. and came out swinging with hits, She Bop, The Goonies R Good Enough, and I Drove All Night.

Her voice sounded strong as she hit every note, performing the songs just as they were meant to be performed.

One problem: The bass was simply too overpowering most of the night, drowning out her vocals, which were supposed to be the most powerful aspect of the evening, and easily would have been had it not been for the audio snafu.

With that said, this was still Cyndi Lauper, which meant you were going to get powerful, clean vocals along with some of that quirky personality in the form of storytime.

She probably did talk a bit too much, however, at one point, telling a story from her younger years growing up in her Ozone Park neighborhood of Queens, talking for nearly 20 minutes straight.

So, there was quite a lull in the show between the third and 10th songs, but once she hit her stride at the end, the show was again, terrific, as she performed Change of Heart, Time After Time, Money Changes Everything, and True Colors, all in a row, before ending with Girls Just Want to Have Fun.

Lauper brought out Jake Wesley Rogers, who opened for her, to perform parts of a couple of songs with her, Money Changes Everything, and True Colors. Lauper was still the featured artist, but Wesley Rogers did add a nice element to the songs and was a solid opener.

This night wasnt perfect, but what fans did get was vintage Cyndi Lauper with all of the hits, plenty of outfit and wig changes, and a crowd full of 80s outfits.

Her final Michigan concert may have taken place in 2025, but it felt like 1985, and thats what fans came to experience.
SAUGATUCK, MI -- Every boat docked at the Old Boat House has a story. With names and color schemes matching their distinct personalities, each Retro Boat has both a fictional and nonfiction backstory.

Retro Boats in Saugatuck brings the sweet nostalgia of a classic car show to the water. As the name suggests, the boat rental business has a fleet of eclectic vintage cars that have been retrofitted with an electric motor for cruising Kalamazoo River and Kalamazoo Lake.

Owner Lauren Stanton typically chooses a name from the era of each car but this Beeline Sapphire reminded her as a particular diva.

Stanton was hanging onto a gold engine, manufactured in Battle Creek in 1958, waiting for just the right boat.

When they found the Beeline, also made in 1958 in Grand Rapids, it inspired Stanton to add the gold engine and give the boat interior dark green details.

Together, the details are Stantons homage to the famous curtain scene in Gone with the Wind.

The newest Retro Boat is Vivien, named after actress Vivien Leigh.

In the classic film Vivien Leigh, playing Scarlett OHara, rips down her mothers green and gold curtains demanding to make a new dress because shes got to go looking like a queen to maintain appearances to ask Rhett Butler for money.

Vivien the Retro Boat is a queen in her own right, although she too had a rags to riches story.

Stanton found her in rough shape. Makeover magic ensued with a light green exterior paint job and the addition of the green and gold upholstery. Now Vivien is back to diva status.

Retro Boat Rentals, at 730 Water St. in Saugatuck, introduced a restored 1958 Beeline Sapphire named "Vivien." Pictured here is the frame before its restore. The business offers classic boat rentals to cruise along the Kalamazoo River. (Photo Courtesy of Lauren Stanton | Retro Boats) Photo Courtesy of Lauren Stanton | Retro Boats

Vivien can seat four passengers, two on each bench. This summer shes on standby as the other boats are in rotation.

Last summer, Retro Boats introduced Betty, a rare 1958 Car Aqua. Only 11 of these type of cars were ever made.

The lineup includes Beverly, a yellow 1957 Wondercraft; Ruby, a red 1959 Bell Boy Banshee and Doris, a teal 1958 Seven-Seas Performer.

Last summer Laverne, a pink 1958 Glass Magic, got a full overhaul and wasnt on the water. But theres no way Retro Boats was letting a summer go by without a pink boat, so Gladys, a 1958 Glass Slipper, got a pink paint job from her previous mint green exterior.

Staff member Colin John, 15, docks a 1958 Glass Slipper named Gladys at Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Rentals last up to three hours and launch right out onto the Kalamazoo River. Pricing starts at $139 for an hour and a half. Also available for rent are donut boats, duffy boats and pontoons.

Rental and boat launch is at 730 Water Street. At the same property is The Old Boathouse restaurant where patrons can sit outside watching the retro boats cruise by, get bite to eat or a beer and listen to live music.

More sweet rides on the water: Wooden boat craftsmen blend tradition with technology. See the custom build turning heads on the Lakeshore.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Dan Monselise, 65, spent 31 years in the pharmaceutical industry before making a dramatic career change.

Now, he operates the only kosher eatery in West Michigan.

Monselise along with his wife, Hasia, operates the aptly named The Falafel Truck. What started as a longtime dream has become a vital service for the regions Jewish community.

The mobile restaurant, which is proudly rabbi certified, serves customers beyond Grand Rapids.

Im getting phone calls from people from Detroit, from Chicago, people driving in from all over, Monselise said.

You can find chips, and you can find stuff that has a kosher sticker. But if you want something hot, were the only option," he added. Its a way of living.

Hasia Monselise, left, and husband Dan Monselise at Falafel Truck in Comstock Park, Mich. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

The truck specializes in falafel, a Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas soaked for 12-24 hours before being ground with cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, salt and a single jalapeno.

The recipe was perfected through testing with neighbors.

The Falafel Platter for $14 comes with falafel balls, salad, hummus, tahini and a pita.

For those on the go, the Falafel combo in a pita is a handheld sandwich with fresh veggies for $13.

Its a full meal, Monselise said.

The truck also serves fries, hummus and baklava.

Monselise acknowledged, however, that falafel is a niche item not everyone is familiar with.

When we get to a place and they start asking what type of meat you have in your falafel, you know youre in the wrong place, he said, jokingly.

The food truck operates daily. Its location can be found through its Facebook page.

Falafel in a pita for $10 at Falafel Truck in Comstock Park, Mich. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

Authenticity is important to Monselise and his wife. Pita bread at the truck was imported from a bakery in Jerusalem before the supplier opened a storefront in New Jersey.

The food truck launched in September 2020, but the couples journey to Grand Rapids began years earlier.

Originally from Israel, Monselise moved first to New York City for his job and then to Michigan 13 years ago. He left the pharmaceutical industry last year after more than three decades.

Despite the hard work involved, Monselise finds joy in his second career.

Were having a good time, he said. We love it.
An MLive file photo of a Michigan child care facility. Jake May | MLive.com

ZEELAND, MI  The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has suspended the license of an Ottawa County child care provider following a complaint investigation.

The investigation was conducted by the MiLEAP Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) at Carolyn DeBoers in-home daycare, located at 10109 Riley Street in Zeeland, and concluded on Thursday, July 31, according to a MiLEAP news release.

Several violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules were found during the investigation, including:

Failure to act in a manner that is conducive to the welfare of children

Failure to provide appropriate care and supervision of children at all times

Failure to securely store dangerous and hazardous items out of the reach of children

Failure to operate within licensed capacity and ratio rules

Failure to comply with safe sleep rules for infants

Following the investigation, the CCLB issued a summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke DeBoers family child care license.

Per the order, DeBoer is barred from operating a family child care home or accepting children for care as of Friday, Aug. 1.

Additionally, she must inform all the parents of children in her care about the suspension of her license and her inability to provide child care.

The Child Care Licensing Bureau said suspending DeBoers license was necessary to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the children who were under her care.

For more information about child care licensing and regulations, including how to file a complaint, visit michigan.gov/mileap.
Photo used with permission from OCSO.

An Oakland County law enforcement official holds a rescued deer fawn on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, after it was rescued from a metal water grate in Orion Township. Photo used with permission from OCSO. Photo used with permission from OCSO.

ORION TOWNSHIP, MI  A small deer fawn trapped in a metal grate in Manitou Lake was rescued by authorities in Oakland County early Friday afternoon.

The Oakland County Sheriffs Offices Search and Rescue Team responded to the call at around 12:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at a home in the 600 block of Tonkawa Trail.

According to a news release, the Orion Township caller reported hearing cries of a fawn in distress behind the residence.

It was believed the fawn had been there for several hours, police said, and was having difficulty keeping its head above water.

A deer fawn is shown stuck in a metal grate in Manitou Lake on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Oakland County. Photo used with permission from OCSO. Photo used with permission from OCSO.

Members from Oakland County Animal Control joined the teams response and assisted in freeing the small animal.

Its always a great day when we can respond to a call and save a life, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement Friday. Be it human, or in this case, a cute little fawn. I am proud of our teams capability to respond to a variety of scenarios and make a difference.

Animal Control assessed the fawn, found it to be uninjured and released it, police said.
A photo of the storefront of a Penn Station location in Kalamazoo. The fast-casual sandwich franchise's newest location is now open in Ann Arbor. (MLive file photo) Jake Green | MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI  Sandwich lovers in the Ann Arbor area now have another option as Penn Station East Coast Subs opens a new location on Jackson Road.

The new Penn Station, located at 5627 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor, is officially open, according to an Aug. 1 news release from the fast-casual sandwich franchise.

A grand opening for the new location was held in May, according to the restaurants Facebook page.

The restaurant, which is near a Meijer location, offers a range of hot and cold subs, cheesesteaks, fresh-cut French fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

The Ann Arbor Penn Station is the companys first location in Washtenaw County.

The Ann Arbor location is Penn Stations newest restaurant, and it is owned by new franchise owners Jeff and Monica Van Overmeer and their son, Joe Van Overmeer.

The family has close ties to Michigan and experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, which includes owning and operating Jets Pizza locations in Saline and Dexter for more than 20 years. Jeff and Monica sold the locations to Joe over the past five years.

Additionally, Jeff and Monica own StretchLab fitness studios in Ann Arbor and Canton.

The Van Overmeer family plans to give back to the local community through charitable initiatives, according to Penn Station.

Were thrilled to bring Penn Station to Ann Arbor, Jeff Van Overmeer said in a statement. Our son became hooked on the brands quality and flavor while attending Western Michigan University, and we recognized the opportunity to bring something truly special to an untapped market near home. The food speaks for itselfand the support from the Penn Station corporate team has been outstanding.

The opening of the Ann Arbor location comes as Penn Station celebrates its 40th anniversary and pushes toward further expansion. These efforts have included offering exclusive incentives for new franchise owners.

Penn Station is based in Cincinnati, Ohio and has more than 320 locations across the United States.

The Jackson Road Penn Station is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Additional information about the company, including franchise opportunities, can be found online at penn-station.com.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ive had beer flights, wine flights, and even a delayed flight but this was my first time seeing a margarita flight, and it did not disappoint.

My expectations were low, but Chapala in Ann Arbor shattered my notions with this flight of four in taste, creativity and variety.

Each is enhanced in some way, and there is a drink in this batch for everyone.

If you like sweet, the strawberry is a great match. The house margarita kicks it up with Grand Marnier added to the mix. Chapalas signature drinks the Ay Papi and Booboorita both stand out as bold plays on a tropical classic.

Margarita Flight at Chapala (from left to right) Booboorita, Ay Papi, Strawberry Margarita and House Margarita Santino Mattioli | MLive

RELATED - Taste test 4 unique margaritas at this Ann Arbor Mexican restaurant

These four drinks are as joyous as the environment at Chapala.

Sitting on a swing is fun, but being served four delicious cocktails while you glide in the air is even better. The swing seating is unique to Chapalas bar, and I had to see if I had the motor skills to stay seated, which was harder after a flight of margaritas.

The restaurant provides a fun-loving, swinging good time complete with four fantastic margaritas.

DRINK OF THE WEEK:

Margarita Flight at Chapala

Price: $24

Location: 211 N. Main St., Ann Arbor

Hours: 11 am. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

If you have a drink or cocktail youd like Santino Mattioli to try, email him at smattioli@mlive.com.
GRAND HAVEN, MI -- Thousands of people lined the streets of Grand Haven, sporting their red, white and blue, candy bags in hand and squirt guns at the ready.

The Fourth of July may have come and gone, but the lakeshore town still had plenty reason to celebrate: the annual Coast Guard Festival Grand Parade.

The festival brought in active duty and reserve Coast Guardsmen, or coasties, from across the world and festival-goers by the hundreds of thousands for a week of celebration, ending with the grand parade on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Similar festivals across the country have honored the United States oldest military branch, but Grand Havens celebration earned it the official recognition of Coast Guard City, USA in 1998.

This year marked the 101st festival to take place in the city.

Below is the schedule for the rest of their final day:

Saturday, Aug. 2

10:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m.: Food Vendors near Bicentennial Park

12 p.m.-11 p.m.: Carnival

7:30 p.m. - Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza at Waterfront Stadium

For more information and how to participate in some of the ticketed evening events, visit coastguardfest.org.

MLive/Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Chloe Trofatter was there to capture the event. Check out the full gallery above, or click here.
Voters in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties will decide the fate of local government candidates and ballot proposals for libraries, schools and township in the upcoming Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary election. (MLive File Photo) MLive File Photo

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Voters in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties on Tuesday will decide the fate of local government candidates and tax proposals and ordinances for schools, libraries and townships.

Polls will be open for the Aug. 5 primary election from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All absentee ballots must be placed in a ballot drop box or delivered to the local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can find their polling location, view a sample ballot and check if their absentee ballot has been received by clicking here.

Heres a listing of whats on the ballot in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.

KENT COUNTY

Grattan Township ballot proposals

Grattan Township has three ballot proposals on the Aug. 5 primary ballot for the fire department operating fund, farmland preservation, and an ordinance that would allow new home development.

Fire Department : The new millage would provide funds for fire department operating costs, including wages and benefits for firefighters. The township is requesting to levy new additional millage of .45 mills, on property from 2025 through 2031. For a home with a $100,000 taxable value, the cost would equal $45 per year, officials say. If approved, the tax would raise an estimated $117,477 in the first year.

Farmland and open space preservation : The proposed millage would provide funds for the township to purchase land, take advantage of matching funds where available and participate in county, state or federal programs that preserve farmland, open space, wildlife habitat and/or scenic views. The township is requesting .49 mills, from 2025 through 2034. For a home with a $100,000 taxable value, that cost of the would come to $49 per year, officials say. If approved, it would raise an estimated $127,506 in the first year.

Rezoning ordinance: Residents will be asked to vote on an ordinance that would rezone certain contiguous lands located at 9609 Belding Road, NE and 9810 Whitten St., from the A-1 Agricultural District to the A-2 Agricultural District.

RELATED: Grattan Township voters to decide on fire department funding, land preservation

Cedar Springs City Council race

Voters will decide Aug. 5 which two of the below five candidates for the Cedar Springs City Council will move on to the Nov. 4 general election, according to the Kent County website.

Rose Ellen Powell

Christian L. Cantrell

Jacob Puckett

Lisa Atchison

Jill Owen

*Grant Public Schools in Muskegon County (listed below) has a sinking fund millage proposal that 22 voters in Kents Solon and Tyrone Townships are eligible to weigh in on Tuesday, according to the Kent County Clerks Office.

OTTAWA COUNTY

Holland Public Schools Bond Proposal

Holland Public Schools has a $49.2 million bond proposal on the Aug. 5 ballot that would fund several construction projects, including the renovation of Jefferson Elementary and the construction of a new multipurpose stadium.

According to the district, there should not be an increase in the millage rate. The proposal would maintain the current millage rate of 4.73 mills, consistent with the rate set by voters in May 2021.

RELATED: Holland schools requests $49M bond on Aug. 5 ballot for renovated elementary, new stadium

Ferrysburg Mayoral Race

Three candidates are vying to be the next mayor of the city of Ferrysburg for a term of two years. Voters will decide between incumbent Richard Carlson, Tim ODonnell and Jerry Sias, according to the Ottawa County Clerks Office.

Zeeland City Council race

Seven candidates are competing for three, four-year seats on the Zeeland City Council, according to the Ottawa County Clerks Office:

Amy Langeland

Rebecca Perkins

Ericka Humbert

Kylee DeBoer

Glenn T. Kass, incumbent

Andrew Bult

Hillery McAlpine

*Ravenna Public Schools in Muskegon County (listed below) has an operating millage renewal on the ballot that 558 registered voters in Ottawa Countys Chester Township, Precinct. 1, are eligible to vote on Tuesday, according to the Ottawa County Clerks Office.

MUSKEGON COUNTY

Muskegon Area District Library

The Muskegon Area District Library is asking county voters on Aug. 5 for a 10-year renewal (2026 to 2035) of its annual operating millage with a slight increase.

Under the proposal, the librarys 1.2-mill tax, which expires next year, would increase to 1.5 mills. That would generate an estimated $1.1 million in additional revenue. The owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay about $146 a year, according to the library.

If the millage is approved, the library would collect an estimated $6.3 million in 2026, the first year the increased millage would be in effect. The 1.5-mills would be levied on property owners in all Muskegon County municipalities except for the city of Muskegon and the Muskegon Public Schools District; Whitehall and the Whitehall Public Schools District; and the Village of Fruitport and Fruitport Township.

RELATED: Muskegon Area District Library seeks millage increase in August vote

Muskegon Charter Township Public Safety Proposals

Muskegon Charter Township has two ballot proposals on the Aug. 5 ballot to support public safety - police and fire. There is a request for a millage renewal and new additional millage. Voters rejected the May request for an increase.

Public safety millage renewal: Voters are asked to renew the current millage of 2.6802 mills, expiring this year, for 10 years, 2025-2034. If approved, the township would collect $1.39 million for police and fire services in the first year, according to the Muskegon County Clerks Office.

New public safety millage: Township officials are asking voters to approve an additional 2.50 mills for the same 10-year period to hire two more police officers, create two detective positions, hire three more firefighters and support upgrades to the two fire stations. If approved, officials would collect $1.3 million in the first year.

Acccording to the township, if the millage increase is approved, officials say voters would see an increase of:

$11 per month for homes valued at $100,000

$21 per month for homes valued at $200,000

$32 per month for homes valued at $300,000

RELATED: Muskegon Township voters are again being asked to increase public safety taxes

Muskegon Mayoral Race

In his bid for a second, four-year term, Mayor Ken Johnson is being challenged by Bob Garretson, and John Richard Allen in the Aug. 5 primary election.

Voters will narrow the field to two candidates in the nonpartisan race, with the two top vote getters squaring off in the Nov. 4 general election.

RELATED: Meet the 3 candidates running to be mayor of Muskegon in August primary

Muskegon City Commission race

Five candidates are running for two, four-year, at-large seats on the Muskegon City Commission in the Aug. 5 primary election.

The candidates are Commissioner At-Large Rebecca St. Clair, Kiley Jackson, John C. Allen, Teresa Emory and Aaron Morris.

The top four vote getters will move on to the Nov. 4 election.

RELATED: Meet 5 candidates running for 2 at-large seats on the Muskegon City Commission

Ravenna Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal

Ravenna Public Schools is asking voters on Aug. 5 to approve an operating millage renewal to fund day-to-day operations for students. The existing millage expires this year.

If approved, the millage would not apply to primary residences, only to properties such as businesses, vacation homes, investment or rental properties.

The request for operating purposes is for 18.477 mills ($18.477 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for five years, 2026-2030, according to the Muskegon County Clerks Office. If approved and levied in 2026, the district estimated to collect approximately $1 million to support its students.

There are 558 registered voters in Ottawa Countys Chester Township, Precinct. 1, eligible to vote on this proposal, according to the Ottawa County Clerks Office.

RELATED:Ravenna Public Schools asking voters for operating cash renewal on Aug. 5 ballot

Grant Public Schools sinking fund millage proposal

Grant Public Schools has a sinking fund millage proposal on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot. The district is asking voters for 2 mills ($2 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for 10 years, 2025 to 2034.

The sinking fund could be used for a range of things including construction or repair of buildings, technology upgrades and student transporation needs. Read the full request on the Muskegon County Clerks website.

If approved, the district would collect an estimated $734,848 the first year. For more information, visit the Grant Public Schools website here (as of 8 p.m. Aug. 1, the website was still not working). The districts phone number is (231) 834-7382.

Twenty-two voters in Kent Countys Solon and Tyrone Townships are eligible to vote on the tax proposal, according to the Kent County Clerks Office.
Dead & Company kicks off three days of music with Billy Strings in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA  Billy Strings joined Dead & Company on stage, delivering a musical nod to Jerry Garcia on the rock legends birthday.

Billy Strings, 32, a native of Ionia County, Michigan, opened the weekend celebration Friday, Aug. 1, leading his five-piece bluegrass band through a set of 13 songs in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park.

Dead & Company then played two sets of music. The lineup includes John Mayer on lead guitar and vocals, as well as Grateful Dead members, Bob Weir on rhythm guitar and vocals and Mickey Hart on drums.

Billy Strings joined them on electric guitar toward the end of the second set, unleashing Wharf Rat, written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter in 1971.

Billy Strings sings on Aug. 1, 2025, during a show with Dead & Company. The show includes three nights of music in Golden Gate Park. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

The song follows the story of a man wandering around the docks of the city, like the ones a few miles away from Golden Gate Park.

The song is one that sober deadheads  who call themselves wharf rats  have found identity in.

The song touches on how the man spent half of his life, stumbling around drunk on burgundy wine, while the chorus states But Ill get back on my feet someday / The good Lord willing If He says I may / I know that the life Im livings no good / Ill get a new start, live the life I should.

Strings himself has been open about his own sobriety from alcohol, giving up drinking in 2016.

Fan Michael Rogers, 56, said he started seeing the Grateful Dead and following them around the country in 1989. Hes seen 100-plus shows, he said.

Billy Strings pulled off a great performance of Wharf Rat Friday, he said. Whatever he does, he kills it.

It was a version of the song that would make Jerry Garcia proud, another fan said.

The music never stops: Dead & Company celebrates 60 years of the Grateful Dead's music, on Aug. 1, 2025. Alive Coverage

Rogers traveled to San Francisco from North Carolina for the three days of music.

He was excited to see the two lead guitar players together. Billy came on stage and challenged Mayer, Rogers said, as they pulled melodies from the foggy air of Golden Gate Park.

Michael Rogers sits outside a hotel in San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood the morning after the first of a three-night concert. He applauded Billy Strings for helping to follow in the footsteps of the Grateful Dead. Billy's sit-in on "Wharf Rat" was a highlight of the night, Rogers said. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

Ill get up and fly away Billy Strings sang with the others, trading howling guitar licks with Mayer.

The two lead guitarists locked eyes and nodded their heads together, flanking Bob Weir on either side, exploring the music.

Weir, whose iconic voice helped create the Grateful Dead sound, sang lead on several songs along with Mayer.

Friday would have been Garcias 83rd birthday. Images of the legendary guitarist were shown on screens as Dead & Company launched into Knockin on Heavens Door with Weir singing.

Garcia died Aug. 9, 1995, after a career that brought him to the top of the rock and roll world, with a body of work that continues to delight audiences decades after his death.

Dead and Company had fans dancing and spinning around the parks tree-lined Polo Field with Eyes of the World, Box of Rain, Althea, Terrapin Station and other Grateful Dead favorites.

Grahame Lesh, son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, joined the band for a few tunes including Box of Rain.

The song, which was traditionally sang by Phil Lesh, was the final song performed by the Grateful Dead on July 9, 1995, in Chicago before Garcia died a month later.

Phil Lesh died last year at the age of 84.

Garcia and the Grateful Dead got their start in San Francisco and played some historic shows at Golden Gate Park, nearby their home in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

The weekend of music marks a return to the park by the bay. The show features Sturgill Simpson opening on Saturday and the Trey Anastasio Band opening Sunday, with two sets of Dead & Company each night.

Billy Strings has covered the Grateful Dead in the past, but took an extended hiatus from playing the bands songs, until last night.

Scenes of California were shown as Dead & Company played for hours Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Alive Coverage

Fans debated the chances of a sit-in Friday and cheered as Billy Strings came out wearing a signature orange camouflage hat.

Rogers said he was happy to see a younger generation enjoying the scene.

RELATED: Billy Strings returns home for special one mic performance at first fest he ever attended

On Friday, Billy Strings also played Shady Grove, a song the Jerry Garcia Band also played, and Thunder, with lyrics written by longtime Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, who died in 2019.

The show, and the city as a whole, included other acknowledgments to the legendary rock and roll band.

Every show is different, Rogers said, and hes never been to a bad Dead show.

The Dead & Company sets on Friday were mellow, Rogers said, like Jerry.

A Grateful Dead themed windmill shines like a beacon in the center of the concert field at Golden Gate Park. Alive Coverage

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
By Alessandro Parodi

(Reuters) -Registrations of new Tesla cars in several key European markets fell in July, despite a revamp to its signature Model Y, as the EV maker struggles with a backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political views, regulatory challenges and rising competition.

Tesla's aging lineup is facing a wave of low-cost EV rivals, especially from China. It is rolling out a revamped Model Y and starting to produce a new, cheaper model, but production of that will only ramp up next quarter, later than initially expected.

The brand's registrations - a proxy for sales - fell 86% year-on-year in July to 163 cars in Sweden, 52% to 336 cars in Denmark, 27% to 1,307 in France, 62% to 443 in the Netherlands and 58% to 460 in Belgium, official industry data showed, marking a seventh straight monthly drop in all of those countries.

They also fell by 5% to 457 cars in Italy and 49% to 284 in Portugal.

Tesla sales dropped by over a third in Europe in the first six months of the year.

Norway and Spain bucked the trend, with Tesla's July registrations up 83% and 27% to 838 cars and 702 cars, respectively.

Spain recorded a 155% jump in total sales of electrified cars - either battery electric or plug-in hybrid. Tesla's Chinese competitor BYD sold 2,158 cars in Spain in July, almost eight times more than in July 2024.

With no more affordable-end vehicles on the horizon until the last three months of the year and the upcoming end of a $7,500 U.S. tax break for EV buyers, Musk acknowledged in July that Tesla could have "a few rough quarters".

He said tough automated driving regulations in Europe made it harder to sell the Model Y in some countries, as the vehicle's optional supervised self-driving is "a huge selling point".

"Our sales in Europe, we think will improve significantly once we are able to give customers the same experience that they have in the U.S.," he told analysts.

Tesla began selling a long-range four-wheel version of the revamped Model Y in Europe in March 2025, while sales of the two rear-wheel drive variants began in May.

Model Y registrations in Sweden and Denmark fell by 88% and 49% respectively in July, while they jumped more than fourfold to 715 cars in Norway.

Norway, where almost all new cars sold are fully-electric and where Tesla has been the best-selling brand since 2021, has seen a surge in orders for the model since May after the automaker launched 0% interest loans in some Nordic countries to drum up demand.

Tesla launched in June a trial robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, using about a dozen Model Y SUVs controlled by its autonomous-driving software. But the roll-out of its self-driving features elsewhere in the U.S. is bogged down because it hasn't received the required permits.
Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association Executive Director Arturo Puckerin stands in front of a vacant building at 1213 E. Main St. on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. KENA recently purchased the building and land its on, along with two nearby parcels for a total of $260,000. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

KALAMAZOO, MI  It only took Arturo Puckerin a matter of weeks before he began making a difference as executive director of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association.

Puckerin, 41, took over as the head of the association on Aug. 1, 2024, after the 2023 retirement of longtime director Pat Taylor and a brief interim stint from James Ayers.

In his first year, he helped launch a pilot program to help low-income workers with vehicle repairs; spearheaded the purchase of three blighted properties with a goal of transforming them into new businesses; and took over running food and diaper distribution programs.

I wanted to be part of a bigger solution, really at the neighborhood level, at the municipal level, he said about why he took on the role.

Puckerin came to KENA via the Jackson Housing Commission, where he served as executive director for just over a year.

Before that he spent time as executive director of the Muskegon-Oceana Community Action Partnership, CEO and president of Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek and as executive director of supportive services for Community Mental Health Ottawa County.

He also worked with at-risk youth in Annapolis, Maryland.

Puckerin spent much of his own youth moving around. Both of his parents were in the U.S. Army. He was born in Brooklyn and lived in San Diego and San Antonio, among other locales.

His parents dedication to service led him down his own path of putting others first. After two years of law school at Cooley, he shifted course and got a masters in public administration, knowing he wanted to dedicate his life to community action.

An Eastside mural seen on Monday, July 21, 2025, on a building on East Michigan Avenue, near the intersection of East Main Street, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

Working with low-income families

On Nov. 1, just 90 days into his tenure at KENA, Puckerin launched a six-month pilot program aimed at helping ALICE families and individuals  people who earn more than the federal poverty level, but less than the basic local cost of living.

Short for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, ALICE families and individuals are often one major medical or repair bill away from financial despair.

Much of the Eastside is in that population.

Despite an employment rate of 79.9% for individuals between the ages of 25 and 54  which is higher than the rest of the county  the median income per household is significantly lower, at $43,224, according to a 2023 Upjohn Institute study on Kalamazoo neighborhoods.

While reaching out to residents, Puckerin learned many people in the ALICE population on Kalamazoos Eastside work in factories, often late at night.

For people who are lower income working second- and third-shift jobs, theres not a lot of transportation available around that time, Puckerin said. If your car breaks down, youre in trouble.

Identifying a need, Puckerin launched a program allowing county residents in the ALICE population to receive $500 for vehicle repair assistance once per fiscal year.

There are vehicle repair programs out there, but most are targeted for people receiving vouchers or who have other poverty-level issues, Puckerin said. We want to help people who are employed and prevent them from going into debt or from becoming unemployed because they cant make it to work.

Absent veterans and seniors, most people in that ALICE population dont have programs tailored to them.

Ending May 1, the pilot program helped 62 families in six months, he said. That success has prompted a return of the program this November for another six-month run.

The hope is to make the program a permanent one, and not just in Kalamazoo County. The association is now working with the United Way to turn it into a statewide program, he said.

11 1 / 11 Eastside invests in blighted properties

Breathing new life into the Eastside

Another feather in Puckerins cap is the purchase, this March, of three blighted properties in the 1200 block of East Main Street.

The properties, purchased for a combined $260,000 from Kalamazoo-based EMP Properties LLC, have been vacant for more than 20 years.

The plan is to rehabilitate all three and find tenants to lease them to from the association. If all goes to plan, it will not only reduce blight, but provide community gathering spaces and support area entrepreneurs.

RELATED: Transforming blight: Kalamazoo Eastside group buys 3 long-vacant properties

The first property Puckerin hopes to see transformed, 1203 E. Main St., sits at the corner of East Michigan Avenue and East Main Street. It most recently housed a Dairy Queen, which relocated to Gull Road about 24 years ago.

Plans are to have another fast-service restaurant, coffee house or breakfast place operating there by the end of 2026, Puckerin said.

The other vacant building, 1213 E. Main St., used to be a laundromat. The 3,250-square-foot space could become anything from a new laundromat to a bodega, a restaurant or office space.

The association will look for grants to help rehabilitate the space, plus use profits earned from the leasing of existing space managed by KENA, he said.

In addition to leasing out space at its headquarters, at 1301 E. Main St., KENA also manages 1802 E. Main St.  a property it purchased from the county land bank in 2022 and rehabilitated. That property has been home to the Locd in Royalty hair salon, since November 2024.

Growing from the inside out is the way to build back community, Puckerin said.

Truthfully, I think Kalamazoo is probably growing in the smartest direction, he said. Theres a city plan. We have neighborhood plans. We have a lot of support at the county level. I see great things like the Kalamazoo Promise.

I just want to be part of that work.

The headquarters of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association, 1301 E. Main St. on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

Other KENA projects

Puckerin is also proud to head up KENAs food and diaper distribution programs.

Through a partnership with the South Michigan Food Bank and the USDAs Emergency Food Assistance Program, KENA distributes food the second Monday of every month.

The distribution takes place at 11:30 a.m. at KENAs main office, 1301 E. Main St. About 75 Kalamazoo families and individuals are served each month, Puckerin said.

KENA also distributes diapers, maternal infant health kits and more, he said.

For more information on KENA, visit kalamazooeastsideneighborhood.org.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
Mahindra ahead in wholesales, Hyundai at front in vehicle registrations in July

Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though.

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. 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
Friendship Day 2025 Date and History: Know Why It Falls on the First Sunday of August

MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.

Archisha 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. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Palak Vij

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Exclusive - The Kerala Story director Sudipto Sen on CM Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of National Award win: I stand by every word of my film

Sarika Sharma is Editor, Entertainment, MoneyControl.com. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of entertainment journalism.

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
Firestorm: First single from Pawan Kalyan's OG is out and fans cannot keep calm

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
Imtiaz Ali announces new film with Varun Sharma, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee with a hilarious teaser: Watch

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
Yuvika Chaudhary shares how rumours about her separation with Prince Narula affected her; says, Misunderstandings arose during that phase

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
Scott Bessent says US has 'makings of a deal' with China

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
I wouldn't see us making significant changes to our approach to credit structure, he added.

When asked whether there might be a point down the road at which the bank rethinks that approach to remain competitive, Green said, the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence of good credit quality.

We want to compete on price. We dont want to lose good business to that, Green told analysts during the call. But as it relates to structure, thats where you can get in trouble.

Frost executives noted the $51.4 billion-asset banks losses to pricing dropped by 28%. The lender didnt detail the size of the increase in losses due to structure.

Amid an increasingly competitive lending landscape, the rise in Frosts losses to structure just represents how aggressive banks are out there, Green said during the earnings call. Other banks might be willing to offer a more lenient loan structure, with a longer interest-only period or a longer term, he said.

And super-regionals U.S. Bank and PNC are among the bigger banks digging deeper into the state, which has seen population and business growth explode in recent years.

Competition has intensified generally, but theres probably no more competitive asset class than commercial real estate, Green said in an interview after the lender reported earnings. Past CRE issues led many lenders to put pencils down for a period of time; now, with fewer deals to go around, whenever one raises their head, you get more people looking to participate, Green said.

For San Antonio-based Frost, loans lost to other banks due to structure continued to increase in the second quarter, reaching the second-highest quarter ever for such losses. I think this represents the level of competition developing in the market, Green said during Thursdays quarterly earnings call .

Frost Bank is experiencing stiffer competition for lending activity in its Texas markets, particularly in the commercial real estate sector, CEO Phil Green said Thursday.

This story was originally published on Banking Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter .

Story Continues

The Texas banks average loans for the second quarter increased 7.2%, to $21.1 billion, year over year; that represented a 1.3% increase from the prior quarter, the bank said.

Lending competition is coming from banks of all sizes, although Green said Frost is experiencing a little bit more pressure coming from smaller  maybe banks a little smaller than us, he said. Theyre sort of waking up to having some money, I guess, to go into some of these asset classes, and they typically will be a little bit more aggressive on underwriting.

Frost CFO Dan Geddes added that competition has intensified particularly for larger loan opportunities. Larger, high quality  theres not a lot of them and so when they come around, it can get pretty competitive on both pricing and structure, Geddes said.

As Frost continues its expansion efforts in major Texas cities, the recent M&A activity in the state really is to our benefit, Green said.

If anything, it's going to make it more successful, I think, because you have an acquisition and you're trying to put two different companies together, and your customers are confused and your staff is confused, and there are lots of questions, and there's systems that have to be converted, he said. And if we move into a market like that, and we're an alternative, I think it just really helps enhance our value proposition.

Those integrations offer Frost an opportunity to pick up both customers and bankers, he contended. Im kind of looking forward, frankly, to some of this acquisition activity, he said.

Green reiterated Thursday the bank is uninterested in any acquisitions itself, and sees plenty of room to grow within Texas, rather than going outside the state. Frost, which opened its 200th branch in the Austin area in the second quarter, has doubled down on organic expansion in markets such as Houston, Dallas and Austin.

By the end of the second quarter, the banks expansion efforts  which begin in 2018  had generated about $2.7 billion in deposits, $2 billion in loans and almost 69,000 new households as customers, Green said. The expansion represented about 37% of total loan growth and 44% of total deposit growth, year over year, and 24% of new commercial relationships were brought in through the expansion, Geddes said.

The bank sees plenty more opportunity to fill out its presence in those major cities  and potentially in Fort Worth and San Antonio, or smaller communities like Fredericksburg and Kerrville  as it tracks where growth has been particularly robust and follows.

Theres so much more for us to mine out of these great markets, he said. Thats where our focus is going to be.

The banks non-interest expenses jumped 9.5%, to $347.1 million, in the quarter, in part tied to hiring connected to the expansion. Frost expects overall expansion efforts to be accretive to earnings in 2026.

Recommended Reading
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
101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
BJP likely to appoint new Mumbai chief ahead of BMC polls

Chhabi Kala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
BJP likely to name new national president after vice-presidential poll in September

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
Buried after no claimant: Indian authorities hand over exhumed Pakistani national's body recovered in Kupwara

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
'Dhankhar didn't allow us to speak, was asked to resign when began to speak freely': Kharge

Chhabi Kala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Dharmasthala mass burial case: No skeletal remains found at two more suspected sites

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
Dont go to parties or youll be raped: Posters spark outrage, embarrass Ahmedabad police

Aishwarya Dabhade

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Home Ministry allows Pakistani woman deported after Pahalgam attack to return to India on visitor visa

Ria Kapoor

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
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau on Thursday reported an 8.6% decline in its second-quarter adjusted net profit year-on-year, slightly below analysts' expectations despite stronger performance of North American operations due to U.S. tariffs.

Brazil's largest steelmaker by market capitalization and the owner of mills across the Americas, Gerdau posted an 864 million reais ($154.26 million) adjusted net profit for the quarter through the end of June. Analysts polled by LSEG expected 847 million reais.

In the earnings report, Gerdau said the profit decline year-on-year was driven mostly by its results in South America outside Brazil, a move partially offset by currency effects.

Gerdau's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) came in at 2.56 billion reais, down 2.4% and mostly in line with the 2.57 billion reais expected by analysts.

Gerdau said it has seen an improvement in its main North American operations when compared to the first quarter, attributing it to a decline in import levels in the U.S. due to higher tariffs and the resulting supply rebalancing.

The steelmaker relies on North America for more than half of its net revenue. Analysts have pointed to the firm as the potential main winner in the Brazilian steelmaking sector of the higher steel duties set by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Gerdau's total net revenues rose 5.5% year-on-year to 17.5 billion reais, with steel sales increasing 4.1% in volume. Analysts had estimated a 17.7 billion reais net revenue.

JPMorgan analysts including Rodolfo Angele said the results were mainly neutral. "As expected, North America showed continued strength into 2Q25 more than compensating for the challenges seen in the Brazil and South America business units," they wrote in an note to clients.

($1 = 5.6008 reais)

(Reporting by Andre Romani; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle and Chris Reese)
Ria Kapoor

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Man who was slapped mid-air on IndiGo flight, found later in CISF custody at Kolkata airport: Report

Ria Kapoor

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
My only mistake was 'fast' growth in politics, made no mistake, says rape convict ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna

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
Rahul Gandhi says Arun Jaitley threatened him of action during farm laws protest; late BJP leader's son, party react

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
Smriti Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Readjusting to life on earth: Shubhanshu Shukla reveals he dropped his laptop thinking it would float

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shashi Tharoor on Rahul Gandhi backing Trumps India is a dead economy remark: 'He has his reasons...'

Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran

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
MILAN  The Giorgio Armani company is pushing back on the decision of the AGCM, the Italian Competition Authority, to fine the luxury brand for alleged misleading advertising.

The authority is imposing sanctions of 3.5 million euros on Giorgio Armani SpA and G.A. Operations SpA for deceptive business practice linked with the companies sustainability statements on their Armani Values and armani.com websites, which the AGCM claims are contradicted by the uncovered evidence of negligence in supply chain auditing.

More from WWD

The Italian brand said it will appeal the decision before the Regional Administrative Court.

Proceedings were initiated by the AGCM in July last year, three months after G.A. Operations SpA, the manufacturing arm of the Giorgio Armani Group, had been put into judicial administration by a Milan court for alleged negligence in auditing its suppliers whose subcontractors allegedly engaged in sweatshop schemes and workforce exploitation.

The probe was fully resolved and the judicial administration procedure lifted last February.

In Fridays ruling for sanctions, the Italian Competition Authority said that the investigation revealed that the companies placed strong emphasis on their commitment to sustainability  particularly social responsibility, including worker welfare and safety  which has become a marketing tool used to meet growing consumer expectations. This is evidenced, among other things, by the very name of the company website (Armani Values) as well as by certain documents collected during inspections.

These clearly show the objective of enhancing the brands positive perception in terms of sustainability  and, from a commercial standpoint  encouraging customers to make purchasing decisions that also reflect the values conveyed through our products, the authority wrote.

In a responding statement issued Friday, Giorgio Armani SpA expressed disappointment and bitterness at the decision of the Italian Competition Authority to conclude the proceedings initiated in July 2024 for alleged misleading advertising, resulting in sanctions against the companies.

This decision disregards the decree by which the Court of Milan revoked, early, the judicial administration of G.A. Operations SpA, acknowledging that, after a thorough analysis of the control and supervisory systems long used by the Armani Group for its supply chain, the excellent result the Company is believed to have achieved was made possible  in a short timeframe  precisely because structured and tested supply chain control systems were already in place at the time the measure was applied, it said.
Tibet's Yarlung Zangbo dam: How Chinas new hydroelectric project could act as a tool to dominate the Brahmaputra

Smriti Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Will vanish in thin air: SC sounds alarm on Himachal crisis; says revenue can't trump ecology

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
Namrata Agarwal

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Weekend Wild Card: Nothing says 'INDIA IS OUR FRIEND' like a 25% tariff

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Caught on camera: Motorbike thief tries to snatch reporters phone moments before live coverage

Shubhi Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Shubhi Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Madhya Pradesh man dances with tears at friends funeral to honour his final wish: 'Men in friendship'

Shubhi Mishra

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
AI is ours to grab, we cant be left behind, Tim Cook tells Apple employees in a rare all-hands meeting

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. 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
Bing Search grows as Google's share in Search market drops: All the details

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. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Google lost its appeal of a judges court order requiring the tech giant to revamp its app store in an antitrust case filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Googles argument that the trial judge made legal errors in the antitrust case that unfairly favored Epic Games.

Epic Games first filed its lawsuit in 2020 and was able to convince a jury in 2023 that Google illegally stifled competition. The trial judge ordered Google last October to open its app store to rivals and give Android users more choice when it comes to downloading apps. The order was on hold pending the outcome of Googles appeal.

Google argued to the appeals court that its Play Store competes with Apples App Store, and claimed that the trial judge unfairly prevented it from presenting that argument in defense against Epics antitrust claims.
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

Vikas SN

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
4 people killed in a shooting at a Montana bar in US

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
'Asim Munir has misled you...': Baloch leader writes open letter to Trump over oil reserves in Pakistan

Ria Kapoor

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
'Enough nuke submarines to counter two': Russia responds to Trumps deployment order

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
From Laos to Brazil, Trump's tariffs leave lot of losers; but even winners will pay price

101Reporters

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Aishwarya Dabhade

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
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
Pakistan's hidden 'Trump' card: How Islamabad has played Washington over the years

Arishaa Izaj

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
This story was originally published on Packaging Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Packaging Dive newsletter.

Greif plans to permanently close a facility in Merced, California, that manufactures industrial steel drums as well as small polymer containers, eliminating 43 jobs.

The company intends to cease operations at the plant in September.

Making the decision to close a facility is always difficult, said CEO Ole Rosgaard in a Friday news release. We are committed to doing everything we can to make this transition as easy as possible, including providing severance packages and career placement services.

This closure aligns with the optimization plan executives announced on an earnings call in December, and they said at that time that plant consolidation and staff reductions could occur. Greif aims to cut $100 million in costs by the end of fiscal year 2027.

Late last year, Greif executives also described the completion of a business unit reshuffle that involved moving away from a dual-business structure  global industrial packaging, and paper packaging and services  and splitting the businesses into four material-based segments: customized polymers, durable metals, sustainable fiber and integrated solutions.

Executives said the biggest growth opportunities exist in polymer-based products, such as intermediate bulk containers and in the caps and closures business, and thats where the company plans to focus future investments. Metals already was one of Greifs largest business units, and it had essentially maxed out its growth prospects for products like steel drums, Rosgaard said in December. The company plans for future metals business investments to be in plant modernization and automation, as opposed to investing in segment growth.

Greif already has offloaded some facilities this year as part of the optimization. In May, it announced a plan to close a paperboard mill in Los Angeles by June, ending its coated paperboard production on the West Coast. In early July, Greif confirmed that its selling its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America. And during an earnings call in February, executives announced their intention to sell Greifs entire 176,000-acre timberland portfolio, managed by wholly owned subsidiary Soterra.

Recommended Reading
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. 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
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. 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
US crude oil cargo to dock in Karachi by October: Why Trump-Munir nexus is raising eyebrows in New Delhi

Abhinav Gupta

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Why aid isnt reaching Gazas starving civilians despite trucks at the border

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
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Low Cost Stocks To Buy Under $50. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. stands ninth on our list.

Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL), founded in 1994, is a prominent Colombian financial holding company with a strong presence in Colombia and Central America. It operates through a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries, including Banco de Bogota, Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular, and Corficolombiana, offering services in banking, lending, pensions, insurance, and investments.

In 2025, Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL) has shifted strategic focus toward digital transformation and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) leadership. The company continues to enhance digital banking across its subsidiaries, responding to fintech competition and evolving customer preferences. Investment in digital infrastructure is enabling new loyalty programs and customer engagement platforms, signaling a long-term commitment to innovation.

The business has also made notable progress in sustainability. Its April 2025 sustainability report outlines advancements in financial inclusion, sustainable financing, job creation, and environmental protection. The corporation improved its standing on the Merco ESG index and expanded various social and environmental programs across the region.

Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (AVAL) Raises $300 Billion Bonds to Fuel Growth and Sustainability Efforts

A data analyst in front of a computer monitor, analyzing a series of financial trends.

Financially, Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL) demonstrated strong investor confidence by issuing $300 billion in bonds in early 2025, which will support further growth and ESG initiatives. Regionally, it continues to strengthen operations in Central America, using its diversified model to ensure stability and expansion.

While we acknowledge the potential of AVAL 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money.

Disclosure: None.
Paying with a handwave once sounded like science fiction, but contactless palm recognition service Amazon One has already been used more than 8 million times, according to the company. Thats Amazon, though, which explains why it has been deployed in Amazon stores and more than 500 Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S., but only 150 third-party locations.

Meanwhile, fintech startups like Latvias Handwave are stepping onto the field, aiming to provide third-party retailers with a similar but independent solution for faster checkout while leveraging the giants role in popularizing biometric payments in the West. (China has already begun adopting biometric palm payments, with Tencent working to bring its Weixin Palm Pay service into mainstream use.)

Like Apples Face ID, palm scanning uses more than static images: It analyzes palm vein patterns and also verifies that the user is physically present when they hover their hand over the scanner. This method works for secure contactless payments and also applies to broader identity verification scenarios  with players like Keyo also supporting secure building access and other applications.

In contrast, Handwave is focusing specifically on retail  and since it doesnt own stores like Amazon, it had to seek partners, which required having a product. Three years in, and now with its own hardware and software, the Latvian startup is preparing for market pilots that will deploy its palm-scanning devices at retail stores.

Merchants who deploy the startups tech would pay a transaction fee that Handwave claims will be on par with or lower than standard payments. According to Handwave, faster and cheaper checkouts could reduce costs. But unlike some cost-cutting measures, this solution aims to make things easier for customers  with the promise of no cards, no apps, no fingerprint scanners, and no facial scans  even for age verification and loyalty programs.

Handwaves co-founders, CEO Janis Stirna and Sandis Osmanis-Usmanis, previously worked for one of the worlds largest global payment providers, Worldline. Despite this connection, the team aims to build a wide ecosystem. Our plan is to collaborate with any financial institution or acquiring bank, Stirna told TechCrunch.

The startup has only partnered with a handful of financial institutions so far, but very big ones, especially in Europe, Stirna said. This summer, the startup signed an agreement with Visa that could speed up the deployment of Handwaves solution in any country, according to its chief revenue officer, Oskars Laksevics.
Thailand returns 2 wounded soldiers to Cambodia but continues to hold 18 of their comrades View Photo

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodia on Friday welcomed the return of two wounded soldiers who had been captured by the Thai army after the two sides had already implemented a ceasefire to end five days of combat over competing territorial claims.

Their repatriation comes amid accusations and bickering over whether either side had targeted civilians and breached the laws of war, and sharp nationalist feuding on social media.

The rest of a 20-member group of Cambodian soldiers captured on Tuesday in one of the disputed pockets of land over which the two sides were fighting remain in Thai hands, and Cambodian officials are demanding their release.

The two countries have given differing accounts of the circumstances of the capture. Cambodian officials say their soldiers approached the Thai position with friendly intentions to offer post-fighting greetings, while Thai officials said the Cambodians appeared to have hostile intent and entered what Thailand considers its territory, so were taken prisoner.

Cambodian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Maly Socheata confirmed that the two wounded soldiers had been handed over at a border checkpoint between Thailands Surin province and Cambodias Oddar Meanchey province, and urged the Thai side to promptly repatriate the remaining personnel in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Thailand says it has been following international legal procedures and was holding the remaining 18 soldiers until it could investigate their actions.

A statement issued Friday by Thailands 2nd Army Region identified the two repatriated Cambodian soldiers as a sergeant with a broken arm and a gash on his hip, and a second lieutenant who appeared to be suffering from battle fatigue and needed care from his family. It said both men had taken an oath not to engage in further hostilities against Thailand.

Neither man nor the others in Thai custody have been made available for interviews by neutral third parties.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee, which is a government agency, released a letter addressed to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights claiming that the two soldiers had been tortured and denied medical care.

The letter, which offered no evidence to back up its claims, demanded among other measures an impartial investigation by the United Nations or relevant international bodies into its allegations.

There were other peaceful activities on Friday on both sides of the border as both countries staged tours of the former battle areas for foreign diplomats and other observers, highlighting damage allegedly caused by the other side. The two countries continue to accuse each other of having violated the laws of war with attacks on civilians and the illegal use of weapons.

More than three dozen people, civilian and soldiers, were killed in the fighting, which in addition to infantry battles included artillery duels and the firing of truck-mounted rockets by Cambodia, to which Thailand responded with airstrikes. More than 260,000 people in total were displaced from their homes.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, military representatives of both sides are supposed to meet next week to iron out details to avoid further clashes. However, the talks are not supposed to cover the competing territorial claims that are at the heart of decades-long tension between the two countries.

Partisans of both sides are also waging a war of words online, with Thailand accusing Cambodia of also carrying out malicious hacking. Both countries professional journalism societies have accused each other of spreading false information and other propaganda.

___

Associated Press writer Jintamas reported from Bangkok.

By SOPHENG CHEANG and JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

Associated Press
Rival anti-migrant and anti-racism protests face off outside a hotel housing migrants in London

Rival anti-migrant and anti-racism protests face off outside a hotel housing migrants in London View Photo

LONDON (AP)  Anti-immigrant and anti-racism demonstrators faced off in London on Saturday in the latest in a series of protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers.

Several hundred protesters waving Union Jacks gathered outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London, calling for it to be closed as housing for migrants. Chants including Scum and Britain is full were directed at the hotel.

Police separated the demonstrators from a larger group of counter-protesters chanting refugees are welcome here, as people inside the hotel watched from windows.

Protests against migrants have taken place in recent weeks in Epping, a town on the outskirts of London where an asylum-seeker was accused of sexual assault, and in a smattering of other towns in England.

Protesters say they are concerned about the safety risk posed by the migrants, many of them young men who have recently arrived in Britain in dinghies across the English Channel.

The demonstrations have drawn local people, but have also been attended, and in some cases organized, by far-right groups.

The protests come a year after several days of anti-immigrant rioting across England and Northern Ireland. Crowds in more than two dozen towns attacked hotels housing migrants, as well as mosques, police stations and a library. Some rioters targeted non-white people and threw bricks and fireworks at police.

The summer 2024 violence was sparked when three girls were stabbed to death at a summer dance class in the town of Southport, and online misinformation identified the attacker as a recently arrived migrant. In fact, killer Axel Rudakubana was a British-born 17-year-old.

Experts and community groups warn that the mix of anger, fear, misinformation and political agitating that fueled that violence could erupt again, though protests this summer have been small and largely peaceful.
MCSO raid led to separate search of Ceres propertyMCSO photo View Photos

Mariposa County, CA  The raid on two unlawful marijuana grows in Mariposa County resulted in a bust in Stanislaus County.

We reported last week that two people were arrested and more than 3,500 pot plants were seized after searches on two illegal grows in Greeley Hill. This week, the sheriffs Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served another search warrant at a residence in Ceres.

Inside the house, deputies uncovered several pounds of processed marijuana, seized $15,680 in cash, and retrieved six firearms, including assault rifles and pistols. Deputies discovered an outdoor marijuana grow behind the residence, as well as a shop completely equipped for indoor growth, complete with more processed marijuana and growing equipment. One man, Javier Espindola, was arrested and handcuffed at the scene.

Sheriffs officials note that they often get comments from the public regarding why these raids are taking place when marijuana is legal in California. They explained that these are not little recreational growers. These are black market activities that involve uncontrolled pesticides, polluted rivers, firearms, criminal networks, and environmental degradation, harming neighborhoods, animals, and forests.

When you peel back the layers of these operations, youre not just dealing with illegal plants; youre uncovering networks of crime that have no regard for safety, the environment, or the law, stated Sheriff Jeremy Briese, adding, Im incredibly proud of the hard work our MET Team continues to put in to uphold our vow of community safety and protect the people of Mariposa County.
The drug XylazineCDPH photo View Photo

San Andreas, CA  Calaveras County Public Health is advising that a sedative used by veterinarians is becoming increasingly prevalent in overdose deaths in the United States.

It is called Xylazine (zi-luh-zeen), also known as tranq or tranq dope, and it is not meant for human use. It is a central nervous system depressant that can cause drowsiness and amnesia while slowing breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to dangerously low levels. Calaveras County Public Health notes that the drug is not an opioid, so naloxone cannot reverse its effects, but they still recommend it. That is because the California Department of Public Health reports that the drug is increasingly being paired with deadly fentanyl.

The public can check for an overdose with xylazine test strips that are available at the county public health department. Find more details about the drug by clicking here.
Sonora CHP patrol vehicle View Photo

Sonora, CA  The CHP has released new information on two crashes in Sonora, with one resulting in a DUI arrest and the other originally reported as a hit-and-run.

The Thursday (7/31) crashes occurred within minutes of each other at either end of downtown Sonora, stalling traffic. The first wreck occurred around 10:20 a.m. on Highway 108. CHP spokesperson Officer Steve Machado reports that 41-year-old Patricia Hartzell of Sonora was driving a 2004 Honda Pilot westbound, west of Old Wards Ferry Road. Coming in the opposite direction was 68-year-old Carlos Salazar of Stockton, driving a 2019 GMC Sierra pickup along with his passenger, 74-year-old Marie Salazar of Stockton. Behind Hartzell was 60-year-old Kay Nordvik of Copperopolis, driving a 2012 Subaru Legacy.

Hartzell allowed her vehicle to travel over the double yellow line and as a result, the Honda crashed into the GMC pickup, according to Machado. After striking the GMC, the Honda continued out of control and crashed into the Subaru, where it came to rest.

Salazar and his passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken by ground ambulance to Adventist Health Sonora. Hartzell also suffered minor injuries but was transported to Doctors Medical Center.

During the investigation, it was determined Hartzell was driving impaired and placed under arrest for felony DUI, stated Machado. After being treated at the hospital, she was transported to the Tuolumne County Jail and booked on the violations.

The second collision was first reported as a hit-and-run and happened just three minutes later at 10:45 a.m. on Highway 49 north of Old Sonora/Columbia Road. Machado relayed that 43-year-old Michael Bellinger of Sonora was riding his bicycle northbound. Coming up behind him, driving a 2019 Ford sedan, was 43-year-old Nicholas Chase of Sonora.

Chase allowed his vehicle to drift onto the shoulder and as a result, the passenger side of the Ford struck Bellinger, disclosed Machado.

Bellinger sustained major injuries and was taken to Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Chase was uninjured. Machado added, This crash was originally called in as a hit and run; however, after further investigation, it was determined that it was not a hit and run.
Sheriff's Deputy returning the wallet to its rightful ownerTCSO photo View Photo

Jamestown, CA  A stolen wallet was returned to its rightful owner, but the suspect wasnt arrested for theft, as its a misdemeanor, and no one saw it happen.

A Tuolumne County man called sheriffs dispatch to report losing his wallet at a gas station near Highway 108 and Main Street in Jamestown on Saturday, July 19, at around 7:15 p.m. A couple of hours later, he called to report that one of his credit cards had been used at the gas station. The next day, the deputy reviewed the stations security video. Sheriffs spokesperson Ashley Boujikian says the deputy was able to identify a possible suspect.

During questioning, Boujikian disclosed, The suspect claimed the contents of the wallet had been thrown away. Further investigation and multiple follow-up interviews subsequently led to the wallet and most of its contents being found, except for eleven dollars, which the suspect admitted to spending.

Because the offense was a misdemeanor and did not occur in the deputys or the victims presence, the suspect could not be arrested on the spot under California law, Boujikian explained. However, this is not the end of the story, though, as she shared that a report was sent to the District Attorneys Office, recommending that theft charges be filed.
Amazon's (AMZN) robot takeover may be coming, and President Trump's tax plan could help pay for it.

The sweeping corporate tax reform, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), could give Amazon the financial tailwind to accelerate its investment in warehouse robotics and AI.

According to a Morgan Stanley report, Amazon stands to gain an annual $15 billion in free cash flow under the new bill. The estimate is based on tax accounting projections for 2025 through 2027, with benefits tapering slightly to $11 billion by 2028.

Morgan Stanley notes Amazon could reallocate part of the windfall toward next-generation investments. The tax benefits are part of a broader package to encourage tech giants like Amazon, Google (GOOG), and Meta (META) to invest "more aggressively" in AI, chips, and infrastructure.

Amazon is set to report its second quarter earnings Thursday after the market close. Its stock has gained 7% year to date, behind the S&P 500's (^GSPC) 8% advance.

Investor expectations for Big Tech are sky-high as the "Magnificent Seven" stocks continue to trade at outsized valuations, making it crucial for the giants to keep up their competitive advantages.

Analysts say warehouse robotics underpins key parts of Amazon's retail and logistics operations. Investing 50% of its new free cash flow, or about $7.5 billion a year, into robotics, would be a game changer, Morgan Stanley's Brian Nowak wrote.

Morgan Stanley estimates if 10% of Amazon's global fulfillment volume runs through next-gen robotics warehouses, the company could save between $2 billion and $4 billion annually by 2027. Cost reductions scale up to nearly $10 billion a year if 25% of units are handled by advanced robotics.

Amazon currently operates approximately 700 fulfillment centers. A $7.5 billion investment could potentially build 17 new robotics fulfillment centers each year at around $450 million apiece or retrofit 75 existing warehouses at $100 million each.

Analysts say Amazon is also likely to pour tax savings into its cloud and generative AI business. In Q1, AWS sales grew 17% year over year to $29.3 billion.

Maxim Group analyst Tom Forte points out that Amazon could benefit from AI on both sides  growing AWS through selling AI tools while using automation technology to reduce corporate labor costs.

"I'm highly confident it will result in more investment spend, and definitely not dividends, he said of Amazon's new tax windfall. "The big difference between Amazon under Bezos and Amazon under Jassy is that Jassy has found a way to invest while still generating margin and cash flow."
Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from ex-Russian leader Medvedev View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  In a warning to Russia, President Donald Trump said Friday hes ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines based on the highly provocative statements of the countrys former president, Dmitry Medvedev, who has raised the prospect of war online.

Trump posted on his social media site that, based on the highly provocative statements from Medvedev, he had ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.

The president added, Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.

It wasnt clear what impact Trumps order would have on U.S. nuclear subs, which are routinely on patrol in the worlds hotspots, but it comes at a delicate moment in the Trump administrations relations with Moscow.

Trump said later Friday that he was alarmed by Medvedevs attitude.

Hes got a fresh mouth, Trump said in an interview with Newsmax.

Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made. He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week.

The post about the sub repositioning came after Trump, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, had posted that Medvedev was a failed former President of Russia and warned him to watch his words. Medvedev responded hours later by writing, Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way.

And that back-and-forth started earlier this week when Medvedev wrote, Trumps playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10 and added, He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isnt Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.

Asked as he was leaving the White House on Friday evening for a weekend at his estate in New Jersey about where he was repositioning the subs, Trump didnt offer any specifics.

We had to do that. We just have to be careful, he said. A threat was made, and we didnt think it was appropriate, so I have to be very careful.

Trump also said, I do that on the basis of safety for our people and were gonna protect our people. He later added of Medvedev, He was talking about nuclear.

When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared, Trump said. And were totally prepared. He told Newsmax that the submarines were being moved closer to Russia.

Medvedev was Russias president from 2008 to 2012, while Vladimir Putin was barred from seeking a third consecutive term, and then stepped aside to let him run again.

Now deputy chairman of Russias National Security Council, which Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022. Thats a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive.

Medvedev has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks.

One such example before the latest spat with Trump came on July 15, after Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow. Medvedev posted then, Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didnt care.

___

Associated Press writer Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Darlene Superville in Bridgewater, N.J., contributed to this report.

By WILL WEISSERT

Associated Press
Study confirms COVID-19 tyranny accelerated brain aging by over 5 months

What happens when populations blindly follow orders to lock down in their homes and stay plugged into their smartphones for days on end, waiting for some supreme authority to tell them when they can go outside and talk to people again? Significant brain damage.

What happens when people stay in this state of compliance, acting like dumbed-down slaves, as they continue to listen to petty dictators consumed by germaphobia and fear? The brain damage accelerates, with pressure to conform to more brain damaging nonsense.

What happens when those same people start restricting their oxygen intake because they were told to? A society of brain-damaged morons become the norm.

A chilling new study published in Nature confirms what truth-tellers warned about from the beginning: The COVID-19 plandemic, and particularly the draconian lockdowns, accelerated brain aging by over 5.5 monthsregardless of whether individuals were actually infected with the virus. The research, based on an analysis of 15,334 brain scans from the UK Biobank, exposes the irreversible damage caused by isolation, fear, government-mandated restrictions, and the cowardice of compliance. The most severe structural brain changes were found in elderly individuals, men, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populationsprecisely those already marginalized by society.

This wasnt just about a virusit was a psychological warfare campaign that eroded cognitive health while conditioning the masses into submission.

Key points:

The COVID-19 plandemic accelerated brain aging in the general population by 5.5 months, even among those never infected.

Older adults, men, and lower-income individuals suffered the most severe structural brain changes.

Researchers attribute accelerated aging to isolation, economic instability, disrupted routines, and reduced physical activityall direct results of lockdown policies.

COVID-19 infection worsened cognitive decline in areas like mental flexibility and processing speed, but the pandemic itself was enough to inflict damage on the uninfected.

Scientists admit the long-term reversibility of these changes remains unknownmeaning lockdown-induced brain damage may be permanent.

Lockdowns: Government-enforced cognitive decline

The studys lead author, Ali-Reza Mohammadi-Nejad, told the Los Angeles Times, Our study suggests that the experience of living through the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with slightly faster brain aging, even in people who were never infected with the virus.

In other words, the mere act of compliancestaying locked indoors, avoiding human contact, acting out of fear and paranoia, breathing stale air behind masks, and believing lies about the human bodywas enough to rot the brain.

The worst effects were seen in older adults, likely because prolonged isolation exacerbates neurodegeneration. Men suffered more than women, possibly due to the biological effects of stress on male brain structure. And lower-income individuals, already struggling with healthcare disparities, were hit hardestproof that tyrannical policies disproportionately crush the vulnerable.

Dorothee Auer, a neuroimaging professor and co-author, offered weak reassurance, stating, We cant yet test whether the changes we saw will reverse, but its certainly possible. Given that science has long proven social isolation destroys brain health, this "maybe" reversal claim is cold comfort for millions already suffering damage.

A controlled demolition of human cognition

Decades of research already show that chronic stress accelerates brain degeneration. Lockdowns engineered that stress, imposing:

Forced isolation (social deprivation)

Financial ruin (economic insecurity and hardship)

Gathering restrictions (people were led to believe they couldn't play sports, worship together, conduct business).

Restricted movement (sedentary decline)

Mask-induced oxygen deprivation (hypoxia)

Medical malpractice (isolation and censored treatments led to higher hospital fatalities and ensuing grief)

Forfeited parental rights (led to lost purpose, responsibility, and self ownership)

Family division (lack of love and support from hyper-politicized and germaphobia propaganda)

All of these factors fuel neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and structural brain damageyet governments pushed these harmful policies anyway.

The study concludes: "The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted brain health, shown as accelerated brain ageing, influenced by bio-psycho-social factors, especially social and health deprivation."

Translation: Governments knowingly sacrificed brain health in exchange for illusory safety theaterand the most compliant paid the highest price.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Nature.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
The dark side of modern baking: Hidden toxins in your daily bread

A recent European study found that all tested breads  including organic  contained trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a PFAS compound linked to reproductive and developmental harm. TFA levels were up to 400 times higher than in drinking water.

TFA is spreading through air, rain and water  affecting even farms that haven't used herbicides or pesticides in decades. These chemicals accumulate in wheat and cannot be filtered out by baking or washing.

Most commercial bread is made using the Chorleywood Bread Process, a high-speed, additive-heavy method that sacrifices nutrition and health for shelf life. softness and cost-efficiency.

Many ingredients  like GMO-based emulsifiers, preservatives. processing enzymes and other additives  are not listed on food labels. Some are allergens or linked to gut issues, thyroid disruption and more.

It looks innocent enough on the plate. A soft sandwich. A slice of toast. Maybe a warm dinner roll. But that comforting crust hides a disturbing reality: Your bread isn't what it used to be  and it hasn't been for decades.

Today's commercially baked bread is a far cry from the four- or five-ingredient staple your grandparents knew. Instead of just flour, salt, water and yeast, modern bread often contains a cocktail of chemicals, processing agents and synthetic additives  many of which you'll never find on the label. And some, like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a newly identified "forever chemical," may be putting your health at serious risk.

TFA in every slice: A new chemical culprit

You've probably never heard of TFA, but it may be in your daily bread, your morning cereal or the pasta on your dinner plate.

TFA is a highly potent acid widely used in chemical laboratories  especially in the making of pharmaceuticals and proteins. But what most people don't know is that TFA is also a persistent environmental contaminant  not because you add it to food, but because it forms when fluorinated chemicals break down in the environment. Once it's there, it stays. TFA doesn't biodegrade. It is highly water-soluble and mobile  meaning it can travel long distances through rain and runoff, settling into groundwater, rivers and cropland.

In a new study, researchers found TFA in every wheat-based food tested  from bread to breakfast cereal to pasta. Even long-organic farms weren't spared. Because TFA behaves like other PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  often referred to as "forever chemicals"  it accumulates quietly in food and the body, raising concerns among health experts and environmental scientists alike. (Related: Austrian study warns: "Forever chemicals" found in all tested cereal products, including organic brands.)

Researchers found TFA levels up to 400 times higher than those in drinking water, even in products labeled "organic." Farms that hadn't used herbicides or pesticides in 25 years were still contaminated. Why? Because TFA travels through air and rain, settling onto crops and into the soil across the planet.

Worse still, TFA levels in food have tripled in less than a decade. Experts now warn it may pose a global reproductive and developmental health threat. Children, who eat more bread and cereal than most adults, are especially at risk  consuming four times the so-called "safe" limit, according to European health authorities.

The hidden technology behind your bread

While TFA grabs headlines, another culprit has been hiding in plain sight for over 60 years: the Chorleywood Bread Process (CBP).

Developed in the 1960s in the U.K., this industrial method revolutionized bread-making  not for better nutrition, but for speed, volume, softness and shelf life. CBP relies on high-speed mixing, low-quality flour and a battery of chemical additives to create that fluffy, squishy texture now associated with mass-produced bread.

Here's the kicker: Over 80 percent of all U.K bread (and much of what's sold worldwide) is made this way. You won't see "Chorleywood" on the label. But if your bread stays soft and edible for two weeks or more and sticks to the roof of your mouth, you've likely eaten it.

Here's a break down of the ingredients  and non-ingredients  you might be chewing on:

Undeclared enzymes

Many commercial bakers use enzymes to make dough rise faster and stay soft longer. Some are genetically engineered, while others are derived from fungi, mold or animal byproducts. Because they're classified as "processing aids," they don't have to be listed on the label, even though they can cause allergic reactions and may remain active in the final loaf.

One enzyme, transglutaminase, is suspected of making wheat more toxic to people with gluten sensitivity.

Dough conditioners and additives

To withstand factory machinery, commercial dough gets a chemical makeover.

Azodicarbonamide (ADA)  A chemical also used in foam yoga mats, ADA is banned in many countries and is linked to asthma and respiratory issues.

 A chemical also used in foam yoga mats, ADA is banned in many countries and is linked to asthma and respiratory issues. L-cysteine (E920)  Used to relax dough, it is often derived from animal hair or feathers.

 Used to relax dough, it is often derived from animal hair or feathers. Potassium bromate  A suspected carcinogen that's banned in California and Europe, it is still allowed in many U.S. breads. It strengthens the dough but disrupts thyroid function.

Emulsifiers and preservatives

Soft bread that never molds? Here's why:

Calcium propionate  A preservative that inhibits mold but is linked in some studies to behavioral changes in children.

 A preservative that inhibits mold but is linked in some studies to behavioral changes in children. Mono- and diglycerides, DATEM, sodium lactylate  These additives help create soft, pliable loaves but are often made from genetically modified soy or corn oils.

Bleaching and whitening agents

Want bright white flour fast? Here are the chemicals that make them just that:

Chlorine dioxide - A bleaching gas used to "whiten" flour, it is not permitted in the European Union but is still allowed in the United States.

- A bleaching gas used to "whiten" flour, it is not permitted in the European Union but is still allowed in the United States. Soya flour - Often genetically modified, it also bleaches and softens dough.

Hidden sugars

Bread shouldn't taste like cake, but many commercial loaves do. Manufacturers sneak in cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose and maltose under different names. Even "light" and "healthy" breads often have three to five teaspoons of added sugar per loaf.

GMOs and pesticides

Most conventional breads contain GMO-derived ingredients like corn starch, soy flour or soybean oil. These crops are typically drenched in glyphosate, a herbicide the World Health Organization (WHO) classified as a "probable carcinogen." Some GMO crops are engineered to produce their own pesticides internally  the same trait that makes insect stomachs explode may not be something you want in your sandwich.

Health risks that can't be ignored: Why it matters

The hidden ingredients and shortcuts in industrial baking have been linked to a range of health concerns:

Allergic reactions and asthma from allergens, enzymes and preservatives

Gut inflammation, gluten intolerance and autoimmune reactions

Hormone disruption and thyroid issues from bromate and PFAS

Obesity, diabetes and metabolic issues from added sugars and refined grains

Possible developmental and reproductive harm from PFAS like TFA

In a world where even "organic" bread may carry invisible toxins, the answer isn't fear  it is knowledge and action. You deserve to know what's in your food. You deserve better bread. And now you know where to start.

Watch this video exposing the shocking truth about today's bread.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Homemade recipes: No-knead artisan bread.

Homemade sourdough bread a boon for preppers.

Sweet potato flour: A healthy gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

PAN-Europe.info [PDF]

TheGuardian.com

FOB.UK.com

Independent.com

ShredderGang.com

Brighteon.com
How the Epstein saga exposed a system built on silence

In an age where every celebrity meltdown or presidential tantrum is livestreamed, where partisan jabs flood timelines within seconds, and where outrage is algorithmically amplified to viral proportions, one might assume that the most heinous crimes  especially those committed against the most vulnerable  would dominate media discourse.

(Article by Dr. Mathew Maavak republished from RT.com)

Yet the opposite is true.

Global child trafficking, particularly when it implicates oligarchs, elite institutions, humanitarian organizations, and religious authorities, remains one of the most underreported, diluted, and actively suppressed issues across both mainstream and alternative media ecosystems. The selective silence is not accidental as it is designed to shield power from scrutiny while feigning moral concern.

Take the decades-long cover-up of Jimmy Saviles crimes in Britain. For years, the BBC and the broader British establishment, including members of the royal family, ignored, enabled, or even protected a prolific predator in their midst. Keir Starmer, now prime minister, has faced longstanding accusations that he obstructed investigations into Saviles network during his tenure as head of the Crown Prosecution Service. Instead of truth and accountability, Britain witnessed institutional inertia and elite protectionism.

Across the Atlantic, things are no better. US President Donald Trump  whose populist rise partly hinged on draining the swamp and exposing elite pedophile rings  recently declared that there is nothing to see in the Jeffrey Epstein files. He even dismissed ongoing public concern about the case as stupid. This abrupt reversal betrayed many who viewed Epsteins exposure as a gateway to unraveling deeper systemic rot.

Except for hardcore MAGA grifters and the compromised cohort, nobody bought Trumps deflections this time around. MIT scholar and activist Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai recently issued a single, scathing tweet  linked here  sharing FBI and DOJ files which contradicted Trumps words. These were not conspiracy breadcrumbs but official documents, offering a damning appetizer for anyone willing to dig deeper. But legacy media will ignore it, and alternative influencers will likely pivot to more monetizable culture-war topics.

Curiously, the Democratic Party  always eager to weaponize Trumps prevarications  remained suspiciously muted on the subject. The reason is not hard to fathom. Americas political establishment functions as a duopoly. Republican or Democrat, both parties have skeletons in the same basement. When it comes to institutional crimes against children, mutual silence becomes a form of mutual protection.

At one point, the hashtag #PedoPete  referring to then-President Joe Biden  trended briefly on Twitter. Today, the trend has flipped: #PedoTrump now circulates with greater, more sustained intensity. These hashtags may sound juvenile, but they reflect the fact that both sides of the political divide are equally compromised. When elite crimes threaten to break through media filters, the duopoly instinctively closes ranks.

This is not just a media failure. It is a civilizational failure. The refusal to investigate, question, or even discuss the abuse of children by people in power suggests that, despite all our technological progress, we remain governed by the same feudal reflexes which protect the nobility, silence the peasants, and punish the whistleblowers.

That so few journalists, influencers, or institutions dare to speak plainly about this issue is not due to lack of evidence. It is due to a lack of will. The medias silence is not benign; rather, it is complicity by omission. And increasingly, even independent platforms mirror the same herd behavior: Mainstream mimics mainstream; conspiracy mimics conspiracy. Viral outrage loops endlessly, but the hard questions go unasked.

In an attention economy driven by clicks and tribal confirmation, theres little incentive to tackle issues that require long attention spans, moral courage, or cross-partisan inquiry. And so, the real stories  the ones involving systemic abuse, elite immunity, and generational trauma  remain locked in the basement of our public consciousness.

The question is no longer whether the truth is out there. It is whether we are still capable of seeking it.

The sordid stats

According to the International Labor Organization, nearly 1.7 million children are victims of commercial sexual exploitation worldwide. (I believe this number to be grossly underreported). The figure does not include forced labor, child marriages, and trafficking under the guise of adoption or rescue. These crimes often occur in the shadows, but the silence surrounding them is deafening, especially considering the alleged involvement of trusted institutions like the UN, NGOs, and faith-based charities.

In 2017, leaked internal UN reports and whistleblower testimonies revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers in several African countries, notably the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Victims were children  orphaned, impoverished, and completely powerless. These revelations barely made headlines beyond a few days of fleeting, dissembled horror. There was no sustained investigation, no sweeping reckoning. The UN promised reforms, but follow-up reporting was minimal. And today, those same peacekeeping structures continue to operate with minimal public scrutiny.

What happened to the Syrian children who disappeared during the years the West, Israel, Turkiye, and Global Jihad Inc. waged war on Bashar Assad? There were disturbing allegations that US intelligence had recruited children as suicide bombers for its jihadist proxies, some of whom were also accused of harvesting the organs of over 18,000 minors.

So is it any wonder that Trump  who once vowed to defeat radical Islamic terror  personally lavished praise on Syrias new president and jihadist war criminal extraordinaire Ahmed al-Sharaa?

Charitable Trojan Horses

There is perhaps no greater moral shield for crimes against children than the Trojan Horse of charity. Some of the most egregious trafficking networks operate under the halo of humanitarian work. In Haiti, multiple investigations have revealed how certain orphanages and foreign-run NGOs were fronts for abuse and trafficking. In India and Nepal, similar patterns emerged: Western voluntourists and missionaries gain access to vulnerable children under the pretext of aid, only to become conduits for exploitation. Mother Teresas charity organization itself was linked to child trafficking networks spanning India to Haiti.

Stories like these are often relegated to obscure human rights blogs or independent journalists with limited reach. Beholden to the same donor networks and oligarchic interests, the mainstream press simply looks away.

The AI crisis no one mentions

While the AI boom dominates headlines in terms of productivity and existential risk, almost no major outlet has dared to delve into how generative AI tools are being used to create photorealistic child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The dark web is rife with communities exchanging AI-generated images, bypassing existing legal frameworks which often only address real photographic evidence.

This raises disturbing questions: What constitutes child abuse imagery in the age of AI? How will law enforcement adapt? And why is no one talking about it?

The tech platforms developing these tools are often mum about their misuse. Regulatory agencies are slow, and public debate is nearly non-existent. The media, meanwhile, prefers to debate AI replacing screenwriters rather than protecting children.

In fact, AI parodies of Israels genocidal war on Gaza are more likely to get censored than child sexual abuse material.

Impunity and immunity

The Epstein case should have shattered any illusions about elite immunity. A convicted sex offender with connections to presidents, royalty, and top scientists managed to operate a trafficking network for years  even after his initial conviction. His mysterious death in custody convinced no one with two functioning brain cells. His co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted. Yet not a single client has been named in court.

Rather than igniting systemic media scrutiny into elite involvement in trafficking, the Epstein saga has been conveniently bracketed as an anomaly or relegated to conspiracy land. But it was never just about Epstein. Similar scandals have emerged in the UK (the VIP child abuse ring), in Hollywood (Dan Schneider and Nickelodeon), and within religious institutions across continents.

While the media has been reduced to a recycled echo chamber, the lesson bears repeating: The elite criminal class continues to get away with crimes against children with impunity. The hashtag #ArrestObama is trending before another sensationalist deflection takes over. What next? A few carefully scripted jabs at Benjamin Netanyahu to regain credibility with disillusioned MAGA voters?

The cost of silence

The decentralization of news via social media was expected to fill in vital gaps in mainstream reports. To some extent, it has. Survivors, whistleblowers, and independent researchers have found platforms to speak out. Hashtags like #SaveTheChildren briefly trended.

But these moments are fleeting. The attention span of social media is short, and the billionaire owners of these platforms are inextricably linked to various elite pedophile networks. A 2024 meta-analysis by the University of Edinburgh estimated 302 million children (1 in 8 globally) experienced online sexual abuse annually, with platforms like Facebook serving as vectors for exploitation. Earlier, in 2020, Facebook accounted for around 20?million child sexual abuse material reports, constituting nearly 95% of all incidents submitted through its systems. By comparison, Google logged 500,000, Snapchat 150,000, and Twitter just 65,000.

Serious discussions are also often hijacked by fringe accounts, QAnon-style disinformation, or bad-faith actors. As a result, the issue itself becomes tainted via guilt by association. Even legitimate stories and investigations are dismissed because they were shared by someone with suspect affiliations. This is a classic tactic perfected by the likes of the CIA and Mossad.

The cost of media complicity in the face of global child trafficking is not just journalistic failure; it is moral collapse. The ongoing crimes against children is a human story of betrayal, of complicity, and of the innocent lives that are shattered while the world scrolls on.

Read more at: RT.com
Since February, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 214 non-citizens in Southeast Texas, all illegally present in the U.S. and either convicted of or charged with sex crimes involving children.

The number of arrests already exceeds the total for all of Fiscal Year 2024 in the region, highlighting a surge in enforcement activity.

Many arrested had prior deportations and serious convictions, including aggravated sexual assault of minors. Over half have already been deported again.

ICE attributes the surge to a new whole-of-government approach using multi-agency teams focused on removing the most dangerous criminal aliens.

ICE leadership emphasizes that coordinated federal action is producing historic results, enhancing community safety and border security in Southeast Texas.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 200 non-citizens in Southeast Texas who were either convicted of or charged with sex crimes involving children.

On Wednesday, July 30, ICE revealed that a total of 214 individuals, all illegally present in the U.S., were apprehended by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston since February. The agency said this figure already surpasses the total number of similar arrests in the region for the entire Fiscal Year 2024. (Related: ICE arrests dozens of illegal immigrants convicted of heinous sex crimes, DHS confirms.)

Over half of those arrested have already been deported, with the remainder in various stages of removal proceedings.

ICE Houston field office, which operates across 57 counties in Southern Texas, highlighted several repeat offenders among those arrested during the operation.

Among them was Jose Guadalupe Meza, 40, who had been deported to Mexico four times before his most recent arrest. He has convictions for theft and sexual assault of a child and has once again been removed from the United States. Jesus Gutierrez Mireles, 67, also previously deported three times, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and driving while intoxicated; he too has been removed. Jorge Zebra, 48, was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and sexual indecency with a minor. He is no longer in the country.

Manuel Antonio Castro-Juarez, 37, who had been deported twice to El Salvador, was convicted of sexual assault of a minor and illegal reentry; he remains in ICE custody pending further removal proceedings. Sergio Rolando Galvan Guerrero, 45, with three prior deportations, was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and DWI, and has since been removed.

ICE: Multi-agency strategy boosts arrests of dangerous criminal aliens

The agency credited this surge in apprehensions to a recently implemented whole-of-government strategy that established multi-agency targeting teams focused on identifying and removing the most dangerous criminal aliens.

"These teams conduct daily enhanced immigration enforcement operations targeting the "worst of the worst" criminal aliens for arrest and removal. In Southeast Texas, those efforts have resulted in an increase in arrests of all dangerous criminal aliens, leading to safer communities, stronger national security and enhanced border security," ICE wrote in their press release.

Federal law enforcement partners supporting the multi-agency targeting teams include the Houston divisions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Marshals Service. ICE has also received support from various state and local law enforcement agencies.

Paul McBride, acting Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Houston, also echoed a similar statement.

"Bringing together the resources and expertise of the entire federal law enforcement community to confront the overwhelming surge of illegal immigration that we saw over the past four years has resulted in the arrest and removal of historic numbers of violent criminal aliens, transnational gang members and child sex offenders," McBride said. "While we still have a long way to go to truly get this crisis under control, the strides we have made in just six months to make our local communities safer are substantial, and our officers continue to work tirelessly every day to get the worst of the worst criminal aliens out of Southeast Texas to return our communities to places we can all enjoy."
Ancient power struggle revealed: Rare Egyptian carving sheds light on violent birth of a nation

A 6,000-year-old rock carving near Aswan depicts an elite figure (possibly a proto-pharaoh) on a ceremonial boat  suggesting Egypt's unification under its first kings was achieved through conquest, not peaceful diplomacy.

The figure's false beard  later a pharaonic symbol  and the boat's north-facing direction (against the Nile's current) imply early rulers projected divine and natural dominance.

The carving challenges romanticized views of ancient Egypt, revealing a brutal shift from tribal conflicts to centralized rule, with art serving as propaganda to assert control.

The discovery underscores that lasting civilizations like Egypt's 3,000-year dynasty were built on decisive, often forceful leadership  principles conservatives argue remain relevant today.

The carving highlights how ancient elites used art and symbolism to legitimize authority, a reminder that societal order historically requires strength and vision.

Deep in the sands of southern Egypt, archaeologists have uncovered a rare rock carving that could rewrite human understanding of how power was seized and consolidated in the ancient world.

Found near Aswan, this 6,000-year-old etching predates the pyramids and depicts a mysterious elite figure  possibly a proto-pharaoh  being towed on an ornate boat. The discovery detailed in the journal Antiquity offers startling evidence that Egypt's unification under its first kings was not a peaceful transition, but a ruthless conquest.

For conservatives who value order, tradition and the hard truths of history, this finding is a stark reminder. Civilizations are not built on idealism, but on the decisive actions of strong leaders. (Related: Unlocking the secrets of Ancient Egypt: Archaeologists uncover dozens of mummified animals in the Tomb of Tutu.)

The remarkably preserved carving shows a bearded figure seated on a ceremonial boat, flanked by five laborers pulling ropes and a sixth steering with an oar. The figure's false beard, a symbol of divine kingship later adopted by pharaohs, marks him as part of Egypt's earliest ruling class.

Yet researchers confirm this is not Narmer, the first pharaoh who unified Egypt in 3100 BC. Instead, this unknown elite represents the brutal transition from fragmented tribal rule to centralized authority. The carving's location  a quarry used for millennia  suggests it was a deliberate proclamation of power, visible to all who passed.

Historical revisionists often romanticize ancient societies as harmonious, but this carving tells a different story. Archaeologists note that early Egyptian power was fractured among regional warlords, their conflicts depicted in art showing feathered warriors clashing.

Over time, these chaotic scenes give way to images of a single crowned ruler  proof that unification came through domination, not diplomacy. "State formation in Ancient Egypt  was likely driven by violence," admits Dr. Dorian Vanhulle, the study's lone author.

The discovery: A king before kings, and a bloody path to unity

The boat motif is no accident. In ancient Egypt, vessels symbolized both practical and divine authority  kings were believed to travel with the gods.

This carving's north-facing direction, against the Nile's current, implies a ruler's command over nature itself. The five pullers may represent subdued regions, their labor a tribute to the emerging state.

In an era where Western institutions waver under moral relativism, Egypt's rise is a lesson in cultural endurance. Its unification under Narmer birthed a 3,000-year civilization not through weakness, but through decisive leadership. The carving's craftsmanship suggests it was state-sponsored, a calculated display of authority.

As archaeologists piece together Egypt's origins, one truth emerges: The foundations of power are timeless. "Rock compositions became a tool for the authorities to communicate, mark the landscape and assert their power," Vanhulle concludes.

The Aswan carving is more than art. It is a relic of the moment might made right, when warlords became kings and chaos gave way to permanence.

For those who value tradition, this is a warning: Societies that forget the hard lessons of history risk repeating its collapses. Egypt's legacy endures because its founders understood that unity demands strength  a principle as true today as it was six millennia ago.

Visit Discoveries.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about the 10 secrets of ancient Egypt.

This video is from the AncientCivilizations channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Analysis of mummified kids in Ancient Egypt reveals a third of them suffered from ANEMIA.

Mother Nature may have contributed to the rise of the Roman Empire: Volcanic eruptions, drought found to coincide with political events in ancient Egypt.

Location of Great Revolt mentioned in Rosetta Stone discovered in Egypt.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Cambridge.org

GBNnews.com

Brighteon.com
Breaking: Japanese scientists engineer hybrid BIRD FLU virus for predatory VACCINE production

The relentless march of experimental vaccine development has taken another dark turn, as researchers in Japan have boldlyand recklessly engineered a new hybrid strain of bird flu for vaccine testing . This lab-made pathogen, known as Vac-3, was artificially assembled by combining genetic material from two wild viruses, raising urgent questions about the ethical and biosecurity implications of gain-of-function research. While proponents argue such experiments are necessary for advancing "pandemic preparedness," we warn that manipulating deadly viruses in labs only increases the risk of accidentalor intentionaloutbreaks - fueling a cycle of fear, dependency, and profit for the pharmaceutical industry. As corporate-aligned institutions push for greater control over global health responses, citizens must ask: Who really benefits when scientists play god with infectious diseases?

Key points:

Japanese researchers, backed by U.S. funding, created Vac-3a synthetic H5N1 strainto test as a potential "whole-particle" vaccine.

The study, published in NPJ Vaccines, admits these experiments enhance viral stability and immune evasion, traits consistent with gain-of-function research.

Scientists infected macaques with lethal H5N1 strains to test immunity duration, a risky practice that could trigger a lab-leak pandemic.

The U.S. government has funneled millions into similar projects, including engineering viruses that caused 100% mortality in mammals.

This bioweapons research blurs the line between vaccine development and bioweapons creation, prioritizing profit over public safety.

The Dangerous Game of Gain-of-Function Research

Behind closed doors, a global network of virologistsfunded by governments and pharmaceutical interestscontinues to reshape infectious diseases in ways nature never intended. The latest revelation comes from Japan, where scientists spliced genetic segments from two wild avian flu viruses to engineer Vac-3, a pathogen optimized for vaccine trials. What they dont highlight is the chilling parallel to past experiments, like the U.S.-funded work that created H5N1 strains lethal enough to wipe out entire test populations.

These Frankenstein-like manipulations fall squarely under gain-of-function researcha controversial practice that intentionally enhances a virus's transmissibility, lethality, or ability to evade immunity. While the term is conspicuously absent from the Vac-3 study, the methodology betrays its true nature: merging genes from different viruses to "improve" immunogenicity. As far back as 2015, the NIH faced public outrage after it was revealed that American researchers had conducted H5N1 experiments deemed too dangerous to publish. Now, with corporate-aligned scientists doubling down, the question remainswhy are governments bankrolling research that could trigger the next pandemic?

A Pandoras Box of Biosecurity Risks

To test Vac-3s effectiveness, researchers infected macaques with a deadly H5N1 strain, then monitored their immune responses over time. The problem? Introducing unprecedented pathogens into primatesand eventually humansrisks creating unpredictable mutations. Worse, lab leaks are not hypothetical; history is littered with accidents, from the 1977 "Russian flu" (widely suspected to be a lab escape) to multiple breaches at U.S. biocontainment facilities.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Vac-3 team openly admitted to selecting mutations that "enhanced structural stability" while "reducing mammalian infectivity"a contradiction that should set off alarms. If the goal was to minimize risk, why engineer any component of a deadly virus? The answer lies in the pharmaceutical industrys profit-driven model: Pandemics create demand for vaccines, and controlled fear keeps public funds flowing into biodefense budgets.

A Call for Truth and Resistance

While government agencies and corporate media frame these experiments as "public health" necessities, their track record suggests otherwise. The same institutions pushing vaccine mandates are also those funding the creation of synthetic pathogensa conflict of interest so glaring it borders on criminal.

Natural health advocates warn that true immunity cannot be found in a syringe, but rather through robust nutrition, clean living, and informed consent. As governments stockpile experimental vaccines for bird flu, informed citizens must demand transparency: Who stands to gain? What happens if these viruses escape or are released on purpose? And most importantlywhen will we stop letting technocrats and the bioweapon industry gamble with humanitys future?

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

Virology.Biomedcentral.com

Pubmed.gov
Trump administrations Ticket Home campaign: A new approach to immigration enforcement

The Trump administration introduced a national advertising campaign using mobile technology and financial incentives to encourage illegal aliens to self-deport, marking a shift from traditional enforcement methods.

Led by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the initiative offers illegal aliens up to $1,000 and a free flight home to self-deport through the CBP app.

Unlike past programs, "Ticket Home" utilizes the CBP Home app for accessibility and efficiency and provides financial incentives to attract individuals who may be struggling financially or wish to avoid detention costs.

While previous administrations have attempted similar voluntary departure programs with limited success, this campaign leverages modern technology and incentives, reflecting a broader trend in using financial penalties and incentives in immigration enforcement.

The campaign has sparked debate, with supporters praising its humane and cost-effective approach and critics questioning its effectiveness in addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. Immigration attorney Maria Gonzalez expressed skepticism about the program's ability to compel voluntary departure.

The Trump administration has launched a national advertising campaign that leverages mobile technology and financial incentives to encourage illegal aliens to self-deport voluntarily. This initiative, dubbed the "Ticket Home" campaign, marks a significant shift in the approach to managing undocumented immigration, emphasizing voluntary departure over traditional enforcement methods.

The campaign was unveiled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem. The initiative began airing across domestic and international channels in recent weeks, with the DHS reporting that tens of thousands of illegal aliens have already used the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app to self-deport in the past six months.

"Ticket Home" is a nationwide effort that offers illegal aliens to self-deport voluntarily, providing them with financial assistance of up to $1,000 and a free flight home. This approach is designed to streamline the deportation process, reduce costs associated with detention and transportation, and offer individuals a chance to return to the United States legally in the future.

It represents a departure from traditional immigration enforcement strategies, which have often relied on raids, detention and forced removals. By offering financial incentives and a free flight, the Trump administration aims to make self-deportation a more attractive option for illegal aliens. (Related: Trump administration expands deportation strategy with global partnerships.)

In a statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the voluntary nature of the program while also underscoring the consequences of non-compliance.

"The CBP Home App gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream," Noem said. "If they dont, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return."

Historical context: A shift in strategy

The campaign is not without precedent. Previous administrations have explored similar strategies, albeit with varying degrees of success. In 2004, the U.S. government launched the "Operation Scheduled Departure" program, which offered illegal aliens the chance to self-deport without fear of prosecution. However, the program was largely unsuccessful, with very few participants.

The Trump administration's approach differs in several key ways. First, it leverages modern technology through the CBP Home app, making the process more accessible and efficient. Second, it offers financial incentives, which may appeal to individuals who are struggling financially or who wish to avoid the costs and uncertainties associated with detention and forced removal.

The campaign also reflects a broader trend in immigration enforcement, where financial penalties and incentives are increasingly used to deter illegal immigration and encourage compliance. Since President Donald Trump took office, DHS has issued nearly 10,000 fine notices to illegal aliens, marking an escalation in the administration's financial enforcement strategy.

The broader impact

The "Ticket Home" campaign has sparked debate among policymakers, immigration advocates and the public. Supporters argue that the program offers a humane and cost-effective alternative to traditional enforcement methods, while also providing individuals with a pathway to return to the United States legally in the future. Critics, however, question the effectiveness of the program, suggesting that it may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues driving illegal immigration.

Immigration attorney Maria Gonzalez expressed skepticism about the campaign's potential impact. "While the idea of self-deportation with financial assistance might sound appealing, the reality is that many people will not leave voluntarily," she said. "They have built lives here, and the threat of fines and detention may not be enough to compel them to go."

In the end, the "Ticket Home" campaign is a reflection of the complex and often conflicting forces that shape immigration policy. It remains to be seen whether this new approach will achieve its intended goals, but it is clear that the conversation around immigration enforcement is evolving, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Find more stories like this at InvasionUSA.news.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump's move to deport illegals regardless of what courts say.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. to impose new "visa integrity fee" on millions of foreign visitors.

Trump orders visa suspensions on 19 countries due to national security concerns.

Trump directs ICE to arrest protesters who attack officers.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

YouTube.com

DHS.gov

Brighteon.com
Trump gives Big Pharma 60 days to cut drug prices or face government crackdown

President Trump demands 17 major drug companies lower U.S. drug prices within 60 days or face government intervention, requiring prices to match the lowest international rates.

The ultimatum includes extending Medicaid discounts, enforcing "most-favored-nation" pricing for new drugs, and cutting middlemen to ensure direct, fair pricing for consumers.

Pharmaceutical stocks plummeted after the announcement, with industry lobbyists dismissing the move as harmful to innovation and U.S. leadership.

U.S. patients pay up to three times more for drugs than other nations, fueling public frustration and political pressure for reform.

With a September 29 deadline, drugmakers must decide whether to comply or risk aggressive regulatory action, including price controls or importation policies.

President Donald Trump has delivered an ultimatum to 17 major pharmaceutical companies: lower drug prices within 60 days or face aggressive government intervention. The letters, sent to industry giants including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson, demand "most-favored-nation" pricing, forcing U.S. drug costs to match the lowest prices paid in other developed nations. This follows Trumps May executive order targeting price disparities, as Americans currently pay up to three times more for the same medications than patients abroad.

A direct challenge to Big Pharma

The letters, personally signed by Trump and shared publicly on Truth Social, outline strict demands for immediate pricing reform. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read one of the letters aloud during a press briefing, emphasizing the administrations resolve. "If you refuse to step up, we will deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect Americans from abusive drug pricing practices," Trump warned.

The presidents demands include requiring drugmakers to extend their lowest international prices to all Medicaid patients, guarantee "most-favored-nation" pricing for newly launched drugs, and repatriate excess revenue from overseas sales to lower costs for American consumers. Additionally, Trump called for direct-to-consumer sales models to bypass middlemen, ensuring patients receive fair pricing without hidden markups.

Unsurprisingly, the pharmaceutical industry pushed back, with shares of major drugmakers tumbling following the announcement. Bristol Myers Squibb and Novo Nordisk dropped nearly 5%, while Sanofi plummeted over 8%. Alex Schriver, senior vice president of PhRMA, the industrys largest lobbying group, dismissed the demands as "importing foreign price controls," warning it would "undermine American leadership, hurting patients and workers."

Yet Trumps stance reflects a longstanding frustration among Americans who bear the brunt of inflated drug prices. A Rand Corporation study confirms that U.S. patients pay two to three times more than those in other developed nationsand up to 10 times more in some cases. While Big Pharma blames middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers, Trumps ultimatum shifts accountability directly onto manufacturers.

With a September 29 deadline, the pressure is now on pharmaceutical CEOs to respond. Some companies, including Pfizer and Novartis, issued vague statements about "productive discussions" with the administration, while AstraZeneca confirmed it had proposed voluntary price cuts. However, analysts remain skeptical. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, noted that compliance is unlikely without enforcement. "I might expect them to try to determine if any of their current products might be made available via direct sales at a lower price," she said.

UBS analyst Trung Huynh dismissed the letters as "just another shot in the dark," suggesting minimal industry impact. But Trumps history of aggressive trade policies, including proposed tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, signals he may follow through with punitive measures if companies resist.

Fighting for American patients

For decades, U.S. patients have subsidized global drug innovation while foreign governments negotiate steep discounts. Trumps ultimatum marks a turning point in demanding fairness. "American families deserve immediate relief from vastly inflated drug prices and an end to the free ride of American innovation by European and other developed nations," he wrote.

If successful, the policy could save billions for taxpayers and patients alike. If ignored, it may trigger unprecedented government actionfrom price controls to drug importation. Either way, the battle lines are drawn.

President Trumps ultimatum to Big Pharma is more than a negotiation tactic; its a direct challenge to an industry that has long exploited American consumers. With 60 days to act, pharmaceutical giants must decide whether to comply or risk a regulatory showdown. For millions of Americans struggling to afford life-saving medications, the outcome could reshape their future.

Sources for this article include:

100PercentFedUp.com

CNBC.com

Reuters.com
U.K. to recognize Palestinian state in September unless Israel acts to end Gaza crisis

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel takes immediate steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commit to a lasting peace process.

The U.K. is calling for unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza, a ceasefire, a halt to West Bank annexations and for Hamas to disarm and release all Israeli hostages.

Starmer said recognition is necessary to preserve the viability of a two-state solution, which he believes is "under threat" as conditions in Gaza worsen.

French President Emmanuel Macron also announced that France will recognize Palestine at the UN in September, citing France's "historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East."

Though over 140 countries already recognize Palestine, the U.K. and France's positions carry special weight due to their status as nuclear-armed UN Security Council members and longstanding allies of Israel.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September unless Israel takes "substantive steps" to end the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and commit to a long-term peace process.

On Tuesday, July 29, Starmer said the time had come for the U.K. to use its influence to protect the viability of a two-state solution as conditions in Gaza deteriorate, famine spreads and international aid efforts remain largely blocked. (Related: Kremlin reaffirms recognition of State of Palestine as a sovereign nation.)

"I have always said that we will recognize a Palestinian state at the moment of maximum impact for the two-state solution. With that solution now under threat, this is the moment to act," Starmer said on Tuesday.

The U.K. government made it clear that the recognition will proceed at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel immediately facilitates humanitarian access and commits to a long-term peace process.

Among the steps demanded are immediate and unfettered access for UN humanitarian convoys into Gaza to combat starvation, a ceasefire agreement and a firm commitment from Israel that there will be no annexation of West Bank territory. Starmer also stressed that Hamas must disarm and release the remaining Israeli hostages and reiterated that the militant group must "play no part in the governance of Gaza."

Starmer coordinates with France and Germany to support Palestinian statehood recognition

The move follows mounting pressure from European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged last week to support Palestinian statehood recognition at the UN in September.

Macron, who initially expressed strong support for Israel following the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, has since grown increasingly critical of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Like Starmer, he shared on his official Instagram account that France's recognition of Palestinian statehood will be formally presented at the UN 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 his Instagram on Thursday, July 24. "Peace is possible.'' In his post, Macron included a letter addressed to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, reaffirming 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 to Abbas.

Starmer has reportedly coordinated with France and Germany in shaping the U.K. plan. Over 140 countries have already recognized the State of Palestine, but none hold the same influence as Britain and France  both nuclear-armed allies of Israel and permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Visit Chaos.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.

Norway, Spain and Ireland formally recognize Palestinian statehood, much to the ire of Zionist Netanyahu.

Spain to officially recognize Palestinian state, calls on Western powers to do same.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

IrishTimes.com

Instagram.com

PhilStar.com

Brighteon.com
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is one of the Best 52-Week Low Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now. On July 28, HSBC began coverage of the companys stock with a Reduce rating and a price objective of $240, as reported by The Fly. As per the firm, the market is underestimating the AI disruption risk facing Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN). As per the analyst, early successful generative AI use cases might significantly boost employee productivity in the companys core offerings, which can translate into pricing pressure over time. Notably, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) has agreed to acquire Maryville Consulting Group.

HSBC Begins Coverage of Accenture (ACN) Stock with Reduce Rating

A team of data experts gathered around a computer monitor analyzing customer data.

As per Keith Boone, Tech Strategy & Advisory Americas lead at Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN), the acquisition happens to be a strategic step in the companys ongoing commitment to expanding its technology and digital transformation capabilities to support clients in extracting maximum value from their technology investments. Maryville Consulting Groups strong expertise in tech strategy and digital operations, along with the healthy partnerships and client relationships, would enhance its ability to help clients use technology as a competitive advantage and drive technology value to achieve business goals.

Aristotle Capital Management, LLC, an investment management company, released its Q1 2025 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:
Decentralize TV: European tyranny, attacks on free speech and the urgent need for decentralization

The episode highlighted systemic corruption, including USAID funneling millions to mainstream media for propaganda, underscoring how centralized power enables fraud and manipulation (e.g., New York Times receiving $58 million).

Crypto Rich shared his journey into decentralization, promoting Bitcoin, homeschooling and open-source AI to counter government control  citing YouTube's censorship of his content as a catalyst.

He discussed the WEF's influence over European leaders and the British Empire's covert control via agencies like the CIA/Mossad, with Trump's administration attempting to disrupt London's financial dominance (e.g., gold market upheavals).

Crypto Rich emphasized lawful tax protests in the U.K., arguing against funding genocide/war crimes, and urged defiance of immoral laws through tools like privacy cryptos and trusts.

He stressed decentralized solutions (Bitcoin, homeschooling) and resilience against tyranny, predicting the collapse of the "Great Reset" and a decentralized future.

Mike Adams and Todd Pitner welcomed British influencer Crypto Rich on "Decentralize TV," with the guest touching on the pressing issues of European tyranny, the erosion of free speech, and the urgent need for decentralization across various facets of society.

The episode began with a discussion on the Trump administration's revelations about the corruption and fraud inherent in centralized power structures. Adams highlighted the recent disclosures of the now-defunct U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) involvement in money laundering,

USAID was reportedly funneling millions to left-wing media outlets like POLITICO, Reuters and the New York Times (NYT). This, he argued, exemplifies how centralization breeds corruption, as evidenced by the $58 million NYT reportedly received to propagate propaganda.

Pitner chimed in, speculating about the Drudge Report's sudden shift in political stance, suggesting it might have been influenced by external pressures. Adams responded by recalling Matt Drudge's past warnings about impending threats and his decision to sell the platform, emphasizing the decade of censorship that followed.

Cryto Rich on censorship and capture

This led to a broader discussion on the importance of building decentralized platforms and advocating for decentralized money, such as cryptocurrency, and open-source AI models. Crypto Rich, a social media influencer joining from the United Kingdom, shared his personal journey towards becoming an advocate for decentralization.

He recounted his decision to homeschool his children, a choice driven by his belief in self-education over government-controlled schooling. His introduction to Bitcoin in 2017 marked a turning point, leading him to start a YouTube channel to educate others about decentralized finance. However, his channel faced censorship in 2019 when YouTube deleted 160 of his videos, prompting him to explore political topics more deeply.

Crypto Rich expressed his belief that European leaders have been "captured" by the globalist World Economic Forum (WEF). These include French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer,

He posited that the remnants of the British Empire are pulling the strings behind the scenes, using organizations like the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Israel's Mossad to exert control. He cited the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and the Russiagate hoax as examples of such covert operations. "They are doing it from behind the shadows," Crypto Rich said.

Adams agreed, noting that the Trump administration is attempting to sever ties with British influence, particularly in the context of gold flows and the potential default of the London Metals Exchange on gold deliveries. This, he suggested, could be a pivotal moment in dismantling the power center of the City of London.

The moral imperative to defy unjust laws

Crypto Rich passionately argued against the government's right to levy taxes for war crimes and genocide. He recounted his personal tragedy of losing a child, emphasizing his abhorrence for politicians who send others' children to war. He introduced the concept of a lawful tax protest in the U.K., citing statutes that make it illegal to fund genocide or terrorism.

He explained how individuals can use trusts to withhold taxes legally, detailing his own experience with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs and the legal battle he waged. "We have a moral duty to object to immoral legislation that takes away our liberties, our God given natural born liberties," Crypto Rich stated. (Related: Crypto advocate challenges UK tax system to stop funding war crimes.)

Crypto Rich emphasized the importance of decentralized money and privacy cryptos as tools for resisting tyranny. He advocated for homeschooling, criticizing the U.K.'s attempts to restrict home education and the indoctrination of children with ideologies like climate change and LGBTQ+ issues. He also highlighted the dangers of open borders and the Cloward-Piven strategy, which he believes is being used to create societal chaos.

The conversation concluded with a call to action for individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and resist unjust laws. Crypto Rich urged people to "just keep saying no" and to explore decentralized solutions like Bitcoin and privacy cryptos. He expressed optimism about the future, believing that the "Great Reset" is unraveling and that a decentralized world is on the horizon.

"We got to do what we can because we can't comply our way out of out of tyranny," Crypto Rich stressed. Adams and Pitner expressed admiration for their guest's insights and courage. While the "Decentralize TV" hosts acknowledged the challenges ahead, they remained hopeful about the potential for positive change.

Follow Freedom.news for more similar stories.

Watch the full interview featuring Crypto Rich, the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Todd Pitner on "Decentralize TV" below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mike Adams and Todd Pitner launch groundbreaking docu-series 'Breaking the Chains' to empower decentralized living.

U.K.s Online Safety Act sparks outcry after X restricts access to protest footage.

British lawyers, judges accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, call for immediate UK sanctions.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

X.com
FBI and Clinton campaign accused of conspiring to smear Trump with Russia allegations

Newly declassified documents from Special Counsel John Durham's 2023 report allege that Hillary Clinton's campaign, with involvement from George Soros' Open Society Foundations, orchestrated a plan to falsely link Donald Trump to Russia during the 2016 election. Private communications suggest Clinton approved the strategy to divert attention from her email controversy.

The FBI allegedly had intelligence as early as 2016 about discussions between Democratic operatives and foreign entities to discredit Trump but failed to investigate. Senator Chuck Grassley accused the FBI of either ignoring a Clinton-led conspiracy or Russian disinformation, implicating the agency in election interference.

The CIA under John Brennan reportedly briefed President Barack Obama on intelligence indicating Clinton's team sought to "vilify Trump by fabricating Russian interference claims. This intelligence was allegedly withheld from the DOJ and FISA court, raising concerns about transparency.

Lawmakers like Grassley demand full transparency into the 2016 election, citing the Durham annex as proof of FBI and executive branch "weaponization" under Obama. Critics argue the documents reveal a deliberate plot to undermine Trump's campaign and presidency.

While Brennan and former DNI James Clapper deny any Obama administration conspiracy, the Durham annex has reignited scrutiny over potential politicization of federal agencies. The revelations fuel broader concerns about election integrity and abuse of power.

Newly declassified documents from the 2023 Special Counsel John Durham's report, known as the "Durham annex," suggest that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the Obama administration, may have been complicit in a scheme orchestrated by the Hillary Clinton campaign to falsely tie Donald Trump to Russia during the 2016 presidential election. The allegations, which have been described as a "Deep State coverup" by key lawmakers, point to a concerted effort to undermine Trump's candidacy and, subsequently, his presidency. (Related: Durham Report proves COLLUSION between FBI and Hillary Clinton over Russiagate hoax.)

The Durham annex, a 29-page document, reveals private communications between Clinton campaign staff and individuals at George Soros' Open Society Foundations discussing a plan to discredit Trump by fabricating connections to Russia. According to the document, Hillary Clinton herself approved of this strategy, which was intended to distract from the ongoing scrutiny over her private email server scandal.

One of the key pieces of evidence is an email from Leonard Benardo, senior vice president of the Open Society Foundations, to top Clinton staffers. In the email, Benardo states, "Julie [Clinton Campaign Advisor] says it will be a long-term affair to demonize Putin and Trump." This suggests a deliberate and calculated effort to manipulate public perception by linking Trump to Russia.

FBI's role and failure to investigate

The document also highlights the FBI's failure to adequately investigate these allegations, despite having intelligence on the matter as early as 2016. The agency reportedly obtained information on "confidential conversations" between then-Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and individuals at the Open Society Foundations, detailing a plan to discredit Trump. However, the FBI did not take any action at the time.

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed his concerns about the FBI's inaction, stating, "The Durham annex gives us information that the FBI had eight to ten years ago that they never followed up on. It actually brings attention to the fact that there was either a Clinton conspiracy to make this happen, or Russian disinformation. Either way, it was an attempt to stop Trump, and it proves that the FBI had a hand in it."

The document further indicates that foreign intelligence services were aware of the Clinton campaign's plan. Then-Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Brennan briefed President Barack Obama and other top officials about the intelligence, which suggested that Clinton had approved a proposal to "vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security services."

Durham's report reveals that the CIA believed Clinton's false narrative would suggest Trump and Russian hackers were hampering U.S. elections, with the goal of "distracting the public from her use of a private email server." This intelligence was not disclosed to the Department of Justice or the FISA court, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the investigation.

Calls for transparency and accountability

Grassley has called for "maximum transparency" on the 2016 presidential race, emphasizing the need to uncover the "schemes" that were hatched "to either stop Trump from being elected or... to ruin his presidency." He believes the revelations in the Durham annex are evidence of the "weaponization" of the FBI and the executive branch under the Obama administration.

Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper have refuted the allegations of politicization, stating in a New York Times op-ed that "the special counsel John Durham... similarly found no evidence of an Obama administration conspiracy against Mr. Trump." However, critics argue the Durham annex provides compelling evidence to the contrary.

The release of the Durham annex has reignited the debate over the 2016 election and the subsequent investigations into Trump's alleged ties with Russia. As more details emerge, the public is left to grapple with the implications of these revelations and the potential consequences for those involved. The allegations of a coordinated effort to undermine a presidential candidate and, later, a sitting president, raise serious questions about the integrity of the U.S. political system and the agencies tasked with protecting it.

Follow Conspiracy.news for more stories like this.

"Russiagate is now Obamagate." Watch this video.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

John Durham finds Obama, Biden were briefed on Trump-Russia collusion hoax and allowed contrived investigation anyway.

Report: FBI raid targeted docs Trump collected to "exonerate" himself from Russiagate hoax.

Heres how the Obama regime was in on the plot to destroy Trump's presidency with the phony 'Russiagate' probe.

Whistleblower: James Comey ran a "honeypot" espionage operation against Trumps 2016 campaign.

Sources include:

RT.com

DailyMail.co.uk

JustTheNews.com
The tide turns: More G7 nations abandon Israel, rallying behind Palestinian statehood

The world is waking up to the horrors unfolding in Gaza, and the political winds are shifting with unprecedented speed. After decades of empty promises and failed negotiations, Western powers are finally breaking ranks with Israel , refusing to stay silent as a rogue government continues its brutal campaign of displacement and slaughter. France, Canada, and the United Kingdom  once steadfast allies of the Zionist regime  are now leading a historic charge at the United Nations General Assembly to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, signaling a global rejection of Israels relentless war crimes. The message is clear: The era of unconditional support for apartheid is over.

Key points:

France, Canada and the UK will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, marking a seismic shift in Western foreign policy.

Israels foreign ministry lashed out, calling Canadas move "a reward for Hamas," despite 147 UN member states already recognizing Palestine.

The decision hinges on Israels refusal to agree to a ceasefire, its expansion of illegal settlements, and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared recognition is necessary now because the two-state solution is "under threat" due to Israels actions.

Malta has also joined the growing coalition, further isolating Israel diplomatically.

The crumbling facade of Western complicity

For years, the United States and its allies propped up Israels apartheid regime, bankrolling its military while turning a blind eye to its crimes. But the sheer scale of destruction in Gaza  where over 40,000 Palestinians have been slaughtered, hospitals bombed and entire families erased  has shattered the illusion of moral high ground. France, once a quiet enabler, became the first G7 nation to publicly defy Israel, with President Emmanuel Macron declaring recognition of Palestine a necessity, not a concession. Canada and the UK swiftly followed, their leaders citing Israels "intolerable" humanitarian atrocities as the final straw.

"The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and it is rapidly deteriorating," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters, his words carrying the weight of a nation that can no longer feign ignorance. His statement was a damning indictment of Israels war machine, which has reduced Gaza to rubble while Western leaders hesitated. Now, even staunch allies are admitting what the world has known for decades: peace cannot be brokered with a regime that thrives on violence.

Israels desperate deflection: "A reward for terrorism"

Faced with mounting global condemnation, Israels response has been predictably hysterical. Its foreign ministry dismissed Canadas decision as "a reward for Hamas," a tired refrain used to deflect from its own genocidal campaign. But the numbers dont lie: 147 nations already recognize Palestine, and the list grows by the day. Even European holdouts are crumbling, with Malta now pledging to join the September recognition push.

The truth is, Israel has no defense for its actions. Its refusal to adhere to ceasefire agreements, its relentless theft of Palestinian land in the West Bank, and its deliberate starvation of Gazas civilians have exposed it as a pariah state. No amount of propaganda can erase the images of mass graves, skeletal children, and entire neighborhoods reduced to dust. These acts are not the responsibility of Hamas, as Israel deflects to. World leaders are done catering to this narrative and are done pretending.

A new era of accountability

British Prime Minister Keir Starmers announcement was particularly striking, given the UKs long history of colonial entanglement in the region. "This is the moment to act," he declared, framing recognition as a last-ditch effort to salvage the two-state solution before Israel obliterates it entirely. His words carried an implicit warning: the age of impunity is ending.

The move is largely symbolic  Palestine will not magically gain sovereignty overnight  but symbolism matters. When France, Canada, and the UK abandon Israel, the political calculus shifts. Diplomatic isolation weakens Israels grip on Western aid and emboldens the global resistance to Zionism. The question now is whether the United States, Israels last major defender, will finally break ranks or cling to a sinking ship.

As September approaches, one thing is certain: the tide has turned. The world is no longer buying Israels lies, and the victims of its brutality will not be forgotten. Justice, however delayed, is coming.

Sources include:

100PercentFedup.com

X.com

X.com
Sorry, something doesn't look right.

Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support.
Danville police are unable to track down the mystery woman whod been staying with a man on Robinson Street  right up until the man found meth in his home and kicked her out. Before she left, the mans nephew tells police, his Mossberg 9mm pistol was stored in a dresser in his uncles bedroom. Now, its gone.
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.
A synthetic opioid 1000 times more potent than morphine is infiltrating the street drug trade in Adelaide, Australia, sparking fears of a wave of overdoses that could be lethal.

In the first study of its kind in South Australia, University of South Australia researchers have detected traces of nitazene in samples of discarded injecting equipment, plastic bags, vials and filters from public disposal bins at local needle and syringe program sites.

Their findings are published today in the Drug & Alcohol Review.

Using highly sensitive chemical analysis, researchers identified nitazenes in 5% of 300 samples, mainly in combination with heroin and mostly found in syringes.

Nitazenes led to 32 overdose deaths in Australia between 2020 and 2024, with 84% of patients unaware the synthetic opioid was present in the drug they consumed. It is increasingly hidden in illicit drugs such as fentanyl and heroin, posing extreme overdose risks, often with fatal consequences.

"Nitazenes are among the most potent synthetic opioids in circulation today, some stronger than fentanyl, which is 50 times more potent than heroin," according to lead researcher UniSA Associate Professor Cobus Gerber.

"These substances can be lethal in tiny quantities and are often mixed with other drugs, making them incredibly difficult to detect and monitor through traditional means," he says.

Several different nitazenes were identified, some of them combined with the non-opioid veterinary sedative xylazine, which is not approved for human use.

This is particularly alarming, as xylazine has been linked to severe adverse effects, including necrotic skin lesions, prolonged sedation and depression. Finding xylazine alongside nitazenes in the same samples is a worrying sign because it mirrors what we are seeing overseas, especially in the United States, where these drug combinations are contributing to a wave of overdose deaths and complex clinical presentations." Cobus Gerber, Associate Professor, UniSA

Less than one in five nitazene-related emergency cases in Australia involved people who knowingly took the drug, with most people mistakenly believing they consumed heroin, methamphetamine or other familiar substances.

"Accidental exposure is a key risk," says co-author UniSA researcher Dr Emma Keller.

"When drugs are contaminated with nitazenes, the margin for error narrows dramatically. Standard doses can become fatal, especially for people who don't know what their product contains or who don't carry naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose."

The detection of these substances in South Australia comes amid growing calls for expanded drug-checking services, including the use of nitazene-specific drug strips and public health alerts.

Associate Prof Gerber says that chemical testing of used drug paraphernalia is a non-invasive, effective way to identify emerging threats in the drug supply.

"This kind of data can trigger rapid alerts to health agencies, treatment services and peer networks, allowing people who use drugs to make more informed choices."

Wastewater analysis is also used to detect illicit drugs in the community, but due to the sporadic nature of drug use, other monitoring approaches like chemical testing are necessary.

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, who co-authored the study, has shared the findings with community advisory groups, healthcare providers and the state's early warning system network.
Genetic sequencing company Illumina (ILMN) has had a rough few years. It has battled activist investors, faced off with the Federal Trade Commission, and, most recently, agreed to a $9.8 million settlement with the Department of Justice over a cybersecurity breach.

To add to the pile: sanctions in China and the Trump administration cutting National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, which the company relies heavily on for clinical research.

The stock is down more than 21% in the past year and sank more than 11% in after-hours trading Thursday, despite the company reporting an earnings beat for the second quarter. The company reported $1.06 billion in revenues compared to expected revenues of $1.05 billion. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.19 compared to estimates of $1.01.

But CEO Jacob Thaysen told Yahoo Finance he remains positive about the company's near-term growth. Why? Because, in part, pharmaceutical companies can provide a new market.

"Now, we're shifting from small things to really big programs. Some of the things making up for the reduction from the NIH is kind of indirect, but pharma is getting more interest in these big programs," he said, noting that 15% of the company is exposed to government research funding.

"It's not only about sequencing itself, but really using massive amounts of data ... to really identify new drug targets and understand a disease," Thaysen said.

The idea to use patient data to help the pharmaceutical world was also identified by 23andMe, which recently came out of bankruptcy through a nonprofit led by founder Anne Wojcicki. Thaysen said that unlike 23andMe, which he has worked with, his company is not going to pursue drug development on its own.

"We have a lot of pharma companies that are very excited to work with us," he said.

In addition to genetic testing of patient samples, the company is looking at growing in the preventative side of care with cancer screenings. The oncology business, Thaysen said, will have healthy growth over the next 10 or so years.

China

China banned importations of the San Diego-based company's sequencing machines earlier this year as part of its retaliatory actions to Trump's tariff war. Thaysen said he is working with regulators to try to reverse that, but "in the meantime, that business is declining, and we are expecting it to be flat."

In fact, though China has historically been about 10% of the company's business, it contributed to half of the decline in earnings this past week. "China was never a huge part of Illumina's business. When it was the largest, it was just around 10%. We're down to 5% of the business," Thaysen told Yahoo Finance.
AI-based medicine will revolutionize care including for Alzheimer's and diabetes, predicts a technology expert, but it must be accessible to all patients.

Healing with Artificial Intelligence, written by technology expert Daniele Caligiore, uses the latest science research to highlight key innovations assisted by AI such as diagnostic imaging and surgical robots.

From exoskeletons that help spinal injury patients walk to algorithms that can predict the onset of dementia years in advance, Caligiore explores what he describes as a 'revolution' that will change healthcare forever.

Economically, the market for AI in healthcare is experiencing rapid growth, with forecasts predicting an increase in value from around USD 11 billion in 2021 to nearly USD 188 billion by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of 37%. AI is already being used in some countries, for example to search through genetic data for disease markers, or to assist with scheduling and other administrative tasks  and this trend is set to continue.

However, the author caveats his predictions of progress by warning these technologies may widen existing inequality. Caligiore suggests that AI-based medicine must be available to all people, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, and that people from low-income nations must not be excluded from cutting-edge care which wealthier nations can access.

Other challenges posed by the advancement of AI in healthcare includes who takes responsibility for treatment decisions, especially when a procedure goes wrong. This is a particular challenge given widespread concerns around explainable AI, as many advanced AI systems operate as black boxes, making decisions through complex processes that even their creators cannot fully understand or explain.

Caligiore says AI should support doctors and patients, not replace doctors who, says the author, have a 'unique ability to offer empathy, understanding, and emotional support'.

"AI should be viewed as a tool, not a colleague, and it should always be seen as a support, never a replacement," writes Caligiore.

"It is important to find the right balance in using AI tools, both for doctors and patients. Patients can use AI to learn more about their health, such as what diseases may be associated with their symptoms or what lifestyle changes may help prevent illness. However, this does not mean AI should replace doctors."

Despite his warnings, Caligiore is largely optimistic about the impact of AI in healthcare: "Like a microscope detecting damaged cells or a map highlighting brain activity during specific tasks, AI can uncover valuable insights that might go unnoticed, aiding in more accurate and personalized diagnoses and treatments," he says.

In any case, Caligiore predicts the healthcare landscape will look 'dramatically different' in a few years, with technology acting as a 'magnifying glass for medicine' to enable doctors to observe the human body with greater precision and detail.

Examples of where AI will make profound impacts in healthcare include, regenerative medicine, where gene and stem cell therapies repair damaged cells and organs. Spinal cord injury patients are among those who could benefit.

AI may also provide personalised therapies, suggesting treatments tailored to specific individuals often based on their unique genetic profile. Studies are being conducted into targeting different tremor types in Parkinson's and breast cancer subtypes

The convergence of regenerative medicine, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and AI is the next frontier in medicine, Caligiore suggests. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), living organisms whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques, have already paved the way for personalised gene therapies.

Blending real and virtual worlds may also prove useful to healthcare, for example the 'metaverse'  group therapy where patients participate with an avatar, or 'digital twins'  AI simulations of a patient's body and brain on a computer so doctors can identify underlying causes of disease and simulate the effects of various therapies for specific patients to help doctors make more informed decisions.

These advances and others will reshape the doctor-patient relationship, according to Healing with Artificial Intelligence, but the author suggests the key is for patients and clinicians to keep a critical mindset about AI.

Caligiore warns that role of physicians will evolve as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare but the need for human interactions will remain 'central to patient care'.

"While healthcare professionals must develop technical skills to use AI tools, they should also nurture and enhance qualities that AI cannot replicate  such as soft skills and emotional intelligence. These human traits are essential for introducing an emotional component into work environments," he explains.
An interdisciplinary research team led by Professor Francesca Santoro and Dr. Valeria Criscuolo from the Institute of Biological Information Processing  Bioelectronics at Forschungszentrum Julich, in cooperation with colleagues from RWTH Aachen University  Professor Daniele Leonori and Junior Professor Giovanni Maria Piccini (now University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)  has engineered a new class of organic photoelectrochemical transistors (OPECTs). These tiny devices can convert light into electrical signals and mimic the behaviour of synapses in the brain. The research results have now been published in the research journal Advanced Science.

Our brains work by passing signals between nerve cells, adapting over time to learn and remember. Scientists are trying to recreate this kind of behaviour in electronic devices, a field known as neuromorphic electronics. One way to do this is by developing materials that can "learn" in similar ways to how the brain does.

The team from Julich and Aachen has taken an important step forward in this field. What makes their new technology special is that its properties can be precisely adjusted using chemistry. This means the material can be tailored to be particularly sensitive to light or able to transmit signals especially stably. This opens up numerous potential applications: the platform could serve as an interface between technology and nerve cells, for example in visual prostheses or other medical devices. Highly sensitive optical sensors and novel brainmachine interfaces are also possible. Another advantage is that the components have low power consumption and can be adapted flexibly to different requirements.

In order for the device to be used later with real nerve cells or eye tissue, the material must be biocompatible  in other words, compatible with the human body  and function at body temperature. The researchers therefore use a special plastic called PEDOT:PSS, which has been modified with light-sensitive molecules. This material conducts electricity while remaining soft and flexible, making it suitable for use at the interface between electronics and biological tissue.

In the long term, this research could pave the way for new approaches to treating retinal diseases, such as age-related visual disorders. However, before it can be used in medicine, the technology must be tested carefully to ensure it is compatible with living tissue. To do so, the researchers carry out so called in vitro analyses  laboratory tests performed outside the body  and examine nerve tissue, among other things.
A team from the Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung, Hokkaido University, and Osaka University has discovered that subtle differences in molecular structure can have a major impact on the performance of mRNA-based drugs. Their findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, open the door to the development of safer and more effective vaccines and therapies.

To deliver therapeutic nucleic acids like mRNA into cells, scientists rely on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), tiny, fat-based carriers that protect fragile genetic material, enabling it to survive in the body and reach target cells. A key component of these LNPs are ionizable lipids, which help mRNA enter cells and then release it effectively. One such lipid, ALC-315, was notably used in the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, a medical breakthrough that played a critical role in controlling the global pandemic.

The overlooked impact of stereochemistry

While the vaccine is safe and highly effective, one surprising detail has remained largely unnoticed: ALC-315 is used as a mixture of three stereoisomersmolecules that have the same chemical formula but differ in their three-dimensional arrangement, much like left and right hands. This distinction is not trivial. It is well known that stereoisomers can behave very differently in biological systems, affecting how drugs are absorbed, distributed, and metabolized. Until now, the three isomers of ALC-315,(S,S), (R,R), and meso, had never been individually studied in the context of LNP performance. In their groundbreaking study, Dr. Chandra Kanta De from the Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung and his colleagues synthesized and tested each pure stereoisomer for the first time.

We demonstrate that stereochemistry directly impacts both the efficacy and safety of LNPs. In particular, we found that the (S,S)-form delivers mRNA just as efficiently as the standard mixture, but with significantly reduced toxicity." Dr. Chandra Kanta De, Max-Planck-Institut fur Kohlenforschung

Dr. Masumi Tsuda from Hokkaido University, Japan, who conducted the biological analysis of the ALC-315 isomers with Prof. Shinya Tanaka, mentioned, "We would be delighted if these research findings could contribute to the development of safer vaccines."



These findings are highly relevant, as LNP technology is rapidly expanding beyond COVID-19 vaccines, with applications ranging from gene therapy to personalized cancer vaccines. As the field pushes toward the next generation of mRNA-based therapeutics, the need for precise, optimized components becomes increasingly important. The study paves the way for improved LNP formulations, offering the potential for safer and more effective mRNA delivery in broad spectrum of future therapies.



The work was supported by the Max Planck Society, the German Research Foundation (DFG), the European Research Council (ERC), the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
Gurugram: Married man killed by live-in partner for talking to wife

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 23:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Gurugram, Aug 2 (PTI) A 40-year-old scrap dealer was stabbed to death by his live-in partner in the DLF Phase 3 area here early Saturday after an argument over him talking to his wife, police said.

Harish Sharma, a resident of Baliawas village in Gurugram, had been in a live-in relationship with the 27-year-old accused, Yashmeet Kaur, for more than a year. They lived in a rented flat.

Recommended Stories

Sharma was married and had two daughters who lived with his wife in the village. His wife was not keeping well for some time, and Sharma would often talk to her, which infuriated Kaur, police said.

On Saturday night, Kaur walked in on Sharma conversing with his wife, and the couple had a heated argument. In a fit of rage, Kaur stabbed Sharma in the chest with a kitchen knife. He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

A friend of the deceased, Vijay alias Sethi, who was reportedly present in another room, is also under the scanner. The victims nephew has alleged in his complaint that both Kaur and Vijay planned the murder.

Kaur, a resident of Delhis Ashok Nagar, has been arrested and confessed to the crime, police said, adding that the murder weapon and a blood-stained T-shirt were seized from the flat. PTI COR RHL

First Published: August 02, 2025, 23:30 IST

News agency-feeds Gurugram: Married man killed by live-in partner for talking to wife

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...
Loco pilots union alleges manipulation of working hours to hide overutilisation

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) The loco pilots union has alleged that various railway zones are manipulating the working hours of train drivers by falsely entering duty breaks during their 12 to 16-hour-long trips in the online Crew Management System (CMS) to hide their overutilisation.

As per railway norms, a loco pilot cannot be asked to work more than 9 hours at a stretch and no more than 11 hours in total from sign-on to sign-off. Since 2021, the Safety Department of the Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways that 80 per cent of trips should be completed within the 9-hour limit.

Recommended Stories

The Railway Ministry had earlier stated that it has not only initiated aggressive recruitment of loco pilots but also created several amenities for them, including urinal facilities in over 900 locomotives, air-conditioning systems in over 7,000 locomotives, and upgraded all 558 running rooms across the rail network.

The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) stated that safety regulations prohibit overburdening loco pilots with excessive duty hours. They alleged that rail administrations are regularly violating these rules to compensate for a 1520 per cent staff shortage.

Though this illegal practice is happening in many divisions and zones, we have started by raising the issue with the General Manager of East Central Railway (ECR). We have submitted a memorandum compiling several issues that affect loco pilots working conditions, including the false trip break," said Ashok Kumar Raut, General Secretary of AILRSA.

The ECR has not responded to the allegations.

However, following Rauts representation, one of ECRs divisions, Dhanbad, issued a circular dated July 15, 2025, warning of strict action against the false insertion of duty breaks between sign-on and sign-off in the CMS.

A direction is being issued to all to not break duty hours between the sign-on and sign-off of the crew while registering it in CMS (Crew Management System). If it is happening in any crew lobby, it must be stopped immediately. If such cases are found, strict disciplinary action will be taken," the circular stated.

Raut explained that lobby officials record the sign-on and sign-off times of loco pilots in the CMS when their shift starts and ends, respectively. However, in cases where a loco pilot works for more than 12 hours, contractual staff at the lobby are allegedly inserting fake duty breaks  ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours  on verbal orders from senior officials to conceal overutilisation.

Each railway division submits monthly crew working hours data to the Railway Board in a fixed format. These duty breaks are reportedly used to avoid detection of excessive working hours, which violates operational safety norms.

This illegal and unsafe practice of inserting duty breaks in the system is being done on the verbal orders of some senior officials, such as the Chief Traction Loco Controller and Chief Crew Controller. Railways has outsourced CMS data entry work to private personnel, and these officials instruct them to insert such breaks," Raut alleged.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

He added, I have gathered data from some divisions on illegal trip breaks by lobby staff. In May and June 2025, in the Dhanbad division alone, there were 2,719 such cases; 1,883 in the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar division; and 785 in the Danapur division." He also claimed that the Samastipur and Sonpur divisions manipulated working hours in 304 and 83 cases, respectively.

Earlier this year, in April, South Central Railway reviewed CMS data on loco pilots working hours and found that, in 545 cases in the Secunderabad division, 42 in Vijayawada, 26 in Guntakal, three each in Guntur and Nanded, and one in the Hyderabad division, goods train loco pilots worked between 13:55 and 14:00 hours but were compelled to feed incorrect times to hide actual duty hours. PTI JP HIG HIG

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:15 IST

News agency-feeds Loco pilots union alleges manipulation of working hours to hide overutilisation

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...
Man out on bail for raping woman opens fire at her in Delhi

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 21:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) A woman was shot at in Delhis Vasant Vihar allegedly by a man who was out on interim bail in a rape case she filed against him last year, an official said on Saturday.

The woman, a head manager at a salon, was hit on the chest and was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre in a PCR van. The woman remains under treatment and is reported to be in stable condition, officials added.

Recommended Stories

Abuzair Safi (30), and his accomplice Aman Sukhla have been arrested for attempting to kill the woman on Wednesday. The arrests were made on Thursday and Friday.

According to police, two men on a black motorcycle fired at the woman on Wednesday. Safi, who got bail for a rape case the woman filed last year, was the one who allegedly fired at her, they said.

Police reached the spot and found an abandoned auto-rickshaw. The driver, Ranjeet Yadav, told police that his female passenger had sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre by a PCR van.

A case was registered at Vasant Vihar Police Station under Sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Arms Act, based on the womans statement, police said.

During interrogation, it emerged that Safi was enraged at the victim for getting a criminal case registered against him. He had tried to contact her multiple times, but she refused to respond, which further aggravated his anger," a senior police officer said.

Police said they used CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and social media to nab Shukla and recovered the motorcycle used in the crime.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The next day, on August 1, Safi was apprehended and the firearm allegedly used in the shooting was seized from his possession.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain if more people were involved and to verify the background of the accused," the officer said. PTI SSJ SKY SKY

First Published: August 02, 2025, 21:30 IST

News agency-feeds Man out on bail for raping woman opens fire at her 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...
Telangana Cabinet meeting to be held on Aug 4

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 22:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Hyderabad, Aug 2 (PTI) A meeting of the Telangana Cabinet would be held on August 4, the state government said on Saturday.

The meeting will convene at 2 pm in the state secretariat on Monday, an official communication said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Recommended Stories

The last state cabinet meeting was on July 28. After the meeting, states Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar had said CM Revanth Reddy would be visiting Delhi from August 5 to 7 along with other Congress leaders. He said that CM would seek President Droupadi Murmus appointment to request her assent for the Assembly bills providing 42 per cent reservation to BCs.

The Chief Minister, ministers and other leaders would attend a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 6 in support of the demand for Presidential assent for the BC quota bills, state Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud said two days ago. PTI SJR SJR ADB

First Published: August 02, 2025, 22:15 IST

News agency-feeds Telangana Cabinet meeting to be held on Aug 4

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...
Tirupati-based Mohan Babu University confers D.Litt on Vijay Darda

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 18:45 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Nagpur, Aug 2 (PTI) The Mohan Babu University conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) on veteran journalist, author, parliamentarian and chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group Dr Vijay Darda during its convocation ceremony on Saturday.

The honorary degree was awarded by the Tirupati-based in recognition of Dr Dardas exceptional contributions to journalism, the cause of press freedom,education, and democratic reform.

Recommended Stories

The university lauded his unwavering commitment to fearless journalism, sincere efforts for the growth of the media industry and his enduring dedication to social responsibility.

He received the honour in the presence of former Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Rajya Sabha member Praful Patel, who was also the chief guest of the convocation, chancellor of Mohan Babu University and chairman of Sree Vidyanikethan Educational Trust (SVET) Dr Mohan Babu.

World renowned percussionist and Padma Shri awardee Shivamani, MBU pro-chancellor Vishnu Manchu, SVET executive director Vinay Maheshwari and SVET member Viranika Manchu were also present.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Darda expressed deep gratitude to Mohan Babu University said the honour bestowed on him acknowledges his over five decades of service to journalism and the media industry.

He dedicated the honour to the legacy of fearless journalism upheld by Lokmat Media Group and its founder Jawaharlal Darda.

Dr Darda underscored the transformative power of education and journalism, calling them pillars of societal progress and national empowerment.

Reflecting on his academic journey, including studies at Harvard University, he emphasized how education combats ignorance and fosters peace.

Urging youths to embrace innovation and take up challenges, he said, I would like to give some message to our young friends.Think about innovation. Innovation in products and services. Do not be afraid to take risks and certainly do not be afraid to fail. Failure is the essential step to get to success. Learn from it." Referring to the rise of AI, he encouraged students to equip themselves with the skills to adapt to it and stated that AI may not replace humans, but it will replace those who do not understand it.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The world is changing so rapidly, mainly due to AI. It is having the biggest impact on our society the world has ever witnessed and this will only accelerate. I want to say that do not be afraid of AI. Embrace it. Acquire the necessary skills to understand and implement it in your respective fields. It is not certain that AI will replace humans. But it is certain that humans who understand AI will replace those who dont." Dr Darda concluded by reaffirming his commitment to truth, democratic values, and national service and thanking Dr Mohan Babu and MBU.

Dr Darda is also a recipient of honorary D. Litt degrees from DY Patil University, Pune, and Royal American University, USA, for his contribution to the field of journalism and media industry. PTI COR BNM

First Published: August 02, 2025, 18:45 IST

News agency-feeds Tirupati-based Mohan Babu University confers D.Litt on Vijay Darda

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...
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Did Lord Ram Have A Sister? Who Sends Him A Rakhi Even Today?

Curated By :

Translation Desk-Local18

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:22 IST

Raksha Bandhan 2025: While everyone knows that King Dasharatha had four sons, Lord Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughna, very few know that the brothers also had a sister

As per scriptures, King Dashratha had a daughter who used to tie Rakhi to Lord Ram and his three brothers. (Local18)

The sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, is just around the corner. According to the Hindu calendar, it will be celebrated on August 9 this year. Its a day marked by trust, love, and the promise of protection.

On this occasion, sisters tie a Rakhi, a sacred thread, on their brothers wrists, and in return, brothers vow to protect them in all circumstances.

Recommended Stories

But do you know who tied Rakhi to the four sons of King Dasharatha, including Lord Ram? When you must have heard and seen the tales of Ramayana, you might not have heard much mention of Lord Rams sisters.

According to religious texts, King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya had a daughter named Shanta, who is often overlooked in popular retellings of the Ramayana. Shanta was the elder sister of Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughna. As per scriptures, she used to tie Rakhi to all four brothers during the Treta Yuga.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Mahant Shashikant Das of the Ram Kachahari temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, confirms the existence of Shanta. He says that although she was born to Queen Kaushalya, Shanta was later adopted by Kaushalyas sister Varshini, who was childless. This story is mentioned in some lesser-known texts and oral traditions.

Even today, the tradition lives on. Sisters from across India send Rakhi through the post to Lord Ram at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya every year. There is even a dedicated temple for Shanta in Ayodhya, and after the construction of the grand Ram Mandir, Rakhi is sent from there annually on Rakshabandhan for Lord Ram and his brothers.

Location : Ayodhya, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:22 IST

News astrology Raksha Bandhan 2025: Did Lord Ram Have A Sister? Who Sends Him A Rakhi Even Today?

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...
Bengaluru: Hebbal Flyover Loop Set To Open Soon, But Will It Really Ease Traffic Woes?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 01, 2025, 16:10 IST

The Hebbal junction is a key point that handles heavy traffic from KR Puram, the airport road, and Nagavara.

Ongoing metro work between Manyata Tech Park and Kalyan Nagar is also making things worse. (Photo: Urban Acres)

A new flyover loop at Bengalurus busy Hebbal junction is almost ready to open.

This loop connects traffic from Nagavara directly to the main flyover, a move that city officials say will ease the notorious jams at this key interchange.

Recommended Stories

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic  Northeast) Pradeep BU shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), saying, New Hebbal flyover loop coming from Nagavara getting finished to be soon open This will ease traffic at Hebbal."

New hebbal flyover loop coming from Nagavara getting finishedto be soon open.. This will ease traffic at hebbal @blrcitytraffic @DCPTrNorthBCP @hebbaltrafficps pic.twitter.com/gSw5eIJ9KV ACP Traffic Northeast Pradeep (@acpnortheasttr) July 31, 2025

The area sees massive traffic daily from KR Puram, the airport road, and Nagavara, making it one of the citys worst choke points, as per Hindustan Times.

Are Commuters Happy?

While some users on social media welcomed the update, many expressed doubts. Thats a partial relief. Waiting for the other loops to open," said one user.

Others warned of a potential new jam zone near the Baptist Hospital bus stop, where traffic from different directions is expected to merge. Dont let buses block the road. Make sure they stop properly," one commuter urged.

A common concern? The problem may not be solvedit might just shift. The choke point is just moving 250 metres ahead," said another user.

What About the Metro Mess?

The situation is being made worse by metro construction nearby. Commuters pointed out that barricades placed in the middle of the road between Manyata Tech Park and Kalyan Nagar are making peak-hour traffic unbearable.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Will the New Loop Help?

The new flyover loop is definitely a step in the right direction. But unless the other loops are completed soon and metro construction is better managed, Hebbals traffic nightmare may continue.

About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... 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: August 01, 2025, 16:10 IST

News auto Bengaluru: Hebbal Flyover Loop Set To Open Soon, But Will It Really Ease Traffic Woes?

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 DELHI (AP)  India has indicated that it would continue buying oil from Russia despite threats by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Indian foreign ministry said its relationship with Russia was steady and time-tested, and should not be seen through the prism of a third country.

Addressing a weekly presser on Friday, spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said Indias broader stance on securing its energy needs was guided by the availability of oil in the markets and prevailing global circumstances.

The comments follow an announcement by President Donald Trump that he intends to impose a 25% tariff on goods from India plus an additional import tax because of New Delhis purchases of Russian oil.

The threat came as the U.S. president has increasingly soured on Russia for failing to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.

India bought 68,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Russia in January 2022, but by June of same year oil imports rose to 1.12 million barrels per day. The daily imports peaked at 2.15 million in May 2023 and have varied since.

Supplies rose as high as nearly 40% of India's imports at one point, making Moscow the largest supplier of crude to New Delhi, the Press Trust of India reported, citing data from Kpler, a data analytics company.

Indias daily oil consumption is pegged around 5.5 million barrels, of which nearly 88% is met through imports.

The country has historically bought most of its crude from the Middle East, but this has changed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

India, the worlds third-largest crude importer after China and the U.S., began buying Russian oil available at discounted rates after the West shunned it to punish Moscow.
Union Cabinet Approves Four Multi-tracking Railway Projects, Here's What PM Modi Says

Published By :

ANI

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 08:11 IST

The decision was taken at CCEA meeting chaired by PM Modi. It will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 574 kilometres.

(Representative/Shutterstock)

In a significant step which will help decongest the railway network and reduce logistics cost, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved four multitracking projects covering 13 districts across six states, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the decision is part ofthe governments efforts to provide next-generation infrastructure.

He said these projects will benefit people of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand. In a boost to our efforts to provide next-generation infrastructure, 4 major rail projects worth over Rs. 11,100 crore have been approved by the Cabinet," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Recommended Stories

The decision was taken at CCEA meeting chaired by PM Modi. It will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 574 kilometres. The projects are expected to generate direct employment for about 229 lakh human-days during construction.

Briefing the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw said that the projects include Itarsi  Nagpur fourth line; Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)  Parbhani Doubling; Aluabari Road- New Jalpaiguri third and fourth line; and Dangoaposi Jaroli third and fourth line.

Vaishnaw, who is also the Union Railways Minister, said the increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways. These multi-tracking proposals are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.

An official release said that the projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Vision of a New India, which will make people of the region Atmanirbhar" by way of comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.

The projects are planned on the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan with a focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity & logistic efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations.

These projects will provide seamless connectivity for movement of people, goods, and services," the release said.

The proposed multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to about 2,309 villages, which have a population of about 43.60 lakh.

These are essential routes for transportation of commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural commodities, and Petroleum products. The capacity augmentation works will result in additional freight traffic of magnitude 95.91 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum)," the release said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

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.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 08:11 IST

News auto Union Cabinet Approves Four Multi-tracking Railway Projects, Here's What PM Modi Says

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...
Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, August 2? Check Bank Holiday List This Month

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 08:17 IST

Are Banks Open Today, August 2? Today, August 2, is the first Saturday of the month and is also not an RBI-notified holiday. So, bank branches will remain open today as usual.

Check Bank Holidays In August 2025.

Are Banks Open Today, August 2? If you are planning to visit your bank branch, it is necessary to check the holiday list for banks. Banks remain closed on RBI-notified holidays, Sundays and second & fourth Saturdays. However, today, August 2, is the first Saturday of the month and is also not an RBI-notified holiday. So, bank branches will remain open today as usual.

Bank branches remain closed on a number of bank holidays approved by the RBI. As per the standard banking schedule, all banks  both public and private  across India also remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

Recommended Stories

Are Banks Closed Today And Tomorrow?

Today (August 2), both public and private banks will remain open across the country.

However, tomorrow (August 3), banks will remain closed across the country as it a Sunday.

Timings of Banks Today?

Most major banks in India, including SBI, Bank of India, and Punjab National Bank, operate between 10 am and 4 pm, while ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Yes Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank usually function from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm or 3:30 pm, depending on the branch. Bank of Baroda has slightly extended hours, operating between 9:45 am and 4:45 pm or 10 am to 5 pm, and Canara Bank typically works from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Bank Holiday In August 2025

August 08 (Friday)  Tendong Lho Rum Faat

 Holiday in Gangtok

August 09 (Saturday)  Raksha Bandhan / Jhulana Purnima

 Holiday in Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Dehradun, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Shimla, Bhubaneswar

August 13 (Wednesday)  Patriots Day

 Holiday in Imphal

August 15 (Friday)  Independence Day / Parsi New Year / Janmashtami

 Nationwide Holiday  All banks across India will remain closed

August 16 (Saturday)  Janmashtami (Shravan Vad-8) / Krishna Jayanthi

 Holiday in Aizawl, Chennai, Hyderabad, Patna, Raipur, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Gangtok, Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar

August 19 (Tuesday)  Birthday of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur

 Holiday in Agartala

August 25 (Monday)  Tirubhav Tithi of Srimanta Sankardeva

 Holiday in Guwahati

August 27 (Wednesday)  Ganesh Chaturthi / Samvatsari / Ganesh Puja

 Holiday in Mumbai, Belapur, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Panaji

August 28 (Thursday)  Ganesh Chaturthi (2nd Day) / Nuakhai

 Holiday in Bhubaneswar, Panaji

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

National Holidays (All Banks Closed Across India) In August

August 03 (Sunday)

August 09 (2nd Saturday)

August 10 (Sunday)

August 17 (Sunday)

August 24 (Sunday)

August 30 (4th Saturday)

August 31 (Sunday).

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: August 02, 2025, 08:17 IST

News business  banking-finance Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, August 2? Check Bank Holiday List This Month

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...
PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: PM Modi To Release Next Tranche Today | Check Beneficiary Status

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 08:29 IST

PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: PM Modi is set to release the tranche of Rs 2,000 to each eligible farmer today, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Under the PM Kisan scheme, the central government provides financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments of Rs 2,000.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 20th Installment Date: The wait is finally over for over 9.7 crore eligible farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the PM Kisan 20th installment of Rs 2,000 to each eligible farmer today, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The 19th installment of the scheme was disbursed in February 2025.

Recommended Stories

It is mandatory for eligible farmers to complete e-KYC and other required verifications to receive the installment.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture said, Land seeding was made mandatory along with Aadhaar-based payment and e-KYC. The benefits of the farmers, who did not complete these mandatory criteria, were stopped. As and when these farmers complete their mandatory requirements, they receive the benefits of the scheme along with their due installments, if any."

As per the schemes official website, eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers."

You can complete e-KYC in three simple ways: OTP-based e-KYC, biometric e-KYC, facial authentication.

Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in

Click on Know Your Status

Enter your registration number or Aadhaar number

Check whether your name is on the beneficiary list

Also ensure that your eKYC is completed, as it is mandatory for installment release.

Launched in 2019 after being announced in the Interim Budget by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, the PM Kisan scheme has become the worlds largest DBT scheme. Under it, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 every four months totalling Rs 6,000 annually in the following cycles  April-July, August-November, and December-March.

The money is deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

To qualify for the PM Kisans 20th installment, one must:

Be a citizen of India

Own cultivable land

Be a small or marginal farmer

Not be a pensioner receiving Rs 10,000 or more per month

Not have filed income tax

Not be an institutional landholder.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in

Click on New Farmer Registration

Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha

Fill in the details, click Yes

Complete the form, submit it, and take a printout

For any queries, you can call the PM-KISAN helpline numbers  155261 and 011-24300606.

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: August 02, 2025, 08:29 IST

News business  economy PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: PM Modi To Release Next Tranche Today | Check Beneficiary Status

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...
PM Kisan 20th Installment: PM Modi Transfers Rs 2,000 Each To Over 9.7 Crore Farmers

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:50 IST

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 20th Installment: Under this, each eligible farmer has received Rs 2,000 directly in their bank account.

Under the PM Kisan scheme, the central government provides financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments of Rs 2,000.

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 20th Installment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released over Rs 20,500 crore under the PM Kisan 20th installment, at an event in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Under this, each eligible farmer has received Rs 2,000 directly in their bank account.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore.

Recommended Stories

The 19th installment of the scheme was disbursed in February 2025.

It is mandatory for eligible farmers to complete e-KYC and other required verifications to receive the installment.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Agriculture said, Land seeding was made mandatory along with Aadhaar-based payment and e-KYC. The benefits of the farmers, who did not complete these mandatory criteria, were stopped. As and when these farmers complete their mandatory requirements, they receive the benefits of the scheme along with their due installments, if any."

As per the schemes official website, eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers."

You can complete e-KYC in three simple ways: OTP-based e-KYC, biometric e-KYC, facial authentication.

Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in

Click on Know Your Status

Enter your registration number or Aadhaar number

Check whether your name is on the beneficiary list

Also ensure that your eKYC is completed, as it is mandatory for installment release.

Launched in 2019 after being announced in the Interim Budget by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, the PM Kisan scheme has become the worlds largest DBT scheme. Under it, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 every four months totalling Rs 6,000 annually in the following cycles  April-July, August-November, and December-March.

The money is deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

To qualify for the PM Kisans 20th installment, one must:

Be a citizen of India

Own cultivable land

Be a small or marginal farmer

Not be a pensioner receiving Rs 10,000 or more per month

Not have filed income tax

Not be an institutional landholder.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in

Click on New Farmer Registration

Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha

Fill in the details, click Yes

Complete the form, submit it, and take a printout

For any queries, you can call the PM-KISAN helpline numbers  155261 and 011-24300606.

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: August 02, 2025, 11:50 IST

News business  economy PM Kisan 20th Installment: PM Modi Transfers Rs 2,000 Each To Over 9.7 Crore Farmers

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...
Aditya Infotech IPO GMP Today: Allotment Finalised, Check Listing Date

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:07 IST

The GMP of the Aditya Infotech IPO, which received a huge subscription at 106.23x, stands at 44.89%, indicating strong listing gains.

Aditya Infotech IPO GMP.

Aditya Infotech IPO Allotment Date, Listing Date & GMP: The basis of allotment of the Aditya Infotech IPO, which was closed on Thursday, has been finalised today, Friday, August 1. Investors can check the IPO allotment status on the websites of BSE, NSE or registrar link Intime. The GMP of the IPO, which received a huge subscription at 106.23x, stands at 44.89%, indicating strong listing gains.

Aditya Infotech offers video security and surveillance products under CP Plus brand. The price band of the mainboard IPO, which plans to raise Rs 1,300 crore, was fixed in the range of Rs 640 to Rs 675 apiece. On the final day of bidding on Thursday, the issue received a 106.23 times subscription, garnering bids for 1,13,04,01,778 shares as against the 1,06,41,266 shares on offer. The retail and NII participation stood at 53.81x and 75.93x, respectively. The QIB category has received a 140.50x subscription.

Recommended Stories

Aditya Infotech IPO: A Step-By-Step Guide To Check Allotment Status

The Aditya Infotech IPO allotment will most likely take place in the evening today, Friday, August 1. Once finalised, the allotment status can be checked online by following these steps:

1) Go to the official BSE website via the URL  https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx.

2) Under Issue Type, select Equity.

3) Under Issue Name, select Aditya Infotech Ltd in the dropbox.

4) Enter your application number, or the Permanent Account Number (PAN). Those who want to check their allotment status via PAN can select the Permanent Account Number option.

5) Then, click on the I am not a robot to verify yourself and hit the Search option.

Your share application status will appear on your screen.

Via Link Intimes Portal

You can also visit directly on the registrar Link Intimes portal  https://in.mpms.mufg.com/Initial_Offer/public-issues.html and check the Aditya Infotech IPO allotment status.

Via NSEs Website

The allotment status can also be checked on the NSEs website at https://www.nseindia.com/invest/check-trades-bids-verify-ipo-bids.

Aditya Infotech IPO Listing Date

The shares of Aditya Infotech Ltd will be listed on both BSE and NSE on Tuesday, August 5.

Aditya Infotech IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Aditya Infotech Ltd are currently trading at Rs 978 against the upper IPO price of Rs 675. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 303, which is 44.89% over its issue price, indicating strong listing gains.

The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Aditya Infotech IPO: More Info

The companys IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 500 crore and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of shares valued at Rs 800 crore by promoters.

Proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of Rs 375 crore have been earmarked for payment of debt, and besides, a portion will be used for general corporate purposes.

This anchor portion witnessed participation from domestic and foreign institutional investors, including Government of Singapore, Monetary Authority of Singapore, HDFC Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Goldman Sachs, Nomura, Ashoka Whiteoak India Opportunities Fund, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, according to a circular uploaded on the BSE website.

As per the circular, Aditya Infotech has allotted 86.26 lakh equity shares to 54 funds at Rs 675 apiece. This aggregates the transaction size to Rs 582.3 crore.

As of March 2024, the companys total borrowings stood at around Rs 405 crore, according to its draft papers.

Aditya Infotech offers a comprehensive range of advanced video security and surveillance products, technologies and solutions for enterprise and consumer segments under CP Plus brand.

In addition, the company offers solutions and services such as fully integrated security systems and security-as-a-service directly and through its distribution network.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The company announced that 75 per cent of the offer size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 15 per cent for non-institutional investors and the remaining 10 per for retail investors.

ICICI Securities and IIFL Securities are the book-running lead managers to the issue. Aditya Infotech is expected to list on the bourses on August 5.

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: August 02, 2025, 11:07 IST

News business  ipo Aditya Infotech IPO GMP Today: Allotment Finalised, Check Listing Date

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...
Old vs New Tax Regime: Key Deductions For Taxpayers Earning Rs 12 LPA May End From FY26, Here's Why

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 18:49 IST

Salaried individuals earning up to Rs 12 lakh may soon no longer need old-regime deductions, as the new tax system offers near-zero tax.

This year could be your last chance to claim those benefits. (representative image)

If you are a salaried employee earning up to Rs 12 lakh annually, this year might be the last time you benefit from deductions under the old tax regime. Starting from the next financial year (FY 202526 / AY 202627), the new tax regime will make income up to Rs 12 lakh almost tax-free, reducing the need for old-regime tax planning.

Currently, you still have the option to choose between the old and new tax regimes when filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 202425 (AY 202526). The deadline to file is September 15 this year. But with new changes coming in, many salaried individuals may shift permanently to the new regime next year.

Recommended Stories

What You Get Under the Old Regime

The old tax regime allows you to claim several deductions and exemptions:

 House Rent Allowance (HRA)

 Leave Travel Allowance (LTA)

 Interest on home loan (Section 24b)

 Deductions under Sections 80C to 80U (This includes savings in PPF, ELSS, LIC, tuition fees, etc.)

These benefits help reduce your taxable income but come with documentation and planning.

What the New Regime Offers

The new tax regime has fewer deductions but higher income thresholds for rebates. Here is how it compares:

 Rebate under Section 87A: Rs 5 lakh (old) vs Rs 7 lakh (new)

 Standard deduction: Rs 50,000 (old) vs Rs 75,000 (new)

 Maximum rebate: Rs 12,500 (old) vs Rs 25,000 (new)

While some deductions like the standard deduction (Section 16) apply to both regimes, popular ones like HRA, LTA, and home loan interest are only available under the old regime.

Under the new structure, only limited benefits such as employer contribution to NPS (Section 80CCD(2)) and Agniveer Corpus Fund (80CCH(2)) are allowed. Most other tax-saving instruments under Section 80C are excluded.

What This Means for You

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The government is encouraging taxpayers to switch to the simpler new regime, which is more straightforward but doesnt reward investment-based tax savings.

For those earning up to Rs 12 lakh, the new system will result in little to no tax, even without claiming deductions. So, if you are filing your return this year using the old regime, make sure you make the most of it, as it could be the last year these tax breaks are available to you.

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: August 02, 2025, 18:47 IST

News business Old vs New Tax Regime: Key Deductions For Taxpayers Earning Rs 12 LPA May End From FY26, 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...
India's Rental Market Sees Strong Growth In April-June 2025 As Sales Stabilise: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 15:54 IST

Rental demand and supply grows 3% QoQ in Q2 2025, while rental rates surge by 4.8% QoQ and a significant 29.6% YoY, signalling a strong shift toward leasing as preferred choice.

Among cities, Mumbai retained its position as the most expensive rental market, while Greater Noida, Ahmedabad, and Noida offered more affordable rental options.

Indias rental housing market is witnessing a sharp upswing, with both demand and rental rates climbing steadily during the AprilJune quarter of 2025, according to the latest Rental Index Report released by real estate portal Magicbricks. The growth comes even as home sales have started to stabilise across many urban markets.

Rental demand and supply grew 3% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), while rental rates surged by 4.8% QoQ and a significant 29.6% year-on-year (YoY), signalling a strong shift toward leasing as a preferred housing choice. The report attributes this shift to several macroeconomic factors, including declining youth unemployment  down from 17.8% in 2018 to 10.2% in 2024  and rising property prices, which are pushing many urban dwellers to opt for rental homes over ownership.

Recommended Stories

The rental market is evolving in step with Indias urbanization story," said Sudhir Pai, CEO of Magicbricks.

He noted that the rising supply in cities like Mumbai and Noida reflects growing investor interest, quicker project deliveries, and increasing recognition of the rental segments potential.

Beyond the numbers, what we are witnessing is a deeper structural shifttenants are increasingly embracing a rental-first lifestyle, prioritising flexibility, well-connected locations, and affordability," Pai said. This expansion in supply is not just bridging the demand-supply gap but also supporting this cultural transition, meeting the aspirations of a mobile, affordability-conscious, and experience-driven urban workforce."

Cities across India experienced significant shifts during the quarter. Greater Noida led the rental demand chart with a 20.7% QoQ rise, followed by Delhi (17.2%) and Ahmedabad (12.2%), reflecting a growing preference for leasing in cities with improving infrastructure and job connectivity.

In terms of supply, Greater Noida also saw a 12.6% QoQ increase, while Chennai posted an 11.4% rise. Over the year, Mumbai (23.4%), Navi Mumbai (22.7%), and Noida (22.3%) recorded the sharpest increase in rental listings, underlining robust interest among landlords and property investors.

Rental rates rose across the board, with Navi Mumbai recording the highest jump at 19.4%, followed by Kolkata (13.7%), Hyderabad (11.5%), and Chennai (11.2%). The consistent upward movement in rents indicates growing willingness among tenants to pay a premium for location, connectivity, and lifestyle features.

A notable trend in Q2 2025 was the surge in demand for compact 1 BHK units, particularly in cities like Navi Mumbai (27% QoQ), Gurugram (23%), Pune (19%), and Noida (18%). In contrast, demand for 3 BHK homes fell sharply in key cities, with Gurugram (-25%), Delhi (-24%), Ahmedabad (-21%), and Noida (-21%) all showing a clear trend toward downsizing. Nationally, 2 BHK units remained the most in-demand, accounting for 46% of total demand.

The semi-furnished category continued to dominate the rental market, contributing to 52% of total demand and 53% of supply. The majority of tenant interest focused on homes between 500 and 1,500 square feet, and the Rs 10,000-Rs 20,000 per month rental bracket remained the most active segment, with a 36% share of national demand.

Among cities, Mumbai retained its position as the most expensive rental market, while Greater Noida, Ahmedabad, and Noida offered more affordable rental options. Interestingly, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Navi Mumbai recorded the highest gross rental yields at 4.1%, making them attractive destinations for rental investors.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Magicbricks noted that while the current pace of rental growth remains high, the momentum is expected to moderate slightly in the coming quarters as supply expands further. However, the broader trend of a rental-first mindset, preference for compact and affordable housing, and growing urban mobility signals a lasting shift in Indias housing market dynamics.

The Q2 2025 report underscores that the Indian rental market is no longer just a fallback option but a strategic lifestyle choice reshaping the contours of urban living.

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: August 02, 2025, 15:54 IST

News business  real-estate India's Rental Market Sees Strong Growth In April-June 2025 As Sales Stabilise: 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...
Brakes On Bulldozers? No Slum Demolition Without Proper Rehabilitation, Says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 05:02 IST

The chief minister also condemned previous governments for treating slum dwellers merely as 'vote banks' and failing to provide basic amenities

Gupta also mentioned that her government is ready to amend existing policies on slum clusters and, if necessary, approach the courts to protect the housing rights of these residents. File image/PTI

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta issued a crucial directive to all land-owning agencies in the capital on Friday, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Indian Railways. The directive mandates that no slum clusters are to be demolished without first providing alternative housing for eligible residents.

Sources say the chief ministers decision reflects her governments dedication to the housing rights of slum dwellers, who play a vital role in Delhis workforce and social fabric. Gupta stated that in cases where demolitions are unavoidable for developmental projects, alternative housing must be arranged in advance. She pointed out that around 50,000 houses, built years ago in the citys outer areas under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), will be renovated and allocated to eligible slum dwellers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana  Urban (PMAY-U). These flats, previously neglected and unused by past administrations, will now be refurbished using unutilised funds, with approval from the central government.

Recommended Stories

Gupta emphasised that the pain of slum dwellers will not be ignored under any circumstances". She also mentioned that her government is ready to amend existing policies on slum clusters and, if necessary, approach the courts to protect the housing rights of these residents.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Opposition parties have frequently criticised slum demolitions and displacement of the urban poor.

The CM also condemned previous governments for treating slum dwellers merely as vote banks" and failing to provide basic amenities, reaffirming her administrations commitment to making these residents true citizens of Delhi".

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: August 02, 2025, 05:02 IST

News cities Brakes On Bulldozers? No Slum Demolition Without Proper Rehabilitation, Says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

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...
IIT Bombay Student Commits Suicide, Jumps Off From Hostel Building

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:24 IST

The victim, a Delhi resident, was immediately taken to a nearby hospital after the incident, where doctors pronounced him dead.

The boy is a resident of Delhi (File photo for representation)

A 22-year-old student of IIT Bombay died by suicide by jumping from the hostel building early on Saturday morning.

Recommended Stories

According to the Mumbai Police, the incident took place at nearly 2:30 a.m. The victim, who is a resident of Delhi, was rushed to a nearby hospital following the incident but was declared dead by the doctors.

Mumbai Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Powai Police Station and initiated an investigation into the matter.

Earlier this month, in a separate case, a fourth-year BTech student allegedly died by suicide at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur campus. He was found hanging in his hostel room.

Rital Mondal, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering student, was found hanging in his room at the Rajendra Prasad (RP) Hall hostel on campus.

The Supreme Court recently took note of the increasing suicide cases in educational institutions and issued a set of 15 guidelines with the aim of reducing suicides.

The continued loss of young lives, often due to preventable causes rooted in unattended psychological distress, academic overburden, social stigma, and institutional insensitivity, reflect a systemic failure that cannot be ignored," the court had said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:13 IST

News mumbai-news IIT Bombay Student Commits Suicide, Jumps Off From Hostel Building

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...
Sipped Water, Turned & Fainted: Man Collapses After Workout In Pune Gym, Dies

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:10 IST

Milind Kulkarni, 37, collapsed during a workout at Nitrro Gym in Chinchwad. Suspected of a heart attack, he was rushed to YCMH and declared dead on arrival.

Man Collapses After Workout In Pune Gym

A 37-year-old man collapsed during a morning workout session at a gym in Chinchwad on Friday and was later declared dead. The CCTV footage shows that after workout the man sipped water from his bottle, turned and then suddenly fainted.

The deceased, identified as Milind Kulkarni of Chinchwad, is suspected to have suffered a heart attack while working out, said police officials.

Recommended Stories

As per the reports, the incident happened around 7:15am at Nitrro Gym. As per the gym staff, Kulkarni felt dizzy during his workout and collapsed while walking towards the water cooler.

As he collapsed, he was rushed to a nearby private hospital and later shifted to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), Pimpri, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

61-Year-Old Man Dies In Pune

A 61-year-old man tragically died in Punes Aundh area after falling off his scooter allegedly due to a pothole and being subsequently run over by a car, police said on Friday.

The deceased, identified as Jagannath Kashinath Kale, was on his way home on the afternoon of July 30 when the accident occurred.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The police officials told PTI, A 61-year-old man in Pune identified as Jagannath Kashinath Kale lost his life after falling off from his scooter allegedly due to a pothole and being run over by a passing car. The incident also captured on CCTV."

The CCTV footage, which surfaced later in the week, has prompted police to initiate the process of filing a First Information Report (FIR). Authorities confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing and appropriate legal action will follow.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 08:17 IST

News cities  mumbai-news Sipped Water, Turned & Fainted: Man Collapses After Workout In Pune Gym, Dies

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 Saturday night, the audience inside Carnegie Hall witnessed something extraordinary: a five-year-old boy delivering a piano performance that would rival artists five times his age. Alec Van Khajadourian, the latest name in the world of classical music prodigies, took the stage at the iconic venue for his professional debutand left no doubt that he belongs there.

Performing as part of the NY Classical Debut International Competition Gala, Alec became the youngest soloist ever featured in the event. His inclusion in the prestigious gala capped months of viral attention in the piano world, with footage of his perfect pitch and astonishing technical control circulating across social media.

Dressed in a miniature tuxedo, the young pianist displayed a level of focus that belied his age, described People magazine. His fingers moved effortlessly across the keys as he performed selections from Chopin and Rachmaninoffcomposers most children his age wouldn't even recognize. Audience members described the experience as "magical," with many noting the sheer clarity and emotional depth Alec brought to his interpretations.

"It's not just that he plays the notes perfectly," said Sofia Menendez, a music professor from Juilliard who attended the concert. "It's that he seems to understand the music. At five years old, that's almost unheard of."

Alec's journey to Carnegie Hall is remarkable. Born to Armenian-American parents in Los Angeles, he began piano lessons at just 2 years old. His family noticed his unusual ear for music early on, with Alec reportedly identifying piano notes by sound alone before his third birthday. By age four, he was already performing advanced repertoire in small recitals.

His teachers describe him as driven yet joyful, practicing up to three hours a day but always with a smile. His parents, meanwhile, are careful to balance his growing career with a typical childhood.

"He still loves cartoons, he loves playing with his friends," his mother told reporters backstage. "We just try to follow his passion without pushing."

Read more Saudi Arabia and Lang Lang Announce Groundbreaking Summer Piano Intensive Saudi Arabia and Lang Lang Announce Groundbreaking Summer Piano Intensive

That passion has now propelled him to one of the most celebrated stages in the world. Saturday's performance was met with a standing ovation, with attendees applauding long after Alec took his final bow. Many in the audience admitted they were brought to tearsnot just by the novelty of seeing a child so young at the piano, but by the artistry and maturity of the music itself.

As the curtain fell on his Carnegie Hall debut, one thing became clear: Alec Van Khajadourian isn't just a prodigy. He's an artist. And this, it seems, is only the beginning.
CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared insights on. Noting the stocks recent ups and downs, a caller asked if there is any reason for the wild swing. Heres what Cramer had to say in response:

Yes, yes. Its what I call, its a terrible trader, and theres been these big chunks that come for sale, and you have to just close your eyes. You cant watch the trading because its very, very unnerving, and you want to hit it on a real dip, which you dont have right now because it was down to 70 earlier this year. Wait for more of a dip for Cava, but I think its a great long-term position.

Jim Cramer Believes CAVA is a "Great Long-Term Position" But Suggests Waiting for More Dip

Stock market data showing an upward trajectory. Photo by Burak The Weekender on Pexels

CAVA (NYSE:CAVA) operates restaurants under the CAVA brand and provides a range of food products like dips, spreads, and dressings. The company sells its products through grocery stores, along with online and mobile ordering.

While we acknowledge the potential of CAVA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Most IIT-B Students Prefer Job Over Further Studies, Used ChatGPT To Acquire New Skills: Survey

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:52 IST

The IIT Bombay survey also showed 35 students intended to pursue a master's degree or a PhD, and 5 aimed to obtain a master's in business administration.

Follow us on:

IIT Bombay campus. (Image: IIT Bombay)

A recent survey conducted by Insight, the official student media body at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, found that only a small number of students planned to pursue higher education. Specifically, 35 students intended to seek a masters degree or PhD, while 5 aimed for a masters in business administration. The majority of students planned to enter the workforce directly, with most having already accepted job offers.

The survey also highlighted that many students have begun using ChatGPT and online platforms to acquire new skills and enhance their portfolios before entering the job market. Out of 272 students who responded to the question, How did you generally study/learn new skills in the institute?", 118 mentioned online platforms, while 65 cited ChatGPT. Only 9 students indicated they used library books, the traditional method of learning in university settings.

Recommended Stories

Among the 138 respondents to the question which situations have they not used ChatGPT ever, as many as 89 said they had not used it for resume-making, while only 46 stated they had not used it for assignments and projects.

The survey, which collected responses from 282 out of 2,400 graduating students, showed that 183 students utilised AI tools and online learning platforms to take additional courses outside their regular curriculum.

Out of 278 students who responded to a question about the importance of attending classes, 128 believed attendance was crucial if the professor and course were interesting. Meanwhile, 16 students felt they could succeed without attending classes, thanks to the abundance of online resources.

When asked about the new curriculum implemented by the IITB administration, 206 students believed it better aligns with industry needs, 162 said that Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are essential for everyone, while only 8 students preferred the old curriculum.

ALSO READ | IIT Bombay Student Commits Suicide, Jumps Off From Hostel Building

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Regarding how well IIT-B prepared students for life beyond college, 151 students affirmed they were ready to rock," and 33 students felt exceptionally well-prepared, reaching a master of the universe" level.

In terms of their social lives, 27% of respondents mentioned using dating apps for fun.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:29 IST

News education-career Most IIT-B Students Prefer Job Over Further Studies, Used ChatGPT To Acquire New Skills: Survey

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
NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Mastermind Sanjeev Mukhiya Gets Bail After No Chargesheet Filed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 13:31 IST

Sanjeev Mukhiya had submitted an application to the Judge, stating that he had been in judicial custody for 90 days, but the CBI had not yet filed a chargesheet against him.

Follow us on:

The court applied Section 167 of the CrPC and ordered Sanjeev Mukhiya's release on bail. (Image: News18 Hindi)

Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, a key accused in the NEET 2024 question paper leak case, has been granted bail. The CBI special court, located within the civil court premises, has ordered his release from judicial custody. This decision was made according to Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which stipulates that a charge sheet must be filed within 90 days of arrest.

Regarding the NEET-2024 exam question paper leak, conducted by the National Testing Agency, the special CBI court at Patna Civil Court has granted bail to Mukhiya. He had submitted an application to Judge Sunil Kumar Singh, stating that he had been in judicial custody for 90 days, but the CBI had not yet filed a charge sheet against him. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court applied Section 167 of the CrPC and ordered Mukhiyas release on bail.

Recommended Stories

Mukhiya was also linked to the 2016 constable recruitment paper leak and had served jail time in the BPSC teacher recruitment scam. He previously worked as a technical assistant at Nursarai Horticulture College. His son, Dr Shivkumar, an MBBS graduate from PMCH, is currently in jail.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

It is noteworthy that the NEET exam was held nationwide on May 5, 2024. Amar Kumar, the in-charge of Shastrinagar police station in Patna, arrested several individuals for tampering. The case was later transferred to the Economic Offenses Unit. When the question paper leak came to light, the central government handed the investigation over to the CBI, which registered its FIR on June 23, 2024. Since then, the investigation has been ongoing.

To date, 49 individuals have been arrested in connection with the NEET question paper leak case. The CBI filed the initial charge sheet against 13 accused on July 1, 2024. Subsequently, the first charge sheet against 6 individuals was filed on September 19, 2024. The second supplementary charge sheet was filed on October 7, 2024 against 21 accused in jail, followed by a third supplementary charge sheet against one individual on November 7, 2024. The fourth supplementary charge sheet was filed against four individuals on November 22, 2024. So far, charge sheets have been filed against 45 people in the case.

About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 13:07 IST

News education-career NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak Mastermind Sanjeev Mukhiya Gets Bail After No Chargesheet Filed

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
Bihar SIR: Patna Sees Highest Deletions At 4 Lakh, Gopalganj Loses 15% Of Registered Voters

Written By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:34 IST

Of the nearly 66 lakh names dropped, more than 22.34 lakh were of deceased voters while another seven lakh were removed due to duplicate registrations

Only four districts in the state have lost more than three lakh voters. (EC)

The News18 analysis of Election Commission (EC) data also shows that across the state, one in every 12 voters was removed in the draft roll, but Gopalganj stands out as the only district in the state where nearly one in six voters was dropped from the electoral rolls, as shown in the graphics.

Recommended Stories

The EC is offering a months period up to September 1 for eligible electors to add their names or delete the names of any ineligible electors from the list. Any elector or political party can file claims and objections for the same.

De-listings Across Bihar

Under the SIR drive, more than 7.24 crore electors of Bihar filled up the enumeration forms, and all were included in the draft electoral roll. Till June 24, the state had 7.89 crore registered voters.

Of the nearly 66 lakh names dropped, more than 22.34 lakh were of deceased voters. Another seven lakh were removed due to duplicate registrations. More than 36.28 lakh voters had either shifted permanently or were missing during the drivethats one in every 22 voters.

News18 analysed the district-wise situation in terms of the nearly 66 lakh names dropped in the draft, also displayed in the attached graphics. A category-wise breakup to cover deceased and duplicate voters was not available for the districts.

Urban Apathy in Patna?

Termed as the fifth fastest-growing city in India" by the district administration, Patna recorded the highest number of delisted voters at 3.95 lakh.

Of the 50.47 lakh voters registered as of June 24, the draft has listed only 46.51 lakh names around one in every 13 voters missed the chance to appear in the draft electoral roll.

It is also worth noting that Patna has the highest number of registered voters in the state  both before and after the SIR drive. Despite the highest number of voter names dropped, the large voter base makes the drop relatively moderate at about eight per cent.

Madhubani, with 3.52 lakh names dropped, is the second-highest contributor. As against a total of 33.76 lakh voters in the district, 30.24 lakh are listed in the draft. Madhubani has lost roughly one voter out of every 10 in the update.

Sheohar, the smallest district in terms of voter base, lost 28,166 voters in the draftfrom 3.24 lakh to now 2.95 lakh.

Only four districts in the state have lost more than three lakh voters. Apart from Patna and Madhubani, Purvi Champaran was next in line with 3.16 lakh names dropped, as shown in the graph. The district has the second-largest voter base, both before (36.89 lakh) and after the drive (33.73 lakh). Gopalganj is another district from the list.

Gopalganj Lost 15% of Electors in Draft

Gopalganj, with close to 94% of its population living in rural areas, as per the district administration, had 20.55 lakh registered voters on June 24. The draft has named only 17.45 lakh voters, dropping 3.10 lakh names15 per cent of the total registered voters.

In terms of the highest deletion rate by proportion, Purnia is next in line with over 12 per cent (2.73 lakh) names droppedfrom 22.68 lakh to 19.94 lakh. Purnia has lost about one in every eight voters in this revision.

With almost 12 per cent (1.45 lakh) names dropped, Kishanganj is at the third spot. Madhubani is next in line with a 10.44 per cent loss. In total, five districts across the state have reported more than 10 per cent name drops, with Bhagalpur also in the list.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 30, and before that, there can still be additions and deletions in the draft roll, with the claims and objections window remaining open till September 1.

The state is likely to go for polls around October with the term of the Bihar assembly ending in November.

About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 16:34 IST

News elections Bihar SIR: Patna Sees Highest Deletions At 4 Lakh, Gopalganj Loses 15% Of Registered Voters

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...
This Person Flew To Vietnam From India Just To Buy MacBook, Here's What Happened Next

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:13 IST

Can you really save money on your MacBook or iPhone purchase by travelling to Vietnam?

A trip to Vietnam to buy a MacBook? This Indian had the wild idea to do so and it worked out for them. (u/Shuict)

A user on Reddit had a wild idea and all the free will in the world to execute a plan so elaborate that will put your vacation plans to shame. So they made a post online sharing that they finally got to try it and it worked out for them. Trust me its worth making a short trip to Vietnam," the user shared stating that if someone was planning to buy a MacBook or an iPhone over Rs 2 Lakh, it, according to them, made sense to go international and even pinch in a tiny trip out of the shopping endeavour.

A while back I posted on a few subreddits about an idea I had. Flying from India to Vietnam, buying a MacBook there, and coming back hopefully saving some cash. A few people said its doable, but many suggested I should explore Vietnam too, so I did."

Recommended Stories

How Did It Happen?

The OP acquired the e-visa needed for Vietnam for 2,210 and booked the cheapest round trip flights that set them back by Rs 19,000. Once armed with the tickets, they headed to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The user made a plan of 11 nights and worked on a few days. This, however, they advised wasnt recommended. Instead enjoy a few days of leaves and have a laid-back vacation.

Useful Tips

The MacBook buyer revealed that they visited close to 15 stores before their needs were met by the store, including a tax refund document. The document can be used at an airport to retrieve the tax you have paid on an item if you are a tourist.

1) Always ask: Do you provide VAT refund documents for the airport?" Some stores wont.

2) They even helped me carefully open the MacBook to inspect it and resealed it for airport VAT refund smart move!

3) VAT Refund Counter: Noi Bai Airport, Gate No. 31. I got back ~$111 (8.5% minus charges)."

Also Read: Apple Starting 2026 With A Bang: iPad, iPhone And Mac Launches Planned

Vacation Breakup

So, this is what you all are waiting for, right?

The OP listed down the total expenses incurred on their little trip to acquire 24GB-512GB configuration MacBook Pro M4 Pro 14 inches.

Flight Tickets: Rs 19,000

e-Visa: Rs 2,200

Ha Long Bay: Rs 5,500

Ninh Binh: Rs 4,500

11 Nights Stay: Rs 4,000

Miscellaneous expenses (including meals): Rs 5,000

The total trip, minus the MacBook, came to a total of Rs 40,000.

MacBook For A Steal

The Reddit user claimed that the MacBook in the configuration they wanted was available at a sale price of Rs 1,58,125. The same device was sold in India for Rs 1,89,900 and with credit card offers, the price was Rs 1,89,900.

They further added that they saved additional money by using the tax refund method at the airport. All in all, the MacBook purchased from Vietnam set them back by Rs 1,48,500.

Also Read: Apple Could Launch A Budget MacBook Using iPhone Chipset In 2026: What We Know

Net Savings on MacBook alone: 36,500. So basically, add 5K and you got yourself a brand-new MacBook and a vacation in Vietnam," the user stated.

Final Bill

The total expenditure of Reddit user wasnt too shabby.

MacBook + 11-day trip total: 2,08,117 (before refund)

After tax refund: 1,97,000 approx.

So if I deduct the cost of the MacBook alone, my 11-night Vietnam trip was just 48K and that too while working!"

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The user also shared an elaborate list of tips and travel tricks one could follow if they were to copy + paste the cheeky idea shared by them.

You can check the entire Reddit post shared on r/pFinTools here.

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: August 02, 2025, 16:12 IST

News explainers This Person Flew To Vietnam From India Just To Buy MacBook, Here's What Happened Next

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...
Trump, Medvedev, And The 'Dead Hand': How New Nuclear Threats Echo The Cuban Missile Crisis

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:13 IST

As Trump orders nuclear submarines into 'appropriate regions' after Medvedevs threats, we revisit the 1962 standoff that brought the world closer than ever to nuclear catastrophe

In a Telegram post, Dmitry Medvedev mocked US President Donald Trump, invoked Cold War cinema and nuclear doctrine, and referenced the Dead Hand. (Image: Reuters)

Nuclear rhetoric is back at the forefront of global headlines, and its chillingly familiar. This time, it started with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of Russias Security Council. In a Telegram post, Medvedev mocked US President Donald Trump, invoked Cold War cinema and nuclear doctrine, and referenced the Dead Hand", formally known as Perimeter, a semi-automated Soviet-era system designed to ensure nuclear retaliation even if Russian leadership were wiped out in a first strike. Once activated, Perimeter could launch missiles automatically if it detected signs of a nuclear attack and a complete loss of command.

As for the talk about the dead economies of India and Russia, and entering dangerous territory  maybe he should recall his favorite movies about the walking dead, and also remember how dangerous the so-called Dead Hand, which doesnt even exist, could be," Medvedev wrote.

Recommended Stories

In response, Trump announced he had ordered two US nuclear submarines to be deployed to undisclosed appropriate regions," calling Medvedevs comments highly provocative."

I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a social media post. He added that he ordered the submarines as, Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances."

Soon after, Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky said there are enough Russian nuclear submarines in the high seas to tackle two American subs. The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the worlds oceans is significantly higher than the American ones, and the subs that US President Donald Trump ordered to be redirected to the appropriate regions have long been under their control. So no response from the Russian Federation to the American leaders statement about the submarines is required," he said.

As the US and Russia again exchange nuclear threats and references to Cold War-era systems, its worth revisiting the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the closest the world has come to full-scale nuclear war.

What Was The Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union that took place in October 1962. What made this crisis especially dangerous was the speed of escalation and the unprecedented proximity of nuclear weapons to US territory.

The Soviet Union had begun secretly installing nuclear missiles in Cuba, a Caribbean island just 145 kilometres from the coast of Florida. These missiles, once operational, could have reached major American cities in minutes.

The crisis played out in the shadow of the Cold War, the decades-long ideological and geopolitical rivalry between the capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union. The two superpowers had already been engaged in an arms race, nuclear testing, and proxy conflicts around the world. But never before had their weapons come so close to direct use.

How Did The Crisis Begin?

To understand the Cuban Missile Crisis, one must go back to 1959, when Fidel Castro overthrew Cubas US-backed government and aligned his new regime with the Soviet Union.

Alarmed at having a communist regime so close to home, the US tried to overthrow Castro. In April 1961, under the presidency of John F. Kennedy, the CIA organised the Bay of Pigs invasion, a failed attempt to land Cuban exiles and oust Castro. The operation was poorly planned and quickly crushed, embarrassing the Kennedy administration.

In the aftermath, Cuba and the Soviet Union grew closer. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev saw an opportunity not only to protect Cuba from further American attempts at regime change but also to level the strategic playing field. At the time, the US had Jupiter nuclear missiles stationed in Turkey and Italy, within range of Moscow. By installing Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba, Khrushchev hoped to counterbalance that threat and gain leverage in negotiations with the West.

By July 1962, Khrushchev and Castro had reached a secret agreement to place Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. Construction of the missile launch sites began soon after, hidden in remote Cuban farmlands and guarded by Soviet and Cuban military units.

Discovery And Shock In Washington

On 14 October 1962, an American U2 reconnaissance plane flying over Cuba photographed several missile sites under construction. The next day, the images were shown to President Kennedy. They confirmed that the Soviet Union was installing medium-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads to nearly every major city in the continental US.

The discovery stunned the Kennedy administration. On 4 September, just weeks earlier, Kennedy had publicly warned the Soviets against placing offensive weapons in Cuba. Now that red line had been crossed.

Kennedy convened a group of top civilian and military advisers, later called ExComm, to deliberate the US response. Options ranged from airstrikes and a full invasion of Cuba to diplomatic pressure and negotiations. But Kennedy was wary of any move that might trigger a Soviet counterattack, perhaps in Europe, or unleash an uncontrolled spiral toward nuclear war.

Kennedys Quarantine"

After tense internal debates, Kennedy chose a middle path. On 22 October, he went on national television and informed the American public that Soviet missiles had been discovered in Cuba. He announced that the US would impose a naval quarantine", essentially a blockade, to stop further Soviet arms shipments to the island.

He avoided the term blockade" to steer clear of triggering a formal declaration of war, and sought international support through the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations.

Kennedys tone was measured but firm. He warned: It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response."

As US warships took up positions around Cuba, the world held its breath.

The Soviet Response: Tension, Movement, And Mixed Messages

The Soviet Union publicly denounced the quarantine as illegal. Khrushchev sent a letter to Kennedy accusing the US of pushing the world toward war. But quietly, Soviet ships carrying additional weapons turned back before crossing the US naval line. Other ships were stopped, inspected, and allowed through only if they carried non-offensive cargo.

Still, surveillance flights showed that construction of the missile sites in Cuba was continuing, and some appeared to be close to operational.

Meanwhile, US forces were placed on DEFCON 2, the highest state of military readiness short of actual war. Nuclear bombers were put on round-the-clock alert.

27 October: Black Saturday

The most perilous moment came on 27 October, now referred to as Black Saturday." That day, a US U2 plane was shot down over Cuba by a Soviet-supplied surface-to-air missile, killing Major Rudolf Anderson, the only American fatality of the crisis.

Simultaneously, Kennedy received two letters from Khrushchev. The first, sent the day before, offered to withdraw Soviet missiles in exchange for a US pledge not to invade Cuba. The second, more aggressive, demanded that the US also remove its Jupiter missiles from Turkey.

To avoid being drawn into a public bargaining match, Kennedy responded only to the first letter, accepting the deal publicly and ignoring the second. Meanwhile, his brother Robert Kennedy met secretly with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin, conveying that the US would remove the Jupiter missiles, but not as part of any formal or public agreement.

The Resolution

On 28 October, Khrushchev agreed to Kennedys proposal. He announced that the Soviet Union would dismantle its missile installations in Cuba under UN supervision, and in exchange, the US would not invade the island.

The immediate crisis was over, but just barely. The US quarantine remained in place until 20 November 1962, and the Jupiter missiles in Turkey were quietly removed by April 1963.

What Changed After 1962?

The Cuban Missile Crisis left a deep mark on USSoviet relations and global nuclear policy.

A direct communication hotline was established between the White House and the Kremlin to prevent future misunderstandings.

The crisis paved the way for the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963, banning nuclear tests in the atmosphere, underwater, and in space.

Both sides gained a newfound respect for the risks of miscalculation and the value of diplomatic backchannels.

The Doomsday Clock: A Symbol Of How Close We Came

The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, doesnt tell time in the conventional sense. Since 1947, it has served as a visual metaphor for how close humanity is to self-destruction, through nuclear war, climate collapse, or unchecked technological threats.

At its inception, the Clock was set at seven minutes to midnight, a symbolic warning in the aftermath of atomic bomb testing. It remained there in 1962, even as the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. Though the hands were not physically moved that year, the event gave the Clock its most profound symbolic weight. Minutes to midnight" was no longer just an abstraction, it had become a terrifying near-reality.

Over the decades, the hands have ticked forward and back, following the arc of arms races, disarmament talks, global conflicts, and climate breakdowns. In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Clock was pushed back to 17 minutes to midnight, the farthest it has ever been.

But the 21st century has reversed that progress. In 2023 and 2024, amid rising global tensions, weakened diplomacy, and growing nuclear risks, the Clock stood at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it had ever been. In January 2025, the Bulletin moved it forward yet again: 89 seconds to midnight.

Their reasons included not just the war in Ukraine and escalating nuclear modernisation programmes, but also the rise of performative, public nuclear brinkmanship, exactly the kind now playing out between Trump and Medvedev, with threats of submarines, doomsday systems, and Cold War taunts unfolding not in private cables, but in viral social media posts.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Why It Matters In 2025

In 1962, it was the restraint, secrecy, and diplomacy of both Kennedy and Khrushchev that prevented nuclear war. Today, nuclear signalling often plays out on social media, shaped more by public bravado than backroom realism. The stakes, however, remain just as high.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 10:58 IST

News explainers Trump, Medvedev, And The 'Dead Hand': How New Nuclear Threats Echo The Cuban Missile Crisis

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 Vs Russia Submarine Power: As Trump Deploys Nuclear Subs, Who Really Rules The Depths?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 14:01 IST

As Trump orders US nuclear submarines into position, a closer look at the US vs Russia submarine power race, from fleet size to nuclear deterrence and strategic deployment

The US Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (L) and Russia's Knyaz Pozharsky nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (R). (Image: Reuters)

A Cold War-era chill returned this week when former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responded to Donald Trumps economic taunts with a nuclear-laced warning referencing the Soviet Dead Hand" systema semi-automated protocol that could launch retaliatory strikes even if Russian leadership were wiped out. Within hours, Trump ordered the movement of two US nuclear submarines to undisclosed appropriate regions," triggering sharp warnings from Russian lawmakers.

One MP, Viktor Vodolatsky, claimed Russia already had more nuclear submarines deployed in the worlds oceans than the United States and asserted that the US submarines had long been under their control."

Recommended Stories

With submarine fleets once again at the heart of geopolitical theatre, heres how the United States and Russia compare in underwater firepower and capability.

Submarines: America Has More, Russia Isnt Far Behind

While precise numbers vary slightly across sources, most recent assessments suggest that the United States has a slight lead. According to GlobalFirePower data from 2025 (cited by 1945), the US operates around 70 submarines, while Russia has approximately 6364. Newsweek, citing the Nuclear Threat Initiative, reported a total of 64 subs for the US and 58 for Russia in 2023.

The gap may seem minor, but its how these submarines are used, where theyre positioned, and what they carry that reveals the real power dynamic.

The US Navys subs are spread across the globe, patrolling the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Theyre also frequently involved in surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic partnerships such as AUKUS.

Russia, meanwhile, concentrates its deployments in the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Pacific theatres. In recent years, Russian submarines have also been spotted near NATO coastlines and even off the US coast, a move Western analysts say resembles Soviet-era tactics.

Nuclear Deterrent: Who Has The Stronger Hand?

Both the US and Russia rely heavily on ballistic missile submarines to maintain their nuclear deterrent. These submarines are often called boomers" and are built not for speed or confrontation, but for one purpose: staying hidden long enough to retaliate in case of nuclear war.

United States

The US Navy currently operates 14 Ohio-class SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines), each capable of launching up to 20 Trident D5 missiles, which can carry multiple thermonuclear warheads. These vessels are designed for stealth and endurance, capable of remaining submerged for months and operating without overhaul for up to 15 years.

In addition, four Ohio-class submarines have been modified into SSGNs, equipped not with nuclear warheads, but with Tomahawk cruise missiles carrying conventional payloads.

Russia

Russias nuclear deterrent at sea is anchored by its Borei-class and Delta IV-class submarines. As per NDTV, Russia currently has eight Borei-class SSBNs in service, with three more expected to join soon. Each can carry 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles and is equipped with torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rocket capabilities.

The older Delta IV-class submarines, once the workhorses of Russias deterrent fleet, remain operational, with at least six still in service. They carry Sineva SLBMs and continue to supplement Russias evolving sea-based nuclear shield.

Fast-Attack Submarines: Whos More Advanced?

Beyond nuclear deterrence, fast-attack submarines do the heavy lifting: tracking enemy vessels, gathering intelligence, and supporting military operations.

US Fast-Attack Submarines

America operates three classes of nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines:

The Virginia-class: The most modern and versatile, with enhanced surveillance systems, special operations support, and Tomahawk missile capability.

The Los Angeles-class: First introduced in the 1970s, these still form a large part of the US fleet and have been upgraded over time.

The Seawolf-class: Limited to just three boats due to high cost, but known for stealth and heavy firepower.

Together, these submarines give the US Navy unmatched global reach, capable of responding quickly to conflicts across multiple oceans.

Russian Fast-Attack Submarines

Russia has made rapid strides in modernising its own attack fleet, especially with the Yasen-M class.

These newer submarines are smaller than their predecessors, quieter, and more advanced. Theyre believed to carry Kalibr cruise missiles, Oniks anti-ship missiles, and may soon be capable of firing hypersonic Tsirkon missiles, a potential game-changer if confirmed.

Russia also continues to operate Akula-class submarines, introduced in the 1980s. Though older, these have been significantly upgraded and remain part of Russias active attack fleet.

What Sets The US Apart?

Americas advantage isnt just in numbers; it lies in deployment, endurance, and integration.

US submarines are built for long-range missions and global operations. Many are powered by life-of-core nuclear reactors, which allow them to operate for decades without needing refuelling. Theyre also equipped with advanced sonar systems, such as the Large Aperture Bow array, giving them superior tracking and detection ability in deep waters.

In terms of strategic posture, US submarines are built to support global stability, often deployed alongside or in support of NATO and Indo-Pacific allies.

Where Russia Is Catching Up Fast

Russia is catching up fast, both technologically and industrially. Its submarine programme is not what it was in the chaotic 1990s. In recent years, its bounced back.

The Yasen-M class submarines are widely seen as a credible response to the Virginia class. These vessels also feature life-of-core reactors, and Russia has adopted conformal sonar arrays similar to those found on newer US submarines.

According to Newsweek, Russias Sevmash shipyard is delivering 12 nuclear submarines per year, despite sanctions and the economic toll of the Ukraine war. President Putin personally attended the launch of the Alexander III Borei-A submarine in late 2023, and more are on the way.

If current trends continue, Russias undersea modernisation may significantly narrow the capability gap in the coming years.

The TrumpMedvedev Flashpoint: Why Submarines Are Suddenly In The Spotlight

While these undersea comparisons have been playing out over years, it was a single exchange this week that brought them back to the front pages.

Former Russian President Medvedev warned of the Soviet-era Dead Hand", a nuclear retaliation system designed to fire even if Russias leadership were destroyed. Trump hit back by ordering American nuclear submarines to be repositioned, a move both symbolically and strategically bold.

It remains unclear whether these are Ohio-class subs capable of nuclear strikes, or Virginia or Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines. But either way, the order breaks tradition. The US rarely, if ever, announces submarine movements publicly.

That makes Trumps declaration stand out, and raises questions about how seriously each side is now taking its underwater advantage.

So, Who Wins?

In pure numbers and global reach, America currently leads. It operates more submarines, has broader deployment capabilities, and retains a technological edge in sonar, endurance, and integration with global allies.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

But Russia isnt far behind, and in some areas, like hypersonic missile development and next-gen reactor design, it may soon pull ahead. Its newer Yasen-M and Borei submarines reflect how quickly Moscow is modernising, and their increasing presence near NATO waters, as noted by Western analysts, suggests a shift in posture.

The difference lies in strategic focus. The US Navy is built for global operations and sustained presence, while Russias submarine force is increasingly focused on strategic signalling. In a world where conflict can escalate rapidly, both fleets are powerful, but designed to project strength in different ways.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 13:52 IST

News explainers US Vs Russia Submarine Power: As Trump Deploys Nuclear Subs, Who Really Rules The Depths?

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...
Why Being Near Water Feels So Good? 'Blue Health' Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:18 IST

The blue spaces dont just look beautiful; they support your physical health, lift your mood, and help you feel more connected to others.

Blue spaces offer a moment of peace in a chaotic world. (Representative image: Getty)

Ever wondered why you instantly feel calmer near a lake, beach, or even a simple fountain? That soothing effect comes from what experts call blue spaces"any natural or man-made waterbody, from vast oceans and rivers to quiet streams and urban fountains.

Unlike green spaces, like parks or forests, blue spaces engage more of your sensesthink crashing waves, shimmering reflections, or the feel of cool water.

Recommended Stories

What Are Blue Spaces?

Blue spaces are any water-focused environments, whether natural or man-made. That includes oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, and even decorative fountainsif water is the main feature and it engages your senses, it counts.

A 2020 review in Environmental Research (by researchers at the University of Exeter and Aarhus University) explains that these spaces provide unique experienceslike hearing waves or smelling damp earththat are different from green spaces. Even urban canals or water fountains can be blue spaces" if theyre clean, safe, and sensory-rich.

Geographer Catherine Kelly, in her 2021 book Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Can Make You Feel Better,  calls them therapeutic landscapes,".

Kelly spent about seven years on the rocky shores of Mayo, Ireland, where she regularly swam in the sea to process the grief of losing her mother. I got in the sea and it got in me," she said. You could rage with it, or you could be soothed by it," as reported by The Washington Post.

According to her, water environments can either soothe or energise usand thats what makes them special. Whether its the crashing ocean or a still pond, blue spaces invite us in, through sight, sound, and touch.

What Is Blue Health?

The blue spaces dont just look beautiful; they support your physical health, lift your mood, and help you feel more connected to others, resulting in blue health.

According to the 2020 Environmental Research review, blue health encompasses the positive effects of water-based environments on human well-being, including reduced stress, improved physical fitness, and stronger social connections.

This concept highlights how waters unique sensory qualitiesits sounds, movements, and tactile naturecan promote relaxation, encourage physical activity, and foster community interactions.

By engaging with blue spaces, individuals can experience a holistic boost to their health, making blue health a growing focus in environmental and public health research.

Physical Health

Blue spaces naturally encourage physical movementbe it walking along a river, swimming in a lake, or paddling through a canal. These activities help your heart, boost your mood, and sharpen your thinking.

One 2015 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that people exercise longer in blue spaces compared to parks or gyms. Why? Probably because the calming effect of water changes how we experience time and effort. So, we end up moving more without even realising it.

The blue spaces also improve your surroundings. The 2020 Environmental Research review notes that water can lower noise pollution, cool the air, and filter harmful particlesespecially in cities. These small environmental changes can make a big difference to how relaxed and healthy we feel.

Mental Health

If you have ever stared at the waves and felt your mind go quiet, youre not alone. A 2021 study in Scientific Reports found that living near the coast is linked to better mental healthlower rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. While factors like income and lifestyle also play a role, water clearly has a calming effect.

This ties into a concept called attention restoration", discussed in a 2024 Journal of Imaging paper. Basically, the gentle movements of waterlike ripples or flowing streamscreate what psychologists call soft fascination".

It catches your attention without overwhelming your brain, helping you reset and recharge mentally.

In fact, a 2025 Nature Communications study took things a step further. Participants exposed to a virtual lake scene while receiving mild electric shocks felt less pain and had lower brain activity in pain-related areas compared to those viewing urban environments. The conclusion is that water visuals and sounds can reduce stress and discomfort, even in simulated settings.

Blue spaces also stir up positive emotions like awe. Looking at a huge lake or waterfall can make you feel smallin a good wayshifting your focus from daily worries to something bigger. A 2018 study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology says this awe helps lower stress and broaden perspective.

Even better? Water can spark nostalgia. Think of summer trips to the beach or family picnics by a lakethese happy memories can give you a quick emotional lift, as mentioned in the Scientific Reports 2021 study.

Social Health

Blue spaces arent just calmingtheyre great for bonding too. Whether its a picnic by a pond or a beach day with friends, these spaces encourage people to gather, talk, and relax.

A 2023 study in Health & Place found that people who visit blue spaces with others tend to feel stronger social connections, which are vital for mental health and resilience. Of course, cultural habits and how we interact in these spaces matter toobut overall, water brings people together.

How To Add Blue Spaces To Your Life

You dont need to live near a beach to feel the benefits. Heres how you can bring more blue into your life, according to research:

1. Find Water Nearby

Check out rivers, lakes, or even clean city canals. The 2020 Environmental Research review says even small, well-kept water features can help. Make it a habit to explore a new blue space every monthit keeps things fresh and fun.

2. Aim For Two Hours A Week

Spending about two hours a week in nature (blue or green) is linked to better health, says a 2019 Scientific Reports study. You could break that into 30-minute walks by the water or one long weekend visit.

3. Be Present With Your Senses

Focus on what you see, hear, and feelthe sound of water, the smell of soil, the light reflections. The Journal of Imaging (2024) notes that this kind of mindfulness helps you relax and be present. Try visiting during sunrise or sunset for a mood boost.

4. Get In The Water

Swimming or even just wading boosts waters benefits. The 2015 study in Environmental Research and Public Health found that physical contact with water sparks emotional responses like calmness or joy. Scared of water? Start by dipping your feet or sitting close by.

Why Blue Spaces Matter?

In todays noisy, fast-paced world, blue spaces are a natural reset button. They engage your senses, lift your mood, improve your health, and bring people together.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Whether its a wild ocean or a small city stream, these places offer a moment of peace in a chaotic world.

By intentionally adding blue spaces to your lifewhether through regular visits, mindful moments, or even virtual experiencesyoure giving your mind and body a powerful, proven way to heal.

About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11. Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:18 IST

News explainers Why Being Near Water Feels So Good? 'Blue Health' Explained

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 9 Days Behind Bars, Kerala Nuns Arrested In Chhattisgarh Get Bail

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 13:27 IST

The bail was granted with conditions, including the surrender of their passports, furnishing a bond of 50,000 each, and submission of two sureties.

Kerala nuns, Preeti Mary and Vandana Franci, granted bail | File Image

A special NIA court in Chhattisgarh on Saturday granted bail to two Kerala-based nuns and another individual, nine days after their arrest in a case related to alleged human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

The bail was granted with conditions, including the surrender of their passports, furnishing a bond of 50,000 each, and submission of two sureties.

Recommended Stories

The hearing took place before Principal District and Sessions Judge (NIA court) Sirajuddin Qureshi in Bilaspur. Public prosecutor Dauram Chandravanshi opposed the bail plea, stating that the investigation was still in its initial phase.

Preethi Mary and Vandana Francis, both nuns, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were taken into custody by railway police at Durg station on July 25, following a complaint lodged by a local Bajrang Dal leader.

The trio was accused of human trafficking and coercing three tribal women from Narayanpur district into religious conversion.

During the court proceedings, defence counsel Amrito Das argued that the women involved were all adults who had been practising Christianity prior to the incident.

He further pointed out that the accused had not been placed in police custody and that the three women had already been sent back to their families.

According to police statements, the parents confirmed that their daughters had neither been abducted nor deceived.

The arrests triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties raising the matter in Parliament earlier this week.

On Friday, a delegation from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Kerala travelled to Raipur to meet the two nuns in custody.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Congress party has alleged that assigning the case to an NIA-designated court was an intentional tactic to prolong the bail process.

Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 12:27 IST

News india After 9 Days Behind Bars, Kerala Nuns Arrested In Chhattisgarh Get Bail

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...
'Himachal Pradesh May Vanish From India's Map': SC Warns Of Climate Change Threat To State

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:52 IST

The Supreme Court observed that climate change has a visible and alarming impact" in Himachal Pradesh

Damage to public properties after incessant rainfall in Mandi | Image: PTI (File)

The Supreme Court issued a stern warning over the environmental degradation in Himachal Pradesh, stating that if urgent action is not taken, the state could vanish in thin air" due to ongoing ecological damage.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, while hearing a petition related to a June 2025 notification that designated certain areas as green zones," observed on July 28 that climate change has a visible and alarming impact."

Recommended Stories

We want to impress upon the state government and the Union of India that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of environment and ecology," the court said.

If things proceed the way they are as on date, the day is not far when the entire state of HP may vanish in thin air from the map of the country. God forbid this doesnt happen," the bench remarked.

The petition challenged a Himachal Pradesh High Court order that had declined to interfere with the state governments notification aimed at curbing construction.

While upholding the High Courts decision, the Supreme Court said the notification intended to restrict unregulated development.

The court expressed concern over increasing natural disasters in the state, noting that human activity  not nature  is largely to blame for frequent landslides, road collapses, and building failures.

The nature definitely is annoyed with the activities that are going on in Himachal Pradesh," the bench observed.

Citing expert reports, the bench listed unchecked hydropower projects, rapid expansion of roadways, deforestation, and unregulated construction of multi-storey buildings as major causes of environmental degradation.

Referring to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the judges stressed the need to consult geologists, environmental experts, and local communities before launching development projects.

With forests encompassing more than 66 per cent of the total land area, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundant beauty and greenery. But the danger to this natural richness is growing as a result of human greed and apathy," the court said.

The bench added that the construction of tunnels, roads, and dams  often executed without proper environmental planning  has made the region more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

It highlighted the rising average temperatures, erratic snowfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events as indicators of a worsening climate crisis.

While hydropower is a key energy source for the state, the court noted that large-scale dam construction has significant environmental consequences. It also flagged forest fires, encroachments, overgrazing, and urban expansion as factors aggravating the ecological stress.

Tourism, though vital for the local economy, has also added pressure.

The court warned that unregulated tourism could severely damage the states fragile ecological and social systems. If left unchecked, the pressure from tourism could severely undermine the ecological and social fabric of the state," the bench cautioned.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Calling for coordinated action among Himalayan states, the court stressed the importance of pooling resources and expertise to develop sustainable plans. It said both the state and central governments bear responsibility for halting further ecological damage.

All that we want to convey today is that it is high time the state of HP pays attention to what we have observed and starts taking necessary action at the earliest in the right direction," the court said.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:52 IST

News india 'Himachal Pradesh May Vanish From India's Map': SC Warns Of Climate Change Threat To State

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 Must Remain Vigilant About Its Interests': PM Modi Amid Debate Over Trump Tariffs, Economy

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 13:25 IST

The prime ministers remarks come in the backdrop of a social media post by Donald Trump in which the US President termed India a 'dead economy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Varanasi. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is on track to become the third-largest economy in the world and hence must remain vigilant" about its economic interests.

Addressing a public rally in Varanasi, the prime minister said: India is set to become the worlds third-largest economy therefore, India must remain vigilant about its economic interests. Our farmers, our small industries, employment for our youth their interests are paramount for us. The government is making every effort in this direction."

Recommended Stories

Noting the atmosphere of global instability", PM Modi said: Our government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country Those who want the best for the country and want to see India as the third biggest economy in the world, be it any political party, should leave their differences aside and instil a resolution for swadeshi products. We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local," the prime minister added.

The prime ministers remarks come in the backdrop of a huge debate stirred by a social media post by Donald Trump in which the US President termed India a dead economy" while commenting on the countrys ties with Russia after imposing sweeping trade penalties and a 25 per cent tariff on nearly all imports from India.

I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Lets keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks hes still President, to watch his words. Hes entering very dangerous territory!" he said

Back home, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi latched on to Trumps comments, making dead economy" a political slogan. I am glad President Trump has stated a fact. Everyone knows the Indian economy is a dead economy, everyone except the Prime Minister and Finance Minister." However, several of his party colleagues and allies appeared to differ.

The government, on its part, maintained that India will protect its national interest while pursuing any trade deal with world economies.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Addressing the Parliament, commerce minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that the Indian economy will soon become the third-largest in the world in terms of GDP size and is currently the worlds fastest growing major economy.

In less than a decade, India came out of Fragile Five economies and it has now become the fastest-growing economy of the world. On the basis of the hard work of reforms, farmers, MSMEs and industrialists, we have come in the top five economies of the world from the 11th largest economy. It is expected that we will be the third largest economy in a few years. Today, global institutions and economists see India as a bright spot in the global economy," Goyal said.

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 : Varanasi, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 13:04 IST

News india 'India Must Remain Vigilant About Its Interests': PM Modi Amid Debate Over Trump Tariffs, Economy

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...
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared his views on. Cramer discussed the stock in detail during the episode, as he said:

Everythings changed since COVID, but we just keep acting like it hasnt. We always seem surprised when we hear that higher prices are hurting demand and a company isnt doing that well. Thats how I felt about the plummeting price of Chipotle stock. I was checking it out after talking with Brian Niccol, the current CEO of Starbucks, who came over from Chipotle about a year ago. When Brian left, the stock was at 56. The S&P 500 was at 5,648. Now the stocks at 43 and change. Well, the S&Ps at 6,362. Well, whats happened here? Its not the in-store experience. Chipotles the same place it was always. Its just gotten a lot more expensive

Jim Cramer on Chipotle: "Its Just Gotten A Lot More Expensive"

Susan Law Cain / Shutterstock.com

Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) operates fast-casual restaurants serving customizable Mexican-inspired meals, including burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads.

While we acknowledge the potential of CMG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Indian Refiners Continue To Buy Russian Oil: New Reports Surface Amid Trump's Pause Remark

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 14:41 IST

Donald Trump had called the report of India "pausing" purchase of Russian oil as "good step", even though India clarified that India is guided by what is on offer in the markets.

India continues to buy Russian oil despite Trump threats (Reuters Image)

The Indian oil refiners continue to purchase oil from the Russian suppliers, sources clarified on Saturday, highlighting that their supply decisions are guided by prices, grade of crude, logistics, and other economic factors.

Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics, and other economic factors," sources told news agency ANI.

Recommended Stories

Reports also surfaced in the Russian media, revealing that the Government of India did not issue any instructions to refineries in the country to stop their purchase of Russian oil or look for other suppliers.

The government did not ask refineries to stop buying Russian oil," news agency TASS reported, citing a government source.

India Clears Stand On Ties With Russia

This comes a day after Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India is guided by what is on offer in the international market while securing its energy needs.

In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances," he said on Friday.

He was reacting to a report published by Reuters claiming that the Indian state-owned oil refiners have halted spot purchases of Russian crude in the past week as discounts narrowed and geopolitical pressure intensified.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday (local time) that he had heard" India might no longer buy Russian oil, calling it a good step".

I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard, I dont know if thats right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens," Trump told reporters.

His remarks came hours after the MEA clarified that Indias purchases are driven by market factors. Jaiswal also underlined that Indias bilateral relationships with countries should not be seen through the prism of a third country.

Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership," Jaiswal had said on Friday.

Why Is India Continuing To Buy Russian Oil?

Adding context of Indias decision to continue buying oil from Russia, sources told ANI that Russia, the worlds second-largest crude oil producer with an output of around 9.5 mb/d (nearly 10% of global demand), is also the second-largest exporter, shipping about 4.5 mb/d of crude and 2.3 mb/d of refined products.

In this challenging environment, India, as the worlds third-largest energy consumer with 85% crude oil import dependence, strategically adapted its sourcing to secure affordable energy while fully adhering to international norms," sources said.

Worries that Russian oil might be removed from the market and that regular trade routes would be disrupted caused Brent crude oil prices to jump to $137 per barrel in March 2022.

Had India not absorbed discounted Russian crude combined with OPEC+ production cuts of 5.86 mb/d, global oil prices could have surged well beyond the March 2022 peak of US$137/bbl, intensifying inflationary pressures worldwide," sources added.

Notably, the Russian oil has never been sanctioned and it is still not put under sanction either by the United States or by the European Union.

Indian OMCs have not been buying Iranian or Venezuelan crude, which is actually sanctioned by the US. OMCs have always complied with the price cap of $60 for Russian oil recommended by the US. Recently EU has recommended a price cap of $47.6 for Russian crude, which will be enforced from September, ANI reported.

Commenting on the European Unions import of Russian origin liquified natural gas (LNG) during this period, sources added, EU was the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) during this period, buying 51% of Russias LNG exports, followed by China at 21% and Japan at 18%. Similarly, for pipeline gas, the EU remained the top buyer with a 37% share, followed by China (30%) and Turkey (27%)."

India-US Tensions Over Tariffs, Russian Ties

India and the US have witnessed tensions this week after officials in the Trump administration, including the President himself, launched an anti-India tirade.

Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from India and imposed an unspecified penalty" for New Delhis energy and defence ties with Moscow. He also went on to announce a trade deal with Pakistan, and talked about Islamabad possibly supplying oil to India in the future in the same breath.

He took matters a notch higher and dubbed the Indian economy as dead".

I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care," Trump said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Indias tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. All things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty, starting on August 1st," Trump said on social media.

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: August 02, 2025, 10:34 IST

News india Indian Refiners Continue To Buy Russian Oil: New Reports Surface Amid Trump's Pause Remark

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...
IndiGo Bans Flyer Who Slapped Co-Passenger Mid-Air On Mumbai-Kolkata Flight

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 19:29 IST

IndiGo banned Hafijul Rahaman for assaulting co-passenger during a panic attack on a Mumbai-Kolkata flight.

The incident occurred on flight 6E138 (X)

IndiGo on Saturday imposed a flying ban on a passenger who slapped and assaulted a co-traveller on a Mumbai-Kolkata flight after the latter suffered a panic attack mid-air on Friday.

In a post on X, the airline said that following due diligence, the incident involving an unruly customer has been formally reported to the relevant authorities for necessary action.

Recommended Stories

At IndiGo, the safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our foremost priority.Following due diligence, the incident involving an unruly customer has been formally reported to the relevant authorities for necessary action. In line with our commitment to discourage https://t.co/38Wv5Rd6fd  IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 2, 2025

In line with our commitment to discourage such unruly behaviour onboard flights, the individual has been suspended from flying on any IndiGo flights, in accordance with regulatory provisions," IndiGo said.

We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for all onboard. Thank you for your continued trust," the airline added.

Whats The Incident?

The victim, identified as Hussain Ahmed Majumdar, hailing from Assams Cachar district, allegedly suffered a panic attack while aboard IndiGo flight 6E138 (Mumbai-Kolkata) on Friday, and demanded that he be allowed to deboard, The Hindu reported.

As two cabin crew members were assisting him in deboarding the aircraft, a video recorded by a fellow passenger showed another traveller seated on the aisle suddenly slapping him.

The attacker, identified as Hafijul Rahaman, was detained by security personnel upon arrival in Kolkata and handed over to the police, the report added.

A video of his assault went viral soon after the incident. It showed an anxious Mazumdar being escorted to his seat by flight attendants when the accused passenger slapped him.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Meanwhile, Mazumdar has since been reported missing. According to Times of India, the passenger who was assaulted on the flight was to reach Silchar from Kolkata, but hasnt arrived.

When we didnt find him on the Silchar flight, we contacted the local authorities and even went to Udharband police station near the Silchar airport," one of his relatives told the news outlet.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 19:29 IST

News india IndiGo Bans Flyer Who Slapped Co-Passenger Mid-Air On Mumbai-Kolkata Flight

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...
J&K Officer, Son Killed In Reasi Landslide, Lt Guv Manoj Sinha Offers Condolences

Curated By :

News18 Specials

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 08:06 IST

The Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir took to X and shared the pictures of the crushed vehicle and called it an irreparable loss.

Image shared by J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary on X

A Sub-Divisional Magistrate and his son were killed, and his wife and two others were injured, following a landslide in Jammu and Kashmirs Reasi district on Thursday night. The incident took place when a boulder hit their vehicle while they were travelling in Reasi district in the Salukh Ikhter Nallah area.

Recommended Stories

According to a report by PTI, Rajinder Singh Rana was on his way to his native village, Pattian, from Dharmari with his family when his vehicle got stuck after being hit by a large boulder, part of a landslide.

Rana, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service officer, and his son died on the spot, while the injured, including his wife, were rushed to a nearby hospital at first, then those seriously injured were referred to the district hospital in Reasi.

The Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir took to X and shared the pictures of the crushed vehicle.

Heartbreaking. SDM Ramnagar, Rajinder Singh Rana (JKAS), and his young son tragically lost their lives in a landslide in Reasi (Thuroo). His wife is critically injured. He was with me just yesterday in Ghardi, Ramnagar. Irreparable loss. May their souls rest in peace. Om Shanti," he wrote, sharing condolences.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha offered his condolences to the SDMs family.

Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi, in which we have lost an outstanding officer, Rajinder Singh, SDM Ramnagar, and his son," he said on X. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also expressed grief at the incident.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock over the incident.

Rana, a 2011-batch officer, was serving as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ramnagar.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Earlier this week, two soldiers lost their lives in eastern Ladakh when a boulder crashed onto their army vehicle.

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 08:06 IST

News india J&K Officer, Son Killed In Reasi Landslide, Lt Guv Manoj Sinha Offers Condolences

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 Lottery Result 2025: Karunya KR- 717 Lucky Numbers For August 2; First Prize Rs 1 Crore

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 08, 2025, 09:19 IST

Kerala Lottery Result Live: Kerala Karunya KR- 717 Lottery results for today, August 2, 2025. Get winners' list and live updates on news18.com.

Kerala Lottery Samrudhi SM-14 Results: The first prize winner of Samrudhi SM-14 will get Rs 1 crore.

KERALA JACKPOT LOTTERY KARUNYA KR- 717 RESULT FOR SATURDAY, 2.8.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department will announce the Karunya Lottery KR-716 results on Saturday, August 2. The draw is scheduled for 3 PM at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. Participants stand a chance to win exciting cash prizes, including a grand prize of Rs 1 crore, a second prize of Rs 25 lakh, and a third prize of Rs 10 lakh. To maintain transparency, the draw will be conducted in the presence of independent observers. Stay tuned for the winning numbers; you could be the next big winner!

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today, August 8 Live: Suvarna Keralam SK-15 Bumper Winning Numbers

Recommended Stories

Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers here from 3 pm.

Kerala Lottery Result Chart Today Karunya KR- 717

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 2-08-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya KR- 717 for Saturday, August 2, 2025. Check the full list of winning numbers here from 3 pm.

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 1 Crore

Agent Name:

Agency No.:

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 25 lakh

Agent Name:

Agency No.:

WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 10 Lakh ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 8TH PRIZE OF RS 200 ARE:

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE 9TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE:

KARUNYA KR- 716 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore

2nd Prize: Rs 25 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs 10 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs 5,000

5th Prize: Rs 2,000

6th Prize: Rs 1,000

7th Prize: Rs 500

8th Prize: Rs 200

9th Prize: Rs 100

Consolation Prize: Rs 5,000

How to Claim Kerala Lottery Prize Money?

Winners must first verify their ticket number against the official results published in the Kerala Government Gazette. If the number matches, they should visit the Kerala Lottery Office at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, to claim their prize.

To complete the prize claim process, the following documents are required:

The original winning ticket, self-attested on both sides

A passport-size photograph attested by a Gazetted Officer

A self-attested copy of the PAN card (for income tax purposes)

Valid ID and address proof such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card, or PAN card

A duly filled prize claim form (available online), affixed with a revenue stamp and submitted as per official guidelines

Please remember that all claims must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the draw.

Kerala State Lottery Result Today Live  Steps to Check & Download

Go to the official Kerala Lottery websites: keralalottery.info or keralalotteryresult.net

Click on the link labelled Karunya KR-716 Lottery Results"

The complete list of winning numbers will be displayed on the results page

You can download the full results in PDF format for easy viewing and future reference

Kerala Lottery Winning Ticket Verification Guide

Participants can verify the Karunya KR-716 Lottery results at the Kerala Government Gazette office

The official list of winning numbers is also available on the Kerala Lottery website: keralalottery.info

For convenience, the results can be downloaded in PDF format from the website for easy reference

What to Do After Winning Kerala Lottery? Full Claim Process

Winners are required to submit their original winning ticket within 30 days of the draw date. Failure to do so will result in the disqualification of the claim. Along with the ticket, all necessary documents must be submitted to the appropriate authority based on the prize amount:

Prizes up to Rs 5,000: Can be claimed through authorised lottery agents

Prizes up to Rs 1 lakh (within Kerala): Submit the claim to the respective District Lottery Office

Prizes up to Rs 1 lakh (outside Kerala): Claims must be sent to the Directorate of State Lotteries

Prizes above Rs 1 lakh: Submit the claim directly to the Director of State Lotteries

Prizes between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 20 lakh: Claims should be submitted to the Deputy Director

Prizes above Rs 20 lakh: Must be claimed directly through the Director of State Lotteries

All claims must be submitted within the specified deadline and include the required documentation.

Kerala Lottery Agent Commission & Prize Claim Rules

Lottery agents receive a commission based on the prize category.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

To claim a prize, winners must provide the original winning ticket along with valid proof of identity.

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 : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:00 IST

News india Kerala Lottery Result 2025: Karunya KR- 717 Lucky Numbers For August 2; First Prize Rs 1 Crore

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...
Malegaon Blast Case: No RDX Or Explosive Found At Home Of Lt Col Purohit, Court Noted

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 18:05 IST

Consequently, this core narrative presented by the prosecution regarding his alleged involvement with RDX did not stand up in court

Purohit, who was reinstated in the Army pending trial, said the truth has finally come out. (Image: PTI)

The NIA special court noted the absence of RDX or any explosive material from the residence of accused A-9, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, a copy of the order seen by CNN-News18 reveals. The finding contradicted the prosecutions central allegation that Purohit had hidden RDX in a wooden cupboard at his house and assembled the bomb there.

The court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted all seven accused. The case stems from a blast on September 29, 2008, when a bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded near a mosque at Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, killing six people and injuring 95 others.

Recommended Stories

The court meticulously reviewed the search operations conducted at Purohits Delhi residence. It was revealed that the house underwent two distinct searches. The first search, carried out on November 12, 2008, by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), yielded only two compact discs (CDs), with no explosive or suspicious material found. A subsequent search was conducted on November 26, 2008, specifically prompted by suspicions that Purohit had concealed RDX and assembled the bomb within his premises. For this second search, a specialised team from the Forensic Science Lab (FSL) of Pune was called in.

The FSL team diligently collected various samples from the house for laboratory testing. Crucially, their investigation report unequivocally stated that no traces of RDX were detected. Furthermore, the report confirmed the absence of any detonator, wire, clock, or any other component commonly used in bomb making. Although the Assistant Chemical Analyst who provided this report was not produced as a witness by the prosecution, the court deemed the report valid under Section 293 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), emphasising that it clearly indicated the non-discovery of any incriminating or explosive material during the search operations.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Reinforcing these findings, prosecution witness PW-309 also testified, stating unambiguously that accused A-9 did not provide any arms or ammunition, nor did the witness ever see RDX at Purohits house. It was also noted that Purohit himself never admitted to supplying RDX.

Based on these crucial pieces of evidence and testimonies, the court concluded that there was nothing on record to substantiate the prosecutions claim that Purohit had kept RDX in his house or was involved in assembling the bomb. The court explicitly stated that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations levelled against A-9 regarding the RDX. In its final summation on this point, the court declared that assuming Purohit brought RDX from Jammu and Kashmir, hid it, and made the bomb was completely based on conjecture" due to the stark lack of concrete evidence. Consequently, this core narrative presented by the prosecution regarding A-9s alleged involvement with RDX did not stand up in court.

About the Author Yesha Kotak Yesha Kotak, Special Correspondent, CNN-News18, specialises in crime, court and investigative reporting. She describes herself as a print reporter in TV. With six years of experience in journalism, she has been... Read More Yesha Kotak, Special Correspondent, CNN-News18, specialises in crime, court and investigative reporting. She describes herself as a print reporter in TV. With six years of experience in journalism, she has been... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 18:05 IST

News india Malegaon Blast Case: No RDX Or Explosive Found At Home Of Lt Col Purohit, Court Noted

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...
Meerut Man Stabs Seven-Month Pregnant Wife To Death, Then Informs Police

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 19:05 IST

In Meerut, Ravi Shankar stabbed his seven-month pregnant wife, Sapna, to death in a locked room at her sister's house.

Sapna's brother-in-law claimed that she was seven months pregnant. (Representative image)

In a horrific incident, a man stabbed his seven-month pregnant wife to death in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut. After the murder, the accused husband called the police to report the crime.

The incident took place on Saturday when the accused husband, identified as Ravi Shankar, took his pregnant wife, identified as Sapna, into a locked room and stabbed her multiple times, NDTV reported.

Recommended Stories

As per the report citing the police, Sapna, a resident of Jatav Gate was living at her sister Pinkys in-laws house in Amhera for the past five months. Sapna, who had married Ravi in January this year, had moved to her sisters house following a continued dispute with her husband.

On Saturday morning, Ravi reached Pinkys house to meet his wife. He took Sapna to a room on the first floor and locked it. He then attacked his wife with a knife, while shouts and screams were heard from the room, the report added.

Hearing the screams, the family members and neighbours ran towards the spot but couldnt intervene as the door was locked. According to the police, Ravi slit Sapnas throat and continued to stab her multiple times even after she had died.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Later, the accused husband called the police and informed them about the incident. On receiving the information, the police reached the spot and broke down the door to find Ravi sitting next to his wifes body, with blood splattered across the room.

The police then detained Ravi and sent Sapnas body for a post-mortem examination.

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 : Meerut, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 19:05 IST

News india Meerut Man Stabs Seven-Month Pregnant Wife To Death, Then Informs Police

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...
PM Modi Dedicates Op Sindoor Success To Lord Mahadev, Mocks Congress: 'It Pained Some'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 13:08 IST

India launched Operation Sindoor, followed by Operation Mahadev, in response to the killing of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: BJP/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated the success of Operation Sindoor, Indias retaliatory attack on terror hubs in Pakistan, to Lord Mahadev.

India launched Operation Sindoor, followed by Operation Mahadev, in response to the killing of 26 people by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

Recommended Stories

This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor. 26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam. My heart was full of sorrow. I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev," said PM Modi while addressing a public rally in Varanasi.

I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor at the feet of Mahadev," he added.

#WATCH | Varanasi, UP: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor. 26 innocent civilians were mercilessly killed by terrorists in Pahalgam My heart was full of sorrow I had pledged to take revenge for my pic.twitter.com/wtCpNiKIyd ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

PM Modi Mocks Congress

Taking a swipe at the Congress, PM Modi said that the success of Operation Sindoor pained some people, including the Congress party and its allies."

The success of Operation Sindoor has caused pain to some, including the Congress party and its allies, who cant digest it," he said.

As part of Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on nine terror hubs across Pakistan and PoK. Subsequently, Islamabad retaliated with drone and missile strikes on India, which escalated into a three-day military conflict between the two countries.

During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, PM Modi remarked that Pakistans response to Indias strikes on terror hideouts had laid bare Islamabads role in state-sponsored terrorism.

Op Mahadev

Under Operation Mahadev, Indian forces on July 28 neutralised three Pakistani terrorists in the Lidwas forest near Harwan, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the three were behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah identified one of the slain terrorists as Suleiman, the key planner of the attack.

The others were named Afghan and Jibran  all senior operatives of Pakistan-based proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:44 IST

News india PM Modi Dedicates Op Sindoor Success To Lord Mahadev, Mocks Congress: 'It Pained Some'

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...
Salma's 'Garima Greh': An Ashram Of Dignity For India's Marginalised Transgenders

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 11:25 IST

The facility in Varanasi is expected to accommodate over 50 transgenders, offering not just shelter and food, but also education, vocational training, and healthcare

Salma (left) with UP Governor Anandiben Patel. (News18)

No other Salma should ever have to wonder where to go after being thrown out of her house for being transgender. I want to give an address to all those who are born as transgender, where they can live, get food, and study," said Salma Kinnar, a social activist from Varanasi, while outlining her vision for Garima Grehthe countrys first-ever ashram for transgendersduring her recent meeting with Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.

Salmas proposal for Garima Greh reached the chief ministers office after Patel personally directed the Varanasi administration to initiate work on the project. According to district social welfare officer Girish Chandra Dubey, the proposal has been formally submitted. Land in Ramnagar has been identified for the ashram. Once the governments approval comes, work will begin," he confirmed.

Recommended Stories

The facility is expected to accommodate over 50 transgenders, offering not just shelter and food, but also education, vocational training, and healthcare. Elderly transgenders, often left without support, will also receive treatment and care at the ashram.

Just like there are old age homes for the elderly, widows homes for widows, and orphanages for children, there must also be an ashram for transgenders. When a child is born transgender and is rejected or leaves home, the first question is where should they go?" Salma told News18.

From Pain to Purpose

Salma said the project is as old as her struggle which began when she was 11 and realised that she is different from others. Born in Varanasi, she lost her mother when she was a year old. Her father, a butcher, soon slipped into alcoholism and frequently subjected her to violence. At eight, when her father remarried, her stepmothers cruelty made home unbearable. By the age of 11, Salma, who till then had realised that she is different from the rest of the world, left home, wandering across railway stations and bus stands for months.

Relief came when a neighbour, Meeta Jaiswal, took her in. She was always different," recalls Meeta, adding that Salma loved wearing sarees and playing with bindis. Despite attempts to dissuade her, it was clear she was meant to live as Salma.

Her path became clearer when she met her guru, Rupa Kinnar. Under Rupas mentorship, Salma resolved to go beyond the stereotypical livelihood of kinnarsblessing newborns or collecting almsand instead fight for dignity and opportunity.

I realised we cannot remain invisible anymore. We deserve education, jobs, and respect," said Salma. Her broadmindedness was not welcomed by all, especially those from her own community. However, she continued to fight for dignity and transgender rights.

Small Victories Before the Big Dream

Her activism gained momentum in 2019 when she submitted a proposal for public toilets dedicated to the transgender community. We couldnt use mens or womens toilets without being harassed," Salma recalls. After a two-year struggle, Varanasi got its first transgender public toilet in 2021. Since then, 49 such toilets have been approved, with seven already functional.

Salma then turned her attention to employment. She linked more than 20 transgender youths to the Prime Ministers Employment Scheme, helping them secure loans to start businesses. She also facilitated jobs in private companies and promoted education among young transgenders.

Her guru, Rupa, says proudly, Salma is determined. At 17 itself, she organised health camps and education drives under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. She showed us that our community is capable of far more than society believes."

Governors Push

Salmas determination found crucial support on July 3, when she presented her ashram plan to Governor Patel. The Governor listened intently, studied my file, and immediately called the Varanasi district magistrate to take up the matter," Salma told News18.

Soon after, the district magistrate directed the social welfare officer to draft the official proposal. The plan includes constructing a facility on 3,000 square feet of government land in Ramnagar.

Dubey confirmed the development. We have prepared a detailed plan and forwarded it to the chief ministers office. Given the Governors personal involvement, early approval is expected."

When Ashram Project Caught Global Interest

Recently, a US-based organisation visited Varanasi and expressed interest in supporting the initiative. Salma has even been invited to present her proposal in the United States. If this collaboration materialises, the ashram could receive global recognition and support," says Rupa.

A leading Banaras industrialist has also shown willingness to fund the building once land is allotted. Salma plans for the facility to be operated in partnership with an NGO or public institution.

Despite studying till Class 8 only, Salma has drafted proposals, lobbied with ministers, and built a strong network of allies. Education matters, but what matters more is the determination to bring change," she said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

She said that she wants every transgender to have a home where they feel safe, respected, and loved. We too deserve to live and die with dignity," she added.

If approved, the ashram in Varanasi will be the first of its kind in India, setting an example for other states to follow.

Location : Varanasi, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:25 IST

News india Salma's 'Garima Greh': An Ashram Of Dignity For India's Marginalised Transgenders

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...
Tamil Nadu Pastor Who Used Home Church As Cover To Sexually Abuse Minor Schoolgirls Held

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 18:05 IST

Victor Kamaraj, a 54-year-old preacher, was arrested for sexually assaulting over ten female students in Thiruvallur. Evidence from his phone led to his arrest under the POCSO Act

The accused reportedly took advantage of a tuition program run by his wife (Representational Image)

In a disturbing development, a 54-year-old self-proclaimed religious preacher, identified as Victor Kamaraj, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting over ten female students near Sengunram in Tamil Nadus Thiruvallur district. The arrest comes amidst a troubling increase in sexual assault incidents reported in the region.

Kamaraj, who operated a church from his home, reportedly took advantage of a tuition program run by his wife, an Anganwadi centre employee. It was during these evening classes for schoolgirls that the alleged assaults occurred. Parents of the victims filed a complaint, prompting a police investigation.

Recommended Stories

Sources indicate that a crucial piece of evidence emerged from Kamarajs cell phone, which reportedly contained information confirming the sexual harassment of the students. Following this discovery, police swiftly arrested Kamaraj under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was subsequently produced in court and is currently lodged in Puzhal jail.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

This arrest is the latest in a series of alarming incidents of sexual assault in the Thiruvallur area. Just recently, an Assamese youth was apprehended in a separate case involving the kidnapping and sexual assault of a girl in a neighbouring village.

Adding to these concerns, another harrowing incident unfolded mere days later in the Kanakamma Chathiram area, where expansion work for the Chennai-Tirupathi National Highway is underway. A 17-year-old girl walking by was allegedly abducted and subjected to an attempted rape by a young man, reportedly working on the highway project. Her screams alerted local villagers, who bravely intervened. The assailant attempted to flee but was chased down, apprehended by the villagers, and then handed over to the police.

Location : Thiruvallur, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 18:05 IST

News india Tamil Nadu Pastor Who Used Home Church As Cover To Sexually Abuse Minor Schoolgirls Held

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...
TCS Layoffs: Karnataka Labour Minister To Meet Top IT Companies Over Unethical Pink Slips

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 17:11 IST

TCSs layoff decision is being seen as one of the biggest job reductions in the companys history, with even junior employees who have been 'benched' for a long time seeing cuts

Karnataka minister Santosh Lad. (PTI)

Karnataka labour minister Santosh Lad will begin an outreach programme with the heads of top IT companies such as Infosys and Wipro among others in the wake of the recent alarming" mass job cuts at Indias largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which is laying off over 12,000 employees.

Lad told News18, Just look at the last 23 years. Retrenchment is going on at a big scale. This is a grave concern."

Recommended Stories

TCS recently announced that it will cut two per cent of its global workforce in the financial year 202526, impacting nearly 12,000 jobs.

As the labour minister, Im going to evaluate this very seriously. I have asked my people to go and just check on them (TCS). I will be calling the main heads of all top IT companies and will discuss one-on-one. I will address these layoffs and discourage them from taking such decisions on mass retrenchment," said the minister to News18.

Calling mass layoffs unreasonable", Lad said companies should be made accountable and should not indulge in such unethical practices".

People talk about international business, expansions, but when it comes to their workforce, they cannot take actions that are unwarranted and unethical. Im taking this very personally and very seriously. My government and I will definitely look into the matter. At the end of the day, what matters is the employee  for them, and for us," Lad said.

TCSs recent layoff decision is being seen as one of the biggest job reductions in the companys history. While many of those impacted are from mid- to senior-level management, even junior employees who have been benched" for a long time are now seeing job cuts.

Surprising," added Lad. All of a sudden, 12,000 peoplethat too from TCSthis is a very huge number. This move is very alarming. We are in talks with them."

This comes as multiple employees who received pink slips reached out to the helpline of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), alleging that they were being forced to resign. It is now learnt that a conciliation meeting will be held on August 6 between KITU representatives and TCS management in the presence of labour department officials.

Lad also criticised the practice of not informing the authorities. Retrenching people in such large numbers, without giving any information to the government or the department concerned is very unreasonable. They should not do that."

If an employee who was hired at the age of 25 or 30 has put in 15 years of service, they call it something like benching. The moment they use the term benching, its like saying this horse is no longer winning races for them.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

For example, if Ive worked for 15 to 20 years and Im now 45 or nearing 50, I suddenly become of no use to them. Because unless I bring in new projects or think out of the box, Im out. And if my ideas arent running or arent benefiting the company, theyll make it appear as though the project Im handling is the problem"

He also addressed the long working hours  ranging between 9 and 20 hours  stating that he would encourage companies to adopt flexible work hours and better employment practices, without stretching employees beyond reasonable limits. The employee who has rented his life  when hes working those hours, hes renting his life to them. Morality stands first, then the balance sheets," he said.

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: August 02, 2025, 17:11 IST

News india TCS Layoffs: Karnataka Labour Minister To Meet Top IT Companies Over Unethical Pink Slips

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...
Grindr Inc. (NYSE:GRND) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared insights on. A caller asked if it was time to start a position in the stock, and Cramer remarked:

Well, I like affinity social networks. I like ones that I think dont have a lot of debt, that have a lot of opportunities. Now this was losing a lot of money. Its expected to make a lot of money next year, so I think its a very good level to buy Grindr.

Jim Cramer on Grindr: "Its Expected to Make A Lot of Money Next Year"

Photo by Yiorgos Ntrahas on Unsplash

Grindr (NYSE:GRND) operates a global social networking and dating platform focused on the LGBTQ community. The company announced that it will release its June quarter earnings on August 7. In the previous quarter, the company increased its full-year 2025 forecast, expecting revenue growth of 26% or higher and a minimum adjusted EBITDA margin of 43%. The CEO called 2025 the biggest year for product innovation in our history. Additionally, the company stock is down nearly 28% since the last earnings were released.

While we acknowledge the potential of GRND as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Operation Akhal: 2 Terrorists Killed In J&K's Kulgam As Encounter Continues

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 14:22 IST

Two terrorist were killed in an encounter with security forces during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The killed terrorist has been identified as Haris Nazir Dar, a resident of Rajpora in Pulwama | Image: News18

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces during an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kulgam district, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The initial probe revealed that a killed terrorist, identified as Haris Nazir Dar, hails from Rajpora in Pulwama, with officials indicating he is likely a local terrorist. However, an official identification is currently underway.

Recommended Stories

Intermittent and intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far," the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army said in its latest update on Operation Akhal.

This followed the launch of a cordon and search operation by security forces in the Akhal forest area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district, based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists, a police official stated.

Security forces launched a search operation in the forested area of south Kashmirs Kulgam district after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists.

The situation escalated into a gun battle when the hiding militants opened fire, prompting retaliation from the troops. The cordon is being strengthened, with additional personnel deployed in the area," an official said.

This comes on the heels of another encounter near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammus Poonch district, where two terrorists were killed by security forces following an infiltration attempt.

The operation began late Tuesday night in the Kalsian-Gulpur region of the Degwar sector, after the army intercepted a group of two to three terrorists attempting to cross the border.

OPERATION SHIVSHAKTI: In a successful anti-infiltration operation, alert troops of the #IndianArmy eliminated two terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control," the army said in a statement.

Meanwhile, under Operation Mahadev, Indian forces on July 28 neutralised three Pakistani terrorists in the Lidwas forest near Harwan, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the three were behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah identified one of the slain terrorists as Suleiman, the key planner of the attack.

The others were named Afghan and Jibran  all senior operatives of Pakistan-based proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Their identities were confirmed by individuals previously arrested by the NIA for providing them shelter.

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 07:53 IST

News india Operation Akhal: 2 Terrorists Killed In J&K's Kulgam As Encounter Continues

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...
The Man Behind Red Soil Stories Is No More, Shirish Dies In His 30s

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 15:41 IST

He was in his 30s. He is survived by wife, Pooja Gavas, their one-year-old child, and a digital legacy rooted in earth, food, and love.

The Man Behind Red Soil Stories Dies Young, Leaves Legacy Behind

Shirish Gavas, who once left behind the chaos of Mumbai to showcase the soul of rural Konkan to the world, passed away yesterday in a Goa hospital after battling a brain tumour.

He was in his 30s. He is survived by wife, Pooja Gavas, their one-year-old child, and a digital legacy rooted in earth, food, and love.

Recommended Stories

The couple had quietly built a following for their YouTube channel, Red Soil Stories. There they documented their return to village life  cooking traditional meals, farming in the land, and reviving forgotten customs of the Konkan coast.

What began as an act of survival during the pandemic grew into a gentle movement, one that reached viewers from over 40 countries. Yesterday, that journey lost one of its storytellers.

From Mumbai Dreams to Mud Floors

Shirish and Pooja were working in Mumbai when the COVID-19 pandemic hit stripping them of their jobs and urban footing. Rather than wait it out, they made a radical decision: to return to their native village in Konkan and start anew.

Inspired by a Chinese YouTuber who turned local life into global art, they launched Red Soil Stories with a second-hand camera and a shared dream.

Their videos werent flashy. They were real. Pooja cooking on a chulha. Shirish filming her as they harvested rice. Scenes of stillness, togetherness, and simplicity, things that many had forgotten how to value.

A Quiet Channel, A Loud Impact

What started as survival turned into a cultural archive and a testimony to what rural India has to offer. They earned a loyal global viewership and their work breathed new energy into local identity.

Konkan wasnt just a place anymore. It had a voice, a face, and a couple who embodied it.

Yesterday, Everything Changed

Shirish had been under treatment at a hospital in Goa, fighting a worsening brain tumour. He passed away on August 1, leaving his small family and over 4 lakh subscribers in mourning.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Red Soil Stories is no longer just about Konkan food and farming. Its a love story, a life interrupted, and now, a legacy in motion.

Shirish may be gone, but the soil he loved, the village he believed in, and the family he nurtured will hopefully continue telling his story.

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 : Maharashtra, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 15:40 IST

News india The Man Behind Red Soil Stories Is No More, Shirish Dies In His 30s

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...
TMC Panchayat Leader Hacked To Death In West Bengal's Hooghly

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 23:22 IST

TMC leader Pintu Chakraborty was hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Hooghly, West Bengal.

The TMC leader was taken to the SSKM hospital in Kolkata, where he was declared dead. (Representative image)

In a shocking incident, a panchayat-level leader of Trinamool Congress (TMC) was hacked to death by unidentified assailants in West Bengals Hooghly district, police officials have said.

The incident took place near the Kanaipur autorickshaw stand on Wednesday evening when a group of men attacked the victim, identified as Pintu Chakraborty, with sharp objects, news agency PTI reported.

Recommended Stories

He was then taken to the SSKM hospital in Kolkata, where he was declared dead, the police said.

Trinamool Congress panchayat member Pintu Chakraborty was hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Kanaipur while he was returning home on Wednesday evening. An investigation is underway," he said.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers struck him multiple times before fleeing the scene.

State Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty, who visited the hospital, said the deceased was close to him as they had studied together.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

I am unable to comprehend the reason behind the murder, but I hope the police will arrest the culprits soon," he said.

(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

First Published: August 02, 2025, 23:22 IST

News india TMC Panchayat Leader Hacked To Death In West Bengal's Hooghly

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...
'Triumph Of All Patriots': Pragya Singh Thakur Reacts To Acquittal In 2008 Malegaon Blast Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 07:07 IST

The NIA special court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted all seven accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (Image: X)

Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur on Saturday called her acquittal by the court in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case a victory of Sanatan Dharma" and all patriots".

The NIA special court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted all seven accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case.

Recommended Stories

The Congress, along with all other non-believers, who are the originators of saffron terrorism and Hindu terrorism, have been disgraced. The victory of saffron, Hindutva, and Sanatan has led to the triumph of all Sanatanis and patriots, many congratulations," she said in an X post.

              .. ,             - . ,    Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur (@sadhvipragyag) August 1, 2025

During the verdict, the court noted that the prosecution had failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal of the accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (also known as Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.

The court concluded that there was no evidence indicating explosives were stored or assembled at the home of Prasad Purohit, another accused in the case.

The court directed the Maharashtra government to compensate the blast victims, granting Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Over the course of the trial, testimonies from 323 prosecution witnesses and 8 defence witnesses were reviewed before the final decision.

All the accused were cleared of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and other related laws.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The case stems from a blast on September 29, 2008, when a bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded near a mosque at Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, killing six people and injuring 95 others.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 07:07 IST

News india 'Triumph Of All Patriots': Pragya Singh Thakur Reacts To Acquittal In 2008 Malegaon Blast 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...
We're Accused Of Harassing Biharis, But: Raj Thackeray's New Offensive Amid Marathi Row

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 20:41 IST

Raj Thackeray accused BJP of double standards on regional identity. He criticised Maharashtra for hosting a Gujarati Sahitya Sammelan amid the Hindi-Marathi row.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (ANI)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP and accused the party of having a double standard over protecting regional identity, saying that the BJP in Gujarat calls for protecting the states language and culture, but anyone who does the same in Maharashtra is defamed.

While addressing a gathering in Maharashtras Raigad, the MNS chief claimed that Biharis were expelled from Gujarat twice, but these very people who led these anti-Bihari protests and drove them out of Gujarat were later accepted into the BJP party and made MLAs.

Recommended Stories

He further said those who advocate for Marathi and culture are unfairly criticised for harassing outsiders, while a double standard exists elsewhere.

We are accused of harassing outsiders by raising the issue of Hindi-Marathi, but Biharis were driven out of Gujarat twice. The people who protested against Biharis there, beat them, and drove them out of the state were taken into the BJP party and made MLAs. They keep their state organised, but in other states, if anyone talks about protecting their language and culture, then they are defamed," he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

He further lashed out at the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government for organise a Gujarati Sahitya Sammelan in Maharashtra at government expense amid the language row.

He said that it had been deliberately organised to provoke the MNS so that the party workers would react and the BJP would get a chance to do politics.

The Maharashtra government is going to organise a Gujarati Sahitya Sammelan at government expense. The government has done this deliberately so that we react to it, and the government gets a chance to do politics. We will not be influenced by the government. But when we feel that the government is taking steps to destroy Maharashtra, then we will raise our voice. All of you stay alert and keep a close watch on what the government is doing," he added.

Language Row In Maharashtra

Thackerays remarks came amid a Hindi-Marathi language row in Maharashtra. The row was ignited in the state, especially in the Mumbai metropolitan region, after opposition parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS took on the government over two GRs on the three-language policy in schools and teaching of Hindi from Class I.

Following opposition, including from Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, the Maharashtra government withdrew the resolutions.

Later on July 5, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS head Raj Thackeray shared a stage in Mumbai for the cause of the Marathi language, and vowed to oppose the imposition" of Hindi in Maharashtra after the state government rolled back the GRs.

It escalated after incidents involving verbal and physical assaults, vandalism, and public intimidation by the MNS workers have been reported from various parts of the state, drawing widespread criticism and legal scrutiny.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In multiple videos that have gone viral on social media, MNS workers were seen confronting shopkeepers, auto drivers, and even bank employees for not speaking Marathi. In one incident in Mumbai, a medical shop employee was beaten and forced to apologise publicly for allegedly posting a WhatsApp status deemed disrespectful to the Marathi language. In another case from Pune, a bank manager was slapped during work hours for addressing customers in Hindi.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

Location : Raigad, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 20:41 IST

News india We're Accused Of Harassing Biharis, But: Raj Thackeray's New Offensive Amid Marathi Row

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...
National Awards: Prithiviraj Sukumaran Fans ANGRY After The Goat Life's Snub, Say 'What A Joke'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 08:56 IST

Fans said that The Goat Life deserved an award for its cinematography and performances.

Prithviraj Sukumaran was last seen in Sarzameen.

Prithiviraj Sukumaran fans are furious that Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life was snubbed at the 71st National Film Awards. The Awards were announced on August 1, and while films like Parking, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Animal, Jawan and The Kerala Story secured multiple wins, The Goat Life wasnt awarded in any category.

Fans of Prithviraj Sukumaran are angry and have taken to social media to express their hot takes. One person wrote on Reddit, How did Shah Rukh Khan and Kerala Story win over The Goat Life and Prithviraj? National Awards are a joke." Another added, Connections, my dear, and of course, networking!"

Recommended Stories

Someone else wrote, Kerala Story won the award for cinematography over Goatlife/SSE. The standards of the National Film Awards are going down the drain." Another added, Best cinematography in the same time as Aadujeevitham, Viduthalai 1, Three of Us, Dasara, Jigarthanda Double X, Leo, Jawan, Jailer, Salaar, Tiger 3, SSE, Ponniyin Selvan 2, Fighter quite a decision."

One fan mentioned, Man, this film and Prithviraj deserve this award. What an amazing performance by Prithviraj." Another added, The awards dont deserve Prithviraj. We love you, hero." Another wrote, Seriouslythis guy was soo good. He truly deserved it." One comment read, Not just acting but the cinematography, I mean the visuals of this movie are truly amazing." One fan wrote, Wow, what a joke!"

Why Didnt The Goat Life Win A National Award?

While some noted that The Goat Life might get a nomination for the 2024 awards due to the films release in March that year, others pointed out that the makers had reportedly applied for a censorship certificate in late 2023. To be eligible for consideration, a film should be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31.

#Aadujeevitham #TheGoatLife : U/ACensored on last day of last year, making it eligible for national & other awards for 2023. Runtime  2 Hrs 52 Mins. Theatrical Release, April 10th 2024@PrithviOfficial #Blessy pic.twitter.com/qHhb8VC1Wh  Sreedhar Pillai (@sri50) February 5, 2024

While some reports claim that the film received its certification only in January 2024, making it ineligible for the 71st National Film Awards, others note that the film had been certified on December 31, 2023. Meanwhile, the films makers and cast are yet to react to fans posts.

The Goat Life, directed by Blessy and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, is a visually arresting and emotionally wrenching survival drama based on the bestselling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin. The film recounts the real-life ordeal of Najeeb, a Malayali migrant worker who is forced into slavery in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. The narrative follows Najeebs journey from his humble village in Kerala to the Middle East in search of a better life. What begins as hope and ambition quickly descends into a nightmare when he is taken to a remote goat farm and stripped of all freedom.

About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentary in long-... Read More

Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Stay updated with the latest news from regional cinema like Malayalam, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati movies, celeb news, trailers & reviews. You can also download the News18 App.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 08:56 IST

News movies  regional-cinema  National Awards: Prithiviraj Sukumaran Fans ANGRY After The Goat Life's Snub, Say 'What A Joke'
Global Watch | How Balochistans Anti-Terror Law Legalises Pakistans Brutal Repression

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:54 IST

By introducing a blatantly exploitative and tyrannical legislation, Pakistan has further legalised the brutal repression in a region which it has illegally occupied since 1948

Collective suppression under the garb of combating insurgency and terrorism is far from new in Balochistan. (AFP)

The illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan represents a long-standing festering wound. The largest, resource-abundant, yet poorest province of the country, Balochistan has been reeling in the crossfire of a chronic armed insurgency and a disproportionate state response, in addition to systemic political and economic marginalisation. Even as Pakistan was recently engaged in military confrontations with Indiathe most severe since the Kargil conflict of 1999the Baloch insurgents kept intensifying their operations. Now, in the name of more effective counter-terrorism, the puppet government in Balochistan has passed another legislation that threatens to worsen the situation by legitimising state excesses in the province.

Amid vehement opposition by legal experts, human rights groups, and civil society, the Balochistan Assembly passed the Counter-terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025 on June 4. The legislation, which makes new inclusions into the 1997 Anti-terrorism Act, authorises armed forces, civil armed forces, and intelligence agencies to preventively detain a person for up to three months without any charges or trial. Eliminating judicial oversight, joint investigation teams can now issue detention orders, seize property or other possessions, and conduct ideological or psychological profiling of the detainees, all on their own accord. The Act has been put in place for six years, after which it can be extended for a period of two years if the provincial government thus notifies.

Recommended Stories

Collective suppression under the garb of combating insurgency and terrorism is far from new in Balochistan. Particularly since the mid-2000s, the Pakistani state has notoriously enacted a kill and dump policy and forged an atmosphere where the threat as well as execution of enforced disappearances, custodial torture and killings, fake encounters, and arbitrary detention is part of daily life. This month itself, Pakistan based human rights organisation, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), in its bi-annual human rights report, revealed that 752 people were forcibly disappeared from January to June 2025, out of which 181 were later released and 25 died in custody. The report also registered 117 extrajudicial killings in the same period, with most of the victims reportedly being students and young political activists.

Even when the Act was a proposed bill in the provincial assembly, human rights groups, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), had staunchly opposed its passage over concerns that it would legalise state instrumentalisation of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention. After it was adopted, the HRCP condemned the sweeping powers of preventive detention" outlined by the Act, which undermine civilian law enforcement domain by involving military personnel in the oversight boards, and contravene the countrys constitutional obligations under Article 10 (legal safeguards for those arrested or detained) as well as its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The BYC, too, released a strongly-worded statement, decrying the Acts grave violation of fundamental rights, including personal liberty, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention".

Meanwhile, the Pakistan government is projecting the Act as a decisive framework against terrorist forces and something that will help end the issue of missing persons. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti described it as a milestone which, according to him, will counter the organised conspiracy" and false allegations against state institutions" regarding enforced disappearances. Bugti also claimed that the insurgency in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan is a foreign intelligence agency driven war" against Pakistan, a narrative that has been parroted for a long time by the Pakistani establishment. This absolute denial and deflection by the authorities point to their utter unwillingness to acknowledge, address, and resolve the plight of the Baloch people, further alienating them and fueling the militancy.

The Baloch people are already subjected to an extremely stifled environment, wherein demands of accountability from the state are constantly misconstrued as separatism, justifying excessive crackdown and harassment. The BYC-led peaceful Baloch civil resistance movement, which has emerged as a resilient force in the past couple of years, has had to face constant vilification, disruptions, harassment, and violent crackdown by the state, with its leaders, including Mahrang Baloch, incarcerated. Rather than taking advantage of a peaceful civilian platform that works towards state accountability and political reconciliation within the federal framework, the heavy-handed response of the Pakistani state creates conditions where peaceful political activism loses relevance and the people, particularly the youth, increasingly view armed insurgency as the only alternative.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Within the context of an ever-ascending insurgency, progressively alienated people, rising attacks on CPEC workers and projects as well as Punjabi migrants, the newly passed amendment act will certainly estrange the Baloch people further. The ensuing state excesses, which will now take on a robe of legal legitimacy, will exacerbate the security crisis in Balochistan. By introducing a blatantly exploitative and tyrannical legislation, Pakistan has further legalised the brutal repression in a region which it has illegally occupied since 1948. This is like planting an existential landmine and stepping on it while blaming others for the mess which is a sole creation of Pakistan.

The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: August 02, 2025, 14:33 IST

News opinion Global Watch | How Balochistans Anti-Terror Law Legalises Pakistans Brutal Repression

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 Rahul Gandhi's Jaitley Jibe Backfires, Will This Mark The End Of His 'Shoot-And-Scoot' Politics?

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 19:48 IST

It's been a week in Parliament marked by many controversies surrounding Rahul Gandhi

While Rahul Gandhi has every right to oppose and question the government, this shoot-and-scoot approach could get challenged as the BJP and others won't let him off. File pic/PTI

Dead men dont talk. Which is why not many are willing to accept Rahul Gandhis claim that the late Arun Jaitley met him and threatened" him on the farm laws. While Jaitleys family and party reminded Rahul Gandhi that the union minister died in 2019 and the farm laws were passed in 2020, the big question now from critics is on the Congress leader: why always shoot and scoot?

Its been a week in Parliament marked by many controversies surrounding Rahul Gandhi.

Recommended Stories

It began with his speech on Operation Sindoor where he accused the government of informing Pakistan and calling off the exercise under Donald Trumps pressure. Then, it was his insistence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi call Trump a liar", knowing very well that, diplomatically, its not a done thing.

Then there was his relentless attack on the Election Commission, which responded by saying he makes baseless accusations and refuses to respond to the ECs invites.

He then stoked another controversy by agreeing with Trump that India was a dead economy". In an embarrassment, his own party leaders, like Rajiv Shukla and Shashi Tharoor, contradicted him. While Rahul Gandhi has every right to oppose and question the government, this shoot-and-scoot approach could get challenged as the BJP and others wont let him off. His mention of Jaitley evoked memories of when Rahul Gandhi had gone to meet the ailing former and late defence minister Manohar Parrikar in 2019 in Goa and claimed they had discussed the Rafale deal. Parrikar wrote that it was hurtful that Rahul Gandhi claimed they discussed Rafale when they had not.

A long time ago, a senior Congress leader who had mentored Rahul Gandhi on dealing with the media said, Its important for a neta to always be in the news." Known for his controversial comments, this eventually eroded his credibility. Does Rahul Gandhi run this risk too? Will his credibility be hurt?

Rahul Gandhi now claims my late father, Arun Jaitley, threatened him over the farm laws.Let me remind him, my father passed away in 2019. The farm laws were introduced in 2020. More importantly, it was not in my fathers nature to threaten anyone over an opposing view. He was a Rohan Jaitley (@rohanjaitley) August 2, 2025

There have been many instances when his claims and allegations have been questionedlike recently when he insisted and posted on social media that he knew the tariff deal with America would be good, as we had agreed to a ceasefire as per Trumps demands". But when the deal was fixed at 25%, this argument and prediction failed. The BJP hit out, saying Rahul Gandhis lies had been busted, and the same Trump whom he would want to call a liar was the one he trusted, even on the dead economy" comment.

When he questioned the EC on the Maharashtra and Haryana polls, he forgot that the same agency conducted elections in Karnataka and Haryana, where the Congress had won. So now he has decided to take part in a protest on August 5 in Karnataka to talk about EC irregularities" in the states panchayat polls.

In yet another embarrassment, his own party colleague Ashish Dua, who was co-in-charge for the Maharashtra polls, wrote in an article that they lost not because of the EC but because of a poor campaign and strategy.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Congress projects Rahul Gandhi as an honest, well-meaning politician. No doubt, some of his crusades have gained traction. His Samvidhan Khatre Mein Hai" campaign worked in the 2024 polls and shook the BJP. But while the BJP recovered and won polls, Rahul Gandhi seems to be moving from one gaffe to another.

This week has shaken Rahul Gandhis credibility. It certainly can be labelled as a week that wasnt for the LoP.

About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More

First Published: August 02, 2025, 19:38 IST

News politics As Rahul Gandhi's Jaitley Jibe Backfires, Will This Mark The End Of His 'Shoot-And-Scoot' Politics?

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...
Atomic Test Should Be Done: Rajnath Singh Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over Rigged Polls Charge

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:13 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticised Rahul Gandhi's claim that the election system is dead and the 2024 polls were rigged, urging Gandhi to present evidence.

Follow us on:

Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. (File)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his atom bomb" allegation that the election system in the country is already dead" and the Lok Sabha polls last year were rigged", saying that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha does not have any proof to substantiate his claim.

While addressing an event in Patna, the senior BJP leader urged the former Congress chief to drop the atom bomb" if he has evidence to substantiate the claim.

Recommended Stories

Rahul Gandhi said that he has prepared an atom bomb of proofs on the rigging of votes by the Election Commission If he has an atom bomb of proof, its atomic test should be done immediately. The fact is that he does not have any proof or evidence," Singh said as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, says  Rahul Gandhi said that he has prepared an atom bomb of proofs on the rigging of votes by the Election Commission If he has an atom bomb of proofs, its atomic test should be done immediatelyThe fact is that he pic.twitter.com/yY2LzqMJVm ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

The Union Minister further appealed to the Congress MP to let the constitutional institutions in the country do their duty for the sake of democracy.

Making sensational claims is his habit. Earlier, he had made similar statements. Let Constitutional institutions do their duties. It is my appeal to Rahul Gandhi. It is good for Congresss health and good for democracy as well," he added.

What Rahul Gandhi Claimed?

The Defence Ministers reaction came a day after Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition accused the poll body of indulging in vote theft" for the BJP, and claimed that his party has open and shut" evidence for it.

Gandhi had said the Congress had conducted a six-month-long investigation into the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, uncovering what he called open-and-shut proof" of the ECIs complicity.

I have said vote chori is happening and now we have open and shut proof that the Election Commission is involved in vote chori," Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament House complex, as reported by news agency PTI.

Today, he further asserted that the election system in India was "already dead," alleging that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were "rigged" and that he has proof to substantiate the claim.

Addressing the annual legal conclave titled Constitutional Challenges  Perspectives & Pathways, Gandhi said that he suspected over 80 Lok Sabha seats were rigged in the 2024 general elections.

The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India holds office with a very slim majority. If 15 seats were rigged, we suspect that the number is over 70 to 80, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India. We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," Gandhi said while addressing the gathering in the national capital.

Highlighting the six-month investigation carried out by Congress, he further alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) doesnt exist and has disappeared. According to documentation received from the EC, Gandhi said that the Congress has ascertained that nearly 1.5 lakh voters out of 6.5 lakh who voted in the Lok Sabha elections were "fake".

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

His remarks came for the second straight day, even after the poll body described his allegations as baseless" which are being made on a daily basis.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 16:13 IST

News politics Atomic Test Should Be Done: Rajnath Singh Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over Rigged Polls Charge

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
'Only We Are Saying It': MS Aiyar Says No Evidence Of Pakistan's Role In Pahalgam, BJP Furious

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 22:16 IST

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar claimed that India had not been able to present any evidence that Pakistan was responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar (File Photo)

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stoked a major row on Saturday by questioning whether Pakistan was indeed behind the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, saying that there was no evidence of it, and none of the 33 countries that were visited by all-party delegations from India had blamed Pakistan for the incident.

Speaking to IANS, Aiyar said, None of the 33 countries that (Congress leader Shashi) Tharoor and his team visited blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam terror attack. Neither the UN nor the United States have held Pakistan responsible. We are the only ones saying that Pakistan is behind it, but no one is willing to believe us."

Recommended Stories

Watch: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar says, None of the 33 countries that Tharoor and his team visited blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam terror attack. Neither the UN nor the United States have held Pakistan responsible. We are the only ones saying that Pakistan is behind it, pic.twitter.com/2xDf0EUPQb IANS (@ians_india) August 2, 2025

We havent been able to present any evidence that convinces people about which Pakistani agency carried out this act," he added.

The BJP reacted furiously over Aiyar for aligning with Pakistani propaganda. Maybe the grand old Congress party does not know that the monitoring panel of the United Nations Security Council has raised concerns over the role of the TRF, which is an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in the attack," said BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.

Maybe Congress does not know that the birth of terrorism took place in Pakistan, be it LeT or JeM, whose camps we destroyed in Operation Sindoor. Its unfortunate that Congress is defending Pakistan and demeaning our armed forces," he added.

Congress party and its leaders continue to be top cheerleaders for Pakistan and find their true calling in peddling anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. Indeed shameful," said another BJP spokesperson, CR Kesavan.

India Could Not Defeat Pakistan

These controversial remarks came after Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal made headlines by claiming that India could not defeat Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, which is why the government had to stop the water.

During a discussion with Gaurav Gogoi, Sanjay Raut and Sagarika Ghose, Sibal said the defence systems of India and Pakistan were at par and that India was not in a situation to continue the war. The BJP slammed Sibals remarks, calling them Pakistani B team INDI alliance!"

Disgraceful!Leaders of the INDI Alliance openly claim: India couldnt defeat Pakistan Thats why we had to stop the war" India wasnt in a position to continue fighting" Pakistani B team Indi alliance! pic.twitter.com/DfazIHq5Ha  Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) August 2, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently told both Houses of the Parliament that India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor and neutralised more than 100 terrorists. He affirmed that Pakistans DGMO called his Indian counterpart, after which the Centre decided to pause the conflict.

Shah also informed the House that all three terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack were eliminated in a joint operation by the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police near Srinagar on Monday under Operation Mahadev.

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: August 02, 2025, 20:41 IST

News politics 'Only We Are Saying It': MS Aiyar Says No Evidence Of Pakistan's Role In Pahalgam, BJP Furious

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...
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently talked about. Cramer discussed the companys earnings and the market reaction to it during the episode. He said:

Todays earnings made me feel like wed forgotten the impact of all the tariff turmoil on the consumer. Some of the decline, I think, was an overreaction. Royal Caribbean went down on its outlook. But I gotta tell you, I checked that one out. I think the expectations simply got too high. People got used to this cruise line just crushing the high end of the estimates. Didnt happen.

Jim Cramer on Royal Caribbean: "Expectations Simply Got Too High"

Nonwarit/Shutterstock.com

Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) is a cruise operator that provides diverse itineraries through multiple brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. In a March episode, Cramer mentioned the company and said:

What else in travels worth taking a look at? Its tough for me to square the heinous action with what we just heard from Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean. When he came on the show last week, first, Liberty confirmed that its consumers perceive Royal Caribbean cruises as a better value than a land-based vacation, reinforcing my view the cruise lines can still do fine even in a softer economy. Second, he cited its own bookings and on-ship spending data from recent voyages saying matter-of-factly, that cash register continues to ring and be consistent.

Since the above comment was made, Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) stock is up over 61%.

While we acknowledge the potential of RCL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
DK Shivakumars Sleight Of Hand: Karnataka Congress Makeover RSS Style

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:02 IST

Its evident that Shivakumar has been methodically working towards the cadre-based strategy of the RSS-BJP

Shivakumar has consistently made it a point to showcase to the Congress high command that he can bring leaders and workers into the partys fold, be it through Operation Hasta or other outreach moves. File pic/PTI

Even as DK Shivakumar continues to tussle for the chief ministership of Karnataka, his core strategy has always been about being an organisation man". His focus has been to get Congress workers to operate as a single unit towards the victory of the party, and that has helped him gain a seat at the top table.

Now comes another factor. Having seen Siddaramaiah build his image and become chief minister not once but twice on the AHINDA push, Shivakumar is left to strategise how he can best gain maximum support and make it known to the Congress high command that he is the man for the top job, as CM of Karnataka.

Recommended Stories

He has begun to work towards consolidating himself as the top Vokkaliga leadera community that is potentially influential in Karnataka, but one that has largely stayed with the Janata Dal (Secular). With former prime minister HD Deve Gowda as its patriarch, the JD(S) is considered the representative of a large section of the Vokkaliga community. Shivakumar is out to breach that very fortress and consolidate himself as one of the tallest Vokkaliga leaders in the statebrick by brick, karyakarta by karyakartajust as BS Yediyurappa built himself up as the tallest Lingayat leader in Karnataka.

When DK Shivakumar formally took charge as the Karnataka Congress president in 2019, he told this reporter that the RSS-BJPs cadre-based training model had given them a political advantageand that his plan was to work with Congress party workers in a manner similar to how the RSS grooms its karyakartas.

Since he took over in 2019, Shivakumar has been a man on a mission. He has consistently made it a point to showcase to the Congress high command that he can bring leaders and workers into the partys fold, be it through Operation Hasta or other outreach moves.

Calling himself an organisational man", his recent call inviting JD(S) workers to join the Congresswhile claiming the party will remain in power in Karnataka foreverwas yet another instance of this organisational push.

For Shivakumar, timing and location always matterand are always strategic. Recently, at the Congress governments Sadhana Samavesha event in Maddur, organised to launch development works worth Rs 1,146 crore, he made an open call asking JD(S) workers not to waste their time in the regional party and instead join the Congress. He made this offer right in the backyard of his arch political rival and union minister HD Kumaraswamy. Still smarting from the Lok Sabha loss of Shivakumars brother DK Suresh to BJPs CN ManjunathKumaraswamys brother-in-lawthe KPCC president is looking to reshape the political map and perhaps even reclaim his brothers seat.

Shivakumars sharp statementThe Congress flag will fly high in the future in Karnataka. It is high time that people cutting across party lines stand for Congress. What happened to PM Modis achhe din? What about Rs 15 lakh they promised? Ask HD Kumaraswamy and BJP. Congress is the only party that is for the welfare of farmers and society"was a direct attack on Kumaraswamy and the Deve Gowda family.

A more recent example of Shivakumars Chanakya-style political work has been the election of Maddur MLA Kadaluru Uday Gowda. Uday is one such product of Shivakumars Operation Hastaor political poaching.

Uday, from Mandya district, joined the Congress in March 2023just ahead of the assembly polls. Shivakumars ability to iron out old differences and bring him in was critical, especially since Uday had once been accused of playing a key role in the downfall of the Congress-JD(S) alliance government in 2019, which led to the BJPs BS Yediyurappa forming the government.

Shivakumar didnt stop at onboarding Uday. The Congress gave him a ticket to contest from Maddur, and he won. Shivakumar then took the opportunity to praise him in Maddur for donating property worth Rs 2 crore for a Congress Bhavan. My initial thought was to field Gurucharan, nephew of SM Krishna, from Maddur. But the survey report was in favour of Uday, and today he has won the seat for the Congress," the deputy CM said.

When Shivakumar was asked about Udays alleged involvement in Operation Lotus, he defended him: He did whatever he did, as he was in the opposition."

From the beginning, Shivakumar has made it clear that his organisational strategy is borrowed from the RSS playbook. The Congress, until now, has been a mass-based party. We should now look at converting it into a cadre-based one under my leadership in the state," he said.

He explained that the RSS and BJPs cadre-based training had helped them gain political momentum across the country, and that the RSSs strategy of identifying young minds, grooming cadres, and inducting them into the BJP has always yielded good results.

I have designed my own model for Karnataka, and I have convinced senior leaders about how I plan to work it out. The Congress has its own base, strengths, and history, and with collective leadership and boosting the morale of the cadre, we will be able to achieve a lot," he told this reporter back in 2019. And now, its evident that Shivakumar has been methodically working towards this cadre-based strategy.

One by one, party worker by party workerwe know all of them are disillusioned in the JD(S). We are giving them an out, giving them a political revival. If they join the Congress under DK Shi (as Shivakumar is fondly called by his supporters), they will be able to work for a national party that has gained much ground and appreciation among people for its welfare schemes," said a close associate of the deputy CM and KPCC chief.

In May this year, Shivakumar struck deep into the JD(S) heartland of Hassanhome turf of party patriarch HD Deve Gowdaby orchestrating the defection of 12 JD(S) and 4 BJP leaders to the Congress. The event was made into a grand show, with Shivakumar using the opportunity to send a loud political message. A senior leader from his home turf of Kanakapura put it simply: Shivakumar wants to sweep the 2028 assembly polls. Nothing can stop him now. The only thing needed is voter supportand that, he already has."

Shivakumar, while addressing the gathering, said that he had made an offer to JD(S) workers and not legislators. They (JDS MLAs) are taking care of their future, but they are not doing anything at the local level. How long do the party workers have to wait?" Shivakumar explained, justifying why he was inviting them into the Congress fold with open arms.

In 2023, Shivakumar extended this strategy to BJP workers in Channapatnathe constituency of then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. He wrote a letter inviting BJP workers from the taluk to join the Congress, showing that his party was leaving nothing to chance in building ground-level support ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The doors will always be open to all those BJP leaders and workers in Channapatna who believe in Congresss ideologies," he said.

This was a direct attempt to counter Kumaraswamy in his stronghold. And it set the stage for Shivakumars next big move.

Just 24 hours before the nomination deadline for the Channapatna bypoll, five-time MLA CP Yogeshwar quit the BJP and joined the Congress. A former minister and BJP-nominated MLC, Yogeshwar was upset that the BJP had not given him a ticket. Soon after, he was spotted meeting Shivakumar at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru.

Yogeshwars sudden switch caught both the BJP and JD(S) off guard. Shivakumar ensured he was fielded as the Congress candidate against Kumaraswamys son Nikhil. Nikhil losthis third electoral defeatby a margin of 26,000 votes. A win that helped soothe Shivakumars nerves after his brothers crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha elections from the Bangalore Rural seata constituency that also includes Shivakumars own Kanakapura assembly seat, which he has won undefeated six times.

Shivakumar has consistently executed what is now being called his surgical strikes on the BJP and JD(S). In September 2023, over 15 prominent leaders and former corporators from both parties joined the Congress in Bengaluru in his presence. The eventheld at the Bharat Jodo Auditoriumsaw the likes of former deputy mayor L Srinivas, Prasad Babu, and former taluk panchayat member Anjinappa being welcomed by Shivakumar himself.

This was the third major operation in Bengaluru, following earlier efforts in Yeshwantpur and RR Nagar. It was part of his larger plan Operation Hastanamed after the Congress hand symbol.

Under Operation Hasta, the Congress aimed to rope in BJP leaders and deal a blow to the saffron party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Senior BJP leaders like ST Somashekar and MTB Nagarajboth originally from the Congresswere reportedly on Shivakumars radar. While this hasnt materialised fully yet, the groundwork remains in motion.

Somashekar had publicly called Shivakumar his guru, saying, Whatever I have achieved politically was due to his blessings." His remarks embarrassed the BJP, already in disarray after its crushing defeat in the assembly elections.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Other discontented BJP leaderslike former ministers N Muniratna and MTB Nagarajtoo have spoken openly about their discomfort within the BJP after joining it, pointing to a growing opportunity for Shivakumars Congress to strike again.

Shivakumar isnt just reshaping the Congresshes rebuilding it, brick by brick, karyakarta by karyakarta, in the image of the only model that has worked for the BJP: the cadre. Only this time, the hand is on the other side.

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: August 02, 2025, 08:00 IST

News politics DK Shivakumars Sleight Of Hand: Karnataka Congress Makeover RSS Style

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...
'He Has His Own Reasons': Shashi Tharoor On Rahul Gandhi Backing Trump's 'Dead Economy' Jibe

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 17:53 IST

Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on Rahul Gandhi backing Donald Trump's "dead economy" jibe towards India, a stance that was criticised by several BJP leaders.

Follow us on:

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on Rahul Gandhi's stance on Trump's 'dead economy' stance on India. (File)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on his party colleague Rahul Gandhis endorsement of US President Donald Trumps dead economy" jibe towards India amid trade talks, saying the priority was on a fair deal for New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tharoor said, I dont want to comment on what my party leader has said. He has his reasons for saying so. My concern is that our relationship with the US, as a strategic and economic partnership, is important for us."

Recommended Stories

We are exporting around $90 billion worth of goods to America. We cant be in a position to lose that or have it diminish significantly," he said. We must wish our negotiators strength to get a fair deal for India."

#WATCH | Mumbai | On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi agreeing with US President Donald Trumps dead economy remark, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, I dont want to comment on what my party leader has said. He has his reasons for saying so. My concern is that our pic.twitter.com/zwJm4v4vRV ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

Tharoor also said India should be talking to other regions for exporting Indian goods to make up for some of what it may lose to the United States. We already have an FTA with the UK, which has tremendous potential. We are well advancing in talks with the EU. If we have a good agreement with the EU, Japan and other countries, we could make up for some of what we might lose in the US, but we cannot lose everything," he added.

Dead Economy

Tharoors remarks came after Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, along with an unspecified penalty, citing its refusal to open up agricultural markets and oil imports from Russia, which Washington says is fuelling the Ukraine conflict.

In a harsh statement, Trump later said, I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Rahul Gandhi agreed with Trumps statement, saying, Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact. The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. BJP has finished the economy to help Adani." His statements drew a fierce response from the BJP, with top leaders accusing him of speaking against the nation.

However, Tharoor disagreed with Trumps views and said, No, not at all. That is not the case, and we all know it." Several Congress and Opposition leaders also did not back Rahul Gandhis endorsement of Trumps views and said that the Indian economy is not dead".

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

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 17:52 IST

News politics 'He Has His Own Reasons': Shashi Tharoor On Rahul Gandhi Backing Trump's 'Dead Economy' Jibe

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
'...Because I've Proof': Rahul Gandhi Repeats 'Atom Bomb' Remark Despite EC's Rebuttal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 12:12 IST

Rahul Gandhi continued to attack the Election Commission despite the poll body's rebuttal to his "voter theft" allegations. He alleged that general elections were "rigged".

Follow us on:

Rahul Gandhi attacks ECI again despite rebuttal (PTI Image)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday continued his blistering attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the election system in the country is already dead" and the Lok Sabha polls last year were rigged".

Without providing any evidence, Rahul claimed that he has proof" of electoral malpractices.

Recommended Stories

His remarks came for the second straight day, even after the poll body described his allegations as baseless" which are being made on a daily basis.

The Congress leader on Friday had attacked the ECI, accusing it of indulging in vote theft" for the ruling BJP and issuing an atom bomb" warning. The things we found are an atom bomb. And when this atom bomb explodes, you wont see the Election Commission in the country," he said yesterday, prompting a response from the ECI.

Election Commission ignores such baseless allegations being made on a daily basis and, despite threats being given daily, asks all election officials to ignore such irresponsible statements while working impartially and transparently," the ECI said.

Rahul Gandhi Attacks ECI Again

The Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition said that he will prove to the people of the country that he general elections were rigged".

We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," he said at the Annual Legal Conclave- 2025.

The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India is the Prime Minister of India with a very slim majority If 15 seats were rigged, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India," he added.

He claimed that the Opposition will present proof in front of the country that the institution of the Election Commission does not exist".

It has disappeared. It has taken us 6 months of non-stop work to find this proofYou will see with zero doubt how a Lok Sabha election is stolen. 6.5 lakh voters vote and 1.5 lakh of those voters are fake," he said.

Rahul Gandhi said that he had always been suspicious about the election system in India since 2014, when Congress lost power at the Centre.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the Annual Legal Conclave- 2025, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, Ive been speaking recently about the election system. I always had a suspicion that there was something wrong, right from 2014 I had a suspicion in the Gujarat Assembly pic.twitter.com/c9pDIvk8eS ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

He cited Assembly elections in Gujarat and questioned the BJPs ability to win sweeping victories".

Congress Party doesnt get a single seat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, this was surprising to me," he said.

He said that the Opposition won most Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and went on to lose the Assembly elections badly just months later.

And then 4 months later, we didnt just lose, we were obliterated. Three formidable parties suddenly just evaporated. We started to look seriously for electoral malpractice," he said.

We found it in Maharashtra, 1 crore new voters show up between Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. Bulk of those votes go to the BJP Now I say with absolutely no doubt that we have proof," the Congress leader added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Rahuls atom bomb remarks had drawn criticism from the government, which accused him of playing a dangerous game".

(With ANI inputs)

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 11:57 IST

News politics '...Because I've Proof': Rahul Gandhi Repeats 'Atom Bomb' Remark Despite EC's Rebuttal

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
Stick To Facts: BJP Rebuffs Rahul Gandhi's Claim Of Arun Jaitley Threatening Him, Demands Apology

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 17:25 IST

Rahul Gandhi claimed late Arun Jaitley threatened him over farm laws, sparking BJP's backlash. BJP leaders called Gandhi's remarks false, noting Jaitley died in 2019.

Follow us on:

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the party's Annual Legal Conclave, in New Delhi (PTI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stirred a massive political row after he claimed that former Union Minister late Arun Jaitley had threatened him for opposing the now-scrapped farm laws.

The BJP soon flagged the Lok Sabha Leader of Oppositions bizarre claim as fake news" and asked him to stick to facts instead of rewriting timelines to suit narratives".

Recommended Stories

Notably, the contentious three farm laws were introduced by the Centre in June 2020 as an ordinance, nearly a year after Arun Jaitleys death in August 2019, after a prolonged illness.

What Rahul Gandhi Claimed?

While addressing the Annual Legal Conclave 2025 earlier today, the Congress leader claimed that the government had sent the BJP stalwart to threaten him for opposing the farm laws.

I remember when I was fighting the farm laws, Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me. He told me, If you carry on opposing the govt, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you. I looked at him and said, I dont think you have an idea who you are talking to," Gandhi said.

#WATCH | Delhi: At the Annual Legal Conclave- 2025, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, I remember when I was fighting the farm laws, Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me. He told me if you carry on opposing the govt, fighting the farm laws, we will have pic.twitter.com/8RJWmHo9fE ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

BJPs Response

Rahul Gandhis remarks drew the BJPs ire, who demanded a public apology for his new lie".

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the Congress leader for pressing baseless allegations at a person who is no more alive. She further said that his remarks against Arun Jaitley are despicable.

If irresponsibility has a face, it is @RahulGandhi, Leader of Opposition in LS. To throw baseless allegations at people in public life, even those who are no longer with us, is becoming a personality trait in him. His remarks on late Shri. Arun Jaitley is despicable. India needs a strong opposition party. An irresponsible leadership hurts his party @INCIndia and the country. But does he care?," she said in a post on X.

If irresponsibility has a face, it is @RahulGandhi, Leader of Opposition in LS. To throw baseless allegations at people in public life, even those who are no longer with us, is becoming a personality trait in him. His remarks on late Shri. Arun Jaitley is despicable.India needs https://t.co/QZKZX4BdUP Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 2, 2025

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also launched a scathing attack on the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition for disrespecting Arun Jaitley.

Rahul Gandhi has completely shredded all standards of decorum in public life. Former Union Minister and senior leader, the late Arun Jaitley ji, is no longer among us. However, Rahul Gandhis immature and childish, hateful mentality has insensitively spread lies in the name of the late Arun Jaitley ji to further his own agenda, disregarding the facts related to the agricultural laws," he said in a post on X.

            -          .         ,                    Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 2, 2025

Rahul Gandhis language is miles away from that of a dignified person; he has forgotten how to speak and conduct himself on a public platform! For this shameful and condemnable language, Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologize to Jaitley ji, his family, and his supporters," he added.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur said that Congress and lies cant be separated. He further urged him to apologise for his blatant remarks.

Congress and lies cant be separated. The only truth about Congress is that they always lie. Arjun Jaitley ji was a leader who earned immense respect across parties Farm laws came a year after Arun Jaitleys demise. Rahul Gandhi is facing defamation cases in several courts; he has apologised on several occasions. Rahul Gandhi must apologise to Arun Jaitleys family, the BJP, and the people of the country," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

VIDEO | Delhi: On Rahul Gandhis Arun Jaitley ji was sent to threaten me for opposing farm laws statement, BJP MP Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) says, Congress and lies cant be separated. The only truth about Congress is that they always lie. Arjun Jaitley ji was a leader who pic.twitter.com/UDHaBEyKJd Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2025

This is a blatant lie what he (Rahul Gandhi) has said about such a respected leader who was Finance Minister and is no longer among us," BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said as quoted by PTI.

VIDEO | Patna: This is a blatant lie what he (Rahul Gandhi) has said about such a respected leader who was Finance Minister and is no longer among us," says BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) on Rahul Gandhis Arun Jaitley ji was sent to intimidate me for opposing farm pic.twitter.com/FngKuBh5MQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2025

In a swift rebuttal, BJP IT Cell chief Malviya said, Rahul Gandhi claims that Arun Jaitley approached him to water down his opposition to the 2020 farm laws. Lets set the record straight  Arun Jaitley ji passed away on August, 24 2019."

The draft Farm Bills were brought to the Union Cabinet on June 3, 2020. The laws were enacted in September 2020," he said, adding any discussion, whether in support or opposition of the Bill, began after these developments".

To suggest Arun Jaitley ji approached him for anything at all is factually incorrect and misleading," Malviya said, adding, "Lets stick to facts and not rewrite timelines to suit narratives," he added.

 Fake News Alert Rahul Gandhi claims that Shri Arun Jaitley approached him to water down his opposition to 2020 Farm Laws. Lets set the record straight:  Arun Jaitley ji passed away on 24 August 2019. The draft Farm Bills were brought to the Union Cabinet on 3 June https://t.co/aCGmcnf4mc  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 2, 2025

Rohan Jaitley Fact Checks Rahul Gandhi

Arun Jaitleys son Rohan Jaitley also took to X and slammed Gandhi over his remarks, asking the Congress leader to let the departed Rest in Peace".

Rahul Gandhi now claims my late father, Arun Jaitley, threatened him over the farm laws. Let me remind him, my father passed away in 2019. The farm laws were introduced in 2020," he said.

More importantly, it was not in my fathers nature to threaten anyone over an opposing view. He was a staunch democrat and always believed in building consensus," Rohan Jaitley added.

If at all such a situation was to occur, as it often does in politics, he would invite free and open discussions to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to all. That was simply who he was and that remains his legacy today. I would appreciate Rahul Gandhi being mindful while speaking of those not with us. He attempted something similar with Manohar Parrikar ji, politicising his final days which was in equally poor taste," he added.

The Three Farm Laws

The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020, were introduced in June 2020 as ordinances and were later passed in Parliament in September 2020.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

They were repealed in November 2021 after massive protests by some farmers on the borders of the national capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More

view comments

First Published: August 02, 2025, 17:25 IST

News politics Stick To Facts: BJP Rebuffs Rahul Gandhi's Claim Of Arun Jaitley Threatening Him, Demands Apology

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
To Be Taught Or Not: Fadnavis Vs Raj Thackeray Over Teaching Marathi In Maharashtra Schools

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 19:03 IST

Raj Thackeray criticized CM Fadnavis for prioritizing Hindi over Marathi in schools and urged respect for Marathi culture and local youth in job opportunities.

Follow us on:

CM Devendra Fadnavis and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. (File)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Saturday attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid the ongoing language row and said the latter thinks about how schoolchildren can be taught Hindi but gives no thought to how those coming from outside to work in the state can learn Marathi.

Addressing the Peasants and Workers Party foundation day event in Panvel, Thackeray also dared the state government to arrest those who protest against projects under the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill.

Recommended Stories

The chief minister of Maharashtra thinks about how schoolchildren can learn Hindi. But the CM does not think about how people, who come to Maharashtra for work, can learn Marathi," Thackeray said in the presence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who also addressed the gathering.

His remarks come after Fadnavis reiterated that Marathi must be compulsorily taught in Maharashtra, and they have already made it mandatory. I firmly believe that Marathi must be compulsorily taught in Maharashtra, and we have already made it mandatory," he said.

Thackeray also said there is no thought for bhoomiputra" (sons of the soil) and Marathi manoos" (Marathi speaking populace), and a terrifying example of it is the Raigad district.

He further pointed out that the land is being taken from farmers, and asserted that industries in the state cannot be built on the tombs of the Marathi manoos. If you want to bring industries, you have to do it by respecting Marathi manoos. You cannot do that without it," Thackeray said.

The MNS chief also asked how one can be dubbed parochial if one talks about their state. The remarks come days after Raj and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray shared a political stage last month after nearly two decades to celebrate the rollback of two contentious GRs on the three-language policy and imposition" of Hindi for students of classes 1-5.

Referring to Raut and Sena (UBT), the MNS chief said two saffron flags" are furling on a red stage (the colour of PWP).

Thackeray addressing the gathering also assumes significance as the NCP (SP), Sena (UBT) leaders, who are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, were also present on stage.

Referring to Raigads rapid urbanisation, with satellite cities like Navi Mumbai and Panvel, Thackeray expressed concern that the land of farmers is being acquired, often with the involvement of local Marathi middlemen.

The fence is swallowing the field. On one hand, farmers are getting destroyed, and on the other hand, workers from outside are getting hired, he said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Thackeray called for the Navi Mumbai Airport, slated to open later this year, to prioritise hiring 100% Marathi youth, emphasising local representation in the workforce.

(With inputs from PTI)

view comments

Location : Panvel, India, India

First Published: August 02, 2025, 19:03 IST

News politics To Be Taught Or Not: Fadnavis Vs Raj Thackeray Over Teaching Marathi In Maharashtra Schools

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
Princess Dianas Lookalike Niece Lady Eliza Spencer Gets Engaged In Greece; See Pics

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 10:51 IST

Lady Eliza Spencer, niece of Princess Diana, is engaged to Channing Millerd. Millerd proposed during their Santorini getaway, and Eliza shared loved-up images.

Lady Eliza Spencer, is engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Channing Millerd

Lady Eliza Spencer, niece and look-alike of the late Princess Diana, is officially engaged to her long-time South African partner, Channing Millerd. Their dreamy proposal during a getaway in Santorini has taken the internet by storm.

The aristocrat, 33, announced the exciting news with a series of loved-up images from the special moment  which took place during the couples recent getaway to Santorini, Greece.

Recommended Stories

Forever and Ever," Spencer captioned the sweet Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eliza Spencer (@elizavspencer)

In the images, Eliza can be seen flashing her diamond sparkler with the stunning views of the Aegean Sea in the background. One of the pictures also shows the romantic set-up, which includes a candle-lit dinner surrounded by flowers overlooking the caldera.

Her post on social media garnered a lot of love. Elizas twin sister, Lady Amelia, expressed her excitement and commented, The best news everrrrrrrr. I couldnt be happier for you both! The BEST NEWS IN THE WORLD. I love you both with all my heart! The perfect couple and dream engagement."

However, amid the joyous moments and blessings for the couple, Elizas father and brother of the late Princess Diana  Earl Charles Spencer  is missing. As per a report by New York Times, he has not publicly congratulated his daughter on the news.

In an interaction with Hello Magazine in March, Eliza shared her plans for the wedding.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

We love the idea of a destination wedding," she said in March. We feel drawn to Italy, especially somewhere by the ocean  that feels so romantic to us. Spain has that same coastal charm we adore."

At the same time, Amelia and Gregs wedding in Cape Town was unforgettable, and South Africa will always be home," she added.

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!

First Published: August 02, 2025, 10:51 IST

News viral Princess Dianas Lookalike Niece Lady Eliza Spencer Gets Engaged In Greece; See Pics

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...
Worlds Oldest Baby Has Just Been Born. Age At Time Of Birth: 31

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 18:41 IST

An Ohio couple, Lindsey and Tim Pierce, had a baby from an embryo frozen for over 30 years. The embryo, created in 1994, was transferred to Lindsey in 2024.

A baby boy born last week to an Ohio couple developed from an embryo that had been frozen for more than 30 years (Representational image)

In a significant breakthrough, an Ohio couple welcomed a baby developed from an embryo that had been frozen for over 30 years.

Lindsey Pierce (35) and Tim Pierce (34) of London, Ohio, who were trying to conceive for the last seven years, finally welcomed Thaddeus Daniel Pierce into the world last week on Saturday.

Recommended Stories

The embryo was one of the four produced by Linda Archerd, now 62, using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 1994. Among the four embryos, one was transferred to Archerd and resulted in the birth of a daughter, who is now 30 and mother to a 10-year-old. The other embryos were cryopreserved and stored, as per the report by BBC.

In November 2024, one embryo was moved to Lindsey after being cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for approximately 30 years, the report added.

Following a divorce, Archerd was awarded custody of the embryos. She then found out about Nightlight Christian Adoptions and their Snowflakes" program, which allows donors to select adoptive families based on values like religion and ethnicity.

Archerd had a preference for her embryo to be adopted" by a white, Christian married couple.

The first thing that I noticed when Lindsey sent me his pictures is how much he looks like my daughter when she was a baby. I pulled out my baby book and compared them side by side, and there is no doubt that they are siblings," she said to MIT Technology Review.

The fertility clinic that transferred the embryo is run by John Gordon, a reproductive endocrinologist and Reformed Presbyterian who is working to reduce the number of embryos in storage, the report added.

We have certain guiding principles, and theyre coming from our faith. Every embryo deserves a chance at life and that the only embryo that cannot result in a healthy baby is the embryo not given the opportunity to be transferred into a patient," he said as reported by The Guardian.

In a statement, Lindsey and Tim Pierce said the clinics support was just what they needed.

We didnt go into this thinking about records  we just wanted to have a baby," Lindsey Pierce said.

According to experts, this instance breaks the previous record, which was set by twins born in Oregon in 2022 from embryos frozen in 1992, the BBC report added.

What Is IVF?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

IVF is a type of fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from a womans ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred back into the womb. The embryos can also be frozen and stored for future use.

(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

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 18:41 IST

News viral Worlds Oldest Baby Has Just Been Born. Age At Time Of Birth: 31

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...
7-Year-Old Baloch Boy Charged Under Pakistan's Anti-Terror Law, Sparking Criticism | Exclusive Details

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 21:45 IST

The child's 'crime' is the sharing of a TikTok video featuring a speech by prominent human rights activist Gulzar Dost

Intelligence sources view the incident as indicative of a systemic misuse of such laws in Balochistan, primarily aimed at suppressing legitimate dissent. Representational pic/AFP

A disturbing incident in Gwadar has brought to the forefront grave concerns regarding the alleged misuse of counter-terrorism laws by Pakistan, particularly against minors and activists in Balochistan. A seven-year-old boy in the port city has reportedly been charged under Pakistans stringent Anti-Terrorism Act, his crime" being the sharing of a TikTok video featuring a speech by prominent human rights activist Gulzar Dost.

The case, registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Makran, saw the young child presented before an anti-terrorism court, a move that has ignited widespread condemnation. Gulzar Dost, identified as a human rights activist rather than a militant, has himself been in detention for two weeks, underscoring what critics describe as a broader crackdown on dissent.

Recommended Stories

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has swiftly and strongly condemned the charging of a child under anti-terror legislation, branding it a gross violation of child rights" and a severe abuse of counter-terrorism laws. This sentiment is echoed by top intelligence sources, who view the incident as indicative of a systemic misuse of such laws in Balochistan, primarily aimed at suppressing legitimate dissent.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

According to the sources, the case involving the minor raises serious questions about the state of human rights in Pakistan, particularly concerning the vulnerability of its own citizens to the very machinery designed for national security. There are growing accusations that Pakistans security apparatus, including its intelligence agencies, has transformed into an unaccountable tool of oppression, increasingly targeting minorities and Baloch activists.

The charging of the child under anti-terrorism provisions is seen as an illustration of this alleged overreach, highlighting a pattern where the states powerful agencies are purportedly employed to harass and silence voices critical of its policies, even extending to the targeting of minors.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: August 02, 2025, 21:45 IST

News world 7-Year-Old Baloch Boy Charged Under Pakistan's Anti-Terror Law, Sparking Criticism | 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...
FBI Arrests California Man For Sending Money To ISIS: Someday Soon, Ill Be Joining

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 23:47 IST

The FBI arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva in California for allegedly funding ISIS.

Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group. (X)

The FBI on Friday (local time) arrested a man in California for allegedly attempting to fund the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a designated foreign terrorist organisation, according to the US Department of Justice.

As per the departments statement, the arrested man, identified as 28-year-old Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a permanent US resident from the Philippines, now faces up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

Recommended Stories

Investigators said Villanueva was in communication with two individuals who identified themselves as ISIS fighters via social media earlier this year.

In the conversations, Villanueva allegedly expressed his desire to support ISIS and offered to send money to aid the groups activities.

Its an honor to fight and die for our faith. Its the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, Ill be joining," he texted as reported by CNN.

According to Western Union records cited by the DOJ, over five months, Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas.

During the arrest, FBI agents recovered what appeared to be an explosive device in Villanuevas bedroom, which they shared images of on the FBIs official social media accounts.

Members of the FBIs #JTTF assisted by FBI #SWAT arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, of #LongBeach, early this morning for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign #terrorist organization. Evidence of explosives were recovered during todays search. pic.twitter.com/8YAbvuZKoU FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) August 1, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world," Patrick Grandy, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office, said as reported by CNN.

Earlier this year, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, was arrested after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a military base in Michigan.

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 : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 23:47 IST

News world FBI Arrests California Man For Sending Money To ISIS: Someday Soon, Ill Be Joining

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...
'Good Step': Trump On Reports Of India Halting Russian Oil Imports Amid US Tariff Heat

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 07:28 IST

The remarks came just days after Washington imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India and warned of penalties over New Delhis continued trade with Russia in arms and crude oil.

US President Donald Trump. (File Photo)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that India has reportedly halted the purchase of Russian oil and called it a good step" if it turns out to be true.

The remarks came just days after Washington imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and warned of additional penalties over New Delhis continued trade with Russia, particularly in arms and crude oil.

Recommended Stories

I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard, I dont know if thats right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens," Trump told news agency ANI.

#WATCH | I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard, I dont know if thats right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens" says, US President Donald Trump on a question by ANI, if he had a number in mind for the pic.twitter.com/qAbGUkpE12 ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2025

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stated that Indias energy purchases are driven by market forces and national interests, adding that it had no information about any specific move by Indian oil companies to halt Russian imports.

Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership," the MEA said.

The clarification came amid reports that Indian state-run refiners had recently stopped buying Russian crude, citing reduced price advantages and growing pressure from the US, which has cautioned against oil trade with Moscow.

India is the worlds third-largest oil importer and the buyer of seaborne Russian crude.

Earlier, Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised India for continuing to import discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict. On

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

On Wednesday, Trump announced a 25 per cent additional import duty on Indian goods, along with other penalties aimed at discouraging trade ties with Moscow.

According to a Reuters report, major Indian state-run refiners  including Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd  have not placed any orders for Russian crude in the past week.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 07:20 IST

News world 'Good Step': Trump On Reports Of India Halting Russian Oil Imports Amid US Tariff Heat

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...
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shared insights on. During the episode, Cramer called it one of the highest-yielding retailers. He remarked:

 Look, its not just Dow. We were attracted to two stocks from our Charitable Trust because of their high yields: Best Buy and Stanley Black & Decker. Best Buy would benefit from the biggest PC cycle in years because of Microsofts Copilot Both stocks initially soared, same thesis. We sold Best Buy at a terrific profit Best Buy stock now yields 5.6%, one of the highest-yielding retailers out there. In itself, though, not inspiring. The PC refresh cycle turned out to be a bust. President Trumps tariffs will spike the price of Chinese and Korean appliances. Also, that Whirlpool can raise prices too, although judging by that hideous quarter just reported tonight by Whirlpool, where the company slashed its quarterly dividend from $1.75 to 90 cents a share, just what Im talking about. Whirlpool needs all the help it can get. Thats not good for Best Buy. Again, I think you could be reaching for yield here. The problem is one of reassurance. If the dividends in jeopardy, management wont say a word about it till they actually give you the cut.

Jim Cramer Says "Best Buy Would Benefit From the Biggest PC Cycle in Years"

nicholas-cappello-Wb63zqJ5gnE-unsplash

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) provides technology products, including computers, mobile devices, appliances, electronics, and smart home items. The company also delivers services such as installation, repairs, tech support, and health-related solutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of BBY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Hamas Refuses To Disarm Unless Independent Palestinian State Is Established

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 20:23 IST

Hamas won't disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. Ceasefire and hostage release talks with Israel ended in deadlock.

Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. REUTERS

Hamas on Saturday reiterated its stance that it wont disarm unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital.

The Palestinian militant faction, in a statement, said its armed resistance  cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital."

Recommended Stories

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Hamas to surrender, stating that doing so would be the fastest way to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His comments came as US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing war in the Middle East.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Trumps statement echoes recent remarks by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, who earlier this week urged Hamas to disarm. Mustafa added that control of the Gaza Strip should ultimately be transferred to the Palestinian Authority to restore order and legitimacy to the region.

Reiterating his demand for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Trump wrote on Truth Social, The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" He has consistently condemned Hamas in recent months, claiming that the group does not really want a deal" and asserting, we have to get rid of them."

Location : Palestine

First Published: August 02, 2025, 20:23 IST

News world Hamas Refuses To Disarm Unless Independent Palestinian State Is Established

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...
'Have Enough Nukes': Russian Lawmaker On Trump's Nuclear Submarine Move

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 09:06 IST

Russian lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky claimed Russian nuclear subs outnumber American ones and they are monitoring US subs redeployed by Trump.

Russian Lawmaker On Trump Nuclear Submarine Move

Russia responded to Trumps move of deploying US nucleur submarines to appropriate regions, a member of the Russian Parliament Duma said there are enough Russian nuclear submarines in the high seas to tackle two American subs.

The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the worlds oceans is significantly higher than the American ones, and the subs that US President Donald Trump ordered to be redirected to the appropriate regions have long been under their control. So no response from the Russian Federation to the American leaders statement about the submarines is required," a senior Russian lawmaker, Viktor Vodolatsky, was quoted as saying by TASS.

Recommended Stories

Earlier on Friday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that he had ordered the redeployment of US submarines to appropriate regions" allegedly over extremely provocative statements" by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is also the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.

Let the two US subs sail, they have been in the crosshairs for a long time now," the Russian lawmaker said. A fundamental agreement that must be concluded between Russia and America so that the whole world calms down and stops talking about the beginning of World War III," he added.

Meanwhile, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, Fyodor Lukyanov, said that Trumps nuclear submarine statement should not be taken seriously for now.

Trump, as we know, runs his own channel and reacts, so to speak, emotionally, humanly and spontaneously. I think that the armed forces, the naval forces of the United States read this with great surprise. If this exchange of opinions continues, and Trump continues to be drawn into it, then, one way or another, he will probably have to take some action. In my opinion, so far this is only at the level of words," Lukyanov told local private news channel RBC TV.

Following the American leaders statements, the Moscow Exchange index plummeted 2,709.26 points (0.99%) by 08:01 pm Moscow time (10:31 pm IST) on Friday.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Earlier, responding to a media question over US State Department Secretary Marco Rubios recent interview with Fox News, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia agrees with the US administration that a direct military confrontation between Moscow and Washington must not happen.

While Europeans are hysterically pushing for Ukraines integration into NATO and preparing for potential conflict with Russia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed a responsible stance, explicitly stating that a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia must be avoided. We wholeheartedly concur with this position. Such shared understanding has been facilitated through constructive Russian-American dialogue," Lavrov said.

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 : Moscow, Russia

First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:06 IST

News world 'Have Enough Nukes': Russian Lawmaker On Trump's Nuclear Submarine Move

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...
Her Lips Move Like: Trump's Praise For Karoline Leavitt Leave Netizens Uncomfortable

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 19:50 IST

Trump praised press secretary Karoline Leavitt for her intelligence and speaking style, and accused Obama and Clinton of plotting to link him to 2016 Russian interference.

US President Donald Trump. (File Photo)

US President Donald Trump heaped praise on White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, complimenting her intelligence, appearance, and speaking style. He praised her for her work and commented on her brain, face, and lips.

During an interview with Rob Finnerty on Newsmax, Trump expressed his admiration for the 27-year-old, Trump, declaring her the finest Press Secretary to have served any President.

Recommended Stories

In the discussion broadcast on August 1, Trump said, Shes become a star. Its that face, its that brain, its those lips, the way they move. They move like she is a machine gun. She is a star, she is a great person actually."

I dont think anybody has ever had a best Press Secretary than Karoline Leavitt. She has been amazing," he added.

Trump recently shared his thoughts on various topics, from the Epstein files to giving a pardon to Ghislaine Maxwell and Diddy to the 2016 controversial cases.

The US President called for severe consequences for former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former US President Barack Obama, in an interview regarding the alleged Russian interference scandal in the 2016 election.

Trump called Obama master mind, and said, [Obama] knew about it. We have it cold. [Durham] has it in writing. You could almost say that he was almost more of the mastermind. He heard what she was doing, and then he approved it  and not only approved it, he approved it and pushed it. And they knew it was fake. They knew the Russia thing was fake."

Trump says Obama & Clinton will pay VERY big priceDoes jailing them spark civil war? https://t.co/0FA1sCCiWE pic.twitter.com/SHlOZ0Xxvb  RT (@RT_com) August 2, 2025

The interview followed Senator Chuck Grassleys (R-Iowa) release of previously classified portions of former special counsel John Durhams report, suggesting potential involvement of Clintons campaign in connecting Trump to Russian election interference.

The newly declassified 24-page Durham annex" reveals explosive details about the alleged plot by Hillary Clintons campaign to frame Donald Trump for colluding with Russia during the 2016 presidential election, which Trump describes as potentially the biggest scandal in the history of our country".

I think they should pay a price. By the way, its a very big price," Trump told Finnerty, later adding, For that to have gone on, its one of the great scandals, I think, in the history of our country. I know it is."

Trump further indicated that he would remain neutral regarding potential indictments of Clinton, Obama, or others.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Well, its up to [Attorney General] Pam Bondi, whos doing a terrific job. And shell have to work with law enforcement to see what she wants to do. And Im not giving her advice one way or the other," Trump said. But what came out over the last few days is incredible."

Trump recently accused Obama of treason, claiming documentary evidence supports his allegations that Obama orchestrated a plot to link Trump to Russia during the 2016 election. Trump also implicated Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton in the alleged scheme. In July, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard presented evidence indicating the Obama administrations creation of Russian interference allegations.

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 19:49 IST

News world Her Lips Move Like: Trump's Praise For Karoline Leavitt Leave Netizens Uncomfortable

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...
Russian Media Says Indian Govt Did Not Ask Refineries To Stop Buying Oil From Moscow

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 14:43 IST

After Trump claimed India might have stopped buying Russian oil, reports have surfaced, claiming that New Delhi has not issued any such instructions to refineries.

India-Russia energy ties: India continues to buy Russian oil (Reuters Image)

Amid Donald Trumps criticism of New Delhis energy ties with Moscow, the Russian media reported that the Government of India has not issued any instructions to refineries in the country to stop their purchase of oil from Russia or explore other suppliers.

The government did not ask refineries to stop buying Russian oil," news agency TASS reported, citing a governmental source.

Recommended Stories

No instructions were also given regarding oil imports from other sources instead of Russia," the source added.

Indian Oil Refiners Continue To Buy From Russia: Sources

Earlier in the day, news agency ANI reported, citing sources, that the Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers.

Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics, and other economic factors," sources told ANI.

The latest developments come as US President Trump said on Friday (local time) that he had heard" India was going to stop buying oil from Russia, describing the reported move as a good step".

However, he added that he was unaware if it was true.

I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard, I dont know if thats right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens," Trump told reporters.

How Did India React?

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that Indias energy purchases are driven by market factors, while underlining New Delhis bilateral relationships with other countries should not be seen through the prism of a third country.

In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and by the prevailing global circumstances," he said in response to a report in Reuters that claimed that the Indian state-owned oil refiners have stopped spot purchases of Russian crude in the past week as discounts narrowed and geopolitical pressure intensified.

Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership," Jaiswal said.

India-US Tensions Over Russian Ties

Tensions erupted between India and the US this week after several Trump administration officials  including Trump himself  made strong remarks against India.

Trump announced a 25% tariff on goods coming from India and added an unspecified penalty" over Indias defence and energy relations with Russia. He also announced a new trade deal with Pakistan and even mentioned that Pakistan might supply oil to India in the future.

Escalating his criticism, Trump went so far as to call the Indian economy dead."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care," Trump said.

Indias tariffs are too high, among the highest in the world. All things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty, starting on August 1st," Trump said on social media.

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 : Moscow, Russia

First Published: August 02, 2025, 14:33 IST

News world Russian Media Says Indian Govt Did Not Ask Refineries To Stop Buying Oil From Moscow

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...
Neglecting Tagore's Legacy: Students Protest To Demand Campus For Bangladesh's Rabindra University

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:26 IST

Students and teachers at Rabindra University have been taking classes on the Dhaka-Pabna National Highway, leading to trouble for commuters

Follow us on:

Teachers hold classes on the highway in protest. (News18)

The legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate who composed Bangladeshs national song, is under fresh scrutiny after miscreants recently vandalised his ancestral house in Sirajganj. Adding to the growing concern is the plight of Bangladeshs Rabindra University, an institution named in the Nobel laureates honour, which still lacks a permanent campus after its inception.

Students and teachers at Rabindra University have taken to the streets since July 26, staging a continuous protest on the Dhaka-Pabna National Highway. They are demanding immediate construction of a permanent campusa promise long overdue. Demonstrations include symbolic classroom sessions on the highway, human chains, and road blockades, causing major disruptions to commuters.

Recommended Stories

The university, established during then prime minister Sheikh Hasinas tenure, officially began its academic activities in the 20172018 session. Although 100 acres of land were allocated in Shirajgunj and a Rs 519 crore project has been approved by the Ministry of Education, the project still awaits final approval from ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council).

Protesters, including faculty members, students, and local citizens, claim the delay is due to a negative environmental report submitted by Environment and Forest Affairs Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During a recent highway protest, students chanted slogans demanding her resignation, alleging that her report has stalled the project without justified reason.

This university is in the name of the great Rabindranath Tagore, who gave us our national song, yet we are being denied a permanent campus," said Zakaria, a first-year PG Sociology student, speaking to News18.

We have been protesting for the last three months. We are bleeding from our hearts because we cannot even properly respect Tagore. We will go for bigger protests if ECNEC doesnt act."

As part of the protest, university teachers held symbolic classes on the highway, where students attentively attended 12 classes across five departments. The powerful and poignant act was meant to highlight the poor academic conditions students are currently facing in rented facilities.

Currently, the university operates out of two rented buildingsShirajpur Mohila College and Saifuddin Yahia Degree Collegewith over 1,200 students, 34 teachers, 54 officers, and 107 staff. Lacking hostels, a proper campus, and basic infrastructure, the university falls far short of standard higher education expectations.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

We dont know whats in the environmental report, but the way this project is being neglected is unacceptable," said Nazrul, the universitys Proctor. This is not about politicsits about our fundamental right to education and respect for Tagores legacy."

Protesters have vowed to continue their movement until the Development Project Proposal (DPP) is fully approved and construction begins. According to organisers, highway blockades will continue until at least August 10 and may escalate further if their demands are not met.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East... Read More Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East... Read More

view comments

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: August 02, 2025, 16:26 IST

News world Neglecting Tagore's Legacy: Students Protest To Demand Campus For Bangladesh's Rabindra University

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
Pakistan May Have To Phase Out US-Supplied F-16 Fighter Aircraft Due To Engine Issues

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 16:50 IST

Over the last three years, dozens of F-16s engines have been rejected, primarily due to technical faults, wear from years of service, and a crippling shortage of spare parts

Follow us on:

The F-16s, long regarded as the backbone of the PAFs aerial capability, depend on Pratt & Whitney F100 enginesspecifically the F100-PW-200 and the F100-PW-229. (AFP)

Pakistan may have to gradually phase out the US-supplied F-16 fighter aircraftonce considered the pride of Pakistani Air Force.

Pakistani F-16s are grappling with serious crises, which means in the coming years, the Pakistan Air Force will be forced to ground its entire fleet.

Recommended Stories

News18 has reliably learnt that Pakistans Air Force is confronting a substantial operational strain due to persistent engine reliability issues affecting its aging F-16 fleet.

The F-16s, long regarded as the backbone of the PAFs aerial capability, depend on Pratt & Whitney F100 enginesspecifically the F100-PW-200 and the F100-PW-229. Over the last three years, dozens of these engines have been rejected, primarily due to technical faults, wear from years of service, and a crippling shortage of spare parts.

The reliability crisis is compounded by the United States strict export controls governing the sale and supply of OEM spare parts. Recent financial difficulties have led to delayed or suspended payments owed to the US Foreign Military Sales programme, which, in turn, has halted the delivery of critical engine components and maintenance kits to Pakistan. This has pushed Pakistans only advanced, all-weather multirole fighter jets towards potential grounding and limited their availability for operational deploymenta severe blow to national air defence.

The core of the issue lies not only in the advanced age and wear of Pakistans F-16s, but also the inflexible restrictions imposed by the US, both in terms of monitoring their use and in strictly regulating the flow of replacement parts. Under the most recent US-Pakistan agreement, the F-16s are subject to close American oversight, permitted to operate only from designated bases and explicitly restricted in their role. This further aggravates the challenge of keeping the fleet airborne since any deviation or friction in this arrangement can prompt delays in logistical flows and, by extension, reduce operational readiness.

Operational consequences are serious: dozens of F-16 airframes are grounded at any time awaiting repairs or parts, eroding the PAFs ability to maintain effective patrols or respond quickly to crises. The operational gap is now sparking a greater reliance on the JF-17 Thunder, a jointly developed Sino-Pakistani combat jet. However, the JF-17, powered by Russian RD-93 engines, is also struggling with its own maintenance and spare parts issues due to sanctions on Russia and reported technical limitations, leaving it an imperfect substitute.

Ultimately, Pakistan is now caught in a strategically vulnerable position, with the operational readiness of its premier fighter force diminished by aging technology, insufficient access to spare parts, and financial as well as geopolitical hurdles. Without a reliable solution to its F-16 engine woeseither through fresh US cooperation or a viable alternativethe PAF faces an untenable strain that limits its deterrence and the flexibility crucial to its national security posture.

Pakistan Defence Procurement from China & Turkey

UAV and Drone Procurement via NASTP

The PAF, through the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP), is actively expanding its unmanned aerial capabilities. Procurement is being managed via M/S Gwalpha Tech Pvt. Ltd., a domestic company handling integration and sourcing of aerospace systems.

These procurements reflect PAFs growing emphasis on autonomous platforms for intelligence gathering and precision strikes. The involvement of a local company under NASTP highlights Pakistans move toward domestic capacity building in defence tech.

Defence Procurement from China (NORINCO)

Pakistans long-standing defence partnership with China continues with large-scale procurement of artillery, armoured support systems, and ordnance. NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) is the primary supplier.

This procurement strengthens Pakistan Armys long-range artillery and battlefield mobility while reinforcing dependence on Chinese platforms for mechanised warfare. The integration of support systems enhances operational longevity of Chinese equipment like the VT4 MBT.

Defence Collaboration and Procurement from Turkey

Pakistans strategic defence ties with Turkey have expanded across naval, aerospace, and drone technologies. The partnership is marked by co-development, technology transfer, and joint manufacturing initiatives.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Turkish platforms like the MILGEM corvettes and Bayraktar drones offer Pakistan critical capabilities in naval operations and unmanned warfare. The stalled T-129 deal highlights the limits of cooperation under US export control, but ongoing industrial collaboration underlines long-term potential in co-production.

view comments

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: August 02, 2025, 16:50 IST

News world Pakistan May Have To Phase Out US-Supplied F-16 Fighter Aircraft Due To Engine Issues

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
Prince Harry Hit This Royal Family Member During An Argument In 2013, Gave Him A Bloody Nose

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 22:12 IST

A new book by Andrew Lownie claimed that Prince Andrew and Harry had a heated argument in 2013 at a family gathering over something "Andrew said behind Harry's back."

Prince Andrew and Prince Harry. (Reuters/File)

A new book has revealed that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, had a heated argument with Prince Harry at a family gathering in 2013 in which punches were thrown".

The book, called Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, claimed that the two princes got into a physical fight years ago over something Andrew said behind Harrys back". The books author, Andrew Lownie, shed light on the problematic" relationship between the Duke of York and his nephews, William and Harry.

Recommended Stories

Excerpts quoted by The Telegraph claimed that Harry got the better of Andrew by all accounts" during the alleged fight and left his uncle with a bloody nose" before the fight was broken up.

Prince Andrew, King Charles younger brother, who fell from grace over his links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is believed to have told Harry that his marriage to Meghan Markle would not last more than a month".

Furthermore, he allegedly accused his nephew of going bonkers" and not doing any due diligence into her past" before the pair married in 2018. The source quoted in Lownies book claimed that Harry later told his brother William that he hated Andrew".

Tensions For Years

Tensions have persisted between the uncle-nephew duo for years, including instances where Andrew is believed to have been openly rude to Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, claims the book.

William has long worked behind the scenes to evict his uncle from Royal Lodge, the home he occupies in Windsor Great Park. He thinks Andrew is abusing the property and his privilege there," Lownie wrote.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Andrew has been facing the threat of eviction from the 30-room property after the King severed his allowance, estimated to be worth 1m annually, last year, according to The Telegraph. A source in Lownies book claimed that the Prince of Wales is keen to evict" Andrew and his wife from the lavish estate.

These revelations came after Harry revealed in his memoir, Spare, that he got into a physical fight with his elder brother over his relationship with Meghan Markle. He claimed that Prince William shoved him to the floor in a physical altercation at Kensington Palace in 2019, when he confronted him over Markles rude" and abrasive" behaviour.

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 : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 22:11 IST

News world Prince Harry Hit This Royal Family Member During An Argument In 2013, Gave Him A Bloody Nose

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...
This Indian-Origin Businessman Is Set To Fly To Edge Of Space On Bezos Blue Origin Mission

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 22:53 IST

Arvinder Singh Bahal, an Indian-origin real estate investor, will fly to the edge of space on Blue Origin's NS-34 flight on August 3, 2025.

Arvi is a real estate investor born in Agra, and now a naturalised US citizen. (X)

An Indian-origin man is all set to fly to the edge of space on billionaire Jeff Bezos space venture Blue Origins next space tourist flight.

Arvinder Arvi" Singh Bahal, a real estate investor originally from Uttar Pradeshs Agra, would be among the six members who would fly to spaces edge on board space tourism flight, NS-34, on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Recommended Stories

Welcome to Astronaut Village, NS-34 Crew! pic.twitter.com/XxOhuCpbLJ Blue Origin (@blueorigin) August 1, 2025

This would be Blue Origins 14th human flight to suborbital space. The flight would last for 11 minutes, and the mission would be streamed live, with a webcast beginning 30 minutes before liftoff.

As per the NDTV report, NS-34 is part of Blue Origins New Shepard programme, which has so far taken 70 people past the Karman line, the internationally recognised boundary of space.

Who Is Arvinder Singh Bahal?

Bahal, who has become a US citizen by naturalisation, is a real estate investor whose love for adventures and global travels has taken him from the North Pole to the Pyramids of Giza.

According to the Blue Origin website, Bahal has made it a personal mission to visit every country. He holds both a private pilots license and helicopter training, and the journey with Blue Origin is the latest milestone in a lifetime devoted to exploration and adventure.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Bahal is the president of Bahal Properties, a real estate company.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Who Are The Other Crew Members?

Bahal will be joined by Turkish businessman Gkhan Erdem, Puerto Rican meteorologist and Emmy Awardwinning journalist Deborah Martorell, English philanthropist Lionel Pitchford, entrepreneur JD Russell (who previously flew on NS-28), and HE Justin Sun, the winning bidder of the first New Shepard seat in 2021.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 22:53 IST

News world This Indian-Origin Businessman Is Set To Fly To Edge Of Space On Bezos Blue Origin Mission

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 Release Everything': Trump After FBI 'Redacts' His Name From Epstein Files

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 07:30 IST

Days after questioning the "fascination" over the Epstein Files, Donald Trump said that he wants to release "everything" on the case.

Trump says he wants to reveal everything on Epstein Files (AFP Image)

Hours after a report surfaced claiming that the FBI redacted" his name from the Jeffrey Epstein Files, US President Donald Trump has said that he wants to release everything" about the document that has gained interest even among the Republican leaders supporters.

His flip-flop on the matter came days after he questioned the fascination" of his supporters with the case, dubbing it pretty boring stuff.

Recommended Stories

Trumps remarks came shortly after a Bloomberg report claimed that the FBI deliberately redacted Trumps name from the recently reviewed Epstein files.

During a review of approximately 1,00,000 pages of records in March this year, nearly 1,000 FBI agents were asked to flag any mention of Trump at the request of attorney general Pam Bondi, three people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The redacted files were later sent to Bondi, who informed Trump in May that his name featured in the documents, according to the report.

The team in charge of reviewing the large set of records made redactions before the Justice Department and FBI decided last month that releasing any more of the files was not necessary or appropriate.

According to the government, Trump was a private citizen during the Epstein investigation, so he is protected by privacy laws.

The Department of Justice said that the review found no evidence linking Trump to criminal activities, even though his name appeared in Epsteins flight logs and contact book.

In 2019, Jeffrey Epstein was charged with trafficking minors and other crimes. He was later found dead in the jail, which sparked rumours and conspiracy theories, especially about possible clients" mentioned in government documents.

The whole thing is a hoax. They ran the files. I was running against somebody who ran the files. If they had something, they would have released," Trump said earlier this week.

During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to declassify government records related to Jeffrey Epstein. Pam Bondi, before being nominated as Attorney General by Trump, also pushed for transparency, stating that names should only remain private if they belonged to a child, a victim, or a cooperating witness.

Similarly, FBI Director Kash Patel assured a Senate committee that the public would learn the full truth. On February 27, Bondi hosted a widely publicized event at the White House to unveil the first phase" of Epstein file releases. Attendees were handed binders labeled The Epstein Files," claimed to be newly declassified.

However, the documents, which contained pages mostly from Epsteins black book", had already been made public during Ghislaine Maxwells 2021 trial. The release revealed no new information and included names like Trump and his wife Melania, leaving many disappointed and accusing the administration of staging a publicity stunt.

Loyal supporters of Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have been demanding the removal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and his deputy Dan Bongino, as they accuse them of going back on their word to release the Epstein Files.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

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: August 02, 2025, 06:44 IST

News world 'Will Release Everything': Trump After FBI 'Redacts' His Name From Epstein Files

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 Donald Trump Grant Pardon To Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs? US President's Reply

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 02, 2025, 22:11 IST

US President Trump likely won't pardon rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs, convicted of transporting individuals for prostitution, citing past behavior and hostile statements.

US President Donald Trump and rapper Diddy Combs

US President Donald Trump most likely wont be pardoning rapper Sean Diddy Combs, who has been convicted on two charges of transportation of individuals for prostitution across state lines.

In an interview with Newsmax on Friday, the US President termed the controversial hip hop mogul half-innocent" but called pardoning the rapper more difficult" due to his past behaviour.

Recommended Stories

He was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent. He was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasnt as good of a victory," Trump said to Newsmax host Rob Finnerty.

Newsmax: Sean Diddy Combs. Would you consider pardoning him?Trump: Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half innocent. What? pic.twitter.com/IXBzyoTukI  Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) August 2, 2025

He further confirmed that Diddys lawyer has reached out to him about a possible pardon.

Speaking about their ties, Trump said they used to get along very well" and even called Diddy a nice guy," but claimed that things worsened after he ran for the US Presidential election.

Probably, you know, I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didnt know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile," Trump said.

He added that this kind of thing does affect how decisions are made.

Its hard, you know? Were human beings. And we dont like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So I dont know  It makes it more difficult to do," he added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Trumps remarks came after the July verdict, where Combs was convicted on two prostitution-related charges but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including male sex workers and girlfriends, for sexual encounters.

The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder has been behind bars since his arrest in September 2024. Since then, his legal team, led by attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, has repeatedly sought release on a $50 million bond  attempts that have been consistently denied by the court.

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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 02, 2025, 22:11 IST

News world Will Donald Trump Grant Pardon To Rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs? US President's Reply

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...
JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon reaffirmed his belief in stablecoins on Thursday, but said that he still wasn't a fan of Bitcoin.

Speaking with CNBC, billionaire banking boss Dimon said that stablecoins could be used in ways that fiat currency can't.

"There are things that stablecoins maybe can do that your traditional cash can't," Dimon said, although he emphasized that the bank was looking to address client demand more than the bank's preferences.

"It's what the customer wants," he said. "It's not what JP Morgan personally wants."

Dimon's comments underscored his reservations about digital assets.

Still, he expressed his belief in the potential usefulness of blockchain technology and his willingness to allow the banking giant to participate in the space.

JP Morgan has introduced multiple cryptocurrency-focused initiatives in recent months.

Earlier this week, JP Morgan announced a deal with America's largest crypto exchange, Coinbase, allowing customers to link their accounts to the platform and buy digital assets. Dimon has also recently praised stablecoins, a perspective he reiterated to CNBC.

"I'm not against stablecoins," Dimon said. "I'm a believer in stablecoin, a believer in blockchain, not personally a believer in Bitcoin itself, but you're the customerI don't like to tell customers what they can and can't do with their money."

Stablecoins are digital tokens running on blockchainslike Ethereum or Solanathat are pegged to non-volatile assets, usually dollars. With a stable value, such cryptocurrencies were previously used by traders to enter and exit digital asset trades without the need for banks.

But now, banks, major companies, including Meta and Amazon, and even U.S. states are all interested in issuing the tokens, which are supposed to accelerate payments leveraging blockchain technology.

This month, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing a framework for issuing and trading stablecoins in the U.S.

JP Morgan Dives Deeper into Stablecoins Despite Jamie Dimon Doubts

JP Morgan's Coinbase deal means that Chase customers will be able to directly link bank accounts to their cryptocurrency wallets from next year.

The bank also said it will "seamlessly and securely convert their points into cryptocurrencies."

Publicly-traded Coinbase is the biggest exchange in the U.S. and allows users to buy, sell, and bet on the future price of digital coins and tokens. It also has a deal with the U.S. government to take custody of confiscated crypto.
Aug 02, 2025 12:00 IST

China has escalated tensions in the South China Sea by releasing a video via its state broadcaster that shows the Chinese coastguard towing a Philippine vessel away from the contested Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Renai Jiao, as per a report in South China Morning Post. This action represents a new level of assertiveness, moving beyond previous tactics like using water cannons, and is accompanied by Beijings strongest rhetoric to date against Manilas presence in the disputed waters. The incident occurred during a Philippine attempt to resupply its military outpost on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. This move directly challenges the Philippines sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone, heightens the risk of miscalculation in the region, and puts further pressure on the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
Once the ultimate symbol of luxury, diamonds are facing an identity crisisand De Beers, the industry giant that famously coined the slogan "A Diamond is Forever," finds itself on the defensive. CEO Al Cook describes a "huge con" at play, as lab-grown diamondschemically identical to those sourced from the earthflood the market at a fraction of the price. What was once a niche novelty now dominates big-box jewelry counters: Walmart's diamond assortment is now half synthetic, and more than half of US engagement rings in 2023 featured a lab-created stone.

The shift is upending the economics of an industry De Beers once controlled. Synthetic stones have gone from less than 1% in 2016 to over 20% of global diamond jewelry sales, an industry analyst tells the Wall Street Journal. The price gap has widened dramatically: a 1-carat lab-grown diamond now sells for about $745, while a natural counterpart fetches nearly $4,000. The Journal notes the delta between the two was only about $1,000 in 2016, but as lab-grown versions have gotten cheaper, natural diamonds have increased in price.

As consumer attitudes shiftsome buyers see little downside in choosing size and value over rarityDe Beers is doubling down on the mystique of mined diamonds. Cook has shuttered De Beers' own lab-grown jewelry production, expanded marketing efforts that play up the value of "natural diamonds," and is pushing jewelers to purchase a new $9,500 diamond-testing device that's meant to sit on shop counters and show shoppers in seconds whether a stone is genuine or lab-made (or requires more testing). That's hit De Beers hard: Diamond World in April reported De Beers logged $520 million in revenue for Q1, down 44% from $925 million in Q1 of 2023.

story continues below

Still, the democratization of diamonds raises tough questions: Will mined stones retain their cachet, or will they eventually be treated like collector's items while lab-grown gems become everyday wear? For now, De Beers is gambling that the storyand scarcityof natural diamonds can lure buyers back.
Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest, marking a historic first for the country's ex-leaders. The ruling, issued by Judge Sandra Liliana Heredia, found Uribe guilty of abusing processes and bribing a public official in a long-running witness-tampering case, reports Reuters . He was also hit with a $578,000 fine and barred from holding public office for more than eight years.

Uribe, who led Colombia from 2002 to 2010 and heads the Democratic Center party, was convicted after a 13-year investigation. The case centered on allegations that Uribe ordered a lawyer to offer bribes to jailed paramilitaries in an attempt to undermine claims linking him to their organizations. The origins trace back to leftist Sen. Ivan Cepeda, who gathered testimonies from ex-paramilitaries tying Uribe to these groups in Antioquia, where Uribe was once governor. The nation's Supreme Court found it was Uribe's circle, not Cepeda, who'd pressured witnesses.

Uribe, 73, has denied the accusations and called the trial a political persecution; his legal team plans to appeal. "Politics prevailed over the law in sentencing," he said Friday, per the AP. Supporters echo claims of judicial overreach, while critics view the verdict as long-overdue accountability for alleged ties to right-wing paramilitariesa connection Uribe has always rejected. The Guardian notes that Uribe is also being investigated for other matters, with a complaint even being filed against him in Argentina, "where universal jurisdiction allows for the prosecution of crimes committed anywhere in the world."

story continues below

The sentence arrives less than a year before Colombia's next presidential election, potentially complicating the campaigns of Uribe's allies. International reactions are already reverberating: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ruling, fueling speculation about future US aid to Colombia.
The pilots of a US Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January would've had difficulty spotting the plane while wearing night vision goggles, experts told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday. The Army goggles would've made it difficult to see the plane's colored lights, which might have helped the Black Hawk determine the plane's direction, per the AP . The goggles also likely limited the pilots' peripheral vision as they flew near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The challenges posed by night vision goggles were among the topics discussed at the NTSB's third and final day of public testimony over the fatal midair crash, which killed all 67 people aboard both aircrafts.

Experts said another challenge that evening was distinguishing the plane from lights on the ground while the two aircraft were on a collision course. Plus, the helicopter pilots may not have known where to look for a plane that was landing on a secondary runway that most planes didn't use. Two previous days of testimony underscored a number of factors that likely contributed to the collision, sparking NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy to urge the Federal Aviation Administration to "do better" as she pointed to warnings the agency had ignored years earlier.

Some of the major issues that have emerged so far include the Black Hawk helicopter flying above prescribed levels near the airport, as well as the warnings to FAA officials for years about the hazards related to the heavy chopper traffic there. Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB and FAA crash investigator, says that a combination of factors produced this tragedy, like "holes that line up in the Swiss cheese." "This accident was caused by layer after layer of deficiencies that piled up at just the right moment," he said. It's too early for the board to identify what exactly caused the crash. A final report from the board won't come until next year. More here.
Oklahoma is planning a new hurdle for teachers relocating from states with liberal policies: an "America First" certification test, reports Time . State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that the exam will target teachers from "blue" states like California, New York, and Maine, aiming to weed out what he called "woke, indoctrinating social justice warriors," per Fox News . Walters insists the test, developed with input from conservative group PragerU, will ensure newcomers align with Oklahoma values and will cover American history, as well as unspecified "common sense" topics.

The move comes in response to what Walters describes as concerning trends in other states, such as the teaching of gender identity. He singled out directives he claims exist in some blue states, though the education departments in California, New York, and Maine don't reference teaching about "27 genders," as Walters alleges, per Time. California law does require inclusivity in teaching about gender and LGBTQ topics, while Maine has opposed federal efforts to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports.

Walters, a vocal supporter of President Trump who's contending with his own issues at the moment, is simply trying to protect students from "extreme left-wing ideologies," a PragerU rep tells Fox. Walters also claims teachers are leaving unions and blue states for Oklahoma. Last year, the state offered bonuses of up to $50,000 to experienced teachers willing to make the move. PragerU, which is helping design the test, says it wants to shield Oklahoma students from what it calls damaging "ideologies." The "America First" test will be rolled out as soon as the coming school year.
Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people, witnesses and health workers said Saturday. It followed a visit by US officials to a GHF site and the US ambassador describing the troubled system as "an incredible feat." Also on Saturday, President Trump's envoy met with families of Israelis being held hostage, the AP reports, a session not all found satisfying. Developments include:




This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Workday Inc. must provide a list of customers who enabled HiredScore artificial intelligence features in their hiring process, even though the company acquired the technology after the original complaint was filed, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled Tuesday.

Previously, a plaintiff brought a lawsuit  which turned into a collective action  against Workday, alleging the AI-based applicant recommendation software had negatively affected candidates aged 40 and up in the hiring process.

Tuesdays order calls for the collective to include individuals whose applications were scored, sorted, ranked, or screened using the HiredScore AI features.

Dive Insight:

Workday claimed that the collective should only include individuals who were scored or ranked by its Candidate Skills Match.

Workday takes the position that there are material differences in the scoring algorithms between the HiredScore AI features and Candidate Skills Match that would have affected the plaintiff, per the court documents. Workday also claimed that HiredScore was a separate product, built on a wholly separate technology platform that can run on any kind of applicant tracking software.

AI in hiring continues to be a point of contention in the employment law landscape. Notably, New York City restricted AI in hiring in 2022, with its laws going into effect in 2023. Any kind of automated decision-making tool must be audited, and all candidates should be notified of the use of the technology under the legislation.

New York City has been on the forefront of AI regulation, particularly when it comes to hiring, but California and Colorado are also slated to have AI hiring regulations on the books in 2026.

Still, a gray area exists. Private companies supporting HR, like LinkedIn, are adding AI tools to assist recruiters, for example.

Previously, per May court documents, Workday has raised concerns that there may be logistical hurdles to identifying members of the collective. Still, Judge Rita Lin said at the time, On the current record, those challenges do not appear insurmountable.

Workday must come up with a timeline for identifying the customers who have enabled the technology by Aug. 20.

Correction: In a previous version of this article, the court-ordered content to be supplied was misstated. Workday must propose a timeline of identifying customers by Aug. 20.
Hundreds of thousands of young Catholics poured into a vast field on Rome's outskirts on Saturday for the weekend highlight of the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year: an evening vigil, outdoor slumber party, and morning Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV that marks his first big encounter with the next generation of Catholics. Leo arrived by helicopter as the sun set over the Tor Vergata field and immediately boarded his open-topped popemobile for loops through the flag-waving, cheering pilgrims, the AP reports. They had already been partying for hours, setting up campsites for the night as misting trucks and water cannons spritzed them to offer relief from the 85-degree heat.

"As a young person, having the chance to live this meeting with the pope I feel it is a spiritual growth," said Francisco Michel of Mexico. For the past week, crowds from around the world have poured into Rome for the special Jubilee celebration, in a Holy Year in which 32 million people are expected to descend on the Vatican in a centuries-old pilgrimage to the seat of Catholicism. The youths have been traipsing down cobblestoned streets in color-coordinated T-shirts, praying the Rosary, and singing hymns accompanied by guitars, bongo drums, and tambourines. Using flags to shield them from the sun, they have taken over piazzas for Christian rock concerts and inspirational talks, and they stood for hours at the Circus Maximus to confess their sins to 1,000 priests offering the sacrament in a dozen languages.

The first American pope was presiding over the vigil Saturday night. He was to return to the Vatican for the night and come back for another popemobile tour and Mass on Sunday. Officials had initially expected 500,000 youngsters this weekend, but Leo hinted the number might reach 1 million. "It's a bit messed up, but this is what is nice about the Jubilee," said Chloe Jobbour, a 19-year-old Lebanese Catholic. She said it had taken two hours to get dinner at an overwhelmed KFC. And the school that offered her group housing is an hour away by bus. But Jobbour didn't mind: It's all part of the experience. "I don't expect it to be better than that," she said. "I expected it this way."
A federal investigation of Jack Smith has begun, requested by a Republican senator and following up on allegations by President Trump and his allies that the former special counsel's actions constituted illegal political activity. The Office of Special Counsel, which is not connected to the operation Smith led, told NBC News on Saturday that it's looking into whether Smith violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits certain political activities by government officials. Sen. Tom Cotton asked the office to investigate, accusing Smith of "unprecedented interference in the 2024 election."

Cotton listed as examples Smith's decisions to seeking quick trial dates in the two criminal cases Trump faced, actions that the senator said were intended to influence the presidential election. The New York Times points out a couple of ways the investigation is unusual. The agency typically looks into possible violations of federal rules about the civil service, not prosecutorial decisions. Lawyers for fired or demoted government employees already have complained that the office isn't carrying out its usual duties during the Trump administration. Trump fired the head of the office in February while Hampton Dellinger was pushing to have thousands of probationary federal workers the administration had fired reinstated.

Also, Smith is no longer a federal employee, having left before Trump took office. The prosecutions of Trump, who was then a candidate, were dropped after last fall's election. Smith issued a report saying the only reason for abandoning the cases was a Department of Justice policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. The Office of Special Counsel is an independent agency. It lacks the authority to investigate criminal matters, per ABC News.
TOKYO, Aug 02 (News On Japan) - Japan experienced its hottest July on record, with the nationwide average temperature exceeding the standard by 2.89C, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. This marks the third consecutive year of record-breaking July temperatures, and the second straight month of record highs following June.

The agency reported that the average temperature across 15 major observation points from Hokkaido to Okinawa was 2.89C above the normal July level. This significantly surpassed last years previous record of 2.16C, making it the highest July temperature since statistics began in 1898.

In addition to the heat, precipitation levels in July were unusually low. Rainfall on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region and in the Hokuriku region was the lowest on record for the month, amounting to just 13% and 8% of the average, respectively.

Looking at specific locations, Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture recorded just 1% of average rainfall, Niigata 2%, Yamagata 4%, and Sendai 10%. In total, 10 observation sites either broke or tied their lowest rainfall records for July.

The Meteorological Agency warned that intense heat is expected to continue for at least another month, particularly from northern to western Japan. It urged the public to stay alert to weather forecasts and heatstroke warnings, and to take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.

The agency also stated that, given the consecutive record-breaking temperatures in June and July and the forecast for continued high temperatures in August, there is a strong possibility that the average annual temperature in Japan could exceed last years all-time high.

Concerns are also growing about the impact of the extreme weather on agriculture. The drought-stricken areas of Tohoku and Hokurikuboth key rice-producing regionsmay face negative effects on crop growth, especially rice and other essential produce.

Source: TBS
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - "President Trump has announced that the United States will increase its tariffs to 35% on those Canadian exports that are not covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume.

The U.S. application of CUSMA means that the U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners. Other sectors of our economy  including lumber, steel, aluminum, and automobiles  are, however, heavily impacted by U.S. duties and tariffs. For such sectors, the Canadian government will act to protect Canadian jobs, invest in our industrial competitiveness, buy Canadian, and diversify our export markets.

The United States has justified its most recent trade action on the basis of the cross-border flow of fentanyl, despite the fact that Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes. Canada's government is making historic investments in border security to arrest drug traffickers, take down transnational gangs, and end migrant smuggling. These include thousands of new law enforcement and border security officers, aerial surveillance, intelligence and security operations, and the strongest border legislation in our history. We will continue working with the United States to stop the scourge of fentanyl and save lives in both our countries.

While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong. The federal government, provinces, and territories are working together to cut down trade barriers to build one Canadian economy. We are developing a series of major nation-building projects with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners. Together, these initiatives have the potential to catalyse over half a trillion dollars of new investments in Canada.

Canadians will be our own best customer, creating more well-paying careers at home, as we strengthen and diversify our trading partnerships throughout the world. We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away by building with Canadian workers and by using Canadian resources to benefit all Canadians."

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

PMO Media Relations: [email protected]
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trumps tariff onslaught this week left a lot of losers  from small, poor countries like Laos and Algeria to wealthy U.S. trading partners like Canada and Switzerland. Theyre now facing especially hefty taxes  tariff  on the products they export to the United States starting Aug. 7.

The closest thing to winners may be the countries that caved to Trump's demands  and avoided even more pain. But it's unclear whether anyone will be able to claim victory in the long run  even the United States, the intended beneficiary of Trumps protectionist policies.

In many respects, everybodys a loser here, said Barry Appleton, co-director of the Center for International Law at the New York Law School.

Barely six months after he returned to the White House, Trump has demolished the old global economic order. Gone is one built on agreed-upon rules. In its place is a system in which Trump himself sets the rules, using Americas enormous economic power to punish countries that wont agree to one-sided trade deals and extracting huge concessions from the ones that do.

The biggest winner is Trump, said Alan Wolff, a former U.S. trade official and deputy director-general at the World Trade Organization. He bet that he could get other countries to the table on the basis of threats, and he succeeded  dramatically.

Everything goes back to what Trump calls Liberation Day  April 2  when the president announced reciprocal taxes of up to 50% on imports from countries with which the United States ran trade deficits and 10% baseline taxes on almost everyone else.

He invoked a 1977 law to declare the trade deficit a national emergency that justified his sweeping import taxes. That allowed him to bypass Congress, which traditionally has had authority over taxes, including tariffs  all of which is now being challenged in court.

Winners will still pay higher tariffs than before Trump took office

Trump retreated temporarily after his Liberation Day announcement triggered a rout in financial markets and suspended the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days to give countries a chance to negotiate.

Eventually, some of them did, caving to Trumps demands to pay what four months ago would have seemed unthinkably high tariffs for the privilege of continuing to sell into the vast American market.

The United Kingdom agreed to 10% tariffs on its exports to the United States  up from 1.3% before Trump amped up his trade war with the world. The U.S. demanded concessions even though it had run a trade surplus, not a deficit, with the UK for 19 straight years.
By Bartosz Dabrowski

(Reuters) -Linde, the world's largest industrial gases company, on Friday said it was planning to grow its commercial space business after posting quarterly earnings above market expectations.

The U.S.-German company supplies industrial gases and infrastructure to over 80% of U.S. commercial space launches, its chief executive Sanjiv Lamba told analysts on a conference call. That includes a contract with NASA to supply liquid hydrogen used as fuel in cryogenic rocket engines.

"I do see space as a very attractive opportunity for growth," CEO Sanjiv Lamba said. Over the last three years, Linde's revenues from the commercial space segment had almost quadrupled, he added.

Last week, Linde announced two long-term agreements to supply bulk industrial gases for rocket launches to support the U.S. commercial space sector.

"The opportunity to supply fuels for rocket launches, propulsion systems for placing satellites into orbits, it's fueling double-digit growth in that particular end market," Lamba said.

Linde reported a 6% rise in its adjusted earnings per share to $4.09 in the second quarter. That was ahead of analysts' mean estimate of $4.03 per share, according to LSEG data.

Linde's chemicals & energy business grew 22% in the April-June period.

The group raised the lower end of its 2025 earnings per share guidance, and now expects them in a range of $16.30 to $16.50, compared to between $16.20 and $16.50 previously.

Linde's total sales were up 5% at $8.495 billion in the second quarter, against analysts' forecast of $8.352 billion.

(Reporting by Bartosz Dabrowski in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak and Matt Scuffham)
Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) is one of the Best 52-Week Low Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now. The company reported Q2 2025 results on July 22. In Q2 2025, the companys sales of $18 billion saw a sequential growth as it continues to fuel supply chain improvements and ramp capacity on the required deterrent capabilities. Additionally, the company invested $800 million in infrastructure and innovation for growth and returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) Sees Sequential Growth in Q2 2025 Sales

A military aircraft in flight, showing the strength of the company's combat & air mobility capability.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)s Aeronautics segment saw an increase of $143 million, or 2% YoY, in sales during the quarter ended June 29, 2025. This was mainly because of increased sales of $470 million on the F-35 program as a result of higher volume on production contracts. This increase was partially mitigated by a $360 million unfavorable cumulative adjustment to sales due to the loss on a classified contract. For FY 2025, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) expects sales in the range of ~$73,750 million  $74,750 million, and FCF of between ~$6,600 million  $6,800 million.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)s Missiles and Fire Control segment witnessed an increase of $331 million, or 11% YoY, in sales during the quarter ended June 29, 2025. This was mainly due to higher sales of $330 million on tactical and strike missile programs because of production ramp-up on Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and precision fires programs.

While we acknowledge the potential of LMT as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca asked an officer to call the chief of police while she was being processed for a DWI, video shows. Lumberton Police Department

A Burlington County mayor who was arrested in front of her home for driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child has returned to her elected post.

Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca returned to the Township Committee in May after completing two months of inpatient rehabilitation for substance abuse issues, according to a message she posted on social media.

Today marks my 59th day of sobriety, LaPlaca, 46, said in the statement at the May 15 committee meeting. This past weekend I was discharged after successfully completing 54 days of inpatient treatment. I am now undergoing intensive outpatient treatment three hours a day, five days a week.

Open containers of alcohol were found by police in LaPlacas car after she was reported by another motorist who filmed her swerving across the roadway and nearly hitting a utility pole on March 17.

The person told police that LaPlaca had driven from at least Moorestown and that they became concerned when they noticed a young child in the car.

Body worn camera recordings showed LaPlaca letting her young son out of the car when officers arrived at her home.

LaPlaca later admitted she had been drinking that day and stumbled during field sobriety tests, body worn camera recordings show.

The recordings also showed visible damage to her car. It is unclear if the damage to her car happened the day of her DWI arrest or at another time.

LaPlaca was absent from the March and April committee meetings after she was charged with driving while intoxicated and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Members of the public at those meetings called for her resignation and asked the four other members of Lumbertons council to have Laplaca removed from the committee.

In April, Gov. Phil Murphy said Laplaca should step down and focus on her recovery.

Committeeman Terrance Benson also suggested Laplaca should step down as mayor at the April meeting.

Lumbertons committee members censured LaPlaca at the April meeting.

The witness reported the license plate number of the vehicle, and police in Lumberton responded to LaPlacas residence as she was taking her son out of the back seat of the car, officials said.

While being processed at the police station after her arrest, LaPlaca asked for the Lumberton police chief to be called.

It is difficult to remove an elected official from their seat in New Jersey, but some residents in Lumberton have launched a recall effort.

At least 25% of eligible voters must sign a recall petition in order to effectively challenge the seat. The petition must also be filed within a certain timeframe in order to have the election placed on the ballot.

LaPlaca had a pre-indictment conference on June 16. LaPlacas attorney declined to comment.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
USS Jacob Jones (DD-130)/U.S. Navy Photo by Donald M. McPherson. Courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command. U.S. Navy Photo

When Myles Martel peers at the ocean off Cape Mays beaches, his mind often turns to the 131 souls lost when the USS Jacob Jones was torpedoed more than 80 years ago.

The destroyer was sunk on Feb. 18, 1942 just miles off Cape Mays beaches at the mouth of the Delaware Bay. Just 11 on board survived.

It was the first warship to be attacked by a U-boat following Germanys declaration of war against the United States.

Martel, a retired college professor and history buff, has proposed building a memorial with all of the names of those who died when the destroyer sank during World War II.

The challenge has been finding the appropriate spot in Cape May, long known as Americas oldest seaside resort.

During a virtual meeting Thursday, residents expressed concerns about the latest proposed location for the memorial on Wilmington Avenue.

Residents said the proposed 26-foot monument, designed to show a ships bow standing out of the water, was too high and would be distracting. They also said it would be too close to the dunes.

Rendering of the Jacob Jones memorial at Wilmington Avenue in Cape May. Public concerns have forced a redesign of the 26-foot memorial and this design is no longer being considered. Rendering by John Boecker John Boecker

Martel agreed to make changes in the design.

It was a magnificent design, 26 feet high, and it was going to be down where the dunes are, Martel said. This new design will definitely be shorter and it will be brought much closer to the sea wall as opposed to the dunes.

Martel has asked the groups architect for the redesign, but doesnt have a timeline for when it will be completed.

We will be starting from scratch to come up with a design that is compatible with our criteria and responsive to various issues raised by citizens, he said.

Martel has formed a committee and created a website for his Jacob Jones Memorial Monument plan.

The memorial would be privately funded, Martel said.

Martels group has looked at a few sites in the city since May, but public opinion has swayed them to change location more than once.

His group previously looked at two other city locations, including Howard Avenue at the Promenade and Cove Beach near Beach Avenue.

We chose not to pursue the Cove Beach location after getting public feedback. They felt it was too busy, and that location should be preserved as is, he said.

The group decided against Howard Street on their own, he said, after visiting the site.

For more details on the project, visit the Jacob Jones Memorial or the city website.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Stephanie Loder may be reached at SLoder@njadvancemedia.com.
Former Maroon 5 bassist Mickey Madden has been alleged of assaulting his wife after she accused him of inappropriately messaging teen girls.(Photo by Mauricio Santana/Getty Images) Getty Images

Mickey Madden, the former bassist of Maroon 5, has been accused of attacking his wife after she found some disturbing messages between Madden and teenage girls.

The former Maroon 5 bassists wife, Kate Bowman, said Madden assaulted her on July 21 when she confronted him about his inappropriate communication with teens. Bowman filed for a restraining order in Los Angeles Wednesday, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

Bowman said Madden went insane when she brought up the allegations and shoved her into a kitchen counter once she grabbed his phone. Bowman claims she then ran outside of their home as Madden, barefoot and in his underwear, chased her before catching up to her and shoving her into a gate. She escaped again and hid down the street between parked cars while she went through his phone.

Bowman brought the situation to Maddens attention after receiving a message from a teenage girl who alerted her of Maddens sexually charged texts which included lewd images and fantasies of sexual assault, per the report.

I was extremely hurt and disturbed. I needed to understand what was going on between them, Bowman said in the court filing, according to PEOPLE.

Madden claimed the sexting was a private and fake harmless fantasy that had no bearing on real life at all, in a text exchange with Bowman.

Mickey. I do not know the man who hires 18 year old prostitutes to text them about wanting to be their stepdad and rape them while we are on our honeymoon, Bowman replied Madden in text.

Bowman is now seeking to bar Madden from coming within 100 yards of her. A judge granted a temporary restraining order, which will be effective until the couples schedule court hearing on Aug. 20.

The former bassist is currently in a rehabilitation facility.

Madden formed the Grammy-winning Maroon 5 alongside Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael and Ryan Dusick in 1994, initially calling the group Karas Flowers. He played with the band up until 2020 after he was accused of domestic violence. Madden was arrested on a felony charge later that year and released after posting a $50,000 bond.

More entertainment news:

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
Police blocked the area around the July 28, 2025, standoff incident, including here at Barbara Hillman Way and Ridgewood Avenue, a block away. (Photo by Steve Strunsky | NJ.com)

Investigators have identified the man shot by police during a standoff in Newark earlier this week and announced the charges he is facing.

Shaquan Landrum, 34, of Hillside, was charged attempted murder, attempt to cause serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon, possession of an assault firearm, possession of a privately made firearm without a serial number (commonly referred to as a ghost gun), endangering the welfare of a child, and other offenses, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office announced Friday evening.

On Monday afternoon, members of the U.S. Marshals Service were in the city assisting Newark police officers with executing an arrest warrant for Landrum, who was wanted for attempted murder and other criminal charges out of Hillside in Union County, the office said.

On Monday afternoon, police encountered Landrum inside a home on Irvine Turner Boulevard in the area of West Bigelow Street in the city and he began firing at them after barricading himself inside, authorities said.

Landrum fired gunshots at various times over a 20-minute period, striking objects including a police vehicle behind which officers had taken cover, investigators said.

Newark Police Officer Daniel Arias ultimately shot and wounded Landrum, the office said. He was taken to University Hospital in Newark for treatment. No police were injured.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told reporters at the scene on Monday that officers also safely rescued a baby from the residence with the use of a bullet-proof shield.

I do know that he did have a baby, Baraka told reporters. Police retrieved the baby from his custody.

The office has not released any details related to the child.

During a search of the home, police recovered a rifle and a handgun, officials said.

The criminal investigation into these charges is still ongoing and being conducted by the Essex County Prosecutors Office.

Under state law, the attorney generals office is required to investigate all police-involved shootings.

Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
President Donald Trump said on Friday he ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines two "appropriate regions" over "highly provocative statements" made by former Russian president and current official Dmitry Medvedev.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the deployment is being made "just in case" Medvedev's "foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."

Medvedev, who is the current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, has been exchanging threats with Trump over the past days. On Thursday he warned about the "Dead Hand," a Cold War Soviet nuclear command that allegedly triggers automatic retaliation if Moscow leadership is targeted.

BREAKING 



TRUMP: "I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in appropriate regions" near Russia pic.twitter.com/zx3rjwpOJC  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 1, 2025

The feud began on Monday when Medvedev said that Trump's reduced deadline for Moscow to take steps towards ending the war in Ukraine actually put the U.S. and Russia closer to an armed conflict.

"Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road!" Medvedev said back then.

Trump replied on Thursday as part of a broader message related to trade between India and Russia. "Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory!"

Medvedev then invoked the concept of Dead Hand. "Let him remember his favorite movies about 'The Walking Dead,' as well as how dangerous the non-existent in nature 'Dead Hand' can be," he said, according to Time.

The outlet detailed that the system was never confirmed officially, but was acknowledged in 2011 by a retired commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, who said it could be reactivated.

In another passage of the post, Trump said that "words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences." "I hope this will not be one of those instances," he concluded.

Trump set on Monday a deadline of "10 or 12 days" for Russia to take steps towards ending the war in Ukraine or risk consequences, including sanctions on the country and buyers of its exports. "There's no reason in waiting... We just don't see any progress being made," Trump said in Scotland.

"There's no reason to wait. If you know what the answer is going to be, why wait? And it would be sanctions and maybe tariffs, secondary tariffs," Trump added after saying he was "disappointed" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I don't want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people."

Originally published on Latin Times
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is included among the 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Retirement.

Maximizing Retirement Income with Altria Groups (MO) Attractive Dividend Stocks

A close-up of an assembly line with a blend of tobacco products.

The company mainly generates its revenue by selling nicotine-based products, with cigarettes accounting for the majority of its income. While nicotine isnt an essential item, its addictive nature means that consumers typically continue purchasing their preferred form of consumption regardless of economic conditions.

In the second quarter of 2025, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) reported revenue of $6.1 billion, which fell by 1.7% from the same period last year. The company remained focused on advancing its long-term Vision while sustaining the strength and profitability of its core operations. Within the oral tobacco segment, the product on! demonstrated strong performance and served as the primary contributor to the segments growth during the period.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) also demonstrated a stable cash position in the second quarter. At the end of the period, the company had nearly $1.3 billion available in cash and cash equivalents. It also returned $1.7 billion to shareholders through dividends, showing its commitment to investor return. In addition, the company is a Dividend King with 55 consecutive years of dividend growth under its belt. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.63%, as of July 30.

While we acknowledge the potential of MO 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: 13 Best Materials Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Best and Safe Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Disclosure: None.
A Passaic County resident with measles may have exposed others when they visited Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains. Courtesy of Atlantic Health System

The New Jersey Department of Health warned residents Saturday that a person with measles recently visited the emergency department at Chilton Medical Center in Morris County.

Anyone who visited the emergency department in Pompton Plains from 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31 to 3:30 a.m. the following morning may have been exposed to measles, according to the state announcement.

Additionally, anyone in the hospitals fifth floor intensive care unit on Friday, Aug. 1, between 1:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., may also have been exposed to measles, according to health officials.

People exposed could develop symptoms as late as Aug. 24, the state added.

Individuals at risk include those who have not been fully vaccinated or have not had measles in the past.

ALSO: Do I need a measles vaccine booster?

The single case involves a resident of Passaic County who developed measles following recent international travel. This case is not related to the Hudson County or Ocean County cases reported in July, the state department noted.

There were no other cases reported as of Saturday, according to the announcement.

New Jersey has reported six measles cases among residents so far in 2025, three of which were part of a household outbreak in February.

Measles is a highly contagious virus easily spread by an infected person talking, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a red rash that begins at the hairline. In serious cases, infected people may develop pneumonia and encephalitis. Pregnant women may miscarry or deliver a low birth-weight baby, the health department said.

People with measles are contagious starting four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash is visible.

The virus spreads easily through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, officials warned. People can also get sick when they come in contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person.

The health department stressed people should call their doctor first before arriving at any facility so that necessary infection prevention precautions can be taken to protect other patients and staff.

According to the CDC, as of July 29 a total of 1,333 confirmed measles cases were reported by 40 states so far this year.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
Jeff DuVilla, a Hammonton native, holds the "Veil" marker used in treasure hunts organized by he and his brother, Paul. The pair's latest hunt, which centers around their South Jersey roots, has a prize of about $3,600 for the lucky finder. Jeff and Paul DuVilla, provided

Deep within the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a gold-paint marker, inscribed with the name Veil, has been waiting nearly three weeks to be found.

Whoever does wins nearly $3,600.
Red warning flags will likely be flying along the Jersey Shore on Saturday because of the high risk of dangerous rip currents developing. Aside from that, it is shaping up to be a very nice weather weekend in New Jersey. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

New Jersey finally has a nice summer weekend on tap, with plenty of sunshine and low humidity.

However, beach-goers at the Jersey Shore are being warned about a high risk of dangerous rip currents developing on Saturday.
Aaron Boone used all three of his new relievers on Friday night and they combined to give up nine runs in relief. AP
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.
By Rishika Sadam

HYDERABAD (Reuters) -McDonald's plans to "double down" on its artificial intelligence investments by 2027 and is betting on India to be a key hub for data governance, engineering and platform architecture, a senior executive said on Friday.

The fast-food giant, which entered India in 1996, operates hundreds of restaurants across the country and recently set up a global office in the southern city of Hyderabad, with an aim to make it the largest outside the United States.

"We're still in the early stages, so it's hard to pin down the exact investment," McDonald's head of Global Business Services operations, Deshant Kaila, said in an interview on the sidelines of an event in Hyderabad.

McDonald's is using AI to verify orders at 400 restaurants to pre-empt errors before handing them over to customers, and expects to roll this out to 40,000 locations globally by 2027, Durga Prakash, head of technology (global offices), said.

The fast-food giant is also using AI tools to forecast sales, decide on pricing and assess product performance and is building a personalised app, which would work across countries, according to Kaila.

He said the India push will centre on building its AI team, but added that spending will lean more toward technology and tools, not headcount.

The company is in talks to set up a global office in Poland, just like the ones in India and Mexico, according to Durga Prakash.

Earlier this year, the southern Indian state of Telangana said that McDonald's would launch a global capability center, employing 2,000 people in Hyderabad.

India's global capability centers, once low-cost outsourcing hubs for global corporations, have evolved to support their parent organisations in domains ranging from operations and finance to research and development.

(Reporting by Rishika Sadam, Chandini Monnappa and Praveen Paramasivam; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
A Big Tech blowout.

After strong second quarter earnings reports from Alphabet (GOOG) and Netflix (NFLX), the market was ready to be amazed by Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta (META). What investors got was flat-out noteworthy given the gargantuan size of these beasts.

Meta delivered 22% revenue growth to $47.52 billion as AI investments fuel improved ad monetization. On the earnings call, co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg sounded like an AI overlord, hyping up his recent hiring of Alexandr Wang to build out a superintelligence unit.

No matter that Meta guided to a roughly $30 billion year-over-year increase in capital expenditures this year!

"Meta's 2Q results reinforced that AI is driving positive impacts on engagement and advertising, which enables Meta to invest more in AI capacity," KeyBanc analyst Justin Patterson wrote.

Microsoft was no slouch. The companys Azure business sales accelerated, which has analysts foaming at the mouth. Guidance looked solid too.

Guggenheim analyst John DiFucci noted, "Nights like this make us wonder why we couldnt get there with Microsoft when it was below $400 [a share], but frankly, we didnt see this coming, though in fairness to Microsoft management, they said it was."

Lost in the robust tech reports is Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell sounding more like a hawk than a dove at his presser Wednesday afternoon. And an honorable mention is the 27% surge in Wingstop's (WING) stock on Wednesday after strong earnings (watch the CEO on Opening Bid above).

Although its an embarrassment of riches for investors today in terms of catalysts, its Meta that deserves a zoom-in.

Zoom-in: Meta wows

Zuckerberg delivered, and then some.

On top of the 22% sales increase, the company signaled the good times will keep on rolling as it plows deeper into artificial intelligence. Perhaps more important than the sales increase is that operating profit margins rose despite mega-spending on AI projects.

Meta's quarterly scorecard:

Wins: The core advertising model is on fire. AI investments are clearly paying off. Zuckerberg is as engaged as ever.

Losses: Super lofty guidance for 2026 capex spending.

What analysts are saying:

"In addition to bringing tools for advertisers to better reach clients, AI can also be a source of currently unpriced revenue streams at WhatsApp (only a few regions use these messaging apps to engage with customers), including with Agentic AI. Also, with Meta AI (accessible from WhatsApp or via a standalone app in the US, for example), Meta could capture more search related traffic and open new ad opportunities. Were WhatsApp standalone to attract the same ad/services dollars as Facebook or Instagram, and assuming 10% cannibalisation rate, we calculate a $50 billion revenue opportunity in 2030." -HSBC's Neil Churchill
Microsoft CEO sends a surprising message on quantum computing originally appeared on TheStreet.

Were used to Big Tech and Microsoft (MSFT) being deep in AI.

But now, Microsoft just made quantum feel a whole lot less sci-fi. CEO Satya Nadella isnt pitching a pipe dream, and if you thought youd have to wait decades, think again.

On Microsofts latest earnings call, Nadella hailed quantum as the next big accelerator in the cloud, and unlike most tech hype cycles, he came with receipts.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

What we see now is bigger than a quarter; its a total reshaping of a cloud strategy, which could completely upend the AI race.

The next big accelerator in the cloud will be Quantum, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.Image source: Bloomberg/Getty Images

Microsofts AI-cloud engine keeps gaining steam

Microsofts fourth-quarter FY2025 results once again blew past expectations, while underscoring the depth of its cloud-AI momentum.

Revenue hit a superb $76.44 billion with earnings per share at $3.65, comfortably topping Wall Street forecasts.

Related: IonQ CEO drops bold call on quantum computings tipping point

However, it was Azures 39% year-over-year growth that stole the show again, supercharged by surging AI workloads and sticky enterprise demand.

Investors focused on supply and not demand as the key limiter. Microsoft flagged a coming $30 billion capex surge in expanding data center capacity, responding to the AI-driven pressure on compute availability.

That massive bet is already paying dividends.

Microsoft Clouds mix continues to show off sticky migration trends, growing inference activity, and healthy adoption of AI tools like Copilot.

The software, infrastructure, and services flywheel is spinning faster each quarter.

Analysts took note.

KeyBanc upgraded the stock to Overweight, slapping a $630 price target, citing Microsofts robust ability to maintain double-digit top and bottom-line growth.

Mizuho and Melius Research chimed in, too, hailing MSFT stock a must-own as it inches closer to a $4 trillion market cap.

That said, over the past year, Microsoft stock has killed it, posting a 27% bump year-to-date, compared to just a 7.8% jump in S&P 500 returns.

Near-term momentum has also been impressive, with Microsoft boasting a 24% return, dwarfing broader-market gains.

Consequently, it's now trading at remarkably lofty pricing multiples, at over 34 times non-GAAP earnings, roughly 8% higher than its five-year average.

Similarly, it's trading at 12x forward sales, approximately 10% higher than its five-year average.

Microsoft leans into quantum milestone with Atom Computing

Microsoft's quarterly call wasnt simply about earnings, but signaled a major paradigm shift.
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied permission to a five-member delegation from the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to travel to Yemen, citing serious security concerns and the lack of diplomatic ties with the countrys current administration.



In a letter addressed to the Council, the MEA stated that while the Supreme Court had allowed the Council to make representations to the government, the ministry could not permit the proposed visit to Sanaa.

The ministry pointed out that the Indian Embassy in Yemen has been relocated to Riyadh due to the deteriorating security situation. There is no diplomatic relationship with the current dispensation in Sanaa, the letter noted. It also highlighted that recent regional developments have made travel to Sanaa even more dangerous, and that negotiations in the case are being handled solely by Nimisha Priyas family or their authorised representatives. Emphasising that the safety and security of Indian nationals remains a top priority, the MEA said it continues to make all possible efforts in the matter. The letter concluded that, in view of the prevailing circumstances, the ministry could not grant travel permission to the delegation.

The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council, which is supporting Priyas legal defence, had filed a plea in the Supreme Court urging the Centre to permit a delegationincluding two or three representatives and a religious scholar from Keralato travel to Yemen and initiate talks with the victims family for forgiveness, a precondition for seeking pardon under Sharia law.

ADVERTISEMENT

The MEA said on Friday that it is also in touch with some friendly governments as part of efforts to reach a solution in the case.

"We continue to follow the matter and render all possible assistance closely. We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing. "I would once again reiterate that this is a sensitive and complex case. Media reports based on misinformation and speculation are most unhelpful, and we would urge all to be mindful of this," he said. Some reports claimed that her death sentence has been revoked and an agreement has been reached for her release. "Such reports are incorrect. This is a sensitive matte,r and we urge all sides to stay away from misinformation," Jaiswal said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse, hailing from Kollengode in Palakkad district, has been found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi in July, 2017. The 38-year-old is currently lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis. In 2020, a Yemeni court handed her the death sentence and the country's Supreme Judicial Council dismissed her appeal in November 2023. Her execution was scheduled for July 16, but it was postponed following intervention of Indian officials.
The issue of LGBT rights in Russia has become a highly politicized and weaponized topic today. Official discourse focuses obsessively on "traditional values," while thousands of Russian citizens -- young and old -- live under constant threat, subjected to repression and social ostracism merely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

While state media pushes a message of moral purity and heteronormative ideals, behind closed doors, some of the very people writing anti-LGBT laws lead double lives. In modern Russia, queerness is simultaneously demonized and quietly tolerated -- but only among the elite.

The infamous "gay propaganda" law was initially passed in 2013, officially under the title "law for the protection of children from information promoting the denial of traditional family values". It banned the so-called "promotion of nontraditional sexual relationships" to minors -- vague wording that effectively prohibits any public mention or depiction of LGBT people in a positive or even neutral light. In 2022, the law was dramatically expanded to include all age groups, outlawing almost all public representation of LGBT life.

Following the 2022 amendments, the consequences have become even more severe. According to a 2023 report by the Russian human rights network Set' (The Network):

* Over 60 websites and online resources offering LGBT-related education and support were shut down within six months of the law's expansion.

* 45+ criminal cases related to "LGBT propaganda" were opened in the first year.

* Mainstream booksellers removed novels with LGBT characters from their shelves.

* Psychologists and educators reported increased self-censorship, fearing prosecution if they acknowledge the existence of LGBT students.

Numerous documentaries and YouTube channels that offered emotional support to LGBT youth have vanished. Teachers are instructed to report students suspected of being "nontraditional", and health professionals are discouraged from discussing topics related to sexual identity.

What may seem most striking -- and for many, deeply offensive -- is the well-known yet unspoken truth within political and media circles: many of those who publicly advocate anti-LGBT policies are LGBT themselves.

Among the names that consistently appear in whisper networks and anonymous leaks are:

Vyacheslav Volodin - Deputy Chairman of the State Duma,

Vladimir Medinsky - Presidential Advisor and former Minister of Culture, once he was caught in one of the gay bars in Riga too, and his spouse recently on social media confirmed that he is a bisexual,

German Gref - CEO of Sberbank,

Vladimir Solovyov - State TV host known for aggressively anti-LGBT rhetoric, although his son is an open gay

Oleg Menshikov - Renowned theater actor and director,

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).
On June 22, the Financial Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. advanced a bill from Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican representing New York. H.R. 4427 is the Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025, and has prompted Democrats and Republicans to work together in support of the bill, while others of both parties are working against it.

If the bill passes into law, it would allow President Donald Trump to permanently lift key sanctions on Syria in two years if certain conditions are met by the government in Damascus. Among the conditions is the release of political prisoners held by deposed former leader Bashar al-Assad.

Trump previously repealed many sanctions on Syria by executive order. Trump has met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as Jolani. Trump became impressed with Sharaa, and in an effort to help the Syrian people rebuild their country and their lives, Trump called for sanctions to be lifted. The former U.S. sanctions prevented Syrian companies, as well as the government, from doing business with foreign countries for investments and imports.

Despite the humanitarian exemptions under the former sanctions, medical supply companies in Syria at one point could not obtain chemotherapy medications for cancer patients, and the Damascus director of the WHO, Elizabeth Hoff, reported many machines in hospitals across Syria sat idle for lack of repair parts because foreign companies feared the U.S. sanctions.

While many American lawmakers backed Trump's sanctions relief for Syria, there are elected officials in both parties who are skeptical of the new administration in Damascus, especially following the March massacre on the coast of Syria, and the recent massacre in Sweida, which prompted Israel to carry out airstrikes in Damascus.

The issues have split the congress into two groups, and both camps are a mix of parties.

In one camp, are Democrats and Republicans eager to support Trump's embrace of President Sharaa and his Islamist government. This group wants to see Syria open up to American business interests, including gas and oil development. The offshore energy fields in Syria are expected to be among the best in the world, and have not yet been exploited.

The opposite camp, are Democrats and Republicans keen to wait, review and hold the Sharaa government accountable for their governance, which has been met with mixed reviews. The new Islamist administration and leadership has been met with dissatisfaction by segments of society, and not only along sectarian lines.

Syria has been a socialist, secular political format for about 50 years. There are 18 different sects across Syria, with religious, ethnic and cultural differences, but had been living together until March 2011 when the Assad government cracked down on peaceful protests.

Representative Brad Sherman of California and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, both Democrats, worked with Republicans to advance H.R. 4427, while Representative Byron Donalds, Republican of Florida, and Trump supporter, crossed over to help the Democrats in voting 'no'.

Lawler told Semafor, "I believe it is foolish to immediately remove all sanctions without a truly stable situation on the ground," pointing to a possible "coup or a collapse of this fledgling government."

On June 30, the U.S. Department of the Treasury implemented Trump's executive order removing U.S. sanctions on Syria in support of the new Syrian government and its people. However, sanctions against Assad and his associates would continue to hold the former regime accountable for crimes and atrocities.

The U. S. sanctions were put in place over time and in response to many events. One set of sanctions were called 'The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019', and was passed by Trump.

'Caesar Sanctions' were prompted by a set of photographs of emaciated and dead prisoners held in the notorious political prison Saydnaya. Hundreds of thousands were held there for years, and many died there and were buried in mass graves. Prisoners had no charges, no legal representation, and no family visits.

Some of those held had been in a street protest, and others had simply clicked 'Like' on a Facebook post critical of Assad and his regime.

When Assad fled in the early hours of December 8, 2024 the guards of the prison fled as well, but left the cell doors locked. Family and friends of prisoners began arriving at Saydnaya almost immediately breaking down doors to release those lucky few who had survived.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
The bar of standards regarding belief in God has been set very, very low by the man-made "revealed" Abrahamic religions. In fact, you can say it's set at an ungodly low level.

The most powerful and blatant example of how very low the Abrahamic "revealed" religions have set the bar of standards for religious belief is painfully evident by the Hebrew Bible-based genocide the Jewish state of Israel is inflicting on the people in Gaza. Not only have they killed between 59,219 and 85,000 people, of which at least 17,921 are children, all through bombings, missile attacks, artillery fire, tank fire and small arms fire, Israel is now killing people, mostly children, through their newest weapon of starvation. Their cruel and ungodly god, Yahweh, if he were real, would be very proud of them.

Many people who are currently under the influence of a "revealed" religion are shocked to find the cruel and barbaric content of their particular "Word of God"/"holy scriptures." The four examples in the above image of ungodly content from the "holy books" of the major Abrahamic "revealed" religions are only a very small example out of pages and pages of such harmful content.

One primary reason for the shock of the faithful when they are shown passages which promote religious violence and hate is because they have religion and God tangled together in their minds. They equate religion with The Supreme Intelligence/God, when, in reality, religion and The Supreme Intelligence/God are two very separate things.

The "revealed" religions are all man-made and they all make irrational claims to having received instructions from The Supreme Intelligence/God. Since a Divine revelation can only be a Divine revelation in the first case, after that it is mere hearsay, there is no reason that aligns with our gift from The Supreme Intelligence/God of innate reason to believe them. In The Age of Reason, Thomas Paine (Thomas Paine was an essential American Founder and was NOT a Christian, he was a Deist) did a great job of pointing this fact out when he wrote,

"Revelation, when applied to religion, means something communicated immediately from God to man....No one will deny or dispute the power of the Almighty to make such a communication, if he pleases. But admitting, for the sake of a case, that something has been revealed to a certain person, and not revealed to any other person, it is revelation to that person only. When he tells it to a second person, a second to a third, a third to a fourth, and so on, it ceases to be a revelation to all those persons. It is revelation to the first person only, and hearsay to every other, and consequently they are not obliged to believe it."

Instead of embracing ungodly, barbaric, cruel and irrational man-made books as The Word of God, we should look to the true Word of God, the Creation itself. To quote Thomas Paine from The Age of Reason,

"It is only in the CREATION that all our ideas and conceptions of a word of God can unite. The Creation speaketh an universal language, independently of human speech or human language, multiplied and various as they may be. It is an ever-existing original, which every man can read. It cannot be forged; it cannot be counterfeited; it cannot be lost; it cannot be altered; it cannot be suppressed. It does not depend upon the will of man whether it shall be published or not; it publishes itself from one end of the earth to the other. It preaches to all nations and to all worlds; and this word of God reveals to man all that is necessary for man to know of God."
The article on the front page of The New York Times this week began: "Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, said on Tuesday that the Trump administration would revoke the scientific determination that underpins the government's legal authority to combat climate change."

"Speaking at a truck dealership in Indianapolis, Mr. Zeldin said the E.P.A. planned to rescind the 2009 declaration, known as the endangerment finding, which concluded that planet-warming greenhouse gases poses a threat to public health," The Times piece continued.

It quoted Zeldin, the hand-picked appointment of President Donald Trump to be administrator of the agency, saying: "The proposal would, if finalized, amount to the largest regulatory action in the history of the United States."

Reuters, in its coverage, said Zeldin announced a move that it said"will rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, removing the legal foundation for all U.S. greenhouse gas regulations."

Reuters said "if finalized, the repeal would end current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from vehicle tailpipes, power plants, smokestacks and other sources, and hamper future U.S. efforts to combat global warming."

The move was anticipated.

As an article in March in Sierra, the magazine of the Sierra Club, the largest environmental organization in the U.S., reportedd: "The Trump administration has announced its first step toward trying to revoke one of the most consequential legal standards in the United States for acting on planet-heating fossil fuel emissions. Sixteen years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency issued its landmark 'endangerment finding' that greenhouse gases heating up the planet threaten public health and welfare. Two years earlier, the Supreme Court paved the way for that finding with a determination that the EPA has the authority to limit the emissions of those gases through federal regulation."

"Now," it said, "the EPA, under Donald Trump, is trying to undo its own authority to take that action."

Zeldin "is ready to lead" a "far more radical retreat on climate change" than made during Trump's first term as president, it said.

Zeldin in March had just announced, the piece noted, that the EPA "will undertake a 'formal reconsideration' of its 2009 endangerment finding, which underpins the agency's legal obligation to regulate carbon dioxide and other climate pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The EPA also announced that it intends to undo all of its prior rules that flow from that finding, including limits on emissions from automobiles and power plants alongside scores of other rules pertaining to air and water pollution."

Zeldin had declared in that announcement: "We are driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion."

"Climate advocates reacted with outrage," the Sierra piece by Dana Drugmand went on. It quoted Joanne Spalding, legal director at the Sierra Club, saying: "Instead of protecting communities reeling from the havoc caused by climate disasters, Trump and Zeldin seek to shatter the foundation that undergirds our climate safeguards. Sierra Club has been expecting and preparing for this unlawful action, and we will use every legal means available to challenge it."

That pronouncement by Zeldin on repealing the "endangerment finding" was also focus of a New Yorker magazine article by Bill McKibben, a leader in challenging climate change. He wrote "the reversal of the long-standing federal position" as Zeldin "recommended".would be truly and deeply disgraceful-- not just climate denial but basic-science denial"true '1984' stuff"equivalent of 'War is peace' and 'Freedom is slavery.'" It would be "an explicit repudiation" of the understanding of "the role of carbon in our atmosphere."

Further, McKibben wrote, the move is "entirely predictable" as Trump "has said that climate change is a 'hoax' and a 'scam.' So Zeldin could have been in little doubt about what he was supposed to do."

What has been anticipated has happened-- and is happening.

As a journalist based on eastern Long Island, living in a Congressional district previously represented by Zeldin in the House of Representatives, I have known and reported on Zeldin for many years. The environment was never a major concern of his. He is a resident of Shirley, a community in central Long Island named Shirley for Walter T. Shirley, the real estate man who developed it.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Your average person, school teacher, or Wikipedia editor will tell you that we've long known what killed the dinosaurs millions of years before humans came around: an asteroid smashing into what is now Mexico.

The reality is that many geologists and other scientists have seriously doubted that explanation since it was first proposed in 1980, and an intense debate has raged ever since, with many arguing that such an impact, or even a large number of such impacts, probably played at most a bit role in causing the Earth's fifth mass extinction.



Augustine volcano Jan 24 2006 - Cyrus Read.

(Image by Wikipedia (commons.wikimedia.org), Author: Cyrus Read Geophysicist USGS, Alaska Volcano Observatory cread@usgs.gov) Details Source DMCA



In so far as the argument is clear to your average person lacking any expertise in the matter (such as myself), it runs something like this. Volcanic activity causing gradual climate change is an accepted cause of other mass extinctions, and there is strong evidence for its major role in this so-called fifth mass extinction -- specifically, evidence of tens of thousands of years of volcanic eruptions in what is now India. Various large meteor impacts have not been at times of any mass extinctions at all, and they do not have the power to cause one. Evidence suggests that the impact in Yucata'n was also not at the time of a rapid mass extinction, but rather 200,000 years prior to a gradual trend. Had an asteroid impact created a dust cloud blocking out the sun (as many believe a nuclear war would do) not just the non-avian dinosaurs and other species lost in that epoch would have died, but so would many other species that in fact survived. To explain away the evidence that the Yucata'n impact happened at the wrong time, supporters of the impact theory have concocted a tale of a tsunami mixing sediments around in an unheard of and unexplained manner.

The following dates may not seem relevant at first, but please bear with me:

In 1977, Exxon knew about and was already lying about climate change.

Also in 1977, the original Star Wars movie was released.

In 1978, a professor at Virginia Tech named Dewey McLean (and I say this begrudgingly as an alumnus of rival UVa) proposed that volcanic eruptions in what is now India had released greenhouse gases -- carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide -- causing global warming and the fifth mass extinction, and providing a warning, McLean argued, to humanity as it pursued an anthropogenic sixth mass extinction.

In 1980, a former Manhattan Project physicist named Luis Alvarez (you can watch an actor portray him siding with the McCarthyites against Oppenheimer in the recent Oppenheimer movie) announced his asteroid impact theory.

Also in 1980, Ronald Reagan was first elected president of the United States, which set military spending on a steep upward trajectory, including via the 1983 announcement of the Star Wars "missile defense" scam.

In 1984, impact theorists proposed that there had been a companion star orbiting the sun, which came to be called the Nemesis or Death Star (unproven by any evidence and concocted to explain a phenomenon the existence of which lacks any evidence).

According to a fascinating new book by a leading opponent of the impact theory, The Last Extinction: The Real Science Behind the Death of the Dinosaurs by Gerta Keller, the debate over the death of the dinosaurs, from 1980 to today, has been extremely unpleasant, and all the blame lies with the proponents of the impact theory. They've lied, cheated, and bullied. And sexism toward Keller has been a significant part of it. I doubt this is the one story in human history that doesn't have more than one side to it, and I haven't read the other side. But Keller's account comes across as credible. And there's a larger problem here than which side of the debate -- if either -- is correct, namely: the impactors have persuaded the general public that there is not and never was any debate at all.

Here's where I credit the Military Industrial Congressional "Intelligence" Media Academic Think Tank Complex. The Manhattan Project gave us not only nuclear weaponry, energy, waste, and radiation, forever chemicals, and of course the Cold War and a great deal of war mythology fundamental to U.S. foreign policy to this day, but also Luis Alvarez. Here I want to include an excerpt from Keller's book:

"Support for the impact hypothesis at this time was strengthened by a growing interest among astronomers to find and catalog potentially dangerous near-Earth objects. The same month the impact hypothesis was announced, NASA's Advisory Council sponsored a 'New Directions Symposium' that discussed 'Project Spacewatch' at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, which piggybacked on the impact hypothesis, its publicity, and the participation of Alvarez's group. The ostensive purpose of Space-watch was to predict and prevent a calamitous Earth impact by blasting from the sky any threatening asteroid, meteorite, or comet. It may not be a coincidence that-- threatened by budget cuts from the recently elected president, Ronald Reagan, (who had run on a platform of ending 'big government,')-- NASA was drawn to scientific research that could both be justified as in the interest of national security and could also obtain, as one NASA official put it, 'high scientific yields at low cost.' According to a New York Times Magazine piece about a symposium on meteorites that was held at the New York's Museum of Natural History in 1981, 'meteorite research [has] increased dramatically in scope and excitement during the last few years,' with NASA's budget for meteorite studies having grown sixfold in the preceding eight years. This trend would continue throughout the 1980s, with universities and independent scientists pitching in to track the skies for potential planetary dangers and scouring the Earth for large craters. By the time the 1990s arrived, NASA was joined by the US Air Force in devoting significant government resources in efforts to find extraterrestrial objects that might visit destruction on humanity. . . . "Despite a lack of evidence, it only took two years for the impact hypothesis to catapult to proven theory. You could date this change to April 28, 1982, when Luis Alvarez delivered a hotly anticipated lecture to the National Academy of Sciences. . . . "Science magazine drove the media hype from the beginning. From 1980 to 1989, Science published sixteen pro-impact articles, which were further promoted by thirteen pro-news commentaries by staff writer Richard Kerr. During this time, no articles were published of any opposition hypothesis, including volcanism. So why the bias? It's perhaps no coincidence that Science's masthead was packed with Alvarez protegees and Berkeley connections. Deputy Editor Philip H. Abelson was one of Luis Alvarez's collaborators on the atomic bomb. His successor, Donald E. Koshland, was another Berkeley product. Alvin Trivelpiece, the Executor Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which owns Science, was a retired former Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory where Alvarez had worked. Science magazine's prestige and media clout made it imperative for other media outlets to keep up with pro-meteorite impact stories to sell newspapers and magazines. This avalanche of pro-impact publicity created an aura of inevitability surrounding the impact hypothesis. Yet opinion polls among dinosaur experts in 1985 revealed a mere 4 percent believed a comet or meteorite caused the mass extinction."

Even the Nemesis / Death Star speculation made it big:

"[No theory] was more popular than the Nemesis idea which, seemingly overnight, transformed from an entertaining speculation into a theory. With its intriguing name and sci-fi overtones, it was an instant hit in the popular press. This hypothetical 'death star' even spawned a cover story in Time magazine and a lengthy autobiographical account by Richard Muller in the New York Times Sunday Magazine that was later abridged for the Reader's Digest (and then later expanded for a 1988 book). The media frenzy plunged me into a dark gloomy mood as I reflected upon the press's outsized role in promoting faulty science."

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Were I to be reduced to the chains of slavery, next to that enslavement, I should regard being the slave of a religious master the greatest calamity that could befall me. For all slaveholders with whom I have ever met, religious slaveholders are the worst. I have ever found them the meanest and basest, the most cruel and cowardly, of all others.

Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

When my mother and I reached the hardware store on 61st street, I asked if she could buy me a blue light bulb. She didn't answer. I was learning more and more about her since we hadn't lived together until a few months before when she remarried my father in the church's chapel. I was present as the only witness, even though my mother's parents and at least one brother was a block away and her only sister two blocks away. Of course when you are young, you see a problem, but it's usually not the same problem the adults are experiencing.





I remained silent as we both entered the store. She went in search of a bathroom mat. I decided to find the aisle with light bulbs. I was optimistic. I had to be, as most children are at eleven.





This is the 1964. Malcolm was shot dead already. President Kennedy was assassinated the year before. Here we were walking on creaky wooden floors, in a store on the Southside of Chicago still owned by a white man, looking for a blue bulb to summon a very special lady.





My mother decided on a green mat. Green was her favorite color. I saw the mat come down my aisle near where I stood in front of the bulb section, and then I tried to look at her eyes. My mother was looking around, everywhere but at me. She had no intention of looking at bulbs, let alone buy one. But I held the bulb out to her, hoping she would find it pretty, at least. I said it would be nice as a night light in the bedroom I shared with my sister. My mother looked at the bulb without taking it out of my hand. I watched her walk away.





I was beginning to understand that if she didn't say ask that I return whatever item I picked up to the shelf, it was okay to follow her to the counter. So following her to the counter, I placed the bulb beside the mat and hand towels.





We continued in silence, walking the five or six blocks, side by side.





Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
By Patrick Wingrove and Puyaan Singh

(Reuters) -Moderna trimmed its 2025 revenue forecast on Friday after UK deliveries of some COVID vaccines were deferred to next year, overshadowing lower-than-expected second-quarter loss and sending its shares down 7%.

The revised forecast of between $1.5 billion and $2.2 billion reflects ongoing headwinds for the vaccine maker, which is grappling with slumping demand for COVID-19 shots, a slower-than-expected RSV rollout and regulatory delays in its new product pipeline.

The company is also facing pressure to reduce costs and reestablish growth after pandemic-era profits faded.

Moderna said 40% to 50% of this year's revenue would be recognized in the third quarter, with the remainder expected in the fourth.

"The timing shift is due to the government's use of its fiscal year minimum product purchase for the spring campaign in 2026," finance chief James Mock said, adding it does not impact the total value of Moderna's multiyear contract with the UK.

The company reported quarterly revenue of $142 million, a 41% drop from last year, but still ahead of analyst estimates of $112.9 million, according to LSEG data.

On an adjusted basis, Moderna posted a quarterly loss of $2.13 per share, while analysts on average were expecting a loss of $2.97 per share.

Mock attributed the results to spring COVID booster shot uptake, which was down 11% year-over-year but higher than anticipated and $800 million in cost cuts in the first half of 2025.

"I don't think analysts thought we could get that much (in costs) out of the business," he told Reuters. Mock added that the spring sales boost could signal solid demand for COVID vaccines this autumn.

The sentiment was echoed by company President Steven Hogue, but he noted that "we really won't know until the end of the third quarter."

The Spikevax COVID-19 shot delivered $114 million in sales, beating the expected $87 million for the quarter, but a far cry from its 2022 pandemic peak, when the vaccine brought in $18.4 billion.

Moderna is counting on new mRNA products such as its experimental COVID-flu combo shot to revive growth.

The company said it did not expect a material impact on the cost of sales from the newly introduced tariffs.

Moderna also said it planned to cut operating costs by $400 million in 2025, bringing them down to $5.9 billion to $6.1 billion.

(Reporting by Patrick Wingrove in New York and Puyaan Singh and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Anil D'Silva)
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."



"i ? ?  i ? ?"i ? ?  i ? ?- George Santayana

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) has repeatedly prioritized the political ideology of charter school expansion over the academic success and physical safety of students, as evidenced by its mishandling of the North Valley Military Institute (NVMI). This charter school had been slated for closure by the LAUSD because of its overwhelming failures during its first charter term and had appealed to the county in an attempt to remain open. Upholding the elected LAUSD board would send a clear message that charter schools need to show superior results if they want to continue receiving funds diverted from the public education system.

Making the job easier for the LACOE Board, the County staff's evaluation of NVMI's appeal determined that the LAUSD's assessment was correct. This school was not fulfilling its obligations to the students it served and should not continue to receive public funding.

Instead of protecting the students and the taxpayers, LACOE voted to ignore both the LAUSD and the experts on its staff and renewed the failing charter school. In doing so, it ignored a pending lawsuit alleging a cover-up of sexual assault on students by a member of the administration and a failure to provide a required audit of its financials. Promoting the charter school industry was more important to the LACOE Board than closing a school that was not only failing academically and operationally, but also putting its students in physical danger.

Having taken responsibility for overseeing the troubled charter school, LACOE once again failed to serve the students they were sworn to protect. Taxpayers continued to fund the privately operated school despite ongoing operational deficiencies, academic failures, and students put in harm's way. As predicted by the LAUSD, the house of cards eventually collapsed, and the school was forced to close when it tried to start the school year without having obtained a campus to hold classes on. Even the closure was botched as parents were left scrambling to find new schools for their students after all other local schools had begun their school years.

Central to LACOE's failures was Board Member Yvonne Chan, who consistently advocated for NVMI even as its operation was visibly collapsing. She and her allies on the Board prevented definitive action that would have forced the charter school to wind down operations in a way that would have allowed families to transition to new schools with less disruption. Instead, the school was allowed to hold a week of orientation for new students, even as it was apparent it was never going to open.

At a recent Board meeting, Chan expressed her displeasure with a state law that requires her to reject low-performing charter schools unless they can present data showing they are making progress. She then ignored that law and voted to keep a failing school open despite its lack of the required data.

Chan never paid a price for these failures. She still retains her appointed seat on the Board despite her unwillingness to hold charter schools accountable for the public funding they receive.

Rubbing salt in the wound of LACOE's failures is continued evidence that the unelected board did not learn any lessons from the NVMI debacle. In April, the County board ignored its staff and the LAUSD to renew the charter of KIPP Sol Academy. LACOE also overturned the LAUSD's decision to close the Los Angeles Leadership Academy, a charter school that failed to meet benchmarks set in its previous renewal. Crete Academy may be one of the worst-ranked schools in California, but the County could not bring itself to close the charter school. Instead, it sent the decision back to the LAUSD, depriving parents of a clear understanding about the future of the school.

During the public hearings for these schools, Betty Forrester was a member of the minority on the LACOE Board who was willing to hold charter schools accountable. Unfortunately, due to redistricting, Forrester was dependent on her reappointment by County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Despite claiming to be a Democrat, Hahn supports privatizing education through charter schools. She previously appointed James Cross, who at the public hearing to decide the fate of Crete Academy, called the 12 resident schools that outperformed the charter school, "crummy" LAUSD schools.

Unsurprisingly, Hahn did not reappoint Forrester, depriving the LACOE Board of an important pro-public education voice. Hopefully, unchained from the diplomacy required of a Board Member, Forrester can provide insight into the decisions being made by this governing body. Most importantly, this would include what was said when the LACOE Board violated California's open meeting laws to discuss the future of the Crete Academy behind closed doors.

Carl Petersen is a proud father of five adult children, including two daughters on the severe end of the Autism spectrum. A passionate advocate for special education, he ran as a Green Party candidate for the LAUSD School Board. Renowned education advocate Dr. Diane Ravitch has praised him as "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." Recently, Carl relocated to the State of Washington, where he is embracing his role as "Poppy" to two grandsons. You can explore his insights and perspectives through his blogs at www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com.
Mamdani for NYC mayor"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... This is actually the fight we really wanted, isn't it?

I have no doubt that Zohran Mamdani, upset winner over the heavily favored former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, would have greatly preferred that his much better financed opponent would graciously accept the will of his party's voters, thereby allowing the Democratic nominee him to sail on through the final election in November as is generally the case. And so would we, his supporters, all. Instead, he finds himself actively opposed by elements of just about every significant anti-democratic, anti-working class faction in American politics. As the Talking Heads song put it, this race "ain't no disco; this ain't no fooling around." Should Mamdani's campaign prevail over all of them, the victory will realign the nation's politics more profoundly that anything since the first Bernie Sanders presidential campaign"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... a shift the nation is obviously in desperate need of.

On the one side we have a candidate arguing the need to pull out all the stops, to try all avenues"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... increased rent control and housing construction, reduced transit fares, city-owned supermarkets, higher taxes on great wealth, and so on down the line"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... in an effort to allow the city's working class to remain the city's working class, rather than become a stream of economic refugees who can no longer afford to live there. On the other side we've got a magpie's cast of characters, united only by their dread of the prospect of a mayor siding with the struggling many, while openly acknowledging that the over-privileged few"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... the billionaires who think that the city owes it all to them"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... are not the saviors they think themselves to be, but are actually part and parcel of the problem.

First up in the cast, of course, is the Republican Party, nominally in the person of its candidate Curtis Sliwa, founder of the unarmed crime prevention group the Guardian Angels. Sliwa, however, is not expected to be a factor in the final outcome. Naturally, the party's interest in the race is primarily represented"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... as it is in all things"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... by our intermittently coherent president, who has fulminated about arresting Mamdani, revoking his citizenship, cutting off federal funding to the city and even taking direct control of it"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... a threat he was bound to make sooner or later to some local government not to his taste.

Then we have the Democrats more interested in corporate cash than in the working class"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... unfortunately a rather large sector of the party"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... along with those troubled by the fact that Mamdani opposes Israel's ongoing obliteration of Gaza; two groups with significant overlap. This dominant wing of the party is actually directly involved in this race to an unusual degree by dint of the fact that the minority leaders of both branches of Congress"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... Representative Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... are Brooklyn voters. So are they going to pull the lever for their party's nominee in November? We don't know. Neither has actually opposed Mamdani, but the failure of the party's leaders to endorse him thus far is without recent precedent. Since Schumer was recently pleased to be seen smiling in a group photo with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, you can see the problem. Others have been outright hostile. Democrat Laura Gillen, Representative of a New York city-adjacent district. for instance, has characterized Mamdani as "a threat to my constituents."

Next we have the independent candidates themselves who have now come to seem more like anti-Mamdani place holders, even though one of them is actually the current Mayor of New York. That would be Eric Adams, elected to the position as a Democrat, who declined to enter his party's primary after running into a few bumps in the road during his term of office. The problems were indictment on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, wire fraud, soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, and soliciting and accepting a bribe; and a subsequent pardon by the ubiquitous Donald Trump. The other major one is Andrew Cuomo, one-time Democratic Governor of New York, forced to resign in the face of numerous charges of sexual harassment, and loser of the Democratic primary, despite the backing of independent expenditure committees spending more than $25 million"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... out of a total of $30 million spent by such committees on all of the city offices at play in the primary"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... the heaviest spending in the history of New York City politics. Cuomo has decided that the voters deserve a second chance to make up for their error in not choosing him the first time and declared that this time "It's all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida." His campaign has subsequently declared this was a joke"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... the Florida part, not the second shot. But there is precedent: Trump decamped there after the state's voters rejected him and certainly he could fix the ex-governor up with something at Mar-a-Lago. It'd only be fair after everything he's done for Eric Adams.

And last, but certainly not least, we have the billionaires, starting with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who used to be a Republican until he decided he wanted to be mayor. Bloomberg, never one to shy from putting his money where his mouth is"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... he spent over $1 billion on his own four-month presidential campaign in 2020 (he won American Samoa)"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... dropped $8.3 million on the Cuomo effort. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and William Lauder, executive chairman of The Este'e Lauder Companies, were in for $500,000. Expedia chairman Barry Diller, Netflix chairman Reed Hastings, and hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb were down for $250,000. Alice Walton, of the Walmart family contributed $100,000. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin was in for $50,000. Ackman, Loeb, and Griffin were 2024 Trump supporters, by the way.

And reinforcements are on the way, with Hamptons polo patrons Kenneth and Maria Fishel of Renaissance Properties lining up new billionaires"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... in this case for Eric Adams"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... including grocery (Gristedes and D'Agostino) and real estate mogul John Catsimatidis, himself a former (Republican) candidate for New York City mayor. As Kenneth Fishel told Fortune, "This is about keeping New York vibrant, keeping it free from socialism, and keeping it safe." At this point, this story might sound like something out of that recent Francis Ford Coppola movie that no one went to see, but it's what's actually happening.

(Personal disclosure: As one who was once slightly famous long ago, when elected to the Massachusetts Legislature at 32 as a self-described socialist"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... said to be the first since the Sacco and Vanzetti era"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... I am wildly jealous. Reading the news on election night, I was literally moved to tears of joy. And I don't imagine I'm the only one feeling envious.)

The upshot of all this? This is our race Who's the we in "our"? Anyone who feels that we the people have to find a way wrest control of the economic future of this country from the likes of Trump, Musk, Bezos, Zuckerberg, all of the above-named billionaires, and the ones we don't know. Whether it be knocking, calling, texting, posting, giving a buck"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... even if just that"i ? ?... -- i ? ?... all of us should give this race at least a bit of our attention. Just think of how sweet it will be to beat that whole crew.
By Bob Gaydos

Rupert is done with Donald.

The man who created the monster is out to kill it and he's doing it with the weapon he knows best -- the power of the press.

The most telling blows against Donald Trump in the ever-growing scandal over his failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, as repeatedly promised in Trump's campaign for president, have come from a most unlikely source: The dignified jewel in the somewhat tacky Murdoch Empire.

First, the Journal ran a story about Trump's highly suggestive (they share "secrets") birthday card to Epstein on his 50th birthday. Then came the report that Trump's Justice Department (Pam Bondi) had told him in May that his name was all over the Epstein files, which Bondi, of course, had subsequently said publicly did and then did not exist, creating the current furor about them.

This is the well-respected, conservative Wall Street Journal, not Fox-makes-it-up-and-we-love-you-Donald News, not the headline-happy New York Post, definitely not your typical Murdoch sensation-seeing tabloid. Trump even asked Murdoch not to run the story. Said it wasn't true.

It ran. Trump, typically, sued the Journal claiming defamation. He wants $10 billion. Murdoch said bring it on.

What's going on?

There are several schools of thought on this. One is that Murdoch, who made his fame and fortune by publishing often made-up stories about famous people in sensational tabloid papers, first in Australia and Britain before coming to the U.S., is looking for a last hurrah. The man is 94-years-old, his sons are taking over the business, but taking down a president could be quite a rush and addition to your obituary, even if the reports are actually true.

The willingness to take Trump on knowing a lawsuit is inevitable probably lies in the law itself. To prove defamation, Trump must not only demonstrate that the statement was false, defamatory, published to a third party, but also that the publisher acted with at least negligence or actual malice in publishing the information.

They knew it was false but ran it anyway. I don't see the Wall Street Journal's experienced lawyers allowing anything like that happening.

Which means the stories must be true and the Journal has proof, the best defense. The story is clearly also of public interest, as witness the reaction to them.

The irony, of course, is that, while other media empires -- ABC, CBS, The Washington Post -- have bowed to Trump threats to sue or to scuttle potential deals by paying him off and softening criticism of him -- Murdoch, who, as mentioned, built a fortune on lies, thus becomes the unlikely defender of the free press in America.

My hero.

It has been noted that, unlike years ago when Murdoch was helping build Trump's cult following by making stuff up on Fox News, Murdoch has no mega deals in the works at this time that Trump could threaten. That obviously only buttresses the courage to, well, what the heck, print the truth.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
By Robert Weiner and Charles Rutledge

On June 26, the Supreme Court decided Medina v. Planned Parenthood North Atlantic , overturning the nearly 60-year precedent that Medicaid recipients have a right to obtain medical care from any qualified provider. Under this new ruling, state governments can selectively restrict Medicaid coverage to healthcare providers while individuals have no right to sue to defend their choices. This ruling, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson argued in her dissenting opinion, strips countless "Medicaid recipients around the country of a deeply personal freedom: the ability to decide who treats us at our most vulnerable."

The Supreme Court picked state government over the people in a state, threatening health care access in Eastern Kentucky and the nation. State protections are now needed.

Although prompted by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's executive order removing abortion clinics from his state's Medicaid program, the ruling's effects will reach across the country and far beyond abortion. Ironically, Julie Edwards, who initially sued for her right to choose her Medicaid provider, only went to the Planned Parenthood clinic to receive birth control as a part of managing her diabetes - not for an abortion. Yet because of this new ruling, Ms. Edwards, along with all other South Carolinian Medicaid recipients, has lost coverage for all the services offered by Planned Parenthood. Now, South Carolinians on Medicaid must either shoulder the massive financial burden of paying for services like cancer screenings and STI treatments without insurance or face deadly illnesses without their chosen healthcare provider.

Despite the obvious harm caused by restricting Medicaid coverage, more state governments are likely to pursue such restrictions as part of the continuing political battle over healthcare. Abortion may be mostly banned in Kentucky, but access to other common medical services remains highly contentious. Mifepristone, for example, remains technically legal because it helps protect women who've endured miscarriages, but is also heavily regulated due to fears that it could be used for abortions. As a result, Kentucky women seeking legal, potentially lifesaving treatment for miscarriages have struggled to receive care, as mifepristone has become "inaccessible" within the state according to Dr. Coy Flowers, the immediate past chair of Kentucky's chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

With its practical ban on mifepristone, the state government has proved that it cares more about enforcing its abortion agenda than protecting the health of its citizens. Moreover, the legislature has shown its willingness to impose practical bans on health services like providing mifepristone, while shielding itself from criticism by maintaining the product's nominal legality. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court's ruling on Medina v. Planned Parenthood North Atlantic will only make it easier for state governments to quietly limit healthcare access without passing official bans. By simply removing Medicaid coverage from healthcare providers that offer contraceptives, STI treatments, or other controversial health services, the state government could withhold access to essential healthcare for large segments of the population without inciting the same backlash that would follow a formal ban. Essentially, it's now easier than ever for politicians to push their agendas in spite of the popular will.

But removing Medicaid coverage from certain healthcare providers doesn't just affect Medicaid recipients seeking controversial services. 28% of Kentuckians and over 40% of Eastern Kentuckians rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. If the government restricts coverage of those recipients' chosen healthcare providers, they would lose access to the services they depend on. For rural Kentuckians especially, losing coverage for one's chosen provider could make accessing comparable services difficult or even impossible. Whether it's providing mifepristone, STI treatment, or contraceptives, many common medical services could lead to providers being targeted for Medicaid restrictions. Medicaid recipients who rely on these targeted healthcare providers could therefore lose coverage for treatment because of services they don't even use.

At a time when Medicaid faces federal cuts and judicial undermining, those who care about their medical freedoms and the health of their communities must demand stronger protections from their elected representatives.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) July 7, 2025: According to the conservative NYT op-ed columnist David French, by a 6-to-3 vote the U.S. Supreme Court "upheld a Texas law that requires pornographic websites to 'use reasonable age verification methods' to make sure that their customers are at least 18 years old." See David French's column "One of the Worst Industries in the World Gets Its Comeuppance" (dated July 6, 2025) at The New York Times:

Click Here

David French goes on to analyze and discuss the ruling not by discussing conservative "Justice Clarence Thomas's majority opinion," but by discussing liberal "Justice Elena Kagan's dissent."

NYT op-ed columnist David French is a lawyer who writes NYT columns "about law, culture, religion, and armed conflict." With regard to his religion, he is a conservative Protestant.

In David French's column "One of the Worst Industries in the World Gets Its Comeuppance," he makes it abundantly clear that he dislikes the porn industry ("One of the Worst Industries in the World"). However, because David French is a lawyer, he discussion of liberal Justice Elena Kagan's dissent is a bit technical, to say the least. Nevertheless, he says, "No one thinks that the Texas law will solve the problem of childhood exposure to porn. There are simply too many workarounds, including the use of virtual private networks, better known as V.P.N.s." Now, I admit that I know nothing about V.P.N.s. And because I am not a lawyer, I am not prepared to comment on the merits of liberal Justice Elena Kagan's dissent - or on David French's informed discussion of her dissent.

Moving on, I also noted that the lawyer Elie Mystal published an accessible article titled "Democrats Should become the Pro-Porn Party: A Modest Proposal" in The Nation:

Click Here

Granted, we have two dominant political parties in the United States: (1) the Republican Party and (2) the Democratic Party. For years now, we have had culture wars between conservatives and liberals. Conservatives in the Republican Party have emerged as the anti-porn advocates. Their conservative anti-porn advocacy seems to lend itself to the culture-war ethos and call on liberals and progressives in the Democratic Party to become the "pro-porn party." However, in my judgment, the liberals and progressives in the Democratic Party are not likely to emerge as the pro-porn party - as Elie Mystal advocates in his "Modest Proposal."

Now, even though I have written about the Texas' law in my OEN article titled "Texas' War on Porn, and Robert Moore's Theory of the Archetypes of Maturity" (dated December 6, 2024; viewed 1,014 times as of July 7, 2025), I do not expect to see the Democratic Party emerge as the pro-porn party:

Click Here

Rather, I expect that liberals and progressives in the democratic Party will continue to oppose conservative Republican measures against porn on a case-by-case basis as they emerge in the future - and I also expect that they will couch their objections to the proposed measures in carefully narrow terms.

You see, even in some of my deeply personal OEN articles in which I candidly discuss porn, I have invariably stipulated that I am discussing only heterosexual porn that is available free on the internet and in DVDs - and I have often further narrowed the scope of my discussion of porn to mom-son porn videos that are available free on the internet and in DVDs.

Yes, as I see it, the expression "pro-porn party" is a blanket term. And I am not convinced that liberals and progressives in the Democratic Party should adopt that blanket term.

But I now want to turn to certain other matters that the conservative lawyer David French and the liberal lawyer Elie Mystal do not discuss.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
On July 23, the IsraeliKnesset voted 71 to 13 in favor of a "non-binding" motion to "annex" the West Bank, where Palestinian Arabs have lived under Israeli military occupation since 1967.

Naturally, Knesset speaker Amir Ohana disagrees with that plain statement of fact. Channeling Adolf Hitler's ethno-nationalist claims on Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland, Austria, etc., Ohana proclaimed that "Jews cannot be the 'occupier' of a land that for 3,000 years has been called Judea."

Will Benjamin Netanyahu heed the "non-binding" will of the Knesset?

If so, what will the effects, both internationally and for the area's 2.1 million Arab inhabitants, look like?

Internationally, it's unlikely that most other regimes will recognize the annexation. Of the UN's member states, 147 recognize the state of Palestine as the "legitimate" ruling entity in the West Bank. The UN itself recognizes Palestine as an observer state, and it's a member state of Interpol and the International Criminal Court.

All of that tracks with Israel's own agreement, as a condition of its UN membership, to the borders set in 1947's UN Resolution 181. While it's never actually kept to that agreement and has always occupied territory outside those borders, those borders have never changed where international law is concerned.

UN-backed military intervention to liberate Palestine from Israeli occupation seems unlikely, but some regimes would likely levy sanctions on Israel over the matter.

And then there are those 2.1 million people.

For nearly 60 years, they've been treated as rightsless serfs in an apartheid system. They're ruled by the Israeli regime, with the "Palestinian Authority" -- which hasn't held an election in 19 years -- serving as a sop to "self-rule." Their property is subject to confiscation to provide Lebensraum for Israeli "settlers." Some of them are, occasionally, allowed to cross into Israel to do menial labor for their Israeli masters.

But if Israel annexed the West Bank, it seems to follow that its inhabitants would all instantly become Israeli citizens, with full freedom to travel at will between (for example) Ramallah and Tel Aviv.

Newly minted Israeli citizens of Arab ethnicity probably wouldn't continue to tolerate segregated facilities like "Jews Only" roads.

They'd presumably demand full and equal access to Israel's courts to contest property thefts based on ethnic differences.

And, of course, they'd presumably enjoy voting rights and representation in the Knesset.

I have to suspect Ohana doesn't see things quite that way.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Q. I had quadruple bypass heart surgery 25 years ago. Following the procedure, my cardiologist put me on the higher dose (325 milligrams) aspirin. I have stayed on this dose all these years with no problems.

I recently went to a cardiology nurse practitioner who suggested I should get off this dose and go to the baby aspirin dose. I am leery of doing this. Should I get back in touch with my cardiologist before changing the dose?

A. For decades, Americans were told to take a standard dose aspirin pill (325 milligrams) to prevent a heart attack. Then, that advice was modified, and the recommended dose was lowered to 81 milligrams. That is a so-called baby aspirin, although pediatricians do not recommend giving children aspirin. The dosage reduction for adults was to reduce the risk of stomach irritation or bleeding.

In recent years, most cardiologists have determined that otherwise healthy people do not need to take aspirin. Their fear is that bleeding episodes could counterbalance any benefit such individuals might gain from even a small aspirin dose. People like you, however, are at higher risk for heart problems because you had bypass surgery. Doctors usually advise them to continue taking aspirin.

While you certainly could check with your cardiologist, the cardiology nurse practitioner seems to be up to date on the prescribing guidelines. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology both recommend that people take aspirin indefinitely following bypass surgery, with 81 milligrams considered an acceptable dose for many individuals.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.
Portland police are investigating two incidents in two months of swastikas appearing on businesses. LC- THE OREGONIAN

Portland police have launched a bias crime investigation after a vandal drew several swastikas this week at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.

Workers were left shaken after discovering about a half-dozen antisemitic emblems on the front door and a window mural at their Northwest Portland museum.

Anger. Sadness. Frustration. Fear. All of that, Rebekah Sobel, the museums executive director, said Saturday. This is the first time its ever happened at this building.

The incident occurred after midnight Tuesday, and the museum shared photographs and security camera footage with investigators that morning, Sobel said.

Portland police on Saturday confirmed they are investigating the case as a bias crime but had no suspect information to share.

Separately this week, Portland police on Tuesday afternoon issued a public notice asking the public to help them identify a man believed to have drawn a swastika in June on the door frame of a business in Northeast Portland. That business featured Jewish cultural practices, including displaying a menorah in the front window.

Asked about any potential connection between the June and July incidents, Sgt. Kevin Allen, a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, reiterated that investigators do not have any suspect information to share at this time.

Detectives will of course consider if there could be a connection between this crime and others, he said in an email.

Although the museum hasnt been vandalized with a hate emblem before, the memorial its responsible for in Washington Park has. Four years ago, the same markings were scrawled on the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, which recognizes the 6 million Jewish people murdered by Adolph Hitlers Nazi party before and during World War II.

The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education are the only such facilities in the state. The vandalism was a painful reminder of why our work matters  and why we must continue it with strength and clarity, the museum said in a statement to supporters earlier this week disclosing the incident.

The museum has taken extra security precautions in the aftermath, and Sobel encouraged Oregonians to use this opportunity as a learning moment.

Were inviting people to stand in solidarity with us at the museum and the memorial, she said. Bring your friends. Tell them about the work that we do.

Our work, she added, seems more important now than ever.

-- Brad Schmidt is an editor overseeing investigative and data journalism at The Oregonian/OregonLive. Contact him at 503-294-7628 or bschmidt@oregonian.com
Intel's D1X factory in Hillsboro, where a mental health incident was reported on Aug. 2, 2025. Intel photo

Police detained a worker at Intels sprawling Hillsboro campus Saturday morning who was reportedly having a mental health crisis and threatening others.

Police placed a mental health hold on the individual, who was taken to a local hospital. The person does not face criminal charges, said Officer Zac Storm, a spokesperson for the Hillsboro Police Department.

It appears an employee was having a mental health crisis and was threatening other employees, Storm said in an email. No injuries were reported.

Its not immediately clear if the worker was in fact an employee of Intel or a contractor, or if the person was on duty or visited the campus during off hours. Its also unclear what type of threats were made.

Storm referred questions to Intel. A spokesperson for the company didnt answer specific questions but issued a statement.

The incident occurred around 7:10 a.m. and the person was detained about 20 minutes later. Intel sent notices to employees warning them to stay away from the D1X fabrication facility on its Ronler Acres campus.

Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees and our community, the company said in its statement. Out of an abundance of caution, Intel deployed our security threat response after an individual was reportedly attempting to harm themselves and others in the Ronler Acres RA4-D1X Link. There were no weapons involved. Hillsboro PD responded to the incident and we have resumed normal business operations.

Intel last month eliminated 2,400 jobs in Oregon, marking one of the largest layoffs in state history.

-- Brad Schmidt is an editor overseeing investigative and data journalism at The Oregonian/OregonLive. Contact him at 503-294-7628 or bschmidt@oregonian.com

--Mike Rogowaycovers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him atmrogoway@oregonian.comor 503-294-7699.
Hikers enjoy a spring afternoon at Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a 230-acre park overlooking the Tualatin River Valley on the edge of Beaverton. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The conventional wisdom about outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest has long been that you need to venture far from civilization to find the real experiences.

But while places like the Cascade Mountains or the Columbia River Gorge have traditionally dominated the conversation about where Oregonians should go to connect with nature, there is a wealth of opportunities right in Portlands suburban backyard.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

On this archived episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor talk about some of the best suburban adventures around Oregons biggest city.

People like to go out to Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge or the Oregon coast to find places to get outside, but there are actually a ton of great parks and trails within the Portland metropolitan area that folks might overlook and not think about going to, Hale explained.

A crisp fall day at the Warrior Rock Lighthouse, the smallest lighthouse in Oregon, found on the Columbia River near the northern tip of Sauvie Island. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The appeal of these suburban escapes extends beyond mere convenience. In an era of rising fuel costs, the financial advantages are substantial. This practical consideration makes suburban hiking increasingly attractive for budget-conscious adventurers.

In Multnomah County alone, options range from Oxbow Regional Park with its old-growth forest and Sandy River beaches to Sauvie Islands network of trails offering mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities. Many of the trails are relatively flat and accessible, typically ranging from two to seven miles in length.

Within a 30-minute drive from downtown Portland, hikers can experience forest ecosystems, volcanic buttes, wetlands, wildlife refuges and waterfront trails. This variety means suburban hikers dont need to compromise on experiencing the regions characteristic natural features.

A sunny summer day over the Sandy River, as it winds through Oxbow Regional Park near Troutdale. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

As Connor observes, these spots are great gems especially when you dont feel like driving a whole long way, and maybe youre in a time crunch.

The proximity of these trails to residential areas also creates unique post-hike opportunities. Unlike remote trailheads where your only option might be a protein bar in the car, suburban hikes can be paired with visits to local restaurants, food cart pods or breweries.

For newcomers to the Portland area or longtime residents looking to expand their horizons, suburban parks offer an accessible entry point to the regions outdoor lifestyle. Next time you feel the call to explore nature but dont have the time or resources for a long journey, remember that remarkable experiences might be waiting just minutes from your front door.

Listen to the full episode here:
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the Best 52-Week Low Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now. On July 30, Oppenheimer analyst Michael Wiederhorn reduced the price objective on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)s stock to $325 from $400, while keeping an Outperform rating, as reported by The Fly. It noted that the company reinstated 2025 adjusted-EPS guidance of $16.00-plus, which can be trough earnings, as UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) returns to growth in 2026 and beyond.

Oppenheimer Reduces PT on UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Stock

A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic.

The 2025 guidance assumes performance at the bottom-end or below target ranges throughout Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, and OptumHealth segments, though the firm opines that such metrics will improve significantly over the upcoming 2 years as UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) re-prices its respective books. The company expects moderate EPS growth in 2026, with acceleration thereafter.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) has updated its 2025 outlook, which includes revenues of $445.5 billion  $448.0 billion, net earnings of at least $14.65 per share, and adjusted earnings of at least $16.00 per share. This implies H1 2025 performance and expectations for the balance of the year, including higher realized and anticipated care trends.

Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Q2 2025 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:
Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley co-sponsored six bills in September 2024 to try to halt a $20 billion U.S. arms sale to Israel. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Oregons two U.S. senators, both Democrats, are typically in lockstep on major votes in Congress.

But theyve diverged on votes to send billions of dollars worth of U.S. military weapons to Israel over the last year as it wages war against the militant and political group Hamas in Gaza. The military campaign has killed 60,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and left most of the remaining population of Gaza today displaced and facing famine.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, co-sponsored six bills in September 2024 with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, to halt a $20 billion U.S. arms sale to Israel. Merkley was also among a majority of Senate Democrats who voted on Wednesday in favor of two Sanders bills brought to the Senate to halt a $675 million bombs sale to Israel and shipments of 20,000 assault rifles.

We have a profound moral responsibility to end this collective punishment of innocent civilians, Merkley said in a statement, adding that until the Israeli government makes critical international food and medical aid available to Palestinians in Gaza, the U.S. should not send any more weapons.

But the attempt to block the U.S. weapons sales ultimately failed, with all Republicans voting against it, along with a handful of Democrats that included Oregons other senator, Ron Wyden.

Wyden voted against all of the recent measures to stop weapons sales to Israel.

He said in an email that Israel needs weapons to defend itself from Iran. He said he supports diplomatic efforts to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the start of the war, deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians and negotiate a permanent end to the war in Gaza.

Wydens continued support of Israel has been a contentious issue at his frequent constituent town halls for more than a year. The son of Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, Wyden has been adamant that Israel must have the right to defend itself even as he gradually ramped up criticism of the countrys prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Wyden called the civilian death toll in Gaza unacceptably high, and criticized Netanyahu for causing widespread hunger and malnutrition by blocking food and medicine to Palestinians in Gaza.

On Tuesday, both Wyden and Merkley signed a letter with 39 other senators to Marco Rubio, secretary of state, and Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, to express concerns about the growing malnutrition crisis in Gaza, and urging the administration to resume diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and end the war.

Rising death toll

The U.S. has sent more than $20 billion in weapons and military aid to Israel since Oct. 7, 2023.

Israeli soldiers have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza since then, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, whose figures are widely accepted by the United Nations and international institutions.

Nearly 2,000 of the dead are under the age of 2, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. More than half of the hostages have been released or rescued, and about 30 who are still being held captive are believed to be alive, according to the Israeli government.

Israeli forces have, in the last 20 months, displaced about 90% of the remaining population of Gaza, a 25-mile-long territory along the Mediterranean Sea that borders Israel and Egypt, and left most of the remaining population facing famine while Israeli soldiers block food and medicine from entering.

In March, Israels military broke a ceasefire agreement in place with Hamas since January, bombing a large swath of the Gaza Strip, and imposing a complete blockade on food, medicine, fuel and other goods entering Gaza. Since May, Israel has allowed some U.S. aid to be distributed at sites inside Israeli military zones, but there have been near-daily reports of Israeli soldiers firing at Palestinians waiting for food. More than 8,500 Palestinians have been killed since March, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and more than 1,000 Palestinians have been shot by Israeli soldiers since May while waiting for food at those distribution sites.

More than 140 people have died of hunger since the start of the war, including 88 children, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures. Most of those deaths were in recent weeks. Between April and July, more than 20,000 children in Gaza were seen by doctors for acute malnutrition, and more than 3,000 of those children are severely malnourished, according to a recent report from The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, a global initiative that provides food security analysis for charities and U.N. agencies.

Complicit

Wyden said he has long believed a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine is the best solution for long-term peace between the nations.

But Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, said in May that the Israeli government and military plan to control Gaza indefinitely. He said the government would move Gazans to other countries under what he called voluntary emigration, and which human rights lawyers call forcible expulsion that would constitute a war crime and violate international law.

Benjamin Netanyahu is putting his self-interest above all else, turning his back on longstanding efforts towards peace, and putting Jews in the region and around the world in danger, Wyden said.

Merkley also criticized Netanyahu in his statement and said the U.S. is enabling more deaths in Gaza by sending weapons to Israeli Defense Forces while Netanyahu blocks life-saving food and medicine from reaching Palestinians in Gaza.

Every moment the U.S. fails to demand a massive influx of food or to provide that massive influx of food ourselves, we are complicit in Netanyahus strategy of starving Palestinians. This breaks every moral code and every religious code, he said. Until every child and every mother have sufficient nutrition, America should not send a single dollar or a single bomb to Netanyahus government. No more bombs. More aid.

-- Alex Baumhardt, The Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy.
A Monroe County woman is accused of fraudulently obtaining thousands of oxycodone pills from more than a dozen health providers by faking terminal cancer.

Brandi Leigh Bachman, 40, of Stroudsburg, is charged with 21 counts of felony acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud, along with other counts of felony identity theft and felony criminal use of a communication facility.

Bachman was arrested Wednesday and arraigned that same afternoon before District Judge Kristina Anzini, who set bail at $25,000. In lieu of bail, Bachman was sent to the Monroe County jail.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday on Friday announced the charges against Bachman. No attorney information was immediately listed for her in court records.

Fraudulently obtaining thousands of opioid prescription pills in this manner is offensive to those living with a legitimate diagnosis, Sunday said in a statement. This conduct also endangers our communities by increasing the supply of these drugs available for off-label use.

Sunday said the scheme allowed Bachman to access opioids for years, deceiving health providers who believed they were treating legitimate pain from a terminal illness. The case spans 2021 to 2024.

In total, Bachman received 8,300 oxycodone pills from 19 different providers across Lehigh, Monroe and Carbon counties, authorities said.

The AGs office said Bachman told the providers she had malignant melanoma, spreading to her lungs. Providers reported Bachman had difficulty gaining proof documents for various reasons. In some cases, she forged the documents, stealing the identities of at least three physicians to further her claims, authorities said.

When providers suggested treatment options and additional testing to confirm her diagnosis, Bachman said she didnt want treatment anymore; she just wanted care to help ease the end of her life, the DAs office said.

Branchman is due back to court for a hearing tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. Aug. 14.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Nancy Jones, the widow of country music star George Jones, sits at the memorial to the late singer dedicated on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) AP

Nancy Jones, the widow of country music legend George Jones, had $10 million stolen from her by an ex-boyfriend, according to police.

Taste of Country reported that 58-year-old Kirk West was arrested on Thursday, July 24 at the Nashville International Airport. The site said that was one day after Nancy Jones filed a theft report against him.

Court documents showed that Nancy claims she became suspicious that West, described as her long-term romantic partner, might be cheating on her. She said that is when she called a granddaughter and asked her to check a safe that only she and West had a code for.

Nancy Jones claims that her granddaughter discovered that $400,000 in cash was missing from the safe, per Taste of Country, and that a crypto wallet with 5,534,307 units of the digital currency XRP was also missing.

That amount of XRP was reportedly valued at $11,622,044.70 at the time.

Taste of Country said court documents said Nancy Jones kicke West out of her home on June 28. She claims he later called and said he would return $5 million in the crypto money but no more.

West has reportedly been charged with theft of over $250,000, which is a Class A felony in Tennessee. He is due in court on Oct. 23.

This is reportedly not his first brush with the law.

According to reports, West was charged with bank fraud in 2016, and Nancy Jones said she paid his legal fees and hired representation then.

The two reportedly first met back in 2013, about four months after George Jones death.
A man on a bicycle stops to read a sign posted at the entrance to Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady Sons in Savannah, Ga., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, hours after Deen announced the eatery that launched her to Food Network fame had closed. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum) AP

By RUSS BYNUM, The Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  Former Food Network star Paula Deen announced Friday the abrupt closure of the Savannah restaurant that launched her to fame with its menu of fried chicken, banana pudding and other indulgent Southern dishes.

Deen ran The Lady & Sons restaurant with her two sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, for nearly three decades. Loyal fans visiting Savannah continued to line up for Deens buffet long after the Food Network canceled her show, Paulas Home Cooking, in 2013.

But 78-year-old Deen said Friday that The Lady & Sons closed for good along with The Chicken Box, which sold takeout lunches behind the main restaurant. A statement posted on Deens website and social media accounts didnt say why the restaurants had shut down.

The sign outside Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady Sons is shown in Savannah, Ga. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum) AP

Hey, yall, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, Deens statement said.

Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years, she said. We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors.

Deen said her four restaurants outside Savannah will remain open. Theyre in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.

Windows at The Lady & Sons were covered with brown paper Friday. Signs posted at the front entrance read: It is with heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude that we announce that we have retired and closed.

Restaurant seemed `packed

Adrienne Morton and her family, visiting Savannah from Cincinatti, had made dinner reservations at Deens restaurant for 5:45 p.m. Friday.

Morton said she received a text message Friday morning saying her reservation had been canceled.

I thought this must be a mistake or maybe they planned to close and we dont live here and just werent up to speed, but no, Morton said. We wish them the best. Hopefully everything turns out.

Martin Rowe works in a downtown office across the street from Deens restaurant. He said business seemed to be going strong up until it closed.

Nobody knew anything was wrong, Rowe said. I walk by there two or three times a week at lunch, and it was always packed.

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2015 file photo, Paula Deen attends the EVINE Live launch event at The Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) Andy Kropa /Invision/AP

Nearly broke to Food Network fame

Deen was divorced and nearly broke when she moved to Savannah with her boys in 1989 and started a catering business called The Bag Lady. She opened her first restaurant a few years later at a local Best Western hotel, then started The Lady & Sons in downtown Savannah in 1996.

The restaurant soon had lines out the door and served roughly 1,100 diners per day at the height of Deens popularity. A USA Today food critic awarded The Lady & Sons his meal of the year in 1999.

Deen moved her Savannah restaurant to a larger building nearby the year after The Food Network debuted Paulas Home Cooking in 2002. Filmed mostly in her home kitchen, Deen taped more than 200 episodes over the next decade.

The Food Network canceled Deens show in 2013 amid fallout from a lawsuit by a former employee. A transcript of Deen answering questions under oath in a legal deposition became public that included Deens awkward responses to questions about race.

Asked if she had ever used the N-word, Deen said, Yes, of course, though she added: Its been a very long time.

Deen returned to television on ABCs Dancing With the Stars, on chef Gordon Ramsays Fox show MasterChef: Legends, and on Fox Nation, which began streaming At Home With Paula Deen in 2020. She also posts cooking videos to a YouTube channel that has more than 520,000 subscribers.
By Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

One woman was killed and another person injured in a San Bernardino, California, park after the two were mauled in an attack involving more than a dozen stray dogs on Thursday, police said.

San Bernardino police converged on Perris Hill Park in the 1100 block of East Highland Avenue after receiving a call that someone was being attacked by dogs in the park, said Sgt. Chris Gray of the San Bernardino Police Department.

Officers encountered multiple dogs when they arrived, he said.

It appears they may have been stray dogs, Gray said.

At least one of the dogs began to charge at one of the officers, Gray said, prompting the officer to fire at the pit bull.

The pit bull was struck and died at the scene.

It was not immediately clear where the dogs came from or how many were directly involved in the attack, Gray said.

It was a bit of a chaotic scene at first because there were multiple dogs out there, Gray said.

However, officers were able to find two people who appeared to have suffered several dog bites in the attack, he said.

Officers rendered aid to the two victims. One of them, a woman, was taken to a hospital and died. She was identified as Teodora Mendoza, 51, by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Departments coroner division.

Alex Lozano, 21, told the Los Angeles Times that Mendoza was his mother and said she often stayed at Perris Hill Park with a male companion.

His mother had been homeless for more than a year now, Lozano said.

Mendoza usually split her time between San Bernardino and Banning, where Lozano lives, he said. However, he said he had not spoken to her for some time.

My grandpa from Texas called and said that my mom was attacked by pit bulls, he said. Thats how I found out.

It was unclear if the two victims knew each other, he said.

Animal services officials were called to assist police officers and took 14 dogs from the park, said Araceli Mata, spokesperson for the Police Department.

Deaths related to dog bites are rare, but have increased across the country in recent years.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to being struck or bitten by a dog in 2018. That number jumped to 81 people in 2021, climbed again to 98 in 2022, and in 2023, the most recent year with available data, the CDC reported 96 deaths attributed to dogs.
Nearly 20 people fell ill Friday morning at an Ocean City, Maryland hotel after dangerous levels of carbon monoxide were detected, according to multiple news reports.

The Ocean City Fire Department was sent to the Ashore Club and Resort, located on the 10100 block of Coastal Highway, around 11 a.m. for a carbon monoxide alarm, according to WBAL and WBOC.

Four people were hospitalized with elevated levels of carbon monoxide in their blood and about 14 other people were evaluated by EMS crews. No fatalities were reported.

The carbon monoxide leak was caused by a problem with the resorts boiler, Ashore manager Kane Kennedy told WBAL-TV.

Following a thorough inspection by the fire department and the citys building inspector, the cause of the carbon monoxide leak was determined to be a ventilation issue with the boiler, Kennedy said. The boiler has been shut down and repairs are being made. As of around 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, the fire department and building inspector deemed the hotel safe to operate, at which point staff and guests were allowed back in the building. Normal operations have resumed.

Fire officials said building inspectors, gas company workers and the Fire Marshals Office were called to the hotel to investigate the leak.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas produced when fuels like gasoline, wood, propane or charcoal burn. Because it cant be detected by human senses, it poses a significant danger.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a result of carbon monoxide buildup in blood. If too much carbon monoxide is in the air it will replace oxygen in red blood cells, leading to serious tissue damage or death.
Jeannie Seely performs at the Charlie Daniels 2015 Volunteer Jam at Bridgestone Arena on August 12, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Webster Public Relations) Getty Images

Country music icon Jeannie Seely has died.

She was 85.

According to multiple reports, Seely, a native of Titusville, Pennsylvania, died on Friday at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, Tennessee due to complications from an intestinal infection.

A legend on the Grand Ole Opry stage, Seely revealed to People Magazine back in May that she had dealt with multiple health issues this year.

Over the past several weeks, Ive received so many wonderful messages of love and concern about being missed on the Grand Ole Opry and on Sundays with Seely on Willies Roadhouse, she told People then. Thank you for those, and I assure you that I miss you just as much! Hopefully I can count on that support as I struggle through this recovery process from multiple back surgeries in March, as well as two emergency abdominal surgeries in April, followed by eleven days in the intensive care unit and a bout with pneumonia.

Seely told People she was still focused on the future and even planned to release new music. She told the outlet she also planned to return to her SiriusXM show as well as the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Rehab is pretty tough but each day is looking brighter and last night, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, she said. And it was neon, so I knew it was mine!

The unsinkable Seely is working her way back.

Seely was also hospitalized last year for dehydration and diverticulitis while on a trip to Pa. And, her husband, Eugene Ward, died at the age of 92 in December.

Her love for the Grand Ole Opry began at a young age when her family would gather around the radio to listen to the shows on Saturday nights.

I knew at 8 years old what I wanted to be, she told People back in 2022. And I knew I wanted to be at the Opry.

It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to a true icon to us here at the Opry, Mrs. Jeannie Seely, the Opry shared on X Friday. Jeannie is the definition of a mentor and dear friend to many in the country music community. She fist appeared at the Opry in 1966 and while it was her first time being shoulder to shoulder with some of her heroes, she officially joined our family the next year in 1967 and has stood on that stage ever since with a special grace, sass, style, and of course  her wit and humor to top it all off.

Having performed at the Grand Ole Opry mor than any other artists in history, 5,397 times to be exact, theres no doubt this place was home to her, the statement continued. In her 57 years as an Opry member, she is recognized for changing the image of female country performers with her bold fashion statements, championed efforts to support and enhance womens roles in the music industry and was quite proud to be the first female to host a segment of the Opry. Beyond the Opry, she became the third female artists to win a Grammy and penned chart-topping hits for herself and many others. She also regularly hosted Sundays with Seely on Willies Roadhouse on Sirius XM.

Your legacy will always live on here at the Opry House, Miss Country Soul. We will miss you dearly.
Susquehanna Regional Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in Lancaster County to ask to be considered for immigration oversight on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Associated Press

Susquehanna Regional Police Department is the latest law enforcement agency in Lancaster County to ask to be considered for immigration oversight on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to ICEs website, Susquehanna Regional has applied to join its task force, which allows approved officers to receive ICE training and make immigration arrests on behalf of the agency.

Program certification requires 40 hours of online training. Officers must be U.S. citizens with at least two years of experience in law enforcement.

Susquehanna Regional police Chief Anthony Hall did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment Friday. A representative at the police department said Hall was not in the office.

The department oversees Conoy and East Donegal townships as well as Marietta Borough.

ICE has previously signed agreements with the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, Northwest Regional Police Department, Manheim Borough Police and Quarryville Borough Police. East Donegal Constable Paul Castline also has been approved to work with ICE.

The task force program was revived under President Donald Trump this year after the administration of former President Barack Obama ended the program in 2012. At the time, studies and investigations showed the program often led to a pattern of racial profiling.

Shamaine Daniels, Pennsylvania director for the immigration advocacy group CASA and a Harrisburg City Council member, in June told LNP  LancasterOnline that the program also raises liability concerns for local departments. For instance, if an officer who has insufficient knowledge of immigration law detains someone who has legal status, she said, the department could be sued.
When Renee from New Orleans called into The Ramsey Show, she revealed a painful family story: her dad consolidated three Parent PLUS loans  taken out years ago for his daughters' education  and now, as he nears retirement, complains his kids are the reason hes broke."

Personal finance celebrity Dave Ramsey, visibly frustrated, told Renee he felt disappointed by her fathers guilt tripping. He urged him to be a man of honor, pay his own dues and stop unloading the consequences of his decisions onto his adult children.

[He] signed up for this trip. Dont dump it on your kids every time they come over for Thanksgiving, Ramsey declared.

Don't miss

Loan or gift? A gray area

The Parent PLUS Loan is available to parents of college-bound children to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The loans are credit-based, not based on the familys income or assets.

Renee admitted that there was a vague understanding that the siblings would pitch in after graduating, but that plan quickly dissolved. When discussing the possibility of the sisters paying the loans off, Renees mother insists none of them pay unless all three contribute equally.

When asked whether she and her sisters had roughly $15,000 each to pay off the $40,000 balance, Renee admitted they didn't.

Renee, who is now in her 30s, earns $50,000 a year, said she and her husband bring in a combined annual income of around $125,000. Theyre not in a financial position to cover the Parent PLUS loans her father took out, with just $3,000 in their savings and a car loan of $26,000 hanging over their heads  not to mention a third kid on the way.

Renees oldest sister paid for about a year before getting married and having a child, after which their parents relieved her of the obligation. The second sister followed the same path. By the time it got to me, none of them were paying, so they never made me pay, Renee explained.

Emotionally exhausted from the ongoing guilt, the resentment is taking its toll on Renee, who admitted, It has pushed us away. Ramsey was empathetic towards her and firm in his assessment: Nobody likes hanging out with a travel agent for guilt trips.
Democratic officials from 17 different states - including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro - have accused President Donald Trumps administration of illegally intimidating healthcare providers into stopping gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

The joint lawsuit, filed Friday, comes after multiple major hospital systems  all in states where the care is allowed under state law  announced they were stopping or restricting the care. The latest announcement came Thursday from UI Health in Chicago.

Earlier this year, Penn State Health and UPMC - the Harrisburg regions largest hospital networks - also announced they would be halting much of their gender-transition healthcare for youth in the wake of Trumps executive order on the matter.

That order threatened funding cuts as well as civil and criminal legal action against those who provide hormonal or surgical treatment for transgender people under age 19, which Trump decried as mutilation.

Trumps administration announced in July that it was sending subpoenas to providers and focusing on investigating them for fraud; UPMC was among them. The White House later boasted in a news release that hospitals are halting treatments.

The suit was filed by attorneys general from 15 states and the District of Columbia, plus Shapiro, in U.S. District Court in Boston. The plaintiffs in the case say Trumps policies are an attempt to strong-arm healthcare providers into a de-facto ban on transgender care for young people, something which Trump has no legal basis to do.

There is no federal law against such treatment, and the federal government otherwise has no authority to intervene in states regulation of their own medical providers, the Democratic officials wrote in a legal brief.

They further argue that Trumps Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has failed to provide any evidence of providers misrepresenting gender-related treatments, and thus has no basis for the fraud investigations being used as leverage against the hospitals.

The Trump administration is threatening baseless civil investigations and criminal prosecutions against healthcare providers in Pennsylvania and trying to take medical decisions away from parents and local communities, Shapiro said in Friday statement.

The freedom to make healthcare decisions should be between parents, their children, and their doctor, and I will not stand by while the federal government tries to infringe on the rights and freedoms of Pennsylvania families.

Trump and others who oppose the care say that it makes permanent changes that people who receive it could come to regret  and maintain that its being driven by questionable science.

Since 2021, 28 states with Republican-controlled legislatures have adopted policies to ban or restrict gender-affirming care for minors. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states have a right to enforce those laws.

For families with transgender children, the state laws and medical center policy changes have sparked urgent scrambles for treatment, including in Pennsylvania.

The Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, the biggest public provider of gender-affirming care for children in teens in the U.S., closed in July.

At least seven other major hospitals and health systems have made similar announcements, including Childrens National in Washington D.C., UChicago Medicine and Yale New Haven Health.

Other hospitals, including Penn State, had already made similar decisions since Trump returned to office in January.

Alex Sheldon, executive director of GLMA, an organization that advocates for health care equity for LGBTQ+ people, said the health systems have pulled back the services for legal reasons, not medical ones.

Not once has a hospital said they are ending care because it is not medically sound, Sheldon said.

Gender-affirming care includes a range of medical and mental health services to support a persons gender identity, including when its different from the sex they were assigned at birth. It includes counseling and treatment with medications that block puberty, and hormone therapy to produce physical changes, as well as surgery, which is rare for minors.

PennLive reporter Zack Hoopes contributed to this report.
These are the three different looks of spotted lanternflies. The red version, center, is about to turn into the larger, flying bug at right. Penn State Extension

While the spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been an annoyance to many Pennsylvania residents, it has been a significant worry to the wine industry since its discovery in Berks County in 2014.

It has wiped out a few vineyards and damaged vines in many others while adding to the list of challenges grape growers face, from early frosts to too much rain to fungal diseases and pests.

A quarantine that began in central Pa. now extends from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, covering 56 of the states 67 counties. Venango, Bradford, Sullivan and Wyoming counties were added this year.

The quarantine is in place to prevent the movement of the spotted lanternfly to new areas within or out of the current quarantine zone and to slow its spread within the quarantine, according to the Penn State Extension website. The quarantine affects vehicles and other conveyances, plant, wood, stone products and outdoor household items.

Nationally, their footprint continues to grow, as the invasive planthoppers deplete their food sources and then jump on the bumpers of vehicles and travel to a new area. An interactive map, updated by the Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program, shows their national creep has reached as far north as Massachusetts, as far south as North Carolina, and as far west as around Chicago. Besides Pennsylvania, infestations have been prevalent in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, parts of New England and around Nashville, Tennessee.

While most of the states vineyards are seeing less activity, there is concern that Lake Erie Wine Country, of which 20 of the 23 wineries are in Pennsylvania, is their next target.

Lake Erie Wine Country is part of the Lake Erie AVA, the largest American Viticultural Area east of the Rocky Mountains. It runs for more than 50 miles, from Toledo, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York, covering approximately 2.2 million acres, with around 42,000 acres of planted grapevines.

Harvest time at Mazza Vineyards, in early September 2024. Mazza Wines Facebook page

While around 80% of the grapes grown in this region are used for juice and jelly, there are a large number of wine grape vineyards, too.

Erie County remains out of the quarantine area, as do the two counties that border it to the south and east: Crawford and Warren.

But Julie Urban, an entomologist at Penn State who has been studying the spotted lanternfly since soon after it was discovered, told The Philadelphia Inquirer in an interview published July 24 that it has been spreading north to the doorstep of an area that is the states largest producer of grapes.

For now, Erie County winery owners told PennLive that they are remaining alert, even though they havent seen many to this point. Here are their responses:

Mario Mazza, vice president and general manager of Mazza Vineyards: I have been speaking with our growers and PSU Extension. They and [the Pa. Department of Agriculture] are actively monitoring and taking what has been learned in recent years to help minimize impact. At this point, they havent progressed to adult stage quite yet, when they become more noticeable. While I am not aware of any large infestations, the region must remain vigilant and avoid complacency to avoid severely detrimental impacts.

Sam Best, co-owner, Lakeview Wine Cellars: To date, we have not seen any of the spotted lanternflies. There has been an aggressive information campaign in our area to inform people of the possibility of infestation. So far, so good.

Bob Green, winemaker, Arrowhead Wine Cellars: There has been no sign of the bugs in the vineyards, and the only sightings have been in parking lots from what Ive heard. The nymphs would be visible if they had become established last year. The Inquirer article didnt really say much that hasnt been said already. I dont think there is a significant population of adults close enough to fly in, which would be the only way we would see damage this year. If a small population of egg-laying females did arrive, we could see a population start to build next year from the hatchlings. We already spray for insects (grape berry moth, leafhopper and Japanese beetle, to name a few), and these sprays should knock down any SLF nymphs in the vineyards. Unfortunately, populations living in habitats other than the vineyards are outside of this control and would pose a significant threat.

A recent sunny day at the Courtyard Winery patio in North East, Erie County. Courtyard Winery

Randy Graham, founder and winemaker, Courtyard Winery: I am aware of the SLF issues and grapevine risks associated with this insect. I have personally seen a few of them in Pittsburgh, but to my knowledge, there are no sightings of SLF in Erie County. There is plenty of traffic up and down I-79 between Pittsburgh and Erie, which would be a likely conduit for SLF to end up in our county. Penn State is doing plenty of local monitoring, including traps in some of our own vineyards. As time goes on and more is understood about the insect and various control methods, my feeling is that if (or when) we are faced with an SLF infestation, we will be able to manage it with a variety of control methods. For example, we know that a plant called Tree of Heaven is a favored host plant of the SLF, and there has already been a significant eradication effort of that host plant in Erie County."
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.

Payroc WorldAccess, the fast-expanding payments processor, said Friday that it has made another acquisition, this time buying BlueSnap, a payments orchestration firm that has focused on the middle market.

Payroc is a payments technology company and acquirer that services merchants, enabling them to process credit and debit card payments as well as other types of transactions. This is the suburban Chicago-based companys second acquisition announcement this month, after saying last week that it would buy the cloud-based payments player LedgerPay.

Buying BlueSnap, which also provides accounts receivables automation, will allow the combined entity to process card-not-present, electronic check and other payments in 47 countries and some 100 different currencies, according to a Friday press release about the transaction. It will also allow for use of embedded invoicing as well as subscription billing and automated reconciliation with real-time dashboards, the release said.

A spokesperson for Tinley Park, Illinois-based Payroc didnt respond to a question about the purchase price for BlueSnap. The company said it expects the deal to close in the third quarter.

Integrating BlueSnaps orchestration layer with Payrocs direct-connect network transforms our ability to serve merchants and [independent sales vendors] at scale, Payroc CEO Jim Oberman said in the release. This transaction dramatically expands our global footprint and the breadth of capabilities we can bring to our customers and partners.

BlueSnap, based in the Boston area, had raised at least $80 million, and at one point had about 200 employees. Fintech venture capital firms Great Hill Partners and Parthenon Capital Partners contributed to investments of $50 million in 2014.

CEO Henry Helgeson became BlueSnaps CEO last year, according to his LinkedIn profile. Ralph Dangelmaier led the company as CEO for about a decade before Helgeson, but then exited after the Federal Trade Commission took action against the company and Dangelmaier last year over processing payments for deceptive and fraudulent companies, according to a May 2024 release from the federal agency.

BlueSnap was founded by Daniel Kleinberg and Tomer Herzog in 2002, according to a spokesperson for the company.

Joining Payroc gives BlueSnaps customers direct access to industry-leading acquiring relationships and a broader partner ecosystem, Helgeson said in the release.
"If you don't have kings, you are in trouble," Gang Liu was told when he had jammed the QJ5 flop for around 165,000 in the hijack and was called by Wei Jen Wang on the button. Once all other tables were finished, the cards were flipped over.

Gang Liu: JJ

Wei Jen Wang: 109

The open-ender instantly arrived on the K turn and the 10 river failed to pair up Liu to burst the bubble.

Full chip counts will be provided shortly, with a recap at the end of the night once Day 1b has finished.
Political Editor

Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.
During its fiscal 2025 fourth quarter (ended June 30), Microsoft generated revenue of $76.4 billion, rising 18% year over year. At the same time, its diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.65 climbed 24%. For context, analysts' consensus estimates were calling for revenue of $73.9 billion and EPS of $3.37, so Microsoft cleared both hurdles with ease. The results were fueled by Azure Cloud, as its growth rate accelerated to 39%, well ahead of the 34% expected by Wall Street.

As the world's largest software company and second largest cloud infrastructure provider, Microsoft holds a unique place in the tech landscape. Furthermore, the company was quick to recognize the AI opportunity and pivoted to position itself accordingly. As a result, Microsoft has been reaping the rewards by providing a growing number of AI solutions to its vast customer base.

Nvidia is scheduled to report the results of its fiscal 2026 second quarter (ended July 27) after the market close on Aug. 27. In the meantime, shareholders are looking for signs that the adoption of AI continues unfettered. Microsoft and Meta just provided exactly what investors were looking for.

Experts generally agree that the adoption of AI, in some form or fashion, will continue well into the next decade, but investors have been seeking reassurance. Two of Nvidia's largest customers released their respective quarterly financial reports after the market close on Wednesday. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) each reported blockbuster results, providing compelling evidence that the AI revolution is on track.

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been the poster child for the AI revolution, with the stock on a marathon that has increased its stock price by more than 1,000% since the dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) in early 2023. In recent months, however, investors have been more circumspect, plagued by a moratorium on AI chip sales to China and the potential impact of broad-based tariffs on the economic landscape. Furthermore, the ebbs and flows of AI adoption have some investors concerned that the low-hanging fruit has been picked and the AI revolution will stall.

There's another catalyst that could fuel Nvidia's run in the second half of the year.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the driving force behind Nvidia's blistering growth, but investors have been wary about the future of AI.

Story Continues

CEO Satya Nadella left no doubt about what was driving the results. "Cloud and AI is the driving force of business transformation across every industry and sector," he said. He went on to note that Azure Cloud surpassed $75 billion in revenue, fueled by strong demand for AI.

Meta Platforms was also quick to recognize the opportunity afforded by AI, tapping into its wellspring of data to create its homegrown Llama AI models. The company has been spending heavily to capitalize on the AI windfall.

In the second quarter, Meta delivered revenue of $47.5 billion, up 22% year over year, resulting in EPS of $7.14, a 38% increase. The consensus on Wall Street was revenue of $44.83 billion and EPS of $5.89, so Meta sailed past expectations with plenty of room to spare.

In prepared remarks, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "The strong performance this quarter is largely thanks to AI unlocking greater efficiency and gains across our ads system," noting these systems drove "roughly 5% more ad conversions on Instagram and 3% on Facebook." It also wasn't surprising that AI is helping its social media platforms stay relevant. "AI is significantly improving our ability to show people content that they're going to find interesting and useful," Zuckerberg said.

Nvidia's future looks bright

It has been abundantly clear that Nvidia's meteoric rise is the direct result of the accelerating adoption of AI. Once known primarily for its gaming expertise, Nvidia's graphics processing units are now the gold standard for processing AI -- which is evident in its recent results.

In Nvidia's fiscal 2026 first quarter, revenue of $44 billion surged 69% year over year, but that only tells part of the story. The company's data center segment, which includes AI chips, soared 69% to a record $39 billion, now accounting for 89% of Nvidia's considerable revenue. That helps explain why investors are so keen to understand whether AI has room to run.

The future looks bright, as Nvidia is guiding for second-quarter revenue of $45 billion, or year-over-year growth of 50%.

One of the biggest factors weighing on Nvidia in recent months is the Trump Administration's moratorium on H20 AI chip sales to China. CEO Jensen Huang recently announced that the company had filed an application that would permit Nvidia to resume selling those chips in China, and was assured that those licenses would be granted. The company took a $4.5 billion charge related to its H20 chips in the first quarter, but analysts estimate Nvidia could now generate additional sales of $15 billion in the back half of 2025.

Furthermore, while Nvidia keeps its customer list under lock and key, analysts with Bloomberg and Barclays Research have read the tea leaves and concluded that Nvidia's four biggest customers -- responsible for nearly 53% of its revenue -- are:

Microsoft: 15%

Meta Platforms: 14%

Alphabet: 12%

Amazon: 11%

The robust results generated by Microsoft and Meta Platforms offer clear and compelling evidence that the adoption of AI continues unfettered, and as two of Nvidia's biggest customers, that bodes well for the company's ongoing success.

Finally, at just 31 times next year's expected earnings, Nvidia stock is reasonably priced.

That's why I predict Nvidia stock will probably soar for the rest of 2025.

Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now?

Before you buy stock in Nvidia, 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 Nvidia 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 $638,629!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,098,838!*

Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,049%  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 29, 2025

Danny Vena has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc and 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.

Prediction: Nvidia Stock Will Soar in the Second Half of 2025, Thanks to This Incredible News From Microsoft and Meta Platforms was originally published by The Motley Fool
Reporter

Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press, and "Us: A Journalist's Look at the Culture, Conflict and Creativity of the South," published by Evening Post Books.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-01 23:30:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 384 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VICTORIA, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / Boron One Holdings Inc. ("Boron One" or the "Company") [TSXV:BONE], a company dedicated to the decarbonization of Planet Earth through the responsible utilization of its boron assets, announces the issuance of 7,450,000 stock options (the "Issuance") to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company, under Boron One's incentive stock option plan ("the Plan"). Each option grants the holder the right to acquire one common share of Boron One at an exercise price of $0.06 for up to five years, subject to requisite regulatory approvals and the terms outlined in the Plan.Of the newly granted options, 725,000 replace previously held options that expired unexercised, and have been reissued to the same recipients.Including the Issuance, Boron One has a total of 9,550,000 stock options outstanding, representing approximately 4.1% of its issued and outstanding common shares. Under the Company's shareholder-approved Rolling Stock Option Plan, Boron One may issue options totaling up to 10% of its issued and outstanding shares, in alignment with applicable Exchange Policy.Prior to this Issuance, the Company's most recent stock option grant occurred in January of 2021.On behalf of the Board of Directors,Tim Daniels, PresidentAbout Boron One Holdings Inc.Boron One Holdings Inc. is a leading company dedicated to advancing the decarbonization of our planet through the responsible utilization of its wholly owned boron assets in Serbia. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, Boron One aims to play a crucial role in reducing the world's carbon footprint and supporting a cleaner, greener future for us all.Headquartered in Victoria, B.C., Canada, Boron One's shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "BONE". For detailed information please see Boron One's website at www.boronone.com or the Company's filed documents at https://www.sedarplus.ca/ For further information, please contact:Boron's Public Quotations:Blake Fallis, General ManagerPhone: 1-250- 384-1999 or 1-888-289-3746info@ boronone.com TSX Venture: BONEBerlin: EKVUS: SEC 12G3-2(B) #82-4432ERVFFOTC: ERVFFNeither 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.SOURCE: Boron One Holdings Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 16:03:59

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 364 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 2, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Vestis Corporation ("Vestis" or the "Company") (NYSE:VSTS). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Vestis and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until August 8, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Vestis securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On May 7, 2025, Vestis announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, withdrew its revenue and growth guidance for the full fiscal year 2025, and provided guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 that fell significantly below market expectations. The Company attributed its poor results partially to "lost business in excess of new business," primarily to "volume changes with our existing customers." Vestis attributed its decision to pull full year guidance and provide disappointing third-quarter targets to an "increasingly uncertain macro environment." On this news, Vestis's stock price fell $3.27 per share, or 37.54%, to close at $5.44 per share on May 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 01:30:13

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 560 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

The Neutrino Energy Group has spotlighted Vietnam as a rising force in advanced energy innovation and subatomic research. Following the recent international neutrino physics conference in Quy Nhon, Vietnam is no longer just a host-but a strategic partner in the global transition toward autonomous, infrastructure-light energy solutions. As the nation grapples with rising energy demands and environmental pressures, neutrinovoltaic technology presents a promising path forward: converting ambient subatomic activity into continuous, decentraHANOI, VN / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / The country's rapidly growing energy demand, urbanization, and industrialization have pushed its infrastructure to its limits. Solar and wind installations remain vulnerable to weather and seasonal variability. Vietnam is now looking toward decentralized, weather-independent, and infrastructure-light solutions. Neutrinovoltaic energy, developed by Neutrino Energy Group, offers exactly that: engineered systems converting subatomic motion into autonomous power generation. Vietnam Hosts Neutrino Physics Meet Vietnam welcomes global experts for high-level neutrino research collaborationGlobal Scientific CollaborationOn July 22, 2025, the Vietnam Science Association hosted a four-day neutrino physics conference at ICISE Quy Nhon, gathering 60 leading physicists from 18 countries. Discussions ranged from neutrino oscillations and unified field theories to applied topics like geoneutrinos for Earth tomography and reactor monitoring for energy security. Training initiatives like the Vietnam School of Neutrinos (VSON9) are building domestic expertise in detector technologies, neutrino oscillations, and cosmic radiation research.From Physics to Energy SolutionsNeutrinos, the universe's most abundant particles, were once considered irrelevant for energy interaction until Nobel-recognized discoveries in 2015 confirmed their mass. Guided by mathematician Holger Thorsten Schubart, Neutrino Energy Group engineered graphene-silicon nanomaterials that generate electricity from neutrinos and other non-visible radiation. Unlike photovoltaics, this process works continuously, independent of light or weather.Deployable TechnologiesThe Neutrino Power Cube, a compact 5-6 kW generator weighing 50 kg, provides reliable, emission-free electricity without fuel or grid connection. Field testing of 200 units is underway, with potential applications in remote Vietnamese regions where grid expansion is impractical.Pi Technology extends this capability to mobility. The Pi Car integrates neutrinovoltaic membranes into its structure, generating up to 100 km of range from one hour of ambient exposure. AI optimization, advanced materials engineering, and integrated battery systems enable truly autonomous EVs. Retrofits allow existing EVs to gain supplemental power.Pi Nautic and Pi Fly adapt the same technology for maritime vessels and lightweight aviation, respectively, enabling energy-independent operations for fishing fleets, inter-island ferries, drones, and small aircraft.The Neutrino Life Cube combines a Power Cube with atmospheric water extraction, producing 25 liters of drinking water daily and 1-1.5 kW of power, supporting disaster relief and rural clinics. Project 12742 explores neutrino-based secure communication for underwater, subterranean, and remote applications.Material Science and Industrial ScalingAdvances in two-dimensional metals have improved neutrinovoltaic efficiency, making modules thinner and adaptable for consumer electronics and building materials. Vietnam's regulatory bodies are evaluating standards for domestic deployment and industrial scaling, including assembly and maintenance capabilities.Economic and Environmental ImpactThese technologies support decarbonization, reduce particulate pollution, and create jobs in nanomaterials, diagnostics, and maintenance. They also deliver reliable power independent of weather or geography.By fostering scientific leadership and adopting next-generation energy systems, Vietnam can achieve infrastructure autonomy. With solutions like the Power Cube, Pi Car, Life Cube, and Project 12742, neutrinos have moved from theoretical physics to practical tools for energy and communication sovereignty.Contact InformationHolger Thorsten SchubartCEO and member of the Scientific Advisory Boardoffice@ neutrino-energy.com +493020924013SOURCE: Neutrino Energy Group
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 01:11:13

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 613 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") of Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (OTC:RBGLY) between January 13, 2021 and July 28, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 4, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Reckitt ADSs 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 Reckitt class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40120or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 4, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors and consumers: (1) that preterm infants were at an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis ("NEC") by consuming Reckitt's cow's milk-based formula, Enfamil; (2) of the attendant impact on Reckitt's sales of Enfamil and Reckitt's exposure to legal claims; and (3) as a result of the above, defendants' positive statements about Reckitt's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Reckitt action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40120 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 16:20:14

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 795 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 2, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., August 2, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") - and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX") between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants' actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the "Western Asset US Core strategy" mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members.To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
By Carolina Mandl

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investor Ray Dalio sold his remaining stake in Bridgewater Associates, the hedge fund he founded 50 years ago, according to a letter sent to investors, while Brunei's sovereign fund acquired a minority stake in the firm, a source said.

"We wanted to update you that Bridgewater recently repurchased the last remaining ownership shares held by Dalio-related entities," Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea and Co-Chair Mike McGavick said in a July 21 letter to clients seen by Reuters.

The transaction marks years-long transition at the world's largest hedge fund, with $92.1 billion in assets under management. Dalio, 76, resigned from his CEO position in 2017 and handed over control of Bridgewater to a new generation of investors in 2022.

Dalio said in a social media post on Thursday that he was thrilled to be passing along Bridgewater to the next generation.

"Above all else, I am thrilled about it because I love seeing Bridgewater alive and well without meeven better than alive and well with me," he said.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not public, said Dalio will step down as a board member as well.

After Dalio sold his stake to Bridgewater, the Brunei Investment Agency redeemed money invested in the firm's funds and bought a minority stake in the hedge fund manager, the source added.

Brunei's sovereign fund did not immediately respond to a request for comments on the transaction.

Co-Chief Investment Officer Bob Prince is now Bridgewater's biggest individual partner, while the firm is controlled by a group of employees, the source said.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Dalio's sale of his stake in Bridgewater and the Brunei sovereign fund's investment earlier on Thursday.

Bridgewater Associates' main funds ended the first half of 2025 with gains, with the flagship Pure Alpha 18% volatility posting a 17% return in the first half of 2025.

(Reporting by Carolina Mandl in New York; Editing by Chris Reese and Jamie Freed)
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 00:00:17

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 695 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / Small business owners told me their most frequently asked question of Mike Ehrle is, "How do I make my business worth more?" After years of runningLumityandFinparency , and working with hundreds of small business clients,Ehrlehas learned that real, sustainable valuation growth is not about quick wins or fancy tactics. It's one of four core areas to build strength strategically.These are not theories from a business school textbook. They're war-tested tactics that Ehrle sharpened through practical application, working with real businesses, addressing real challenges. He loves helping businesses change-from being floundering things you couldn't pay someone to take off your hands into being fantastic businesses you can't get enough for.Pillar 1: Strategic Cost ContainmentA lot of business owners mistakenly think cost containment means cutting everything to the bone. In fact, that level of cost-slashing tends to encourage dysfunction, not to produce savings. Ehrle says cost containment is the "usual business of avoiding your biggest costs but you want to do so without disrupting quality".At Lumity, he has seen companies lower their employee benefits costs by 20 to 30 percent while increasing employee satisfaction. These savings are achieved through a reduction in waste and better rates, negotiated using Lumity's digital platform."Effective cost containment not only maintains profitability, it improves the business. Investors may therefore value business models with efficient cost structures more highly, and that can be a source of significantly different valuations. To them, these cost savings are sustainable, defensible advantages of the long term.Pillar 2: Systematic Revenue Growth"Growth is nothing more than luck without a system," Ehrle said. Sustainability and growth over the long-term result from repeatable processes leading to predictable outcomes. He partners with businesses to find their most valuable revenue streams, and constructs whatever systems are required to scale them.That may mean shoring up customer acquisition strategies, driving retention, or moving into adjacent markets with the strength of their current product. In another, he assisted a transportation company in turning one-time customers into full-service clients. In 18 months, the company had grown annual revenue by 24 percent and average customer value by 180 percent.Investors value predictability above all. A company whose revenue systems are predictable is perceived as less risky and therefore more valuable, and is in a far better position for any conversation on investment or acquisition.Pillar 3: Employee Experience ExcellenceEhrlethinks employees are frequently the most underappreciated resource within a small business and savvy investors realize that. In evaluating a company, he takes a close look at employee satisfaction and retention. Businesses who have engaged stable teams will out perform businesses with a revolving door of staff every time.High turnover erodes value. Costs to hire and train go up, productivity goes down, and, often, customer relationships are negatively impacted. And prioritizing the employee experience can help pave the way for stronger operations and value in the long run - both within the business and the investment community alike.Pillar 4: Valuation-Focused Financial ManagementThe last pillar is all about trying to make monetary decisions that take valuation from day one. Ehrle advises business owners to know the drivers of value that are specific to their industry and to make decisions with long-term considerations, rather than short-term ones.Yes, cash is king, but never lose sight of the long term all up valuation trajectory. The intent is to map everything else financial to an end game of building a more valuable, resilient business over time.The Power of IntegrationThese four pillars - cost containment, revenue systems, employee experience, and valuation-driven management - don't stand alone. They reinforce one another. Cost optimization improves profitability. Strong revenue systems result in growth you can predict. A healthy culture decreases the rate of turnover and increases customer satisfaction. And a valuation-oriented mentality ensures that all of these strategies are pushing toward a grander outcome.Mike Ehrle's method provides business owners with the roadmap, wisdom, & tools they need to grow forward not just grow, but grow in a manner that creates lasting value. The results speak for themselves.Mike Ehrle / finparency mikeehrle@ finparency.ai Atlanta Georgia https://finparency.ai/ SOURCE: Mike Ehrle / finparency
PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-02 15:30:15

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 905 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 2, 2025 / A distinguished group of five MBA professionals, comprising both recent graduates and accomplished candidates from elite institutions and organisations including the University of Georgia, Columbia Business School, Vanderbilt University, are poised to significantly influence global business landscapes. These individuals, each possessing a unique blend of expertise and a proven track record of extraordinary achievements, are actively shaping the future of finance, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors through innovative strategies and impactful leadership.This press release highlights their collective prowess and individual contributions, underscoring their exceptional abilities and the profound impact they are making in their respective domains.Meet the Trailblazers:Lateefat Tewogbade: Architect of Financial Management, Financial Transformation, and Digital FinanceLateefat Tewogbade, an MBA graduate from the University of Georgia, stands out as a formidable force in financial management and strategy. With over five years of intensive experience across diverse financial ecosystems including securities trading, asset management, financial advisory, and fintech. Tewogbade has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate complex financial terrains and engineer robust solutions. Her expertise extends beyond conventional financial management; as a Chartered Accountant, she possesses a rare aptitude for dissecting intricate financial data and translating it into clear, actionable strategies that drive substantial cost efficiencies and bolster profitability.During her tenure at Comercio Partners Limited, Tewogbade was instrumental in managing the financial statements of the parent company and its subsidiaries, spanning diverse sectors. She meticulously ensured all financial transactions adhered to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and met stringent SEC compliance and filing requirements. A testament to her leadership and strategic acumen, she led the group Finance Department, overseeing financial reporting processes, preparing consolidated group budgets, and developing critical board presentations and strategic planning documents for the fiscal year. Her interventions directly contributed to optimizing financial operations and enhancing fiscal transparency across the organization.Beyond her corporate achievements, Tewogbade is a passionate advocate for social impact. As a co-founder of FAAMS Foundation, a non-profit organization, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable children and households. Notably, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in the "Feed 100 Households" initiative, providing essential food materials to families in need. This commitment to leveraging her financial expertise for philanthropic endeavors underscores her holistic approach to leadership and her dedication to fostering community well-being.Lateefat Tewogbade's blend of rigorous financial discipline, strategic foresight, and profound social consciousness positions her not merely as a finance professional, but as a visionary leader capable of instigating transformative change within both corporate structures and societal frameworks. Her continuous pursuit of excellence, exemplified by her MBA specialization in Finance, Strategy & Analytics, solidifies her standing as an extraordinary talent poised to redefine financial leadership on a global scale.Ademola Adewuyi: A Catalyst for Digital Innovation, Startups and Venture Capital ImpactAdemola Adewuyi, a rising second year MBA candidate at Columbia Business School, is a recognized luminary in the fields of digital innovation, technology, startups, and venture capital. With over eight years of experience spanning strategy consulting, product management, digital banking, and startup ecosystem building, Ademola has consistently demonstrated an exceptional capacity for fostering innovation and scaling impactful ventures in dynamic environments.His current role as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon places him at the forefront of technological advancement, where he applies his profound understanding of digital ecosystems to complex, large-scale projects. Prior to Amazon, Ademola, was the Digital Innovation, Venture Success, and Strategy Lead at ALAT by Wema, Africa's pioneering digital bank. In this pivotal role, he launched cutting-edge fintech products;including an AI-powered personal finance tool and a blockchain-based payment system while leading Startup Hackaholics, one of the largest innovation and pre-accelerator platforms on the continent. Under his leadership, the program supported over 11,000 early-stage founders and catalyzed $1.8M+ in startup funding through partnerships with Google for Startups, Microsoft Garage Africa, and GITEX Global.An entrepreneur at heart, Ademola, is the Founding Partner of Hatch Foundry, an AI powered digital innovation lab that provides mentorship, strategy, and incubation tools for early-stage startups. He also previously served as a Venture Partner at Discreet Labs, advising high-growth ventures on go-to-market strategies and fundraising.which has made him become inducted as Young Africa Catalyst Fellow in Startups and Venture Capital, Top Tier Impact Fellow and an Hive Global Leader.At Columbia, Ademola's leadership is expansive. As Co-President of the Africa Business Club, he is spearheading the 22nd Annual Columbia Africa Conference;a landmark event attracting 500+ global attendees. As Assistant VP for Partnerships at Alleycon(NYC's Premier Startup and VC Conference hosted by Columbia Business School), he helped raise over $5,000 in sponsorship for the 2025 edition headlined by Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran. He is a Chazen Leadership Fellow who has also launched the Columbia Africa Startup Challenge and serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Global Immersion Program in Innovation and Technology, co-leading a trek to Nairobi, Kenya.This robust academic foundation, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions him as a thought leader capable of bridging the gap between cutting-edge technological concepts and viable business solutions. Ademola's work consistently demonstrates his commitment to building innovative products that enrich lives and create enabling platforms for new opportunities, making him an extraordinary talent in the global technology, startups and venture capital landscape.Abdul-Fattahi Adetula: Master Strategist in Business Operations and Market ExpansionAbdul-Fattahi Adetula, an MBA candidate at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management, is a distinguished profes
By: Mariam Ileyemi, Oluwakemi Adelagun, Fortune Eromonsele & Zainab Adewale

Public hospitals across Abuja and Lagos are struggling to function as the nationwide strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) entered its fourth day, leaving wards empty, critical services interrupted, and patients stranded

When PREMIUM TIMES visited Wuse General Hospital in Abuja on Friday, the usually active female surgical ward was nearly deserted, with just a few patients in sight.

Some patients lay quietly in bed, while others had been discharged earlier than medically advised.

One of the affected patients, a woman who asked not to be named, said her son had to leave the hospital prematurely due to the absence of nurses to provide adequate care.

Truly, its not funny. Doctors work hand in hand with nurses. Without nurses, doctors cannot comfortably do the work, she said.

My son was not due, but they had to discharge him.

Visibly distressed, she added that she had to dress a leg wound herself that morning because there were no nurses available.

They said I need debridement, but that cannot happen without nurses. The doctors are trying, but they cant do everything.

Despite her ordeal, she expressed support for the nurses strike: Nurses hardly go on strike; it is usually doctors. So for them to go on strike now, the government must have pushed them. Nurses, doctors, and teachers are people you should not play with in this country. The government should answer their cry.

Wards emptied, services halted

A similar situation was observed at the National Hospital, Abuja, where wards were empty and only skeletal services were being rendered.

A doctor who asked not to be named confirmed that most patients had been sent home due to a lack of nursing support.

There is a total shutdown. Most of our patients require full-time nursing care, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Without nurses, we cant monitor them. So we had to send them home, he said.

He also confirmed that emergency cases had been compromised due to the shortage of staff. The doctor warned that if the strike continues, the impact on patients will be devastating.

At Asokoro District Hospital and Maitama District Hospital, consultation rooms were locked, waiting areas were empty, and there were no nurses on duty.

At Maitama, the emergency unit and pharmacy were also locked. Doctors on-site declined to speak, saying they were not authorised to comment.

Partial operations resume in Lagos

In Lagos, activities at some public hospitals, such as Alimosho General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), had partially resumed by Friday.

This follows the end of a three-day warning strike by the Medical Guild earlier in the week. However, the ongoing nurses strike continues to hinder full-scale operations.

Unlike during the doctors strike, some patients were being attended to. A doctor at the critical care unit of LASUTH stated that they were operating with the assistance of locum nurses.

At Alimosho General Hospital, dozens of patients were seen receiving care in some departments, except the paediatric ward, which remained shut.

At the maternity clinic and child complex, PREMIUM TIMES observed dozens of pregnant women and nursing mothers waiting to be attended to. A pregnant woman told our reporter that those with appointments were being attended to.

If you have an appointment today, they will attend to you, she said.

However, not all departments were functioning normally. Adunola Muda, who brought her daughter to the chest clinic, said she arrived around 10 a.m. but experienced delays.

About two hours after my arrival, a health worker asked me to go to Aregbe Health Centre to get some drugs for my daughters cough. They said the drugs were not available here. I learnt that those who supply the drugs are on strike, she said.

Johnson Emmanuel, a civil engineer, brought his toddler to the paediatric clinic after noticing pus from her nose. Mr Emmanuel said he had come a day earlier but was turned away.

I was here yesterday. I collected a card for her and was told that there is no doctor to attend to her. This doesnt make sense. If theres any facility that should never be on strike, it shouldnt be the health sector, he said.

A security officer at the paediatric unit confirmed that the department was still not attending to patients.

Background to strike

The seven-day warning strike began on 29 July and was declared by NANNM-Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) after the federal government failed to act on a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July.

The strike affects federal public health institutions across Nigeria and was prompted by long-standing complaints about poor welfare, substandard working conditions, and unresolved policy issues.

The union is demanding the reversal of a 27 June circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), adjustment of shift and call duty allowances, mass recruitment of nurses, implementation of a 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment for nurses in Oyo State, and improved hazard allowances, especially for nurses at the local government level.

In Lagos, the situation was further worsened by a separate three-day warning strike by doctors under the Medical Guild.

Throughout the week, PREMIUM TIMES reporters visited public hospitals in both Lagos and Abuja to monitor the effects of the strike. They observed widespread disruptions in outpatient care, largely empty wards, and staff shortages in key departments.

No suspension yet

Although there were reports on Friday suggesting that the strike had been suspended following a meeting with government officials, NANNM officials have denied this.

Murakiyo Olajide, national chairman of NANNM-FHI, told PREMIUM TIMES that the union has not suspended the strike and is still consulting widely before making any decision.

It is not true. We have procedures in place whenever we initiate or suspend strike actions. Those procedures have not been followed, and the union has not issued any statement to that effect, Mr Olajide said.

The union is, however, expected to meet with its members over the weekend, brief them about the governments offer, and possibly suspend the strike,

The strike is scheduled to end on 5 August. Union officials say further decisions will depend on the outcome of consultations and ongoing discussions with the federal government.
Sani Shinkafi, a security expert, has said that the Nigeria government thwarted the capture of a bandit leader, Bello Turji, by the Civilian Joint Security Task Force (CJTF) in Zamfara State, Nigerias north-west.

Mr Shinkafi, a former chairperson of Committee on Security and Prosecution of Armed Bandits in Zamfara, spoke when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs The Morning Brief on Thursday.

Banditry in Zamfara State

Like Sokoto State in the North-west, Zamfara State has been plagued by a series of terrorist attacks by hoodlums locally referred to as bandits.

Hundreds of people have been killed and millions displaced in the attacks.

The bandits are often led by Mr Turji who has been terrorising the North-western states of Zamfara and Sokoto, imposing levies on helpless residents and killing many of them.

In response, the Zamfara State Government recruited hundreds of persons into the CJTF to complement efforts of conventional security operatives to fight banditry in the state.

The government, in January 2024, set up the Community Protection Guards (CPG) also known as Askarawa to help in the fight against banditry in the state.

How Nigerian govt foiled attack on Bello Turji

Mr Shinkafi, during the TV programme, said the Nigerian government halted an attack which would have resulted in the capture of the bandit leader and killing of his foot soldiers.

The security expert, who hails from Zamfara State, said, during an operation, some village chiefs had deployed both CJTF and CPG operatives to a forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state to battle Mr Turji and his foot soldiers.

As the fight continued, they were about to capture (Bello) Turji. Many of his foot soldiers were killed in hundreds.

But the federal government (of Nigeria) halted the fight (against Turji). And told them (CJTF and CPG) to go back and settle at the Shinkafi (LGA) and that they (federal government) were going to use dialogue to settle with Bello Turji, he narrated.

So if the government had allowed this civilian JTF to continue advancing to the bandits camp, I assure you Bello Turji could have been a history by now.

Mr Shinkafi recalled that Mr Turji later rejected the dialogue spearheaded by some community and religious leaders, insisting that he would not be part of the dialogue since Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara was not involved.

He did not, however, mention when the incident happened. But there are indications it happened between late 2024 and early 2025.

Meanwhile, Governor Lawal has consistently maintained that he would not negotiate with bandits.

Why CJTF operatives are struggling to defeat banditry

Mr Shinkafi said the CJTF operatives have been struggling to defeat bandits in Zamfara because there was no operational support from conventional security operatives.

He said there was a time the civilian JTF killed some of the bandits and advanced to attack Mr Turji but received no support.

A lot of victories had been made because some of these (Turjis) lieutenants were killed by these civilian JTF. And when these civilian JTF went to fight with Bello Turji, the military and other security agencies backed out (from the operation), he said.

And there was no operational support.

He also said defeating Mr Turji has been difficult because, unlike the bandits, the operatives have poor knowledge of the states terrain.

The terrain (to the bandits hideout) is not motorable. Its very deplorable. And these bandits know this terrain more than the civilian JTF because the civilian JTF (operatives) are not indigenes of the state, he said.

Presidency silent

When contacted on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, referred a PREMIUM TIMES reporter to Usman Zakari, a media aide to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Mr Zakari did not respond to several calls and a text message seeking his comments, more than a day after.
A political storm is raging in Niger State over the shutdown of an independent media outlet, Badeggi FM Radio, Minna, on the order of Governor Umar Bago.

Mr Bago had directed the state Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security to seal the media outfit having been unhappy with its broadcasts.

The governor also directed the license to be confiscated and the owner profiled.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, in a statement issued on Friday, said the governor gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting held at the Government House, Minna.

According to Mr Ibrahim, the decision was taken because of the daily activities of the radio station.

Governor Bago also accused the owner of the station of incitement of the people against the government and directed that the license of the radio station be revoked.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence, Mr Ibrahim said.

Radio management kicks

Reacting to the governors order, the Director of Operations of Badeggi FM, Abubakar Shuaib, implored the governor to channel his complaints through proper channels rather than directing security Operatives to harass the owner and staff of the radio station.

The right thing to do is to write to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for investigation. NBC has a schedule of our programmes and we are being monitored every day.

So, the governor should write to NBC and let the regulatory agency verify our contents and programme to establish if they contravene any of the NBC codes or ethical provisions.

We cannot do anything to undermine the public peace and security of the state. Our duty is to hold leaders accountable and that is what we are doing. We dont have anything against any individual or state government, he said.

Previous attacks on journalists

This is not the first time journalists and the media have been assaulted under the current administration in Niger State.

In November 2023, six months after assuming office, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Bello Mohammed, a retired army brigadier-general, was said to have assaulted and attempted to seize the midget of a Voice of America reporter, Mustapha Batsari, at the Government House, Minna.

The reporter had approached Mr Mohammed for a comment on a lingering conflict between Fulani and Gbagyi farmers in Beji, Bosso LGA of the state which claimed lives.

Mr Batsari disclosed that he had called the commissioner several times via telephone without response, adding that he went to his office but did not meet him.

He had decided to approach the official in Government House to get the governments side on the report he was working on, but the Commissioner rained abuse on him and attempted to seize his midget.

It took the intervention of people around. The commissioner in charge of security threatened my life and tried to seize my recording gadget. Mr Batsari said.

Similarly, in January 2025, the state correspondent of the Peoples Daily Newspaper, and Chairman, Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Yakubu Bina, was held for several hours by the State Security Service (SSS) over a report he did on banditry.

Mr Bina was also held for several hours with his mobile phones seized for three days at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the police for allegedly sharing an article critical of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Aisha Wakaso.

The police action followed a direct criminal complaint filed against the reporter at the Minna Magistrate Court by the plaintiff, who alleged that the defendant circulated the article on WhatsApp groups without verifying its authenticity.

Amnesty Intl, residents, CSO react

Many residents of Niger State, including members of the ruling APC and civil society organisations, Amnesty International and a Minna-based CSO, the Accountability Ambassadors, have condemned the decision of the governor, describing it as an attempt to suppress freedom of expression.

Amnesty International said targeting independent media was aimed at depriving the people of the opportunity to receive fair and objective reporting of issues affecting their lives.

Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger state for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna, which is an independent source of news for the people of Niger state.

The governors allegation against the radio station of inciting violence and his reckless order that the license of the Radio station be revoked clearly show abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.

While bandits and insurgents are ravaging the Niger state through killings and massive displacements of rural communities, with both the federal government and Niger state failing to protect lives, pointing accusing fingers at a radio station clearly shows a failure of leadership.

Attacking Badeggi 90.1 FM is part of a wider pattern of attempts to create a climate of fear across newsrooms in Nigeria and to make it harder for journalists to do their job.

Governor Bago must immediately withdraw his unlawful order. Under Nigerian laws, the governor has no power to order the closure of a radio station. Choosing to bizarrely blame a radio station for the inexcusable security failures of the government is an open attack on media freedom, it said.

Similarly, Muhammad Alfa Muhammad, the Speaker, Accountability Ambassadors, asked the governor to respect the Nigerian constitution that grants citizens the freedom of expression

The order by Governor Umaru Bago to shut down Badeggi FM Radio and call for the revocation of its license raises serious constitutional, ethical, and democratic concerns.

While the need to maintain public peace is legitimate and indeed paramount, the outright closure of a media house without due process sets a dangerous precedent  one that threatens press freedom, chills civic space, and undermines Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression and the press.

The proper recourse, if indeed the station has erred in professionalism or engaged in incitement, should be a formal complaint lodged with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the lawful regulatory body mandated to investigate and sanction media houses. Anything outside that is executive overreach.

Moreover, ordering the profiling of a private citizen  simply for owning a media platform critical of government  smacks of intolerance and an attempt to stifle dissent. In a democracy, criticism of the government, however harsh, is not only expected but essential. It is what separates constitutional rule from autocracy.

On his Facebook post, Yahaya Idrees, a close ally of the governor, said, The Nigerian Constitution ensures freedom of speech under Section 39, stipulating that every individual has the right to freedom of expression, encompassing the liberty to hold opinions and receive information without interference, a principle also acknowledged in various international human rights frameworks. In light of this, I propose that the governors order be reevaluated, as restricting media freedom should not be encouraged.
Despite being preventable and curable, tuberculosis remains one of the worlds deadliest infectious diseases, killing more people in 2023 than any other infection.

A report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in March 2025 shows that the disease caused 1.25 million deaths in 2023, including affecting 161,000 people living with HIV.

This marks a grim return to TBs long-standing position as the worlds deadliest infectious disease before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global health trends.

The disease continues to thrive in places where overcrowding, poor nutrition, and weak health systems leave millions at risk, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria, which remains among the top eight countries with the highest TB burden.

While global efforts since 2000 have saved an estimated 79 million lives, the report warns that progress is stalling. It also remains the leading killer of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and a major cause of deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance.

What to know about TB

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, a condition called pulmonary TB, but can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine or brain.

The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits. While many people carry the infection in a latent form that causes no symptoms, TB can become active and dangerous if the immune system is weakened.

Those at higher risk of developing active TB include people living with HIV, individuals with diabetes or undernutrition, and those who use tobacco or alcohol.

Symptoms, transmission of TB

The most common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

TB may present differently in children or in people whose immune systems are already compromised.

In its active form, TB is contagious. It spreads easily in overcrowded environments, particularly where people lack access to quality healthcare or live in conditions of poverty and poor nutrition.

Persistent global threat

The WHO estimates that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, including 6 million men, 3.6 million women and 1.3 million children.

Over 80 per cent of these cases occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The South-East Asia Region recorded the highest number of new cases (45 per cent), followed by Africa (24 per cent), and the Western Pacific (17 per cent).

TB hits hardest among adults in their most productive years, undermining economic and social development.

In addition, it causes heavy financial burdens. In 2023, nearly half of TB-affected households experienced catastrophic costs, meaning health-related expenses exceeded 20 per cent of household income.

The rise in drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) has further complicated the fight. Only about two in five people with drug-resistant TB received treatment in 2023, highlighting significant gaps in care and access.

HIV, TB connection

TB and HIV form a deadly partnership. People living with HIV are at least 16 times more likely to fall ill with TB than those without HIV.

In 2023 alone, an estimated 161,000 people died of HIV-associated TB, with the African region carrying the heaviest burden.

While progress has been made in testing TB patients for HIV, only 56 per cent of co-infected individuals were on antiretroviral therapy in 2023.

The WHO recommends a coordinated 12-part strategy to manage TB-HIV co-infection, including joint prevention, screening, and treatment services.

Treatment

TB remains curable with a full course of antibiotics, yet barriers to diagnosis and treatment persist.

Many patients are either not diagnosed at all or start treatment late, often due to poor access to healthcare or social stigma.

The global community has pledged to end the TB epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.

To achieve this, an estimated 22 billion US dollars is required each year for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support.

The 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB reaffirmed this commitment, but funding and political will remain major hurdles.

Until these gaps are addressed, TB will continue to thrive in silence, especially among the worlds poorest and most vulnerable populations.
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its nationwide warning strike, four days after it commenced the strike over poor welfare, stagnated allowances, and staffing shortages, among others.

The strike was suspended on Saturday following a virtual meeting of NANNMs National Executive Council (NEC).

The decision comes after negotiations with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Accountant General, the National Salaries and Wages Commission, and other relevant stakeholders to address its members demands.

The Assistant Secretary-General of the association, Chidi Aligwe, confirmed the suspension to the press on Saturday, saying, The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately.

Resolution

A circular signed by NANNMs National President, Haruna Mamman, and General Secretary, T.A. Shettima, stated that NEC resolved to suspend the action after an extensive review of the Memorandum of Understanding and the agreed time-bound implementation framework.

The circular added that the federal government had shown commitment to addressing the associations nine-point demands, which include upward review of shift and uniform allowances, a new salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass recruitment, and the establishment of a Department of Nursing Services within the Federal Ministry of Health.

In view of the formal agreement reached, and in line with the principle of dialogue and good faith, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect, the circular read.

NEC also directed all state chapters to mobilise members for immediate resumption and cautioned against any form of victimisation of striking nurses, including interns and locum staff.

It reiterated NANNMs commitment to defending the welfare and professional dignity of nurses and midwives across the country.

Strike impact, field observations

The seven-day warning strike, which began on 29 July, was declared by the NANNM-Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI) after the federal government failed to act on a 15-day ultimatum issued on 14 July.

During the week, PREMIUM TIMES visited several public hospitals in Abuja and Lagos to assess the impact of the strike. Across multiple facilities, outpatient units were shut, with reports of cancelled or rescheduled appointments, and patients turned away due to reduced staffing.

In some hospitals, nurses who remained on duty said they were only attending to critical cases, while others relied on temporary staff to manage basic services.

Patients expressed frustration over the disruptions and uncertainty surrounding their healthcare.
The detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a N60 billion suit against a social critic, Reno Omokri, for allegedly making defamatory and prejudicial publications against him.

Mr Kanu, who is facing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, filed the suit on 31 July at the Enugu State High Court.

The IPOB leader sued on behalf of himself and the separatist group while Mr Omokri is the sole defendant in the suit.

He said he had, through his lawyer P.N. Agazie, issued a pre-action notice on 10 July 2025 against Mr Omokri, demanding a retraction of the defamatory publication, a public apology published in two national dailies and an undertaking to refrain from such publication.

But the social critic failed to heed the pre-action notice, hence the suit.

The alleged defamation

Mr Kanu, according to a court document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, told the court that Mr Omokri on 6 July 2025 claimed in a post on his X handle that he and IPOB were responsible for killing of security operatives, including police and army personnel.

He also said Mr Omokri accused him and IPOB of being responsible for the acts of violence attributed to unknown gunmen in the South-east.

The IPOB leader further informed the court that Mr Omokri, in the post, alleged that he and IPOBs Eastern Security Network (ESN) were engaging in terrorist activities.

The said statements are false, baseless, prejudicial, and defamatory, as they portray the plaintiff as a criminal and a terrorist, thereby injuring his reputation, character, exposing him to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, and prejudicing his ongoing judicial proceedingsat the Federal High Court Abuja, Mr Kanu was quoted as saying in the document.

He contended that as of the date of the defamatory statements, no court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria has convicted him of any offence involving the killing of security personnel or acts of terrorism.

The defendants publication constitutes prejudicial commentary on the plaintiffs pending judicial proceedings, amounting to contempt of court and a violation of the plaintiffs right to a fair hearing and presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), he said.

Kanus prayers

Mr Kanu asked the court to order Mr Omokri to pay him N50 billion as general damages caused by injury to his reputation, emotional distress and prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings.

The IPOB leader further prayed the court to order the defendant to pay him N10 billion as aggravated damages for Mr Omokri malicious and reckless publication.

He equally asked the court to order Mr Omokri to publish a retraction of the defamatory statements in two national dailies, and his X handle within seven days after the judgement.

Mr Kanu asked the court to order Mr Omokri to publish a public apology to him, admitting misrepresentation of facts in two national dailies and his social media networks..

He asked the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, his agents and cronies from further publishing or disseminating the defamatory publication.

The court has yet to fix the date for the hearing.

Background

Mr Kanu has been facing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja since he was repatriated from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.

His separatist group, IPOB, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the South-east and South-south, but the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.

Security operatives and government officials have been targets of the attacks in recent times.

Some gunmen terrorising the two regions have also been linked to IPOB, a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the two regions.
The police in Enugu State, Nigerias South-east, say they have dislodged some armed robbery and cult networks in multiple operations in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Thursday, said 13 crime suspects  all males- were arrested during the operations.

Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the suspects were involved in conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities in the state.

These arrests, made during a series of recent tactical and intelligence-guided operations, also resulted in the recovery of firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating evidence, he said.

The operations

Mr Ndukwe said the multiple operations began at about 10 a.m. on 15 July when police operatives attached to the Ogui Divisional Police Headquarters arrested a 30-year-old armed robbery suspect, Ifeanyi Ede.

He said the operatives recovered from the suspect a pistol-like object, later identified as a Spark-L electronic gas lighter.

The spokesperson said the suspect and one other male suspect now at large, on the same day, allegedly used the object to rob a taxi driver of N30,000, his vehicle key, a mobile phone valued at N17,000 and his bank ATM card.

The suspects had boarded the taxi from Independence Layout to Ogui, Enugu. On arrival at their destination, they used the fake gun to rob the driver.

However, the operatives promptly arrested Ede and recovered the robbed phone, while his accomplice fled, he said.

Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

Mr Ndukwe said, in another operation on 21 July, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested three male suspects in Umuasi Ngwo, a community in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson identified the arrested suspects as Stephen Chidiebere, also known as Shaggy, 42; Arinze Udeh, also known as Anonymous, 30; and Onuigbo Kingsley, 49.

He said the operatives later recovered from the suspects a cut-to-size double-barreled gun.

Their arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a 31-year-old male suspect, Ikemefuna Ani, also known as Majority, who had been arrested in connection with a case of conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and cultism.

Preliminary investigations link these suspects to the Black Axe Confraternity, he said.

Mr Ndukwe also said, in a separate operation between 23 July and 28 July, police operatives of the same Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested two suspects: Udofia Richard, 43, from Akwa Ibom State, and Richard Arinzechukwu Nwaomu, 32, from in Imo State.

He said the operation, which was conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was based on the confessional statements by two earlier arrested suspects: Okechukwu Ogbonna, 65, from Abia State, and Charles Ezeonuji, 52, from Anambra State.

The police spokesperson noted that Messrs Ogbonna and Ezeonuji were currently under investigation for conspiracy and armed robbery.

Two suspected stolen vehicles were recovered from them: a red Toyota Camry and an ash-coloured Kia Soul, he stated.

More operation

Mr Ndukwe said, in a similar operation on 30 July, operatives of the same Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested three suspects: Ebuka Odinko, 35; Chiemerie Amano, 25; and Onyebuchi Onyekwere, 24.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were arrested in Oyofo-Oghe in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He said the arrest followed the confessional statement of an earlier arrested suspect, Ekene Akpata, also known as Odumodu.

The 35-year-old, according to the police, has been under investigation for conspiracy, armed robbery, unlawful possession of ammunition, and cultism.

Preliminary investigations reveal that they are members of the Vikings Confraternity and have been involved in a series of armed robbery incidents during which they dispossessed residents of their valuables, the spokesperson said.

Prohibited in Nigeria

Cultism, also known as secret society, is outlawed in Nigeria.

However, the laws vary state by state. In Enugu State, for instance, cultism is outlawed in Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 30, vol. II Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

It is also outlawed in Section 8 of Public Order (Prohibition of Secret Cults and their activities) Law No. 17 Revised of Enugu State of Nigeria 2009.

The law prohibits the formation and operation of secret cults and any activities associated with them.

Like cultism, armed robbery is outlawed in Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) ACT 2004.

The Act prescribes a minimum of 21 years imprisonment for offenders upon conviction.

The offenders face a maximum death penalty upon conviction.

Several persons have been convicted in Nigeria for offences of cultism and robbery across Nigeria.

In July 2021, a Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, sentenced a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Shehu Mohammed, to eight years imprisonment for illegal possession of a firearm and cultism.

An Abeokuta High Court, in 2021, sentenced two ex-convicts to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.
The management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has refuted a report that a new vice-chancellor of the university has been appointed.

The spokesperson of UNN, Agha Inya, announced this in a statement on Friday night.

New vice-chancellor in sight?

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Oguejiofor Ujam, had said his tenure would elapse in August and that he would hand over to a would-be appointed vice-chancellor.

This newspaper gathered that the process of appointing a new vice-chancellor of the institution had been ongoing for a while now.

The new vice-chancellor was expected to be announced on Friday, but that did not happen after the process ended inconclusive.

Speculations were rife on Friday that a former top official of the Enugu State Government was appointed as UNN vice-chancellor.

But reacting in the Friday statement, Mr Inya, described the claim as misleading.

We wish to state categorically that no such appointment has been made. The selection process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor is still ongoing, and no candidate has been announced or confirmed, he said.

The general public is advised to disregard these unfounded reports. They are the product of mischief-makers and purveyors of falsehood who seek to mislead and incite unsuspecting members of the public with baseless speculations.

The UNN spokesperson said the university remains committed to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

The selection committee, chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kayode Ojo, is diligently carrying out its mandate and will announce the most qualified candidate upon conclusion of the process, he said.

We urge all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the process to run its full course without undue distraction.

Background

Tension has been high in Enugu State since the selection process for a new UNN vice-chancellor began in late July.

READ ALSO: Outrage as governor shuts down independent radio station

The people of Nsukka, which hosts the university, have been agitating for the emergence of an indigene as the substantive vice-chancellor of the institution for the first time since its existence in 1950s.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that a clash of interests among high profile individuals and governments has been frustrating the emergence of the 16th substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.

Since the end of Charles Igwes tenure in June 2024 as the 15th vice-chancellor of UNN, the university has had three professors as acting vice-chancellors.

The first was Romanus Ezeokonkwo, who served from June to August 2024: Polycarp Chigbu from August 2024 to February 2025, before Mr Ujam, also a professor, stepped into the cockpit in February 2025.
Electric vehicle (EV) stocks have been volatile in 2025, driven by clean energy policy changes. While giants like Tesla (TSLA) and Rivian (RIVN) often dominate the headlines, some smaller EV players have become prime targets for short sellers looking to profit from their struggles. However, high short interest can sometimes have the opposite effect, fueling powerful rallies when traders rush to cover their bets.

One of the latest examples is Faraday Future Intelligent Electric (FFAI). The stock surged to a new sixmonth high on July 24 after a burst of buying activity sent short sellers scrambling. With more than a quarter of its float sold short, Faradays recent rally has been amplified by meme-style trading momentum. Heres why FFAIs short squeeze is turning heads and what it could mean for investors watching this embattled EV stock.

More News from Barchart

About Faraday Future Stock

Founded in 2014 and based in California, Faraday Future designs and builds electric vehicles. The company currently has a relatively small market cap of $228 million.

Last week, shares of Faraday Future Intelligent Electric surged dramatically amid a wave of retail meme trading, jumping 44% in a single day. Despite this gain, FFAI stock remains down 6.6% year to date, as production delays and cash-burn concerns continue to weigh on investor confidence.

www.barchart.com

Financial Overview

Despite its innovative tech, the company is not generating any meaningful revenue yet. In Q1 2025, Faraday reported minor revenue of $300,000 million from two FF 91 vehicle deliveries and a net loss of $43.8 million. The balance sheet remains lean. Unrestricted cash was only $9.5 million as of March 31. Total net assets were $139.8 million, reflecting recent funding.

To shore up liquidity, Faraday announced in July 2025 a $105 million financing package consisting mostly of 5-year convertible notes and warrants. Existing institutional backers, notably Master Investment Group, participated in the initial closing of $82 million. This deal should substantially increase cash on hand.

Deliveries remain very low. Faraday delivered 10 FF 91s in 2023 and only four in 2024, generating modest lease revenue. In Q1 2025, it delivered two units, one in California and one in New York. No public data exists yet for Q2 deliveries.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned Nigerian travellers against the misuse of US visas.

In a travel advisory issued on Friday, the agency urged Nigerians to adhere to the travel purpose identified in their visa application, noting that violations will likely result in visa revocation or deportation.

The NIS said breaching visa conditions could also attract severe penalties, such as permanent removal from the US and ineligibility for future travel.

All visa holders are advised to adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications strictly.

Applicants are reminded that security screening by US authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation, the statement read.

The agency also asked Nigerian students in the US to remain in active study.

It noted that students who withdraw from schools, are perpetually absent or change academic programmes without notification are also likely to have their visas cancelled.

They might also lose future eligibility, according to the agency.

It added that consular officers may deny tourist visas if there is reason to believe the applicants primary intent is to give birth in the US and obtain citizenship for the child.

The NIS continues to collaborate with the US Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions.

Compliance with visa regulations is essential to safeguard legitimate travel by Nigerian citizens, it further noted.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that the US mission earlier warned that travelling to the US with the intent of giving birth would lead to sanctions.

According to the embassy, requesting a visa with the sole aim of giving birth in the United States is not permitted.

It added that consular officers will deny visa applications if they have reason to believe that this is the applicants intent.

Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have US citizenship is not permitted, the mission stated in a Facebook post.

Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent, it added.
The former presidential candidate and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticised Nigerians for focusing more on British politician Kemi Badenochs denial of her Nigerian identity than on citizens who still embrace their nationality.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Sowore said Nigerians appear overly fixated on Ms Badenochs recent remarks, while neglecting to celebrate or support those who continue to identify with the country.

Nigeria is obsessed with Kemi Badenoch because she said she no longer identifies as Nigerian, and then we dont care about those who still identify or are identified as Nigerians! he wrote.

Background

Ms Badenoch, a senior minister in the United Kingdoms Conservative government and a prominent figure in British politics, sparked controversy over comments she made about her national identity during an interview on Rosebud, a podcast hosted by Gyles Brandreth.

In the episode, Ms Badenoch said she no longer identifies as Nigerian, despite her heritage and early upbringing in the country. She also revealed she has not renewed her Nigerian passport since the early 2000s.

Im Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents, but by identity Im not really, she said. I know the country very well, I have a lot of family there But home is where my now family is The Conservative Party is very much part of my extended family, I call it.

Born to Nigerian parents in London in 1980, Badenoch spent much of her childhood in Nigeria and the United States. She returned to the UK at age 16 to continue her education amid political and economic instability in Nigeria. She said her parents felt there was no future for her in Nigeria at the time.

I think the reason that I came back here was actually a very sad one, and it was that my parents thought: There is no future for you in this country. She added that she never quite felt she belonged in Nigeria.

Ms Badenochs remarks have reignited long-standing criticisms of her political stance and public comments on Nigeria.

She has previously faced backlash for her incessant commentaries on her Nigerian heritage.

In 2022, when her father, Femi Adegoke, a medical doctor, died in Nigeria, she described her experience obtaining a visa as a big fandango due to bureaucratic hurdles.

In December 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly accused Ms Badenoch of repeatedly disparaging Nigeria.

While acknowledging her right to express personal views, Mr Shettima said she was free to stop using her first name if she no longer wished to be associated with the country.

One out of every three, four Black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States and will be the third most populous nation on earth, Mr Shettima said.
The Nigerian military says troops recorded major breakthroughs in July, killing several high-profile terror commanders, rescuing 134 kidnap victims, and foiling oil theft worth N1.3 billion across various theatres of operations.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, made this known in an update on military operations on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Kangye said the successes underscored the militarys resolve to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace nationwide.

He said troops eliminated five notorious terror leaders, such as Yellow Danbokolo, Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, and Ali Yar Daribiyar, during intensified offensives in the North-east ast and North-west regions.

In total, 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements were arrested, while 134 kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families, he said.

Mr Kangye also revealed that a wanted terrorists commander, Ibn Ali, alongside 151 terrorists and their families, surrendered to troops during clearance operations in the North-east.

He added that troops had, in a sting operation, apprehended a number of high-profile suspects, including gunrunners, kidnappers, cultists, and extremist figures.

According to him, they include: Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi, Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (aka Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama, Isah Abdullahi, and Abdullahi Mohammed.

Also arrested were suspected cult kingpin Prince Justin Ishimiri and an extremist cell leader, Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor), he said.

On the economic front, Mr Kangye said that troops under Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft and sabotage activities amounting to over N1.31 billion in the Niger Delta.

He added that the troops recovered 974,976 litres of stolen crude oil; 269,257 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO); 1,759 litres of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK) and 3,447 litres of petrol (PMS).

Troops also discovered and destroyed 126 cooking ovens, 107 dugout pits, 73 illegal refining sites, 39 boats, 83 storage tanks, 88 drums, and 35 vehicles used in crude oil theft.

A total of 285 suspects were arrested, with large quantities of arms, ammunition, and explosives recovered, he added.

Mr Kangye said the armed forces, under the strategic guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a general, remained committed to defending Nigerias sovereignty in line with the rules of engagement and respect for human rights.

According to him, the military is executing intelligence-led operations, grounded in professionalism and patriotism.

The tide is turning against the enemies of the state, and we will sustain the momentum, he said.

(NAN)
Valentine Okike-Uzor, the suspended commissioner for Special Duties in Ebonyi State, has justified his suspension and that of 86 other officials by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

The suspension

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Nwifuru suspended 87 government officials on Monday.

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson Monday Uzor, had claimed the officials were suspended for not attending an important government function last weekend.

This newspaper would later learn that the important government function was actually a burial ceremony of the mother of one of the governors kins and friends, Innocent Elechi Ojiugwo.

Of the 87 suspended officials, 25 are commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and 22 permanent secretaries.

Habitual absence

In a statement on Friday, Mr Okike-Uzor, who is also the Focal Person for Ebonyi Indigenes in Diaspora, argued that the suspension was because of the alleged habitual absence of the officials from government functions.

The suspended commissioner dismissed claims suggesting that the suspension was due to failure of the officials to attend a birthday party.

He described the claims as misleading and mischievous, accusing opposition voices of spreading falsehoods online.

Opposition voices have taken to social media to twist the facts and post lies about the official engagement that led to the suspension of some state officials, myself included.

Some claimed it was a birthday party, while others pushed various shades of falsehood to suit their mischief. These claims are untrue. The suspension was not because of a birthday celebration as reported online, he said.

Mr Okike-Uzor emphasised that it is the governors prerogative to designate any engagement as official.

Once the governor designates an event as official, thats final. He doesnt need to consult any book to do that. It is his exclusive discretion, he said.

The suspended commissioner acknowledged that while some officials were unfortunate to be affected in the latest decision, many had developed the habit of absenting themselves from key state functions, despite repeated calls by the governor for full participation.

Some officials just show up briefly and sneak out, even while the governor is still present. Others arrive at events after the governor is already seated or leave before he departs. These actions are clearly against government protocol, he stated.

Punishment is necessary

Mr Okike-Uzor stressed that the suspension was unfortunate, but such punishment was necessary

Its unfortunate that a few who rarely miss government functions were caught in this particular web, but we must accept the punishment in good faith. We erred, he said.

He praised Governor Nwifurus leadership style, describing him as patient, accommodating, and a servant-leader.

Governor Nwifuru is the only governor who would tolerate such an attitude for this long. Not because he is weak, but because he believes in building Ebonyi together.

He finds it difficult to punish people; he prefers to correct. He has been very encouraging and patient with members of his executives, he added.

The suspended commissioner argued that the governor does not condone irresponsibility and that the suspension was a fair response to a serious breach of duty.

Not attending government functions is a major breach of trust and responsibility. The proper sanction could have been more severe.

Other governors might have simply dismissed the affected officials outright. But Governor Nwifuru chose the path of discipline with compassion  a carrot-and-stick approach, like a father nurturing his children, he said.

He urged Nigerians to disregard misleading reports on the matter and focus on the facts.

Let us not contribute to spreading misinformation. The circulating online narratives are baseless conjectures and do not represent the true situation, he stated.
In her latest comment about her Nigerian origin, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, says she no longer identifies as a Nigerian.

She said this while speaking on a podcast, released on Friday, with the UK former member of parliament and television presenter, Gyles Rosebud.

Ms Badenoch said she is only Nigerian through ancestry and stopped identifying as one a long time ago.

Im Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents but by identity, Im not really, she said.

Kemi Badenoch, born to Nigerian parents, became known for her unpleasant comments about her Nigerian origin after she was elected the Tory leader in 2024.

In one of her numerous remarks, she said that she is Yoruba, not Nigerian, at one point saying she had nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, referring to northern Nigerians.

She has repeatedly described her experiences in Nigeria as one plagued with corruption and dysfunction. She said she grew up seeing what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, using public money as their private piggy banks.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Ms Badenoch falsely claimed she is unable to pass on her Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman.

Speaking on Mr Rosebuds podcast, the Tory leader said she has not renewed her Nigerian passport since the early 2000s because she no longer identifies with the country, while noting the countrys crisis had shaped her political outlook.

Ms Badenoch, speaking about her life and upbringing in Lagos, said, As a child, I remember never quite feeling that I belonged there.

She also added that she recalled coming back to the UK in 1996 thinking: this is home.

Ms Badenoch, who was born in the UK, grew up in both Nigeria and the US. She returned to England aged 16.

I know the country very well, I have a lot of family there, and Im very interested in what happens there, she said. But home is where my now family is.

She also claimed the reason she returned to the UK was a very sad one.

It was that my parents thought: There is no future for you in this country.

She further noted that she had not experienced racial prejudice in the UK in any meaningful form.

I knew I was going to a place where I would look different to everybody, and I didnt think that that was odd.

What I found actually quite interesting was that people didnt treat me differently, and its why Im so quick to defend the UK whenever there are accusations of racism, she said.

Ms Badenochs comments about Nigeria are often controversial and are considered to be disparaging of the country.

Last year, the Nigerian vice president, Kasim Shettima, accused her of denigrating the country with her comments. He said she has every right to remove the Kemi from her name if she was not proud to be from Nigeria. 

He also compared her to another diaspora politician in the UK, saying, Rishi Sunak, the former British prime minister, is originally from India. A very brilliant young man, he never denigrated his nation of ancestry nor poured venom on India.
The Nigeria Police Force has invited human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations of forgery and inciting disturbance.

The invitation letter dated 1 August asked Mr Sowore to appear on Monday, 4 August, for an interview at the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The letter, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Akin Fakorede, and which Mr Sowore shared on Facebook on Saturday, said the invitation was in connection to a case of forgery and inciting violence reported on 31 July.

In view of the foregoing, and in the spirit of fair hearing, you are kindly requested to appear for an interview with the undersigned through SP Abdulhafiz Garba at the Monitoring Unit, First Floor, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday, 4th August 2025, by 10:00 a.m., to shed more light on the allegations, the letter stated.

The invitation, the police said, was issued in line with Section 53(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2025.

Mr Sowores invitation comes less than two weeks after his active roles in the 21 July protest of retired police officers to the Force Headquarters in Abuja against the poor retirement and pension packages that have left them impoverished.

The former presidential candidate has continued to champion the mobilisation for a follow-up protest of the retired cops later this month.

Mr Sowore alleged that his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses were stolen by a police agent during the last protest.

Sharing a video clip capturing the supposed scene when the glasses were snatched from his face, Mr Sowore has reported the alleged theft in multiple posts on 23, 24, 25, and 26 July.

In his relentless campaign since the day of the incident, he has called out one Aku Victor Chiemere, who he described as a cameraman attached to the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as the suspect.

In a follow-up, Mr Sowore said, Yesterday, I submitted another petition to the Nigeria Police Force in the Asokoro division.

This petition concerns the theft of my Ray-Ban AI-powered eyeglasses, which were stolen by Aku Victor Chiemere, a police cameraman working with the Force PPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He added that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, had earlier submitted a petition to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), but they were referred to the nearest divisional police station. We know it is a game! he wrote.

The police have not officially responded to the theft allegation.

Mr Sowore, a feisty critic of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has made a habit of referring to him as Illegal IGP  an expression of an intense disapproval of the tenure extension granted him by President Bola Tinubu last year.

His campaign against the extension of Mr Egbetokuns tenure prompted the Nigerian police to file cybercrime charges against him in January.

The police charged Mr Sowore with 17 counts of cybercrime offences for referring to the IGP, Mr Egbetokun, as illegal IGP in a post on his social media platforms.

Mr Egbetokun, who was expected to have exited service having attained the statutory retirement age of 60 years in September 2024, secured an extended stay in office following a controversial alteration to the Nigeria Police Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Mr Tinubu.

The alteration allowed Mr Egbetokun to stay in office for up to four years as Nigerias police chief.

Mr Sowore denied the cybercrime charges.

Sowores reaction

Mr Sowore has expressed his readiness to honour the latest police invitation and called on his supporters to join him.

He alleged that the move had ulterior motives and was intended to harass him.

The illegal IGP of Nigeria Police Force, Kayode Egbetokun, is excreting bricks and cant stand the heat anymore. So hes embarked again on another voyage, considering that his cybercrime farcical trial and the seizure of my international passport didnt work. Hes invited me to his IGP Monitoring Unit for forgery and inciting disturbance investigations, Mr Sowore posted.

I will be there on Monday, and Ill be inviting all our people in the revolutionary struggle to come with me. #EgbetokunMustGo, he declared.

How it started

The dispute stems from an incident during a protest on 21 July at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, which was led by Mr Sowore, alongside activists and retired police officers.

The demonstrators demanded improved welfare and the removal of police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme, which they say has left many impoverished.

During the protest, Mr Sowore claimed that a police officer in plain clothes stole his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses.

In a post shared on the day of the protest, Mr Sowore claimed that an officer in plain clothes was caught on camera removing his glasses.

This Nigeria Police Force officer, dressed in mufti, stole my AI Ray-Ban glasses at the Force Headquarters during #PoliceProtest today. His superiors are shielding him. Please DM if you know his name and rank as soon as possible, he wrote.

According to Mr Sowore, video evidence captured the moment the glasses were forcefully taken from his face.

Following his identification of Mr Chiemere as the suspect, Mr Sowore accused Mr Adejobi of complicity and demanded legal action against both men.

This act is not only criminal; it is a reprehensible behaviour orchestrated by a senior police officer. I am demanding the immediate return of my stolen property and the prosecution of both ACP Muyiwa Adejobi and Aku Victor Chiemere for theft, conspiracy, and official misconduct, he said.

Mr Sowore also called on retirees to organise beyond protests, warning that their neglect could be used against them.

Beyond perennial complaints, Nigerian retirees must organise and become a revolutionary political force. Otherwise, these politicians will wipe you off the surface of the earth with their favourite weapon: HUNGER & STARVATION! he warned.
Experts in Nigerias health sector have identified unequal power structures, harmful cultural norms, poor funding, and systemic silence as major threats stalling progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the country.

At a panel session during the 2025 Insight Learning Forum (ILF) held Wednesday in Abuja, they called for urgent policy and cultural reforms to address longstanding gender inequities.

They emphasised that the government must show commitment to tackling maternal deaths, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence.

Speaking during the session tagged The Role of Digital Tools and Innovative Financing Models in Expanding Access to SRHR, the Country Director at Plan International Nigeria, Charles Usie, argued that Nigerias SRHR crisis cannot be solved without a deliberate and provocative disruption of cultural and religious structures that have historically restricted womens autonomy.

Mr Usie noted that the conversation around SRHR must shift from framing it as a health issue alone to understanding it as a matter of power and control, particularly over womens bodies, voices, and access to resources.

We are talking about sexual and reproductive health and rights, but lets be clear, we are dealing with an issue of unequal power. Women and girls do not have the same authority men enjoy. Thats why we have more condoms than sanitary pads because of who makes the decisions, he said.

He emphasised that cultural and religious leaders often seen as untouchable must be challenged head-on.

Triggering is too soft, we must provoke them. In 2025, women still need permission from husbands to access care. Even powerful women, directors, and professors are trapped in this system. What about poor women in rural communities? Thats the depth of the problem, he added.

He said the most powerful tool for transforming healthcare is the budget.

The most powerful tool in health is the budget. But how many womens voices are reflected in our national budget? We spend billions and then gather in rooms like this asking how to help women. The answer is right there in the money.

Nigerias SRHR crisis

Millions of Nigerian women lack access to modern contraception, maternal health services, and emergency care.

According to 2021 data, only 12 per cent of Nigerian women use modern contraceptives, while the unmet need for contraception stands at over 19 million.

Meanwhile, nearly 44 per cent of girls are married before the age of 18, exposing them to early pregnancies and heightened health risks.

Nigerias maternal mortality is among the highest in the world at over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly double the sub-Saharan African average.

Also, survivors of gender-based violence often have no place to turn and as of 2025, Nigeria has only 42 functioning GBV referral centers spread across just 22 of the countrys 36 states and the FCT.

SRHR services, where available, are often hindered by poor infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, financial exclusion, and deep-rooted cultural resistance.

Despite existing legal frameworks and health policies, enforcement remains weak, leaving many women in underserved and rural communities, unable to make decisions about their health or access essential services without male permission or interventions.

Collaborations with cultural leaders

Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), highlighted the complexity of engaging traditional and religious leaders, many of whom reinforce harmful practices.

Ms Dasilva-Ibru acknowledged that while patriarchy cannot be ignored, cultural gatekeepers must be engaged strategically and not avoided.

We must bring them in, educate them, show them that aligning with the rights of women is in their best interest. If I walk into a community accusing them of rape and child marriage, no one listens. But if I talk about the well-being of their daughters, the conversation changes, she said.

She added that Nigeria lacks not just infrastructure, but also empathy and data-driven action.

As a founder, where we run rape crisis centres, 78 per cent of survivors are under 18. The youngest Ive treated was seven years old. And we only have 42 GBV centers in 22 states. Thats outrageous, she said.

She also called for the integration of SRHR into national health policies and universal health coverage, not as a separate silo, but as part of the core system.

Patriarchy, power structures

In her comments, the Executive Director at HACEY, Rhoda Robinson, said that Nigerias gender inequality is not just systemic but generational, taught before girls even understand their place in the world.

Ms Robinson described it as ingrained in our blood, reinforced through rigid social roles, unequal opportunity, and silence.

She noted that the power to make decisions is often denied to women from birth, leaving them dependent on families, husbands, or society to determine what is acceptable.

She said, A lot of women are not allowed to make decisions. The family, the system, the society decides what she can or cannot do. Even educated women are still expected not to rise too high. We need to raise girls who see a future beyond motherhood and survival.

She emphasised intersectionality, acknowledging that a womans experience varies widely depending on her age, location, wealth, education, and even disability status.

To change the narrative, she said, Nigeria must show girls a different future, one where they are more than wives, mothers, or economic dependents.

She also stressed the importance of bringing local leaders into the conversation, instead of trying to change things from the outside.

The only vision many girls see for themselves is to grow up, be respectful, and become mothers. We must create spaces where they can imagine and see a different future for themselves.

She called for more intentionality in leadership development starting far earlier than adulthood.

Also speaking, a Public Health lecturer at Babcock University, Jonathan Dangana, said the crisis begins with how boys are raised and how conversations about sex and consent are avoided in homes, schools, and religious settings.

Mr Dangana said a girl is told how to behave in her husbands house before she even knows what a husband is, meanwhile, boys are taught nothing about responsibility.

READ ALSO: Global reproductive health organisation appoints new CEO

He called for age-appropriate, comprehensive sexual education starting from nursery school and continuing through to tertiary institutions.

If we dont start early, were building on ignorance. Right now, 6 out of 10 girls under ten have already been exposed to sex. But nobody talks about the men responsible for their existence he said.

He also criticised the generational disconnect in policymaking.

We are designing solutions for Gen Zs without involving them in conversations like this. Theyll only listen to us out of respect but were here speaking in language they dont resonate with. We need to involve them directly in shaping solutions to address these crises, he said.
The Nigerian government, in partnership with the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), has called for renewed commitment to building sustainable support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed effectively.

World Breastfeeding Week, marked globally from the 1st to the 7th of August, presents an opportunity to highlight the importance of this practice.

This years theme, Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems, emphasises the urgent need for consistent support at home, in communities, workplaces, and health facilities to help mothers breastfeed successfully.

Breastfeeding in Nigeria

Breast milk is a natural and complete source of nutrition for infants. It contains antibodies that protect children from disease, support brain development, and reduce the risk of obesity later in life.

For women, it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as Type 2 diabetes.

UNICEF describes breastfeeding as a sustainable, cost-effective, climate-smart intervention that produces zero waste.

Despite its numerous benefits, breastfeeding remains poorly supported or widely misunderstood.

Although more than 90 per cent of Nigerian mothers start breastfeeding, a figure considered encouraging, data from the 2023 to 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey shows worrying gaps in how long and how exclusively babies are breastfed.

The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding, defined as feeding within the first hour of birth, has declined from 42 per cent in 2018 to 36 per cent in 2023.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months has stagnated at 29 per cent, and only 23 per cent of babies are breastfed for the recommended minimum of two years.

Only 12 of Nigerias 36 states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, currently provide up to six months of paid maternity leave.

Collective action needed

In response to these trends, both government stakeholders and development partners are urging the creation of stronger systems that enable mothers to initiate breastfeeding early, feed exclusively for six months, and continue breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to 24 months.

Wafaa Abdelatef, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, said that all parts of society must take responsibility for ensuring mothers have the support they need.

Mr Abdelatef noted that breast milk is central to child survival and development.

We all have a role to play in supporting mothers to breastfeed effectively.

This World Breastfeeding Week, we urge every level of government, every workplace, and every community to build lasting support systems so that no mother lacks the encouragement or resources she needs, he said.

National investment

As part of the ongoing Nutrition 774 Initiative, which seeks to strengthen nutrition services in every local government area, the federal government and UNICEF are advocating for coordinated efforts to close the support gap.

READ ALSO: First UK baby born following womb transplant

Their recommendations include extending paid maternity leave to six months across all states, training and equipping frontline health workers, and ensuring mothers have access to breastfeeding support wherever they live and work.

UNICEF emphasised that improving breastfeeding practices is more than a public health priority.
Police Postpone Sowores Invitation Over Alleged Forgery, Inciting Disturbance

The Nigeria Police Force has postponed a scheduled interview with human rights activist and SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over allegations of forgery and inciting public disturbance.

The police postponed the appointment without fixing a new date.

They had earlier invited Mr Sowore to appear before the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit in Abuja on Monday, for questioning regarding a case, which they claimed, was reported on 31 July with Mr Sowores prominently featuring in it.

However, in a message shared by Mr Sowore on Sunday evening, the police said the meeting had been deferred due to the unavailability of the Head of the Monitoring Unit, Deputy Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, who has been assigned to an urgent national assignment in the North-east.

Please be informed that your meeting with DCP Akin Fakorede, Head of IGP Monitoring Unit, slated for Monday, 4th August 2025, has been postponed, the message from Hafiz Garba, the investigating officer, read.

This is due to the unavailability of the Head on that date, as he will be attending to an urgent national assignment in the North East. A new date will be fixed and you will be notified accordingly.

Before the news of the postponement broke late Saturday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Sowore had expressed his readiness to honour the police invitation and called on his supporters to join him.

He alleged that the move had ulterior motives and was intended to harass him.

The police invitation, dated 1 August and signed by Mr Fakorede, did not provide the details of the case against Mr Sowore.

However, it comes just lest than two weeks after Mr Sowore played active roles in the retired police officers protest on 21 July at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The demonstration, in which Mr Sowore played a leading role, retired police officers, and other activists, called for the removal of police personnel from the Contributory Pension Scheme and demanded improved welfare for retired officers.

During the protest, Mr Sowore alleged that his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses were stolen by a police officer. He reported the alleged theft in multiple posts on 23, 24, 25, and 26 July.

In a follow-up, Mr Sowore named the alleged culprit as Aku Victor Chiemere, said to be a cameraman attached to the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Yesterday, I submitted another petition to the Nigeria Police Force in the Asokoro division.

This petition concerns the theft of my Ray-Ban AI-powered eyeglasses, which were stolen by Aku Victor Chiemere, a police cameraman working with the Force PPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Mr Sowore said.

He added that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, had earlier submitted a petition to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), but they were referred to the nearest divisional police station. We know it is a game! he wrote.

The police have not officially responded to the theft allegation.

The former presidential candidate has continued to champion the mobilisation for a follow-up protest of the retired cops later this month.

Mr Sowore alleged that his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses were stolen by a police agent during the last protest.

Sharing a video clip capturing the supposed scene when the glasses were snatched from his face, Mr Sowore has reported the alleged theft in multiple posts on 23, 24, 25, and 26 July.

In his relentless campaign since the day of the incident, he has called out one Aku Victor Chiemere, who he described as a cameraman attached to the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as the suspect.

In a follow-up, Mr Sowore said, Yesterday, I submitted another petition to the Nigeria Police Force in the Asokoro division.

This petition concerns the theft of my Ray-Ban AI-powered eyeglasses, which were stolen by Aku Victor Chiemere, a police cameraman working with the Force PPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He added that his lawyer, Tope Temokun, had earlier submitted a petition to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), but they were referred to the nearest divisional police station. We know it is a game! he wrote.

The police have not officially responded to the theft allegation.

Mr Sowore, a feisty critic of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has made a habit of referring to him as Illegal IGP  an expression of an intense disapproval of the tenure extension granted him by President Bola Tinubu last year.

His campaign against the extension of Mr Egbetokuns tenure prompted the Nigerian police to file cybercrime charges against him in January.

The police charged Mr Sowore with 17 counts of cybercrime offences for referring to the IGP, Mr Egbetokun, as illegal IGP in a post on his social media platforms.

Mr Egbetokun, who was expected to have exited service having attained the statutory retirement age of 60 years in September 2024, secured an extended stay in office following a controversial alteration to the Nigeria Police Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by MrTinubu.

The alteration allowed Mr Egbetokun to stay in office for up to four years as Nigerias police chief.

Mr Sowore denied the cybercrime charges.
even if ADC has a good and well-articulated agenda for Nigerians, can it execute such agenda, when most of its gladiators, activists and followers are from the Buhari wing of the APC  one that is notoriously heartless, thoroughly vicious, extremely conservative, awfully divisive, politically reactionary, ethnically chauvinistic, religiously jingoistic, and incurably kleptomaniac?

The opposition politicians who, on 6 July, coalesced under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), did some good for Nigerians, but did not make them proud.

First, they raised issues of the lack of democracy, transparency, and discipline within political parties. Since then, they have been verbalising about party democracy. This is important because anti-democratic and anti-development forces cannot democratise and develop Nigeria.

Second, they have been showing interest, even if not commitment and determination, in dislodging the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and replace Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president  one who has been treating Nigerian masses as conquered, enslaved, colonised, and lifeless people.

But ADC has not made Nigerians proud because its major concern is with itself  to win the 2027 presidential elections. Which is why the debate amongst the party gladiators and activists is: Who will become its presidential candidate? Should the unwritten but widely accepted zoning formula be upheld or discarded? Should the presidential candidate emerge by popular consensus or party primaries?

But party democracy for whom, what, and why? Is a presidential candidate Nigerias problem? Are most of the ADC gladiators, activists, and followers not from APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? Are these not the only parties that have ruled Nigeria since 1999?

Let us assume, without conceding, that the ADC gladiators and activists are born-again democrats and patriots: what is their agenda for Nigerians? What differentiates them from APC?

Like APC, the 2027 presidential election is what ADC is primarily interested in! No programme or agenda about the rest of us. Just who emerges as the presidential candidate. No talks on how it will transparently and democratically throw-up candidates for local, state, and National Assembly elections.

No talks on how ADC differs from APC, PDP, Labour Party and even the New Nigerian Peoples Party. Just party-building, party democracy, party aspirants, and so on. Always polemics against APC! Now and then celebrating how it is hitting APC! Some even say ADC is the government-in-waiting, come 2027.

But what does ADC have for Nigerians? Other than the general and lifeless condemnation of Tinubunomics, as catastrophic, ADC has no known economic agenda for Nigeria. It describes Tinubus removal of fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and fiscal policy as catastrophic. So what is its alternative?

the question is: What concrete policies has the ADC for Nigeria? Will it adopt a state-driven development policy, instead of only private sector driven development? Will it adopt a home-initiated, propelled and driven economic policy, in which we produce what we consume and consume what we produce?

Like APC, ADC will provide a safety net. But, unlike APC, it will be adequate safety nets. Have the safety nets provided since the General Ibrahim Babangida days tackled the disastrous effects of International Monetary Fund and World Bank witchcraft economism? No! If anything, studies show that safety nets are largely for the wrong people; not the petty traders, farmers, underemployed, unemployed, and vulnerable masses!

So, the question is: What concrete policies has the ADC for Nigeria? Will it adopt a state-driven development policy, instead of only private sector driven development? Will it adopt a home-initiated, propelled and driven economic policy, in which we produce what we consume and consume what we produce?

Will ADC adopt and enforce policies in which there will be value-addition to our raw materials? Will it initiate, creatively promote, and defend home industries, as Nigeria did in the 1960s and 1970s? These are policies which significantly built state-capacity, grew the economy, ensured security, developed Nigerians educationally, socially, and culturally, wile also making Nigeria respected and feared globally.

If yes, will ADC allow for the full operation of government petroleum refineries? Will it also license new refineries, and allow modular refineries to operate freely? Or, will it continue exporting crude oil and importing refined products?

What about electricity? There can be no democracy and development without adequate, regular, cheap, and affordable electricity? Will ADC reverse the privatisation of the state electricity company and allow it to fairly and justly compete with private ones? Or, will it continuing speaking the baseless grammar that past governments spoke, and the current one is speaking?

Like APC, ADC is not crying against terrorism; genocidal activities; crimes against humanity; the destruction of farms; and the mass sack and displacement of people; including the seizure and take-over of peoples ancestral lands by Fulani terrorists.

Neither has the ADC, like the APC, politically acted against the rape of women; infanticide; illegal imposition of taxes on rural dwellers; kidnappings; invasion of places of worship; killing of clerics and worshippers, amongst others, by terrorists.

ADCs silence on these matters definitely shows that it has no agenda to tackle the insecurity, genocide, terrorism, and crimes against humanity ravaging Nigeria. Yet, these are currently the burning issues confronting Nigeria. They are the major reasons why foodstuff and the cost of living are rising increasingly. They are the major factors responsible for the increasing militarisation of the society, and general distrust and dislike of the state by society.

That the ADC is a new coalition is not an excuse for lacking any agenda for Nigerians. If the forces that coalesced had Nigerians in their minds, they would in their pre-coalition meetings have amalgamated on the basis of a common agenda of democracy, development, security, and the well-being of Nigerians.

My question is, what will ADC do about insecurity, genocidal attacks and terrorism? Will it give the security forces the resources, deadline and free hand to make the terrorists history? Will they allow Nigerians to arm and defend themselves?

Or, will it glorify and encourage terrorism by negotiating with the terrorists, as some APC Governors did and are doing? Will the ADC, like APC, handover the security apparati to politicians and security personnel, that are allegedly sympathetic and supportive of the terrorists? Or, will it, like APC, keep promising, but never seriously ting to end insecurity? Or, will it, like APC, keep shamelessly and stupidly lying that security has improved?

Like the APC, the ADC does not have policies addressing the problems of Nigerias divides. What has it for the dormant Hausa majority and ethnic minority nationalities, who have largely been relegated to background in the affairs of the state and society?

What programme has it for the female gender, the elderly, workers, farmers, people with disabilities, out-of-school-children, and internally displaced persons scattered all over Nigeria? What about the countless orphans, widows, homeless, refugees, and beggars that Boko Haram and terrorists created?

What about our military, police and other security personnel that were maimed, physically disabled, mentally deranged, forgotten, abandoned, and compelled to fend for themselves in hospitals and their homes? National heroes who gallantly fought terrorism and sacrificed themselves so that the rest of society will be secured?

What policies has the ADC to develop our universities, hospitals, and industries, or, at least, return them to what they were during the Second Republic? What solid programmes does it have to discourage the mass exodus of Nigerian academics, professionals, and youths all over the world?

That the ADC is a new coalition is not an excuse for lacking any agenda for Nigerians. If the forces that coalesced had Nigerians in their minds, they would in their pre-coalition meetings have amalgamated on the basis of a common agenda of democracy, development, security, and the well-being of Nigerians.

Finally, even if ADC has a good and well-articulated agenda for Nigerians, can it execute such agenda, when most of its gladiators, activists and followers are from the Buhari wing of the APC  one that is notoriously heartless, thoroughly vicious, extremely conservative, awfully divisive, politically reactionary, ethnically chauvinistic, religiously jingoistic, and incurably kleptomaniac? Except for their middle letters, what in reality is the difference between APC and ADC?

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: [email protected]
By Jihoon Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's exports rose for the second straight month in July, beating market expectations on strong chip demand and shipments being moved forward ahead of higher U.S. tariffs, which are expected to weigh in the second half of the year.

Exports from Asia's fourth-largest economy, an early bellwether for global trade, rose 5.9% from the same month last year to $60.82 billion, trade data showed on Friday, higher than the 4.3% increase in June and the strongest since December 2024.

The figure beat a median 4.6% rise forecast for July in a Reuters poll of economists, who also noted signs of front-loading shipments ahead of an August 1 deadline for higher U.S. tariffs.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on U.S. imports from dozens of countries and foreign locations.

With South Korea, Trump announced a trade deal on Wednesday setting tariffs at 15%, lower than a threatened 25% but higher than the current 10%, which officials, companies and economists cheered for reducing uncertainty over the trade environment.

"Despite the trade deal, demand is still expected to weaken from August as overall tariff rates will increase," said Lee Jeong-hoon, an economist at Eugene Investment Securities.

"Demand for artificial intelligence, however, will continue to be strong, while that for automobiles is growing in non-U.S. markets."

A separate business survey showed on Friday South Korea's factory activity contracted for the sixth straight month in July, as uncertainty over U.S. tariffs weighed on output and orders.

The trade-reliant economy grew at the fastest pace in more than a year in the second quarter, buoyed by rebounding consumer spending and a surge in exports driven by demand for technology.

Exports of semiconductors jumped 39.3% in July, the biggest annual increase since October 2024, while cars rose by a five-month high of 8.8% on robust demand in non-U.S. markets such as Europe. Ship exports surged 107.6%.

By destination, shipments to the U.S. rose 1.4%, after three straight months of declines, as growing technology demand offset the impact of Trump's tariffs on steel and auto parts. Exports to China fell 3.0%, while those to the European Union rose 8.7%.

Imports rose 0.7% in July to $54.21 billion, compared with a gain of 4.3% in June and 2.0% expected by economists.

The monthly trade balance stood at a surplus of $6.61 billion, narrower than the previous month's $9.08 billion, which was the biggest since September 2018.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Jamie Freed)
ELYRIA, Ohio, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spitzer Autoworld, one of Ohio's most trusted names in automotive retail since 1904, is excited to introduce the new Spitzer VIP Programa first-of-its-kind customer experience platform designed to reward loyalty, simplify vehicle ownership, and put the power of personalized service in the palm of every customer's hand.

Accessible through the all-new Spitzer VIP App, the program offers a seamless digital hub where users can earn rewards, unlock exclusive offers, schedule service, store important vehicle documents, and even monitor their vehicle's healthall in one secure, easy-to-use place.

"Since 1904, our customers have been the VIPs of Spitzer Autoworldand now it's official," said Andrew Spitzer, 4th generation owner of the Spitzer brand. "The Spitzer VIP Program is built around the philosophy we've carried for over a century. We want to make ownership easier, smarter, and better because our world truly revolves around you and rememberwag more spend less."

The launch is backed by a statewide multimedia campaign featuring Andrew Spitzer himself and the brand's signature jingle, "Our world revolves around you."

Ohio drivers can download the app now from the App Store or Google Play and begin enjoying the VIP treatmentanother step forward in Spitzer's ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-first service.

About Spitzer Autoworld

Founded in 1904, Spitzer Autoworld is a family-owned automotive group with deep roots in Ohio and a legacy of exceptional customer care. With locations throughout the state, Spitzer offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles, trusted service, and exclusive ownership benefits including the Spitzer Shield and now, the Spitzer VIP Program.

To learn more or to download the app, visit www.spitzer.com .

SOURCE Spitzer Autoworld
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
New Delhi, Aug 2 : In a significant push towards development in his parliamentary constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a wide range of development projects worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore.

During his visit, PM Modi will address a public gathering at around 11 a.m. and will release the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. Under this instalment, more than Rs 20,500 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country, reaffirming the governmentas continued support for India's agricultural community.

As part of the efforts to strengthen connectivity, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the widening and strengthening of key roads, including the Varanasia"Bhadohi road and the Chhitaunia"Shool Tankeshwar road. He will also inaugurate a railway overbridge at Hardattpur, which is expected to alleviate congestion on the heavily used Mohan Saraia"Adalpura route.

In addition, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for several new infrastructure projects including road upgrades in Dalmandi, Lahartaraa"Kotwa, Gangapur, and Babatpur.

New railway overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard are also planned to further enhance local transportation facilities.

Focusing on improving the cityas power infrastructure, the Prime Minister will also launch electricity projects worth over Rs 880 crore. These include the Smart Distribution Project and the undergrounding of overhead electrical cables, which aim to modernise and secure the cityas power supply system.

To promote tourism and protect the city's rich cultural heritage, PM Modi will inaugurate the redevelopment of eight riverfront Kuccha Ghats, the beautification of the pond and ghat at Rangildas Kutiya in Shivpur, and the restoration of the historic Durgakund.

Foundation stones will be laid for the restoration of Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple, development of Karkhiyaon, the birthplace of notable freedom fighters, and redevelopment of Munshi Premchandas ancestral home in Lamahi into a museum.
Los Angeles, Aug 2 : Four people were killed in a bar shooting in Anaconda, US state of Montana, local media reported, citing law enforcement officials.

The shooting occurred on Friday at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a city located in southwestern Montana, Xinhua news agency reported quoting NBC Montana.

The suspect was identified as Michael Paul Brown, according to a Facebook post by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center.

"Be advised suspect in shooting is believed to be armed and dangerous," said the post.

Officials posted a photo of the suspect on Facebook and advised the public to stay out of the Stumptown area and surrounding areas.

Montana Highway Patrol also said in a Facebook post that there is a "heavy law enforcement presence west of Anaconda near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road."

"Authorities are searching for a suspect believed to be armed. Please avoid the area," the agency added.

As reports of the shooting spread through town, business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers. At Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, a nursery a few blocks from the shooting scene, owner Sage Huot said she'd kept the children inside all day after someone called to let her know about the violence.

The owner of the Firefly Cafe in Anaconda said she locked up her business at about 11 a.m. Friday after getting alerted to the shooting by a friend.

"We are Montana, so guns are not new to us," cafA owner Barbie Nelson said. "For our town to be locked down, everybody's pretty rattled."
Washington, Aug 2 : US President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered the firing of Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accusing her of manipulating data for political purposes.

"I was just informed that our Country's 'Jobs Numbers' are being produced by a Biden Appointee, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who faked the Jobs Numbers before the Election to try and boost Kamala (Harris)'s chances of Victory," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, without providing any evidence.

"We need accurate Jobs Numbers. I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY ... Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can't be manipulated for political purposes," Trump said.

Trump's announcement came just a few hours after the BLS released the July jobs report, which showed just 73,000 nonfarm jobs added -- far below forecasts -- and downward revisions of over 250,000 jobs for May and June combined, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July 2023, then US President Joe Biden selected McEntarfer for the role, and the Senate confirmed her in January 2024 with strong bipartisan backing.

"This is a political firing, pure and simple. No justification in terms of performance or skills," Gary Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and a former Treasury Department official, told Xinhua.

"Going forward, it's likely that the BLS staff will prevent large-scale interference with data collection and presentation. However, Trump's appointee may be able to color statements in a way favorable to Trump," said Hufbauer.
(Reuters) -Southwest Airlines said on Thursday it has named insider Doug Brooks as the independent chair of its board, effective August 1.

The company also said the appointment follows Rakesh Gangwal's decision to step down from his role as chair, due to additional time commitments unrelated to Southwest, but would still remain on board. He became board chair last November.

Southwest also announced formation of a new "Fleet Oversight Committee" to assist the board in its oversight of the carrier's aircraft fleet acquisition strategy, of which Gangwal would serve as chair.

Gangwal will also continue to serve on the finance and the nominating & corporate governance committees, the company said.

Brooks, who has served as a director at the carrier since 2010, had previously been chief executive at Brinker International.

Southwest has been struggling to find its footing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its lackluster earnings have fueled pressure to revamp its business model.

Among some of the changes, Southwest has ended its open seating policy, which had been central to its brand image for more than 50 years; it also rolled out a new basic economy fare and, in the last quarter, it began charging customers for checked bags, ending a unique free policy.

Depressed travel demand in the U.S. domestic market in the aftermath of President Donald Trump's trade war has only compounded its challenges. Southwest, the largest U.S. domestic carrier, last week reduced its profit estimate for the year by as much as $1.1 billion.

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago and Anshuman Tripathy in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
United Nations, Aug 2 : Relief workers have handed cash to more than 10,000 hungry families in Gaza, who find little food on the market to spend on, UN humanitarians said.

"Market prices remain highly volatile and out of reach for many," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday.

OCHA said that nearly a week after the Israelis allowed the scale-up of aid and the safe passage for relief convoys, the assistance that has entered Gaza remains insufficient. Convoys continue to face obstacles and danger along the routes mapped out by the Israeli authorities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The office said the months-long deprivation of most life-sustaining basics has led to a deepening of the crisis, and large numbers of people reportedly continue to be killed and injured searching for food. More than 100 people were killed in the past two days along food convoy routes or near Israeli militarised distribution hubs.

UN Children's Fund Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban, who just returned from Israel and Gaza, described some of the mission to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.

"We called for more humanitarian aid and commercial traffic to come in, moving closer toward 500 trucks a day, to stabilize the situation and reduce the desperation of the population ... We need to flood the strip with supplies using all channels and all gates," he said.

OCHA said fuel remains in short supply, although limited quantities have been allowed to enter Gaza in recent days.

"The United Nations and our partners need hundreds of thousands of liters of fuel every day to power critical facilities, including health, water and sanitation, as well as emergency telecommunication services," the office said.

OCHA said that while fewer humanitarian movements are denied outright, approved missions still take hours to complete because they are being forced to halt at various points along the approved routes.
Los Angeles, Aug 2 : The Trump administration is suspending federal research funding to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the top public universities in the United States, over claims of "antisemitism and bias," according to the university's chancellor.

"UCLA received a notice that the federal government, through its control of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies, is suspending certain research funding to UCLA," the university's chancellor, Julio Frenk, said in a statement Thursday.

"This is not only a loss to the researchers who rely on critical grants. It is a loss for Americans across the nation whose work, health, and future depend on the groundbreaking work we do," noted the statement.

Frenk pointed out that "hundreds of grants may be lost, adversely affecting the lives and life-changing work of UCLA researchers, faculty and staff" through Washington's decision, Xinhua news agency reported.

Roughly 300 grants amounting to nearly $200 million were suspended, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"In its notice to us, the federal government claims antisemitism and bias as the reasons. This far-reaching penalty of defunding life-saving research does nothing to address any alleged discrimination," the chancellor added.

Frenk said that the university "has taken robust actions to make our campus a safe and welcoming environment for all students."

The suspension comes after a US Department of Justice civil rights investigation that alleged UCLA had been "deliberately indifferent" to widespread harassment of Jewish and Israeli students during 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses.

Earlier this week, the university agreed to pay $6.45 million to settle a lawsuit over treatment of Jewish students and a professor during the protests.

UCLA became the latest top university in the country being targeted by the federal government over claims that it has not taken enough actions to combat antisemitism on campus.

Last week, Columbia University announced that it agreed to pay over $200 million to the federal government to restore federal funding after it was investigated over campus antisemitism.

Another Ivy League school, Brown University, agreed Wednesday to a 50-million-dollar deal with the Trump administration after facing probes over the treatment of Jewish students on campus and the consideration of race in its admissions.

In March, the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights sent letters to 60 universities, including Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia and Stanford University, regarding investigations into alleged antisemitic discrimination and harassment on their campuses.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a month-long voter verification campaign in Bihar starting Saturday, following the release of the draft voter list as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

The campaign, aimed at allowing citizens to check their names and raise objections or claims, will continue until September 1. Special voter assistance camps are being set up across the state at Block-cum-Anchal offices and in urban bodies such as Nagar Panchayats, Nagar Parishads, and Municipal Corporation zones.

The release of the draft electoral roll on Friday revealed a significant drop in the number of registered voters in Bihar, by over 65 lakh, compared to the previous list. This reduction has triggered both political debate and legal scrutiny.

According to the ECI, the majority of the 65 lakh deletions are due to reasons such as death, double registration in different constituencies, permanent migration out of Bihar, or untraceability of the voter during the door-to-door verification process conducted during the first phase of the SIR.

In a public appeal, the ECI urged all eligible voters to verify their names on the draft list, which is now available on the official ECI portal. If a voter's name is missing, they are required to submit Form 6 along with a declaration form, as specified in the SIR guidelines.

While the ECI maintains that the exercise is aimed at purifying electoral rolls and ensuring fair elections, Opposition parties have raised serious concerns.

They have accused the Commission of conducting a covert attempt to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) through this revision, calling it a "backdoor NRC". Several political parties have already approached the Supreme Court, demanding transparency and safeguards in the process.

The apex court, while hearing the matter, suggested that the ECI should consider Aadhaar and Voter ID cards as valid proof of identity during the verification process. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 12.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Indian National Congress is set to hold a high-level national conclave on Saturday at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, focussing on constitutional values, federalism, and the legacy of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

The conclave, themed 'Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives and Pathways,' is being organised by the All India Congress Committee's (AICC) Department of Law, Human Rights and RTI.

Beginning at 9 A.M., the event brings together more than 1,500 delegates from across the country, including legal experts, academics, human rights defenders, and Congress leaders from various states.

Key figures such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address the gathering, alongside party General Secretaries K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, Treasurer Ajay Maken, and others.

The conclave aims to highlight the Congress' historical role in the drafting of the Constitution and to reaffirm its commitment to protecting democratic institutions. It also comes at a time when the party alleges rising centralisation of power and erosion of constitutional safeguards under the current BJP-led government.

Chairman of the AICC's Department of Law, Human Rights and RTI, Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, announced the conclave on social media platform X, stating: "As Chairman of the AICC Department of Law, Human Rights and RTI, I am pleased to announce that we are organising a National Legal Conclave tomorrow, i.e., on August 2, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi."

"Theme: 'Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives and Pathways.' This event takes place at a pivotal moment in our Republic's journey  a time that calls for renewed commitment to the foundational values of our democracy," the post added.

Singhvi emphasised the importance of collective action: "As custodians of the Constitution of India, we are presented with an opportunity to come together  as legal professionals, public thinkers, and citizens  to reaffirm our collective faith in the constitutional order, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen the integrity of our institutions."

Leaders from various state units of the Congress, including senior members of the Uttarakhand Congress, are also participating.

Uttarakhand Congress vice president (Organisation and Administration) Suryakant Dhasmana confirmed that top leaders from the state would be present and engage directly with former Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during the event.
Srinagar, Aug 2 : One terrorist was killed on Saturday in an ongoing gunfight between the security forces and the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district.

Officials said that after Intelligence inputs were recieved about the presence of terrorists in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district, the joint forces started a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) on Friday.

"Exchange of fire between the joint forces and the hiding terrorists is taking place and one terrorist has been killed in this ongoing operation so far.

"The identity and other details of the slain terrorist will be ascertained after the operation is concluded", officials said.

Security forces have been carrying out aggressive operations against the terrorists in the hinterland while the Indian Army has been on maximum alert guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.

The elimination of three hardcore Pakistani terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed, is part of the aggressive operations being carried out by the joint forces.

Three hardcore Pakistani terrorists including LeT commander, Suleman Shah and his two associates Abu Hamza and Jibran Bhai responsible for the Pahalgam attack were killed on July 28 in the higher reaches of Dachigam national park on the foot of Mahadev mountain peak in Harwan area of Srinagar. The Army code named this operation as 'Operation Mahadev'.

After the Pahalgam terror attack, the security forces are carrying out anti-terrorist operations against gun wielding terrorists, their over ground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in J&K.

Drug smugglers and drug peddlers are also on the radar of the security forces because it is believed that the funds generated by hawala money racket and drug smuggling are finally used to sustain terrorism in J&K.

The coordinated and Intelligence-backed operations of the joint forces are aimed at dismantling the ecosystem of terrorism in J&K rather than focussing on just the elimination of the gun wielding terrorists.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : The Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru is set to announce the quantum of punishment for ex-JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, on Saturday.

The court on Friday pronounced Revanna guilty in the obscene video and rape case.

Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the verdict.

The court is scheduled to announce the quantum of punishment on Saturday, after allowing the convict, Prajwal Revanna, and his counsel to make their final submissions on the conviction.

Prajwal Revanna was produced before the court, and as soon as the verdict was pronounced, he was seen with tears in his eyes, wiping them while seated inside the courtroom. After stepping out of the court hall, he sat down in a chair in visible despair and broke down, unable to process the shock.

The court deferred the judgment on July 30, citing the need for certain clarifications. After seeking inputs from both sides and issuing directions, the matter was adjourned until this day.

He was arrested last year and has been in jail for 14 months.

The case in question pertains to a rape complaint and other charges filed by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar against Prajwal Revanna. The court has reviewed 26 pieces of evidence in connection with the case. Prajwal Revanna faces three other similar cases.

Videos allegedly showing Prajwal Revanna sexually assaulting women and recording the acts surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha election period.

Following this, Prajwal fled the country. A victim from Holenarasipura initially filed a police complaint against him. Upon his return to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, he was arrested by the Bengaluru Police.

His return came after public appeals from former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. Prajwal was lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail, and his multiple bail pleas were outrightly rejected by all courts.

One of the videos that caused widespread outrage during the election period shows the alleged sexual assault on an elderly domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura.

In the video, the woman is seen pleading with Prajwal to spare her, stating that she had served food to his father and other family elders.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had filed cases under IPC Sections 376(2)(n) (repeated rape on the same woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), 354A(1) (unwelcome physical contact and advances, sexual demands), 354B (use of criminal force with intent to disrobe), 354C (voyeurism -- capturing images of a woman engaged in a private act without her consent), along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

Police had collected strong evidence in this particular case. They recorded the statement of the victim, collected the samples of semen of Prajwal Revanna from the clothes of the victim, and also obtained the video of the sexual assault.
Seoul, Aug 2 : South Korean stocks tumbled at the steepest pace in nearly four months on Friday as investor sentiment was dragged down by the government's tax revision proposal to raise taxes on corporations and stock investors. The local currency lost sharply against the U.S. dollar to top the 1,400-won line for the first time since May.

The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) shed 126.03 points, or 3.88 percent, to close at 3,119.41, marking the largest daily loss since April 7, when the index plunged 5.57 percent, reports Yonhap news agency.

Trade volume was moderate at 504.4 million shares worth 15.1 trillion won (US$10.8 billion), with losers beating winners 882 to 37.

Foreigners and institutions led the bearish mode, selling a net 656.5 billion won and 1.07 trillion won worth of shares, respectively, while individuals bought a net 1.63 billion won.

Analysts pointed to the government's tax revision proposal, which was announced after the market closed on the previous day.

According to the proposal, the corporate tax rate would rise by 1 percentage point in all brackets, reversing the previous administration's expansionary policy.

The government also plans to lower the minimum threshold for capital gains tax, raising the number of taxable investors significantly.

"The government's stimulus, including the recent revision of the Commercial Act, was a main driver of the stock market in July," Lee Jae-won, an analyst from Shinhan Securities Co., said. "But the tax revision undermines disappointed investors."

Most shares ended in negative territory.

Market bellwether Samsung Electronics fell 3.5 percent to 68,900 won, and its chipmaking rival SK hynix sank 5.67 percent to 258,000 won.

Top carmaker Hyundai Motor dropped 1.41 percent to 210,000 won, and its sister Kia declined 1.47 percent to 108,000 won.

Defence giant Hanwha Aerospace slumped 5.72 percent to 939,000 won, and LIG Nex1 slid 5.75 percent to 592,000 won.

Bank shares also went south, as Hana Financial Group slipped 3.63 percent to 82,300 won and KB Financial Group dipped 4.42 percent to 106,000 won.

However, major shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean rose 4.54 percent to 117,400 won as the company was expected to play a key role in a $150 billion shipbuilding cooperation initiative proposed by the South Korean government as part of the Seoul-Washington tariff deal.

The local currency was quoted at 1,401.4 won against the greenback at 3:30 p.m., down 14.4 won from the previous session, marking the lowest won-dollar rate since May 14, when it was 1,420.20 won.

Bond prices, which move inversely to yields, closed lower. The yield on three-year Treasurys added 1.8 basis points to 2.478 percent, while the return on the benchmark five-year government bonds rose 3.5 basis points to 2.623 percent.

a"IANS

na/
Toronto, Aug 2 : Second seed Taylor Fritz ousted the last remaining Canadian Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the Canadian Open.

Eyeing his second ATP Masters 1000 crown and first since his dream run at Indian Wells in 2022, Fritz will next face 19th seed Jiri Lehecka, the Czech who rallied past 15th seed Arthur Fils 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to advance.

Fritz broke to start the match and never really gave Diallo a chance to get back in it. The American was squeaky clean throughout, seemingly finding a way to come out on top on every big point. Once he broke to go up 3-1, the result began to feel inevitable and he added a second break late before serving out the match.

Elsewhere, fourth seed Ben Shelton registered a 6-7(8), 6-2, 7-6(5) win to improve to 5-0 in their ATP head-to-head series against Brandon Nakashima.

Into the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the second time this season (Indian Wells QF), Shelton moved within one win of claiming his 100th tour-level victory. He will look to accomplish that feat against 13th seed Flavio Cobolli, who beat Fabian Marozsan 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. Shelton is competing this week at a career-high No. 7 in the ATP Rankings.

Shelton staged multiple comebacks to edge his countryman Nakashima. Barely anything went against serve in the opening frame, with Nakashima getting his second minibreak of the breaker on the final point. Shelton turned things around quickly in the second, racing out to a 3-0 and then breaking again to finish it.

Nakashima then seemed to flip the momentum in the opening game of the third with an early break, only for Shelton to respond soon after to level at 2-2. At 4-5 on Nakashima's serve, Shelton had two match points but two nervy errors allowed his countryman to hold. The No. 4 seed raced out to an early lead in the tiebreak and had three more match points at 6-3.

Nakashima saved the first two but on the the third, the fifth overall, Shelton blasted his 19th ace to finally finish off the win.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Rouse Avenue Court will hear the matter of taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) charge sheet in the high-profile money laundering case linked to businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) The Rouse Avenue Court will hear the matter of taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorateas (ED) charge sheet in the high-profile money laundering case linked to businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday.

The court may also issue a formal notice to Vadra during the proceedings.

The charge sheet, which pertains to an alleged illegal land deal in Shikohpur village, Gurugram, accuses Vadra and his company M/s Sky Light Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. of purchasing 3.53 acres of land through fraudulent means. The ED has already attached 43 properties allegedly linked to Vadra and his firm, worth a total of Rs 37.64 crore, as part of the ongoing investigation.

The case dates back to a 2008 FIR filed by Gurugram Police, which alleged that Vadraas company purchased land from M/s Onkareshwar Properties Pvt. Ltd. for Rs 7.5 crore using a false declaration.

Just a few years later, in September 2012, Sky Light Hospitality sold the same land to real estate giant DLF Ltd. for Rs 58 crore, raising serious questions about the nature and legality of the transaction.

The controversy deepened when Ashok Khemka, then Director General of Land Consolidation and Land Records and Inspector-General of Registration in Haryana, cancelled the land mutation, declaring the transaction violative of state regulations. His actions at the time sparked a political firestorm and led to a prolonged legal and administrative scrutiny of land dealings involving political figures.

Earlier on July 18, 2025, the Rouse Avenue Court had taken note of the EDas charge sheet and listed the matter for hearing.

Presiding Special Judge Sushant Changotra had directed the court record keeper to verify all accompanying documents and provide a detailed report.

The Enforcement Directorate is likely to press for further legal action in the hearing, potentially including the summoning of Vadra for questioning based on the charge sheetas findings.

Opposition parties have accused the government of using investigative agencies for political purposes, while the ED maintains it is pursuing the case based on documentary evidence and financial trails.
Mumbai, Aug 2 : BAFTA nominated actor Adarsh Gourav attended the European premiere of "Alien: Earth", which took place in London and called it magical. He also heaped praise on his co-stars, whom he tagged as " best talent in the world." Mumbai, Aug 2 (IANS) BAFTA nominated actor Adarsh Gourav attended the European premiere of "Alien: Earth", which took place in London and called it magical. He also heaped praise on his co-stars, whom he tagged as " best talent in the world."

Adarsh took to Instagram, where he shared a string of images from the premiere, which took place at the Barbican Centre in London. He was joined by Kit Young, Jonathan Ajayi, Lily Newmark and Sidney Chandler.

He wrote in the caption: "The European premiere of @alienearthfx was magical. Such a privilege to work alongside the best talent in the world. Super excited for the show to drop on the 12th of August on @hulu and @disneyplus worldwide."

Alien: Earth is an upcoming American science fiction horror television series created by Noah Hawley, based on the Alien franchise. It serves as a prequel set two years before the events of the original 1979 film Alien.

The show revolves around a young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers who, after the space vessel Maginot crash-lands on Earth, make a discovery that brings them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat.

The show takes place when a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat.

The series has been entirely shot in Thailand, and aims to transport viewers to a world that feels both familiar and utterly alien.

He will next be seen in the psychological drama Tu Yaa Main alongside Shanaya Kapoor. "Tu Yaa Main" is set for a Valentine's Day 2026 release. The film is believed to be the ultimate date fright filma gripping, genre-blending ride that promises romance, thrill, and survival, all wrapped in a breathtaking cinematic package.

Adarsh began acting with the drama film My Name Is Khan in 2010. He gained international recognition for playing chauffeur Balram Halwai in the satirical film The White Tiger, which garnered him nominations for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.

He has also starred in the teen comedy series Hostel Daze, the comic thriller series Guns & Gulaabs, and the drama film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
(Bloomberg) -- Starbucks Corp. has shortlisted about a dozen parties including private equity firms and technology companies into the second round of a process to invest in its China business, people familiar with the situation said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Boyu Capital, Carlyle Group Inc., EQT AB, FountainVest Partners, KKR & Co., Hillhouse Investment and Primavera Capital are among the private equity firms invited to participate, along with tech giants JD.com Inc. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

The shortlisted firms will be given access to the coffee chains China financials so they can evaluate and prepare bids in the coming months, the people said.

Fresh backing and more local expertise could help Starbucks expand its store count and further develop its supply chain in China, as well as enhance mobile platforms and brand strategies for Chinese consumers, according to the people.

The search for a partner in China is not about capital, Starbucks Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol said on a July 29 earnings call with analysts. What this is about is how do we ensure that the Starbucks brand is in a much better place in the future.

Niccol has previously said the China business could grow to 20,000 stores from roughly 7,800.

China is the Seattle-based chains second-biggest market, but Starbucks has fallen behind local rivals such as Luckin Coffee Inc., which have boomed with much cheaper alternatives and frequent product launches.

Starbucks has started to follow suit by incorporating lower-priced and tailored offerings such as fruit teas and sugar-free alternatives to its China menus. And there are signs of some improvement, with same-store sales rising in the latest quarter for the first time since the end of 2023, the company said this week.

The process to introduce new backers in China attracted more than 20 potential investors in total, Niccol said on the call with analysts. Starbucks wants to retain a meaningful stake in the business, he said.

Bloomberg News first reported in May that Starbucks was reviewing its China operations. By July, the company had received proposals from prospective investors with an eye on taking a controlling stake in the business. The company has said it isnt considering a full sale.
Chennai, Aug 2 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will launch the state's flagship health screening initiative, Nalam Kaakkum Stalin, on Saturday from St Bede's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai.

The programme, aimed at early detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases, will be rolled out across Tamil Nadu through 1,256 speciality health camps.

The initiative targets people over 40 years of age, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, heart ailments, mental health conditions, as well as pregnant women, nursing mothers, persons with disabilities, and marginalised and tribal communities.

Each camp will provide free consultations by specialists from 15 medical departments, including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and AYUSH systems.

On-site diagnostic services such as ECG, ECHO, ultrasound, X-rays, and blood tests will also be offered.

Test results will be shared with patients via WhatsApp, and the camps will be conducted on all working Saturdays in schools or colleges, said Additional Chief Secretary J. Radhakrishnan.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking modification of an interim order that restrained the state from launching welfare schemes in the name of living political personalities.

The state urged the court to clarify that the order should not apply to the 'Nalam Kaakkum Stalin' scheme, as it is being launched in the name of the Chief Minister, a constitutional authority, and not a political figure in the conventional sense.

The first bench, headed by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, had orally observed that the launch could proceed following a mention by Advocate General P.S. Raman.

However, the government opted to file a formal plea, which is expected to be heard on Monday.

In its submission, the state noted that extensive preparations had been made for the scheme, including the printing and distribution of pamphlets, brochures, and application forms.

It also stated that 800 hospitals had been linked to the programme to manage patient footfall.

"If the court's order is enforced immediately, the entire scheme will have to be put on hold, resulting in weeks of delay and waste of resources," the plea stated.

The case stems from a petition filed by former AIADMK law minister C. Ve. Shanmugam, who alleged that the scheme violates guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and the Election Commission.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : Confusion is brewing within the West Bengal State Secretariat over the exact financial burden on the state exchequer following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent announcement to enhance the annual grant for community Durga Puja committees this year.

The confusion stems from the exact number of community Durga Puja committees that would be entitled to the eligible state-sponsored grants, with contradictory figures surfacing.

While the "Forum for Durgotsav", an umbrella body of the different community Durga Puja committees in West Bengal, has pegged the number at 43,000, the Chief Minister, in her announcement earlier this week, stated that a total of 45,000 community Durga Puja committees would receive the grant this year.

The Chief Minister quoted this figure while she announced that the annual dole amount to each Puja committee this year would be increased to Rs 1.10 lakh from Rs 85,000 last year.

If the figure of beneficiary Puja Committees this year is 45,000, as quoted by the Chief Minister herself, the total direct pay-out from the state exchequer will be Rs 495 crore, a 35 per cent rise over the previous year's figure of Rs 365.5 crore.

Even if the figure for the number of beneficiary Puja Committees this year is 43,000, as per the records of "Forum for Durgotsav", the total direct pay-out from the state exchequer will be Rs 473 crore, a 29 per cent rise over the previous year's Rs 365.5 crore.

Insiders from the state finance department pointed out that while the figures mentioned above would be just the direct payout from the state exchequer, the actual expenditure would be much more, considering the massive 80 per cent electricity concessions provided to beneficiary Puja committees in addition to the annual dole.

Opposition parties have already lashed out at the state government over this enhanced Puja dole hike.

The leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday, appealed to the community Durga Puja Committees in West Bengal not to accept the annual dole from the government.

He urged them to do so in memory of the young woman doctor who was raped and murdered last August on the premises of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, and in solidarity with lakhs of unemployed youth in the state, whose aspirations, he alleged, have been crushed by flawed government policies.

Adhikari also announced full support to those community Durga Puja committees that choose to refuse the state government's dole offer this year.
Phnom Penh, Aug 2 : An ASEAN interim observer group has inspected conflict-affected areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border after a ceasefire was reached, a Cambodian defence spokesperson said on Saturday.

The group included the military attache of Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, as well as Vietnamese and Philippine assistant military attaches, said Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Maly Socheata.

"Cambodia stands ready to cooperate with the observation group led by Malaysia to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire," Socheata said.

Yesterday, Cambodia welcomed Thailand's proposal to hold talks on border issues in Malaysia next week, a Cambodian defence ministry spokesperson said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that Cambodia welcomes Thailand's proposal to hold a meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) in Kuala Lumpur," Cambodian Defence Ministry's Undersecretary of State and spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said at a press briefing.

"We're very confident that this meeting will be constructive and yield fruitful outcomes," she said.

The office of the spokesperson of Thailand's Ministry of Defence said Thursday on social media that Deputy Minister of Defence Nattaphon Narkphanit had officially responded to "Cambodia's invitation" for a special GBC meeting.

In his reply, Nattaphon welcomed the opportunity to join the meeting and emphasised a shared commitment to reduce tensions and resolve border security issues in a peaceful and constructive manner, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier, on July 24, armed clashes broke out between soldiers of Cambodia and Thailand along the disputed border. The two countries agreed on a ceasefire on July 28, taking effect at midnight on July 28.

Observation teams were deployed on Wednesday to monitor the implementation of a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand.

Socheata said in a press briefing that Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN, sent on Tuesday a high-level delegation led by its Chief of Defence Forces, General Datuk Haji Mohd Nizam Bin Haji Jaffar, to Cambodia.

According to the spokesperson, the Malaysian defence forces chief said that two observation teams will be operational, one led by the Malaysian military attache in Cambodia and the other led by the Malaysian military attache in Thailand.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, has claimed that the company's Comet browser might replace recruiters and administrative assistants completely from office work.

According to Srinivasan, the Comet browser, coupled with advanced language models, automated most recruitment tasks.

On The Verge podcast, he said a single prompt on the Comet browser can handle candidate sourcing, outreach, response tracking, and spreadsheet updates.

It even planned interviews by syncing calendars and generating meeting briefs, eliminating laborious manual follow-ups. "A recruiter's week's worth of work is just one prompt It doesn't even have to be a prompt  it should be proactive," Srinivas was quoted as saying.

He claimed that Comet and other technologies might achieve this level of automation in the near future. Srinivas predicted that AI agents, capable of managing schedules, paperwork, and follow-ups, will take on administrative roles as AI models continue to improve every month.

Currently, Comet is available only to paying users; however, Perplexity has started to offer limited access to free users. The Perplexity CEO had previously indicated that the basic browser may become widely available, but more advanced agent-based features will remain exclusive to premium users.

Apart from being a web browser, Comet advertised itself with Gen AI features that could create graphics, texts, and emails. It also can support AI agents that can reserve tickets for you by visiting a website.

Srinivas had earlier cautioned young professionals to swiftly adapt or risk falling behind as AI increasingly took over office tasks. Srinivas asserted that the employability of AI literates would undoubtedly increase, and he encouraged young people to dedicate their time to AI platforms instead of idly scrolling through Instagram.

Perplexity AI recently secured additional funding in a deal that values the company at $18 billion.
Moscow, Aug 2 : A senior Russian lawmaker has claimed that Russia currently has more nuclear submarines deployed in the world's oceans than the United States, responding sharply to US President Donald Trump's recent statement about dispatching two nuclear subs to "appropriate regions" following remarks made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Viktor Vodolatsky, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, said that the ships that Trump ordered to be redirected "to the appropriate regions" have long been under control, and Moscow does not need to respond to the US leader's comment.

"There are significantly more our [nuclear] submarines in the world's oceans, [and they] have the strongest, most powerful weapons. This is why, let [Trump's] two boats float, they have been at gunpoint for a long time. There can be no answer from us, because we understand perfectly well who Donald Trump is. These last months have shown that he is changing his mind 24 hours a day," Russian state-run news agency TASS quoted Vodolatsky as saying.

Trump announced the move on Friday on his social media platform in response to what he called "highly provocative statements" from Medvedev.

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump did not say which submarines were being deployed or where.

Meanwhile, Vodolatsky asserted that it would be more logical for the US to focus on the ongoing efforts, including the formation of Russian-American negotiating groups and visits of delegations to Russia and the United States.

"And the elaboration of a principal agreement that should be concluded between Russia and America so that the whole world calms down and stops talking about the outbreak of World War III," he added.

The fight started when Mededev, who is now the deputy chair of Russia's National Security Council, posted on X earlier in the week in English that Trump's "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war" between the US and Russia.

Mededev made the comments in response to Trump shortening the deadline for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine from the original 50 days to ten days, which will end next week.

"Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10 He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road!," Medvedev posted on X.

Furthermore, on Thursday, he commented on Trump's words about the Russian economy and urged the American leader not to forget about the danger of the "dead."

"About the 'dead economy' of India and Russia and 'entering dangerous territory' - well, let him remember his favorite movies about the walking dead, as well as how dangerous a non-existent 'dead hand' can be," Medvedev wrote.
Kochi, Aug 2 : The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, on Saturday demanded the quashing of the case filed against two Kerala nuns who were granted bail earlier in the day by an NIA court in Chhattisgarh.

"First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice prevailed. We are all grateful," Archbishop Thazhath said, adding, "Everyone knows the kind of selfless work the two sisters have been doing. What happened to them was absolutely wrong. We now request that the case against them be quashed."

Thazhath also underlined the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, saying, "We have one of the best Constitutions in the world, which upholds religious freedom. Christianity has a 2,000-year-old presence in India. We have conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah that we do not indulge in religious conversion. It is some fringe elements who are targeting us despite us having done no wrong."

Earlier in the day, the NIA court in Bilaspur granted bail to Sisters Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church. The two had been arrested on July 26 on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

The court, which concluded the bail hearing on Friday, directed the sisters to submit a bond of Rs 50,000 each along with two sureties. They were also ordered to surrender their passports.

The news was met with widespread relief and celebrations across Kerala. During a prayer session at St Mary's Church in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis broke the news of the bail, which was received with loud cheers from the faithful.

Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan, welcomed the decision. "This was the news we were all waiting for. It is deeply unfortunate that such an incident occurred in the first place, but we are happy justice has prevailed," he said.

Shone George, vice-president of the Kerala BJP, who was present in Bilaspur, said the court's order would soon be presented to the jail authorities, following which the nuns would be released.

According to the Mother Superior of their convent, the two nuns plan to first visit their families in Kerala after their release, before resuming their duties.

The sisters had been working at a hospital in Agra and were accompanying three women from Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district to the city for employment as kitchen staff in a convent. They were intercepted by Bajrang Dal activists at a railway station, who accused them of forced religious conversion and human trafficking.

Based on their complaint, police arrested the two nuns and a man identified as Sukhman Mandavi.

With the court's order, the ordeal that began on July 26 is expected to end once the bail formalities are completed and the trio walks free.
Mumbai, Aug 2 : The makers of "Court Kacheri" on Saturday unveiled the trailer of the upcoming show, which veteran actor Pavan Malhotra described as "emotional, real, and deeply relatable." Mumbai, Aug 2 (IANS) The makers of "Court Kacheri" on Saturday unveiled the trailer of the upcoming show, which veteran actor Pavan Malhotra described as "emotional, real, and deeply relatable."

Veteran actor Pavan Malhotra, who plays advocate Harish Mathur, shared, "Playing Harish was more than a role, it was a reflection."

"This show dives into the silent battles between generations, the weight of legacy, and the quiet rebellion of choosing your own path. It's emotional, real, and deeply relatable," said the actor.

The show is by the creators at TVF and directed by Ruchir Arun. Court Kacheri isn't just another legal drama, it's courtroom chaos with a whole lot of heart.

At the heart of the show is Param, a reluctant young man forced into law by his father's towering legacy. In a chaotic small-town district court where justice is murky and power often outweighs principle, every case challenges his beliefs, as per a statement.

The statement further mentioned, caught between escape and responsibility, Param must choose whether to reject his fate or redefine it. Court Kacheri is not just about the law, it's about legacy, identity, and the fight to find your own voice.

With a stellar cast including Pavan Malhotra and Ashish Verma in the lead, along with Puneet Batra, Priyasha Bharadwaj, Bhushan Vikas, Kiran Khoje, Sumali Khaniwale, and Anandeshwar Dwivedi, Court Kacheri delivers a courtroom experience that's anything but conventional.

The show will exclusively stream on Sony LIV from August 13.

Talking about Pavan, his first hand experience in movies was as an assistant in the costume department of Gandhi.

Thereafter he was production assistant in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Khamosh and Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho!. Pavan ventured into the Delhi theatre circuit, thereafter he moved to Mumbai, where he started with the television industry as an assistant on the sets of the TV series, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, before he got a role in Saeed Akhtar Mirza's TV series on Doordarshan, Nukkad.

Meanwhile, he had entered the film industry and made his debut with Pankaj Parashar's Ab Ayega Mazaa. He has worked in films such as "Don - The Chase Begins again", "Jab We Met," "Delhi-6," "Bhindi Bazaar," "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," "Mubarakan," and "OMG 2".
Chennai, Aug 2 : Actor and Member of Parliament Kamal Haasan on Saturday congratulated actor Shah Rukh Khan for winning the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan, saying that this recognition was long overdue for the stellar impact he had made on world cinema.

Taking to his X timeline to congratulate the award winners on Saturday, Kamal Haasan wrote, "Congratulations to @iamsrk on your National Award for Jawan, a recognition long overdue for your stellar impact on world cinema."

He then went on to complement both Vidhu Vinod Chopra and actor Vikrant Massey for '12th Fail'. He wrote, "12th Fail was a masterpiece that moved me deeply. It dignified struggle and inspired millions. Congratulations Vidhu Vinod Chopra and @VikrantMassey on this well deserved honour."

The actor also applauded actress Rani Mukherjee for winning the Best Actress award for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway. Kamal Haasan congratulated her on a "portrayal that was both fierce and fragile, richly deserving of this national recognition."

The ace actor congratulated the team of the Tamil film 'Parking', which walked away with three Awards -- Best Regional Film (Tamil), Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.

Kamal Haasan congratulated the producers of the film -- Soldiers Factory Sinish Sridharan and Passion Studios Sudhan Sundaram and also expressed his heartfelt appreciation and love to the director of the film, Ramkumar Balakrishnan, who, he pointed out had also written the screenplay. Kamal Haasan also expressed his love and appreciation to veteran actor M S Bhaskar, who won the Award for the Best Supporting Actor for the same film.

The veteran actor expressed his heartfelt congratulations to music director G.V. Prakash Kumar, who had won the award for Best Music Director for 'Vaathi'. He expressed his appreciation to actress and long-time friend Urvashi, who had won the Best Supporting Actress award for the Malayalam film 'Ullozhukku', and to Saravanamuthu Soundarapandi and Meenakshi Soman, who received the Best Cinematography award for the documentary 'Little Wings'.

-IANS

mkr/
New Delhi, Aug 2 : More than Rs 3,77,000 crore have been transferred directly to farmers' accounts under the PM-Kisan scheme to date, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Saturday.

On the occasion of the release of 20th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana, Chouhan said at an event in Patna that agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and farmers are its soul.

"Serving these farmers is our ultimate responsibility," he told the gathering.

Referring to the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Bihar, Chouhan said, "The legacy of knowledge and industriousness of this state is incomparable. The land witnessed Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha, which gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle."

The minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make farming profitable. On this occasion, over Rs 20,000 crore was deposited in the accounts of farmers, providing financial assistance to lakhs of farmer families across the country.

The minister further emphasised on efforts like Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana to increase agricultural productivity per hectare, especially in low productivity areas.

He also highlighted the significant contribution of Makhana production in Bihar and the continuous efforts to connect agricultural science with the farms.

The Union Minister assured timely and adequate availability of fertilisers and pesticides, speaking about the efforts under various schemes to provide compensation in case of crop failure.

He said that now the crops are procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), to which 50 per cent profit is added on the production cost. This reflects the farmer-centric approach of the government.

Highlighting the measures for farmers' welfare. Chouhan said that with the help of DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), the government is ensuring that the assistance reaches directly into the accounts of the farmers.

He said, "Earlier, farmers used to get only few pennies of Rs. 1 sent by the government, but now they receive whole amount without any leakage."
New Delhi/Tokyo, Aug 2 : A formal send-off ceremony was held for the nine Indian civil servants who have been selected to embark for their postgraduate studies in Japan under the Japanese government's prestigious 'Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship' (JDS) programme.

"Nine promising young Indian civil servants are heading to top Japanese universities for graduate studies under the JDS programme. They've expressed a strong commitment to contribute to Viksit Bharat upon their return," ONO Keiichi, the Ambassador of Japan to India, posted on X on Saturday.

"Look forward to seeing them become enduring bridges between Japan and India," he added.

These officers, selected through a "rigorous" process, belong to premier services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), and Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS).

They are supposed to pursue a two-year master's degree at leading Japanese institutions including the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Hitotsubashi University, and Kobe University.

Launched in 1999 as part of Japan's '100,000 Foreign Students Plan', the JDS programme supports young government officials from partner countries to gain specialised academic knowledge in Japan. Upon their return, these individuals are expected to take on leadership roles in governance and development, while also deepening bilateral cooperation.

The India-specific JDS initiative commenced in 2024 and aligns with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision, a roadmap that aspires to see India emerge as a developed nation by its centenary of independence. At its core is the active involvement of youth in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven growth.

The selected fellows, with an average age of 38.2 years, have expressed a strong sense of national commitment and a desire to contribute to administrative and policy reforms upon their return. Their academic experiences in Japan are expected to not only advance their professional capabilities but also enhance mutual understanding and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The event featured opening remarks by the Ambassador of Japan, followed by speeches from a Government of India representative, a JICA official, and a fellow representing the group.
This story was originally published on Fashion Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Fashion Dive newsletter.

The topic of tariffs loomed over Steve Maddens earnings call on Wednesday, with company executives citing second quarter challenges including canceled wholesale orders, reduced open-to-buys and shipment delays.

Steven Madden is still focused on diversifying its sourcing base, an initiative it started after President Donald Trump was reelected last November. In its first quarter, the company said it planned to only source a mid-teens percentage of goods from China.

However, on Wednesday, Chairman and CEO Edward Rosenfeld said the company moved some of its production back to China for the fall because we felt it would be difficult to ensure on-time delivery, appropriate product quality and/or reasonable pricing if it sourced from another country.

For fall 2025, Steve Madden expects to source about 30% of its imports from China, down from 71% a year ago, per the call. Rosenfeld said Steve Maddens China sourcing percentage is currently in the low 60s. He attributed the change to shifting tariff rates between the U.S. and China, which at one point were as high as 145%.

Steve Madden previously planned to move some of its China sourcing to Brazil, but following Trumps announcement of a 40% tariff on the South American country, the company plans to wait and see what happens.

Not just for Brazil, but for a lot of countries that we work with, Rosenfeld said.

To make up for some of the tariff impact, Steve Madden has selectively raised prices for wholesale customers and individual consumers, with price increases averaging about 10%.

So far, customers have been receptive to price increases, but Rosenfeld cautioned it was still early, and the company would continue to monitor consumer demand.

Tariffs have always been a particular challenge for Steve Madden. Unlike some other apparel and footwear companies, it used to source about 80% of its products from China. Mexico, another target for Trump tariffs, also was a large portion of Steve Maddens sourcing base, Fashion Dive previously reported.

Despite these challenges, Steve Madden still logged a revenue increase for Q2 with $559 million, a 6.8% year-over-year increase. This was mainly due to the newly acquired Kurt Geiger brand. Without Kurt Geiger, revenue would have fallen 10%, according to Jefferies analysts led by Corey Tarlowe.

Steve Madden reported a Q2 loss from operations of $40.3 million or a 7.2% decrease of revenue, compared to income from operations of $46.9 million last year.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : Four people were arrested on Saturday in connection with the murder of a local Trinamool Congress leader in the Konnagar area of West Bengal's Hooghly.

Police suspect that the murder was committed due to a land dispute.

Police sources said the accused were arrested for murdering Pintu Chakraborty, a.k.a Munna, a Trinamool Congress member of Kanaipur Panchayat, in Konnagar in Hooghly district on July 30.

"The four accused persons were identified after examining the CCTV footage of the crime spot. We are also investigating the roles of other persons, who could be behind this crime or involved in the conspiracy," the state police official said.

The police, however, did not reveal the identity of the arrested persons, and would do so only after their presentation at a court later in the day.

Munna was attacked when he closed his shop in the Konnagar area and was heading for a Trinamool Congress party meeting.

Critically injured Munna was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the initial investigation, the police found out that a land dispute may have led to his murder.

"The accused had committed a recce before committing the crime. They also collected prior information on the movements and daily schedule of the slain Trinamool Congress in advance. It was a pre-planned murder," said the state police officer.

Last month, about seven Trinamool Congress leaders were killed in separate incidents across five districts. While some of them were killed for personal enmity over several issues, a few were killed because of political motives, including internal rivalry in the Trinamool Congress.

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 a hammer.

He succumbed to his injuries in Murshidabad district's Rejinagar area.
Patna, Aug 2 : With just months to go before the Bihar Assembly elections, the voter list revision process has sparked a political uproar, especially after RJD Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav discovered his own name missing from the electoral rolls during a live Press conference in Patna.

In a dramatic moment, Yadav used the Election Commission of India's mobile App to check his voter status by entering his name and EPIC number  only to find no results.

Displaying the outcome to the media, he remarked sarcastically: "My name is not in the voter list after the revision. It means I am not a resident of Bihar and I cannot contest the election."

He added: "As I am currently in Bihar, I can physically verify my details. But what about the poor and migrant voters who are working outside the state? If their names don't appear on the app, how will they know? Is the Election Commission is running a fake app?"

Tejashwi Yadav claimed that he had filled the form and the BLO had collected it from his residence.

The situation has escalated politically after the deletion of over 65 lakh voters  approximately 8.5 per cent of the total electorate  during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2025 by the Election Commission. Yadav alleged that 20,000 to 30,000 names have been removed in each Assembly constituency.

He also claimed that the names of RJD staff, a senior IAS officer and his wife were missing from the rolls, suggesting a systemic flaw or political intent.

"No transparency has been maintained. Political parties weren't informed before removing names. Even the Supreme Court's guidelines have been ignored," he said.

Yadav accused the Election Commission of working under political pressure and referred to it as a "Godi Commission"  a term often used to criticise institutions perceived as biased in favour of the ruling party.

"The Election Commission seems to be taking orders from Gujarat. It has become a puppet," he said.

Yadav demanded that the Commission disclose full details of deleted voters  including EPIC numbers, addresses, and booth data  to enable analysis and verification by political parties.

He said the lack of such data obstructs accountability and democratic scrutiny.

He further stated: "Democracy is in danger. If this is the process, the elections will not be fair. It appears a particular party is being favoured from the outset."

Tejashwi revealed that an RJD delegation had met the Election Commission on Friday to express concerns, but their appeal was not taken seriously.

He urged the government and the Election Commission to reconsider the timeline of the elections and extend the process, citing the scale of discrepancies.

"There should be a fair opportunity to file claims and objections. The system cannot disenfranchise lakhs of voters silently," he said.

According to Election Commission guidelines, voters can submit claims and objections until September 1, 2025, under the ongoing revision. Any eligible voter whose name has been deleted can file Form 6 along with the necessary declarations.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen assets worth over Rs 47 crore in follow-up raids across Mumbai in connection with the Mithi River Desilting Scam, the agency announced on Saturday.

The search operations, conducted on July 31 by EDas Mumbai Zonal Office, covered eight locations linked to BMC contractors and a civic engineer.

The crackdown is part of an ongoing money laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to the agency, the searches were conducted at the premises of contractors -- M/s Acute Designs, M/s Kailash Construction Company, M/s Nikhil Construction Co, M/s N A Construction Pvt Ltd, M/s J.R.S Infrastructure -- and BMC engineer Prashant Krishna Tayshete.

The operation led to the freezing of over Rs 47 crore held in various bank accounts, fixed deposits, and demat accounts.

During the raids, officials also seized digital devices, property-related records, and other incriminating documents deemed crucial for further investigation.

The case stems from FIR No. 0075/2025 registered at Azad Maidan Police Station, which alleges that 13 individuals and entities a" including the aforementioned contractors and BMC officials a" caused a loss of Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The ED stated that preliminary evidence indicates widespread irregularities in the desilting works of the Mithi River.

Contractors allegedly submitted forged documents, including fake MoUs with landowners and No-Objection Certificates from Gram Panchayats for silt dumping sites.

Investigators also found that civic officials misused their positions for personal gain, particularly in the procurement and deployment of silt pushers and multipurpose amphibious pontoon machines introduced in BMC tenders during 2021-22.

Earlier, on June 6, the agency had raided 18 locations in connection with the same case. With the latest action, the total amount of proceeds of crime frozen or seized has reached Rs 49.8 crore.

Further investigation is underway.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Arvind Sawant, launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC), the Maharashtra government, and senior BJP leaders, accusing them of compromising democratic institutions and sheltering tainted ministers.

Reacting to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on the Election Commission, Sawant said the EC is acting like a "slave" and had lost all sense of neutrality.

"They are doing unlawful work beyond limits. Shiv Sena has suffered due to their actions (referring towards Shiv Sena's split). What's happening in Bihar and West Bengal is not isolated; they'll do the same across the country," Sawant told IANS in Mumbai on Saturday.

He also criticised the EC's selective scheduling of meetings, revealing that a scheduled meeting between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Commission was abruptly cancelled, citing internal work. "But the very next day, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde met with the EC officials. This is not how democracy functions," Sawant said, suggesting blatant bias in favour of the ruling faction.

Sawant expressed outrage over Maharashtra Home Minister Yogesh Kadam being linked to a dance bar controversy. "Shinde rushes to Delhi either to ask the EC to save him or to cover up his ministers' wrongdoings. One must understand the seriousness  Maharashtra's Home Minister running a dance bar is a serious matter. Where is the Ethics Committee now?" Sawant asked.

He alleged that such instances reflect the true "character of the BJP" and expose the kind of alliances it maintains.

Commenting on Kadam's decision to surrender the bar licence, Sawant questioned whether it absolved the minister of wrongdoing. "Does surrendering the licence fix everything? Will he still remain the Home Minister of Maharashtra?" he asked, adding that the reputation of the state was being tarnished.

He criticised CM Devendra Fadnavis for remaining silent, stating, "It's unclear who is stopping him from acting. Shinde is just a puppet, it is Home Minister Amit Shah who is running the show."

On reports that a former ATS officer faced pressure to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Sawant said, "It is just politics. BJP always plays the Hindu-Muslim card. Why did that officer not say it earlier", he said, adding that, "someday, even Election Commissioners will speak the truth about the pressure they faced from the BJP."
Jodhpur, Aug 2 : Farmers in Rajasthan's Jodhpur region on Saturday expressed joy and gratitude as Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The initiative, aimed at providing direct financial support to farmers, continues to be a vital source of relief and empowerment for cultivators across India.

In a programme held at Vigyan Bhawan, Jodhpur, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel participated in the virtual event with local farmers, as PM Modi transferred Rs 21,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 10 crore farmers across the country.

Speaking at the event, Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the scale and significance of the PM-KISAN scheme.

"With today's installment, nearly Rs 3.45 lakh has been transferred into the accounts of each beneficiary farmer over the past six years. This initiative not only provides financial security but also strengthens the agricultural sector to become more profitable and sustainable."

Shekhawat also emphasised that the government's focus remains on both farmer welfare and national security.

Referring to recent anti-terror operations, he quoted PM Modi's statement from Kashi: "In 'Operation Sindoor', a terrorist hideout was destroyed; in 'Operation Mahadev', terrorists in Pahalgam were neutralised. This sends a strong message  no one can challenge India's integrity."

Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel also praised the initiative.

"On behalf of the farmers of Rajasthan, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for releasing this installment today. It offers much-needed support to our farming community. I also extend thanks to our Chief Minister, as Rajasthan is preparing to release the sixth installment under state-level farmer welfare schemes."

Farmers in Jodhpur shared their thoughts with IANS, expressing how the scheme has made a tangible difference in their lives.

Ganpat, a small farmer from the region, said, "This scheme has truly helped us. Whenever I need money for seeds or essential supplies, I can count on this support. I thank PM Modi for thinking about us."

Another farmer, Devaram, echoed the sentiment.

"Given the scarcity of water here, farming is challenging. But the PM-KISAN funds help us buy seeds and fertilisers. It's a very good scheme."

Hemaram, a beneficiary of the scheme, added, "We are very happy with these installments. It is helping us in farming and overall development. We have seen real benefits."

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a wide range of development projects worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

In a significant push towards development in his parliamentary constituency, PM Modi also released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.

Under this installment, Rs 21,000 crore will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country. He also distributed more than 7,400 assistive aids to 'divyangjan' and elderly beneficiaries.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Former Australia opener David Warner believes Joe Root will be massive for England when they travel to Australia for a five-Test Ashes series later this year.

Root has been dismissed 10 times in 18 Tests by Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood - one fewer than the 11 times he has been dismissed by Australia captain Pat Cummins and India bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The World No. 1 ranked Test batter has never scored a ton in Australia and has an average score of 35.86 in Down Under.

"The big anchor there is Rooty (England batter Joe Root), who is yet to score a hundred in Australia. Josh Hazlewood tends to have his number quite a lot. He will have to take the surfboard off his front leg," said Warner to BBC Sport.

England will be happy with how the series has played out for them in terms of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson's return, both of whom can be key players for them if they hope to win the Ashes urn for the first time in 10 years.

"It all comes down to the bowlers. If the English bowlers can put a dent in the Australia top order then they will come into the contest," Warner added.

Warner is currently in England as he gets set to represent the London Spirit in The Hundred, beginning August 5, the veteran left-handed batter is ready to bring energy and intensity to the field and hopes to put on a show for the faithful.

"I know Spirit haven't gone too well in the past few years. For myself to bring some energy and intensity to the group and project that on the field would be awesome. It is about the fans and the young kids that are coming out to see us, not about the player and whether there has been a bit of history or not," he said.
Quetta, Aug 2 : Leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch on Saturday said that Balochistan is "actively and enthusiastically" preparing to celebrate the National Day of Independence on August 11 despite restrictions imposed by the "occupying" Pakistani forces.

Stressing the "profound significance" of August 11 for Balochistan, he posted on X, "In an attempt to suppress these celebrations, the occupying Pakistani forces have imposed Section 144 for fifteen days, aiming to intimidate and silence millions of Baloch citizens through coercion and illegal notification, which is trashed by the Baloch people."

Mir asserted that across the globe, every nation reserves the sovereign right to celebrate its independence, adding that Balochistan are "neither legally nor morally bound" to comply with any "unlawful directives from an occupying force that seeks to deny them this basic right."

On behalf of the people of Balochistan, the human rights activist reiterated that they once again extended an opportunity for Pakistan to withdraw its forces peacefully from Baloch soil.

Emphasising that the Baloch community continues to prefer a diplomatic and peaceful resolution on Balochistan, he stated that "if Pakistan persist in its policy of state-sponsored terrorism, coercion, and military occupation, the Baloch nation will exercise its legitimate right to expel the 400,000 occupying troops stationed illegally in Balochistan."

Mir stated that any Pakistani military personnel found guilty of war crimes in Balochistan will be "prosecuted under Baloch national law" under international justice standards.

He said that this is Pakistan's chance to "avoid global embarrassment" and the fate it suffered during its "disgraceful surrender" in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

"The path to peace remains open, Pakistan must choose it before history repeats itself," the human rights activist mentioned.

People from Balochistan are currently fighting for their independence from Pakistan.

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.
Chennai, Aug 2 : Actress Anupama Parameswaran, whose performance in the recently released Malayalam film Janaki V Vs State of Kerala has come in for praise, has now penned a heartfelt note of gratitude to Malayalam audiences, saying she did not expect to be welcomed with so much warmth and kindness.

Taking to her Instagram page to pen the note of gratitude, Anupama said, "Janaki released and I just want to say Thank You. Coming back to Malayalam cinema after a while, I didnat expect to be welcomed with so much warmth and kindness. Your love for the character truly touched me."

Stating that she had been reading all the " kind messages, reviews, and personal notes" the audiences had written, the actress said that reading every word about how Janaki had made audiences feel meant the world to her. She said, "Thank you for seeing her and for seeing me through her."

The actress also thanked her director Pravin Narayanan for trusting her with the role of Janaki and for giving her the space to live the role fully.

"This journey has been special in ways Iall always carry with me," she said and added, "Hereas to many more stories, characters, and connections ahead. With love, Always grateful. #Janaki #Gratitude #MalayalamCinema #FromTheHeart"

For the unaware, Janaki V Vs State of Kerala, which released on July 17 this year, was a crime, courtroom drama that was directed by Pravin Narayanan. Produced by Phanindra Kumar and co-produced by Sethuraman Nair Kankol, the film, which the makers claimed was based on actual facts, had cinematography by Renadive and editing by Samjith Mohammed. The film, apart from Anupama Parameswaran, featured Suresh Gopi, Divya Pillai, Sruthi Ramachandran, Askar Ali, Madhav Suresh Gopi and Baiju Sandosh. It had background score by Ghibran while its songs were composed by Gireesh Narayanan.
Jaipur, Aug 2 : Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, commenting on the recent tariff hike by the United States, said that India's economy remains strong due to its robust service-sector exports.

He noted that the structure of India's exports provides a cushion against such international fluctuations.

Emphasising the need for quality enhancement and cost reduction, Union Minister Shekhawat said these steps will help India stay competitive on the global stage.

Expressing optimism about the country's economic trajectory, he said, "India is well on track to become the world's third-largest economy within the next two years."

He also highlighted the significant potential of the food processing sector, pointing out that it will open new avenues for farmers and contribute to rural economic growth.

Union Minister Shekhawat, while targeting the Congress and opposition parties, said that when they run out of genuine issues, they begin creating false narratives to stay politically relevant.

Speaking to the media during his visit to his home district, he said that whether it is about the Constitution, elections, reservation, or now the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process, the opposition has consistently spread "misleading propaganda".

Referring to the recent court verdict in the Malegaon case, Union Minister Shekhawat stated, "The truth has once again triumphed. The opposition's fabricated narrative stands exposed."

He asserted that the people of the country are well aware of the true character of the Congress and its allies.

"Truth can be hidden for some time, but it cannot be erased," he added.

Speaking on the return of Lord Buddha's relics to India, he said it marked a proud moment for Indian heritage.

He shared that these sacred ashes have been brought back after 127 years.

After Lord Buddha's Parinirvana, his ashes were divided into eight parts, with one portion preserved in a stone box by the Shakya clan in Kapilvastu's Piprahwa.

The relic was discovered during a British excavation in 1898, but was taken to England and handed over to explorer William Preppy. Eventually, the relic reached the United States.

In April this year, news emerged of its auction.

"Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government intervened, halted the auction, and ensured the relic's return," he said.

Union Minister Shekhawat termed it a "historic cultural achievement" and expressed hope that this initiative would pave the way for the return of other lost Indian heritage items.
Seoul, Aug 2 : The South Korean four-term lawmaker Jung Chung-rae was elected the new head of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Saturday.

Jung, 60, earned 61.74 per cent of the votes in the national party convention held at KINTEX in Goyang, northwest of Seoul.

Jung is succeeding Lee Jae Myung as DP's leader, after Lee was elected President in June.

Rep. Park Chan-dae finished a distant second at 38.26 per cent.

Votes cast by DP delegates (accounting for 15 per cent) and dues-paying members (55 per cent), and a public poll (30 per cent) determined the new DP leader.

Jung earned 66.48 per cent support from dues-paying members, 46.91 per cent from delegates and 60.46 per cent in the poll. In the lead-up to the convention, Jung had vowed to empower dues-paying members, a departure from an approach centered around lawmakers and delegates, Yonhap news agency reported.

"My election is the win for DP members that yearn for the era of party member sovereignty and represents the people's wish for the success of the Lee Jae Myung government," Jung said in his victory speech. "I will serve the wishes of the people and party members, and fully dedicate myself as the DP's chairman."

Jung said he will live up to his pledge and complete reforms of the prosecution, media and judiciary before the Chuseok holiday in early October.

"As soon as the party convention ends, I will put task forces for reforms in the prosecution, media and judiciary in operation," Jung added.

The new DP leader stressed that he will stay on the same page as the president.

"The Lee administration has to succeed in order for the DP to succeed and vice versa," Jung said. "I will do everything I can as the party chairman to make sure the party, the government and the president all move as one team. I will offer my strong support for President Lee Jae Myung so that he can concentrate solely on running the nation. I will be out there doing the dirty work."

The opposition People Power Party (PPP) congratulated Jung on his election and urged him to respect the PPP as a partner.

PPP spokesperson Kwak Kyu-taek described Jung as "a noted hard-liner even within the DP" and said the PPP is concerned that Jung may keep trying to rally his hawkish supporters and take a contentious stance when dealing with the opposition party.

"If the DP concentrates on devising policies to bring the people together and improve their livelihoods, rather than on waging political wars, then the PPP will offer unconditional cooperation for the people's lives and national interest," Kwak said.
Global stocks are sliding after President Trumps new tariff announcement, with S&P 500 futures down nearly 1% and major indices falling worldwide. Analysts warn the true impact of these tariffs will hit the U.S. economy in the coming months through higher costs for companies and consumers. Import taxes are now at their highest levels since the 1930s.

S&P 500 futures are down nearly 1% this morning, prior to the opening bell, and stocks across the globe are tumbling too as investors digest Day 1 of President Trumps latest tariff regime.

Thats only the short-term reaction. The real effects of tariffs wont arrive in the U.S. for months, analysts are warning.

Although todays selloff is negative, its also muted, according to Deutsche Bank. The U.S. tariff rate has risen to about 15% from a little over 2% at the start of the year. Thats their highest level since the 1930s but that has not prevented U.S. equities from being near their all-time highs and other markets being much stronger this year, Jim Reid and his team told clients this morning.

(Elsewhere, South Koreas KOSPI fell an astonishing 3.9% today but most of that was because of a new set of taxes on companies and investors announced by the government there. As you can imagine the proposals are not proving popular amongst market participants, Reid wrote.)

Nonetheless, analysts are gloomy this morning. Even the good news is being greeted with disdain.

For instance, Apple delivered a stellar Q2 earnings call last night. Apple surprised investors with results that defied seasonal trends and marked a significant acceleration in total company revenue growth, JPMorgans Samik Chatterjee told clients. Although the stock was briefly up 2% in overnight trading it is down 17% year-to-date.

Why? Tariffs, for one reason. CEO Tim Cook told investors the tariffs were expected to cost the company $1.1 billion in the upcoming quarter. Tariffsamong other issueshave wiped $700 billion off Apples market cap this year.

Psychologically [Trumps new import tax regime] just needles the investors with their greatest fears: that its going to slow growth, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, told the Financial Times.

Thats the main issue on Wall Street: These extra tariff costs are now baked in and will show up, finally, in the real world in the coming months and through 2026.

Japanese data indicate that U.S. tariffs have had an overall negative effect on exports, INGs Min Joo Kang said this morning. Japanese exporters appeared to have offset some tariff impacts by reducing prices. But they may eventually pass costs on to consumers, potentially causing delayed price pressures in the U.S.
Raipur/Kochi, Aug 2 : After spending eight days in jail, two Kerala nuns walked out of Central Jail in Durg, Chhattisgarh, at 3.40 p.m. on Saturday, hours after a special NIA court in Bilaspur granted them bail in a case involving charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

Both of them looked tired but had smiles on their faces when they emerged from the jail and hugged their colleagues.

Among those who were waiting outside were Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, lawmakers from Kerala, including Jose K. Mani, John Brittas, Santhosh Kumar, Roji M. John, Anwar Sadath, Chandy Oommen, and a few colleagues of the two nuns.

State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said this bail could have happened three days ago if there had been no political drama.

"Thanks to PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister. Early this week, Church higher-ups got in touch with me seeking help, and then I had said things would be done and it has happened," said Chandrasekhar.

Due to bail conditions, the nuns did not speak to the waiting media.

The two nuns were escorted in a car by their close relatives, who had travelled from Kerala and were going to a nearby school.

Earlier in the day, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, both members of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate -- a congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church in Alappuzha district got bail after they were directed to submit a bond of Rs 50,000 each along with two sureties.

They have also been ordered to surrender their passports, not to influence the witnesses, besides having to report to the local police station in Chhattisgarh once every two weeks.

Their ordeal began on July 26 when the two, who were working at a hospital in Agra, were escorting three women from Narayanpur district in Chhattisgarh to Agra for employment as kitchen helpers in a convent. They were stopped at a railway station by Bajrang Dal activists, who alleged forced religious conversion and human trafficking.

Acting on the activists' complaint, police arrested the nuns and a man named Sukhman Mandavi, accusing them of human trafficking and attempted religious.

Mandavi also walked out free.

The two nuns are expected to travel to Kerala first to meet their families before returning to their duties.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to make India self-reliant and buy swadeshi products is winning praise from farmers across the country.

Speaking during the release of the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, farmers on Saturday said the scheme has become a big support for them, helping them meet farming expenses on time.

The Prime Minister released the installment from Varanasi on Saturday, transferring Rs 20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.7 crore farmers. Farmers cheered as the installment was credited to their accounts during the live programme.

Vijay Kumar Upadhyay from Mau village of Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district said that the money is very useful for buying seeds, fertilisers, and managing irrigation costs.

Rambriksh Gautam from Kartihan village said the funds always come at the right time and directly help with farming needs. Both thanked the Prime Minister for his efforts.

In Haryana's Karnal, a special event was organised at the NDRI auditorium, where Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana joined farmers to watch the PM's address virtually.

Minister Shyam Singh Rana said the PM-Kisan scheme is a lifeline for farmers, especially small landholders, as they receive this financial aid three times a year.

He added that even those farming on just one or two kanal of land benefit from the scheme.

He praised the Prime Minister for understanding the diverse agricultural needs of different states and ensuring that farmers across the country get the support they deserve.

Minister Rana also commented on global trade issues, saying that while countries like the US focus on protecting their own trade interests, India is determined to safeguard its economy.

He said India's large market of 140 crore people is a point of attraction for the world, but the country will not bow to external pressure.

Highlighting India's growth, Rana said that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India is on its way to becoming the world's third-largest economy.

He urged citizens to strengthen the nation by choosing locally made products and supporting the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.

Farmers like Rinku said the PM-Kisan scheme provides timely assistance, making it easier to manage farming expenses. The scheme gives farmers Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments, and for many, it has become a crucial support in their agricultural journey.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Significantly advancing India's future human space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched the country's first analogue mission in Ladakh.

The analogue station -- the Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE) station -- formally inaugurated by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO, has isolated aerospace engineer Rahul Mogalapalli and astrobiologist Yaman Akot.

"This analogue mission is more than a simulation; rather, it is a rehearsal for the future," said Narayanan during the inauguration.

The duo will spend the next 10 days at the analogue site in Ladakh's Tso Kar. It will test their physical and psychological endurance in interplanetary conditions.

"The mission is scheduled to be conducted from 1st to 10th August 2025 at Tso Kar, Ladakh (elevation: 4,530 metres)," ISRO shared in a post on the social media platform X.

The mission comes as India plans to launch astronauts to space by 2027 and to the Moon by the year 2040 as its space programme soars.

"The mission marks a significant milestone in India's preparations for future human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit, and Moon/Mars class exploration missions," the Indian space agency said.

What is the HOPE station?

HOPE station is developed by Bengaluru-based space tech company Protoplanet, along with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

It is a specially designed Dia 8 metre habitat module for crew living and a Dia 5 metre utility module for operations and support systems, which are interconnected for seamless workflow.

"Tso Kar valley was specifically selected for this analogue mission due to its striking environmental parallels with early Mars, due to high UV flux, low air pressure, cold extremes, and saline permafrost," ISRO said.

"Set in one of Earth's most Mars-like environments, HOPE is designed to simulate planetary conditions for testing human physiological responses, validating mission protocols, and evaluating spaceflight technologies.

The 10-day mission consists of experiments shortlisted from partnering national institutions such as IIST and RGCB, Trivandrum; IIT Hyderabad; IIT Bombay; and the Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore.

The experiments will examine epigenetic, genomic, physiological, and psychological responses of two analogue mission crew members and validate health-monitoring protocols, planetary surface operations, and refine sample collection and microbial analysis techniques, ISRO said.

"The valuable data generated through these analogue missions will form the basis for the design of protocols and infrastructure for future Indian human exploration missions by providing key insights into technology performance, crew workflows, and environmental adaptation," the Indian space agency said.
Ajmer, Aug 2 : In a massive joint operation, the Forest Department and District Administration launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive on Saturday in the Dargah area of Ajmer, and demolished over 150 illegal shops.

The campaign targeted over 250 illegal shops constructed on the footpaths of Andarkot, Meetha Neem, and Bade Peer and witnessed a heavy deployment of police forces, effectively turning the Andarkot region into a cantonment kind of area.

To ensure smooth execution, around 900 personnel, including forest workers, police officers, administrative officials, and labourers, have been mobilised from Ajmer and neighbouring districts like Tonk, Bhilwara, and Nagaur.

So far, about 150 encroachments have been removed. Out of the 268 identified illegal structures, nearly 60 are currently protected under court stay orders.

The Forest Department has identified encroachments on forest land stretching from the Taragarh footpath to Meetha Neem Dargah and further up to the Bada Peer Dargah road.

A team of 250 forest staff is actively engaged in the demolition, while the police have made elaborate security arrangements across sensitive areas.

Notably, the district administration has imposed a temporary ban on media access to the site, citing security reasons.

However, to maintain transparency, they are providing official photos and videos of the action.

District Collector Lok Bandhu informed that 90 per cent of the illegal constructions have already been removed, and the remaining will be cleared soon.

SP Vandita Rana emphasised that the action is legally sound and peaceful, with prior notices served to the shopkeepers.

"We are getting full cooperation from the public. Most shopkeepers have already vacated," she said.

Precautionary police forces have also been stationed outside the Adhai Din Ka Jhopara to prevent movement towards the hill.

High-ranking officials, including Additional SP Himanshu Jangid and ADM City Gajendra Singh Rathore, were present on-site throughout the operation, ensuring law and order.

The large-scale campaign marks a decisive step towards restoring access for devotees and reclaiming forest land illegally occupied for years in this historically significant area.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Indian-origin Arvinder Singh Bahal, a real estate investor, is all set to fly to the edge of space on Jeff Bezos's space venture Blue Origin's next space tourist flight.

Born in Agra Bahal, who has become a US citizen by naturalisation, loves adventures and has travelled from the North Pole to the South Pole.

He will now be part of Blue Origin's 14th human flight to suborbital space. The flight, lasting 11 minutes, will carry a six-member crew to the Karman line -- the internationally recognised boundary of space.

The crew includes Arvi Bahal, Gokhan Erdem, Deborah Martorell, Lionel Pitchford, J.D. Russell, and H.E. Justin Sun, the winning bidder for the first New Shepard seat in 2021.

"Arvi is a real estate investor born in Agra, India, and now a naturalised US citizen. A lifelong traveller and adventurer, Arvi has visited every country in the world, the North and South Poles, and skydived Mount Everest and the Pyramids of Giza," Blue Origin said, in a statement.

"He holds a private pilot's license and also flies helicopters," it added.

While Erdem is a Turkish businessman and a passionate space enthusiast and an avid photographer, Martorell is a Puerto Rican meteorologist and journalist. Pitchford is an Englishman who has spent the last four decades in Spain working as a teacher, translator, and tour guide as a means to travel the world. Russel is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Alpha Funds, a technology-focused venture capital company.

The crew will travel aboard the company's New Shepard rocket, which to date has "70 people above the Karman line", the company said.

Although the company is yet to announce the date, the mission will be New Shepard's 34th in its history and the fifth this year.
Srinagar, Aug 2 : Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Saturday inaugurated the second edition of the nine-day-long Chinar book festival in Srinagar in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha.

Inaugurating the book festival, Union Minister Pradhan said, "Books in Kashmiri and other regional languages will soon reach every corner of India. Through literature and culture, we aim to connect hearts and empower minds. The Chinar Book Festival is not just a literary gathering, it's a bold statement and an effort towards civilisational awakening."

He said, "I am delighted to inaugurate the 2nd edition of Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar in the distinguished presence of L-G Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha."

"It is a celebration of the intellectual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, and I commend everyone who has made Chinar Book Festival a possibility," the minister said.

The second edition of the Chinar Book Festival features over 200 publishers and bookstalls from across the country.

The book festival is organised by the National Book Trust from August 2-10 at the SKICC in Srinagar on the banks of the Dal Lake.

L-G, Manoj Sinha said book enthusiasts will visit and benefit from the book festival, and "I wish the festival becomes a national level event".

The organisers said that following the overwhelming response to its inaugural edition last year, this year's edition promises an even more expansive celebration.

"There is a wider selection of books, diverse events, and participation of new literary voices at the fair, which seek to further invigorate the reading culture across the region and provide a vibrant platform for dialogue, discovery and community engagement," the organisers said.

The organisers said over 200 publications showcasing titles in English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and other Indian languages. Literature in different languages is on display.

"From bilingual children's books and academic works to regional literature and digital content, the fair promises a rich and inclusive selection for readers of all ages. This year's edition extends beyond a conventional book exhibition, positioning the festival as a platform for intellectual engagement, cultural dialogue, and educational enrichment," they said.

National Book Trust Director Yuvraj Malik said, "A notable feature is the Rajtarangini Samvad, a dedicated series of workshops and panel discussions examining the historical, literary and cultural dimensions of the classical Kashmiri text."

"The festival features a national exhibition on the ancient Sharda script and the first-ever Gojri translation workshop, which will produce bilingual books in Hindi, Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri and English, promoting linguistic diversity and inclusion. A major cultural highlight is the Tamil-Kashmiri Samvad under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, focusing on shared cultural and spiritual traditions between the two regions," Malik said.

"The event will have three components every day - with a children's activities session in the morning, book releases, author and writer interactions in the afternoon, and artistic showcases in the evening where local artistes will perform. The entry to the fair is free for all, and special discounts will be offered on the purchase of books," Malik said.

The director of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, Shams Iqbal, said the festival is a historic initiative that will give a new dimension to the promotion of book culture in Jammu and Kashmir and foster harmony and connection among various Indian languages.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of 'Saradaksarani'- First National Exhibition of Sharada Alphabets, and Kashmiri Translation of the book titled 'Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh-through the ages'. The winners of Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya Amrit Kaal Story Writing Competition were also announced.

Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR); Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival; Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust; Vice heads of various educational institutions, senior officials, eminent literary personalities, book lovers, youth and children in large number were present.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Reinforcing its national leadership in cadaver organ donation, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here on Saturday won the Best ROTTO Award for the second consecutive year, marking its third national win since the inception of the award in 2019.

The award was presented by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations held at Dr B.R. Ambedkar International Centre here under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO).

J.P. Nadda lauded the strides made by the country in the past few years in promoting ethical organ donation, streamlined transplantation coordination, and impactful public awareness.

The award was received by a delegation from PGIMER, led by its Director Prof Vivek Lal, accompanied by Deputy Director (Administration) Pankaj Rai, Medical Superintendent Vipin Koushal and Consultant (IEC/Media) Saryu D. Madra.

The celebrations drew participation from across the country, including secretaries from various states, heads of major institutions, civil society organisations, NGOs, and transplant coordinators, making it a momentous gathering.

The PGIMER Chandigarh was also honoured with the award for the Best Brain Stem Death (BSD) Declaration Team, recognising the institute's adherence to transparent, timely, and ethically sound donor identification and management protocols.

Expressing deep satisfaction and pride, PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal said: "This recognition is not just a reflection of our achievements, but also of our commitment to a cause that saves lives. It reaffirms the trust placed in PGIMER's ROTTO North by donor families, transplant teams, and the government alike.

"Our mission is rooted in service, and awards like these inspire us to aim higher every year."

Medical Superintendent-cum-nodal officer of ROTTO, Vipin Koushal, said: "This award is a collective victory, for our teams, for the donor families, and for the countless recipients whose lives have been transformed. It's a powerful reminder that organ donation is not just a medical act, but a profound act of humanity."

A particularly poignant and emotional moment was the felicitation of Krishna, a male heart recipient, along with his parents Bhupinder and Madhu.

Their presence served as a compelling human testimony to the life-changing potential of organ donation and brought into sharp focus the reason behind every effort made in this domain.

With this, ROTTO PGIMER Chandigarh has now won the Best ROTTO Award three times -- in 2019, 2024, and 2025 -- cementing its place at the forefront of the national transplant movement.

In preceding years, the PGIMER has also received four national awards for Best Hospital in Deceased Organ Donation (2015-16, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20), and in 2022-23 it was recognised with the Highest Number of Deceased Donors.

--IANS

vg/pgh
Patna, Aug 2 : After RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that his name is missing from the ECI's draft voter list for Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday accused the RJD leader of misleading the public.

"Tejashwi Yadav, not only me but your family and the whole of Bihar doubt your ability. It must be very difficult for you to find your name in the SIR draft. Your name is respectfully registered with your father at serial number 416 - you can see for yourself. Now stop this business of misleading and fraud," Deputy CM Choudhary posted on the social media platform X.

He further added, "Both the illusion and fear of RJD are proving to be bogus time and again."

Earlier in the day, Tejashwi, Leader of the opposition in the Bihar Assembly, claimed that his name is not mentioned in the updated draft voter list following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Soon after, the Election Commission of India and Patna District Administration released official statements rejecting Tejashwi Yadavas allegations.

According to the clarification, Tejashwi Yadavas name is very much present in the updated voter roll.

He is registered at Polling Booth No. 204 a" Bihar Animal Science University Library Building. His entry is listed at Serial Number 416. Before the revision, his name was at Booth No. 171, Serial No. 481.

The administration called the opposition leader's claims "misleading rhetoric" and urged leaders to verify facts before making public statements.

What began as a seemingly simple concern about the electoral process has now snowballed into a fierce political tussle.

While Tejashwi intended to "expose flaws" in the digital verification process and raise concerns about "voter disenfranchisement", the quick rebuttal by the authorities has laid bare the truth.

The BJP has labelled Tejashwi's statement as a "deliberate attempt to mislead voters" and termed the incident an "expose of lies" by the opposition.

As Bihar inches closer to Assembly elections, the row highlights just how volatile and sensitive the voter list issue can be, and how swiftly it can morph into high-voltage political battles.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2 : A day after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the decision to give the best director's national film award to Sudipto Sen for the film 'Kerala Story', Vinod Bansal, Visva Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Spokesperson, took cudgels with Vijayan.

"The National Film Award for 'Kerala Story' is a salute to all the talents who not only exposed the truth of 'Love Jihad' spread by Islamic jihadi elements but also alerted millions of daughters and their families to this horrific reality," Bansal said.

Incidentally for the same film, Prashantanu Mohapatra won the Best Cinematography award too.

Vijayan had said the award for the film 'Kerala Story' is the one to defame Kerala as it is a film filled with lies and one made to spread communal hatred.

"This is against the spirit of secularism and national integration, which was the hallmark of Indian cinema. By giving the award, it clearly shows that the agenda of Sangh Parivar is being upheld. We strongly register our protest, and every Keralaite and all those who believe in democracy have to raise their voice against this injustice," the Chief Minister said on Friday.

However, Bansal said that the decision to give the award has disturbed Vijayan, probably due to his close ties with the Hinduphobic gang of Kerala.

"He is careless about thousands of daughters who went missing, were lured into 'Love Jihad', and forced into terrorism or pushed to death. Instead, he is terming this honour, as an insult to the "great tradition of Indian cinema". The film had brought to light the "anti-women" and "anti-national" heinous acts on the big screen globally," the VHP National Spokesperson added.

He goes on to point out that Vijayan doesn't mind the insult to Kerala's great tradition when a gang of misogynistic and conversion-oriented Love Jihadists lured daughters from the state into the Islamic State (ISIS) through deceit and force.

"These daughters were subjected to physical, mental, and social exploitation, and forced into paths of adharma and treason. Instead of tearing a commendable work, Vijayan should abandon his appeasement policy and apologise to the people of Kerala for his incompetence and the grave injustice done to non-Muslims in the state," Bansal said.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Saturday expressed gratitude, saying the scheme has significantly helped them buy diesel for tractors, and pay wages to labourers.

The PM-KISAN scheme has been a crucial support for farmers during difficult times.

In Karnataka's Dharwad district, farmers said that the PM-KISAN initiative is making a positive impact on their agricultural activities. The funds help not only in purchasing seeds and fertilisers but also in managing household expenses, including school and college fees for their children.

The scheme, launched by the PM Modi government, aims to provide income support to small and marginal farmers across the country. Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts.

Speaking to IANS, farmers shared how the scheme has improved their lives.

Nagappa Ganiger, a farmer from Dharwad, said, "The PM-KISAN scheme has been a great help during tough times. It has enabled me to buy diesel for tractors and pay wages to labourers on time. So far, 20 installments have been credited to my account without fail. I am thankful to Prime Minister Modi."

Another farmer, Basavaraj Gunjal, added, "With the aim of doubling farmers' income, Prime Minister Modi has introduced several farmer-friendly initiatives. The Rs 6,000 annual support through PM-KISAN has been a real benefit. On behalf of all farmers, I express my sincere thanks to him."

Similarly, in Tamil Nadu's Karur district, farmers welcomed the release of the 20th installment of Rs 2,000. They emphasised how the direct cash transfer has brought transparency and removed intermediaries from the process.

Arul Murugan, a local farmer, said, "The money being credited directly into our bank accounts without any middlemen has been very helpful. We are grateful to the Prime Minister for this initiative that provides timely support."

The scheme's primary objective is to provide income support to small and marginal farming families who own cultivable land. With rising input costs, farmers said this steady income helps them manage critical farming expenses.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

As part of the visit to his parliamentary constituency, he also released the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, transferring Rs 21,000 crore directly to the bank accounts of more than 9.7 crore farmers across the country.

Additionally, he distributed over 7,400 assistive aids to 'divyangjan' and elderly beneficiaries.

Beginning his speech with "Om Namah Parvati Pataye, Har Har Mahadev", PM Modi said, "Today, I have come to Kashi for the first time since 'Operation Sindoor'. On April 22, when the Pahalgam terror attack happened, 26 innocent people were brutally killed. The grief of those children and women deeply pained me."

He added, "At that time, I prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the people to bear the pain. I promised my daughters that I would take revenge for their 'Sindoor', and today, by Mahadev's blessings, I have fulfilled that promise. I dedicate the success of 'Operation Sindoor' at the feet of Mahadev."
Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, reported a record profit of $10 billion on Thursday after its Bitcoin holdings rebounded in value during the second quarter.

The Tysons Corner, Virginia-based firm, which holds more Bitcoin than any other publicly traded company, disclosed $114.5 million in second-quarter revenue, a 3% increase compared to a year ago, according to a company blog post.

The profit was anticipated, given that Bitcoins falling price in the first quarter resulted in a $5.9 billion loss for the Bitcoin treasury company. The assets price dipped as low as $77,000 in Q1 before soaring as high as $111,000 in Q2, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing submitted on Thursday, Strategy also said that it would raise $4.2 billion through its STRC offering. Strategy introduced the perpetual preferred stock ten days ago.

On Thursday, Strategy co-founder and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor acknowledged regulatory tailwinds as a driver for cryptocurrencies broadly. He pointed to a sprawling crypto report from the White House this week as a major positive.

"Yesterday, the White House released crypto policy report. It's about 150 pages long. I did a scan," he said. "The takeaway is that this administration is going to be very enthusiastic in its support of the entire crypto industry and the Bitcoin ecosystem."

Since the company began accumulating Bitcoin in 2020, the firm, which has pivoted away from software development, has built up a stockpile of 628,800 Bitcoin worth $74 billion.

At the end of the second quarter, Strategy held 597,000 Bitcoin, growing its Bitcoin stash by nearly 20% quarter-over-quarter, from 499,000 Bitcoin, according to Bitcoin Treasuries.

A wave of crypto treasury firms have debuted this year, but Strategy pioneered the playbook, issuing shares to capture a premium that its stock trades at relative to its crypto holdings and issuing corporate debt to purchase more Bitcoin than it could otherwise.

This year, the company has issued several types of preferred stock to fund Bitcoin purchases. And on Tuesday, Strategy said that it had purchased around 21,000 Bitcoin after raising $2.5 billion through STRC, the latest in its series of perpetual preferred offerings.

In the blog post, Strategy said that it will no longer issue common stock when its shares trade at less than a 2.5x premium to its Bitcoin holdings, unless those funds are used to pay interest on its debut obligations of fund dividends for preferred shareholders.
Kabul, Aug 2 : Twin road accidents have left seven commuters dead and injured another in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, said a news release of the provincial police office.

In the first accident, which took place in Shahr-i-Bazarg district, five travellers lost their lives and another was badly injured, the news release said.

In a similar accident, two commuters were killed after their car turned turtle in the neighbouring Raghistan district on the same day, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a similar incident on July 31, one person was killed and 14 others injured after their vehicle veered off the road and turned turtle in central Afghanistan's Bamiyan province, the state-owned Bakhtar News Agency reported.

The mishap occurred in the Kotal Bukak area of Yakawlang district, where a mini-bus overturned due to a technical fault, killing one traveller on the spot and injuring 14 others, including women and children, Bakhtar quoted Mohammad Khawani Rasa, provincial police spokesman, as saying.

According to Rasa, all the injured were transported to nearby health centres for treatment.

Further, on July 28, at least six commuters lost their lives and 30 others sustained injuries in a highway crash in eastern Afghanistan's Ghazni province.

The fatal accident occurred Monday afternoon in Askarkot region, Qarabagh district, on the main highway connecting southern Kandahar to the capital, Kabul, the official media outlet quoted Mohammad Zark Zirak, head of the provincial public health, as saying.

A bus hit a fuel tanker on the opposite side of the road, killing six people on the spot and injuring 30 others, said Zirak.

The injured have been shifted to nearby health centres, with five in critical condition, the official added.

Road incidents are common in Afghanistan, mainly due to reckless driving on congested roads and the lack of traffic signs on dilapidated highways.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : Another attempt of human trafficking has been foiled in northern West Bengal, this time by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel. A successful operation was conducted on Saturday against a human trafficking ring at Panitanki bazaar area near the India-Nepal border in Kharibari block, adjacent to Siliguri in north Bengal.

The quick response team (QRT) of 'C' Company of the 41st Battalion of the SSB intercepted a four-wheeler from Panitanki Bazaar, 150 meters inside the India-Nepal border. Two traffickers were arrested there. Seven young women from Nepal, including a minor, were also rescued.

On Saturday afternoon, Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Praveen Prakash told media persons that along with the rescued girls, the SSB personnel also handed over the two traffickers to the police.

aThey will be presented before the Siliguri Subdistrict Court later in the day. It is being investigated whether anyone else, along with the two arrested, is involved in the incident," Prakash added.

The arrested persons have been identified as Japan Gurung, a resident of Nepal, and Dipesh Gurung, a resident of Toribari in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

During the initial questioning, the police found out that an organised international human trafficking ring was behind this.

"They bring Nepali girls and minors to India by luring them with jobs abroad and prepare documents like AADHAAR cards, PAN cards, and passports. After that, they are trafficked to other countries," said a district police official.

The police also found out that Japan Gurung alias Dada contacted the families of each girl and promised to send them to Hong Kong by luring them with jobs.

"He took about one lakh Nepali rupees in advance from each family. Photographs, videos, and fake documents of many young women were also found on his mobile phone," the police official added.

Last month, about 90 young women from various districts of northern West Bengal were rescued by the police in two separate incidents.

First, the General Railways Police (GRP) rescued 56 young women from the Terai-Dooars area by raiding the Capital Express at New Jalpaiguri station.

A week after that raid, the Pradhannagar police station of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate raided the Sevak Road bus terminus in Siliguri again and rescued 34 young women before they could be trafficked to other states.

These women were lured with jobs in a mobile company in Bengaluru. However, police found out that the traffickers were taking them to Tamil Nadu.
Seoul, Aug 2 : South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has met US senators and White House officials to discuss alliance and security issues, including North Korea's nuclear programme, his ministry said Saturday, after the two countries reached a tariff deal this week.

Cho met Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and spoke with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) by phone Friday during his visit to Washington for talks with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, earlier in the week, according to the ministry.

Yesterday, Cho met with US senators and underscored efforts to bolster "strategic economic cooperation" with Washington, building on the recent tariff deal reached between the countries.

Cho made the remarks during his meetings with Republican Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jim Risch (R-ID) in Washington on Thursday, following his talks with Rubio.

Wicker serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Risch is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Minister Cho voiced hope that the two countries will strengthen their strategic economic cooperation relationship encompassing key areas, such as shipbuilding, energy, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), based on the tariff agreement," the ministry said in a release.

On Thursday (US time), the allies agreed to lower the US reciprocal tariff rate for South Korea to 15 per cent from the originally proposed 25 per cent. South Korea, in return, committed to investing US$350 billion in US industries.

Cho told the senators that the new Lee Jae Myung government will work with Washington to advance the alliance with the US "under the three pillars of security, the economy, and science and technologies," the ministry said.

The senators, in turn, reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for the South Korea-US alliance and said they will spare no effort to ensure close cooperation continues and expands between the two countries, according to the ministry.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The All India Congress Committee's National Conclave on "Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives & Pathways" convened on Saturday with an unflinching indictment of the current regime's alleged attempts to dismantle India's constitutional architecture.

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) The All India Congress Committee's National Conclave on "Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives & Pathways" convened on Saturday with an unflinching indictment of the current regime's alleged attempts to dismantle India's constitutional architecture.

Senior Congress leaders accused the BJP-led government of weaponising democratic institutions to suppress dissent, distort electoral processes, and undermine the principles of justice, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. The conclave was not merely a forum for legal reflection - it was a political reckoning.

Opening with the session titled "Social Justice and the Constitution: Ideas of Equality and Fraternity," Congress leaders articulated a combative and morally anchored vision of governance.

From the caste census in Karnataka to the defence of reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, speakers emphasised that social justice must be a lived constitutional reality, not a rhetorical flourish.

AICC Treasurer and MP (member of Parliament) Ajay Maken outlined the Congress party's ideological framework through five cardinal principles - Samvidhaanwaad, Samajik Nyay, Samaveshi Vikas, Sarvdharm Sambhav, and Sanghiya Sanrakshan - positioning the party as the constitutional custodian in an era of institutional fragility.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscored the legal and moral imperative of social justice, citing his government's implementation of the caste census as a step toward institutional equality.

"Social justice is not a slogan - it's the law speaking for the voiceless," he said.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle the reservation system.

"It was the Congress that blocked these efforts and protected the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs," he said, adding provocatively, "It's not for the RSS to remove Modi. That task belongs to the Congress, led by Kharge ji and Rahul ji."

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram invoked the transformative power of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which decentralised governance and empowered marginalised communities.

"These were revolutionary steps toward representation and justice," he said.

Concerns over voter disenfranchisement surfaced as speakers flagged the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, which allegedly excludes vast swathes of Dalit and minority voters.

"The BJP is weaponising the Constitution to hollow it out," one speaker warned.

Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha, condemned the Centre's silence on the Manipur crisis, where over 200 lives were lost and 60,000 displaced.

"The Prime Minister didn't visit. The Home Minister didn't apologise. The Northeast has been abandoned," he said.

Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil criticised the government's selective application of Article 14, while Deepender Singh Hooda mockingly suggested renaming the BJP as the "Bhaichara Jalao Party."

Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha spotlighted gender inequity, noting that rural women remain underpaid despite working harder.

He welcomed the one-third reservation for women in legislatures but warned that without genuine political will, it risks becoming symbolic.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : The Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru sentenced former JD-S MP, Prajwal Revanna, to life imprisonment till death and imposed a fine of Rs 11.5 lakh on Saturday in connection with an obscene video and a rape case involving a 47-year-old woman.

The Special Public Prosecutors have said that by imposing maximum punishment, the court has sent out a strong message to those who violate laws.

Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister and JD-S founder H.D. Deve Gowda.

Speaking to the media after the court judgment, Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak, who represented the victim, said, "The Honourable Court, which found Prajwal Revanna guilty, has sentenced him to life imprisonment. In his case, life imprisonment means he will remain in prison until his last breath. The court has awarded punishment and fines under all applicable sections. A fine of Rs 11.5 lakh has been imposed on him."

"As per our submission, Rs 11.25 lakh from the fine amount will be awarded to the victim. This is significant because the victim is in a vulnerable position. She is not in a condition to face society. The accused committed the crime while he was a Member of Parliament. The court has sent out a strong message to those who violate the law," Nayak added.

Special Public Prosecutor H.K. Jagadish, who also argued on behalf of the victim, said, "Today, the Special Court convicted former MP Prajwal Revanna. Our primary argument was based on how an innocent and humble woman was raped, how she struggled to cope with the trauma, and how she faced social stigma."

"Unfortunately, the opposing counsel argued in court that the victim is married and leading a normal life. In my opinion, that was an unfortunate argument. Only those who have experienced the trauma of rape truly understand what their lives are like. There was no need to make such a dismissive statement," Jagadish added.

He also noted that the accused retains the right to appeal the court judgment.

Judge Santosh Gajanana Bhat announced the judgment.

The court has convicted Prajwal Revanna of life imprisonment till death under IPC Section 376 (2) (N) for repeated rape and a Rs 5 lakh fine.

The court has also awarded life imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh fine under the IPC Section 376 (2) (k) for being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, and committing rape on such woman.

The court has directed that the Rs 11.25 lakh fine amount be collected from Prajwal Revanna for the victim.

Prajwal Revanna stood before the court by joining both his hands when the quantum of punishment was pronounced.

The court, after pronouncing Prajwal Revanna as guilty, has recorded his final statements, the Special Public Prosecutors and counsel representing the former JD-S MP earlier on Saturday.

Prajwal Revanna is convicted under the IPC Sections 376 (2) (N) for offence of committing rape repeatedly on the same woman and being a public servant committing rape on a woman in custody, 376 (2) (K) for being in a position of control or dominance over a woman, commits rape on such woman, 354 (B) for use of criminal force to a woman with the intent to disrobe her, 354 (C) for offence of voyeurism, watching, capturing images of woman and IT Act 66 (E) for violation of privacy.

The former JD-S MP faces three more cases of a similar nature.

The Special Public Prosecutors, during final statements on the quantum of punishment on Saturday, urged the Special Court for MPs/MLAs in Bengaluru to award the maximum sentence -- life imprisonment -- to Prajwal Revanna in the obscene video and rape case.

They argued that such a sentence would send a strong message to society and serve as a deterrent to others committing similar crimes.

Prajwal Revanna became emotional and broke down before the court while delivering his final statement ahead of the sentencing.

The former JD-S MP said, "Why did this case come out during the elections? When I was an MP, no complaints were lodged against me. They now say I committed multiple sexual assaults. Why didn't anyone come forward then? Why did the case surface only during the election?"

He also alleged, "The police have done this. This is politically motivated. I will accept the decision of the court. I haven't seen my parents for six months."

When Judge Santosh Bhat asked Prajwal Revanna about his educational qualifications, he responded that he had studied Mechanical Engineering.

"You can verify my academic records. I am a meritorious student. My only fault is that I rose too quickly in politics. I won't blame the media," the former JD-S MP added.

The court also recorded the statement of the senior counsel representing Prajwal Revanna as well.

The Special Court on Friday pronounced that Prajwal Revanna was guilty in connection with the obscene video and rape case.

The case in question pertains to a rape complaint and other charges filed by a domestic worker from K.R. Nagar against Prajwal Revanna.

The court has reviewed 26 pieces of evidence in connection with the case.

Prajwal Revanna faces three other similar cases.

Videos allegedly showing Prajwal Revanna sexually assaulting women and recording the acts surfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha election period.

Following the polling, the former JD-S MP fled the country.

Upon his return to Bengaluru on May 31, 2024, Prajwal Revanna was arrested by the Bengaluru police.

His return came after public appeals from Deve Gowda and his uncle, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Prajwal Revanna has been lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail for 14 months, and multiple bail pleas have been outrightly rejected by all courts.

The video pertaining to the case caused widespread outrage purportedly shows the sexual assault on the victim in the case, who is an elderly domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura.

In the video, the woman is seen pleading with Prajwal Revanna to spare her, saying that she had served his father and other family elders.
Jaipur, Aug 2 : Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party will observe August 14 as 'Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas' and will actively participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign on August 15 across Rajasthan.

He said the party will work to ensure the national flag reaches every household on Independence Day.

Reflecting on the tragedy of the Partition, Rathore said, "Millions were affected by the horrors of Partition just a day before India gained independence on August 15, 1947. Countless people lost their lives, and many were forced to abandon their homes and live as refugees."

The BJP, he said, will pay tribute to those who endured the trauma and rebuilt their lives with resilience and determination.

"Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas reminds us of the pain, courage, and sacrifice of those countless victims. Today, we must pledge never to allow the thread of national unity, integrity, and brotherhood to break," he added.

Regarding the Independence Day celebrations, Rathore said BJP workers would lead the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign by distributing the national flag to every home.

He appealed to citizens to hoist the Tricolour with pride, regardless of political ideology, emphasising that the national flag belongs to every Indian.

Rathore said that Ashok Gehlot should forget Manesar, but when he continues to refer to it, it shows he still holds onto those memories.

"And if I become emotional remembering the horrors of Partition, will Sachin Pilot forget being called 'useless'? Such language should not be used against one's own colleague."

He criticised the Congress for jailing innocent people and spreading false narratives like "saffron terrorism."

He also condemned alleged conspiracies against RSS leaders, calling them deeply unfortunate.

Rathore emphasised the need for regular revision of the electoral roll, stating, "Only Indian citizens should decide the future of India. Outsiders like Rohingyas, Bangladeshis, or even someone from Italy must not be allowed voting rights. If Rahul Gandhi seeks power by counting on outsiders, it's unjust. Voter rights must remain exclusive to Indian citizens. Names of non-citizens will be removed - what's the need to create a fuss about it?"

Reiterating the BJP's guiding philosophy, Rathore said, "The BJP operates with a 'nation first' approach. Our mission is to build a fear-free society, uphold unity, and promote harmony among all communities."

He encouraged people to read books like 'Azadi Aayi Aadhi Raat Ko' to better understand the nation's history and learn lessons to strengthen national unity.
Mumbai, Aug 2 : Amid turbulence triggered by US tariff hikes, Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday that it is time to support our negotiators to bring us a good result by protecting national interests and showing some flexibility.

Speaking at the sidelines of the launch of his book 'Our Living Constitution', the former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations said, "We need to preserve an export market in America. But we should also be talking to other countries and regions where we are exporting."

He said that with talks with the EU and Japan and with the help of the trade agreement with the UK, the country can make up, to some degree, what we may end up losing in the US.

Cautioning against losing out on the export market in the US, he said, "We can't lose everything. We have to preserve some things. To my mind, this is the task for which we have to support our negotiators to bring us a good result."

Refusing to react to party leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the government over US trade talks, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram said, "My concern is that this relationship with the US, as a strategic partnership and as an economic relationship, is important for us."

"We are exporting something like $90 billion worth of goods to America. We can't, therefore, be in a position where we are going to lose that," he said.

Some people say that it is just 0.2 per cent of our GDP, but in terms of the percentage of exports, America is one of our largest markets, he said.

Urging support for Indian negotiators, Tharoor said, "We must wish our negotiators strength and courage in working out a fair deal for India in negotiation, you give some, you take some. There's got to be some flexibility we need to show."

"At the same time, some questions of national interest cannot cross," he said.

Earlier this week, Trump announced 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods. He said India would also face an additional tariff penalty for buying Russian oil.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the resilience of the Indian economy amid turbulence triggered by US tariff hikes, saying that the country must remain vigilant about its economic interests and adopt 'swadeshi' products.

According to PM Modi, the government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country.

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties, with the partnership having weathered several transitions and challenges.
Mumbai, Aug 2 : Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Saturday hailed the Constitution as the force offering stability to the nation and binding together different communities, religions, regions and cultures, moulding India into one country.

Asked about the Opposition flagging threat to Constitution and constitutional bodies and institutions, the CJI said: "The Constitution is here for all times."

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's new book, 'Our Living Constitution', the former CJI said: "Over the past 75 years, the Constitution has witnessed cycles, in terms, of governance, pandemic and internal and external challenges to the nation but the true importance of the Constitution lies in the fact that it has imparted great stability to the nation."

He also hailed the Constitution's ability to wheel together as one unit the different communities, religions, regions and cultures and, in that sense, it has "moulded India into one nation".

Speaking after the event organised by India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), Justice Chandrachud also reflected on the desirability to have a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the nation.

The former CJI said: "The Constitution expresses the desirability of a Uniform Civil Code. At least 75 years after the founding of the Constitution, it's important for us to realise this ambition and goal of the Constitution."

"But, at the same time, we need to take all segments of our society and community into confidence. This is truly in the interest of a future, just Indian society which we need to create," he said.

He said today's event was all about a Living Constitution and the value of the Constitution in the life of every citizen in carving out a better future for all of us and the nation.

"I think these conversations are vital for our younger generation which is the hope and future of our society and the nation," he said.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The All India Congress Committee's National Conclave on "Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives & Pathways" convened on Saturday, raising serious concerns about what it described as efforts by the current BJP-led NDA government that could undermine aspects of India's constitutional framework.

The conclave convened legal experts, lawmakers, and civil society voices to deliberate on threats to democratic institutions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that the Constitution was under siege, asserting, "What we see today is dictatorship, not democracy."

He credited Rahul Gandhi's campaign focus on constitutional preservation for thwarting the BJP's ambition of securing 400 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"The people denied them even a simple majority," Kharge said, adding that the BJP's intent to remove 'Secular' and 'Socialist' from the 'Preamble' was a clear ideological signal.

Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi, in a message read by veteran party leader Salman Khurshid, traced the Congress' foundational role in shaping India's constitutional vision.

She accused the BJP-RSS of attempting an "ideological coup," replacing democratic pluralism with a theocratic corporate state.

"Their forebears glorified Manusmriti and rejected the tricolour," she said, warning that the current regime seeks to dismantle pillars of equal citizenship.

Veteran Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, chairing the conclave, described the Constitution as "a living, beating heart of our democracy". He emphasised that constitutional valuesa"Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternitya"were "gasping for air". The conclave featured five thematic sessions on federalism, judicial independence, social justice, and institutional accountability.

The Chief Ministers from Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh joined 41 distinguished speakers, including retired judges, legal scholars, and human rights defenders.

The Congress reiterated its commitment to defending constitutional morality and democratic accountability.

"We were not scared of the British Empire -- why would we fear the BJP?" Rahul Gandhi remarked, holding up a copy of the Constitution.
Chennai, Aug 2 : In a significant seizure, Income Tax (I-T) Department officials have begun probing two Kerala natives, who were found with unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 26.40 lakh and gold-plated bangles, on Saturday, during a vehicle inspection at Ettimadai on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, I-T officials said.

Chennai, Aug 2 (IANS) In a significant seizure, Income Tax (I-T) Department officials have begun probing two Kerala natives, who were found with unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 26.40 lakh and gold-plated bangles, on Saturday, during a vehicle inspection at Ettimadai on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, I-T officials said.

The two men, identified as Abdul Hakkim (49) and Abdul Rahman (38), both residents of Thrissur district in Kerala, were intercepted at a police check post near the Ellaimakaliamman temple on the Salema"Palakkad National Highway.

They were reportedly on their way from Coimbatore to a jewellery shop in Thrissur, travelling on a two-wheeler when they were stopped based on a tip-off.

The inspection was conducted by a team led by Sub-Inspector Karthikeyan from KG Chavadi police station.

Upon checking their belongings, officials discovered the large sum of cash and gold-plated bangles, for which the duo could not immediately provide valid documentation.

Coimbatore Rural Superintendent of Police, K. Karthikeyan, visited the spot and questioned the men.

During preliminary questioning, the two claimed they had withdrawn the money legally and were carrying it to purchase jewellery in Thrissur.

However, the absence of supporting documents and the manner of transportation raised suspicions.

The police handed them over to the Income Tax Department for further investigation.

According to sources, I-T officials are currently verifying the source of the money, the mode of withdrawal from any financial institution, and whether the funds could be linked to hawala transactions -- a recurring concern along the Tamil Nadua"Kerala corridor, especially during election periods or festive seasons.

This incident is the latest in a series of similar cash hauls in the region.

In April this year, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, enforcement teams had seized more than Rs 1 crore in unaccounted cash from vehicles travelling between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Likewise, gold smuggling and unreported cash movement through Coimbatore and Palakkad routes have increased in recent years, prompting enhanced surveillance and coordination between state and Central agencies.

Authorities have beefed up security and are monitoring movement along key highway check posts.

As of now, Abdul Hakkim and Abdul Rahman remain under Income Tax custody while investigations continue to ascertain whether there are any larger networks involved.
Wolfspeed Inc. (NYSE:WOLF) is one of the tech stocks to buy according to analysts. On July 22, Susquehanna lowered the price target for Wolfspeed from $3 to $1.50, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. The adjustment came as part of the firms Q2 preview for the semiconductor group, with the firm expecting in-line to modest upside reports for the current quarter, driven by tariff-related demand pull-ins and sustained AI strength.

However, Susquehannas analysts did note increased uncertainty for the latter half of 2025 within the broader semiconductor market. In FQ3 2025, Wolfspeed showed a sequential revenue growth of 50% at its Mohawk Valley facility, which contributed $78 million in revenue. The company has also established a fully automated 200-millimeter manufacturing footprint for silicon carbide solutions and received ~$192 million in cash tax refunds from the Section 48D advanced manufacturing tax credit, which boosted liquidity.

Susquehanna Lowers Wolfspeed (WOLF) PT to $1.50 Amid Q2 Semiconductor Preview

Close-up of Silicon Die are being Extracted from Semiconductor Wafer and Attached to Substrate by Pick and Place Machine. Computer Chip Manufacturing at Fab. Semiconductor Packaging Process.

Additionally, Wolfspeed is actively engaging with customers for sampling 200-millimeter materials and pursuing new contracts for 200-millimeter wafer supply. But at the same time, the company is undergoing a restructuring, which includes a 30% reduction in its senior leadership team and projected restructuring charges of $400 million to $450 million for FY2025. Free cash flow during the quarter was also negative, at $168 million.

Wolfspeed Inc. (NYSE:WOLF) is a semiconductor company that focuses on silicon carbide and gallium nitride/GaN technologies in Europe, Hong Kong, China, the rest of Asia-Pacific, the US, and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of WOLF as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Bijapur : , Aug 2 (IANS) In a significant breakthrough in anti-insurgency operations, security forces arrested three suspected Maoist operatives on Saturday in Bijapur district, recovering a cache of explosives and materials linked to extremist activity.

The arrests were made near Go Gunda village, under the jurisdiction of Kerala Pal police station, a region known for sporadic Maoist movements and heightened security surveillance.

According to Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav, the trio was apprehended during a coordinated operation involving the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and local police units. One of the arrested individuals was reportedly carrying a bounty of Rs 2 lakh, indicating their alleged involvement in high-level Maoist activities.

The identities of the accused have not yet been officially disclosed, pending further interrogation and verification. The seized items include tiffin bombs, detonators, fuse wires, and other explosive components commonly used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Officials believe the materials were intended for sabotage operations targeting security personnel or infrastructure in the region. "The recovery of these explosives points to a larger network of logistical support and planned attacks," said a senior officer involved in the operation.

The arrests come amid intensified security measures across the Bastar division, where Maoist groups have been observing 'Martyrs' Week'  a period often marked by increased militant activity.

Intelligence inputs had earlier warned of possible movements of armed cadres in forested pockets near the Bijapur-Sukma border, prompting search operations in vulnerable zones.

Sources within the police department suggest that the arrested individuals may have links to the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (DAKMS) and Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangathan (KAMS), two frontal organisations often associated with Maoist mobilisation in tribal areas.

Investigations are underway to determine the extent of their involvement and any connections to recent incidents of violence. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody and will face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling Maoist networks and ensuring the safety of civilians in conflict-prone zones. Security forces continue to maintain a high alert across Bijapur, with further operations expected in the coming days.
Mandi, Aug 2 : Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday visited disaster-affected areas in Mandi to assess the situation on the ground and express solidarity with affected families.

The Governor visited Tungal Colony, near Jail Road, one of the severely impacted areas, and interacted with victims of the disaster. He inquired about their well-being and listened to their concerns with empathy and compassion.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and property, he assured the families that all possible support would be extended by the administration.

Governor Shukla said both the state and the Central governments are working in close coordination to ensure timely relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the affected regions.

He emphasised the commitment of the government to provide shelter, food, medical aid, and other essential services to the victims without delay.

During the visit, the Governor reviewed the ongoing relief operations and directed officials to strengthen their efforts to provide swift and effective assistance.

He appreciated the proactive response of the district administration, disaster response teams, and local volunteers for their tireless efforts in helping those affected.

"The people of Himachal Pradesh have always shown remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The administration is working with urgency and dedication to provide relief and restore normalcy," an official statement quoting the Governor said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, briefed the Governor on the relief and rehabilitation work being carried out across the district.

The Governor also visited the Panchayat Bhawan, where arrangements have been made to accommodate displaced families.

He personally interacted with the affected families and assured them of continued support.

Earlier, the Governor visited the site of damage on Jail Road to take stock of the situation. He also paid a visit to the historic Gurdwara Guru Gobind Singh at Paddal and met a bereaved family that lost three members in the tragedy, offering them condolences.

--IANS

vg/pgh
Jaipur, Aug 2 : In a one-day Youth Parliament organised at the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, 168 students from 13 states and three union territories voiced their perspectives on key national and international issues, including terrorism, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiri student Hadika passionately declared that PoK is an integral part of India and asserted that the time has come to reclaim it.

Jasmine from Bhiwadi added a nuanced perspective, stating that while taking back PoK is necessary, it is equally important to win the hearts of the Kashmiri peoplewithout which, any military victory would remain incomplete.

Jaipur's Pranay Gupta called for a firm stance against terrorism, while Diva Sharma from Gwalior raised serious concerns about the current security arrangements in Pahalgam.

Inaugurating the session, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani delivered an inspiring message to the youth, underscoring the paramount importance of India's sovereignty and national integrity.

He urged young minds to express dissent respectfully and uphold the decorum of democratic institutions. He encouraged students to read Ramcharitmanas, highlighting its valuable lessons in familial roles and social conduct.

Drawing from Indian epics, Devnani likened the Sanjay-Dhritarashtra episode in the Mahabharata to the first form of television and cited the Pushpak Viman as a symbol of ancient scientific vision.

He warned against the misuse of social media and stressed the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking.

"In a democracy, freedom of expression must be respected, but national interest requires self-regulation and discipline," he said.

Students from classes 9 to 12 representing 55 schools from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Delhi participated in the Youth Parliament.

With well-researched arguments and confident presentation, 56 students spoke on pressing issues such as cross-border terrorism and India's claim over PoK.

The highlight of the event was the unanimous passing of a resolution to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, introduced by Hadika from Kashmir, which received overwhelming support from the house.

Tanay Bhaven Parikh from Mumbai supported a diplomatic and economic boycott of Pakistan and its allies.

"Countries spending on weapons should not receive loans for food," he argued.

He called for increased international pressure, including military options, to counter Pakistan's global image rooted in extremism.

He emphasised that attacks like Parliament, Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam should not go unanswered and that India's voice must also highlight the plight of oppressed Pakistani citizens on global platforms.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against five more operatives of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) in connection with the 2024 Chhattisgarh arms recovery case.

The accused - Anish Khan alias Annu Khan, Anil Kumar Netam, Jaysing Hidko, Raghvueer Jain, and Shailendra Kumar Baghel alias Golu - have been identified as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and one as a supplier for the Maoist organisation.

All five were reportedly active members of the Kuyemari Area Committee, a key wing of the CPI (Maoist) operating in the insurgency-affected region. The chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Jagdalpur, names them under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Explosive Substances Act.

The NIA stated that the operatives played critical logistical roles in supporting Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. According to the agency's findings, Anish Khan was involved in supplying explosive materials to armed Maoist cadres in the Aalparas forest area.

These materials were later seized by security forces during a counterinsurgency operation. The other accused provided shelter, food, and logistical assistance to CPI (Maoist) members who were planning a deadly ambush on security forces near Mujalgondi village.

This latest action follows the earlier chargesheet filed by NIA in August 2024 against two armed Maoist cadres - Vinod Awalam and Ashu Korsa - in the same case (RC-04/2024/NIA/RPR).

"Investigations in the case RC-04/2024/NIA/RPR are continuing as part of NIA's efforts to scuttle the Maoist outfit's terror agenda," said NIA in its press statement.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, forms part of the NIA's broader efforts to dismantle the Maoist support network and curb the group's violent activities in central India.
Jaipur, Aug 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi during a programme held in Varanasi. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), he transferred over Rs 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of more than 9.7 crore farmers across the country.

Addressing a state-level felicitation programme in Banswara, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of farmer welfare and rural development is unfolding.

As part of this initiative, the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of over 76 lakh farmers in Rajasthan, amounting to Rs 1,600 crore.

CM Sharma highlighted the transformation brought by the PM-Kisan Yojana in the lives of small and marginal farmers. Fertilizer subsidies worth lakhs of crores have provided significant relief.

Over 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been formed. Initiatives like e-NAM for online agri-trade, minimum support price (MSP) with a 50 per cent profit margin over cost, and expansion of the PM Crop Insurance Scheme have empowered farmers, he said.

The Chief Minister said that he has announced an increase in the stateas Kisan Samman Nidhi to Rs 9,000 recently which will soon be taken to Rs 12,000. So far, Rs 6,800 crore has been disbursed to over 76 lakh farmers.

For 2025-26, Rs 25,000 crore in interest-free short-term crop loans will benefit 35 lakh farmers, while Rs 400 crore in long-term loans is being provided with a 5 per cent interest subsidy.

Around 32 lakh metric tonnes of wheat have been procured at MSP, and wheat bonuses worth Rs 450 crore have been distributed.

CM Sharma said that under PM Kusum Yojana, farmers have benefited from the generation of 1,500 MW of solar power.

Efforts to provide daytime electricity have reached 22 districts. Additionally, Rs 12,000 crore worth of work orders have been issued under the Ram Jal Setu Link Project.

A long-standing water issue has been resolved through the Yamuna Water Agreement with Haryana.

The Chief Minister emphasised PM Modi's commitment to tribal welfare through initiatives like Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM Janman Abhiyan, launched on Tribal Pride Day.

These programmes aim to ensure basic amenities in tribal-dominated villages. CM Sharma announced a hike in the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) fund from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 1,500 crore.

Seven new ashram hostels, three residential schools, and 250 Maa-Badi centers have been approved. Honorariums for teachers and cooks at Maa-Badi centers have been raised by 10 per cent.

Forest produce from tribal communities is now being marketed through 530 Van Dhan centers.

Sites like Mangarh Dham, Dungar Baranda (Dungarpur), Bansia Charpota (Banswara), and the Veer Balika Kalibai Museum (Udaipur) are being developed to honor tribal history.

The Chief Minister shared that 17.37 lakh pucca houses have been built under PM Awas Yojanaa"Gramin in Rajasthan, with an additional Rs 8,544 crore approved for 7.12 lakh new homes. He stressed that tribal and farming communities are vital to the vision of a prosperous Rajasthan by 2047.

Tribal Area Development and District In-Charge Minister Babu Lal Kharari noted the role of Jan Dhan accounts in delivering benefits efficiently. He announced a maize processing unit for tribal regions and highlighted the Kalibai Museum as a cultural milestone.

Animal Husbandry Minister Joraram Kumawat emphasized livestock welfare through schemes like the Gopal Credit Card and the Mukhyamantri Mangala Pashu scheme, under the guidance of PM Modi and CM Sharma.
Dhaka, Aug 2 : A group of 39 Bangladeshi citizens, including a woman, were deported from the United States and arrived in Dhaka on Saturday.

According to officials at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the individuals were transported on a C-17 US military aircraft.

Bangladeshas leading daily, Dhaka Tribune, reported that some of the deportees claimed they were handcuffed throughout the flight.

"We're not criminals, we just sought asylum. But we were treated as if we were dangerous offenders," one of them was quoted as saying by the daily.

Shariful Hasan, Associate Director of Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) Migration Programme and Youth Platform, explained that many of the deported individuals had either sold family assets or borrowed heavily, often up to Tk 30a"40 lakh to reach the United States through irregular channels, passing through Mexico and South America.

They had applied for asylum upon their arrival in the US. However, their requests were denied by immigration officials and the courts, leading to the decision to deport them, Hasan said.

The move is part of a wider crackdown by the US immigration authorities. Since taking office, the Donald Trump administration has ramped up efforts to remove undocumented migrants from the country.

In June, US President Donald Trump instructed the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to intensify deportation efforts against the "illegal aliens" in major American cities.

The move came after large-scale demonstrations broke out in Los Angeles and major cities against the US administration's immigration policies.

"Our Nation's ICE Officers have shown incredible strength, determination, and courage as they facilitate a very important mission, the largest mass deportation operation of illegal aliens in history. Every day, the brave men and women of ICE are subjected to violence, harassment, and even threats from radical Democrat politicians, but nothing will stop us from executing our mission and fulfilling our mandate to the American People," Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this Truth, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest mass deportation programme in history," he said.

Trump stated that immigration officials must expand efforts to detain and deport "illegal aliens" in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where, he claimed, millions reside.
Mumbai, Aug 2 : It is a proud moment for Punjabi sensation Sonam Bajwa as her 2023 Punjabi outing "Godday Godday Cha" has been honored with the National Film Award for 'Best Punjabi Film'.

Calling it a "truly humbling experience", Bajwa expressed her gratitude on social media saying, "So grateful for all the people who worked on this film and made this film happen, and for the audiences for appreciating the film and our efforts in it and now receiving the National Film Award is truly a blessing and one of the biggest rewards, thank you."

Bajwa essayed the role of Rani in Vijay Kumar Arora's directorial.

In addition to this, Tania aka "Nikko" also revealed that she experienced tears of joy after learning about the good news.

She penned on her Instagram handle, "Today I got the news that our film "Godday Godday Chaa" won "NATIONAL AWARD" as "The Best Punjabi Film". Tears again!!!.but these ones were of JOY. Immensely grateful . God has been really kind. Congratulations to the whole team."

Tania further spilled her excitement about her upcoming drama,"Phaphey Kuttniyan"

"My next project, which is too close to my heart and I believe my best till now, "Phaphey Kuttniyan" has my deep attachment with it. I am super excited for this upcoming one and I'm fully trying to come back to work as soon as things come back to their right places," wrote.

Pinning her hopes on her next, she added, "Wishing it to receive way more love and way more appreciation for the performance along with another National Award. The film is deeply wired within my heart. Again, Thankful for this Award and working hard for many more. Wishing your love and support always."

"Godday Godday Cha" talks about Rani (played by Bajwa), who makes it her mission to take the women of her village to a baraat at a time when it was just a dream for the women of Punjab to attend a wedding.
Kolkata, Aug 2 : A court in West Bengal, on Saturday, sentenced four persons to life imprisonment, who were accused of burning a mother and daughter alive in East Midnapore district's Haldia five years ago.

The Tamluk district and sessions court pronounced the judgment in that case, which had rocked the state five years ago.

In February 2020, half-burnt bodies of a mother and daughter were recovered from the banks of the Haldi river in Jhikurkhali area in East Midnapore district.

The prime accused in the double murder was identified as Saddam Hossain, a resident of Haldia who had developed a relationship with the mother, Rama Dey, and also with her 18-year-old daughter, Jessica.

The mother and daughter duo, who hailed from Barrackpore in the North 24 Parganas district, moved to Haldia to live with Saddam.

Initially, Saddam's relationship was with Rama. However, during their days in Halida, he also developed a relationship with her daughter, Jessica.

Later, Saddam married Jessica, which led to a dispute with both the mother and daughter.

It was learnt that Saddam tried to get out of all his relationships, but he could not manage it.

The investigation revealed that Saddam, along with his three accomplices, gave sleeping pills to the mother and daughter and took them to the riverside area of Jhikurkhali in a car.

"Assumed that they had died after consuming sleeping pills, the accused poured petrol on the mother and daughter and burned them alive. After detecting smoke, local people rushed to the spot and nabbed Saddam," said an officer of the district police.

The Durgachak police station had submitted the charge sheet 90 days after the incident.

The trial process went on for five years, and finally, on Saturday, the Tamluk District Court announced the sentence.

The main culprit, Saddam, and the other three accomplices, namely Manjur Alam Mallick, Shukdev Das, and Aminur Hossain were sentenced to life imprisonment.

"I feel that this verdict has been given not based on evidence. We will go to the high court against this verdict," said Subrata Kumar Maiti, the defence counsel.
Patna, Aug 2 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday participated in Kisan Utsav Diwas organised at Bapu Auditorium in Patna, met farmers and listened to their grievances.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan stepped off the stage and walked among the crowd, enquiring farmers about their problems. The farmers candidly raised issues, including complaints of being forced to buy nano urea bottles along with fertilisers.

The minister warned officials, saying, "No one can force farmers. Strict action will be taken against those who provide something else in place of fertilisers," he said, directing immediate action against the culprits and emphasising a crackdown on black marketing of fertilisers.

The event was held to mark the disbursal of the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.

From Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 2,000 each to 9.7 crore farmers, including 74 lakh farmers in Bihar.

Chouhan praised the direct benefit transfer model and said, "We have given over Rs 3 lakh crore to farmers so far. Under PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs 1.83 lakh crore has been credited to farmers' accounts."

He also announced that the Central government will buy pulses from Bihar farmers at MSP and facilitate vegetable transportation to Delhi, with freight expenses borne by the Centre.

Chouhan outlined several new and ongoing initiatives, including Dhan Dhanya Yojana to be launched soon, Rs 2 lakh crore fertiliser subsidy being provided annually, Rs 25 lakh crore disbursed via Kisan Credit Cards, plans to connect modern research to farms, and a push to make 3 crore women "Lakhpati Didis"

He also noted, "Fifty-five crore bank accounts have been opened across the country under PM Modi's vision of financial inclusion."

Chouhan administered an oath to farmers and women present to use Indian-made goods.

He appealed emotionally, saying, "Raksha Bandhan is near. Sisters should tie rakhis made in their own village and country. Use products made in your village, your city, your country - boycott foreign goods."

He emphasised that the strength of India's economy is directly linked to empowered farmers and domestic production, and declared that "we will not bow down to foreign pressures."

Without naming individuals directly, Shivraj Singh Chouhan also took a veiled dig at the Congress and RJD regimes, stating that "during their time, nothing was done for the farmers."

In contrast, he positioned the Modi-led government as being consistently pro-farmer and reform-oriented.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 2 : A 15-year-old girl from Odisha's Puri district, who was allegedly set ablaze by three unidentified men, succumbed to her injuries at AIIMS Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed on Saturday.

Chief Minister Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the girl's death. In a post on X, he wrote, "I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of the girl from the Balanga area. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock endeavours of the specialist medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of the girl's soul and pray before God to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss."

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also expressed her condolences over the teen's demise.

"Following an unexpected and unfortunate incident, the victim from Balangir, who was under treatment at Delhi AIIMS, has passed away. While praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, I express my condolences to her family in this sorrowful situation. Despite all efforts by the medical team and the government, we are deeply saddened that she could not be saved," she wrote on X.

The tragic incident occurred on July 19, when the girl was reportedly returning home after visiting a friend. She was abducted by three assailants near the banks of the Bhargavi River in Puri. The miscreants took her to a secluded location, doused her with a flammable substance, and set her on fire.

The girl, suffering from severe burns, managed to run to a nearby house. Locals came to her aid, alerted her family, and rushed her to a local hospital. Given the critical nature of her injuries  with over 70 per cent burns  she was airlifted to New Delhi the following day and admitted to the Burn ICU of the Burn and Plastic Surgery Department at AIIMS on July 20.

Doctors at AIIMS had earlier reported that she was conscious, oriented, and stable, though dependent on oxygen support. She also underwent a skin grafting procedure as part of her treatment. Despite the medical team's best efforts, she passed away on Friday night.

The brutal nature of the attack has sparked outrage across the state. Police have launched an intensive investigation to arrest the perpetrators. So far, no arrests have been made.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

For most Americans, buying a starter home costs a lot more than renting. But there's one exceptionPittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Bucks The National Trend

According to Realtor.com's June Rental Report, Pittsburgh is the only major metro area in the U.S. where it's actually cheaper to buy a starter home than to rent one. The typical monthly cost of buying a home in Pittsburgh was $1,362 in June, while renting a similar zero- to two-bedroom unit costs $1,473, a $111 monthly savings for homeowners.

Pittsburgh remains one of the most affordable places in the U.S. to live and to buy a home, Realtor.com Senior Economic Research Analyst Hannah Jones said. Its the only major market where buying a home is cheaper than renting, and one of just three large metros where a median-income household can afford a median-priced home.

Don't Miss:

Scrolling To UBI'  Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share.

Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora & MGMSecure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14

In the other 49 of the 50 largest metro areas, renting still comes out ahead. Nationally, the average cost of buying a starter home is $908 more per month than renting, according to Realtor.com.

Why Pittsburgh Is Different

Pittsburgh didn't go through the same kind of housing boom as many other cities during the pandemic, which helped keep prices stable. The city also has an older housing stock, with the median home built in 1961, two decades older than the national average. This often means homes need some renovation, but are listed at lower prices.

It avoided the housing boom cycle during the pandemic and was able to maintain its stability, Realtor.com Economist Jiayi Xu told Newsweek. It is one of just three major U.S. metros where a typical household can afford a home while spending less than 30% of its annual income.

Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes  no cost, no obligation.

David Dean, the incoming president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, emphasized Pittsburgh's consistency. The Pittsburgh market has continued to be a steady real estate market throughout history. Throughout the pandemic, Pittsburgh was incredibly resilient, Dean told Newsweek.

Affordability Holds Despite Rising Prices

Even though prices in Pittsburgh have crept up, Redfin data showed a 6.9% year-over-year increase in June, with the median sale price at $270,000, experts say the city is likely to stay affordable.
Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's removal in August 2024 appears to have opened a new avenue for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to advance his Islamist agenda under the guise of strengthening trade and defence cooperation with Dhaka.

A strategic alliance is taking shape between Turkey, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) of Bangladesh with the shared objective to sabotage India. The trilateral nexus is coordinating the flow of funds, arms and weapons and radical Islamic ideology throughout South Asia, leveraging Bangladesh as a critical hub for orchestrating anti-India activities. The latest developments can now be seen in the context of Turkey openly backing Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor following the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Ankara's increasing engagement with Dhaka could be part of a larger strategy to eliminate pluralism and promote Islamism in the region.

The Jamaat has remained active organisationally despite the ban imposed by the Hasina government. In June, Bangladesh's Supreme Court restored Jamaatas registration, thus paving the way for its participation in the next general elections. Jamaat's re-entry in electoral politics marks a radical shift in Dhaka's 'zero tolerance approach' to religious extremism and terrorism adopted by the erstwhile Awami League government, a move that worked in New Delhi's favour, given its crackdown on insurgent groups from India's Northeast that were operating from the Bangladeshi soil.

It is relevant to mention that Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) began to support the Muslim Brotherhood network, across the world, including Bangladesh through JeI, since 2010.

Intelligence agencies are extending financial and logistical support to Islamist factions in Bangladesh, most notably, the JeI. Yasin Aktay, a former member of the Turkish Parliament and a former advisor to Erdogan, paid a courtesy call on JeI Ameer Shafiqur Rahman at the party's central office in Dhaka's Moghbazar, last month (July 26).

The renovation of JeI's office was allegedly funded by Milli Istihbarat Teskilati (MIT), which is the National Intelligence Organisation of Turkey and works closely with the Turkish diplomatic missions. Ankara's strategic outreach to South Asia means deepening interest in the region's defence and geopolitical landscape. Turkey under Erdogan is an ally to Pakistan and Bangladesh but a menace to India and wants an enhanced role in South Asia.

With the progression of time, Erdogan adopted a political Islamist approach, discarding the liberal democratic ideology. In South Asia, Turkey has a largely privileged relationship with Pakistan, its strategic ally, in regional conflicts. Turkey's approach to South Asia has followed a 'State Policy', supported by the Turkish army, foreign ministry, different governments in power, media and the public.

With the general elections due to take place in Bangladesh next year, Turkish and Pakistani intelligence agencies seek to exploit the prevailing political uncertainty in the country to influence the outcome and facilitate the rise of an anti-India regime in Bangladesh.

Dhaka and Ankara have been progressively moving forward in the defence collaboration sector.

A-nine member Turkish delegation led by Haluk Gorgun, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Savunma Sanayii Baskani (SSB), visited Dhaka on July 8-9 and met Bangladeshi Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Waker-uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan to discuss issues related to defence collaboration, procurement of high-tech defence equipment and facilitating transfer of critical technologies. Apart from agreeing to share experience in naval platforms, modern combat systems and defence technologies, Gorgun also met Yunus and extended Turkey's support to set up two defence industry complexes in Chittagong and Narayanganj.

Bangladesh has requested for concessional credit lines, soft loans or deferred payment schedules to import Turkey's Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs, TRG-300 Rocket systems, Otokar Cobra-II Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPs) and other defence products. Gorgun's visit aimed at cementing advanced strategic partnerships between the two countries and enhancing Bangladesh's defence capabilities through foreign investment.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also visited Turkey in May-June 2025 to discuss the setting up of two 'dedicated defence industrial clusters' in Chittagong and Narayanganj.

Harun proposed co-production and transfer of technology, offering tax holidays, duty exemptions with operational latitude during his visit to Mikineve Kimya Endustrisi (MKE), a Turkish state-owned corporation, and Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation in Kirikkale in Central Anatolia region, which manufactures weapons, explosives, ammunitions, rocket systems, etc.

Discussions centered on procurement of Bayraktar drones, local production of 155 mm artillery shells and assembly of MillA Piyade Tufegi-National Infantry Rifle (MPT)-76 rifles and Platform Machine Gun (PMT) machine guns or Medium Machine guns.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmud Khan and Chief of Navy Statff (CNS) Admiral Nazmul Hassan also visited Istanbul on July 22-27 to attend the 17th International Defence Industry Fair.

Dhaka, meanwhile, is working on getting another Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) or Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) from Bay Galata International, apparently for protection of Saint Martin Island against unmanned aerial threats.

Earlier this year, Turkey's Trade Minister Omer Bolat led a large delegation to Dhaka and discussed technology transfer, energy issues, infrastructure and investment in the defence sector, logistics, mining, e-commerce and clean energy with Bangladeshi officials. Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain visited Antalya to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) on April 11-13 this year and met Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Aerospace, Mehmet Demiroglu. Hossian suggested that Dhaka required a reliable partner in aerospace technology and it would be a win-win-situation for both Bangladesh and Turkey if they cooperate with each other.

Bangladesh-Turkey defence deals and trade relations continue to intensify significantly under the Yunus-led interim administration. Bangladesh has emerged as the fourth largest market for Turkish defence equipment, including Cobra Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), short-range-missiles, Mine-Protected vehicles (MPVs) and multi-dimensional rocket defence systems. A key component of the cooperation remains drones and related technologies.

(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, Aug 2 : IndiGo on Saturday banned a passenger from flying on its flights after he slapped a co-traveller onboard a Mumbai-Kolkata flight.

The incident took place on flight 6E138 on Friday. After the plane landed in Kolkata, the passenger was handed over to security authorities at the airport and was declared unruly.

In a post on X on Saturday, IndiGo said it had reported the incident to the relevant authorities after a detailed review.

The airline said the ban was in line with its commitment to discourage unruly behaviour on board. However, it did not mention how long the ban would last.

"In line with our commitment to discourage such unruly behaviour onboard flights, the individual has been suspended from flying on any IndiGo flights, in accordance with regulatory provisions," the carrier said.

A video of the incident, which circulated on social media on Friday, showed a passenger sitting in his seat suddenly slapping another man who was standing in the aisle. The man who was slapped began crying and was then moved to another seat.

In the video, a cabin crew member can be heard telling the seated passenger, "don't do" while another passenger asked why he had slapped the man, saying he had no right to hit anyone. Someone else in the background was heard saying that the person who was slapped was having a panic attack.

Divisional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Airport Division) Aishwarya Sagar said the two were arrested under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent them from committing a serious offence, and under Section 120, which allows binding offenders to the court if they are likely to disturb peace.

Unruly behaviour on a flight can lead to a flying ban of three months to two years, depending on how serious the offence is.
Gandhinagar, Aug 2 : The families of more than 52.16 lakh farmers in Gujarat have received more than Rs 1,118 crore in the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, directly credited to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

This milestone was marked during a state-level 'PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas' event held in Gandhinagar, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the installment virtually from Kashi, more than three lakh farmers across Gujarat tuned in live to hear his address.

The Chief Minister noted that the PM-KISAN scheme has emerged as the world's largest DBT initiative, highlighting its transparent and equitable execution that has significantly strengthened farmers' trust in the Union government.

"Prime Minister Modi has proven how rapid and impactful governance is possible when driven by a commitment to public service," CM Patel said.

"Through schemes like PM-KISAN, PM-Jhan Dhan Yojana, and the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, he has reaffirmed that the farmer remains at the heart of India's growth journey."

Chief Minister Patel emphasised that more than Rs 3.69 lakh crore has been distributed to 9.7 crore farmers across the country over 19 installments.

The 20th installment saw the disbursal of Rs 20,500 crore to farmers across the country, the Chief Minister said.

Gujarat alone has received a cumulative Rs 19,993 crore across all previous tranches, he added.

He said that agriculture spending has increased fivefold in the past decade, with 25 crore soil health cards distributed, and significant progress made in modern farming practices and mechanisation.

The newly approved PM Jan Dhan Yojana aims to uplift productivity in 100 underperforming districts across India, he added.

The Chief Minister also pointed to Gujarat's pioneering role in promoting natural farming and millet-based cultivation under the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

"To advance this, the Gujarat Natural Farming Science University in Halol has been established," he said.

State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, speaking from Rajkot, urged farmers to embrace innovation and sustainability.

Anju Sharma, State Agriculture department's Additional Chief Secretary, detailed the comprehensive support framework for farmers -- from sowing to selling -- and reported that more than 11 lakh farmers have registered on the i-Kisan Portal to access various state-supported schemes.

Gandhinagar's event was attended by key dignitaries, including Shilpaben Patel, District Panchayat Chairperson; MLA Reetaben Patel; Sandeep Kumar, Animal Husbandry Secretary; Vijay Kharadi, Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Managing Director; and a large gathering of farmer beneficiaries and officials.

The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, provides eligible farmer families an annual income support of Rs 6,000 in three equal installments.

Fully funded by the Centre, this welfare scheme has transformed income assurance for small and marginal farmers across India.
Bengaluru, Aug 2 : The Karnataka BJP has announced a counter-protest against the protest rally to be led by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, in Bengaluru on August 5.

The Congress will stage a protest on August 5 in Bengaluru's Freedom Park against the alleged voter fraud that has raised a national debate.

The BJP will stage a demonstration at the Mahatma Gandhi statue, dubbing the Congress party's protest as an attempt to defame constitutional institutions. The party leaders will also submit a memorandum in this regard to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra announced that Rahul Gandhi has insulted the voters of the country and the state with his statement alleging electoral malpractice. In protest of his statement and anti-constitutional conduct, the BJP will hold a demonstration on August 5 at 10 a.m. near Mahatma Gandhi's statue in front of Vidhana Soudha.

Vijayendra stated that a memorandum would be submitted to the Governor after the protest. He accused Rahul Gandhi of planning to stage a political drama in Bengaluru on the same day, August 5.

He added that BJP MPs, MLAs, MLCs, former MPs, former MLAs, and former MLCs will participate in the protest.

"The objective is to inform the public about the Congress party's double standards," he said.

Vijayendra also alleged that, anticipating Rahul Gandhi's visit, the state government demolished the compound wall and cut down trees at Freedom Park.

He demanded that Rahul Gandhi and the Chief Minister apologise to the people of the state.

Vijayendra accused the Congress of launching a new narrative in the state and the country, with senior leader Rahul Gandhi, whom he described as a "misguided missile" of the Congress, claiming that electoral fraud occurred in Karnataka and other states during the recent Lok Sabha elections and that the BJP misused the Election Commission.

The BJP leader alleged that Rahul Gandhi is in a state of confusion and, unable to cope with repeated defeats, has begun levelling baseless accusations against constitutional institutions. "Rahul Gandhi, who has failed to earn the trust of the people of this country, has now resorted to staging a deceptive political drama," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi has stated that he has 100 per cent proof of electoral fraud. If he, along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumarwho have echoed his statementpossess any proof of malpractice or misuse of the Election Commission, they should have submitted it to the High Court or the Supreme Court," Vijayendra argued.

He accused them of trying to create confusion and unrest in the state and country and stated that Rahul Gandhi seems to have lost faith in democratic institutions.

"Rahul Gandhi is deeply frustrated. The consecutive defeats in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections have shaken his confidence and his belief in his own leadership," he mocked.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to power for the third consecutive time under the leadership of the BJP-led NDA. The nation is progressing under Narendra Modi Ji's leadership. Rahul Gandhi is unable to digest this. He cannot bear to see Narendra Modi Ji as Prime Minister or accept the country's progress under him. As a result, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party are now acting against democracy and attacking the Election Commission," he said.

"This is an attempt to mislead the people and drag the nation into chaos," he warned, calling it a serious issue. Vijayendra asserted that Rahul Gandhi's planned protest at Freedom Park on August 5 is not a cause for concern, but the Congress party's behaviour is akin to a strangulation of democracy. "This is an anti-democratic move," he criticised.

He accused the Congress of attempting to create a situation similar to the one during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. "After losing in the Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi again raised doubts over EVMs. After losing in the Maharashtra elections, he similarly accused the Election Commission but never produced any evidence," he said.

Vijayendra termed Rahul Gandhi's actions "anti-democratic and dangerous."

He pointed out that the BJP-JD(S) alliance won 19 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections. "D.K. Suresh lost in Bangalore Rural, and now D.K. Shivakumar claims there was malpractice. Our MP, P.C. Mohan, won in Bangalore Central. The Mahadevapura Assembly segment gave the highest lead. He is claiming that malpractice occurred there and in Rajajinagar. But weren't your own officials in charge of election duties?" he questioned the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

"Don't you trust your own officers? Do you not have control over them?" he asked.

Former BJP National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA Dr C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Rajya Sabha MP Lehar Singh, MP P.C. Mohan, and former MLC Y.A. Narayanaswamy were also present at the press conference.
Patna, Aug 2 : In a shocking revelation, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma, on Saturday, announced the arrest of two youths in connection with the brutal double murder and arson case in Nadwa village within the Janipur police station limits, police said.

The incident, which rocked the area on July 31, was found to be the result of one-sided love and premeditated revenge, according to the police.

SSP Sharma, while addressing a press conference, said that Shubham Kumar (19), a jilted lover, along with his friend and accomplice Roshan Kumar (19), carried out the heinous crime.

Shubham, nursing deep resentment after learning that the girl he once had a relationship with was in contact with someone else, allegedly decided to kill her and her brother.

"The investigation revealed that Shubham, driven by the mentality of 'if she can't be mine, she won't be anyone's' hatched the conspiracy a week in advance," SSP Sharma said.

According to the police, Shubham and the victim were in a relationship during their school days.

However, opposition from the girl's family led to their separation.

Despite the breakup, Shubham maintained familiarity with the family and used to visit their home.

On the day of the incident, Shubham bought kerosene in a bottle from a local shop.

He then headed straight to the victim's house.

The victim's brother was asleep, while the girl was awake.

Shubham is alleged to have first attacked the brother and smashed his head using a brick and then strangulated the girl, before setting the room on fire and locking the house from outside with Roshan's help to simulate an accident or mystery.

Both accused fled the spot but were caught during the investigation initiated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in light of the crime's gravity.

"The accused confessed to committing the crime during questioning. Roshan's role was primarily in hiding evidence and assisting in the accused duo's escape," the SSP added.

The police have also begun questioning the shopkeeper, who sold the kerosene to Shubham, as part of efforts to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the premeditation behind the crime.

It has been revealed that the accused lived just three to four kilometre from the crime scene and had been planning the act for at least a week.

Patna Police said that they are collecting forensic evidence, examining digital communication between the parties, and ensuring that all angles -- especially abetment, motive, and pre-crime planning -- are thoroughly investigated.

The gruesome nature of the crime has left the local community in shock.

Security in Nadwa village and nearby areas has been tightened.

Police patrolling has been increased, and psychological counselling support is being considered for the deceased's surviving family members.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : As the ruling BJP and the Congress on Saturday locked horns over Rahul Gandhi's claim of receiving threats from Late Union minister Arun Jaitley over the farm laws, the grand old party claimed that the episode was a failed bid to silence their leader on his pro-farmer agenda.

While Jaitley's son strongly rebutted Gandhi's claims, the Congress put its weight behind the Leader of Opposition, claiming that the controversial threat aimed at silencing him was made at the behest of top BJP leaders.

Pawan Khera, Chairman, Media and Publicity Department, AICC, said in a post on X, "What matters is not who conveyed the threat but on whose behalf was it being conveyed. The hand behind it was the Modi-Shah duo."

Khera said, "The intention of the threats was to silence us but they have only ever strengthened our resolve."

"This was never about one Bill or one Act - it was about crushing Rahul Gandhi's fierce, unyielding defence of India's farmers or the Indian people in general," wrote Khera on X.

The political storm on Saturday erupted after Gandhi said at the party's Annual Legal Conclave 2025 that Arun Jaitley had threatened him with action if he carried on the protest against the three farm laws.

Hours later, Rohan Jaitley expressed shock and disappointment over Gandhi's remarks and said, "The farm laws that Rahul Gandhi is referring to were passed in 2020, more than a year after my father's demise in August 2019. My father had been unwell for several months before his death. So, the question of him threatening anyone on this issue simply does not arise."

A little later, Khera took to social media and countered Rohan Jaitley by presenting the chain of events that led to the threatening episode mentioned by Gandhi.

Khera said, "The Farm Laws of 2020 were not the only anti-farmer legislations of the BJP government. They were the culmination of a long, deliberate, anti-farmer agenda that the BJP government had been cooking up in its cauldron of destructive policy."

"The first blow came in December 2014 itself, when Modi resorted to diluting the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Bill of 2013. Then in 2017 came the socalled Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act - another backdoor assault on farmers' rights," he said.

The chief of AICC Media and Publicity Department said, "The Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, vehemently opposed these anti-farmer laws. It is in this context that the late Arun Jaitley came to 10 Janpath to meet Rahul Gandhi carrying a threat. But he forgot that Rahul Ji is a Gandhi, not a Savarkar."
Agartala, Aug 2 : Over 2.84 lakh farmers from Tripura received Rs 45.43 crore as part of the 20th installment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, Chief Minister Manik Saha said after virtually attending the event.

The 20th instalment was formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Later the Chief Minister in a post on the X said: "Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, various steps have been taken to empower our farmers. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a significant step in this direction."

"Today, the 20th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme - Rs 20,500 crore virtually disbursed by the Hon'ble PM to honor the farmers across the country including Tripura. A total of 2.84 lakh farmers from Tripura received Rs 45,43,74,000. Attended a programme held at the State Agricultural Research Center, A.D. Nagar on this occasion & encouraged the farmers," said CM Saha.

In a separate event of "Sampoornata Abhiyan Samman Samaroh", the Chief Minister said that the BJP government has given special importance to providing proper facilities to citizens from all sections and has been working towards the socio-economic development, qualitative upliftment, and transformation of the people living in the backward block areas of the state.

He said that along with this, the state government is taking initiatives to honor the Samajpatis of the Janajati (tribal) communities.

The "Sampoornata Abhiyan Samman Samaroh" aims to ensure that there is no incompleteness anywhere, CM Saha pointed out.

He said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi always says that 100 per cent saturation should be achieved. The state government is also working in that direction. Emphasis should be placed on 100 per cent implementation of various projects."

The Chief Minister also launched the 'Navdisha Abhiyan' with a total outlay of Rs 50 crore to develop the socio-economic conditions of 10,000 families under 16 blocks of the state who are yet to cover under the Self-help Groups (SHGs).

"The Prime Minister's dedicated efforts led to the launch of the Jan Dhan Yojana with zero balance. People are now reaping the benefits. About 55 crore accounts have been opened across the country under this scheme," he said.

Rs 32 crore was allocated for 80 Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) to boost the agriculture and allied activities by the SHG's women members, he said, adding that currently the state has 53,951 SHGs with the total women members of 4.84 lakh under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission.

"One of the goals of the government is to improve the lives of poor and marginalised families.Campaign has been launched to improve the socio-economic conditions and livelihoods of those who have not been able to join self-help groups due to various reasons."

The Chief Minister informed that a project called TRIPTI (Targeted Rural Initiatives for Poverty Termination and Infrastructure) has been launched for the upliftment of about 4,000 poor families in the Ganganagar block of Dhalai district and the Dasda block of the North Tripura district.

Saha stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, 112 aspirational districts and 500 aspirational blocks across the country have been identified for taking up special development efforts for these districts and blocks.

He further said that the state government is committed to improving the socio-economic conditions, quality of life, and prospects of citizens in the backward block areas. Monitoring, he said, is crucial to achieving this.

"In each block, emphasis has been given to health, nutrition, education, agriculture, resolving agricultural issues, and social development. The monthly allowance of tribal leaders has recently been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. This government has given importance to the integration of castes and tribes," he said.

--IANS

sc/pgh
New Delhi, Aug 2 : Soon after taking charge as the Delhi Police Commissioner, 1988-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer S.B.K. Singh has expressed dissatisfaction with the disposal of cases and has asked subordinate officers to pay special attention to the issue.

In a letter written to the Special Commissioners of Police, S.B.K. Singh stated that this matter will be reviewed in the next crime review meeting.

Sources said that following the commissioner's letter, one of the zones in Delhi has implemented a solution to ensure timely disposal of cases.

It has been decided that all pending cases and complaints will be closely supervised. Investigation Officers (IOs) will be divided into three groups, and all three inspectors of the police station will take over responsibility for one group each for close supervision. Earlier, only the SHO was responsible for supervision, while the other two inspectors were handling Law and Order arrangements and Investigations, respectively.

CP Delhi, S.B.K. Singh, noted in the letter wrote on Saturday, that during a review of the compliance of NCLs (New Criminal Laws), it was observed that the disposal of cases within the stipulated periods of 60/90 days, as prescribed under the new laws, is unsatisfactory and requires the personal attention of the Special Commissioners of Police.

He further stated that the status will be reviewed in the next Crime Review Meeting.

One officer, on the condition of anonymity, told IANS that the letter has been marked to the Special Commissioners of Police for Law and Order Zone-I, Zone-II, the Transport Range (including Metro, Railway, and Airport units), and SPUWAC (Special Protection Unit for Women and Children).

He added that under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the police are required to complete investigations within 90 days, with a possible extension of up to 180 days in special cases.
Patna, Aug 2 : A political storm has erupted in Bihar just months before the crucial Assembly elections, as Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav made a sensational allegation on Saturday, claiming that his name had been removed from the voter list.

At a press conference here, Tejashwi Yadav questioned the integrity of the Election Commission, stating, "If my name can be removed, then imagine what is happening to millions of poor people in Bihar!"

The Election Commission and Patna District Administration were, however, quick to deny Tejashwi Yadav's claim, stating that 'his name was very much present on the electoral roll'.

A social media post by the DEO Patna even listed Serial Number 416, Booth 204 (Veterinary College, Patna) as the location of his enrollment.

Following that, Chittranjan Gagan, the RJD spokesperson, claimed the Election Commission has allegedly changed the EPIC number of Tejashwi Yadav without informing him.

The matter took a dramatic turn when Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary accused Tejashwi Yadav of misleading the public and indulging in electoral fraud.

"Tejashwi Yadav had enrolled himself in two constituencies. This is illegal. There must be a probe," said Chaudhary, who also shared documents on social media showing Tejashwi's long-standing voter record under EPIC number RAB0456228 in Digha Assembly Constituency in Patna.

Chaudhary further challenged the authenticity of a second EPIC number  RAB2916120  which Tejashwi claimed to have used but was allegedly invalid or duplicated.

"Where did this second EPIC number come from? Is this an isolated case or is the entire RJD indulging in such activities?" he questioned, adding that this could be a "betrayal of democracy" requiring a high-level investigation.

Samrat Choudhary also released a list of Tejashwi's name and serial number in different elections. In 2015 Assembly Elections, Tejashwi's booth: 150, Serial: 605; in 2020 Assembly Elections - Booth: 160, Serial: 511; In 2021 Revision List - Booth: 171, Serial: 489; in 2025 (January) - Booth: 171, Serial: 481, and in 2025 (August 1 Special Revision) - Booth: 204, Serial: 416.

In a fiery response, Tejashwi accused the Election Commission of partiality, and acting under the influence of two "Gujarati leaders", in an apparent reference to the BJP's top national leadership.

He also demanded suo motu cognisance by the Supreme Court and the public release of deleted names across all constituencies and booths, alleging a "dangerous conspiracy" against the democratic process.

The episode has triggered a major political row in the state, with the ruling NDA and opposition Mahagathbandhan exchanging sharp barbs over electoral fairness.

While Tejashwi Yadav's comments have found resonance with opposition supporters alleging voter suppression, the government has seized upon the alleged double voter ID angle to question his credibility.
New Delhi, Aug 2 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted questions raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Earlier, on June 12, the ECI had written a letter to Gandhi, referencing an article published in a leading media outlet dated June 7, 2025.

In its communication, the ECI on its official X handle wrote: "The entire election process is conducted in a decentralized manner at the Assembly constituency level, involving more than 1,00,186 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 288 Electoral Registration Officers, 139 General Observers, 41 Police Observers, 71 Expenditure Observers, and 288 Returning Officers appointed by the Commission. Additionally, 1,08,026 booth-level agents were appointed by national and state political parties, including 28,241 from the Indian National Congress (INC) across the state of Maharashtra."

The Commission has dismissed all allegations posed by Gandhi regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The exercise has come under scrutiny following claims of procedural lapses, arbitrary documentation standards, and the potential disenfranchisement of millions of voters.

The ECI said during preparation of electoral roll for Lok Sabha 2024, both the drafts and final electoral list were shared with the political parties, including INC and were appealable under section 24 of the people's representation Act 1950.

Hardly any appeal were filed across all 36 states and Union territories by INC.

The ECI has further said only 8 election petitions were filed by losing candidate of the INC under section 80 of RP Act 1951.

The ECI further said: "Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly made unsubstantiated and misleading allegation including baseless claims of 'Vote Chori', and has threatened lakhs and lakhs of hardworking election officials across the country. It appears that these unfounded allegations are intended to discredit their impartial and transparent hard work, attempt to exert undue pressure on the election machinery, and even threaten them without even filing an appeal against electoral roll."

Launched on June 24, 2025, the SIR targets individuals whose names were not present in the 2003 electoral rolls.

Approximately 2.9 crore votersout of Bihar's 7.8 crore registered electoratehave been asked to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the rolls. The Commission has excluded Aadhaar as standalone proof of citizenship, citing its vulnerability to forgery.

In response, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed a rejoinder in the Supreme Court, calling the exclusion "patently absurd" and arguing that all 11 accepted documents are equally susceptible to falsification.

ADR also raised concerns about the lack of a defined verification procedure and the excessive workload assigned to Electoral Registration Officers, each reportedly responsible for over 3 lakh forms.

Opposition parties have intensified their criticism of the exercise.

The Trinamool Congress released images of residential certificates allegedly issued to a dog named "Dog Babu" and a woman named "Sonalika Tractor," whose parents were listed as "Sawraj Taractor" and "Car Devi".

The party claims such documents were accepted as valid proof during the revision process.

Trinamool MP Sagarika Ghose called the exercise a threat to democratic integrity and demanded a parliamentary debate.

She alleged that while the revision is underway in Bihar, its political implications may extend to West Bengal.

In its July 10 directive, the Supreme Court urged the Election Commission to consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid documents "in the interest of justice".
(Bloomberg)  President Donald Trump is bringing in bank leaders to meet with him one by one at the White House. Beyond the economic discussion, theres a chance at a big payday for their firms.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Trump is asking chief executive officers for their pitches on monetizing mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNMA, FNMAS, FNMAO, FNMAL) and Freddie Mac (FMCC), including a major public offering of stock, according to people familiar with the matter.

Last week, Trump invited JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon to meet him at the White House. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. CEO David Solomon was set to meet with Trump on Thursday afternoon, and Bank of America Corp. CEO Brian Moynihan is also expected to meet the president in coming days. Talks are likely to include other banks as well, the people said.

Officially named the Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., the two entities are massive financial organs of the US housing system. The companies have been under government conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. Fannie and Freddie have both returned to steady profitability, with earnings being retained.

Trump said in May that hes giving very serious consideration to bringing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public. Small portions of the stock already trade publicly, but a vast majority of the firms shares are held by the government.

After Bloomberg reported on the talks with bankers, shares of both companies rose in extended trading on light volume as of 4:30 p.m. in New York, with Fannie Mae climbing 14% and Freddie Mac advancing 5.7%.

Policymakers in Washington have struggled for years with what to do with the so-called government-sponsored enterprises  one of the last loose ends from the crisis era. Efforts to overhaul the US housing finance system and release the mortgage giants from government control have repeatedly foundered in Congress amid concerns about the potential impact on mortgage costs and the companies role in financing affordable housing.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released a report last week finding that the sale of Fannie and Freddie would be a mixed bag for the government, at least in terms of accounting. The government could make $206 billion from its stake in the companies, the CBO said, but only if they were put in receivership.
Jaipur, Aug 2 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Saturday met union ministers, including Amit Shah and Hardeep Singh Puri, in New Delhi.

"In New Delhi, I had the honour of paying a courtesy visit to the esteemed Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri @AmitShah, and received his inspiring guidance," the Chief Minister wrote on X.

The Chief Minister said that he apprised the Union Minister of the various innovations, public welfare schemes, and priorities being undertaken by our double-engine government in Rajasthan towards good governance, development, and public welfare.

"I also briefed him about the proposed exhibition aimed at widely showcasing the institutional reforms in the judicial system and the positive public trust that has emerged following the successful implementation of new laws in the state," the Chief Minister said.

He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the continued support of Home Minister Amit Shah, the 'New Rajasthan of New India' is reaching new heights of development.

"As part of his ongoing efforts under the vision of Aapno Agrani Rajasthan, the Chief Minister is continuously engaging with Union Ministers to accelerate development in the state," he wrote on X.

During his meeting with Amit Shah, he discussed steps towards board appointments, which have been pending for a long time.

On Friday, Arun Chaturvedi, former BJP president, was appointed as Finance Board Chairperson. "State level, division level and district level must be accommodated," sources said.

The meeting with Puri focused on key issues related to the petroleum sector, including discussions on the proposed refinery project in the state.

"In New Delhi, I had the honour of paying a courtesy visit to the Honourable Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri," the Chief Minister wrote on X.

"On this occasion, we held an in-depth discussion regarding the early commencement of the Rajasthan Refinery and various projects related to the petroleum and gas sector in Rajasthan," he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sharma held meetings with central ministers on crucial matters like water, electricity, urban development, mining, and environment.

Before leaving for Delhi, he attended two functions in Rajasthan.

In Banswara, he attended the state-level felicitation programme of farmers. Soon after this programme, he visited Salumber and addressed the 45-day Shravan Kumbh Mahotsav at Dhaulagarh Dham in Kenar village here.

He emphasised that India's sages and saints have enriched the nation's culture and thought.

"Wherever they go, they spread the message of brotherhood through their noble ideas. It is due to the wisdom and guidance of these saints that the Sanatan culture is regarded as the greatest in the world," he said.

He said that the government has announced the development of a Tribal Tourism Circuit in the 202526 budget.

"This circuit will include prominent tribal faith centres such as Tripura Sundari, Mangarh Dham, Beneshwar Dham, Sitamata Sanctuary, Rishabhdev, Gautameshwar Temple, and Matrikundiya," he said.

The Chief Minister further noted that all dams in the state were filled during last year's monsoon, and most have reached capacity in July itself this year.

"This bountiful rainfall is bringing prosperity to the lives of farmers," he said.

He reiterated that the development of farmers, the poor, youth, and women will ultimately lead to the progress of the state and the country.
Chennai, Aug 2 : Despite the auspiciousness of Aadi Perukku, a festival widely considered ideal for initiating new ventures and registering properties, sub-registrar offices across Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Sunday, August 3, as the festival coincides with a weekly holiday.

Aadi Perukku, also known as aPathinettam Perukkua, is observed on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi.

The festival is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and is associated with prosperity, fertility, and the life-giving force of water, especially the Cauvery river.

Traditionally celebrated along riverbanks, families offer prayers and thanksgiving to water bodies, seeking abundance and blessings.

It is considered one of the most auspicious days to begin new endeavours such as marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and property transactions.

While the Tamil month of Aadi is generally viewed with cautiona"many avoid initiating new activities during this perioda"Aadi Perukku stands as an exception.

The day sees a surge in property registrations across Tamil Nadu, particularly in urban centres like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, where registration numbers typically multiply several times compared to regular days.

Given this trend, the Registration Department had initially planned to operate sub-registrar offices on August 3, even though it falls on a Sunday, to accommodate the anticipated increase in property registration.

However, following protests by the department staff over working on a designated weekly off, the state government reversed the earlier decision.

Sources in the department confirmed that after representations from employee unions, the administration decided to declare a holiday on Aadi Perukku, in line with standard Sunday closures.

As a result, no property registrations will take place on the day, disappointing many prospective buyers and sellers who had scheduled their transactions to coincide with the festival for its perceived spiritual and financial significance.

Real estate professionals noted that the closure may result in a shift of registrations to the coming Monday.

Meanwhile, some citizens have expressed dissatisfaction over the missed opportunity to complete property deals on what they consider an auspicious occasion.

The state governmentas decision underscores the challenge of balancing administrative convenience with cultural sentiments, especially on significant festival days like Aadi Perukku.

--IANS

aal/pgh
Mumbai, Aug 2 : In a significant enforcement move, Mumbai Police have registered the city's first criminal case for feeding pigeons in a public space, an act now deemed a punishable offence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The FIR was lodged at Mahim Police Station against unidentified individuals who were seen feeding pigeons near the kabutarkhana on LJ Road, close to Hinduja Hospital and Domino's Pizza outlet.

The action follows a sweeping directive issued by the Bombay High Court on July 31, which ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate criminal proceedings against those defying its longstanding ban on pigeon feeding at public and heritage sites.

The court cited serious public health risks, including respiratory infections and environmental degradation, caused by unchecked pigeon congregations.

According to police officials, the accused arrived on a two-wheeler around 6:50 a.m. and scattered grains for pigeons at the kabutarkhana. Due to an unclear number plate, the individuals remain unidentified, but police are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the vehicle.

The FIR invokes Sections 223 (disobedience to a public servant's order), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection), and 271 (negligent act violating quarantine rules) of the BNS.

The Bombay High Court, led by Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor, expressed dismay over continued violations despite its earlier refusal to grant interim relief to pigeon feeders.

"If they don't want to follow the rule of law, then the law should catch up with them," the bench remarked, adding that such acts constitute a public nuisance and endanger human life.

In response, the BMC has intensified its enforcement campaign. At Dadar West's iconic kabutarkhana, unauthorised structures have been dismantled, and pigeon feed cleared.

Officers will now be deployed in three shifts to monitor compliance, supported by beat marshals and police personnel. CCTV surveillance has also been mandated across high-risk zones.

The crackdown has sparked protests from animal welfare groups, who argue that the ban violates constitutional duties under Article 51A(g) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

A coordinated demonstration involving over 500 activists was held in Santacruz earlier this month, challenging the civic ban.

The next compliance hearing is scheduled for August 7, where the High Court will review medical data from KEM Hospital and enforcement reports from BMC and Mumbai Police.
Kohima, Aug 2 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Saturday that despite the difficult geographical terrain of the state, especially the remote parts, the state was making consistent progress to transform the infrastructures of the education sectors.

Virtually inaugurating 51 school infrastructure funded under Samagra Shiksha, the Chief Minister asked the community to come forward and take ownership of the infrastructures provided by the government, to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation.

Highlighting the crucial role of community participation, he noted that good infrastructure alone was not enough, monitoring and intermittent upgrades are also vital.

CM Rio stated that it was a significant step in the ongoing journey to strengthen education infrastructure while extending his gratitude to the government of India for the continued support.

He also commended the efforts of the Samagra Shiksha team led by the State Mission Director, L Jamithung Lotha.

The Chief Minister lamented that many of the infrastructures in the state remain temporary and underscored the urgent need for permanent structures with quality workmanship.

While appreciating the Department of School Education for their constant improvement despite challenges, he asked the Department to conduct a comprehensive study and bring out their needs and requirements.

Stressing on the importance of quality education, CM Rio stated that it is at the core of development, which empowers the citizens, drives economic progress, opens up opportunities and makes a society prosper.

He also highlighted the significance of education in creating responsible citizens for a better Nagaland.

The Chief Minister called for a collective effort to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for students' holistic development.

Speaking at the event, Advisor for School Education and State Council of Educational Research and Training SCERT, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome informed that of the 16,087 rooms across government schools, 13,767 rooms or 86 per cent are used for instructional purposes.

The rest are used as laboratories, libraries, and teachersa rooms, etc.

He also informed that those rooms are categorised into four categories, rooms in good condition; rooms that require major repair; rooms that require minor repair and dilapidated.

Yhome added that the schools are further divided into pucca structures, partially-pucca structures and kutcha structures.

The Advisor stated that the funding from Samagra Shiksha has provided significant assistance in meeting the requirement of school buildings.

Yhome said the officers of the Department are working hard towards the goal of Viksit Bharat and outlined the Departmentas goal to bring back about one lakh students to their school system by 2030, which will improve their livelihoods as well as provide financial relief.

The Advisor hoped that through better infrastructure, the enrolment of students in Government schools will improve.
Last summer, Arundhati Roys apartment in Delhi, India, was badly damaged by heavy rains that roll through the city each monsoon season and linger for months. The water collected on the roof and it collapsed, Roy says over Zoom from the apartment. The ceiling fan broke, then the thermostat went off and the pipes blew.

At the time, Roy was working on her new memoir, Mother Mary Comes to Me, which examines her life and difficult relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, a trailblazing educator and womens rights activist who died in 2022, and who was often tyrannical and abusive. When the ceiling fan fell I just took it as Mary Roy is watching me, Roy says with a smile. She returned to me as a poltergeist. I thought it was funny that she was still raging around me somehow. Shes always there.

One of Indias most important and outspoken writers, Roy is the author of two bestselling novelsThe God of Small Things, her 1997 debut, which won the Booker Prize, and 2017s The Ministry of Utmost Happinessthat together have sold more than eight million copies, according to Roys U.K. agent, Lisette Verhagen, of Peters Fraser + Dunlop, and have been translated into 40-plus languages. Roys also the author of numerous nonfiction works, including Walking with the Comrades, Capitalism: A Ghost Story, and My Seditious Heart, that tackle political, ecological, and social justice issues in India.

Royborn Suzanna Arundhati Roy in 1959 in Shillong, in northeastern Indianever intended to write a book like Mother Mary Comes to Me, which powerfully lays bare her private life and struggles. I never, ever thought Id write a memoir, she says. But the death of her motherwhom Roy describes as having the edginess of a gangsterleft her grief stricken and shaken. I couldnt write anything else. I didnt have a choice.

In her memoir, Roy opens up about her youth in Kerala, where her mother (who left Roys alcoholic father when the author and her brother were kids) ran a school. Roy recalls tiptoeing around the chronically asthmatic Mrs. Roy, as she sometimes refers to her, never knowing what might set her off and lead to a slap or verbal attack. She looks back on moving to Delhi as a teen, with a knife for protection, and dropping her first name; attending the School of Planning and Architecture from 1976 to 1981; and working at a magazine at the National Institute of Urban Affairs.

Roy also reflects on writing The God of Small Things, the book that made her rich; stepping away from fiction for two decades to write nonfiction; and navigating her nearly three-decade marriage to film director and writer Pradip Krishen, which ended in 2022. She also writes, in unflinching tones, about being sexually abused as a girl by an acquaintance of her family, and about having an abortion, without anesthesia, in her 20s.

Theres not much about myself as a private person out there, Roy says. Fundamentally, the challenge was that I didnt want to be selling some nice version of myself in a book. That was very important to me.

Kathryn Belden, Roys editor at Scribner, praises the author for her ability to bring her skills as a novelist to her own story. Mother Mary Comes to Me has the narrative energy of a novel, like the best of memoir does, Belden says. I was stopped in my tracks by Arundhatis sentences so many times.

The striking and friendly Roy calls her mother her most enthralling subject, a complex woman who rejected traditional notions of motherhood. Trying to define motherhood is whats so oppressive, Roy says. My mother was an airport with no runways. A fighter throughout her days, Mary Roy famously waged and won a court battle in the 1980s that gave Christian women in Kerala inheritance rights to their fathers propertyshowing Roy what was possible when a person challenged the status quo.

Its a message she took to heart. Over the years, Roys been in the crosshairs of Indias government more times than she can count. In 1999 she released a controversial essay that criticized the governments Narmada Dam Project and its impact on the environment and local communities. And in 2010 she spent weeks living with Maoist guerillas in the forests of India, documenting how mining and banking conglomerates were exploiting the population. Shes faced political attacks and threats of incarceration and, in 2024, was awarded the English PEN Pinter Prize for her uncompromising writing about global issues.

When Roy began publishing political essays, she was advised to stick to fiction. Men would give me lectures about what subject I can write about, what tone I can take, she says. This is not literature, she recalls being told about her nonfiction. But, to me, it was literature.

These days, she avoids literary festivals sponsored by corporations (No thanks, she declares) and puts portions of her royalties in a trust thats used to help journalists, teachers, and activists in their work. And while she embraces activism, Roy doesnt want to be labelled an activist. Im a writer, a novelistnothing more, she says. To me, thats the real challenge: how can you fuck the opposition with language?

Writer Anthony Arnove, Roys U.S. agent and friend of 25 years, is the cofounder of Haymarket Books, which publishes much of Roys nonfiction, which he also edits. Arundhati is a remarkable spiritsomeone whos fiercely committed to her ideas and independence, Arnove says. Shes not following a prescribed path. Shes guided by her inner lights.

When Roy needs inspiration, she turns to musicthe title of her memoir is a nod to the Beatles, one of her favorite bands. The spirit of rock n roll sent me on my way and kept me going, she says. A sense of humor is her sharpest weapon. Half the time Im just laughing at things. Thats saved me from so much.

As a teen, Roy ran off to Delhi in search of freedom, and still considers it home. I love it and hate it, because its become an unlivable city now, she says, citing the heat and crime. She lives with two rescue dogs and often sees monkeys and crows on her balcony, and her friends and family are never far away. I still have all my relationships from college. My sweethearts and ex-sweethearts, everybody is hanging around together somewhere.

And shes grateful for how her lifewith all its ups and downshas unfolded. Im able to say what I think and write what I want and to not be a cog in the machine, she says. Through it all, she has remained her own complicated woman. Mary Roy would approve.

Elaine Szewczyks writing has appeared in McSweeneys and other publications. Shes the author of the novel Im with Stupid.
Sara Birmingham at Random House bought North American rights, in a heated auction, to Maria, Maria by Jennifer Galvao (pictured l.), from Stephanie Delman at Trellis. Foreign rights have sold in 11 territories. The debut novel, per the publisher, follows a young man exiled from 1950s Portugal, the wife he was forced to leave behind, and the mistress who becomes his scribe and their intermediary, tracing the unexpectedly profound epistolary relationship that develops between the two womenboth named Maria. Publication is planned for spring 2027.

Julie Will at Flatiron preempted North American rights to clinical psychologist Sophia Choukas-Bradleys Beyond the Looking Glass from Mark Tavani at the David Black Agency. Amy McWalters at Penguin Life took U.K. rights. The debut, per the publisher, offers a framework for understanding what it means for young women to come of age on a social media stage, examining the collision of body image and social media and offering practical tools for a better path forward. Publication is set for 2027.

David Pomerico at Harper Voyager preempted world English rights to Katie Wus debut novel, Madder Lake, from Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, in a two-book deal, for publication in 2027. The romantic fantasy, per the agency, follows two students from wildly different backgrounds battling to win a painting competition that could determine their individual fates as artists at the worlds foremost university for studying the magical art of transportive painting, who start to fall for each other just as they learn the stakes of

the competition are much higher than they realized.

Lisa Yoskowitz at Requited won North American rights, at auction, to Taylor J. LaRues debut romantasy, Steelborn, from Pete Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower, in a three-book deal. The novel, per the publisher, is set in a kingdom where the magic-born are hunted. There, notorious thief Reya teams up with cursed immortal warrior Caelan to chase a legendary cure. As they journey to the edge of the world, the rage and secrets Reya has spent a lifetime trying to bury threaten to consume her, and Caelan may turn out to be as much her salvation as she is his. Release is set for next summer.

Courtney Young at Riverhead preempted world rights to Starforged by nuclear astrophysicist and TikTokker Sanjana Curtis from Jeff Shreve at Curious Minds Agency, for a fall 2028 release. The book, the publisher said, explains how the universe creates itself, walking readers through the forging of the elements in the periodic table from the big bang to today, and shows how substances created in powerful cosmic explosions make our everyday lives possible.

In Brief
As a new school year approaches and more school districts implement state-mandated evidence-based reading instruction, the literacy crisis is front of mind. The alarm bells are still ringing in the wake of the release of a National Assessment of Educational Progress reportcolloquially known as the nations report cardearlier this year, showing that two-thirds of fourth graders were not reading at the NAEPs standard in 2024.

As a result, educators and parents have been seeking effective tools to help students practice the foundational language skills being taught under the science-of-reading framework, which emphasizes teaching phonics and other skills in a structured progression. Decodable bookssimple texts focused on phonics and phonemic awarenessare key for teaching beginning readers how to segment words and blend sounds to form words, thereby decoding texts. Demand for these books has grown across the school, library, and trade markets. We spoke with several publishers that are either strengthening their positions in the decodable book space or entering it with innovative projects.

Going all in

At Ann Arbor, Mich.based Cherry Lake Publishing Group, decodable books have their own imprint, Cherry Blossom Press, which first took root in 2018. The move was inspired by one of the companys established authors, Cecilia Minden, who is the former director of the Language and Literacy Program at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Cecilia made the case very strongly about the need for phonics-focused early readers at a time when they were not the in thing, says Amanda Gebhardt, editorial director at Cherry Lake Press. We wanted to work with her to bring book joy and success to learning how to read.

Over the past several years, Gebhardt says, we went all in on decodability, calling on Minden and author and reading specialist Elizabeth Scully, one of Mindens former graduate students in the Harvard program, to help lead the effort. (Click here for PWs q&a with Scully.) At the heart of Cherry Lakes charge, Gebhardt says, were looking for beautiful books that are fun to read, that build kids confidence, and that can support many different instructional models in classrooms or different programs, but at the same time, provide stepping stones of independent reading.

With more than 180 titles, Little Blossom Stories is the largest series at the imprint and features fiction books divided into various skills categories. The In Bloom series of beginning readers with chapters and the Code Breakers chapter books with dyslexia-friendly font (written by Gebhardt) extend the fiction offerings, while Little Science Stories and What I Eat are among the early nonfiction and concept series that add another 44 titles. The goal is to have enough books in each category and skill level to drive student choice, Gebhardt notes.

One of the things that sets us apart, Gebhardt says, in addition to the books educational theory pedigree, is that we only use agented childrens illustrators for our decodables. Because of our relationship with our trade imprints Sleeping Bear Press and Tilbury House, we have access to the designers as well as the illustrators who allow these books to come to life at a depth that you wouldnt necessarily have in a story with very simple words.

Outside of Cherry Blossom, Cherry Lake has also published decodable text across its other imprints. The company has partnered with World Book to create the eight-volume Frameworks of Geography decodable graphic novel series for the Cherry Lake Press imprint. The books explain geography vocabulary, but the surrounding text is decodable, so the books become 70% decodable, Gebhardt says. And the 45th Parallel Press imprint includes an eight-book nonfiction set called The Breakdown, which layers decoding strategies with comprehension skills, featuring four titles each in the Weird Space Science and Weird Animal Science series.

The hi-lo bridge

Sarah Forbes, London-based publisher of DK Learning, sees her divisions new wave of decodable books as a critical bridge for struggling readers. Theres real hope that the science of reading is going to help with the

literacy crisis, she says. But in the meantime, I was very concerned for children who maybe missed that phonics instruction in kindergarten, grade one, grade two, and then they get up to 10 or even 14 years old and cant read, or theyre having to read books that they would see as being for babies. Anybody with any empathy could imagine how humiliating that would feel. Theres something about reading a book that looks like what your peers are reading that can help encourage children and spark that love of reading, so we were really trying to think of where we could plug some of the gaps.

One of those solutions has come in the form of the Against the Odds adventure series of six hi-lo chapter books for ages 1014, which feature decodable text, dyslexia-friendly fonts and backgrounds, and discussion questions. The first two titles, Animal Attacks and San Francisco Earthquake 1906, which were released in April, focus on morphology, and Forbes says their blend of compelling story lines, relatable characters, short chapters, and age-appropriate illustrations has earned positive feedback already. The phrase that I love hearing from educators and librarians is that they passed the backpack test. Kids arent ashamed to be seen with them.

Decodables first became a sizable category for DK Learning in 2022 when it acquired educational publisher Phonic Books, giving it a core list of several hundred decodable books organized in series for both beginner and catch-up readers. DK and Phonic Books have partnered to develop the DK Super Phonics line of products for children ages three to seven, which includes the eight-book set My First Decodable Stories Pet Shop Panda as well as workbooks, a card game, the oversize visual reference title My Big Book of Phonics, and A Parents Guide to Phonics.

There are so many strands to the science of reading, Forbes says. We want to make sure that were not just addressing the decodability part, but that were really bringing the vocabulary building, the knowledge building, everything that we can to address the problem.

Diverse decodables

Diversity and representation have driven Lee & Lows publishing program since its inception in 1991, and its entry into decodable books also bears these hallmarks. This month, Lee & Low introduces the Drumbeat Decodable Book Collection, the first Indigenous authored and illustrated phonics titles available in the U.S., produced in collaboration with First Nationowned Indigenous Education Press, located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in Ontario. The initial five titles by Sandra Samatte, illustrated by Julian Grafenauer, focus on short vowel sounds and are being released under Lee & Lows Bebop Books imprint, where editor Kandace Coston leads their development. A second set of eight books spotlighting long vowel sounds is scheduled for publication in spring 2026.

We knew that we wanted to do a decodable series of books focused on structured literacy, but we did not want to enter that space until we truly knew the market and the need, and could figure out how to do something very different from the other products out there, says Jill Eisenberg, VP of curriculum and literacy strategy and business development at Lee & Low. When our editorial director Jessica Echeverria came across the new line that Indigenous Education Press and sister company GoodMinds.com was about to launch, we were very excited to learn more. As Lee & Low had worked with GoodMinds on other projects over the years, it wasnt long before the teams from all three companies met to discuss the mission of the series and a potential plan to bring it to the U.S.

Indigenous educator and author Samatte, who is also CEO of Indigenous Education Press, says her ongoing interest in education trends, and strong educator demand, spurred the creation of the Drumbeat books. When we started going to book shows with our other titles, people were always asking, Do you have decodables? And I decided that I would write some. Her time as a classroom teacher and writer of curricula and leveled readers, as well as her own lived experience, informed the process. I wanted to make sure it was culturally relevant, that youre learning how to decode words, but you are also learning about who we are as a people, she adds.

Drumbeat Decodables have had a warm reception in Canada, where they were released last year, and Samatte notes that IEP has gone back to press several times on the first two sets. Early feedback in the U.S. has been positive, too, according to Eisenberg. The Reading League, an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing evidence-based reading instruction, listed the Drumbeat collection on its website. And to spread the word further, Lee & Low will present a webinar on August 27 as a deep dive into the books, during which senior literacy manager Katie Potter and Dezi Lynn from the National Indian Education Association will talk about building foundational literacy skills with contemporary Indigenous and Native American continent.

Seeking new voices

Scholastics trade division is home to the Bob books, one of the OG decodable series, which Scholastic began publishing in 1994 and which has more than 11 million copies in print. Recent developments include a redesign and the launch of a spin-off preschool line, My First Bob Books.

But Scholastic Education has been busy on this front, too. The decodables market has been fueled by the recent focus on the science of reading, and decodables are now viewed as a vital part of literacy instruction, says Jessica Wollman, SVP, content and instruction, classroom and library publishing. She notes that Scholastic Education has rolled out three decodable series in the past four years to meet this need: Short Reads Decodables, Read to Know Text Sets, and Our Stories Decodables. These series join other resources within the Scholastic Ready4Reading Scope and Sequence.

The Our Stories Decodables collection, which launched last fall, consists of 24 books representing diverse children and their families. In an unusual approach, these titles are written by students and alumni from Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Spelman College, Texas A&M University, and the University of Oregon, alongside Scholastic editors.

One recurring issue we heard from educators was that students struggled to connect with the decodable texts available in their classrooms, making it harder for them to enjoy reading, Wollman says. In response, we set out to create a new line of books designed to meet this needengaging, relatable texts that help all students see themselves as readers. We invited education students and alumni from various institutions including Historically Black Colleges or Universities to submit applications to Scholastic Education, to become writers for this collection.

A panel consisting of Scholastic literacy experts and other academics and specialists in the field reviewed the entries and selected a team of writers. Those who made the cut collaborated closely with Scholastics in-house literacy team to craft books that are highly decodable, supporting early reading development, Wollman says, adding that great care was taken throughout the process to preserve the authentic voice and perspective of each writer.

Though making decodable books that are highly effective is an important goal for the Scholastic Education team, Wollman notes that everyone is equally passionate about creating decodables that span compelling topics and relatable storiesbooks that help students reinforce essential literacy skills but also help students foster a love of reading.

A new trade tide

Parents and caregivers in the market for books that support their childrens emerging reading skills may well see more trade titles that explicitly spotlight phonics and decodable text. Jill Santopolo at Philomel is on that path with her recent acquisition of the Read to Me series by Lucy Ruth Cummins, which parents and children are meant to read together. Each spread in the books features a more complex text for parents to read on the left, and on the right a simpler line of decodable text for kids to read. Its a way to create stories that are really fun for kids who are just learning how to read, because the parents can add that complexity to it, and the kids can still be reading, Santopolo says. Its also a book that encourages adults and children to read together, because you need to have an adult there with the kid to read the story.

The idea for this project was hatched close to home for both author and editor. Lucy and I both have kids who are at the getting-ready-to-read or just-started-reading age, Santopolo says. And we were talking about the fact that everybody we know with kids is buying the Bob books. The Bob books are great, but what are some other alternatives? How could we do this in a cool, interesting way, to help parents reinforce what their kids are learning at school?

The first five books, focusing on short vowel sounds, are scheduled for summer 2027, and Cummins and Santopolo are consulting with reading specialists during the titles development. Our hope is that if these take off, we will do the next levels so that kids can use this series as they go from emerging readers to more confident, fluent readers, Santopolo says. Whats also great about these books is that theyre really funny. Funny is having a moment, and decodables are having a moment, and hopefully it all comes together and works really well and helps kids learn to read.

read more from our School & Library Spotlight feature.

Four Questions for Elizabeth Scully

We spoke with reading specialist and former classroom teacher Elizabeth Scully about her experience creating decodable books.
The market for audiobooks in Spanish is undeniably booming. According to a 2024 report from German digital distributor Bookwire, Spanish-language audiobooks saw an eye-popping 37.8% growth in sales last year over 2023. Meanwhile, the total catalog of audiobooks in Spanish worldwide is expected to top 50,000 this year, with annual revenue from Spanish-language markets estimated at $41 million$58 million, including revenue for both publishers and streaming platforms.

Adoption of the format in Mexico, however, has been notably slower than in Spain and the United States, the other two leading markets. While those two countries have Spanish-language audiobook market shares of 57% and 27%, respectively, Mexico makes up just 9% of the market, per the Bookwire report.

Javier Celaya, founder of Madrid-based publishing consultancy Dosdoce, sees this as a missed opportunity. He proposes three changes that he believes would contribute to audiobook growth in Mexico. First, he says, more audiobooks should be produced domestically, as is the case for most audiobooks consumed in the U.S. and Spain.

Second, Celaya says audiobook subscription services should adapt their fees to Mexicos economic reality, where consumers have comparatively lower purchasing power and services such as Netflix compete for their pocketbooks. Subscription services accounted for 88% of global Spanish-language audiobook consumption in 2024, according to Bookwire, compared to 10% for individual purchases and 2% for library lending.

Third, Mexicos public libraries should lend audiobooks, according to Celaya. Libraries need to invest in the format and attract both readers and nonreaders, he stresses. And the governments cultural authorities also need to promote the format as a way of broadening access to audiobooks.

Carlos Rojas Urrutia, head of Spanish-language content at German digital distribution company Zebralution, argues that publishing houses, bookstores, and libraries in Mexico need to be more involved in the audiobook segment. Publishers need to find partners that can share their knowhow and allow them to be part of the production, distribution, and sale of audiobooks, Rojas Urrutia says, highlighting two erroneous perceptions in Mexico: that audiobooks should be sold to one platform exclusively, and that streaming services such as Spotify are bad for authors and publishers because they cheapen the content.

Despite audiobooks on vinyl and cassette first appearing in Mexico during the 1980s, digital audiobooks didnt become available there until 2014, when Penguin Random House launched 16 titles in the region, signaling the importance of growing the genre in the worlds most populous Spanish-speaking country. Since then, other publishers have followed suit, making their audiobooks available on such platforms as Audible, Bookmate, Everand, and Storytel, which pay publishers for audio rights.

This model is why many audiobooks by small and medium-size publishers only exist on those platforms that acquired the rights, Rojas Urrutia says. Over time, all of those platforms, with the exception of Audible, have begun to explore other routes that allow them to distribute those audiobooks through other channels in a bid to recoup the investment they made in those productions.

In recent years, the format has received a boost from music-streaming platforms such as Spotify, which Rojas Urrutia says allow audiobooks to reach people who have already gotten into the habit as listeners. He notes that it has long been common in the region for publishers to sell audio rights to audiobook producers for an advance against royalties, but adds, Selling rights to content and losing control of that content is not a viable option in the long term for any format.

As for Mexican booksellers, they are only just beginning to find digital solutions to promoting and selling books, Rojas Urrutia says. Bookstores do not give priority to nontraditional formats, partly because that requires understanding the digital side of their business, optimizing metadata, and launching digital marketing for a consumer that is different from those who purchase in a physical store, and theres still a long way to go on that road.

Mexicos three largest bricks-and-mortar bookstore chainsGandhi, Porrua, and El Sotanoall currently sell audiobooks online. But Fondo de Cultura Economica, the countrys state-owned publisher and bookstore chain, has yet to add any audio titles to its online or physical inventory.

Meanwhile, libraries in Mexico pose a more complex problem, according to Rojas Urrutia. The regions library infrastructure is rickety, he says. Even thinking about offering digital content is seen as a long way off, although doing so would solve fundamental problems, such as quickly being able to offer new titles and attracting a new public for whom libraries were not a part of their daily lives. He adds that libraries should be given priority as an outlet for audiobooks, pointing to Overdrives licensing of Spanish-language audiobooks to U.S. libraries as an example to follow.

The Producers

The situation is much brighter on the production side. Over the past several years, independent audio production companies have gradually emerged in Mexico, where production is dominated by such large publishers as Penguin Random House and Planeta. Leading the pack is Mexico Citybased Audiolibre, whose title Medea me canto un corrido by International Booker Prizenominated author Dahlia de la Cerda recently won the Audio Publishing Associations 2025 Audie Award for best Spanish-language audiobook.

Audilobre was launched in 2023 by Alvaro Ortiz, a former PRH audiobook producer, and Elena Bazan, an author, professor, podcast producer, and former account manager at Bookwire Mexico. Their approach to the industry has been audio first, with the goal of creating original productions and targeting Spanish speakers in the U.S.though the Audie win has also showcased their skill at adapting existing books.

Bazan believes that the Audie recognition opens doors to independent audiobook publishers in Mexico, noting that four of the five prize finalists were produced by multinational publishers. Part of the mission of Audiolibre is to create a market and professionalize the industry, Bazan says. The fact that an independent Mexican audiobook producer won is very important.

The award, Ortiz agrees, opens doors for us. De la Cerda, he notes, was the first author Audilobre approached for audio rights, after spotting what he saw as her works great potential for an audiobook.

Last year, Audiolibre co-organized the inaugural audiobook forum at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. The forum will return to this years fair, which runs November 29December 7. The 2025 edition of the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, held this past April, also featured an audiobook forum for the first time.

De la Cerda notes that in her native Mexico, audiobooks lack visibility. Many people would love to listen to books, but they dont know where to start or they dont have access to platforms, she says. There is also a certain prejudice, as if listening were not reading. But there is also a very rich oral tradition in Mexico; we tell stories, in the street, in songs, in gossip, in legends. Audiobooks could connect with that, with people who have never even entered a bookstore but who have a fine ear and narrative sensibility.

For that to happen, De la Cerda adds, more doors need to be opened so that audiobooks come out of their intellectual niche and take those voices to where printed books dont reach.

Adam Critchley is an English writer and translator based in Mexico City.

Read more from our Books in Spanish feature.

Cardboard House Press Reimagines Bilingual Publishing

Through its bookmaking workshops and focus on experimental Spanish-language poetry, the Phoenix-based small press is pursuing what founder Giancarlo Huapaya calls language justice both on and off the page.
The history of Kensington Publishing follows the arc of the rise and fall of mass market paperbacks. The still-independent publisher, founded in New York City by Walter Zacharius and his partner, Roberta Grossman, released its first mass market paperback, Satans Daughters by Othello Peters, in 1975 under the Zebra Books imprint. Mass market was long the format of choice for the company, although such titles now compose only a small portion of its list.

Half a century later, CEO Steve Zacharius and other Kensington executives find themselves unafraid to experimentjust like the publishers founders. Zacharius acknowledges that Walter, his father, looked at Harlequin as something of a model, and in that vein established four book clubs that proved an important source of income. When Amazon came along, Zacharius says, that business dried up. In the mid-2000s, the elder Zacharius, who died in 2011, wanted to move the company into filmmaking; thus, Kensington Media was formed, with grandson Adam Zacharius placed in charge. But after producing just one film, the division was closed.

The point in relating these stories, Zacharius says, is that Kensington is open to trying new ideas. And unlike corporate publishers, he adds, it has the flexibility to move quickly when opportunities present themselvesand move on when a program has run its course.

The newest initiative that is paying off for the house is what Jackie Dinas, Kensingtons publisher, calls its hybrid authors program. While Kensington has published independent authors in the past, she says, it now has a more formal structure to work with authors who want to have a level of control over their creative output, but want to have the infrastructure and support that a traditional publisher can provide.

Dinas describes the program, which currently focuses exclusively on romance, as a boutique business, but adds that Kensington is expanding into horror and suspense. We want to focus on authors who want a long career, she says.

Zacharius says the rollout is one of the most exciting things that has ever happened at Kensingtonand not just because it gave a 45% boost to print sales in 2024, with sales continuing to grow this year.

At present, Kensington has about 80 employees, with nearly half having been with the publisher for at least 10 years. Zacharius acknowledges that there are pros and cons to working at an independent publisher but believes the pluses outweigh the minuses. He notes that, while Kensington doesnt have the deep pockets of the Big Five, the only person the company laid off during the pandemic was its receptionist, and only because its Manhattan offices were locked down.

Dinas, who was promoted to publisher three years ago after serving as subsidiary rights director, attributes the companys retention rate to its emphasis on giving its employees a broad license to work on projects that excite them. That creative freedom enabled Kensington to become one of the first major publishers to establish an imprint dedicated to publishing books for a Black audience when it formed Arabesque in 1994; the company sold the imprint to BET in 1998, but returned to the market for good in 2000 with its Dafina imprint.

The ability to move quickly also helped Kensington become one of the first houses in the U.S. to create deluxe covers for some of its titles. That production process takes place in Chinathough the presss other titles are printed statesideand is overseen directly by Zacharius.

Editor-in-chief John Scognamiglio arrived at Kensington in 1992a few months before even Zacharius, he notesafter working at Pocket Books, and he says the freedom he and all Kensington employees have in getting involved in different areas of the business helped keep him around. Youre not stuck in lanes here, he explains.

Scognamiglio particularly enjoys the leeway the press gives him in working with his authors, with whom, he says, he has a very collaborative relationship. He will often move an author he likes from writing in one genre to anothersomething that is much more difficult to do at a big publisher.

Nowhere is Kensingtons flexibility more evident than in its effort to shift its focus toward hardcovers and trade paperbacks. For years, Kensington was the nations largest independent publisher of mass market paperbacks, often placing more titles on PWs mass market bestseller list than all but a few corporate publishers. But in 2020, Dinas says, it became clear that readers and retailers were losing interest in the format.

That led Kensington to put together a team to develop a five-year plan to transition away from mass market. As recently as 2015, the format made up 66% of Kensingtons list, a portion that gradually fell to 20% this year. In 2026, mass market will represent just 8% of its list, with the lions share in the cozy mystery category, Dinas says.

Zacharius and Lynn Cully, formerly publisher at Kensington and now VP and director of business relations, both note that the press also has a long history of publishing hardcovers. Its first twoDuke of Flatbush by Duke Snider and On the Outside Looking In by Michael Reaganwere released in late 1988, followed by Jim Browns Out of Bounds in early 1989. All became bestsellers.

As part of the transition away from mass market, Kensington has been moving many of the formats stars to hardcover and trade paperback. A prime example is Fern Michaels, Kensingtons all-time top-selling author, whose books have sold about 42 million copies and whose career was built in the mass market. Her long-running, bestselling Sisterhood series has, to date, been exclusively published as mass market originals, starting with 2004s Weekend Warriors. That changes with the 37th installment, Code Blue, which will be published in December as a trade paperback original.

Lisa Jackson, another longtime Kensington author, has released more than 140 romances with the company, most of which were mass market paperbacks. Her just-published It Happened on the Lake is a lead hardcover for the publisher this summer.

While Zacharius is proud of Kensingtons romance roots, the company has steadily expanded to publish in all commercial fiction categories. This year, romance will account for 24% of the Kensington list, down from 60% in 2015. Rounding out Kensingtons 2025 list of 300 titles are a number of books in the suspense and thriller, historical fiction, mystery, and science fiction and fantasy categories. Kensington entered the SFF market in a major way with the 2022 acquisition of Erewhon Books, and it had made other purchases along the way, including buying Pinnacle in 1987, Citadel in 2000, and Lyrical Press in 2014.

Zachariuss intention is to keep the company private and family run, with Adam, now VP and general manager, currently being groomed for succession. That plan seems just fine with Kensington employees and authors. The family environment, Dinas says, works for me.
(Reuters) -President Donald Trump is meeting with chiefs of major U.S. banks to discuss monetizing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The pitches include a major public offering of stock, the report added.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under federal conservatorship since 2008 following the financial crisis, during which both entities became insolvent amid the subprime mortgage meltdown.

Since then, the companies have rebuilt capital reserves, repaid their treasury loans and returned to consistent profitability.

Shares of both firms, currently traded on over-the-counter markets, have surged amid speculation over privatization plans.

Trump first signaled intentions to take the companies public in May, posting on Truth Social that he was giving "very serious consideration" to the move.

Trump met with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon last week at the White House and is meeting Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon on Thursday, the report said.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan is also expected to meet with Trump in the coming days, the report added, with talks likely to include other banking executives as well.

Trump is asking the CEOs to provide ideas on strategies for taking the organizations public and exploring how their banks might participate in the process, the report said.

Representatives for BofA and Goldman declined to comment, while the White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru and Tatiana Bautzer in New York; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi)
On July 25, the UK rolled out its Online Safety Act (OSA). A petition to repeal the Act is growing to almost half a million signatures as VPN use surges 1,400% to circumnavigate its new age verification checks. Why is a law intended to make the internet a safer place for children so controversial?

Unlike the name suggests, the OSA is merely a springboard for more expansive, intrusive, and powerful surveillance laws that would make George Orwell blush.

Restricting Internet Access Opens the Door to Future Abuse

Under OSA, sites and platforms which host certain state-defined harmful content, such as pornography, are mandated by law to conduct age verification checks to ensure every user is at least 18 years old. These checks could require the user to upload a copy of their government issued ID, submit to a facial recognition scan, or provide credit card information.

The Act is also written in such a way that it could allow the government to eventually compel end-to-end message encryption apps, like WhatsApp and Signal, to break their own encryption and allow the UK government to monitor and search peoples private messages and chats under the guise of scanning for illegal content.

While OSA is marketed as a sort of common sense law to protect minors on the internet, its broad drafting and lack of robust definitions will lead to a clear abuse of power. Specifically, the Act lays out a four-part test to determine whether someone is guilty of committing a false communication:

the person sends a message (see section 182), the message conveys information that the person knows to be false, at the time of sending it, the person intended the message, or the information in it, to cause non-trivial psychological or physical harm to a likely audience, and the person has no reasonable excuse for sending the message.

Since terms like: knows to be false, intended, non-trivial, and harm, are loosely defined (if at all), the UK government has effectively written itself a blank check to unilaterally determine what is an offense, and what is not. That doesnt bode well for the average internet user, or for their right to privacy.

Saving the Children is An Excuse to Expand Government Control

The UK government has quickly moved to use the OSA to monitor activity well beyond age verification for porn sites. According to gov.uk, illegal content and activity that is banned from public viewing now includes, racially or religiously aggravated public order offences, and illegal immigration and people smuggling. Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmers promise to tread more lightly on citizens lives and rights, police squads have now been formed in accordance with this new law to track anti-migrant online posts critical of the current migrant crisis overwhelming the UK. Multiple reports have confirmed that any posts, clips, or articles discussing recent anti-migration protests are quickly censored and scrubbed from the UK internet.

Because Im in the UK, this is what I see on X now when attempting to read or view random political posts from my followers. There is no current way to prove my age even though X takes payment from me each month. pic.twitter.com/fTXRvfMjCT  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) July 27, 2025

Even Wikipedia isnt safe from government overreach, as the public encyclopedia will likely be labeled a high-risk site for hosting problemantic political articles. Under OSA, thousands of Wikipedia volunteers will likely be compelled to submit ID verification to the government, exposing them to privacy and safety risks.

What was first a bill pitched as a way to protect youth from dangerous online content has inevitably morphed into yet another excuse for the government to violate our right to privacy.

These Surveillance Laws are Spreading. Kiss Privacy Goodbye

Unfortunately for internet users, the UKs new surveillance state isnt confined to the British Isles. The EU is set to follow, as it is taking steps to implement an EU-wide age verification system across the entire continent by the end of 2026. Australia is also flirting with this new anti-privacy policy, hoping to also introduce face technology and ID checks. Much like the empty promises heard from the UK, Jenny Duxbury, digital policy director of Digi, an industry body working with Australias eSafety commissioner stated: These codes introduce safeguards for specific use cases, not a blanket requirement for identity verification across the internet. If history has taught us anything, it is that government-made promises are meant to be broken.

America may soon follow. The Kids Online Safety Act, a bipartisan bill unanimously advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce last year, is one step closer to becoming national law. This bill purports to take steps to improve the mental health impact of social media on American children by heavily regulating internet companies and apps by altering their default privacy and security settings to shield minors from potentially harmful content. Sounds familiar?

The steady creep towards 1984-style authoritarianism is nothing new. China has been implementing artificial intelligence and other technology to completely deanonymize its populace through cell phone-based facial recognition software for years now. The question remains: Will the West decide to protect its citizens right to privacy, or will it risk becoming more like China, for the sake of safety?

Connor Vasile is a political commentator and analyst. He is the author of "The State Knows Best" and "I'm Joe Biden: In His Own Words." You can find him on X @connor_vasile.
TLC

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/01/2025



ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

: The Other Way will return to TLC for its seventh season this summer with a cast of six couples that will include Jenny Slatten and Sumit Singh as well as Luke Berry and Madelein Perez.TLC has announced : The Other Way's seventh season will premiere on Monday, September 8 at 8PM ET/PT.: The Other Way's seventh season will follow the lives of two returning couples and four new couples, as six Americans behind their lives in the United States to start over with their new partners abroad.The new season will feature Jenny continuing to live in India with Sumit, and the other Americans moving to Colombia, England, France, Tasmania, and Aruba.Jenny and Sumit previously starred on multiple seasons of : The Other Way, while Luke and Madelein appeared on Season 4 of : Love in Paradise.The new four couples will be Greta from Oklahoma and Matthew from England, Anthony from California and Manon from France, Pattiya from Texas and Dylan from Tasmania, and Chloe from Massachusetts and Johny from Aruba.The couples will face unfamiliar cultures, new family dynamics, and the pressure of building a future far from home."Whether they're adjusting to life in a quiet English village, facing isolation in remote Tasmania, navigating jealousy on the beaches of Aruba, or confronting new challenges in India and MedellAn -- each couple faces deeply personal turning points that push their relationships to the brink," according to TLC.According to a preview of the upcoming : The Other Way season, Jenny and Sumit are in a financial crisis and so they have to move in with Sumit's family in India.While Sumit appears to feel right at home, Jenny hopes the move is only temporary.Also based on the trailer, there are control and trust issues at hand, and at least one meltdown occurs in which food is thrown!Greta from Oklahoma and Matthew from England met on a vegan dating app and bonded over cats and shared quirks. Greta will be shown moving to England to begin her life with Matthew in a quiet English village.But with Matthew's parents under the same roof and the challenges of adjusting to living together, their new beginning may be harder than either of them expected.Anthony from California and Manon from France are married with a toddler.Anthony decides to move to France in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. But between clashing family members, mounting financial stress, and zero personal space), this fresh start may bring more pressure than peace.Pattiya, an exotic dancer, from Texas and her "Aussie boyfriend," Dylan from Tasmania, are ready to build a life together after more than a decade of on-and-off relationship that was also long distance.With a 20-year age gap between them, Pattiya and Dylan face more than just cultural differences. As Pattiya adjusts to a completely new environment, the couple must also navigate Dylan's close relationship with his mother who lives five minutes away.Pattiya and Dylan will also deal with trust issues and the challenge of trying to merge two very different worlds.Chloe from Massachusetts and Johny from Aruba met when Chloe was vacationing in Aruba, where Johny was working as a tour guide on a pirate boat.Chloe is ready to move to Aruba to be with her man full-time.As their relationship deepens, Chloe must confront Johny's flirtatious job, her skeptical family and friends, and growing concerns about trust between them.Jenny from California and Sumit from India have spent years trying to mend cultural clashes and family opposition to their secret marriage.Jenny and Sumit have finally earned the blessing of Sumit's family, but at a cost.Their once-independent life in India is about to change as they move in with Sumit's parents. With privacy lost, the couple hopes to stay connected.And Luke from California and Madelein from Colombia met during a vacation in Colombia and have been inseparable ever since.Now, two years in, Luke is prepared to move to Colombia, where the pair plans to have a lavish wedding with four dresses and zero budget compromises.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Texas conjunto music pioneer Flaco Jimenez, 86, died while surrounded by his family at one of his son's homes on Thursday night, his family announced.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flaco was born in San Antonio in 1939 and began performing with Tex-Mex bands at age 15, which led to his earning multiple Grammy Awards many years later.

"It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez," his family said on Thursday in a Facebook post.

"He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely," his family said.

"Thank you to all of his fans and friends -- those who cherished his music," the family continued. "His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans."

The post was signed by Arturo and Lisa Jimenez, Javier and Raquel Fernandez, Gilbert Jimenez and Cynthia Jimenez.

Flaco Jimenez suffered from a long-term illness prior to his death, the San Antonio Express-News reported without saying the nature of the illness.

His last words were, "Ya estoy cansado," which is Spanish for "I'm tired," Arturo Jiminez said.

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS!

Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source!

Flaco and his brother, Santiago Jr., were born and raised in San Antonio and became leading performers of conjunto music, which their grandfather, Patricio Jimenez, pioneered.

Conjunto music combines Mexican, German, Polish and Czech waltz and polka musical traditions to create a danceable form that features the accordion with accompaniment from guitars, bass and drums.

Conjunto is particularly popular in northern Mexico and Texas, and Flaco played a three-row button Hohner accordion and sang.

He recorded his first regional hit, "Hasta La Vista," in 1955 for the Tipico record label.

Flaco's early conjunto recordings were made for small record labels and later were collected by folk recording label Arhoolie.

Flaco in a 1973 interview described conjunto as "happy music" and said it combined polka with rock and roll and cumbia forms.

"You can't just stick with polka and redova and schottisches," he told Arhoolie owner Chris Strachwitz in the interview. "You have to play what's going on in the world."

Flaco recorded with fellow conjunto pioneer Doug Sahm in New York City in 1972 and contributed to Ry Cooder's 1976 album, "Chicken Skin Music," which helped spread conjunto beyond its Tex-Mex roots in San Antonio.

He also performed with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Dr. John, among others.

Flaco was especially influential as a solo performer and as a member of the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven musical acts.

Flaco's career led to his receipt of many awards, including six Grammy Awards from 1987 to 2015.

One of his Grammys was a Lifetime Achievement award.
Bihar is now among the top 10 states in terms of investor base, surging past better-off states like Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab.

Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes.. Photograph: Sergei Tokmakov/Pixabay

A government job may be the most sought after vocation for many youth, but Akshay Kumar, a resident of Bhojpur district in Bihar, has recently given up a permanent sarkari role to focus on his new booming business on a full-time basis.

Kumar, who had started a franchisee operation for brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services during the COVID-19 pandemic in a district better known for its films such as Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyaari Chadhaibo and Piya Nirmohia, says his venture has clocked a tenfold jump in stock market trades since then.

The relative return of investment (RoI) on his government job clearly paled in comparison.

Kumar's experience resonates for many across Bihar -- the state with the lowest per capita income in the country is witnessing an unprecedented surge in stock market investments.

Between 2019-2020 (FY20) and May this year, the total number of registered investors in Bihar has risen by a whopping 678.8 per cent, from a mere 700,000 to 5.2 million stock market players, according to data from the National Stock Exchange Market Pulse publication.

This is the sharpest surge recorded across states during this period, and reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.8 per cent.

Uttar Pradesh, whose investor base jumped from 2.3 million to 13.1 million over this period, has recorded the second fastest CAGR of 40.1 per cent, and has also surged to the second highest rank over this period, pipping Gujarat.

In fact, Bihar is now among the top 10 states in terms of investor base, surging past better-off states like Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, which have between 3 million to 5 million investors.

Bihar had a per capita net state domestic product of just over Rs 60,000 per year in FY24. It was Rs 4.6 lakh for Delhi, Rs 3.19 lakh for Haryana and Rs 1.95 lakh for Punjab.

The highest number of investors in India still hail from Maharashtra, with nearly 19 million, and Gujarat stands third with 10 million investors.

Gujarat has become the third state to cross the 10 million mark, according to NSE data.

West Bengal and Rajasthan are next with over 6.5 million investors each. Assam and Odisha are among the other states which have also seen an increase in recent times, according to NSE data; adding over 2 million investors each since FY20.

Bihar's equity culture also extends to mutual funds. Around 89 per cent of Bihar's mutual fund assets are invested in equity schemes, shows data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India.

More industrialised states appear to invest more in debt.

But Bihar's equity investments' share edges higher than Jharkhand (87 per cent), Chhattisgarh (86 per cent), and Uttar Pradesh (83 per cent).

As for Kumar, he is starting a second venture called 'Plan Your Investment' with a focus on investor education.

He was inspired after he met a six year old thumbing through the investing classic One Up On Wall Street and personal finance bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad. Watch this space.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Police have arrested a total of 18 persons and registered five FIRs against more than 500 individuals in connection with the communal violence in Yavat village of Pune district that broke out over an alleged objectionable status on a social messaging platform, officials said on Saturday.

IMAGE: A view of a vandalised structure after the clash breaks out between two groups in Yavat village, in Pune on August 1, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X

The youth who posted the objectionable status on WhatsApp is among the arrested accused along with 17 others held for their alleged involvement in arson and vandalism during the violence at Yavat in Daund tehsil. A local court sent 15 of them in police custody for four days, they said.

Communal tension erupted and incidents of violence took place in Yavat village on Friday afternoon, in which several groups of persons, angered by the social media post, vandalised and set ablaze properties.

"So far, we have registered a total of five cases in connection with the violence. Four of the cases are against more than 500 people who were allegedly involved in arson and damage to property. Of these, more than 100 people have been identified," an official of Yavat police station said.

Seventeen persons have been arrested for their involvement in the violence, and the youth whose status message triggered the violence was similarly held, he said.

Fifteen of the 17 persons were produced before a local court, which remanded them in police custody till August 6.

Those involved in the incident targeted a motorcycle, two cars, one religious structure and a bakery, and indulged in arson. The police had to lob tear gas shells and lathi-charge to disperse the mob, the official said.

The police have issued prohibitory orders in Yavat and the situation is under control, he said.

Talking to reporters, Pune Superintendent of Police (SP) Sandeep Singh Gill said the preliminary probe does not point to any planned conspiracy, and conclusions cannot be drawn until the inquiry is over.

"Till Saturday afternoon, police have registered five FIRs in connection with the incident," he said, adding that the person whose objectionable post triggered the violence has resided in the village for years.

The SP added that after the violence broke out, the police responded quickly and brought the situation under control.

"A large contingent of security personnel, including the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), has been deployed in the village. Authorities also imposed prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 163 and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 144 from Friday night, and they will remain in place till further situation is assessed," Gill Said.

Talking to PTI, Additional SP Ganesh Biradar said the social media platforms were being monitored.

"We are also using drones in villages to keep an eye. Sixteen to 17 persons have been detained so far," he said.

Rahul Kul, BJP MLA from the Daund constituency also visited the violence-hit village on Friday night and held talks with Special Inspector General of Kolhapur Range Sunil Phulari and other senior police officers.

He attributed the unrest to a handful of individuals and strongly denied any political motive behind the clashes.

When asked about the current situation, a villager said, "There is no tension now and the situation is under control. We share brotherly relations with everyone around, but the clashes broke out over some objectionable status."

During his visit to Pune on Friday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a youth hailing from some other place had uploaded an objectionable post about a Hindu priest being involved in a rape case, which angered residents.

"To disperse the mob, police had to resort to lathi charge. The situation in Yavat is now under control and peace prevails. People from both communities are together and efforts are on to defuse tensions. Some people keep such objectionable posts just to create tension. Strict action will be taken against them. No one has the right to post objectionable content," the CM had said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the site on Friday and said the youth who allegedly uploaded the objectionable Whatsapp post hails from Nanded and is a daily wage labourer.

He put out an objectionable post related to an incident that took place in Madhya Pradesh, which angered the locals and they resorted to vandalism, he said.

Tension has been simmering in Yavat over the last one week.

On July 26, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was allegedly desecrated in the village, in which a non-native person was involved. After that, the Yavat gram panchayat passed a resolution to identify outsiders settled in the village and take appropriate action against them.
We recently published 12 Stocks Jim Cramer Recently Discussed As He Commented On A Sea Of Green. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)s shares, like those of Norfolk Southern, dipped by a little over 2% after it announced that it would take over the latter. Investors were worried about the deals financing affecting the firms income statement and balance sheet. Heres what Cramer said about the deal:

Well whats incredible if you look at the actual rails, it makes so much sense. Theres so little overlap. You wanted East-West. Its [inaudible] be great thing. There is tremendous congestion, where the two in the Midwest, in Chicago area, its so, I dont see a lot of the overlap that would make you not like it. I think that, if you were a regulator in the previous regime, you might say, you know what, these two will never compete if we let them merge. So we cant let them merge because now they wont go against each other. But the fact is, they were never going to go against each other. Thats not, the rails, stop doing that years ago.

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP): Jim Cramer Believes The Norfolk Deal Won't See Competition

This is a deal where you just would never have seen it. . .I think that they have a feeling that this ones gonna go. Dont matter what [inaudible] get it. And, I would argue that if you think theres going to be big reindustrialization, Carl, you do want it. It makes sense to have this type of seamless rhythm. The rails are, look I think we all wish that we didnt, that we had more rails in the country, theyre much cleaner, 400 miles to the diesel gallon. You could argue that other countries have them in a much more you, in a superb way, and were a little disjointed, This makes a lot of sense.

While we acknowledge the potential of UNP 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.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday stepped up his attack on the Election Commission, alleging that the polling system in the country is "already dead" and the 2024 Lok Sabha election was "rigged".

IMAGE: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses party conclave at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Photograph: @INCIndia/X

Addressing the inaugural function of the day-long legal conclave on the theme 'Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives and Pathways', he alleged that the prime minister is sitting on his chair with a "thin majority" and had there been a difference of a few seats, he would have not been there.

He cited data collected by the Congress from an assembly constituency in Karnataka, where the party checked the photographs and names of electors physically and reportedly found out that 1.5 lakh votes were "fake" out of a total of 6.5 lakh voters.

"You will see the shockwave that is going to go through the electoral system when we release this data. It is literally like an atom bomb," the Congress leader claimed.

"The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. Please remember one thing that the prime minister of India enjoys a very slim majority. If 10-15 seats were rigged, and we suspect the actual figures to be closer to 70-80 to 100, he would not have been the prime minister of the country," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha claimed.

"In the coming few days, we are going to prove to you without any doubt how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged, and it was rigged," he alleged.

As soon as he started his address, the audience at the Vigyan Bhawan hall began raising the slogans of 'Is desh ka raja kaisa ho, Rahul Gandhi jaisa ho'. To this, Gandhi responded, "No boss, Main Raja nahin hun. Raja banana bhi nahin chahta hun. Main Raja ke against hun, concept ke bhi against hun (No Boss, I am not the king. I don't want to be a king. I am against the king, I'm against the very concept)".

Gandhi has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the "raja" swipe in the past while accusing him of not listening to the voice of the people.

Sharpening his attack on the Election Commission, the former Congress chief said, "It's very clear that the institution that protects this (Constitution), and defends it has been obliterated and taken over".

Gandhi also said that he did not have the proof earlier and that is why he could not make such statements before.

"But, I am making this statement confidently now because I have 100 per cent proof. And, whoever I have shown it to has fallen off the chair. They literally said how can it be possible. But it is possible, it's happening, literally," he claimed.

Gandhi said he has been speaking about the election system as he always had a suspicion that there was something wrong.

"Right from 2014, I had a suspicion that there is something wrong, something is not adding up. I had suspicion about the Gujarat assembly elections... About this ability to score sweeping victories. Congress doesn't get a single seat in Rajasthan, doesn't get a single seat in Madhya Pradesh, doesn't get a single seat in Gujarat... This was surprising to me," he said.
Two nuns from Kerala and another person, accused of human trafficking and forced conversion, were released from Durg Central Jail in Chhattisgarh on Saturday after a court granted them bail holding that the case was based on "mere suspicion".

IMAGE: CPI-M MP John Brittas, Kerala Congress-M MP Jose K Mani, and CPI MP P. Santhosh Kumar with Sister Preethy Mary and Sister Vandana Francis after the NIA Court grants them bail in the human trafficking and forced conversion case, in Raipur. Photograph: @cpimspeak/X

Leaders of the Congress and ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala welcomed the news, and accused the BJP of ignoring the atrocities against minorities in the states ruled by it while championing their cause in the southern state.

Archbishop of Trichur Andrews Thazhath, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, said the "false case" against the two women should be withdrawn.

Catholic nuns Preethy Mary and Vandana Francis were received outside the jail in Durg by several leaders from their home state, including LDF MPs and Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and also Congress leaders including former MLA from Durg, Arun Vora.

The nuns left the place with Chandrashekhar in a vehicle.

Earlier, LDF MPs and some members of the Christian community were seen sharing sweets outside the jail after receiving the news of bail order.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) shared a picture on its Facebook account with the message "LDF MPs John Brittas, Jose K Mani, and P Santhosh Kumar celebrate the bail order with the brother of the one of the nuns outside Durg Central jail".

Elsewhere, the alleged victims of 'trafficking' approached Narayanpur police in Chhattisgarh to lodge a complaint against Bajrang Dal activists.

In the morning, the court of Special Judge (NIA Act) Sirajuddin Qureshi at Bilaspur granted bail to the two nuns along with co-accused Sukaman Mandavi on the condition that they surrender their passports and not leave the country.

They were also asked to submit a bond of Rs 50,000 each with two sureties and cooperate with the probe, defence lawyer Amrito Das said.

"It transpires from the Case Diary that the registration of the FIR is primarily based on a mere apprehension and suspicion of commission of an offence by the accused. In the arrest memo of the accused persons, no previous record of their criminal history has been annexed," said the court.

The parents of the three alleged victims of trafficking filed affidavits stating that the accused had not offered any inducement to their daughters or forced them to convert. Of the three alleged victims -- all of them major -- two told police that they have been following Christianity since childhood, the judge pointed out.

The two nuns and another person were arrested by the Government Railway Police at the Durg railway station on July 25, following a complaint from a local Bajrang Dal functionary, who accused them of forcibly converting three girls from Narayanpur and trafficking them.

The arrest sparked off a political slugfest with the Congress and CPI(M) criticising the police action and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai accusing them of politicising the issue.

Reacting to the bail, chief minister Sai on Saturday said, "It was a legal procedure, and bail has been granted in it."

Meanwhile, the three young women from Narayanpur -- who it had been alleged were being trafficked -- submitted a complaint at the office of the Superintendent of Police in Narayanpur seeking to register an FIR against Bajrang Dal activists for allegedly assaulting them and forcing them to give false statements against the nuns.

In Kerala, the ruling LDF, the opposition UDF and a prominent catholic body welcomed the court's order.

State General Education Minister V Sivankutty, in a Facebook post, termed the development "heartening", but said that the political agenda behind the nuns' arrest was very clear.

The incident highlights the double standards of the BJP as it was turning a blind eye to the alleged atrocities against and persecutions of the minority communities in states ruled by the saffron party, while acting as their protectors in Kerala for political gains, he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan said the nuns were jailed in a false case for crimes they did not commit.

He also claimed that the prosecution opposed the bail plea, but did not ask for custodial interrogation of the nuns.

"At the same time, the lawyers for the Bajrang Dal demanded that bail not be granted for any reason," he said, adding that in light of this, what the BJP's national and Kerala leaderships said regarding the matter has no relevance.

"They were unable to control the Bajrang Dal or the Chhattisgarh government. It shows that they were also working together," he alleged.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the Chhattisgarh government should withdraw the false case' against the two nuns.

"The case against the nuns is false and unjustifiable. The government should drop the case and take strong action against the Bajrang Dal workers who attacked them at the railway station and later in front of the police," he said.

Archbishop Andrews Thazhath said he was happy that the nuns got bail. They were arrested following false allegations and therefore, the case against them should be quashed as soon as possible, he said. "So, the required steps for that should be taken by the concerned governments," he told reporters in Thrissur.

Kerala minister M B Rajesh questioned Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi's 'silence' on the issue. The BJP and Sangh Parivar adopt one stand on minority issues in Kerala and a different one outside, he said.
A special court that acquitted seven persons in the 2008 Malegaon blast case debunked the prosecution's claims that right-wing extremist group Abhinav Bharat had carried out the blast, noting that the government has not banned the organisation as a terror outfit.

IMAGE: Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, one of the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, speaks to the media after being acquitted by a special NIA court in the case, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI

Special Judge A K Lahoti, in the over 1,000-page judgment, noted that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in its investigation claimed that the accused persons were all members of Abhinav Bharat, which was an organised crime syndicate.

The judge held that the outfit has not been declared a terrorist organisation to date by the Central government, and "even the Abhinav Bharat Trust or sanstha or sanghatana or foundation is not a banned organisation".

The court noted that the term Abhinav Bharat was consistently used by the prosecuting agencies, from the stage of remand through the final hearing, as a common reference or in common parlance.

"It is necessary to mention that Abhinav Bharat is not a banned organisation. Till today, it is not a banned organisation under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," the judgment said.

If the Central government is of the opinion that any association is or has become an unlawful association, it may be declared so by way of notification, it added.

"But nothing is brought on record till date to show that Abhinav Bharat Trust or Abhinav Bharat or Abhinav Bharat organisation is banned or declared unlawful by the Central government by way of any notification," the court observed.

It further noted that when the Abhinav Bharat Trust was constituted in 2007, it was registered with the Pune Charity Office, and on perusal, the trust deed did not mention anything wrong or illegal in its objectives.

As per the trust deed, the objectives of the Abhinav Bharat Trust were to create patriotism and religious activities.

"The objectives mentioned in it (trust deed) are legal. Moreover, there is no evidence to show that the accused, Pragya Singh Thakur, Sameer Kulkarni and Sudhakar Chaturvedi were members of the Abhinav Bharat Trust," the court said.

The prosecution had claimed that Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit had floated Abhinav Bharat in 2007 with the intention to propagate a separate Hindu Rashtra, with its own constitution, as the members of the outfit were dissatisfied with the Indian Constitution.

It also alleged that the accused persons, who were all members of the group, had entered into a criminal conspiracy between January and September 2008 to carry out a blast in Malegaon to strike terror in the minds of people, cause communal rift and to overawe the government.

The objective of the accused persons was to turn India into a Hindu Rashtra called "Aryawrat", the prosecution had claimed.

The court, in its judgment, however, noted that the prosecution had failed to prove that the Abhinav Bharat Trust was constituted for Hindu Rashtra and to change the Constitution of India.

The prosecution also could not prove that funds amounting to Rs 21 lakh collected by Abhinav Bharat were used by the accused to purchase arms, ammunition and for other activities to carry out terrorist acts or illegal activities.
There are enough Russian nuclear submarines in the high seas to tackle two American subs dispatched by US President Donald Trump to counter Russia, a member of the Russian Parliament Duma has said.

IMAGE: The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia in this February 6, 2013 handout photo. Photograph: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber/US Navy/Handout via Reuters

"The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the world's oceans is significantly higher than the American ones, and the subs that US President Donald Trump ordered to be redirected to the appropriate regions have long been under their control. So no response from the Russian Federation to the American leader's statement about the submarines is required," a senior Russian lawmaker, Viktor Vodolatsky, was quoted as saying by TASS.

Earlier on Friday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social post that he had ordered the redeployment of US submarines "to appropriate regions" allegedly over "extremely provocative statements" by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is also the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.

"Let the two US subs sail, they have been in the crosshairs for a long time now," the Russian lawmaker said.

"A fundamental agreement that must be concluded between Russia and America so that the whole world calms down and stops talking about the beginning of World War III," he added.

Meanwhile, editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine, Fyodor Lukyanov, said that Trump's nuclear submarine statement should not be taken seriously for now.

"Trump, as we know, runs his own channel and reacts, so to speak, emotionally, humanly and spontaneously. I think that the armed forces, the naval forces of the United States read this with great surprise. If this exchange of opinions continues, and Trump continues to be drawn into it, then, one way or another, he will probably have to take some action. In my opinion, so far this is only at the level of words," Lukyanov told local private news channel RBC TV.

Following the American leader's statements, the Moscow Exchange index plummeted 2,709.26 points (0.99%) by 08:01 pm Moscow time (10:31 pm IST) on Friday.

Earlier, responding to a media question over US State Department Secretary Marco Rubio's recent interview with Fox News, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia agrees with the US administration that a direct military confrontation between Moscow and Washington must not happen.

"While Europeans are hysterically pushing for Ukraine's integration into NATO and preparing for potential conflict with Russia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed a responsible stance, explicitly stating that a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia must be avoided. We wholeheartedly concur with this position. Such shared understanding has been facilitated through constructive Russian-American dialogue," Lavrov said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of "Swadeshi" and support locally-made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods, especially amid "global economic uncertainties".

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Modi said, "As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario.

"The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities."

The prime minister's renewed push for 'Swadeshi' (indigenous) comes amid the US announcing tariffs on exports from about 70 nations, including India. According to the White House order, India now faces tariffs of 25 per cent for its exports to the United States.

Emphasising that farmers, small industries and employment for youths are the top-most priorities for the government, Modi said, "The government is doing everything possible in this direction. But as citizens, we too have responsibilities."

Calling for a national movement to support local products, the prime minister said, "This is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this -- if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation's interest and awaken the spirit of Swadeshi among the people."

He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, "Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves -- has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is Swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'."

Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the prime minister said, "At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only Swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country."

With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the prime minister encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India.

He recalled how many citizens who were planning to hold wedding events abroad shifted them to India after his earlier appeal.

"The feeling of Swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India," Modi said.

The prime minister was addressing a massive public gathering on Saturday in Banauli village, Sevapuri, Varanasi. During his one-day visit to the city, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore.

He also transferred Rs 20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.70 crore farmers under the 20th installment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme. A short film showcasing the success and impact of the scheme on farmers was also screened during the event.

The PM highlighted the government's farmer-centric policies in detail.

He said the government is constantly working for the well-being of farmers. Under previous governments, promises made in the name of farmers were rarely fulfilled, but the BJP government delivers what it promises, he said.

He cited the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi as proof of the government's firm commitment and recalled how opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party and Congress had spread rumours in 2019, claiming the scheme would stop after elections or the money would be taken back.

"Has a single installment stopped over the years? The PM-KISAN scheme is running without any break," he said.

Presenting data, he shared that nearly Rs 3.75 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers' accounts so far. In Uttar Pradesh alone, 2.5 crore farmers have received over Rs 90,000 crore, while farmers from Kashi have got Rs 900 crore.

Modi emphasised the transparency of the scheme, saying there are no cuts, commissions or middlemen. "We have created a permanent system where there's no leakage and no one can steal the rights of the poor," he added.

Referring to his development mantra, "the more backward someone is, the higher the priority", the PM spoke about the newly approved PM Dhan Dhanya Agriculture Scheme, which will focus on underdeveloped districts with lower crop production and income.

The event was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (virtually from Patna), and other chief ministers, Union ministers and representatives from across the country, along with public representatives from Varanasi.
Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Guinness World Record, Here I Come

IMAGE: Egyptian wrestler Ashraf Mahrous, 44, nicknamed 'Captain Ashraf Kapunga', reacts during his attempt to set a Guinness World Record by pulling 20 vehicles for nearly 10 metres (33 feet) at the Al-Safwa Club in Ramadan City, outside Cairo, Egypt. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

IMAGE: Ashraf Mahrous during his attempt to set the record, here and below. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

Tariff Heat in Brazil

IMAGE: Demonstrators protest against tariffs on Brazilian goods imposed by US President Donald John Trump in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Photograph: Diego Vara/Reuters

Dollar's Burning

IMAGE: A demonstrator holds burning mock dollar bills with Trump's face at a protest against the tariffs on Brazilian products outside the United States embassy in Brasilia, Brazil. Photograph: Mateus Bonomi/Reuters

Grief Deepens

IMAGE: Mourners at the funeral of Palestinians who were killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid and who were killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on tents in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Photograph: Ramadan Abed/Reuters

Scooping Survival

IMAGE: A woman collects flour from the ground as Palestinians receive aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in the central Gaza Strip. Photograph: Reuters

Paddy Prep

IMAGE: Farmers remove grass from a paddy field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Fleeing Floods

IMAGE: People with their belongings move to a safer place via boat as the water level of the Yamuna river rises in Ghatampur near Kanpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

River Swells

IMAGE: A view of a flooded area as the Ganga and Yamuna overflow in Prayagraj. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yagam for World Peace

IMAGE: Japanese Hindu devotees conduct a special yagam for world peace at the Thiruvanaikoil Arulmigu Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruchirappalli. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Papaya Treat

IMAGE: A chestnut-tailed starling feeds on a ripe papaya in Nadia, West Bengal. Photograph: ANI Photo

Hope For Henglep

IMAGE: The Assam Rifles, in coordination with the Indian Air Force, conduct a joint ration distribution drive for landslide-affected villages in the Henglep sub-division in Churachandpur, Manipur. Photograph: @RajBhavManipur X/ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
'We are a responsible nation and would prefer to deal with sensitive issues with the maturity they deserve rather than take to social media.'

IMAGE: US President Donald John Trump on July 29, 2025, the day before he announced 25% tariff on India. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters

Opting to ignore US President Donald Trump's unsavoury social media posts in the larger interest of keeping India-US ties on an even keel and New Delhi's response a measured one, Indian officials have over the past two days continued to engage with their American counterparts on the issue of the White House's threat to impose 25 per cent tariff plus a penalty on goods from India.

Official sources said on Friday evening that they were hopeful that the White House has better appreciation of New Delhi's perspective and modify its tariffs on India downwards in the coming days, comparable to those it has proposed for such countries as Vietnam (20 per cent) and Indonesia (19 per cent).

They said they were indeed surprised at Trump's announcement on imposing 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, but have chosen to convey New Delhi's viewpoint to the White House on the India-US trade deal, and the country's long-standing ties with Russia, behind closed doors rather than issue public statements.

"We are a responsible nation and would prefer to deal with sensitive issues with the maturity they deserve rather than take to social media," a government source said.

As of now, the government is not mulling any retaliatory action against the US.

At the weekly media briefing of the ministry of external affairs, New Delhi's official response to questions about Trump's social media posts on tariffs, on India's economy, and on India's relations with Russia was suitably measured.

The MEA stressed that India-US ties have "weathered several transitions and challenges" and will continue to move forward.

"India and the US share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties.

"This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges.

"We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

To a query whether India has decided to not buy F35 fighter jets, Jaiswal said the question should be asked to the relevant ministry.

He said India and the US have a strong defence partnership, which has been strengthened over the last several years.

"There is potential for this partnership to grow further under the India-US COMPACT for the 21st century," Jaiswal said.

On India's energy procurement, especially in the context of Russian crude, Jaiswal said it is driven by national interest.

"In securing our energy needs, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets, and also the prevailing global circumstances," he said.

With Trump criticising India for its continuing defence and energy purchases from Moscow, Jaiswal said India and Russia have a "steady and time-tested partnership".

"The sourcing of our defence requirements is determined solely by our national security imperatives and strategic assessments," Jaiswal said.

"Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country," Jaiswal added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India later this year.

Trump is also slated to visit India for the Quad Summit, which is likely in September.

Business as usual

Official sources said they were hopeful that the White House has a better appreciation of India's perspective

As of now, the government is not mulling any retaliatory action against the US, sources said

On India's energy procurement, especially Russian crude, MEA said it is driven by national interest

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Maharashtra minister Prakash Abitkar on Friday said the efforts are on to bring back 36-year-old female elephant Mahadevi (also called Madhuri), from Vantara wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat's Jamnagar district.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

At a meeting in Kolhapur on Friday, Vantara officials assured that they will cooperate in efforts to bring Mahadevi back to Nandani in Kolhapur district, the minister told reporters after the meeting.

Mahadevi, who was with the Shri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Jain 'math' (monastery) at Nandani for over three decades, was relocated to Vantara's Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust earlier this week following a court ruling.

The Bombay high court on July 16, ordered Mahadevi to be rehabilitated at Vantara's facility in Jamnagar, after concerns raised by an NGO with the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Supreme Court appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) on her deteriorated health and psychological suffering.

The Supreme Court on July 25 upheld the HC order.

BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik and Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Mane, both from Kolhapur district, are working to get the Centre to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court for bringing Mahadevi back, Abitkar said.

Mahadik on Thursday met Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav and submitted a memorandum for bringing back Mahadevi to the Jain monastery in Nandani.

Madhuri's journey at Vantara begins with gentle care and close attention. We're taking the time to understand her: what keeps her calm, what makes her comfortable, and what she enjoys, Vantara said in a post on Instagram.

It's not just about treatment; it's about helping her settle in, feel at ease, and live life on her own terms. Step by step, at her pace, with the care and respect she truly deserves, Vantara said.

Mahadevi, who was reportedly brought from Karnataka to the Kolhapur math in 1992 when she was around three years old, allegedly killed the chief priest in 2017 by repeatedly slamming him against a wall.

Mahadevi suffers from foot rot, overgrown toenails, arthritis, and stereotypic behaviour such as constant head bobbing which is a sign of psychological trauma due to long-term solitary captivity.

The Vantara facility offers hydrotherapy, expert veterinary care, and socialisation with other elephants, which the HPC deemed essential for the elephant's recovery.

The last few days have seen several people in Kolhapur porting out their Jio mobile numbers to protest the elephant being taken to Vantara, a local leader said.

Congress MLC Satej Patil said that people of Kolhapur want the elephant back.

More than 1.25 lakh persons have signed forms demanding Mahadevi's return to the Jain math at Nandani. These forms will be sent to the President's office via speed post from Kolhapur, he said.

Vantara has been developed by Vantara Reliance as part of their large-scale conservation efforts.

Spread across around 3,000 acres, the Vantara area offers a secure and natural environment for the care and recovery of rescued animals, reads a description of the facility on Vantara's website.

The Vantara meaning comes from Sanskrit, where "Vana" means forest and "Antara" means within -- together signifying

within the forest" or a sanctuary-like space dedicated to animals, it says.

The Vantara owner, Reliance Industries, has made a remarkable contribution to wildlife protection and welfare through this visionary project, the website says.
A witness in his testimony to the special court in the 2008 Malegaon blast case had alleged that he was tortured and forced by the officers of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to name Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the case.

IMAGE: Residents and police officers clear debris at a blast site in Malegaon, about 260 km northeast of Mumbai, September 30, 2008. Photograph: Reuters

Special Judge A K Lahoti, who on Thursday acquitted all seven accused in the case, said he could not rely on the witness's statement to the ATS, as he submitted to the court that it was given involuntarily.

In its over 1,000-page judgment, made available on Friday, the court said that the ATS had questioned prosecution witness Milind Joshirao in October 2008 about the functioning of the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat.

He was asked about a meeting at the Raigad fort, where the accused had allegedly taken an oath to create a separate Hindu Rashtra.

Joshirao, during his testimony to the court, claimed that the ATS had treated him like an accused.

"They (ATS officers) were telling him to take the names of Yogi Adityanath, Asimanand Indresh Kumar, Devdhar, Pragya and Kakaji in his statement," the court said.

The ATS officers assured him that if he took their names, they would let him go free, it added.

The court noted that the witness had refused to do so and hence, the then Deputy Commissioner of Police Shrirao and Assistant Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh had shown the fear of torture to him and extended threats.

It further held that the witness had never stated the things mentioned in the statement, and it was written by the ATS officers, it said.

"Considering his testimony, it clearly indicates that the statement was involuntary," the court said.

The statement raises doubts regarding its admissibility and authenticity as it was involuntary, the court said.

When a statement is given involuntarily without actual knowledge of the facts mentioned in the same, nothing survives in it, the court held, terming it as unreliable.

Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit were among the seven to be acquitted by the court, which noted that the prosecution had failed to adduce cogent and reliable evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Six people were killed and 101 were injured after a blast at Malegaon in Nashik district in September 2008.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed that former finance minister Arun Jaitley had threatened him to not speak against the farm laws else he would face action, a charge rubbished by the BJP as "fake news" and asked him to stick to facts instead.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses party conclaveat Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/AI Photo

Rohan Jaitley, son of the former union minister, also slammed Gandhi over his remarks, asking the Congress leader to "let the departed Rest in Peace".

Addressing Congress' annual legal conclave at the Vigyan Bhawan, Gandhi said, "I remember when I was fighting the farm laws -- he's not here anymore, so I really shouldn't say it, but I will -- Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me."

He went on to add: "He said to me, 'If you carry on down this path, opposing the government and fighting us on the farm laws, we will have to take action against you.'

"I looked at him in the face and said, 'I think you don't know or have an idea who you're talking to. Because, we are Congress people, and we're not cowards. We never bend; the superpower British couldn't bend us and who the hell are you'."

The BJP hit back at Gandhi, saying the farm laws were brought in 2020 while Jaitley passed away in 2019 and asked the Congress leader to stick to facts instead of rewriting timelines to "suit narratives".

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya wrote on X, "Fake News Alert."

"Rahul Gandhi claims that Arun Jaitley approached him to water down his opposition to the 2020 farm laws. Let's set the record straight -- Arun Jaitley ji passed away on August, 24 2019.

"The draft Farm Bills were brought to the Union Cabinet on June 3, 2020. The laws were enacted in September 2020," he said.

Malviya said any discussion, whether in support or opposition of the Bill, began after "these developments".

"To suggest Arun Jaitley ji approached him for anything at all is factually incorrect and misleading," he said, adding, "Let's stick to facts and not rewrite timelines to suit narratives."

The BJP leader also posted a video clip of the remarks Gandhi made at the conclave.

Jaitley's son Rohan also took to X, saying, "Rahul Gandhi now claims my late father, Arun Jaitley, threatened him over the farm laws. Let me remind him, my father passed away in 2019. The farm laws were introduced in 2020."

"More importantly, it was not in my father's nature to threaten anyone over an opposing view. He was a staunch democrat and always believed in building consensus," he wrote.

"If at all such a situation was to occur, as it often does in politics, he would invite free and open discussions to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to all. That was simply who he was and that remains his legacy today.

"I would appreciate Rahul Gandhi being mindful while speaking of those not with us. He attempted something similar with Manohar Parrikar ji, politicising his final days which was in equally poor taste," he added.
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Visa filed its formal response Thursday to the U.S. Department of Justices 2024 debit card antitrust lawsuit, denying claims that it operates an illegal monopoly in the U.S. debit card market.

Visa had legitimate business justifications for the conduct at issue, including in response to the Durbin Amendment and the new regulations impacting the industry, its conduct was procompetitive and outweighed any alleged anticompetitive effects, and its practices were and are reasonably justified, the filing said.

Separately, the plaintiffs and defendants filed a revised schedule Thursday for managing the case, with the fact discovery process ending March 17, 2026, and expert witness discovery ending Aug. 7. No witness should be deposed more than once, U.S. District Judge John Koeltl in New York City ruled last month.

Dive Insight:

The complaint alleges that Visa, the biggest U.S. card network, operates an illegal monopoly in the market for debit card payments, and wields its dominance, enormous scale, and centrality to impose agreements on merchants and banks that exclude potential competitors from debit processing, the Justice Department said when it filed the complaint.

The answer from Visa, which also routes credit card transactions, to the lawsuit came about five weeks after the company lost its bid to have the case dismissed.

The Justice Department brought the lawsuit in September under then-Attorney General Merrick Garland during the Biden administration.

Koeltl denied Visas motion to dismiss the lawsuit on June 24, finding that the governments allegations were plausible and that a dismissal would be premature. In its filing Thursday, Visa again asked Koeltl to dismiss the complaint with prejudice and enter judgement in its favor.

According to the lawsuit, Visa also struck agreements with various fintech firms to prevent them from entering debit market competition.

Visa has no agreements that pay competitors not to compete or agreements that pay potential competitors not to develop alternatives to debit card networks or adopt technologies to disintermediate debit card networks, the company said in the filing.

San Francisco-based Visa handles more than 60% of U.S. debit card transactions on its network, collecting more than $7 billion annually in processing fees, according to the federal governments complaint. Mastercard is a distant second in the market, with less than a quarter of the debit-processing market, the lawsuit said.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday (US local time) that he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in 'appropriate regions' in response to statements made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

He said in a post on X, "Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the deputy chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

According to a report by France 24, the US President did not say whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the locations.

According to France 24, Trump did not specifically refer to what Medvedev had said.

Earlier on Friday, Trump issued a warning to former Russian president and prime minister Dmitry Medvedev, asking him to "watch his words," after the latter criticised Trump's foreign policy, The Hill reported.

On Friday (local time), Trump also spoke about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

He shared figures on the number of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers who have lost their lives since the beginning of 2025. Calling the conflict "Biden's War", Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is seeing if he can stop it.

"I have just been informed that almost 20,000 Russian soldiers died this month in the ridiculous War with Ukraine. Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year. That is a lot of unnecessary DEATH! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. They have lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number does not include their missing. Ukraine has also lost civilians, but in smaller numbers, as Russian rockets crash into Kyiv and other Ukrainian locales. This is a War that should have never happened -- This is Biden's War, not "TRUMP's." I'm just here to see if I can stop it!", the US President wrote on Truth Social.

Since returning to the office in January, Trump and his administration have pushed for an end to the more than three-year war between Russia and Ukraine, without much success.

At times, the president has aired frustration with both sides over the lack of progress on a ceasefire agreement, despite several rounds of peace talks.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said it was a misconception that lying and flattery are necessary in politics, asserting that politicians should speak the truth with confidence.

IMAGE: Union Minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari in conversation with Congress MP Praniti Shinde at Parliament House premises during the Monsoon Session, in New Delhi, July 31, 2025. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader was speaking after being conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award here in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

"It is a misconception that politics is all about telling lies or using flattery. Even late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray used to be truthful in his speeches. He used to speak his mind," Gadkari said.

One should learn to call a spade a spade, he said.

"If something is good, one should call it good, and if something is bad, it should be termed as bad. Fadnavis says sometimes speaking clearly and truthfully is not possible in politics. During my (campaign for) Lok Sabha election, while addressing a rally, I said I won't give any freebies to anyone and will do what I wanted to do....do not come to me under the guise of caste or community. I simply sought their votes and assured them that I will work for them," he said.

He also told the voters that he will work for everybody, those who vote for him as well as those who do not, Gadkari added.

"I have this experience that even small people can sense good things, and that is why politicians should remain positive and always speak truth with confidence," he said.

The minister of road transport and highways also said that there is no dearth of funds in his department.

"Funds are not a constraint. The only constraint is that they are not being spent. In this country, there is no dearth of funds, technology. The only constraint is the lack of people who will work honestly for the country. If these people decide to work, then there will not be any problem," Gadkari said.

Speaking earlier, chief minister Fadnavis said Gadkari is not just a leader but an innovator who constantly strives to bring innovation across various sectors such as agriculture, engineering and science and technology, and ensures that these innovations benefit the masses.

Praising his contribution to the country's road infrastructure, he said Gadkari was one of the most high-performing ministers in the Narendra Modi cabinet.

He also described the fellow Nagpur politician as someone who is very sensitive at heart.

"He speaks his mind without worrying about the consequences. In politics, people often avoid speaking the truth because it may not always be beneficial. In fact, on many occasions, speaking the truth can prove costly. But even in such situations, Nitin ji always speaks the truth, regardless of the consequences," Fadnavis said.

The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is given by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust (Hind Swarajya Sangh) every year. Its past recipients include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Singh Thakur, acquitted in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case, on Saturday alleged that she was tortured by the investigating officers who asked her to name several persons including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IMAGE: Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur. Photograph: ANI Photo

This is the first time Thakur has made this sensational claim which finds no mention in the 1036-page judgment of the special NIA court acquitting all seven accused in the case.

Thakur appeared before the sessions court here on Saturday to complete her surety formalities. Speaking to reporters outside, she claimed that she was tortured during her interrogation.

Notably, special judge A K Lahoti in his judgment has dismissed Thakur's claims of torture and ill-treatment.

"They (officers) told me to take PM Modi's name, as at the time I was staying in Surat (Gujarat). There are several names like Bhagwat (apparent reference to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat) and so on, but I did not take anyone's name as I did not want to lie," Thakur told reporters.

She had put all this in writing, she claimed.

"Their objective was to torture me. They said if I did not take the names, then they will torture me. The names include Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Sudarshan ji, Indresh ji, Ram ji Madhav, and many more, which I can't recall at the moment," Thakur said.

The former BJP MP alleged that she was detained illegally even in the hospital where she had fainted and her lungs had collapsed.

"I am writing my story in which I will mention all this. The truth will come out. This is a victory of religion, victory of Sanatan dharma, and victory of Hindutva...this is a Sanatani Rashtra, and it is always victorious. They tried very hard by torturing me and bringing all devotees of the country in this....we will try so that they are punished," she said.

The court in its judgment said while Thakur had alleged ill-treatment, no evidence was presented to support her claims.

It also referred to a Supreme Court order of 2011 in which it rejected her claims of illegal custody, torture and detention. The trial court further said that Thakur had not made any complaint before the court in Nashik when she was produced for remand after her arrest.

"There is no evidence (of torture and ill-treatment) brought to my notice and hence, I am not inclined to accept the submission," judge Lahoti said.

Thakur, meanwhile, said the whole case against her was baseless.

She described Param Bir Singh, then assistant commissioner of police with the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), as a "wicked person".

"Singh, (then ATS chief) Hemant Karkare and Sukhwinder Singh tortured me and wanted me to tell lies. But I refused," she alleged.

Six people were killed and 101 were injured in a blast at Malegaon in Maharashtra's Nashik district on September 29, 2008.

The special court on July 31 acquitted Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and five others in the case noting that the prosecution had not adduced cogent and reliable evidence to warrant conviction and to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Seth Jones spent nearly a decade building a 10-property real estate portfolio across Florida and South Carolina. He sold every one of them.

The Rule Guided His InvestmentsAnd His Exit

Jones, a former mortgage broker in Port Orange, Florida, followed a simple but strict rule: if a property couldn't rent for at least 1% of its purchase price each month, it wasn't worth buying.

"It's very simple, back-of-the-napkin math," Jones, 36, told Business Insider. "On a $100,000 property, am I able to rent it out for $1,000 per month? On a $200,000 property, am I able to rent it out for $2,000 per month?"

Don't Miss:

Scrolling To UBI'  Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share.

Accredited Investors: Grab Pre-IPO Shares of the AI Company Powering Hasbro, Sephora & MGMSecure $0.63 Shares Before 8/14

He and his wife lived extremely frugally, relying solely on her teachers salary while using all of his income to save for properties. "We hardly ever ate out and never went to bars," Jones said.

After starting with two small homes in 2014, he gradually expanded. By 2019, he owned higher-quality properties in strong school districts, including one out-of-state investment in Lexington, South Carolina, purchased for $138,000.

But as the COVID-era housing boom began, Jones started to feel uneasy. "I watched things take off," he told Business Insider. "The fundamentals started to change."

He noticed the industry shift away from cash flow toward speculation and appreciation. That didn't sit right with him.

"That's just never how I've looked at underwriting deals," he said.

Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes  no cost, no obligation.

From Landlord To ETF Investor

Between 2019 and 2023, Jones sold all 10 properties. One of them, purchased for $190,000, sold for $500,000. Instead of buying more real estate, he moved everything into a diversified exchange-traded-fund portfolio that includes stocks, gold, and both short- and long-term treasuries.

"I have no regrets," Jones said. "I think I'll be vindicated once we have some type of correction."

Not everyone agrees with his decision. "I have people who tell me I'm an idiot for selling off my properties," he told Business Insider. "They think they could've made 10 times what I did."
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly clear. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 51F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 51F. Winds light and variable.
No media source currently available

The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

Afghan activist and scholar Orzala Nemat says the sudden cutoff of aid under President Donald Trump has been a shock, leaving vulnerable populations exposed.
In the Russian-occupied cities of Donetsk and Mariupol, an escalating water crisis has pushed daily life to the brink of survival.

Water trickles out of taps for only a few hours every few days, often discolored and undrinkable. Entire neighborhoods have resorted to survival tactics like hauling water in buckets and collecting rainwater.

Local residents and observers in eastern Ukrainian cities have called on Russian-imposed authorities to tackle what they have said is a devastating situation that demands immediate attention.

'We Live In A Water Desert'

Once industrial heartlands of Ukraine, both Donetsk and Mariupol, as well as smaller towns around them, now face a deepening humanitarian emergency. The combination of destroyed infrastructure, failed reconstruction projects, and collapsing reservoirs has plunged the region into what analysts are calling a full-scale ecological and social catastrophe.

On July 22, pro-Kremlin Telegram channels with hundreds of thousands of followers published an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin signed by residents of occupied Donetsk.

The message, also echoed by pro-Kremlin bloggers and military propagandists, warned of a spiraling water crisis.

"Donetsk has had no stable water supply since 2022," the letter states. "Now it's only once every three days, sometimes less."

In Mariupol, the situation is only slightly better. There, water is reportedly supplied every two days, though residents claim that timetable is often not followed.

In both cities, water rarely reaches the upper floors of residential buildings. Households rely on improvised wells, irregular truck deliveries, or plastic tanks scattered throughout neighborhoods. In the summer heat, many of these tanks turn green with algae.

"Over the past eight days, we had water for four hours only. It came out orange," said Olha, a resident of Yenakiyeve near Donetsk. "There are 17 barrels of water for the whole city. The heat is unbearable. Carrying water to the fourth floor without a lift? It's torture."

Another local told the Tochka website that the water smells of rust and sewage. "But we still pay for it like it's clean drinking water."

Failed Russian Solution

After the destruction of the Siverskiy DonetsDonbas canal in the early months of the full-scale Russian invasion launched in February 2022, both Donetsk and Mariupol lost their primary source of freshwater.

The canal, built in the 1950s to supply the region's growing cities, drew water from the Siverskiy Donets River near Slovyansk.

After gaining control over parts of the region, Russia rushed to construct an alternative: the DonDonbas water conduit, a 194-kilometer dual-pipe system meant to bring water from the Don River near the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. The project, completed in mid-2023 and overseen by then-Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, was supposed to solve the region's water problems.

However, the project fell short of its promises, adding to the residents' frustrations and disappointment.

It has also been mired in scandal. Ivanov was arrested in April 2024 for accepting massive bribes, including from the company that built the pipeline.

"Seventy-five billion rubles ($930 million) were stolen," said former Mariupol TV President Mykola Osychenko to Current Time. "And there's still no water."

Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-appointed separatist head of the self-declared Donetsk People's Republic (DNR), now concedes that the pipeline covers only a fraction of the region's demand.

In late July, he described the situation in Donetsk's internal reservoirs as "critical." He said a long-term solution would only come once Russia captures Slovyansk, one of the main cities in the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Donetsk region, and regains control of the original canal source.

Donbas Reservoirs Run Dry

Satellite imagery reviewed by BBC's Russian Service reveals a startling decline in water levels across major reservoirs in the Donbas region, including those feeding both Donetsk and Mariupol. Nine out of 10 monitored reservoirs have significantly shrunk since 2021. This summer's average temperature in Donetsk was 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) -- not the hottest on record, but hot enough to accelerate evaporation in already depleted basins.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Russia dispatched 75 water trucks to Donetsk. Pushilin boasted that 33 had arrived by July 25.

But the math tells a bleak story: With each truck carrying 10,000 liters, that's just 0.6 liters per person for Donetsk and nearby Makiyivka, home to more than 1.2 million people combined.

"Even if the trucks stayed and operated daily, where would they get the water from?" Osychenko wondered. "There are no viable sources left."

The Zuyivska Thermal Power Plant, one of the region's leading electricity providers, now faces cooling issues due to low reservoir levels. At a poultry farm in the town of Rozovka, two-thirds of the water supply was cut, resulting in many of the birds dying.

As the crisis worsens, even loyal pro-Russian voices are turning on local authorities. Former Ukrainian parliamentary deputy and 2014 separatist leader Oleh Tsaryov posted angrily to Telegram: "Donetsk used to be a city of roses. Now people defecate in bags and some throw them under windows."

Social media is flooded with images and complaints: cracked taps, discolored water, and plastic buckets replacing toilets.

The decay isn't just due to the war but also crumbling infrastructure. According to former utility workers, water infrastructure in the region was already 80 percent worn out by 2014.

Little has been done to maintain or replace it since. In the Kirov district of Donetsk, pipes are nearly 100 percent corroded. Leaks and bursts are daily occurrences, and the losses weren't even factored into the DonDonbas pipeline's capacity.

Authorities Promise, People Leave

With little faith in officials, many residents are quietly planning to leave.

"People aren't stupid," Osychenko said. "They know if there's no water now, there won't be any later. Without water, there's no electricity. Without electricity, no heating. The whole utility system will collapse by winter."

This fear is echoed by humanitarian groups, which warn of a looming public health disaster. The combination of deteriorating sanitation, limited drinking water, and high temperatures could trigger outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases.

Donetsk and Mariupol were once symbols of Soviet-era industrial power. Today, under Russian occupation, they are becoming symbols of infrastructural collapse, institutional corruption, and humanitarian failure.

What began as a war of conquest has evolved into a slow, suffocating disaster for those left behind. Until water flows freely again, Donetsk, Mariupol, and the towns around them remain simply in survival mode.

With reporting by BBC
The Russian government, facing mounting losses in Ukraine, appears to be intensifying its coercive recruitment tactics targeting prisoners, conscripts, and ethnic minorities from remote regions and Central Asian migrant communities to bolster its depleted forces.

According to testimonies collected by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities, male inmates across prisons in the Volga region, including Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, as well as parts of Siberia, describe routine beatings, psychological torture, and threats aimed at forcing them into military service.

Such prisoners are being funneled into the military's notorious Storm-Z assault units, often deployed on suicide missions at the front, according to Olga Romanova, head of the Russia Behind Bars foundation.

The once-overcrowded penal system is now being hollowed out. Transfers from pretrial detention centers have plummeted.

According to prison rights activist Romanova, "many suspects never make it to court or prison."

"Police are now authorized -- and incentivized -- to offer military contracts to people accused of even petty crimes," she told Current Time.

Since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has sent tens of thousands of soldiers to the front lines.

Heavy fighting into its fourth year has taken a grim toll on both sides.

Moscow has keep its casualty count a closely guarded secret since the start of the war, though several groups have used public sources to try and estimate the number.

The British Defense Ministry in June said its estimate had reached 1 million dead or injured, similar to a report by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that put the number at around 950,000.

If the estimates prove close to true, the war will have cost Russia in manpower terms about 15 times more that its war in Afghanistan, which lasted a decade.

Such a toll has put pressure on authorities to come up with ways to replace soldiers on the front line -- from taking in thousands of North Korean soldiers to trawling the country's prisons.

Romanova said that part of the scheme sees police officers paid bonuses for each recruit.

In 2023, it was 10,000 rubles. Now it's 100,000 rubles ($1,125). "For context, the average monthly salary for a provincial police officer is about 40,000 rubles," she said, "So you can imagine the pressure."

She added that since 2023, 90 prisons across Russia have shut down as convicts were sent to war en masse.

In October 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing individuals to sign military contracts before their trials, formally legalizing forced recruitment from detention cells.

'They Beat The Entire Prison'

One woman, who identified herself as Svetlana, told RFE/RL that her boyfriend, currently held in a Volga-region prison, was among those brutally beaten.

"They brought in over 100 riot police who beat every inmate indiscriminately until they signed. My boyfriend saw people dragged out with broken ribs and fractured limbs. Some were taken to the front with those injuries."

She added: "Those who refused were threatened with mutilation during transfer to another facility."

Officials have not commented on the allegations.

The inmates who resist face horrifying consequences. Phones are confiscated, visits are denied.

In the Siberian region of Kemerovo, Natalya, the mother of an inmate serving time for a drug offense, said her son held out for years before finally agreeing under duress.

"He told me, 'They twisted my arms until I cracked.' Then he vanished. He was due for release in two years," she said. "Now he's gone."

Between 2022 and 2023, Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service reported a record 58,000 prisoners who were unaccounted for. Initially recruited by the once-notorious Wagner Group, they are now absorbed by the Defense Ministry's own shadow battalions.

Romanova said this includes women. In one case, a state TV journalist from Channel One visited a women's prison in Siberia to film a propaganda piece, while also recruiting. Dozens of women reportedly signed up and were sent to the front as part of the military unit Esmeralda after talking to the reporter.

From Barracks To Body Bags

Following Russia's legal reform in 2023, conscripts can now be forced to sign military contracts on the first day of service. Despite Putin's 2022 assurances that draftees wouldn't be sent to the war, thousands have been deployed -- and many never return.

On July 23, three Russian conscripts, Daniyar Kereibaev, Yury Vitsinets, and Denis Mozhaitsev, aged 1819, recorded a video on YouTube stating they were tricked into signing indefinite military contracts.

After arriving at the 37th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, military unit 69647, in the city of Kyakhta, they said their platoon commander began threatening conscripts with deployment to the front -- describing a destroyed transport full of recruits and claiming a 30 percent casualty rate in the Kursk region -- implying they were unlikely to survive unless they signed military contracts.

During Ukraine's counteroffensive into Kursk in August 2024, conscripts, many aged 18 to 20, suffered heavy casualties. Journalists identified over 100 conscripts killed, captured, or listed as missing.

One chilling case is that of Artyom Antonov, a 19-year-old conscript from Tatarstan, who was shot in the head at a base in the Far Eastern city of Ussuriisk after refusing to sign a contract.

"Artyom didn't want to fight," said his friend Igor. "They made a concentration camp out of the army."

His death was no anomaly. Dozens of conscripts from rural, impoverished ethnic republics -- including Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Daghestan, Tuva, Kalmykia, Udmurtia, and Buryatia -- have been reported dead after similar coercion.

Some conscripts say they were unaware they had even signed contracts. Others, like 10 soldiers who rioted in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk in November, resisted deployment and were immediately branded deserters.

Ethnic Targeting: First In Line

Multiple reports confirm that ethnic minorities are among the first to be coerced. Relatives of an inmate in the Tula region told RFE/RL that 15 non-Russian prisoners were forced to sign contracts under threat of additional extremism charges.

Some imprisoned migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus are also recruited with promises of clemency, Russian citizenship, and money. Often, they receive nothing.

"Ethnicity plays a role," one prison insider said. "The authorities view these groups as expendable."

Written by Merhat Sharipzhanov based on reporting on Current Time and RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities
Most of the Kherson region, known for its rich farmland, was occupied by Russian forces in 2022, but Ukraine retook territory north of the Dnieper River later that year. Farmers on liberated territory have resumed cultivating the crop the region is known for, but the watermelon fields are still dangerous, thanks to Russian drone strikes.
Shaken by an increasing number of Russian drone attacks, residents of Kostyantynivka in Ukraine's Donetsk region are fleeing their homes as fighting in the area intensifies.

Once home to more than 60,000 people, Kostyantynivka has long been a key Ukrainian strongholds in the war-torn Donetsk region.

Now, with around 8,200 residents remaining, the strategic city is under constant threat from Russian drones, which locals say often chase them, pounding their long-standing homes.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service in late July, Kostyantynivka resident Oksana said she had experienced such incidents in the past.

"It approaches you and starts flying around. You hide -- it flies away," she said, adding that her family is now thinking of fleeing the area.

Like Oksana, many other civilians are also reconsidering whether to stay in Kostyantynivka, despite a lack of sufficient resources.

In a video showing charred parts of the city and roads covered with anti-drone nets, RFE/RL captured the last-minute goodbyes of those who had previously chosen to stay behind.

Attempting to encircle both Kostyantynivka and Pokrovsk, Russian forces have tried to seize key roads leading deeper into the Donetsk region and open a route toward the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Despite claims by Russian military officials, ground assaults have failed to yield any strategic gains in the summer offensive.

However, combined with drone strikes and guided bombs, Russia appears to be achieving at least one of its objectives: depopulating the area, leaving its troops with a clearer path through largely abandoned towns with reduced civilian resistance.

While leaving Kostyantynivka, some residents told RFE they had previously stayed in the city hoping for peace. Others couldn't bear to abandon the homes they had lived in for years.

"I had my doubts. Something was keeping me here," one elderly resident said, praying for God's mercy as she was driven from the city by the members of humanitarian mission.

"Goodbye, my house," she repeated through tears, kissing the front door for the last time.
Explosions and fires were reported across several Russian regions following a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks as US President Donald Trump said he was deploying nuclear submarines "closer to Russia" days ahead of a deadline he gave Moscow to make a peace deal with Kyiv.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said on August 2 that its drones had hit an air base storing Shahed drones in Primorsko-Akhtarsk and the Elektroprylad military plant in Penza.

The Ukrainian Army's General Staff reported strikes on oil refineries.

Authorities in Russia's Samara region announced flight restrictions at an airport, the latest in a series of recent measures as Ukrainian attacks disrupt civil aviation in Russia.

The regional governor confirmed a strike on an industrial facility in Novokuybyshevsk, prompting a temporary shutdown of mobile Internet service. He said a civilian was killed by falling debris from an intercepted drone.

Fires were also seen in Ryazan region, while residents in Lipetsk and Voronezh reported drone activity and air-defense operations.

In occupied Crimea the Kerch Bridge -- which connects the peninsula with Russia -- was blocked for more than five hours, and explosions were heard in Feodosia and Kerch.

Russia's Defense Ministry reported attacks in eight regions and claimed to have intercepted or destroyed 112 drones.

Meanwhile, Russia launched an overnight attack on Ukraine with 53 drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. It said 45 had been shot down. In Kherson, a 68-year-old woman was killed and a 41-year-old man was injured.

The latest exchanges came amid an escalation in rhetoric between Washington and Moscow.

Trump said he was moving two nuclear submarines to regions near Russia following threats related to the war in Ukraine from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump did not specify whether these were nuclear-powered or nuclear armed submarines.

"I just want to make sure that his words are only words and nothing more than that," Trump told Newsmax television.

He was referring to a social media post by Medvedev, in which he accused the United States of playing a "game of ultimatums" in response to Trump's announcement that he had shortened a 50-day deadline for Russia to stop its war against Ukraine to 10 days.

On his X page from July 28, Medvedev wrote that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war."

He further urged Trump not to "follow the path" of former US President Joe Biden, whom Moscow had frequently accused of escalating tensions with Russia.

After being told by Trump to "watch his words" on July 31, Medvedev went further by reminding the US president of Russia's Dead Hand command system designed to automatically launch Moscow's nuclear missiles if the country's leadership were taken out.

Trump's deadline to Moscow is August 8, but it's not clear what might follow that date. He has spoken of imposing further sanctions on Russia and crippling secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian oil.

Given that these would include China and India, some analysts have expressed skepticism that Washington will take this measure.

Reuters quoted two unnamed Indian government sources on August 2 as saying that New Delhi would continue to purchase oil from Russia despite Trump's threats of financial penalties if it did so.

"These are long-term oil contracts. It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight," Reuters quoted one of the sources as saying.

India's Foreign Ministry did not confirm the continuing purchases, but it said its relationship with Russia was steady and time-tested."

With reporting by Reuters and AP
Bethesda, Maryland-based Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (HST) is the worlds largest lodging real estate investment trust and one of the largest owners of luxury and upscale hotels. With a market cap of $11.2 billion, Host owns and operates several properties in the United States and internationally.

The REIT has significantly underperformed the broader market over the past year. HST stock has plummeted 10.3% on a YTD basis and 11.7% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 7.8% gains in 2025 and 16.6% returns over the past year.

More News from Barchart

Narrowing the focus, Host has also underperformed the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLRE) 1.8% gains in 2025 and a marginal 29 basis point uptick over the past 52 weeks.

www.barchart.com

Host Hotels & Resorts stock prices dropped 2.5% in yesterdays trading session following the release of its Q2 results on Jul. 30. While the companys financials came ahead of Street expectations, the overall performance remained mixed. The company observed a notable increase in revenues per available room, boosting its total revenues by 8.2% year-over-year to $1.6 billion, surpassing expectations by a notable 5%. However, Host has failed to optimize its cost structures, resulting in a 5.1% decline in operating profit to $277 million.

Moreover, its adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) declined by about 1% to $400 million. This raised serious concerns about the REITs ability to generate earnings and cash flow growth.

For the full fiscal 2025, ending in December, analysts expect HST to report a 2.5% year-over-year drop in AFFO to $1.92 per share. On the positive note, the company has a solid earnings surprise history. It has matched or surpassed the Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters.

Host maintains a consensus Moderate Buy rating overall. Of the 16 analysts covering the stock, opinions include eight Strong Buys, one Moderate Buy, and seven Holds.

www.barchart.com

This configuration is slightly less bullish than a month ago, when nine analysts gave Strong Buy recommendations.

On Jul. 31, Stifel analyst Simon Yarmak maintained a Buy rating on HST, while raising the price target from $17 to $19.
Sabina Higgins was in attendance for the launch of the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Groups 165km walk along the National Famine Way at Strokestown Park House this morning.

A large crowd gathered for the launch that featured speeches from Jim Callery, founder of the National Famine Museum, Sherin Alsabbagh, a Palestinian speaker and Mary Gallagher, member of the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group.

Inspired by the 1847 famine walk of the Strokestown tenants, this group will retrace that historical path to Dublin Docklands, where they will be welcomed on August 9th by the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, at the poignant site of the Famine Statues - a stark reminder of the ongoing famine in Gaza.

Over 20,000 has been raised for the walk and donations can be made online at Chuffed.org- National Famine Way for Palestine.

Mrs Higgins joined the group on the first steps of their eight-day walk.
I dont have a problem with lobbyists. Id be a hypocrite if I did. I spent several decades lobbying at EU level for the rights of persons with disabilities, and I have also lobbied for rural development in the tourism and leisure sector. Lobbying is a necessary part of the process of informing decision-makers of the detail of grass-roots issues, and can help inform important legislative changes.

All that assumes that legislators are able to filter out lobbying by vested interests, to ensure that the common good is at the forefront of their decision-making. Although if you look at recent changes in the revised national plan, the allocation of a billion euro to the restaurant sector suggests some influence from that quarter. That same sector persuaded then Minister Michael Noonan to dip into the savings of pensioners back in 2011. If the government has money now to throw at the hospitality sector, they should first consider paying back what they took at that time.

A lobby group in the North-West has campaigned for decades for a railway to be built along closed railway lines between Athenry and Collooney, believing that a slow train between those two places would solve all the ills of the region. A more pragmatic lobby group suggests keeping the route in public ownership by means of a greenway while we wait for the train, as was successfully done between Mullingar and Athlone. These old Mayo and Sligo routes wont be considered for rail use until well after 2050 according to the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review, so the greenway idea makes sense, creating jobs and amenities now while protecting the route from squatters.

Irish Rail fully supported the latter view, with the CEO confirming to an Oireachtas committee last year that a greenway on the route constituted a win-win for Irish Rail and the local community. On that basis, Sligo County Council went ahead and spent over 1.6 million on the project. Then in a staggering U-turn early this year the same CEO said that the Sligo Greenway could not be built on that old rail route, despite the fact that no railway will be built there before 2050, if ever.

Galway TD Sean Canney is the Junior Minister in charge of rail. Given that he is a prominent supporter of the pro-rail lobby and has in the past opposed such greenway developments, it is important that he now intervenes and reinstates this particular project. His intervention would mean that the expenditure to date isnt wasted.
By Natalia Siniawski

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Walmart (WMT)'s Mexico and Central America chief executive, Ignacio Caride, will step down as CEO and from the board of directors after just over a year, the unit of the U.S. retailer said on Friday in a move that surprised analysts.

Walmart's Chile CEO, Cristian Barrientos Pozo, will take over as interim chief executive until a recruitment process is completed, the company said in a statement.

Barrientos Pozo, previously senior vice president of operations at Walmart de Mexico, brings more than 26 years of retail experience, including in expansion, store openings and digital transformation, the company said.

The company, Mexico's largest retailer, operates Walmart, Sam's Club, and Bodega Aurrera stores across six countries.

Known as Walmex, the company reported a 10% drop in net profit in its second-quarter results released in July, citing a slower-than-anticipated recovery in consumer spending despite an 8% increase in sales.

Caride's resignation, while unexpected, could be a refreshing change, analysts said.

JPMorgan analysts said that despite the "typical noise" around management changes, a refreshed leadership could be welcomed.

"Investor concerns have been building around the retail execution weakening over the past year with poor results," the bank said in a note.

Antonio Hernandez of Actinver research called the timing "unexpected but positive," especially given the company's declining margins in a competitive market. "We view favorably the company's fully hands-on approach to improve performance," he said.

Santander analysts said that while the change could create short-term stock volatility, Barrientos' strong record and familiarity with the market "should help ease concerns during this transition period."

(Reporting by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle and William Mallard)
August 2, 2025

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 02.08.2025, 13:50

SPECIAL PENSIONS  President Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Justice Minister Radu Marinescu discussed, on Friday, in Bucharest, with representatives of the magistrates, the Prime Ministers proposals to modify the age and amount of pensions for this professional category. The meeting took place in the context of criticism and attacks from the judicial system generated by the changes announced by Prime Minister Bolojan. These include increasing the retirement age for magistrates to 65 years, increasing the length of service from 25 to 35 years and limiting the pension to a maximum of 70% of the net salary, compared to 80% of the gross salary, as it is now. The Prime Ministers announcement was met with a harsh reaction from the Higher Council of Magistracy (CSM), who argued that the measures are blatantly violating the principles of the Constitution. There is no final conclusion yet, and talks will continue to bring the positions of the Government and the magistrates closer together, Radu Marinescu said.

INFORMATICS  The Romanian students won four gold medals at the International Olympiad in Informatics, held in Bolivia. This is the best result obtained by Romania at this competition, which is in its 37th edition. The Olympiad took place in Sucre, with the participation of over 90 countries, the Ministry of Education has announced on Saturday on its Facebook page. The medals were won by students from the Vasile Alecsandri National College in Galati, the International Theoretical High School of Informatics in Bucharest and the Tudor Vianu National College of Informatics in Bucharest. This result comes in a context in which other Romanian students have also achieved notable international results. In July, the Romanian team won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals at the European Geography Olympiad in Lithuania. In May, Romanian students brought home seven medals from the Asian Physics Olympiad.

RROMA  Every year, August 2 is marked as the European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rroma Holocaust, to commemorate the 500,000 Rroma who were murdered in Europe by the Nazi regime during WW2. On the night of August 2, 1944, almost 3,000 Rroma and Sinti men, women and children were murdered in the gas chambers of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, an atrocity committed with horrifying precision by the Nazi authorities. The commemorative events dedicated to this day serve to recall the suffering endured, the devastating effects of racial hatred and the danger of extremist ideologies. The European institutions and each member state of the Union have a shared responsibility to fight discrimination and racist attitudes towards Rroma and to improve their integration. The Rroma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. Of the estimated 10 to 12 million Rroma living in Europe, approximately 6 million are EU citizens or residents. To honor the memory of the victims, August 2 was declared the European Day of Commemoration of the Rroma Genocide by a 2015 European Parliament Resolution.

AUSTERITY  The first package of fiscal-budgetary austerity measures to reduce the countrys excessive deficit has been in force in Romania since August 1. Among the measures are the increase in VAT and excise rates, health contributions for pensions higher than 3,000 lei (about 600 euros), the freezing of pensions and salaries in the public sector and the limitation of bonuses and state employment. In Education, the teaching norm of teachers is increasing. At the same time, the amount for hourly pay and scholarship funds is decreasing, so there will be fewer beneficiaries. Employees from many fields of activity have protested against these measures, with unions warning that they could even trigger, in September, a general strike.

AID  The Government in Bucharest decided, on Friday, in an extraordinary meeting, a first support package for people affected by the floods in Suceava and Neamt (northeast). The aid consist in amounts between 15,000 lei (approx. 3000 euros) and 30,000 lei and will be granted after the damage assessment is completed, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced. Aid of 15,000 lei will also be granted to the three families that reported victims. In Suceava, approximately 78 million euros are needed for the reconstruction of the city of Brosteni and other affected localities, the president of the County Council estimated. The Minister of Environment, Diana Buzoianu, was also in Suceava and Neamt on Friday. She assessed the situation and discussed with the authorities how to help the people who went through the disaster. Firefighters, mountain rescuers, employees of the forestry departments and numerous volunteers continue interventions in the areas affected by the floods. Over 680 homes were affected, and several dozen were completely destroyed, as was the water and sewage network. The road infrastructure was also seriously damaged. In recent days, aid from the state reserve has reached the residents affected by the floods. (EE)
August 2, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

August 2, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 02.08.2025, 20:00

AID The Government in Bucharest has decided on a support package for the people affected by the floods in the counties of Suceava and Neamt (northeast). The aid consists in amounts between 15,000 lei (approx. 3,000 euros) and 30,000 lei and will be granted after the damage assessment is completed, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced. In Suceava, approximately 78 million euros are needed for the reconstruction of the city of Brosteni and other affected localities, according to the president of the County Council. The Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, announced that he will activate the European RESTORE mechanism, created precisely for cases of major natural disasters, in the context of the floods in Suceava and Neamt, an approach that will allow, according to the minister, the rapid allocation of millions of euros from European funds to the affected areas. At the same time, he said that the Government will activate the EU Solidarity Fund, through which there is a possibility that Romania will access hundreds of millions of euros for the reconstruction of the area, but this money will only arrive in a few months, the process being a long one. Over 680 homes were affected, and several dozen were completely destroyed, as was the water and sewage network.

ANAF  The Romanian Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) has launched the Ghost Nest operation, a large-scale fiscal control action targeting over 20,000 companies registered at addresses where over 1,500 companies are listed. Many of these headquarters are abandoned or unsanitary, without minimum conditions for real economic activity, said Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare. In a post on a social network, he specified that the measures to be applied will include fiscal inactivation, cancellation of VAT codes and criminal complaints. Amid the problems related to the collection of budget revenues, the Finance Minister recently criticized the activity of ANAF, which he says has been an opaque and dysfunctional institution for years.

SPECIAL PENSIONS  President Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Justice Minister Radu Marinescu discussed, on Friday, in Bucharest, with representatives of the magistrates, the Prime Ministers proposals to modify the age and amount of pensions for this professional category. The meeting took place in the context of criticism and attacks from the judicial system generated by the changes announced by Prime Minister Bolojan. These include increasing the retirement age for magistrates to 65 years, increasing the length of service from 25 to 35 years and limiting the pension to a maximum of 70% of the net salary, compared to 80% of the gross salary, as it is now. The Prime Ministers announcement was met with a harsh reaction from the Higher Council of Magistracy (CSM), who argued that the measures are blatantly violating the principles of the Constitution. There is no final conclusion yet, and talks will continue to bring the positions of the Government and the magistrates closer together, Radu Marinescu said.

INFORMATICS  The Romanian students won four gold medals at the International Olympiad in Informatics, held in Bolivia. This is the best result obtained by Romania at this competition, which is in its 37th edition. The Olympiad took place in Sucre, with the participation of over 90 countries, the Ministry of Education has announced on Saturday on its Facebook page. The medals were won by students from the Vasile Alecsandri National College in Galati, the International Theoretical High School of Informatics in Bucharest and the Tudor Vianu National College of Informatics in Bucharest. This result comes in a context in which other Romanian students have also achieved notable international results. In July, the Romanian team won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals at the European Geography Olympiad in Lithuania. In May, Romanian students brought home seven medals from the Asian Physics Olympiad.

RROMA  Every year, August 2 is marked as the European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rroma Holocaust, to commemorate the 500,000 Rroma who were murdered in Europe by the Nazi regime during WW2. On the night of August 2, 1944, almost 3,000 Rroma and Sinti men, women and children were murdered in the gas chambers of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, an atrocity committed with horrifying precision by the Nazi authorities. The commemorative events dedicated to this day serve to recall the suffering endured, the devastating effects of racial hatred and the danger of extremist ideologies. The European institutions and each member state of the Union have a shared responsibility to fight discrimination and racist attitudes towards Rroma and to improve their integration. The Rroma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. Of the estimated 10 to 12 million Rroma living in Europe, approximately 6 million are EU citizens or residents. To honor the memory of the victims, August 2 was declared the European Day of Commemoration of the Rroma Genocide by a 2015 European Parliament Resolution.

AUSTERITY  The first package of fiscal-budgetary austerity measures to reduce the countrys excessive deficit has been in force in Romania since August 1. Among the measures are the increase in VAT and excise rates, health contributions for pensions higher than 3,000 lei (about 600 euros), the freezing of pensions and salaries in the public sector and the limitation of bonuses and state employment. In Education, the teaching norm of teachers is increasing. At the same time, the amount for hourly pay and scholarship funds is decreasing, so there will be fewer beneficiaries. Employees from many fields of activity have protested against these measures, with unions warning that they could even trigger, in September, a general strike. (EE)
Honda outpaced Hero MotoCorp in July 2025 to become the new No. 1 two wheeler maker in India

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has emerged as the new top seller in the two wheeler segment in July 2025. The automaker scored over Hero MotoCorp with sales of 5,15,378 units last month which included 4,66,331 units domestic sales and 49,047 units in terms of exports.

Conversely, Hero MotoCorp sales stood relatively lower at 4,49,755 units which included domestic sales of 4,12,397 units besides 37,358 units which were exported. In July 2025, HMSI introduced two new models to mark their 25th anniversary in India. The Shine 100 Deluxe and CB 125 Hornet have been introduced. Prices have been revealed and deliveries are set to commence from later this month.

Honda 2W YoY Sales July 2025

Honda 2W sales at 5,15,378 units included 4,66,331 units of domestic sales. Exclusively taking into account the companys domestic sales, this was a 6.20% growth over 4,39,118 units sold in July 2024. Exports on the other hand saw an 11.52% increase to 49,047 units in July 2025. There had been 43,982 units exported in the same month last year. This saw total sales (domestic + exports) rise by 6.68% over 4,83,100 units sold in July 2024.

Honda 2W MoM Sales July 2025

Month-on-month (MoM) sales also showed off a strong 19.94% improvement from 3,88,812 units sold in June 2025. This was a volume increase of 77,519 units. Exports grew by 21.60% to 49,047 units from 40,335 units relating to an 8,712 unit volume growth. Total MoM sales saw a 20.09% surge over 4,29,147 units sold in June 2025.

Honda 2W YTD Sales July 2025

Domestic sales fell sharply when taking a year-to-date (YTD) performance into account. Sales stood at 16,93,036 units in the April-July 2025 period, down by 8.65% as compared to 18,53,350 units sold in the same period last year. This was a 1,60,314 unit volume difference. Exports continued to show positivity with 1,95,206 units shipped in the FY2025-26 period, from 1,82,942 units exported last year.

Total sales (domestic + exports) thus saw a 7.27% decline to 18,88,242 units in FY 2025-26 period, down by 1,48,050 units over 26,36,292 units sold in the FY 2024-25 period. In July 2025, HMSI conducted a road safety awareness program. This was held across 13 cities in India, with a motive to educate the youth on safe riding skills and road behavior.

The company also marked its 9th anniversary of Traffic Training Park (TTP) in Ludhiana, a key center for promoting traffic discipline and rider safety in the region. The two new bikes added to its portfolio in July 2025  CB125 Hornet and Shine 100 DX will further strengthen its hold and is expected to enhance its sales figures to even greater numbers. The two new motorcycles are being offered in commuter and premium commuter portfolio.

Honda CB125 Hornet is crafted for an urban segment of buyers with its street centric design and performance. On the other hand the Shine 100 DX is a refreshed version of Hondas popular Shine 100. Both models are affordably priced and directed towards value conscious buyers designed for a high level of fuel efficiency.
By Nupur Anand and Ateev Bhandari

(Reuters) -U.S. lender Wells Fargo said on Thursday its board of directors planned to appoint the lender's CEO Charlie Scharf as its chairman and to award him a one-time special equity grant of $30 million in restricted share rights and stock options.

The bank said in a statement the actions reflected the board's desire to retain Scharf as the CEO and to recognize his leadership in transforming Wells Fargo.

When Scharf becomes the chairman, the board will appoint a lead independent director to maintain oversight, the bank said, without specifying when the change would take place.

"The special equity award is designed to acknowledge Charlies role in leading Wells Fargo through an unprecedented transformation, creating shareholder value and positioning the company for the future," said Steven Black, the current chairman of Wells Fargo's board.

The award will also help in maintaining Scharfs compensation relative to top executives at peer financial institutions, the bank said in a separate regulatory filing.

Wells Fargo was released last month from a punitive, seven-year-long $1.95 trillion cap on its assets.

Scharf, 60, took the helm at Wells Fargo in 2019, vowing to repair its deeply entrenched problems from a fake-accounts scandal that erupted in 2016. The bank faced a public outcry and faced billions of dollars in fines.

The bank decided to split the chairman and the CEO roles in 2016 after the scandal erupted.

JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America are other major U.S. banks where the CEO is also the chairman of the board.

Influential proxy advisers have made calls in the past to separate the two positions to bolster corporate governance. The proposal was rejected by shareholders of Goldman Sachs and Bank of America last year.

(Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru and Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Leroy Leo, Cynthia Osterman and Jamie Freed)
Australian entomologists have described a spectacular new species of the stick insect genus Acrophylla from two female specimens as well as eggs.

First described in 1835, Acrophylla is a genus of stick insects in the tribe Phasmatini.

Members of the genus are found in China, Australia, New Guinea and surrounding islands such as Tasmania and Larat.

The newly-described Acrophylla species occurs in the upland areas of the Wet Tropics Bioregion, Queensland, Australia.

These locations include Mt Lewis National Park, Evelyn Tablelands (likely including the Maalan National Park), Topaz, Upper Barron, Mt Hypipamee and Danbulla, said James Cook Universitys Professor Angus Emmott and his colleague Ross Coupland.

Named Acrophylla alta, the new species measures up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length and weighs in around 44 g.

It has a generally light brown coloration, and is extremely well camouflaged despite its large size.

There are longer stick insects out there in the region, but theyre fairly light bodied, Professor Emmott said.

From what we know to date, this is Australias heaviest insect.

Acrophylla altas eggs were also important for identifying it as a new species.

Every species of stick insect has their own distinct egg style, Professor Emmott said.

Theyve all got different surfaces and different textures and pitting, and they can be different shapes.

Even the caps on them are all very unique.

The researchers suspect that one possible reason why Acrophylla alta was not discovered until now is that its habitat is simply too difficult to access.

Their habitat could also be the reason behind their large body size, Professor Emmott said.

Its a cool, wet environment where they live.

Their body mass likely helps them survive the colder conditions, and thats why theyve developed into this large insect over millions of years.

The discovery of such a large, new species of insect is testament to the importance of protecting remaining, biologically diverse habitats and ecosystems, as there may be further species of stick insects and other insects awaiting discovery and description therein.

The discovery of Acrophylla alta is reported in a paper in the journal Zootaxa.

_____

Ross M. Coupland & Angus J. Emmott. 2025. A new giant species of Acrophylla Gray, 1835 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae: Phasmatini) from the highlands of the Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 5647 (4): 371-383; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4
MILAN  Akin to the world of high-end fashion, the furniture industry battles its own challenges in resolving creative and corporate disputes. Arhaus, the high-end furniture company founded in Ohio, is suing RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, and its co-chief merchandising and creative officer Lisa Chi over alleged traded secrets.

A civil complaint filed on July 24 to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and obtained by WWD alleges Chi violated a confidentiality agreement signed in 2022 and shared proprietary information with Corte Madera, Calif.-based RH upon being hired in 2025.

More from WWD

The documents detailed that during Chis tenure as chief merchandising officer, she had access to Arhaus trade secrets and proprietary and confidential information and routinely sent confidential documents like its four-year plan  which included information regarding sales, inventory and strategy  to her personal email account, as well as other Google storage devices, the complaint said, adding that she and RH chief executive officer Gary Friedman discussed confidential information.

As part of her preparations to leave Arhaus and join RH, Chi met with RHs CEO, Gary Friedman, for several hours to discuss Chi joining RH, one of Arhaus primary competitors. On information and belief, Chi and Friedman discussed the trade secrets and or confidential information belonging to Arhaus that Chi could bring with her to RH and utilize for the benefit of RH, the complaint stated, adding that, over time, RHs products and marketing materials have begun to resemble and replicate Arhaus products and marketing materials, including their product styles, collection selection, lifestyle imagery and catalogue.

Both Arhaus and RH were contacted by WWD and said they were not able to provide a comment.

In May, it was announced that Chi was hired by RH and stepped into the role of president, co-chief merchandising and creative officer. In this role, Chi currently reports to Friedman and co-leads product development, merchandising, inventory planning, sourcing, manufacturing and marketing. Before joining Arhaus in 2021, she had previously worked at RH.

The complaint seeks damages and compensation for legal fees and that the trade secrets and other confidential information be returned to Arhaus. It also compels the court to place Chi in a position at RH in which she cannot utilize Arhaus trade secrets and confidential information. They also request the court require the defendants to confirm, via a qualified third-party auditing, that all of Arhaus trade secrets and confidential information have been removed from Chis electronic mail and storage accounts.
Key Points

Cameco crushed on Q2 earnings this morning, with profit 5x what it earned a year ago.

Uranium prices are on the rise, boosting revenue and profit.

Analysts expect Cameco to earn more than $1 per share this year.

10 stocks we like better than Cameco 

Shares of Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), the Canadian uranium mining company, tumbled 3.8% through 12:35 p.m. ET Thursday despite breezing past earnings forecasts this morning.

Analysts forecast Cameco would earn $0.52 per share in Canadian dollars in Q2, but the company actually earned C$0.71 -- more than five times last year's Q2 profit, according to The Fly. Revenue for the quarter was C$877 million.

Image source: Getty Images.

Cameco Q2 earnings

What's wrong with that, you ask? Honestly, I'm at a loss. CEO Tim Gitzel praised the "resilience" of his company's "uranium, fuel services, and" its 49% interest in Westinghouse.

Average selling prices are on the rise, boosting both revenue and profit. Cameco grew its sales 47% year over year, and 5xed its profit -- despite the company's cost of sales rising a bit "due to the costs of the planned annual maintenance shutdown at the Key Lake mill."

Peering ahead, Cameco raised expectations for the rest of 2025, too. Uranium prices are expected to average as much as C$87 per pound this year, up from the prior guess of C$84. Westinghouse profits are improving, too, with adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) being perhaps as high as US$580 million -- 43% better than previously predicted.

Management didn't give clear guidance for this year's earnings, granted, but analysts on average think profits could be as much as $1.01 -- in U.S. dollars.

Is Cameco stock a buy?

But here's the thing: Even assuming Cameco hits that target, with the stock trading for nearly $75 a share today, the company costs nearly 74 times forward earnings, which is very expensive. Granted, analysts have Cameco pegged for a 65% five-year earnings growth rate, and if Cameco achieves that, the stock price not be too much.

But if it falls short... look out below.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cameco right now?

Before you buy stock in Cameco, 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 Cameco 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 $638,629!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,098,838!*
Paulette Jiles, "a horse-riding poet who wrote historical novels that evoked the grit and natural grandeur of the 19th-century American West, notably in News of the World, in which a Civil War veteran and a 10-year-old girl embark on a 400-mile journey in search of the girl's relatives," died July 8 at age 82, the New York Times reported.



Jiles published six books of poetry, two memoirs, and nine novels. News of the World (2016) sold more than 700,000 copies, was shortlisted for a National Book Award, and adapted into a 2020 film directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks. Her other books include North Spirit (1995), Enemy Women (2002), The Color of Lightning (2009), Lighthouse Island (2013), and Simon the Fiddler (2020).



Jiles wrote "from a small writing studio above her one-room cabin on a 32-acre ranch near Utopia, in Texas hill country, where she also played the penny whistle in a bluegrass band, sang in a local choir and made frequent riding trips to Mexico and elsewhere. At the ranch, she kept two horses, Buck and Jackson, two cats and a koi fish," the Times noted.



Born in Missouri, Jiles moved to Canada in 1969 and worked as a freelance journalist for the CBC. She remained in Canada through the 1970s and much of the '80s.



In 1973, she published her first poetry collection, Waterloo Express (1973), which was edited by Margaret Atwood, who worked for House of Anansi Press at the time. In an e-mail to the Times, Atwood described Jiles as "tough, smart," a serious writer who "pulled no punches." Jiles's second collection, Celestial Navigation (1984), received a Governor General's Award.



Jiles returned to the U.S. in the late 1980s and published Blackwater (1988), a collection of poems and prose. Around that time, Jiles met Jim Johnson, a retired army lieutenant colonel, on a camping trip. At Johnson's suggestion, they soon went on a seven-month road trip across the U.S., which she recounted in her 1992 memoir, Cousins. They married in 1991, but divorced in 2003.



In a remembrance in Texas Monthly after Jiles's death, poet Naomi Shihab Nye described her as "brilliant and driven and, sometimes, prickly."



After the publication of Enemy Women in 2002, Jiles told the San Antonio Express-News that she wanted to keep her quiet, secluded day-to-day existence: "I just hope my life continues to be dull and plodding. It's the best thing for me."
Key Points

An analyst downgraded the stock.

He now feels it is only a hold as opposed to a buy.

10 stocks we like better than Novo Nordisk 

The hits just kept coming for beleaguered Ozempic and Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) on Thursday. The company, which has been slammed with investor sell-offs since cutting its guidance on Tuesday, fell by almost 6% as yet another analyst weighed in with a bearish take on its prospects. The S&P 500 index, meanwhile, traded down only slightly.

A downgrade to hold

That pundit was HSBC's Rajesh Kumar, who downgraded his recommendation on Novo Nordisk that morning.

Image source: Getty Images.

Kumar now believes the stock is only worthy of a hold recommendation, down from his previous assessment of buy. He also significantly lowered his price target, chopping it to 360 Danish krone ($55.49) per share from the preceding 680 krone ($104.81).

According to reports, Kumar particularly expressed concern about compounded weight-loss drugs, a form of competition that has affected Novo Nordisk's otherwise lively Ozempic and Wegovy sales. The analyst wrote that although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned compounding, rivals continue to sell such drugs illegally.

Kumar does not believe this situation will change much in the near future, so he believes current estimates for total GLP-1 drug sales might be overestimated.

Reasons to be cheerful

The HSBC pundit certainly raises valid concerns and questions, although the ultimate effect of the compounding ban on Novo Nordisk will depend on how effectively it's enforced; perhaps, in contrast to Kumar's view, the offending parties will be caught and punished.

I wouldn't be as down on the Danish company as the analyst. That hot competition only proves how popular Wegovy and its ilk are at the moment, and in a vast country like the U.S. that has a clear problem with obesity, that should continue to motor its fundamentals higher.

Should you buy stock in Novo Nordisk right now?

Before you buy stock in Novo Nordisk, 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 Novo Nordisk 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 $638,629!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,098,838!*
The NYPD is asking for the publics help to locate a 16-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Mariners Harbor. Keyniah Gibbs was last seen leaving her residence on Post Lane on Thursday, July 31, around 8 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Police described the girl as standing about 5 feet, 7 inches tall with a medium build. She weighs about 125 pounds and has a dark complexion, black hair and black eyes. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black shorts and black sandals, the NYPD said in the statement. (Courtesy of the NYPD)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD is asking for the publics help to locate a 16-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Mariners Harbor.

Keyniah Gibbs was last seen leaving her residence on Post Lane on Thursday, July 31, around 8 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Police described the girl as standing about 5 feet, 7 inches tall with a medium build. She weighs about 125 pounds and has a dark complexion, black hair and black eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black shorts and black sandals, the NYPD said in the statement.

The NYPD provided a photo of the girl to the media.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this individual is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.
According to the City, Business improvement districts like the New Dorp Lane District BID typically empty public litter baskets as part of their services, previously placing the tied-up liners next to the baskets for sanitation pickup  a practice that will no longer be permitted under the new rules.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island Business Improvement Districts are preparing for New York Citys new trash containerization rules, but without increasing costs to their members, according to local BID leaders.

As part of their beautification responsibilities, the local BIDsorganizations that are paid for by small businesses like stores and restaurants in a designated areapick up trash from streets and sidewalks inside their bounds.

Historically, the BIDs would place bagged trash beside public litter baskets in their districts for city Department of Sanitation pickup.

However, the Department of Sanitations new rule, which takes effect Friday, now prohibits BIDs, merchant associations and similar organizations from placing trash bags on sidewalks or next to public litter baskets. Instead, these organizations must now use rigid containers with tight-fitting lids.

Restaurants and other businesses within BID corridors will not be directly affected by this specific rule, as they are already required to hire private carters for waste removal and have been required to use containers with lids for more than a year.

The change will come with some cost to the BIDs, but the organizations are looking for solutions to avoid increasing dues charged to the small businesses.

The SIEDC understands the citys aim to create cleaner, safer streets. At the same time, protecting the stability of small businesses remains our top priority, said a spokesperson for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), which manages the West Shore BID and New Dorp Lane District BID on Staten Island. As we do every fiscal year, well work closely with our BID boards to ensure waste is managed with compliance to the new rule and within the current budget before discussing impacts to assessments.

Gary Fleming, president of the South Shore Business Improvement District, confirmed that his organization has already found a solution that wont increase costs for member businesses.

We have partnered with Junk Heros, a local junk removal company, to handle the removal of garbage from the bins that the NYC Department of Sanitation will no longer be collecting, Fleming said. Junk Heroes is also responsible for the town cleanings and plantings we conduct throughout the year, so they are well-equipped to handle this additional responsibility.

Fleming emphasized that there will be no increases to the assessments of our BID members for this service and that the organization remains committed to keeping costs manageable while continuing to provide essential services to our businesses.

Nina Flores from the Forest Avenue BID said, This regulation will impact the supplemental waste that accumulates along the corridor, which is currently addressed through our BIDs daily sanitation and sweeping services. We anticipate needing to adjust how this additional garbage is managed in accordance with the new requirements.

She added, No, there will be no increase in assessments for our business owners to cover the costs of compliance. The Forest Avenue BID has proactively applied for external funding to help offset the financial burden associated with implementing containerization. We are grateful to our local elected officials for advocating on behalf of BIDs and securing a FY2026 City Council allocation to support compliance with these new sanitation regulations.

The South Shore BID has a trash plan in place for the new law change. In the meantime, the group has other roles like organizing the annual August "Taste of the Towns" which takes visitors through Eltingville, Annadale, Great Kills and Pleasant Plains.

Nuances of the law

The new sanitation rule is part of the citys broader Trash Revolution initiative aimed at reducing street litter and rat populations. According to the Department of Sanitation, the first seven months of low-density residential containerization have already resulted in decreased rat sightings reported to 311 compared to the same months in the previous year.

Under the new regulations, BIDs have several compliance options, including using rigid receptacles with tight-fitting lids not exceeding 55 gallons, transporting waste directly to Department garages, using wheeled containers no larger than one cubic yard, or placing waste in approved containers coordinated with the Department of Transportation.

While the rule takes effect this August, the Sanitation Department has stated it will only issue warnings through January 2, 2026, before beginning to issue summonses. The department has also indicated it will work with organizations that face feasibility challenges in meeting the deadline.

The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) hosts conferences and does business outreach on Staten Island. It also administers two of the borough's BIDs  the West Shore and New Dorp Lane District BIDS. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

What is a BID?

According to the City, Business improvement districts provide supplemental services beyond those offered by the city, including street cleaning, public safety, marketing and beautification. BIDs typically empty public litter baskets as part of their services, previously placing the tied-up liners next to the baskets for sanitation pickup  a practice that will no longer be permitted under the new rules.

According to Nina Flores of the Forest Avenue BID, "We are committed to ensuring our BID remains clean, compliant, and welcoming, and we will continue to work closely with our businesses to navigate this transition smoothly." The BID organizes winter strolls and coordinates a daily trash cleanup. Pamela Silvestri

BIDs were designed to play a vital role in enhancing their neighborhoods by promoting local businesses, organizing community events, and advocating for district improvements. By the spirit of the law, they serve as a bridge between merchants and city government, offering a unified voice that helps shape policy through their deep understanding of local needs. To cover administrative costs, a dollar amount is assessed on the tax bill of each property owner within the BID. A landlord is obligated to pay that amount but can pass it along to a tenant either in the rent or as a separate charge acknowledged in a lease.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Tucked away at the end of Prospect Avenue in New Brighton, a beautiful 42-acre woodland property is the site of the Childrens Aid Society and the camp at Goodhue Center.

Some of the land has become NYC Parks Department property as well.

Back in 1912, the CAS set up a lovely 42-acre campus on Staten Island, thanks to the generous donation from philanthropist Sara Goodhue.

Fun fact: The beautiful main house and land was once her summer home.

Originally a summer camp for boys and a farm school for disadvantaged girls, it soon became a safe haven for homeless and orphaned children from Manhattan. At Goodhue, children received medical care and agricultural training before being adopted into new homes and families.

By the 1950s, Goodhue had expanded its services to become a full-service community center. It offers after-school programs, summer day camp, teen programs and a computer learning center.

Several former campers and teen volunteers are still actively involved at Goodhue today, in various capacities. The large pool was constructed in 1936 as part of the WPA project. (The Works Progress Administration was an American New Deal agency that employed millions of job seekers to carry out public work projects.)

Director Ilene Papperts first job at Goodhue was as a counselor at the summer day camp in 1975. She moved to Staten Island, where she raised her familt, in 1980, eventually becoming the centers director in 1989.

Pappert recalled that it was around 2005 when discussions began about selling some land to afford the construction of a new building. Local elected officials intervened and facilitated the NYC Parks Departments purchase of the land.

It was a win-win for the community and everyone involved, she said.

As the 230 campers arrive throughout the summer, they greet each other on the great lawn under the large trees. They play various games until the day starts with a community meeting at 9:30 a.m. where they discuss the days events and focus. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided to all the campers.

We want this (summer camp) to be about nature, relationships, and play all day,' said Pappert. There are cooking classes, theater, sports, art and nature studies with a nature specialist. They explore the woods and sometimes have picnics there."

Pappert said the children made smores the other day and enjoy a 30-minute reading time.

Campers can read anything,' she said. So, we have a lot of different activities, and they swim every single day, with lessons. Its like going to day camp in the 1950s; screens are not allowed, very discouraged. We need the kids to know they would survive without it (screens).

From the campers point of view:

Temi Ojo, 11, says: My Favorite things about this camp are making friends and swimming in the pool. Ive been coming here for five years and love the nature walks too.

Lana Rivera, a 10-year-old camper, said her favorite dish to make in cooking class so far was a zucchini noodle pie. Campers in the three groups defined by age, Biddys, Juniors, and Seniors, said they enjoy the pool and nature activities the most.

NEW SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT: This summer, SILive.com is offering a new perk exclusively for subscribers: Log in, click on the photo gallery to see if we photographed your favorite camper and choose GET PHOTO to download free print-quality images. Plus, get 50% off the purchase of swimming-related keepsakes. If youre not already a subscriber, sign up here. Note to mobile app users: To download high-resolution photos, please access this story from a standard mobile or desktop/laptop web browser.
Victoria Levin will lead Staten Island's Special Victims and Pathways to Justice initiatives after 16 years with the Richmond County District Attorneys Office. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Richmond County District Attorneys Office is expanding its efforts to protect victims and enhance public safety.

Recently, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon named longtime prosecutor Victoria Levin as executive assistant district attorney for Special Victims and Pathways to Justice. This newly expanded leadership role aims to strengthen services for survivors and advance justice-driven reform.

Staten Islands most vulnerable deserve a champion in the courtroom who will work tirelessly to secure justice for them, said the district attorney. Victoria has dedicated the past 16 years of her career to standing up for the survivors and victims of some of Staten Islands most serious and sensitive cases, and I look forward to all that she will continue to do in her new role to make our beloved borough even safer.

Since joining the district attorneys office in 2009, Levin has prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases focusing on domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and homicides, with particular expertise in cases involving serious mental illness.

During her 16-year tenure at the district attorneys office, she has held several key leadership positions, including deputy bureau chief for the Criminal Court Bureau, unit chief of the Juvenile Justice Unit, and division chief for Domestic Violence. By joining the executive team, she brings with her a strong foundation in felony prosecution and policy development.

In this new leadership role, Levin will oversee the prosecutions of cases handled by the Special Victims Bureau, Domestic Violence Bureau, Victim Advocacy Unit, Alternatives to Incarceration Unit, and Immigration Affairs Unit.

Beyond her prosecutorial responsibilities, Levin represents the district attorneys office on numerous outside agencies, statewide roundtables, and task forces, some of which include the Mayors Office to Combat Domestic Violence, Community Health Action of Staten Island, and the NYPD Special Victims Unit.

Levin has worked closely with partner organizations across New York state, helping advise on important legislation related to domestic violence, including the New York State Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, New York State Strangulation Best Practices, and the New York State Domestic Violence Fatality Review. She has also played a key role in improving training protocols for both NYPD officers and prosecutors.

Education and legal Training

Levin earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 2008, where she served as president of the American Constitution Society, worked as a facilitator of the Courtroom Advocates Project under the Legal Association of Women, and earned awards for academic and judicial excellence. She graduated from Fordham University in 2005 with a bachelors degree in Political Science and Sociology, along with honors certification in Peace & Justice Studies.

With a deep-rooted commitment to justice and extensive hands-on experience, Levins expanded role is set to further elevate the offices approach to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable.
(Courtesy of the New York City Department of Health)

According to city Department of Health data, West Nile virus has been detected in in every Staten Island ZIP code as of July 25, 2025. (Courtesy of the New York City Department of Health)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With West Nile virus detected in mosquitos across the borough, doctors on Staten Island are recommending caution.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, and though many cases are asymptomatic, some present flu-like symptoms. The most serious cases affect the nervous system.

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been detected across New York City, with Staten Island accounting for the majority of recent cases, according to data from the New York City Health Department.

According to data trap results taken on July 25, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus were detected in every Staten Island ZIP code, according to the Health Department.

The city has been conducting aerial larviciding treatments of marshes and wetlands across the borough, according to a recent announcement.

Though only about 1% of cases are worrisome, older adults and those with underlying conditions are at the biggest risk to develop serious symptoms, said Dr. Norman Ng, an emergency physician and director of the division of observation medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

I dont want to scare the public, but I think they should know about it,' Ng said. Panic isnt necessary, but a heightened awareness and proactive approach is definitely suggested.

West Nile cannot be spread person-to-person through casual contact. In rare cases, the virus has been spread through transfusions of infected blood or transplantations of infected organs, according to the city Health Department.

Though we all have the same chance of contracting West Nile Virus, seniors and immunocompromised people are more likely to contract it and develop a neuroinvasive disease, Ng said.

The red flags were looking for are confusion, seizures, high fever, neck stiffness, worsening headache, new weakness or numbness," Ng said.

As of July 30, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported by Richmond University Medical Center or SIUH.

Yet, the highest rate of transmission is reached in August and September, said Dr. Jess Saverimuttu, an infectious disease specialist at RUMC, in West Brighton.

We havent reached that yet, said Saverimutto, chair of the infectious disease committee at RUMC. We have to wait and see what happens in August and September.

Yet, despite the low percentage of serious illness thus far, residents should consider the high number of mosquitoes testing positive and should watch for red flags indicating serious illness, Staten Island physicians warn.

Preventative measures

The best thing to do to prevent being bitten is to wear repellent, both Ng and Saverimuttu said.

Repellents are the best chance we have,' Ng said, noting that some people have reactions to repellents and will have to carefully select the ones that work best for them.

I dont think it should keep you from going out, but if you do you should take the proper precautions,' said Ng.

Extra caution is required to protect those over age 55 and those who are immunocompromised, the doctors said.

Those undergoing chemotherapy or with uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk, Saverimuttu said.

People should also take more precautions if they have cancer, have had organ transplants or have HIV, the doctors said.

Saverimuttu said mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Be aware that thats the time when you have to be more cautious,' she said.

To avoid attracting mosquitoes, eliminate stagnant water near your home by removing anything that gathers rain, the Health Department urges.

Old tires, buckets, clogged gutters or drains and childrens pools are all potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the experts said.

West Nile is actually endemic to New York City, with the first case identified here in summer 1999, according to the city Department of Health.

Tips for repelling mosquitoes:

Most insect repellents need to be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Repellents with natural ingredients do not need to be registered. When used as directed, EPA-registered and CDC-recommended insect repellents are safe and effective, even for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to the city Health Department.

The city Health Department offers these tips for using repellents:

Follow the directions on the repellents label.

Apply a light coat of repellent to exposed skin. You should not spray repellent under your clothes.

Do not apply repellent to clothing.

Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.

Do not apply products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Do not use repellent near food or drink.

When inside, wash treated skin with soap and water. Always wash your hands before eating or drinking.

If mosquitoes are biting you inside, check window and door screens for holes that allow mosquitoes inside, the Health Department advised.

If, after checking, mosquitoes are still biting, hire an exterminator certified by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City Mayor Eric Adams affirmed that hate has no place in New York during an interview on the Smart Girl Dumb Questions podcast, hosted by Nayeema Raza.

During the interview, Raza asked Adams if he feels theres some Islamophobia around (Zohran) Mamdanis race. Adams is seeking re-election to a second term as an independent. Among his challengers is Mamdani, who is running as the Democratic candidate.

In response to Raza, Adams said the following:

Yes, there are people who are saying very hurtful and harmful things. Listen, there are people in New York who have hate in their heart. We cant lie about that. But look where I have been on this subject. When a young woman was attacked for wearing a hijab years ago, I went out and visited her and took the bus into Staten Island to say this cant happen. 

The mayor was referring to his efforts in the wake of a viral rant against a Muslim woman aboard a Staten Island bus back in 2018.

In July 2018, a video circulated the internet and garnered thousands of views. In the clip, a bus passenger, who identified herself as Ashley, is seen riding the S53 bound for Staten Island from Brooklyn and berating a woman dressed in a headscarf. Knowing she was being filmed, Ashley yells about how the woman isnt a citizen, ICE is knocking at her door, and how the Muslim woman thinks she has rights she doesnt have.

In the wake of the viral incident, Adams, then Brooklyn borough president, led an interfaith solidarity ride. Adams, who was joined by a group of about 15 people, rode the S53 and shared a message against hate at the time.

We will not remain silent whenever racism or hatred delivers or shows their face in this city, Adams said at the time.

This photo from July 15, 2018, shows former Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams leading an "interfaith bus ride" as a show of solidarity after a muslim woman was berated on a Staten-Island-bound MTA bus. (Advance/SILive.com | Paul Liotta)

Today it was a person who wore a hijab, tomorrow its a person who wears a yarmulke, or a kufi, or is simply someone trying to move from one place to the next, he continued.

In addition to this local effort, on this weeks podcast Adams also mentioned other instances where he spoke against hate.

When someone put out a flyer saying kill a Muslim day, I walked the street with my Muslim brothers and sisters and said, this cannot happen in our city, said Adams. And during 9/11, I was a police officer at the time. On Coney Island Avenue during 9/11, there were major sweeps in that community that young men were picked up. I went to Third Avenue and 30-something Street where the federal penitentiary is located and called for their release. I said, this is wrong what were doing to these young men.

So theres a history that just as I stood with Jewish brothers and sisters, Sikh community when they attacked, AAPI community, he added. Theres a history of me saying hate has no place in New York. 
SharpLink Gaming was previously a little-known online gambling marketer, but rebranded to become an Ethereum treasury company in May . In making this move, the firm raised $425 million to purchase ETH, and Consensys CEO and Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin joined its board of directors. The company now holds 438,190 ETH , or $1.647 billion worth of the asset.

Besides that, I also want to have some yield on that ETH, and I don't want to be researching what each protocol is offering, the whale told Decrypt . I want somebody else to do it for me. Obviously, I have to pay a premium for that I'm happy to pay a premium for having my ETH custodied by the best in the business and having it deployed by the best in the business.

SharpLink Whale explained that, firstly, he simply doesnt want to be responsible for safely storing such a large amount of Ethereum, jokingly citing concerns that his motherboard will burn because Im downloading too much porn or whatever.

He believes that Ethereum will have its moment now and set new all-time highs, and that the ETH-to-BTC ratio could double this year. Despite this, he doesnt own any Ethereum outside of his SBET fortunes.

SharpLink Whale told Decrypt that he started purchasing SharpLink stock, which trades as SBET, at around $14, as the initial hype around its Ethereum treasury plans started to die out. The European trader purchased just shy of $1 million worth of the stock to start with, and following a number of subsequent sales and purchases, he now holds $3 million worth, as verified during a call with Decrypt .

A pseudonymous man known as  SharpLink Whale  currently holds approximately $3 million worth of stock in Ethereum treasury company SharpLink Gaming. While the former traditional finance worker is bullish on the firm, he doesnt hold any Ethereumand isn't buying into other treasury companies .

Story Continues

The SharpLink Whale believes that SBET is best positioned to manage how it acquires yield, and warns against other firms jumping on the treasury company trend.

I'm pretty sure it's already turning into a grift, he told Decrypt. A lot of times in crypto, what happens is: There's something that has a big success, you have a lot of copycats, and people think they missed out on the main oneso they try to get the copycat, and they get fucked over.

Lubins involvement is core to the SharpLink Whales thesis on the company. He believes that Lubin is the second-best persononly behind Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterinto help the company safely custody the ETH while also outlining a sound strategy to produce yield.

Yield refers to the process of earning a return from an asset. In this case, rather than simply holding or staking Ethereum, a user may choose to provide liquidity for a protocol, for example, in exchange for a percentage yield on the ETH they are providing.

As such, SharpLink Whale believes most people should avoid crypto treasury copycats and only pay attention to SharpLink, as well as Michael Saylors Bitcoin-centric Strategy. That said, he also sees potential in BitMine Immersion Technologies because of Tom Lees involvement and his connection with Wall Street.

Outside of that, the whale mostly thinks it's best to ignore emerging treasury firms, as hes not convinced theyre going to outperform the aforementioned companies at acquiring yield on the assets. He also has concerns about safe custody, laughing and suggesting that an inexperienced company could click a dodgy link and lose everything.

Ethereum Layer-2 Linea Reveals Token Plans, Taps SharpLink and Others for Distribution

Who is SharpLink Whale?

SharpLink Whale told Decrypt that he is a European man in his early 30s, currently working as a full-time trader and stay-at-home dad. He started his career in traditional finance before pivoting to crypto approximately four years ago, working a relatively boring job at a DeFi company.

He said that he made his initial $1 million SBET buy from the proceeds two major bets on Coinbase and Nvidia stocks that brought a 9x boost to his net worth.

The SharpLink millionaires story mirrors that of the Dogecoin Millionaire, an American man who profited millions of dollars by purchasing DOGE. However, Glauber "ProTheDoge" Contessoto famously did not sell any Dogecoin at its peak, which soon fell so hard that he lost his Dogecoin Millionaire titlethough he regained it more than a year later.

'Dogecoin Millionaire' Is Now a Pepe MillionaireAnd Hes Stacking These Meme Coins Next

The pseudonymous SharpLink millionaire refuses to fall to the same fate, and has already sold parts of his positiondespite his growing social media following centering on his SBET holdings.

At one point, SharpLink Whale told Decrypt, he sold his entire SBET portfolio at around $40 and bought back in once it dipped to $20. In total, the trader has realized more than $2.5 million in profit on SBET despite his current holdings being down $126,000 from when he bought back inalbeit still sizably up from the initial buy.

You feel kind of inclined not to sell. When I sell, I could just not tell people, but I want to be straight up. But obviously, it panics a lot of people, he told Decrypt. People also need to learn that you always need to make your own decisions. If I'm long SharpLink and it goes down 20%, it hurts. But it was my decision, it's fine. But if I long it purely based on some anonymous Twitter account or even friends, and then it goes down, it feels different.

Days before taking a call with Decrypt, the SharpLink millionaire started to get cold feet as he claimed he was looking to exit his position. He said that the swings in price were too much to stomach, claiming that his portfolio shifted more than $500,000 in one day.

Now, hes looking to diversify his portfolio into more stable assets so he can get a better night's sleepwhich he claims has been greatly disturbed since he first bought SBET. What stable assets, you may ask? Bitcoin, of course one of the most notoriously volatile assets of all time, though the chaos has been calming lately.
Donald Trump and Melania, financier (and future convicted sex offender) Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, February 12, 2000. (Photo by Davidoff Studios/Getty Images) Getty Images

It was stealing involving real estate, not workers, that led to the falling out between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, according to the presidents biographer.

In an interview with MeidasTouch, journalist and Trump biographer Michael Wolff recounted how Epstein believed Trump betrayed him.

In 2004, according to Wolff, Epstein believed he was the high bidder on a Palm Beach, Florida, house Epstein offered to buy for $36 million.

Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 in a federal prison in New York after being indicted on federal sex trafficking charges, took Trump around to see the home to help him about moving the houses swimming pool.

Trump, thereupon, went around Epsteins back and bid $40 million for the house, and got the property Wolff claimed.

Epstein, who was deeply involved with Trumps scattered finances knew Trump did not have that kind of money to make the purchase, Wolff alleged.

Epstein believed the $40 million actually came from Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Russian oligarch.

Less than two years later, this same house that Trump had bought for $40 million was sold for $95 million and it was, in fact, sold to Mr. Rybolovlev, Wolff said.

This is all a red flag for money laundering, the biographer said.

Epstein was furious, Wolff claimed.

Theres something about these guys that nothing rouses them so much as a real estate betrayal, he said.

Epstein began to threaten Trump, including with filing lawsuits and going to the media with claims that Trump was a front for a money laundering operation, according to Wolff.

Trump panics at this point and Epstein believed ... that it was Trump who went to the police ... and, as Epstein said, dropped the dime on him -- that is to say, informed the police of what was going on and an investigation began and all of Epsteins legal problems for the next 15 years began to unfold.

Wolff said the story was included in Siege, his second book about the Trump White House in 2019.

Epstein read the book, Wolff said, and the financier panicked.

He called me with some alarm, and he said he was afraid he might have said too much, Wolff said.

Three weeks later, he returned to the United States from Paris and was promptly arrested on the tarmac of Teterboro Airport in New Jersey when his plane landed.

Wolffs recounting contradicts Trumps claim that he cut ties with Epstein because the disgraced financier poached young women from the Mar-a-Lago spa.

Last week, the Trump administration said the president banned Epstein from Trumps Mar-a-Lago club because Epstein was a creep.

But Monday, Trump said the falling out occurred because Epstein poached Mar-a-Lago employees.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday that both explanations were the same thing, sort of. A little bit of the same thing.

He took people from that worked for me, and I told him, dont do it anymore. And he did it. And I said, stay the hell out of here, Trump said.
MIAMI  With Luis Gil set to make his regular season debut on Sunday in Miami, something had to give in the Yankees starting rotation.

Either Cam Schlittler or Will Warren would be heading down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre or veteran starter Marcus Stroman would be on his way out.
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!
Advertisement

Review Eating outMurrumbeena Japanese fusion cafes have swept Melbourne, but this suburban sushi spot goes back to basics Find affordable omakase and comfort food items at Orianna Sushi Cafe in Murrumbeena. Dani Valent August 3, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 6 Inside the Murrumbeena cafe. Luis Enrique Ascui 2 / 6 The wagyu blanket dish, draped over mounds of seasoned rice, and topped with salmon roe cured in sake. Luis Enrique Ascui 3 / 6 Matcha at Orianna. Luis Enrique Ascui 4 / 6 Cake is also available. Luis Enrique Ascui 5 / 6 The chefs sushi selection dish. Luis Enrique Ascui 6 / 6 Katsu chicken curry. Luis Enrique Ascui Previous Slide Next Slide Japanese$$$$ What does one of Australias top sushi chefs do when they start thinking about retirement? Apparently, they open a Japanese cafe in the suburbs, serving incredible food at extremely reasonable prices. The only problem is, Dani Liems offering is so good that hes not getting pensioned off any time soon. Orianna opened in April, south of Hughesdale station in a sleepy little strip. The 22-seat cafe is in a modern shop with apartments above. If I lived here, Id be running a tab, coming in the morning for well-made espresso and rice balls, mid-morning for matcha strawberry cake, and back at lunch (and two nights a week), alternating between Japanese comfort food and sushi. Related Article Two-hat sushi restaurant opens a casual spin-off for city workers

Advertisement

Liem was born in Indonesia, but hes cooked Japanese food for 25 years, including a period training in Tokyo in the early noughts. More recently, he was in charge of the omakase and kaiseki (seasonal set menu) offerings at South Melbournes hatted Komeyui. Hes still consulting at new city restaurant Sushi Sho, too, where dinner costs $268. The chefs selection at Orianna is just $38. Granted, its not as lavish, and the nine pieces of seafood-on-rice are presented all at once on a platter, rather than bite-by-bite as with traditional omakase, but the careful sourcing and the skill behind each mouthful is on par. Its outstanding. The chefs sushi selection dish. Luis Enrique Ascui You might get kingfish that has been wrapped in kombu for a day to infuse it with umami, beautifully cut and topped with lightly cooked, salted spring onion. Simultaneously delicate and intense, its draped over perfectly seasoned rice, every grain plump and distinct. Salmon is brushed with nikiri, a bonito-infused soy sauce that adds dimension. Prawn is daubed with buttered soy thats then torched, boosting seafood sweetness with smoky wonder. Scallop is expertly cut, fanned out and paired with a little foie gras. The combination of shellfish and liver dates to the chefs time at Komeyui. I remember eating a steamed oyster there in 2022. It was daubed in foie gras butter, demure and luxurious in a mouthful: theres the same finesse here.

Advertisement

Nigiri (fish on rice) and sashimi (sliced fish) are available by the piece as well, and you can grab-and-go onigiri (filled rice balls). There are handrolls for breakfast or lunch on the go, plus sushi platters for the home or office. The comfort food items on the one-page menu are Liems little pushback to the Japanese fusion cafes that have swept Melbourne. Fusion is fine, but what about old school? In this, he thinks back to early work experiences at key restaurant Izakaya Chuji, which was Victorias first izakaya (casual Japanese bar) when it opened in 1989, running all the way through to the tough days of the pandemic. Katsu chicken curry. Luis Enrique Ascui Oriannas chicken katsu curry is nostalgia in a bowl, the crumbs crisp and golden, the cutlet juicy and springy, the butter-laden mustardy gravy seeping into glistening rice. Surely a dish with blanket in the name is as comforting as it gets: the wagyu blanket is shaved slices of marbled Australian wagyu, lightly cooked, draped over mounds of seasoned rice, and topped with salmon roe cured in sake. Its quirky and surprising  not to mention mind-boggling value at $15  the meat lightly seasoned with bonito stock and soy, and dissolving in the mouth. Liems wife, Sintia, is a pastry chef: her chiffon cake melts into creamy air and her chocolate cake is a warm, gooey delight, filled with salted caramel and perfect with coffee or matcha. A liquor license is on the way.

Advertisement

Orianna comes from the Latin for golden sunlight or dawn. Liem chose the name because it suggests rebirth, something new happening to me, he said. I love the idea of this pseudo-retirement as a beginning, as well as a gesture towards slowing down. Such good sushi, in a casual cafe setting, at super-keen prices, is certainly something new for Melbourne. Three more new sushi spots to try Sushi Takezo The space that was kaiseki restaurant Matsus first home is now a six-seat sushi restaurant from Takeshi Murakami, previously head sushi chef at The Langham. Hes using connections with seafood suppliers to source premium fish for omakase banquets, served with sake or French wine. 157A Barkly Street, Footscray, sushitakezo.com.au Kaiten Sushi Train There are two speeds of food delivery at this Chaddy spot. The slow train trundles on its loop with better-than-average sushi dishes: spy and try. Theres also a fast train that hurtles down an elevated track to deliver food youve ordered from a touch screen. That might be premium sushi, rice dishes or fried chicken. Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, kaitensushi.com.au Doma Eatery New in the east, this daytime cafe has a serious approach to coffee and a Japanese fusion menu  think soy butter spaghetti and a fried chicken burger with teriyaki sauce  as well as a couple of sushi handrolls. The crumbed prawn roll is smooshed with paprika aioli and tempura batter scraps for extra texture. 319A Doncaster Road, Balwyn North, instagram.com/doma.eatery Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
I met him in a pet shop on Chapel Street in Melbourne, perched on the top tier of a multi-level cat townhouse. He slept as if warmed by beams of sunlight on a hay bale, rather than a grimy city pet shop, oblivious to his hectic surroundings. I loved him immediately, racing to the pet store during my lunch breaks to admire him through the plexiglass.

Insatiably adventurous and a compulsive street fighter, Horse refused to be contained indoors.

Finally, after weeks of these visits, the manager of the pet store approached me with a gruff offering: I could have the grey kitten half-price, but he needed him gone ASAP. I walked out of the shop with a warm, heavy cardboard carrier tucked under my arm. For no particular reason, I named him Horse  not after the tomcat in Footrot Flats, and not, as a vet suggested after neutering him, because of the impressive size of his testicles.

The sleepy boy I knew from the shop transformed into a cyclonic force as soon as he was released from his carrier, skidding up and down the floorboards of my flat with such velocity that my downstairs neighbour felt compelled to lodge a formal complaint with council.

Horse proved to be the feline equivalent of a bad boyfriend, both demonically possessive and a completely free agent. Insatiably adventurous and a compulsive street fighter, he refused to be contained indoors, whining incessantly to be let out, teetering suggestively on window ledges and balconies, and occasionally making good on his threats to jump. One such jump resulted in a badly broken leg, necessitating extensive surgery and a long hospital stay. When I came to visit, the vet nurse asked me to leave the room while he did his observations: Horses heartbeat couldnt be heard over his purring when we were together.
Writer Adam Courtenay has written several books on Australian history, but his latest work, on his late father, the author Bryce Courtenay, is bound to attract attention. Here, the 61-year-old talks about the influential women in his life, and the complicated relationship he had with his dad.

Adam Courtenay: My fathers illegitimacy left an enormous scar  he found it shameful and didnt tell me until I was 30. Credit: Louise Kennerley

My paternal grandmother, Paddy, was born in South Africa in 1905. She was this tiny figure who was extremely religious. For her, the Lord was the way, the only way.

Paddy was a dressmaker. She fell in love with Arthur Ryder, who worked at the same clothing store. He said he had two grown children whod left home and was going to divorce his wife. They lived together and Paddy had my aunt, Rosemary, and my father, Bryce [Courtenay, the author] out of wedlock.

Paddy discovered Arthur had a loving wife and six children at home to whom he later returned. In those days, Paddys unmarried status was tantamount to being a witch, so she moved frequently with her two children to reinvent herself.
Her boss is supportive, and, coincidentally, three of Kitteltys six or so colleagues have people close to them who have also called on the generosity of the volunteers of Heartfelt. Kittelty has done more than 300 photo sessions for bereaved families. Sara Sidhoms baby, Leon, was discovered not to have a heartbeat at 35 weeks and six days gestation. Sidhom needs no time to think about her answer when asked what it meant to her and her husband, Angelos, that Kittelty came and photographed their firstborn child with enormous care. Kylie Kittelty, left, with parents Sara and Angelos Sidhom, and photos taken by Kylie shortly after their baby, Leon, died after being born at 35 weeks and six days gestation. Credit: Simon Schluter Its everything, she says. Its all that we have left of him. Even the warmth of the gesture was deeply comforting.

Loading Its the most vulnerable Ive ever been in my life, Sidhom says. Id just given birth for the first time, Ive lost my son, and my [now late] father-in-law was in hospital at the same time. When Kylie came, we were just met with so much kindness. Photographer Gavin Blue created Heartfelt, which is funded by small donations, in 2010 after also living through the trauma of losing an unborn child. He and the parents and volunteer photographers who spoke to this masthead are hoping to spread the word that the service exists, given that about 3000 babies are stillborn or die perinatally in Australia every year. They would like more parents to be informed about the service, especially given that 2024 research by Monash University published in Illness, Crisis and Loss found that perinatal bereavement photography contributed to post-traumatic growth in parents after having expectations of life shattered.

Having the photographer present helped parents feel validated that their baby was human and a real loss, the paper noted. Many parents reported that having the photographs helped to humanise their experience and communicate to others that their child was a beloved family member. Blue said he was motivated to start Heartfelt in part by wanting parents to have very high-quality photographs, presented beautifully and worthy of being displayed. We had a little girl who passed away at 32 weeks [gestation] in 2006; the hospital took photos, and they were brutal. I just thought, I can do something better here, he says. Most of the 306 photographers giving regular time to Heartfelt Australia and New Zealand are mothers, he says, and as of the end of May this year they had collectively done 19,351 sessions with families. Some photographers avoid doing sessions [with bereaved families] that are similar to their own circumstances, but when I hear a family has the same condition [his baby Alexandra] had, I move things to make sure I am available to them.

Loading I just really want to look after them. Doing his bit for other families gives Blue a sense of honouring his daughters life, he says. Every time I do a session, I know this keeps Alexandra close, it just keeps her memory alive for me, and [I feel] shes making a difference. Sydney photographer Amanda Naylor  also an accountant in a previous career  said she read about Heartfelt in a magazine and felt instantly thats my thing.

She and her husband had been through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, which had left her with especially heightened empathy for women who use it and lose desperately wanted babies. I am a very emotional person, Im the typical cry at a TV ad sort of person, I have a lot of empathy and a caring nature I feel is very suited to this, says Naylor, who has been donating time to do photo shoots with Heartfelt for about eight years. Photographer Amanda Naylor, right, took family portraits for Nina and Pete Tesseyman with their late baby boy Sol. They have since had baby Cassian. Credit: Jessica Hromas Ive had my [photography] business for about 10 years, but I always say this is the work Im most proud of. As well as the beautiful feedback from families who say things like if the house was on fire, thats literally what I would save, the photos from Heartfelt, for Naylor, the experience of being there at such a critical moment has enriched her life.

Its a really raw view on the experience of life, she says. We get so caught up in our day-to-day  and you come out of a session, and its like This is life and death. Im always humbled to be taken into that space and I hold that very dearly. Im often just one of a handful of people who have met their child. Naylor says having done about 100 shoots with grieving families, she is left with a sense of awe at their grace: This is the most traumatic, unexpected experience that theyre having, but theres so much humility and grace and love. You walk out just blown away by how beautiful and how big love can be. In 2022, she photographed NSW parents Nina and Pete Tesseyman and their baby, Sol, who died due to a rare condition that was not detected in utero. Ninas sister arranged Naylors visit, having become aware of the service through a friend who had Heartfelt photos taken. In the midst of such a crisis, you dont know what you should do, or whats meant to happen, or anything that is going on, says Nina, who with Pete now has a second baby son, Cassian Sol.
Palestine Action Group spokesperson, Josh Lees, has lauded the March for Humanity over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a monumental and historic moment, but says theres no plans for another demonstration over the landmark.

Lees estimated between 200,000 and 300,000 people participated in the mass demonstration on Sunday  considerably higher than police estimates of 90,000  and said the event had been without incident.

Today was just a huge display of democracy. If anyone thinks thats a bad thing ... then Id say they have a fundamentally undemocratic view of the world today, he said.

PAG spokesperson, Amal Naser, said efforts by Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police to stop the event from going ahead fuelled the huge turnout by members of the public.

The reason why that number quadrupled was because the police and the premier issued a co-ordinated campaign to attack the right to protest, and people took the urgency to come out today. They [Minns and NSW Police] gave us more publicity than we could have ever asked for this week, she said.
Fitz: So you dont accept that? Loading DH: Well, its not a yes or no question. Fitz: Im giving it as a yes or no question. Im asking for a yes or no answer. DH: There are different impacts in different communities. So in some communities, in tourist areas, etc, the impacts on the local community may not be as much. In some specific communities in NSW, it might be an issue, and it might not actually be an issue of the number of machines. It might be an issue of the number of venues.

Fitz: With the greatest respect, this is prevarication. Lets have a mind experiment. There are two communities of 10,000 people. Ones got no poker machines, the other has got one pokie for every 47 adults, which is what the situation is in the Sydney suburb of Fairfield right now. What would be your expectation of the net amount of misery in those two communities when compared? DH: Whats your definition of misery? Fitz: Start with domestic violence, bankruptcies, depression, suicides, depression, etc. DH: But are you taking into account alcohol, are you taking into account unemployment and other factors? Fitz: [Frustrated.] No. All else equal. In the Fair Dinkum Department, in the No Bullshit Department, which one do you expect will be happiest?

DH: I cant definitively say because its not black and white. Fitz: Talk about playing with [a dead bat!] Look, Minister, NSW has 37 per cent of the worlds pub and club poker machines! But weve only got 0.1 per cent of the global population! Surely this strikes you as a problem! With your job being to help fix it! DH: Gambling overall is a problem, but so is alcohol. We regulate alcohol to make sure that where possible, people are safe. So in gambling, weve got to do the same thing. We recognise that there are issues and that where people experience harm, governments have to do better at helping them, and put in place guidelines to make sure that people dont get into harm in the first place. Fitz: [Politely incredulous.] OK, but ipso facto, it doesnt strike you as: Jesus wept. This is an enormous problem! This is batshit crazy! DH: Absolutely, its a problem, but its an environment thats grown up over 30 years. And previously there was little will to make a difference, to change the environment. Were in a different environment now, and we are actually doing a whole lot of things to make that difference.

Fitz: I respectfully submit, youre doing a lot of window-dressing. Before the last election Chris Minns promised to remove 9500 poker machines through a buyback in forfeiture scheme. But just this year this commitment was abandoned. DH: No the forfeiture scheme is still there. So the 9000 machine reduction, technically, is still being reduced year on year. What we did was we actually looked at the fundamental sums when it came to the buybacks. We appointed an independent panel to look at it, and they said it was ineffective. We said wed buy back 2000 machines at $30,000 a machine. So thats $60 million. More than two thousand venues across the state would remove one machine from each venue. And the recommendation from the panel was, if you want to spend $60 million to reduce harm, there are better ways to do it than this. Loading Fitz: OK, but the bottom line is that, and on this panel, you had Clubs NSW and the Australian Hotels Association. Did you really think theyd put their hands up and say, Great idea! Lets reduce the numbers of misery machines? It seemed to me youve got Dracula advising on how we should organise the blood bank. DH: Actually the independent panel comprised a mix of industry representatives, harm-minimisation experts, law enforcement authorities, academics, community organisations, and a person with lived experience of gambling harm. It included Wesley Mission and the NSW Council of Social Service. All agreed with the recommendation to not buy back machines because any sensible person would say, if the governments going to spend $60 million of public money, theyd want it to make a difference.

Fitz: But the bottom line remains. Do you accept the fact in the auditor-generals report, highlighted by the Wesley Mission that overall, since the Minns government came in, there are 1000 more machines operating in NSW? DH: No, because people get confused about entitlements and number of machines operating. There are entitlements that are owned by venues, and they will move machines in and out depending on their particular needs. So, technically, there can be more machines, but weve actually reduced the entitlements  by approximately 3000 so far. So the number of machines actually doesnt matter. Its the entitlements that matter. Fitz: As a former school teacher, can you put it in simple language for me, the dumb kid up the back? When you took over, there were 90,000 machines operating. Forgetting entitlements, forgetting everything else, right now in NSW  let the transcript show [journalist thumps table]  are there more than 90,000 operating? Or are there fewer than 90,000? DH: There are fewer entitlements. You cant separate them because the value to the industry is the entitlement, not the machine. So if you really look into the research, which I have, its not number of machines, its actually intensity of play that counts. It is worth noting that there are different classifications of areas based on gambling risk that are taken into account by the regulator when machines are traded. Fitz: All right. But the other issue is accessibility, and the woman I interviewed last week said that as she was growing up, there were 20 venues in her suburb alone where she could play. The accusation is that for all of your window dressing, for all of your tweaking around the edges, the net number of machines has gone up and the problem has not been remotely affected. Do you accept that?

DH: No. Because the expectation is that this government can come in and in two years change what has taken 30 years to create. A lot of what were doing is based on research about behaviour. And we have brought in measures like banning gaming-related signage; having mandatory Responsible Gambling Officers who can intervene; keeping gaming registers and plans of management; moving ATMs away from gaming machines, and banning placement of gaming machine signage visible from an ATM. All of those things will not make an immediate difference. Its about behaviour, and this is the issue. If you bring in proper regulation about how many hours venues can operate, how much cash they can actually put into them, all of those sorts of things, then you can start to make a difference. NSW punters lost $2.17 billion on poker machines in the first quarter of 2025. Credit: Peter Braig Fitz: OK, lets try net amount of money lost as the key indicator. When the Minns government came in, in 2023, total pokie losses were $8.129 billion. And after all your tweaking of entitlements, your changing of signage, mandatory gaming Officers and all that, in the first quarter of 2025, NSW residents lost $2.17 billion to poker machines. Dot three, carry one, subtract two and multiply by four, that says were nudging towards $8.7 billion this year! Therefore, by that measure, things are worse under your government! Do you accept that? DH: No, you have to look at the economic conditions. Fitz: You mean, youve made it a better economy, so the people have got more money to lose.

DH: No, its what drives people to go and play the machines. Why are people making that choice, and whats the reason to go and play? Fitz: Its not screamingly obvious to you, when the numbers have gone up in terms of machines played, and losses made, that the measures that you have taken  reducing the statewide gaming machine entitlement cap; banning political donations, reducing the cash input  is just tweaking around the edges and not having any effect? DH: No, what were doing is putting in place changes that will have an effect over the longer term. Its about changing peoples behaviour. People are adults, and they have a right to choose how they spend their money. And we cant move too fast. Look what the previous government did with the heavily regulated taxi industry. The government said were going to deregulate the market overnight. They did that, a lot of drivers went broke, lost their superannuation and lost everything because the government did a major change in policy and devalued the value of their license. So what people need to understand is that if weve had a market thats been operating one way for decades, we cant just change it overnight. And if we did shut down the pokies, you know what happens? Then potentially people will choose other forms of gambling, including online, where there is little regulation or supervision. Fitz: But I put it to you, Minister, respectfully, when 37 per cent of all the pokies in the world are in NSW, its time to sound the alarms. Youre the bloke whos in the nerve centre. Its for you to pull the levers and stop the devastation. DH: Weve acknowledged that, but we cant change that overnight. And, as the premier said, weve got to be careful about being the nanny state, telling people what they can and cant do. If youre betting on horses or NRL on the weekend, is that any worse than a pensioner putting $40 in the poker machine on a Thursday?

Fitz: So you dont accept the auditor-generals recent report that the NSW government regulatory strategy lacks a clear understanding of gambling harm levels and does not include benchmarks, targets or performance measures to assess harm minimisation outcome. It noted that compliance programs have not been evaluated for their impact. Translated, it says when it comes to harm minimisation from gambling, NSW governments done three-fifths of F-all. DH: No, because most of what the auditor-general looked at was the policies up to the previous government. When it comes to the effectiveness of our policies, its too early to tell. Also, alongside harm minimisation, one of the objectives of the Gaming Machines Act is to facilitate the balanced development of the industry, and the auditor-generals report did not look at this objective that we, as a government, have to meet. We have to strike the balance between minimising harm with ensuring the sustainability of an industry that is responsible for the livelihoods of around 150,000 people in NSW that pumps billions annually into the states economy. Also, licensed clubs throughout NSW are massive contributors to their communities in many ways. Fitz: I accept that. But no one can deny the damage done by pokies either. DH: And were now looking at other reforms, which will likely include setting up a system where all pokie machines can be connected to a centre that can have two-way communication. Pokie machines in Victoria  where they are about to start carded play trials  have whats called two-way communication, so the machines talk to the centre, and then the centre talks to the machines, which makes upgrading machines a lot easier because you dont have to do every machine individually  its a software upgrade. Thats a huge thing that will take a number of years to be able to do that in NSW. When youve got that system in place, then you can bring in the next reform. Fitz: Sure. But the auditor-generals report said that the way youre moving, at the current rate of reduction is, itll take 55 years before you get to the Australian average of population per pokies.

DH: Well, there has not been, and there isnt a policy in NSW to have parity with other states. Fitz: Shouldnt there be? DH: But why? Fitz: Because theyre misery machines! DH: But thats your view. And they are for a minority of people, but not for everyone. The 2024 NSW Gambling Survey found that just under 1 per cent of the NSW population are experiencing high-risk gambling harm and a further 3.1 per cent are experiencing moderate-risk gambling harm. We are committed to helping these vulnerable people with the reforms we have implemented and are continuing to implement. I encourage anyone experiencing gambling harm to make use of our GambleAware services: gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/i-need-support.
An acute shortage of affordable housing in the regional city of Broken Hill is forcing Indigenous families into unlivable rentals riddled with mining contamination, exposing children to blood lead levels double the rate of the general population.

Health workers and community leaders have urged Premier Chris Minns to invest in stable social housing for Indigenous families and a revamped program to reduce lead contamination in existing homes, after new statistics revealed two-thirds of Aboriginal children aged between one and five have blood lead levels higher than the national guideline.

Nova Pearce plays in her backyard in South Broken Hill, as mother Darcy watches on. Credit: Em Jensen

This is a public health crisis, said Richard Weston, chief executive of the Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, in a letter to Minns and four other NSW ministers last month. Aboriginal children in Broken Hill deserve clean homes, safe air and a future free from the legacy of lead.

Most of the lead in the towns air and soil comes from vast mines running through and underneath Broken Hill  a city built on the worlds largest deposit of lead, silver and zinc.
Nick Dyrenfurth, a co-convenor for Labor Friends of Israel, had sought to add those words, as well as stronger criticism of antisemitism into another motion about recognising the equal rights of all people. That suggested change was also defeated. Nick Dyrenfurth. In a statement, Dyrenfurth slammed the motion for treating antisemitism with contempt. It made no mention of the Albanese governments efforts to tackle antisemitism by establishing a special envoy to combat antisemitism or the Allan governments formation of an anti-hate taskforce to stamp out the worlds oldest hatred, he said. A motion criticising the AUKUS pact  which had raised concern among figures within the federal government  also passed on Saturday, but with significantly toned-down language.

The motion called for a review of the $800 million submarine pact with the United States and the UK, rather than withdrawal, and did not contain criticism of US President Donald Trump. Loading A second AUKUS motion, from the Commonwealth policy committee, was passed agreeing to an inquiry and resolved for Labor to call on the Commonwealth Government to suspend participation in the AUKUS pact and funding of UK and US shipbuilding industrial base, pending the results of the inquiry. The second motion resolved that Victorian Labor should make a submission to any future inquiry recommending withdrawal from AUKUS and to remove it from the national party platform. Hamish McPherson, the Victorian convenor of Labor Against War and a conference delegate, said Australia should cancel its involvement in the pact.

Its time for the Albanese government to face reality and realise AUKUS is a dead duck, McPherson said. Earlier on Saturday, a small group of attendees held up phones and devices displaying the Palestinian flag while Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles addressed the crowd. Attendees at Labors state conference on Saturday raise digital versions of the Palestinian flag on their electronic devices. Credit: Eddie Jim Under new security measures, placards were banned from the conference floor, so about 10 attendees displayed the flag using screens on their phones and devices. Some of these people were ejected from the venue. Those removed were registered as observers not delegates on the floor.

Loading A Labor Party member, speaking anonymously to avoid repercussions, said the placard bans were draconian and disturbing. Its like Jacinta Allans new anti-protest laws are being tested out on Labors own conference, he said. Security was heightened at the conference after protesters last year tried to force their way into the event. At the time, attendees barricaded the doors to protect the room from the intruders while delegates were inside. On Saturday, the NSW Supreme Court gave protesters there the green light to proceed with their Sydney Harbour Bridge protest on Sunday following a push from police and government to abandon the march.

The courts ruling paves the way for thousands to walk on the global landmark in protest over the Israeli governments actions in Gaza, which include claims of mass starvation and the destruction of the territorys hospital system. Police have warned that the Melbourne demonstration  which involves plans to shut down the busy King Street Bridge  would require hundreds of officers to be redeployed from other policing duties across the state. A pro-Palestine protest at Hyde Park in Sydney in October 2024. Credit: Janie Barrett Event organisers Free Palestine Coalition Naarm said in a statement posted to social media on Friday morning that the Melbourne protest was being held in solidarity with thousands of NSW demonstrators planning to march on Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Israeli government has denied claims of genocide and says the war in Gaza is an act of self-defence.

It has also denied claims that there is starvation in Gaza after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused it of breaching international law by stopping food from being delivered into the 13-kilometre-wide strip, which has 2.1 million people squeezed into an area half the size of Canberra. The World Health Organisation said there were 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza last month, including 24 children under the age of five, a figure up from 11 deaths in total for the previous six months of the year. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims 82 people died last month of malnutrition-related causes, taking Gazas death toll from the war to more than 60,000. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed more than 700 civilians in southern Israel. Albanese has also called on Hamas to release the Israeli hostages taken as part of the attacks on Israel, as Jewish-Australian leaders raise fears the protests will fuel antisemitism.
Dandenong Hospital could soon become one of Melbournes only major public hospitals unable to regularly care for sick or premature newborn babies under a controversial plan to redirect women with riskier pregnancies to other health services.

The Monash Health proposal has caused an uproar among some local midwives, Victorias nursing union and the state opposition given Dandenong Hospital is known for treating walk-in patients who have no prior contact with the hospital, and who speak little to no English.

Dandenong Hospital management want to redirect higher-risk pregnancies and newborns who require specialist care to sister sites. Credit: Eddie Jim

Women from this cohort, who are often refugees, sometimes give birth at Dandenong, in Melbournes outer south-east, less than an hour after presenting at the hospitals emergency department.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is also concerned that redirecting expectant mothers to hospitals 20 minutes drive away could extend patient travel times, complicate cases where babies are born on the way to Dandenong Hospital and place unnecessary strain on workers at other health services.
Australian workers could be putting in nearly half the hours they were 45 years ago but have instead tended to work longer hours to upgrade their lifestyles, sacrificing work-life balance for more income.

Productivity Commission research economist Rusha Das found average working hours for Australians had shrunk only modestly from about 34 to 31 hours a week over the past few decades, while incomes had risen significantly.

Real estate sales agent Domenico Santaguida says he works at least 65 hours a week. Credit: Yoshi Muroi

Overall, Australians have opted to use their [increased productivity] to upgrade their lifestyles, like buying fancier coffee and taking more expensive holidays, rather than shorten their workdays, Das said in the commissions June bulletin.

She noted that, with the growth in productivity since 1980, Australians could have instead worked an average of 15 hours less each week without lowering consumption levels.
London: Swiss companies are reeling from a shock move by US President Donald Trump to slap a 39 per cent tariff on their exports, stunning brand-name suppliers of luxury watches, jewellery, cheese and chocolate.

Swiss chocolate makers have declared the move incomprehensible and are warning it will hit them hard, as the changes flow through to higher prices for American customers.

A woman walks by a store selling Rolex watches in Lucerne, Switzerland. Credit: AP

The biggest names in luxury watches, already suffering a slowdown in America after Trumps previous trade decisions, now confront extraordinary price hikes that could lead them to expand sales in other markets.

Trump spared Australia from higher penalties in his sweeping trade decision on Thursday, leaving tariffs at 10 per cent for most Australian exports, but he singled out Switzerland with the biggest blow to any European country.
The assignment to the Bryan camp was a big lifestyle upgrade for Maxwell, he said. The family of Virginia Giuffre  the American-Australian woman who was among Epsteins most well-known sex-trafficking accusers  said in a statement that Maxwells transfer reflected the justice system failing victims right before our eyes. Prince Andrew with Virginia Roberts Giuffre (centre) and Maxwell in 2001. Giuffre died by suicide on April 25 this year at her farm in Neergabby, north of Perth, aged 41. It is with horror and outrage that we object to the preferential treatment convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has received, her family said in a statement  reported by The Washington Post  that was also signed by other women who said they were victims of Epstein and Maxwell.

Ghislaine Maxwell is a sexual predator who physically assaulted minor children on multiple occasions, and she should never be shown any leniency. Yet, without any notification to the Maxwell victims, the government overnight has moved Maxwell to a minimum-security luxury prison in Texas. Loading The prison camp is about 150 kilometres north-west of Houston on about 15 hectares of land. It held about 650 women, AP reported in 2023. According to a 2016 FPC Bryan inmate handbook, those eligible to work could earn up to $US1.15 ($1.78) an hour in their job assignments, which include food service roles and factory employment operated by Federal Prison Industries. There, Maxwell will be surrounded by women serving shorter sentences and considered less likely to be violent or have gang affiliations.

Camp inmates are assigned to dormitory-style housing and have considerable freedom to move around within the facility, according to Paperny, who said he had advised Shah. Loading Giuffre, who had accused Britains Prince Andrew and other influential men of sexually exploiting her as a teenager trafficked by Epstein, has been a central figure in conspiracy theories tied to the case. Andrew has always denied those claims; the two reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022, and he was stripped of royal duties. Earlier this week, her family had expressed shock at hearing US President Donald Trump say that Epstein stole Giuffre and other young women from the spa at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida  and urged that Maxwell remain in prison. It was shocking to hear President Trump invoke our sister and say that he was aware that Virginia had been stolen from Mar-a-Lago, the familys earlier statement said.

We and the public are asking for answers; survivors deserve this. Prosecutors have said Epsteins sex crimes could not have been done without Maxwell, but her lawyers have maintained that she was wrongly prosecuted and denied a fair trial, and have floated the idea of a presidential pardon. They have also asked the US Supreme Court to take up her case. Trump said on Friday night Washington time (Saturday AEST) that no one had asked him about clemency for Maxwell. Epstein and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1997. Credit: Getty Images Im allowed to do it but nobodys asked me to do it, he told Newsmax in an interview. I know nothing about it. I dont know anything about the case, but I know I have the right to do it. I have the right to give pardons, Ive given pardons to people before, but nobodys even asked me to do it.

Maxwells case has been the subject of heightened public focus since an outcry over the Justice Departments statement last month saying that it would not be releasing any additional documents from the Epstein sex-trafficking investigation. Loading The decision infuriated online sleuths, conspiracy theorists and elements of Trumps base who had hoped to see proof of a government cover-up. Since then, administration officials have tried to cast themselves as promoting transparency in the case, including by requesting from courts the unsealing of grand jury transcripts. Maxwell was interviewed at a Florida courthouse over two days last week by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. The House Oversight Committee had also said that it wanted to speak with her.

Loading Maxwells lawyers have said they would be open to an interview, but only if the panel were to ensure immunity from prosecution. In a letter on Friday to Maxwells lawyers, representative James Comer, the committee chair, wrote that the committee was willing to delay the deposition until after the resolution of Maxwells appeal to the Supreme Court. That appeal is expected to be resolved in late September. Comer wrote that while Maxwells testimony was vital to the Republican-led investigation into Epstein, the committee would not provide immunity or any questions in advance. AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
US Army helicopter in deadly Washington crash had technical issues



New York, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



An investigative hearing into a deadly mid-air collision of a US Army helicopter and a passenger plane that killed 67 people in Washington has revealed a discrepancy in the chopper's altitude displays.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the US agency tasked with examining major accidents, held hearings from Wednesday to Friday, with rigorous questioning of experts and various other parties including regulators and air traffic controllers.

There were no survivors in the January 29 mid-air collision involving the Sikorsky Black Hawk military helicopter and a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by a subsidiary of American Airlines.

The passenger plane from Wichita, Kansas was coming in to land at Reagan National Airport -- just a few miles from the White House -- when the Army helicopter on a training flight collided with it.

After examining flight recorder data, the NTSB first reported a discrepancy in the helicopter's altitude readings on February 14.

As part of the investigation, tests were conducted with three of the same helicopter models -- Sikorsky Black Hawk Lima -- belonging to the same battalion.

The findings revealed this week showed differences between the altitude indicated by the radar altimeter and the barometric altimeter on the aircraft.

Investigator Marie Moler noted that the altimeters "showed an 80- to 130-foot (24- to 40-meter) difference in flight" although the differences were within 20 to 55 feet in a controlled test environment.

"Once the helicopter rotors were turning and producing lift and thrust, the altimeter readings lowered significantly and stayed lower throughout the flights," Moler said.

NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy called the discrepancy significant, calling for more investigation.

"I am concerned. There is a possibility that what the crew saw was very different than what the true altitude was," Homendy said.

"A 100-foot difference is significant" in this case, she added.

In the Potomac River area where the collision occurred, helicopters are required to stay below 200 feet, officials said during the hearings.

President Donald Trump was quick to blame diversity hiring policies for the accident although no evidence has emerged that they were responsible.

Federal Aviation Agency air traffic control specialist Clark Allen told the hearing there was sufficient supervisory staff present in the control tower that night.

The collision was the first major plane crash in the United States since 2009 when 49 people were killed near Buffalo, New York.

elm/ni/sla/acb

LOCKHEED MARTIN

Bombardier
Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia



Washington, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines Friday in an extraordinary escalation of what had been an online war of words with a Russian official over Ukraine and tariffs.

Trump and Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's security council, have been sparring on social media for days.

Trump's post on his Truth Social platform abruptly took that spat into the very real -- and rarely publicized -- sphere of nuclear forces.

"Based on the highly provocative statements," Trump said he had "ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."

"Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances," the 79-year-old Republican posted.

Trump did not say in his post whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the exact deployment locations, which are kept secret by the US military.

But in an interview with Newsmax that aired Friday night, Trump said the submarines were "closer to Russia."

"We always want to be ready. And so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines," he said.

"I just want to make sure that his words are only words and nothing more than that."

Trump's remarks came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had started mass producing its hypersonic nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile, and could deploy them to Belarus, a close Russian ally neighbouring Ukraine, by year-end.

The nuclear sabre-rattling came against the backdrop of a deadline set by Trump for the end of next week for Russia to take steps to ending the Ukraine war or face unspecified new sanctions.

Despite the pressure from Washington, Russia's onslaught against its pro-Western neighbor continues to unfold at full bore.

An AFP analysis Friday showed that Russian forces had launched a record number of drones at Ukraine in July.

Russian attacks have killed hundreds of Ukrainian civilians since June. A combined missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early Thursday killed 31 people, rescuers said.

Putin, who has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire, said Friday that he wants peace but that his demands for ending his nearly three-and-a-half year invasion were "unchanged".

Those demands include that Ukraine abandon territory and end ambitions to join NATO.

Putin, speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, said Belarusian and Russian specialists "have chosen a place for future positions" of the Oreshnik missiles.

"Work is now underway to prepare these positions. So, most likely, we will close this issue by the end of the year," he added.



- Insults, nuclear rhetoric -



The United States and Russia control the vast majority of the world's nuclear weaponry, and Washington keeps nuclear-armed submarines on permanent patrol as part of its so-called nuclear triad of land, sea and air-launched weapons.

Trump told Newsmax that Medvedev's "nuclear" reference prompted him to reposition US nuclear submarines.

"When you mention the word 'nuclear'... my eyes light up. And I say, we better be careful, because it's the ultimate threat," Trump said in the interview.

Medvedev had criticised Trump on his Telegram account Thursday and alluded to the "fabled 'Dead Hand'" -- a reference to a highly secret automated system put in place during the Cold War to control the country's nuclear weapons.

This came after Trump had lashed out at what he called the "dead economies" of Russia and India.

Medvedev had also harshly criticized Trump's threat of new sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine.

Accusing Trump of "playing the ultimatum game," he posted Monday on X that Trump "should remember" that Russia is a formidable force.

Trump responded by calling Medvedev "the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President."

Medvedev should "watch his words," Trump posted at midnight in Washington on Wednesday. "He's entering very dangerous territory!"

Medvedev is a vocal proponent of Russia's war -- and generally antagonistic to relations with the West.

He served as president between 2008-2012, effectively acting as a placeholder for Putin, who was able to circumvent constitutional term limits and remain in de facto power.

The one-time reformer has rebranded over the years as an avid online troller, touting often extreme versions of official Kremlin nationalist messaging.

But his influence within the Russian political system remains limited.

In Kyiv on Friday, residents held a day of mourning for the 31 people, including five children, killed the day before, most of whom were in a nine-storey apartment block torn open by a missile.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said only Putin could end the war and renewed his call for a meeting between the two leaders.

"The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia's readiness," he wrote on X.

burs-sms/sco/tym

Newsmax Media
Israel army chief warns of combat 'without rest' unless hostages are freed



Jerusalem, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



Israel's top general has warned that there will be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to quickly secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

"I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages," said army chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, according to a military statement.

"If not, the combat will continue without rest," he said, during remarks to officers inside Gaza on Friday.

Footage released by the Israeli military showed Zamir meeting soldiers and officers in a command centre.

Of the 251 people who were kidnapped from Israel during Hamas's attack in October 2023, 49 remain in Gaza, 27 of them dead, according to the military.

Palestinian armed groups this week released two videos of hostages looking emaciated and weak.

Negotiations -- mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar -- to secure a ceasefire and their release broke down last month, and some in Israel have called for tougher military action.

This comes against the backdrop of growing pressure -- both internationally and domestically, including from many of the hostages' families -- to resume efforts to secure a ceasefire in the nearly 22-month conflict.

Aid agencies have meanwhile warned that Gaza's population is facing a catastrophic famine, triggered by Israeli restrictions on aid.

Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand.

"The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (military), a moral army, of war crimes," he said.

"The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas."

Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed since ground troops were sent into Gaza, according to the military.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
Myanmar junta air strike on ruby mine hub kills 13



Yangon, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



A Myanmar junta air strike on a rebel-occupied ruby mining hub killed 13 people on Saturday, according to a resident and a spokesperson for an armed opposition group.

Civil war has consumed Myanmar since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, sparking resistance from pro-democracy guerrillas who found common cause with long-active ethnic armed groups.

Their scattered forces initially struggled to make headway, but a combined offensive starting in late 2023 seized swathes of territory, including the town of Mogok -- the centre of the ruby trade.

Myanmar is rich in precious stones and rare earth elements coveted by all factions and sold off, mostly to neighbouring China, to boost war chests.

A junta spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

However, a local who declined to be named for security reasons said the strike took place around 08:15 am (0145 GMT), killing seven instantly, with six dying later of their wounds.

He said among the dead were a Buddhist monk collecting alms and a father and son who were riding the same motorbike.

"A car passing through the area was hit, too," he added. "Seven people were wounded, including the driver."

A spokeswoman for the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, which has occupied Mogok since last summer, matched that death toll, but gave a figure of 14 wounded.

"It was in the morning time when the airstrike hit a public area," said spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo.

"There were a lot of people walking in the street, therefore a lot of people were killed."

The military was initially backfooted by the rebels' combined offensive, but has enacted conscription to boost its ranks.

Its troops recently retook several key settlements in central Myanmar, including the gold mining hub of Thabeikkyin, which it seized late last month after a year-long battle.

The junta on Thursday ended the state of emergency it had declared after toppling the government of Aung San Suu Kyi more than four years ago, and has touted elections in December as an off-ramp for the conflict.

However, with Suu Kyi still jailed, opposition groups, including ousted lawmakers, are boycotting the poll. A UN expert in June described the exercise as a "fraud" designed to legitimise the junta's continued rule.
Earlier, one of the protesters, 77-year-old Joel, told the Standard: Islington is a multicultural area of London. The fascists want to intimidate people and they want to come down and say asylum seekers are the root cause of all the problems of the world, but it's not the case.
Joel, who was also part of the same protest, also told the Standard: Islington is a multicultural area of London. The fascists want to intimidate people and they want to come down and say asylum seekers are the root cause of all the problems of the world, but it's not the case.
Allow Google Search

To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information.

Allow and Continue
A federal judge stated on Monday he was "troubled" by allegations that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was planning to transfer a man in immigration custody outside of Colorado to an unknown location.
In his book and online posts, Ball insists the kidnapping was a hoax meant to generate publicity for a book deal. He claims the plot was staged with the help of a policeman he refers to only as Frank, who allegedly removed the gunpowder from the bullets and arranged for a different woman to stand in for Anne.
With roots tracing back to the 17th century, gingham arrived in Europe from Southeast Asia as a striped textile and has evolved into the all-purpose check we know and love today. Its revival feels both timely and effortless. Designers like Jacquemus and Ganni have reimagined the humble print in sheer organza layers and tailored silhouettes that speak to its new mood: breezy, bold, and cool.
Statesman file photo Jay Janner / American-Statesman

Immigration authorities made what appeared to be large-scale arrests next to a central Austin construction site Thursday morning, according to witness interviews and a video posted online.

The arrests occurred in the 1100 block of Town Creek Drive, just north of East Riverside Boulevard, outside of the still-under-construction, eight-story Grayco South Shore apartment building. A video posted by social media news outlet Reporte Austin appears to show officers arresting at least five men. Several officers were masked, and at least one wore a vest labeled Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Two state troopers were spotted at the scene.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to the American-Statesman on Friday that one of its troopers stopped a white Chevrolet van  matching the one seen in the video  around 7 a.m. for a license-plate violation. After the trooper was unable to verify the drivers identity using state databases, Homeland Security Investigations  the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys principal investigative arm  was contacted, DPS spokeswoman Sheridan Nolen said.

Nolen said the trooper was part of the regional tactical strike teams formed earlier this year by Gov. Greg Abbott to support federal immigration enforcement. DPS presence at immigration-related arrests has been noted throughout the Austin area.

A major focus continues to be the arrest of criminal illegal immigrants, or people who have entered the United States illegally and then gone on to commit crimes in the state, Nolan said. This effort is undoubtedly making our state safer by removing dangerous criminals from our streets.

As of April, DPS has reported detaining nearly 5,800 immigrants in Texas with active warrants. Independent analyses of national Immigration and Customs Enforcement data indicate that only about one-third of recently arrested immigrants had a criminal record.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the arrest of five individuals and said all remain detained as they await removal proceedings. The agency did not respond to the American-Statesman's questions about whether the men had criminal records.

Work at the site resumed Thursday morning after the arrests. Around 10 a.m., three workers were seen walking back toward the site from the direction of Lady Bird Lake. One, breathing heavily, lifted his shirt up to cool off. The three workers, who declined to provide their names, said they witnessed the arrests.

One of the workers said officers blocked off Town Creek Drive during the arrests, causing dozens of workers to leave through alternate exits. The men said it was the second time in about two weeks that immigration-related arrests had occurred next to the jobsite.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The workers said they did not plan to finish out the day and were headed home.

James Hahn, a spokesperson for Grayco, which owns the site, said the company was aware of a law enforcement stop that occurred next to  but not on  the construction site. The company did not respond to questions about prior immigration enforcement at or near the property.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Colorado Springs will not meet the deadline to enact the new state law on minimum parking requirements before the end of the month, continuing a standoff with the state over the scope of recent housing laws.

The Colorado Springs City Council unanimously voted against an ordinance at its meeting Tuesday that would have been a blanket adoption of House Bill 1304, the law passed in 2024 related to minimum parking requirements.

The ordinance probably was introduced in order to be rejected, a decision that confused some members of the council. Last week, the city Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the council not enact the new rules. City staff had not recommended the vote because they were still working on a modified version of the rules.

"I've heard some statements I agree with about not having performative politics. What are we doing with this thing today?" Councilmember Dave Donelson asked.

Council leaders were the ones who placed the ordinance on the agenda. President Pro Tem Brian Risley said he wanted to ensure the council had an official vote on the record before the state law went into effect.

"One of the concerns I have is, what happens if no action is taken? Is our silence deemed somehow to be consent if we don't take an action one way or the other?" Risley said.

Featured Local Savings

The parking law that goes into effect on Tuesday prevents cities from requiring a minimum number of parking spaces for new multifamily developments built within a quarter-mile of a major transit stop. Supporters argue the law will make it easier to build affordable housing by not having to factor parking lots into the design.

In Colorado Springs, the rule would potentially apply to Mountain Metropolitan Transit bus stops. A map published by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs shows that areas around Interstate 25, U.S. 24, Academy Boulevard and Pikes Peak Avenue would be the most heavily affected.

In May, the City Council passed a resolution asserting Colorado Springs' home-rule authority in the face of what the council saw as overreach by Gov. Jared Polis and state lawmakers. A recent executive order issued by Polis directed state agencies to prioritize giving certain categories of state funds to cities that complied with the recent slate of state housing laws. The minimum parking requirements were among the laws explicitly listed by the executive order.

Planning Director Kevin Walker told the City Council his department was in constant communication with Polis and the Department of Local Affairs about the incoming rules. Walker said the city hoped to enact a modified version of the rules, similar to what the council approved earlier this year for accessory dwelling units.

"We believe this ordinance is not ready for prime time and rather than hitting a deadline, we'd rather bring you a better product," Mayor Yemi Mobolade's Chief of Staff Jamie Fabos told the council.
Colorado Springs native John Haney has revised the book he originally published alongside the late Morris Cafky in 1983, "Pikes Peak Trolleys: A History of the Colorado Springs Streetcar System."
By the end of this year, Romania will have the complete technological equipment in place for printing euro banknotes, Cristian Popa, president of the National Bank of Romania's Numismatics Commission and member of the bank's Board of Directors told AGERPRES.

"As far as the process of Romania's joining the euro area is concerned, we are happy to inform the public that the corporations coordinated by the National Bank of Romania - the BNR Printing Office and the State Mint Corporation are making major progress in developing the technical capacities for printing banknotes and minting euro coins. The BNR Printing Office has been preparing steadily for the moment of switching to/printing euro banknotes, and at the end of this year, following extensive investments, we will tick off a major goal of this process: we will have the complete necessary technological equipment in place, which is no small feat. From a technical point of view, we will have the capacity to print euro banknotes at the very high standards required by the European Central Bank. In its turn, the State Mint Corporation has the technological infrastructure and professional skills required for carrying out euro production activities, in accordance with the requirements and standards imposed by the European monetary authority," Cristian Popa said.





Popa said that this is not just about machines, but primarily about people: by the end of the year, the two corporations will have complete portfolios of state-of-the-art equipment as well as highly specialized human resources, trained over decades of activity in banknote and coin manufacturing.
Minister of Economy Radu Miruta declared on Saturday in Cugir, in the aftermath of the fire that hit a hall of the local Mechanical Plant, that all possibilities are being considered by the authorities investigating the incident, including an act of sabotage.

When asked by the press whether sabotage is also looked at as a possible cause, he replied: "I will not comment until I have intelligence from experts. You know me as a very determined man, as someone who speaks very transparently, but allow me not to comment on any suspicion lead. Let me first see what data the personnel of the state institutions that coordinated last night's response action have collected up to now, and I will straightforwardly tell you, as you know me.'', agerpres reports.





"We are looking at absolutely all variants. Until we narrow down the funnel to get to the specific point, it is reasonable to take into account absolutely any possibility, with equal probability," said Radu Miruta.He added that there will be "no speck of mercy" in digging up the cause of the incident, "so that absolutely nothing is concealed, to see if it is attributable and to whom, and what can be done so that next time we don't have to say again 'Thank God that worse didn't happen'," and that he wants to make sure that the investigations are carried out in a professional manner.The fire, accompanied by explosions broke out on Saturday morning around 1:00 inside a hall of the Mechanical Plant Cugir S.A. - National Company Romarm S.A., spreading across 700 sqm; police and firefighters from several counties responded to the incident, including with water-shooting robotic units. No casualties were recorded.The factory employees were put on a two-week leave, starting August 1.
Following the severe floods in the counties of Suceava and Neamt, Minister of European Investments and Projects Dragos Pislaru will activate the European RESTORE mechanism, created precisely for natural disaster occurrences - an initiative that will allow the rapid allocation of millions of euros in European money to the affected areas, the official said, agerpres reports.

"In my capacity as minister of European Investments and Projects, I will activate the European RESTORE mechanism created specifically for major natural disaster incidents (floods, fires or storms). It is the first time that this instrument will be used in Romania and it will allow us to quickly allocate millions of euros of European money to the affected areas to support the rebuilding of infrastructure, housing and small local businesses," Pislaru announced on Facebook on Saturday.





Pislaru also announced that a new aid package will be approved by the government in the coming period, after the damage assessment is completed.
Eighty years ago, on Aug. 6, 1945, as the Enola Gay winged its way back to the Pacific Island of Tinian, pilot Paul Tibbets reflected on his successful mission  the destruction of Hiroshima with a single atomic bomb.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James B. Bartholomees III, incoming commander of the 25th Infantry Division, receives the divisions guidon from Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, Commander of I Corps, during a change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, on Monday, July 28, 2025. (Duke Edwards/U.S. Army)



(Tribune News Service)  The U.S. Armys Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division is seeing drastic changes as Americas Pacific Division reshapes itself for potential conflict in the region.

On Monday, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans handed command of the division over to Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees  who previously served as U.S. Army Pacifics chief of staff at Fort Shafter.

As rain fell during the ceremony at the Schofield Barracks, Army First Corps commander Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane said that under Evans leadership, the divisions soldiers led our Armys continuous transformation efforts while supporting our U.S. Army Pacific campaign plan as youve organized differently, generated readiness continuously integrating new technology and innovative thought.

The division has been testing and fielding new weapons, vehicles, drones and communications systems as it reorganizes.

The Army envisions a force that uses smaller, lightly armored vehicles and more powerful weapons to move faster and hit harder  while also using high-tech drones and communications systems to hide while scoping out their potential opponents.

Recently soldiers from the division returned from the Philippines, where they spent months training closely with the Philippine military amid tensions with China. While they were in the Philippines, they put their new tools and tactics they had tried out in Hawaii to the test in the unforgiving terrain and harsh climate of the large archipelago, putting both their tech and soldiers to the limits.

The smaller and faster we are, the better we can conceal ourselves and the better we can move to gain positions of advantage, explained Evans.

Speed is security. The ability to hide in plain sight is security. The ability to leverage the terrain in Northern Luzon with smaller, more agile vehicles  that is security. The smaller you are, the less electromagnetic signature youre putting out, the less observable you are from the air domain or in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Bartholomees told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that its an honor to return to the 25th  he was previously a battalion commander with the unit as it was setting up its jungle warfare school at Schofield 11 years ago.

My battalion was very first one through the jungle operations training course,  he said.

To this day its the only jungle warfare school the Army has in the United States and has recently been used by elite military units stationed on the mainland to train for operations in the tropics.

In the years after the 9 /11 terror attacks, the soldiers of the 25th ID deployed extensively to Iraq and Afghanistan, including 15 months of heavy combat in Iraq in support of the 2007 troop surge. But as the Pentagon increasingly sees the Pacific as its top priority theater of operations amid tensions with China, the 25th has become the U.S. Armys vanguard in the region as it seeks to bolster alliances.

Im actually going forward to the Philippines next week for a Land Forces Command conference to discuss just that, said Bartholomees. (Maj.) Gen. Evans has set this up in perfect fashion so that I could step right in, shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies, to work closely with them as we look to move forward in the future.

Top U.S. military planners in Hawaii see the Philippines as an increasingly critical ally, as well as a key strategic area to support their operations in the Western Pacific as they posture to confront China. The Philippines is among the most likely staging areas the U.S. military would seek to use if it were to respond to a Chinese blockade or invasion of Taiwan.

The 25th also has deployed troops frequently to other countries in the region, while also hosting foreign troops in Hawaii for joint training exercises and exchanges. Currently members of the division are in Malaysia training with Malaysian and Australian troops for exercise Keris Strike 25.

The 25s senior enlisted leader, command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry, said that there is excitement inside of our formation to be a part of something new for our army ... they want to stay in the Pacific, they want to stay in Hawaii. But more importantly, they want to be a part of the cutting edge of war fighting for our nation.

In military circles the role of the Army in U.S. Pacific policy has been hotly debated. The region, dominated by vast blue ocean, has tended to be viewed as the domain of the Navy and Air Force. As the services have competed for funding and resources, some Navy and Air Force leaders have at times sought to downplay the Armys role.

But Army officials lately have been much more assertive in arguing for their importance to U.S. strategy. Evans said that at some point, everythings got to touch the land, whether youre going to resupply maritime assets, air assets, whether youre going to launch a space asset. So that criticality of the joint fight is incredibly important.

Pentagon leaders have been working to shift the militarys focus away from the sort of small wars  that have defined the Armys recent history to focus on prospect of major combat operations against a peer adversary like China or Russia. In the decades since the 9 /11 terror attacks the Army has sent troops to hunt relatively lightly equipped militants across deserts and mountains in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and others.

U.S. military leaders have said they want to equip and train their troops for the future, rather than prepare for the last war.

But 25th IDs area of operations, which spans the Pacific Islands to East and South Asia, has a long history of revolutions and instability that more closely resemble those wars. Notably, fighting in Myanmar between the ruling military junta and rebel groups has displaced millions, sending refugees across the globe seeking safety.

Bartholomees argued that ultimately, training for bigger fights will make his troops more prepared for anything they might encounter in a real world crisis.

He told the Star-Advertiser, I think what weve learned over time as we prepared for those counterinsurgency operations or those peacekeeping operations, is the best way to prepare for those is to prepare for high intensity land combat, and that ultimately, by preparing ourselves for that environment, that were best prepared.

Recently a deadly border clash broke out between Cambodia and Thailand. Fighting lasted for five days until the two countries agreed to a ceasefire that began midnight on Monday, but not before fighting killed 38 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

When we talk about large-scale combat operations, theres this belief that somehow people go away  thats just utterly false,  Bartholomees said. We have to operate in and amongst the people that we work with, we live with, because ultimately, were coming to support and defend them.

He added, when it comes to large scale operations theres always discussions about will our allies invite us, would we have access basing and (for flying through their territory )? I can tell you, we wont have access basing and overflight if we dont work closely with their militaries, with their governments, with their people to help solve their problems.

He noted that in the Philippines, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner has requested the U.S. military work and train with Philippine forces on disaster preparedness and humanitarian relief. Brawner, an alumnus of the Daniel K Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Waikiki, has been a frequent visitor to Hawaii in his military career and forged close relations with American officials.

In Hawaii, Bartholomees said that working with local leaders is also a top priority. He assumes command of the division at a time when the military is facing scrutiny of its presence in the islands.

The Army is seeking to renew leases on state owned lands it obtained for a mere $1 in 1964. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources recently rejected the Armys environmental impact statements on plans to retain lands.

Within our military installations, its easy to become complacent and think of only the services that are provided to soldiers and families that are here,  said Bartholomees.

But the reality is what Ive learned in my years of serving here is that our connection with the community, the local community out here, has as much to do with our success as everything that goes on the installation.

He added that it is truly my kuleana as the senior commander of U.S. Army Hawaii to connect with the local communities, and I will rely upon those folks that Ive met over the years that have been here to help me make those connections.

 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Visit www.staradvertiser.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Tribune News Service)  Bath Iron Works has been awarded a contract to build a new U.S. Navy destroyer that will be named after the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient.

This award is a testament to the highly skilled and hard-working men and women of BIW and once again shows that Bath Built is Best Built, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in an announcement of the contract Thursday.

The destroyer will be the newest DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the U.S. Navy, according to Collins statement.

As global threats continue to grow, investing in a strong and capable Navy is more important than ever, she said.

The DDG 51 class of guided missile destroyers are capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, according to the U.S. Navys website. Bath Iron Works has worked on over 45 such destroyers since the first of the class was deployed in 1991.

This destroyer will enhance our national security, protect good-paying Maine jobs, and provide long-term stability for the highly skilled men and women at BIW, Collins said.

The vessel is to be named after Cpl. Kyle Carpenter. He received the Medal of Honor in 2014 after he shielded a fellow Marine from a grenade blast in Afghanistan in 2010, losing his right eye and suffering other life-threatening injuries. Carpenter has since earned a college degree, published a memoir and become a motivational speaker.

Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said funding was secured for the destroyer through the FY24 and FY25 appropriations spending packages and BIW competed with other manufacturers for the contract.

 2025 the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine).

Visit www.pressherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Colorado Springs City Council members approved expanding the city's boundaries on the northeast side by 887 acres Tuesday with plans for up to 2,900 new homes on the land along Woodmen Road.

The council unanimously approved the Banning Lewis Ranch North project proposed by Nor'wood Development Group. Earlier in the day, the El Paso County Commission voted unanimously to approve an annexation impact report for the project, but noted changes they would like to make to the annexation boundaries to ensure appropriate public street infrastructure is transferred to the city and the ownership isn't awkwardly split between the city and the county.

In addition to the new housing, Nor'wood expects to set aside land for two schools, space for a new fire station, 60 acres for parks, 56 acres for open space and trail corridors, and 37 acres for business development close to Woodmen, city planner Katie Carleo said. Apartment complexes are planned closer to Woodmen Road and homes on larger parcels will be built closer to county properties. The neighborhood is expected to be built out over 15 years, according to city plans.

"I appreciate the trails and how they are connected to the parks and open space. ... There is easy access to outdoor recreation," Council President Richard Skorman said.

A few residents opposed to the project before it was approved by the Planning Commission last year, in part because they would like to see some roads in the area widened and improved, particularly Marksheffel Road. But the number of comments provided to the city was remarkably low, said Andrea Barlow, a consultant representing the developer.

Colorado Springs Traffic Engineer Todd Frisbie told the city council he expected Woodmen Road would need to be widened in 20 years even if the new neighborhood wasn't built. He also pointed out that the Woodmen Road intersection with Black Forest Road is near capacity now and the city is currently designing improvements for area.

Future connections are also planned to help relieve traffic on Woodmen Road. For example, at some point the new Banning Lewis Parkway that will run north and south through neighborhood will connect to an extension of Briargate Parkway north of the neighborhood.

Overall, the neighborhood is expected to have a positive fiscal impact for the city for the first eight years because of the sales and use tax revenue it will drive. The neighborhood will cost the city more than it will generate in the neighborhood's ninth and 10th year because the city will have the cost of maintaining roads, said Charae McDaniel, city's chief financial officer.

Featured Local Savings

The new neighborhood is expected to cost the police department from about $507,000 to about $606,000 and the fire department between $665,000 and about $795,000 to cover staffing and operations. To help cover those costs, the developer has agreed to pay $677 per acre for police costs and $1,985 per acre for fire department costs.

Cty and county officials are expected to work out some details of the annexation boundaries.

County staff want to ensure the entirety of public infrastructure it owns at two signaled intersections - one at Mohawk and Woodmen roads, the other at Golden Sage and Woodmen roads - are turned over to the city to streamline maintenance and law enforcement and medical response. Because of the proposed annexation boundary line near Golden Sage and Woodmen roads, only portions of the Woodmen Frontage and Woodmen roads would be left in El Paso County. There are drainage facilities related to the frontage road, El Paso County engineer Jessica Irvine said, so only a portion of those facilities would be annexed by the city.

Intersections within two jurisdictions, create problems with facility ownership and maintenance, she said. Overlap and confusion ensues when law enforcement and emergency medical services respond to those areas.

Its very difficult to know who is responsible for what, Irvine said.  We have a great relationship with the city, but agreeing on who does those improvements, who does those upgrades (and) what those upgrades are really becomes more difficult than having these areas within one jurisdiction to be able to make those decisions and address those immediately.

As part of the Annexation Master Plan, Colorado Springs will take ownership of all easements for public infrastructure, including the physical road and/or the public infrastructure pertinent to Woodmen Road.

This is necessary for the city to appropriately maintain Woodmen and Woodmen Frontage roads, county staff said.

The city will prepare the necessary deeds to convey the easements currently owned by El Paso County to the city of Colorado Springs.
Rescue workers search the debris of a destroyed apartment building after a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on July 31, 2025. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)



(Tribune News Service)  Ukraines military claimed strikes on two oil refineries and other infrastructure in Russia in what it said was a response to recent deadly attacks by Kremlin forces on Ukrainian cities.

The Novokuibyshevsk plant in the Samara region and the Ryazan refinery were hit, the Ukrainian General Staff said in a Saturday Facebook post. Ukrainian drones also struck a fuel depot in Russias Voronezh region and an electronics facility in Penza, it said. All the targets were part of Russias war apparatus, the military said.

The Ukrainian state security service said its long-range drones also attacked a military airbase in the Krasnodar region in Russias southwest, where storage and launch sites of Shahed drones were hit.

It wasnt possible to independently verify the claims. Rosneft PJSC, owner of the Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk refineries, didnt immediately reply to a WhatsApp message seeking comment on Saturday.

Ukrainian authorities said that at least 31 people were killed in a combined drone and missile barrage on Kyiv on Thursday that lasted for several hours. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said another 159 people were injured, including 16 children, in one of the deadliest strikes on Kyiv for the war to date.

Samara regional Gov. Vyacheslav Fedorischev said in social media posts that an industrial facility had been attacked and that one man had been killed by falling drone fragments. Ryazan regional Gov. Pavel Malkov said on Telegram that debris from a unmanned aerial vehicle had fallen on the premises of an enterprise, without providing more detail. Three people were killed in the various incidents, Russian officials said.

With the Kremlins war against Ukraine almost halfway through its fourth year, Kyivs forces have repeatedly targeted energy infrastructure, including some Rosneft facilities, in a move to curtail Russias ability to send fuel to the front line and limit Moscows revenue from oil sales.

The Ryazan refinery, about 120 miles southeast of Moscow, is one of the largest in Russia and has a design processing capacity of about 340,000 barrels of crude a day. The Novokuibyshevsk plant has a design processing capacity of over 177,000 barrels a day and the two facilities account for less than a tenth of Russias total refinery capacity.

Separately, explosions damaged a gas pipeline that carries fuel from Turkmenistan in Central Asia to Russias Volgograd region, said a Ukrainian military official who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive issues. The damaged segment carries fuel to Russian military plants, the official said. Bloomberg cannot independently verify the claim.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Taps plays during the Aug. 2, 2025, funeral of 1st Lt. Charles Woody McCook in Georgetown, Texas. The pilot died in combat in World War II on Aug. 3, 1943. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



GEORGETOWN, Texas  First Lt. Charles Woody McCook made a decision in his final moments on Aug. 3, 1943, that would save the lives of two crewmembers aboard his B-25C Mitchell bomber.

The aircraft was flying over Burma and McCook  a 23-year-old pilot  managed to pull the bullet-riddled aircraft from its dive at 50 feet back to about 1,000 feet, allowing the men to parachute out before it crashed.

McCook and three other men died on the bomber that day, though their remains would not be collected for another four years and more than 80 would pass before McCooks remains would be identified and returned home to Texas.

First Lt. Coleman Anderson of Fort Hood presents Diane Benefiel with a folded American flag during the Aug. 2, 2025, funeral of her uncle, 1st Lt. Charles Woody McCook in Georgetown, Texas. The pilot died in combat in World War II on Aug. 3, 1943. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



Allin Still on Saturday recounted the story of McCooks heroism before more than 100 people gathered under a sweltering sun to bury the pilot at the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery where his parents and brother were laid to rest years before him.

May we all live our lives with the same sense of duty and honor, said Still, who is a member of VFW Post 8587.

Diane Benefiel, 75, the oldest living relative of McCook, accepted numerous honors from the areas veterans community and the standard folded flag presented by soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division from nearby Fort Hood. As a hearse delivered McCooks remains to the downtown cemetery, dozens of people lined the streets waving American flags.

People watch a flyover following the funeral of 1st Lt. Charles Woody McCook, who died in combat in World War II on Aug. 3, 1943. His remains were identified in April 2025 and he was buried in Georgetown, Texas, on Aug. 2, 2025. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



Its all so very moving, said Benefiel, who lives in Houston.

Her father John was the youngest of the three McCook boys  all of whom were sent to World War II, though only two made it home.

I felt bad for my grandmother. She had three sons who were in the military, Benefiel said. That was nerve-wracking in itself.

Back in Georgetown, the boys were known as the Flying McCooks because they all learned to fly. However, Benefiel said her fathers eyesight wasnt great, so he went into the Navy instead.

Charles McCook, who commissioned Feb. 3, 1942, entered the service five months later after graduating from Southwestern University in Georgetown. Soon the local media reported he had been sent to China.

Soldiers from Fort Hood prepare to fold an American flag draped on the coffin of 1st Lt. Charles Woody McCook, who died in combat in World War II on Aug. 3, 1943. He was buried Aug. 2, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas. ( Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



McCook was a member of the 22nd Bombardment Squadron, 341st Bombardment Group, 10th Air Force during World War II. He flew the B-25C, which was known for its ability to fly low and hit targets, said Gene Pfeffer, historian and curator of the National Museum of World War II Aviation in Colorado Springs, Colo.

A combination of British, American and Chinese forces fought in southeast Asia to hold the line against Japanese forces looking to invade China and India, with Americans focused on the aviation mission. Eventually the British would begin a ground campaign and push the Japanese out.

The twin-engine B-25 planes were used to target roads, railways, bridges and other supply lines of the Japanese forces to slow their progress north across Burma, now known as Myanmar.

It was an especially dangerous thing because they were going as low as 50 feet, Pfeffer said. Ground fire was a really serious threat. If youre hit badly at that low altitude, the chances of survival are very slim.

First Lt. Charles Woody McCook died in combat in World War II on Aug. 3, 1943. His remains were identified in April 2025 and he was buried in Georgetown, Texas, on Aug. 2, 2025. (Photo provided by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency)



News reports stated McCook had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his role dropping supplies from aircraft to forward elements of the allied forces battling the Japanese in northern Burma. He racked up more than 200 hours of combat mission flights, according to the report.

On Aug. 3, McCook was the pilot for a six-man crew flying on a low-altitude bombing raid targeting a dam near Meiktila and nearby Japanese barracks, according to a 1944 news report on the crash. The crew had carried out its work by diving to 50 feet when a shell hit the planes gas lines.

Of the six people aboard the aircraft, two survived and were captured by Japanese forces, while the remaining four, including McCook, were killed. His remains were not recovered until after the war and he was declared missing in action.

The last letter his parents received from him  dated July 23  arrived the day of the crash, according to an Aug. 16, 1943, news report that McCook was missing in action.

Sgt. John Boyd would be the only member of the crew to come home from the war after spending nearly two years as a Japanese prisoner of war in Rangoon.

Boyd described McCook in a news article as the best in the business. Boyd parachuted out of the plane and credited McCooks flying for his ability to do so. McCook took the failing plane as high as it would go to enable his escape, Boyd said.

Your parachute takes several hundred feet to open, Pfeffer said. Youve got to get it up for somebody to get out of the airplane and to have some chance of survival.

It was two years after the crash when McCook was declared dead. Not knowing what happened to her son was what bothered his mother the most, Benefiel said. Though it was not something the family ever really discussed.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified McCooks remains in April using dental, anthropological, and isotope analysis. Additionally, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis and mitochondrial genome sequencing data.

The three other crewmembers who died in the crash, Sgt. Sidney Burke, 1st Lt. Henry Carlin and 2nd Lt. Nathaniel Hightower, were also identified by DPAA.

On Thursday, Benefiel watched as the plane carrying McCooks remains landed in Austin and received a water cannon salute. Considering she did not know her uncle, she was surprisingly moved, she said.

Im really glad [hes home], if for no other reason than hes back for my grandparents. I know they arent here, but Im just going to believe that they know, Benefiel said.
Stretcher-bearers in September 1966 carry wounded to Dustoff medevac helicopters at a 1st Air Cavalry base near Qui Nhon in Vietnam on the South China Sea, about 375 miles northeast of Saigon. (Lawrence J. Sullivan/National Museum of the United States Army)



(Tribune News Service)  At the Covenant Woods senior living community in Mechanicsville, Va., many have gotten to know the resident war hero in their midst  Chief Warrant Officer Al Michaels.

During the Vietnam War, Michaels, 82, was one of approximately 3,400 Dustoff helicopter crew members responsible for evacuating approximately 900,000 soldiers and civilians.

Last fall, the Dustoff crews were collectively approved as recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by Congress.

On Wednesday, the Covenant Woods community held a surprise celebration to honor Michaels heroism and Congressional Gold Medal recognition.

I cant believe you got away with this, Michaels joked to the many attendees. Theres no secrets in Covenant Woods, but that was a well-kept secret.

Flying into danger

Originally hailing from Pittsburgh, Pa., Michaels joined the Army and served in Vietnam from February 1968 to February 1969.

He arrived in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, a period when North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces attacked the South Vietnamese and United States militaries.

Michaels started off in the 4th Platoon, 45th Medical Company as an air ambulance co-pilot in Lai Khe, north of Saigon.

Seven months later, he moved to the 1st Platoon at Long Binh as a Dustoff pilot.

Dustoff, meaning Dedicated Unhesitating Service To Our Fighting Forces, was the call sign for medical evacuations during the Vietnam War.

The Dustoff crews performed evacuations from May 1962 through March 1973. Their duties came with great risk; one-third of the crew members were killed or wounded while serving in Vietnam.

Perhaps the best-known Dustoff crew member was Maj. Charles Kelly, a pilot and commander in his unit.

In 1964, Kelly was killed while taking heavy fire in a landing zone. Refusing to withdraw when asked, he instead said, When I have your wounded.

That statement became embedded in each of the Dustoff crew members who followed Kelly, including Michaels.

Michaels said he evacuated more than 2,100 casualties, and that crew members averaged 1,000 flight hours in a years time.

It was just an honor to be a Dustoff crew member, he said.

Described by his friends as humble, Michaels singled out two crew members who provided great help during his flights.

The two kids in the back, the enlisted men, were the bravest young men you would ever want to see, he said. You medical people would be amazed at the good care that they gave the wounded, and they kept them alive until we could get them to a major hospital.

Michaels lost many friends during the war, including Warrant Officer Timothy Cole Jr.

Cole, also a medical evacuation pilot, was killed on Oct. 18, 1968, when his helicopter was shot down during a rescue mission. Michaels escorted Coles remains to his home in Georgia and continues to keep in touch with his family.

Following his time in the Army, Michaels kept working as a helicopter pilot and became a certified airframe and powerplant technician. He also worked as a safety inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Al, we remain proud of your accomplishments, and we are thrilled that you and your Dustoff colleagues have received this gold medal recognition from a grateful nation, said Rick Richardson, a friend of Michaels for about nine years.

At Covenant Woods, residents, American Legion members and other guests filled the event room to celebrate their own Dustoff gold medalist.

Such stories of yours, as well as all those who have served, are truly inspiring to our community, Covenant Woods CEO Thom Wright said to Michaels.

The event included the presentation of the colors, a certificate of recognition presented to Michaels and the singing of God Bless the U.S.A. by the Creaky Crooners, a group made up of Covenant Woods residents.

I really appreciate this honor, Michaels said. To be recognized like this is just beyond belief.

For the Dustoff crews, a single gold medal will be produced to represent all the members and will be given to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum in San Antonio.

With no physical gold medal available, Michaels fellow community members found a creative solution to depict their friend with a gold medal.

Don Charnock, a Covenant Woods resident, took an image of the Congressional Gold Medal design and superimposed it over a photo of Michaels he previously took.

A few years ago, Charnock took an old photo of Michaels late wife Nancy and spruced it up. When asked by Covenant Woods to create a picture of Michaels with the gold medal, Charnock was happy to do it.

He liked the picture that I did with her so much, and he seemed to be so appreciative of it, Charnock said of Michaels. I just wanted to duplicate the feeling all over again.

 2025 Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va.

Visit www.timesdispatch.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Dome of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Senate on Friday night adopted a $455 billion spending bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs that invests in recruiting clinicians at hospitals, provides a large increase to the toxic exposures fund and sets minimum funding levels for rural health care and other critical medical programs.

Senate passage of the 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act followed the House adoption of a budget plan in June. Differences in the bills will be reconciled by a committee of members from both chambers.

Doing right by our vets is a moral obligation. This legislation delivers the funding to live up to that promise, said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. Passing this [bill] is the best way to make sure that federal spending solves problems for people at home.

The Senate bill was adopted as part of a two-bill package of appropriations that also included funding for the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The package was adopted by a vote of 87-9.

The two-bill package sends $153 billion in discretionary funds to the VA and military construction projects and $27 billion in total to the Agriculture Department and FDA.

The appropriations bills were the first to win approval in the Senate. Government funding runs out for fiscal 2025 on Sept. 30 and the Senate must approve a dozen spending bills for next fiscal year.

Congress has constitutional responsibility on the power of the purse, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the Senate Appropriations Committee chairwoman. These bills mean a great deal to us.

When both sides work together, we can get things done, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The VA funding bill provides about $300 billion for mandatory veterans benefits, including disability compensation, education assistance, vocational rehabilitation and employment training.

Funds include $18.9 billion for mental health, $3.5 billion to address homelessness, $3.5 billion for the at-home caregivers program, $943 million for medical and prosthetic research, $1.4 billion for womens health and $342 million for rural health initiatives.

The VAs toxic exposures fund, which provides health care for veterans sickened from exposure to hazardous materials during military service, will increase to approximately $52 billion from $30 billion in 2025.

The legislation funds $19.8 billion for the Defense Departments military construction program, including $1.9 billion to improve and maintain housing for service members and their families.

The bill also allows VA doctors for the first time to recommend medical marijuana as an alternative health care treatment in states where cannabis is legal.

Murray said the VA budget bill puts into statute mandated minimum funding levels for critical VA programs that include rural health care and womens health care. It also requires the VA to maintain certain staffing levels to support programs, she said.

Crucially, we dont just have investments in this bill but also new provisions to hold this and any administration accountable to deliver for our veterans, Murray said.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said the spending plan provides funds to help the VA with recruiting to fill critical vacancies at VA medical facilities as the nation faces a shortage of doctors and nurses.

Schumer said the VA spending bill effectively erases the DOGE cuts on veterans, a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency organized by tech billionaire Elon Musk to slash staff and programs across federal government including at the VA.

The legislation also has a provision prohibiting the VA from purchasing technology equipment made by Chinese companies flagged by the departments of Defense, Treasury, Commerce or Homeland Security, lawmakers said.
Michael Connors (26) allegedly escaped detention after tying bedsheets together and scaling down the side of a building.

Connors was extradited to Queensland on Friday. Photo: Australian Federal Police

AN IRISHMAN allegedly linked to home repair scams has been charged with entering Australia on a false passport and escaping from detention by tying bedsheets together and scaling down the side of a building.

Michael Connors (26), who also uses various false names, has been on the run since March after his cartoon like escape from detention but was arrested by police in Sydney on Thursday.

Connors was extradited to Queensland on Friday. Photo: Australian Federal Police

In April, Australian Federal Police released his picture and said they wanted to speak to him about the passport offences and various scams which left people devastated.

Michael Connors

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

Connors appeared in Brisbane Arrest Court on Saturday after being charged with entering Australia on a false passport and escaping from custody.

No application for bail was made during the short hearing.

AN AFP spokesperson said: It will be alleged the man came into Australia in March, 2025, using a false passport, and was detained after he refused to undertake biometric checks.

The man allegedly escaped detention after tying bedsheets together and scaling down the side of a building.

In April the AFP issued an appeal for information on Connors whereabouts.

They said he had also been linked to multiple other offences across New South Wales and Victoria.

Police said Connors used various false names including Craig ONeill, Michael OBrien, John Cash, Karl George Lynch and Joseph Blyth Kennedy.

He was last seen after escaping from custody in Brisbane on March 15.

When the appeal for information on his whereabouts was issued in April, AFP said he had outstanding court matters in New South Wales and Victoria for burglary and fraud charges.

These relate to roof-repair scams whereby, police claim, he has allegedly preyed on vulnerable community members.

At the time, AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott urged residents in Queensland to report any sightings of Connors to them and contact police if they had any information on his whereabouts.

The community plays a crucial role in reporting crime and helping police locate and apprehend offenders  theyre our eyes and ears on the streets, Scott said.

Mr Connors has a history of alleged involvement in serious offences including burglary and roof-repair scams, where he has allegedly preyed on vulnerable community members.

Police will allege Mr Connors has engaged in fraudulent activity across two countries and left devastated people in his wake.

Police eventually tracked him down the Sydney suburb of Box Hill on Thursday and arrested him.

An AFP spokesperson said; He appeared before Parramatta Magistrates Court yesterday (1 August, 2025), and a successful application was made to extradite the man back to Queensland that afternoon.

He was extradited to Brisbane where he appeared in court on Saturday on one count of using false documents and false or misleading information and one count of escaping from detention.
Police in the North launched an investigation after footage was allegedly captured from outside a beachfront holiday home in Rostrevor, Co Down, that Mr McGregor and his fiancee Dee Devlin were staying in last November

A man in his 20s could be facing charges following the alleged voyeuristic filming of mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor engaging in an intimate act with his fiancee.

The PSNI interviewed the young man on January 27 of this year over the incident in the Rostrevor area of Co Down in November 2024.

This week the PSNI told the Sunday World that they have now submitted a file on their investigation to the prosecution service in the north who will consider whether charges should be brought.

"A man in his 20s was interviewed by police on Monday, 27th January 2025 in relation to a report of voyeurism in the Rostrevor area in November 2024. A file was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in July for their consideration, a police spokesperson said.

Police launched an investigation after footage was allegedly captured from outside a beachfront holiday home that Mr McGregor and his fiancee Dee Devlin were staying in last November.

Conor McGregor

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

Mr McGregor is understood to have told police that he became aware of the footage when his sister Aoife told him it was circulating online.

He also informed officers that the recording was taken from the front of the house, which looks out onto the beach and that he had not given anyone permission to film him or his family.

Mr McGregor (36) gave a statement to the PSNI on November 12, the morning after the alleged recording was made.

In February, the PSNI confirmed that a Co Down man volunteered himself for interview in relation to the footage. At the time, the mans legal representative said that he strenuously denies all these allegations and did so at interview.

Solicitor Gavin Booth, of Phoenix Law, had earlier confirmed that he represents the person who was accused of taking a video of Conor McGregor in an intimate act with his partner.

We contend that there is no evidence to link our client to these offences and fully expect our clients name to be vindicated, Mr Booth said.

Mr Booth added that he would advise caution to anyone speculating that our client was involved.

In April a PSNI spokesman said a 20-year-old man had voluntarily attended Ardmore station (in Newry) on Monday, January 27, for interview in relation to a report of voyeurism in the Rostrevor area in November 2024.

Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and a file will be prepared and forwarded to the public prosecution service in due course, the spokesman said.

Mr McGregor and his family spent a number of days at the property where the alleged incident occurred during a weekend break in the legal proceedings taken against Mr McGregor by hairdresser Nikita Hand.

Ms Hand sued the former MMA fighter for damages alleging he raped her at the Beacon Hotel on December 9, 2018.

Last November, a jury of eight women and four men found McGregor (37) civilly liable for the assault and awarded her almost 250,000 in damages.

McGregor had told the trial that he had consensual sex with Ms Hand and launched an appeal against the jury's decision on a number of grounds.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal dismissed McGregors challenge to the outcome of the civil rape case.

McGregors friend Mr Lawrence, who was also sued by Ms Hand but was found by a jury not to have raped her, also appealed against a High Court decision not to award him costs.

This was also rejected by the Court of Appeal, which cited evidence in the trial that McGregor was paying his friends costs.

The three judges said that if Mr Lawrence was awarded costs and repaid his friend, then Ms Hand would ultimately be making payments to the man who raped her, referring to McGregor. If he did not, he would be awarded a bounty for his troubles.

On Friday, McGregor hit back at the idea that he would be paying the legal fees of Mr Lawrence.

In bizarre and lengthy post on X, the 37-year-old said: He was awarded his clearance in a civil trial but he was not awarded his costs! How incredibly wrong!

"To be accused of rape, win your innocence, and then be hit with the colossal bill of your defense while the lawyers and accuser who done the case against you, and lost, get their money. I dont think I have ever heard the likes of this.

You are out of your f**king mind if you think I am paying James Lawrence legal costs, folks. Who said I was paying his fees?

"I said I didnt know if I was, when the accusers barrister asked me on the stand, as I didnt (who is paying his own fees I should have asked him at that time).

It later emerged that Ms Hand has initiated new proceedings against McGregor and two would-be witnesses whose evidence was dramatically withdrawn from the mixed martial arts fighters failed appeal.

The mother of one is suing the former UFC champion as well as Samantha OReilly and Steven Cummins for damages, claiming they had been involved in malicious abuse of the processes of the Court of Appeal.
Authorities have arrested a man they say was a passenger in a vehicle that allegedly tried to ram into law enforcement officials in Black Forest on Thursday, but they are still looking for the driver, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Friday.

The spokesperson said Francisco Zapata-Pacheco was arrested around 2 p.m. Thursday and is cooperating with investigators while in ICE custody pending immigration and criminal proceedings.

Information on Zapata-Pacheco's immigration status or any criminal charges has not yet been released.

Still at large is Jose Mendez-Chavez, who ICE alleges is a Mexican immigrant in the country illegally. According to a news release, Mendez-Chavez has prior convictions on child abuse and domestic violence charges.

"He knows hes not supposed to be here, since weve removed him (from the country) six times previously," read the release.

The spokesperson said Mendez-Chavez was wanted on suspicion of assault on a federal officer.

Here's what we know so far about the incident Thursday:

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office received a request for assistance from Homeland Security and ICE after an agent fired shots into the vehicle, which managed to escape and was later found abandoned.

The incident prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for a quarter-mile radius in the 9900 block of Burgess Road between Windmill and Greentree roads that lasted for several hours.

A law enforcement scanner reported a call for shots fired in the area at 9:42 a.m., according to a transcript from real-time event and risk detection software Dataminr.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the call and set up a containment area of the crime scene to preserve its integrity and ensure a thorough investigation, according to a Friday news release from the Sheriff's Office.

The FBI's Denver field office has launched an investigation into the incident, according to a spokesperson for the bureau.

An ICE spokesperson said Thursday that no injuries were reported.

Kurt Smith, a sheriff's spokesperson, told The Gazette Thursday that there was a second scene near Vollmer and Poco roads that was connected to the ICE investigation  about 3 miles from where the confrontation with the suspects occurred.

The second scene appeared to be at a housing development called Timber Ridge, where authorities were reportedly questioning construction workers.

"The El Paso County Sheriffs Office deployed numerous resources to ensure the safety of our community, including deputies assigned to the Patrol Division, Civil Unit, School Resource Officers, Reserves, Tactical Enforcement Unit (including the deployment of drones), and our Community Service Specialists," according to the Friday news release from the Sheriff's Office.
At the time of the incident, Kyle Knell was bare-chested and suffering from a cocaine-induced psychotic episode, the court heard.

A Co. Antrim man accused of trying to kill a police officer appeared in court today after he breached bail by consuming alcohol and cocaine.

With Kyle Knell appearing in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court, handcuffed and wearing a police-issue grey tracksuit, the court heard how the 29-year-old had himself contacted police to report the bail breach.

A police officer told District Judge John Meehan the defendant contacted the police himself to report that he has consumed alcohol and cocaine at his home address".

She said that when police arrived, he failed a preliminary breath test and was arrested, adding that despite the breach, police were content for Knell to be released again.

Kyle Knell

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

Among a litany of charges Knell, from Tynan Drive in Newtownabbey, is on bail accused of attempting to murder a police officer on 6 January this year.

In addition to attempted murder, the 29-year-old is also accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition, namely a Glock 17, with intent to endanger life, false imprisonment, assault, actual bodily harm, possessing a loaded firearm while drunk or under the influence of drugs, possessing ammunition under suspicious circumstances, theft of a Glock 17, a magazine and ammunition which belonged to the PSNI and aggravated burglary of a property where he was armed with a Glock 17 and magazine.

During an earlier appearance, the court heard how the off-duty PSNI officer was shot in the leg by his own gun as he struggled with Knell.

At the time of the incident, Knell was bare-chested and suffering from a cocaine-induced psychotic episode, the court heard.

Having fled from a hotel earlier that evening, claiming that someone wanted to shoot or kill him, Knell arrived at the house in a state of panic, sweating profusely and vomiting.

Residents at the property called for an ambulance but while they waited, an off-duty officer appeared and entered the hallway area and the defendant lunged at him, apparently to hug him.

It was then that Knell discovered he had a gun concealed in a holster in his waistband but despite the victim identifying himself as an off-duty officer, a struggle ensued during which (Knell) grabbed and removed the firearm from the holster.

There was a struggle between them to try and control the firearm and it was during that struggle that a single round was fired, going through the victims thigh and exiting just above his knee.

A woman who was also in the house at the time sustained an ankle injury after fragments from the bullet embedded into her lower leg.

A short time later police received reports that Knell had gone to a nearby shed and then entered another house in the neighbourhood, allegedly grabbing and restraining a teenage boy before he was arrested.

In court today, defence solicitor John Greer said that despite having been on bail for many months, this was Knells first breach of bail.

Highlighting that it was the defendant himself who reported the breach, the solicitor told the court Knell was struggling with not being able to see his son but he knows there is a process to be gone through to achieve that.

Adjourning the case to 5 September, Judge Meehan said given the police attitude, Knell will be allowed to return to bail.
The problem is that the customer heard it and took it to be a direct reference to her, a WRC adjudicator wrote.

A telephonist who was marched out of a call centre after being sacked for using abusive and foul language over an open phone line in the mistaken belief she had put the customer on hold has lost a claim for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

Bosses at Infosys BPM Ltd concluded the worker, Colleen Lonergan, jeopardised a valuable client contract and committed gross misconduct when she was heard to remark what a f***ing b***h by the customer last year, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) heard.

In a decision just published, the employment tribunal has rejected a series of statutory complaints against the firm by Ms Lonergan, including claims under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Employment Equality Act 1998.

Ms Lonergan told the WRC the phrase was intended to describe the situation rather than the customer, the tribunal noted.

Stock image.

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

The problem is that the customer heard it and took it to be a direct reference to her, a WRC adjudicator wrote.

It happened during a particularly difficult call on June 27, 2024, when Ms Lonergan said she had been on the phone for an hour and 45 minutes without help, the tribunal noted.

Ms Lonergans evidence was that she thought the call was on hold.

Adjudication officer Penelope McGrath wrote in her decision document that by the time the case came before her, the tape of the call that had been reviewed in a company investigation had been wiped.

There does not seem to be any doubt that the complainant used the word b***h while on the call, the adjudicator wrote. She noted the sworn evidence of the company investigator, a junior operations manager, that the phrase used was: What a f***ing b***h.

I understand that the tape was played in the course of the investigation and disciplinary process and that there was, at that time, no dispute that the language which was used was unacceptable, Ms McGrath wrote.

The adjudicator wrote that it was to Ms Lonergans credit that she owned her mistake immediately and raised it with the team leader.

Ms Lonergan was allowed to keep working for a number of days while a disciplinary process took its course in early July 2024, but was marched out of the building upon her dismissal in what the adjudicator considered to be regrettable circumstances.

Ms Lonergan, had also advanced a complaint of workplace discrimination against her former employer, referenced absences from work owing to health trouble on one occasion, and a breakdown crying at work over home issues and bad calls from customers on another.

I was continually harassed about taking too long coming back from toilet and breaks even though I was struggling with my various health issues, Ms Lonergan wrote in a letter to the WRC.

Its my belief that when I made the mistake on the callthe company took full opportunity to terminate my employment because of my ongoing health issues, she added.

The companys position was that there was no substance whatsoever to these allegations, the WRC noted.

Addressing the disability discrimination element of the claim, the adjudicator wrote that she did not form the impression that the Ms Lonergans team leader had to chivvy her along from bathroom and smoke breaks any more or less than other staff.

I note there were never any disciplinary issues around time keeping and must assume that the team leader was simply doing her job, Ms McGrath wrote.

The respondents position is that the claimants behaviour in calling a customer a f***ing b***h on a recorded call was completely unacceptable in the workplace, constitutes gross misconduct and warranted dismissal, its representative Muireann McEnery submitted.

Referencing this in her decision on the unfair dismissal claim, Ms McGrath wrote: I approve the respondent position as set out in the submission received.

She dismissed both the unfair dismissal and the disability discrimination complaints, along with further claims by Ms Lonergan under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, and the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973.
Five men were jailed last week for a combined 55-and-a-half years for the evil and truly barbaric attack

Sean Conroy (21), Mark McMahon (55), Mark Keogh (33), Kian Walshe (22) and Braxton Rice (20) all admitted to falsely imprisoning the woman at Henrietta House

A donation page has been set up for Natalie Ennis who was brutally tortured in a flat in Dublin's north inner city.

Ms Ennis, who was abducted after a batch of drugs which she knew nothing about went missing, was only rescued when gardai raided the flat as part of a separate investigation.

Five men were jailed last week for a combined 55-and-a-half years for the evil and truly barbaric attack, in which the 37-year-old was stabbed, beaten with a metal pole, burnt, and had clumps of her hair removed.

She was also threatened with the rape of her and her daughter during the medieval ordeal at Henrietta House in Dublin last September 26.

In a post on the Facebook page for Sonas Domestic Abuse, David Hall, CEO, said that in the wake of Natalies story becoming public, there has been an incredible outpouring of support, compassion and collective outrage.

So many of you have reached out to Sonas, and to me, personally, asking how you can help as Natalie faces the long and difficult road of rebuilding her life after enduring unimaginable abuse, Mr Hall wrote.

On behalf of Natalie and all of us at Sonas, thank you for the solidarity, the outrage, and the kindness.

Were passing on every message to Natalie, and your support truly means the world.

The post includes a link with a donate button where 100% of your donation will go directly towards Natalies care.

Sean Conroy (21), Mark McMahon (55), Mark Keogh (33), Kian Walshe (22) and Braxton Rice (20) all admitted to falsely imprisoning the woman at Henrietta House

Speaking outside the court on behalf of Natalie, a woman who was lured, trapped and subjected to a level of violence and cruelty that defies belief, Mr Hall said this was not an assault it was torture deliberate, sustained and devastating.

Mr Hall added: I would like to thank Justice Codd on Neasas behalf for her compassion towards me and her understanding of the horror I was subjected to and for imposing sentences that recognised the gravity of the crimes inflicted upon me.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard how Ms Ennis was beaten to the head and body with a metal pole, burned with a makeshift blow torch and a heated hammer head, cut with a knife, kicked and punched, had her hair cut off and was threatened with rape.

Five of the eight men present that day entered guilty pleas, while another man and a juvenile are still before the courts. The eighth person is not before the courts.

Natalie Ennis

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

Mark Keogh (33), Mark McMahon (55) and Braxton Rice (21), all of Henrietta House, Henrietta Place, Dublin 7, along with Sean Conroy (21) of Sillogue Road, Ballymun and Kian Walshe (22) of Constitution Hill, Dublin 7, all pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and assault causing harm to the woman at Henrietta House on 26 September 2024.

We later revealed how the torture gang were dealing drugs for a significant crime figure in the Tallaght area at the time of the attack.

The drugs boss, who is aged in his mid-30s, runs a large-scale cocaine operation in the capital, with sources saying his name constantly features in drug-related investigations around the city.

In her victim impact statement Ms Ennis said that if "the police hadn't come in that day" she was "sure" she was dead.

Speaking later to Prime Time, Ms Ennis said the assault has left her traumatised, physically scarred, and fearful to leave her home.

"They beat me with metal poles. They were coming at me with flying kicks into the face. They were standing on my head on the floor. Then they were heating up hammers and sticking them to my legs... I had a hatchet held to my neck and then it was stuck in my head," she said.

"After that, they spat at me as well. That was one thing. They were just beating me to a pulp. There's no words for it."

One of the men, she said: "was coming at me with a blowtorch and he was putting in my face and burnt my ear and my face".

"It was just unbearable. The pain was unbearable. I had bones sticking out of my elbow...it was just pure evil what they done to me."

Ms Ennis was left with serious injuries after the attack, that she still suffers from today.

"I had staples in my head leaving hospital as well. I can't remember how many, but it was a good lot from the hatchet being stuck in my head," she said. "I can't feel that side of my face still to this day."

Her teeth were also significantly damaged. "My teeth was knocked down my head, so my confidence when I'm smiling, it's just, I don't really smile."

At one point during the assault, she said, the men threatened to rape her.

The men also threatened to rape her daughter, she said, adding they were going to go to my daughter's school, she was 17 at the time, and they were going to rape her.

In the wake of the conviction, Mr Hall said there had been an abject failure of the State to join up all the services required by victims.

It will be eleven months before Natalie has a psychiatric appointment, he said.

Theres a raft of basic services that are needed. There is an abject failure to join the dots to ensure all services required by victims are offered.

He said: Its expensive to be a victim of crime, noting that there is a large cost associated with being a victim, citing health appointments as an example.
It follows a lengthy investigation by the anti-corruption unit (GACU) into the search.

Two gardai are due to appear before a court in the midlands in the coming weeks, charged with corruption offences linked to a drugs search.

It follows a lengthy investigation by the anti-corruption unit (GACU) into the search.

It has been a torrid period for An Garda Siochana, with several serving gardai or former members of the force appearing before the courts.

In the week when Justin Kelly was named as the successor to Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, the force is also reeling from a damning report that claimed some road policing officers displayed a blatant disregard and were openly hostile to carrying out their duties.

The latest development involving the two gardai and the drugs search comes after GACU was investigating if they had been involved in perverting the course of justice.

One of the suspects is a sergeant, and the other is a rank-and-file officer. Both are male and have many years combined service in the force.

The allegation is that the search was done for the benefit of the suspects or someone else

The sergeant has been involved in a number of high-profile drug-dealing investigations. The other officer has been suspended for some time, while the sergeant was first suspended from duty on Monday after the pair were arrested by appointment. They were charged with the corruption offences and released on station bail.

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

This matter relates to an alleged dodgy drugs search, a source said. The allegation is that the search was done for the benefit of the suspects or someone else. The search was not designed to take drugs off the streets.

It is expected that the case will be sent forward to the circuit court, which has wider sentencing powers than the district court.

A garda spokesman said: As part of an ongoing investigation by the Garda Anti- Corruption Unit, two gardai based in the north-west region were arrested, and following directions from the DPP have been charged in relation to alleged corruption offences. Both gardai have been suspended.

Ninety-four gardai are currently in total suspension across the country, but most of those suspensions are not for alleged corruption matters.

An Garda Siochanas anti-corruption unit is involved in a number of separate investigations, including a probe into a now suspended Dublin-based garda over an alleged plot on the Dark Web to have his ex-partner murdered. He has not been arrested.

A number of gardai have appeared in court in other high-profile criminal cases in recent weeks

Last week, MMA fighter Charlie Ward (44) and a 57-year-old other man were returned for trial, accused of corruption offences involving confidential garda information and helping to pervert the course of justice.

That followed an investigation by the anti-corruption unit, and the DPP directed trial on indictment at Dublin Circuit Court.

When outgoing commissioner Drew Harris set up the anti-corruption unit, he said there was no reason why Ireland should be any different from other European countries when it came to dealing with corrupt and criminal activities of a small number of individual officers.

Separately, a number of gardai have appeared in court in other high-profile criminal cases in recent weeks.

The cases include former garda Shane Flanagan (39), with an address in Co Clare, was jailed for seven years this week for impersonating a female colleague online and encouraging strangers to go to her house to rape her and her young daughters.
Seanna Walsh became the first IRA man for decades to stand in front of a camera and talk on behalf of the organisation without a mask

Seanna Walsh, announces that IRA leadership has formally ordered an end to its armed campaign in 2005.

The former Provo who told the world the IRAs war was over has revealed it remains one of the proudest moments of his life  but he had to get his daughters approval first.

Seanna Walsh spoke to the Sunday World on the week of the 20th anniversary of the jaw-dropping statement that declared an end to the IRAs violent campaign which saw them murder more than 1,700 people.

On July 28, 2005, Seanna became the first IRA man for decades to stand in front of a camera and talk on behalf of the organisation without a mask.

In a DVD that was distributed all over the world, he said the terrorist group was laying down its arms and was committing to a new peaceful strategy of achieving its goal of a united Ireland.

Not everyone believed them but 20 years on only the most diehard unionist would argue that the IRA still exists as a violent force.

Seanna Walsh, announces that IRA leadership has formally ordered an end to its armed campaign in 2005.

Seanna (68) reveals this week why he thinks he was chosen to deliver that message, how he had check it was okay with his family first and how he feels about it 20 years later.

While a number of ceasefires had been announced and collapsed since 1994, the 2005 statement saw the start of the decommissioning of weapons.

The IRA statement delivered by Seanna said that members had been instructed to use exclusively peaceful means and not to engage in any other activities whatsoever.

I had to be unmasked, says Seanna  now a Sinn Fein Belfast city councillor  told the Sunday World. It had to be that way because we were doing something different.

It was the defining moment of my life as a republican and Im very proud of the fact the IRA leadership asked me to be the person to read the statement.

I wasnt wearing a mask because we had to move away from that but I wasnt worried because I was quite convinced the days of the armed conflict were over.

Seanna Walsh reflects on delivering historic IRA statement 20 years on

News in 90 Seconds, Friday August 1

It was made in the grounds of the Roddys (Roddy McCorleys Club) and theres a museum there today and you can push the button and play the video and actually theres a recording of me reading the statement in English but also in Irish.

Walsh was a 48-year-old father-of-three when he made the statement which lasted just over four minutes and was filmed in the grounds of the west Belfast club.

By then hed already been in jail three times for his role in violent republicanism  in fact by the time he was released in 1998 hed spent more time behind bars than out  and his track record was one of the reasons he believes he was chosen to read out the statement.

I didnt ask them why I was chosen, says Walsh.

I was approached by an IRA comrade and thats as much as I can say. I suppose its because I was confident enough to do it.

I think they asked me because of the fact Id served time in the Cages (Long Kesh), where I first met Bobby Sands, and where I shared a cell with him and we became very close friends.

Then during the hunger strike period I was back in the H-Blocks and suffered the abuse of the blanket protest and was then in charge of the H-Blocks after Bik McFarlane stood down.

On being released I went back to the struggle and was recaptured a third time and sentenced to 22 years the third time and was finally released in 1998.

When I was asked would I be prepared to be the one to read the statement to camera and this would go out globally, I had to take a step back and I told them Ill have to think about this because I have three daughters, two of which were teens and the other was only a child.

I needed to sit down and go through it all with my family  my wife is a long-standing republican in her own right and shared a cell in jail in Armagh with Mairead Farrell for a number of years.

So my wife was okay with it and the girls were absolutely supportive  the one thing I was most concerned about was the way that stuff like this can impact on their opportunities to travel and them being at that age.

So I sat down with them and talked it over with them and I came back and said yes Ill do it. I was a bit concerned about putting myself above the parapet and making myself a target of abuse because we were putting it up to the establishment in a way we hadnt really done before.

For the record, Walsh was jailed for terrorist offences including robbing banks, having a rifle and being caught with explosives but he sticks by the controversial claim that there was no alternative.

But he says the growth of Sinn Fein in the Republic actually pushed the IRA closer to a ceasefire as they found Dublin a colder house than before.

Nationalists and certainly republicans felt there was no alternative to armed struggle but when republicans were convinced that there was a viable alternative to ending British government interference in this part of Ireland without recourse to armed struggle, they jumped at it with both hands and grasped it, he says.

To talk about 2005 you really have to talk about the statement Gerry Adams made in April where he talks about the time is now right for the IRA to leave the stage.

That triggered a whole period of consultation across the republican family... it was time for the IRA to leave the stage because it was leading to excuses on the part of other people, the people in opposition to ourselves.

When you look back in the years when Sinn Fein was a political party and their strength lay in the North, the Dublin government were a lot less hostile after the IRA ceasefire but Sinn Feins strength was growing in the south and they were becoming, as far as they were concerned, a threat politically to the southern establishment and thats when things started becoming problematic with the Dublin government.

He says the archives will show that neither unionism nor the British government believed his statement was completely genuine.

If you look back at the archives the British downplayed it, the unionists totally poo-pooed it and even then later in the year when you had the statement from De Chastelain (chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning), that he was satisfied guns had been put beyond use you still had this scepticism in unionism that didnt believe it.

Last weekend, Seanna took part in a discussion about his historic statement along with Gerry Adams, chaired by Mairead Farrell TD  niece of IRA member Mairead who was shot dead in Gibraltar  in Belfasts Balmoral Hotel.

Speaking before the event, Gerry Adams voiced regret that the statement of 2005 took so long to come, suggesting the UK government was focused on defeating republicanism.

He said: It took decades and one of my regrets is that it took so long. In my humble opinion it took so long because the two governments, particularly the British government, only sought peace on its terms, which meant defeat the IRA, it meant defeat republicanism and that doesnt work, our people are resolute.

He added: The proof of it is that 20 years later the IRA isnt a feature.
The advisory issued by the Indian Embassy warns that there has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently

Dr Santosh Yadav documented his injuries following an attack by six teens near his Dublin apartment

People taking part in an anti-racism march last month following the attack in Tallaght

A warning issued to Indian nationals to avoid deserted areas following a spate of recent attacks in Ireland has been picked up by media in India.

The advisory issued by the Indian Embassy on Friday warns that there has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently.

"The Embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned of Ireland in this regard, the advisory reads.

At the same time, all Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours."

The Embassy also shared its emergency contact number for citizens.

The Times of India reported how Dr Santosh Yadav, an Indian AI scientist in Ireland, suffered a brutal attack by six teenagers near his Dublin apartment in yet another racist attack on Indians in Ireland.

People taking part in an anti-racism march last month following the attack in Tallaght

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

The unprovoked assault left him with a fractured cheekbone and other injuries.

Dr Yadav highlighted a surge in racist attacks against Indians and minorities in Dublin, the report states, while criticising the government's inaction.

In a post on LinkedIn, Dr Yadav showed how his glasses were broken and he was left bleeding from his nose after the unprovoked attack that has become common in the country.

"After having dinner, I was walking near my apartment when a group of six teenagers attacked me from behind, Dr Yadav recalled. They snatched my glasses, breaking them, and then beat me relentlessly across my head, face, neck, chest, hands, and legsleaving me bleeding on the pavement.

Dr Santosh Yadav documented his injuries following an attack by six teens near his Dublin apartment

I managed to call the Gardai, and an ambulance took me to Blanchardstown Hospital. The medical team confirmed my cheekbone is fractured, and I have now been referred for specialist care," he said.

Dr Yadav added that this was not an isolated incident as racist attacks on Indian men and other minorities are surging across Dublinon buses, in housing estates, and on public streets. Yet, the government is silent. There is no action being taken against these perpetrators".

Two weeks ago hundreds gathered outside the Dail following a brutal, unprovoked attack on an other Indian national in Tallaght

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 later confirmed they were investigating the assault.

A vigil that was also held in Tallaght drew 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.
The lucky player is set to bank a cool 1,005,000 after picking the winning numbers.

A winning EuroMillions ticket has been bought in Co. Sligo with one lucky player set to land 1,005,000, the National Lottery has revealed.

Friday night saw the special EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle alongside the usual main draw, which had guaranteed a seven-figure prize money for one Irish player.

The winning raffle ticket number was I-SLF-56168 and was purchased online in Co. Sligo on July 19.

A spokesperson for the National Lottery said: What a night for our players!

Euromillions

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

"Weve got a brand-new millionaire in Sligo thanks to the Ireland Only Raffle, and a brilliant 500,000 win in Louth from the EuroMillions Plus draw.

"Thats 1.5 million in top tier prizes heading to two counties in one night! Were absolutely thrilled and cant wait to meet our latest winners including Irelands newest millionaire!

Alongside the EuroMillions draw, ten players win 5,000 with their unique raffle ticket number, and among them one fortunate winner has had an additional 1,000,000 added to their prize.

The winner is set to be become the 16th National Lottery millionaire of 2025.

For prizes of over 15,000 and above, winners have to contact the National Lottery Claims Department via phone on 1800 666 222. They are also open Monday to Friday from 9.15am-5.30pm.

Additionally, a player in Co. Louth has also bagged 500,000 after matching all five numbers in Fridays EuroMillions Plus draw.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the July 26 from Applegreen, Old Newry Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The winning numbers in last nights EuroMillions Plus draw were: 4, 5, 15, 16, and 40.

Seventy people won 2,000 each after matching four in the plus draw, while 3,290 people won 20 for matching three.

There was no winner of the overall jackpot  worth 166,241,768  but in total over 67,000 players won prizes in the EuroMillions and EuroMillions Plus draws.
The woman said he was having a major mental health issue and has since been sectioned.

The mother of a man arrested with a knife after a late night stand-off in east Belfast last week says shes extremely disappointed at how the PSNI portrayed the incident.

She says her 35-year-old son, who was arrested, was having a major mental health issue and has since been sectioned  but none of this was reflected in statements put out by the force after the event.

She says instead it was made to look like her son had gone on some kind of rampage, starting fires and threatening members of the emergency services.

Last Sunday the PSNI put out a statement to say one of their officers had been scalded with a liquid substance in what they described as a firearms-related incident in the Coates Row area of the city.

Emergency services were called.

The man was arrested, they said, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, arson to endanger life, and other related offences.

And they added: Our officers responded swiftly to this report to protect both the public and our emergency service partners.

Threatening and violent behaviour towards emergency workers is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

But the mans family met with the Sunday World to say they feel the incident had been misrepresented because at no stage did he threaten anyone with a knife.

I just want to say I have nothing but praise for the police in general and for the officers who were there last Saturday night, said the mans mum, who asked not to be identified to protect the identity of her vulnerable son.

They acted professionally in what was a very difficult situation. I was there, so I witnessed it all. My concern is how the incident was portrayed afterwards in the media.

Firstly the police described this as a firearms incident. There was no firearm. He had a knife and had barricaded himself into his own flat because he thought he was under threat but he didnt threaten anyone with the knife.

When we arrived it was clear he was having a mental health episode. He thought he saw people standing outside his window but he lives on the fourth floor of a block of apartments, so that wasnt possible.

But he thought he was under threat so he set the fire alarms off so the emergency services would come.

The woman took a photo of the emergency services.

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

When I arrived the Fire Service were already there. They could see there was no fire but they said theyd have to go in and check to make sure and to reset the alarms.

As soon as the door was opened to his flat you could see he was no threat. Hes about eight stone and very small and puny. He had barricaded himself into the kitchen and was 15ft back from the front door.

He was very distressed and had lost all grasp of reality. He was saying he didnt know what was real and that he didnt believe the Fire Service were the Fire Service because he couldnt see the blue flashing lights.

The Fire Service said theyd have to call the cops as he was holding a knife and they couldnt let me go in to talk to him which were all the right things to do.

The police came with the ARU [Armed Response Unit] team and there was a stand-off but the way the incident was made to look afterwards it was as if he was running around the streets with a knife or a firearm making threats.

Coates Row, Belfast.

I dont know how the police officer got scalded. I had gone downstairs to take a photo of the ambulance and fire engines to show my son to show him the emergency services really were here.

While I was doing a police officer decided to go into the flat and I think he thought hed sort the thing out and thats when he had hot water thrown at him. I hope the officer makes a speedy recovery.

Youve got to remember the hall was full of clutter  a scooter and a bike  and hed turned the kitchen table sideways and had been crouched down hiding in fear 15ft away from the front door.

The firefighters who were there have told me afterwards they did not feel under threat and neighbours have come forward to say they want to give character references for my son.

They said he has been living there for nine years without any trouble and that hes the best neighbour. That made me cry when one of them told me that.

Some media reporting the incident, including the BBC, even said the police had already charged the man with arson to endanger life and other related offences when in fact he has not been charged with anything as he has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

On Tuesday a follow-up PSNI statement said: A 35-year-old man arrested on Sunday, 20th July, in connection with a firearms-related incident in the Coates Row area of east Belfast  during which one officer was scalded  has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries. The investigation continues.

The family remain upset that the incident is still being referred to as a firearms-related incident but the PSNI told the Sunday World last night: The report was treated as a firearms-related incident and ARU officers were required to attend.

The mans family say they still cant understand why the PSNI, days later, continue to refer to it as a firearms incident, but hope now their distressed relative will receive the proper mental health support and diagnosis he deserves.

I think theres still a massive amount of work to do for the police to learn about handling a mental health issue like this, says the mans mum.
Vanessa Whyte (45) and her two children, James (14) and Sara (13), had been planning to spend a short break in her native Barefield over August bank holiday

Hundreds gather at Clare church ahead of funerals of mum and kids killed in Fermanagh shooting

It was a homecoming forged from heartbreak for a proud Clare community.

Vanessa Whyte (45) and her two children, James (14) and Sara (13), had been planning to spend a short break in her native Barefield over the August bank holiday weekend from their Fermanagh home.

Instead, the mother's coffin was flanked by those of her two children in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the small village just 6km from Ennis.

The village has been left numb with shock by the scale of the tragedy that has struck a well-respected local family.

Ms Whyte and her two children died from gunshot wounds inflicted at their Maguiresbridge home in Fermanagh on July 23.

The man suspected of the triple shooting, Ian Rutledge (43), was discovered by PSNI officers at the property with gunshot injuries. He died in hospital on Monday.

The PSNI believes Mr Rutledge, who was Vanessa's husband and the father of James and Sara, shot his family.

Ms Whyte is survived by her mother, Mary, and her siblings, Geraldine, Regina, Anita, Ivor and Stephen.

All poignantly followed the three coffins as they were carried on the shoulders of family, friends and GAA clubmates into the Barefield church at 2.15pm today.

The village came to a standstill as the cortege wound its way from the Whyte home to the village church, with hundreds lining the main street as a mark of respect.

Mourners gathered outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield in Co Clare this afternoon. Photo: Eamon Ward

The church that had hosted Ms Whyte's first holy communion and confirmation will today stage her requiem mass and those of the son and daughter she adored.

Yesterday evening was the opportunity for locals, neighbours, friends, former classmates and GAA clubmates to try to console the inconsolable.

Outside the church, a lengthy queue of mourners wound across the churchyard, down to the gate and out past the manicured roadside verges and flowerbeds of the picturesque village.

Many mourners wore the saffron and blue of Ms Whyte's beloved Clare

The three flagpoles outside the church flew the colours of the Republic, Clare and St Joseph's Doora-Barefield at half-mast.

All three hearses parked in parallel on the main street outside the church  with floral tributes all in either Clare or Barefield colours.

Hundreds of mourners wore bright colours to honour the family's request for a special visual tribute to Ms Whyte and her children.

News in 90 Seconds - Saturday, August 2

Local shops and houses put flowers in their windows as a mark of respect.

Many mourners wore the saffron and blue of Ms Whyte's beloved Clare.

He coffin was covered by the maroon and white colours of the local St Joseph's Doora-Barefield GAA club with which her family is so entwined.

Ms Whyte wore the same colours as a child in juvenile competitions while her late father, Joe, was a lifelong GAA player and fan.

He was intensely proud of the fact he was a member of the very first St Joseph's Doora-Barefield panel to win the Clare senior hurling crown 71 years ago

Two of Ms Whytes brothers, Stephen and Ivor, played for Doora-Barefield and members of the Whyte family would attend virtually every match, both juvenile and senior, played by the club.

The remains of Vanessa Whyte, draped in a Doora/Barefield flag, and her children James and Sara are carried to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield, Co Clare. Photo: Eamon Ward

Ivor is now based in Australia but flew home immediately after he heard of the tragic death of his sister, nephew and niece.

The GAA club will provide a guard of honour for the funeral  and officials assisted with stewarding as locals rallied to show solidarity with the Whyte family.

In the queue, grown men  probably fearless on the hurling pitch  fought in vain to hold back tears as they sympathised with Ms Whyte's devastated family.

The three coffins were brought into the church with symbols of the three young lives  ranging from a family photo to hurleys, GAA jerseys and a bag of balloons in the colours of Ms Whytes beloved Clare.

Ennis parish priest Fr Tom Ryan welcomed the remains into Barefield church. Todays requiem mass will be led by the Bishop of Ferns and former Killaloe priest, Gerard Nash.

It is difficult to speak about and comprehend

Parish priest Fr Tom Fitzpatrick last week echoed the words of Fr Raymond Donnelly at the service of removal in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, when he said the community had been shaken to its very core by the loss of a devoted mother and two beautiful children.

Fr Fitzpatrick said people locally were struggling to come to terms with what happened.

It is difficult to speak about and comprehend  or to get our minds around, he said.

Like Fr Donnelly, he assured the Whyte family they were not alone and that the community would rally to support them in their hour of heartbreak.

What affects an individual or a family in a parish affects everyone, he said. Everyone here is walking in the shadows of the cross with you.

Vanessa Whyte with her children Sara and James. Photo: PA

Some mourners had parked just up the road from the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Le Cheile cafe and Hassetts Bar on Barefield's main street.

Every time she returned to Barefield, Ms Whyte called to Le Cheile for a coffee, a snack and a catch-up on local news with her Clare friends.

Now, mourners used the adjacent car park as they went to offer sympathy and solidarity to Vanessa's devastated relatives and tried to make sense of a tragedy that wiped out an entire young family.

Some mourners wept as they waited to extend their condolences to the extended members of the Whyte family, who are one of the bedrocks of the proud community.

Others simply stood in disbelief at how a planned joyful August homecoming could be transformed into one of such devastation.

In Barefield, some took comfort in remembering the incredible woman that Vanessa was  and how she adored her children James and Sara.

Vanessa was an incredible student, a great sportswoman and was always full of fun

All three will be buried together after noon requiem mass today at nearby Templemaley Cemetery.

Those shocked by the tragedy have also been asked to consider making a contribution to Womens Aid.

Ms Whyte attended Barefield primary school  about 1km from the church  and then went to Colaiste Muire in Ennis.

Former Barefield national school principal John Burns said the entire parish was in shock at the tragedy.

Everyone in the parish is absolutely heartbroken  Vanessa was an incredible student, a great sportswoman and was always full of fun.

Vanessa Whyte with her teenage children Sara and James

She was an incredible student and was one of the stars of our table quiz team.

He said Barefield was a very proud parish where everyone would now unite to support the family in their time of need.

Everyone here will be there for them.

She was an honours student and, for her Leaving Cert in 1998, scored top marks, easily securing her dream course of veterinary studies in University College Dublin (UCD).

We are deeply shocked by the news, Scoil Muire principal Jean Pound said. Our thoughts are with Vanessas family at this most difficult time.

Ms Whyte graduated from UCD in 2003 and began a career as a vet.

She worked for a time for Lakelands Veterinary Services before taking up a position with the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture in Enniskillen.

Locals remembered her as an honours student and someone who adored sport, especially her beloved Clare senior hurling team.

Vanessa was thrilled to be in Croke Park last year when Clare won the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

Mourners follow the hearses containing the coffins of Vanessa Whyte and her children Sara and James following their service of removal at St Mary's Church in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh. Photo: PA

Barefield locals pointed to the fact that so many of the images in the media over the past week had been of Ms Whyte in Clare colours, proudly standing beside her children.

Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy said it was deeply upsetting that yet another murder-suicide/attempted suicide had left an Irish community devastated.

It is so, so sad that we are dealing with another tragedy like this in Ireland, she said.

Cllr Colleran-Molloy said it was beyond words that yet another young Irish mother and her children had died in such horrific circumstances.

My thoughts are with the family. This is a very strong community and people will rally together to support this family in every way they possibly can.
A free legal service for Bay of Plenty residents turns 20 this month.

Baywide Community Law was officially opened on July 4, 2005, in a little building on Hamilton St in Tauranga CBD with three staff helping people navigate their legal issues.

It was founded by Michael Sharp and first manned by him and Roger Gudsell as lawyers, and front-of-house paralegal Jan Whiting.

Today, Baywide employs 13 staff between its Tauranga and Whakatane offices, which offer access to free legal services for people living along the BOP coast, from Waihi to Te Kaha.

Baywide Community Law practice manager Fiona Joyce said the current need for these services is just as great as it was 20 years.

Legal problems can be overwhelming and Baywide helps to navigate these issues  our lawyers can provide free one-on-one legal advice for people on low incomes, or with disabilities or other disadvantages, said Joyce.

Baywide can assist with all kinds of legal problems including family, employment, tenancy issues, financial disputes, criminal matters and Maori land. Our lawyers can provide legal advice by telephone, online or in-person at our offices in Tauranga and Whakatane.

Baywide also holds regular community clinics in Waihi, Katikati, Te Puke, Kawerau and Opotiki.We encourage everyone to call us so that we can work out how we can assist them, or refer them to a legal aid lawyer or one of the many community organisations we work with for more support.

Today, Baywide is one of 24 community law centres across New Zealand and a member of national body, Community Law Centres Aotearoa.

Joyce said Baywide Community Law Charitable Trust is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees and funded by The Lawyers and Conveyancers Special Fund.

A gathering of current and former staff, board members and supporters was held at their Tauranga office at 63 Willow St on Tuesday, to celebrate the 20-year milestone.

Joyce said it was fantastic to celebrate two decades of work helping the community. Im really proud of the services Baywide provides to our communities.

She thanked all staff and Board trustees for their contributions and acknowledged the huge number of volunteer lawyers and caseworkers whod donated their time and expertise over the years.

For more information on Baywide, see their advert on this page.
A suspect is on the run after allegedly robbing a bank in west Colorado Springs Thursday evening, according to police.

Officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department were told that a man entered the business in the 3200 block of West Colorado Avenue, near U.S. 24, and demanded money from an employee. At this time, it is not known if the suspect had a weapon.

The suspect then left the business with an undisclosed amount of money.
A first-of-its-kind frozen espresso shot company in New Zealand was the result of a desire to escape the sole parent benefit cycle.

Vague Hippo owner Haydee DeKlerk, 32, from Omokoroa, had been unemployed for six years, relying on MSD to provide for her young family.



Haydee DeKlerk an avid iced coffee drinker, solved her own problem by creating a New Zealand first frozen espresso pod company. Photo /Tom Eley

Its hard to get out of that cycle.

The struggle to move forward was almost impossible for DeKlerk, who would find employment but would often need time away to care for her sick children.

Its a hard thing to do as a single parent, to get forward in life in any way.

It was a light bulb moment when DeKlerk discovered Sharesies, a wealth development platform that connects over 800,000 investors between Aotearoa and Australia.

I was putting away $20 a week into Sharesies and I started investing.

Eventually, DeKlerk was able to build an investment portfolio of $1700, which she would use to invest in packaging for her frozen espresso company.

DeKlerk had little knowledge of investing and stock markets, but she began exploring all the options available to her as she tried to dig herself out of that six-year hole.

The idea for the frozen espresso shots originated from DeKlerk, who was solving her own problem as a prolific iced coffee drinker.

Each morning, she would heat honey for her drink, which would in turn heat up her milk and then her coffee, ruining the whole process.

It was just horrible. And the whole process in the morning was annoying, and I thought, I wonder what I could do to make this easier and faster.



Vague Hippo espresso shots. Photo/ Tom Eley

While reluctant to reveal any secrets behind exactly how she creates the frozen espresso pods, DeKlerk did outline the basics.

They are pure-brewed espresso ice blocks. They get brewed, they get snap frozen, and they are put into sachets.

Currently, three varieties of shots are available on the market: frozen espresso with manuka honey, frozen espresso with brown sugar, and regular frozen espresso.

The ingredients are sourced from South America, India, Peru and Manuka honey from New Zealand, DeKlerk said.

More varieties are on their way as well, with three new flavours coming out next month: vanilla, hazelnut and caramel.

Vague Hippo is a one-mum band, with DeKlerk taking on quality control, marketing, sourcing and dreaded admin.

That was the biggest thing, learning to be comfortable with admin.

Once she had the packaging sorted, she tried her luck and contacted Foodstuffs, applying to the grocery giant to see if they would be interested in stocking her product.

I thought, You know what, Ive got nothing to lose.

Two weeks later, she was in.



DeKlerk is a one-mum band.

DeKlerk made the three-hour journey to Food Stuff North Island head office, at The Landing in Mangere, Auckland.

I handed them my bags and ran away.

When DeKlerk first began her journey, she had no idea things would work out. At the same time, its been the result of hard work and determination.

She knows all too well the trap many on the benefit are in, but change all comes down to a choice, DeKlerk said.

You have got to choose for yourself and have the strength to change your circumstances.

Instead of using that extra money on cigarettes, vaping or alcohol, DeKlerk said that people can instead choose to spend it on something that changes their life.

Ultimately, thats what it does. Its getting out of that depressive mindset.

It was a scary process, DeKlerk said.

You have got to be absolutely fearless and slightly delusional because you genuinely have to convince yourself that its going to work.

The espresso pods are available at Pak n Save Cameron Road, Tauriko and New World The Sands. You can also purchase them via her website: Vaguehippo.com.
SAVANNAH, Ga.  Former Food Network star Paula Deen announced Friday the abrupt closure of the Savannah restaurant that launched her to fame with its menu of fried chicken, banana pudding and other indulgent Southern dishes.

Deen ran The Lady & Sons restaurant with her two sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, for nearly three decades. Loyal fans visiting Savannah continued to line up for Deens buffet long after the Food Network canceled her show, Paulas Home Cooking, in 2013.

But 78-year-old Deen said Friday that The Lady & Sons closed for good along with The Chicken Box, which sold takeout lunches behind the main restaurant. A statement posted on Deens website and social media accounts didnt say why the restaurants had shut down.

Hey, yall, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, Deens statement said.

Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years, she said. We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors.

Deen said her four restaurants outside Savannah will remain open. Theyre located in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.

Windows at The Lady & Sons were covered with brown paper Friday. Signs posted at the front entrance read: It is with heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude that we announce that we have retired and closed.

Deens restaurant seemed `packed until it closed

Adrienne Morton and her family, visiting Savannah from Cincinatti, had made dinner reservations at Deens restaurant for 5:45 p.m. Friday.

Morton said she received a text message Friday morning saying her reservation had been canceled.

I thought this must be a mistake or maybe they planned to close and we dont live here and just werent up to speed, but no, Morton said. We wish them the best. Hopefully everything turns out.

Martin Rowe works in a downtown office across the street from Deens restaurant. He said business seemed to be going strong up until it closed.

Nobody knew anything was wrong, Rowe said. I walk by there two or three times a week at lunch, and it was always packed.

Deen went from nearly broke to Food Network fame in Savannah

Deen was divorced and nearly broke when she moved to Savannah with her boys in 1989 and started a catering business called The Bag Lady. She opened her first restaurant a few years later at a local Best Western hotel, then started The Lady & Sons in downtown Savannah in 1996.

The restaurant soon had lines out the door and served roughly 1,100 diners per day at the height of Deens popularity. A USA Today food critic awarded The Lady & Sons his meal of the year in 1999.

Deen moved her Savannah restaurant to a larger building nearby the year after The Food Network debuted Paulas Home Cooking in 2002. Filmed mostly in her home kitchen, Deen taped more than 200 episodes over the next decade.

The Food Network canceled Deens show in 2013 amid fallout from a lawsuit by a former employee. A transcript of Deen answering questions under oath in a legal deposition became public that included Deens awkward responses to questions about race.

Asked if she had ever used the N-word, Deen said, Yes, of course, though she added: Its been a very long time.

Deen returned to television on ABCs Dancing With the Stars, on chef Gordon Ramsays Fox show MasterChef: Legends, and on Fox Nation, which began streaming At Home With Paula Deen in 2020. She also posts cooking videos to a YouTube channel that has more than 520,000 subscribers.
Binghamton, N.Y.  A federal jury in Syracuse has ruled a former Broome County judge discriminated against an employee who said he sexually harassed her for years.

Richard Miller II, a former Broome County Family Court judge, was found to have discriminated against Rachelle Gallagher based on her sex while she worked as a court employee in his chambers.

The jury awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages to be paid by Miller, 62, following a civil trial in federal court this week.

Punitive damages were also awarded to Gallagher, according to a judgment. The amount, to be paid by Miller, was agreed upon by the parties but was not recorded in court documents.

Between 2015 and 2017, Miller would tell Gallagher about the lack of sex he was having in his personal life, according to the lawsuit filed by Gallagher.

Miller would threaten to get rid of Gallagher if she did not satisfy his sexual needs, the lawsuit said.

He also made graphic and sexually inappropriate comments about others in front of Gallagher and other employees, the lawsuit said.

On Jan. 30, 2017, Miller approached Gallagher and told her to watch what she says and not to speak to other court staff, according to the lawsuit.

In May 2017, Miller threatened Gallagher and another employee, Mark Kachadourian, that he would take them out at the knees if they betrayed him, the lawsuit said.

Kachadourian heard many of the inappropriate comments made by Miller, the lawsuit said. Miller also showed him pornographic material against his will, it said.

Gallegher and Kachadourian reported Millers inappropriate behavior around 50 times to court administrators with little impact, the lawsuit said.

In the federal lawsuit, Gallagher and Kachadourian also made claims that the state Unified Court System subjected them to a hostile work environment. The jury did not rule in their favor on those claims.

In 2020, the states Commission on Judicial Conduct ruled that Miller should be fired for shocking sexual harassment and retaliation against employees.

The commission also noted Miller had been previously sanctioned for ethics violations in 13 cases.

Miller left the Broome County office in 2020, according to online payroll records. He was paid $157,692 of his $200,400 salary.

Gallaghers attorney was not immediately available for comment on the amount of punitive damages.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
Jeroen Distinguished - BHPian

Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Delhi Posts: 9,194 Thanked: 65,769 Times

View My Garage





A visit to the famous Clipper Cutty Saark, Greenwich, London UK



Cut Sark was built, originally, as a clipper. The clipper comes from an old American expression, to go at a clip, meaning to go quickly. The first clippers were the small schooners and brigs of the Chesapeake Bay, USA, at the beginning of the 19th century. In the 1830s, some of their features were used in larger ships. The design developed in both the USA and Britain, and the word came to mean any large vessel with a long, narrow hull, a yacht-like appearance, raking masts and a vast sail area.



We will dig into some of her history, but this is how she looks today. She sits in a purpose-built dry dock on the bank of the River Thames. The drydock is enclosed now and we will have a look inside the drydock as well her inner decks.











This is where you enter these days:







From Wikipedia:



Quote: Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship. Built on the River Leven, Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest, at the end of a long period of design development for this type of vessel, which ended as steamships took over their routes. She was named after the short shirt of the fictional witch in Robert Burns' poem Tam o' Shanter, first published in 1791.



After the big improvement in the fuel efficiency of steamships in 1866, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 gave them a shorter route to China, so Cutty Sark spent only a few years on the tea trade before turning to the trade in wool from Australia, where she held the record time to Britain for ten years.[5] Continuing improvements in steam technology early in the 1880s meant that steamships also came to dominate the longer sailing route to Australia, and the ship was sold to the Portuguese company Ferreira and Co. in 1895 and renamed Ferreira. She continued as a cargo ship until purchased in 1922 by retired sea captain Wilfred Dowman, who used her as a training ship operating from Falmouth, Cornwall. After his death, Cutty Sark was transferred to the Thames Nautical Training College, Greenhithe, in 1938 where she became an auxiliary cadet training ship alongside HMS Worcester. By 1954, she had ceased to be useful as a cadet ship and was transferred to permanent dry dock at Greenwich, London, for public display.







Next is the upper deck, on which a lot of historical information about her is also on display.







There are some more images of her rigging further on. I was amazed to read about her crew. In her heydays as one of the fastest clippers in the world, her regular crew would be less than 30!



In 1895 she was sold and renamed as Ferreira. One year later she ended up in a storm with cargo shifting. In order to save the ships and crew her captain gave the order to cut away the masts. Because of WW1 wood was very scarce and they re-rigged here as a Barquentine.







You can see the difference in rigging clearly in these two models.



Cutty Sark as a clipper:







Ferreira (Ex Cutty Sark) as a Barquentine







This new rig meant she lost a lot of her speed, but she also needed a much smaller crew of about 30.



The rigging of a clipper is hugely impressive.







Bow











When you work on a sailing boat, you need to know how to work and coil rope!!











The crew all slept on the various accommodations on the main deck. Everything below was for cargo.



The main steering wheel.







Look at this guy up in the rigging! You can actually climb into the rigging yourself. These days, with a lot of safety gear, of course.







But this is how they used to do it. No safety harness. No nothing. Just one hand for the ship and one hand for yourself!







There are various newspaper clipping on display describing various important moments of Cutty Sarks life.







Last weekend, we headed to London to attend the wedding of a nephew of Mrs. D. The wedding was in Greenwich, so we had booked a hotel in the same area. It also meant we were less than a 10-minute walk from the famous Cutty Sark.Cut Sark was built, originally, as a clipper. The clipper comes from an old American expression, to go at a clip, meaning to go quickly. The first clippers were the small schooners and brigs of the Chesapeake Bay, USA, at the beginning of the 19th century. In the 1830s, some of their features were used in larger ships. The design developed in both the USA and Britain, and the word came to mean any large vessel with a long, narrow hull, a yacht-like appearance, raking masts and a vast sail area.We will dig into some of her history, but this is how she looks today. She sits in a purpose-built dry dock on the bank of the River Thames. The drydock is enclosed now and we will have a look inside the drydock as well her inner decks.This is where you enter these days:From Wikipedia:Your tour will start on one of her lower decks. You can clearly see the construction of her hull. This would have been full of stacks of tea-boxesNext is the upper deck, on which a lot of historical information about her is also on display.There are some more images of her rigging further on. I was amazed to read about her crew. In her heydays as one of the fastest clippers in the world, her regular crew would be less than 30!In 1895 she was sold and renamed as Ferreira. One year later she ended up in a storm with cargo shifting. In order to save the ships and crew her captain gave the order to cut away the masts. Because of WW1 wood was very scarce and they re-rigged here as a Barquentine.You can see the difference in rigging clearly in these two models.Cutty Sark as a clipper:Ferreira (Ex Cutty Sark) as a BarquentineThis new rig meant she lost a lot of her speed, but she also needed a much smaller crew of about 30.The rigging of a clipper is hugely impressive.BowWhen you work on a sailing boat, you need to know how to work and coil rope!!The crew all slept on the various accommodations on the main deck. Everything below was for cargo.The main steering wheel.Look at this guy up in the rigging! You can actually climb into the rigging yourself. These days, with a lot of safety gear, of course.But this is how they used to do it. No safety harness. No nothing. Just one hand for the ship and one hand for yourself!There are various newspaper clipping on display describing various important moments of Cutty Sarks life. Last edited by Jeroen : 1st August 2025 at 21:53 .
Japan sweats through hottest July on record



Tokyo, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



Japan sweltered through its hottest July since records began in 1898, the weather agency has reported, warning of further "severe heat" in the month ahead.

Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent the world over because of human-caused climate change, scientists say, and Japan is no exception.

The average temperature in July was up a record 2.89C from the 1991-2020 average for the month, the Japan Meteorological Agency said on Friday.

It was the third year in a row of record-breaking average temperatures for July, it said.

On July 30, Japan experienced its highest recorded temperature, a sizzling 41.2C in the western region of Hyogo.

"The next month is expected to continue to bring severe heat throughout the country," the weather agency said.

Precipitation in July was low over wide areas of Japan, with northern regions facing the Sea of Japan experiencing record low rainfall, it added.

The rainy season ended about three weeks earlier than usual in western regions of Japan, another record.

Experts warn Japan's beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to the warmer climate or sometimes not fully blossoming because autumns and winters are not cold enough to trigger flowering.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October.
Portugal goes on high alert for wildfires



Lisbon, Aug 2 (AFP) Aug 02, 2025



Portugal's government on Saturday issued an alert warning of a heatwave with a high risk of fires in large parts of the country in the coming days.

The alert, covering Sunday to Thursday, included a ban on bonfires, fireworks and the use of electrical equipment in forests.

The authorities also restricted access to some woodland areas, announced a boost in staffing for the forest ranger service and increased land and air patrols in high fire-risk areas.

"The next week will be difficult" said Home Affairs Minister Maria Lucia Amaral.

Both Portugal and neighbouring Spain have had to battle wildfires in the recent days, a problem they and other countries face every year.

Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and fires around the world.

Following the deadly fire season in 2017, Portugal ramped up its spending on wildfire prevention and response.

More than 29,000 hectares (71,600 acres) have already been destroyed by fire since the beginning of the year, according to Portugal's Institute of Forests (ICNF).
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

Famous pairings have yielded some of musics most recognisable and celebrated artworks. Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground. Peter Blake and The Beatles. Storm Thorgerson and Pink Floyd. Arguably less ingrained in the public consciousness are Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood, who met as students at Exeter University, where they studied fine art and English literature and whose longstanding collaborations have appeared on the front of every album by Radiohead, Yorke and The Smile since 1995s The Bends invoked that instantly iconic image of a CPR dummys lips parted in ecstasy.

A new exhibition at The Ashmolean in Oxford, where Radiohead formed and a stones throw from where they played their first gig, at the Jericho Tavern in 1987, explores Yorke and Donwoods work over the past three decades, spanning album covers, etchings, unpublished drawings, and sketchbooks full of the frontmans lyrical scribblings. Its fascinating, and not just for Radiohead fans but for anyone intrigued by the interweaving of sonic and visual art forms.

That symbiotic relationship underpins this entire endeavour, making the negative reviews of This Is What You Get, which critique it solely as an art exhibition, slightly odd. Those raised eyebrows mightve come down a bit had the naysayers reminded themselves that the Ashmolean is not a gallery, but a museum home to works that do not adhere to any one strict definition of art.

It is impossible to view the vivid acrylic canvases for Radioheads 2003 album Hail to the Thief  inspired by their visit to Los Angeles and drives past endless gaudy signs screaming words like HAMBURGER, DANGER and DONUT  and not think of the bands blaring walls of sound, from the deafening crescendo on Sit Down. Stand Up to the waspish buzz of Myxomatosis.

And, as Donwood himself points out in quotes printed around the walls of the exhibition, all of the pieces on display were created in tandem with the music itself. Going back to The Bends, we learn how Donwoods original plan was to scour an Oxford hospital in search of an iron lung to put on the cover. Upon seeing one in person, however, the duo realised what an uninspiring image this would make and instead stumbled across a room of plastic CPR dummies, resulting in the now-famous shot of a mannequin taking in a borderline-orgasmic breath of oxygen.

Curated smartly in chronological order, the exhibition leads us to Radioheads 2000 record Kid A, created at the dawn of the millennium when Donwood and Yorke were growing frustrated with the formerly state-of-the-art technology they had once revelled in. Yorke was also feeling the pressure in the wake of the critical and commercial success ushered in by 1997s OK Computer  he fled to Donwoods studio and busied himself with painting, instead. The lyrics to songs such as How to Disappear Completely align perfectly with the album covers eerie, lonely mountain spires  not to mention a twin canvas of those same peaks looming over an ominous black void (a lake or a pit?)  in a visualisation of Yorkes anxiety and the defensive walls he wished to erect around himself.

open image in gallery Yorkes sketchbook featuring early lyrics to the song Karma Police ( Thom Yorke )

Its brilliant, too, to have the chance to trace the throughlines in each of Yorkes and Radioheads albums. These are studies in loneliness, of willing solitude and punishing exile. They are jittery, paranoid dives into Americas war on terror, and a searing condemnation of rampant capitalism thats plain to see on Hail to the Thief, with those greasy black spouts of oil gushing from the ground. Yorkes interest in the occult, in witchcraft, folklore and myth, transpires in The Erasers lonely figure  inspired by King Canute  holding a futile hand to the raging sea that surges towards him. More abstract but equally evocative are the distorted pink arms flailing against a blue background, which Donwood created for Yorkes score to the 2018 horror film Suspiria.

open image in gallery Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwoods Heavy Snowfall on House, 1995. Lambda print on paper, 50 x 50 cm (  Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood )

Choosing to exhibit the album artwork of a band like Radiohead over, say, The Beatles, makes more sense when you consider how Yorkes songwriting has steadily grown increasingly abstract, away from the literal loner he sang about on Creep and towards the more unspeakable helplessness he channels on Decks Dark, singing: All we trapped ragdoll cloth people/ We are helpless to resist/ In our darkest hour. Out of the bands wholehearted embrace of technology grew a suspicion of the monster it was creating, looming over our existence like the forbidding geometric doodles on the cover of Yorkes neurotic second solo album, 2014s Tomorrows Modern Boxes.

open image in gallery Yorke and Donwoods work for The Smiles album Wall of Eyes ( Stanley Donwood and Thom Yorke )

As for their more recent output, we find a newfound sense of playfulness in both the music and accompanying artwork for 2024s Wall of Eyes, the second album from Yorke and Jonny Greenwoods experimental outfit The Smile. Donwoods canvases here are celebratory and bright, as fast and fluid-seeming as the way in which the music itself was created.

Art snobs beware, for this is a marvellously accessible exhibition from one of Britains most enigmatic bands.
Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The director of the new reboot of The Naked Gun has said that a short clip from the Ricky Gervais sitcom Lifes Too Short convinced him to make the film.

Adapted from the hit spoof films starring Leslie Nielsen, The Naked Gun stars Liam Neeson as bumbling police detective Frank Drebin Jr.

The films director Akiva Schaffer, best known for being part of the comedy trio The Lonely Island, opened up about the films origins on IndieWires Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.

I definitely thought it was a bad idea, he said. The filmmaker explained that the first Naked Gun movie, released in 1988, was a perfect movie, and that it was only out of morbid curiosity that he met with Paramount to discuss a reboot.

The thing that changed my mind was them saying Liam Neeson was interested, said Schaffer.

He cited a scene from Lifes Too Short, the 2011 sitcom created by Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and actor Warwick Davis, in which Davis plays an exaggerated version of himself.

Fighting Irish: Liam Neeson in The Naked Gun ( Paramount Pictures )

In the scene, Neeson, also playing himself, meets with Gervais and Merchant to discuss his desire to get into comedy.

Playing off his reputation at the time as a strictly dramatic actor, Neeson solemnly suggests ideas for comedy that revolve around harsh and inappropriate topics, such as cancer, famine, and Aids.

Referring to the cringe-inducing skit, Schaffer explained: Its all in that clip. Hes playing Liam Neeson in it, but its clearly a caricature. Thats an amalgamation of every action movie hes made for the last 10 years, and hes playing it so serious and so humorless and saying crazy s***.

Thats also why when they said Liam Neeson, I went, Oh, because when you see that clip, youre like, what an amazing untapped resource. The leading-man, old-school gravitas  that doesnt exist anymore, but also [he] hasnt used his power for comedy yet, almost ever, except that clip and a cameo in [the 2015 Seth MacFarlane comedy] Ted 2.

The Naked Gun has received glowing reviews from critics, including The Independents Clarisse Loughrey, who wrote in a four-star review: Neeson isnt quite the same as Nielsen, who exploited his run of dramatic roles as trustworthy authority figures for pure deadpan comedy.

Yes, hes an Oscar nominee, but hes also the man with a particular set of skills, already associated with a slightly absurd brand of action film. His Frank comes with a mischievous twinkle in his eye  hes loving every second of it, and retroactively inviting us in on the joke of some of his past career choices.

The Naked Gun is in cinemas now.
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

Spider-Man star Tom Holland has responded to speculation that he is in the running to be the next actor to play James Bond.

The British actor, 29, is one of several names rumoured to play the famous spy in the next Bond film, alongside actors such as Jacob Elordi (Euphoria) and Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge).

Holland, best known for playing Peter Parker in several films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, admitted he was conscious of the rumours during an interview with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Listen, theres speculation at the minute. Well keep it to a minimum for now, he said, in a video posted on YouTube. Well get there one day.

Holland, who also played the popular video game character Nathan Drake in the 2022 blockbuster Uncharted, went on to discuss his feelings about the role of Bond, describing it as the pinnacle of a young actors career.

Every young British actor, its the pinnacle of working in our industry, he said. I already consider myself to be the luckiest kid alive. I could never have dreamed to have the career that Ive had.

Tom Holland photographed in 2023 ( Getty Images )

The next James Bond film, currently in the early stages of development, will be the first produced since the franchises long-serving producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, ceded creative control to Amazon MGM Studios in a deal announced in February.

Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Sicario, Arrival and the Dune franchise, is set to direct, but the films lead actor is yet to be cast.

The last actor to play the role of Bond was Daniel Craig, who portrayed the spy in five films between 2006 and 2021, beginning with Casino Royale and ending with No Time to Die.

In a statement announcing the deal with Amazon, Wilson said: With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.

Wilson and Broccoli had inherited the franchises reins from the late Albert Cubby Broccoli, Barbaras father and Wilsons step-father.

My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli, said Barbara in a statement.

I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.

Holland can next be seen in the Marvel sequel Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which will be released in cinemas next July.
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

Ralf Little has revealed that his mum is convinced his acting career is over now hes left Death in Paradise.

Little, 45, played Detective Inspector Neville Parker on the BBC show for just over four years, from 2020 until his surprise departure in 2024.

Since he quit the show, Littles mum has been lining up a new profession for her son as shes convinced the roles will dry up.

My mums done this my whole career  shes always worried about me, the actor told the i in a new interview.

She went, So, Ive been thinking, now that your careers over you could go back to medical school this September and qualify in five years and the good news is you could still work till youre 75.

Death in Paradise, which is set in the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, focuses on a DI from the UK and his team of local police as they solve murders that occur on the island.

Little, who also starred in sitcoms The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, decided to leave the show as it felt like the right time to move on.

This last series was always going to be my last series, he told BBC Breakfast. I had talks with the BBC, and with Red Planet, the production company, and we all agreed that it just felt... if it was in my heart, like if it was just a heart decision, Id have wanted to do it for 20 more years.

He continued: For my character Neville, it just sort of felt like his story... it deserved to be finished and his journey... deserved to be completed and he deserved a nice happy ending and so it just felt right.

The actor was the longest-serving DI on the series to date. He was replaced by former EastEnders star Don Gilet.

Ralf Little left BBC series Death in Paradise in 2024 ( BBC )

Little took over the shows lead part from Father Ted star Ardal OHanlon in 2020.

Other actors who have played the main DI role include My Family star Kris Marshall, whose character Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman features in the spin-off Beyond Paradise, and Bridgerton star Ben Miller.

The show, which airs on Sunday nights on BBC One, began in 2011.
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

Former Food Network star Paula Deen has abruptly shuttered her Georgia restaurant that catapulted her to fame.

Deen, 78, who starred on Food Networks Paulas Home Cooking, shared news of the closures Friday with a social media post.

Hey, yall, my sons and I made the heartfelt decision that Thursday, July 31st, was the last day of service for The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, Deen's statement said.

Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years, she said. We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors.

Deen ran The Lady & Sons restaurant with her two sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, for nearly three decades. Loyal fans visiting Savannah continued to line up for Deen's buffet long after the Food Network canceled Paula's Home Cooking in 2013.

Paula Deen has abruptly shuttered her famous Georgia restaurant ( Getty )

Deen said her four restaurants outside Savannah will remain open. They're located in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.

Windows at The Lady & Sons were covered with brown paper Friday. Signs posted at the front entrance read: It is with heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude that we announce that we have retired and closed.

Further information on what prompted the closure wasnt revealed.

Deen went from nearly broke to Food Network fame in Savannah. She moved to the Georgia city with her boys in 1989 and started a catering business called The Bag Lady. She opened her first restaurant a few years later at a local Best Western hotel, then started The Lady & Sons in downtown Savannah in 1996.

The restaurant soon had lines out the door and served roughly 1,100 diners per day at the height of Deen's popularity. A USA Today food critic awarded The Lady & Sons his meal of the year in 1999.

Deen moved her Savannah restaurant to a larger building nearby the year after Food Network debuted Paula's Home Cooking in 2002. Filmed mostly in her home kitchen, Deen taped more than 200 episodes over the next decade.

The Food Network canceled Deen's show in 2013 amid fallout from a lawsuit by a former employee. A transcript of Deen answering questions under oath in a legal deposition became public that included Deen's awkward responses to questions about race.

Asked if she had ever used the N-word, Deen said, Yes, of course, though she added: Its been a very long time.

Deen returned to television on ABCs Dancing With the Stars, on chef Gordon Ramsays Fox show MasterChef: Legends, and on Fox Nation, which began streaming At Home With Paula Deen in 2020. She also posts cooking videos to a YouTube channel that has more than 520,000 subscribers.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press
As told to Zoe Beaty

Who is Gwyneth Paltrow? That depends on who you ask. She is, of course, an Oscar-winning actress. A fashion icon. The daughter of Hollywood royalty. Shes a businesswoman and tastemaker. Shes captivating, complex, and unwittingly hilarious  but also polarising. To some, shes a pioneer  to others, shes a problem. Love her or hate her, Paltrow is the rare public figure who has had a real cultural impact.

Its easy to underestimate Gwyneth. Or at least to reduce her to punchlines about jade eggs or bone broth. But the truth about her is far more complicated. Over the last few years, Ive interviewed more than 220 people from her childhood, her acting career, and former and current employees of her lifestyle brand, Goop, about what makes her so compelling.

I learnt that Gwyneth isnt just a celebrity, or just a brand, but a blueprint for a new kind of consumerism  one that blurred the lines between personal belief, public persona and profit-driven wellness ideology.

Gwyneth was the cool, ethereal blonde at the centre of late-Nineties Hollywood long before she became the high priestess of clean beauty and adaptogens. I remember watching her collect her Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love in that famous pink, custom Ralph Lauren dress back in 1999 when she was just 26 years old. Her relationships with the likes of Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck and Chris Martin were tabloid shorthand for elite romance.

She projected a kind of aspirational ease that was relentlessly copied, or at least attempts were made. All of it was  remains  iconic.

The perfect foundation, then, for her epic venture or, more accurately, leading role in wellness culture. Gwyneth didnt actually invent it but in some ways, she may as well have done. She single-handedly helped shape the $6.3 trillion global wellness industry by giving it a language  encouraging to rid their bodies and environments of toxins through so-called clean living  and an aesthetic: serene, minimalist, neutral, luxurious and, crucially, expensive.

open image in gallery Paltrow at the Shakespeare In Love premiere in New York City in 1998 ( Getty )

Goop began as a simple newsletter and website in 2008, at a time when social media was in its infancy and many actors were wary of setting up accounts. Gwyneth had been endorsing other brands like Estee Lauder. She was one of the first celebrities to see the power of using her image to build her own audience and brand online. Well before affiliate marketing became part of everyday lexicon, Goop forged a partnership with J Crew that was just that.

Gwyneth soon started sharing her wellness philosophy with Goop subscribers. Only, a lot of it wasnt backed by science.

Take the infamous jade egg. The $66 stone was meant to be worn vaginally to increase feminine energy, Goop claimed. Doctors and medical experts refuted the claims. Eventually, Goop paid a $145,000 fine for misleading advertising.

The jade egg wasnt a one-off. Goop promoted coffee enema kits by the brand Implant ORama. It published the musings of healers like Shaman Durek (Verett), who claimed in his book that doctors push chemotherapy in part for profit. Gwyneth lent her brand and endorsement to self-proclaimed health experts with no medical training, and in doing so, gave fringe ideas a mainstream spotlight. Immunologist and microbiologist Andrea Love told me: Facts arent profitable. And theyre not sexy.

open image in gallery Paltrow at an event for her Goop brand in LA in 2020 ( Getty )

Its not hard to see how this fed into the wider crisis of health misinformation. Goop didnt just suggest what moisturiser to buy. It helped fuel a distrust of science and Western medicine. The healthcare system is hardly perfect, but experts caution that we wont fix it with pseudoscience.

That isnt to say Gwyneth set out to harm. I dont believe she did. By every account, shes intelligent, charismatic, and incredibly driven. She learns fast. She absorbs information quickly. I loved hearing from sources about how her acting experience helped her create Goop  her ability to charm, to know what to say to potential investors and deliver it perfectly, like reciting lines from a script.

It was also fascinating to hear about her everyday demeanour, which, Im told, can be pretty icy and cold. Shes impatient, and she hates time being wasted  one person told me that if she gives a directive on email, and they reply with Thanks!, or On it!, shell tell them its a waste of time to send emails like that.

open image in gallery Gwyneth isnt just a celebrity or just a brand, but a blueprint for a new kind of consumerism ( Getty )

Gwyneth never pretends to be someone that shes not. There is something truly authentic about her. She got a lot of flak for promoting expensive things in Goop. Though Vogue was doing the same, it never faced the same backlash. I cant pretend to make $25,000 a year, Gwyneth said.

Her comments seem to trigger people most when she tries to understand the average person. As I write in the book, she has been part of the milieu of stars and tastemakers and cultural influencers her whole life. She attended the Spence School in New York City, which is a very prestigious Upper East Side private school. She had a foothold in New York society before she became famous  she certainly doesnt have a rags-to-riches story.

open image in gallery Gwyn and bare it: Odells new biography is out now ( Atlantic Books )

After filming Shallow Hal, for which she wore a fat suit to make her look around three times her size, she said that every pretty girl should be forced to do that, trying to make the point that it gave her valuable perspective on the realities of living in a different body. She also once commented that working movie stars like herself had it harder than those with nine-to-five jobs, which was poorly received. These statements strike me less as malicious than her not knowing but speaking anyway.

Experts told me again and again that the wellness industry  which is now much bigger than Big Pharma  profits off fear and unproven solutions. Goop has served as a template for how to gorgeously package wellness.

In the end, Gwyneth may be remembered not for Shakespeare in Love or Iron Man, but for being the original influencer who showed the world how much people will spend to feel well, no matter what science tells us. She showed how profitable and desirable wellness can be. But the question we should keep asking is  at what cost?

Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell is out now (Atlantic Books, 20)
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

Jason Manford has shared an update from hospital after he was forced to cancel four shows and a festival appearance due to emergency surgery for appendicitis.

The 44-year-old comedian said the appendix surgery all went well, but the experience had been scary and painful in an Instagram post on Friday (1 August).

In a follow-up post in the early hours of Saturday morning (2 August), he appeared in good spirits as he ordered pineapple and pepperoni pizzas to his hospital room as a cheeky midnight snack.

Manford was set to perform his stand-up show, A Manford All Seasons, on Thursday (31 July) in Hertfordshire. However, a last-minute update to his Instagram page informed fans that the gig had been unexpectedly cancelled due to Jason Manford being unwell.

A later post confirmed that an additional three events in Oxford, Lincoln and Skegness had also been rescheduled to November. He was due to perform at the Kendal Calling festival on Sunday (3 August), but was replaced by fellow comedian John Bishop, who joked that the appendix removal was an operation that you should have had done when youre seven years of age.

Sharing a photo on Instagram from his hospital bed with a cup of Vimto, Manford wrote: Bit of a scary and extremely painful 24 hours but thankful to our NHS and my incredible nurse mum whos a godsend in a health crisis!

open image in gallery Jason Manford has been forced to cancel four shows and a festival appearance after falling ill ( Instagram/JasonManford )

My advice would be to not get appendicitis whilst driving at 70mph on the motorway!

He expressed his regret at having to reschedule the events and said that the health emergency means he will no longer be able to join his family in Portugal next week.

Seriously though, Im gutted that Ive had to move the dates this weekend, and Im sorry for the late notice to so many people in St Albans, Oxford, Lincoln, Skegness and at Kendall Calling, he continued.

open image in gallery Comedian appeared in good spirits as he recovered from appendicitis ( Instagram/JasonManford )

I thought I could get by on antibiotics and surgery at a later date so I could still do the shows, but was advised not to. Also means I cant fly out to Portugal on Monday to join my family on holiday!

Manford shot to fame for his role as team captain on Channel 4 favourite 8 Out of 10 Cats, from 2007 until 2010.

The Mancunian star has presented programmes such as The One Show in 2010, Bigheads in 2017, Children in Need and Starstruck in 2022. He has also enjoyed a stage career in Londons West End, appearing in productions such as The Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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

Comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee have purchased the home of the infamous Annabelle doll.

Located in Monroe, Connecticut, the building houses the Raggedy Ann doll, which is a classic fixture in the horror genre, specifically in The Conjuring film franchise.

Rife shared the news Friday via Instagram, calling it an insane announcement.

I have officially purchased Ed and Lorraine Warrens home and Occult Museum, including being the legal guardian for at least the next 5 years, of the entire haunted collection including THE ANNABELLE DOLL, with my good friend @eltoncastee!! If you know me, you know Im obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted, Rife wrote.

You also may know The Conjuring films are my favorite scary movies of all time. So Im incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history. Ed and Lorain Warren arguably put demonology and paranormal into the mainstream and are the very heart of some of the most famous haunted stories of all time, The Conjuring House, Amityville Horror, et.

open image in gallery Matt Rife has purchased the home of the infamous Annabelle doll ( Getty Images )

Sharing the future of the home, Rife continued: We plan to open the house for overnight stays and museum tours so you yourself can experience and learn all the haunted history surrounding this amazing place.

While some of Rifes supporters applauded his news, others raised a grave concern.

Didnt someone just die for taking that Annabelle doll on tour or something??? one person commented, referring to the recent death of the dolls handler.

Dan Rivera, 54, died July 13 while on tour with the doll. According to a Facebook post from the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which is hosting Annabelles tour, Rivera suddenly died while at an event with the doll. Rivera was also the lead investigator for NESPR.

open image in gallery Annabelle the doll in her specially built case at Warrens' Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut ( New England Society for Psychic Research )

Pennsylvania State Police shared a report via X about Riveras death saying: Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]. The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers. Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene. His cause of death is pending.

Meanwhile, Annabelle the doll will continue traveling throughout the next few months, with her next stop in Augusta, Maine, on September 6 and September 7. Shes also expected to be at the Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo in Rock Island, Illinois, on October 4, and ScareFest Weekend 17 in Lexington, Kentucky, which is from October 17 through 19.

The appearances come months after rumors circulated in May that Annabelle had somehow gone missing while in Louisiana when some visitors claimed they didnt see the doll during a tour. However, Rivera debunked theories that the doll had gone missing in a TikTok video at the time.

Im here at the museum right now, and I just wanna show you guys that Annabelle is in the Warrens Occult Museum, he said. Lets go inside and lets check.

After entering the museum, he walked over to show the doll sitting in a wooden case.

Annabelle first appeared in 2013s The Conjuring before receiving her own spin-off franchise. Annabelle was released in 2014, followed by Annabelle: Creation in 2017 and the latest entry, Annabelle Comes Home, in 2019.
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

American Idol Executive Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas DeLuc, reportedly met with police about recent neighborhood break-ins one day before they were found dead in their Los Angeles home.

Encino Neighborhood Council President Josh Sautter told People that the couple attended a police advisory meeting on July 9, the night before their deaths, where LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell addressed a spike in local break-ins and crime.

Officers at the meeting reportedly offered advice on how residents could better protect themselves in the wake of the surge.

Sautter told the outlet that the veteran music supervisor had been actively engaged in addressing the crime wave, regularly attending and speaking up at meetings. On June 25, she allegedly shared her own recent experience with crime during a virtual neighborhood council meeting.

Just a few weeks ago, we had our own home invasion, as we were sleeping. They broke in, climbed our wall, smashed through our kitchen door... it was scary, Kaye reportedly told the group.

open image in gallery Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70, attended an advisory meeting one night before they were found dead in their LA home ( Facebook )

Kayes growing concern reportedly extended beyond her own home. At the meeting, she had complained about parties in rented homes in the neighbourhood.

"There's a lot of shady people that show up that are kind of scary, she reportedly explained.

They are all over the streets. They leave garbage everywhere, and it's, you know, you can't be outside.

open image in gallery Kaye was a music supervisor on 'American Idol' for 15 seasons ( Getty Images )

After an earlier disturbance led to a lawsuit against a neighbor, tragedy struck the next day when a man, later identified as suspect Raymond Boodarian, 22, was seen scaling a wall outside the couples home.

A police helicopter searched the scene for two minutes but left after not seeing anything.

About 40 minutes later, another 911 call came in, this time from inside the couples home. Later identified as Boodarian, the caller initially claimed he was a resident and said, Please dont shoot me, before the line disconnected.

Despite another helicopter sweep, police again found nothing. Authorities now believe Boodarian fatally shot Kaye and Deluca in separate rooms of the house.

Four days after the 911 calls, LAPD officers conducting a welfare check noticed signs of trouble outside the home and broke a glass window to enter, where they found Kaye and DeLuca dead.

Neighbors were outraged, claiming this was the third recent incident in the San Fernando Valley where police left a scene without entering, only to later discover a murder. However, Kris Herzog, a security consultant hired by Kaye in May 2024, said that LAPD policy prohibits entry without clear probable cause, such as obvious signs of violence.

Boodarian was arrested within 24 hours of the discovery of the bodies and charged with two counts of murder, as well as one count of residential burglary on July 17. His arraignment is scheduled for August 20.
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

Authorities continue to search a mountainous area of western Montana for an ex-military man accused of fatally shooting four people at a local bar.

Michael Paul Brown, 45, remained at large as of Saturday afternoon following the shocking incident in the small town of Anaconda Friday morning. He is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, police said previously.

Brown fled in a white pickup truck after allegedly opening fire in The Owl Bar, but ditched the vehicle at some point after, according to Lee Johnson, administrator of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

The suspect was last seen near Stump Town, west of Anaconda. More than a dozen officers are in the area and appear to be searching for him in the woods.

A spokesperson for the Granite County Sheriffs Office told The Independent that searches were continuing throughout Saturday and that a press briefing would be scheduled as necessary.

open image in gallery Authorities released a photo of Michael Paul Brown, barefoot and shirtless, walking down what appeared to be a flight of outdoor concrete steps. Brown is suspected of shooting and killing four people in local Montana bar ( AP )

Authorities also released a photo of Brown, barefoot and shirtless, walking down what appeared to be a flight of outdoor concrete steps. The photo showed Brown, wearing black shorts, fleeing after the shooting Friday, according to the Division of Criminal Investigation.

He had previously been wearing a tie dyed shirt, blue jeans and an orange bandana, the sheriffs office said.

"While law enforcement has not received reports of Brown harming any other individuals, he is believed to be armed, and he is extremely dangerous," Johnson told the AP.

open image in gallery Brown fled in a white pickup truck after allegedly opening fire in The Owl Bar, near Anaconda, Montana, but ditched the vehicle at some point after ( AP )

open image in gallery A picture of Brown, released by police. Searches continued on Saturday and he is considered extremely dangerous ( Granite County Sheriff's Office )

Authorities said they would release the names of the victims once all of their families have been notified. However the bars owner confirmed that a bartender and three patrons had been killed in the incident.

David Gwerder, who wasn't there during the shooting, said that Brown had lived next door to the bar, and was known there  though he added he was not aware of any conflicts between the alleged shooter and his victims.

"He knew everybody that was in that bar. I guarantee you that," Gwerder said. "He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped."

Police have yet to establish a motive, though Brown's niece, Clare Boyle, told the AP on Friday that her uncle had struggled with mental illness for years and that she and her other family members repeatedly sought help.

open image in gallery Police are still not sure of the motive for the mass shooting ( AP )

"This isn't just a drunk/high man going wild," she wrote in a Facebook message. "It's a sick man who doesn't know who he is sometimes and frequently doesn't know where or when he is either."

Brown served in the U.S. Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson. Brown was in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009, Castro said. He left military service with the rank of sergeant.

The town of Anaconda, about 25 miles northwest of Butte, has a population of only around 9,000 people.

"This is a small tight-knit community that has been harmed by the heinous actions of one individual who does not represent what this community or Montanans stand for," Johnson added.
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 teacher suspected of murdering a couple in front of their children on an Arkansas hiking trail had previously exhibited odd behavior around his former students, parents say.

Police believe Andrew James McGann, 28, fatally stabbed Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 42, while hiking with their 7- and 9-year-old daughters in Arkansas Devils Den State Park on July 26. The children are now being looked after by family members.

A man seen leaving a trail with blood on his face entered a black Kia Stinger, sparking a four-day manhunt. Police said they eventually found the car in Springdale, where McGann was getting a haircut.

The barber, Adriana Ruiz Avalos, told NBC News that she immediately had a bad feeling about him due to his tired and timid behavior. A true crime fan, she even saved his hair clippings as DNA evidence.

Five minutes into the haircut, a law enforcement officer entered the shop, asking questions about the car parked outside, leading him straight to McGann. He has been charged with capital murder after his DNA matched evidence at the scene, and authorities said he admitted to the crimes.

open image in gallery Elementary school teacher Andrew James McGann, 28, allegedly killed Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 42, in Arkansas Devils Den State Park on July 26 ( The Independent )

Ruiz Avalos isnt the first person to report McGann acting strangely. Two years ago in Texas, McGann  who reportedly worked at four schools in four years  allegedly exhibited odd and grooming behavior around young girls in his Donald Elementary School classroom. Lindsay Camp Polyak said she and other parents grew concerned that he wasnt effectively teaching their children, resulting in them falling behind.

My kid would come home and say, Mr. McGann loves to play tag. He plays tag at recess every day with the girls, Polyak told NBC News, adding that her son claimed McGann gave out candy and special prizes only to the girls.

Parents in a fourth-grade group chat shared concerns that McGann held special lunches with select girls in his classroom, with some alleging he encouraged them to sit on his lap, Polyak said.

Megan Perkins, another parent of a student at Donald Elementary, told the outlet that McGann was odd, noting what she described as his overly competitive behavior with kids during field day events. She said other parents often discussed his unusual conduct, though not everyone found it concerning, as some chalked it up to insecurity, as he was new to the community.

McGann was placed on administrative leave by Lewisville ISD in spring 2023 over concerns about classroom management and favoritism, though an internal investigation found no inappropriate conduct, NBC News reports.

He resigned in May 2023 and moved to Oklahoma, teaching fifth grade at Spring Creek Elementary, where some parents described him as quiet but well-liked by students, despite being awkward around adults.

An anonymous woman who spoke with the outlet said her son admired McGann so much that he began wearing Polo shirts like his teacher. McGann showed interest in wrestling, hiking, and the outdoors, and even started a running club for students, she said.

open image in gallery McGann had a job lined up for the upcoming school year at the Springdale Public Schools system. ( Arkansas State Police )

However, she did notice that McGann was often awkward around parents and avoided eye contact during conferences, once allegedly joking he taught elementary kids because he was "afraid of adults."

McGann later taught at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, for the 202425 school year, resigning again after one year. Though he had no disciplinary record or red flags in background checks, the Texas Education Agency flagged his teaching certificate following his arrest.

McGann had recently relocated to Arkansas for a new teaching job in the Springdale Public Schools system. Two weeks before the start of the school year, he was arrested for the murders.

McGann has been charged with capital murder after his DNA matched evidence at the scene. Authorities said he made statements admitting to the crimes.

Investigators have a search warrant for his home and car, which they hope will lead to more information about his motive for his alleged crimes.

He remains in the Washington County Detention Center without bond.
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 ruling in the Supreme Court of Tennessee has cleared the way for an elderly death row inmate with a severe intellectual disability to be executed next week, despite confusion over how officials will respond to a lower courts finding that the lethal injection process could set off a prolonged response from his cardiac device and lead to a tortuous death.

Unless the governor grants a reprieve or we get review from the Supreme Court, the state of Tennessee will torture my client to death next week, Kelley Henry, the mans public defender, told The Washington Post.

Byron Black, 68, is slated to be executed on Tuesday for the 1988 murders of his then-girlfriend Angela Clay and her two young daughters, Latoya and Lakeisha.

The wheelchair-bound Tennessee inmate has a host of serious medical challenges, including dementia and what his lawyers say is a severe intellectual disability, as well as an implanted cardiac device.

The 68-year-old had petitioned lower courts in Tennessee to have the device removed before his lethal injection, arguing that without this intervention, the process could cause the heart device to deliver painful electric shocks, violating the constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

Attorneys and advocates argue executing Byron Black, 68, who is on Tennessees death row for a 1988 triple murder, could set off a cardiac device and cause unnecessary suffering

A lower Tennessee court sided with Black and told state officials to arrange for a qualified medical expert to deactivate the device the morning of the execution, prompting a challenge from Tennessee.

On Thursday, the states high court sided with the government, finding that the lower court exceeded its authority by placing excessive conditions on the logistics of the execution, vacating an injunction that had paused the lethal injection.

Further complicating matters, Nashville General Hospital, which manages Blacks medical care, this week denied claims from state officials it will be responsible for deactivating his heart device.

Our contract with the correctional healthcare provider is to support the ongoing medical care of its patients, Nashville General Hospital spokesperson Cathy Poole told The Associated Press. This request is well outside of that agreement and would also require cooperation with several other entities, all of which have indicated they are unwilling to participate.

Blacks attorneys immediately sought a stay after the state supreme courts decision, and the Tennessee inmate could still get relief if the governors office commutes his sentence, or if the U.S. Supreme Court takes up an appeal.

Blacks lawyers, in their federal appeal, argue that he has a severe intellectual disability, with an IQ below 70, and that he would be ineligible for the death penalty if he were convicted today. State law also allows prisoners to challenge their death sentences on intellectual disability grounds, though Black exhausted his chance at a state appeal in 2004, 18 years before the state eventually recognized him as intellectually disabled.

Here we have an individual who by everyones evaluation is someone who is intellectually disabled, Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, told The Tennessean. Hes in a wheelchair. Hes 69 years old and suffering from dementia and a number of other physical ailments. This isn't the image that most people have when we think about who we are reserving for the death penalty.

This is exactly the kind of situation for which clemency was created, she added.

The Independent has contacted the state department of corrections, as well as the governor and attorney generals office of Tennessee for comment.

Black has reportedly selected his last meal in case the execution goes forward, choosing pizza with mushrooms and sausage, donuts, and butter pecan ice cream.

The 68-year-old is a member of a lawsuit challenging the states lethal injection process, though a trial doesnt start until 2026.

Tennessee resumed executions this year after nearly five years on hiatus, thanks to a pandemic-era pause, then a finding that it had been failing to follow its lethal injection protocol.
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 Ohio resident who nearly decapitated a woman during a confrontation last year is now facing federal charges over a post on X, the Elon Musk-owned social network formerly known as Twitter, where he vowed to cleanse an entire city of Black people, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit.

Scott Hanna, 30, was arrested Friday morning on one count of making interstate communications with a threat to injure, after the Cincinnati Police Department sent screenshots of the July 31 post to the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Organizing mobs to kill all the apes in Cincinnati Since @GovMikeDeWine and the @OSHP wont do anything about this nonsense, the post read. We the people need to paint the town red and KILL THEM ALL. Fill the morgues and cleanse this city of blacks. By Sunday we are aiming to have killed 30k[.]

Cincinnati has a Black population of about 120,000. The affidavit doesnt specify how Hanna allegedly planned to carry out his threat, or what it was that set him off, but video of an interracial brawl last Saturday in downtown Cincinnati went megaviral, and appears to be, based on the timeline, what may have inspired it.

Hanna lives in Dayton with his grandfather, a retired judge, according to public records. In an initial appearance on Friday afternoon in Dayton federal court, prosecutors asked for Hanna to remain detained pending trial, arguing he was too dangerous to be released.

open image in gallery The FBI believes it thwarted a potential mass murder plot in Cincinnati, according to a newly unsealed affidavit charging Dayton resident Scott Hanna with interstate communications with a threat to injure ( Getty Images )

Hanna does not yet have an attorney listed in public filings, and was unable to be reached.

When the FBI received word of the offending message posted Thursday to Hannas X account, agents immediately submitted an emergency disclosure request to the company for the identity of the user behind @generalquinny, according to the FBI affidavit.

X responded with an email address consisting of the first three letters of Hannas first name, plus his entire last name, the affidavit states. It says the FBI then reviewed @generalquinnys X account, which included at least one photograph that appeared to match Hannas official Ohio drivers license photo, and agents had AT&T trace the IP address from where the post threatening mass murder originated.

The account was in Hannas name, at an address in Dayton matching the one listed in state motor vehicle records, the affidavit says.

Next, investigators submitted an emergency disclosure request to Google for the email address associated with the X account in question, which was soon identified as belonging to Hanna, and listed his personal cell as a recovery number and his Google Pay account as having been set up under his name and address, according to the affidavit.

FBI agents brought their findings to local law enforcement, who told agents they were familiar with Hanna from a past encounter.

On September 11, 2024, police responded to the home where Hanna lives for a reported menacing in progress, the affidavit goes on. While officers were en route, Hanna called dispatch and asked to speak with a detective, it says.

[Hanna] told them if they were not going to charge a specified individual then he was going to cut off her head, the affidavit continues. He stated, If you don't want an incident then you better send cops to [my address] because I'm f***ing done with this s***.

open image in gallery The post on X that led to federal charges against 30-year-old Dayton resident Scott Hanna ( US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio )

Hanna subsequently swung a full-sized sword at her neck, resulting in a serious physical injury and what appeared to be a partial decapitation, according to the affidavit. State court records do not provide further details, and it is unclear if Hanna ever faced any serious charges over the situation.

What is known, however, is that Hanna called a police officer the N-word in the aftermath, having become extremely irate once cops showed up on the scene, the affidavit says.

Local law enforcement noted that they had previous contact with Hanna when he claimed the same specified individual had broken into his residence, according to the affidavit.

In a statement issued Friday, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola said the bureau aggressively investigates those who threaten our communities with violence.

Threats like this impact the entire community and have serious consequences, Iatarola said.

If convicted, Hanna faces up to five years in federal prison.
The Brisbane building gutted by fire on Saturday afternoon has been identified as a century-old church rectory used for social housing.

The Yeronga Rectory at the Anglican Parish of Yeronga on Cork Street was completely destroyed by the blaze just after midday.

Three people were injured, with one taken to Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital.

The property on Cork Street in Yeronga went up in flames just after midday, injuring three. Credit: Nine News

Emergency services were called to the Queenslander-style residence, arriving about 12.20pm.
Croissant queen Kate Reid and Mecca have teamed up to open a cafe in the beauty retailers new Bourke Street store serving croissants, coffee and champagne.

Meccas 4000-square-metre Melbourne megastore is finally opening its doors on Friday after the build was beset by construction delays.

Kate Reid outside Meccas new Melbourne store, where she is opening a cafe serving her sought-after croissants. Credit: Jason South

The store includes a nail bar by Trophy Wife, a hair salon by Josh Wood, private treatment rooms for clinical skin care and its own hospitality offering, Cafe Mecca.

The idea for the cafe came about when interior walls in the 1930s building in the centre of Melbournes CBD were demolished revealing huge industrial windows overlooking Union Lane at the side of the store.
Credit: Matt Golding

To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published.

Hope is sunshine

I open Good Weekend and read that Anh Do and his wife Suzanne love reading, then I come to the article about Hiroshima 80 years on  1945  the year I was born. I look at it, will I read it or just flick past and pretend it did not happen, but I feel compelled to read it. I sit here and think what has humankind learnt? Gaza, Ukraine and many other places where conflict rages in the world  mans inhumanity to man. I know why the sun is not out today, its the memories.

I think of the many marvellous people there are and then I think of the tyrants, the warmongers and the horror that exists, and I realise sadly very little has been learnt over the past 80 years. Killing people still goes on. In all of that, I think most of us live in hope that things will change and I hope it wont be another awful catastrophe like 1945 to bring some sense back.

I have learnt you always have to have hope.

Nola Cormick, Albert Park

Democracy Park

An area in metropolitan Melbourne should be set aside by the authorities in which the public can demonstrate. It would reduce disruption to other people and to assist the police with crowd control. The area might be called Democracy Park and would be consistent with our belief in freedom of assembly and expression.

Any demonstrations outside that area would be deemed illegal.
Kurt Sampson  a former Greg Malouf protege whose interpretations of Moorish and Levantine flavours thrilled eaters across Australia  died on Thursday in New Zealand after a two-year battle with motor neurone disease.

While Sampson, 57, spent his final years reconnecting with his birth-country, much of his life was spent as an intermediary between Australian diners and the myriad pleasures of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Chef Kurt Sampson has passed away after battling Motor Neurone Disease. Credit: Courtesy of Details Marketing

Pleasures such as the garlicky sting of weapons-grade toum: Lebanons answer to the aioli of Provence; of manoushe, fatayers, pides and other (once little-known) flatbreads  of the countless ways that preserved lemon, filo and pomegranate molasses could enrich our lives.

Notably, Sampson racked up time at key Middle Eastern-influenced restaurants on both the eastern and western seaboards with landmark addresses such as Propeller (Perth) and OConnells (Melbourne) featuring on his CV.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the culture war over Welcome to Country ceremonies a dry gully in a speech at the Garma Festival.

Native Title holders will receive $75 million and mobile TAFE programs $35 million, Albanese announced on Gumatj country at Gulkula in the Northern Territory on Saturday.

Albanese said the government must repay and build trust with Indigenous Australians, criticising those who choose the cheap politics of division over the patient work of lasting change, or who seek to turn the grace and generosity of a Welcome to Country into a political weapon.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives at the 25th annual Garma Festival in Gulkula, Northern Territory. Credit: AAP

Culture wars are a dry gully. They offer us nothing, they lead us nowhere. The way forward is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, trust in their aspirations and draw from their knowledge. Because when we lay these strong foundations together, there is no limit to what we can build, he said.
Andrew Stewart, professor of work and regulation at Queensland University of Technology, said he saw two key ways the legislation could be structured: one through the Equal Opportunity Act with a narrowed employee scope, and another where the government passes a broader law which may not be enforceable in the private sector. Stewart said the proposed legislation was complicated by the fact that in 1996 the Kennett government handed its powers to regulate employment conditions to the Commonwealth  a deal that was renewed by state and federal Labor governments in 2009. Carve-outs in workplace law exist for certain other pieces of legislation which can be altered by the Victorian government, such as anti-discrimination laws and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They could just go ahead and pass a law [enshrining work from home], understanding that it may not be enforceable in the private sector, and any attempt to enforce it might be met with a constitutional challenge, Stewart said. Alternatively, they could include the right to work from home in the Equal Opportunity Act, but then theres a dilemma because it would be limited to workers for whom working from home is going to help with their caring responsibilities or managing a disability.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra called the change perplexing, considering the federal government was currently focused on boosting productivity through an economic reform roundtable. If Victoria moves away from the legislated national system, businesses will move interstate and jobs will be lost, he said. Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra. Credit: Jason South If we want businesses to be productive  and to raise the economic prospects of everyone in this state and this country  we need to get out of their way and let them operate in a way that best suits their model. Guerra said the proposal could damage productivity and teamwork, and might create further inequity because only a small number of people would actually be able to work from home.

Loading [Working from home] certainly works well in some contexts, but that should be determined by the employer in consultation with the employee, he said. Allan denied that the policy would create division within workplaces between those who could work from home and those that could not. She said many people who had to come into work benefited from these arrangements through partners or friends who could take advantage of the opportunity. Victorian Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari was supportive of the move, noting that 40 per cent of workers were already doing some variation of hybrid work, according to the Grattan Institute.

Working from home is probably the greatest improvement to work-life balance since we won the weekend ... so for [Labor] to enshrine it, its a big deal, he said. Theres some mistrust out there that people will be doing the wrong things [while working from home]. But the truth is, it just makes peoples lives easier. Thats especially so for women  womens participation in the workforce has gone up a whole notch. Consultation on the laws will be led by the Department of Premier and Cabinet. It will consider the type and size of businesses covered by the scheme, who can reasonably do their job from home, and must also arrive at an acceptable definition of what constitutes remote working.

Loading Daniel Victory, principal lawyer in employment and industrial law at Maurice Blackburn, called the topic of working from home a barbecue stopper  it was the No.1 employment issue people wanted to talk about. He said it would likely be easier for the government to enshrine hybrid work in law for those in the public sector under current workplace laws. Trying to enshrine a right [to work from home] for the private sector might be open to challenge, but well just have to wait and see what the legislation is and how its framed, he said. Even if an employer could challenge it, I dont know why they would challenge a right like this if its reasonable ... any employer who doesnt want to allow work from home, it sort of like feels like they want to go back to the dinosaur ages.

Gordon Legal head of industrial law Marcus Clayton said the legislation could be written in a way that covers a very substantial proportion of the population, even if the provisions were woven into the anti-discrimination or health and safety laws. The key aspect about it is that it will put the onus on the employer to show that a person actually cant work from home, as opposed to just making it up and having an ideological objection to employees having the temerity to demand the right to work from home, he said. Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece told Nines Today program it was clear that hybrid work arrangements were not going away but it was important not to lose collaboration and new ideas that came with being physically present in the workplace. Family-friendly, flexible workplaces should absolutely be here to stay, he said. But I also know that Melbournes at its best when its full of people, and I think workplaces are at their best when theyre full of people. The government expects to pass the laws next year, setting the stage for the 2026 state poll as the first major policy announcement to be debated in an election year.

Loading After widespread outcry earlier this year, former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton backflipped mid-campaign on his election promise to end flexible work rules for public servants in Canberra. State Opposition Leader Brad Battin said the Victorian Liberals recognised that hybrid work arrangements had become a valuable option for workers. We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance, and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity, and personal choice, he said. The premiers appearance at Saturdays Labor state conference served as a quasi-launch for the 2026 state election campaign, with Labor speakers drawing attention to the fact the poll was less than 500 days away.

A promotional video for Allan also debuted the political slogan Jacinta Allan: On your side. Anthony Albanese adopted a similar slogan in 2021 as opposition leader. In her speech to the conference, Allan spoke about a worker who she had talked to about the difference working from home had made to her life. She said the worker, who she called Jane, had been told during a video meeting  by another employee who was working from home at the time  that it was no longer sustainable for her to work remotely. Losing that one day has taken a toll on her, on her kids and on her parents, Allan said. Shes had to cut back her hours. Shes earning less and spending more, and shes stressed constantly. This isnt about whether the work gets done, it gets done. This is about power. Its about who gets to call the shots and who gets pushed around, and we will not stand by while workers, especially women, single mums and carers, get punished for needing balance in their lives.
In the nearly two years since she became Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan has never been entirely in sync with the Labor machine.

Where Daniel Andrews was both a central cog and its chief engineer, it has taken a while for Allan and the other moving parts on Victorian Labors election-winning assembly line to fully understand each other and how best to roll the finished product into the November 2026 state poll.

Premier Jacinta Allan receives a standing ovation at Labors state conference on Saturday. Credit: Eddie Jim

At Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday, the venue for this years ALP state conference, we saw the pieces coming together.

The premier walked in and left the conference main hall to a standing ovation, the room having been primed by a slick campaign video marrying Allans voice and image with the On your side slogan the party will use in the lead-up to the election.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2025 -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total July sales of 45,057 vehicles; an increase of 13 percent compared to July 2024. Year-to-date sales totaled 255,355 vehicles sold; an increase of 5.4 percent compared to the same time last year. With 26 selling days in July, compared to 25 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 8.7 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 6,268 vehicles in July, a decrease of 6 percent compared to July 2024. Year-to-date sales totaled 43,337; which is level compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported July sales of 6,951 vehicles, an increase of 14.6 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 47,747 vehicles sold; an increase of 19.5 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported July sales of 9,803 vehicles; an increase of 17 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 59,712 vehicles sold; an increase of 13 percent compared to the same time last year.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.
Trump unveils tariffs on over 70 nations





WASHINGTON :

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries including a steep 25 per cent for India, marking a new era of American protectionism and triggering fears of fresh turbulence in trade across the globe. The US President signed an executive order raising tariffs for over five dozen countries with Washingtons negotiations for trade deals going down the wire ahead of the August 1 deadline. The new tariffs for Indian goods came in the midst of ongoing negotiations between the two countries for a bilateral trade deal as well as Trumps strong criticism of India for its trade ties with Russia, especially in the energy sector. He even described the Indian economy as dead, a remark which prompted New Delhi to say that India is the worlds fastest-growing major economy. The imposition of the 25 per cent US tariff will impact about half of Indias over USD 86 billion worth of exports to America, government sources said in Delhi.

The sectors which could bear the brunt of 25 per cent duty include textiles/ clothing (10.3 billion), gems and jewellery (12 billion), shrimp (USD 2.24 billion), leather and footwear (USD 1.18 billion), animal products (USD 2 billion), chemicals (2.34 billion), and electrical and mechanical machinery (about USD 9 billion). The sources said that about half of the goods exported from India to the US are in the exemption category (such as pharma and electronic goods), so, the impact will be only on the remaining half. In the Executive Order titled Further Modifying The Reciprocal Tariff Rates, Trump announced tariff rates for nearly 70 nations. A 25 per cent Reciprocal Tariff, Adjusted has been imposed on India, according to the list released. The executive order however does not mention the penalty that Trump had said India will have to pay because of its purchases of Russian military equipment and energy. Besides the new tariff, Trump had also announced an additional penalty for New Delhis purchases from Russia.

While August 1 was the tariff deadline, the new levies will come into effect from August 7. In April, Trump had announced that India will face a 26 per cent discounted reciprocal tariff, a per cent higher than the rate announced now. Responding to the executive order, Senior Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and former Deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler said in a statement that India, a promising candidate for an early agreement, was assigned a 25 per cent tariff. This calls into question the fate of a bilateral trade agreement. The Presidents annoyance with India on a range of trade and broader matters rang through his Truth Social post, Cutler said. Federation of Indian Export Organisations Director General Ajay Sahai said that the order provides relaxation for goods in transit and those loaded on ship for final sailing to the US by August 7. Goods cleared for consumption in the US by October 5 will also not be subject to reciprocal tariffs, thus providing some relief to exporters of goods already shipped or likely to be shipped this week. According to Cutler, US customs officials will face challenges implementing the executive order, particularly with the different tariff rates now applied across the world. In the executive order, Trump stated that some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the US, thus signalling their sincere intentions to permanently remedy trade barriers and align with Washington on economic and national security matters.

Other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters, he said. The tariffs in the list range from 10 to 40 pc, with Japan being charged 15 per cent, Laos and Myanmar (40 per cent each), Pakistan (19 per cent), Sri Lanka (20 per cent) and the United Kingdom (10 pc). Declaring that the US has a massive trade deficit with India, Trump had said that while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russias largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine  All things not good! Trump said.
70 ITIs in State to impart new Solar Technician, EV Mechanic courses







By Vikas Vaidya :

The Director General of Training, Central Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department has approved the start of new courses in 70 Government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the State. Two new coursesSolar Technician (Electric) and EV Mechanic (Electric Vehicle) will be imparted in 70 ITIs in Maharashtra, Minister for Skill Development Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced. More number of Vidarbha ITIs figure in the 70 selected. There are 24 ITIs from Amravati region and 14 from Nagpur.





This change in curriculum with time will lead to increase in employment opportunities and bring about a revolution in ITIs in Maharashtra, said Lodha. The State Government is focusing on implementing schemes based on environmental conservation and considering the need for solar energy-related technologies and solar technicians as well as mechanics of electric vehicles in the State.

This will lead to increase in demand for technicians in this field. Accordingly, the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training has requested the Director General of Training, Central Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department to permit the introduction of these two new courses. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Skill Development Department is implementing innovative initiatives. With the advice and suggestions of senior scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar and Mitra CEO Praveen Pardeshi, courses are being started in industrial training institutes as per the times. Minister Lodha also said that action will be taken to approve the industrial training institutes in which new courses are requested.

The Director General of Training, Central Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department has approved the establishment of a Government high-level industrial training institute in Chembur for the social empowerment and upliftment of trainees from the Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist communities. Minister Lodha said that the aim of the Skill Development Department is to create maximum skilled manpower by providing timely education to students in Government Industrial Training institutes. In order to establish ITI as a high-skill quality brand, the standard is being upgraded in 36 district-level Industrial Training institutes in the State with the help of private industrial establishments. With the help of industrial establishments, training and training facilities are being increased, more and more employment opportunities will open up in the State every year. Skill courses are being started in accordance with the National Education Policy. Emphasis is being placed on starting new skill-based courses in ITI. Courses that are more in demand by the industry are being started. Emphasis is being placed on creating more skilled manpower through technology demonstrations and youth power career guidance camps, added Lodha.
Alleging wrong action in probe, edn officers observe mass leave





Staff Reporter :

Shalarth ID Scam

Alleging that the matter of Shalarth ID scam is not being handled in a proper manner, the education officers in Nagpur district went on mass leave on Friday. The officers submitted a memorandum with the Collectors office where they put certain demands and warned that if the same are not fulfilled, a state-wide agitation will be launched. The education officers in Nagpur district are protesting police action in the Shalarth ID scam, citing that the police are overstepping their authority by summoning and arresting them without proper procedure. Education officers observed mass leave on Friday to protest police action.

The officers argued that police cant take action without filing an FIR or issuing proper notice. Officers demand that the Government take measures against police overreach by August 8, 2025. If the demands arent met, theyll launch a No Work Andolan. The officers are basing their argument on the Maharashtra Employees of Private Schools (Conditions of Service) Regulation Act, 1977 (MEPS) and MEPS Rules 1991, which governs the Education Departments functioning. They believe any action against them should follow the procedures outlined in these regulations.

The officers argued that they already have so much workload due to the inadequate staff. The investigation in the scam led to arrest of several officers resulting in reduction in number of employees in the department. Considering the workload, the officers have made it clear that they wont attend video conferencing meetings, which the department convenes from time to time. Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Education, Education Officer, Secretary and officers of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education from Amravati refrained from working on Friday in protest against the arrests of officers and staffers from Education Department at Nagpur in connection with the Shalarath ID scam. The protest was staged as a part of the statewide work boycott call given by All Maharashtra Education Service Gazetted Officers Association. Officers from the offices of the Deputy Director of Education, Secondary and Primary Education Officers, as well as the State Education Board participated in the boycott on Friday. The protesting officers submitted a memorandum to Divisional Commissioner Shweta Singhal.
Bhilais Asmi invited to At Home ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on I-Day





Staff Reporter

BHILAI,

This rare honour is reserved for outstanding achievers from across country. Asmi led her team Coding Wizard to victory at the Smart India Hackathon 2024, held at NIT Srinagar

In a proud moment for Chhattisgarh, Asmi Khare, a bright young talent from the Steel City of Bhilai, has been extended a prestigious invitation to attend the At Home reception hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 15.

This rare honour is reserved for outstanding achievers from across country and recognises Asmis leadership and innovation in the field of technology. Currently pursuing her Bachelors degree in Computer Science from Bhilai Institute of Technology, Durg, Asmi led her team Coding Wizard to victory at the Smart India Hackathon 2024, held at NIT Srinagar. The team developed a Geolocation-Based Attendance System for GAIL India, enabling seamless GPS-based attendance without manual intervention. Under Asmis guidance, the team integrated key features such as offline attendance support for areas with limited and a Hazard Alert Systema critical tool allowing GAIL site workers to immediately report emergencies via a mobile app, ensuring swift action.

The innovation was praised for its real-world applicability, user-friendliness, and technical depth. Team members included Yashvardhan Singh, Vipin Kumar Gautam, Pratham Sahu, Mayank Deshlahara, and Jatin Kunjam. Asmi is one of only seven team leaders across India selected for this exclusive invitation. A recipient of multiple awards at both state and national hackathon events, Asmi continues to make Bhilai proud. Daughter of Anil Khare and Smita Khare, she expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Im proud to represent my city as well as Chhattisgarh state on such a grand stage. At the ceremony, Asmi will join other exceptional achievers and will have the opportunity to interact with the President of India, marking a milestone not only in her academic journey but also in the legacy of youth innovation from Chhattisgarh.
Bihar poll roll revision protests rock LS





NEW DELHI :

LOK Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Friday following continuous protests by Opposition parties over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. As soon as the House resumed at 2 pm, the Opposition members continued with the sloganeering. Pleas by the Chair to take up a bill, which seeks to provide seats to the Scheduled Tribes in the Goa Legislative Assembly, fell on deaf ears. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal wondered whether the Opposition was against the interest of the Scheduled Tribes and questioned their intent. As the Opposition protests continued, the House was adjourned for the day. Earlier in the day, amid sloganeering and display of placards by the protesting members, Speaker Om Birla said the decorum of the House should be maintained and also urged them to go back to their seats. Birla repeatedly asserted that the behaviour of the members was not appropriate and also took the name of senior DMK leader T R Baalu, asking whether it is right to protest.

Efforts should be made to strengthen democracy and people have given the opportunity to raise their issues, Birla said as he again urged the protesting members to allow the House to run. The Question Hour was disrupted due to the protests. With the din continuing, the proceedings were adjourned within three minutes till 2 pm. Opposition MPs write to Birla, seek special discussion on Bihar SIR: LEADERS of several Opposition parties, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on Friday wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to schedule a special discussion on the ongoing voter list revision in Bihar without any further delay.

In their letter to Birla, the Opposition MPs expressed deep concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, especially a few months before the State Assembly elections. The signatories to the letter included Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Gandhi, Congress Deputy Leader in the House Gaurav Gogoi, DMKs TR Baalu, NCP (SP)s Supriya Sule, RSPs N K Premachandran, SPs Lalji Verma, TMCs Kakoli Ghose Dastidar, Shiv Sena (UBT)s Arvind Savant and RJDs Abhay Kumar. We, the undersigned Members of Parliament representing various Opposition parties, wish to express our deep concern over the ongoing voter list revision in Bihar, especially a few months before the State Assembly elections, the Opposition MPs said in their letter.
BJP gears up for big shake-up in Cgarh; cabinet slots, key posts set for churn





BJP State President Kiran Singhdeo interacting with media persons at SVA before flying to Delhi on Friday.

By Mukesh S Singh

Raipur

Key BJP cells, morchas to be restructured as terms expire, chairs remain vacant

After months of political speculation and internal build-up, the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle and BJP organisational revamp in Chhattisgarh now appears inevitable. The sequence of events on Friday-starting with BJP State President Kiran Singhdeos departure for Delhi, followed by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sais strategic meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah-has effectively broken the suspense over the partys upcoming shake-up.

BJP insiders confirmed that the two critical exercisescabinet expansion and state unit restructuring-will be executed in parallel, with formal announcements expected within the next 20 days. As per indications, two new ministers will be inducted into the state cabinet, while the party will fill key vacant organisational posts, including seven morcha heads, 30 cell presidents, and two state general secretaries. The impending reshuffle comes at a time when BJPs Chhattisgarh unit is facing structural fatigue. Several posts across Morchas, Prakoshts (cells), and district-level units are either vacant or being held by officials whose terms have lapsed. A sense of unease had begun to spread among grassroots workers due to the delay, especially as over 20 senior leaders have already been appointed to various Boards, Corporations, and civic bodies.

CM Sais meeting with the top central leadership-though officially centred on discussions related to development, investment, education, public health, and Naxal eradication-held clear political subtext. Party sources say the leadership review included a performance audit of the governance team and discussions on aligning cabinet positions with ongoing political strategy and regional representation. Before leaving for Delhi, Kiran Singhdeo on Friday told the media persons at Swami Vivekananda Airport (SVA) that an important meeting on organisational matters was scheduled and that the expansion of the state unit will follow soon after.

BJPs Organisation Secretary Pawan Sai also accompanied him, underlining the coordinated nature of the move. Among the most watched changes will be the appointment of two new general secretaries. These vacancies arose after Sanjay Srivastava was appointed as Chairman of the State Civil Supplies Corporation (NAN) and Jagdish Ramu Rohra took over as Mayor of Dhamtari. Both were holding powerful positions within the BJP state unit and their elevation has opened a competitive race for successors. Equally significant is the likely change of guard in the BJP Mahila Morcha. Incumbent state chief Shalini Rajput has been named Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board, which will necessitate her replacement.

Several influential women leaders have begun lobbying for the role. However, BJP sources clarify that no quota-based formula is being adopted for the appointments. Instead, the focus is on ideological commitment, performance record, and organisational discipline. The leadership, both at the Centre and in the state, is determined to ensure that the cabinet and party apparatus function in close synergy ahead of the next round of electoral battles, including local bodies and municipal corporations.
Court convicts ex-JD(S) MP Revanna in rape case





BENGALURU :

FORMER MP and suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna was on Friday convicted by a Special Court here in one of the four sexual abuse and rape cases registered against him. Special Court Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat will announce the quantum of punishment on Saturday. The case pertains to a 48-year-old woman who was working as a help at the familys Gannikada farmhouse in Hassan districts Holenarasipura. She was allegedly raped twice in 2021 and the act recorded by the accused on his mobile phone.

Four separate cases have been registered against Prajwal Revanna, who is facing charges of rape and sexual harassment, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the cases against him. Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former Prime Minister and JD (S) patriarch H D Deve Gowda. The cases came to light after pen-drives containing explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna were reportedly circulated in Hassan, ahead of Lok Sabha polls there on April 26, 2024 He was arrested by the SIT on May 31 last year, upon arrival at Bengaluru Airport from Germany in connection with a case registered at the Holenarasipura Town Police Station. Revanna had failed in his bid to retain the Hassan parliamentary constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. JD(S) suspended him from the party following the cases filed against him.
Dr Banjara hails CGs Baiga breastfeeding culture as global model





Staff Reporter

Raipur

Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant respiratory risk by 70% Kangaroo Mother Care key to neonatal survival and tribal bonding

Baiga women of Chhattisgarh offer the world a fearless, instinctive model of breastfeeding and infant care, remarked Dr Amit Banjara, Secretary of the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) at Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, as World Breastfeeding Week commenced on August 1. Hailing their cultural embrace of open breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Dr Banjara said the Baiga tribes maternal practices reflect a public health ideal-free from stigma, rooted in nature, and worthy of global emulation.

He further affirmed that Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), is not only a biological necessity but a socio-economic and environmental shield. It helps reduce postpartum depression, certain cancers, cardiovascular risks, and unintended pregnancies, while also lightening household financial burdens and lowering the carbon footprint from formula use. KMC, he noted, involves uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding, strengthening newborn immunity, especially in low-resource communities.

Referencing the Baiga community of Chhattisgarh - classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) - Dr Banjara said their practice of unhesitant breastfeeding, rooted in natural wisdom, dismantles prevailing taboos. Their lived example challenges both orthodox rigidity and misguided modern hyper-feminism, offering a teachers role in todays maternal health discourse, he noted. Campaigns such as NHS Englands That Feeling and the No Bra Day on October 13 echo similar goals of breast health awareness. However, Dr Banjara underscored that the Baiga tribe represents more than advocacy-they live the values instinctively. Citing Articles 21, 39(a), and 47 of the Indian Constitution, he emphasised the States duty to ensure maternal and child health, nutrition, and dignity. From cradle houses to gender-sensitive policies, India must walk farther-but the Baiga torch burns bright, he concluded.
EC publishes draft electoral rolls for Bihar following SIR





PATNA :

THE Election Commission on Friday came out with the much-anticipated draft electoral rolls in Bihar, enlisting 7.24 crore voters but knocking off more than 65 lakh names, claiming that most of the persons concerned had died or migrated. The draft electoral rolls, prepared as part of the special intensive revision (SIR), which has caused much controversy as the exercise was ordered with just a few months left for Assembly polls, are available for voters online. The EC has also said, it was making available printed copies, district wise, to representatives of political parties so that anomalies, if any, could be flagged during the claims and objections phase, which would continue till September 1 before the final rolls are published.

However, the main Opposition party, the RJD, was unhappy with the system and in a memorandum, submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, it demanded an Assembly segment-wise break-up conveniently downloaded in a pen drive or on a CD. The Congress, which is the second-largest constituent of the INDIA bloc in the State, also challenged the EC to disclose how many foreign nationals were found to have been included in the voters list prior to SIR and whether they have been dropped in the draft electoral rolls. Notably, the BJP-led NDA, which rules the Centre as well as the State, has been alleging that a large number of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas were living in Bihar, especially in the Kosi-Seemanchal region bordering Nepal and Bangladesh.

Leaders of the ruling coalition have also been claiming that many such illegal immigrants had been registered as voters and the deletion of their names was being opposed by the INDIA bloc because of vote bank concerns. The EC also came out with a district-wise break-up of the number of voters registered prior to the commencement of SIR on June 25 and the status in the draft electoral rolls. Patna, which houses the State capital, accounted for the highest number of 50.04 lakh voters registered as on 24.06.2025 and the district also saw submission of 46.51 lakh enumeration forms, the maximum in the State. Unsurprisingly, the district also accounted for the highest number of 3.95 lakh enumeration forms that remained unreceived, after being handed over to the voters, or were not included in the draft rolls.
Helmet Mandatory for fuel Collectors order gets mixed response in city





Staff Reporter :

The ambitious initiative launched by the Bhopal District Collector to deny petrol to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets has received mixed response on ground, exposing gaps in implementation despite official orders. As per the prohibitory order issued under Section 144, all petrol pumps in Bhopal are required to deny fuel to riders without helmets, starting August 1. The order will remain in force until 29 September. A similar directive has been issued in Indore, the only other city in Madhya Pradesh where Justice (Retd.) Abhay Manohar Sapre, Chairman of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, conducted ground inspections this week.

Patchy Compliance Across City: On Friday, several petrol pumps in new city areas like MP Nagar, Arera Colony and Bittan Market complied with the order, and were seen refusing fuel to bareheaded riders. At some places, long queues of helmeted riders were also observed, indicating rising awareness. In contrast, many petrol pumps in the old city areas including Karonds 80-feet road, Qazi Camp, and around the Railway Station, blatantly ignored the order, supplying fuel to customers regardless of helmet use. Though many pumps had pasted warning notices and banners stating No Helmet, No Petrol, the enforcement remained largely symbolic.

No Action by Administration Yet: So far, no punitive action has been reported against violators, either petrol pump owners or riders. District administration officials were reportedly occupied with Justice Sapres visit, during which he monitored traffic conditions and accident-prone black spots across the city. Critics Question Policy Logic: Many experts and citizens have questioned the effectiveness and intent behind such orders. Wearing helmets is already legally mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. Enforcement is the job of traffic police, not petrol pump staff, said a local road safety advocate. Why is the burden of law enforcement being shifted to private businesses? They also pointed out that this is not the first time such an order has been issued in Bhopal, and similar attempts in the past have largely failed due to lack of consistent follow-up and legal clarity.
House adjourned till Monday over demand to oust Minister Shah





By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla :

Following the strong protest by Congress Legislature Party demanding the dismissal of Minister Vijay Shah, who had made derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Speaker adjourned the House till Monday. The silence of the Government on the Vijay Shah case proves that ministers and vote bank are more important to them than patriotism, said LoP Umang Singhar On the fifth day of the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Congress Legislature Party, led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, held a strong protest in the House demanding the dismissal of Tribal Affairs and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Shah. Minister Vijay Shah is accused of publicly insulting the Army and Colonel Sofia Qureshi, but despite this, no action has been taken by the government so far. As soon as the proceedings of the session began, the Congress MLAs raised the demand to remove Vijay Shah from the ministerial post.

When the Opposition was not given an opportunity to speak on this subject, all the opposition MLAs sat on a dharna inside the House. When the proceedings resumed after a walkout from the House, the Congress MLAs remained adamant on their demand. Due to the Oppositions unrelenting stance, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings of the House till Monday. In a conversation with the media, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar said, The insult of the Army and a woman Colonel is not a trivial issue.

Vijay Shahs statement is not only an insult to the disciplined Army, but also hurts the sentiments of the entire country. But the government is continuously protecting him. He said that Vijay Shah was present in the House today and the Governments silence proves that ministers and vote banks are more important to them than patriotism. Congress will not back down on this issue under any circumstances, and the struggle will continue until Vijay Shah is dismissed. He stated that Congress stands firmly on every issue related to the countrys Army and honour. On replying over the toxic waste inceneration doubts in the House, Minister Vijay Shah claimed safe completion of the process of Union Carbide toxic waste at Pithampur and assured that no adverse effect was reported, on Friday in the House.

None of the chemicals have affected the groundwater quality, as the ash/residue generated from the incineration of Union Carbide waste has been packed in jumbo bags and stored in waterproof storage by M/s Pithampur India Digital Weighing Material Private Limited, Pithampur, as per the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, Tribal Affairs and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Shah stated in the Assembly, replying to a query by MLA Neena Verma regarding the monitoring of adverse effects on groundwater due to the incineration of the waste. To assess any possibility of harmful effects in the future, there is a provision for monitoring the water supply for 30 years. Earlier in the day, Congress Legislature Party staged demonstration in the Assembly premises over fertiliser crisis. Congress claimed that the continuously deepening of fertiliser crisis in the State has resulted in huge problems being faced by the farmers. This demonstration was led by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar. Members of the Congress Legislature Party reached the Assembly with empty sacks of fertiliser and symbolic bottles of nano fertiliser and raised questions on the anti-farmer policies of the Government.
NISAR mission enters critical 90-day commissioning phase





By S Vijay Karthik

CHENNAI

THE historic NISAR mission, a landmark collaboration between NASA and ISRO, has entered its crucial 90-day commissioning phase, during which scientists will carry out rigorous checks, calibrations and orbital adjustments to prepare the satellite for full-scale earth observation. The critical phase follows the successful launch of the radar imaging satellite on July 30 aboard a GSLV-F16 rocket from Srikharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking to PTI, Gerald W Bawden, Program Manager for Natural Hazards Research at NASAs Earth Sciences Division, outlined the key activities underway. NISAR is inserted at an altitude of 737 km and we need to actually rise up to 747 km and it will take about 45-50 days for those operations to take place, he explained.

After the commissioning is complete, he said the radars will be activated and it will start collecting data over all ice, all land, all the time from the Earth. The resolution will be 5 metres by 5 metres and we will be imaging that every 12 days. So it is a lot of data. It is more data that NASA has collected in any other mission. On the key lessons from the collaboration with the Bengaluru-based space agency for the NISAR mission, the scientist said, NASA learned from the ISROs focus on how science can help society, while ISRO gained from NASAs deep focus on scientific research.

Bawden said the project brought together scientists from two countries on opposite sides of the world, with a 12.5-hour time difference. ... We had culture differences and the other thing is that we are on the opposite side of the world. We have to work together and we have the common love for technology. The two scientists (of ISRO and NASA) are building partnerships by working together, friendships. This NISAR partnership is more than building an amazing satellite, it is teams that are together to solve bigger problems, he noted.
Dan Nordberg is a former Colorado State Representative and presidential appointee, serving as Regional Administrator for Region VIII and later as Director of the Office of Rural Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Nitin Gadkari conferred with Lokmanya Tilak National Award





PUNE

UNION Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said, it was a misconception that lying and flattery are necessary in politics, asserting that politicians should speak the truth with confidence. The senior BJP leader was speaking after being conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award here in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. It is a misconception that politics is all about telling lies or using flattery. Even late Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray used to be truthful in his speeches. He used to speak his mind, Gadkari said. One should learn to call a spade a spade, he said. If something is good, one should call it good, and if something is bad, it should be termed as bad.

Fadnavis says sometimes speaking clearly and truthfully is not possible in politics. During my (campaign for) Lok Sabha election, while addressing a rally, I said I wont give any freebies to anyone and will do what I wanted to do. Do not come to me under the guise of caste or community. I simply sought their votes and assured them that I will work for them, he said. He also told the voters that he will work for everybody, those who vote for him as well as those who do not, Gadkari added.

I have this experience that even small people can sense good things, and that is why politicians should remain positive and always speak truth with confidence, he said. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways also said that there is no dearth of funds in his department. Funds are not a constraint. The only constraint is that they are not being spent. In this country, there is no dearth of funds, technology. The only constraint is the lack of people who will work honestly for the country. If these people decide to work, then there will not be any problem, Gadkari said. The Lokmanya Tilak National Award is given by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust (Hind Swarajya Sangh) every year. Its past recipients include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and late Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Sanskardhani celebrates Swachhta Mahotsav





Staff Reporter :

Sanskardhani witnessed a lively and enthusiastic Swachhta Mahotsav with great festive fervour across every corner on Friday. Streets sparkled like Deepotsav (festival of lights), adorned with colourful rangolis and decorative balloons while the message of cleanliness resonated through symbolic acts and collective citizen participation. From dawn to dusk, Jabalpur echoed with the spirit of cleanliness, as students, youth, professionals and senior citizens came out in large numbers, joining hands to strengthen the mission of a clean and beautiful city.

Festivities began early in the morning at Gaurighat, where public representatives, accompanied by senior officials and citizens, offered prayers and a chunari to Maa Narmada, praying for continuous success of Mission Swachh Jabalpur and the citys prosperity.

They were joined by lawyers, doctors, public representatives, students and citizens, took up brooms and led the symbolic cleanliness drive. Over 50,000 pledge forms were signed by citizens, reaffirming their commitment to make Jabalpur the number one city of the county in cleanliness. People from all walks of life joined hands, took oaths and participated in large numbers across various places in the city. Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav administered cleanliness pledge to school and college students.

Thousands of dignitaries and residents participated in these events. Citizens travelling in Metro buses also took part in the celebrations, with special announcements encouraging passengers to take the cleanliness pledge, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and collective resolve. Adding to the festive cheer, local businesses and retail outlets offered discounts ranging from 5 per cent to 12 per cent on the occasion. Hotels, jewellery shops, furniture outlets and builder offices witnessed heavy customer footfall as people seized the opportunity to celebrate the event with festive shopping. Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor expressed gratitude to citizens, calling them divine contributors to Jabalpurs achievement of securing 5th rank nationally among 4,589 urban local bodies in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. Municipal Commissioner Yadav reiterated that the festival was not just a celebration but a platform to further promote cleanliness awareness and appreciate the dedicated efforts of sanitation workers and officials.
Trumps strong warning to Russia Orders repositioning of US N-subs over Medvedevs statements





WASHINGTON :

IN A warning to Russia, President Donald Trump said on Friday that hes ordering the repositioning of two US nuclear submarines based on the highly provocative statements of the countrys former President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump posted on his social media site that based on the highly provocative statements from Medvedev he had ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. The President added, Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. It wasnt immediately clear what impact Trumps order would have on US nuclear subs, which are routinely on patrol in the worlds hotspots, but it comes at a delicate moment in the Trump administrations relations with Moscow.

Trump has said that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made. He cut his 50-day deadline for action to 10 days, with that window set to expire next week. The post about the sub repositioning came after Trump, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, had posted that Medvedev was a failed former President of Russia and warned him to watch his words. Medvedev responded hours later by writing, Russia is right on everything and will continue to go its own way. Medvedev was President from 2008 to 2012 while Putin was barred from seeking a second consecutive term but stepped aside to let him run again.

Now deputy chairman of Russias National Security Council, which Putin chairs, Medvedev has been known for his provocative and inflammatory statements since the start of the war in 2022, a U-turn from his presidency, when he was seen as liberal and progressive. He has frequently wielded nuclear threats and lobbed insults at Western leaders on social media. Some observers have argued that with his extravagant rhetoric, Medvedev is seeking to score political points with Putin and Russian military hawks. Trump and Medvedev have gotten into online spats before. On July 15, after Trump announced plans to supply Ukraine with more weapons via its NATO allies and threatened additional tariffs against Moscow, Medvedev posted, Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didnt care.
Barings LLC cut its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 16.0% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,599,221 shares of the companys stock after selling 304,063 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up approximately 22.4% of Barings LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its largest position. Barings LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $898,602,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 22.4% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 455,572 shares of the companys stock worth $255,986,000 after buying an additional 83,320 shares in the last quarter. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 106.4% during the 1st quarter. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. now owns 23,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,137,000 after acquiring an additional 12,051 shares during the period. SPC Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. SPC Financial Inc. now owns 20,128 shares of the companys stock worth $11,310,000 after purchasing an additional 240 shares in the last quarter. Schiavi & Co LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 7.1% during the 1st quarter. Schiavi & Co LLC now owns 605 shares of the companys stock worth $340,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signature Wealth Management Partners LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 4.3% in the first quarter. Signature Wealth Management Partners LLC now owns 3,018 shares of the companys stock worth $1,696,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. 70.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Down 1.6%

IVV opened at $624.65 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $629.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a twelve month low of $484.00 and a twelve month high of $642.94. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $615.15 and a 200 day simple moving average of $589.00.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
LPL Financial LLC raised its position in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:SPEU  Free Report) by 308.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 840,059 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 634,378 shares during the quarter. LPL Financial LLC owned 3.41% of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF worth $36,971,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $239,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 17,371 shares of the companys stock valued at $692,000 after acquiring an additional 1,182 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF by 5.7% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 75,745 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,018,000 after acquiring an additional 4,059 shares in the last quarter. Csenge Advisory Group purchased a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $390,000. Finally, Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $365,000.

Get SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF alerts:

SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF Stock Down 0.5%

SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF stock opened at $47.07 on Friday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $48.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.59. SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF has a 12 month low of $38.99 and a 12 month high of $49.75. The stock has a market cap of $673.10 million, a P/E ratio of 16.86 and a beta of 0.95.

SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF Profile

The SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (SPEU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the STOXX Europe TMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of Western European companies across the market-cap spectrum. SPEU was launched on Oct 15, 2002 and is managed by State Street.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Loader

Please wait while your request is being verified...
Westchester Capital Management Inc. lowered its stake in Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 0.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 86,149 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 119 shares during the quarter. Valero Energy makes up about 2.8% of Westchester Capital Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Westchester Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $11,378,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of VLO. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its stake in Valero Energy by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 483,740 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $59,302,000 after buying an additional 3,456 shares in the last quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC lifted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 57.8% during the 4th quarter. OneAscent Financial Services LLC now owns 2,997 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $367,000 after purchasing an additional 1,098 shares during the period. World Investment Advisors lifted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 4,323 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $530,000 after purchasing an additional 78 shares during the period. Pitcairn Co. lifted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 9,454 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,159,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the period. Finally, Unison Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 15,235 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,868,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.69% of the companys stock.

Get Valero Energy alerts:

Valero Energy Trading Down 3.0%

NYSE:VLO opened at $133.17 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $138.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $131.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.62 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Valero Energy Corporation has a 12 month low of $99.00 and a 12 month high of $155.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $41.71 billion, a PE ratio of 55.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 1.00.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 24th. The oil and gas company reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.62. Valero Energy had a return on equity of 5.76% and a net margin of 0.62%. The company had revenue of $29.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.71 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 31st will be given a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 31st. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 188.33%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Barclays increased their price target on Valero Energy from $140.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Mizuho increased their price target on Valero Energy from $158.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Citigroup lowered Valero Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $134.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Scotiabank reduced their price target on Valero Energy from $156.00 to $136.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI began coverage on Valero Energy in a research note on Wednesday, June 18th. They set an in-line rating and a $135.00 price target on the stock. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $154.47.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Valero Energy

Valero Energy Company 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.

Read More

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.
It was not only an intriguing fight for the right stand, but was also a show of team work to get the argument right before the judges. Students from 34 schools across India fought for and against the arguments to win a case.

Around 138 students and 46 educators were part of the 4th edition of the National Inter-School Moot Court Competition at The Future Foundation School, Kolkata in collaboration with BML Munjal University (BMU).

Advertisement

The moot problem involved a challenge to the constitutionality of a public recruitment notification excluding candidates holding qualifications from open schools, thereby requiring students to think critically about contemporary legal and constitutional issues.

Advertisement

After a series of intense rounds, two semi-finals and a final, Delhi Public School, Ruby Park, were declared the champions. The BSS School, Kolkata claimed second place, impressing judges with their clarity and composure.

Judged by a panel of faculty members from the School of Law at BML Munjal University, the competition followed a rigorous evaluation framework focused on articulation, research, and interpretation of law.

Shardool Kulkarni, assistant professor, department of law, BML Munjal University, who served as one of the judges said the students were given a hypothetical situation. The recruitment policy looks discriminatory, which might have a disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. It was heartening to see that all the students were able to pick up the thread and be able to connect the dots. They did excellent research and homework and then linked it to a very recent development, said Shardool.

Issues like mining vs rights of tribal communities, environmental degradation, AI and ethics of choosing AI were given to students earlier while this time the students deliberated on indirect discrimination and the right to protest.

While the students in the earlier rounds argued for the petitioner, they semi-final they argued for the respondent.

The Future Foundation School principal Ranjan Mitter said the genesis of this moot court is the introduction of the subject legal studies in the curriculum . This competition signals the real-life experience of a lawyer. Students learn how to arrive at a point. They can also see if they have the aptitude, talent and inclination to pursue it as a career. What I have seen is that passion does not come from a book, it comes from witnessing something and asking oneself if it is for me, said Mr Mitter.

Pritam Baruah, dean, school of law, BML Munjal University said this was an immersive experience for the students. The skills built in you are research, writing, analytical thinking, communication and anticipation of what the other side is thinking. You think on your feel. These are skills any citizen would need. Every issue, debate has two sides and you should be able to appreciate and argue from both sides. That was our feedback to students.

This experience also informs students about what higher education in law entails. Otherwise, for many students it is a shocker when they go to a law school. This bridged the gap between school education and higher education, said Mr Baruah.

The feedback of the students to the faculty had been that they never expected to face such questions. It was scary and also rewarding at the same time. Experience of mooting has enriched them, the students said.

They have told us that they thought the best speakers would win but the ones with best research have won.
Members of the Students Federation of India (SFI) continued their sit-in demonstration at Kolkatas Presidency University on Friday, demanding the immediate commencement of undergraduate admissions and timely publication of entrance examination results.

The protest, which began on Thursday, centred around the delay in announcing the results of the Presidency University Bachelors Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET), conducted by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB). Students alleged that the prolonged wait has created uncertainty and anxiety among aspirants seeking admission to one of West Bengals premier institutions. Speaking to reporters, SFI leader Bitan Islam said the delay was unjustified and could affect the academic calendar. We are demanding the immediate publication of PUBDET results and commencement of the undergraduate admission process. The university and the WBJEEB cannot remain silent while thousands of students face limbo, he said. Islam also called for the release of application forms for the Presidency University Masters Degree Entrance Test (PUMDET), which is also pending.

Advertisement

Both undergraduate and postgraduate aspirants are suffering due to administrative inertia. Presidency University must intervene and pressurise the board to expedite the process, he added. Dozens of students have occupied a section of the university campus, holding placards and shouting slogans demanding transparency and urgency in the admission process.

Advertisement

While the university administration has not issued an official response, insiders suggest the delay stems from procedural issues between the university and the entrance board. The Presidency University, a historic institution known for its academic excellence, draws students from across the state. The protest highlights growing concern over bureaucratic delays in West Bengals higher education system, especially as colleges and universities aim to resume normal schedules following disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Trinamul Congress wrote on its X handle: The fight is no longer just about politics, its about the soul of our Constitution. Special Intensive Revision is a calculated tool of exclusion and oppression, a dangerous legislative backdoor to push the NRC agenda into Bengal, masked as bureaucratic reform.

Today, our MPs stood outside Parliament in protest, exposing this governments deceit. The people of Bengal will not accept NRC in disguise. They called out the regime for turning Parliament into a stage for silent rollouts, invisible agendas, and the rigging of democracy under the veil of paperwork.

Advertisement

In another X-handle post, the party wrote: Where ordinary people have hearts, @BJP4India has a bottomless black hole. Bengali migrant workers from Pingla have returned from Gujarat as survivors of state-sponsored linguistic terror.

Advertisement

Listen to their trauma:

# GujaratPolice stormed into their rooms at midnight

# Kicked them in the chest and stomach

# Dragged them by the hair

# Called them Bangladeshis and terrorists

# Threw them in lock-ups like criminals

# Snatched their phones

# Brutally thrashed them

All this, in @narendramodi and @AmitShahs home state. This is a pogrom. A vile, calculated campaign to dehumanise Bengalis.

Come 2026, Bengal will repay every wound with a political reckoning. We neither forget nor forgive. Let BJP bleed from the shards of the culture it tried to break.

It highlighted the plight of a migrant worker from Jalpaiguri, when it mentioned: A migrant worker from the Binnaguri area of Jalpaiguri has died under mysterious circumstances in Maharashtra. A blood-soaked photo of his body was sent to his family members by a contractor from Pune. His body bore multiple injury marks, including a deep wound on his neck clearly inflicted by a sharp weapon.

Just last week, another Bengali worker from North 24 Parganas was brutally murdered, his dismembered body stuffed into a sack and dumped near his home in Maharashtra.

This is no longer about detention, harassment, or deportation. This is TARGETED ELIMINATION. Bengalis are being HUNTED, ASSAULTED, and MURDERED with impunity in @BJP4India-ruled states. @India_NHRC wont bat an eye because this state-sponsored violence is orchestrated and enabled by BJP.
The crucial organisation meeting of Trinamul Congress, convened by party general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee, has been advanced by three days.

On Thursday, an information surfaced that the meeting, in virtual mode, will be organised on 8 August, and accordingly, those who were supposed to attend the meeting circulated an internal note informing them about the meeting.

Advertisement

However, on Friday, the same persons were informed that the meeting had been advanced to 5 August, confirmed by a party leader who had received the fresh communication. The time of the beginning of the meeting, however, remains the same at 4 p.m.

Advertisement

Although officially none in Trinamul Congress specified on why the date of the meeting has been advanced, a senior member of the state Cabinet, who did not wish to be named, said that had the virtual meeting happened on 8 August, it would have coincided with chief minister-led protest rally at Jhargram town in Jhargram district on the issue of alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking people in the BJP-ruled states.

Probably that is why the virtual meeting date has been advanced.

The virtual organisation meeting is expected to finalise the partys blueprint on two crucial issues.

The first issue is on how to organise mass movements against the proposed Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the voters list in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The SIR has already been described by the Trinamul Congress leadership as the BJPs ploy to delete names of genuine voters in West Bengal from the list and thus slap the NRC in the state indirectly.

The second issue, party insiders said, is to work out a strategy on how to spread the partys scheduled movement on the issue of harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states beyond the borders of West Bengal to other Indian states.

The meeting is supposed to be attended by all elected party MPs, legislators, heads of municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayat bodies, all members of the partys state committee, chiefs of the party-affiliated mass organisations, and all the district presidents and chairmen of the party.

While SIR and Bengali-speaking migrant harassment would be the two main issues to be discussed in the August 5 meeting, there are possibilities of discussion on some internal organisational matters surfacing in the course of the meeting.
A fortnight before International Wolf Day, two dedicated corridors have been identified by a WWF-Indiafunded agency as the preferred pathways of Indian wolves in West Burdwan.

International Wolf Day is observed annually on 13 August.

Advertisement

WINGS (Wildlife Information & Nature Guide Society), a Durgapur-based organisation dedicated to wildlife protection, was commissioned by WWF-India earlier this year to conduct a detailed survey and documentation in the jungles and coal mine patches of East and West Burdwan. The aim was to assess the status of wolves living deep within the forests near habitations in Ausgram, Kanksa, Laudoha, Jamuria, Baraboni and Pandaveswar blocks.

Advertisement

The survey gained urgency after two recorded wolf attacks at Debsala village on 27 and 29 December 2024. Officials, after analysing several scat samples, confirmed that the packs were raiding localities in search of domestic animals. Apart from the Debsala incidents, humanwolf conflict has not escalated significantly, except for one case in Aduria, where a full-grown wolf was beaten to death earlier this year.

The same organisation has now been tasked with similar wolf documentation work in the forests of Bankura.

WWF-India allocated Rs 6 lakh for the Burdwan survey, later supplemented by Rs 25 lakh from The Habitat Trust, an environmental organisation based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

The morphological data gathered during our field survey suggest that around 30 wolves, distributed in four packs, have chosen the MadhaigunjGarh Jungle corridor across the twin districts as a safe haven, said Arkajyoti Mukherjee, secretary of WINGS. He added that despite shrinking forest cover, the environment in these stretches remains suitable and nearly favourable for the wolves, resulting in the birth of two pups at Madhaigunj.

Some packs have been observed moving frequently between Madhaigunj and Jamgora. To prevent wolves from approaching human settlements, the agency has installed flardy deterrent flags in two forest-adjacent areas at Madhaigunj and Jamgora. Flardies, a non-lethal wolf management tool, consist of flapping fencing flags designed to deter wolves. They are widely used in Western European countries, where wolf populations are quite high, Arkajyoti said.

However, the Divisional Forest authorities believe that the actual number of wolf packs may be nearly double the documented figures. Sudip Banerjee, Range Officer for Panagarh and Durgapur forest ranges, said, Our patrolling teams have spotted wolves in several virgin areas, including Gopalpur and Aduria, which are yet to be brought under trap-camera surveillance.
Two foreign nationals were arrested by the Delhi Police in Govindpuri area for allegedly peddling drugs. Cocaine and MDMA worth 10 lakh were recovered from their possession, an official said on Saturday.

The accused have been identified as Bernadin, 39, a national of the Ivory Coast, and Ezekile, 33, a Nigerian national. Both were residing in India without valid documents and had allegedly taken to drug trafficking to support themselves.

Advertisement

Police launched an operation on Thursday following a tip-off and raided a premises in Govindpuri, where the two were apprehended, a senior police officer said.

Advertisement

A total of 36.64 grams of cocaine, 61.16 grams of MDMA, eight mobile phones, a weighing machine, pouches and other packaging materials, and 10,600 in cash were seized from the spot.

A case has been registered at the Govindpuri police station under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

During sustained interrogation, the duo revealed that they were unemployed and had overstayed in India. To earn money, they became involved in drug distribution, the officer said.

Police are currently investigating the broader network behind the syndicate and are probing possible links with other drug suppliers or international handlers.

So far, no previous criminal records have been found against either of the accused, officials added.
The Delhi Police have dismantled a large-scale clandestine arms manufacturing unit in Rajasthans Bharatpur district, arresting the alleged kingpin and his associate and recovering a cache of illegal firearms and tools, officials said on Saturday.

According to police, the operation led to the recovery of 18 illegal country-made pistols including rifles, firearm components, and a significant collection of manufacturing tools, which were buried underground near a lake in Bhima Pahari area of Dheeg.

Advertisement

Harsh Indora, Commissioner of Police (Crime), stated at a press conference that the gangs alleged leader, Bilal (22), a native of Rajasthan, had been manufacturing and supplying single-shot pistols for the past two years to criminal networks operating across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Advertisement

Bilal, a school dropout, entered the arms manufacturing trade through his uncle in 2017 and took over the operations after his uncles death in 2018, he said.

Over time, Bilal reportedly became a key arms supplier in the Mewat-Bharatpur region, eventually expanding his network to Delhi and NCR.

Notably, Bilals elder brother, Asgar, was arrested by the Special Cell Unit of the Delhi Police in 2020 in a similar case.

Bilal emerged as a prime suspect behind the steady flow of weapons into the city in two separate cases, including one involving a gang that threatened truck drivers and extorted money from them, the DCP added.

Based on gathered intelligence, police laid a trap in the Bamnoli area of Dwarka on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. Bilal was apprehended while en route to deliver illegal weapons.

Eight single-shot pistols were recovered from his possession, along with a stolen scooter. A fresh case under the Arms Act was registered, and Bilal was remanded to four days in police custody, Indora said.

During sustained interrogation, Bilal revealed the location of his arms factory in Bhima Pahari, Dheeg. According to officials, manufacturing at the site had recently ceased due to flooding in the area.

A subsequent raid on Wednesday led to the recovery of two additional single-shot pistols, one semi-finished pistol, three rifle parts, and various arms manufacturing tools, including grinders, barrels, hammers, and metal plates.

Police described the facility as a fully functional illegal arms workshop capable of assembling and producing firearms at scale.

Bilals confession also led to the arrest of his associate, Sahil (25), a resident of Bharatpur. Two pistols were recovered from his possession. Sahil had allegedly assisted in sourcing buyers and managing logistics for Bilals illegal arms distribution network.

Earlier investigations into an extortion case had already resulted in the arrest of four individuals  Ravinder, Mustaq, Pawan, and Rahish  each found in possession of illegal pistols. Police confirmed that these firearms were supplied by Bilal through Rahish to various gang members.

Sahil, a Class 12 dropout with a history of substance abuse and a prior case of cheating, reportedly partnered with Bilal to expand their illegal trade. His primary role was to connect with potential arms buyers across the region.
The Delhi Police have arrested an e-rickshaw driver and his accomplice for allegedly robbing a student who had boarded their vehicle after appearing for a competitive examination in northeast Delhi, an official said on Saturday.

The accused have been identified as Anas (23) and Gaus Mohammad (26), who were arrested following the incident. The robbed mobile phone, the victims bag containing important documents, and the e-rickshaw used in the crime have been recovered from their possession, the officer added.

Advertisement

On Tuesday, a complainant, Roshan Kumawat from Jaipur, filed a complaint stating that he had boarded an e-rickshaw from Kashmere Gate Metro Station to Nehru Vihar after taking an examination, a senior police officer said.

Advertisement

When the vehicle reached 3rd Pushta in Usmanpur, the e-rickshaw driver, along with other occupants, forcibly robbed him of his mobile phone and a bag containing important documents before fleeing towards the Yamuna Khadar area.

Based on this information, a case was registered, and on Friday, the duo was identified and apprehended. During sustained interrogation, both accused confessed to their involvement in the robbery.

Further verification revealed that Gaus Mohammad had a prior criminal record and was previously involved in an attempted murder case in Uttar Pradesh, the officer said.

Investigation is ongoing to determine any additional links or involvement in similar cases.
Former Rajasthan Minister Arun Chaturvedi has been appointed as the Chairman of the State Finance Commission and retired IAS officer Naresh Kumar Thakral made the member secretary.

The state Governor Haribhau Kisanrao has issued orders Friday night to reconstitute the commission with the appointment of the Chairman and the member secretary.

Advertisement

The term in the office for Chaturvedi and Thakral will be one and a half years with effect from date of issuance of the notification.

Advertisement

The principal task of the commission is to review the financial condition of the panchayati raj institutions and the urban civic bodies and to recommend the measures to improve the condition.

The commission will consider representation from panchayati raj institutions for fund needs and also make recommendations on principles of the distribution of proceeds of revenue receipts between state government and panchayats and the state government and the urban civic bodies.

The Commission may also recommend the basis and principles for grant-in-aid to the rural and the urban local bodies.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has greeted his party colleague Chaturvedi for being made Chairman in the commission and extended good wishes for a successful term in his new post.

Earlier, Chaturvedi worked as the BJP state president between 2009 and 2012. He represented the Civil Lines, Jaipur, constituency in the state assembly between 2013  2018 and remained Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment in the Vasundhara Raje led government.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) on Saturday welcomed the bail granted to two Kerala-based nuns who were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. Leaders from across the political spectrum also expressed relief following the courts decision.

CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath expressed relief over the bail but urged that the case be quashed altogether.

Advertisement

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice prevailed. We are all grateful, Archbishop Thazhath said in Thrissur, adding, Everyone knows the kind of selfless work the two sisters have been doing. What happened to them was absolutely wrong.

Advertisement

He urged the government to take necessary steps to end this injustice at the earliest, speaking to the media in Thrissur on Saturday.

A special court in Chhattisgarhs Bilaspur on Saturday granted conditional bail to three individuals  including two Catholic nuns from Kerala  who had been arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

Principal District and Sessions Judge (NIA Court) Sirajuddin Qureshi granted bail to Preethi Merry, Vandana Francis (both from Kerala), and Sukaman Mandavi, on the condition that they surrender their passports, furnish a bond of 50,000 each, and provide two sureties.

Nuns Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested at Durg railway station on July 25 following a complaint by a local Bajrang Dal functionary, who accused them of forcibly converting three girls from Narayanpur and trafficking them.

Kerala General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, in a Facebook post, termed the development heartening and stated that the political agenda behind the nuns arrest was very clear.

He further alleged that the incident highlighted the double standards of the BJP, accusing the party of turning a blind eye to the alleged atrocities against minority communities in BJP-ruled states while claiming to protect them in Kerala for political gains.

Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan also welcomed the courts decision, calling the case against the nuns false and fabricated.

Expressing happiness over the release of the nuns, BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said he was grateful to the judiciary, the Prime Minister, and Home Minister Amit Shah for making the release possible.

If the political drama had not happened, bail should have been granted three days ago, he said.
Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal condemned the Himachal Pradesh Congress governments decision to revive the lottery system and warned of social and economic ruin.

He said on Saturday that the decision taken during the cabinet meeting to restart the lottery in the state is an unfortunate move that would only push Himachal Pradesh towards ruin.

Advertisement

On April 17, 1996, the High Court imposed a complete ban on the sale of single-digit lotteries operating in the state. Later, when I first became Chief Minister in 1998, the BJP government decided unanimously in 1999 to shut down the entire lottery system in Himachal Pradesh, Dhumal said, adding that this was not just a decision but a far-sighted step to save the state from devastation.

Advertisement

At that time, government employees, retirees, workers, and youth had started buying lotteries in large numbers, putting at stake salaries, savings, pensions, and wages, which led to the ruin of many families and homes, he recalled, adding that to prevent the people of Himachal Pradesh from becoming addicted to this curse, the lottery was banned in the public interest.

Many employees and retirees had lost their salaries and retirement savings to lotteries, he lamented.

In 2004, the Congress government reintroduced lotteries, but later, then Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh again imposed a complete ban on the system. Perhaps he, too, realised that lotteries were a curse. At that time, the state earned barely four to five crore rupees from it, he said.

Currently, Himachal Pradesh has a total of 231,180 employees, of which 160,000 are permanent staff. Similarly, there are 9 to 10 lakh unemployed people in the state whose lives could be endangered by the lottery system. The Congress government came to power promising one lakh permanent jobs in its first cabinet and five lakh permanent jobs in five years, but in reality, Himachal Pradesh now seems to be turning into a hub of liquor, drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and lotteries, the former CM said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns this decision and demands that the government immediately withdraw this anti-people move, Dhumal asserted.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray challenged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to arrest anybody under the recently enacted Public Safety Act, while speaking at the 78th anniversary event of the Shetkari Kamgar Party here on Saturday.

The Maharashtra government has enacted a new law called the Public Safety Act. If you oppose any project, the government will use this law against you and arrest you after calling you an Urban Naxalite. I challenge them. Let them try to arrest anybody under this law. In Maharashtra, industries will not be built on the graves of Marathi people. If you want to bring industries, you will have to bring them after respecting the honour and dignity of the Marathi people. Without that, you cannot do it, Raj Thackeray said.

Advertisement

Later during the day, after he was asked about his reaction to the challenge issued by Raj Thackeray, Fadnavis said, If you behave like an Urban Naxal, you will be arrested. If you do not behave like an Urban Naxal, there is no reason to arrest you. The law is for those who violate the law. It is not a law against protesters. There is full freedom to speak against the government. There is no law against that. Such comments are comments made without reading the law.

Advertisement

Raj Thackeray also raised the issue of the Marathi language being sidelined by imposing Hindi. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra is thinking about how to make kids in Maharashtra learn Hindi. But he does not think about how to make those who come to Maharashtra for work and business learn Marathi. There is no thought about the Marathi people who are the sons of Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray said.

Reacting to Raj Thackerays statement, Fadnavis said, I have a very strong opinion. Marathi should be learned in Maharashtra. It should be mandatory, and we have made it mandatory. But what is the harm if Marathi children in Maharashtra get to learn another Indian language along with Marathi? I am against the mentality that we should oppose Indian languages to promote English.
In the wake of repeated occurrences of natural disasters in recent years in Himachal Pradesh, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla emphasised the need for lifestyle changes.

In a continued effort to support those affected by the recent natural calamities, the Governor flagged off three pickup vehicles carrying essential relief materials from Raj Bhavan in Shimla. The relief consignments are being dispatched through the State Red Cross Society to the district administrations of Mandi and Kullu.

Advertisement

The relief materials include family tents, tarpaulins, kitchen sets, blankets, new clothes, bed sheets, mattresses, and other essential household items, aimed at providing immediate support to families devastated by the disaster.

Advertisement

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of natural disasters, particularly cloudbursts in the region.

The recurring incidents of cloudbursts and related natural calamities in various parts of Himachal Pradesh are a serious cause for concern. It is time we reconsider our way of living and make necessary adjustments to coexist with nature more harmoniously, he said.

The Governor informed that he had recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the situation in detail. The Prime Minister expressed his concern and assured every possible support to Himachal Pradesh. Appropriate relief will be extended after the central teams assessment report is finalised. The Centre has always stood by Himachal Pradesh in times of need, the Governor said.

Shukla noted that this was not the first instance of relief dispatch from Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, three pickup vehicles of relief supplies were sent for the affected families in Mandi. Today, once again, we are sending three more vehiclestwo to Mandi and one to Kullu. More supplies will be arranged if required, he said.

The Governor further stated that he would personally visit Mandi later today to meet the affected families. Tomorrow, on Sunday, I will visit Thunag and the Seraj region to interact with disaster-hit residents and assess the ground situation, he said.
Indian oil refiners will continue to purchase oil from Russia, and the decision is guided by several economic factors, including price, grade of crude, and logistics, among others, government sources said on Saturday.

The clarification came hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that he had heard that India would not purchase Russian crude oil.

Advertisement

Indian oil refiners continue to source oil from Russian suppliers. Their supply decisions are guided by price, grade of crude, inventories, logistics, and other economic factors, news agency ANI quoted sources as saying.

Advertisement

The government sources further explained the rationale behind Indias continued oil purchases from Russia, saying the country is the worlds second-largest crude producer with an output of about 9.5 million barrels per day (nearly 10% of global demand) and is also the second-largest exporter, supplying roughly 4.5 million barrels per day of crude and 2.3 million barrels per day of refined products.

The sources, as quoted by the agency, further noted that concerns over the potential exit of Russian oil from global markets and the resulting disruption in traditional trade routes had driven Brent crude prices to spike to $137 per barrel in March 2022.

In such a challenging scenario, India the worlds third-largest energy consumer with an 85% dependence on crude oil imports adjusted its sourcing strategy to secure energy at affordable prices, while fully complying with international regulations, they added.

Earlier on Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had also clarified that India sources its energy requirements on the basis of price and the global situation at that time.

As far as sourcing Indias energy requirements is concerned, we take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing. He, however, refused knowledge when asked about Trumps claim.

The US President, while speaking to reporters, had said, Well, I understand India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard. I dont know if thats right or not, but thats a good step. Well see what happens.

Earlier this week, Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India and announced unspecified penalties on the country for its trade with Russia, specifically mentioning the military and energy sector.
The National Film Award jurys decision to honour The Kerala Story with two awards, including Best Director for Sudipto Sen, has sparked widespread criticism across Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that awarding national honours to The Kerala Story was a flagrant insult to the rich and secular tradition of Indian cinema.

Advertisement

Speaking at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave, CM Vijayan said that honouring a film which insults Keralas secular fabric and defames the state was extremely unfortunate.

Advertisement

By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Keralas image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the National Film Awards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Keralaa land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forceshas been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, who must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear, Vijayan said.

He further added, This also insults the great cultural heritage of Indian cinema and sends out the message that art should be used to destroy the secularism of our country and replace it with communalism.

Senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, also criticized the jurys decision, calling the awards unacceptable. He said the films sole intention was to spread religious hatred.

The BJP and Sangh Parivar, who are implementing divisive politics, are trying to gain political advantage by spreading false information about Kerala. This will not succeed, Satheesan said.

Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan also strongly opposed the awards, alleging that the recognition was part of the Sangh Parivars political agenda.

The Sudipto Sen-directed movie divides people, spreads hatred in society, and insults an entire state, he said.

The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen, won two major awards: Best Director and Best Cinematography (awarded to Prasantanu Mohapatra).

The controversial 2023 release had faced widespread backlash for allegedly misrepresenting facts and portraying Kerala in a communal light.
On a high-altitude trail leading to the thousand-year-old Karsha monastery in Zanskar, scientists from the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) stood shoulder to shoulder with Ladakhi monks.

A traditional khata scarf draped around their shoulders, the researchers quietly installed a weather monitoring station just outside the monastery walls.

Advertisement

This convergence of geoinformatics and Buddhist monastic life marks the beginning of a project that blends tradition with modern scientific practice to protect important spiritual and cultural sites in Ladakh.

Advertisement

A team of three professors from CUJ is leading a three-year project titled Field-based 3D Laser Scanner Structural Mapping and Monitoring of Buddhist Monasteries for Conservation Planning Incorporating Natural Hazards in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Ladakh, Cold Desert Region of India.

Sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under its Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI), the project has been allotted a budget of 1.14 crore and is being implemented by CUJs Department of Geoinformatics.

Prof. Arvind Chandra Pandey, principal investigator, said the project uses LIDAR technology and 3D laser scanning to create structural maps of monasteries, both interior and exterior.

The aim is to assess their current condition and vulnerability to environmental hazards, especially those arising from changing climate conditions.

DST has also funded the installation of two Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), one at Lamayuru and the other at Karsha monastery in Zanskar. These stations will provide ongoing climate data. The research team recently visited Ladakh and installed the first AWS after identifying a suitable and secure location near the monasteries.

Dr. Chandrashekhar Dwivedi, co-principal investigator from the Department of Geoinformatics, said the project will support long-term conservation efforts and help in planning for risks such as floods, cloudbursts, and soil erosion. Structural data combined with climate records will allow authorities and local communities to take preventive steps.

Dr. Konchak Tashi, co-investigator from CUJs Department of Far-East Languages and a native of Ladakh, said both Lamayuru and Karsha monasteries are among the oldest in the region, each over a thousand years old. These sites fall in zones identified as prone to cloudburst events.

The monasteries house preserved Buddhist texts, including the Tripitaka, in Tibetan translation, written on tadpatraancient manuscripts made from leaf-based material.

He said these materials are at risk from weather-induced damage and require protection based on reliable data and scientific planning.

The CUJ teams visit to Zanskar was met with cooperation from local monks. As a gesture of respect, the researchers were honoured with khata scarves.

The exchange, quiet and without ceremony, reflected a shared understanding of the work at hand. One side brings generations of spiritual knowledge and local memory, the other brings tools for measurement and documentation.

CUJ Vice Chancellor Prof. Kshiti Bhusan Das appreciated the researchers work and said the project reflects the role of science in cultural preservation. He acknowledged the use of modern technology to document and support the continuity of valuable heritage sites in remote and vulnerable regions.

The project continues over the next three years. During this period, the researchers will collect more structural data, track changing climate patterns, and support the development of site-specific conservation plans.

For now, the monasteries remain still in the Ladakhi landscape, but their condition, structure, and surroundings are now being recorded and monitoredgiving future generations a chance to understand and protect what remains.
The Meghalaya government has launched a high-level investigation into the suspected misappropriation of more than 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of coal from official stockyards, following a report by a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the Home portfolio, confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that instructions have been issued to all district administrations and police to probe the matter thoroughly.

Advertisement

Weve directed all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to verify if there has been any illegal diversion or misappropriation of coal, Tynsong told reporters. If any malpractice is confirmed, action will be taken as per law. If required, we are even prepared to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Advertisement

The missing coal, which had been previously declared as extracted and inventoried at two designated stockpile locations, was found untraceable during physical verification. The revelation comes as a major embarrassment to the state government, especially amid ongoing scrutiny over illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya.

The committee report submitted to the High Court raised serious doubts over the credibility of the states coal inventory system and its enforcement mechanisms. It highlighted the loopholes that continue to allow illegal mining and transportation, despite several judicial directives in the past.

The governments inquiry will involve extensive field verification, including the tracking of both coal and diesel inventoriescritical components often used to monitor illegal mining activity. Officials have also been tasked with examining transportation logs, documentation of consignments, and the roles of various departments.

A senior official said that a comprehensive report on the findings would be submitted to the High Court in due course, as directed.

Meghalayas coal mining industry has been under the scanner since 2014, when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a blanket ban on rat-hole mining, citing unscientific and hazardous practices. While the Supreme Court later allowed conditional coal mining under stringent guidelines, illegal mining has reportedly continued in many pockets of the state.

Several watchdog groups and civil society organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about rampant coal smuggling, illegal transportation through backdoor routes, and poor oversight by local authorities. This latest revelation has reignited public and judicial concern over how coalconsidered a key economic resource in the hill stateis being handled.
The Election Commission of India on Saturday refuted Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhis charge that 2024 Lok Sabha elections were rigged, terming the allegations misleading and baseless.

In post on X, the ECI fact-checked the Congress leader, asserting that during the preparations of electoral rolls for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the draft and final electoral lists were shared with all political parties, including the Congress.

Advertisement

However, the ECI stated that hardly any appeal were filed across all 36 states and Union Territories by the Congress party.

Advertisement

The commision further informed that only 8 Election Petitions were filed by losing candidate of the Congress party under Section 80 of RP Act 1951.

 The statements made are Misleading and Baseless. #ECIFactCheck  Read in details in the images attached https://t.co/3DufwL3Nxu pic.twitter.com/G4a0QwKVWF  Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) August 2, 2025

The poll panel said that the allegations levelled by the Congress leader were unsubstantiated and misleading.

It appears that these unfounded allegations are intended to discredit their impartial and transparent hard work, attempt to exert undue pressure on the election machinery, and even threaten them without even filing an appeal against electoral roll or even an EP against the conduct of elections as per law, it added.

What did Rahul Gandhi claim?

Speaking at the Annual Legal Conclave 2025, Gandhi alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were rigged and that his party has proof to substantiate these claims.

We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged, he stated. The Congress leader equated the potential impact of this evidence to an atom bomb that would expose the Election Commission of Indias involvement in vote theft.

He said that it took his party six months to scrutinise the electoral rolls and find the proof of rigging.

The election system in India is dead. Remember, the Prime Minister of India holds office with a very slim majority..if 15 seats were rigged, and we suspect the number to be much closer to 70 to 100. If 15 seats hadnt been rigged, he wouldnt be the Prime Minister of India. And well prove to you that the Lok Sabha can be and was rigged, he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party for their negative attitude to Operation Sindoor, and called upon the people to use only Make in India products, in an indirect response to US President Donald Trumps decision to slap 25 per cent tariff on Indian products.

Calling upon the nation to adopt the mantra of Vocal for Local, he said every new item entering our homes must be Swadeshi, and this responsibility must be embraced by every Indian.

Advertisement

Modi appealed to every trader and shopkeeper to take a vow to sell only Swadeshi products, affirming that this would be true service to the nation. He urged the people to use Swadeshi products in the upcoming festival season and added that this would be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi also.

Advertisement

PM Modi said Lord Shiva represents welfare, but assumes a fierce form when faced with terror and injustice. The world witnessed this fierce form of India during Operation Sindoor, he said, warning that whoever attacks India will not surviveeven in hell. Issuing a stern warning, he declared, If Pakistan dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists.

Addressing a massive public gathering at Banauli village in Sevapuri on Saturday, he dedicated the success of Operation Sindoor to Lord Mahadev. Marking his first visit to Kashi since the operation, he said the mission succeeded only with Mahadevs blessings.

On the occasion, PM inaugurated and laid 52 projects worth around Rs 2200 crores and also released the instalment of Kisan Samman Nidhi to around 9.5 crore farmers in the country.

Recalling the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, PM Modi said the grief of the victims families, especially their daughters and children, deeply moved him. He shared that he had prayed to Baba Vishwanath for strength for the bereaved families and had vowed before the people of Kashi to avenge their painthe sindoor of our daughtersa vow he now considers fulfilled.

During his address, PM Modi also hit out at the Congress and Samajwadi Party for their baseless statements on the operation, asserting that such actions only strengthen the resolve of a united and self-reliant India.

He credited the success of Operation Sindoor to the unity of 140 crore Indians, calling it the foundation of Indias strength. This unity sparks a new consciousness each time, he said, asking the crowd if they werent proud of Indias might and the operations success. He highlighted the precision strikes by Indian drones and missiles that reduced terror hideouts to rubble, adding that many of Pakistans airbases are still in the ICU.

Launching a sharp attack on the opposition, he said, The Congress, its allies, and friends cannot digest that India destroyed Pakistans terror bases. Pakistans sorrow is understandablebut why are Congress and SP sharing their grief? he asked. He added, On one side, the king of terror cries; on the other, Congress and SP weep over the condition of terrorists.

Accusing Congress of insulting the armed forces, he said the party is calling Operation Sindoor a tamasha (gimmick). Tell mecan sindoor ever be a tamasha? Calling our armys valour and our daughters honour a spectacle is shameful and will not be tolerated, he asserted.

He was reacting to Congress MP from Solapur, Praniti Shinde labeling Operation Sindoor a tamasha and saying that the entire episode was a media show rather than a real success as claimed by the government.

PM Modi took a sharp dig at the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of indulging in vote bank and appeasement politics. Referring to SP leaders remarks in Parliament questioning the timing of action against the Pahalgam terrorists, he said, Should I call them and askshould we kill terrorists or not? Should we wait to eliminate them?

He reminded the public that during SPs rule in Uttar Pradesh, the party had withdrawn cases against those accused in bomb blasts and given clean chit to terrorists. They have a problem with the killing of terrorists and even with the nameOperation Sindoor, he added.

Announcing from the sacred land of Kashi, PM said, This is a new Indiaone that worships Bholenath, but turns into Kaal Bhairav when faced with the enemies of the nation.

Highlighting Indias growing self-reliance in defense, PM Modi said the world witnessed the strength of indigenous weapons during Operation Sindoor. Our air defense systems, missiles, and drones have showcased the power of a self-reliant India, he said, adding that the fear of BrahMos has shaken every enemyits sound keeps Pakistan awake at night.

Expressing pride as an MP from Uttar Pradesh, the PM announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. Weapons made in the UP Defense Corridor will become the backbone of Indias military strength, he said, asking the crowd if they felt proud of Indias self-reliant defense capabilities.

Amid chants of Har Har Mahadev, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his address with Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev before a massive crowd. Speaking in Bhojpuri, he said, In the holy month of Sawan, I am blessed to meet my Kashi family. I salute every Kashi family.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, he noted that Kashi is today connected with lakhs of farmers across the nation, and there can be no greater fortune than addressing them from such a sacred land during this auspicious month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Congress, saying the Opposition party is unable to digest the success of the Operation Sindoor.

Addressing a public gathering in Sevapuri in his Varanasi constituency, the PM said, Congress party and their followers are unable to digest the fact that India has destroyed the hideouts of terrorists. I want to ask my fellow Indians whether you are proud of the success of Operation Sindoor or not.

Advertisement

Referring to Congress MP Praniti Shindes Tamasha remark, the Prime Minister said, Congress has called Operation Sindoor a tamasha, you tell me can Sindoor ever be a tamasha? Can anyone call Sindoor a tamasha? Someone please tell me should we wait to kill terrorists? Should I call Samajwadi Party (SP)to kill the terrorists?

Advertisement

Modi said that New India worships Bholenath and becomes Kalbhairav in front of enemies. The PM also highlighted the Brahmos missile production unit in Uttar Pradesh, saying, I am an MP from UP, so I am happy that Brahmos missile will be made in UP as well. These missiles will be made in Lucknow. If Pakistan commits any sin again, the missiles made in UP will destroy the terrorists.

He said that bank accounts of 55 crore people were opened, who had never visited a bank. Now this scheme has completed 10 years. Now the rule of the bank is that it is necessary to do KYC of the bank. I have told the bank people that people should come to the bank and do KYC, it is a good thing, but can we run a campaign.

I salute the banks. Who are reaching every Gram Panchayat themselves to complete this KYC work. Now one lakh banks have gone to the panchayats in a month, he disclosed.

PM Modi said that our objective is that the more backward the person, the more priority he gets. PM said that I am going to make three lakh crore Lakhpati Didi. On hearing this figure, the SP people will run away with cycles.

The Prime Minister further stated that Rs. 4.75 lakh crore was deposited in the accounts of the farmers of the country, Rs. 90,000 crore to 2.5 crore farmers of UP and Rs. 900 crore PM Shri Kisan Samman amount was deposited in the accounts of the farmers of Varanasi.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who launched the Annadatha Sukhibhava scheme for farmers on Saturday, expressed concern over the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on India. He urged the Central government to take precautionary measures, considering the potential impact on agricultural exports.

Naidu became the first Chief Minister from an NDA-ruled state to comment on the US tariffs. US President Donald Trump had announced the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on India on Thursday, along with an undisclosed penalty related to Indias trade with Russia.

Advertisement

As the US has imposed 25% tariffs on India, we must take precautions considering the impact on agricultural exports, Naidu said during the launch of the scheme, which is part of the Super Six promises made by his party during the recent elections.

Advertisement

In a post on social media platform X, Naidu stated that his government has provided 7,000 each to 46,85,838 farmers in the first phase of the Annadatha Sukhibhava scheme.

The joy visible among the people as we fulfill the Super Six promises given during the elections is deeply satisfying for us. Under the Annadatha Sukhibhava scheme, we have provided 7,000 each to 46,85,838 farmers in the first phase, he said.

The scheme aims to provide 20,000 per year to farmers in the state.

The Chief Minister also highlighted other key welfare initiatives, including Thalliki Vandanam, Deepam 2.0, NTR Social Security Pensions, Anna Canteens, and various services for fishermen.

We are not implementing just one scheme, but effectively executing all programs necessary for the common people, thereby upholding the trust placed in us, he remarked.

Naidu further announced that the free bus travel scheme for women will be launched on August 15.

While delivering on welfare promises, we are also moving forward with investments and development programs. With the support and blessings of the people, we will launch many more beneficial initiatives in the days ahead, the Chief Minister added.
A special NIA court in Bilaspur on Saturday granted conditional bail to two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth arrested in a high-profile case of alleged religious conversion and human trafficking. The court observed that the accused had no prior criminal history and ordered their release on a personal bond of 50,000 each, subject to strict conditions, including surrendering their passports and not leaving the country without prior court approval.

The accused, Sisters Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis, along with Sukhman Mandavi, were taken into custody on July 25 at Durg railway station following a complaint by Bajrang Dal members. They alleged that the three were coercing tribal girls from Narayanpur into converting to Christianity and were attempting to transport them out of the state under false pretenses.

Advertisement

Initially detained by the Railway Protection Force in Durg, the case was referred to the National Investigation Agencys jurisdiction after the Durg Sessions Court declined to proceed, citing lack of territorial jurisdiction. The matter was then transferred to the special NIA court in Bilaspur.

Advertisement

During the hearing, defence counsel Amrito Das argued that the girls were neither kidnapped nor coerced, and that they belonged to Christian families who had willingly permitted them to travel. Consent letters from the girls parents were submitted to the court, affirming that the decision to travel was voluntary. Both nuns are social workers with clean records. The case has been distorted to serve political agendas, said Das. Special Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi, while granting bail, noted that no strong evidence of force or inducement had emerged in the preliminary probe.

Congress state president Deepak Baij welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory of justice over propaganda. He added, The girls have confirmed they travelled with the consent of their families. The BJP is using conversion politics to divert attention from governance failures.

Congress MLA from Bilaspur, Atal Shrivastava, accused right-wing groups of inciting communal tension. This is a clear attempt to manufacture hate and divide communities under the garb of religion. We trust the judiciary, and todays decision restores that faith, he said. Reacting to a video circulating on social media, which purportedly shows a local Hindu activist, Jyoti Sharma, threatening the accused at the railway station, Shrivastava said, I dont know who Jyoti Sharma is, but such behaviour is characteristic of the BJP ecosystem.

Senior CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat also condemned the arrests in a sharply worded statement. This case is part of a larger pattern where organisations like the BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and Durga Vahini weaponise false FIRs against minorities and tribal communities engaged in faith-based service, she said. The Christian community, along with democratic forces, will legally challenge every falsehood. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the case and will continue the fight until justice is achieved.
After battling for her life for a fortnight at AIIMS-Delhi, a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly set ablaze in broad daylight on 19 July by three motorcycle-borne miscreants in a village in Odishas Puri district succumbed to her injuries at 6:22 PM on Saturday.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of the minor girl under such horrifying circumstances.

Advertisement

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of the girl victim in the Balanga incident. Despite all efforts of the government and round-the-clock medical attention provided by the expert medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss, the Chief Minister wrote on his X handle.

Advertisement

The horrific crime took place on a deserted stretch of the Haripur-Balanga Road near Bayabar village, under the jurisdiction of the Balanga Police Station, on 19 July.

The miscreants allegedly gagged the victim with a handkerchief and dragged her to the crime spot. They then poured an inflammable substance on her and set her on fire. Wearing masks, the attackers fled swiftly as the burning girl ran for help.

Days after the brutal incident, the investigating agency is still groping in the dark, struggling to identify those responsible for the heinous act.

Although the State Crime Branch has taken over the investigation, no breakthrough has been achieved so far. The victim succumbed to her burn injuries on Saturday.

This shocking case follows closely on the heels of another disturbing incident, in which an undergraduate student of Balasores FM College died by self-immolation after her complaint of sexual harassment by a teacher allegedly went unaddressed by government authorities.

The horrifying nature of both incidents exposes the grim reality that the state is increasingly becoming unsafe for women and girls.

Weak law enforcement has virtually emboldened criminals to target fresh victims with impunity, commented Rabi Narayan Paraminik, a retired government official from Bhubaneswar.
A two-day international conference Anamayam was organized jointly by Patanjali University, Patanjali Research Institute, and the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.

The event aimed to provide a global platform to promote integration and coordination between Ayurveda and modern medicine.

Advertisement

Over 300 participants from around 200 academic institutions across 16 states participated in both online and offline formats. Medical experts, researchers, policymakers, and health technology professionals from premier national institutions shared their insights.

Advertisement

On the occasion, Patanjali University Chancellor Swami Ramdev made a major announcement, stating that world-class treatment will soon be available at Patanjali Ayurved Hospital through collaboration with AIIMS, Tata Cancer Hospital, and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital  all at minimal cost and with a focus on public welfare.

During the inaugural session, Swami Ramdev, Patanjali University Vice Chancellor Acharya Balkrishna, and other dignitaries unveiled three significant books: Ayurveda Avataran, Integrated Pathy, and the conference compendium.

An MoU was signed between Patanjali University and experts from IIT Ropar  Dr. Shreya, Dr. Radhika, and Dr. Mukesh  to promote joint efforts in education and research.

Swami Ramdev stressed the importance of evidence-based medicine and integrated healthcare, saying, Medical science should serve the people, not profits.

Acharya Balkrishna highlighted the global recognition of nine major medical systems and noted that Ayurveda is known for its intrinsic strengths, whereas others are often region- or tradition-specific. He elaborated on classical, geographical, and archaeological evidence related to the eras of Maharshi Charak and Acharya Sushrut. He reaffirmed that Patanjali Ayurved Hospital aims to deliver world-class treatment at low cost using modern medical methods, eliminating exploitation and conspiracy in the name of medicine.

Key speakers included Prof. Srinivas Barkhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University; Dr. Vipin Kumar, Secretary General of Integrated AYUSH Council; Dr. Sunil Ahuja; Padma Shri Dr. B.N. Gangadhar, Chairman of the National Medical Commission; and Dr. Vishal Mago, Professor and HoD of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Rishikesh.

The inaugural session saw ceremonial honoring of chief guests by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, followed by lamp lighting and cultural performances including the university anthem and Dhanvantari Vandana led by Chandramohan and team. Dr. Anurag, Vice President of Patanjali Research Institute, delivered the welcome address.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Pingali Venkayya, the designer of the initial version of the national flag, on his birth anniversary. Venkayya was born on August 2, 1876, in Bhatlapenumarru, Andhra Pradesh.

Taking to platform X, he urged citizens to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga movement by flying the tricolour at their homes from August 9 to 15.

Advertisement

Tributes to Pingali Venkayya Ji on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his role in giving us the Tricolour, which is our pride! Like always, lets strengthen the #HarGharTiranga movement and fly the Tricolour, Modi said.

Advertisement

Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter, agriculturist, and educationist who designed the initial version of the Indian National Flag. He presented his design to Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, which featured red and green stripes representing Hindus and Muslims, respectively, and a white stripe added later to represent other communities. Over time, the design evolved, and the flag was officially adopted in its final form on July 22, 1947.

Various leaders, including Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, paid tribute to Venkayya on his birth anniversary. They remembered him for his significant contribution to Indias independence movement and his role in designing the national flag.

The Har Ghar Tiranga movement aims to promote patriotism and national pride by encouraging citizens to fly the Tricolour at their homes. Citizens can upload their selfies or photos with the flag. The initiative is part of the governments efforts to instill a sense of national unity and pride.
Expelled JD(S) leader and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdas grandson, Prajwal Revanna, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for Peoples Representatives for raping a domestic worker at his familys farmhouse in Hassan district of Karnataka.

The court also imposed a fine of 10 lakh on Revanna and announced a compensation of 7 lakh for the victim. Revanna, also a former MP, broke down in court as the judge read out the verdict.

Advertisement

Earlier on Friday, the court had convicted Revanna in one of the four sexual assault cases filed against him. He was found guilty of raping the 48-year-old domestic worker employed at his familys farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan. He also reportedly recorded the assault on his mobile phone.

Advertisement

His conviction comes just 14 months after the case surfaced. The matter came to light last year after controversial videos of Revanna surfaced online ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Initially, Revanna fled to Germany but returned to India days after his grandfather, Deve Gowda, wrote a letter to him, asking him to return and face the law if he had any respect left for him.

A Special Investigation Team probing the case arrested Revanna at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru as soon as he arrived from Germany on May 31.

Earlier, he had applied for anticipatory bail in the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court, but it was denied by both courts.

He also lost the Lok Sabha elections from Hassan by over 40,000 votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had campaigned for Revanna, who was contesting on a JD(S) ticket. The JD(S) and the BJP had contested the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka in alliance.

After Revannas explicit videos surfaced online, the Opposition Congress targeted the Prime Minister for seeking votes for a mass rapist.

Following Revannas conviction, the Congress on Friday shared an old video of PM Modi seeking votes for him during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prajwal Revanna Declared Guilty in Rape Case. Who is he? A close associate of Narendra Modi. What did he do? Prajwal raped women and recorded nearly 3,000 obscene videos. PM Modi campaigned for mass rapist Prajwal in the Lok Sabha election, the Congress said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Saturday made explosive claims about the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, alleging that the polls were rigged to favor the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking at the Annual Legal Conclave 2025, Gandhi stated that the election system in India is already dead and that his party has proof to substantiate these claims.

Advertisement

Gandhi claimed that former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was sent to threaten him during the farm laws protest.

Advertisement

Arun Jaitley ji was sent to me to threaten me. He told me if you carry on opposing the govt, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you, Gandhi alleged.

He further claimed that Jaitleys threat was an attempt to intimidate him into stopping his opposition to the governments policies.

The Congress leader pointed to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP won with a slim majority.

Gandhi said, If 15 seats were (not) rigged, he (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) would not have been the Prime Minister of India. Gandhi also highlighted the significant number of new voters who appeared during the Maharashtra assembly polls, alleging that those votes were largely in favour of the BJP.

Gandhi claimed that his party has open-and-shut proof of electoral malpractice, which it will reveal soon.

We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged, he stated. The Congress leader equated the potential impact of this evidence to an atom bomb that would expose the Election Commission of Indias involvement in vote theft.

The Election Commission of India has dismissed Gandhis allegations as baseless and irresponsible. The poll body stated that its officials should continue working impartially and transparently, unaffected by daily threats or false statements.
A local court in Sikar on Saturday acquitted local Lok Sabha member Amararam and 19 others in a 2019 case involving an altercation with the police during a demonstration at the District Collectorate.

The Sikar Additional District Judge (No. 1) acquitted CPM MP Amararam, former party MLAs Balwan Punia and Pema Ram, and others of charges related to an altercation and heated exchange with police personnel.

Advertisement

These Communist leaders were present in 2019 to participate in a demonstration organised by the Student Federation of India (SFI) in front of the Sikar District Collectorate.

Advertisement

The stir caused a traffic jam, which led to verbal clashes between the protesters and police personnel. The MP, two former MLAs, and others were charged with confronting the police and using abusive language.

Later, outside the court, MP Amararam said that the case was fabricated to suppress their voice. We were holding a demonstration to raise our voice against the irregularities committed by officials during the student union election, he said.

We are happy that the court delivered justice. All our colleagues have been exonerated, he added.
In a significant step towards globalising Indias Buddhist heritage, Uttar Pradesh Tourism will unveil a grand pavilion at the upcoming Busan International Buddhism Expo 2025, scheduled to be held from August 7 to 10 at BEXCO, Busan, South Korea.

With a thoughtfully curated showcase, Uttar Pradesh will represent Indias spiritual and cultural legacy at one of Asias most prominent Buddhist gatherings.

Advertisement

The pavilion will be inaugurated by senior officials from the Embassy of India in South Korea. It will serve as a tribute to the civilisational connection between India and Korea, highlighting the deep spiritual bond that began with the teachings of Lord Buddha over 2,500 years ago.

Advertisement

Uttar Pradesh is home to some of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world, including Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana. The state will also showcase Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kaushambi, which hold immense spiritual and archaeological importance.

Each segment of the pavilion will offer an interactive experience, featuring virtual pilgrimages, 3D storytelling, authentic cultural artefacts, and travel advisory services for Korean and international visitors interested in exploring the Buddhist Circuit of Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh is not just the land of temples and traditions. It is the land where the Buddha gave the world his first sermon and where his journey of peace concluded. Through this global platform, we will invite the world to rediscover India through the path of Dhamma, said Jaiveer Singh, UP Minister of Tourism and Culture, here on Saturday.

The 2025 edition of the Busan Expo is expected to witness significant growth, with around 375 booths featuring meditation experiences, Buddhist art, wellness programmes, and interactive learning spaces. This years theme, Find Your Enlightenment (with the Eightfold Path), is designed to appeal to a global audience, particularly Western youth and modern spiritual seekers.

Uttar Pradesh Tourisms participation will align with this forward-looking theme by offering immersive storytelling, spiritual exploration, and a glimpse into Indias living Buddhist traditions.

By showcasing our rich Buddhist legacy in an international and engaging format, we aim to strengthen Indias cultural diplomacy and make spiritual tourism more relevant to todays generation. Our goal is for Korean visitors to see Uttar Pradesh not just as a destination but as a spiritual home, said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism.

India and South Korea share centuries of Buddhist and cultural connections, from the legendary journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea to the ongoing exchange of spiritual ideas and traditions. Uttar Pradeshs presence at the Busan Expo will reinforce Indias leadership in Buddhist diplomacy and serve as a platform for promoting peace, understanding, and tourism.

This initiative will also be a part of Indias broader efforts to promote the Buddhist Circuit as a world-class tourism offering, supported by modern infrastructure, digital storytelling, and strong international partnerships.

As South Korea emerges as a leading outbound travel market with a growing interest in spiritual and wellness tourism, Uttar Pradeshs participation in Busan will help position it as a preferred destination for mindful travellers and cultural explorers.

The UP Tourism pavilion will remain open to visitors from August 7 to 10, inviting them to walk the path of the Buddha and discover the spiritual heart of India.
When it comes to dealing with two of the biggest current crises in the Muslim world  the devastation of Gaza and the Talibans draconian rule in Afghanistan  Arab and Muslim states have been staggeringly ineffective. Their chief body, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in particular, has been strong on rhetoric but very short on serious, tangible action. The OIC, headquartered in Saudi Arabia, is composed of 57 predominantly Muslim states. It is supposed to act as a representative and consultative body and make decisions and recommendations on the major issues that affect Muslims globally.

It calls itself the collective voice of the Muslim world. Yet the body has proved to be toothless in the face of Israels relentless assault on Gaza, triggered in response to the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023. The OIC has equally failed to act against the Talibans reign of terror in the name of Islam in ethnically diverse Afghanistan. Despite its projection of a united umma (the global Islamic community, as defined in my co-authored book Islam Beyond Borders), the OIC has ignominiously been divided on Gaza and Afghanistan. True, it has condemned Israels Gaza operations. Its also called for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the starving population of the strip. It has also rejected any Israeli move to depopulate and annex the enclave, as well as the West Bank. These moves would render the twostate solution to the long-running IsraeliPalestinian conflict essentially defunct.

Advertisement

Further, the OIC has welcomed the recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of 28 countries (including the United Kingdom, many European Union members and Japan) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as well as Frances decision to recognise the state of Palestine. The OIC is good at putting out statements. However, this approach hasnt varied much from that of the wider global community. It is largely verbal, and void of any practical measures. Surely, Muslim states can and should be doing more. For example, the OIC has failed to persuade Israels neighbouring states  Egypt and Jordan, in particular  to open their border crossings to allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, the West Bank or Israel, in defiance of Israeli leaders. Nor has it been able to compel Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco to suspend their relations with the Jewish state until it agrees to a two-state solution.

Advertisement

Further, the OIC has not adopted a call by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, for Israel to be suspended from the UN. Nor has it urged its oil-rich Arab members, in particular Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to harness their resources to prompt US President Donald Trump to halt the supply of arms to Israel and pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war. In a similar vein, the OIC has failed to exert maximum pressure on the ultra-extremist and erstwhile terrorist Taliban government in Afghanistan. Since sweeping back into power in 2021, the Taliban has ruled in a highly repressive, misogynist and draconian fashion in the name of Islam.

This is not practised anywhere else in the Muslim world. In December 2022, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha called for a global campaign to unite Islamic scholars and religious authorities against the Talibans decision to ban girls from education. But this was superseded a month later, when the OIC expressed concern over the Talibans restrictions on women, but asked the international community not to interfere in Afghanistans internal affairs. This was warmly welcomed by the Taliban. In effect, the OIC  and therefore most Muslim countries  have adopted no practical measures to penalise the Taliban for its behaviour.

It has not censured the Taliban nor imposed crippling sanctions on the group. And while no Muslim country has officially recognised the Taliban government (only Russia has), most OIC members have nonetheless engaged with the Taliban at political, economic, financial and trade levels. There are many reasons for the OICs ineffectiveness. For one, the group is composed of a politically, socially, culturally and economically diverse assortment of members. But more importantly, it has not functioned as a bridge builder by developing a common strategy of purpose and action that can overcome the geopolitical and sectarian differences of its members.

In the current polarised international environment, the rivalry among its member states  and with major global powers such as the United States and China  has rendered the organisation a mere talking shop. This has allowed extremist governments in both Israel and Afghanistan to act with impunity. It is time to look at the OICs functionality and determine how it can more effectively unite the umma. This may also be an opportunity for its member states to develop an effective common strategy that could help the cause of peace and stability in the Muslim domain and its relations with the outside world.

(The writer is Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellors Strategic Fellow, Victoria University. This article was published on www.theconversation.com)
The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives on 25-26 July 2025, marks a defining moment in the recalibration of India-Maldives relations. His presence as the Guest of Honour at the island nations 60th Independence Day celebrations not only reaffirmed Indias traditional support for a close maritime neighbour but also symbolised the steady recovery of a relationship that had faced turbulence in recent years.

The timing, optics, and substance of the visit reflect the mutual recognition of strategic interests and the need for regional cooperation amid a shifting geo-political landscape in the Indian Ocean. Historically, India has enjoyed friendly ties with the Maldives, particularly since the island nation gained independence from British rule in 1965. India was among the first countries to recognize Maldives in  dependence and has consistently played a pivotal role in its development journey. Bilateral relations remained largely stable during the initial decades, driven by geographical proximity, cultural affinities, and security imperatives. However, the advent of mu  l tiparty democracy in the Maldives introduced political complexities that affected its external relationships, including with India. The oscillation of power between political parties ~ parti  cularly between the India-friendly Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and other more nationalist or externally influenced factions ~ brought periods of both warmth and frost.

Advertisement

Relations between India and the Maldives reached a new low following the ascent of President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on the back of an India Out campaign. His administration adopted a markedly different foreign policy posture compared to his predecessors. One of his first acts in office was to formally request the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives ~ a demand that, though eventually managed diplomatically by India through replacement with civilian staff, signalled a clear departure from the India First policy. The early signs of Muizzus presidency were therefore worrying for New Delhi. His decisi  on to visit China before India broke a longstanding diplomatic tradition and underscored his administrations attempt to diversify strategic alignments.

Advertisement

Further damage was done when government-affiliated figures in the Maldives made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media, triggering a popular backlash in India and adversely affecting Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives ~ a key sector of the island economy. Despite the initial strain, a pragmatic course correction appears to be underway. President Muizzu, while continuing to engage China, has toned down his anti-India rhetoric, signalling a realisation that Indias geographic proximity, economic support, and diplomatic goodwill are too consequential to disregard. The presence of Prime Minister Modi at the Maldives milestone celebration was a diplomatic success for both sides and a public declaration of renewed partnership.

That both countries used the occasion to issue a commemorative stamp symbolising 60 years of diplomatic ties reflects a shared desire to preserve historical continuity, even as they chart a new course. The visit was not merely symbolic. It resulted in significant outcomes that suggest a deepening of bilateral engagement across key sectors. India announced a Rs 4,850 crore ($565 million) Line of Credit for the Maldives, with special provisions to ease annual debt repayments. Negotiations for a proposed India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement were launched, which, if realised, would considerably expand the trade and investment space between the two nations.

India also reaffirmed its defence partnership with the Maldives, with the inauguration of a new Ministry of Defence building in Male symbolising sustained military cooperation. In a strong gesture of goodwill, India gifted BHISHM health cube sets to strengthen Maldives health emergency infrastructure, reaffirming its role as a partner in human security. Development assistance remained a core component of Indias approach. Social and infrastructure projects were handed over, including 3,300 housing units in Hulhumale under Indias Buyers Credit, roads and drainage infrastructure in Addu City, and six High Impact Community Development Projects. Seventy-two vehicles and other essential equipment were also gifted. These interventions reflect Indias development partnership model ~ demand-driv  en, transparent, and aligned with local priorities ~ offering a compelling alternative to Chinas loan-heavy, high-interest infrastructure model.

The visit also saw strong messaging from both leaders. President Muizzu publicly praised India as the Maldives closest and most trusted partner, noting the everyday impact of Indian cooperation on Maldivian lives ~ from education and healthcare to trade and security. He acknowledged that the relationship predates modern diplomacy, rooted in centuries of maritime interaction across the Indian Ocean. His statem  ent that no one can break India-Maldives ties was a significant rhetorical shift from earlier months and recognition of the importance of India in maintaining regional stability. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, underscored that the Maldives holds a special place in Indias Neighbourhood First policy. He reiterated that India stands by its neighbours not just out of diplomatic obligation but due to a deep sense of historical, cultural, and regional affinity. Security cooperation form  ed a quiet but crucial undercurrent of the visit. President Muizzu condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed, and expressed solidarity with India in fighting terrorism.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that security cooperation between the two nations is regular, institutionalised, and expanding. Given the rising presence of external powers in the Indian Ocean ~ particularly Chi na, but also others with extra-regional interests ~ this security partnership becomes vital not just for the Maldives internal security, but for broader maritime stability. The recalibration of India Maldives ties must be viewed in the context of broader regional dynamics. China continues to have strong ties with the Muizzu government and remains Maldives largest external creditor. But the economic risks associated with Chinese loans are becoming increasingly evident, as seen in the experiences of other South Asian nations.

Maldives appears to be pursuing a balancing strategy ~ strengthening ties with both India and China while trying to avoid being caught in a zero-sum geopolitical rivalry. For India, this means adapting its engagement to accommodate the Maldives multi-vector diplomacy, while remaining vigilant against any external threats to its maritime sphere. In sum, the recent developments between India and the Maldives are a testament to the power of diplomacy and strategic patience. The ability of both countries to overcome recent friction and move towards a constructive agenda reflects a mature and mutually beneficial approach.

For the Maldives, aligning closely with India ensures economic resilience, security cooperation, and a trusted development partner. For India, a stable and cooperative Maldives is essential to maintaining influence in the Indian Ocean and securing its maritime boundaries. The renewed warmth in India-Maldives relations must now be institutionalised through consistent engagement, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages. This is not only in the interest of both nations but also of the larger Indo-Pacific region, where peace and prosperity depend on collaborative rather than competitive partnerships.

(The writer is Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies & Analyses (MPIDSA), New Delhi)
In announcing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports into the US ~ along with the threat of further penalties tied to Indias purchase of Russian oil and weapons ~ President Donald Trump has once again blurred the line between economic nationalism and geopolitical coercion. While tariffs are ostensibly trade tools, this latest move is unmistakably a political message: open your markets, fall in line with US strategic interests, or pay the price. Mr Trump has long criticized Indias tariff regime, branding it among the highest in the world and repeatedly highlighting Americas trade deficit with the country. From a purely transactional standpoint, his frustration is understandable. The US runs a deficit of over $45 billion with India, and repeated trade negotiations have made little headway on market access for American agriculture and dairy ~ sectors politically significant in Mr Trumps domestic calculus.

But context matters. Indias agricultural sector supports hundreds of millions of livelihoods. Its protectionist posture is not simply a matter of out-dated policy ~ it is a political and economic necessity, one that even a naive American must be aware of. Demanding sudden and wide-scale liberalisation of this sector ignores both the structural realities of Indias economy and the volatility that such reforms could trigger. The deeper concern, however, is not economic but strategic. The timing and tone of Mr Trumps statement ~ coupling trade tariffs with a penalty for Indias ties with Russia  suggest a growing impatience with Indias attempt to walk a diplomatic tightrope. Since the Ukraine war began, India has carefully balanced its strategic autonomy, purchasing discounted Russian oil while maintaining strong ties with the West. For Washington, especially under Mr Trumps assertive vision of foreign policy, this balancing act has grown intolerable.

Advertisement

The implicit message is clear: loyalty has a price tag. In linking economic pressure to foreign policy alignment, Mr Trump is not merely seeking a trade deal; he is attempting to recalibrate the strategic behaviour of a sovereign nation. This goes beyond transactional diplomacy ~ it veers into conditionality reminiscent of Cold War-era alignments. Indias resilience will be tested not only in negotiations but in how it communicates its red lines ~ balancing assertiveness with diplomacy will be crucial in preserving its strategic independence. India must tread carefully. While it aspires to deepen economic ties with the US and expand bilateral trade, an ambition shared by both governments ~ it cannot afford to appear as capitulating under pressure.

Advertisement

Doing so would undercut its long-standing position of strategic autonomy and non-alignment. The stakes are higher than a tariff dispute; they touch on the foundational principles of Indias foreign policy. Ultimately, this standoff is not just about tariffs or trade deficits. It is a contest over influence, autonomy, and the future of multipolar diplomacy. Whether the two sides can arrive at a deal before the August deadline may determine not only the direction of bilateral trade, but the contours of the emerging global order.
The Baloch Advocacy and Studies Centre (BASC), in partnership with the SOAS Iranian Society, organised a seminar at the Djam Lecture Theatre, SOAS, University of London which emphasised the serious and ongoing human rights abuses against the Baloch population in both Iran and Pakistan.

This seminar held on July 30 represented the Centres inaugural public event and offered a preview of insights from its upcoming Annual Human Rights Reports, set to be released in August 2025. The event consisted of two sessions, starting with opening remarks from Katayoun Shahandeh of the SOAS Iranian Society and Qambar Malik Baloch, General Secretary of BASC.

Advertisement

The first session focused on state violence in Balochistan, Iran, particularly highlighting extrajudicial killings and their disproportionate effects on women and children. It also featured testimonies from relatives of victims of human rights abuses.

Advertisement

Fariba Baloch, the President of BASC, presented an overview of the overarching human rights conditions in the region. Abdullah Aref, Deputy General Secretary of BASC, shared statistics on executions conducted in 2024, indicating patterns of state violence against Baloch civilians. The keynote speaker, Mai Sato, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Irans human rights situation, elaborated on the issue of extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, voiced serious concern regarding the evidence provided, and pledged to bring this issue before the UN Human Rights Council.

The second session shifted its emphasis to Balochistan, Pakistan, beginning with a historical overview of human rights matters delivered by Hassan Hamdam, Vice President of BASC. Khurshid Ahmed, BASCs Director of Research, followed with an in-depth presentation on enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings that occurred in 2024, pointing out that students and laborers were among the most frequent victims, and emphasizing that many of these acts, carried out by Pakistani state forces, seem to be retaliatory measures and collective punishment aimed at the broader Baloch community. This session included keynote comments by Sabiha Baloch, a well-known Baloch leader and representative of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), who gave an update on the current state of affairs and stressed the urgent need for international focus and intervention.

The seminar was attended by scholars, diplomats, media representatives, human rights advocates, NGO officials, and members of marginalised groups from both Iran and Pakistan. The event concluded with a heartfelt display of solidarity for the victims and their families, as well as support for those bravely advocating for justice, especially the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.

BASC reaffirmed its dedication to research-based advocacy and committed to continuing collaboration with all entities striving for human rights and justice in the region.

Established on May 11 by Baloch human rights advocates, writers, and researchers from both Eastern and Western Balochistan, BASC aims to enhance international awareness through research and advocacy regarding the shared and systematic injustices experienced by Baloch individuals across the region of Balochistan.
Four people were killed in a bar shooting in Anaconda, US state of Montana, local media reported, citing law enforcement officials.

The shooting occurred on Friday at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a city located in southwestern Montana, Xinhua news agency reported quoting NBC Montana.

Advertisement

The suspect was identified as Michael Paul Brown, according to a Facebook post by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center.

Advertisement

Be advised suspect in shooting is believed to be armed and dangerous, said the post.

Officials posted a photo of the suspect on Facebook and advised the public to stay out of the Stumptown area and surrounding areas.

Montana Highway Patrol also said in a Facebook post that there is a heavy law enforcement presence west of Anaconda near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road.

Authorities are searching for a suspect believed to be armed. Please avoid the area, the agency added.

As reports of the shooting spread through town, business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers. At Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, a nursery a few blocks from the shooting scene, owner Sage Huot said shed kept the children inside all day after someone called to let her know about the violence.

The owner of the Firefly Cafe in Anaconda said she locked up her business at about 11 a.m. Friday after getting alerted to the shooting by a friend.

We are Montana, so guns are not new to us, cafe owner Barbie Nelson said. For our town to be locked down, everybodys pretty rattled.
Tensions soared between the United States and Russia after President Donald Trump ordered deployment of two nuclear submarines to undisclosed locations closer to Russia, in response to an alleged threat made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

What began as peace talks in Ukraine, now appears to have escalated into a dangerous standoff between the two most powerful nuclear-armed nations with Trump moving away from mere rehotorics to overt military posturing.

Advertisement

In a scoial media post on his Truth Social, Trumo announced, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.

Advertisement

Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances, the US President added.

He was referring to Medvedevs remarks in response to Trumps dead economies jibe at Russia and India.

Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, made a reference to the Soviet-era automatic nuclear retaliation system Dead Hand.

And about Indias and Russias dead economies and entering very dangerous territory  well, let him remember his favorite movies about the walking dead, as well as how dangerous the fabled Dead Hand can be, Medvedev said.

When Trump was asked about the deployment of nuclear submarines, he explained, Well, we had to do that. We just have to be careful. A threat was made, and we didnt think it was appropriate.

He further added, So I do that on the basis of safety for our people. A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and were going to protect our people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring Rs 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Of this, Rs 353 crore has been credited to the accounts of 16.77 lakh farmers in Haryana.

To mark the occasion, a state-level PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas programme was organised in Panchkula, with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attending as the chief guest. Similar celebrations were held in other districts, where Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State were present. Farmers across Haryana also listened to the Prime Ministers address live.

Advertisement

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the release of the 20th instalment is not just financial support but a testimony of the trust the Prime Minister has placed in the farmers of the country. It reaffirms his commitment to the welfare of the Annadata and reinforces the vision of making farmers prosperous and empowered, a key pillar of a developed India.

Advertisement

It may be recalled that the scheme launched by Prime Minister Modi has infused new confidence and energy among farmers. Under this scheme, small and medium farmers receive Rs 6,000 in three instalments as direct income support. The transparency and commitment of this initiative have become a hallmark of New India.

The Haryana government has implemented the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme effectively. Alongside, the state has taken significant steps in increasing farmers income, adopting technological innovations, and promoting water conservation. The government is ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of these schemes without exception.

Prime Minister Modi has identified four key pillars for realising the vision of a developed India by 2047, i.e., farmers, the poor, women, and youth. The prosperity of farmers is fundamental to achieving this goal.

The Haryana government, aligned with the Prime Ministers vision, is consistently working to enhance farmers welfare and make agriculture profitable while efficiently implementing central government schemes.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Haryana is advancing rapidly towards the goal of Viksit Bharat  Viksit Haryana. By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, farmers will be self-reliant, environmentally conscious, digitally connected to global markets, and producers of high-quality branded products, he said.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.
In this brave new world of Apples and (Elon) Musks, Microsoft may not be that cool or sexy, the way it used to be when it populated a world full of Windows. But what it has is an Edge (literally and figuratively) in the zeitgeist of the era, AI, that has seen it within touching distance of reclaiming its old title of being the worlds most valuable company.

Sometime during the Indian night of Friday, August 1 2025, the Washington (the state, not the city)-headquartered tech giant pushed its way into a pretty exclusive clubof companies with a $4 trillion (about Rs 348 lakh crore) in market cap. In fact, only one other company has ever managed to achieve this level of financial dominance, the chipmaker Nvidia.

With Microsofts solid technology credentials in enterprise solutions, cloud and AI (it is one of the biggest funders of a once-unknown startup called OpenAI, now of ChatGPT fame), the tech world is now licking its lips at the prospect of the race to breach the $5 trillion markwill Microsoft pip Nvidia and take the crown?

Some have billed it the most expensive corporate race in history.

Interestingly, there is a composed calmness at the Satya Nadella-headed firm despite this weekends high. For those well-versed with the companys fortunes, it is almost a 360-degree arc for it, from global highs to disastrous decisions which nearly swept it out of the big league, and a stoic comeback with Hyderabad-born Nadella at the helm in the last decade or so.

The rise: Excel and excess

Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen, while its meteoric rise in the 1990s, primarily after the dawn of the internet era, was fuelled by the universal adoption of its Windows operating system and office software like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, considering that others like Apple Macintosh and Linux were fringe players at best.

The launch of Windows 95 and Windows XP later on were nothing less than universal events, as Gates became the wealthiest man on earth, mainly due to the Microsoft stocks he held. When the dot-com boom boosted Microsofts market capitalisation beyond $600 billion for the first time in December 1999, it was not just a record, but a feat greeted with disbelief.

The company itself shocked the establishment by stealing past the iconic GE (General Electric) to become the most valuable company in the world at that time.

The Fall: Change is the only constant

Of course, success and the excess of hubris also hit the company in myriad ways during this time (Remember Windows Explorer swallowing up its competitor Netscape?), though it would take time before the top suite would realise its missteps.

It was also about to tie into a recurring plot line that the tech world sees playing out again and againa tech company racing to the top on the sleeves of its breakthrough innovation, but then falling out of step in the face of rapid change. Anyone from Yahoo! to Nokia (some even predict it will be Googles turn pretty soon) is a testament to the scary scenario.

Microsoft almost went to the brink of that precipice. Bearing heavy on it soon enough was its overwhelming focus on a desktop model of internet access, and the companys ring-fencing of its proprietary Office suite.

At one stage, it was even spearheading raids on offices, including in India, which it claimed were using counterfeit MS software. Such incidents, plus its dominance of the market as well as Gates high-profile image and dubious activism, made it a favourite whipping boy in the popular imagination.

But in a way, its apple cart was upset by Apple and Google. Google not only upended the consumer internet with its search engine algorithm, but its Android operating system (OS) became the most popular OS on mobile devices, with the rest of the market carved out by Apples iOS.

Between the twoGoogles Android OS as well as Apples iPhonesthey managed to kill off Microsofts out-of-step moves to transfer the pre-eminence of Windows in desktops onto mobile devices. Both Windows Mobile and Windows Phones came a cropper, with Steve Balmer (Microsofts hapless CEO in the period between Gates and Nadella) perhaps perpetually consigned to ignominy by that one viral video clip soon after the iPhone launch, where he ridiculed Apple iPhone for not being business friendly by having no keyboards and for its $500 price tag, quipping, Who will ever buy such a phone?

History, and old YouTube videos, can be a wee bit unkind.

Rise again: A new (Azure) dawn

Balmer was replaced by Satya Nadella in 2014, and many credit the Indian with being the go-getter behind Microsofts turnaround. However, the truth is a bit more complex than neatly-tied-at-the-ends storylines, since Balmer himself had started out the enterprise focus of the company, realising how a bunch of desktop software werent going to help the company in the long run.

Yet, the turnaround came from Microsofts resolute look at the future, and the realisation that the quick-changing world of tech is but a revolving door with different dress codes at each entrance. Nadellas success was in figuring out what was in vogue before it hit the mainstream.

While aiming at businesses with tailor-made solutions, including cloud computing and storage, helped Microsoft gain lost ground (rival Amazon has more business in the cloud storage department, though), what has really propelled it to new heights recently has been its betting on AI.

Not just with investments in the likes of OpenAI, but in the way it has incorporated artificial intelligence into its enterprise stack so seamlessly. Profits are up, the company is now open to the markets and regulators than it ever has been, and much is being made of its future prospects, including the one where analysts are betting on who will cross the threshold into $5 trillion market cap firstpresent leader Nvidia, or the challenger who has experienced incredible highs and abysmal lows enough to be ready for the long haul.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow.

A major BrahMos supersonic cruise missile production and testing facility was established in Lucknow as part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor recently. The BrahMos plant was inaugurated virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 1.

"Weapons made in the UP Defence Corridor will become the backbone of India's military strength," the prime minister said while addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.

Issuing a stern warning to Pakistan, the prime minister said if Islamabad dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists.

ALSO READ: INS Himgiri: India's new Nilgiri-class frigate set to boost Indian Navy's might

Highlighting that Operation Sindoor has demonstrated India's indigenous defence capabilities to the world, PM Modi claimed that the power of India's locally developed missiles, drones and air defence systems was on full display during the operation. "Our BrahMos missile instilled such fear in the enemy that people in Pakistan can't sleep peacefully even in their dreams."

He invoked Lord Shiva's 'Rudra roop' (fierce form) to describe India's resolute action against terrorism, saying Operation Sindoor showcased the country's strength to the world and delivered a clear message that anyone who dares attack India will not be spared.

"My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack ... My promise to avenge 'Sindoor' of our daughters was fulfilled with blessings of Mahadev," he said, adding, "I dedicate the success of the operation at the feet of Mahadev."

"Shiva means welfare, but when terrorism and injustice raise their ugly head, Mahadev takes his 'Rudra roop'. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed this very form of India," the prime minister said, warning that "whoever attacks India will not survive, even in Pataal Lok (netherworld)".

with inputs from PTI
Malayalam actor Vinod Kovoor revealed that actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas, who was found dead in a hotel in Kerala's Kochi on Friday, had experienced chest pain during the shooting of the movie 'Prakambanam'.

However, the actor continued to shoot without going to the hospital, although he spoke to a doctor, Kovoor said in a social media post.

The incident came to light when the staff of the hotel, where Kalabhavan Navas was staying for a film shoot.

ALSO READ: How did Kalabhavan Navas die?

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead, police said.

The translated post of Vinod Kovoor reads:

"When I heard the news, I wished it was fake.

When I saw the lifeless body in front of the Kalamassery Mortuary last night at 11 PM, I first thought he was just pretending to be asleep.

I patted his cheek and called out, "Nawazkka!" His eyes were slightly open then, (I thought) those eyes wouldn't close without seeing all his loved ones. After the lifeless body was taken into the mortuary, on the way home, it was just Nawazkka's memories. Having acted until 5 PM at the Chottanikkara film set, Nawazkka arrived at his hotel room, completed his role in real life, and disappeared behind the curtain of time.

Such is the human condition.

Each of our lives is a water bubble that can burst at any moment.

He had chest pain on set and had called and spoken to a doctor, but thinking it shouldn't cause trouble for the shoot, he immersed himself in acting without going to the hospital. He must have thought he could go after the shoot, but... by then, the uninvited jester (death) came and snatched his life away. I can't help but think, "If only he had seen a doctor when the pain started." But 'if onlys' have no place here. Nawazkka's time came, and Nawazkka left. That's all.

At the last AMMA family gathering, Nawazkka was praised by everyone for singing songs and performing various comedies. I remember hugging him after asking, "May I give you a hug?" We did many stage programs together, but more than that, Nawazkka had a brotherly love. Now, it's hard to believe Nawazkka is only in memories. May God widen Nawazkka's grave.

I share in the family's pain. I had to stay in the mortuary all last night, and today's post-mortem is unbearable, Nawazkka.

After noon, I have to go to his home in Aluva to see him one last time.

It's truly frightening; Nawazkka's death happened at the age of fifty-one. Our lives, each one of ours, are without any guarantee. When the role is over, shouldn't one leave the stage, no matter who it is?
Three people were arrested on Saturday in connection with the July 28 murder of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan Krishan Kumar at his residence in Gohana, situated in Haryana's Sonipat.

The shooting followed the officer's alleged involvement in a brawl with a few men from his village during the Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar.

ALSO READ | VIDEO | Kanwariyas who thrashed, kicked CRPF jawan at Mirzapur railway station arrested

A conspiracy to kill Kumar was allegedly hatched before he could leave for the pilgrimage to Haridwar. Besides Krishan, the accused had planned to kill another man named Anand (alias Pahiya), police told India Today TV.

The accused were identified (with help from Kumar's family) as Ajay, Anand and Nishant. The police are now probing whether the three accused were part of a wider conspiracy.

The officer, who had been posted in Chattisgarh had returned home on leave about a month ago, after which he had gone to Haridwar for the Kanwar Yatra.

During that visit, he had a heated argument and a brawl with a few men from his village. It was late Sunday night that a few men from the village called Krishan out of his home at about 1 am Monday. The moment he stepped out of his home, he was shot at, said Shrikant, Additional Commissioner of Police, Gohana, as per an Indian Express report.

Hearing the gunshots, Krishans family members rushed towards him, where he was found lying on the ground in a pool of blood. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival, Shrikant added.

The CRPF jawan is survived by his wife and two sons.
The special court hearing National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in Chhattisgarh has granted bail to two Kerala nuns arrested over charges of forced religious conversion and human trafficking. A localite arrested along with the nuns on similar charges has also been granted relief.

The special court in Bilaspur granted bail to the nuns Preethi Mary and Vandana Francis, along with Sukaman Mandavi, a resident of Narayanpur, who were arrested on charges of trafficking three girls from Narayanpur.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi granted bail to the accused on conditions that they surrender their passport, two persons stand as sureties, and they furnish bond for 50,000. The court heard the bail application on Friday and reserved judgment for Saturday.

VIDEO | Chhattisgarh: As Bilaspur court grants bail to Kerala nuns arrested on the charge of human trafficking, advocate Amrito Das says, "The order was reserved yesterday, today they gave the order, the court has granted bail to all, on condition of Rs 50,000 surety, as well, pic.twitter.com/nWQK97ZOv9  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2025

The nuns, along with Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested from Durg station in Chhattisgarh on July 24. They were arrested after Bajrang Dal workers cornered them at the station and questioned them about the whereabouts of three tribal girls with them. The tribal women were reportedly accompanying the nuns for a job at a missionary-run institution in Agra.

The arrests had led to huge political furore in Kerala, where the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress targeted the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over the arrests and accused them of harassing minorities. The Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the arrest was a fallout of a "misunderstanding" and the party is making all efforts to secure the release of the nuns.

However, the Chhattisgarh BJP was not in favour of releasing the nuns initially. Home Minister Amit Shah had met Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai in New Delhi on Friday over the issue.
In the upcoming election for vice president, only five Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir will have representation in the electoral college. This is the second time the region will have no Rajya Sabha members participating in the vote.

Though Jammu and Kashmir has four Rajya Sabha seats, the seats have remained empty since February 2021. The Election Commission has not started the process to fill them, though the assembly elections took place in September-October 2024.

The Election Commission announced on Friday that the 17th vice presidential election will be held on September 9.

On July 24, Jagdeep Dhankhar abruptly resigned as the vice president. The surprise resignation raised questions about the relationship between the executive and Parliament.

The formal notification will be issued on August 7 and candidates can file their nominations until August 21.

If there is a contest, polling will take place the same day inside the Parliament building. The result will be declared that evening.

The vice president of India is chosen by an electoral college made up of members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

All five Lok Sabha MPs from Jammu and Kashmir and the only MP from Ladakh will vote in this election. From Jammu and Kashmir, the Lok Sabha MPs eligible to vote are Dr Jitendra Singh (Udhampur-Doda) and Jugal Kishore Sharma (Jammu-Reasi) from the BJP; Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (Srinagar) and Mian Altaf Ahmed (Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri) from the National Conference; and Independent MP Engineer Rashid (Baramulla). The MP from Ladakh, Mohd Hanifa Jan, is an Independent aligned with the National Conference.

In the current 90-member assembly, the National ConferenceCongress alliance, with support from some Independent MLAs, has a majority of over 50 members. This puts the coalition in a strong position to win three of the four Rajya Sabha seats.

The BJP, with 28 MLAs after the recent death of one member, is expected to get only one seat. It had hoped to secure a second seat with the help of the five nominated MLAs who have voting rights in the assembly. But, the plan is on hold because the Congress has challenged the nominations in court, questioning whether the Lieutenant Governor has the power to nominate these five members.

As a result, Jammu and Kashmir has had no Rajya Sabha MPs for over four years. This lack of representation is more significant because the vice president also serves as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

Though Jammu and Kashmir has no elected members in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Ali Khatana, a nominated BJP member from the Union Territory, will be able to vote, as nominated members are part of the electoral college.

The INDIA bloc, which includes the National Conference, is likely to put forward a joint candidate against the BJP-led NDA. The final decision of the NC and Independent MP Engineer Rashid will be known after nominations close.

As the vice presidential election reflects the current political divide between the ruling coalition and the BJP, Jammu and Kashmirs absence in the Rajya Sabha again shows how incomplete its national political participation remains, even after holding fresh assembly elections.

The missing Rajya Sabha members have reinforced the feeling that, post Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed dilution of political authority.
The Gujarat traffic police has found itself in the middle of a storm after a few posters they had allegedly sponsored for a safety campaign urged women to stay home to avoid getting raped.

The sexist and fear-mongering posters that were pasted in a few localities of Ahmedabad have been removed after they triggered an outrage.

Do not attend late-night parties, you could be raped or gangraped, said one poster. "Do not go with your friend to dark, isolated areas, what if she is raped or gangraped?, read another.

The safety campaign was run by an NGO named Satarkta Group.

The traffic police, meanwhile, tried to distance themselves from the controversy, saying the NGO had created the posters without their permission.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West), Neeta Desai, also clarified that the traffic police had sponsored posters concerning road safety, not women's safety.

"The NGO had approached us and said they wanted to organise traffic awareness programmes in schools and colleges and wanted our staff to accompany them, Desai was quoted as saying by PTI.

We were shown posters related to traffic awareness. But such controversial posters were not shown to us and were plastered without our consent, she said.

Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) N.N. Chaudhary also clarified that the NGO was allowed to put up only traffic awareness posters.

"We never approved such language. It is unacceptable," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party targeted the BJP government, saying the posters exposed the state of women's safety in Gujarat.

"The chief minister and BJP leaders talk about women's safety, but today in a big city like Ahmedabad, these posters express the reality of Gujarat. Our question to the CM is whether the women of Gujarat should go out of the house at night or not?" it asked.

The AAP claimed that more than 6,500 incidents of rape and more than 36 gang rapes were reported in Gujarat in the last three years.
Nearly 17 years after the Malegaon blast, which left six people dead, a special court in Mumbai, on Thursday, acquitted all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit.

Pointing out that there was "no reliable and cogent evidence" against them, Special Judge A.K. Lahoti flagged several loopholes in the prosecution's case and the investigation, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt.

The acquittal of Purohit was something that THE WEEK had predicted in its COVER STORY on August 4, 2011.

THE WEEK had then gained exclusive access to the interrogation reports of Purohit and Pragya.

Purohits lawyer had emphasised procedural lapses, absence of his name in other blast charge-sheets, and lack of forensic evidence to claim his innocence.

The key charge of possessing RDX was questioned by Army sources then. Sources in the defence ministry and the Army had told THE WEEK that the most important charge against Purohitthat he procured 60kg of RDX, which was seized from Jammu and Kashmir in 2006is "the most ridiculous allegation made against him."

"It is not possible for an Army officer to sneak and steal seized material, as every possible seizure has to be made public to a team of officers, recorded and handed over to the ordnance factory or destroyed. No one can even touch the confiscated arms, ammunition, explosives and run away with it. This charge, in itself, will make the case fall flat," they said.

Besides, the ATS had failed to extract any confession or link him directly to the execution of the blasts. These gaps, along with internal contradictions in testimonies, had led THE WEEK to suggest that an acquittal was likely. Also, the ATS failed to extract any confession or link him directly to the execution of the blasts.

Purohit's lawyer had also submitted that the Military Intelligence had found an ATS officer in Purohit's room on November 3, 2008, and that it was later that the ATS collected RDX swabs from the same house.

THE WEEK report also observed that Purohit had declined to help one Pravin from Belgaum, Karnataka, who came to Pachmarhi in August 2008 with literature on improvised explosive devices. When he asked Purohit to train him in making IEDs, the colonel expressed his inability and asked him to return to Belgaum.

Purohit had also declined Pragya's request for a donation of 1.5 lakh for a hand-pump project in Gujarat.

Conflicting statements from witnesses, retracted confessions, and allegations of planted evidence have weakened the case against him, THE WEEK had then pointed out.

THE WEEK report had concluded saying, "Unlike the firebrand nun, Purohit has not left behind any footprints, except for a few conversations that dont substantiate any evidence, and witnesses to nail him."

READ THE ORIGINAL STORY

The colonel in his element

THE WEEK investigates Malegaon accused Prasad Purohit's crimes and defence

By Payal Saxena/ Delhi, Mumbai & Pune

Clad in a crisp, pink shirt and black trousers, with an air of confidence and a smile on his face, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Srikant Purohit  believed to be the main conspirator of the bomb blasts in Malegaon, Maharashtra, in September 2008 that killed seven people  walked into the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court in Mumbai on July 11. The National Investigation Agency had requested the court for permission to interrogate Purohit in the blasts case. Accompanying him were two other accused  Major (retd) Ramesh Shivji Upadhyay, former president of Abhinav Bharat Sanghatana, a Hindu nationalist organisation with which Purohit was closely associated, and Sudhakar Dwivedi alias Dayanand Pandey alias Swami Amrutanand Tirth alias Shankaracharya, who allegedly gave ideological and monetary support to the organisation. Purohits wife, Dr Aparna, a homoeopath, who had been eagerly awaiting his arrival from Taloja Jail near Panvel since morning, stood there with a calm expression.

The hearing was adjourned. On July 19, the court allowed the NIA to interrogate him in police custody from July 22 to July 28, and the agency planned to take him out of Maharashtra. But on July 23, the High Court stayed the order. The NIA can, however, interrogate him in jail, but has to appeal once again to question him in police custody.

Purohit and co., including the squint-eyed sanyasin Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, who is in the custody of Madhya Pradesh Police in connection with the murder of the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast suspect Sunil Joshi, are the alleged key players in the theatre of Hindu terror, a term which gained currency after the Malegaon blasts. Purohit and 11 others were arrested by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare, who died fighting terrorists in the 2009 Mumbai terror attacks. A staunch follower of Hindutva nationalist Veer Savarkar, Purohit was accused of colluding with other suspects like Pragya and was chargesheeted by the ATS.

The probe into Hindu terror, which slowed down after Karkare's death, got a shot in the arm when the Rajasthan ATS, which was probing the 2007 Ajmer dargah blast, arrested Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pracharaks Devendra Gupta and Lokesh Sharma. Another breakthrough came on November 19, 2010, when the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Aseemanand, a 60-year-old Gujarat-based sanyasi, for his alleged involvement in the blast in Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid in 2007 that killed 16 people. Aseemanand confessed to his involvement in the blasts in Ajmer and Mecca Masjid and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. On January 15 this year, a Panchkula court recorded his confession regarding the Samjhauta Express blast near Panipat that killed 68 passengers, many of whom were Pakistanis. But about a month later, he retracted his confession.

"How many terrorists have you trained in the jungles, Purohit?" was the question put to the colonel by his senior officer on October 24, 2008, at the commandant's office. What followed was his detention, interrogation and arrest by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, the CBI, Haryana Police and finally the NIA. However, the NIA is yet to further investigate the case and point out the lacunae in the 2008 Malegaon blast case and link it to the 2006 Malegaon blast case. He was also not named in the charge-sheet in the Samjhauta Express blast case, which was filed in June.

THE WEEK gained exclusive access to the interrogation reports of Purohit and Pragya. Even as both the accused have been careful not to reveal much about each other's meetings and conversations, it is clear that they had been in touch since April 2008. It is also evident that there were clandestine meetings to discuss targeting Muslim-dominated areas.

But there are several missing links. According to the interrogation report, soon after the 2008 Malegaon blasts, Purohit met Pragya, a history postgraduate with links to several BJP and Sangh parivar leaders, at her Jabalpur ashram, where he reportedly boasted that he was responsible for the blast. However, she told him that it was her men who did it and showed him two rail tickets as proof. Purohit's lawyer could latch on to this statement to plead his client's innocence. During the several rounds of interrogation, Purohit did not reveal any information on the Samjhauta Express blasts or the Malegaon blasts. The ATS could not extract anything out of him during his narco analysis.

"There was no substantial evidence against him to link him [Purohit] to the Malegaon blasts," said a senior intelligence officer. This is not the first time Purohit has been rescued. Earlier this year, Purohit's Court of Inquiry was set aside by the Armed Forces Tribunal, as some witnesses had been cross-examined in his absence. Neela Gokhale, his lawyer in the AFT, pointed out that as per Army Rule 180, he should have been given full opportunity of being present throughout the proceedings.

Aseemanand, who is now in judicial custody and is named in the Samjhauta Express blasts by the NIA, had divulged a lot of information, but he did not link Purohit to the Malegaon blasts directly

Aseemanand, who is now in judicial custody and is named in the Samjhauta Express blasts by the NIA, had divulged a lot of information, but he did not link Purohit to the blasts directly. Purohit's lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, argued that his involvement with Hindutva outfits could be part of his Military Intelligence training. Purohit used to embed himself in organisations to collect information. Shivade had produced a document dated February 20, 2007 which quoted Purohit's annual confidential report: "The officer infiltrated the SIMI and other underground outfits in the region through his capabilities and go-getter attitude." Since his area was close to the border of Gujarat-Maharashtra, he tried building a rapport with every organisation of the area.

However, Aparna believes that her husband joined the Sanghatana with honest intentions. "Purohit was a member of the Sanghatana, but that was solely to motivate and encourage the youth. This cannot be used as evidence against him," she said.

The most important charge against Purohit is that he procured 60kg of RDX, which was seized from Jammu and Kashmir in 2006. A part of it was allegedly used in the Samjhauta Express and Malegaon blasts. The Maharashtra ATS accused him of giving a portion of the substance to an Indore-based godman named Bhagwan. A witness told the ATS that Purohit had collected the RDX from Kashmir and had thrown some of it into the river Chenab. He also said Purohit had shown him the RDX, which was kept in a green sack in a cabinet in his computer table in his house at the Deolali camp in Nashik.

However, sources in the defence ministry and the Army rubbished the allegation. "It is the most ridiculous allegation made against him. It is not possible for an Army officer to sneak and steal seized material, as every possible seizure has to be made public to a team of officers, recorded and handed over to the ordnance factory or destroyed. No one can even touch the confiscated arms, ammunition, explosives and run away with it. This charge, in itself, will make the case fall flat," they said. Said Gokhale: "Colonel Purohit is being tried for the charge of stealing RDX from a seizure during his posting in J&K inthe criminal court and thus cannot be tried in the AFT. Anyway, we have completely denied the charge and out of 71 Army officers who deposed before the court, about 57 supported Purohit."

Interestingly, the witness later told the court that he had confessed under duress. In addition, Shivade submitted that the Military Intelligence had found an ATS officer in Purohit's room on November 3, 2008, and that it was later that the ATS collected RDX swabs from the same house.

RDX swabs from the same house. "How can one be sure that the RDX was not planted in his room?" asked Shivade. The Maharashtra ATS, which had seized Purohits computer, is tightlipped on whether or not it contained crucial information. The laptop could contain the names of 54 persons who underwent training in handling arms and explosives at the RSS-run Bhonsala Military School in Nashik in 2001.

According to the interrogation reports, Purohit first met Pragya at Bhopal in April 2008 when she was invited for a meeting of the Abhinav Bharat Sanghatana. The meeting was organised to highlight the Amarnath land transfer issue. (In 2008, the Jammu and Kashmir governments decision to allot 40 acres of forestland to the Amarnath Shrine Board for setting up temporary pilgrim shelters ignited violent protests following which the decision was revoked.) It was attended by Shankaracharya, Aseemanand and Mayaram Jaswani, who heads Abhinav Bharat in Madhya Pradesh. Pragya, who was ordained a nun by Swami Avadheshwar Giri Maharaj on the anniversary of Gandhi's assassination in 2007, spoke at the meeting and assured Purohit of her cooperation.

The interrogation report also states that Pragya's invitation to the meeting was made through Aseemanand. Purohit again met the sanyasin, who is the daughter of an ayurvedic physician, at her residence in Jabalpur on October 5, 2008 and kept in touch with her on telephone. The previous year, he had also contacted Himani Savarkar, the daughter-in- law of Veer Savarkar and the niece of Nathuram Godse, Gandhi's assassin. Himani is a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, founded by Savarkar. Though she was interrogated by the ATS about Purohit and Pragya, nothing substantial emerged.

After forming the Sanghatana in 2008, Purohit met Major Upadhyay, Pune RSSpracharakSameer Kulkarni, Pune-based RSS veteran Shyam Apte, Aseemanand, Vilas Pawar of the Sri Ram Sena in Belgaum, Karnataka, Himani Savarkar and former VHP member R.P. Singh of Delhi. They aggressively pursued the Hindutva ideology of the Abhinav Bharat and held a number of public and private meetings in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

In the shadow of these open meetings, covert operations were being carried out. Pragya, Apte, Shankaracharya, R.P. Singh, Upadhyay, Kulkarni, Rakesh Dhawade, an antique arms conservator who also runs a government- registered museum in Pune, Abhinav Bharat treasurer Ajay Rahirkar and Bharat Bhai Riteshwar of Valsad, a close associate of Aseemanand, were operating secretly to procure arms, ammunition and explosives. This is when Purohit emerged as the key figure for coordination and procurement of weapons. His Army background and Pune links helped him assimilate his position in the Sanghatana. "The arms procured by Purohit were a part of his military exercise and he never used anyone personally," said Shivade.

According to the interrogation report, Purohit had been in touch with Shankaracharya ever since their first meeting in September 2007.

Apte also stayed in touch with Shankaracharya and gave him 5 lakh when he met him in Ujjain in August 2008. Again on August 30, Apte and Purohit met Shankaracharya at Ujjain. The charge-sheet filed by the Maharashtra ATS said that Abhinav Bharat was not a charitable organisation and there was no explanation regarding the source of a donation of 2.5 lakh to the organisation apart from 4.75 lakh that was "sent through hawala". Purohit could counter-argue that he was not directly involved with the money transactions.

During these meetings, Shankaracharya once made R.P. Singh speak to Purohit. R.P. Singh told him that RSS members Indresh Kumar of Delhi and Subedar Singh of Nepal were linked to the ISI and were carrying out destructive activities. He said that they were also involved in the fake Indian currency racket. However, the intelligence authorities have not established any links between Indresh Kumar and the ISI. When R.P. Singh and Shankaracharya asked Purohit to arrange a small firearm to eliminate Indresh (for his alleged ISI connection), he contacted Dhawade and asked him to get the weapon and ammunition.

In April 2008, according to the report, Dhawade gave him a 9mm country-made revolver and a dozen rounds. As directed by Shankaracharya, Purohit delivered the weapon to one Alok in Bhopal. Purohit paid Dhawade 50,000 for the revolver and ammunition. The money was provided by Apte and delivered through Rahirkar.

Thereafter, Shankaracharya again demanded four small arms and ammunition. Purohit asked Apte to deliver 3.20 lakh through Rahirkar to Dhawade for the weapons. Again on August 3, 2008 Shankaracharya visited Ujjain where he introduced Purohit to RSS pracharaks Sandeep Dange and Ramji Kalsangra, both of whom have been absconding since the 2008 Malegaon blasts, and asked him to arrange explosives for them. The two were considered dedicated Dange called Purohit regularly, who had already asked Dhawade to get explosives and small firearms. But when Dhawade refused to obtain the weapons, Dange panicked. He visited Pune in the second week of August 2008 and hounded Purohit for the explosives. But Purohit was helpless. His inability to provide them weapons and explosives might also be cited by his lawyers in his defence.

Purohit also declined to help one Pravin from Belgaum, Karnataka, who came to Pachmarhi in August 2008 with literature on improvised explosive devices. When he asked Purohit to train him in making IEDs, the colonel expressed inability and asked him to return to Belgaum. However, Purohit arranged a meeting with Dhawade to teach Pravin the basics of IED manufacturing.

A month earlier, Purohit had declined Pragya's request for a donation of 1.5 lakh for a hand-pump project in Gujarat. Her organisation, Jai Vande Mataram, is engaged in various socio-religious activities. Following this incident, there was a communication gap between the duo. But they were reconciled by Mayaram Jaswani, who said they should work together for the Sanghatana. On October 8, 2008 Pragya, who was in Ujjain, got a call from a Dharmendra of Surat. He gave her Kalsangra's phone number and asked her to call him. When she contacted Kalsangra, he asked her to meet him near Mahakal Dharamshala in Ujjain.

In Ujjain, he told Pragya that the bomb used for the 2008 Malegaon blast was planted in her motorcycle and that he had erased its chassis number. Though she had sold it to RSS pracharak, Sunil Joshi, investigators later found that it belonged to the sanyasin. Unlike the firebrand nun, Purohit has not left behind any footprints, except for a few conversations that dont substantiate any evidence, and witnesses to nail him.
Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren was airlifted to Delhi for advanced treatment after being injured in a bathroom accident. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader had suffered a head injury after he slipped and fell in the bathroom at his residence early on Saturday. His condition deteriorated at the Jamshedpur Hospital while he was undergoing treatment. He was later airlifted to the national capital for advanced treatment.



As a consequence of his fall on the wet bathroom floor, Ramdas Soren suffered a serious brain injury and a blood clot, according to reports from Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari. The condition of the three-time legislator from the Ghatshila constituency worsened during treatment due to the blood clot, and doctors at the Jamshedpur hospital suggested he be taken to Delhi for advanced care. Minister Ansari said he is constantly in touch with the team monitoring his cabinet colleague's condition. The air ambulance reportedly took off from the state capital of Ranchi.

#WATCH | Jamshedpur: Jharkhand Minister Ramdas Soren, who sustained serious injuries after falling in the bathroom at his residence, is admitted to Tata Motors Hospital. pic.twitter.com/lXsxGMKwuX  ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2025

Local media reports indicated that the minister was first admitted to Jamshedpur's Tata Motors Hospital before the decision was made to fly him to Medanta Super Speciality Hospital. Live Hindustan reported that his family was also comfortable with the move to Delhi as he was already consulting a hospital there for a kidney ailment.

He had attended the first day of the assembly session on Friday and had returned home in the evening. Ramdas Soren, who became a prominent leader in the JMM following Champai Soren's rebellion, is also said to have suffered injuries to his hand in the fall.
A witness in the 2008 Malegaon blast case alleged that he was forced by the officers of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to implicate Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the case.

The witness, Milind Joshi Rao, made the allegation in his testimony to the court.

Special Judge A.K. Lahoti, who on Thursday acquitted all seven accused in the case, stated that he could not rely on the witness's statement to the ATS, as the witness had submitted to the court that it was given involuntarily. The over 1,000-page judgment was made available on Friday.

Rao said he was also forced to name RSS member Indresh Kumar, former BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Hindu seer and former RSS member Swami Aseemanand, and Professor Deodhar in the case.

Rao, during his testimony to the court, also alleged that the ATS had treated him like an accused.

"They (ATS officers) were telling him to take the names of Yogi Adityanath, Asimanand Indresh Kumar, Devdhar, Pragya and Kakaji in his statement," the court noted in its verdict.

When the witness refused to toe the line, the then Deputy Commissioner of Police Shrirao and Assistant Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh allegedly showed him the fear of torture and extended threats.

The court, in its verdict, noted that the victim's statement raises doubts regarding its admissibility and authenticity, as it was made involuntarily.

On Thursday, the special NIA court acquitted seven people, including Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, noting that the prosecution had failed to adduce cogent and reliable evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday rejected a request by the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council to send its delegation to Yemen as part of its efforts to secure the release of the Kerala nurse who is on death row in the Middle East country.

The MEA turned down the request citing security reasons, and asserted that the ministry is making all possible efforts in this case.

Last month, the Supreme Court, while hearing a petition of the Action Council, had directed them to approach the government with their request to visit the strife-torn country.

The MEA, in its letter to the Action Council, said it carefully considered their request, but said it cannot grant permission to the delegation to travel to Sana's, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis.

At the present moment, the Indian Embassy in Yemen has been relocated to Riyadh because of the disturbed security situation in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs is concerned about the delegation's security and well-being there, it said.

The MEA also noted that there is no diplomatic relationship between New Delhi and the current dispensation in Sana'a.

The security situation in Sana'a is tenuous, and in recent months, regional developments have made it challenging. Safety of travel is consequently a greater concern, the ministry noted in its letter.

Nimisha Priya, hailing from Kollangode in Palakkad district of Kerala, was convicted in the murder of a Yemeni citizen in July, 2017 and has been lodged in the Central Prison in Sanas since then. The 38-year-old's execution was scheduled for July 16, but it was postponed following the intervention of Indian officials.

The government also underscored in its letter that the negotiations to secure the safe release of Nimisha Priya are only between the family of the deceased and the nurses family or her familys authorised representatives.

Safety and security of Indian nationals is a top priority, and the Ministry of External Affairs is making all possible efforts in this case as well, the MEA said.
Security forces have gunned down a terrorist in the ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam. Forces launched Operation Akhal in the forest areas of the district on Friday night after they established contact with two-three terrorists camping in the region.

Authorities said intense exchange of fire continued throughout the night. "Intermittent and Intense firefight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues," Chinar Corps of Indian Army said in a post on X.

Security personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indian Army, launched a search and cordon operation in Akhal forest area based on intelligence inputs on Friday. The search operation was launched after security forces were tipped about the presence of two-three terrorists camping in the region.

The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding terrorists opened fire at the forces, who retaliated, a senior official told PTI. Security forces have cordoned off the area and the operation is continuing to track down remaining terrorists.

The Akhal operation comes two days after Operation Mahadev, in which security forces killed three foreign terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Harwan area near the Dachigam National Park in Srinagar. The terrorists - Suleiman, Afghani and Jibran - were killed while a discussion was underway in Parliament on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted Indias decisive victory in Operation Sindoor, saying that his promise to avenge the sindoor of his daughters had been fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Mahadev.

Addressing a rally in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, Modi said his heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.

"This is the first time I have come to Kashi after Operation Sindoor, the prime minister said. I had pledged to take revenge for my daughters' sindoor, and I fulfilled it with the blessings of Mahadev. I dedicate the success of Operation Sindoor at the feet of Mahadev.

Modi claimed that the unity of the 140 crore countrymen became the strength of Operation Sindoor, which showed the world India's fierce form. "Whoever attacks India won't survive even in hell," he said.

The prime minister noted that the Indian drones and missiles destroyed the terror headquarters, and many Pakistan air bases are still lying in the ICU.

"If Pakistan commits any sin again, missiles made in UP will destroy the terrorists. This is New India, which worships Bholenath and also turns Kal Bhairav against its enemies," said the prime minister.

Modi also launched a scathing attack on the opposition over their attempts to corner the government over US President Donald Trump's claim that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

"Congress and its friends cannot digest that India destroyed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan," he said. "Like Pakistan, the Congress and the SP, too, are crying seeing the condition of terrorists".

Modi accused the Congress of constantly insulting the armed forces' valour, and alleged that the opposition party had even called Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha'.

"The SP is also not lagging in appeasement politics. They questioned in Parliament why the Pahalgam attackers were killed now," he said.

During a special programme held at Banauli village in the Sevapuri block of Varanasi, the prime minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 52 development projects worth approximately Rs 2,183.45 crore.

He also released the 20th instalment of PM-KISAN with an amount of more than 20,500 crore being transferred directly to the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across the country.

The government claims that with this release, the total disbursement under the scheme since its inception will surpass 3.90 lakh crore.

Modi distributed assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycles, and visual aids to people with disabilities and senior citizens during a special programme held at Banauli village in the Sevapuri block.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both his deputiesKeshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathakalong with several ministers, public representatives, and BJP's state unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present at the event.
Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna was on Saturday sentenced to life in prison and a fine of 10 lakh for sexually assaulting a woman.

Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat of the special court for peoples representatives in Bengaluru awarded the politician the maximum punishment under IPC Section 376(2)(n). He was convicted in the case on August 1.

Before his sentencing, Prajwal broke down before the court, seeking a lesser sentence in the rape case and that his has not met his father and mother for six months. He claimed that his "only mistake" was growing fast in politics and alleged that the woman who complained against him did not come forward on their own and were "purposefully" brought forward by the prosecution six days before the election.

He also alleged that the victim complained only after the explicit videos were leaked, claiming that she did not raise alarm about the rape to her husband.

Prajwal, who is son of JD(S) leader HD Revanna and grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda, has been lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru since May 2024.

There are four cases containing sexual assault and sexual harassment charges. In the rape case he was sentenced on Saturday, the victim was a house help at his farmhouse in Hassan. Revanna raped her twice in 2021 and filmed the act.

The sexual assault came to light after pen drives containing more than 2,000 explicit videos of Prajwal were circulated in Hassan ahead of Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka on April 26, 2024. The former MP who used his diplomatic passport to flee the country to Frankfurt, Germany.

After pressure from his own family and police, Prajwal came back to India on May 31, 2024. He landed at the Kempegowda International Airport from Munich on a Lufthansa flight, following which the Karnataka SIT arrested him.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a fresh attack against the Election Commission and charged that elections in India are rigged. He added that Congress would release proof of discrepancies in the electoral roll.

Talking at the annual legal conclave organised by the party, Gandhi said, "We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged. The truth is that the election system in India is already dead." The Congress leader said Narendra Modi became the prime minister with a slim majority. "If 15 seats were rigged, he would not have been the prime minister."

Gandhi charged that the Election Commission no longer exists, and it took the party six months to "uncover" the "rigging" in electoral rolls. "You will see with zero doubt how a Lok Sabha election is stolen," he claimed.

The Congress leader charged one lakh voters were added to the electoral roll ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra. "I always had a suspicion that there was something wrong, right from 2014... Now I say with absolutely no doubt that we have proof," he charged.

Gandhi's fresh salvo against the poll body comes a day after the Commission called the charges "baseless". "The Election Commission ignores such baseless allegations being made on a daily basis, and despite the daily threats being given, asks all election officials to ignore such irresponsible statements and work in a fair and transparent manner," the EC said, responding to Gandhi's comments.


Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested two people who sent rape and death threats to Kannada actor Ramya alias Divya Spandana.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the police have identified 11 other people for posting "abusive content" on social media targeting Ramya who was former Mandya MP. They will be arrested soon, according to Singh.

I thank our Home Minister Dr Parameshwar avru @DrParameshwara and Seemant Kumar Singh avru @seemantsingh96 Commissioner of Police Bengaluru @CPBlr and the entire team at CCB for the swift action taken on the complaint.



The Bangalore City Police have taken a firm stand against pic.twitter.com/nTQuqbbFhl  Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) August 2, 2025

Ramya alias Divya Spandana met the commissioner on July 28 and lodged a complaint against 43 social media accounts from which she received obscene messages and threats. The investigation by the Central Crime Branch and the cyber crime police identified 13 accounts which were actively involved in the abuse.

The cyber abuse started after Ramya shared a news article on July 24 about the Supreme Court proceedings in the Renukaswamy murder case and sought justice for the victim's family. The main accused in the case is Kannada actor Darshan.

Police are investigating if these individuals are fans of actor Darshan.

Ramya took to X on Saturday to thank Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara as well as the police commissioner and the CCB team for quickly acting on the issue. She said the city police have taken a strong stance on aggression against women.

"The message is clear: It is difficult to escape the hand of law when it comes to protecting womens dignity and ensuring safety in our city," the actor posted.

On July 30, Ramya, while speaking to NDTV, said Darshan should urge his fans not to sent rape and murder threats to those who speak out against him.

"It's not too late for him to tell his fans that this is not okay. Because I see no difference between what Renukaswamy sent and what his fans are sending. If you think that is wrong, then why is this not wrong," she told the TV channel.
Like much of the international community, India was quick to embrace the goals and objectives of the highly proclaimed New York Declaration that seeks to resolve the vexed Israeli-Palestinian conflict. India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador P. Harish, articulated the Indian position before the UN conference on The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution held in New York during 28-30 July. He also reiterated India's historic support for the Palestinian cause, its recognition of the Palestinian State in 1988, tangible human centric financial support through the Palestine National Authority and its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution.

Flagging the need to immediately alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip, he repeated India's basic position vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine within recognised and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, is a pre-requisite for enduring peace and sustainable development. However, towards the very end, Ambassador Harish issued a word of caution over being complacent about paper resolutions and urged for tangible and immediate action.

The expression paper solutions is rather odd, unprecedented, but profound. What could be the reason for this frankness? India's overall approach towards the Palestinian question, especially since the October 7, 2023, terror attack, was completely in sync with the final New York Declaration issued at the end of the three-day UN meet. Yet, India was not among the 19 chairs and co-chairs; despite their close ties with New Delhi, the principal force behind the UN meetFrance and Saudi Arabiachose to ignore India.

Cynics will offer a more imaginative logic to India's non-inclusion in the UN meet as co-chairs and interpret it as a sign of its international marginalisation, especially on the Palestinian question. To get there, the critics will gloss over the similarities between the positions of India and the UN meet; the New York statement belatedly admitted that the October 7 attack by Hamas was terrorism and should be condemned unequivocally; it called for the removal of Hamas from power and its complete disarming; and it demanded placing the Gaza Strip under the unified control of the PNA and President Mahmoud Abbas.

The UN conference idea was first officially mooted on May 23, and the first preparatory meeting of eight working groups was held during June 2-6. There could be genuine logistical hitches at either or both ends, which precluded India's participation. Alternatively, if the exclusion was deliberate, then paper solution reflects India's anger and disappointment.

However, one can offer a logical explanation for India using that powerful phrase. India is acutely aware of the negative voices from the most critical player: President Donald Trump. Without his tacit acquiescence, if not approval, no proposal concerning the Middle East has a realistic chance of success. The Trump administration has not yet signalled its willingness to accept the two-state solution as the way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The President even threatened to sanction any Western country that is prepared to recognise the Palestinian State. His tariff campaign against Canada, for example, now revolves around the Palestinian issue. When its own trade negotiations with Washington are in a critical stage, why would India add fuel to the fire and antagonise President Trump?

The other player, Netanyahu, has been vociferously opposed to the two-state solution. Earlier, his opposition was rooted in ideological framing, and now, his political survival is the driving force. Since the October 7 violence, co-existence with the Palestinians is least popular within Israel, and the two-state solution has no takers at this point. Since the UN conference sought Implementation of the Two-State Solution, the vehement Israeli opposition is logical and inevitable. And India is aware that without the tacit support of Israel and the US, the New York meet will be yet another missed opportunity. Why join the chorus when the chances of success are extremely unlikely?

Thus, even if India was not actively involved in the New York Declaration, both are on the same page. Ambassador Harishs paper solution serves as a warning and strong reminder of the need to entice President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu into the process. Without these two players, the New York conference will soon be forgotten and therein lays Ambassador Harishs warning of paper solution.

The author teaches contemporary Middle East at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
A United Airlines Boeing 787 aircraft, with 219 passengers and 11 crew members on board, declared a Mayday due to an engine failure on the evening of Friday, July 25. The Munich-bound flight made a safe emergency landing back at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia after having reached 10,000 feet, US media reports said.

The Mayday call was made after the pilots found an issue with the left engine of the Boeing 787. They were asked to turn the flight around immediately to make an emergency landing back at IAD and the airspace was cleared for their safe landing. However, it took another 30 minutes before the aircraft landed, as the pilots had to burn a tremendous amount of fuel. Pilots have to dump or burn fuel before an emergency landing as a safety measure to reduce the aircraft's weight.

Since the engine failure was noticed not long after takeoff, United 108 was heavy with a full fuel load for a long flight to Germany. As the plane's weight was well above its maximum landing weight, the pilots were forced to circle the sky to burn it. Landing a plane that is too heavy can cause damage to the landing gear, tires, and other parts of the aircraft, and in severe cases, could lead to a catastrophic failure.

While multiple media reports cited engine failure as the reason for the emergency landing, an official statement by United Airlines said that the incident was due to a mechanical issue with United 108.

According to media reports, the pilots of the aircraft flew over Washington Dulles International Airport in a loop twice before proceeding to land. The flight was later cancelled and alternate arrangements were made for the passengers, a US media report said.
In an open letter to US President Donald Trump, Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch said he was General Asim Munir misled him about "massive oil reserves", which he claimed belongs to the 'Republic of Balochistan' and are not located in Pakistan.

Pointing out the the presence of vast oil and mineral reserves in Balochistan is accurate, Baloch said the Pakistani military leadership and their diplomatic channels misled the Trump administration regarding the "true geography and ownership of these critical resources". He said the Pakistan military is deliberately trying to misappropriate Balochistan's wealth for political and financial gain.

"These untapped reserves of oil, natural gas, copper, lithium, uranium and rare earth minerals are not located within the territories of Punjab which is the actual Pakistan," he wrote. He went on to claim that the Republic of Balochistan is a "historically sovereign nation currently under illegal occupation by Pakistan."

This comes after Trump announced on Wednesday that his government struck a deal with Pakistan to develop its oil reserves. "We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves," Trump wrote on social media. "We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe theyll be selling Oil to India some day!"

When asked, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declined to comment on the Trump's claim about India buying oil from Pakistan. "About the query of proposed oil, etc, I have no comments to offer in this particular matter," Jaisawal said.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Washington and Islamabad are "very close" to a trade deal after meeting US Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio.

Pakistan reportedly has 353,500,000 barrels of proven oil reserves, as of 2016 data. Pakistani officials in September 2024 claimed that they discovered potentially massive oil and gas reserves.
Five children were killed on Saturday in a freak accident at the Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 12 others were also critically injured in the incident, after an old mortar shell exploded while they had been playing with it.

The children had found the mortar shell in a field, a spokesperson for the Bannu region police told Dawn.

Thinking it was a toy, the children took the unexploded mortar shell back to their village, Sorband, he explained, adding that the injured were taken to the Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital, where they were being administered treatment.

According to a hospital spokesperson, most of the 12 injured were children, some of whom are in critical condition, as per a PTI report.

The Bannu regional police also stated that a Bomb Disposal Squad had arrived at the scene, collected evidence and initiated an investigation.

The incident has caused widespread panic among the people of Sorband. However, Saturday's explosion is not the first such freak accidentrelated to unexploded munitionsto occur in Pakistan.

The Bannu regional police also promised assistance for the affected families, declaring that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Earlier this year, the Indian Army successfully conducted a controlled operation with local police officials, in which 42 unexploded shells found in the Poonch district were destroyed safely, according to an Army statement. The shells were remnants of the recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan, in the hostilities that followed Operation Sindoor.

Trained bomb disposal teams ensured the complete neutralisation of all explosive remnants, the statement added.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that he has ordered the move of two nuclear submarines to be positioned in appropriate regions on Friday as a response to comments made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Russian Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia.

Last week, Medvedev tweeted saying that Trump was playing the ultimatum game with Russia and that her should remember that Russia is not Israel or Iran. HE referred to Trump's attempts and ultimatums to make Russia end the war in Ukraine as  a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road! he said. Medvedevs attack came amid Trump shortening his timeline for Russia to make peace with Ukraine.

Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10 He should remember 2 things:

1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran.

2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road!  Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) July 28, 2025

Trumps post on Truth Social called Medvedevs statements highly provocative and said that he positioned the nuclear submarines in appropriate regions just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.

Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter! he said

Trump did not specify whether he was referencing nuclear-powered submarines or nuclear-armed submarines.

Trump later told reporters that the A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and were going to protect our people.

Trumps last post on the platform took a jab at Indias trade partnership with Russia. I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care, he said  We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.

He also added a warning to Medvedev in the post saying, Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together, Lets keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks hes still President, to watch his words. Hes entering very dangerous territory!

Medvedevs response on Telegram was If a few words from a former Russian president can provoke such a nervous reaction from the sitting and supposedly formidable president of the United States, then clearly Russia is entirely in the right and will continue on its chosen path.

Will Trump's August 8 deadline for Russia to make a peace deal with Ukraine work?

Trumps comments come at a time when frustration has grown in Washington over Vladimir Putoins's failure to end the invasion of Ukraine.

Medvedev often posts bold statements on his account on X, especially about Western countries and alliances. His last post said, Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didnt care.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists said to Reuters that US nuclear submarines, along with bombers and land-based missiles, have always been positioned to launch missiles at Russia, and "The subs are always there all the time and don't need to be moved into position."

Experts believe that the statements by Trump are just signalling and are not part of the beginning of a nuclear confrontation between the countries. Trumps actions, however, may be unlikely to prompt Russia to give up its war on Ukraine. Trump's deadline of August 8 for a peace deal between the two countries may pass by without resolution as Putin has not shown any indication of slowing down its invasion of Ukraine, according to European allies who accuse Moscow of stalling.
Millions of older people hardly ever or never use the internet and could struggle with everyday tasks like paying for parking and getting NHS appointments, warns Age UK.

The charity has heard from people who had difficulty applying for a Blue Badge, which gives access to special parking bays and pick-up points if you are disabled or have a health condition affecting mobility.

It handed a 170,000-strong petition to 10 Downing Street earlier this week asking the Government to ensure older people aren't left behind by 'digital first' policies.

Age UK says it wants a 'clear guarantee' that all public services, including the NHS and local councils, will offer offline alternatives.

That could include in person services or assisted access for older people who can't or won't go online.

One in five or around 2.4million people aged 65-plus use the internet less than once a month or not at all, according to Age UK research.

Age UK campaigners hand in petition at 10 Downing Street that calls for Government to ensure older people are not 'digitally excluded' from public services

The charity found that rose to 32 per cent for older Black people, 30 per cent for those living alone, 26 per cent for older Asian people, and 22 per cent for older women or those struggling financially.

Some 31 per cent or 4million older people said they had poor IT skills, and 22 per cent or 2.9million said lack of trust in the internet was why they didn't go online.

Age UK's latest survey found 12 per cent of over-65s don't use a mobile phone and 33 per cent don't use a smartphone.

And 7 per cent had reduced their previous internet use over the past year, reflecting how people might stop using it as they become older and less able.

The charity says it is concerned 'digital first' policies mean people will struggle to manage their own finances and healthcare as they age.

It is calling for the following from the Government.

- A guarantee all public services, including the NHS and local councils, will offer and promote affordable, easy offline ways to reach and use them.

- The NHS Ten Year Plan, which aims to 'shift from analogue to digital', will factor in the needs of older people who are not online.

- More funding and support for people who are not computer users but want to get online, targeted especially at areas of deprivation.

- The Digital Inclusion Action Plan will support those who will never be online, or who cannot use the internet safely and successfully.

- The Government will protect access to cash and banking by requiring banks to maintain face-to-face services, and ensuring people can carry on buying essential goods and services with cash.

'I have given up on trying to get doctor appointments'

Sue, 73, from London, has very poor eyesight and cannot use computers or smartphones. She says: 'Everything is online these days. Trying to deal with some local authorities is an absolute nightmare if you don't have people around you who can do it for you.

'I shouldn't have to do that. I shouldn't have to give someone my personal information. I want to be treated equally.'

Mike, 76, says: 'The stress and frustration of trying to operate online - I simply go round in circles and it is very upsetting. It all makes me feel rejected and excluded.'

Janet, 74, says: 'I have given up on trying to get doctor appointments, so now just don't bother.

'Since I had a total knee replacement two months ago, I had to do without any pain relief at all as I could not contact them.

'And as my mobility is now severely restricted, I cannot visit them, so I just don't go.'

If you find it difficult to use online services or know someone who doesn't go on the internet, Age UK has help available - check its Digital Champions service here or call 0800 169 6565.

What does the Government say?

'We recognise that older people are more likely to be digitally excluded, which is why through our Digital Inclusion Action Plan we are ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age, whatever their age.' says a Government spokesperson.

'Under the Plan, major companies are helping people to get online and are donating pre-loved tech to those who need it.

'We are clear that digital public services need to be accessible - meaning there should always be alternative options like over the phone or in-person support, for those that need it.

'We also welcome action industry have taken to ensure 99 per cent of the UK now has access to a range of social broadband and mobile tariffs, starting from as low as 10 per month.'

'Some feel belittled and unfairly bullied into going online'

Technology is set to transform our lives for the better and the potential of the NHS App is 'truly exciting' but we must ensure no one is left behind, says Age UK's charity director Caroline Abrahams.

'Through our petition, older people who aren't able or choose not to be online told us they were deeply worried about being locked out of the essential services they depend on.

'Some said that they felt belittled and unfairly bullied into going online and that this, plus a frequent failure on the part of organisations of all kinds to offer them easily accessible alternatives, was positively ageist.

'Whether you agree with that or not, there's no doubt in our minds at Age UK that a poorly planned and delivered transition to digital by default would pose very real risks to the health, wellbeing, finances and inclusion of millions of older people.'

Abrahams says the Government's commitment to a digitally inclusive approach is really important to build public trust and ensure the NHS promise to be equally accessible to all continues to hold true.

'Some people will always be offline or only very basic users, for all kinds of different reasons. However inconvenient this reality may be, we have to factor it into how we design services.

'In some cases, for example, it may be possible to develop tech-based approaches that do not depend on an individual older person having to manipulate them themselves.'
Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below.

R.B. writes: Some time ago I was contacted by TBE Consultants Ltd about investments in Terra Firma Energy Ltd.

They said: 'Our clients enjoy a 12 per cent return on their capital inside 12 months.'

I did not invest, but I have now seen a website called Stonehold Investment also promoting Terra Firma Energy.

Are you able to find out anything about this company and the people who run it?

Tony Hetherington replies: This investigation began in January, with more than a few twists and turns since then.

Staff issues: William Davies (left) and Daniel Keenan

Let's start with the sales firm TBE Consultants. Coincidentally, a few weeks after I began enquiring, its owner William Davies put it into liquidation with debts estimated at 1.7 million.

According to the Financial Conduct Authority, Davies was once an investment adviser at Beaufort Securities, already a disreputable stockbroking company when he joined in 2005. The City watchdog fined it 90,000 in 2006. He also ran finance firm Salesian Consultants Ltd until he put this into liquidation in 2019.

He borrowed more than 79,000 from it but convinced the liquidator to accept just 30,000 in settlement, saying he was close to bankruptcy.

A few months later, Davies became a director of one of the Terra Firma Energy (TFE) group of companies and now sits on the board of four TFE businesses. So when TBE Consultants was recommending investment in TFE, Davies was a boss at both.

The salesman who contacted you from TBE Consultants was Stephen Leary, whose background in dodgy investments is pretty scary. He is currently banned for 14 years from acting as a director of any limited company following his central role at Worldwide Commodity Partners Ltd, an investment scam which cost investors almost 3 million. That said, this does not stop him from working in his present role.

According to the FCA, Leary was also at two separate disreputable stockbrokers, both exposed by The Mail on Sunday.

And while a salesman at TBE Consultants he marketed loan bonds issued by Platinum Assets And Developments (PAD).

I warned in 2020 that this was a high-risk scheme. It relied largely on the prospects of an offshoot, Platinum Energy Solutions, but last year the High Court ordered this into liquidation because of its debts.

And here is a link to Terra Firma Energy. Peter Eagle was the managing director of the failed Platinum Energy Solutions, and he became a director of TFE in 2020 until quitting in 2021.

The day-to-day management team at TFE are just as interesting. When I began investigating, its business development manager was Dan Keenan. In 2012 he was jailed for 11 years for money laundering and other financial crimes, linking him to a major drug dealer. And before this he was jailed for five years for blackmail and conspiracy to defraud. Mr Keenan vanished from TFE's website within hours of my first questions to the company.

Simon Fagan was named as TFE's legal adviser. He is a Manchester solicitor, and in 2015 he was a director of radiator company Xefro Ltd, the parent company of Xefro Trade, which was wound up by the High Court following an investigation which described its products as defective and dangerous.

Of course, none of this means TFE's 12 per cent loan notes will flop. The firm exists and runs 'battery farms' that store power with the idea of selling it on. It is concerning, though, that its website claims TFE is in partnership with National Grid, which told me: 'Terra Firma sell power to the electricity grid, or into the national energy market. They do not sell it to National Grid.'

TFE did, however, say that their assets had participated in the electricity market.

TFE's loan notes are only supposed to be offered to experienced or wealthy investors who can take risks. The website of Stonehold Investment  where you spotted the TFE investment  emphasises this. And it should know, as Stonehold Investment is just TFE itself using a different name!

Stonehold has claimed to be 'award winners' and 'trusted by 123,000 investors'. What awards? And how many investors!

Well, I asked TFE about Stonehold and about its personnel. TFE failed to reply, but back like a guided missile came a rocket fired at me by its lawyers.

Stonehold's claims erroneously appeared in Google results, they conceded. TFE had no explanation but would correct this.

Yes, William Davies was a stockbroker but was just one of many employees at firms penalised by the regulator. Nothing to do with TFE, they added.

Yes, Stephen Leary is banned as a director for ripping off investors, but this does not ban him from recruiting investors now for TFE, they explained.

Yes, Simon Fagan provides legal advice to TFE, but so what, as TFE has no connection to disgraced company Xefro.

The lawyers insisted that TFE's management team had no idea of Dan Keenan's prison record and told me that he has now left the company by mutual agreement. If so, it might be a good idea to ask Mr Keenan to change his LinkedIn page, which still says he is TFE's full-time business development manager.

It might also be a good idea for Helen Aletras, one of TFE's management team, to stop putting holiday photos online showing her with Mr Keenan, who she has known for many years.

Mysteriously, investment in TFE's loan notes was promoted via a now-defunct website called bestrenewableenergyinvestor.com. This claimed that TFE has a '15-year purchase agreement with National Grid'.

However, I am told now that TFE has no idea who ran the sales site, or why they promoted TFE as an investment.

TFE's lawyers also told me there was no reason that any of this should be published.

I disagree.

If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned.
Debra Crew's abrupt departure from the top job at Guinness-maker Diageo has highlighted the radical changes transforming the world of drinks.

The industry is under pressure from weight-loss drugs that suppress alcohol craving and the 'sober curious' movement among Generation Z  those born between 1997 and 2012.

Sales of no or low alcohol drinks are up 28 per cent at Ocado and 32 per cent at Waitrose, while pubs are predicted to sell a record 33 million pints of no or low alcohol beer this summer, according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

No or low alcohol drinks are on a 'gradual march into the mainstream', says Fraser McKevitt of Kantar. The research firm found seven in 100 households bought one last month, lifting sales 21 per cent.

On the rocks: Debra Crew left Diageo as drinking habits change

Sarah Holland, Waitrose's low-and-no buyer, said: 'There's a trend to wellbeing-focused drinking that doesn't compromise on flavour or social connection.'

Olivia Ferdi, who founded Trip, Britain's largest privately owned soft drinks firm, goes further: 'The main reason people drink alcohol is to relax and unwind, but most alcohol-free options don't deliver on taste or relaxing.'

She says Trip's CBD-infused drinks take the edge off a long day.

There are shifts in the market for alcoholic drinks too.

Traditional aperitifs such as gin and tonic are being replaced by the likes of Hugo Spritz  a mix of elderflower liqueur, prosecco, mint, soda water and lime. So is Britain really going teetotal?

'There is an equally strong movement to moderation, where consumers drink less but better,' said Ed Faulkner of Sapling Spirits, which makes 'climate-positive vodka' from winter wheat.

So Gen Z still has an appetite for the social lubricant that makes for those memory-forming occasions of our 20s and early 30s.
Foundations Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report) by 8.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,054 shares of the restaurant operators stock after buying an additional 165 shares during the period. Foundations Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Yum! Brands were worth $323,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in shares of Yum! Brands by 20.4% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,545,872 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $475,714,000 after buying an additional 601,361 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its holdings in Yum! Brands by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,521,583 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $338,296,000 after purchasing an additional 24,681 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its holdings in Yum! Brands by 12.0% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,284,171 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $306,444,000 after purchasing an additional 244,264 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its holdings in Yum! Brands by 14.5% in the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 2,045,475 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $274,421,000 after purchasing an additional 258,369 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in Yum! Brands by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 1,954,145 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $307,504,000 after purchasing an additional 27,355 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.37% of the companys stock.

Get Yum! Brands alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO Scott Mezvinsky sold 272 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.28, for a total value of $40,332.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,755 shares of the companys stock, valued at $260,231.40. The trade was a 13.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 7,117 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.60, for a total transaction of $1,043,352.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 102,893 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,084,113.80. This trade represents a 6.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 14,720 shares of company stock valued at $2,150,965. 0.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Yum! Brands Trading Up 0.9%

Yum! Brands stock opened at $145.41 on Friday. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a 12-month low of $122.13 and a 12-month high of $163.30. The stock has a market cap of $40.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $145.65 and a 200-day simple moving average of $146.26.

Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The restaurant operator reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.29 by $0.01. Yum! Brands had a net margin of 18.42% and a negative return on equity of 20.80%. The firm had revenue of $1.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.85 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.15 earnings per share. Yum! Brandss quarterly revenue was up 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Yum! Brands Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 27th were given a $0.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, May 27th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. Yum! Brandss payout ratio is 56.57%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently weighed in on YUM. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Yum! Brands from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, May 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Yum! Brands from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $167.00 target price for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Yum! Brands from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $145.00 to $177.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 10th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Yum! Brands from $151.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Yum! Brands from $148.00 to $151.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $159.86.

View Our Latest Stock Report on YUM

About Yum! Brands

(Free Report)

Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division segments. It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding YUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Federated Hermes Inc. lowered its stake in Alcoa (NYSE:AA  Free Report) by 0.2% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 453,570 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 937 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc.s holdings in Alcoa were worth $13,834,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in AA. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in Alcoa by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 163,391 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $6,173,000 after buying an additional 5,446 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its holdings in Alcoa by 151.5% in the 4th quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 47,396 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,791,000 after buying an additional 28,549 shares during the last quarter. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA raised its holdings in Alcoa by 23.6% in the 4th quarter. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA now owns 39,540 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,494,000 after buying an additional 7,554 shares during the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System raised its holdings in Alcoa by 11.5% in the 4th quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 360,732 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $13,628,000 after buying an additional 37,303 shares during the last quarter. Finally, O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Alcoa by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC now owns 9,029 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $341,000 after buying an additional 517 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.39% of the companys stock.

Get Alcoa alerts:

Alcoa Stock Performance

NYSE:AA opened at $28.40 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $29.35 and a 200-day moving average of $30.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.42, a P/E/G ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 2.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. Alcoa has a twelve month low of $21.53 and a twelve month high of $47.77.

Alcoa Dividend Announcement

Alcoa ( NYSE:AA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 16th. The industrial products company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.10. Alcoa had a net margin of 7.86% and a return on equity of 19.27%. The company had revenue of $3.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.96 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.16 EPS. Alcoas revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Alcoa will post 4.43 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 28th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 12th will be given a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 12th. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Alcoas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.44%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have issued reports on AA. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Alcoa from $40.00 to $38.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 18th. B. Riley lowered their price target on shares of Alcoa from $38.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Citigroup upgraded shares of Alcoa to a buy rating and set a $42.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $31.00 price target on shares of Alcoa in a report on Thursday, May 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Alcoa from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, June 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alcoa currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $41.23.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AA

Alcoa Company Profile

(Free Report)

Alcoa Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminum products in the United States, Spain, Australia, Iceland, Norway, Brazil, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Alumina and Aluminum. It engages in bauxite mining operations; and processes bauxite into alumina and sells it to customers who process it into industrial chemical products, as well as aluminum smelting and casting businesses.

See Also

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

Receive News & Ratings for Alcoa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alcoa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. decreased its stake in WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC  Free Report) by 0.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,375,321 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 8,156 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned 0.74% of WEC Energy Group worth $258,863,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Hughes Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in WEC Energy Group during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of WEC Energy Group in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of WEC Energy Group by 252.6% in the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 342 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 245 shares during the last quarter. Creekmur Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 2,420.0% during the first quarter. Creekmur Asset Management LLC now owns 378 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 363 shares during the period. Finally, Stephens Consulting LLC raised its stake in WEC Energy Group by 138.6% during the first quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 544 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 316 shares during the last quarter. 77.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Get WEC Energy Group alerts:

WEC Energy Group Stock Up 1.1%

Shares of NYSE WEC opened at $110.29 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 0.55 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $105.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $105.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.13, a P/E/G ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.42. WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $86.76 and a 1 year high of $111.07.

WEC Energy Group Cuts Dividend

WEC Energy Group ( NYSE:WEC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $2.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.87 billion. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 12.90% and a net margin of 17.87%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that WEC Energy Group, Inc. will post 5.23 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.8925 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 14th. This represents a $3.57 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 68.39%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, VP Joshua M. Erickson sold 2,155 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.77, for a total value of $232,244.35. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 2,686 shares in the company, valued at $289,470.22. This represents a 44.52% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have weighed in on WEC. Barclays increased their price target on WEC Energy Group from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. UBS Group set a $107.00 target price on WEC Energy Group and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, July 11th. Wall Street Zen lowered WEC Energy Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, July 12th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of WEC Energy Group from $115.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Scotiabank set a $115.00 price target on shares of WEC Energy Group and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, WEC Energy Group presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $106.40.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WEC

About WEC Energy Group

(Free Report)

WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. It operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments.

Featured Stories

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

Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Assetmark Inc. raised its holdings in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Free Report) by 30.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 37,848 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 8,743 shares during the quarter. Assetmark Inc.s holdings in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria were worth $515,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BBVA. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 7.9% during the 4th quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 19,576 shares of the banks stock worth $190,000 after purchasing an additional 1,437 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 155.5% during the 4th quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 34,411 shares of the banks stock worth $335,000 after buying an additional 20,943 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 189.4% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 397,979 shares of the banks stock worth $3,868,000 after buying an additional 260,472 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,208,000. Finally, HighPoint Advisor Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC now owns 20,975 shares of the banks stock worth $204,000 after buying an additional 862 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.96% of the companys stock.

Get Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria alerts:

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Price Performance

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria stock opened at $16.67 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $97.32 billion, a PE ratio of 8.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.12. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. has a one year low of $9.23 and a one year high of $16.79. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.93.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria ( NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The bank reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.05. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 18.02% and a net margin of 29.17%. The firm had revenue of $10.30 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.24 billion. Equities analysts anticipate that Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Wall Street Zen downgraded Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, July 12th.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BBVA

About Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria

(Free Report)

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services in the United States, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and internationally. The company offers savings account, demand deposits, and time deposits; and loan products, such as residential mortgages, other households, credit card loans, loans to enterprises and public sector, as well as consumer finance.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
LPL Financial LLC raised its position in shares of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS  Free Report) by 9.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 83,515 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 7,529 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC owned about 0.22% of FactSet Research Systems worth $37,969,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in FDS. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the 4th quarter worth $29,000. American National Bank & Trust purchased a new position in FactSet Research Systems during the 1st quarter worth $44,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 800.0% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 99 shares of the business services providers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB grew its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 31.1% during the 1st quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 118 shares of the business services providers stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CX Institutional purchased a new position in FactSet Research Systems during the 1st quarter worth $60,000. 91.24% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get FactSet Research Systems alerts:

Insider Transactions at FactSet Research Systems

In other news, CAO Gregory T. Moskoff sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $442.60, for a total value of $1,106,500.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 44 shares in the company, valued at $19,474.40. This represents a 98.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director James J. Mcgonigle sold 2,925 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $451.39, for a total value of $1,320,315.75. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 4,461 shares in the company, valued at $2,013,650.79. The trade was a 39.60% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 13,031 shares of company stock worth $5,825,481 over the last quarter. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

FactSet Research Systems Stock Down 2.9%

FactSet Research Systems stock opened at $391.11 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.47. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $434.43 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $442.64. The company has a market cap of $14.79 billion, a PE ratio of 28.26, a PEG ratio of 2.63 and a beta of 0.83. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $389.08 and a fifty-two week high of $499.87.

FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 23rd. The business services provider reported $4.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.30 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $585.52 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $580.70 million. FactSet Research Systems had a net margin of 23.30% and a return on equity of 31.59%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.37 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 17.21 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group restated a neutral rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, June 20th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on FactSet Research Systems from $470.00 to $448.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 16th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on FactSet Research Systems from $390.00 to $393.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, June 20th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on FactSet Research Systems from $448.00 to $452.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, June 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $503.00 target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, June 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and six have given a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $444.25.

Read Our Latest Analysis on FactSet Research Systems

FactSet Research Systems Company Profile

(Free Report)

FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for FactSet Research Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FactSet Research Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pathway Financial Advisers LLC lessened its stake in BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Free Report) by 1.5% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,076 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 16 shares during the period. Pathway Financial Advisers LLCs holdings in BlackRock were worth $1,019,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Securian Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in BlackRock in the first quarter worth $7,331,000. Prudent Man Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock during the first quarter valued at about $2,018,000. Arizona State Retirement System bought a new stake in BlackRock during the first quarter worth about $40,868,000. Polar Capital Holdings Plc purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth about $15,307,000. Finally, Community Financial Services Group LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock by 17.2% during the 1st quarter. Community Financial Services Group LLC now owns 5,702 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $5,397,000 after purchasing an additional 836 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock.

Get BlackRock alerts:

Insider Activity at BlackRock

In related news, Director Fabrizio Freda sold 4,434 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,122.81, for a total value of $4,978,539.54. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 3,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,936,571.86. This represents a 55.84% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director J. Richard Kushel sold 17,142 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,120.50, for a total transaction of $19,207,611.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 61,369 shares of the companys stock, valued at $68,763,964.50. This trade represents a 21.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 66,494 shares of company stock valued at $74,694,573 in the last 90 days. 1.98% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

BlackRock Stock Down 1.3%

NYSE BLK opened at $1,091.29 on Friday. BlackRock has a 1 year low of $773.74 and a 1 year high of $1,130.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $169.07 billion, a PE ratio of 26.39, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 4.34 and a quick ratio of 4.34. The businesss 50-day moving average is $1,040.67 and its 200 day moving average is $981.66.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 15th. The asset manager reported $12.05 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.41 by $1.64. BlackRock had a return on equity of 15.83% and a net margin of 29.68%. The business had revenue of $5.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.40 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $10.36 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that BlackRock will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current year.

BlackRock Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 23rd. Shareholders 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 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 5th. BlackRocks payout ratio is presently 50.39%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Telsey Advisory Group reissued an outperform rating on shares of BlackRock in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,214.00 to $1,224.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 16th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 14th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on shares of BlackRock from $1,247.00 to $1,224.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of BlackRock from $959.00 to $1,210.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, BlackRock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,151.21.

Read Our Latest Analysis on BLK

BlackRock Company Profile

(Free Report)

BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks.

Recommended Stories

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

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.
LSV Asset Management lifted its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 10.2% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,153,114 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,400,622 shares during the quarter. Pfizer makes up 0.9% of LSV Asset Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. LSV Asset Management owned about 0.27% of Pfizer worth $383,980,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in PFE. Mirabaud & Cie SA lifted its position in Pfizer by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. Mirabaud & Cie SA now owns 12,779 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $324,000 after acquiring an additional 1,150 shares during the period. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. lifted its position in Pfizer by 969.2% during the 1st quarter. Endeavor Private Wealth Inc. now owns 9,345 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $237,000 after acquiring an additional 8,471 shares during the period. Signature Wealth Management Partners LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 113.9% during the 1st quarter. Signature Wealth Management Partners LLC now owns 16,529 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $419,000 after acquiring an additional 8,800 shares during the period. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP lifted its position in Pfizer by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. Baker Avenue Asset Management LP now owns 28,727 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $728,000 after acquiring an additional 2,596 shares during the period. Finally, Commerce Bank lifted its position in Pfizer by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Commerce Bank now owns 1,645,384 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $41,694,000 after acquiring an additional 13,224 shares during the period. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Pfizer alerts:

Pfizer Stock Performance

NYSE PFE opened at $23.49 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $20.92 and a 1-year high of $31.32. The company has a market capitalization of $133.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.02, a PEG ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.52. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $24.36 and a 200 day moving average price of $24.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.96.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 12.62%. Pfizers revenue was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.82 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.3%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 124.64%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PFE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Pfizer from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. UBS Group increased their price objective on Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. TD Cowen decreased their price objective on Pfizer from $32.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. HSBC reduced their price target on Pfizer from $27.00 to $26.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 19th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Pfizer from $32.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have assigned a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.28.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Pfizer

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Commerce Bank reduced its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 2.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 200,850 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 4,218 shares during the period. Commerce Banks holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $14,419,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Shakespeare Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Shakespeare Wealth Management LLC now owns 13,839 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $972,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Safeguard Investment Advisory Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Safeguard Investment Advisory Group LLC now owns 5,839 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $410,000 after buying an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. Summit Wealth & Retirement Planning Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Summit Wealth & Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 3,362 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $241,000 after buying an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Nwam LLC boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 8,806 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $632,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jaffetilchin Investment Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Jaffetilchin Investment Partners LLC now owns 22,501 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,580,000 after buying an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on WFC. Dbs Bank upgraded Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 17th. Bank of America raised their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Tuesday, July 8th. TD Cowen initiated coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, May 15th. They issued a hold rating and a $83.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $77.00 to $87.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $80.39.

Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance

NYSE:WFC opened at $77.80 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $253.18 billion, a PE ratio of 13.32, a P/E/G ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.20. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $78.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $74.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52 week low of $50.15 and a 52 week high of $84.83.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.41 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $20.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.83 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 16.82%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.33 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 8th will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. This is a positive change from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.40%.

Wells Fargo & Company declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan on Tuesday, April 29th that permits the company to buyback $40.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to reacquire up to 17.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pettyjohn Wood & White Inc. reduced its position in shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT  Free Report) by 31.9% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,065 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 500 shares during the quarter. Pettyjohn Wood & White Inc.s holdings in Caterpillar were worth $351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of CAT. Pacific Point Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Caterpillar during the 4th quarter worth $579,000. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 51.5% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 7,409 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,688,000 after buying an additional 2,519 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 72.2% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 88,936 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,262,000 after buying an additional 37,282 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Caterpillar during the 4th quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, Westpac Banking Corp raised its stake in Caterpillar by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Westpac Banking Corp now owns 8,767 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,180,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the last quarter. 70.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Caterpillar alerts:

Insider Buying and Selling at Caterpillar

In other news, Director David Maclennan bought 375 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 7th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $320.70 per share, with a total value of $120,262.50. Following the acquisition, the director owned 6,653 shares in the company, valued at $2,133,617.10. This trade represents a 5.97% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms recently commented on CAT. Melius Research upgraded shares of Caterpillar from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $500.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. Melius upgraded shares of Caterpillar from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $500.00 target price for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $395.00 to $422.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, June 20th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Caterpillar from a sell rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the company from $272.00 to $357.00 in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and set a $420.00 target price (up from $370.00) on shares of Caterpillar in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $419.33.

View Our Latest Analysis on CAT

Caterpillar Stock Down 2.1%

CAT opened at $428.85 on Friday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $385.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $354.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 1.32. Caterpillar Inc. has a twelve month low of $267.30 and a twelve month high of $441.15. The firm has a market cap of $202.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.90, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 1.38.

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The industrial products company reported $4.25 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.35 by ($0.10). Caterpillar had a return on equity of 53.77% and a net margin of 15.71%. The firm had revenue of $14.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.60 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Caterpillar Inc. will post 19.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Caterpillar Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 21st will be issued a $1.51 dividend. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 21st. This is a positive change from Caterpillars previous quarterly dividend of $1.41. Caterpillars payout ratio is currently 29.43%.

Caterpillar Company Profile

(Free Report)

Caterpillar Inc manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives in worldwide. Its Construction Industries segment offers asphalt pavers, compactors, road reclaimers, forestry machines, cold planers, material handlers, track-type tractors, excavators, telehandlers, motor graders, and pipelayers; compact track, wheel, track-type, backhoe, and skid steer loaders; and related parts and tools.

Further Reading

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

Receive News & Ratings for Caterpillar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Caterpillar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
R Squared Ltd trimmed its holdings in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 42.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 790 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 580 shares during the quarter. R Squared Ltds holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $346,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. ORG Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 346.2% in the 1st quarter. ORG Wealth Partners LLC now owns 58 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Community Bank N.A. acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Fort Vancouver Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Alpine Bank Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 1st quarter valued at about $40,000. 84.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Motorola Solutions alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on MSI. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $570.00 to $515.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $527.00 to $511.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Finally, Wolfe Research started coverage on Motorola Solutions in a research report on Monday, July 7th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $510.67.

Motorola Solutions Stock Performance

Shares of MSI opened at $437.08 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.20. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $418.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $428.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.48, a P/E/G ratio of 3.78 and a beta of 0.95. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 52 week low of $388.90 and a 52 week high of $507.82.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.18 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.01 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $2.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.52 billion. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 160.93% and a net margin of 18.67%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.81 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Motorola Solutions Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a dividend of $1.09 per share. This represents a $4.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. Motorola Solutionss payout ratio is currently 36.39%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Motorola Solutions news, CAO Katherine A. Maher sold 1,073 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $418.68, for a total transaction of $449,243.64. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 804 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $336,618.72. The trade was a 57.17% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.44% of the companys stock.

About Motorola Solutions

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Moors & Cabot Inc. boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 38.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,208 shares of the investment management companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,174 shares during the quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $2,299,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust increased its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 121.7% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 634 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $346,000 after buying an additional 348 shares during the last quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC increased its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 14.3% during the 1st quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 534 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $292,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 53.3% in the 1st quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 325 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $178,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. King Wealth Management Group grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. King Wealth Management Group now owns 1,086 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $593,000 after buying an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MGO One Seven LLC grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 26.3% in the 1st quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 9,619 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,255,000 after buying an additional 2,001 shares during the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

GS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Daiwa Capital Markets lowered shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Evercore ISI set a $715.00 price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $680.00 to $715.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $771.00 to $790.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, July 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $660.00.

Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related news, CEO David M. Solomon sold 6,608 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 126,176 shares in the company, valued at $89,876,426.56. This represents a 4.98% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 7,463 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $724.40, for a total transaction of $5,406,197.20. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 18,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,469,493.60. This represents a 28.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 20,079 shares of company stock valued at $14,423,221. Company insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance

Shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $709.40 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $669.82 and a 200-day moving average of $610.85. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $437.37 and a 1-year high of $737.88. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.26. The company has a market cap of $217.67 billion, a PE ratio of 15.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.38.

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 for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $9.82 by $1.09. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 12.37% and a return on equity of 13.84%. The company had revenue of $14.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $8.62 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research 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 company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 29th will be issued a dividend of $4.00 per share. 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. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is currently 26.44%.

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.

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.
More than a few things to consider tonight as we share a somewhat safe space for our shift worker & early bird friends with reading from pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Midtown Legal Postscript

Lawsuit filed in deadly collapse at Family Dollar in Kansas City A new lawsuit filed on Friday accuses a Family Dollar in Kansas City of negligence leading up to a partial roof collapse that left one man dead and others injured.

Northland Talks Taxes

Platte County homeowners react to potential 15% property value increase Platte County residents are bracing for a potential 15 percent increase in residential property taxes ordered by the Missouri State Tax Commission (STC).

Tragic Local Collection

Kansas City will pay $1M to widow of firefighter who died during training event The wife of the Kansas City Fire Department paramedic who died during a training exercise last year has been awarded just under $1.1 million to resolve a workers' compensation claim.

History Overhead

VIDEO: Riding along with historic B-29 Superfortress as it flies to Kansas City KMBC 9 took a ride on the rare "Doc" as it made its way to KC. Families can check out one of only two B-29s left in the world this weekend at New Century AirCenter in Johnson County, Kansas.

Home Team Clobbers Birds

Royals blast Blue Jays into oblivion 9-3 The Royals hit four homers on the way back to .500. New Royal Mike Yastrzemski hit one of them.

Co-Star Earns Epilogue

Kim Cattrall shares cryptic post after And Just Like That cancellation Kim Cattrall shared a post on Friday that fans took to be a veiled response to the cancellation of HBO's And Just Like That.

Trade War Time

Trump announces historic new US tariffs across the globe | CNN Business The new trade policy includes its baseline tariffs for all countries. The Trump administration said the "universal" tariff will remain at 10% for countries the US has a trade surplus with, which is most of them. Follow our live coverage.

Progressively Mixed Bag

5 reasons Democrats are in good shape - and 2 reasons they're in deep trouble The Democrats' approval rating is historically low. Here are two reasons for pessimism about the party's odds in the 2026 elections and beyond - and five reasons for hope.

Parody Sparks Switcheroo

Karoline Leavitt's 'conscious shift' in wardrobe after South Park ridicule EXCLUSIVE: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appears to have made some adjustments to her personal style since her depiction on comedy animated series South Park aired

Election Arguement Redux

Padilla: 'Only Hope' for GOP Is 'Rig the Election' On Thursday's broadcast of NPR's "Morning Edition," Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) discussed new congressional maps in Texas and stated that the Republican | Clips

Costly Politicking

REPORT: Left-Wing Lawyer, Former DOJ Official Signed Off On $2 Million Payout To Russiagate Orchestrators New report reveals the DOJ official who approved $2 million in settlements to former FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page.

WWIII Sneak Peek

Russian Lawmaker's "Nuclear Submarines In Oceans" Response To US Deployment There are enough Russian nuclear submarines in the high seas to tackle two American subs dispatched by US President Donald Trump to counter Russia, a member of the Russian Parliament Duma has said.

Holy Land Name Game Cont'd

How Gaza exasperation pushed three Israel allies towards recognising Palestinian state When Spain, Ireland and Norway announced in May 2024 that they would recognise a Palestinian state, Israel's closer allies dismissed the move as unhelpful to solving the crisis in Gaza.

Unsexy Sounding Board

Considering an open relationship? Don't read this Reddit forum On r/openmarriageregret, users lay into bad husbands, AI girlfriends, and toxic throuples. It's very cynical - and very compelling

Final Note For Legend

Accordion master Flaco Jimenez has died at 86 Over a career that spanned 70 years, Jimenez' playing came to define the Tex-Mex music and carried the tradition-drenched conjuto sound all over the world and across genres.

Summertime Friends Await

KC Pet Project hosting adoption special to clear completely full kennels The shelter said that it has zero kennels open at its main campus, but an average of 40-50 pets come in every day.

Weekend Weather Worries

FIRST WARN FORECAST: Great temperatures spoiled by bad air, First Warn for Saturday smoke Great temperatures today were spoiled by poor air quality.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
We wanted to restart Saturday with a few more local public safety notes that have been sitting in a folder but deserve to be shared.

Some of these are repeats and better roundups of items that we've shared previously . . . But all of the news concerns the continued summer struggle against crime, news on court cases, ALLEGED misdeeds and, of course, community outreach.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Kansas City-area nurse charged with illegally obtaining Percocet, Oxycodone Federal prosecutors arrested and charged a Kansas City-area nurse earlier this month on allegations she illegally obtained Percocet and Oxycodone.

Man caught on camera shooting, killing two brothers at Kansas City convenience store FOX4 has obtained exclusive video of a man shooting and killing two brothers at a Kansas City convenience store.

Felony Murder Charges Announced in June 22 Homicide - Northeast News Northeast News On Thursday, July 31, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced charges related to a homicide in the 5400 block of Winner Road. Hajii McDonald III faces 2nd Degree Murder/Felony Murder and Attempted Stealing.

No one hurt after Uber driver reports armed man holding woman inside of Lake Lotawana home An Uber driver called police for help at a home where he was supposed to be doing a pickup.

Man faces charges in Waldo shooting late Sunday night A Kansas City, Missouri man is facing charges in connection to a shooting Sunday night in the Waldo neighborhood that left a man with life-threatening injuries.

Clay County prioritizes Valentine's Law with 76 cases in first year Prosecutors across Missouri are using an upgraded law to charge people who run from police with a class D felony.

Prior offenses revealed for accused Wyandotte County deputy killer Shawn Harris, the suspect accused of killing Deputy Elijah Ming, is not listed on the KBI's Public Offender Registry, and some say he should be.

Murder charges filed after attempted robbery in parking lot of Kansas City gas station turns fatal A man has been accused of murder after an attempted robbery turned fatal.

Child abuse charge filed against man accused of punching teen after seizure begins A Kansas City man has been accused of punching a teenager after he began to have a seizure.

Elijah Ming's KCK murder isn't about hate for police. It's worse than that | Opinion A deputy's murder in Wyandotte County raises awareness of domestic violence dangers, police challenges, and urgent calls for prevention in violent relationships.

KC Mothers in Charge holds vigil for slain 17-year-old KC Mothers in Charge held a vigil Monday night, remembering the life of 17-year-old William Watson, who was taken to an area hospital after being shot on Sunday, July 20th.

Warning after fake accounts pop up for Ming memorial fund The WYCO FOP is asking people to use links from its page to make a donation.

Kansas City family still waiting for justice after 11-month-old dies from fentanyl The Kansas City family of an 11-month-old boy who died from fentanyl is still waiting for justice

A seat at the table: A recap of our July public safety listening session The Beacon visited the Historic Northeast to speak with community members about what public safety really means to them: Poor lighting, violent crime, and mental health challenges being top concerns.

184th Entrant Officer Class Runs In Honor Of Fallen Officer Our mission: To protect and serve with professionalism, honor and integrity. Call 911 for emergencies; 816-234-5111 for non-emergencies.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. Today marks the beginning of Azerbaijani natural gas exports to Syria via Turkiye  a significant step that signals the start of a fundamentally new phase in Azerbaijans energy policy. Entering the Middle Eastern market broadens the countrys supply diversification strategy, strengthens energy security, and opens new avenues for cooperation.

Until recently, Azerbaijans focus had largely been on Europe, but now its gas exports are reaching beyond the familiar supply map and heading toward the Middle East. This move is not only a step into a new market but also a reflection of growing trust in Azerbaijan as a reliable and predictable partner in the energy sector.

The export of gas to Syria has become possible thanks to the close energy partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye. This relationship has already proven effective through large-scale infrastructure projects such as the BakuTbilisiErzurum gas pipeline, which laid the foundation for Azerbaijani gas exports to the West; the BakuTbilisiCeyhan oil pipeline  one of the regions largest; and the Southern Gas Corridor, a strategic project delivering Caspian gas to Europe. Now, this model of successful cooperation is being extended to a new directionthe Middle East.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SOCAR and Syrias Transitional Government during the visit of the Interim President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to Baku became the launchpad for this new gas route. This step symbolizes the restoration and reset of bilateral relations that had long been frozen due to the previous regime in Damascus. The meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Syrias new leader confirmed Bakus readiness to support Syrias reconstruction and to deepen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and security.

Syria could play a dual role  not only as a recipient of Azerbaijani gas but also as a transit hub for further deliveries, particularly to Jordan and Egypt. Although the pipeline connecting Syria and Jordan was previously destroyed, its reconstruction is feasible, which could eventually open a corridor for gas supplies all the way to North Africa.

In parallel, Azerbaijan is exploring the possibility of exporting electricity to Middle Eastern countries. The strategy of creating a green energy corridor from the Caspian to Europe is already proving effective, and this experience could be adapted for the southern direction as well. This adds further depth to Azerbaijans energy diplomacy, which integrates both traditional and renewable energy sources.

The start of Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria is more than just an expansion of its sales market. It is a significant geopolitical and economic signal that reinforces Azerbaijans status as a regional energy hub with the technological, political, and diplomatic capacity to lead. Expanding supply geography, strengthening ties with key regional players, a successful partnership with Turkiye, and the advancement of sustainable energy initiatives  all highlight Azerbaijans growing role in the global energy architecture.

By entering the Middle Eastern market, Azerbaijan takes a major step forward  from being a supplier to Europe to becoming a strategic energy bridge between East and West.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. On August 2, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the First Deputy Minister of DefenseChief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, held a meeting with members of the families of Turkish martyrs visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of the YASAT Foundation, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense.

Welcoming the guests, the minister expressed his satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan. Noting that the memory of Azerbaijani and Turkish martyrs has always been held high, the minister emphasized that, in accordance with the relevant instructions of the heads of both countries, the families of martyrs are treated with special sensitivity and are always supported by attention and care.

The meeting noted that the organization of mutual visits serves to further develop the existing historical friendship and cooperation and strengthen relations between the 2 countries.

Representatives of the fraternal country expressed their gratitude to the Minister of Defense for the warm welcome and hospitality shown.

It is worth mentioning that, within the visit, the guests visit places rich in historical and cultural monuments of the country, which combine the harmony of ancient and modern architecture, and get to know the glorious history and rich culture of Azerbaijan closely.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. Minister of Defense of Serbia Bratislav Gasic and Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces General Milan Mojsilovic attended the general rehearsal of the ceremony at the "General Jovan Miskovic" barracks in Belgrade, Trend reports.

During the ceremony, cadets in their final years at the Military Academy and the Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy (VMA) will be promoted to the youngest officers of the Serbian Army.

A total of 186 cadets will be promoted to the first officer ranks in the Serbian Army, including 166 cadets from the 145th and 146th classes of the Military Academy and 20 cadets from the 11th class of the Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy. Additionally, 2 cadets from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 4 cadets from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Srpska will graduate from the Military Academy.

The ceremony celebrating the promotion of the youngest officers of the Serbian Army will be held on Saturday, August 2, at the "General Jovan Miskovic" barracks in Banjica, starting at 10 a.m.

The most important event for the cadets, which represents the pinnacle of their success, will be attended by the highest state and military leadership, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. On August 4, 2025, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze will receive Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Cristina Gherasimov, in Riga for a working visit, Trend reports.

During the visit, the officials will discuss the European Union enlargement process, Latvias support for Moldovas reform efforts on its path toward EU membership, and the countrys domestic political situation ahead of Moldovas upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28.

In addition to her meeting with Minister Braze, Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov will hold talks with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Ursulskis, Chair of the Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee, Inara Murniece, and Chair of the European Affairs Committee, Edmunds Cepuritis.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania has allocated 18.95 million euros to support the country's industrial enterprises in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by financing 27 projects, Trend reports.

To remain competitive, Lithuanias industrial companies must modernize, reduce pollution, and adapt to climate-related requirements. This funding will help them reduce CO emissions by at least 30 percent, enhance sustainability, and create conditions for innovation. It also enables investment in the latest green technologies and optimization of production processes, said Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas.

The highest number of projects, eight, will be implemented in Vilnius County, receiving 4.7 million euros in total funding. Five projects each will be carried out in Siauliai (3.42 million euros) and Klaipeda (3.18 million euros) counties.

Kaunas County companies will implement four projects with 3.76 million euros in funding, while Panevezys (2.14 million euros) and Alytus (1.62 million euros) counties will each carry out two projects. One project, valued at 121,460 euros, will be implemented in Utena County.

By company size, 13 of the funded projects will be led by medium-sized businesses, 10 by small enterprises, and 4 by large companies. The largest single company grant awarded was 1.5 million euros.

In terms of focus, 14 companies will use the funding to optimize production processes, 7 to improve technological operations, and 6 to implement combined measures aimed at lowering carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, two companies plan to cut CO emissions from their production processes by 100 percent.

The program Energy Efficiency for Industry is funded through the European Unions European Regional Development and Cohesion Funds.
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. The curtain has risen on the inauguration ceremony for the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, paving the way for Azerbaijani gas to flow to Syria through Turkiye, which all took place in the quaint Yavuzlu village of Kilis province on August 2, 2025, Trend's correspondent dispatched to Turkiye reports.

The event brought together government officials from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Mikayil Jabbarov, stated that the gas export was launched in line with agreements reached during meetings between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Syrias transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, held on April 11 in Antalya and then on July 12 in Baku.

This step will contribute to Syrias energy security, the minister emphasized, noting that the strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations, Azerbaijan and Turkiye, has enabled the swift realization of this historically significant project. He also highlighted the shared commitment to supporting Syrias reconstruction and development.

Jabbarov stressed that the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Syria marks an important milestone in Azerbaijans energy export history and lays the foundation for a new energy corridor between the South Caucasus and the Middle East. He noted that the number of countries receiving Azerbaijani gas has now reached 14 and added that SOCAR aims to expand further by acquiring shares in international gas production projects and reaching new consumer markets.

Referring to Azerbaijans strategic energy initiatives, Jabbarov underlined their essential role in enhancing regional and global energy security. He noted that the commencement of gas exports to Syria via the newly inaugurated Turkiye-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline is yet another testament to Azerbaijans status as a reliable and strategic energy partner. The project, he added, will significantly expand the geographical reach of the country's gas exports, opening new directions for energy cooperation.

Syrias Minister of Energy, Mohammad al-Bashir, expressed gratitude to the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkiye for their support toward rebuilding and improving living conditions in war-affected Syria.

Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, announced the signing of a swap (exchange) agreement with SOCAR, enabling the transfer of Azerbaijani gas to Syria at the Turkiye-Syria border. Azerbaijan has always stood by Turkiye, and once again, it has shown support through this project, Bayraktar stated. He added that Azerbaijani gas will be delivered to Syria via Kilis through the Yavuzlu Measurement Station.

Bayraktar stated that the export of natural gas to Syria will enable power plants in the country to resume operations in the near future. In the initial phase, up to two billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani natural gas may be supplied annually, potentially activating approximately 1,200 megawatts of installed capacity. According to the minister, this project will play a critical role in normalizing daily life in Syria, improving living standards, and accelerating the return of displaced populations.

As part of the Azerbaijani delegations visit, bilateral meetings were held with officials from both Turkiye and Syria. The discussions focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in the energy sector and included exchanges of views on matters of shared interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 2. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan held a high-level consultation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the country's ongoing efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), Trend reports, citing the Ministry.

The strategic dialogue was orchestrated by Zhanar Aitzhan, the Senior Policy Advisor for International Trade and Investment at ADB. The convening assembled stakeholders from the legislative body, trade ministry, monetary authority, customs administration, and additional pertinent entitiesillustrating a synergistic interdepartmental strategy towards the World Trade Organization accession framework.



In the course of the assembly, Aitzhan delineated the requisite procedural protocols for accession to the WTO, encompassing the formulation of the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime and the execution of bilateral negotiations. Significant focus was directed towards optimizing interagency synergy and leveraging best practices from global benchmarks, notably the case study of Kazakhstans integration into the WTO framework. The stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue to identify strategic pathways for augmenting technical assistance from ADB, encompassing capacity-building initiatives like targeted training modules and specialized seminars tailored for Turkmen professionals.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 2. Turkmenbashi International Airport is set to resume operations and begin accepting passenger aircraft again starting August 11, 2025, Trend reports, citing Turkmenistan Airlines press service.

The first phase of resumption will include flights on the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi-Ashgabat route. These flights will operate until September 1, 2025, as part of a phased reactivation plan.

Previously, on May 19, 2025, Turkmenistan Airlines suspended flights to Turkmenbashi due to ongoing repair work at the airport. This caused a bit of a hiccup in services on a few domestic routes, such as Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi, Mary-Turkmenbashi, and Dashoguz-Turkmenbashi.

International carriers also experienced significant repercussions as well. It is noteworthy that the Belarusian carrier Belavia has strategically realigned its Minsk-Turkmenbashi-Minsk operational route to Balkanabat International Airport amidst the ongoing maintenance phase.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. The export of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria through Turkiye will further reinforce energy ties with the brotherly nation, Necmettin Donmez, head of the Elbeyli district branch of Turkiyes Justice and Development Party (AK Party), said in a statement to Trend.

During the ancillary discussions surrounding the inauguration ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Donmez articulated his profound sense of pride in contributing to what he characterized as a pivotal milestone in the energy sector.

"I am honored to be part of such a historic event. The export of Azerbaijani gas to Syria through our country marks a significant step forward and will further deepen our energy ties with this brotherly nation.

I sincerely hope Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to support Syrias reconstruction and enhance its energy security," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. The event taking place today is a clear example of joint work and shared achievement, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, said at the opening ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Trend's correspondent dispatched to Turkiye reports.

Syria is now entering a phase of reconstruction and normalization, with efforts to restore and develop daily life. We are pleased that by working together with our brotherly country Turkiye, as well as Syria, we are able to contribute to this process.

Today marks the launch of efforts to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria via Turkiye. The realization of this initiative stems from the political will of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Syria, as well as their commitment to deepening economic ties. This project could not have been implemented without the support of Turkiye, the minister added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 2. A new international airport will be built in the Tashkent region to accommodate the growing passenger traffic, which is projected to reach 15 million people by 2030, Trend reports.

The current aerodrome, situated within the urban confines, exhibits a deficiency in scalability, necessitating the initiation of this significant infrastructural endeavor. The aforementioned projections and associated developmental frameworks were elucidated to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a strategic briefing concerning the execution of pivotal transportation initiatives.



Authorities disseminated an exhaustive array of information regarding the multifaceted dimensions of the proposed aerodrome and its pivotal significance within the regional context.



In conjunction with the evolution of aerial transit systems, there has been a notable uptick in capital allocation towards the enhancement of Uzbekistan's terrestrial transport infrastructure in recent fiscal periods. A plethora of new initiatives are currently in the pipeline, with multiple alternative thoroughfares being engineered to mitigate traffic bottlenecks. A restructured iteration of the legislative framework "On Highways" has been formulated to enhance the investment ecosystem and galvanize private capital influx.



Consequently, multinational corporations have demonstrated significant enthusiasm for the proposed rapid transit corridor linking Tashkent and Samarkand. Authorities disseminated insights regarding the ramifications of current deliberations and the submissions acquired.



The president underscored the imperative for meticulous strategizing and rapid operationalization of these critically significant infrastructural initiatives.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. The price of Azerbaijans Azeri Light crude oil on a CIF basis at Italys Augusta port declined by $1.33, or 1.83 percent, to $71.37 per barrel on August 2, a source in the oil market told Trend.

At Turkiye's Ceyhan port, the price of Azeri Light on an FOB basis decreased by $1.35, or 1.89 percent, to $69.95 per barrel.

Meanwhile, the price of URALS crude went down by $1.33, or 2.19 percent, to $59.52 per barrel.

Brent Dated crude, produced in the North Sea, saw a decrease of $1.31, or 1.80 percent, bringing the price down to $71.39 per barrel.

The fiscal framework for Azerbaijan's 2025 state budget is predicated on a benchmark crude oil valuation of $70 per barrel.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. The primary goal of the newly launched project is to reduce the electricity crisis in Syria, said Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Head of the Qatar Development Fund (QDF), at the inauguration ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Trends correspondent dispatched to Turkiye reports.

This project aims to ease the electricity crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic. I am pleased to announce that, starting today, gas transmission has begun through this pipeline, which was completely restored by technical teams in the Republic of Turkiye. The pipeline's daily transmission capacity is 3.4 million cubic meters of natural gas, which equals 1.2 billion cubic meters annually.

The gas will be delivered through the handover point at the Turkiye-Syria border and used for electricity production in Syria. This will allow electricity supply hours to increase by around five hours a day, which means around a 40 percent rise from current levels, reaching more than five million subscribers.

The State of Qatar, through QDF, plays a vital role in financing essential projects that create meaningful changes in peoples lives. Our support for Syrias electricity sector stems from our humanitarian and fraternal responsibility to the Syrian people. This also reflects our commitment to sustainable development, peace, and stability, he said.

We believe that this initiative is not a temporary response but a significant step toward sustainable development and progress in Syria, carried out with our partners such as Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Reliable and continuous electricity is one of the core foundations of rebuilding communities and ensuring well-being. We believe that todays steps will lay the groundwork for greater security, stability, and development in the future and will positively impact the lives of those targeted by the project," Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti noted.

He articulated his appreciation to all stakeholders who played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the project.

"In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing this approach through collaboration with the international community and our partners, launching sustainable initiatives to reduce public suffering and strengthen resilience in the face of challenges, he stated.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. Qatar has thrown its hat in the ring with a hefty contribution to the gas supply project in Syria, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Qatar are strategically aligned in their pursuit of fostering a durable peace framework within the region, collaboratively engaging in initiatives aimed at achieving this objective.

The transportation of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria through Turkish territory within the framework of the relevant gas purchase and sale agreement and the swap deal with the Turkish side is an important milestone in the history of Azerbaijan's energy exports and lays the foundation for a new energy bridge between the South Caucasus and the Middle East.

A convening transpired today in Kilis, Turkiye, to commemorate the initiation of the transit of Azerbaijani gas from Turkish jurisdiction to Syrian territory. The gathering saw the participation of governmental delegates and dignitaries from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar.

Finalization of logistical frameworks for hydrocarbon conveyance was achieved through a newly executed memorandum of understanding between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Syrian authorities. During the preliminary stage, it is projected that the annual export volume will reach approximately 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The gaseous hydrocarbons will transit through Kilis at the Turkish frontier and subsequently arrive at the energy generation facilities in Aleppo and Homs, where they will be utilized for electrical output with an anticipated capacity ranging from approximately 1,200 to 1,300 megawatts.



The initiation of this novel energy conduit is perceived as a pivotal milestone in the revitalization of Syria's infrastructural landscape. The transmission of Azerbaijani natural gas via Turkiye to Syria is strategically designed to facilitate the rehabilitation of Syrias compromised electricity framework and to enhance Turkiyes objective of establishing itself as a pivotal regional energy nexus.



On July 12, 2025, amidst the diplomatic engagement of the Syrian Arab Republics transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Understanding was executed between SOCAR and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic.



The accord was executed by Azerbaijans Minister of Economy and Chairman of SOCARs Supervisory Board, Mikayil Jabbarov, alongside Syrias Minister of Energy, Mohammad Al-Bashir.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. We are completing the infrastructure that will be able to export up to two billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to Syria, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkiye Alparslan Bayraktar said at the opening ceremony of the Turkish-Syrian natural gas pipeline today, Trend's correspondent reports.

"Our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan instructed us to take immediate steps to ensure that life in Syria returns to normal. We, as the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, discussed what we could do in this most basic universal needelectricity supply, especially in energy infrastructure.

We sent two separate expert teams from our ministry to Damascus in a very short period of timethe first in December, immediately after the coup. Our teams completed their work quickly. We focused on and determined what we could do in the short, medium, and long term.

As Turkiye, we have been providing electricity to regions such as Afrin and Idlib since 2017. We are currently exporting electricity to Syria from eight different points. We aim to increase our export capacity by 25 percent in the first stage and more than double it with the new connection lines we will add later.

When we complete our work, our connection capacity will reach 860 megawatts and meet the electricity needs of 1.6 million homes in Syria.

At the beginning of May, I met with my esteemed brother, Minister Al-Bashir, within the framework of the Natural Resources Summit held in Istanbul. During our meeting, we discussed technical support and cooperation opportunities for strengthening the electricity and natural gas infrastructure within the framework of Syria's post-war reconstruction process.

In addition, we expressed our readiness as Turkiye for any kind of cooperation to strengthen stability in the region and meet the basic energy needs of the Syrian people. Not even a month has passed. At the end of May, we visited Damascus again.

Within the framework of this visit, we discussed key topics such as electricity, natural gas, and oil, and as a result of our meeting, we signed a memorandum of understanding between Turkiye and Syria in the fields of energy, mining, and hydrocarbons. With this agreement, we have formed a roadmap, a framework agreement for the development of cooperation between our countries in the fields of energy, mining, and hydrocarbons.

In this context, we have taken an important step to deliver the natural gas needed by the power plants in Hale through a pipeline from Turkiye. We are continuing the 36-inch diameter and approximately 93-kilometer-long pipeline that originates from the Turkoglu district of Kahramanmaras towards Syria. This line has reached the Yavuzlu Measuring Station located in the Yavuzlu village of Kilis, on the Turkish-Syrian border, where we are holding the ceremony.

BOTAS has worked together with the Syrian Gas Company (SGC) to prepare the infrastructure of the Syrian part of this line and has provided them with all kinds of technical support. Let's turn the valve here and start the flow and transmit the natural gas coming from Azerbaijan to Syria via Kilis. The Yavuzlu Measuring Station will provide for the transmission of up to six million cubic meters of gas per day.

The natural gas will be delivered to Aleppo and from there to Homs. Thus, the power plants there will also be put into operation soon. In the first stage, we have completed the infrastructure that can export up to two billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to Syria as of today. We are. Approximately 1,200 megawatt power plants will operate with this natural gas. This will meet the electricity needs of five million homes in Syria and will make a very large and significant contribution to the normalization of life in the region.

I must say a special sentence for Azerbaijan here because the country, with which we share sorrow and joy, has also given great support to this project. A swap agreement has been signed with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) on the delivery of gas from Azerbaijan to the Turkish-Syrian border.

As you may recall, in March we implemented a similar project in Nakhchivan. The uninterrupted flow of natural gas through Turkiye via the Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline to Nakhchivan began. Today, we are opening a new project with Mikayil Jabbarov under the slogan 'two states, one nation.'

Hopefully, we will be supplying power plants in Syria with natural gas from Azerbaijan, which we will start exporting from today," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Speaker of the Libyan Parliament, Aguila Saleh, has invited MPs to an official plenary session on Monday in Benghazi to discuss the draft law on the 2025 budget
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. We hope that in the near future, all energy resources and other logistical solutions will be delivered to Turkiye via the Zangezur Corridor, said Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, Trends correspondent dispatched to Turkiye reports.

Speaking to reporters during the opening ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Bayraktar pointed out that all projects concerning the export of natural resources from Azerbaijan, such as oil, gas, and electricity, to Turkiye are being carried out hand in hand.

There has been significant progress in this direction. Examples of completed projects include the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, as well as the Nakhchivan-Turkiye electricity interconnector.

Currently, electricity from Azerbaijan is exported to Turkiye via Georgia. However, we expect that soon all of these energy resources and other logistics solutions will reach Turkiye through the Zangezur Corridor. At the same time, other energy sources and logistics from Central Asia will be delivered through Azerbaijan to Turkiye and from Turkiye to Europe, the minister emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 2. The Uztextileprom Association held a meeting with the leadership of Rahim Embroidery, a leading Pakistani yarn manufacturing company, at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the textile industry, implementing joint projects, and exchanging advanced technologies. The Uzbek side presented detailed information about the production capacities of domestic enterprises, their export potential, and the favorable conditions available for industry development.

Representatives of Embroidery expressed strong interest in the Uzbek market and confirmed their readiness to actively participate in joint investment projects and the introduction of modern technologies.

Consequent to the discussions, both parties delineated multiple initiatives geared towards cultivating a synergistic alliance within the textile domain. The articulated consensus signifies a pivotal advancement in the fortification of economic synergies between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Turkmen business owners seal new trade deals via commodity exchange

One of the deals was signed with entrepreneurs from Kyrgyzstan for the export of cotton fabric, highlighting growing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The agreement marks another step in promoting Turkmenistans textile products on international markets.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. We hope for more projects with friendly countries, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir said at the opening ceremony of the Turkish-Syrian natural gas pipeline today, Trend's correspondent reports.

"I express my deep gratitude to the brotherly state of Qatar, the friendly Turkiye and Azerbaijan for their noble attitude, honest support and continuous assistance. This support will help Syria return to its rightful position - as a leading and prosperous state among countries," he explained.

He also mentioned the economic situation in Syria.

"The Syrian people have lived through many years of hard, painful, and painful years. These were years when even the simplest necessities of life were not available, and basic services, especially energy services, completely disappeared. The Syrian people lived in darkness and gloom for many years, factories stopped, vital facilities were out of order, economic activity was paralyzed, and infrastructure was deliberately destroyed.

This was an indescribably difficult period that our people lived through with patience and dignity. But as the darkness of the former regime lifted and the dawn of freedom dawned, our people rose from the ruins and began to look with hope for a new beginning and began to live with the desire to regain the dignified life they deserve.

From the first day, we were determined to restore what the regime had destroyed, and we tirelessly worked day and night to rebuild energy production and transmission stations, especially the transmission of electricity, oil, and gas.

Today, with pride and honor, we celebrate the opening of the regional gas pipeline connecting Syria with Turkiye.

This line will allow us to import 6 million cubic meters of gas daily. This is happening within the framework of cooperation and coordination with friendly and brotherly regional countries. At the first stage, we will import 3.4 million cubic meters of gas daily, this gas will come from Turkiye via Azerbaijan, and this will be done within the framework of the generous assistance provided by Qatar. This volume of gas will allow us to increase energy production by about 750 megawatts. This will lead to the improvement of electricity supply and the provision of an additional four hours of electricity daily.

This, in turn, will accelerate development, revitalize industry and the economy, and help internally displaced persons return to their homes.

We'll continue to work for additional gas purchases in the coming days. Our goal is to increase production capacity and further improve the quality of services provided. This will be implemented by the Ministry of Energy.

The friendly countries will stand shoulder to shoulder with Syria, especially in projects such as the regional electricity interconnection line planned in the coming period. The 400 kilovolt line project will be implemented in the near future. Also, a new line for the delivery of electricity from Reyhanli to the northern Idlib - Harim region is under implementation. We are trying to implement these steps as soon as possible," the minister emphasized.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. The curtain has risen on the inauguration ceremony for the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, paving the way for Azerbaijani gas to flow to Syria through Turkiye, which all took place in the quaint Yavuzlu village of Kilis province on August 2, 2025, Trend's correspondent dispatched to Turkiye reports.

The event brought together government officials from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Mikayil Jabbarov, stated that the gas export was launched in line with agreements reached during meetings between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Syrias transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa, held on April 11 in Antalya and then on July 12, in Baku.

This step will contribute to Syrias energy security, the minister emphasized, noting that the strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations, Azerbaijan and Turkiye, has enabled the swift realization of this historically significant project. He also highlighted the shared commitment to supporting Syrias reconstruction and development.

Jabbarov stressed that the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Syria marks an important milestone in Azerbaijans energy export history and lays the foundation for a new energy corridor between the South Caucasus and the Middle East. He noted that the number of countries receiving Azerbaijani gas has now reached 14 and added that SOCAR aims to expand further by acquiring shares in international gas production projects and reaching new consumer markets.

Referring to Azerbaijans strategic energy initiatives, Jabbarov underlined their essential role in enhancing regional and global energy security. He noted that the commencement of gas exports to Syria via the newly inaugurated Turkiye-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline is yet another testament to Azerbaijans status as a reliable and strategic energy partner. The project, he added, will significantly expand the geographical reach of the country's gas exports, opening new directions for energy cooperation.

Syrias Minister of Energy, Mohammad al-Bashir, expressed gratitude to the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkiye for their support toward rebuilding and improving living conditions in war-affected Syria.

Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, announced the signing of a swap (exchange) agreement with SOCAR, enabling the transfer of Azerbaijani gas to Syria at the Turkiye-Syria border. Azerbaijan has always stood by Turkiye, and once again, it has shown support through this project, Bayraktar stated. He added that Azerbaijani gas will be delivered to Syria via Kilis through the Yavuzlu Measurement Station.

Bayraktar stated that the export of natural gas to Syria will enable power plants in the country to resume operations in the near future. In the initial phase, up to two billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani natural gas may be supplied annually, potentially activating approximately 1,200 megawatts of installed capacity. According to the minister, this project will play a critical role in normalizing daily life in Syria, improving living standards, and accelerating the return of displaced populations.

As part of the Azerbaijani delegations visit, bilateral meetings were held with officials from both Turkiye and Syria. The discussions focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in the energy sector and included exchanges of views on matters of shared interest.
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. Qatar is interested in expanding its cooperation with Azerbaijan, Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, the Director General of the Qatar Development Fund (QDF), said in a statement to Trend.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Al-Sulaiti expressed pride in the current partnership with Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

"As you know, today, on August 2, we began the first gas delivery to Syria. This is a remarkable result of the joint cooperation among the three countries.

We hope that with the 800 megawatts of power we are providing today, five million subscribers will receive electricity. This is a very important step for the sustainable restoration of Syria's power system. With a 40 percent increase in capacity, we believe this supply will be sustainable and efficient. We will continue to support Syria. The countrys resilience is important to us. Thats why all three countries have worked hard to make this success possible," he stated.

Al-Sulaiti underscored the pivotal contribution of Azerbaijan within this operational framework.

"We are working within the framework of cooperation with Azerbaijan. The gas supply originates from Azerbaijan, and Qatar contributes to supporting Syria in this process.

Our main expectation is to further expand this partnership with Azerbaijan. We look forward to working together on new projects," the director added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 2. In recent years, Uzbekistans economy has started to turn over a new leaf. The country is throwing open its doors to the world, putting the pedal to the metal in the private sector, rolling out the red carpet for investments, and keenly carving out its niche in the global economy.

A pivotal advancement in this trajectory was the implementation of unrestricted convertibility of the sovereign currency. This strategic decision bolstered the confidence of foreign stakeholders and facilitated the active engagement of Uzbek enterprises in the global marketplace. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) highlighted that the deregulation of the som in September 2017 represented a pivotal benchmark in the trajectory towards a more transparent, cohesive, and export-driven economic framework.

The EBRD communique articulates that it is actively overseeing the execution of the nations reform agenda and is committed to facilitating its successful realization.

Uzbekistan is making progress in many areas, positively affecting the business environment, but still faces many challenges, the paper reads.

Undoubtedly, the EBRDs backing is noteworthy; Uzbekistan has ascended to the pinnacle among Central Asian nations regarding the magnitude of EBRD financial allocations.

So far, the bank has rolled out 180 projects, racking up a whopping $5.22 billion. Out of the bunch, 98 projects, ringing in at a whopping $2.8 billion, are currently up and running.

In the last eight years, EBRD funding in Uzbekistan has really taken offjumping from $517 million in 2019 to a whopping $938 million in 2024. The tally of supported projects during that stretch jumped from 13 to 34, hitting the ground running.

The EBRD engages in synergistic collaboration with governmental entities to enhance the investment ecosystem. The initiatives undertaken by the Foreign Investors Council are notably bolstered, establishing a pivotal nexus for discourse between governmental entities and the corporate sector. All this suggests that the structural adjustments towards a liberalized economic framework are, in fact, yielding positive outcomes. The credibility of international institutions is not an arbitrary phenomenon; it emerges from substantive transformations that are actively occurring.



Nonetheless, this confidence was cultivated not solely through modifications within the monetary domain. Substantial efforts are underway to optimize the operational environment for enterprises. Streamlining of administrative protocols is underway, with a concerted effort to mitigate bureaucratic impediments and institutionalize safeguards for the protection of entrepreneurial rights. This is particularly critical for the scalability and sustainability of SMEs, especially within regional ecosystems.

It is pertinent to revisit Shavkat Mirziyoyev's address at the 2022 Investment Forum.

First of all, we began creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurship by removing all obstacles that previously prevented investors from entering the Uzbek market and freely conducting their activities, he had said.

The efficacy of systemic transformations in Uzbekistan is further evidenced by its positioning in global indices. In the preceding quinquennium, the nation has ascended 48 ranks in the Economic Freedom Index and garnered an increment of 28 points in the Harvard Economic Complexity Index. The esteemed rating agency S&P has elevated Uzbekistans sovereign credit outlook from stable to positive, signifying an enhanced level of confidence in the nations fiscal stability and governance frameworks.



Due to these strategic initiatives, Uzbekistan is emerging as a pivotal entity in the global arena. In the fiscal year 2024, the influx of foreign capital surged to an impressive $35 billion, while the aggregate value of exports culminated at $27 billion. Strategic objectives have been delineatedto amplify export metrics to $30 billion by 2025, emphasizing not primary commodities but high-value-added products.



Uzbekistan is in the catbird seat to boost its foreign trade numbers while also turning the export framework on its head. Currently, the textile and electrical engineering sectors are experiencing exponential expansion. The textile export sector has experienced a threefold increase, with a supply chain network that encompasses over 70 nations, integrating key markets within the European Union and the Asian continent.

Free Economic Zones (FEZs) are the bread and butter of economic growth of the nation. In 2024, a total of 589 enterprises were in the thick of things in FEZs, yet only a mere 18 percent of their products made it out the door to foreign shores. This signifies that a multitude of initiatives are presently concentrated on the internal marketplace. Consequently, a strategic resolution was undertaken to focus on the development of Free Economic Zones (FEZs) that are primarily designed for engagement with the external market. This will facilitate the mitigation of redundancy and concentrate efforts on strategically pivotal domains.



One such initiative is the textile aggregation hub in the Namangan region. A comprehensive export hub is set to be established across a 30-hectare expanse in strategic collaboration with international brands.



Collaboration with the European Union is pivotal in the enhancement of export dynamics. Subsequent to the acquisition of GSP+ designation, there was a quantifiable escalation in export volumes to the EU, exhibiting a 1.5-fold augmentation.

As President Mirziyoyev has previously articulated, the republic is strategically positioned to amplify the throughput of finished product exports, targeting a twofold increase within the forthcoming triennium. To realize this objective, it is imperative to enhance production capabilities while simultaneously facilitating equitable access for Uzbek producers to global markets.



In this framework, the integration into the WTO assumes a pivotal role in the geopolitical landscape. Negotiations have reached fruition with a consortium of 25 sovereign entities, encompassing the United States, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Turkiye, and various member states of the European Union. Accession to the WTO will facilitate market penetration across a network of over 160 nations and furnish enhanced assurances for Uzbek manufacturers. This is particularly critical for sectors like textiles, chemicals, and constructiondomains poised for scalability and global market penetration.



As we witness the emergence of novel market opportunities and the escalation of export trajectories, the significance of logistics is amplifying exponentially. In the absence of robust logistical frameworks, prospective expansion may encounter significant constraints. The ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway initiative is increasingly becoming a focal point of strategic importance. This trajectory has the potential to evolve into a critical terrestrial conduit linking the Eastern and Southern Asian regions. This initiative will not only enhance the logistical velocity of goods transit but also position Uzbekistan as a pivotal nexus for the convergence of significant cargo streams. This initiative will catalyze employment opportunities, invigorate localized economic growth, and amplify the nations export capacity.

The agricultural sector is also in the thick of market transformations. Agricultural producers have acquired enhanced autonomy, enabling them to strategically select their cultivation outputs, optimize their market channels, and engage in contractual agreements with preferred stakeholders. This enhances market visibility and equity. Primarily, it catalyzes competitive dynamics and enhances the caliber of offerings.



Consequently, the trajectory towards a liberalized economic framework is not merely a transient initiative. This is a meticulously crafted strategic framework aimed at optimizing sustained outcomes over an extended horizon. In the face of external adversities, Uzbekistan is unequivocally illustrating that this trajectory is producing tangible dividends: capital influx is on the rise, trade outflows are amplifying, and the local manufacturing sector is advancing. The myriad of transformations observed can be attributed to a meticulously orchestrated state policy framework that has been progressively operationalized in recent years.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Turkmenistan lists special vehicles and equipment at its exchange

All items are of German origin and are currently located in Ashgabat, with sales handled by local brokers on behalf of the government.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Turkmenistan proposes more licorice-based agricultural products for auction

Both consignments are located in Turkmenabad and are intended for industrial or pharmaceutical processing. Turkmenistan continues to utilize its exchange platform to market agricultural and medicinal raw materials to global buyers.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
Iranian airports raising bar for passenger transportation

Passenger traffic at Iranian airports increased by 12.2 percent in the first two months of the current Iranian year compared to last year. A total of 7.19 million passengers were transported, up from 6.4 million. Mehrabad, Mashhad, and Kish airports saw the highest passenger numbers during this period.

Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register
KILIS, TURKIYE, August 2. This is not the last project. We will implement even larger projects together with Azerbaijan in the future, Syrian Minister of Energy Mohammad Al-Bashir told reporters, Trend's correspondent reports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, Al-Bashir highlighted that the pipeline enabling the delivery of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria via Turkish territory has officially launched.

The pipeline has a capacity of transporting 6 million cubic meters of gas. Initially, 3.4 million cubic meters will be delivered. I want to express my gratitude to our Azerbaijani brothers for this opportunity and support.

Of course, this cooperation became possible following the recent meeting between the Syrian president and the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. This process is aimed directly at improving the welfare of the Syrian people and ensuring lasting stability in Syria, the minister noted.

Al-Bashir underlined that further projects are already in discussion.

We had a comprehensive conversation with my brother Mikayil Jabbarov about upcoming initiatives. Technical delegations from Azerbaijan and Syria will conduct mutual visits. We also discussed Azerbaijans investment programs and projects in Syria.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Azerbaijan, our Azerbaijani brothers, and also our friends in Turkiye and Qatar, the minister concluded.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 2. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which will be held on August 5 in Avaza, Turkmenistan, Trend reports via Akorda.

The strategic gathering will additionally feature the participation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The focal point of the symposium will be the Avaza Action Program for the 2024-2034 period, a pivotal strategic framework officially ratified by the UN General Assembly in December 2023, designed to optimize the developmental trajectories of landlocked nations.



In anticipation of the forthcoming conference, on August 3, Secretary-General Guterres is scheduled to undertake an official diplomatic mission to Kazakhstan, following an invitation extended by President Tokayev. In the course of the diplomatic engagement in Almaty, the two heads of state will engage in bilateral discussions and collaboratively tour the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, which functions as a nexus for regional synergy concerning the 2030 Agenda.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Currants, once banned, are having a revival

Photo by Katie DiCristina

Currants, such as these black currants growing in Alaska, were once banned in the United States but are now becoming increasingly popular.

Currants were banned in the United States for 55 years, but are now an emerging berry crop around the country, including Alaska.

Join Lily Hislop, the currant and elderberry breeder for the Savanna Institute, in a free webinar as she explains why currants were banned, how that ban was lifted and the berries future. The Zoom webinar is hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Experiment Station.

The webinar is from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Register using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/AKBlackCurrant.

For more information, contact Katie DiCristina at kmdicristina@alaska.edu.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

028-26
Rising anti-Christian Violence in India

This intimidation of Christians on one pretext or another has seen the rise during the last 11 years and is seen more in the BJP ruled states.

Saturday August 2, 2025 6:04 PM , Ram Puniyani

Couple of days ago (26 July 2025) two Christian nuns were detained at Durg station in Madhya Pradesh. The charges put against them were serious, while the matter was simple that they were accompanying three women who wanted to be trained as professional nurses. An all-party delegation with Vrinda Karat of CPIM was not permitted to meet them easily. The charges put against them related to human trafficking and conversion. While the Chief Minister of the state sticks to human trafficking charges and attempted conversion, the parents of the women said they had permitted them to go for better job options.

This intimidation of Christians on one pretext or another has seen the rise during the last 11 years and is seen more in the BJP ruled states. Various reports from local and global agencies list the increasing harassment of Christians in India. Prayer meetings are attacked on the pretext that meetings are being organized for conversions. The pastors and nuns in the remote areas are susceptible to increased chances of being beaten up and harassed on one or the other ground. The Bajrang Dal activists are hyperactive in taking direct action against the hapless pastors and nuns in the far-off areas.

Another issue has come up about the burial of Christians. They are being denied burial in the shared or Adivasi burial areas. For example, on April 26, 2024, in Chhattisgarh, a 65-year-old Christian man died in a hospital. His grieving family faced further distress when local religious extremists blocked them from burying him in the village and demanded their reconversion to Hinduism. The family conducted the burial according to Christian customs under the protection of about 500 police officers, ensuring peace in the village.

Every day we have four or five attacks on churches and pastors, and every Sunday it doubles to roughly ten  this we have never seen before said a persecuted Christian leader of a major denomination in 2023. As per him the main source of Christian persecution in India are the Sangh Parivar, an organization of Hindu extremists that include the influential paramilitary and strategic group known as the RSS (National Volunteer Association), the BJP, the main political party and the Bajrang Dal, a violent youth wing.

The major organizations Open Doors at global level and Persecution relief at Indian level are doing a valuable work in monitoring the atrocities as generally the media, print and TV, is either silent on these issues or presents the truth in the negative way.

The organization Persecution Relief, in its 2020 report, points out, Hate crimes against Christians in India have risen by an alarming 40.87 percentThat increase came despite a complete nationwide lockdown that lasted three months to stem the spread of covid-19 infections. As per Open Doors, a global organization keeping watch on global persecution of Christians, India ranks 11, in countries of special concerns. (2024)

Sudhi Selvaraj and Kenneth Neilson argue very aptly This (anti-Christian) violence ischaracterized by a strong convergence of direct, structural, and cultural forms of violence, involving vigilante attacks and police complicity, but also an increasingly coercive use of state law, coupled with the production of a wider cultural common sense about the anti national essence of non-Hindu religious minorities.

The total picture of rise in anti-Christian violence in diverse forms becomes clear over a period of last few decades. It is not that this violence started recently. It has mostly remained as an undercurrent in life in remote areas. While anti Muslim violence has a long history and its manifestation very ghastly at many times. It has drawn huge attention. Anti-Christian violence is different in that except the burning of Pastor Stains and the Kandhmal violence, it has been going on but not easily noticeable.

As such the first major incident was the brutal hacking of Rani Maria in Indore in 1995. This was followed by the killing of Pastor Graham Stains in 1999. He was an Australian Missionary working in Keonjhar Orissa. His work was related to Leprosy patients. He was accused of conversion activities. The attack against him was led by Bajrang Dals Dara Singh, who instigated the people to attack him. This attack was horrific as he along with his two minor sons, Timothy and Philip were burnt alive when they were sleeping in the open jeep.

The attack was labelled as belonging to worlds inventory of black deeds by the then President of India K.R. Narayanan. The NDA-BJP government at that time was led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. They concluded that this is a conspiracy by foreign powers to defame the Government. Later Wadhava Commission came with the report that Rajendra Pal aka Darasing of Bajrang Dal was the main conspirator. He is currently in jail undergoing life imprisonment.

Prior to this the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashrams set up by RSS had been propagating the Christian Missionaries are making a show of work for education and health. The main Ashrams were set up in Dangs (Gujarat) Jhabua and in Kandhmal (Orissa) in these areas the likes of Swami Aseemanand, Swami Laxmananand, started spreading their propaganda. Meanwhile many Shabri Kumbhas were organized to win over Adivasis to Hindu cultural-religious symbols.

In Adivasis areas Shabri, sign of destitution, was promoted as goddess in these areas. At the same time Hindu Lord Hanuman was propagated for his loyalty to Hindu Lord Ram. This religio-cultural endeavor also led to setting up the temples for these two deities. In the din of this propaganda what is forgotten is that Christianity is a very old religion in India, with St. Thomas setting up a Church on Malabar Coast in AD 52. After nearly two centuries of their work today the percentage of Christians stands at 2.3%. Interestingly in 1971 the percentage of Christians was 2.6% and today it stands at 2.3% (as per census figures) while the propaganda machinery is doing its work and spreading that Chistian missionaries are converting by force, fraud and allurement. Many states have also come up with anti-Conversion laws, which are increasing the intimidation of missionary workers.

Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of RSS had written in his book, Bunch of Thoughts that Muslims, Christians and Communists are the internal threats to Hindu nation. So, after the obvious anti Muslims violence the anti-Christian agenda is becoming more apparent!

[The writer, Ram Puniyani, is former Professor IIT Bombay. Views are personal.]

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
ANZA, CA  Olivet University is poised for a new era of growth and community engagement after securing unanimous zoning approval from Riverside County officials. The recent voteaffirmed by the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), the Planning Commission (PC), and the Board of Supervisors (BOS)marks a major milestone for the Christian institution and clears the path for expanded academic, residential, and research development on its Anza campus.

"This zoning approval lays the groundwork for sustainable growthnot just for Olivet, but for the entire Anza community," said Dr. Jonathan Park, President of Olivet University. "It enables us to increase enrollment, expand our educational mission, and introduce infrastructure and amenities that serve both students and local residents."

A Win for Higher Education and the Community

The rezoning gives opportunity to Olivet for improving the property into a world-class higher education campus, which may include new buildings for academic instruction, student housing, worship, research, and recreation. The university also plans to include hiking and horse trails, green spaces, and public facilities such as libraries and gyms, reinforcing its commitment to shared community value.

Beyond institutional expansion, Olivet leaders see the development as a catalyst for local economic growth. "As our student body grows, so does demand for local servicesfrom restaurants and auto shops to hotels like the Cahuilla Hotel," Park noted. "We're also planning annual events that will draw in volunteers, visitors, and economic activity."

The zoning decision also supports long-term institutional sustainability by aligning with municipal planning goals, such as creating an "education corridor" and revitalizing underused rural land. With the new designation, Olivet is better positioned to access tax benefits and development incentives typically afforded to educational institutions.

Affordable, Rural-Based Education

Olivet's rural location is part of its long-term vision to make Christian higher education more affordable and accessible. "This is about education, service, and sustainabilitynot commercial gain," Park said. "We're building an inclusive, service-oriented campus that reflects our values and mission."

Refuting Mischaracterizations

Despite the overwhelmingly positive community responseover 50 letters of support were submitted with only three in oppositionrecent media coverage by a local newspaper portrayed community sentiment as "mixed" and questioned the university's intentions.

Park pushed back on that narrative, stating, "A 50-to-3 ratio isn't mixedit's decisive. The support we've received has been tremendous. We are grateful and humbled."

He also clarified that this particular designation was recommended by Riverside County itself, whom the University is working closely with, and does not signal a shift toward residential development. "We will use any new developments to provide for students' educational needs, including student housing, as we have always done. The entire campus will remain 100% dedicated to education."

Addressing Allegations and Legal Context

Responding to references in the article to legal controversies, Park reaffirmed that Olivet University has not committed human trafficking, money laundering, or visa fraud. Those claims, he said, stem from a journalist who is currently facing a defamation lawsuit from Olivet. That case is now proceeding in federal court, after the journalist's motion to dismiss was denied.

Similarly, a lawsuit by four former students was previously dismissed, and the plaintiffs filed for a stay after amending their complaint. The individuals were also defendants in a countersuit filed by Olivet for fraud and deceit. According to reports, they are also reportedly under scrutiny for abusing the T-visa system.

Park criticized what he sees as selective and biased reporting: "It's troubling when a reporter fails to include our side of the story or omits major legal setbacks faced by our accusers. That's not responsible journalism. Readers deserve balanced reporting."

Looking Ahead

With rezoning now in place and broad community support behind it, Olivet University is moving forward with plans to expand both its physical campus and its academic impact.

"We're excited to grow in ways that align with our mission and benefit everyone," Park said. "This is more than a zoning changeit's a turning point for Christian higher education in Anza."
Since the last update two months ago KDE Itinerary got support for manually added train and bus trips, a more flexible alternative connection search, a new departure details view and a better location search, among many other improvements.

New Features

Manual trip entry

Being able to manually enter train or bus trips rather than selecting them from timetable data has been often requested and is now finally available.

New menu for adding manual train, bus, ferry or flight connections.

For all modes of transportation theres now two modes, manually entered data where you can freely change departure and arrival locations and times, and schedule-backed data for trips added from public transport searches where you can change the departure and arrival stops only based on whats actually in the schedule.

The latter is now also available for ferry trips.

Intermediate stops for a ferry.

The the various add and import actions have also been consolidated in a single menu on the trip page. Importing backups remains available on the My Data page.

New combined add/import context menu.

Generalized alternative connection search

The alternative connection search is no longer limited to just trains and busses either, it now can also be applied to ferry trips and flights. Likewise all modes of transportation in the result can be added that way, that is also ferries and flights.

Additionally, the alternative connection search now allows to select any transfer stop as the destination, unlike previously being limited to just the first or the last one.

Destination selector in alternative connection search.

New public transport departures view

Theres also an entirely new and much more detailed public transport departures view. Youll find that behind the new context menu on locations in the details pages.

New location context menu.

The departure list now automatically updates when looking at current departures. Also, you can select an individual entry to get a whole set of additional information where available:

Service notes and alerts.

Occupancy levels.

The full trip run in a schedule view and and as a map.

The exact departure location on an indoor station map.

New departure details page.

Events

Earlier this month we had the first Transitous Hack Weekend covering many topics relevant for Itinerary as well, ranging from making Transitous long-term sustainable over improving the data coverage and quality to expanding the routing capabilities.

Theres two important upcoming events:

KDE Akademy 2025, September 6-11, Berlin, Germany.

Open Transport Community Conference 2025, October 17-18, Vienna, Austria.

Infrastructure Work

Everything mentioned in this section also benefits KTrip.

Geocoding

Geocoding is the process that happens behind the location search for journey planning. That produced some confusing and undesired results in the past, and should noticeably improve with the 25.08 release.

MOTIS, Transitous and KPublicTransport gained support for geographic bias areas for geocoding queries. Thats used in the location search based on the selected country. With this you should now always have results from the right country at the top, while still not having a hard filter which can be inconvenient in border areas.

Improved automatic backend selection for geocoding. This should fix the issue that in some countries locations were only searched in a few small regions rather than the entire area. Italy and the US were affected by this for example.

The city, region and country a result is in are now display in more cases in a second line under the address or station name. This should further help to disambiguate results.

Access to public transport data still depends on over 70 operator services, besides Transitous. Many of those arent really meant for 3rd party use and thus have no proper change management, which means they can randomly change their URL, need a new custom certificate, need new or changed parameters or just disappear entirely.

Adapting to a lot of that is merely a matter of changing configuration files part of KPublicTransport, but so far it would take up to a month for those changes to reach users of release packages.

As this can severely impact the functionality we now have the infrastructure to update the KPublicTransport backend configuration files as well as supporting data such as the coverage information without waiting for the next software update.

This is meant to happen automatically eventually, while we are still testing this its available as a context action in the public transport backend configuration page.

Pickup/dropoff constraints

Another new feature in MOTIS and Transitous are pickup and dropoff constraints. That is, a way to describe that you cannot board or cannot alight from a vehicle at a given stop. While that isnt all that common, it can be quite important to know.

KPublicTransport also gained support for this, besides MOTIS also for OpenTripPlanner and Hafas backends. In the UI you can see this in a few places then:

Changing the departure or arrival stop when editing only allows to select those stops that actually allow boaring/alighting respectively.

Stops that allow neither boarding nor alighting are shown as such in the journey overview. This sometimes occurs for border crossings or Switzerland advertising significant rail infrastructure.

Intermediate stops not allowing boarding or alighting.

Fixes & Improvements

Travel document extractor

Added or improved travel document extractors for Amadeus, Arriva, BlablaBus, booking.com, DB, Deutscher Alpenverein, DJH, DSB, Easyjet, Eurostar, Finnair, Flixbus, Globtour, Gopass, hostelworld, Leo Express, LeShuttle, MAV, Opodo, Ouigo ES, Reenio, SNCB, SCNF, tickets.ua and Tito.

Improved matching and merging of bound and unbound train/bus trips.

Improved matching and merging of seat reservations with seats listed in different orders.

All of this has been made possible thanks to your travel document donations!

Public transport data

New or fixed backend configurations for KVB, South Tyrol, ZKS and the Varsinais-Suomen OpenTripPlanner instance.

Onboard API support for XiamenAir.

Fix parsing of bike carriage and wheelchair accessibility capabilities from OpenTripPlanner.

Fix parsing of flight numbers from Entur.

Support for more vehicle features from DB.

Correctly update country coverage list in the stop picker when enabling/disabling backends.

Filter out journey results with implausibly long detours. This gets rid of the creative connections between the major stations in Paris by backends that cant do local transport routing there.

Fix parsing of operator names from EFA.

Train station maps

Support for more OSM tagging schemes for elevators, tram infrastructure and platform sections.

Improved matching of platform names when faced with language specific leading abbreviations.

Cancel ongoing tile downloads before starting a new map load.

Better recovery from OSM level range tagging mistakes.

Better recovery from failed tile downloads.

Itinerary app

Added several more export options: Wallet passes, program memberships and standalone passes can now also be exported, and single reservations can be exported as GPX file.

Reworked journey progress display, which is now active in all journey views and should be much more reliable especially in the timeline view.

Standalone Wallet passes can now also be updated explicitly when containing an online update URL.

Improved default zoom in the journey and trip map views.

Fixed display of addresses with unresolved ISO 3166-2 region codes.

Determine a correct trip end time in more cases.

Fixed price display when theres no home country configured.

Also show notes/service alerts in the stop info dialog on the journey map.

Fixed handling of Wallet passes with a case-sensitive identifier.

How you can help

Feedback and travel document samples are very much welcome, as are all other forms of contributions. Feel free to join us in the KDE Itinerary Matrix channel.

See also the recent posts on how you can add public transport data to Transitous and do OSM indoor mapping.
Waterford Airport was very busy in recent days with some vintage flying activity taking place there.

On Thursday, a Swiss registered DC3, from 1943 with WWII heritage, arrived at the airport.

The DC3 that arrived in Waterford airport.

At the same time as that aircraft was there another charter plane - OY-FSB Saab 2000 aircraft - arrived with the rock band Fontaines DC on board as they arrived into Waterford ahead of their performance at the All Together Now festival.

The Rescue 117 Irish Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter

The arrival of those aircraft also coincided with some medivac activity involving the Irish Coastguard search and rescue helicopter which is based at the airport.

It was all indicative of the diverse aviation activity that takes place at the airport.

The DC3 that arrived in Waterford airport.

The DC3 aircraft was built in 1943, at the Doulgas Factory in Long Beach, California, and was delivered to the US Army that same year.

After World War II, it was fitted with panoramic windows and entered civilian usage.

From 2004 to 2006 the aircraft was operated commercially with Ju-Air in Switzerland and two years later, in 2008, was purchased by a Swiss entrepreneur.

By 2010 it received the civil registration N431HM, was resprayed in Swiss colours and became the flagship of the classic formation historic flying team with three Beech 18s in aerial displays across Europe.
The work on the small plaza surrounding the Clock Tower is nearing completion.

It looks terrific. Its another step on the way towards properly presenting the quays. Some people suggest that all car parking should be removed from the quays but pending the development of some sort of integrated public transport scheme for the city, there will always be a need for some parking. The answer probably lies in how its done. Where parking is broken up by planting and trees it looks far less objectionable than a sea of concrete. A recent Irish Times editorial was supportive of the proposed Dublin Metro North and with a possible investment of 23billion, why wouldnt they? They also mentioned the need for light rail development in Cork and Galway. No mention of Limerick or ourselves even though Limerick is a substantially bigger city than Galway. Is it all about perception? Subsequent correspondence in that paper supported the Galway initiative on the basis that similar sized cities like Bergen in Norway had such a facility. The writer went on to quote the population of the Norwegian city as 250,000!

The CSO has the population of the western city as 84,000 at the last census. Limerick came in at 102,000 and Waterford at 61,000. The reality doesnt matter because mandarin opinion in the permanent government is that Galway is a good thing and must be supported. I actually support the notion in general terms but reality must impinge. Our reality is a fight for everything. Has anyone ever heard of a protest march in Galway for anything? They rightly dont have to beg and scrape for whatever is going. A planning application for the redevelopment of Galway Port, which is about one fifth the size of Waterford Port shows difference in perspective from those who expect to have investment pushed their way and those who live in the real world of political interference and embedded preferences. Galway Port proposes to reclaim 23.89ha as quays and back-up land and consolidated during construction and available for industries.

The development will extend 935m out to sea, providing 660m of quay berth to -12m Chart Datum (C.D.) depth, serviced by a -8m C.D. channel depth with a -8m CD, 400m turning circle. There will be berthing facilities for general cargo vessels, oil tankers, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and container vessels. A western marina will be formed, providing 216 amenity berths as well as roll on/roll off facilities and berths for naval/research vessels. Price that if you wish. People in Foynes, which has its own 1billion expansion plans must be looking northwards to see whats going on. The rest of us wont be surprised to see learned articles in the Irish Times extolling the virtues of Galway Port expansion. If Port of Waterford raises its head and remarks that millions have been allocated to Cork, Dublin, Foynes and Rosslare ports while nothing is allocated here, our four silent TDs will have nothing to say. Its a constant refrain.

Waterford was mentioned in an Irish Times editorial many years ago as the late Ollie Clery of the University Action Group used to relate. Apparently when the prospect of a full university for Waterford was gathering speed, the IT editorial pooh-poohed the very idea. Hardly surprising for the paper of record and organ of official Ireland, or else, maybe just playing to its loyal readership in the Dublin university scene? Older readers may remember when the US firm Digital closed in Galway that the entire cabinet was dispatched to the US to find alternative employment. They returned with the medical devices industry which now has a huge presence in Galway and saved the day. Au contraire, as Dell boy might have it, when Waterford Glass bit the dust in 2008, the government responded with crocodile tears and faux sympathy. The presumption against Waterford, which has extended to medicine and third level education as well as FDI, is well documented.

The long wait for funding for medical and educational projects is symptomatic of an entrenched bias. The level of multinational employment, which provides Irelands best paid work, is still quite low in Waterford. The SEEM report highlights the deficit. It is widely rumoured in local business circles that a large US MNC came here two years ago seeking a site for a medical devices project and the IDA did not have a strategic site available in the city. The project went elsewhere. Of course there will be what a US politician called plausible deniability if you ask.

Meanwhile, our new pedestrian bridge looks resplendent and has already opened for some river traffic. Its hard to believe that the council proposes to leave the bridge uncompleted at its Ferrybank end until the private developers link up with it. At the Salvation Lane area of Dock Road you can see how the bridge finishes well above the level of the surrounding docks. It effectively needs another bridge section over the docks and the railway to link with the dual carriageway. A temporary structure could easily be erected to allow the bridge to be used rather than having it hanging up in the air for possibly two years. Government did provide the funding for the SDZ North Quays and hopefully Harcourt Developments, the chosen developer for the site, will not wait much longer to commence work on their part of the North Quays project.

If anything, the Galway attitude shows us that we should not be wanting in ambition. Where they are perceived to be the third and sometimes even the second city of this republic (even Cork might admit that) we find it hard to rise above the babble of competing county towns.

The decision this week by the Department of Health to (rightly) develop new surgical hubs in Sligo (pop 22000) and Letterkenny (pop 23000) says a lot about politics and political delivery in Ireland. As a resident of a city that has waited decades for a SETU engineering building and still has the poorest funded and staffed Model 4 hospital in the country, I wonder what is the civil service mandarin perception of Waterford? Is the massive opposition to the development of Waterford Airport instructive?
Australias median age has fallen for the first time in 50 years thanks to a post-pandemic surge in youthful migrants.

After hitting a high of 38.49 years in 2022, the median age dropped to 38.32 years in 2023 and remained there in 2024, the latest Bureau of Statistics figures show.

That modest decline reversed an ageing trend in place since the early 1970s.

During COVID-19 border closures in 2020 and 2021, the nations median age rose more rapidly than normal due to the departure of temporary visa holders. A dip in the birth rate during that period also contributed to the increase.
Trains will still run across the bridge, and the harbour tunnel will be open to motorists. However, the Metro will be closed for planned trackwork, and bus services over the bridge will terminate at North Sydney or Wynyard. More road closures could be expected as the situation continues, Transport for NSW said. Organisers expect more than 50,000 people to attend the protest over the Israeli governments actions in Gaza, including claims of mass starvation and the destruction of the territorys hospital system. Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees celebrates after the prohibition order was blocked by the NSW Supreme Court. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers Palestine Action Group Sydney organiser Josh Lees said the symbolism of marching on the Harbour Bridge was essential to the planned march as it would send an urgent and massive response to the crisis in Gaza.

This is going to be a historic day, Lees said. This will go down, I think, as one of those moments in history when the people of the world, and in our case, the people of Sydney and NSW, stood up to be on the right side of history. There is going to come a day in everyones lives when you are going to be asked the question: What did you do to stop the genocide in Gaza? About 250,000 people marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000 in support of reconciliation. Credit: SMH The Israeli government has denied claims of genocide and starvation in Gaza, claiming the war is an act of self-defence. NSW Police told the court the march was unprecedented in scale and posed a threat to public safety on one of the citys major arteries. We have to scramble now, theres no doubt about that, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said after the verdict. The Supreme Court has told us to allow this to occur, so we will.

Justice Rigg said the inconvenience caused by the march to commuters was not a reason to refuse it on legal grounds. The fact that a protest could cause inconvenience is not enough to justify an order, she said. It is in the very nature of the right of peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others. If matters such as this were to be determinative, no assembly involving inconvenience to others would be permitted. The march is the first time that an authorised protest against war will take over the Harbour Bridge. In 2000, more than 200,000 people marched over the bridge for Indigenous reconciliation. In 2023, 50,000 joined the WorldPride march for LGBT rights. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the public should prepare for massive, massive disruption.

Our message is avoid the city, if you can, she said. Justice Rigg said she accepted Lees argument about the timing of the protest being critical to its purpose, citing the momentum of the humanitarian outcry over deteriorating conditions in Gaza as a key reason for its impact. Loading Palestine Action Group activist Rachel Evans said the group would not rule out marching on the bridge again after Sundays protest. The tide is turning, Evans said after the courts decision. We need to push and push further. Once weve taken the Harbour Bridge, we might take it again.

We want all ties with Israel broken. The decision follows a week of political upheaval for the state government after five Labor MPs defied Minns to sign a letter endorsing the march. The letter called on the government to work with protest organisers to facilitate a safe march and detailed in strong terms our disapproval of the ongoing starvation of the Palestinian people. Minns said on Friday that he recognised the outpouring of community anger over the humanitarian situation in Gaza after images of starving Palestinian children shocked the world.

They want to be able to protest. I accept that, he said. The last thing we want, and the last thing police want, is chaos in Sydney streets. Greens MP Jenny Leong said the front door to her electorate office had been smashed on Saturday after she put up a poster for the March for Humanity protest. This is a clear attempt to intimidate us into backing down from our staunch support for the people of Palestine, she said. It wont work on us. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Israel of breaching international law by stopping food from being delivered into the 13-kilometre-wide strip, housing 2.1 million people in an area half the size of Canberra.

The World Health Organisation said there had been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza last month, including 24 children under the age of five  up from 11 deaths total from January to June. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims 82 people died last month of malnutrition-related causes, including 24 children and 58 adults, taking Gazas death toll from the war, which began in 2023 after Hamas militants killed more than 700 civilians in southern Israel, to more than 60,000. Albanese has also called on Hamas to release the Israeli hostages taken as part of the attacks on October 7, as Jewish-Australian leaders raise fears the protests will fuel antisemitism. Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said Saturdays court decision had caused a lot of dismay in the community. The court has allowed a professional protester who has cost the state millions of dollars to now paralyse our city, he said. We take comfort knowing that the vast majority of Australians want no part of this. We continue to pray for the starved and tortured hostages still held in Gaza, whose fate is ignored or belittled by the protesters.

A spokesman for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said they also acknowledged with disappointment the decision of the Supreme Court authorising the march across the Harbour Bridge. At a time of strained social cohesion, an iconic Australian symbol and key arterial road should not be used to bring a divisive foreign conflict onto our streets, the spokesman said. It is imperative that tomorrows march does not provide a platform for some of the hate we have previously seen at weekly demonstrations in the CBD. An application for a counter-protest in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by fringe pro-Israel group Never Again Is Now was withdrawn on Friday morning. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he respected the freedom to protest but allowing the takeover of the Harbour Bridge set the wrong precedent.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
President Donald Trump listens during an event to sign an executive order restarting the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is breaking his promise to Californians by guaranteeing rate hikes without guaranteeing more coverage, said Consumer Watchdog today, following his approval of another black-box wildfire model for use in pricing home insurance.

The confidential closed-door review of a model owned by insurance ratings agency Moody's, and two others over the last week, confirmed that modeling companies will not have to provide regulators or the public access to their models. The models' inner workings remain secret, denying regulators and the public the ability to test the validity of the rate hikes they will now drive.

Lara's actions implement part of his deal with the insurance industry allowing them to use secret models to raise rates without public justification of the reasons for those increases. In return, Lara promised Californians he would expand access to home insurance in wildfire areas. However, the rules implementing that promise give insurance companies multiple ways to avoid selling more policies to those who have lost coverage.

"Lara made a deal with the industry: let them raise rates with secret models, and in return, they'd offer more coverage in wildfire zones," said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog. "Today's action fulfills the industry's wish list. But for consumers, the promised coverage has vanished into a maze of loopholes and delays. Nothing in the rules guarantees new sales to those who were non-renewed and dumped on the FAIR Plan."

"Today's announcement is just more public relations cover for a strategy that is a direct assault on the transparency that Californians rely on to hold insurance companies accountable," said Will Pletcher, Litigation Director at Consumer Watchdog.

Secret Models Guarantee Rate Hikes: The Department's review of the Moody's and Verisk wildfire catastrophe models  algorithmic pricing models insurance companies will now be allowed to use to increase rates in future rate filingswas conducted through a secretive, closed-door process known as PRID (Pre-Application Required Information Determination). While Commissioner Lara claims the review was open to the public, PRID lacks the procedural safeguards, transparency, and public access required under Proposition 103.

The commissioner's action will replace the current use of transparent data about wildfire claims to set prices with the unverified predictions of these algorithmic pricing models.

"You can't claim public participation while locking the public out of the data and deliberations that will now determine billions in future premiums," said Pletcher. "This is the antithesis of Proposition 103, which requires insurance companies to justify rate hikes in full view of the public."

No Guarantee of More Insurance Sales to Consumers: The Insurance Commissioner has widely claimed that insurance companies will have to cover more homeowners in exchange for the right to raise rates with these models' secret algorithms. However, the text of the regulation contains no such guarantee. As Consumer Watchdog has documented, the rule is riddled with loopholes allowing insurance companies to opt for token compliance rather than meaningful expansion.

The regulation says insurance companies may commit to selling a number of policies in wildfire areas equal to 85% of their market share in less-risky areas. But it also allows insurance companies to instead say they will increase coverage in fire areas by just 5 percent. Companies may also opt for a third, undefined, "alternative commitment." The loopholes are explained in this KGO-TV story.

Insurance companies then do not have to report they've met their commitments until two years after their rate hikes take effect. If after two years they have not sold more policies as promised, the regulation allows insurers to change their commitments. And there are no mandated penalties if a company fails. Ultimately, insurers may never be held responsible for increasing sales to Californians, said Consumer Watchdog.

Moody's and Verisk's significant financial conflicts of interest have also been ignored. The largest shareholder of insurance rating agency Moody's RMS is Berkshire Hathaway, through the Warren Buffett-owned insurance companies National Indemnity Co. and GEICO. Wall Street financial services companies The Vanguard Group and BlackRock Inc., which manage hundreds of billions in assets for insurance clients, are the second and third largest shareholders of Moody's. Vanguard and BlackRockare the largest shareholders of Verisk.

These shareholders benefit financially if models push rates too high, and this conflict creates powerful financial incentives to use the models' undisclosed algorithms to artificially inflate insurance rates, said Consumer Watchdog.

Meanwhile, private insurers continue to drive more and more Californians onto the FAIR Planwhich now covers nearly 600,000 policyholders statewide. Without enforceable requirements and stronger accountability, Lara's strategy won't deliver real coverageit will entrench an overpriced, underserving system where consumers lose and insurers win.

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Asia

India: Tamil Nadu middle school teachers demand equal pay

More than 2,000 middle school teachers from across Tamil Nadu held a hunger protest on July 26 at the Egmore Stadium in Chennai demanding equal pay for equal work. It followed strike action in January 2023 over the issue.

Teachers ended that strike based on assurances from the chief minister, who according to teachers formed a phony committee to resolve the wage issue, which never happened. Resolution of the middle school teachers wage issue was also an election promise of the current DMK government. Teachers said they would intensify their agitation if the government continued to ignore their demand.

Meanwhile, in a separate dispute, other teachers in Chennai held a 72-hour hunger protest to demand reinstatement of the old pension scheme which was scrapped in 2003. They complained that the new pension scheme, which they are forced to contribute to, does not provide proper pension, gratuity and other benefits.

Retired Tamil Nadu transport workers demand increased pension and allowances

Retired workers from the State Express Transport Corporation held a sit-down protest outside the bus depot in Tirunelveli on July 23. Demands included minimum pension of 7,850 rupees ($US90), proper work for eligible children of retired workers and a rise in health insurance and allowances.

The Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) organised the protest. CITU also called a protest of retired workers and their families at the Chennai City transport depot with a similar set of demands.

Jharkhand 108 Emergency ambulance workers strike for better wages and conditions

108 Emergency ambulance drivers and emergency medical technicians went on strike on Monday in Ranchi to demand increased wages and improved working conditions. The 100 workers are employed by a private operator Samman Foundation who threatened the workers that they would face consequences if they stopped emergency and essential work affecting the people.

Karnataka commuter transport workers protest before indefinite strike

A group of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) workers held a hunger protest at Freedom Park in Bangalore on July 30 to demand settlement of long pending remands. The action was a prelude to the indefinite strike planned for August 5 called last week by the KRSTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) over the issue.

The JAC is led by the All-India Trade Union Congress-affiliated KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation and includes five other unions. Demands include a pay rise with effect from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027 and settlement of salary arrears for 38 months (January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2023).

Bangladesh: Gazipur police attack ceramic factory workers

Gazipur industrial police fired tear gas shells at hundreds of protesting workers from RAK Ceramic Industries Limited, in Sreepur, Gazipur on July 27. Protesters blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for around two hours after they gathered at 6 a.m. in Nayanpur area of Dhanua village and marched to the factory.

Their demands included payment of January-July arrears by August 1, appointment of employees to suitable posts based on educational qualifications and a salary increase every February based on cost of living. Other demands were formulation of a reasonable salary structure for new and old employees, fixing the minimum attendance allowance, increasing the attendance bonus, reinstating all previous facilities and old-age allowances and removal of high-ranking Indian officials from the company.

RAK Ceramics authorities said they would review the demands and try to resolve them through discussion, but termed many of the demands unrealistic and unacceptable. Workers warned that if anyone is dismissed after the protest they would organise a fresh movement.

Australia

Industrial action by Queensland nurses and midwives enters third month

Tens of thousands of nurses and midwives at Queenslands public hospitals and health facilities have been taking limited industrial action seeking improved wages and conditions since June 5. The Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) has allowed the dispute to drag on by calling only limited action.

Responding to demands for more concrete action, QNMU this week escalated its Stage 2 bans to include mental health nurses and banning a range of non-clinical duties. Union members will also fully use their entitled breaks and refuse overtime unless given at least four hours notice.

QNMU members rejected the Liberal-National Party (LNP) governments pay increase offer of only 11.5 percent over three years, which included reductions in parental leave, reproductive leave, and flexible working arrangements. They said the offer fell short of what the LNP promised in the lead-up to the state election.

After six months of failed negotiations, the government has referred the dispute to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for conciliation.

Queensland teachers to strike for better pay and conditions

The Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) with 48,000 members at Queenslands public schools has notified the state National-Liberal Party government that its members will walk out for 24 hours on August 6 as negotiations for higher wages and improved staffing reached deadlock. This will be their first strike in 16 years, and impacts about half a million students.

After 17 meetings over 5 months, including a conciliation meeting in the Industrial Relations Court on Monday, the union rejected a low pay offer from the government which would have delivered teachers a 3 percent pay rise next financial year and a 2.5 percent increase in 2026 and 2027. The union wants an extra student-free day as well as nation-leading salaries and conditions.

Townsville City Council workers strike over low pay

About 200 outdoor workers from the Townsville City Council (TCC) in north Queensland walked off the job for 24 hours on July 25 seeking higher pay. The workers are represented by three unions, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Australian Workers Union (AWU) and Construction Forestry Maritime and Energy Union (CFMEU). The unions claim their members are paid 20 percent less than workers doing the same work at neighbouring councils.

Workers said their average annual pay is $56,000 while other councils are paying $10,000 more. They are demanding a 20 percent pay rise. The council has offered only 11 percent over three years.

According to the AWU, TCC has four levels of management who recently received an 8.3 percent pay rise. The CFMEU claimed that the councils CEO earns a salary within the range of $550,000 to $600,000, while there are three other senior executive positions with salaries ranging from $380,000 to $450,000.

Meanwhile, The Services Union (TSU) is in dispute with TCC over the low pay offer for administrative workers. The union claimed the councils pay offer fails to align TCC wages with other councils. It is canvasing its members for approval to begin industrial action.

Scenic Rim council workers strike for better pay offer

The Services Union members at the Scenic Rim Regional Council, southeast Queensland walked off the job for two hours on Thursday to demand an improved pay offer in the councils proposed certified agreement.

The union said the strike was in response to managements refusal to propose a reasonable wage increase with backpay. Workers rejected the councils pay rise offer of 4 percent, with any other claims taken from that.

Boom crane crew in Queensland strike for pay increase

About 30 crane crew workers employed by Boom Logistics at the Clark Creek Wind Farm construction site, near Rockhampton, north Queensland, struck for 24 hours on July 23 as part of a national campaign to improve wages and safety in the renewable energy construction sector. Construction Forestry Maritime and Energy Union members voted unanimously on July 4 to approve taking protected industrial action. This could include consecutive work stoppages from 1- to 24-hours duration and 11 work bans, including overtime.

CFMEU members employed by BMS Heavy Cranes and Qube at wind farm construction sites in Victoria and Queensland respectively have been taking industrial action for improved wages and safety since early June. All sites have reported life threatening accidents.

A 36-year-old BMS worker was killed on the Golden Plains Wind Farm project, Victoria in November last year, crushed by a massive wind turbine blade that came loose from scaffolding during assembly.

Schindler Lifts electricians in Western Australia strike for better pay

Over 60 members of the Electrical Trades Union from Schindler Lifts in Perth, Western Australia have been on strike since July 10 seeking higher pay. The workers voted unanimously on June 30 to take industrial action. The union has not made public the issues in dispute.

Infrabuild Mesh workers in Queensland strike for pay rise

About 30 members of the Australian Workers Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers Union from Infrabuild Mesh walked out for 24 hours on Monday to demand an improved pay offer in the companys proposed enterprise agreement. This was their first industrial action in two decades.

Infrabuild Mesh manufactures steel products for the building industry. The workers voted in mid-July to approve taking protected industrial action that included strikes and work bans.

GE Aerospace workers at Brisbane Airport strike for increased wages

GE Aerospace aviation maintenance workers at Brisbane Airport walked off the job for 24 hours on Tuesday and rallied outside their worksite. The 20 Transport Workers Union members decided to walk out after the company responded to minor work bans by refusing all work and withheld pay. Following failed negotiations for a pay rise in a new work agreement, the workers voted overwhelmingly on July 18 to take industrial action. This could include unlimited strikes, bans on overtime and minor work bans.

GE Aerospace workers develop and maintain engine components for Qantas, Virgin and the Australian Defence Force. They are demanding a pay rise that reflects the critical and specialised nature of their work.

Queensland Department of Transport engineers begin industrial action for pay rise

Professionals Australia members, including engineers and technical professionals employed by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads put in place a raft of work bans on Tuesday morning as part of their campaign for a pay increase that brings them up to industry standard. The state Liberal-National Party government responded by withholding pay during the action, even while the workers remained on the job.

Protected industrial action included four low-level bans on working more than 36.25 hours a week, completing accelerated training, end of month activity reports and submitting/approving timesheets. Email signatures and/or autoreplies were updated to note their participation in industrial action.

Professionals Australia claimed that Department of Transport engineers are paid up to 20 percent less than their Queensland colleagues who are partnering with them to deliver the exact same projects. Despite months of bargaining the government has failed to address this issue of parity and offered a pay rise of only 3 percent.

Despite losing a days pay, Professionals Australia has not called for strike action and instead called a public rally on Thursday afternoon in front of state parliament.

Northern Territory public hospital pharmacists threaten to take industrial action over staffing

Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA) members, including pharmacists and pharmacist technicians, are threatening industrial action at Northern Territory public hospitals over underfunding of pharmacy services, staffing shortfalls and for a pay rise.

The PPA claimed that pharmaceutical staffing shortfalls at Katherine Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospitals are threatening patient safety with current staff vacancy levels at 30 percent and Katherine Hospital facing a potential closure of its pharmacy department in a few months time.

The PPA has been in negotiations for a new enterprise agreement with the Country-Liberal Party state government for a year seeking a wage rise that will bring them into parity with pharmacy workers in other states and boost workforce attraction and retention, and stem the tide of resignations.

The government wants PPA members to change the way medications are dispensed and is stopping some services. The association said the government is refusing to hold further meetings.

Public sector healthcare workers in South Australia strike over low pay

About 200 public sector health support and disability support workers from several hospitals in Adelaide walked out and protested outside the state Human Services ministers office on Tuesday. United Workers Union (UWU) members claim they are paid 20 percent less than health workers in other states doing the same job.

In February, 1,000 UWU members, including theatre orderlies, patient service assistants, central sterilised stores department technicians, menu monitors, chefs, cleaners and kitchen services workers put in place bans on cleaning management offices, performing duties above their classification, changing in and out of scrubs only during paid time and other work-to-rule measures.

At the same time, over 1,100 disability support workers demanding a living wage and Safe Support Services imposed bans at 240 Department of Human Services (DHS) houses. The bans will impact on management, including restricted administrative tasks and communications during unpaid time. The UWU says DHS cannot attract staff because of low pay and a reliance on agency workers to meet minimum staffing levels.

Disability support workers are demanding parity with workers employed under the Federal award and to be paid the same Sunday penalty rates. They are currently $25.60 an hour worse off. The UWU claimed the state Labor government has received federal funding that allows for higher pay but has not passed it on.
This is the second and concluding part of a two part article. The first part can be found here.

Shackling the working class to the union-NDP-Liberal alliance

During Hargroves 16 years as CAW president and in tandem with its ever more naked role as an enforcer of concessions and job cuts, Canadas largest industrial union lurched politically sharply right.

Hargrove emerged as a keen advocate of closer ties with the big business Liberals in national politics and in Ontario, the countrys most populous and industrialized province. From 1998 on, Unifor championed so-called strategic votingthat is, votes for Liberal candidates in preference to those of the social-democrats of the New Democratic Party (NDP), if they were better placed to defeat the Conservatives. Inside the NDP, with which Unifor remained formally affiliated until 2008, Hargrove and the CAW bureaucrats pressed for governmental alliances with the Liberals when parliamentary arithmetic allowed.

Hargrove was thus among the principal architects of the union-NDP-Liberal alliance, which has been used to politically suppress the working class for the past quarter-century. Just three months after Hargrove stepped down as CAW president, the NDP agreed to serve as the junior partner in an abortive Liberal-led national coalition government pledged to implementing more than $50 billion in corporate tax cuts, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and waging neo-colonial war in Afghanistan through 2011.

Bob White (centre) and Buzz Hargrove (right) in 1985 [Photo: "Hard Bargains," National Film Board]

In pursuing closer ties with the Liberals, long the ruling classs preferred party of national government, and developing an ever-expanding network of corporatist ties, Hargrove was true to his mentor Bob White. White and the CAW had championed the 1985 Liberal-NDP accord, which had brought the Liberals to power in Ontario, and aligned the CAW closely with John Turner and his Liberals in the 1987 free trade federal election.

That said, in response to the intensification of the class struggle, the CAW bureaucracy under Hargrove abandoned ever more brazenly even the pretense of independent working class politics; and in the name of opposing the Tories propped up progressive governments committed to austerity and advancing the interests of Canadian imperialism through aggression and war.

This was part of a much larger, worldwide process. The development of globally integrated production and a global labour market, beginning in the 1970s, had pulled the rug out from under the pro-capitalist trade unions and social-democratic parties, whose reformist programs were based on the possibility of pressuring capital within the nation-state.

The universal response of the union bureaucracies was to defend their privileges by wooing investment and enforcing concessions on the workers they claimed to represent. The social-democratic parties, meanwhile, jettisoned their pursuit of social reform and, when in office, dismantled the very public services and social provisions they had previously held up as proof capitalism could be humanized. Tony Blairs Labour government and Gerhard Schroders Social Democrats in Germany, to mention only two of the most prominent, emerged as unalloyed proponents of right-wing capitalist policies.

The same was true of the NDP, most notoriously in Ontario, where, to the surprise of both the social democratic politicians and the CAW bureaucrats, the social democrats were elected to office for the first time ever in October 1990. Workers had turned to the union-sponsored NDP in the hopes that it would protect them from the ravages of a rapidly developing economic slump. Instead, the Rae NDP governments imposed massive public spending cuts and wage austerity and parroted the rhetoric of the right on everything from welfare reform to law and order. Returning from a session of the Davos Economic Forum, Rae bluntly declared there was no alternative to the imperatives of the capitalist market.

The United Steelworkers (USW), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), and most industrial unions staunchly supported the Rae government throughout, including the wage and job cutting social contract it imposed on the provinces more than one million public sector workers. Hargrove and the CAW top brass, by contrast, struck a pose of opposition, assisting the leaders of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and the other major public sector unions in containing mass anger among their membership by organizing a few token protests.

Hargrove could on occasion make a demagogic speech, thundering against the bosses and the politicians, and throwing in a few expletives for extra spice. He even blustered a handful of times in his decades-long career about a general strike. All of this was aimed at suppressing worker opposition, straitjacketing it within the pro-employer, state-regulated collective bargaining system and channeling it into capitalist parliamentary politics.

The CAW and the mass working class challenge to the Harris Tory government

The Rae NDP governments assault on the working class, and the unions suppression of workers opposition to it, opened the door to the election of a rabidly right-wing Tory government headed by Mike Harris.

When a mass movement of workers against Harris Thatcherite Common Sense Revolution developed, raising the issue of a general strike to bring down the government, unions in the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) worked systematically to block the struggle by preventing it from developing into a direct political confrontation with the Tory Premiers class war agenda. Union bureaucrats refused to set a date for a general strike demanded by their members, staging various days of action organized regionally to diffuse popular anger. Hargrove and the CAW negotiated with the auto bosses for workers to have the day off, so production was not disrupted. Summing up the bureaucracys politics, OFL President Gord Wilson infamously declared that the unions were not challenging the legitimacy of the Tory government or Harris right to govern.

Mass demonstration in support of the 1997 Ontario teachers' strike [Photo: OSSTF]

Hargrove and the CAW were intimately involved in the sabotage of this movement. As a CAW insider present at the November 1995 convention reported in David Rapaports book No Justice, No Peace, The labour movement was dragged into [the anti-Harris protests] kicking and screaming. The vast majority wanted to do nothing except just educate our members to just vote NDP in the next election.

Hargrove shutdown a militant three-week contract strike by thousands of General Motors workers only two days before a Toronto day of action shut down the largest city in the province and Canadas financial capital. And when teachers mounted an overtly political strike in 1997 challenging legislation that dramatically increased class sizes and otherwise attacked their rights and public education, the CAW and other OFL unions ensured the mass popular support for the teachers was not translated into industrial action and a fight to bring down the hated Harris regime.

Plumping for votes for Paul Martin and Dalton McGuinty

With the mass movement of workers finally isolated and then stifled, Hargrove summed up his own perspective. Our message here  has to be that, in spite of some differences in the labour movement  we are of one mindone thing we are determined and united onthats to defeat Mike Harris government in the next election.

But how to do that?

In the wake of the tumultuous events between 1995 and 1997which saw workers nearly break free of the death grip of the union bureaucraciesHargrove and many others in the array of unions that formed the OFL, clearly saw that the danger of renewed working class struggle could no longer be politically managed by an NDP that had been overwhelmingly rejected by its electoral base after the abject betrayals of the previous Rae government. New political alliances would have to be built.

In the 1999 provincial election the CAW called for a strategic vote for the Ontario Liberals in select ridings, a position effectively endorsed by Howard Hampton, the new leader of Ontarios NDP. The Harris Conservatives were, nevertheless, returned to government with another majority.

Hargrove was undeterred. In the next election in 2003 he bluntly declared, People know how to bring about a change in government and you dont do that by voting for someone who doesnt have a prayer of winning. We are looking at information riding by riding, to see where there are opportunities to knock off a Tory.

The Liberals, led by Dalton McGuinty, won the election, on a program that was widely described, even in the capitalist media, as Tory-lite. With the CAW/Unifors support the Liberals would impose austerity policies for the next 15 years before handing the baton back to the Conservatives. But unlike Harris and his brief Conservative successor as premier, Ernie Eves, McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne did not bait the union bosses. Rather through a network of institutionalized and informal corporatist ties, they used them to provide a phony progressive cover for a continued assault on the working class.

In 2007, Hargrove enthusiastically ushered McGuinty onto the podium of a CAW National Council meeting at the union bureaucracys Lake Huron retreat. I believe this government has done an incredible job for people, he gushed. McGuintys appearance marked the first time in the CAWs history that an Ontario premier had been invited to address the CAW leadership. Hargrove went on to tell the assembled officials that he was absolutely thrilled to introduce McGuinty, whom he characterized as a champion of the automobile industry. The big business Liberal premier returned the compliment. The CAW, he affirmed, has always been a force for good across Canada and we are rolling in the same direction.

Hargroves unabashed embrace of McGuinty on the shores of Lake Huron was the CAW bureaucracys response to a looming and unprecedented crisis in the auto industry that threatened the jobs, wages and pensions of tens of thousands of auto workers. Its embrace of the Liberals was the political corollary to the unions imposition of a new round of concessions at various Detroit Three auto plants and its agitation for protectionist measures to defend Canadian jobs at the expense of workers in other countries.

During this time, Hargrove did not rule out supporting select Conservatives. After McGuintys unprecedented appearance before the CAW leadership, Hargrove told the press that he fully expects to have union members working for all three national parties, including the Conservatives.

Hargrove also extended his strategic voting orientation to the federal Liberals and strongly supported the moves of the NDP to prop up the minority Liberal government of Prime Minister Paul Martin. Cementing this new relationship during the 2006 federal election, and to much fanfare, he presented the multi-millionaire Martin with a CAW union jacketthe same man who, previously as Jean Chretiens finance minister, had orchestrated the greatest social spending and big business tax cuts in Canadian history. Hargrove would go on to publicly stump for Martin and Liberal MP Belinda Stronach, daughter of the boss and principal owner of auto parts giant Magna International.

Hargrove responded to a subsequent NDP decision to expel him for having endorsed a rival political party by successfully pressing for the CAW and its locals to disaffiliate from the NDP. This ruptured a decades-long relationship between the CAW and Canadas social democrats. The latter, it should be added, were not too upset to see the severing of the NDP-CAW tie, since they, in response to pressure from big business and the corporate media, were anxious to refute allegations that they were organizationally and financially dependent on the unions. It would only be a few years later that an NDP convention would go further and vote to expunge from their constitution the word socialism.

In his final years as CAW president, Hargrove acquiesced to a steady stream of auto plant closures and pushed through ever more draconian concessions contracts. In 2008, just prior to his retirement, and with Oshawa autoworkers seething from GMs reneging of previous promises to keep open the local truck plant, Hargrove sought to diffuse calls for wildcat strike action and instead organized a phony blockade of GMs white-collar headquarters building in Oshawa. The so-called blockade allowed any staff that GM deemed critical to operations to proceed through the picket line. Less critical staff, meanwhile, continued to work from home or from a pre-arranged backup site.

The publicity stunt at the headquarters was a grandstand playa transparent attempt to convince the membership that the union leadership was not simply a patsy to the company. The captains of industry, however, had long ago taken the measure of Hargrove as little more than a junior partner of their corporations. Even as the blockade was limping towards its final days before the union began negotiations for the orderly closure of the truck plant, Mr. Buzz Hargrove was the guest of honour at perhaps the largest ever gathering of millionaires, big business politicians, and well-heeled labour bureaucrats in Torontos history.

The tuxedo-only event was ostensibly meant to honour Hargrove for his contributions to a Toronto charity. Over fine wines and gourmet delicacies, Hargrove, whom the media was touting as the scourge of the auto companies, was feted by the likes of Magna International boss Frank Stronach, anti-union book retailer Heather Reisman and her husband Gerry Schwartz, CEO of Onex Corporation. Amongst the political glitterati on the guest list were arch neo-conservatives Brian Mulroney, Ernie Eves, and Mike Harris. Workfare pioneer and former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna acted as co-chair at the festivities. Perhaps most telling of all was the presenceat the head-table no lessof Troy Clarke, vice-president of GM North America and Arturo Elias, president of GM Canada.

Hargroves ruinous, anti-worker legacy

Hargroves lengthy tenure at the head of the CAW set the stage for the union to move sharply further to the right and deepen its anti-worker corporatist ties with big business and the state following his retirement.

Together with the UAW in the US, the CAW worked closely in 2009 with the Big Three auto bosses, the Obama administration in Washington, and the federal Conservative and Ontario Liberal governments to impose massive wage and benefit cuts and multi-tier wage structures to restore the profitability of the North American auto industry. Although Ford Canada eschewed a government bailout, which was conditional on the unions reopening of workers contracts, the CAW in fairness imposed the same concessions on Ford workers.

Politically, the CAWs transformation into Unifor in 2013 was accompanied by the development of still more intimate working relations with the Liberals. Unifor joined with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and other unions in corralling the mass working class opposition to the hard-right Harper government behind an Anybody but Conservative campaign that delivered the 2015 election to Justin Trudeaus big business Liberals.

Unifor President Jerry Dias emerged as a key booster and advisor of both Trudeau and Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne, whom he hailed as progressives and workers allies.

Unifor supported the Liberals massive military spending increase and renegotiation of NAFTA to consolidate a US-dominated trade bloc for the waging of war around the world. After Trudeaus Liberals were reduced to a minority government in the October 2019 election, Unifor pressed for the NDP to strengthen its support for the government, including through a formal coalition.

During the pandemic, Unifor and the CLC were instrumental in helping the Trudeau government orchestrate a multi-billion-dollar bailout of corporate Canada and implementing the murderous profits-before-lives back-to-work policy that claimed thousands of lives.

From its beginnings in 1985 to today, the CAW/Unifor apparatus has incessantly promoted reactionary Canadian nationalism. In 2023, when contracts expired for autoworkers at GM. Ford and Stellantis on both sides of the Canada-US border simultaneously for the first time in over two decades opening the door wide to a joint struggle, Unifor President Payne rushed to proclaim Unifors commitment to charting our own Canadian course; then helped sabotage a growing strike movement in the US by signing concessionary contracts.

Prime Minister Mark Carney with Unifor President Lana Payne [Photo: Mark Carney]

Today Payne sits on Prime Minister Mark Carneys Council on Canada-US Relations, where she helps the Canadian ruling class elaborate its strategy in the reactionary trade war between North Americas imperialist powers. Like the CLC, Unifor has been in the frontlines of agitating for aggressive trade war measures whose principal victims will be workers in the US, China and Canada.

Hargroves career exemplified the evolution of the trade union bureaucracy in Canada and internationally. In response to the globalization of production and capitals drive to intensify worker exploitation, the caste of well-heeled union officials integrated themselves ever more fully into corporate management and the state, imposing concessions and suppressing working class resistance to the dismantling of public services and the evisceration of workers rights.

Workers seeking to fight today against capitalist austerity and war must not simply repudiate Hargrove, but the entire nationalist, pro-capitalist perspective of trade unionism that he so avidly promoted.

To assert their class interests and defend their livelihoods and lives, workers must reject the subordination of their jobs, working conditions, and public services to the accumulation of private profit by a tiny wealthy oligarchy. Against the transnational companies and capitalist governments that seek to pit them against each other in the drive for profit and commercial and geopolitical advantage, workers in Canada must forge the closest fighting unity with their class brothers and sisters in the US, Mexico and around the world. To mobilize their industrial and independent class political power, workers in Canada must break out of the corporatist union/NDP/Liberal alliance that Hargrove did so much to straitjacket them within.

To restore power to the rank and file, abolish the union bureaucracy, and intensify the class struggle, workers should build new organizations of strugglerank-and-file committees under the leadership of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committeesand take up the fight for workers power and socialism.
Florida carried out its ninth execution of 2025 on Thursday, July 31, putting Edward J. Zakrzewski to death by lethal injection at Florida State Prison, near Starke. Florida has executed one-third of the 27 executions carried out in the US so far this year. There were 25 executions in the country in all of 2024.

Edward J. Zakrzewski

Zakrzewski, 60, was sentenced to death for the 1994 slayings of his Korean-born wife, Sylvia, 34, and their two young children, Edward, 7, and Anna, 5, at their home in Okaloosa County. Trial testimony revealed he committed these murders after his wife sought a divorce, using a crowbar, rope and machete in a brutal attack. He pleaded guilty to the murders in 1996.

The condemned inmates final words indicate he had little grasp of reality or understanding of his impending punishment. He bizarrely thanked the good people of the Sunshine state for killing me in the most cold, calculated, clean, humane, efficient way possible, adding, I have no complaint. He was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. local time.

Zakrzewskis execution proceeded despite a last-ditch appeal for a stay was rejected by the US Supreme Court on Wednesday. He was sentenced to death by a non-unanimous jury, which voted 7-5 to recommend a death sentence for the killing of his wife and son, and deadlocked 6-6 to recommend death for his daughters murder. The 7-5 bare majority vote would not have been sufficient under Floridas current law for a death sentence. However, due to a reactionary 2021 US Supreme Court ruling, the current law is not retroactive in the cases of Zakrzewski or other death row inmates.

Before 2014, Florida allowed judges wide discretion in death penalty sentencing, with juries making only non-binding, advisory recommendations. Following the US Supreme Courts 2016 decision in Hurst v. Florida, which ruled that the states capital sentencing statute was unconstitutional because it allowed judges to have the final say in handing out death sentences, Florida amended its law to require a 10-2 jury vote to impose a death sentence. The state Supreme Court ruled this amended law unconstitutional, prompting the state to change its law to require a unanimous jury vote.

Central to the controversy surrounding Zakrzewskis sentence and Floridas death penalty practices is the states recent change to its jury recommendation requirement. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on April 20, 2023, that reduces the number of jurors needed to recommend a death sentence from 12 to 8, making Floridas threshold among the lowest of any state with capital punishment. This change is clearly unconstitutional.

DeSantis seized on the public outrage over the 2018 Parkland school shooting, which left 17 dead, to push through the change in the law. Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, was sentenced in 2022 to life in prison without the possibility of parole after three jurors voted against imposing a death sentence. Florida is now one of only two states (the other being Alabama) where unanimous jury recommendations are not required for death sentences.

It is also clear that Florida law at the time requiring a unanimous jury vote for a death sentence had nothing to do with Cruz carrying out the Parkland mass killings, as he had multiple diagnoses of mental illness and developmental issues recognized before the shooting. The furor whipped up over the failure to sentence Cruz to death is another case in which ultra-right proponents of execution utilize horrific crimes to support their agenda, when more complex social forcespoverty, mental illness, police violence, a ruling class hell bent on warare often at work.

Florida, under DeSantis, is rapidly escalating its use of capital punishment, setting an unprecedented pace that has seen it carry out more executions than any other US state this year. This aggressive push has been encouraged by President Donald Trumps sweeping executive order, signed on his first day of his second term in office, which calls for a dramatic expansion of the death penalty and urges prosecutors to seek capital punishment for severe crimes, particularly those involving law enforcement officers or undocumented immigrants.

The states actions are widely condemned by human rights advocates and faith leaders. Over 100 faith leaders urged DeSantis to halt Floridas rapid pace of executions, emphasizing that the states death penalty system is plagued by racial disparities, a long and painful process that retraumatizes families, and a troubling history of wrongful convictions. Florida already leads the nation in death row exonerations, with 30 individuals freed since 1973a stark indication that innocent individuals have already been sent to their deaths.

In 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled in Ramos v. Louisiana that the Sixth Amendment requires a unanimous jury for convictions and sentences for serious offenses in both federal and state courts. However, the Court ruled in 2021 in Edwards v. Vannoy that the Ramos decision does not apply retroactively to cases on federal collateral review.

This effectively means that individuals such as Thedrick Edwards, an African American convicted of multiple serious crimes in Louisiana in 2007, whose sole black juror voted to acquit him but was overridden by other jurors, are barred from seeking relief in federal court even if their convictions were unconstitutional under the Ramos ruling.

Adding another layer of controversy to Zakrzewskis case was the prosecutions use of the writings of 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzschea foul opponent of socialism and egalitarianismduring his trial. To counter the defenses attempt to present Zakrzewski as having embraced Christianity and showing remorse post-offense as a mitigating factor, the prosecution introduced Zakrzewskis personal writings and notes that referenced Nietzsche.

Despite defense objections, the judge allowed a psychologist to testify about Nietzsches criticisms of Christianity, and Zakrzewskis notes quoting Nietzsche were admitted as evidence. The prosecution aimed to portray Zakrzewski as influenced by Nietzsches anti-Christian views, emphasizing statements that critiqued Christian notions of forgiveness and propagated fear of eternal damnation. Zakrzewskis supposed anti-Christian views were used by the prosecutors to cast him as a heretic. This was intended to undermine the defenses narrative of their clients religious remorse, which successfully persuaded the jury to recommend a death sentence.

In addition to the nine executions in Florida, state killings so far this year have included four in Texas, four in South Carolina, three in Alabama, two in Oklahoma, and one each in Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Florida is currently scheduled to send two more individuals to their deaths this year: Kayle Barrington Bates on August 19, and Curtis Windom on August 28. Two executions are planned in Texas, two in Tennessee, and one each in Utah, Alabama, Indiana and Missouri, putting the US on track to execute 37 people in 2025.
Virginia Giuffre, then 17, with Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, in 2001.

The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent public accusers of financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, issued a statement Wednesday and gave an interview on Thursday suggesting that President Donald Trump was aware of the criminal actions of Epstein while he associated with the abuser of teenage girls.

Two brothers and two sisters-in-law of Giuffre were responding to Trumps statement on Tuesday that Epstein stole Giuffre, then 16, from his Mar-a-Lago club, where she was working as a spa attendant in the summer of 2000. Giuffre committed suicide this past April.

Speaking on Air Force One while returning from his trip to Scotland, Trump told reporters that a second case of Epstein hiring away staff from Mar-a-Lago led him to break off relations with Epstein. Trump said: People were taken out of the spa, hired by him When I heard about it, I told him, I said, Listen, we dont want you taking our people Not too long after that, he did it again. And I said, Out of here.

In response to a reporters question about Giuffre, Trump said, I think she worked at the spa. I think she was one of the people. Yeah, he stole her.

Previously, the media narrative was that Trump and Epstein had parted ways in 2004 after a dispute over the purchase of a Palm Beach estate.

In their statement, first published in The Atlantic, the family said, It was shocking to hear President Trump invoke our sister and say that he was aware that Virginia had been stolen from Mar-a-Lago. They continued, It makes us ask if he was aware of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwells criminal actions, especially given his statement two years later that his good friend Jeffrey likes women on the younger side.

The reference was to a New York magazine profile of Epstein published in October 2002 that quoted Trump as saying, Ive known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy. Hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side, no doubt about it.

Last month, the Wall Street Journal published a letter Trump sent to Epstein for the latters 50th birthday that included the outline of a naked womans breasts and a reference to mutually shared secrets.

Giuffre said she was flown around the world for appointments with men, including Britains Prince Andrew, while she was 17 and 18 years old.

In their statement, the family said:

Virginia cooperated with the authorities. She endured death threats, threats against the lives of her children and family, financial ruin, and her physical and mental well-being were destroyed. She never backed down; she hoped that her strength would inspire other survivors to find the courage to come forward.

They called for the release of the FBI files on the Epstein investigation, which the Trump administration, after promising to carry out, is now refusing to do, enraging sections of Trumps political base. They also opposed any pardon or commutation of the 20-year sentence of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins former girlfriend and accomplice in trafficking underage girls for abuse by prominent political and business figures, none of whom have been named, let alone prosecuted. Trump has not ruled out leniency for Maxwell in return for testimony favorable to him.

Last week, in an extraordinary action, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trumps former personal lawyer, met over two days with Maxwell in a court house in Tallahassee, Florida, near where she has been incarcerated. Maxwells lawyer said they discussed over 100 people in relation to the Epstein case, very possibly an implied threat to Democrats and others implicated in the sex ring.

On Friday, it was reported that the government had moved Maxwell from the low security prison in Tallahassee to a minimum security womens prison in Texas.

The familys statement declared that Maxwell was responsible for the extraordinary violence and abuse she put not just our sister Virginia through, but many other survivors, who may number in the thousands.

While Trump said he broke off relations with Epstein not long after Epstein hired Giuffre away from Mar-a-Lago, Epstein remained on the membership rolls of Trumps Palm Beach club until October 2007, according to The Grifters Club, a 2020 book co-authored by reporter Sarah Blaskey. He was barred from the club after hitting on the teenage daughter of another member, the book said.

Asked Thursday by reporters at the White House if he knew why Epstein was taking women from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, No, I dont know really why. However, in 2019 comments to the Washington Post, former Trump aide Sam Nunberg described asking Trump about his ties to Epstein as Trump was gearing up for his 2016 presidential campaign. Nunberg said Trump told him he had objected to Epstein recruiting a young woman who worked at Mar-a-Lago to give Epstein massages.
The following report was delivered at the July 27 public hearing on the investigation being conducted by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees into the death of Stellantis worker Ronald Adams Sr. The 63-year-old skilled tradesman was crushed to death by an overhead gantry at the Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan on April 7 under circumstances which have still not been explained by the company, the United Auto Workers or the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

Jerry White, the labor editor of the World Socialist Web Site, presented the initial findings of the IWA-RFC investigation. To become involved in the inquiry or to report information on workplace deaths and injuries, submit the form at the bottom of this page.

This report will present the initial results of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr. It is based on interviews with dozens of workers, including skilled trades, production and contract workers at the Dundee plant, the Adams family, autoworkers from other factories, safety experts, and other witnesses over nearly four months. These are only initial results, however, and the investigation is far from over.

The IWA-RFC launched this investigation after it became clear that Stellantis, the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Michigans Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) were stonewalling the truth. The company issued a perfunctory condolence statement the day of Adams death, saying it was working with local authorities, and has since remained silent. The corporate media covered the death only initiallywithout mentioning any safety violationsand has not followed up.

MIOSHA opened an investigation on April 7 but admitted last week that it is still ongoing. The UAW, meanwhile, has functioned not as an advocate for workers safety, but as a co-conspirator in covering up the circumstances of this preventable death.

How Ronald Adams died

We gathered information from the death certificate, the autopsy report and initial public statements to piece together an answer to the question, how did Ronald Adams Sr. die? With the factory now resuming full production, workers have reached out to the World Socialist Web Site to provide additional information, including sending us photographs of the workstation where Ronald was killed.

According to public records, at around 1:15 a.m. on April 7, Ronald Adams was performing maintenance on an industrial washer in Department 7300. An overhead gantry, used to transfer engine heads into the washer, suddenly and without warning activated. The hoist plunged down with massive force, crushing Adams.

Autopsy report on Ronald Adams Sr.

The autopsy report said Adams was found unresponsive by a co-worker pinned to a conveyor belt underneath a gantry arm. First responders documented no signs of life. He was transported to Trinity Hospital Ann Arbor, where he was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The autopsy, released after a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request, detailed catastrophic injuries: 18 of 24 ribs broken, a crushed sternum, spinal fractures, and 20 percent of his blood capacity found in his lungs.

We provided the autopsy report to a trained surgeon who told the WSWS:

These injuries are comparable to the trauma from an airplane crash or combat explosion.

No worker simply earning a living should die as if he were in a combat zone. But as Will Lehman explained, Adams and so many others like him are in fact martyrs in a class wara war against the working class that claims the lives of at least 15 workers every day in the US.

The washer and gantry system

The two orange grippers you can see through the door are attached to the gantry. The gantry moves vertically to pick up an engine head from the conveyor and then carries it over to the washer where it is chemically bathed.

Workstation where Ronald Adams was killed. Orange gripper arms seen through the door are attached to the gantry that crushed him.

The washer and gantry system are both manufactured and serviced by Fives Cinetic, a Farmington, Michigan-based global engineering firm. A Fives Cinetic programmer who worked with Adams during retooling said Adams was involved from the beginning of the retooling operation. He was supporting us from the Stellantis side to program that machine. So, he knew that machine from the beginning.

He explained that gantries are programmed for speed, accuracy, and repeatability. In normal operation, they only activate when safety conditions are met. But he speculated that during maintenance, the gantry may have received a signal that the washer was ready. That is, there were no parts in the washer so therefore the gantry would have to retrieve another part and put it into the washer.

Maybe the gantry got the signal, the programmer said, that the machine was ready for the part load and the gantry came [down].

These programmers, who have such information, including how the machine was programed, whether there were faults, whether this particular gantry had malfunctioned before, were never interviewed by Stellantis, by the UAW or by MIOSHA.

As he said, No one called us. We could have checked the machine mode or fault history, but now that may be lost.

This programmer explained that the control boards do not have a lot of memory and that once they are shut down and restarted, they erase the data. A modern factory has IT systems that record the motion of every machine, however. They can look at an engine serial number and go back and detect whether there were any faults in the production process. But none of this information has been made public and it needs to be made public.

This programmer, with 15 years in the industry, said, Stellantis follows safety rules less than GM or Ford. Before Adams death, he said, you could go in a machine any time, without lockout. After the incident, if you want to go inside a machine, there has to be a maintenance guy who records what time we lock out a machine and who was inside. Another guy will be outside the machine to turn off the panel or press the E-Stop (Emergency Stop) button.

There was no such spotter, as far as we know, when Ronald was in the factory cell.

Software changes and mislabeled machines

Other Dundee workers raised additional possibilities. Several reported that another contractor, PARI, altered the software logic of the gantry system without informing workers.

Operators thought the gantry would be off during dry runslike it always wasbut it wasnt, the worker said. Nobody knew theyd added a new layer of programming.

Workers also reported that placardssigns posted next to the machines that indicate where the lockout points arewere never updated after the gantry was relocated from the south side of the plant to the north side.

Steve, a veteran worker, explained:

If the placards were wrong, a worker could believe a machine was locked out when it wasnt. Thats one of the major possibilities.

No lockout/tagout protection

What about the lockout/tagout system? In a properly operating factory, no worker should get anywhere near a machine unless it is powered off and not operableand this was confirmed by management. What was the situation in Dundee?

Multiple workers testified that management, with the UAWs blessing, distributed cheater keys that bypass lockout/tagout protections.

A cheater key makes the machine think the safety gate is closed, said veteran worker Nick. This plant constantly breaks its own safety policies to push parts. Management tells us to take shortcuts and do the paperwork after.

After Adams death, management ordered workers to return the cheater keys.

They threatened to fire people. They put popcorn tins around the plant to collect the keys. One tin was half full. Everyone had themteam leads, maintenance, even team members, Nick reported.

These are photos of the emails sent out by the HR department at Dundee and the plant manager that ordered the keys to be turned in. The fact that they did this confirms that they knew they were guilty as sin in violating basic lockout protections for workers.

April 10 email sent by Dundee Human Resources Manager Ashley Meadows

April 14, 2025 email sent by Dundee Engine Plant Manager LaMarcus Keels

Commenting on this situation, a former OSHA compliance officer told the WSWS:

It sounds like Dundee had virtually no functioning lockout/tagout system. Thats a willful violation, and if enough cheater keys were in circulation, it edges toward criminal negligence.

Pattern of unsafe conditions

Ronald Adams was not the first fatality at Stellantis. Just seven months earlier, on August 21, 2024, 53-year-old Antonio Gaston was crushed to death at the Toledo Jeep plant, 23 miles away. And on July 5, 2025, 58-year-old Sterling Stamping worker Thomas Cornman died following a hi-lo accident. Thats three Stellantis deaths that we heard of in under a year.

A former Dundee worker told WSWS:

When I heard Ron was crushed, I immediately thoughtthis is what happens at launch time when theyre behind schedule. Ron would not have done anything unsafe. Skilled trades workers always lock out. But during launch, management says, We have to bypass this. Its about money. Thats the only way this could happen.

Instead of investigating systemic failures, the company, UAW, and media launched a coordinated coverup. After Adams death, management brought the next shift of workers into the auditorium.

They locked the doorswhich is a fire hazardand told us not to say anything, Nick said. They wanted everything to go back to normal. No real safety message. Just keep quiet.

Workers who tried to speak out or contact Adams family were threatened.

One worker received an anonymous call: Shut your mouth. Do you still live at [his home address]?

UAW Local 723 officials issued vague statements on Facebook. Almost two weeks after Ronnies death, the UAW International briefly acknowledged Adams death at the bottom of a Workers Memorial Day post. But on April 28, the very day Adams was buried, the UAW and Stellantis posted a video praising their joint efforts for a safe workplace. In an insult to Ronald and his co-workers, one company executive blamed accidents on unsafe acts by supposedly careless workersnot the relentless drive to cut costs and boost profits. They did not even bother to mention Adams name.

Later, UAW-Stellantis VP Kevin Gotinsky issued a public letter calling for production to restartwithout referencing Adams death. With UAW approval, the plant is now operating on three full shifts, producing engines marked with the blood of Ronald Adams.

The UAWs role in enforcing management dictates

The UAWs joint safety committee at Dundee has long served management. Its reps, such as former Shop Chairman Tom Zimmermanvoted out by members for being a management stoogeare handpicked and rewarded for downplaying hazards. Zimmerman was the UAW safety rep when Ronald was killed. These committees were also a central part of the UAWs corruption scandal, funneling company money into training centers for UAW bureaucrats.

When the IWA-RFC launched this investigation in May, we warned:

If this crime is buried, more lives will be sacrificed. Especially as UAW President Shawn Fain supports Trumps economic nationalism and reshoring under sweatshop conditions.

Build rank-and-file committees

The only path forward is independent action by workers themselves. The IWA-RFC calls on Dundee workersand autoworkers everywhereto join the investigation, come forth with more information and demand answers:

Was the gantry's lockout system overridden?

Were changes made to software or controls without informing workers?

Were machines mislabeled after being moved?

Did manpower shortages, cost-cutting and the rush to resume production play a role in the death of Ronald Adams?

Why werent contractors interviewed by MIOSHA or the UAW?

The IWA-RFC urges workers to take control of safety and production speedabolish joint safety committees, expose the unsafe practices, and protect their own lives.

Ronald Adams was a husband, father, grandfatherand a respected tradesman who should have returned home that night. To honor his life and protect others, workers must form their own rank-and-file safety committees and end the deadly dictatorship of production for profit.
There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.  Former Israeli Defense Minister and wanted war criminal Yoav Gallant, October 9, 2023

On Friday, US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, visited Gaza on behalf of President Donald Trump.

This handout photo from US Embassy Jerusalem shows White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, center, visiting a killing field run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in the Gaza Strip Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/David Azaguri]

In social media posts prior to and immediately after the trip, Witkoff and Huckabee said the purpose was to uncover the truth (Huckabee) and gain a clear understanding (Witkoff) concerning mass starvation in Gaza. In reality, the purpose of the trip is to whitewash and obscure the deliberate, state-engineered program of mass starvation undertaken by Israel with the full support of the US government and its imperialist allies.

The Trump administration officials were photographed wearing body armor. Witkoff wore a black Make America Great Again hat while meeting with Israeli officials and private contractors.

Since the outset of Israels ethnic cleansing campaign nearly 22 months ago, the Israeli government has severely limited food, electricity, medicine and other basic necessities into the besieged and largely destroyed enclave. This starvation campaign was intensified following the imposition of an Israeli blockade on March 2, which prevented entry of virtually all food, fuel, medicine or other humanitarian supplies, including baby formula.

The results of this starvation campaign have been predictably horrifying. Millions of people around the world have seen images and videos of emaciated bodies of humans, mothers and babies. On Friday, the Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that three more people, including two children, had died of hunger and malnutrition in the previous 24 hours.

This past Tuesday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system issued an urgent alert warning that virtually the entire population of Gaza, 2.1 million people, faced high-levels of food insecurity. This includes half a million people in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5), which is characterized by an extreme lack of food, starvation, destitution and death.

In order to provide cover for the famine operation, which is provoking widespread outrage among millions of people, including many workers who voted for Trump falsely believing his lying claims that he was a peace president intent on ending war, on Thursday and Friday, Trump envoy Witkoff and ambassador Huckabee visited a distribution site where they took photos and met with Israeli officials.

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, center, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, center left, visiting a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in the Gaza Strip, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. [AP Photo/David Azaguri]

In comments to Fox News Friday, Huckabee, a far-right Christian Zionist, presented the-US backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) which began distributing limited food at four distribution sites in Gaza beginning in May, as the pinnacle of success.

Look, heres what we saw, Huckabee said. The GHF food program is working, its working very well. In fact, today we passed over 100 millions meals having been served in two months.

While there are many reasons to doubt this figure, even if true, 100 million meals for 2.1 million people spread over 60 days is approximately .79 meals per person, per day, that is, less than one meal a day for every adult and child in Gaza. In other words, Huckabee is explicitly endorsing and praising a program that provides food in such small quantities that it is nowhere near enough to sustain life, let alone improve health under conditions of siege and forced displacement.

Huckabees boastful admission is proof that the purpose of the visit by US officials was not to uncover the truth, but to provide political cover for the Trump administration, the Israeli government and the GHF, all of whom are implicated in crimes against humanity.

In social media posts and interviews, Huckabee claimed that Hamas is responsible for the famine, stealing as much as 80 percent of the food, a lie debunked by the Israeli military, hardly neutral arbiters, last week.

The GHF employs contractors, including many ex-US military, to oversee distribution sites alongside the Israeli military. Prior to being effectively banned from Gaza by Israel, UNRWA had operated 400 distribution sites in Gaza and provided food and aid for roughly 75 years. The GHF operates four sites, all of which are located within zones where the Israeli military is carrying out active combat operations.

According to the United Nations, since the GHF began operations in May of this year, at least 1,373 people seeking aid have been killed, with the majority of those, 859, killed near GHF-run sites. Another 514 people have been killed along food convoy routes, according to the agency.

The criminal character of the bureaucratized forced starvation operation has prompted one former GHF contractor to speak out. In multiple interviews with US and international media over the last week, Anthony Aguilar, a former US Army Green Beret, has explicitly and powerfully condemned the starvation operation.

In an interview on the internet news show Breaking Points this week, Aguilar said, Are we complicit and engaged in war crimes? Yes.

Aguilar was one of the first US contractors on the ground in Gaza with the GHF. He confirmed that he, and other armed contractors, are being sent into the war zone on tourist visas.

He said the four distribution sites are all located in areas where Israel is conducting active combat operations under Operation Gideons Chariots. The sites are located miles away from many people, forcing the starving and sick to walk in the blazing sun for hours just to get a chance at some aid. Because water is too heavy and expensive, Aguilar said, it was not distributed at the sites.

The sites are not created to provide humanitarian aid, but to provide clear lines of fire for the Israeli military and private contractors. Aguilar confirmed that contractors and the IDF facilitate movement of crowds with stun grenades, tear gas and live fire instead of posting signage or using loud speakers.



It is the most brutal, unproportional use of force that I have seen in my entire military career, and I deployed a lot, he said.



Aguilar recounted the murder of Amir, a young child who walked about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) to reach the aid site. Upon collecting his meager ration, which Aguilar described as scraps, the young boy thanked the mercenaries in English and even kissed Aguilars hand in appreciation.

Aguilar said that as the boy left the distribution site other contractors started tear-gassing the crowd, followed by the IDF firing live rounds into it. Holding back tears, Aguilar recounted finding the boys body among the dead later that same day.

He said in a separate episode he was reprimanded by a US contractor for objecting to an Israeli commander ordering three children sitting on a berm waiting for the site to open to be shot.



Aguilar said that during his time in Gaza he never witnessed Hamas stealing aid, or any Palestinians armed at the distribution sites. He noted that he never fired his gun or used a stun grenade because he did not need to.



Asked if he would agree with characterizations that the Israeli campaign is a war of annihilation, Aguilar said, Yes, it is a war of annihilation. Annihilation of the people, annihilation of the infrastructure, annihilation of the land, annihilation of every living thing. Without a doubt.
In an act of political censorship, Postbank, which is owned by Deutsche Bank, terminated the accounts of Mehring Verlag and its managing director Wolfgang Zimmermann over a month ago. As Mehring Verlag, the German-language publishing house of the World Socialist Web Site, states, the closure is aimed at sabotaging its work and obstructing the distribution of its books.

Workers, academics and many other readers have expressed outrage at the censorship in protest emails and statements, declaring their solidarity with the publishing house.

The bank has provided no reason for this arbitrary harassment and, despite the protest, remains silent. In a reply to the Mehring Verlag, it wrote: You are dissatisfied and cannot understand why we issued the termination. Now you are requesting an explanation from us. The explanation in the letter consists of refusing to provide one, citing the terms and conditions: We are not obliged to provide a justification for our decision. We ask for your understanding.

This brazen and undemocratic action by Deutsche Bank, targeting left-wing opponents of war, underscores the urgent need to build a socialist movement to abolish the entire criminal and parasitic system of finance capitalism. As reader Doug N. wrote in a protest email to the bank: You provide yet another argument for the nationalisation of the banks.

The World Socialist Web Site and Mehring Verlag are calling for a political counteroffensive in response to the attack by Deutsche Bank: to make Mehring books widely known and to provide financial support to the publishing house. Visit the campaign page for more information.

Below we publish some of the many statements of solidarity and protest emails sent by our readers.

* * *

Historian Prof. Dr. Mario Keler, who taught at the University of Potsdam until 2021 and researches the history of the workers movement and antisemitism, stated in an email to Deutsche Bank: I hereby join thehopefully numerousprotests against the termination of Mehring Verlags bank account by your institution.

He continued: The mere fact that Mehring Verlag preserves the legacy of many persecuted under Stalins regime in the Soviet Union (starting, but not ending, with Trotsky) should prompt you to reconsider your decision.

The historian and writer Dr. Alexander Bahar, who has published works on the background to the 1933 Reichstag fire, likewise called for the termination to be rescinded:

Mehring Verlag is the most important publisher of the writings of the Russian Marxist and revolutionary Leon Trotsky in Germany. It has not only published Trotskys fundamental work on the history of the Russian Revolution, but also his brilliant analysis of the crimes of Stalinism and his still relevant writings on the rise of National Socialism [Nazism] in Germany. Other major works by Trotsky and leading Marxists of the twentieth century, as well as many books on current political issues, have also been published by Mehring Verlag. In this way, the publishing house performs important political educational work.

He stressed that banks are increasingly closing the accounts of journalists and media outlets that express criticism of the government without giving reasons, and referred to the criticism by the authors association PEN International:

This body expressed deep concern about any measures that undermine press freedom, including the closure of bank accounts of independent media companies and freelance journalists. It considers the arbitrary closure of bank accounts of media companies and journalists as a form of indirect censorship and a serious encroachment on press freedom. By restricting access to essential financial services, independent voices are silenced and public access to diverse perspectives and the right to informed discourse are stifled.

Max, a nurse from Nuremberg who has joined the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP, Socialist Equality Party) and is active in the rank-and-file Action Committee Health/Care for better working conditions in healthcare, stated:

We must not allow this important vehicle of revolutionary theory and history to be silenced. Mehring Verlag makes revolutionary literature and up-to-date analysis accessible to workers, students and all those who wish to actively oppose capitalism and imperialism. For that reason, solidarity with the publishing house is a duty for all of us.

Marc L. from Canada asked: Is the bank also closing the accounts of fascists and war profiteers? I doubt it. But it closes the accounts of people who take a principled and justified stance against war and exploitation. One might think banks are not political institutionsbut you have just proven that they are.

Jacob Z. explained that democracy lives from an open discourse of different opinions and viewpoints, most of which, of course, do not have to be ones own. Silencing a critical voice is a blow to the fundamental idea of democracy.

Similarly, reader Daniel S. criticised the account closure as contradicting not only the principles of a free and democratic society, but also the principles of economic neutrality.

In her protest email, Katharina S., a nursery teacher from Berlin, emphasised the importance of access to Mehring Verlags literature for the general public: I and everyone else in our society have the right to remain informed about political and historical events independently of state censorship.

Paul M. from the United Kingdom wrote: There seems to be no other reason for this action than authoritarian pressure from the far right, driven by fear of the growing movement of resistance and opposition to a system responsible for endless inequality and wars across the globe, including the escalating conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. As a European citizen who believes in free expressionand more importantly in the right to access historical and theoretical books from trusted and respected publishers such as Mehring VerlagI urge you to reverse this unfair decision without delay.

Robert L. from the United States drew attention to ominous parallels with the Nazi era: In my youth I wanted to believe that Germanys Nazi past was a nightmare that a new generation was determined to erase. Today it is quite obvious that there are still those who look back on that past with nostalgia and are resorting to the most brazen, unscrupulous methods to deceive the broad, peace-loving public and to harass a publisher of books and ideas.

Hanne L., a worker from Berlin, recounted her own experience after the fall of the former East Germany (GDR). She witnessed that money is the most effective means of pressure to intimidate political opponents, force them to capitulate or eliminate competitors. That must not be tolerated.

Andy Niklaus, a bus driver and executive committee member of the SGP, warned of a dangerous precedent for restricting critical and independent publishing in Germany and underlined the importance of Mehring Verlag: It is the most important publishing house in the German-speaking world that publishes the writings of the Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky, who led the Left Oppositions struggle against Stalinism.

Petra K. protested in the strongest possible terms against the account closure: Deutsche Bank is thereby making itself a willing tool of political censorship in this country! The aim is to cut off socialist and broadly left-wing criticism of social injustice, militarisation, war, capitalism and social devastation from financial support. [...] Mehring Verlag is a respected, serious and critical publisher whose existence you seek to destroy. But you will not succeed!

Several readers referred to specific books published by Mehring Verlag that had influenced them and which they recommend for reading:

According to Francoise T., Mehrings books help expose the constant lies, defend historical and political truth, and raise the cultural and intellectual level, which has been degraded by the abysmal state of todays society.

Harald B., a historian from Duisburg and regular reader of the WSWS, wrote in his message of solidarity:

Mehring Verlag is for me a unique source of social science literature dealing from a Marxist perspective with the international revolutionary workers movement. The arbitrary closure of its account by Deutsche Bank can only be regarded as censorship. This bank of the ruling class, which in the Nazi era financed the barbarism of dictatorship and war, is today once again an instrument to try to break the growing mass movement against genocide in Palestine and a renewed imperialist war of plunder. But I am convinced it is in vain! Publications by revolutionary socialists from more than a hundred years are stirring the consciousness of the masses, the publishing house is being supported and will continue its work.

He had always visited Mehring Verlags bookstall at events of the Trotskyist movement and especially recommended the book The Logic of Zionism by David North. The collected speeches on the history of Israel and Palestine demonstrate the necessity of uniting the international working class:

Workers of the world, unite! was never a populist slogan of Marxism, even in the early European revolutions, but was based on a fundamental socio-political and historical analysis of international class struggles. Workersespecially in the era of globalisationhave a common task: to overthrow the murderous bourgeois rule not only in the Middle East but throughout the entire planet; to overcome Zionism andnecessarilyevery concept of the nation-state. It is the mystical nation-state, not socialism, that has become utopian!

Jakob S. criticised the account closure as a dangerous infringement on freedom of opinion and publication and emphasised: Through the books of David North, especially The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century, I have gained a deep understanding of Russian and European history. These books have greatly expanded and completed my background knowledgeespecially in areas neglected or excluded from school education. They uncover historical connections essential to understanding our world today and offer a perspective for liberating human society from its perpetual crises and wars.

Kevin, an IT worker in Bavaria, sent the following statement:

Mehring Verlag is absolutely indispensable to me. It publishes the crucial books that helped me see the world as it truly isnot as it is distorted daily by politicians, the media, and so-called left parties.

David Norths The Logic of Zionism opened my eyes to the fact that the massacres in Gaza are not a conflict but the outcome of a deeply reactionary, nationalist project closely bound to Western imperialism. His book A Quarter Century of War: The US Drive for Global Hegemony 1990  2016 made clear how the United States has carved a trail of devastation from Iraq to Ukraine since the fall of the USSRnot through mistakes, but because it is the logic of imperialism. And Trotskys History of the Russian Revolution was perhaps the most impressive book I have ever read. It shows how masses of workers and the oppressed, once conscious, can transform society.

A decisive step away from petty-bourgeois, pseudo-left thinking and towards a Marxist understanding came for me with Norths The Frankfurt School, Postmodernism and the Politics of the Pseudo-Left. This book opened my eyes to the hypocrisy of the Greens and other supposedly progressive forces who only defend capitalism in new packaging. This critique was philosophically and politically important to me, as it helped me finally dispel all the illusions one tends to adopt when identifying as left-wing.

That is why I condemn in the strongest terms the attack by Deutsche Bank and Postbank on Mehring Verlag. It shows how afraid the ruling elite is that workers and young people will read the truth about their decaying system. I hope that many more people will take these books in hand. They are more than just textsthey are weapons in the fight for a socialist future.

Kim, a mechanic in Norway, wrote: Not every political group that calls itself left or socialist really fights for a revolution towards an international workers state. The book The Heritage We Defend by David North, published by Mehring, enlightened me about the history of the workers movement and the struggle of the Fourth International to uphold the true programme of socialism against all distortions.

Moritz, an IT worker, wrote: Mehring Verlag offers many worthwhile books on the history of the workers movement. Many of the backgrounds to historical events important to the working class would have remained unknown to me had these books not been published. For him, Christoph Vandreiers Why Are They Back? was especially important, as it sheds light on the rightward shift of the ruling class and its representatives in the state.

Because of the legacy of Stalinism, the term socialism is still equated today with the oppression of the working class in the GDR, and this hinders the development of an international socialist perspective. I therefore also recommend the book The GDRForty Years of Stalinism by Wolfgang Weber, which clarifies the nature of the GDR and the background to the oppression of the working class there.

From the perspective of Tom Schrodl, a tram driver and SGP member in Munich, Mehring Verlag is the only publishing house that truly represents the continuity of Marxism, by publishing the history and writings of the International Committee of the Fourth International, volumes by Trotsky and other key leaders of the international workers movement, as well as texts on Stalinism and its betrayal of the working class.

He recommended the book In Defence of Marxism by Leon Trotsky, which deals with an important debate within the Socialist Workers Party in the United States following the Hitler-Stalin Pact. In this book, Trotsky explains what materialist dialectics is and why the Soviet Union remained a degenerated workers state whose achievementssuch as the nationalisation of the means of production following the October Revolutionmust be defended. It is the task of the working class to overthrow the Stalinist bureaucracy through a political revolution.

Isabel R., also an SGP member, wrote: The population has the right to acquire and read the works of Leon Trotsky and the Marxist movement. Mehring Verlag is known and respected for its high-quality new editions and contemporary political and cultural publications. This attack is intended to block the spread of socialist ideas and the study of the history of the workers movement, which so many are now intensely interested in.

The German people, young and old, have not forgotten the crimes of the Nazis against the Jews, other ethnic minorities, the oppressed and dissidents, especially socialists. The wealth of Deutsche Bank was built on these crimes. And the German government, which already supports the genocide in Gaza and defends the attack on Iran, is now tripling the military budget to wage new imperialist wars.

I am convinced that in the country of Karl Marxs birth, such anti-socialist, arbitrary censorship will provoke a strong response.

She calls not only for the restoration of the accounts but also for a full explanation of the background to this measure. Who gave the order to close the accounts? Was the intelligence service or another authority involved? I will inform those around me of this attack, because it is ultimately directed against all who oppose social inequality and war. Anyone who shares this view should do the same and support Mehring Verlag in every possible way.
A man surveys debris and flood damage along the Guadalupe River, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. [AP Photo/Eric Gay]

A joint legislative hearing was held Thursday in the town of Kerrville, Texas to review the response to the July 4 flooding on the banks of the Guadalupe River leading to the deaths of at least 135 people and the displacement of thousands more from their homes.

The hearing was conducted by the joint Texas House and Senate committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. It heard testimony from a group of invited officials involved in the disaster response as well as community members directly affected by the flooding.

Noticeably absent from the hearings Thursday and a previous such event held July 23 were Texas governor Greg Abbott and officials from either the Trump administration or the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), who bear the lions share of blame for the disaster. The highest figure present at both events was Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, center, speaks during a Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding public hearing in Kerrville, Texas, Thursday, July 31, 2025. [AP Photo/Eric Gay]

Both Abbott and Trump have diverted billions of dollars from natural disaster response and prevention in order to provide tax breaks and subsidies to the ultra-wealthy along with massively boosting the repressive apparatus of the state to attack working class immigrants, using the pretext of a non-existent border invasion.

The state of Texas under Abbott has spent $11 billion over the past five years on the anti-immigrant Operation Lone Star, while state funding of $500 million for an emergency alert system was shelved and a similar initiative costing less than $1 million in Kerr County was rejected by local officials. This is on top of massive cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS) by Trump and by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. The resultant under-staffing contributed to the loss of life in Texas, including 27 campers and counselors at the Camp Mystic all-girls summer camp.

The Trump administration has made no mention of the flood over the past several weeks, while the mainstream media has either dropped the issue or provided the most minimal coverage of the disaster. Official aid organizations have long since left the devastated area, leaving residents to recover entirely on their own.

Four days after the initial disaster, Governor Abbott referred to those seeking accountability as using the word choice of losers. A similar tone was set at Thursdays hearing by committee chair Senator Charles Perry, admonishing the audience of flood victims that the hearing was not a place where youre going to throw rocks at each other or accuse each other. The audience was also warned that outbursts or vocal displays of support or opposition from the audience were prohibited, along with the presence of signs, placards and other objects of a similar nature.

In spite of the highly choreographed nature of the affaircommunity members questions were vetted before they were allowed to speak and they were given only three minutes eachmany highly damning issues emerged in the proceedings.

It quickly became apparent, for example, that emergency response officials took no meaningful action for at least three hours after becoming aware that they were facing a significant flooding event. While the first reports of flooding at the Camp Mystic cabins occurred around 2:10 am on the morning of July 4 and the first 911 emergency call was received at 2:53 am, a code red warning was not issued until after 5 am that morning.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly testified that his office, which helps to coordinate emergency response, received no alerts indicating a major weather event the previous day. It [the flood] was not forecast by the National Weather Service, Kelly claimed. It was not expected by our emergency response team.

Sheriff Larry Leitha, also a member of the emergency response team, noted in a particularly harrowing testimony that sheriffs deputies had heard children screaming on the Guadalupe River around two hours prior to the code red warning being issued. He went on to claim that no alert system would have prevented the tragic loss of life that was upriver.

However, the Texas Emergency Management Coordination Center met twice on July 3 precisely because severe rainfall and attendant flooding was expected over the weekend. But the very institutions cited by Kelly and Leitha as providing the critical forecasts, alerts and extreme weather modeling on which they depend for emergency coordination and response, the National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Geological Survey (USGS), have all undergone massive cuts by the Trump administration.

These include 600 employee cuts from the NWS alone, and 1,029 overall from the NOAA (the NWS is a subsidiary of the NOAA), on top of the firing of 880 probationary and recently hired workers during the opening months of Trumps second term. Furthermore, the Trump administration is proposing a 25 percent cut to the NOAAs budget, including the elimination of its research division and major reductions to other key offices such as the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Such actions are similar to those of the Trump administration and the Biden administration before it in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. As deaths continued to rise and public health measures were found to be woefully inadequate, the ruling class responded by ending public health measures altogether while cutting off any and all communicable disease monitoring activities. Similarly, as the effects of man-made climate change make themselves felt in catastrophic natural disasters such as the central Texas flood, the resources and personnel needed to analyze and prepare for such events are being done away with.

All of this was ignored by the assembled state officials, who instead sought to scapegoat low-level officials for the disaster.

William T. Thomas IV, the emergency management coordinator for Kerr County, admitted Thursday morning that he was ill and asleep during the early morning hours of July 4 and was thus unavailable for the initial emergency response activities, prompting gasps from the assembled lawmakers.

Judge Kelly received criticism as well as from Lieutenant Governor Patrick for his lackadaisical response. Judge Kelly, I never saw you on day one, he said. I came here from Austin, in this room, I talked to the sheriff multiple times, I talked to the mayor multiple times, we had a meeting when we got here.

Patrick, however, did not explain why the governor himself took more than 3 days to visit the impacted flood areas or why the latter hasnt attended the two flood hearings while he is prioritizing state gerrymandering efforts at the behest of the Trump administration. Also not mentioned was the non-existent response of the Trump administration and the failure of his Department of Homeland Security secretary, the fascist Kristi Noem, to mobilize FEMA resources until three days after the flood started.

Also under fire was the Guadalupe River Authority, which had failed to implement an early warning system of its own, with lawmakers suggesting it could be folded into a larger, neighboring water authority, possibly putting at risk its existing flood detection services.

While contributions by the actual flood victims were limited by time, the attendees expressed little interest in this small change of bureaucratic scapegoating. One speaker who lost her home and had friends and neighbors who lost their lives repeatedly cried out, No one came! She said residents were forced to search for dead bodies and possible survivors on their own in the first days of the flood.

Attendees listen to testimony during a Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding public hearing in Kerrville, Texas, Thursday, July 31, 2025. [AP Photo/Eric Gay]

Another speaker noted that there has been little to no effort to carry out hazardous clean-up in the river and surrounding water bodies, in which hundreds of cars were washed away and which continue to leak gasoline and oil almost a month later. Another stated, Weve identified 136 victims, but these are often identified based on found body parts only. A finger or leg is identified based on prints or DNA, but the rest of the body parts are still somewhere else.

Others said they found dead body parts or entire dead bodies on their properties and waited days for officials to remove them while the cadavers rotted in the sun.

Flood victim Mike Richards, 67, told the assembled officials that nearly a month later the flood area still looks like a bomb went off.

Not a damned penny came through this gate from my taxpaying dollars, he added. He continued, As far as the state goes, let me tell you about the state. I think the state involvement, as far as Im concerned, is pathetic... There are so many different things that are wrong. For instance, FEMA sucks.

A local meteorologist who testified spoke directly of Trumps cuts to NWS personnel as a major contributing factor. After that statement, the panel immediately cut him off and told him his time was up.

In the course of the discussion, various measures were proposed to prevent future devastation, including the cleaning out of culverts, more cell phone towers in rural areas so that residents were more likely to receive alerts, the supplementation of cell phone alerts with traditional siren warnings, more river gauges, levee repairs, better coordination between emergency personnel, bridges over low lying roads and highways, etc.

However, none of these will be implemented under conditions where the ruling class is committed to war, repression and the preservation of the extreme wealth of the super-rich. Any measures that are taken will be of the most meager and inadequate character. The task of saving lives and providing the infrastructure needed to address the extreme dangers of climate change falls to the working class.
Demonstration in Brasilia against Trump's tariffs [Photo: Jose Cruz/Agencia Brasil]

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing devastating 50 percent tariffs against Brazil, which take effect next week.

Trumps order represents, in every sense, an unprecedented escalation of US imperialist aggression against Latin America.

Written as a declaration of war against an enemy country, the order declares a national emergency, classifying the Brazilian government as a threat to the security of the United States.

The document wastes no time trying to justify the tariffs as a means of ensuring supposed economic justice for the US, which enjoys a substantial trade surplus with Latin Americas largest economy. It crudely presents them as an instrument to subjugate the constitutionally established government to Washingtons dictates and intervene directly in Brazils internal politics.

The main political development used by Trump to justify this intervention is the ongoing trial of Brazils former President Jair Bolsonaro and his fascist military clique for the attempted coup detat that culminated in the January 8, 2023, insurrection in Brasilia.

In a grotesque inversion of the facts, Trumpwho works relentlessly to impose a presidential dictatorship in the United Statesaccuses the Brazilian government of politically persecuting a former President of Brazil, which is contributing to the deliberate breakdown in the rule of law in Brazil, to politically motivated intimidation in that country, and to human rights abuses.

The case against Bolsonaro and his co-conspirators is entering its final stages, with a ruling by the Supreme Court scheduled before the end of the year.

The trial has followed constitutional legal procedures and is based on ample evidence, which undeniably demonstrates that the former president and his allies systematically attempted to overthrow the Brazilian democratic regime, to prevent the inauguration of President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Workers Party - PT), and impose a presidential dictatorship backed by the military.

But, according to Trumpwhose fascist goals and methods applied in the January 6, 2021 coup attempt in Washington served as the key example for Bolsonarothe trial is a Witch Hunt that must stop immediately. Its continuation, his decree announces, is undermining the ability of Brazil to hold a free and fair election of the presidency in 2026. In other words, Washington will not recognize the next elected government.

Speaking like the Fuhrer he aspires to become, Trump concluded:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the scope and gravity of the recent policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Brazil constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat ... to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and hereby declare a national emergency with respect to that threat.

Explaining the rationale behind the tariff increase, he added: I am taking the action in this order only for the purpose of addressing the national emergency declared in this order and not for any other purpose. This argument sheds light on the logic behind not only the attack on Brazil, but the trade war Washington is unleashing against the whole world.

At the same time, the document announced a list of hundreds of products that will be exempt from the 40 percent tariff increase (which comes on top of a previous 10 percent increase at the beginning of the year). It includes critical goods such as civil aircraft, oil, and other strategic raw materials.

The exemptions, hailed as a retreat in the Brazilian media, only reinforce the arbitrary and openly interventionist character of the imperialist attack.

In addition to Brazilian institutions in general, Trumps order specifically targeted Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the judge presiding over the trial of Bolsonaro and his fellow coup conspirators. Moraes is, furthermore, directing Brazilian state initiatives to regulate communication on the internet and has taken legal decisions against companies such as Twitter and Rumble in the recent past.

Immediately after declaring its national emergency against Brazil, the US government announced drastic economic sanctions against Moraes, which include the freezing of his assets and bank accounts in the US and a ban on his entry into the country.

The sanctions on Moraes were based on the Magnitsky Act, which has been used in the past against countries such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Its application against a top-level authority of a country historically allied to the United States is completely unprecedented.

The war-like measures being taken against Brazil are reminiscent of the declaration of a national emergency against Venezuela by the Obama administration exactly 10 years ago, in March 2015.

On that occasion, the World Socialist Web Site wrote of Obamas imperialist measure:

The order, on its face, turned reality inside out. Far from Venezuela posing a threat to the US, successive US governments have repeatedly intervened in Venezuelas affairs. This latest action, with its assertion of a national emergency and threat to national security, suggests that more direct intervention is under contemplation, including by military means.

The WSWS assessment was entirely vindicated, with the following years marked by imperialisms unlawful and aggressive pursuit of regime change in Caracas. The same rationale underlies Trumps order against Brazil, which is even more sweeping and bellicose.

The adoption of such a stance in relation to Brazilthe largest country, economy and military power in Latin Americais a deeply reckless and inflammatory move by Washington. Whatever retreats, concessions or arrangements may follow, the relations of US imperialism to Latin America have reached a new irreversible historical stage.

The naked interventionism in Brazilian politics goes far beyond what the official media frames as the ideological agenda of Donald Trump. His ruthless policies manifest the crisis of US imperialism and the desperate drive to reverse the prolonged decline of its global position through the means of force.

The neocolonial order that Washington is attempting to impose in Latin America is deeply linked to its global imperialist objectives. The issues at stake were laid bare by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a conquerors visit to Panama in April:

The Obama administration took their eye off the ball and let China just sweep in all over South and Central America with their economic and cultural influencecutting deals with local governments for bad infrastructure, and surveillance, and indebtedness. President Trump said, Not anymorewere taking our backyard back. Thats why I was there for a conference of Central and South American countries as well. Were going to invest in ways that serve American interests in our backyard as we stop the sphere of Chinese influence.

Bolsonaro and his fascist allies, most prominently his son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, openly present themselves as tools for these imperialist aims, deeply rejected by the Brazilian and Latin American people. The PT government is handing Brazil over to China and supplying material for the construction of atomic bombs, Bolsonaro lied recently, adding: I have already passed this on to Trumps team. ... They are concerned ... that Brazil will consolidate itself as a new Venezuela.

The Brazilian Socialist Equality Group (GSI) unmistakably opposes Washingtons tariffs and criminal political intervention against Brazil and denounces it as an imperialist attack against a historically oppressed country. However, the Brazilian and Latin American working class cannot fight imperialism by sharing the same political camp of its own national bourgeoisie.

As the GSI recently declared in its statement denouncing the nationalist trap being set by the Lula administration, the unions and the pseudo-left against the workers and youth in Brazil:

Basing itself upon the revolutionary tradition of Trotskyism represented by the ICFI, the GSI calls on the Brazilian working class to respond to the rise of imperialism and war, the threat of fascism and mounting social inequality by fighting alongside its international class brothers and sisters for a global socialist revolution.
New Zealands far-right government is secretly preparing an overhaul of the Terrorism Suppression Act, under which people who publicly express support for terrorist groups could be charged with a criminal offence, according to a leaked document reported by Newsroom on July 22.

The Terrorism Suppression Act was legislated in 2002 by the then Labour government following the 9/11 terror attacks in the US. It was updated and broadened on three occasions, again by Labour supported by the Greens, beginning in 2019. The Act allows the government to formally designate people or groups as terrorist entities, freezing their assets, and makes it illegal to financially support, recruit for, or participate in a designated terrorist entity.

The National Party-NZ First-ACT coalition government is now seeking to further expand the law. According to Newsroom, consultations are being conducted behind closed doors involving an unnamed, handpicked selection of groups and experts. The NZ Council for Civil Liberties (NZCCL), which obtained the document, expressed alarm at both the secretive nature of the discussions and the proposed changes.

NZCCL chairperson Thomas Beagle drew parallels with the British government designating Palestine Action as a terrorist group for its peaceful activities protesting the United Kingdoms support of Israels genocide in Gaza. Laws that enable governments to outlaw organisations and any show of support for them are amongst the most dangerous tools the public in any democracy can give to ministers, Beagle warned.

Palestine Action was proscribed by the Starmer Labour government on July 5, making membership of or support for the group a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Police have already arrested more than 300 protesters, many elderly, some for simply holding signs reading, I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.

A section of the "Stop the Genocide" march in Wellington on January 28, 2024

Beagle said the changes proposed by the New Zealand government could be similarly used to shut down organisations it did not like. People will be criminalised not just for being members of an organisation but for expressing support for the issue it was focused on. These are highly dangerous attacks on freedom of expression and freedom of association, he said.

Speaking to independent journalist Mick Hall, Beagle added that the NZCCL was horrified that they [the UK] have sunk so far and so quickly. The NZ proposals, he noted, accompany a decision by the Independent Police Conduct Authority seeking to give police the power to unilaterally ban protests in the event of a high chance of public disorder and threats to public safety.

The proposed changes are being discussed as New Zealands allies in the Five Eyes spy network (US, Australia, the UK, and Canada) and the NATO-aligned IP4 grouping, which includes Australia, Japan and South Korea, all ramp up their internal security networks.

The fear in ruling circles is that the US/NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, the US-backed Israeli genocide in the Middle East and advanced US-led preparations for war against China will inevitably generate immense opposition.

In Australia the Albanese Labor government recently introduced legislation, without any prior notice, to make permanent and expand the compulsory questioning powers of the domestic political spy agency, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). The police-state powers 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.

In New Zealand, Labours 2019 amendment to the Terrorism Suppression Act established draconian control orders for people trying to re-enter the country after allegedly supporting extremist groups overseas. It gave authorities sweeping powers to designate any individual as a potential terrorist and impose severe restrictions on their rights and movements, based on unproven allegations.

The new consultation document declares that existing offences under the Act dont capture the full range of behaviours or activities of concern that are part of the contemporary threat from terrorism. It proposes targeted amendments, including the creation of new offences to cover activity such as public expressions of support for a terrorist act or designated entities, for example by showing insignia or distributing propaganda or instructional material. It also calls for modernising definitions for terms like material support to cover online forms of support.

The document urges a streamlined designation process, claiming the current system is slow and the designation period too short. It questions whether requiring the prime minister to review decisions twice is cumbersome, and whether it remains appropriate for the attorney-general to be consulted on some decisions. It seeks to improve the timeliness of the process, by considering changes to who the decision-maker is and to extend the renewal period for designations to five years from three at present.

There is also a proposal to develop mechanisms to identify online terrorist content and sanction websites if they are deemed to be terrorist-operated.

This reflects demands by former Labour Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who responded to the 2019 fascist terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch that killed 51 people by calling for greater internet censorship. To coordinate censorship globally, Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron established the Christchurch Call to Action, an initiative supported by 55 governmentsincluding the US, Germany, Britain and others which routinely denounce socialist and anti-war activism as extremismand 19 tech and social media companies, including Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft and X (Twitter).

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Newsroom the new changes follow the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch attack, which called for a review of the legislation to ensure it was current and allowed agencies to operate effectively. In fact, the Commissions report whitewashed the role of the spy agencies which had failed to detect the far-right terrorist Brenton Tarrants activities. It recommended enhanced capacity and capability and a less restrictive legislative framework for the intelligence services, strengthening their ability to spy on the population.

New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith [Photo: New Zealand National Party]

More money and power have since been given to these agencies to broaden their surveillance of ordinary people. The Security Intelligence Service (SIS), in its first unclassified Security Threat Assessment in 2023, expressed nervousness about the emergence of popular opposition to the established order, noting attempts to drive social changes are becoming  commonplace.

The SIS highlighted growing distrust for institutions, fueled by perceptions that people are being deliberately lied to and misled; that those with power dont have New Zealands best interests at heart; and that politicians are incapable of solving the problems facing the country. Social and economic inequalities, the report declared, are among the many factors that we expect to contribute to the radicalisation of violent extremists in New Zealand.

The sinister practices of the SIS were exposed with a report in April that the agency had secretly investigated Mick Hall, who was sacked by Radio NZ (RNZ) over his edits of foreign news stories that saw him publicly smeared as a Russian agent. Hall had made necessary factual corrections to articles about the war in Ukraine and other topics, for which he was targeted by the media, RNZ and the SIS itself for what were entirely legitimate journalistic activities.

With the support of Labour, the government also last November passed the Countering Foreign Interference Amendment Bill through its first reading in parliament. The bill, essentially aimed at China, widens the definition of foreign interference to cover someone who owes allegiance to New Zealand (e.g., a citizen) who commits an offence if it involves improper conduct for or on behalf of a foreign power in order to compromise a protected New Zealand interest. The maximum punishment is 14 years in prison.

In a little publicised visit to Wellington on July 30, US FBI Director Kash Patel, opened a new permanent agency office in the capital, targeting China. Meeting with Intelligence Agencies Minister Judith Collins and others, Patel said the office will, partnering with NZ, have responsibility across the southwest Pacific to investigate and disrupt activities such as terrorism, cybercrime and foreign intelligence threats.

The population is deliberately being kept in the dark about the chilling attacks on basic democratic rights. The ongoing expansion of its draconian laws is a blunt warning of the escalating political suppression and censorship as the government further commits itself, in defiance of widespread anti-war sentiment, to what would be a catastrophic global war involving nuclear-armed powers.
Five years ago the BBC website published an article headlined: Is It Time the All-White Period Drama Was Made Extinct? Well, it clearly is now. These days every period drama has an ethnically diverse cast, regardless of when its set: the 1920s (Wicked Little Letters), the 1530s (Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light), even 1066 (King and Conqueror, the BBCs forthcoming serial about the Battle of Hastings). So it came as no surprise to read, this week, that Netflixs new adaptation of Pride & Prejudice will have a diverse cast, too.

Personally I find this a fascinating trend. Producers of period dramas always go to the most painstaking lengths to ensure that costumes, furniture and decor look scrupulously authentic. Yet when it comes to casting, they do the opposite  and pretend that, 200 or 500 or 1,000 years ago, England was every bit as multicultural as it is in the 2020s. They would die of embarrassment if, in the background, viewers were to glimpse a set of solar panels, or double yellow lines. But black Anglo-Saxons? No problem at all.

Its a peculiar combination. If weve decided that historical verisimilitude no longer matters in casting, surely we should be consistent, and decide that it no longer matters in clothing or behaviour, either. Let Regency noblemen wear Arsenal shirts. Show the Normans riding into battle in Chinooks. Have Sir Thomas More take a selfie on the scaffold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At any rate, the author of the BBCs article about making the all-white period drama extinct seemed to approve of this new trend in casting. Finally, she wrote, the industry is demonstrating that period drama is a genre in which racial diversity can be both reflected and celebrated.

This is all very well. The trouble is, it makes it look as if racial diversity has been celebrated throughout our history. To viewers, this must be puzzling. In recent years, weve been endlessly told that Britains past was shamefully racist. Yet period dramas tell us it was a multicultural utopia, in which people of all races were welcome at every level of society.

Still, we mustnt carp. Im sure this colour-blind approach to casting applies equally to all. I look forward to the BBC airing a period drama about the Windrush, in which the main passengers are played by Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley.

At last: a Labour policy I actually like

Normally I believe that a job should always go to the best-qualified candidate, and that preferential treatment should not be given to under-represented groups. On this occasion, however, Im going to be brazenly hypocritical and toss my principles aside. This is because, from now on, the Government wants all civil service interns to be working-class. And I think it sounds like a great idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Of course its not meritocratic. But Whitehall is the one place that might actually benefit from a bit of naked class warfare. Remember that Laura Kuenssberg documentary from 2023, which revealed that, the morning after the EU referendum, civil servants were in tears? How many working-class staff would have reacted like that?

If Nigel Farage is worried that a Reform government would be stymied by Brexit-hating mandarins, this dramatic change in recruitment policy should please him no end.

The trouble with the Islamo-Left

In 1999, the writers of the satirical website The Onion published a very funny book called Our Dumb Century. It consisted of spoof newspaper front pages, inspired by the key events of the previous 100 years. And among its countless highlights was the headline of a story about Japan entering the Second World War on the side of Nazi Germany. It read: Japan Forms Alliance with White Supremacists in Well-Thought-Out Scheme.

I always remember that phrase Well-Thought-Out Scheme, whenever I read about the Western anti-Israel LGBTQIA+ group that calls itself Queers for Palestine. Yet, no matter how often critics argue that it might as well call itself Chickens for KFC, its members remain undeterred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mind you, they arent the only ones who believe theres a happy and united future for the so-called Islamo-Left. The new party led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana is likely to attract many others who see no drawbacks to forming an alliance between one group thats extremely liberal on social issues, and another that is sometimes, shall we say, a bit more conservative.

I wonder how many of these adorably well-meaning Corbynites are aware of what happened a few years ago in Hamtramck, Michigan. When the city elected Americas first ever all-Muslim council, local progressives were jubilant. This was a glorious victory for marginalised minorities  and a crushing defeat for small-minded bigots.

Imagine their shock, therefore, when the Muslim council then banned the flying of the LGBTQIA+ Pride flag from city property. According to the Washington Post, the local progressives felt not just appalled, but betrayed.

We welcomed you, wailed a retired social worker. We created nonprofits to help feed, clothe, find housing. We did everything we could to make your transition here easier  and this is how you repay us, by stabbing us in the back?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sadly, as Robert Burns more or less put it: the well-thought-out schemes o mice an men gang aft agley.

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.




The Gist

Halle Berry shared photos of a recent rock climbing trip in Utah with her 11-year-old son Maceo and her boyfriend Van Hunt.

Berry went makeup-free and wore a blue-and-white striped shirt and short denim shorts for the day out.

"When was the last time you faced your fears ? We climbed Hoodoo canyon and came face to face with ours ! This is how we do!" she wrote of their experience.





Halle Berry is scaling new heightsliterally. The actress shared a few photos from a recent rock climbing trip with her 11-year-old son Maceo and her boyfriend Van Hunt on Instagram. "When was the last time you faced your fears ?" she wrote in the caption. "We climbed Hoodoo canyon and came face to face with ours ! This is how we do!"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amongst the photos, Berry shared a snap of her laid-back, sporty look for the adventurous day out. Berry went sans makeup and wore a blue and white striped shirt paired with frayed denim short shorts and brown hiking boots. She wore her blunt bob in natural waves.



Getty Berry kept things casual for the day out Berry kept things casual for the day out

Berry also included some rare snaps of her son, who also scaled the cliff edges with his mom and her boyfriend.



In a reply to Berry's post, Hunt joked, " y do i look like my fears conquered me?"

Instagram/Halley Berry Berry, her son, and her boyfriend scaled a mountain on a recent trip Berry, her son, and her boyfriend scaled a mountain on a recent trip

This is just the latest glimpse at Berry's summer road trip. The actress has recently been spending some down time with Hunt and her son traveling around Arizona and Utah. A couple of weeks ago, Berry shared some pictures of herself wearing a black and white one-piece swimsuit along with a truly giant black sunhat while enjoying the dramatic landscapes of Joshua Tree. "Desert days ," she wrote at the time. "windows down, music up, nowhere to be but here."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Berry also shared snaps from their trip to Lake PowellBerry shared a photo kissing Hunt on the cheek writing, "You + Me Anywhere." Berry also shared some snaps of herself in a bikini from the trip.

Berry's most recent post saw her sitting naked in bed at the Amangiri Resort in Utah holding a cup of coffee. Im not addicted to coffee, she wrote in the caption. Were just in a committed relationship!

Instagram/Halle Berry Berry recently shared a snap of herself naked in bed Berry recently shared a snap of herself naked in bed

Read the original article on InStyle
Key Takeaways:

Ridge finally decided to choose Brooke , but he found her waiting at the fountain for a date with Nick .

Eric tried to convince both Ridge and Brooke to reunite, but Brooke insisted she would not wait for him.

Finn cornered Grace with questions about Liams miraculous recovery and missing medical records, but she didnt have any answers.

Taylor confidently told Katie that Ridge would return to her, unaware he was chasing Brooke at that very moment.

The Bold and the Beautiful recap for Friday, August 1 saw Finn cornering Grace, Eric intervening, and Ridge choosing his fate.

What You Missed Today

Nick (Jack Wagner) reminisced about all the best of times wth Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) while staring at his boat alone. As for Brooke, she was at her hotel reminiscing about walking away from Ridge (Thorsten Kaye). She grabbed herself a drink of sparkling water and tried to process her feelings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As for Ridge, he was over in his own hotel room getting lectured by Eric (John McCook). He once again implored his son to give up the charade and dump Taylor (Rebecca Budig) and make his life right. He warned him that Brooke wouldnt be waiting around forever. Just look, Nick is already trying to woo her. Time is fleeting, son, you gotta snatch up love while you can.

WATCH THIS: SoapHub Says! Our newest fun and fabulous podcast episode is here!

Ridge decided to squash this mess once and for all and headed on over to Brookes hotel room. However, knocking at the door didnt get him an answer. Brooke was busy staring at her phone with earphones in and didnt hear his banging or calling her name.

Later, Eric turned up to check on the couple and was disappointed to find out his son never got into Brookes room. He implored Brooke to wait for his son and promised he was on her side through this. He was disappointed to hear Brooke would not, in fact, be waiting on her ex. Instead, shes going out with Nick.

Finn Had QuestionsSo Many Questions

Meanwhile, Finn (Tanner Novlan) was at the hospital talking over his suspicions with Bridget (Ashley Jones). The still know virtually nothing about the experimental surgery and Finn didnt love that. He was also having a hard time getting into Liams (Scott Clifton) medical records. Something is not adding up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Finn caught Grace (Cassandra Creech) walking by his office and called her in. He demanded answers about Liams miraculous recovery. Where are the records? Where are the surgical notes? As you can guess, Grace didnt have answers.

MORE: Hunter Tylo FINALLY speaks out about leaving Taylor behind!

Taylor Stared Down Another Logan

Back at the Forrester mansion, Katie (Heather Tom) turned up to see her sister but found Taylor instead. Katie couldnt help but take a few cheap shots about the whole Italy trip and Brooke getting in some good alone time with Ridge. Taylor shot the conversation down and make it known that she trusted Ridge. She suggested Brooke do herself a favor and lean into Nick because Ridge is taken and Italy isnt going to change that.

Taylor then launched into a whole tirade about everyone being against her and Ridge being together. Eric is interfering, the Logans are interfering, and Brooke was interfering. Taylor was pleased she was winning every round, though, and insisted Ridge would be coming home to her and only her.

Ridge Ran Towards His Destiny

As it turns out, Taylor was wrong. Oh, so very wrong. While she was bragging about her cosmic connection to Ridge, he was chasing down Brooke. He found her at the fountain in the square while she was waiting for Nick. Oh, how we love when history repeats itself.
In the early years of his career, Harrison Ford received a piece of advice that could have derailed everything.

While under a contract with Columbia Pictures in 1966, Ford reflected on his early struggles during a Wednesday interview with Variety. The role in question? A small part in the 1966 film Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round, one that earned him just $150 per week.

Thats when things took an unexpected turn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was called into the office of the head of the new talent program, and he told me that I had no future in the business, Ford recalled. The comment didnt shake Fords ambition, but it wasnt the end of the unsolicited advice.

The movie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark , (aka: "Raiders of the Lost Ark"), directed by Steven Spielberg. Seen here, Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. Initial theatrical release June 12, 1981. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images

He wanted me to change my name. He thought that Harrison Ford was too pretentious a name for a young man, Ford said.

Then came the suggestion about his appearance.



He asked me to get my haircut like Elvis Presley, he said  a suggestion he did not take into consideration.



Years later, after Ford found massive success, he reencountered the same executive. He recalled meeting him across a crowded room. The executive handed him a card.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It read, I missed my guess.

Ford, of course, went on to become a Hollywood icon, best known for his roles in the Star Wars franchise and the Indiana Jones films.

In a 2023 interview with BBC Radio 1s Ali Plumb, he emotionally reflected on the legacy of Indiana Jones and how he was able to make the character relatable across decades. Fords words touched Plumb, who offered his own take on the actors legacy.

Can I just say on behalf of all the fans, thank you. Its been such an adventure. We love you so much. I dont want to make you blush or anything, but you mean the world to us, and thank you, Plumb said.

Related...
Ana de Armas may be a famous face in Hollywood, but in the small Vermont town where she purchased a home in 2022, shes one of the friendly locals leading a private, peaceful life.

I think it's a great town here for her to be in, Zoe Zilian, the owner of Au Comptoir in Woodstock, Vermont, a high-end cocktail bar where de Armas, 37, likes to hang out, exclusively tells Us Weekly. Funny enough, I think as big of a celebrity she is, there's a lot of people here that are just kind of out of the know, and they're not really, I guess, so much wrapped up in that.

Zilian says that de Armas is lovely and down-to-earth whenever she stops by the speakeasy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You wouldn't even think that she was a celebrity, Zilian adds. You just think she's just like any other customer, and she blends right in beautifully, and a lovely human being. She's been so nice, always. I always have great conversations with her and it's very just, [shes] treated like she's just another visitor, another guest in the town. It's kind of like how we like to treat all of our customers anyway, just with great hospitality and just like everyone equally.

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Spotted on Mediterranean Yacht Trip Amid Their Romance

Zilian says de Armas is always very personable and happy to chat with the locals in town.

She also notes that de Armas can live a quality life without feeling stressed in Woodstock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

De Armas purchased her home in the Green Mountain State for $7.2 million in November 2022, according to Realtor.com. She told E! News in September 2024 that she wanted to get away from the craziness of the world.

We all want to have the chance to build your own safe space, de Armas said. I found a home where I really feel off the grid. I can collect myself and only bring there who I want to be with. I have my little cocoon there.

According to Zilian, the locals in Woodstock are used to having celebrities in town.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

We have Sandra Bullock come in, she comes in a couple times, which has been really nice, Zilian says, adding that Scarlett Johansson has also visited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She comes in sometimes, it's nice and it's just no big deal, and they'll just sit at the tables. Just customers are there, and I think everyone's really respectful, so that's just a nice overall experience. And we're really small too, so it's just very personable in there, she continues.

Even when de Armas was spotted in town with boyfriend Tom Cruise on Sunday, July 27, Zilian says the locals still gave them their space.

I haven't personally spotted them walking around together, but even if so, you'd just kind of be like, Oh, that's cool. I know who that is. You know what I mean? But that's it, she adds. No one's chasing them down and asking for autographs. I think it's just a different vibe here. It would be uncool to do that.

Ana De Armas Reads Novel About Perfect AI Girlfriend Fulfilling Boyfriends Needs Amid Tom Cruise Trip

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think we're all welcoming, Zilian continues. I think everyone's welcoming and happy that they can find a sense of peace somewhere where it's not stressful, more of quality of life, what we're all about here.

As for the other ways de Armas might spend her time in Woodstock, Zilian says the town has a beautiful little hike up Mount Palm. Additionally, the bar owner says she has seen de Armas spend time in the local shops.

Zilian says that at Au Comptoir, de Armas has enjoyed their Emerald Kiss drink.

That's a cucumber-infused gin that we make in-house, she says. And it's very light, very low on the alcohol. It's just a very lovely kind of refreshing, healthy cocktail, I like to call it. It's a beautiful little summer drink.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4)  For this weeks See It or Skip It, ABC4 Film Critic and Tomatometer-Approved Critic Patrick Beatty is bringing the hot takes and hotter popcorn debates with two voices in the Utah critic game, Rebecca Frost and Kent Dunn. From superhero animation to satirical slapstick, this week is packed with fun, but possibly the worst film of the year? Lets get into it.

In Theaters

The Naked Gun (PG-13)

Where to Watch: Theaters

Directed By:

Akiva Schaffer

Written By:

Dan Gregor, Doug Mand & Akiva Schaffer

Starring:

Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand

Genre:

Action, Comedy

All media courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Frank Drebin Jr. is a clumsy cop with a big badge and a seemingly endless supply of coffee, crashing his way through a conspiracy only he can make worse. Liam Neesons seriousness clashes in all the best ways with the sheer dumbness of this hilarious film. Pamela Anderson continues on the Pamessaunce, and slapstick chaos reigns in this reboot of the classic spoof series that is both worthy and even excels as one of the best comedy reboots ever made. If you enjoy humor like that of Austin Powers or Airplane, then this is the best pick for the weekend for you. Make sure you see it with a packed crowd in a theater!

See It or Skip It? See It

Together (R)

Where to Watch: Theaters

Directed By:

Michael Shanks

Written By:

Michael Shanks

Starring:

Dave Franco, Alison Brie

Genre:

Horror

All media courtesy of NEON

Tim and Millie thought a new change would heal their fractured relationship, but when they drink from a mysterious cave spring, their lives twist into a nightmare. Taking the phrase attached at the hips literally, this horror film, which debuted at this years Sundance Film Festival, offers cringe-inducing body horror, dark humor, and an impressive directorial debut by Michael Shanks.

See It or Skip It? See It

Whats Streaming?

The War of the Worlds (PG-13)

Where to Watch: Prime Video

Directed By:

Rich Lee

Written By:

Kenneth Golde, Marc Hyman

Starring:

Ice Cube, Eva Longoria, Clark Gregg, Andrea Savage

Genre:

Sci-Fi

All media courtesy of Prime Video

Told entirely through screens and digital devices, this screenlife thriller tries to bring H.G. Wells classic into the tech era, but not only fails at being entertaining, fails at being a movie itself. The worst acting of the year, the worst CGI of the year, and the worst film of the year, hands down.

See It or Skip It: See It

Eyes of Wakanda

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Where to Watch: Disney+

Directed By:

Todd Harris

Starring:

Winnie Harlow, Cress Williams, Anika Noni Rose, Steve Toussaint, Patricia Belcher

Genre:

Animation, Superhero

All media courtesy of Marvel Studios/Disney

Across centuries, Wakanda has protected vibranium, but few know the warriors who risked everything to do it. Eyes of Wakanda follows legendary operatives across the globe as they recover stolen artifacts, face ancient foes, and defend the legacy of the Black Panther. With impressively rich animation and 4 stories that all build on each other, its refreshing to return to Wakanda with a deeper sense of its roots and its history.

See It or Skip It? Wait For It

Twisted Metal S02 (TV-MA)

Where to Watch: Peacock

Directed By:

Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick

Starring:

Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Will Arnett, Joe Seanoa, Anthony Carrigan

Genre:

Comedy, Action

All media courtesy of Peacock

The engines are louder, the weapons are bigger, and the tournament is bloodier. Season two of Twisted Metal Season 2 throws John Doe into a new hellscape, facing psychotic drivers, deranged cults, and the mysterious puppetmaster Calypso. Season 2 is fulfilling the promises made with season one and has made this fan of the original video games giddy, seeing the cars, the mayhem, and the surprising humor in this adaptation.

See It or Skip It? Wait For It

Did you see any of the shows reviewed this weekend? Leave a comment if so, and make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

Note: See It or Skip It is proudly owned and produced by Patrick Beatty. ABC4 is a broadcast partner, but the show, its content, and opinions are independently created.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Good Things Utah

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Is Mariah Leaving 'The Young and the Restless'? originally appeared on Parade.

The Young and the Restless Mariah (Camryn Grimes) has been off the canvas for weeks now. Despite Mariah keeping a massive secret from her family, the character was put on the back burner while the CBS soap focused on the characters in France.

Now that the France storyline has wrapped up, the show is slowly shifting back to what happened with Mariah. After all, the last time we saw her was when fans learned she had smothered an unnamed old man during a business trip, and it is haunting her.

SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

Tessa (Cait Fairbanks) has been on-screen as she bonds with Daniel (Michael Graziadei) over Mariah walking out on her and their daughter. The fact that Mariah is once again off-screen raises the question of the character leaving the show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While neither The Young and the Restless nor Grimes has commented on Mariahs future in Genoa City, fans shouldnt be worried that shes leaving. Mariah is often on the back burner, even in the middle of hot-button storylines, and this is no exception.

Grimes has no plans to leave the CBS soap. The actress did that already when Cassie was killed off, only to return as Cassies long-lost twin, Mariah, years later.

So is Mariah out of the picture? #YR  Phyllis Cake  Team Chadam (@sheet_cake) August 1, 2025

Speaking with Womens World in June, Grimes teased shes ready for fans to see what happens next with Mariah and Tessa as this storyline plays out into the fall.

She also admitted she hopes to be working on Y&R for the foreseeable future. I hope I can continue to entertain you and bring you stories that you love to watch. Thats my goal, Grimes spilled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres still so much more drama coming in the aftermath of Mariah smothering someone and leaving her family. Make sure to keep watching to see how the Mariah drama unfolds.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS.

Is Mariah Leaving 'The Young and the Restless'? first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Suzanne Parry plans on flying from Portland, Oregon, to Western New York to attend the upcoming Wilson High School Class of 1975 reunion. Few can match her experiences as a former international negotiator for the Department of Defense.

The experience helped when writing her new novel, The Communists Secret, available for purchase on Tuesday. It is the second of her planned trilogy of books taking place during and after World War II in the Soviet Union.

Set in Russia in 1941, the book features Katya Karavayena, a blind devotee to the Communist Party who broke the most important rule of Soviet society: never say anything that can be used against you. Not long after her family is nearly destroyed and her husband is arrested, Nazi Germany launches its invasion of the Soviet Union.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Katya joins the peoples militia as a way to get back into the partys good graces, experiencing the horrors of the Siege of Leningrad. As she ends up in her hometown under Nazi occupation, she comes to terms with her beliefs, finds her inner strength, seeks out her family, and repays the Germans brutality.

Raised in a Ransomville farmhouse built before the Civil War, Parrys early life was filled with books and her mother and stepfather, a creative writing professor at then-Niagara County Community College, were avid readers. Some of her fondest memories growing up were dinnertime conversations where the family would talk about important issues and laugh at her stepdads jokes.

That was an important foundation for me deciding I want to write a book and that I could write a book, Parry said, always keeping a journal with her to write essays.

Growing up in the height of the Cold War, a conflict between the U.S. and the USSR was always on peoples minds. That is why when Parry decided to go to Purdue University for undergraduate courses, she studied international affairs and the Russian language so she could help reduce the possibility of conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont have any Russian family background, Parry said. It was just an interest in the world and that was the biggest conflict in the world.

After her continuing studies led her to the Pushkin Russian Language Institute in Moscow and getting a Masters Degree in International Affairs from Princeton in 1982, Parry soon got a job with the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Her roles at that time had to do with European Security Negotiations.

Her biggest task in government work came during the Conference on Disarmament in Europe, which took place in Stockholm between 1984 and 1986. She was there with 15 other U.S. diplomats, among them were Ambassador Robert Barry and Lynn Hansen, the assistant director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, to negotiate a new security agreement for the continent.

When Parrys boss did not want to take part in the conference, he sent her to Stockholm, having plenty of faith in the 28-year-old. During the negotiating process, her nickname amongst the Europeans was the Iron Maiden of Stockholm, a reference to then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The resulting agreement reached in September 1986 had more of an impact in Europe, where the 35 countries, both from NATO and the Warsaw Pact, that signed on were required to give at least 42 days of advance warning to other countries if they were conducting military activities with at least 13,000 troops or 300 tanks.

Other provisions in the agreement required a certain level of openness for the signatories, which fed into the glasnost, or openness policies of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. That would become one of the causes of the USSRs downfall in 1991.

After leaving the federal government in 1988, Parry took part in a University of Maryland program that offers college courses at overseas military installations. That led her to teach in Germany and Singapore for a few years, while her ex-husbands job also led to living in other countries. She has mainly lived in Portland for the past 25 years, spending time between there and visiting her grandchildren in Washington D.C.

Its where she eventually transitioned into becoming a published author.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It came to the point where my youngest child was in college and I knew it was time to do something else, Parry said, having written professionally for the past 10 years. Writing was what came to mind immediately.

While it took roughly three years to complete her first book, Lost Souls of Leningrad, which was published in 2019, The Communists Secret took about 18 months. It was inspired in part by a trip she took to Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, during her time studying in Moscow, which opened her eyes to their suffering as the Nazis tried to starve the city to death.

Theres a lot of World War II historical fiction, but very little is written about the Soviet Union, Parry said, feeling that that countrys role in the war effort is not taught in the U.S. education system.

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine starting with Crimea in February 2014 and its full-scale invasion starting in February 2022, Parry has been invited to give talks for average Americans and professional organizations in Portland about the situation. If there is anything she wants people to get from her work, its that they understand the Russian experience during WWII and how Vladimir Putin is using that struggle to help legitimize his current rule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dictatorships brutalize their citizens, Parry said. Whether its Hitler, Stalin, Putin, North Korea, or Iran, dictatorships do not offer much to their citizens. I hope people who read my books say, Wow, authoritarians are bad. 

Parry will be at the Wilson Public Library at 6:30 on Wednesday for a book signing and public reading. It will be her only Western New York appearance for this release, with other dates planned in Portland and Seattle.

As for the third book in the planned trilogy, the first draft is almost complete, though it will still take time to finish. Once that is done, she wants to write Cold War-era spy thrillers influenced by her experiences in Moscow and Stockholm.

Every kind of book has its own formula and readers have certain expectations, Parry said, noting she will be reading some spy novels in the meantime to get a sense of them.
There's a new report about Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau.

Lisa Lake / Getty Images for iHeartRadio, Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images

The two made headlines earlier this week for being photographed grabbing dinner together at a Montreal restaurant. The Canadian ex-prime minister was then seen singing along in the crowd at Katy's Lifetimes Tour.

Monica Schipper / Getty Images

Related: 7 Celebrity Couples Who Split And 11 Who Tied The Knot This Summer

Earlier this year, reports emerged that Katy had split from fiance Orlando Bloom after nine years together. Similarly, Justin was married to Sophie Gregoire Trudeau for 18 years until their separation in 2023.

DAVE CHAN / AFP via Getty Images

Related: "It Goes Against My Morals": 12 Celebrities Who've Spoken Out About Their Stance On Cosmetic Surgery

A source now told People that Katy and Justin "are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes."

Marc Piasecki / WireImage

She is traveling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common," the source continued, listing "music" and being "idealists."

Katherine KY Cheng / Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Related: Olivia Munn Showed Her Double Mastectomy Scars In A New Skims Campaign After A Makeup Artist Found It "Hard" To Cover Them Up

Both Katy and Justin also have children; Katy has a daughter and Justin has three kids. Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities, the source added.

Monica Schipper / Getty Images

Another source further said, [The] timing seems good for them, although a romance is in very early stages."

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Related: An Actor Who Got Limb-Lengthening Surgery Because He Was "Too Short" To Be A Leading Man, And 16 Other Famous People Got Real About The Financial Cost Of "Getting Ahead" In Hollywood

I suppose only time will tell...

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BuzzFeed has reached out to representatives for Katy and Justin for comment.

Also in Celebrity: 24 Movie Women Who Were Just So Obviously, Painfully, Written By Men

Also in Celebrity: This '90s Icon Is Headed For Divorce After 21 Years Of Marriage

Also in Celebrity: 22 "Blatantly Out Of Touch" Celebrity Moments That Have The Internet In Shambles Even Years After They Happened

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
A few weeks ago, a woman named Michelle Wood began documenting her facelift journey in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her series of videos have been going viral on TikTok, with her first one accumulating well over 21 million views. She begins, "I am down here to look more refreshed and feel more refreshed. I am 50 years old, almost 51. I decided to get a full facelift, forehead lift, upper bleph, lower bleph, and lip lift, as well as a mini chin implant to help my profile. The forehead lift is really to address my uneven brows..."

You can read the specifics about each procedure Michelle had done below:

Facelift

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Forehead Lift (also called a brow lift)

Upper Blepharoplasty

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lip Lift

Mini Chin Implant

Michelle goes on to talk about how her surgeon is Dr. Maribel Belmontes Castillo. "The people of Guadalajara are so friendly. And I hope to bring you along with my journey and let you see the good, the bad, the ugly. I chose this surgeon based on reviews. She's very, very conservative in her approach. I did not want to look 20. I just want to look like I slept for 30 years. So I've lost 130 pounds twice in my life, and I think it's just done a number on my skin, particularly my neck. I'm a single mom to two kids that are 17 and a half, and I am choosing to do this for me, and everybody is fully supportive," she concludes, and shows some photos of the hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

@michellewood165 / tiktok.com

She shared this photo of herself a day after her procedures:

Right away, people said they could see immediate results:

Related: I'm So Glad People Are Finally Calling Out These So-Called "Healthy" Habits, Because I'm Tired Of Trying To Live Up To Unsustainable Standards

And on day three she admited that she felt like a Bratz Doll, although she did say she "turned a corner" and was feeling better.

Again, people were quick to express just how much younger they thought Michelle looked:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here is Michelle on day five. "I think the hardest part that no one tells you about is that it is hard to just sit still and do nothing. Like, it really is. I think as adults we are on the go so much in our lives, but to just sit still and not move for 10 days is tough  really tough," she expressed.

At this point people were claiming it was the best facial work they'd ever seen done:

Here are some closeups of the incisions that were made:

@michellewood165 / tiktok.com

Related: My Dad Brainwashed Me As A Child. It Helped Me Understand MAGA.

And these are Michelle's results 10 days post op:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Clearly, everyone was thinking the same thing at this point:

On day 15, Michelle was still in Guadalajara and still a bit swollen and tired, but overall, she said she was doing very well.

Related: "The Damage Is Irreversible." Doctors And Nurses Are Revealing The "Small" Health Signs That People Should Never, Ever Ignore

After a few weeks, Michelle returned to the US and, as the days went on, each video she posted continued to rack up hundreds of thousands of views with people genuinely in awe of the results.

Most of the swelling was down by day 24, when Michelle broke down the cost. It converts to about $14,000 for all six procedures and an additional $1,000 for the recovery home that included food, transportation to and from appointments, and 24/7 nursing care. Michelle didn't specify how long she was in the recovery home, but judging from the dates on her videos, she appeared to be there for two to three weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To compare these prices to those in the US, Michelle saved TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. Here is an example of a pricing structure breakdown in America:

Chat GPT

The following price estimates are JUST the surgeon's fees without necessary add-ons (like anesthesia and facility fees) you would also have to pay:

The price range for a full facelift obviously varies by region, but it is typically priced between $7,000$20,000, with Beverly Hills or "celebritylevel" cases reaching a whopping $500K+!!!

The national average for a forehead lift is around $3,900$7,600, and can be up to $9,000+ in Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The national average for upper bleph eyelid surgery is about $4,950, with upper lid procedures typically ranging between $3,500$4,500. In LA, people report the cost being $12,000 with local and general anesthesia!

Lower bleph is generally around $4,000.

Lip lift can vary significantly, from $1,500 up to over $8,000.

A mini chin implant can range from $2,200 to 17,000.

Michelle also shared that she felt comfortable getting the surgeries done out of the country because she had a good experience getting skin removal surgery in Mexico before. She also said she found Dr. Maribel Belmontes Castillo through her own research, and vetting reviews from others.

Michelle is currently a couple of months post op, so here are some before and after photos to give you an idea of what she is looking like now:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

BEFORE:

Related: Medical Professionals Are Sharing "Mundane" Things That Actually Make So Many People Sick

AFTER:

@michellewood165 / tiktok.com

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

@michellewood165 / tiktok.com

You can follow Michelle's journey on TikTok to see more progress! And now we want to know if you've had a facelift  or any other plastic surgery you are super happy with  that had amazing results! Upload your before and after photos in the comments below, and we may feature you in an upcoming article on BuzzFeed!

Also in Goodful: 25 Women Are Sharing The Feminine "Faux Pas" They Have Proudly Decided To Embrace

Also in Goodful: "It's Killing Them": Doctors, Nurses, And Medical Professionals Are Sharing The "Harmless" Habits That, Well, Aren't So Harmless

Also in Goodful: 25 Life-Changing Habits People Added To Their Everyday Routines To Improve Their Lives For The Better

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Retirees living on a fixed income of Social Security are feeling the pinchand theyre turning to alternative ways to make their dollar stretch further, with many overseas for a different quality of life.

Retired workers will collect an average Social Security check of $2,005.05 as of June 2025, according to the Social Security Administration.

If this is your only retirement savings, you might read that number and panic. After all, the average mortgage payment in the country is currently $2,186, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The median asking rent, according to the latest rental report from Realtor.com, in the 50 largest metros registered at $1,711but it still doesnt mean there would be much left over for other basics such as food, clothing, transportation, home maintenance, insurance, pets and children, and more.

The average retired American household spends around $5,000 a month just to live, according to the Federal Reserves 2023 consumer expenditure survey.

Thats quite the shortfall, writes Kathleen Peddicord, founder of Live and Invest Overseas, in Forbes.

Its no wonder that Americans are increasingly looking abroad for retirement. Not only is the contentious political environment driving people away, but there are many places where that Social Security check will buy you a lot more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are many retirement havens where you can live well on a budget of $2,000 a month or less, writes Peddicord.

What you should know

Before you plunk down your credit card for the next flight out of Dodge, remember you will need a visa to legally reside in your chosen country.

Retiree visas usually require proving a minimum monthly income (amounts vary by country) and that you carry health insurance. Many countries also require you to prove that you have a place to live and have a clean criminal history.

Talk to an immigration attorney or relocation expert, and always check the countrys website for current requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also, know that other countries arent necessarily going to be America but better. They will all have their own customs, cultures, languages, and lawsones you might be utterly unfamiliar with and perhaps slow to adapt to.

If you are stuck in your ways and not very tolerant of change, expat life will not work out for you, warns Cynthia Staton, who relocated from Las Vegas to Cuenca, Ecuador, with her husband, Edd, in search of a cheaper retirement.

Youve got to be really flexible, really patient, she says.

But if that sounds up your alley, here are three expat havens where your Social Security check will go much further.

Retiree visa: Non-Immigrant O-A

Minimum monthly income: About $2,000

This two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Phuket, Thailand, is listed for $531,117. (Realtor.com)

If you like tropical climes, turquoise waters, colorful architecture, and grand palaces, Thailand could be the place for you.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That all sounds great, you might be thinking, but what about extreme weather events? It was only 20 years ago that a massive tsunami engulfed Phuket and killed 117 people, with an additional 214 missing, according to the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.

Immigration attorney Jean-Francois Harvey, of Harvey Law Group, is bullish on Phuket. He points out that the tsunami, devastating though it was, affected only a small portion of the island, and that it has been rebuilt with much more resiliency in mind.

Thailand has been dealing with extreme weather forever, he tells Realtor.com.

Thailand has about 50,000 Americans living there, says Aaron Henry, owner of Bangkok marketing firm Foundeast.com. Hes lived in the country for nine years, emigrating from Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For most of us, moving to Thailand is a one-way trip, he says. He lives in Bangkok but travels frequently to Phuket for business and leisure.

Marketing maven Aaron Henry moved from L.A. to Bangkok nine years ago. He says hed never go back. Pictured here with his wife, Pang. (Aaron Henry)

This two-bedroom condo in Thalang, Phuket, is listed for $210,287. (Realtor.com)

Henry agrees that $2,000 would stretch further in Phuket, Thailands biggest island, than in the U.S. but has some caveats.

A $2,000 monthly budget is a bit of a lean, he says, even for a single person who is living in Phuket or Bangkok and wanting a lifestyle comparable to the USA.

Phuket rents are slightly lower than $1,000 for a small condo, plus $150 in utilities, he adds. Then theres getting around town.

Phuket doesnt have cheap, excellent public transportation like Bangkok does with the sky train and subway, and taxis there are expensive. Youll need a car or motorbike.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He says that a budget of $3,000 a month would allow you to live comfortably, but it doesnt factor in travel or other large expenses.

If you want to live even cheaper, he suggests areas outside of Phuket, including lesser known cities of Khon Kaen and Buri Ram. There will be fewer expats herewhich you might or might not welcome.

Keep in mind that foreigners cant own land in Thailand, only a condo or portable house.

Henry believes the country is superior than the U.S. in many ways besides affordability. He calls the food better than New York, Paris, or New Orleans.

Health care, as in most countries, is more affordable than the U.S. But Henry asserts it is also of higher quality. When you go to a doctor, you sense you are being taken care of, not exploited, he says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In fact, he ranks everything from nightlife to public transport to culture to safety higher than what he experienced in the U.S. and says there is nothing he misses about L.A.

But before you pack your bags and catch the next flight to Phuket, he has a warning.

Phuket can be paradise, he says. But, as living long term or permanently in any other country requires, be prepared to check your preconceptions at the door. Think about what you can contribute as an outsider, not what you can take.

Dont go seeking a place with better versions of what youre unhappy about at homethose expectations arent likely to be perfectly met.

Retiree visa: Pensionado visa

Minimum income requirement: About $2,000

This three-bedroom house in Mendoza , Argentina, is listed for just $45,000. (Realtor.com)

Argentina, Mendoza, is a good choice for active retirees who arent ready to sit back and rock on the front porch, writes Peddicord.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If wine is your jam, this is one place you dont want to overlook, as it is located in the middle of Argentinas wine country. Despite being a desert clime, Argentina has an ancient system of canals that distribute snowmelt from the mountains, creating spectacularly rich soil and vineyards, she says.

Great wine, thick steaks, dramatic landscapes, brilliant weather, friendly people who enjoy nothing better than sitting around an open fire drinking the fruit of their vines, sharing their asado, and indulging in the lost art of conversation, writes Peddicord on her website. She calls Mendoza the good life defined.

Additionally, the country is known for its temperate climate, vibrant culture, and spectacular geographical diversity, from jungles to arid climates to beaches. It also has the modern conveniences of Buenos Aires and other cities.

And for those living on that $2,000 Social Security check, Mendoza might be the place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A monthly budget of $2,000 would see you living well here, says Peddicord. Rent for a semifurnished two-bedroom apartment ranges from $400 to $1,000 per month.

Catch a bus for 50 cents and dine out for $25, she says.

Minus rent, the average single persons expenses in this South American country are about $700 a month, according to citizenship solutions firm Golden Harbors.

And you really cant beat the price of the countrys health care systemover 60% of medical services are free for everyone, including expats.

Retiree visa: Migrant (Type M)

Minimum income requirement: About $1,000

This seven-bedroom, seven-bath house in Santa Marta, Colombia, is listed for $489,500. (Realtor.com)

Santa Marta is an under-the-radar gem popular with well-heeled, in-the-know Colombians who vacation here for reasons including its affordability, great climate, soft golden sands, and warm Caribbean waters, says Peddicord.

Ranked No. 3 in Live and Invest Overseas list of the Best Places to Retire in 2025, Colombia has one of the lowest income requirements for retirees, with a basic requirement of only about $1,000 per month.

Colombia is one of the easiest places we know to establish residency, Peddicord writes on her blog.

While Santa Marta has plenty of history, being one of the countrys oldest colonial cities, it also has many new developments, including a seafront park, and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants, and a large cruise ship port.

However, Peddicord cautions that there isnt as much English spoken here as in other parts of the country, so be prepared to brush up on your high school Spanish.

A 90-minute flight to the capital of Bogota means you can hop back to the States relatively easily. A nonstop flight to New York is six hours.

Related Articles
The Algerian Way to Make Lemonade 10x Better originally appeared on Parade.

Lemonade is one of those drinks that I consistently order when Im dining out. Its tart and a little sweet, but the best part of drinking this refreshing beverage is trying new flavors like mango, strawberry, watermelon or blackberry. If you havent gotten hip to our explanation of Egyptian lemonade yet (well, youre missing out), Ive got another lemonade thats sure to be your new summertime treat.



Theres an Algerian lemonade called mazagran thats a combination of strong coffee and citrus. Unexpected, right? Rather than just the traditional lemonade ingredients of lemon juice, sugar and water, mazagran is bold (and a little tangy) due to the addition of coffee. Once you try it, youll probably understand why this is a centuries-old recipe that continues to be served.



Related: How to Make the Best-Ever Lemonade, According to Ina Garten

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B-d28cQvcPM

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mazagran coffee's roots can be traced to Algeria (a country near Morocco), but its also common in Portugal, Austria, Spain and parts of France. Some say that its the original iced coffee. Its great for a pick-me-up and can also satisfy cravings for lemonade and a coffee drink.



This drink also comes together in no time, with no special equipment or ingredients neededmy favorite type of no-fuss recipe. Before I quickly explain how to make mazagran, its important to know a bit of its backstory.

What Is Mazagran?

Mazagran (pronounced mah-zah-grahn) is a blended cold drink typically made of strong coffee, lemon juice, sugar and cold water. It was invented in Algeria in 1840 when French soldiers occupied the coastal town of Mostaganem in a fortress called Mazagran. To beat the North African heat, the soldiers reportedly cooled down by drinking coffee with ice-cold water (instead of milk). Eventually, additions like lemon juice, sweetened syrup or spirits like rum and cognac (to keep the soldiers alert) were added.



When the troops returned home to France, they were looking for this Algerian-style coffee lemonade and began requesting it in their local cafes. The drinks became popular, and soon the French started serving them in mazagran glasses, which are tall and narrow like the traditional ceramic coffee cups used in Algeria.



Depending on where you have this drink, alcohol could be added, mint included or there could even be a swap from lemon juice to lemon slices. Either way, its a fun way to honor the drink with so much cultural significance.



Related: How to Make Homemade Lemonade Taste 10x Better



 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter

Why Youll Love Mazagran Coffee x Lemonade

Its a lemonade-coffee hybrid that gives you a kick and refreshment.

You can choose from a base of cold brew concentrate (homemade or store-bought) or espresso.

The sweetener is up to you cane sugar, simple syrup, brown sugar, honey or granulated white sugar.

No blender is needed; youll just need a tall glass.

How to Make Mazagran Coffee

I like to make drinks that are quick to assemble, and this mazagran recipe from Serious Eats delivers a 5-minute no-recipe recipe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a tall glass, combine 1/4 cup of your strong cold coffee of choice with 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of sugar or simple syrup and salt. Stir until fully dissolved, then adjust the acidity or sweetness to your liking. Add ice and garnish with lemon slices or rounds, if desired.



Related: The Brazilian Way to Make Lemonade 10x Better

Fun Twists to Make Mazagran Your Own

As unique as this iced coffee lemonade is, there are still a few ways to add a touch of personality.

Add bubbly: Add sparkling water for a French-inspired version.

Consider a spirit: Brazil and Portugals mazagran coffee often include rum as an extra (non-caffeinated) kick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Switch up your citrus presentation: Try freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon syrup (like the Japanese version) or a lemon peel (like the Italian way).

Add a pinch of kosher salt. If the taste of bitter coffee bothers you, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance everything.

Related: If You Love Martinis, You Need to Try Dolly Partons Dirt Road Version

The Algerian Way to Make Lemonade 10x Better first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
CHICAGO  Saturdays PAWS Pet of the Week is Fiji, a male pup who loves to relax.

When Fiji arrived at the WGN Studios on Saturday, he was feeling extra sleepy, due to his busy day.

Fiji is well-behaved and incredibly sweet and would love to continue his nap with his new owner.

Think Fiji is the perfect fit for you? Head to PAWS Chicagos Lincoln Park Adoption Center to find out how you can bring him home today.

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.
Augustthe height of the northern hemisphere summer. The great oceans in this half of the world are at the peak of their annual slowdown, as swells run few and far between. Which means, we're all feeling a bit sketchy due to the lack of waves.

This will all change come September. Storms will begin to spin up, rifling swell across the northern half of the Pacific and Atlantic, launching the start of the 2025 swell season.

In the meantime, however, we're staring in the face of the great swell void of August for home shores. Luckily, there's still time travel and lap up some of that southern hemisphere juice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After all, the southern Pacific is still stirring with south swells from deep off the coasts of Australia and New Zealand, filtering northwards, setting off some dazzling surf zones across South and Central America. If we're lucky, these will continue on to California and Hawaii, too.

The Indian Ocean is alive, driving waves into Indonesia as it has been for the past few months as part of the archipelago's swell season. Through August, Indo remains one of the most consistent areas of surf in the world for this time of year.

Perhaps a bit of a wild card location for this time of year would be the Canary Islands. Yeah, really. This is another volcanic archipelago set in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Morocco. Even though the northern Atlantic is in full slumber mode throughout August, there is the potential for storms to creep up the coast of southern Africa and make home in this European island chain, akin to how the southern Pacific can send swells to Hawaii this time of year.

Here's a list of where to go if you want a last-ditch summer escape.

Indonesia: Lombok

One of the greatest waves in the world: Bangko Bangko aka Desert Point.

Most of Indonesia gets locked into a dizzying swell barrage across August because it is peak swell time for everyone's favorite surfing archipelago. Of the more than 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, only 6,000 are estimated to be inhabited. The sheer number of options can be daunting when deciding where to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Located in the West Nusa Tenggara province, to the east of Bali, is Lombok Island. Densely populated with 4,000,000 people over an area roughly the size of Rhode Island, Lombok is home to a whole range of great surf set-ups. And it is a much easier location to get to than the likes of the Mentawais.

It should be no surprise that Lombok is home to world-class surf. Desert Point is on the island's furthest southwesterly corner, almost due east from Denpasar, on the neighboring island of Bali.

So named because of how its endless waves look like sand dunes, Desert Point is an incredibly technical, but highly rippable, left-hand juggernautone that could sit happily alongside some of the best waves on the planet.

The wave at Desert Point can stretch for almost half a kilometer, spinning off a white-sand beach, surrounded by lowland rainforest. The barrel can form up shortly after take-off and re-form multiple times as the wave continues towards the inside section.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you're looking for mellower waves on Lombok, head to Ekas: a beginner-friendly wave on the southeast of the island. No matter the swell though, Lombok will deliver and is a great destination to head to in August.

Related: Six Waves That Will Forever Have Our Hearts: Desert Point, Indonesia

Canary Islands: Tenerife

You don't have to drive miles and miles across the Canary Islands to find decent surf.

The Canary Islands are a bit of a wild card here. When you look at the southern Atlantic Ocean during this time of year, storms roll from the bottom of South America, tear across the Atlantic and crash into the tip of South Africa.

Before they reach their endpoint, though, these storms can fan out and send swell thousands of miles northwards into the likes of Morocco and the Canary Islands, creating a summery run of waves for the southern shores of the seven-strong island nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Southwesterly swells will set this glorious coastline off with a variety of set-ups on hand. Most of the time, you will be surfing over volcanic reef, offering up point breaks under a subtropical climate. In fact, the Canaries have been dubbed "European Hawaii," even housing their own left-hand, shallow barrel called El Quemao, over on Lanzarotebut that's really a wintertime venture.

For Tenerife, you can tour the island's south coast and come across a number of different waves, particularly around Playa de Las Americas, which is a bustling tourist seaside resort. Your best time to surf is in the morning; by the afternoon, the trade winds will pick up and cause havoc on the wave face. Tenerife is particularly known for its strong winds, making it an ideal spot for windsurfers. When everything aligns, you could be looking at some of the best summer surf across the Old Continent.

Related: The Canary Islands Gone XXL

Nicaragua: Pacific Coast

Nicaragua offers consistent waves.

With the swell season in full swing for Nicaragua, August is a prime time to head to the country's Pacific coastline. The waves are consistent, and the water is warm, averaging 84.2Fwarm enough that you won't need to think about packing a wetsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the country's top waves is Popoyo, a powerful reef break, A-frame, offering both lefts and rights when conditions align. And when they do, this is one of the world's best wavesand perhaps one of the most underrated. Popoyo didn't become internationally known until just 10 years ago, when the International Surfing Association held its annual World Surfing Games there.

There are a few breaks along Popoyo. There's the wedgy beachbreak at Playa Santana; Beginner Bay, which is a left-hand pointbreak and there's even an outer reef from the main A-Frame. This can be a heavy, hollow left-hand barrel that will test the best tube riders in the world.

While the swells are filling through consistently in August, it's also the wet season in Nicaragua, which runs from May through to October. Rainfall typically happens in the afternoons on the Pacific coastline, so surf early to avoid any runoff.

Related: Nicaragua Surf Trip Checklist

Peru: North Coast

The small town of Huanchaco offers a world-class wave on its doorstep.

Hop a couple of countries southward from Nicaragua, and you will end up in South America's third-largest country: Peru.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Like most surf zones in the region, Peru is open to south swells throughout the southern hemisphere's winter months, and August is prime time for those powerful, southerly swells to filter to shore.

Northern Peru has favorable offshore winds throughout August; basically, anywhere north of the country's capital of Lima should be gold.

This surf zone's best-known wave is undeniably Chicama, some 600 kilometers north of Lima. Chicama is one of the longest waves on the planet, and when those swells march in, you can see the lines stack all the way to the horizon. It is a marvel of the surfing world and has long been heralded as the quintessential left-hand pointbreak, with sections on the wave for all levels of surfers. Chicama can barrel, too, but even without that section, it is a long, leg-burning wall of water that will offer multiple opportunities to test your performance surfing.

There are far more spots along Peru's northern surf zone that spring to life in August. Huanchaco, another long left-hander near Trujillo, is a consistent spot that offers up a performance-focused wave in front of an ancient, seafaring town.

Related: Perfect Barrels In Peru? Yep, The Eddie Swell Delivered

Philippines: Typhoon Coastline

In addition to the popular surf destination of Siargao, there are many other gems to discover in the Philippines.

Here we go. August is when the swell gates fully open for Southeast Asia's archipelagic country, the Philippines. Even though surf spots like Cloud 9, on Siarago Island, have been lauded as one of the best waves on earth, there is still a lot of untapped potential around the 7,600 islands that make up the Philippines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So what makes August such a special time to visit? The answer is that this is when typhoon season really gets started. These powerful storms form up in the western Pacific and spin towards the Philippines' Pacific coastline across August. As it is right at the start of this season, you could get a few sessions under your belt before conditions become a little unruly, or the crowds start to filter in. August is also a time when southwest winds become more prevalent. The eastern frontier of the Philippines is also drier during this time period.

There are many other surf spots here, too, besides Cloud 9. Jacking Horse and Pacifico are on Siargao Island, and San Juan is one of the better surf spots on the northern part of the island nation. There are so many options in the Philippines, and that's just on the Pacific coastline. There are more sheltered options along the South China Sea, but you'll need a lot of swell to filter into the basin to get this going. Leave your wetsuit at home; the water is 84F on average in August.

Related: Josie Prendergast on the Explosion of Philippine Surf Tourism

These Are the Top 5 Best Places in the World To Surf in August first appeared on Surfer on Aug 2, 2025
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Officers apprehended an individual after an alleged shooting occurred involving a stolen car.

The Dayton Police Department initially responded to reports of a shooting in the 1100 block of N. Gettysburg Avenue around 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Dayton man arrested after allegedly threatening to organize mobs, kill 30K by Sunday

Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle had been shot at by another vehicle. The driver who was reportedly shot at said he had been following a stolen vehicle that was his, when the driver of the reportedly stolen vehicle shot at him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DPD told 2 NEWS officers located the suspect vehicle on Little Richmond Road just 20 minutes later. Officers reportedly found a large quantity of drugs, including marijuana and other substances.

One person has been arrested as a result of this investigation so far. No one was injured.

DPDs drug investigators and violent offender unit will conduct further investigation into 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 WDTN.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting Friday evening.

KCPD officers were called to the intersection of 8th Street and Benton Avenue on a reported shooting around 4:30 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds off the road.

Man faces charges in Waldo shooting late Sunday night

Police and EMS attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Saturday, the victim was identified by KCPD as 48-year-old Robert Benedict.

Early investigation shows that an altercation between multiple people led to shots being fired and the victim being killed. KCPD says that its unknown how many people were involved, but that one person is in custody.

I feel like were here all too often on a scene that led from an altercation, said KCPD Media Sergeant Phil DiMartino at the scene.

The victim has not been identified at this time.

Detectives are now processing the scene for any evidence, surveillance footage or witnesses.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information that can help detectives are asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

This is an ongoing investigation; FOX4 will provide updates as theyre made available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A three-car collision in Elysian Valley killed a man and injured four other people, two of whom are in critical condition, on Saturday afternoon.

The Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded at 12:29 p.m. to reports of a multi-vehicle crash in the 2400 block of Riverside Drive.

Police and units with the L.A. Fire Department arrived to find three cars involved and five patients at the scene.

Scenes from a fatal crash in Elysian Valley. August 2025. (KTLA) Scenes from a fatal crash in Elysian Valley. August 2025. (KTLA) Scenes from a fatal crash in Elysian Valley. August 2025. (KTLA) Scenes from a fatal crash in Elysian Valley. August 2025. (KTLA)

Paramedics declared one person, only identified as a 30-year-old man, dead at the scene. Another two patients, a 69-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, were immediately transported in critical condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The last two patients, a 34-year-old man and a 35-year-old man, only suffered minor injuries and refused hospital transportation after being assessed at the scene.

LAPD asked the community to avoid the area if possible while the fatal crash is under investigation. There was no further information immediately available regarding what may have led to the collision.

This is a developing story.

Sofia Pop Perez and 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told FOX31 that one man has been arrested and another remains at large after two suspects allegedly tried to ram their vehicle into ICE officers on Thursday.

ICE said that Francisco Zapata-Pacheco was arrested at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The agency said he was allegedly the passenger in the vehicle used to attack officers and is cooperating with law enforcement officials.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jose Mendez-Chavez is said to be another alleged suspect in the case and remains at large, said ICE.

The incident occurred on Thursday, when federal officers were said to have been conducting a targeted enforcement operation in Colorado Springs, where two suspects tried to allegedly ram their vehicle into officers. An officer on scene fired three shots into the vehicle.

ICE told FOX31 that the two suspects fled and abandoned their vehicle, which resulted in the agency looking for the suspects.

Pacheto will remain in ICE custody pending immigration and criminal proceedings, the agency 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 FOX31 Denver.
Many people tend to look back fondly at the 1970s as simpler times. This may be true, but the reality is that it was also a far more dangerous era. Even in developed nations, like the United States, public health regulations were severely lacking. Wearing seatbelts in cars was optional, and standardized guidelines to prevent driving while intoxicated were still developing. Lead-based paint was legal, asbestos use was widespread, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was still very much in its infancy. Food safety was equally  if not more  underappreciated.

It's impossible to understate the importance of enforced food safety rules. An estimated 600 million people fall ill each year as a result of unsafe food (per the World Health Organization). Of those, around 420,000 cases have fatal outcomes, particularly among infants. The U.S.'s first meaningful food safety legislation was passed in 1906 in response to the prevalence of adulterated food and drugs. It took a number of serious foodborne illness outbreaks in the late '80s and early '90s for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to finally publish its Food Code. Regularly updated, the Food Code contains what many of us now recognize as basic food safety guidance.

However, back in the '70s, many food producers and suppliers didn't have the knowledge we do now. Even those who did often ignored food safety when there were very few repercussions. Today, we're going to examine some of the modern rules that were rarely followed back then.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: 17 Ways To Cook Eggs, Explained

Compulsory Hand-Washing Requirements For Food Workers

A food service worker washing their hands in a handwashing sink - Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Foodborne illnesses are caused by harmful bacteria or viruses, which make us sick when they enter our system. Sometimes these pathogens grow in or on the food itself, but they can also be introduced through environmental factors. One of the most common ways dangerous microorganisms, like Salmonella and E. coli, are spread to food is through unsafe food handling practices. In a 2014 study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) examined three years of data and found that 70% of U.S. norovirus outbreaks could be traced back to food workers. Over 50% of those outbreaks were a result of improper hand-washing procedures.

While that study proves that we still have a long way to go, hand hygiene guidelines were practically non-existent in the 1970s. There were no federal guidelines on handwashing for food workers, and hygiene standards were inconsistent among restaurants. It wasn't until 1993 that the FDA, with input from the CDC and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), published the first iteration of its Food Code. These were the first guidelines to recommend specific hand-washing procedures, including double-washing and the use of gloves when handling ready-to-eat foods. The Food Code also details when workers must wash their hands, such as after using the toilet or smoking, and recommends the use of dedicated handwashing sinks. So, while the risk of food workers contaminating food isn't zero, we can only imagine how low handwashing standards were in the '70s.

Meeting Safe Internal Food Temperatures

A chef using a meat thermometer probe to check the temperature of meat in an oven - lensmen/Shutterstock

Even if food handlers strictly follow handwashing procedures, there are still ways for bacteria and viruses to enter our system. It's pretty much impossible to guarantee that raw foods won't harbor harmful microorganisms. We can try to prevent these nasties from reaching concerning levels with proper storage techniques, such as refrigeration, and by consuming food while it's still fresh. However, the last line of defense is heat. By cooking food, we can destroy the pathogens that would otherwise make us sick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Today, we know the specific internal temperatures we need to hit to make food safe, but that wasn't always the case. In the 1970s, a cook's idea of "doneness" was pretty subjective, meaning there was a much higher risk of someone consuming undercooked food and becoming ill. Despite what some may claim, the idea that you can be sure food is fully cooked by sight is a dangerous myth. The USDA finally published safe temperature guidance in the 1980s, but even this advice only pertained to beef. This information was eventually added to the FDA's Food Code in 1993 and was updated in later revisions to include other types of meat, like poultry. Although meat thermometers have been around since the 1930s, they weren't really commonplace until food safety enforcement. Nowadays, meat thermometers can be considered an essential kitchen tool, and they're far more accurate and affordable than they were in the '70s.

Properly Sanitizing Food Equipment And Surfaces

A food service worker spraying and wiping a table - Lourdes Balduque/Getty Images

We're not claiming that every 1970s restaurant was covered in filth and grime, but from a food safety perspective, there's a big difference between "clean" and "sanitary." Surfaces might have been wiped and cooking utensils washed, but just because something isn't dirty, that doesn't mean it's free of microorganisms. You'd often find staff reusing cleaning rags that should've been disposed of months before, or assuming cleaning with water and soap alone was sufficient.

In some cases, proper sanitization practices were lacking because restaurant owners didn't care, and there was no consistent safety enforcement. However, even those who valued food safety were likely uninformed when it came to things like sufficient chemical contact times or the difference between detergents and sanitizers. There was also little guidance surrounding the safe use of chemicals, so food workers were also at risk from using the cleaning products.

In 1989, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations began to address the dangers of improperly handled workplace chemicals by providing suitable guidance on topics like storage and appropriate use. Once again, proper guidance surrounding sanitation practices and cleaning schedules didn't become widespread until 1993 and the publication of the FDA's Food Code.

Not Reselling Or Reusing Uneaten Food

A table covered in leftover food dishes - Sergey Mironov/Getty Images

If you haven't already been put off the idea of a 1970s dining experience, we think this entry might do the trick. There will always be businesses that prioritize profits over the safety of staff and customers if they're not afraid of being held accountable. It's pretty much the reason we have health and safety regulations in the first place. In the '70s, it wasn't uncommon for restaurants to reuse uneaten food to cut costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If a table didn't polish off their bread basket, there was a very good chance any leftover rolls would be re-served to someone else. Garnishes would be picked off plates and reused until they could no longer pass as fresh. Uneaten buffet items would be repurposed in subsequent dishes or reheated and sold again. Of course, these practices come with all sorts of health risks, whether it be cross-contamination of harmful pathogens between customers or eating food that's past its best.

While 1993's Food Code included guidelines that addressed reusing previously-served food, they were relatively vague. There are some instances where re-serving food is fine -- bottled sauces on a table, for example -- but these distinctions weren't added to the Food Code until 2014. The Food Code isn't federal law, and enforcement relies on state- or local-level adoption, so many states didn't regulate the re-serving of food until the additional guidance was published.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination Of Raw And Ready-To-Eat Foods

A green cutting board with fresh produce next to a red cutting board with raw meat - Carey Jaman/Shutterstock

Cross-contamination is the spreading of harmful bacteria from one thing to another. In terms of food safety, it can occur as a result of poor handwashing or cleaning procedures. One of the most common causes of cross-contamination is improper handling of raw products, followed by the handling of fresh or ready-to-eat foods.

Nowadays, avoiding cross-contamination is a cornerstone of food safety guidelines. As we mentioned earlier, the 1993 Food Code included regulations to address handwashing and glove use. However, it took another three years before the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published its wordily-named report titled, "Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems; Final Rule." HACCP is intended to be a systematic approach to preventing foodborne illnesses by identifying and mitigating high-risk points in the food supply chain. This is why current health codes stipulate that raw products must be prepared on separate surfaces from fresh products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Modern kitchens can use up to seven different types of color-coded cutting boards and kitchen knives for different foods to avoid cross-contamination. Back in the '70s, you'd be lucky if a restaurant had two separate boards for raw meat and "everything else." It was even more likely for a chef to use a single board for all foods. They may have cleaned it between uses, but that still wouldn't have been enough to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

Using Unrefrigerated And Unpasteurized Eggs

A person taking an egg out of a refrigerator - Housewife_freelancer/Shutterstock

One of the main culprits behind cases of food poisoning is Salmonella. This nasty bacteria can cause an infection known as Salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal illness that typically presents itself with abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. It's an unpleasant experience at the best of times, and while it isn't inherently fatal, it can still be deadly. The most common sources of Salmonella are raw eggs and poultry.

There are many recipes that feature raw eggs as a key ingredient. While raw eggs can pose a higher risk than cooked eggs, they can be made safer through a process called pasteurization. Pasteurization has been around since the 19th century, so it wasn't exactly a new concept in the 1970s. However, even now, only about a third of eggs consumed in the U.S. are pasteurized.

Egg-related Salmonella outbreaks still occur today, so you can only imagine how much higher the dangers were in the '70s. Another risk factor was the lack of refrigeration in the supply chain. The U.S. washes its eggs to remove external bacteria. This also eliminates the protective outer layer -- sometimes called the "cuticle or membrane" -- making it easier for bacteria to permeate the shell. Refrigeration reduces the risk of further bacterial growth, but regulations mandating that eggs must be kept below 45 degrees Fahrenheit during distribution didn't come until the USDA's Final Rule in 1999.

Clearly Labeling Food Allergens

A selection of the most common food with allergen ingredients - Monticelllo/Getty Images

Food allergies can vary in severity, but for many sufferers, a fast, fatal reaction is a very real and terrifying possibility. Exposure to an allergen can cause anaphylaxis in just a few seconds, so those with severe allergies have to be extremely careful to avoid exposure and often carry a lifesaving EpiPen with them. The number of people who suffer from food allergies has increased dramatically in recent decades. Studies indicate the number of children presenting food allergies soared 50% between 1997 and 2011, and another 50% between 2007 and 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unfortunately, while there are some theories as to why this is happening, none have been proven. Allergies are incurable, so the safest way to save lives is by following strict food preparation procedures and clearly labeling food ingredients. In the 1970s, there were no requirements for food producers to include allergen information on their products, so most of them didn't bother. The chance of having a food allergy may have been lower than it is today, but the risk of unknowingly consuming something deadly was far higher.

It took until 2004 for the FDA to implement the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). This made it a legal requirement for packaging to state if a food item contained milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Sesame was only added to that list in 2023, and many allergy sufferers and medical professionals argue that further updates are required to save lives.

Smoking In Food Preparation And Service Areas

A person putting out a cigarette in an ashtray - Lomtong Monrudee/Shutterstock

In the 1970s, roughly 40% of U.S. adults were cigarette smokers, compared to about 11% today (per the American Lung Association). Readers who were around in the '70s will remember just how prevalent smoking was, not just in terms of the number of smokers, but the fact that you could light up pretty much anywhere you wanted. You could smoke a cigarette in a cinema, the bank, or even on an airplane. Out of every occupation, smoking rates are almost always highest in the food service industry, so you can guarantee that some '70s chefs were smoking in their kitchens.

Nowadays, the health risks associated with tobacco use are well known, but that wasn't always the case. Even though connections were being made between cigarettes and lung cancer in the 1950s and '60s, policies aimed at reducing smoking rates were slow to appear. Not only were smokers putting themselves at risk, but their second-hand smoke also posed a danger to any non-smokers around them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It wasn't until the '90s that some states began introducing laws banning indoor smoking. Even today, just 30 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, have comprehensive indoor smoking bans for public spaces and workplaces. Fortunately, even in those states that don't have the same level of restrictions, smoking bans in restaurants are enforced near-universally at a local level.

Implementing Use-By And Sell-By Dates

A food jar with a date printed on the lid - Pawel Kacperek/Getty Images

Nowadays, you'll notice that most pre-packaged food products come with some type of date label. In truth, "sell by," "use by," and "best before" labels aren't reliable indicators of whether food is safe or not. They don't tell us when food has expired; rather, they let us know when it's at its highest level of quality. They're also used by food retailers, so they know when to rotate or dispose of stock.

Although date labels aren't used as part of any food safety initiative, they're better than nothing. They give us a better idea of how long food is safe for consumption, and make it easier to trust that retailers aren't selling expired products. To date, there are still no federally mandated regulations regarding food-date labeling in the United States, with the sole exception being for infant formula. Fortunately, the practice started to become more commonplace in the 1970s without it being a legal requirement.

It still took until 2016 for the FDA's FSIS to release guidelines on date labeling to standardize date-labeling practices. In the '70s, however, many products lacked any kind of date label. You essentially had to trust that stores weren't pushing expired stock that should have been thrown out already. At least today, we can use date labels to make an informed decision before deciding whether our food is safe to eat.

Conducting Regular Restaurant Health And Safety Inspections

A food inspection window sign with an A-grade score - The Image Party/Shutterstock

Food safety rules are ultimately useless if nobody ensures they're being followed. Nowadays, public health agencies inspect every part of the food supply chain, from farms to restaurants, to make sure local food safety regulations are being met. Most food businesses are assessed at least once or twice a year, often without advanced notice. If safety standards aren't being met, inspectors will issue a warning and attend a follow-up inspection to guarantee any problems have been addressed. They'll also investigate links to food poisoning outbreaks and can temporarily or permanently close businesses that violate the local health code. Most food safety departments have implemented a straightforward scoring system, and these scores are made readily available to the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As you've probably guessed, food safety inspections were practically non-existent in the 1970s. To be fair, there weren't many regulations to enforce at the time. Health departments lacked resources, so when inspections were carried out, they tended to be inconsistent if they occurred at all. Investigations were often reactive rather than preventative, taking place after people had already gotten sick, and there was little transparency. It was often impossible for members of the public to see the results of safety inspections. Once again, it took the publication of the Food Code in 1993 to persuade health departments to adopt standardized food safety assessment procedures. Today, all 50 states have adopted some variation of the Food Code and regularly enforce compliance.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Frozen fish isn't just convenient, it's frequently the freshest option available, particularly for those living away from coastal areas. Seafood is often flash-frozen mere minutes after it's caught, preserving its flavor, texture, and nutritional value. In contrast, the so-called fresh fish at the supermarket is likely to have already been frozen and defrosted. Frozen fish typically also comes gutted, cleaned, and often pre-portioned for hassle-free cooking.

From one-pan fish tacos to Thai-inspired fried fish, fish is versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Nevertheless, the final meal is only going to be as good as the quality of its parts. If the seafood isn't up to par, even the best recipes are likely to fall flat. In the worst case, the meal could even make you sick, especially if the fish wasn't stored or handled properly.

Like all seafood, we've seen plenty of frozen fish recalled over the years to avoid this very outcome. Here are some of the most significant frozen fish recalls to hit grocery stores in U.S. history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: 10 Cheap Fish That Are Absolutely Not Worth Buying

Delight Foods USA Recalls Frozen Catfish (2023)

Four frozen catfish steaks in vacuum-sealed packaging - Purrfect_photo/Shutterstock

In line with USDA regulations, only countries deemed to have inspection standards equivalent to U.S. systems are allowed to export food products (fish included) to the U.S. In 2023, Delight Foods USA came under scrutiny after importing siluriformes  better known as catfish  from India, one of the countries that is not considered eligible to export this fish to the U.S.

The 2-pound plastic packages of frozen catfish steaks were recalled after FSIS discovered that the products lacked the required USDA mark of inspection. In total, the Jersey City-based importer ended up withdrawing nearly 3,000 pounds of Seafood Delight frozen catfish bearing the label "Fresh Frozen Cat Fish Steak IF" from the market. The fish had been distributed to retailers throughout the country.

Highlighting the gravity of the incident, the FDA assigned the Delight Foods USA frozen catfish recall its highest designation. Class I recalls are issued in "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

Otten's Seafood Recalls Fresh And Frozen Catfish (2021)

Pile of raw catfish steaks - Naurah kida/Shutterstock

Known for its whisker-like feelers and mild flavor, catfish is one of the most widely consumed fish in the U.S. The bottom-dwellers often play center stage in Southern cooking, appearing in dishes like Southern fried catfish, where the fish is typically dredged in a cornmeal mix before being deep-fried.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2021, Otten's Seafood, which specializes in flash-frozen seafood, faced backlash for failing to follow basic protocols when putting the siluriformes on the market. The catfish, which had been wild-caught in the U.S., was distributed without federal inspection, which is a violation of food safety regulations. In total, Otten's Seafood ended up recalling more than 46,000 pounds of fresh and frozen catfish. The frozen catfish had a shelf life of one year, making the recall particularly concerning, since consumers may have forgotten the product was in their freezers. Otten's Seafood's catfish had been distributed to both wholesalers and retailers in Illinois and Indiana.

B&I Overseas Trading Recalls Frozen Herring In Oil (2020)

Rectangular package of Veladis Herring in Oil with Italian Spices - Instacart

Herring is enjoyed in a variety of ways around the world, depending on regional culinary traditions. The small fish can be pickled, fermented, fried, smoked, or preserved in oil. It's this last method of preparation that came under scrutiny when B&I Overseas Trading recalled its herring in oil in 2020.

B&I Overseas Trading recalled its 17.64-ounce plastic packages of its Veladis Herring in Oil with Italian Spices over concerns that the product was contaminated with listeria. The fish was distributed at retail stores throughout Washington. It's unclear how the listeria ended up in the product or how B&I Overseas Trading became aware of the potential contamination.

Listeriosis is a foodborne infection caused by eating contaminated products, such as raw, unpasteurized milk, some types of cheese, vegetables, fruit, and raw or smoked fish. The symptoms of the infection in healthy adults typically include fever, headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. High-risk groups include pregnant people, infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, as they are more likely to experience severe symptoms. At worst, listeria can even be fatal, hence the urgency for a recall when there's even the slightest chance of contamination.

H&T Seafood Recalls Frozen Swai Fillets (2019)

Stack of frozen panga fillets on a plate - EcoFox2001/Shutterstock

Marketed under a range of names like sutchi catfish and panga, swai fish is usually imported into the U.S. from Vietnam. The fish is budget-friendly, with a pleasant flavor and firm texture, which can make it appealing to some consumers. Unfortunately, swai comes with a range of potential problems. It's often farmed in poorly regulated conditions, increasing the risk of antibiotic use and bacterial contamination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given that Vietnam is a global hub of swai farming, it's not surprising that H&T Seafood sourced its swai fish from the Southeast Asian country. What's surprising, however, is that the company didn't follow regulations and present the products for USDA inspection. The affected product was boneless and skinless Fisherman's Wharf Swai Fillets, sold in 1-pound bags. The lack of inspection came to light during a compliance visit by FSIS staff to a retail store. The frozen fish was distributed in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Luckily, no adverse health effects were linked to the seafood at the time of the recall.

Premium Foods USA Recalls Frozen Catfish (2019)

Catfish in a fish tank - Roamingpanda/Getty Images

The Premium Foods USA 2019 frozen catfish recall came in two waves. The first occurred in July, when the company pulled more than 76,000 pounds of frozen catfish from the market. The second followed in October of the same year, after an additional 40,000 pounds of the product were also recalled. This means that, all in all, Premium Foods USA ended up withdrawing more than 121,000 pounds of frozen catfish from commercial circulation in 2019.

Both recalls were initiated because Premium Foods USA imported the frozen fish from Bangladesh and Myanmar illegally. More specifically, catfish can't be legally imported into the U.S. from either country. Not only did Premium Foods USA ignore this ban, but it also failed to present the frozen fish for import reinspection. The products were distributed to retailers in nine states overall: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

J Deluca Fish Company Recalls Frozen Yellow Walking Catfish (2019)

Catfish on ice - F de Jesus/Shutterstock

Particularly popular in Southeast Asian dishes, yellow walking catfish can be grilled, stewed, or curried. It's a mildly flavored fish that readily takes on the flavor of spices and sauces. In 2019, J Deluca Fish Company recalled two varieties of its Nautilus Seafood frozen yellow walking catfish products. The fish were raised on farms in Vietnam, from where they were imported into the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The recall was announced after it was discovered that the 40-pound bags of the product were imported into the country without reinspection by federal authorities. It also didn't help that the frozen catfish were farmed at a facility in Vietnam that had not been cleared to export siluriformes fish products to the U.S. The catfish, which were produced between August 2018 and January 2019, were sent to distributors and stores throughout the country, resulting in a widespread recall. In total, the company pulled nearly 70,000 pounds of yellow walking catfish from the market.

Golden International Corporation Recalls Frozen Tilapia (2018)

Tilapia on ice - Reniar Ka/Shutterstock

Tilapia is one of the most popular seafood options consumed in the U.S., alongside shrimp, salmon, and canned tuna. Budget-friendly and widely available, tilapia is often prepared with spices and seasoning, which complement its mild taste. The fish is frequently imported into the U.S. from abroad.

The Golden International Corporation frozen tilapia recall of 2018 involved fish that had been slated for return to Taiwan, from which it had been imported. Although the reason for this decision is unclear, the tilapia never made it back to its country of origin. Instead, 405 cartons of the frozen product were stolen from Golden International Corporation's yard in Renton, Washington, on April 29. While the container was recovered on May 9, officials were concerned that the fish could have been redistributed to grocery stores. Improperly refrigerated seafood is a breeding ground for bacteria and can quickly become unsafe to eat.

It transpired that the fish container tested positive for salmonella, making this recall even more urgent. This foodborne bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Salmonella can be especially dangerous for young children, seniors, and individuals with weak immune systems, and may lead to hospitalization and death.

Vinh Hoan USA Recalls Frozen Swai Filets (2017)

Frozen swai fish filets - EcoFox2001/Shutterstock

Foreign countries that export siluriformes  including swai fish  to the U.S. must meet a number of criteria under FSIS regulations. One of these is the requirement that imported shipments must undergo reinspection. In 2017, Vinh Hoan USA issued a recall of its frozen swai fish products due to non-compliance with these regulations. To be precise, the frozen fish was imported from Vietnam without the required residue sampling and testing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total, Vinh Hoan USA ended up recalling about 84,000 pounds of frozen swai filets produced between December 16, 2016, and January 7, 2017. The 15-pound cases of the product were branded as Mekong Master Frozen Swai Filets. The frozen seafood was distributed to wholesalers in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. While no reports of illness were linked to the products, the FDA gave the recall a Class I designation, which applies to situations that could possibly lead to severe health complications and death.

Willis Ocean Recalls Frozen Steamed Scomber Fish (2017)

The Duck frozen steamed scomber fish - U.S. Food and Drug Administration / Facebook

Scomber fish, a type of mackerel, can be prepared in a range of ways, including frying and curing. Scomber fish can also be steamed, which is how the recalled product from Willis Ocean was processed before packaging. The Duck-branded frozen steamed scomber fish, which had been imported from Thailand, was recalled after it was discovered that the fish hadn't been properly eviscerated. The mackerel were packaged in styrofoam trays and wrapped in clear plastic.

The sale of uneviscerated fish is strictly not allowed under rules implemented by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, which first discovered the issue. Fish that hasn't been properly cleaned and gutted is more likely to lead to botulism. Symptoms of the potentially fatal condition include dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and muscle weakness. Fortunately, the frozen scomber fish imported by Willis Ocean was not linked to any illnesses at the time of the recall.

Trident Seafoods Corporation Recalls Frozen Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod (2017)

Trident Seafoods Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod - Instacart

Often used in fish and chips and fish sticks, Alaskan cod has a mild, sweet taste and a delicate, flaky texture. As such, it's no surprise that the fish is often processed into frozen, ready-to-bake filets. This was precisely the type of product that was recalled by the Trident Seafoods Corporation when a consumer reported that they found a piece of plastic in their seafood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 12-ounce boxes of frozen Trident Seafoods Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod were sold at stores such as Albertsons, Cub Foods, Jewel, Morey's, ShopRite, Sprouts, and Woodman's. The recall affected a dozen states in total, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Further investigation revealed that the plastic fragments turned out to be inspection tags from an ingredient supplier. No injuries were linked to the frozen fish when the product was pulled from supermarket shelves.

U.S. Cado Holdings Recalls Frozen Swai Filets (2016)

Frozen panga filet - Sergii Vasylchenko/Getty Images

The U.S. Cado Holdings frozen swai filet recall took place in three separate stages, all in 2016. The first recall, which was announced on June 20, involved 25,760 pounds of frozen swai. The second was initiated on June 25 and expanded the recall to include an additional 2,235 pounds of fish. The third and final recall took place on July 14, adding 1,650 pounds of fish to the recall tally.

Each recall was initiated because the frozen swai fish, which had been imported from Vietnam, failed to meet the necessary federal import requirements. The Deep Water Sea Food and Deltas Best Basa Brand frozen swai filets, which were all packaged in 15-pound cartons, lacked the FSIS residue testing and sampling necessary for commercial sale in the U.S. The products were not linked to any adverse health issues when the recall was announced. Nevertheless, the FDA gave the recall a Class I designation, highlighting a possibility that it could lead to serious health issues and even death.

Osamu Corporation Recalls Frozen Yellowfin Tuna (2015)

Yellowfin tuna sashimi - PHANURATH/Shutterstock

The U.S. is among the biggest importers of yellowfin tuna. While America sources most of its yellowfin tuna from Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Panama, the batch that led to the Osamu Corporation's salmonella recall in 2015 was actually imported from Indonesia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Osamu Corporation issued a recall of its frozen yellowfin tuna after the fish was linked to at least 62 cases of salmonella poisoning, including at least 11 hospitalizations. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the source of the contamination was the raw tuna used in sushi sold at grocery stores throughout the country. The same frozen fish was also distributed to restaurants. Bacterial infections were reported in at least 11 states, one of which was Minnesota, where the Minnesota Department of Health officials actually found salmonella in a tuna sample taken from a retailer. Distributors went on to also destroy any remaining supplies of the tuna.

Moon Marine USA Corporation Recalls Frozen Yellowfin Tuna Scrape (2012)

Tuna scrape - Hanasaki/Shutterstock

For those unfamiliar with the finer points of commercial fish processing, tuna scrape is a product made by scraping meat off tuna bones. The fishy paste is typically used in sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and spicy tuna rolls. Some people have compared tuna scrape to the infamous meat filler colloquially known as "pink slime," aka a low-cost paste made from beef scraps. While the two are aesthetically similar, unlike tuna scrape, pink slime is normally treated with ammonia to kill bacteria.

In 2012, Moon Marine USA Corporation recalled its Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA after the products were linked to more than 400 salmonella infections across 28 states, leading to at least 55 hospitalizations. In total, the company had shipped nearly 60,000 pounds of the frozen yellowfin tuna scrape to distributors who then forwarded it on to restaurants and grocery stores. That made this recall particularly tricky because some of the tuna was potentially repackaged, making it more difficult to identify and destroy.

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.
IOWA  On Friday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that 15 state beaches were not recommended for swimming following their latest round of weekly testing.

Two declare for Auditors seat as Madison County Special Election nears

According to the DNRs website, all 15 of the state beaches were found to have E. coli levels higher than the states standard. The affected beaches are listed below:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Backbone Beach in Delaware County

Beeds Lake Beach in Franklin County

Bobwhite Beach in Wayne County

Brushy Creek Beach in Webster County

Emerson Bay Beach Dickinson County

Lake Ahquabi Beach in Warren County

Lake Darling Beach in Washington County

Lake Manawa Beach in Pottawattamie County

Lake of Three Fires Beach in Taylor County

McIntosh Woods Beach in Cerro Gordo County

Nine Eagles Beach in Decatur County

Pine Lake South Beach in Hardin County

Pleasant Creek Beach in Linn County

Prairie Rose Beach in Shelby County

Union Grove Beach in Tama County

Many of these beaches have been under a swimming not recommended advisory for several weeks due to persistent high E. coli levels. Advisories will be in place until the levels drop below the state standard.

For more information about the advisories and the other state beaches, visit the DNRs website. The website is updated every Friday with the most recent test results.

Iowa News:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis Police say an armed teenager was shot and killed by an officer after running from a car tied to a violent carjacking in North City.

The incident happened yesterday afternoon in the Hyde Park neighborhood, and the deadly encounter has left neighbors shaken not only because of the violence but also because of the age of the young man involved.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Police say 18-year-old Carlos Jackson was shot and killed after fleeing from officers who were investigating a stolen ford fusion, carjacked just hours earlier near Blair Avenue and Palm Street.

According to detectives, Jackson ignored commands to drop a firearm during a foot chase. Officers opened fire in an alley near Salisbury and North 20th Street.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As the force investigation unit reviews the shooting, some residents say the situation reflects broader concerns about safety and youth violence.

Woman injures 3 in alleged stabbing spree: Police

Its alarming, bothersome and worrisome. We consider this a quiet neighborhood, but when it hits close to home, you worry, said resident Norman King. Thats why we started our block unit to keep each other aware and get a better response from City Hall and police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

King says a recent carjacking of an elderly neighbor fast-tracked their block units information. But the bigger concern remains in parenting and the lack of positive direction for the youth, according to King.

Theyre not being parents. Its probably the lack of parenting, first and foremost, because somebody made these individuals and they were due to their actions or lack thereof. Its an overall community parenting issue that we have to address as a whole, King said.

King also calls on city leaders to step up with more resources and support before another life is lost.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 1MICHIGAN, N.D.  On a yellowed piece of newsprint, three young women are frozen mid-laughter with arms linked and faces aglow as they wade through a sea of confetti on Broadway in New York City.

It was May 8, 1945  Victory in Europe Day. Germany had surrendered. Across the country, people erupted in joy. Office paper rained down from skyscraper windows amid hugs, tears and spontaneous parades.

The photo caption read: "WAVES sail through sea of paper on Broadway."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The women are identified as WAVES  members of the Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Lt. Adda Jane Patterson of Pennsylvania, Ensign Adelaide "Addie" McManus of New York and Ensign Rose Ellen Wilson of California, had been temporarily assigned to New York City after serving together at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Three months and one day after that joyful moment, the three women would again appear in newspaper headlines  this time not as symbols of celebration, but of tragedy.

On Aug. 9, 1945, the women were traveling by train to a new assignment in Seattle. They boarded the Great Northern Railway's Empire Builder, a cross-country passenger train running from Chicago to Seattle via Minneapolis, Fargo and the open plains of North Dakota and Montana.

(It's important to note for this story that in the summer of '45, the Empire Builder often ran in two sections to handle heavy wartime traffic. The first carried long-distance passengers, including many soldiers and sailors returning home from Europe. The second section with short-distance passengers would follow about 30 minutes later.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The WAVES reached Chicago on the evening of Aug. 8. McManus wrote a letter to her parents recounting an elegant dinner along Lake Michigan: "We pulled into Chicago about 5 p.m.... Got off at the Edgewater Beach Hotel where we had a marvelous dinner (Lake Superior whitefish for me, steak for Rosie.) Wayne King played at dinner. You'd have liked that  waltz music."

As McManus and her friends lingered over the meals and melodies, the world was shifting. Around 9 p.m. Central Time  mid-morning in Japan  the U.S. dropped its second atomic bomb on Japan, this time on the city of Nagasaki.

The next morning, unaware of how close the war's end truly was, the WAVES boarded the Empire Builder for Seattle. McManus picked up her pen again, still focused on the small comforts of travel: "We've just had lunch (delicious liver & bacon). Pity the poor civilians. Because of food shortages, no lunch served on the train except to service personnel ... Will close this here so that I can mail it in Fargo, North Dakota."

But that never happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michigan, North Dakota  population just under 500 in 1945  is tucked between Grand Forks and Devils Lake, about 120 miles northwest of Fargo. Founded in 1882 and named "Michigan City" by Edwin Lamb, a settler from Port Huron, Michigan, the town was home to small businesses, a grain elevator and a tight-knit farming community. The train depot was its lifeline to the outside world.

And on Thursday evening, Aug. 9, the eyes of the nation would briefly turn there.

Four hours earlier, at 3:30 p.m., the first section of the Empire Builder departed from Fargo; the second section followed about half an hour later.

By early evening, the first train carrying the WAVES had to stop just west of Michigan due to an overheated wheel bearing. The flagman walked a short distance back along the track and lit a flare to warn the second section of the train, which was quickly catching up to the first.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But it wouldn't be enough to avert disaster.

At 7:22 p.m., the second train  traveling at about 45 miles per hour  rounded a gentle curve into Michigan and slammed into the stationary first train's end car, a Pullman observation car where many had gathered.

The locomotive hit so hard it telescoped the luxurious Pullman car up and over the engine, like one section of a telescope sliding into another.

Most people were killed instantly.

Eighteen-year-old Annette Desautels, the town butcher's daughter and editor of her school newspaper, had just finished her shift at Michigan's Red Owl store and was walking near the tracks when the crash happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Before I realized it, the speeding locomotive of the second train plunged into the rear end of the stopped train," she wrote later. "The rear car of the halted train seemed to rear up into the air like a startled animal, and an enormous cloud of hissing steam and smoke arose from the point of impact."

Passenger Marian (Pederson) Miller of Brocket, North Dakota, 20, escaped without injury but still remembered the horror 67 years later.

"We sat on the grass alongside the tracks and watched all those terrible things  carrying dead bodies out, and many of them were servicemen," she

told The Grand Forks Herald

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

in 2012.

Michigan's residents rushed to the scene. With no floodlights yet available, townspeople drove their cars to the wreckage and shone headlights onto the tangled train to help rescuers work through the night.

Local doctors and nurses were summoned. The town pharmacy opened its doors to dispense medical supplies. Volunteers brought food and coffee. Reporters arriving in Michigan were offered typewriters and workspace so they could file their stories.

By 1 a.m., a consolidated train of 18 cars was assembled. Passengers able to continue their journey boarded and departed. All but one of the bodies had been recovered by 2:30 p.m. the next day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total, 34 people were killed, including 20 military personnel  among them the three WAVES: Patterson, McManus and Wilson, who had once danced through ticker tape on VE Day and, just a day earlier, shared an elegant lakeside dinner in Chicago.

Another 312 people were injured. (The trains had an estimated 800 people aboard.) It remains the deadliest train accident in North Dakota's history  and one of the worst in the nation.

The Michigan crash was front-page news across the country  but they had to compete with that other major news event from Aug. 9, 1945: the bombing of Nagasaki.

Most passengers aboard the Empire Builder that day likely hadn't yet heard the news from Japan. The war was nearing its end, but for 34 of them, including 20 who had served their country, the victory would never be theirs to see.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An investigation found that the crew of the first section had failed to protect the stopped train adequately. Wartime manpower shortages may have played a role; many train crews at the time were overworked and operating without full station support.

Found in the wreckage that day was Addie McManus' letter to her parents  that gentle account of waltz music, Lake Superior whitefish and hurried moments between trains. It was neatly addressed but never stamped, perhaps why she hadn't mailed it in Fargo as intended. Instead, it made its way home with her personal effects.

Years later, Rose Wilson's cousin, James Wilson, and historian Robert Bye co-authored a detailed account of the tragedy titled "Liver and Bacon," named for the meal Addie described in the letter. The essay weaves technical detail with personal loss and is available along with other crash information on

Michigan's website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2012, after a seven-year fundraising effort, the town unveiled a granite monument to honor those who died. Family members of the WAVES, including Wilson and Patterson, traveled from across the country to attend the dedication.

"It's overwhelming, absolutely overwhelming to think of the effort that these people in Michigan have made to do this," Wilson said. "It's touching, very touching."

As the monument was unveiled under a quiet North Dakota sky, the names of the fallen shimmered in polished granite. For years, the story of what happened that day was eclipsed by atomic headlines and victory parades.

But in Michigan, and in the families still remembering, the silence after the crash has never fully lifted.

"To think that all those soldiers and sailors had survived the war and were going home to be with their families," said Marian (Pederson) Miller softly, "to end up getting killed like that  it's just awful."
DENVER (KDVR)  Two teenage boys were arrested in connection to a deadly parking lot shooting on July 13 in Aurora, police reported Friday, in addition to sharing the victims identity.

The Aurora Police Department said it had arrested a 16-year-old on Wednesday, July 23, on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, unlawful handgun possession by a juvenile and theft.

On July 26, police also arrested a 14-year-old on the same charges, in addition to a charge of attempted first-degree murder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Man arrested in Commerce City for allegedly pointing laser at commercial airplanes

The shooting occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on Monday, July 21, when the Aurora Police Department responded to an apartment complex parking lot in the 100 block of Kenton Street.

The police department is not identifying the boys due to their ages. Formal charges will be filed by the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

However, the agency identified the 20-year-old victim in the shooting as Jaylan Demetrious Moton. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

The police investigation has since determined that the two teens lured Moton and a 21-year-old Aurora man into the parking lot to rob them. The suspects also fired at the second victim, police said, but the 21-year-old was able to get away without injury.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation into the shooting is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or send tips online at metrodenvercrimestoppers.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 FOX31 Denver.
Six people have been arrested, including two charged with murder, in connection with an illegal cannabis business that killed five people, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

The business focused on cannabis extraction, and its owners operated a warehouse in Irwindale that exploded in 2023 and a fire at a lab in South El Monte in 2024, Hochman said in a news release.

Yi Luo, Guangqi Fu, Xin Chen, Quizhuo Liang and Bordin Sikarin are shown in undated images provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

Yi Luo, 47, of Baldwin Park; Xin Chen, 59 of Rosemead; Guangqi Fu, 35, of Chino; and Quizhuo Liang, 35, of Monterey Park, worked in the warehouse in the 1400 block of Arrow Highway when it exploded on Oct. 9, 2023, killing all four.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That warehouse was being used for honey oil extraction, Hochman said.

Bordin Tony Sikarin, 57, of Buena Park, was killed in the Nov. 18, 2024, fire at the South El Monte lab.

This case shows the deadly and disastrous results when illegal cannabis operations recklessly put greed over the safety of their employees and neighbors, Hochman said. Cannabis may be legal in California, but this kind of high-risk, illegal activity is not. These drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities and my office will continue to work with law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels to hold those accountable who engage in this illicit trade.

As a result of an investigation into the business, Ted Chien, 43, of Temple City, faces five murder charges and a special allegation of multiple murders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also faces two felony counts of arson causing great bodily injury, eight felony counts of manufacturing a controlled substance and three felony counts of maintaining a place for selling or using a controlled substance, Hochmans office said.

Co-defendant Han Quan Jiao, 55, of Rosemead, was also charged with one count each of murder and arson causing great bodily injury, eight counts of manufacturing a controlled substance and three counts of maintaining a place for selling or using a controlled substance.

Chien faces a maximum sentence of death or life in prison without parole, while Jiao could be sentenced to life in prison.

Despite the five deaths, Jiao and Chien continued their business until officials raided nine L.A. County locations earlier this week, including a large-scale lab in La Verne that abuts the San Gabriel Mountains, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Four others were also charged with the following counts:

Xiaolong Deng, 36 One count each of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance One count of manufacturing, compounding or producing a controlled substance

Chengyan Xu, 61 One count each of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance Two counts of manufacturing, compounding or producing a controlled substance

Christopher Reyes, 30 One count each of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance One count of manufacturing, compounding or producing a controlled substance

Frank Herrera, 35 One count each of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance One count of manufacturing, compounding or producing a controlled substance



Xu faces a maximum sentence of up to eight years and eight months in prison, while the other three face maximum sentences of seven 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 KTLA.
GREENVILLE, Ohio (WDTN)  Four people were seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash Friday night in Darke County.

According to Greenville Police Chief Ryan Benge, crews responded to the intersection of E Main Street and N Ohio Street on a three-vehicle crash around 5:45 p.m.

OVI checkpoint scheduled tonight in Greenville

Benge told 2 NEWS two people were taken by helicopter to the hospital, both by CareFlight and MedFlight. Three others were transported to local hospitals for serious injuries as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials were on scene investigating and reconstructing the crash site for about two hours.

Police believe speed was a contributing factor of the crash. The cause remains under investigation, but alcohol and narcotics are also being considered potential factors.

Benge says its unfortunate that something like this happened, especially when so many law enforcement agencies are working hard to prevent OVI and reckless driving.

Theres a DUI checkpoint just outside of town tonight thats beginning here pretty soon, said Benge. Unfortunately this happened before that could get started, but were always working to try to prevent accidents like this from happening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This crash 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Commerce City Police Department arrested two more suspects connected to a crash that took a teenagers life and injured three other members of his family in October.

The crash occurred on Oct. 6, 2024, at the intersection of 58th Avenue and Holly Street, killing 18-year-old Emiliano Malpica and leaving his 14-year-old brother and both his parents injured and hospitalized.

2 boys, 14 and 16, arrested in connection to July parking lot shooting death

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The driver who hit the family, Erik Hernandez-Escobar, was reportedly street racing at the time of the crash. Instead of providing aid to the family, police say he jumped into a nearby vehicle and fled the scene.

A teen was killed and 3 other family members were seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash in Commerce City (Credit: Commerce City Police Department)

He was charged with vehicular homicide in October 2024 and later pleaded guilty to that charge, but has pleaded not guilty to charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury, vehicular assault and false report of ID to police, among other charges.

Hernandez-Escobar is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Aug. 15. He is currently out of police custody on a $75,000 surety bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, nearly 10 months later, police have arrested two people who were also involved in the deadly crash: A second alleged street racer and the alleged getaway driver.

Elian Marte Agramonte, 22, is accused of racing Hernandez-Escobar. Hes facing vehicular homicide and vehicular assault charges. He was given a $25,000 surety bond that was posted on July 29, according to court records.

Police also arrested Raquel Lujan Flores, who is accused of helping Hernandez-Escobar escape the scene and evade the initial arrest. Police said shes facing three counts of accessory to the crime, but court records do not currently show her case.

Man arrested in Commerce City for allegedly pointing laser at commercial airplanes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FOX31s Alliyah Sims spoke with Karla Malpica-Medina, Emilianos sister, after the crash. She said she just wanted to find her family members alive at the hospital.

18-year-old Emiliano Malpica was killed in a car crash on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (Photo courtesy the Malpica family).

Its just crazy how theres people so cruel. How can you live knowing you killed someone or at least leave the scene not knowing if those people made it? said Karla. They have a family they need to come home to, and unfortunately, one of them didnt.

The Commerce City Police Department thanked its officers for pursuing the case.

The officers never gave up pursuing justice for Emiliano Malpica-Medina, the young man who senselessly lost his life that night, the agency said on Facebook. Our hearts continue to go out to his grieving 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 FOX31 Denver.
Editors note: This story was updated at 2:35 on Aug. 2 to include information from Lt. Sean Murtha of the Worcester Police Department.

A 2-year-old boy is in critical condition after falling from a window onto their driveway, according to the Worcester Police Department.

Police officers, members of the Worcester Fire Department and Worcester EMS all arrived near 490 Shrewsbury St. on Friday afternoon, according to a post on the police departments Facebook page. They met with the father of the child, who was taking him to the emergency room, the post reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The father told the officials that his son had fallen from the window of their home and that he was unresponsive. Officers performed CPR on the child, who was driven to a nearby hospital. The childs identity has not been revealed.

Lt. Sean Murtha told MassLive on Saturday that the child is still in critical condition.

An investigation by detectives revealed that the child had fallen through a closed window screen and fallen 10 to 12 feet to the driveway below, according to the department. The home is located in the Hamilton Street neighborhood.

The incident is still under investigation but it appears to be accidental as of Friday, police said.

More Worcester Stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
Two people were taken to a hospital after a rollover crash in Butler County.

Firefighters were called to the area of Petry Lane and Evans City Road (Route 68) in Jackson Township just before 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Members of the Harmony Fire District said two people were trapped inside a vehicle that had rolled over.

The Corvettes roof and doors were removed and the people inside were rescued.

Firefighters said one person was flown to a hospital and another was taken to a hospital in an ambulance.

Two people were taken to a hospital after a rollover crash in Butler County.

Route 68 was temporarily closed between Lindsay Road and Hartmann Road.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection to the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old in the Collegeville community.

At around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, North Precinct officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of 29th Avenue North on a report of a person shot. The victim was identified as Lorenzo Davis Jr., 17, of Birmingham. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.

The BPDs Special Operations Bureau, in collaboration with the Crime Reduction Team and the TACT Unit, identified and arrested two suspects in connection to the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, BPD homicide detectives presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office, and both suspects were issued with capital murder warrants.

Edjuan Figguers, 21, of Birmingham, was located and arrested in the 900 block of 9th Street Southwest. Deleon Hawkins, 22, of Birmingham, was arrested in the 300 block of 2nd Street West.

Both suspects are being held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact BPDs Homicide Unity at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 1ORONOCO, Minn.  The People's Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up awarded $22,150 in grants to 16 organizations in Southeast Minnesota.

The Operation Round Up grants support charitable, educational, community and youth-related programs and events. The program is funded through members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. Around 16,000 members participate in the program with an average of $6 donated per member each year, according to a statement from the People's Energy Cooperative.

* Ability Building Community: $1,500 for the construction of a pergola.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

* Bear Cave Intermediate: $3,250 in support of the Pinbox 3000 and Canoemobile curriculum.

* Bolder Options: $1,500 to help purchase youth bikes.

* Chatfield Center for the Arts: $1,000 in support of the Ghost Light Lounge resident musicians.

* Childhood Cancer Community: $2,000 in support of Journey Packs.

* Elder Network: $500 to help expand access to technology.

* Hiawatha Homes Foundation: $1,000 for accessible technology.

* Immanuel Lutheran School: $2,000 for updated math curriculum.

* Ivan Stringer American Legion Post 164: $2,500 to assist with the replacement of a door and ADA compliance.

* Mediation & Conflict Solutions: $1,000 to help purchase a new laptop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

* Olmsted County 4-H: $500 for Fall Festival tickets.

* Oronoco Gold Rush Days: $900 in support of event expenses.

* Plainview Area History Center: $2,000 to lift and level their front walkway.

* Salt & Light Partners: $1,000 in support of their First Responder Family Day.

* St. Charles Public Library: $500 to establish a Library of Things.

* The Med City Moonshots: $1,000 to help with the cost of player insurance.

The People's Energy Cooperative Board of Trustees reviews applications for funding on a quarterly basis. Applications are due Sept. 20, 2025. Program guidelines and applications for Operation Round Up donations are available at peoplesenergy.coop/operation-round-up or by calling 800-214-2694.
A 23-year-old man  who may have been armed with a gun  was fatally run over by his ex-girlfriends new boyfriend in a love triangle clash in the middle of a Queens street Thursday night, cops said.

Shaivar Sonalall, 23, followed his ex  who was riding in a car with her 31-year-old new beau behind the wheel  to 101st Street and Liberty Boulevard in Ozone Park around 10:40 p.m., authorities and sources said.

Sonalall approached the drivers side window and flashed what appeared to be a gun  startling the motorist to the point that he drove off, striking the menace, police said.

Shaivar Sonalall, 23, was fatally run over by his ex-girlfriends new beau in Ozone Park Thursday night, police said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

The Queens District Attorneys Office opted not to charge the driver because he feared for his life when he struck Sonalall, cops said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Someone called 911, and officers found Sonalall lying in the street with severe body trauma, cops said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

The driver was initially taken into custody at the scene  but the Queens District Attorneys Office opted not to charge him because he feared for his life when he struck Sonalall, cops and sources said.
The Brief

The human remains found in St. Johns River have been identified.

The remains belong to 24-year-old Nicholas Lamont Anderson of Atlanta, Georgia.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) at (904) 264-6512.

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. - A 24-year-old's human remains have been found in St. Johns River in Florida's Fleming Island.

Human remains found in Florida river

What we know

On May 7, the Clay County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) began investigating circumstances surrounding skeletal remains found near the bulkhead of a private residence on the St. Johns River in Fleming Island.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

The remains were identified to be those of 24-year-old Nicholas Lamont Anderson of Atlanta, Georgia.

Detectives are still seeking information about Anderson and the circumstances leading up to the discovery of his body. Investigators are still looking to learn about the people he encountered, his activities and the places he visited from April 1-7.

The human remains found in St. Johns River have been identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Lamont Anderson of Atlanta, Georgia. (Credit: Clay County Sheriff's Office)

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

What you can do

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.

You can remain anonymous and earn up to a $5,000 reward if the information leads to an arrest or significantly advances the case.

You can also contact the CCSO directly at (904) 264-6512.

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Clay County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
More than seven months after a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of controversial Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was upped from $15 million to $25 million, the offer still stands.

The U.S. State Department says Maduro, 62, not only fraudulently declared himself the winner of Venezuelas deeply flawed 2018 presidential election, but he also helped manage and ultimately lead the Cartel of the Suns  a drug trafficking organization comprised of high-ranking Venezuelan officials.

In the next election, which took place last year, the State Department says Maduro again fraudulently declared himself the winner despite evidence to the contrary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Urgent travel warning issued for Venezuela

It should be noted that the United States has not recognized Maduro as the President of Venezuela since 2019. The U.S., like many other countries, also refused to recognize Maduro as the 2024 election winner; on July 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement standing in solidarity with the Venezuelan people one year after yet another sham election.

Maduro is not the President of Venezuela and his regime is not the legitimate government, Rubio said.

Despite this claim, the disputed president held a celebration on the 28th honoring the one-year anniversary of his controversial re-election and the birthday of his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Maduro, who started his life as a bus driver before becoming a union activist, has effectively ruled Venezuela by decree since 2015 and is widely considered to be a dictator.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters during an event marking the anniversary of his disputed re-election and the birthday of late President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Describing Maduros illicit drug-related activity, federal officials say he participated in a corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy with FARC  the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia  which has been designated as a terrorist group. Cartel of the Suns was also sanctioned as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization by the U.S. Department of the Treasury at the end of July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Man finds intruder inside luxury L.A. home, holds him at gunpoint until police arrive

Maduro negotiated multi-ton shipments of FARC-produced cocaine, directed the Cartel of the Suns to provide military-grade weapons to FARC, coordinated with narcotics traffickers in Honduras and other countries to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking, the State Department and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs explain in a wanted poster for Maduro. He solicited assistance from FARC leadership in training an unsanctioned militia group that functioned, in essence, as an armed forces unit for the Cartel of the Suns.

Nicolas Maduro as seen in a photo provided by the U.S. State Department.

The Venezuelan leader was federally charged in March 2020 in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. A total of 14 other high-ranking officials were also charged with us[ing] cocaine as a weapon to flood the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of Nicolas Maduro Moros (not to be confused with his son Nicolas Nicolasito Maduro Guerra, who was sanctioned by the U.S. government in 2019) should contact the local DEA office in their area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those who are outside of the U.S. should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

There are several other high-ranking outstanding Venezuelan officials with cash rewards of $5 million, $10 million, $15 million and $25 million being offered by the federal government for information that could lead to their arrests and convictions. Click here to view them.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
BURTON, S.C. (WSAV)  Emergency services responded to reports of a truck that had crashed into a building Friday, officials said.

According to a Burton Fire District spokesperson, the crash occurred on the Savannah Highway shortly after 5 p.m. Three people were injured.

A pickup truck and car collided, before the truck hit the building, the spokesperson said. The driver of the car was trapped and had to be transported to the hospital with potentially critical injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pickup truck driver was also transported to the hospital. A third person, a worker inside the building, was injured but wasnt taken to the hospital, a spokesperson said.

The worker was reportedly only feet away from where the truck struck the building.

Traffic on the highway was delayed for over an hour but has since been reopened.

Burton Fire, Beaufort EMS, City of Beaufort/Port Royal Fire, Port Royal Police and the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office responded to the crash. This is the sixth time Burton firefighters have had to rescue occupants trapped in vehicle crashes 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 WSAV-TV.
Ukrainian drone attacks overnight into Saturday killed three people, Russian officials said Saturday, as the two sides continued to trade airstrikes.

Russias Defense Ministry said air defenses intercepted or destroyed 112 drones across eight Russian regions and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.

A drone attack on the Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, killed one person, acting governor Yuri Slyusar said. Further from the front line, a woman was killed and two other people wounded in a drone strike in the Penza region, according to regional governor Oleg Melnichenko. In the Samara region, falling drone debris sparked a fire that killed an elderly resident, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In these and other regions, governors reported damage to industrial facilities.

Russian officials did not name specific facilities hit, but Ukrainian authorities later said they had targeted key sites in Russias energy and defense sectors late Friday in retaliation for deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities earlier this week. Ukraines General Staff said it struck the Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk oil refineries, a fuel storage facility in Voronezh, and a defense-linked electronics manufacturer in Penza.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 53 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight into Saturday. It said that air defenses shot down or jammed 45 drones.

Eleven people were wounded in an overnight drone strike on the Kharkiv region, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reciprocal drone strikes followed a day of mourning in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Friday, after a Russian drone and missile attack killed 31 people, including five children, and wounded over 150.

The continued attacks come after U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a shorter deadline  Aug. 8  for peace efforts to make progress.

Trump said Thursday that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.

Also in Ukraine, protesters gathered in the west-central city of Vinnytsia late Friday to demand the release of men detained by military enlistment offices, and broke into a stadium where the detainees were being held.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the regional military recruitment center, a group of conscripts had been brought there for medical examinations and other procedures related to mobilization.

"In the evening, a group of civilians gathered near the center and behaved aggressively. Attempts to illegally enter the temporary assembly point, damage property and disturb public order were recorded, a statement from the center said.

The incident came amid rising public frustration over Ukraines mobilization drive, as the war with Russia grinds on in its fourth year.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) This weekend, there is a race for a good cause in Virginia Beach the third annual Breathe n Run 5K, with the event supporting pulmonary fibrosis and honoring one special woman.

Lyla and Sanya Chandiramani have special memories of their grandmother, Kavita Chandiramani. Sadly, they lost her in 2014 to pulmonary fibrosis. They organized this run in her memory.

Our grandmother was the most determined, and she was absolutely amazing, said Breathe n Run co-founder Lyla Chandiramani.



Kavita Chandiramani would travel from India to visit her granddaughters, spending six months of the year with them in Virginia Beach.



I think one of my favorite memories is just like, her coming home to Virginia and us showing her around, the culture is obviously very different than India, said Sanya Chandiramani, Lyla Chandiramanis sister and event co-founder. And for her to cook us a home-cooked meal and bring a little bit of India to us.



2013 was the last of those visits.



The last trip was one of the hardest because every doctor recommended her not to travel, but she still fought through it, Lyla Chandiramani said.



Kavita Chandiramani suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease. It causes scarring of the lung tissue, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. The sisters knew the difficulty of losing someone they loved and felt called to shine a light on the disease.



Losing someone so close to you is definitely hard, especially me, Sanya Chandiramani said. I was at a very young age, so its my first big loss. It was definitely very impactful. And with that in mind, we wanted to make a difference in the community and help others.



The name Breathe n Run is a reminder to others not to take breathing for granted. The 5K starts at 14th Street at the fishing pier. Theyll run to 26th Street and back to complete the 5K. Then, there will be an afterparty at Fishtails Restaurant and Bar, a sponsor of the run. Having an event like this keeps their grandmother close at heart.



Its a way to have her memory live on and also give back to the community because pulmonary fibrosis doesnt have a cure and its hard losing a loved one, Lyla Chandiramani said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is the third year for the run. Last year they raised $15,000. Theyre on track this year to raise between $16,000 and $17,000. Money raised will go to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Chicago. The run begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. You can sign up there or go online at https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/VirginiaBeach/BreatheNRun.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Arkansas State Police arrested four men accused of trying to steal an ATM Friday morning from a Middle Tennessee gas station, where a fifth suspect was shot and killed by a customer.

The Murfreesboro Police Department initially reported three suspects backed a stolen pickup truck to the 7-Eleven Exxon on East Northfield Boulevard around 5 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1 and broke a window with a sledgehammer before trying to pull the ATM from its base with a guy wire. An armed customer inside the store reportedly opened fire, hitting one of the would-be thieves.

Officials identified the suspect who died at the scene as 23-year-old Tyrese Walder. Authorities said they interviewed the customer who shot Walder and released him pending further investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deadly shooting amid ATM theft at Murfreesboro gas station

Law enforcement previously said the two remaining suspects fled the scene, abandoned the stolen truck at a nearby apartment complex, and escaped in a separate vehicle. However, on Saturday, Aug. 2, police announced four suspects in the attempted ATM theft had been apprehended in another state.

According to officials, with help from license plate recognition cameras, analysts from MPDs Real Time Crime Center identified the suspects getaway vehicle. Then, detectives issued a nationwide alert for the SUV.

Authorities said Arkansas State Police stopped the vehicle and took the four men into custody Friday, adding that the suspects were apparently heading home to Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Legal experts weigh in after armed customer kills suspected thief in Murfreesboro

As of Saturday, the four men are reportedly awaiting extradition to Tennessee.

No additional details have been released about the circumstances surrounding Fridays arrests in Arkansas or the charges the suspects face in Tennessee.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1.It's honestly so cool to see these parents marching in a pride parade in 1974...but it also makes me sad that it's been 50 years and queer people are still facing so much prejudice.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

2.TIL that Theodore Roosevelt's first wife and mother died on the same day, which was just days after the birth of his eldest child (the indomitable Alice, who, if you have not read about...you should). He wrote this in his journal shortly afterward, and it's genuinely heartbreaking.

3.In contrast, this letter from Teddy Roosevelt after he was called a drunk is kind of hilarious. Someone remind me what the medicinal purposes of brandy are?

4.These 1939 predictions about what fashion would look like in 2000 are also funny to see now. TBH, you probably could buy a version of those shoes in 2000, though I don't know how comfortable they'd be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

5.This photo of American soldiers playing video games at Saddam Hussein's former palace in 2003  while troops were still looking for Hussein  is genuinely wild.

Joe Raedle / Getty Images / Via reddit.com

6.It's also kind of mind-blowing to see what a first-class room looked like on the Titanic. Honestly? I expected nicer.

Related: 32 "Why Would You Put That In Writing?!?!?" Photos That Prove Some People Are The Worst

7.This ad for a journey on the Titanic  back to the UK from NYC  is eerie to look at now. Obviously, it's a journey the ship would never complete.

u/MetallicaDash / Shawshots via AP / Via reddit.com

8.And this letter from survivor Charlotte Collyer is super, super sad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

9.I bet you never learned about this in school  in 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. received the following letter, along with a tape of his alleged sexual activity. It reads like blackmail from a prior supporter, but King believed it was from the FBI  and it was eventually revealed that it was. The full text of the letter, except for one redacted name, was released in 2014, and you can read it below.

10.Why was the FBI so concerned about King, you ask? Because they were worried he would endorse communism. Right-wing groups thus put up billboards like this during the Selma march as propaganda meant to make him lose supporters.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive

11.This is the gun used to kill Abraham Lincoln. In case you forgot, Lincoln was watching a performance of the comedy Our American Cousin at Ford's Theater with his wife, an officer, and the officer's fiance. You may not know, however, that the plan was to wipe out the vice president, Andrew Johnson, and the secretary of state, William Henry Seward, as well. Seward actually had his throat slashed, but survived.

12.It's kind of wild that this copy of the Magna Carta from 1305 still exists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

13.But not as mind-blowing as these 1800-year-old Roman leather sandals.

14.This news headline from 1933 did NOT age well.

15.Neither did this 1939 newspaper caption.

u/Incognito_Igloo / Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images via AP / Via reddit.com

Related: 27 Disturbingly Dystopian Photos People Took When They Realized We're Practically Living In "1984"

16.Or this 1914 article. To refresh your memory, the archduke's assassination is largely regarded as the event that jump-started WWI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

17.Oh, and here's a photo of good ol' Franz and his wife just moments before they were assassinated.

Smith Archive / Getty Images

18.Ever wonder when the first-ever selfie was? It's way further back than I thought  Robert Cornelius took one in 1839.

Robert Cornelius / Getty Images

19.This leaflet for Black American soldiers during the Korean War is wildly fascinating to read  and made great points, tbh.

20.This handbook from WWI, translating important wartime phrases like "Run for your life!" or "we are losing," feels...bleak to me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

21.TIL about the first cat who went into space. Her name was Felicette, and she was a French stray who was flown in the rocket Veronique in 1964. She made it back safely and to this day is the only cat to have gone to space.

- / AFP via Getty Images

22.Another fun fact? In Sweden, cars used to drive on the left side of the road. But in 1967, they switched to the right  leading to absolute chaos, as you can see below.

Keystone-France / Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

23.New York to Paris is a common flight now, but back in the early 1900s, it was unheard of  until Charles Lindbergh made the (solo!) journey in 1927. His airplane looked just a *bit* different than the ones we use today.

New York Times Co. / Getty Images

Related: Women Are Absolutely Destroying The Internet With These 15 Tweets That Had Me Rolling On The Floor

24.Speaking of Charles Lindbergh, his son was kidnapped and later found dead in 1932, and the case is fascinating to read about. The kidnapper exchanged multiple notes with the Lindberghs and their liaison, John Condon, who even apparently met with the kidnapper in a graveyard. Here's one of the notes.

Keystone-France / Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

25.And speaking of planes, check out this flight price from 1946. Of course, this would be $241.38 in today's dollars.

26.Here's what British passports used to look like, in case you wanted to pop over to another country in 1858.

27.During WWII, British people all had to carry these National Registration Identity Cards at all times  even children. If they were separated during bombing or for any other reason, this could assist with reunification. It would also assist with rationing food.

28.And here's what a WWII ration book looked like.

Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

29.Modern psych wards are a far cry from what were called "lunatic asylums" back in the day. People could be admitted for a ton of different reasons, many of them completely unrelated to psychological conditions  you can read some of them, from the late 1800s, below.

30.Here's what the NYC subway looked like in 1961  honestly, it doesn't look as different as I would've expected!

GHI/Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

31.And here's what it looked like in 1987.

Rita Barros / Getty Images

32.This is what a Japanese tram looked like after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima  next to a restored version.

Hajime Miyatake / The Asahi Shimbun / Getty Images / Via Jean Chung/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

33.And here's a larger-scale photo of the bomb's destruction in Hiroshima.

Education Images / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

34.Here's Colonel Paul Tibbets, who flew Enola Gay, which dropped the bomb.

Pictures From History / Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Related: I'm Crying Laughing Over These Hilarious Job Tweets From June

35.WW2 doesn't seem all that long ago when you look at graffiti left by soldiers.

36.Speaking of WWII, check out these propaganda posters reminding Americans of their allies in the war...which feels ironic, considering how the US would feel about Russia and China very shortly afterward.

u/Vanilla_Ice_Best_Boi / Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library via AP, Mil image via AP / Via reddit.com

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

37.This letter sent home from a soldier in Vietnam just made me really, really sad.

38.I definitely do not remember learning about the Mormon War from 1857 in school. Basically, then-President James Buchanan sent troops to quell rebellion in Utah, where tensions were already high between Mormons and both Protestants and the government. The Mormons took up arms and fought back in their own way...which, namely, involved killing around 120 people traveling via wagons to move out west. They attacked the migrants, then offered them safe passage out, only to execute everyone over the age of seven and blame it on the nearby Native Americans. This was called the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Militia Leader John D. Lee was eventually excommunicated and executed for his actions  here you can see him sitting on his coffin just before being killed.

Alpha Stock via AP

39.I'm always fascinated by old beauty trends, and it turns out that there were some wildly dangerous beauty trends back in the day. For example, people used to use products with arsenic in them.

Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Via reddit.com

40.There were also makeup and hair products that contained radium and other radioactive elements.

New York Tribune Magazine / Via commons.wikimedia.org

41.Old-school medicine also used to be pretty darn dangerous. For example, heroin was used as a cough suppressant.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images

42.And people could be prescribed cocaine.

43.Speaking of medicine and health, X-rays have been around a lot longer than I realized  since 1896. Here's what it looked like to get one back in 1914.

Jacques Boyer/Roger Viollet via Getty Images

44.And finally, this sign is a fascinating reminder of just how far we've come. Back in the day, people had to be instructed how to use electricity  and assured it was safe.

Also in Internet Finds: Private Investigators Are Sharing The Most Disturbing Cases Theyve Ever Gotten, And Wow

Also in Internet Finds: "I Still Feel Like A Horrible Person Nearly 20 Years Later": 19 Giant "Dark Secrets" People Kept To Themselves

Also in Internet Finds: 20 Funny, Wholesome, And Absolutely Adorable Posts From This Week That Lowkey Restored My Faith In Humanity

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival kicked off its 47th annual celebration, bringing a vibrant display of Latin American culture to Calder Plaza.

However, this years event comes at a time when some in the community say theyre feeling uneasy.

Theres a lot of fear, said Francisco Martinez-Roman, the communications and community outreach coordinator at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. But Im here and Im gonna be loud about our culture and Ill celebrate for you. Ill share our mission. Ill share our story and were gonna keep connecting to these community partners so that you feel safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Martinez-Roman, who has roots in Mexico and El Salvador, grew up in Grand Rapids and said helping organize the festival is personal.

My parents came here for a reason, he said. To give us a better life and to be able to celebrate their tradition and culture and bring that here to West Michigan. Its very important to me.

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8) Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival. (Mike Buck/WOOD TV8)

The three-day festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of people from across West Michigan and beyond. It highlights the traditions, music and food of a variety of Latin America countries, but organizers say its not just about the food and the fun: Its about being seen and heard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We really just want to highlight that were here and we want to showcase how proud we are about Hispanic culture, said Gaby Cordova, the director of engagement at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.You can have food, listen to music, dance and also connect with the Hispanic community.

Some of the vendors and the organizers noticed that people in the local Hispanic community have been hesitant to attend this years event due to heightened immigration concerns.

Weve been hearing so many stories where people that are just getting picked up even if they have documentation, said Miguel Leal, who spent the day helping his daughter Alondra Leal set up her tent at the market. So much stuff has been put out that people should stay home and dont open the door for people so that being said, people dont wanna leave their homePeople shouldnt be afraid to be able to go out and do their everyday activities without being harmed or taken by certain people.

Alondra Leal, the owner of Alondra Candle Co. said coming to the market was all about pride.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I love seeing all the different cultures and seeing people be proud and speak their language, she said. They should be able to leave and feel free and have fun.

The event continues through midnight Friday, then picks back up Saturday and Sunday with music, food trucks, cultural performances and vendors. Admission is 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 WOODTV.com.




NEED TO KNOW

Six men and a teenage boy have been arrested on "suspicion of violent disorder"

The arrests come as footage of a fight outside of a restaurant has begun to circulate online, showing men wielding sticks and with bloody injuries

We will not tolerate anyone who acts in such a violent way on our streets or exposes members of our communities to such a horrific level of aggression when they go about their daily business," the local chief superintendent said in a statement





Six men and a teenage boy have been arrested "on suspicion of violent disorder" as footage has begun to circulate online of a bloody fight outside of a restaurant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Aug 1, Gwent Police announced that multiple people had been taken into custody following what they described as a "violent" situation that prompted "online and social media commentary."

Around 3:20 p.m. local time, officers responded to Commercial Road in the city of Newport, Wales, where a group of men were spotted "fighting in the street," according to authorities.

Police arrested seven people  six men, ages 25, 28, 33, 40, 42 and 52, and a 17-year-old boy  and all remained in custody as of Saturday, Aug. 2. Of those arrested, four men were hospitalized. Two of them have since been charged, and two others remained in the hospital on Aug. 2.

Onlookers posted apparent footage on social media of the Newport incident, which was shared as screengrabs by both the South Wales Argus and the Daily Mail. The video showed multiple people on Commercial Road outside of a restaurant carrying what appeared to be sticks. A few of the men had bloody injuries to their faces and arms as an argument persisted, with some of those involved swinging their weapons at each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It remains unclear what prompted the altercation. Gwent Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on Aug. 2.

BrianAJackson/Getty Police vehicle (stock image) Police vehicle (stock image)

We will not tolerate anyone who acts in such a violent way on our streets or exposes members of our communities to such a horrific level of aggression when they go about their daily business," Gwent Police Chief Superintendent John Davies said in an initial statement. Violence in any form is completely unacceptable, and we have acted decisively in making these arrests; anyone else who is found to be involved in this violent disorder will also be dealt with."

Davies added that a "live investigation" is underway and, social media commentary and speculation about the identities of those involved will not help us secure justice against those found to be responsible.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Blyth, who is the senior investigating officer, also said officials are "still conducting inquiries to establish what happened" and remained present at the scene on Aug. 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While there is no cause for alarm, I would recommend taking the time to talk to them if you have any concerns or questions, but also if you have any details or information that could assist our inquiries," Blyth said.

Per Gwent Police, Commercial Road has since reopened, and authorities are encouraging anyone who was in the area between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 1 to get in touch.

Read the original article on People




NEED TO KNOW

A six-year-old boy is covered in bruises after an octopus grabbed his arm and wouldn't let go

The incident took place at the San Antonio Aquarium in Texas on July 14

The child's mother has spoken out about the situation on TikTok





A 6-year-old boy was injured after an octopus grabbed his arm and wouldn't let go.

Britney Taryn, the child's mom, spoke about the situation that took place during a July 14 visit to the San Antonio Aquarium in a TikTok video.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Taryn, the giant Pacific octopus attached itself to her son Leos arm while he was at a touch tank.

She added that she and her child had visited the aquarium before, and even met the same sea creature in the past.

The San Antonio Aquarium did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, nor did Taryn.

In the social media video shared by Taryn, her son's arm can be seen covered in small, dark purple suction bruises, going from his wrist to his armpit.

"My son is very level-headed when it comes to animals, so when he had his arm in there, and he starts saying, 'Mom, it's not letting me go  and way too calmly  'I'm like, 'Oh, okay.' So I'm helping him get down from the step and trying to pull him away from the octopus, and that octopus is not letting go," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Taryn continued, "The octopus starts coming out of the tank, and the reason we don't have pictures or videos of this is because my friend was also freaking out."

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf)

Following the incident, the San Antonio Aquarium posted a video on TikTok on July 26, highlighting the bruises the specific octopus can leave behind  and how they can last between seven to 14 days.

"So there's around 200 suction cups per arm. And as they grow ... they will actually shed their suction cup," an aquarium employee said in the clip.

The aquarium added that the giant Pacific octopus can lift up to 700 pounds.

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 a follow-up video, Taryn said she is working to campaign for safer and more comfortable living conditions for this animal, as well as others in similar situations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The mother added that she reached out to the San Antonio Aquarium and asked them to formally document the incident, and to provide an accessible explanation of the aquarium's safety protocols for when visitors interact with animals.

Taryn, claimed in the video, however, that she had not heard back from the Texas-based establishment.



Read the original article on People
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Six people were hurt and taken to the hospital in a rollover crash Saturday afternoon, Aug. 2 in West El Paso, a Fire Department spokesperson said.

The crash, involving a single vehicle, happened just after 12 p.m. at North Desert and Thorn.

Six patients were taken to the hospital with what are being described as non-life-threatening injuries, the spokesperson said.

The Fire Departments helicopater was originally requested but then canceled.

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.
Nine cases of measles have been confirmed in Oconto County by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the county public health department, marking first cases of the year in Wisconsin.

One case was found through testing at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, while the other eight were identified through symptoms, according to a statement released Aug. 2 by state health officials.

According to health officials, the source of exposure for all nine cases occurred during out-of-state travel. Risk in the community remains low, according to officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads from person to person through the air. Symptoms of measles come 10 to 21 days after contact. Some of the symptoms include a runny nose, high fever, and red rash with bumps.

One in four people who get measles can end up hospitalized, according to DHS.

For the past few years, public health officials have been raising the alarm about a nationwide trend of slipping vaccination rates, especially for measles, among school-age children.

Wisconsin kindergartners have one of the nation's lowest vaccination rates against measles in the country. That puts the state at risk, health officials said, for the disease taking hold and spreading in an under-vaccinated community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last school year, less than 85% of Wisconsin kindergartners were up-to-date on the measles vaccine, compared to nearly 93% of kindergartners nationwide, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only Idaho and Alaska reported having lower vaccination rates against measles, though some states were missing data.

These fact prompted state health officials earlier this year to warn the state was at risk of a measles outbreak similar to the outbreak that occurred in Texas. Wisconsin residents can check their vaccination status by visiting the Wisconsin Immunization Registry online and to get up-to-date on the measles vaccine, known as the MMR vaccine, if they aren't already.

Health officials are asking anyone who develops symptoms of measles to stay home and call their local doctor or clinic before visiting.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 9 measles cases reported in Oconto County, Wisconsin's first cases of 2025
ENFIELD, Conn. (WWLP)  Pasta, cannolis, and Italian culture are taking center stage across state lines.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll celebrates Puerto Rican culture at Holyokes fiestas patronales

The 99th annual Italian Festival kicked off Friday in Enfield. People are encouraged to stop by all weekend long for traditional food and music. Admission is three dollars for adults, and children 12 and under are free.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have a new food item this year called pasta rustica, so its ziti with broccoli, ground sausage, and a little Romano cheese, said Carl Sferazza, President of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Its been going out the door.

If you missed out on Friday, the feast kicks off again on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in Enfield.

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.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dealt a stinging blow to the Trump administration's mass deportation project Friday night in a fiery opinion upholding a lower court's block on "roving patrols" across much of Southern California.

"If, as Defendants suggest, they are not conducting stops that lack reasonable suspicion, they can hardly claim to be irreparably harmed by an injunction aimed at preventing a subset of stops not supported by reasonable suspicion," the panel wrote.

The ruling leaves in place a temporary restraining order barring masked and heavily armed agents from snatching people off the streets of Southern California without first establishing reasonable suspicion that they are in the U.S. illegally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the 4th Amendment, reasonable suspicion cannot be based solely on race, ethnicity, language, location or employment, either alone or in combination, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong of Los Angeles wrote in her original order.

Read more: Federal judge halts indiscriminate immigration stops in Los Angeles and beyond

9th Circuit Judges Marsha S. Berzon, Jennifer Sung and Ronald M. Gould agreed.

"There is no predicate action that the individual plaintiffs would need to take, other than simply going about their lives, to potentially be subject to the challenged stops," the opinion said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fourth Amendment injunctions are hard to win, experts say. Plaintiffs must show not only that they were hurt, but that they are likely to be hurt again in the same way in the future.

One way to meet that test in court is to show the injury is the product of a government policy. Throughout a hearing Monday, the appellate judges repeatedly probed that question, roughly doubling the administration's time to respond in an effort to get an answer.

"After the district court injunction here, the secretary of Homeland Security said, 'We are going to continue doing what we're doing'  so that's not a policy?" Berzon asked.

"The policy is to follow the 4th Amendment and to require reasonable suspicion," said Deputy Assistant Atty. Gen. Yaakov Roth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: Chokeholds, bikers and 'roving patrols': Are Trump's ICE tactics legal?

Roth also rebuffed questions about a 3,000-arrests-per-day quota first touted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in May.

In a memo to the panel on Wednesday, Roth clarified that "no such goal" had been established.

The court rejected that argument Friday, writing that "no official statement or express policy is required" to prove one exists.

"Agents have conducted many stops in the Los Angeles area within a matter of weeks ... some repeatedly in the same location," the opinion said, making the likelihood of future stops "considerable."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling scolded the Department of Justice for "misreading" the restraining order it sought to block, and said it "mischaracterized" Judge Frimpong's order. And it rejected the government's central claim that its law enforcement mandate would be "chilled" by the district court's order.

Read more: Trump administration asks appeals court to lift restrictions on SoCal immigration raids

"Defendants have failed to establish that they will be 'chilled' from their enforcement efforts at all, let alone in a manner that constitutes the 'irreparable injury' required to support a stay pending appeal," the panel wrote.

The case is still in its early phases, with hearings set for a preliminary injunction in September. But the "shock and awe" campaign of chaotic public arrests that first gripped Southern California on June 6 has all but ceased in the seven counties covered by Frimpong's order: Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The underlying 4th Amendment law is not complicated," said Mohammad Tajsar of the ACLU of Southern California  part of a coalition of civil rights groups and individual attorneys challenging cases of three immigrants and two U.S. citizens swept up in chaotic arrests. "Even a more conservative panel would have been concerned about what the government is doing."

Read more: Stephen Miller finally gets his revenge on L.A.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, whose city was among a number of Southern California municipalities allowed to join the lawsuit this week, celebrated the news at a hastily arranged news conference late Friday night at Getty House, her official residence in Windsor Square.

The mayor strode out of the Tudor Revival-style home and toward the bank of waiting television cameras with a purposeful smile.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is a great day for Los Angeles," she said, characterizing the court's decision as a victory upholding the Constitution and affirming the rule of law.

Upholding the temporary restraining order "means that people cannot be snatched off the street by masked men like we had experienced for almost two months in the city," Bass said, referencing the fact that the increasingly aggressive raids have often been carried out by masked agents who sometimes use unmarked vehicles.

Bass, whose late husband was Latino and whose late daughter, stepchildren and grandchildren are of Latino descent, has described the raids as deeply personal.

Speaking directly to the city's immigrant community, Bass was sanguine about the possibility that the terror paralyzing local communities might begin to ebb.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The message that I have is that I hope that feeling of fear will subside, that people will be willing and able to come out of their homes, that people will be able to go back to work, that our economy will begin to pick up again," Bass said.

The Trump administration has previously signaled its intent to fight judicial limits on its deportation efforts any way it can. It was not immediately clear where an appeal would proceed. Bass said she believed the administration would likely appeal to the Supreme Court.

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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An abandoned campsite discovered at the Badlands Wilderness Area prompted the Badlands National Park to advise people of the ecological harm leaving behind waste can cause.

In a Facebook post, the Badlands National Park (BNP) said they found the abandoned site with large quantities of food, soaked sleeping bags, and a lot of trash in the area. They said that if rangers hadnt been made aware and launched a clean-up effort, the wildlife would have been negatively impacted in many ways.

Badlands National Park emphasized that leaving debris behind is not only negligent, but illegal. The state of the abandoned site also concerned rangers, as they considered the campsite could have been left that way due to an emergency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sturgis Rally riders part of states crash numbers

Due to the dilapidated nature of the site, our first assumption was that something had gone very wrong, and that people may be injured or lost. As such, first responders were deployed, and the time they spent on this could have been used to help those who really needed it. BNP wrote in their post.

Badlands National Park reminded people planning a trip to the Badlands backcountry to be prepared, and if you pack it in, pack it out. Citing the Wilderness Act of 1964, BNP said to take only pictures, and leave only footprints when out in wildlife.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Columbia University's $200 million agreement with President Donald Trump's administration marks the end of a months-long showdown, but academics warn it is just the first round of a government "assault" on higher education.

Academics from Columbia and beyond have expressed concerns that the deal -- which makes broad-ranging concessions and increases government oversight -- will become the blueprint for how Trump brings other universities to heel.

The New York institution was the first to be targeted in Trump's war against elite universities, for what the US president claimed was its failure to tackle anti-Semitism on campus in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was stripped of hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding and lost its ability to apply for new research grants. Labs saw vital funding frozen, and dozens of researchers were laid off.

But Columbia last week agreed to pay the government $200 million, and an additional $21 million to settle an investigation into anti-Semitism.

According to Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, the lack of due process -- with the government slashing funding before carrying out a formal investigation -- left Columbia in an "untenable position."

Columbia law professor David Pozen agreed, saying the "manner in which the deal was constructed has been unlawful and coercive from the start" and slamming the agreement as giving "legal form to an extortion scheme."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- Federal oversight -

The deal goes beyond addressing anti-Semitism and makes concessions on international student admissions, race and ethnicity considerations in admissions and single-sex spaces on campus, among other issues.

Columbia also agreed to appoint an independent monitor to implement the deal, share ethnicity admissions data with the government and crack down on campus protests.

Many of the provisions "represent significant incursions onto Columbia's autonomy," said Pozen.

"What's happened at Columbia is part of a broader authoritarian attack on civil society," he said, pointing to similar pressures on law firms and media organizations to fall in line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the law professor, the deal "signals the emergence of a new regulatory regime in which the Trump administration will periodically and unpredictably shake down other schools and demand concessions from them."

In the coming weeks, Pozen said he expected the "administration will put a lot of pressure on Harvard and other schools to follow suit."

Harvard University has pushed back against the government, filing a lawsuit in a bid to reverse sweeping funding cuts.

But Steven Levitsky, a professor of government at Harvard, said that "in terms of academic freedom and in terms of democracy, the (Columbia) precedent is devastating."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'First round' -

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said she hoped the Columbia deal would be a "template for other universities around the country."

On Wednesday, McMahon announced a deal with Brown University to restore some federal funding and end ongoing investigations after the Ivy League school agreed to end race considerations in admissions and adopt a biological definition of gender.

Brown President Christina Paxson admitted "there are other aspects of the agreement that were not part of previous federal reviews of Brown policies" but were "priorities of the federal administration."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harvard is reportedly considering forking out $500 million to settle, according to the New York Times.

Others have made smaller concessions to appease the government, with Trump's alma mater the University of Pennsylvania banning transgender women from competing in women's sports, and the University of Virginia's head resigning after scrutiny over its diversity programs.

Brendan Cantwell, a professor at Michigan State University who researches the history and governance of higher education, said government interference in universities "has not happened at scale like this, probably ever in American history."

While some university staff see striking an agreement as the quickest way to reopen the federal funding spigot, Cantwell warned that concessions such as sharing ethnicity data from admissions could be "weaponized" and provide fodder for future probes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Levitsky agreed, saying: "Extortionists don't stop at the first concession. Extortionists come back for more."

"There's a very high likelihood that this is just the first round," he said.

Pozen noted that it will be harder for "major research universities to hold the line" compared to smaller colleges which are less reliant on federal funding.

But Levitsky still urged Harvard to stand its ground and "fight back," including in the courts.

"Fighting an authoritarian regime is costly, but that's what we have to do," he said. "This is an unprecedented assault, and universities need to work together."

aks/wd
Maria Reynosa Jacinto during a family outing in Iowa, prior to her being arrested June 10 during a worksite enforcement immigration operation in Omaha. (Courtesy of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska)

OMAHA  A well-known defender of civil liberties has gone to federal court on behalf of a worker arrested during an Omaha immigration raid.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska announced Friday that it had filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against federal and local immigration authorities on behalf of a single mother arrested during the June 10 Glenn Valley Foods raid.

A worker is escorted to a bus headed to a detention center after she was apprehended at Glenn Valley Foods of Omaha during largest Nebraska immigration raid since President Donald Trump took office the second time. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

Maria Reynosa Jacinto remains in a North Platte jail despite an Omaha-based immigration judge ruling on July 15 that she could be released on a $9,000 bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit challenges her prolonged detention.

There is no due process when the government, who lost the argument in court, gets to do what they want anyway, the ACLU wrote.

Stolen IDs alleged

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson on Saturday said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. ICE officials have said before that the focus from the raid should be on U.S. citizen victims whose identities were allegedly stolen by undocumented immigrants to work at the Glenn Valley plant.

In the Saturday statement, the spokesperson said that generally speaking if an individual doesnt enter the U.S. illegally or break laws, ICE would have no need to detain them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Guatemalan workers 19-year-old daughter Andrea Rafael Reynosa is a U.S. citizen. The ACLU says the mother had been working in the U.S. for 20 years, has no criminal convictions and was her familys primary earner.

Maria Reynosa Jacinto, left, with Andrea Rafael Reynosa when the daughter graduated high school. (Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska)

Prairielands Freedom Fund tried posting the bond money on Reynosa Jacintos behalf, but learned that ICE officials had issued an automatic stay of her release. That blocked her from getting released on bond while her legal team works on building the case for her to stay in the U.S.

ACLU Nebraska argues that the automatic stay unlawfully violates the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment and goes beyond ICE authority by overriding the judges decision on bond, making the judges determination that there was no danger or flight risk meaningless.

Trump administration policy change

ACLU officials linked the automatic stay to new interim guidance issued by the Trump administration July 8, which asserts that nearly all detained immigrants in removal proceedings are ineligible for release on bond. The new no-bond practice is the subject of a class action lawsuit filed earlier this week by ACLUs national organization and other immigrant rights advocates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ACLU officials believe the practice is a tactic to drag out detention to the point that unauthorized immigrants choose to leave the country, basically deporting themselves.

ICE has said the change in approach closes a loophole to our nations security that the Biden administration and others had based on what it describes as an inaccurate interpretation of federal law.

The July 8 memo was key to an earlier and similar ICE attempt to keep a different Glenn Valley worker behind bars after a judge had granted him a $10,000 bond. That man ultimately was released on the bond, also provided by Prairielands, but only after the ACLU stepped in and an ICE official reportedly admitted having made an oversight.

ACLU representatives said that ICE in that case, unlike in Reynosa Jacintos situation, failed to file the automatic stay paperwork.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jennifer Houlden, acting legal director at ACLU Nebraska, said the automatic stay provision was used for decades previously only in the rarest of cases.

Federal immigration agents during an Omaha worksite raid June 10. (Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

It halts an immigration court judges bond order instantly without any reason particular to the person and without any opportunity for them to be heard on the issue, she said.

Houlden said that everyone has a right to due process under the law, including immigrants.

The use of an automatic stay in situations like our clients clearly violates that right, she said.

Reynosa Jacintos lawsuit seeks a court order for her release on bond, or that immigration authorities demonstrate that her continued detention is lawful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 23 others detained in the June 10 Glenn Valley raid also remain in custody at the North Platte jail. More than 70 workers in all were apprehended. Some have been removed from the country and others are out on bond, ICE has said.

Mindy Rush Chipman, ACLU executive director, said the no-bond situation is more broadly impacting ICE detainees in Nebraska and across the nation.

Its affecting Nebraskans from all over the state no matter how they were intercepted and detained initially, she said, adding that the ACLU likely will be filing more lawsuits.

In a statement provided by the ACLU, the workers daughter said the period since her moms June 10 arrest is the longest theyve been apart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its just us two and shes always been there for me, working hard to provide a better life for us both, said Rafael Reynosa. It really makes me emotional that shes still where she is and Im here by myself even though she should have been out weeks ago.

I was in shock when my mom was detained, Andrea Rafael Reynosa, 19, says of Maria Reynosa Jacint0. (Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska)

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Aug. 1The campaigns of Ohio's leading Republican and Democratic 2026 gubernatorial candidates are both boasting record-breaking campaign finance contributions, but that doesn't mean it's particularly close.

The campaign for former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton said that her $1.4 million raised so far this election cycle sets "multiple fundraising records for a Democratic challenger for governor," with "more individual donors and more donations than any Democratic challenger for governor in history at this point."

The campaign boasted more than 17,000 individual donors, with 90% of the nearly 33,000 total donations being $50 or less.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Acton's haul prompted a response from the campaign of Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican entrepreneur and ally of President Donald Trump who has garnered numerous major GOP endorsements.

A news release pointed to a reported $9.7 million donated to Ramaswamy so far, with the following quote from his campaign strategist Jai Chabria regarding Acton's war chest: "That's cute."

The press release says Ramaswamy's funding has already "shattered all previous fundraising records for the year preceding a general election, underscoring the unprecedented enthusiasm behind his candidacy."

Acton's campaign alleged that Ramaswamy had been relying on "personal wealth and billionaire donors" to fund his campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Amy is proud of the tens of thousands of small-dollar donations from grassroots supporters in all 88 counties," said Campaign Manager Philip Stein. "We're excited to continue to bring people together from all sides of the political spectrum who know she's the right choice for governor."

Data reported to the Ohio Secretary of State Thursday showed a detailed breakdown of the two candidates' coffers up through June 30.

Ramaswamy has so far spent $2.5 million of his $9.7 million raised  almost double what Acton has raised altogether. About $5.7 million, or 58.7%, of Ramaswamy's contributions have come from Ohio donors.

Acton has spent just shy of $600,000 of her $1.4 million raised. About $1.2 million, or 83.2%, of Acton's contributions have come from Ohio donors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ramaswamy's campaign has pulled big donations from plenty of sources. He touts 1,596 donations of $1,000 or more; while Acton reported 172. Those donations make up $7.6 million of Ramaswamy's haul; while donations of $1,000 or more account for about $450,000 of Acton's total.

Ramaswamy also stands to benefit from a federal Political Action Committee called "V-Pac: Victors Not Victims," which has so far raised nearly $17 million, buoyed by a $10 million donation from Pennsylvania billionaire Jeff Yass and $5 million in donations from New York hedge fund founder and CEO Ross Stevens.

------

For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening.

Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below.

Loading...
ALABAMA (WHNT)  The Alabama Department of Public Health is sharing how residents can protect themselves after a series of dog attacks in the state.

APDH said Friday that after a series of deadly dog attacks in central Alabama, it is advising caution around all animals due to the risk of scratches and potential disease transmission.

Judge denies bond for key suspect in Huntsville realtors kidnapping, new details of case revealed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our sister station, CBS 42, reported that 50-year-old Delores Musgrove died from wounds sustained in an attack by multiple dogs in Bessemer last week. That attack came days after a 7-year-old child died in Chilton County after being injured in a dog attack. Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon told CBS 42 that the childs grandmother, who was trying to help her grandchild, was also injured in that attack.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society also said a man is in critical condition after a dog attack on Wednesday night at a Walker County trailer park. GBHS said animal control officers encountered 40 dogs in the area of the attack.

Witnesses said the man had been feeding stray dogs.

Our hearts are with this man and his family, GBHS CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. But our hearts are also furious. This should never happen. And until Alabama passes comprehensive leash laws, bans inhumane tethering, and holds negligent pet owners accountable, it will keep happening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones said that the recent attacks are a reminder of the need for responsible pet care.

Lieutenant shot in Scottsboro transferred to out-of-state treatment facility

These tragic deaths are a reminder that proper animal ownership includes confining your animals appropriately and addressing any vicious-animal issues with a veterinarian before attacks occur, Jones said. This is a very difficult conversation to have because most people love dogs; in fact, they are usually treated like members of our families.

ADPH said to avoid dog bites, people should not disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. The health agency said you should not pet a dog if it appears to be hiding or seeking time alone, and should not approach unfamiliar dogs even if they appear friendly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ADPH said if you see a dog in trouble or running loose, you should call your local animal control agency.

The department said if a dog knocks you over, you should curl into a ball, tuck your head, and place your hands over your ears and neck. You can also put a bag or jacket between you and the dog.

ADPH said to also avoid the following actions:

Never encourage your dog to play aggressively or roughhouse.

Do not panic or make loud noises, and never run from a dog.

Avoid trying to break up dog fights.

The department said that you should also not let children play with dogs without supervision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, ADPH said you should do the following:

For minor wounds Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream. Cover the wound with a clean bandage.

For deep wounds Apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding for deep wounds. Seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or your local emergency medical services immediately if you cannot stop the bleeding or you feel faint or weak. See if a healthcare provider if: The wound is serious or deep. The wound becomes infected. You dont know if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. If it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot. The bite is deep.



GBHS said it is also important to report strays and not feed them, as it may lead to an escalation of dangerous behavior.

We know people feed stray dogs because they care, Cornelius, the GBHS CEO, said. But we must educate the public that feeding groups of unconfined, unfamiliar dogs  even with good intentions  can be dangerous. When food is introduced into a pack that may change weekly, it can trigger aggression, competition, and sometimes attacks  even toward the person feeding them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The U.S. Air Force is relocating nearly three dozen F-16 fighter jets in South Korea in order to beef up its air power closer to the north.

At the end of July, F-16s based out of Kunsan Air Base began moving to Osan Air Base, several dozen miles north, closer to the demilitarized zone with North Korea. 31 F-16s based out of Kunsan Air Base will shift to Osan Air Base, creating a new super squadron at the base. Its the second phase of the Air Forces tests of the super squadron concept, as the force works to consolidate air power and increase combat capability on the Korean Peninsula, per releases.

The Air Force began exploring the idea of a super squadron last summer. The test formation, which boosts a squadron by a third of its fighter component, started with the 36th Fighter Squadron, which added nine F-16s to bring its total number of jets to 31. It also moved 150 airmen to help bolster the squadron. At the time Lt. Gen. David. R. Iverson, head of the Seventh Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, described the experiment as an opportunity for us to see if squadrons of this size increase our training effectiveness while also increasing our combat capability if deterrence fails.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now the Air Force is initiating phase two of the tests, with the creation of a brand new super squadron at Osan. Alongside the 31 planes, roughly 1,000 airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan will transfer to the northern air base as part of this build up. The Air Force described the second phase as a temporary shift. The second super squadron is expected to be operational by October, and the second phase will last through October 2026.

Top Stories This Week

News The Marine Corps is looking for volunteers to leave the service early The Marine Corps is looking for volunteers to leave the service early By Patty Nieberg News South Korea tours will now be a year longer as Army cuts down on moves South Korea tours will now be a year longer as Army cuts down on moves By Patty Nieberg Tech & Tactics Brutality over precision  What the Army is learning from Russia in Ukraine Brutality over precision  What the Army is learning from Russia in Ukraine By Kyle Gunn

Were working hand-in-hand with the Wolfpack to ensure a smooth transition of both personnel and equipment in preparation for Phase II, Col. Ryan Ley, commander of the 51st Fighter Wing based out of Osan, said in a statement. The 51st Fighter Wing is leading the charge on the Super Squadron Test. Im proud of what the Mustangs have accomplished already, and I look forward to testing the limits of what we can do over the next year.

According to the Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing will work on expanding bilateral training at Kunsan Air Base with the Republic of Korea Air Force during this period.

The super squadron build up is the latest in a wider set of efforts by the Air Force to strengthen its fighter jet presence in east Asia. Over the last three years, the Air Force began phasing out its aging F-15C/Ds from Kadena Air Base in Japan, with the plan to replace them with F-15EXs. The Air Force has temporarily rotated in F-15Es and F-22s during this time.
ODENVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)  An Alabama correctional officer was arrested Thursday and charged with drug crimes.

According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, its law enforcement services division executed a search warrant at an Odenville residence. The ADOC stated narcotics agents recovered the following items:

Methamphetamine  8.87 pounds

Promethazine liquid  350 grams

Synthetic cannabinoid  340 grams

Oxycodone pills  Nine

Sprayed paper  326 grams

Cell phones  156

Cellular hotspots  Two

Marijuana  19 pounds

Crack cocaine  100 grams

Cocaine powder  16 grams

Flakka precursor powder  610 grams

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a related search, 2.5 pounds of marijuana and 60 grams of methamphetamine were recovered. Calvin Bush, a lieutenant at St. Clair Correctional Facility, was arrested and placed on mandatory leave pending dismissal.

How an alleged Ponzi scheme targeting Republicans left investors and politicians reeling

Bush is charged with promoting prison contraband, trafficking fentanyl and trafficking marijuana, according to the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office. His bond was set a $3.01 million.

The ADOC stated the investigation has focused on people suspected of trafficking illegal substances and contraband into the St. Clair County prison. The ADOC is working to identify more people involved in the criminal operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This operation demonstrates a continued commitment to fighting the smuggling of illegal drugs and contraband into our correctional facilities, ADOC Commissioner John Hamm said in a statement. Prison violence is directly impacted by the flow of illegal drugs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
John Wahl, chair of the Alabama GOP, speaks at the party's summer meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Alabama, on Aug. 2, 2025. The party approved a new rule that allows it to remove Republican candidates from a re-election ballot if they appoint a Democrat in their term. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama Republican Party Saturday approved a new rule that would allow the party to disqualify an elected GOP official if they appoint a Democrat to a position during their term.

About 83% of the attendants at the GOP Summer Meeting in Montgomery voted for the rule that prohibits elected partisan officials from appointing people other than Republicans. Suzelle Josey, a former candidate for Senate District 30 in 2014, wrote the rule change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Josey said in an interview after the meeting that the rule is meant to send a message to Republicans to keep Republicans in office.

If you are Republican, if you have taken Republican support, if you have depended upon people to get out there and knock on doors for you, taking money, their time, their treasure, once you have the opportunity and the privilege of being elected as a Republican, then we certainly would expect you to be appointing Republicans when you have the opportunity, Josey said. We hope this bylaw change will send a message to elected Republican officials that we have new expectations.

In the chairmans report, John Wahl claimed that Democrats do not listen to opposing views or debate, but said that the new rule would allow Republicans to be in the room in areas that are typically Democratic.

You would never see a Democrat appoint a Republican, Wahl said in an interview. I want to see Republicans taking seriously the fact that we want the opportunity to debate. The open debate here is actually giving Republican appointees the chance to go out and talk to their community, explain their values that they may never have the chance to do if they werent appointed to these positions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Alabama Democratic Partys bylaws do not have a similar rule.

Wahl also gave the 287 attendants an update on the congressional redistricting litigation. The court ordered the state to draw a new congressional map in 2023 after nearly two years of litigation with two appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. The panel determined that voting in Alabama is racially polarized, with white voters tending to support Republicans and Black voters tending to support Democrats. With that determination, the judges ruled that the Legislature-approved map did not give Black voters the ability to choose their preferred leaders, and ordered a majority-minority congressional district and a district with a near-majority of Black voters to be drawn.

After a trial earlier this year, the court ruled in May that Alabama had intentionally discriminated against Black voters by approving a map in 2023 that initially only had one majority-Black district. The judges are considering sanctions, which could include requiring court approval of any future congressional maps, a process known as preclearance.

Wahl said that the litigation is not fair because California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to redraw the states congressional districts to include more Democratic seats. Texas Republicans on Wednesday drafted a map that would flip five Democratic-held districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California and New York redistricted based on a political basis, without any repercussions from federal courts, Wahl said. Now Im not arguing that anyone should be unrepresented, but Im going to tell you double standards are not okay.

Wahl said that majority-minority districts were inherently racist because not all members of minority groups vote for Democratic candidates.

It shouldnt matter what the color of your skin is. And if thats the case, then if any district is drawn based on the color of someones skin, it is racist by the nature of that decision, Wahl said. I do not think this should be a political or or racial decision. This should be based on communities of interest and traditional lines.

The party also established qualifying dates for the 2026 midterms. State and county GOP candidates must file their candidacy between Jan. 5 at 8:30 a.m. and Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. with the partys chairman, according to the resolution that passed at the meeting. The resolution was amended from the qualifying period for statewide candidates only starting on Jan. 12 with 69% of the partys support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think its confusing to have two different dates there as a former county party chair, said Michael Hoyt, former Baldwin County GOP chair. I think its helpful to have uniform dates across the board. I think a lot of the 11 day period is far too short.

Wahl said the original 11 day period was due to the primary election being moved from May 26 to May 19, and the qualifying period could not start sooner because of winter holidays.

Originally it was at three weeks for county parties and two weeks for the state party. Members felt that they would like to have the dates consistent, Wahl said in an interview after the meeting.
(Getty Images)

The Alaska Court of Appeals has rejected an appeal from a man imprisoned for a murder he committed as a 17-year-old.

Philip Chad Wilson was sentenced to a 99-year sentence after his conviction and argued that under subsequent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Alaska Court of Appeals, his sentence was illegal because it amounted to a de facto sentence of life without parole.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, the Alaska Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that rejected his argument, noting that Wilson could receive discretionary parole by the time he turns 50 years old.

Alaskas parole board granted only about one-third of requests for discretionary parole last year, and Wilson had argued that the parole boards approval rate is so low that it doesnt amount to a meaningful opportunity for release.

In 2020 and 2021, the appeals court approved fewer than one in five requests for discretionary parole. Those rates were significantly lower than historical standards; during the administrations of former Govs. Sean Parnell and Bill Walker, the parole board approved more than half of all discretionary parole requests each year.

We conclude that Wilsons challenges to the Alaska Parole Boards procedures are premature because he has not yet gone through a parole hearing. And we hold that 33 years of incarceration is not a de facto life sentence, wrote Judge Timothy Terrell, an appointee of Gov. Mike Dunleavy, on behalf of the court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Eighth Amendment prohibits courts from sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole, except in homicide cases.

Two years ago, the state appeals court ruled that the Alaska Constitution imposes further limits on top of those provided by the U.S. Constitution.

In that case, which involved a 14-year-old girl who pleaded no contest to three murders, the appeals court found that any sentence that (requires) a juvenile offender to serve 45 years or more in prison before any type of parole release qualifies as a de facto life sentence.

In Wilsons case, a superior court judge ruled that because Wilson could receive parole after 33 years, his appeal fails the appeals courts test.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Writing Friday, the appeals court said that multiple state supreme courts and legislatures have allowed children to be sentenced to 33 years or more in prison before parole. Wilsons sentence is not unusual in that regard, it wrote.

With regard to the parole boards performance, the court wrote, Wilsons statistics showing that the Board has granted parole to a minority of applicants in recent years does not prevent the Board from granting parole to any given applicant.

Writing an amendment to the ruling, Terrell added that if the parole board were to postpone a parole hearing for Wilson and for similar child offenders, it would be legally problematic  because this may extend their sentence to a length that could make it a de facto sentence of life without parole. I assume that the Parole Board will give full consideration to the applications of such offenders when they first apply for discretionary parole.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Aug. 2Update, 1:45 p.m.: JUNEAU  Alaska lawmakers overrode two of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's vetoes in a joint session Saturday.

The Legislature voted to override the governor's veto of a bill meant to ensure the state is collecting the oil and gas taxes it is owed, and also overrode a veto of roughly $50 million in education funding.

Lawmakers first voted 43-16 to override Dunleavy's veto of a bill meant to clarify the role of the legislative auditor. Overriding the governor required support from 40 lawmakers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawmakers had adopted that bill after members of the Dunleavy administration declined to provide information on oil and gas tax audits to the legislative auditor, raising concerns among House and Senate leaders that the Department of Revenue was not collecting the full tax amounts owed to the state as required by law.

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon and Senate President Gary Stevens have said that the state could be losing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Dunleavy called their concerns baseless.

The Legislature then voted 45-14 to override Dunleavy's education funding veto, just hitting the 45-vote threshold needed to override a budget veto.

Lawmakers did not discuss the vetoes ahead of casting their votes. From the hallway outside the House chamber, cheers from education funding advocates could be heard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawmakers then adjourned the special session without considering any of Dunleavy's other recent vetoes, including of school maintenance and construction funding and other bills that passed the Legislature with bipartisan support.

Original story:

JUNEAU  The Alaska Legislature convened Saturday for a special session called by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, but delayed a joint session planned for votes on overriding some of the governor's vetoes.

Lawmakers are expected to attempt to override at least two of Dunleavy's vetoes  including his veto of roughly $50 million in education funding.

Protesters calling for lawmakers to override the governor's education funding veto gathered in the Capitol on Saturday morning in anticipation of the joint session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The joint session was delayed from 10 a.m. until Saturday afternoon because one member of the House, Utqiagvik Democratic Rep. Robyn Burke, had missed a morning flight from Anchorage and was not expected to arrive in the Capitol until after 1 p.m.

Burke, along with Wasilla Republican Sen. Mike Shower, were the only lawmakers missing from the Capitol on Saturday morning.

Dunleavy had asked lawmakers to gather for 30 days to create an agriculture department and adopt a slate of new education policies  most of which lawmakers have either previously rejected or said they require more thorough consideration than is possible during a special session.

Dunleavy initially asked minority Republicans not to attend the first few days of the session to thwart majority members' efforts to override his vetoes. But Dunleavy later said he would be in Juneau during the beginning of the session and encouraged all lawmakers to attend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon and Senate President Gary Stevens said in a Saturday letter that Dunleavy's executive order creating an agriculture department was not in line with the state constitution because lawmakers had already rejected a similar order earlier this year, among other reasons.

Edgmon and Stevens wrote that "introduction of an executive order during a special session is unprecedented and inconsistent" with the state constitution. They also said that "reintroduction of a previously rejected executive order in the same legislative session is contrary to the rules of procedure adopted by the Legislature."

Lawmakers have said they plan to consider creating an agriculture department during the regular session that begins in January.

Stevens and Edgmon also said they planned to consider some of the education policies proposed by Dunleavy  including one to establish more tribally run schools  during the regular session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They said they wanted to provide time for an education task force created by the Legislature to meet and discuss some of the proposed policies before voting on them. The task force is set to begin meeting later this month.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference & High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance (WAIC 2025) was held in Shanghai from July 26 to 29, spotlighting cutting-edge AI advancements and governance frameworks. Chinese robotics leader Kepler unveiled an immersive industrial exhibition, featuring its flagship Forerunner K2 "Bumblebee" humanoid robot. The robot successfully completed an 8-hour livestream, demonstrating its technical capabilities and real-world viability across four key application scenarios.

World's First: Bipedal Humanoid Robot Completes 8-Hour Endurance Livestream

Endurance limitations have long hindered humanoid robots' real-world deployment. On July 27, Kepler's Forerunner K2 "Bumblebee" set a new benchmark by completing the industry's first 8-hour nonstop livestream by a bipedal humanoid robot. From 9 AM to 5 PM, the K2 demonstrated its groundbreaking "1-hour charge, 8-hour operation" capability, setting a new endurance standard and solidifying its status as the "ultimate blue-collar robot".

Standing 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighing 75 kg (165 lbs), the 52-degree-of-freedom K2 captivated audiences with dynamic dance routines, blind box retrieval, interactive games (including Pictionary), and precision sorting in simulated industrial settings.

Zhang Minliang, Hardware Director at Kepler, highlighted the Forerunner K2's revolutionary actuator system combining planetary roller screw actuators with rotary actuators in a series-parallel configuration. The proprietary design delivers industry-leading endurance and payload capacity. The planetary roller screw actuator uses a unique "planetary transmission + threaded engagement" mechanism that enables high-load, high-precision movement while optimizing energy efficiency  achieving dynamic power savings with near-zero idle consumption.

The 8-hour endurance benchmark was strategically selected to meet real-world industrial demands, balancing technical feasibility with operational requirements. Perfectly aligned with standard logistics and manufacturing shifts, the Forerunner K2's "1-hour charge, 8-hour endurance" capability enables seamless "9-to-5 plus overtime" workflow integration. This milestone represents the critical trifecta of commercial robotics: scenario adaptability, technological optimization, and economic practicality  ultimately delivering the optimal balance between reliable performance and cost-effective deployment for industrial applications.

Humanoid Workforce: K2 "Bumblebee" Demonstrates Industrial Versatility at WAIC 2025

At WAIC 2025, Kepler transformed the exhibition floor into four immersive demonstration zones replicating real-world environments: logistics sorting, material handling, automotive manufacturing, and education/research. Four K2 "Bumblebee" humanoids executed precision tasks in each setting, proving their viability as next-generation industrial workforce solutions.

Industrial applications demand both strength and stamina  challenges the K2 Bumblebee overcomes through its advanced roller screw actuator system. Capable of handling 30kg (66 lb) payloads with fluid, coordinated movements, these biomimetic actuators (strategically positioned in thighs, calves and arms) deliver superior load capacity and rigidity versus conventional ball screw systems. The inhouse multi-thread contact design  integrating lead screws, reducers and encoders  enables unmatched performance in high-speed, heavy-duty industrial operations.

Precision is another critical requirement for industrial automation, and Kepler's K2 "Bumblebee" delivers breakthrough performance. Song Hua, Vice President of Solutions at Kepler, demonstrated the robot's Nimble Master dexterity system  featuring six-axis force wrists, 11-DoF hands, and 25 force touchpoints per finger. Supported by an integrated rotary mechanism and AI algorithms, the K2 achieves 0.01-degree positioning accuracy and millimeter-level precision. Its human-like reflexive models enable instinctive adjustments  automatically modifying grip strategies when encountering sharp objects or slippery surfaces  ensuring reliable handling of irregularly positioned items.

The exhibition's highlight came as the K2 successfully sorted blind box gifts by color and labeling  a task challenging for conventional automation. While traditional systems struggle with soft, deformable packaging, the K2's purpose-designed micro-models provided real-time tactile and force feedback, enabling flawless execution. This demonstration proved the robot's superior capability in handling real-world logistics challenges that typically require human intervention.

The K2 "Bumblebee" achieves fluid motion through its revolutionary tri-component system: embodied perception, embodied decision-making, and embodied execution  mirroring the functional synergy between human brain and cerebellum. Kepler has strategically partnered with China's leading reasoning-based large language model providers to develop the system's advanced "brain" capabilities. Complementing this cognitive foundation, the K2's bionic architecture integrates multiple cameras and sensor arrays, empowered by Kepler's proprietary precision perception micro-models that enable real-time embodied decision-making.

Kepler's engineering breakthrough lies in its specialized micro-models, distilled from larger foundation models while preserving core functionality at dramatically reduced parametric complexity. These task-specific models undergo rigorous training to maximize operational success rates and stability. The K2 currently deploys multi-modal micro-models covering auditory, tactile, force and positional perception. During package handling operations, fingertip tactile sensors provide instantaneous feedback while dedicated force micro-models dynamically calculate perfect grip strength  ensuring secure manipulation of diverse objects.

Kepler Launches Pre-Sales for K2 "Bumblebee", Marking Major Commercialization Milestone

Kepler's hardware-centric development strategy focuses on vertically integrated core technologies, including custom-built planetary roller screw actuators and the Nimble Master dexterity system, developed through strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers to create a comprehensive technology-to-market ecosystem.

True to its mission of transforming industrial productivity through robotic workforce solutions, Kepler has successfully validated the K2 "Bumblebee" in real-world applications with multiple industry partners. The platform has demonstrated operational excellence in diverse scenarios, including logistics and warehouse operations (handling/sorting), manufacturing processes (stamping/feeding), education and research applications, and customer-facing roles (exhibition reception).

As the K2 "Bumblebee" enters mass production, Kepler is committed to developing region-specific application solutions tailored to local industrial standards and operational requirements. The company invites strategic partnerships across industries to co-create value and maximize the potential of humanoid robotics in real-world applications.

Marking a historic milestone, Kepler has officially opened pre-sales for its K2 "Bumblebee"  the world's first commercially available planetary roller screw-driven humanoid robot. The product lineup features three configurations: Bipedal Basic, Bipedal Developer and Wheeled Developer (starting at 248,000). Early adopters purchasing through official channels will benefit from an exclusive 10x multiplier incentive program. The launch represents Kepler's successful transition from R&D to commercialization, paving the way for widespread adoption of embodied intelligence across global industries.

Kepler Charts Future Path: Redefining Industries Through Hardware Innovation

The rise of intelligent robotics has ushered in unprecedented opportunities, with embodied intelligence standing at the forefront of technological advancement. Kepler remains steadfast in its "hardware-first" approach, recognizing that conventional industrial and consumer-grade components fall short of meeting humanoid robots' demanding requirements for compact size, extreme durability, and seamless system integration. Rather than awaiting supply chain evolution, Kepler is partnering with leading publicly traded manufacturers to co-develop and validate mission-critical components  including next-generation joint modules  creating a world-class development and supply alliance for humanoid robotics.

While maintaining hardware leadership, Kepler is simultaneously evolving its robots' cognitive capabilities ("brain") and motion intelligence ("cerebellum"). The commercialization of embodied AI presents formidable challenges, yet Kepler's global expansion blueprint is strategically designed to bring Chinese humanoid robots from conceptual design to real-world application. The company is establishing new industry standards across three critical areas: usability in diverse operational environments, manufacturability at commercial scale, and practical deployment across industries. As the vanguard of this transformation, Kepler's breakthroughs are positioned to revolutionize global production systems and redefine daily life through advanced embodied intelligence solutions.

SOURCE Shanghai Kepler Robot Co., Ltd.
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes!

Adjunct professor of psychiatry Arthur Lazarus discusses his article, How inspiration and family stories shape our most meaningful moments, which presents a moving fictional story excerpted from his book. The narrative centers on Thad, a retired physician and aspiring writer, and his two daughters, one of whom is a new doctor herself. Arthur uses their dinner-table debate over creative license versus factual accuracy in Thads writing to explore the nature of inspiration. The conversation delves into how we find authenticity in storytelling, with the father comparing his creative spark to Bruce Springsteen playing an unplanned song at a concertarguing that fiction can reveal truths that reality obscures. The theme deepens as the family shares the powerful stories behind their names, revealing how a movie or a concert memory can create a legacy of meaning. Ultimately, the story culminates in the birth of a new baby, whose name connects a moment of shared joy between father and daughter, illustrating how inspiration is a spark that gets passed between generations, defining our most cherished connections.

Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nations largest health care hiring network, were your partner in shaping health cares future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers.

VISIT SPONSOR  https://kevinmd.com/careers

Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress  visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern.

VISIT SPONSOR  https://kevinmd.com/pattern

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST  https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast

RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD  https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Arthur Lazarus. Hes a psychiatrist and author. Todays KevinMD article is How inspiration and family stories shape our most meaningful moments. Arthur, welcome back to the show.

Arthur Lazarus: Hey, Kevin, thanks for having me back. I appreciate your reaching out to me and discussing this. Well call it an article, but its actually a short, fictional story.

Kevin Pho: All right. So tell us what led you to write the story and share it on KevinMD.

Arthur Lazarus: OK. So, I think the best place to start, if you dont mind, is I dialed up a few quotes that have resonated with me over the last six months or so. So, one of them is from Albert Camus. He says, Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth. An even better one, and Im not going to pronounce the individuals name. I havent read any of his works, but Ive seen his name floated around in literature. Well, Ill try to pronounce it: Ma Ji Kami (K-A-Z-M-I). The lies that people tell in stories is what makes them so true. And then finally, someone that I actually quoted in the article that were discussing today, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and I quoted him in that article: Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures.

ADVERTISEMENT

So, as you know, for the last several years, actually, since COVID, Ive taken an intense interest in writing as a therapeutic tool and a modality. Prior to that, I did a lot of academic-type publishing, and we can talk at another podcast about making that transition from academic and scientific writing into fiction writing or creative non-fiction writing. Thats not really the focus, but I just found that writing fiction really was quite liberating in a sense that it allowed me, just as these various individuals have said, to really speak to the truth more than you can sometimes by writing a straightforward op-ed or essay, which youve published many of mine, and I appreciate that. And thats how I began my writing since COVID, really focusing more on whats happening in the world of medicine and around us. So, up until recently, all of those have been either straightforward, as I said, op-eds, factual-based, or maybe taking the liberty of creative non-fiction, which is writing in a more informal way, creatively, but still focusing on non-fiction, not on fiction.

Honestly, I dont know how I stumbled into fiction. I mean, Ive read a lot. I think it was through my long interest in science fiction. And, I wanted to write a story. And this is one of the stories, this article that were discussing today, that I wrote earlier, probably about four or five months ago. And it happened at a family event. Now, the story or the article is actually fictional, but its close to being autobiographical and close to being a memoir. And thats one of the things I like about writing fiction is that I can introduce myself in various ways, parts of myself, without having to be totally honest. And Im not trying to be deceptive here. Im just trying to be creative in the sense of creating various characters that sometimes may have shades of me or my career in them. And most of my stories, though, are not like that. Theyre just completely based on fictional characters, but theyre really a composite of real events and real people.

In terms of being inspired, I mean, quite frankly, one of the ways Im inspired is by reading your blog every single day. And particularly the essays that are written by physicians and non-physicians. Theyre very personal and very personally revealing, and you can see certain themes emerging on your blog and other blogs that Ive incorporated, a composite of that, into short fictional stories. So I have two books out of short fiction stories. Both have the same title, Real Medicine, Unreal Stories: Lessons and Insights from Clinical Practice, and Volume One and Volume Two are already published, and the article about the inspiration during a family gathering comes from Volume Two. But before we get into that, I just wanted to make one point that, you know, as an authors note to the introduction to both of those books, I basically say that these books were inspired by real people and events. However, the stories, characters, and outcomes have been significantly altered or combined and should therefore be considered fictional. So, again, thats just a lead-in here.

Sure. So the event that happened about five months ago was a family gathering with two of my four children at one of my childrens homes. And my kids are scattered. We live in Asheville, North Carolina, and my kids are scattered mostly on the East Coast, but as far west as Honolulu; I have a son who lives in Hawaii. So, its great when we can all get together. So, it was a very moving experience I had with two of my children, both daughters. And one of them was very pregnant at the time. And the other one, who in the story, the part that is true, is a family medicine physician. And I send herI send my kids everything I write. I dont know if they read it, but I send them everything. Sure. And the family medicine doc is very evidence-based in her orientation and practice. And so one of the things sheshes read my stories and I think she enjoys them, but she says, How could you write this? Its really not true. How could you even put yourself in the position of representing fictional characters, especially, you know, ethnic minorities, for example? You know, Im a privileged white dude, she might say, and how can I relate to other people? And I say, quite frankly, through fiction. And really through treating patients from all walks of life in my career and reading their stories, not only on your blog, but LinkedIn is another place where I turn to for inspiration and writing.

And thats really the thrust of the message for today thats in the story: that you know, read widely, and through your patient experiences and encounters and through your reading, you can develop all sorts of opportunities for writing. And I dont care whether were talking about fiction or non-fiction and other genres; poetry, especially. Writing has been shown to be very therapeutic, and you have all sources of inspiration around you to draw from, from practice to reading blogs.

And so this story, very briefly, was about that family gathering, and the touching part comes at the end where the fictional partpartly fictionalwas my younger daughter who was eight months pregnant at the time. Several years ago, we went to a Paul Simon concert. And we were rewarded and hoping that he would do a song that we both love called Father and Daughter. It was actually in the soundtrack of The Wild Thornberrys Movie, which was out years ago. And he did, he did play that song. But in the story, its not Father and Daughter. Its actually Little Richards song, Lucille. Now thats the fictional part. And I researched this quite a bit about Paul Simon and his setlist for various concerts. As far as I can tell, he never did that song ever in concert or recorded it. But why did I choose Lucille as a song that we would have heard at a Paul Simon concert? Simply because she named her daughter Lucy. And thats the true part. So I weave in and out of fact and fiction. I fill in with backstories that have plausibility but arent necessarily true and are a composite of different people, different times, and so forth.

And within the story, there was another thing that I wanted to point out that Ive already mentioned. I often will weave in, as you know, lyrics from rock songs. I grew up with rock and roll, you know, the British invasion. And I see the lyrics in rock songs as just another form of writing, and poetry and fiction and so forth. And so, having been immersed in that culture, when Im writing a story, I dont necessarily intend to incorporate any lyrics or reference to music, but something will come up in the writing that will just naturally lead me into incorporating some lyrics from some songs. And I dont do that with every story. Its the minority of stories, but in this case, it was Paul Simon.

And also there was one other one, one of my favorite recording artists who hasnt been too active recently, is Steve Winwood, who formed a group earlier in his career. He gained notoriety and fame as a 16-year-old organist with the Spencer Davis Group, then went on to form his own group, Traffic. And one song in particular that I mentioned in this article was called Sometimes I Feel So Uninspired. And to be quite frank, and I mentioned this in the article, it came from an album called Shootout at the Fantasy Factory. And it was panned by critics. It was not one of Traffics better efforts or Steve Winwoods better efforts, and he probably was uninspired at the time. He may have been going through writers block for all I know. But yes, Im not going to repeat the whole story, but those are the major things about putting myself in the place of other characters and my daughter calling me out for that; about weaving in other sources of information, whether its rock songs or poetry or other works of fiction or non-fiction into stories. It just, writing fiction opens up a whole new world where I can take liberty that I normally wouldnt take with writing factual essays or op-eds. So.

Kevin Pho: When readers read your fiction, oftentimes, as you said, there are messages. So what do you hope your readers come away with after reading your fiction?

Arthur Lazarus: The same thing that they come away with if I were to write very formally for a factual-based essay, which is that medicine is broken. I mean, there are several themes, but those are the central themes. In my stories, medicine is broken, perhaps beyond repair. Im not really trying to advertise a book, but another one that was recently published is called Critical Condition: American Medicine at the Quarter Century Mark. So 2025, quarter-century mark, and I think medicine is in critical condition. Thats clearly a theme that comes out.

Another thing that comes out is the clinical realm: for example, doctors dismissing patients complaints, particularly from a woman with vague symptoms, and gaslighting an ethnic minoritys perspective or point of view, and how other patients and physicians may relate in a negative way to ethnic minorities. Im just rattling through some themes that come out that are very important today. Burnout, obviously. Im a little burned out about writing about burnout, quite frankly. And I dont mean to be callous about that, but Ive written a lot about burned-out physicians seeking help. Retirement or physicians facing retirement and what to do in the next phase of their life. And Im one of those physicians, and Ive taken up writing, for example, or being forced out of a job. The corporate takeover of medicine, which was a recent op-ed that I just published on your blog, about the corporatization of pharmacy chains, for example, and how thats negatively impacted patient access to medications. So there are so many themes that are going on, and what Id like my readers to take away from my writing is an awareness of whats happening today in contemporary medicine.

And the last thing Ill say, Kevin, is that I write not only for physicians and residents and medical students and even seasoned attendings, but I also keep in mind a lay audience. So I would really like anyone to be able to pick up my books of fiction and relate to them. And you dont need in-depth medical training because the themes are obvious. And its easier for me to make these points by having fictional characters.

Kevin Pho: Has there ever been a time when either your op-eds or your work of fiction have moved the needle for someone in medicine or made a difference? You mentioned you want to highlight some of the problems in our health care system; has there ever been a time where your writing has actually moved that needle?

Arthur Lazarus: Not as a sweeping movement, quite frankly. I have gotten lots of individual responses, not in agreement, and in dissent and dissension too. But thats equally healthy. It doesnt matter to me. I have thick skin. But I think that were losing the battle, we, being physicians, practitioners. I just dont seeand Ill be quite frank with you tooI write from a political perspective too. And Im not enthralled about the current administration and the sweeping cuts that theyre making in the medical arena and beyond. And I just dont see us reversing the tide. And me as one person, writing books and not having an agent or a formal marketing outlet, I dont see it moving the needle. I wish it would, but right now I dont see that.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to Arthur Lazarus. Hes a psychiatrist and author. Todays KevinMD article is How inspiration and family stories shape our most meaningful moments. Arthur, lets end with some take-home messages you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Arthur Lazarus: Oh, absolutely. First of all, dont give up the fight. We need to coalesce. Part of our problem is, you know, its a divided house with different areas of specialization and, you know, its the Abraham Lincoln quote about a house divided, you know, will not stand. So I would like us to focus more on being in unison, fighting the good fight, repelling obvious policies, legislation, whatever it is that is a turnoff to folks entering and staying in medicine today.

The other point that I wanted to make, I think I have made it really, is for practitioners to engage more with their patients stories. The problem is that were in an assembly line, you know, in a 15-minute assembly line, and were sitting behind a computer. Now, I know with ambient AI scribes, maybe that will change to some degree, but the point is were just ticking off boxes, and I would like to leave the message that we need to engage more in stories. Weve been telling stories since the era of the cavemen, if not communicating verbally, at least sharing in visual representation. Weve been sharing stories.

Physicians are great storytellers. Im not going to rattle off the list of great physician writers, but its lengthy, and were primed to be storytellers. Even though were taught in a scientific way, were still taught to tell a story. You know, we do an H&P, we talk to patients, we gather all the important information, and then as medical students, were trained to distill that into a story to tell to our senior resident or the attending, whoever. So we are primed to be storytellers.

I would say engage more in storytelling with patients. Reveal what you feel comfortable with personally, especially if its an experience that a patient can relate to because theyre going through it right now.

And the last thing is to take it a step further in terms of writing stories, or poetry, and the many different genres of writing. Its not only therapeutic, but its a way to get the message out there. Whether it moves the needle or not is not the primary purpose. The primary purpose is really to share and let other folks know that were all human and were all going through similar experiences.

Kevin Pho: Arthur, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show.

Arthur Lazarus: My pleasure. Thank you, Kevin.
Alaskans who supported the override of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's education funding veto applaud as legislators leave the House chambers on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

The Alaska Legislature, meeting in special session, has overridden Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of more than $50 million in public school funding.

The vote was 45-14. At least 45 of 60 legislators are needed to override an Alaska governors budget veto.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The override eliminates a 5.6% year-over-year cut to public school funding, leaving districts with a small funding increase. Since July 1, the start of the states fiscal year, oil prices have significantly exceeded the states spring forecast, and if that trend continues, the state would have more than enough revenue to pay for the revived spending.

The voting board in the Alaska House of Representatives on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, shows the votes for and against overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of almost $51 million in funding for public schools. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

Its the first time since 1987 that Alaska lawmakers have overridden an appropriations veto by a sitting governor.

This is a remarkable day, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. It was quite eventful and really unprecedented in my experience in the Legislature, and Im very proud of how the House and Senate worked together and how we stood up and did the right thing.

Senate President Gary Stevens, talks to reporters at the start of a special legislative session on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Lawmakers also voted to override Dunleavys veto of Senate Bill 183, a measure that would require the Alaska Department of Revenue to provide lawmakers with a report on oil tax settlements. Sen Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, has said that could reveal the state has been settling tax disputes for much less than their stated value.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The vote on that override was 43-16. Forty votes were needed for that override because it was a policy bill and not one involving appropriations.

Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, was excused absent from both votes.

Legislators declined to accept an executive order from Dunleavy that sought to create an Alaska Department of Agriculture, calling the order unconstitutional. The governor disputes that assessment, and the issue could be headed to the courts.

Governor and legislators have different perspectives on fixing state schools

School district superintendents said before Saturdays education vote that if lawmakers were able to override the governor, school districts would be able to reduce class sizes and restore programs that had been cut.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dunleavy called the special session in order to pressure lawmakers into considering a variety of education policies intended to increase the availability of alternatives to traditional public schools.

Alaska ranks 51st in the country on a national standardized test intended to rate states public education performance.

Theres 50 states, and were 51st in the nation. Its a moral imperative to fix that, he said.

Legislators approved some policies this spring when they approved a compromise bill that also raised the core of the states per-student funding formula, the base student allocation.

Dunleavy called that bill inadequate and vetoed it. Lawmakers overrode that veto.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dunleavy then vetoed funding needed to pay for the increased formula, and he called a special session for Aug. 2, at a time when some lawmakers were thought to be unavailable, forcing an early vote on a possible override and increasing the odds that his veto would stand.

A successful veto could have forced lawmakers into further compromises with the governor on policies they have previously opposed.

Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, walks past pro-override protesters before the start of a special legislative session on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Instead, legislators made extraordinary efforts to attend the special session. Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, obtained special leave from military service in Europe. Sen. James Kaufman, R-Anchorage, flew to Juneau from Vietnam. Other lawmakers canceled family events and postponed trips for business and to the National Conference of State Legislatures..

As late as Saturday morning, no one in the Capitol was sure whether the governors veto would be overridden or sustained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We actually thought we were going to be short, said Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage.

In the end, the veto was overridden by the exact tally needed.

Dunleavy said afterward that he doesnt think it was a mistake to call the special session.

This gives the people of Alaska a chance to see where people stand on these votes, he said.

He said that policy changes and education funding represent two sides of a coin, and without both halves, its not much of a currency.

The vote also allows Alaskans to see whether legislators are serious about addressing policy changes now, he said. The special session is open for 30 days, and legislators could meet and discuss the issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Legislators have created an education task force to address policy, but that group isnt expected to meet until Aug. 25 and will work on its own schedule outside of special session.

The bottom line is they either act or they dont. This is like the world capital of talk, this place is, in Juneau, Dunleavy said.

House Minority Leader Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, was the only legislator to vote in favor of a similar education-related veto override in the spring but changed her vote against Saturdays override.

Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage (center) walks out of the House chambers at the start of a special legislative session on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau. At left is House Minority Leader Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, and at right is Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

She said afterward that she thought the prior bill had good policies  a partial ban on cellphones in public schools, for one  and she wanted to see more policy work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer and a candidate for governor in next years elections, also voted against the override, noting that legislation proposed by Dunleavy for the special session actually included funding increases that were greater than the amount vetoed from the budget.

But those comments didnt represent the views of a majority of lawmakers, who said after the vote that they were concerned about the direct and indirect impacts of the governors veto within their district.

Ahead of the vote, Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, said that sustaining the veto would encourage local governments to make up the funding gap by increasing their local contribution, increasing the burden on local property taxpayers. Bynum, who voted in favor of Mays veto override, also voted in favor of an override on Saturday.

The House and Senate adjourned their joint session immediately after considering both vetoes and lawmakers were greeted by applause from pro-override protesters who demonstrated in the Capitols hallways and outside the building before the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The special session will technically stay ongoing, but legislators said they do not expect to meet again before Aug. 19.

Special session started late because of lawmakers missed flight

Saturdays special session was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., with the House and Senate meeting together at 10:15 a.m., but the joint session didnt start until 1:31 p.m. because Rep. Robyn Burke, D-Utqiagvik, missed the morning flight from Anchorage to Juneau.

Burke said her mistake was partially due to a family members surgery, which ran late into the night before the flight.

The delay caused some members of the House Republican minority caucus to razz members of the majority, of which Burke is a member. The minority Republicans noted that they were present and ready to work on time, and the majority was not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dunleavy initially asked the House minority to stay away from the first five days of the special session in order to improve the odds that his vetoes would be sustained. When it comes to overriding a veto, an absent lawmaker is equivalent to one voting no.

Members of the majority called that request dirty politics, and Dunleavy later changed his position, asking lawmakers to be ready to hold committee hearings on Sunday. Republican lawmakers who had promised to stay away from the special session also changed their positions and chose to attend.

On Friday, Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, wheeled a wagon full of fresh peonies through the Capitol for staff and legislators. The flowers came from Northern Lights Peonies in Fairbanks, she said, because its owner had heard that the governor was encouraging lawmakers to stay away from the special session, and the flower-grower wanted to thank legislators for showing up.

Before lawmakers convened, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom walked through the Capitols second floor.

Whats the energy of today? asked Rep. Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage, of Dahlstrom.

Its electric, its electric, she said.

Around them, lawmakers and staff maneuvered through a hallway lined with sign-carrying protesters urging an override. Behind them, in the Capitols stairway, Department of Education commissioner Deena Bishop walked downstairs from the third floor, home to the office of the governor. Next to her was Jordan Shilling, the governors legislative director, with his ear to a cellphone.

According to a list of vetoes compiled by the Legislative Affairs Agency, Saturdays vote marked the first time since 2009 that lawmakers have overridden an appropriations veto.

That override involved an action by Gov. Sarah Palin, who had left office by the time of the override. Lawmakers havent overridden an appropriations veto by a sitting governor since Gov. Steve Cowper in 1987, according to the LAA list.

Legislature and governor disagree on Department of Agriculture

As the session opened, Dunleavy issued another version of an executive order creating a cabinet-level Alaska Department of Agriculture.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy responds to the Legislature voting to override two of his vetoes at a news conference at the Capitol, alongside Education Commissioner Deena Bishop on Aug. 2, 2025. The governor said the abrasion on his forehead is from a procedure to remove skin cancer. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Lawmakers rejected the governors first executive order on a 32-28 vote in March and introduced broader legislation instead.

The presiding officers of the House and Senate responded to the second order with a letter of their own, saying that the governors order is unconstitutional and that they will not accept it.

Ive talked to him about it, told him about a couple days ago, and I think he can do whatever he wants, but if its pretty clear that were on good legal standing not to deal with it in this session, said Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak.

Hours later, the governor issued a followup letter saying that he believes the Legislature must vote to disapprove his order. Barring that vote, I will treat this attempt by the Legislature to circumvent the constitutionally mandated process to be legally ineffective. Unless the Legislature convenes in a joint session to disapprove the Executive Order  I will consider it to have become law at the close of the special session and proceed accordingly.

Giessel and other members of the House and Senate said afterward that they dont know whether the issue will be resolved in the courts, but they feel that the topic is better addressed through legislation, and a bill has already received three hearings in the Senate Resources Committee.

School officials and education advocates react to veto override

Before the education veto override, dozens of people rallied outside the Capitol and in the buildings hallways, pleading with legislators to vote yes.

Following the override vote, demonstrators clapped and cheered, thanking lawmakers as they left the joint session.

Several district officials reacted Saturday afternoon with thanks to legislators and applauded the override vote.

Were extremely excited. A lot of our administrators were texting and very excited about getting it overturned today, so that made Valdez very happy, said that citys school superintendent, Jason Weber, by phone on Saturday. He said the funding will go toward previously cut positions, like an elementary school math specialist, as determined by the school board.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Superintendent Luke Meinert congratulated lawmakers by phone on Saturday.

Its been a long time coming that we havent had adequate funding, and this is one step forward providing stability for our public schools. So just a huge thank you to them, Meinert said.

He said funds will go to support classrooms, reduce class sizes, and restore some previous cuts, but because the money is arriving so close to the start of the school year, changes will come at the last minute.

With the class size discussion, it is a tough time of year to hire teachers, given our school starts here in a couple weeks. So well see what were going to do with it, but it definitely helps stabilize our funding for the school year. Were also underfunded in transportation  and so that might be one place that its able to help us.

Officials with the Anchorage School District, the states largest by student population serving over 43,000 students, also thanked legislators. The Anchorage School District is grateful to the 45 lawmakers who voted to put students first, said MJ Thim, the districts chief of communications, in an emailed statement.

Restoring $50 million in public school funding means more stability in classrooms, more certainty for families, and stronger support for educators working every day to help students succeed. This funding was already approved with broad legislative support. Overriding the veto ensures that commitment is honored.

NEA-Alaska, the states largest teachers union, expressed support for the education veto override.

Every dollar invested in public education helps an Alaska student learn. Helps find their passion for science, math, reading, and the arts. Helps keep the lights on and schools warm. And helps our phenomenal Alaska educators successfully do their job, said NEA-Alaska President Laura Capelle, in a written statement. This funding is a step in the right direction, but it is not yet enough. We must continue to invest  in real dollars and collaborative solutions  to support the highest quality public education in Alaska.

Education funding advocate Caroline Storm, said she was uncertain about the outcome of the vote, but happy with the override.

I knew it was going to be very close, said Storm, who is executive director of the nonprofit Coalition for Education Equity. I was disappointed to see that (Rep. Mia) Costello flipped her vote, and Im grateful to see that (Rep. David) Nelson did not. So those were two people we were concerned about.

Other bills not taken up

After the joint session, the House and Senate passed resolutions that permit them to keep the special session open without additional meetings.

That likely means that several other Dunleavy vetoes will stand. The governor vetoed millions of dollars from other parts of the state budget, including money for school maintenance and for child care and infant learning programs. Legislators did not take up those vetoes.

Legislators also did not vote on bills pertaining to teacher housing, capping high interest rates and fees for payday loans, loan help for commercial fishermen, and emergency health care for police and rescue dogs.

Stevens said that after lawmakers had two successful overrides, we were pleased that we got those two through, and there was some question about the others.

House Majority Leader Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, said lawmakers saw an overwhelming amount of consensus on the two successful overrides, and there wasnt the same consensus on the others, even though they were discussed.

Dunbar was the sponsor of the payday loan bill.

I didnt believe the votes were there this time, and I felt that a failed veto override would diminish the chance that the bill would pass in the future, particularly because it should be a bipartisan, uncontroversial bill, Dunbar said, and I think we can revisit it in a year or two when the advocates have had a chance to better explain some of the specifics.

Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage, holds her hand to her chest on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, after the close vote on overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavys veto of education funding. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The Mendenhall River, which flows out of Mendenhall Glacier, is seen on May 14, 2025. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

When water from melting glacier inundated her Juneau neighborhood last August, Danielle Lindoff made a hasty escape through a front window in her living room, her two unhappy cats in tow. She climbed onto a boat mobilized by her husband, and as he steered, she held a flashlight to scout in the dark for submerged mailboxes that they might bump on their way to safety.

Danille Lindoff, a resident of Juneaus Mendenhall Valley, points on March 13, 2025, to her front door to show the level that water reached during the record 2024 outburst flood from Mendenhall Glacier. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Danielle Lindoff, standing in front of her Mendenhall Valley house on March 13, 2025, shows how high water rose during the record glacial outburst flood of August 2024. On that night, as her husband steered the boat they used to escape, Lindoff held out a flashlight to look for submerged mailboxes so they could avoid bumping into them. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Though the Mendenhall River flowing by their backyard had been swollen with floodwaters in past years  and though the Lindoffs had taken precautions last summer like sealing doorways and stacking sandbags  the Aug. 5-6, 2024, event was the biggest Mendenhall Glacier outburst flood ever measured. The water that rushed out of a breached glacial ice dam brought the river to a record crest of 15.99 feet, inundating about 290 homes and stunning much of the community.

A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley in Juneau on Aug. 6, 2024. The flood was from an outburst at Suicide Basin, part of the Mendenhall Glacier complex. A similar glacial outburst flood struck the same area in 2023. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)

The streamflow at Mendenhall Lake during two glacial outburst floods is shown. The previous record-high outburst flood, in 2023, is shown in blue. The new record flood, in2024, is shown in orange. (Graph provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No one expected it to be this big, Lindoff said months later in an interview at her freshly repaired and refurbished house.

The community is no longer likely to be caught by surprise.

Its probably likely that the floods could get larger in the future, said Eran Hood, an environmental science professor and glacier specialist at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Hood is part of a broad effort mounted by scientists, government agencies, the local Tribal government, nonprofit community groups and individuals to limit the damage that may result from future floods.

Residents of the Mendenhall Valley shovel and load sand at a sandbag distribution event held on July 26, 2025, by the City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. By 1 p.m. that day, more than 100 cars had checked in at the Dimond Park Field House, according to city officials. Each household was allowed to fill 75 sandbags. The event, one of several held by municipal and Tribe officials, was in anticipation of another glacial outburst flood. (Photo by Corrine Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A first step is ensuring that the public knows the risks. To that end, Hood and others at UAS and partner organizations have created an online resource, the Juneau Glacial Flood Dashboard, launched in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though the floods glaciers produce can happen quickly, there can be early warnings of water releases. The Juneau Glacial Flood Dashboard gives real-time information on water levels pooled above the ice dam that forms each year at one of the glaciers basins. It has weather data, aerial images and other up-to-the-minute information. One of the most important features is a detailed flood-inundation map; users can type in their addresses and get predictions for flood impacts, depending on river-level scenarios and other conditions.

The dashboard idea came up as an answer to a basic question, Hood said: What are the best ways to communicate hazards?

Lawmakers consider an only-in-Alaska flood insurance program

Work by Hood and his colleagues is supported by a National Science Foundation grant. The foundation funded a project to do detailed studies of Mendenhall Glacier and the flood risks it poses, hone systems for predictions and warnings and apply those tools to other flood-prone glaciers in Alaska and possibly beyond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Outburst flooding is a natural phenomenon in glaciated areas, sometimes referred to by an Icelandic name: jokulhlaup. They occur from the Andes to the Arctic. Their suddenness can make them dangerous to people in certain parts of the world, like the Himalayas; overall, about 15 million people in the world are at risk of such floods, according to a 2023 study published in the journal Nature.

The risks are increasing with climate change and glacial melt, studies have shown. Globally, glacial lake volume increased by 48% between 1990 and 2018, according to a 2020 study by Canadian, U.S. and British scientists who used satellite imagery to make the calculations.

Alaska outburst floods

Glacial outburst floods are also natural in Alaska, though the trends are a bit different.

There were 1,150 of these outbursts released from 106 ice-dammed lakes between 1985 and 2020, according to a study published in 2023 by scientists from Colorado State University, the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other institutions. The frequency of such events was unchanged over that period, they found. But there was a big change in timing, with most of the sites flooding earlier in the year, likely the result of warming temperatures and faster melt, the study found. Rapid changes in glaciers structures also means that new water-filled dams  and new flood risks  are emerging at individual sites, the study said.

A chunk of ice that calved from Mendenhall Glacier floats in Mendenhall Lake on May 14, 2025. Melt is causing ice chunks to drop from the glacier, including into Suicide Basin. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaskas glaciers are melting faster than those elsewhere in the world. The melt has varied and sometimes contradictory impacts on outburst floods, the 2023 study explains. Less ice overall has meant a reduced supply of meltwater. But accelerated melt can also increase the size of glaciers basins and weaken the ice dams that hold their meltwater. Rapid melt can also cause huge chunks of ice to calve away from higher elevations into the basins, boosting volume quickly.

The terminus of Exit Glacier, seen here on July 5, 2022, has slipped well uphill from where it was in 2010  and farther away from the end of the hiking trail. The glacier, in Kenai Fjords National Park, is one of the most visited in the state and an example of Alaskas rapid glacial melt. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon}

Most of Alaskas outburst floods have occurred in remote areas where there are no immediate threats to communities, like parts of sprawling Wrangell St-Elias National Park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Mendenhall Valley, however, is not remote.

The broad valley was carved into the landscape over millennia by its namesake glacier. It is a major suburb of Alaskas capital city, home to about 12,000 of Juneaus 31,200 residents. It holds neat neighborhoods where houses are more spacious than in the citys upscale but tightly packed downtown district. It also holds abundant parks and trails, scenic views of mountains, meadows and coastline; and conveniences like shopping malls and commuter bus service. And, within the Tongass National Forest that surrounds the city, the valley is known for the big glacier that looms over it and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

Mendenhall Glacier has ebbed and flowed over thousands of years, but it has been in retreat ever since the Little Ice Age ended in the mid-1700s. As the climate has warmed  a trend amplified in far-north latitudes  the retreat has accelerated. That is the case not just for Mendenhall but for the other glaciers connected to the vast Juneau Ice Field that caps the mountains spanning Southeast Alaska and adjacent parts of Canada. The Juneau Ice Field lost a tenth of its glacier area from 2005 to 2019, according to NASA.

This melt created a relatively new gap within Mendenhalls ice called Suicide Basin, reportedly named after the drop that ice above the basin would experience. Retreat of the smaller Suicide Glacier, which had been connected to Mendenhall, created the gap.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As glacial ice melts over each summer, the basin fills with water. As the water within the basin rises, it breaks through the ice dam and rushes down into Mendenhall Lake, Mendenhall River and, sometimes, over the riverbanks. The process is repeated year-to-year as ice dams are formed and then breached, though water amounts and speed of releases can vary.

Had modern technology and alertness existed in the past, the risk to the Mendenhall Valley could have been identified many years ago, Hood said.

Ice, bedrock and surface debris at the Gilkey Glacier interact in 2017. The glacier, like Mendenhall Glacier, is part of the Juneau Icefield. From 2005 to 2019, the icefield lost 10% of its glacier area, according to NASA. (Photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey)

Twenty years ago, someone could have looked at Mendenhall and looked at the side basins and said there could definitely be a problem in the future. Nobody did that, he said.

The first Suicide Basin outburst flood was in 2011. That pretty much caught people by surprise, although in hindsight, it shouldnt have, said Jason Amundson, a UAS geophysics professor and the principal investigator for the National Science Foundation-funded project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since then, floods have occurred almost annually, though at varying levels and intensities. Recent floods were big. A record 2023 flood, with a maximum crest of the Mendenhall River measured at 14.97 feet, was followed by the even-bigger 2024 flood.

Though it caused more damage, last years flood came and went quickly. The whole thing lasted maybe 12 hours, Amundson said..

Jason Amundson, a professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Southeast, stands outside his office on March 11, 2025. He is leading a research project to better understand outburst floods at Mendenhall Glacier and elsehere. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Jason Amundson, a professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Southeast, pulls up the Juneau Glacial Flood Dashboard at his office on March 11, 2025. The dashboard, still in development at the time, shows how far floods waters would reach into neighborhoods, depending on different scenarios. The dashboard went online in May. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

There is not yet enough data to identify a clear pattern, making predictions difficult for now, Hood and Amundson said. But there is a good chance that Suicide Basin will continue emptying out huge amounts of water.

If we keep having full drainage like we did last year, then I would expect that we would keep having big floods, Amundson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local officials, meanwhile, are looking beyond Suicide Basin as they consider future risks, said Robert Barr, Juneaus assistant city manager.

There very well could be other basins behind Suicide that will form as Mendenhall Glacier retreats, he said.

Holding waters back

The municipal government, a partner in the flood dashboard, has embarked on another short-term response to the flood risk.

A military-grade barrier, seen May 14, 2025, lines the Mendenhall River in the neighborhood inundated by the record 2024 outburst flood from Mendenhall Glacier. The barrier, from a company called HESCO, was recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a temporary protection for the Juneau suburb. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

A military-grade barrier, seen May 14, 2025, lines the Mendenhall River in the neighborhood inundated by the record 2024 outburst flood from Mendenhall Glacier. The barrier, from a company called HESCO, was recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a temporary protection for the Juneau suburb. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

It spent nearly $8 million on a flood barrier erected this year along the Mendenhall River. The barrier, a stout sandbag structure originally designed for military use, was recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a short-term fix. To recoup part of the cost, the local government is assessing a fee on the 466 property owners in the river area. The fee, about $6,300 per household, is to be paid over 10 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Lindoff home is among those behind the new barrier, which bears the brand name HESCO. Danielle Lindoff, who has watched river waters rise and churn over the years, eroding the far bank and felling huge trees, said she is grateful for the protection. But her feelings are mixed.

We bought this house because of the view, she said. Now we wont even be able to see it.

Barr, at the City and Borough of Juneau, concedes the barriers are not particularly pretty. But he said most homeowners accept their presence.

I wouldnt say the question was, Do you find the HESCO barriers attractive or not? he said. But they are our best effort, in consultation with the Army Corps and all the other experts that were talking with, to keep water in the river.

Robert Barr, deputy city manager for City and Borough of Juneau, pulls up a screen on May 13,2025, to show plans for HESCO flood barrier in along the Mendenhall River to protect against glacial outburst flood. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

The barriers are temporary, Barr said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the longer term, the Army Corps of Engineers might design a bigger flood-control system, he said. That could be something as substantial as the diversion project installed in Fairbanks after a devastating 1967 flood. The Fairbanks system is large, subject to ongoing maintenance, and has cost $220 million to date. The Corps has already embarked on a technical study for the Mendenhall Valley, a project supported by $4.75 million in federal funds.

A sign at the Fairbanks North Star Borough office, seen on Feb. 5, 2025, shows how high water rose during that citys devastating 1967 flood. In the aftermath, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created a major project to protect the city from future Chena River floods. It is possible that the Corps will create something similar for Juneaus Mendenhall Valley. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Whatever is done will depend on scientific research.

The University of Alaska Southeast-led team, which also includes scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Carnegie Mellon University, is using field and remote-sensing data to better understand how the glacier has changed in the past and to create models for how it will change in the future. Technologies used include LiDAR, which measures elevations and features through light beams; radar, which employs soundwaves to measure the thickness of glacial ice over bedrock; and drones, which capture aerial images that can be compared over time.

Weather and tide data is important, too. The record 2024 outburst flood came on a night after a gloriously sunny and warm summer day. Things could be much worse if an outburst flood happens during a rainstorm or when tides in the adjacent Gastineau Channel are exceptionally high, experts say.

Beyond Juneau

The Mendenhall work being led by Amundson is about more than Juneaus famous glacier. The risk-analysis systems the team develops for Mendenhall are intended to be applied to other glaciers in Alaska.

Beyond Mendenhall, Hood said, the second-highest priority for risk analysis is probably Snow Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage and just north of the coastal town of Seward.

The glacier-fed Snow River, seen on June 21, 2025, flows under a highway bridge north of Seward. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Alaska Railroad are making changes to protect the Seward Highway and the rail line against future Snow Glacier outburst floods. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Though the Snow Glaciers periodic floods have not reached communities beyond a popular campground and a smattering of nearby houses, they do threaten infrastructure. The Seward Highway, a major state thoroughfare, and the Alaska Railroad run right along that flood zone. The railroad is planning to raise the elevation of a bridge at the trouble site, and the Alaska Department of Transportation plans a related elevation rise to the highway. The estimated cost of the road project alone is $20 million.

A resident carrying groceries and wearing rubber rain boots wades through floodwaters covering the road to the Primrose Campground north of Seward on Aug. 24, 2019. A glacial outburst flood on the Snow Glacier innundated Kenai Lake and the Primrose campground in the Chugach National Forest. The annual Lost Lake Race, which starts at the Primrose campground, was to have been held that day but was canceled because of wildfire smoke and glacial flooding. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Hood and Amundson pointed out another spot where glacial outburst floods are threats: the Prince William Sound port town of Valdez, home to 3,900 people and site of the terminal where oil that passes through the Trans Alaska Pipeline System is shipped out.

In the mountains outside of town, the Valdez Glacier has been damming and releasing meltwater every year or two. Some years, releases are relatively slow and small; some years releases cause problems. An outburst flood in 2018 inundated part of Valdez.

Weakened federal partners?

Continued work to understand glacial outburst floods and the risks they pose to Alaskans depends on partnerships with academic institutions and agencies at various levels of government.

But federal agencies that are important partners have been weakened by deep budget cuts and abrupt firings that could hollow out scientific programs.

One partner is the U.S. Geological Survey, a branch of the Department of the Interior that has been doing both long-term monitoring of Mendenhall Glaciers changes and collecting day-to-day data and imagery from Suicide Basin. The Trump administration is proposing slashing total USGS spending by nearly 40%, including an approximately 30% cut to the agencys natural disaster programs.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which houses the National Weather Service, is another key partner that has already been targeted for deep cuts and likely faces more. The administrations budget for the coming fiscal years proposes eliminating all funding for NOAA research.

The U.S. Forest Service is another partner. It manages the Tongass National Forest, which covers most of Southeast Alaska, and Southcentral Alaskas Chugach National Forest. Both are heavily glaciated.

Tourists view Mendenhall Glacier from the U.S. Forest Service visitor center on May 14, 2025. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Tourists take in the view at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center on May 14, 2025. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Among the Forest Service duties in Juneau is delivery of warnings and, at times, evacuation notices to tourists and campers at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Mass firings by the Trump administration left the visitor center nearly unmanned earlier in the year, with only two employees still on the payroll there in February. Several workers have been rehired since, but staffing levels remain uncertain.

Barr said Juneau officials worry about losses at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an important partner even though its general definition of flood zones does not consider glacial outburst floods.

The agency in April canceled its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, and halted work on all pending grant applications, even though the program has won praise for helping communities reduce costs of disaster emergencies.

Several states are pushing back against the programs termination; 20 filed a lawsuit in mid-July challenging the administrations decision.

We are potentially concerned about hazard-mitigation grants and those going away, Barr said. And along with loss of financial aid is the concern about losing expertise as veteran emergency and risk-assessment experts are pushed out of the agency, he said.

Uncertainty also affects the National Science Foundation, which is funding the Mendenhall research project. The Trump administration is proposing a 55 percent cut for the coming fiscal year.

The grant money was already paid, and so far, the project has remained intact, Amundson said. As far as I know, everything is going forward, he said.

Suicide Basin is seen on July 31, 2025, with rising meltwater and ice chunks. The image, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, was among the real-time information provided by a new online dashboard that alerts residents to pending risks from Mendenhall Glacier outburst floods. (Image from Juneau Glacial Flood Dashboard)

This story has been supported by the Solutions Journalism Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems, http://solutionsjournalism.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The Kernersville Board of Aldermen will be making decisions on two rezoning cases, including one for a nearly 18-acre proposed housing development, in public hearings in addition to other business at Tuesdays meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Kernersville Municipal Council Chambers.

A proclamation also will be issued recognizing Jeff Meeks as the Employee of the Year for the state of North Carolina.

The board will consider an amendment to the Kernersville Land Use Plan for a 17.9-acre property southwest of the intersection of Piney Grove Road and Linville Springs Road to change its designation from Commercial, Neighborhood Scale to Medium Density Residential. A 47-unit development of single-family housing is proposed for the property by owner Combs Inc.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The proposal also would amend the Thoroughfare Plan to remove the west-to-east portion of the proposed Linville Springs Extension. The proposed plan would complete the north/south portion of the proposed Linville Springs Extension.

The surrounding properties are zoned Low Density Residential to the north, Low Density Residential to the east, Commercial Neighborhood Scale to the south and Low Density Residential to the west.

The Kernersville Planning Board staff recommended approval, and the Kernersville Planning Board voted unanimously (6-0) for approval of this plan.

If the amendment to the Land Use Plan is approved, a public hearing will be held on a request by Combs Inc. to rezone the property from GO-S (General Office  Special) to RS7-C (Residential, Single Family  Conditional) and to remove the Neighborhood Scale Commercial Overlay District for the property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Planning Board staff report recommended this rezoning, and the Kernersville Planning Board unanimously (6-0) approved this rezoning at its July 14 meeting.

JMJ Holdings LLC has requested a general rezoning from a combination of LI (Limited Industrial) and GI (General Industrial) to all GI for 3.75 acres at 637 Graves St. west of Gralin Street. The surrounding properties are zoned LI to the north, LI to the east, HB (Highway Business) to the south and GI to the west.

The Kernersville Planning Board staff recommended approval, and the Kernersville Planning Board voted unanimously (6-0) in favor of the rezoning at its meeting on July 14.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  An Alexandria police officer was served a summons for a crash while chasing a stolen car.

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said on Friday that one of its officers was served a summons for reckless driving for an incident that happened on June 14 at around 10 a.m. There, they were actively chasing a stolen car when they crashed into a different car at the Franklin and South Patrick streets intersection.

Back 2 School photo shoot at Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The officer and the driver had minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported.

The officer, identified as Damon Frazier, is still on active duty pending the results of an administrative review.

The Alexandria Police Department takes officer conduct and accountability seriously. All officers are required to complete the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) training, a specialized program designed to ensure safe and responsible driving practices during emergency and pursuit situations, APD said in a statement. The APD remains committed to transparency, public safety, and maintaining the trust of our community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
(FOX40.COM)  Joseph Allen Davis, 19, of Sacramento, is being charged with being a felon who had a firearm, according to the United States Department of Justice.

 Video above: Three people shot in a shooting at Davis

Davis is currently on trial for allegedly shooting three people on April 12 at Rainbow City Park during Picnic Day.

Minimum wage increases by 40 cents in the following year

This new charge comes from a DOJ investigation that was conducted after the alleged shooting. During that investigation, officers searched Daviss apartment and seized a short-barrel AR-15 style pistol. He was prohibited from having any firearms and ammunition because he had already been convicted of a gun possession offense.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If Davis is convicted of this new charge, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, the DOJ said.

At this time, the DOJ stated the defendant is presumed innocent and guilty unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ORLANDO, Fla.  As Florida enters peak hurricane season, questions persist about the safety of the detainees as well as staff housed at Alligator Alcatraz, the tent city quickly erected to hold migrants in the middle of the Everglades.

Specifically, rapid storm intensification, flooding and a storm approaching from the Gulf could create deadly scenarios for anyone living in a tent in the Everglades.

The state released a heavily redacted 33-page document on Wednesday detailing the plan for a full-scale evacuation of the facility, but most of the information was blacked out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A section called Activation Procedures, which may detail how and when the state would make the decision to evacuate the facility, was entirely redacted.

Kevin Guthrie, director of Floridas Division of Emergency Management, stated emphatically at a recent news conference that the temporary structures that house detainees can withstand a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 96 mph to 110 mph. I promise you that the hurricane guys have got the hurricane stuff covered, Guthrie said.

Hurricane categories only rate wind speed and dont address risks such as rapid intensification, storm surge, tornadoes and the travel speed of the storm.

Alligator Alcatraz, which sits inside Big Cypress National Preserve, is susceptible to a hurricane strike from nearly any direction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With rapid intensification of storms increasing in recent decades, a tropical storm can ramp up into a Category 3 hurricane in a day.

Therefore, any evacuation decision would need to include factors beyond a hurricanes category.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel contacted Floridas Division of Emergency Management for more information about how long an evacuation would take, the number of buses needed to evacuate detainees and the source of those buses. It also asked how the state was factoring rapid intensification, flooding and storm surge into its evacuation plan.

The emergency management division has not yet responded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres a look at some of the forces that put Alligator Alcatraz at particular risk.

Rapid intensification

Hurricanes have been intensifying more rapidly in recent decades, making it more difficult for emergency officials to assess risk and organize evacuations. The National Hurricane Center classifies any storm that gains 35 mph or more of maximum sustained wind speed in a 24-hour period as rapidly intensifying.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene jumped from Category 1 to Category 4, with 140 mph sustained winds within 24 hours of making landfall.

And in 2023, Hurricane Lee vaulted from a Category 1 to a Category 5 in a day, fortunately well out to sea. The same year, Hurricane Idalia leapt from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in just over 24 hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 2023 study showed that hurricanes are intensifying more rapidly now than in the past. Globally, the amount of rapidly intensifying hurricanes in coastal zones (within about 250 miles from shore) tripled from 1980 to 2020.

The study attributed the trend to a rise in sea-surface temperatures due to climate change. Those higher water temperatures fuel hurricanes. Sea-surface temperatures need to be around 80 degrees or higher to spark rapid intensification.

What does that mean for Alligator Alcatraz? A safe-looking tropical storm traveling at a relatively fast 25 mph could cover 600 miles and jump to a deadly Category 4 storm in a day.

Which raises the question, how many days out does the state need to call for an evacuation, even if an approaching system is merely a tropical storm?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fortunately, hurricane experts can predict the likelihood of rapid intensification based on the environment its traveling into. The main factors are sea-surface temperature, wind shear, how a storm can vertically stack itself and organize, and also the moisture profile in the atmosphere, said National Weather Service meteorologist George Rizzuto.

Dry air and wind shear would cripple the storm, but calm moist air and hot water would fuel it.

The width of a storm also is a factor. Wide sprawling storms take longer to intensify; compact storms can spin up more quickly, almost like a spinning figure skater rotating faster as they pull their arms in.

A storms posture  upright or tilted  also affects rapid intensification. An upright storm is more likely to intensify.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, sea-surface temperatures for the end of July in the Atlantic are warmer than normal compared to the average since 1985, but not as anomalously hot as those in 2023 and 2024 for this time of year.

Storm speed

Alligator Alcatraz is 25 to 50 miles inland, depending on where a storm is coming from, but that doesnt make it safe.

2024s Hurricane Helene maintained hurricane strength 200 miles from landfall, into central Georgia.

And according to NOAA, hurricane-force wind gusts penetrated as far as 350 miles inland, to the mountains of western North Carolina.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

1992s Hurricane Andrew cut across the Everglades about 20 miles south of Alligator Alcatraz, but wind speeds in the area still reached Category 5, or 160 mph.

The storm cut nearby Miccosukee tribal members off from the rest of the world for two days.

One of our major problems were the highways, Tribal Police Chief Tony Zecca told the Sun Sentinel in 1992. Everything was blocked by fallen trees. I was very concerned that we would have a medical emergency and no way to summon help.

They had no telephones, no electricity, no radios, wrote the Sun Sentinel at the time. Even the tribal police could not reach outside agencies.

Flooding

In previous news conferences warning people to evacuate before hurricanes arrived, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Guthrie have emphasized that water kills more people than wind during and after storms. Alligator Alcatraz could be flooded by both rain and storm surge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, storms can roll in from almost any direction.

1992s Hurricane Andrew barreled in from the east coast and pummeled the area; in 2005, Hurricane Wilma shot in from the Gulf, causing wind gusts of 93 mph near Alligator Alcatraz; and in 2006, Ernesto came in from the south on a track that took it almost directly over the site.

Curtis Osceola, senior executive policy adviser for the Miccosukee Tribe who has expressed opposition to the detention site, grew up near the Alligator Alcatraz facility.

Big Cypress is a rain-driven system, so when it rains heavily, the water stacks up and then moves south, Osceola said. The southern flow of the Everglades would direct floodwaters toward Alligator Alcatraz, where the Tamiami Trail acts as a dam, stacking water up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Osceola recalls that 2017s Hurricane Irma shot in from the south and dropped as much as 20 inches of rain in Big Cypress. That water just kind of washes over the runway (where the detainee tents sit), Osceola said.

The raised runways of Alligator Alcatraz are 12.7 feet above sea level according to the FAA, slightly higher than the surrounding swamp, which ranges from 7 to 9 feet about sea level, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The other water threat is storm surge, which occurs when hurricane wind push water up into coastal areas.

During Helene, storm surge killed more than three times as many people as wind in Florida. The shallower the coastal water, the more a hurricane can pile it up. Thats why the Gulf coast is more susceptible than the deeper Atlantic coast.

The National Weather Services Rizzuto said that a hurricane coming in from the Gulf could pose a storm-surge risk for the facility.

If a storm was coming from the west side, near Flamingo, youd have a strong westerly component to the wind all across Collier County, Rizzuto said. So youd see all that ocean water and fresh water pushing toward the interior.

Another less likely scenario is that a storm approaching from the east would push Everglades sheet flow west, toward Alligator Alcatraz. Rizzuto said that was hypothetically possible, but he was more concerned with storm surge from a hurricane approaching from the Gulf side.

Tornadoes

Alligator Alcatraz could be at risk from strong tornadoes, even from a hurricane that makes landfall 140 miles away.

Last year, Hurricane Milton blew in from the Gulf south of Tampa and cut across the state.

The outer bands of the storm spun off 19 tornadoes, many of which occurred in South Florida, 90 to 140 miles away from the eye.

Several of those twisters produced wind speeds far greater than the 110 mph Category 2 wind that the Alligator Alcatraz tents are designed to withstand. One of them had peak winds speeds of 155 mph and killed six people near St. Lucie.

Moving detainees to safety

Evacuating 1,000 or more detainees plus staff from the remote Everglades is no small task.

Osceola, who has worked as a public defender and witnessed inmate transport protocols, is concerned about the complications.

Detainees are going to need to be shackled, theyre going to need security on the (bus) windows, theyre going to need guards for each bus ride, and theyre going to need a facility to place them temporarily while the storm passes, he said.

The disaster plan lists five potential alternate facilities in the event of an evacuation. Those sites are blacked out, presumably for security reasons.

Florida knows how to respond to crises, Guthrie said. We specialize in response and recovery, acting fast, and most importantly, logistics management. That same speed, precision and discipline has been applied here at Alligator Alcatraz.

The state has evacuated plenty of prisons before.

In 2023, the Department of Corrections evacuated 4,000 prisoners from 35 facilities statewide ahead of Hurricane Idalia. And Milton prompted the evacuation of 5,460 inmates from 28 facilities.

When we have 1,000 (Alligator Alcatraz detainees) I need to make sure we have room for 1,000 (at other sites), said Guthrie at the news conference. When we go to 2,000, I need to make sure we have room for 2,000.

Guthrie said that in an evacuation scenario, such as a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher), its incumbent upon the Florida Division of Emergency Management with our law environment partners to be able to do that, Guthrie said. So we are constantly looking at what we can do  when we get to a certain (hurricane) level, where were going to go.

Though the Alligator Alcatraz site currently holds about 1,000 detainees, Guthrie said it will eventually be able to hold 4,000. As our capacity increases, we continue to identify contingency plans to ensure we are ready for hurricane season, Guthrie said.

Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
Since the rise of commercial chemical manufacturing in the 1940s, the environment has been plagued by a growing concentration of man-made substances like microplastics, PCBs, and bisphenols.

There's even a new one rising to prominence: the chemical compound trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA.

New reporting by Nature detailed the troubling rise of TFA and its inexorable creep into every corner of the natural world. TFA comes mostly from synthetic petrochemicals found in pesticides and landfills, where they break down from PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals because they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade on their own.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As a tiny and highly soluble chemical, TFA is incredibly agile, following the water cycle with alarming ease. A recent study of drinking water across 11 European countries detected TFA in 94 percent of tap water samples, and in 12 of 19 bottled waters.

TFA levels have exploded throughout the natural world in recent decades, with dramatic increases recorded across tree species in Germany, the deep sea waters of the Atlantic ocean, the Swiss mountain saddle of Jungfraujoch, and even ice cores in the Arctic.

It's even being found in most of the world's rainwater, according to Nature. However, terrestrial TFA doesn't evaporate with water  meaning the typical industrial polluters associated with PFAS aren't necessarily to blame for this type of acid rain. Instead, TFA typically joins with gaseous water molecules through fluorinated gases, a byproduct of refrigerants, air conditioners and fire extinguishers.

Though the full effects of TFA on human health aren't well established, animal studies have shown the chemical to have harmful impacts on embryos and blood-filtering organs like the liver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nature notes that, though researchers have been concerned with TFA levels since the late 1980s, some petrochemical industry researchers have turned the chemical byproduct into a scientific debate, arguing that TFA shouldn't be classified as a PFAS at all. (The US Environmental Protection Agency currently classifies TFA as a non-PFAS.)

Specifically, they say the consequences of TFA exposure are overblown, and point to massive amounts of it in the ocean water as evidence that the planet is coping just fine with the human-made chemical. Therefore, the argument goes, it's not worth fretting over the dramatic influx of TFA into ecosystems throughout the globe.

This attitude runs all the way to the top of European governments, with research groups convened by the United Nations Environment Programme arguing that synthetic TFA levels pose a "minimal risk," allowing governing bodies like the European Commission to brush aside TFA concerns and delay regulation. That's a huge boon to multinational corporations like Honeywell, which aren't exactly shy about their take on the issue.

However loud  and well-connected  the naysayers are, many in the scientific community disagree. A 2021 study by a team of University chemists in Canada, for example, found no "sufficient evidence that TFA occurs naturally," declaring it a myth that has been accepted without scrutiny.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The researchers don't mince words, asserting that "natural TFA should not be invoked in any discussions about the production and/or regulation of TFA."

TFA's own ancestry shows us the danger of taking the petrochemical industry at its word. Though companies like 3M and DuPont have been churning out PFAS since the 1940s, evidence of its harms didn't make it into the scientific record until the late 1990s  despite compelling evidence that the petrochemical industry knew PFAS was "highly toxic" since at least 1970.

By then, it was too late. In 2001, a widely influential study on the proliferation of PFAS found traces of the forever chemicals had spread throughout North America, Europe, and the Arctic, through the tissue of species like bald eagles, polar bears, mink, and seals.

Thanks to decades of corporate inaction, cancer- and disease-causing PFAS can be found in measurable amounts in virtually every person and animal on the planet. Given their track record on PFAS, the chemical industry's PR work on TFA feels right as rain.

More on chemicals: Trump Admin Cancels Programs to Protect Children From Toxic Chemicals
By Charlotte Van Campenhout and Milan Berckmans

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Around 80 colorful pride boats sailed through Amsterdams World Heritage canals on Saturday in the finale of a week-long celebration in the city that stood in stark contrast to recent crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights in fellow EU member state Hungary.

While the flotilla is not political, attendees used the occasion to criticise conflicts or world leaders for their stance on LGBTQ+ rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thehany Gilmore, a 43-year-old Dutch-Caribbean dressed in a leather outfit with a whip, said banning of the Budapest pride parade "is a form of oppression."

"People everywhere should have their own pride to be able to represent who they are," she said.

Palestinian flags were spotted among the crowd of revelers, and Dutch police arrested four activists who had jumped in the water to vandalize the Booking.com boat in protest over its listings in settlements in Israeli-occupied territories.

Others criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration implemented anti-trans policies and cut funding for international aid programs, dealing a setback to HIV prevention efforts in Africa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some waved a hybrid U.S./Pride flag, while one boat declared itself a 'Trump-Free Pride Boat' with signs reading 'Trans Rights Are Human Rights.' Another featured mock graveyards and the message 'Trump's Actions Kill. Love Saves Lives,' highlighting fears over U.S. AIDS funding cuts.

"Amsterdam Pride is... about expressing yourself, showing who you are, being grateful for the freedom that we have in Europe. The U.S. really needs to reinvent itself... be more open about people," 40-year-old Michael Jacobs, who hails from Dutch port city Rotterdam, said.

"Don't judge people for who they are. Just love each other."

(Reporting by Milan Berckmans, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Editing by Bill Berkrot)
By Emily Green

(Reuters) -There was no shortage of warning signs that El Salvador President Nayib Bukele would attempt to stay in power indefinitely, his critics say.

There was the time Bukele stormed the legislative assembly with armed soldiers during his first year in office. Or a year after that, when his allies in the congress removed top Supreme Court judges and the attorney general and replaced them with Bukele loyalists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Then last year, Bukele ran for a consecutive term as president after the new Supreme Court judges reinterpreted the constitution.

But the final tipping point came on Thursday afternoon, when a little-known legislator from Bukele's ruling New Ideas party announced a proposal to amend the constitution to allow indefinite presidential reelection.

Bukele allies lined up one by one to sign a petition that would allow the assembly to vote on the legislation immediately, without it first going to committee for analysis or public debate.

A mere three hours passed from the time the legislation was introduced until the moment it became law. Fifty-seven lawmakers voted in favor, with three in opposition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ernesto Castro, the assembly president, framed the vote as a win for democracy. "The people will decide how long they want a leader to remain in office," Castro wrote on X. "With these decisive measures, we are ensuring a stronger, fairer and more efficient democracy."

Marcela Villatoro, one of the three legislators to vote against the measure, countered late on Thursday: "Democracy has died in El Salvador today."

The constitutional change also lengthened the presidential term by a year to six, eliminated runoffs, and moved up the next presidential election by two years to 2027, leaving little room for Bukele's scattered opposition to find a candidate.

DEEPENING CRACKDOWN

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bukele, who swept to power in 2019, is extremely popular in El Salvador because of his strong-arm tactics that have eliminated the country's once-powerful street gangs. That, combined with his effective crackdown on opponents, virtually guarantees that the 44-year-old will remain in office until at least 2033  and perhaps many years after that.

Human rights groups accuse Bukele of widespread abuses and corruption, and a flood of rights activists and journalists have fled the country in recent months after two outspoken critics were arrested and jailed.

A spokesperson for Bukele did not respond to requests for comment about the constitutional change, whether he plans to run for re-election, or the opposition's assertion that democracy was being destroyed.

In the U.S., El Salvador's constitutional amendment was largely met with silence. Bukele is Trump's strongest ally in Latin America, a relationship cemented by an agreement reached in March for El Salvador to house 238 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. in a maximum-security prison. In April, Trump called Bukele "one hell of a president."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not respond to a request for comment on the constitutional change.

"The U.S. government is shielding the Bukele regime with its silence," said Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. "Bukele has complete control of the courts, the congress, the media and the narrative. If that's not autocracy I don't know what is."

In El Salvador, the reaction to Thursday's measure was muted. Democracy is relatively new in the country -- it was established during 1992 peace accords that ended a brutal 12-year civil war -- and many Salvadorans consider it a failure given the power that gangs amassed during that time.

The news appeared on the front pages of the country's most popular papers. But there were no protests, and many people were more focused on getting ready for a week-long vacation, with government offices closed next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of Bukele's most outspoken critics have fled the country, including an estimated 100 journalists and human rights activists. In July, the country's leading human rights group suspended operations.

Bertha Maria Deleon, a lawyer and activist who worked for Bukele from 2015 to 2019, said Bukele's rise to power was fueled by what she saw at the time as a legitimate desire to improve El Salvador. He promised to end corruption after three consecutive presidents were accused of embezzling millions of dollars of public funds.

Deleon broke with Bukele after he occupied the parliament in 2020. She said everything he has done since then has been an effort to consolidate power.

"Ever since that takeover of parliament, he clearly began to execute the dictators' manual," she said.

(Reporting by Emily Green; Editing by Christian Plumb and Rosalba O'Brien)
A Brooklyn bodega worker was killed Friday afternoon by an irate customer who stabbed him multiple times, police said.

Diego Sandoval-Nava, 33, was working at a deli and mini market on Hegeman Ave. in East New York when a man came into the store around 3 p.m. and caused a disturbance, police said.

Workers at the bodega asked the man to leave, and he did. But he returned soon after and stabbed Sandoval-Nava several times in the torso when the victim tried to prevent him from coming behind the counter, a police source said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After stabbing Sandoval-Nava, the attacker ran off.

Candles seen outside the deli at 684 Hegeman Avenue in Brooklyn on Saturday Aug. 2, 2025.(Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News) Show Caption1 of 2Sandoval-Nava was working at a deli and mini market on Hegeman Ave. in East New York when a man came into the store around 3 p.m. and caused a disturbance, police said. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News)Expand

Medics rushed Sandoval-Nava to Brookdale Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

A friend of Sandoval-Nava said the victim used to give away free sandwiches to people in need.

He would help people outside, making sure theyre OK, feeding them, said the friend, who only wanted to be identified by his first name, Andy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He leaves behind a teenage daughter back in Mexico, Andy said.

So far, there have been no arrests as police continue to look for the attacker, cops said.

According to a police source, the argument that sparked the stabbing was over loosies, or loose cigarettes, which are illegal to sell. Sandoval-Nava refused to sell them to his attacker, the source said.

In May, Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the city would install panic buttons linked to the NYPD in about 500 bodegas across the five boroughs. The new initiative came after a string of killings in bodegas, including two slayings in 48 hours in April. It was not immediately clear if the bodega where Sandoval-Nava worked had been equipped with a panic button.
Pets are being abandoned and surrendered to shelters as their owners are swept up in President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

Daymi Blain operates the Adopt and Save a Life Rescue Mission in South Florida.

This is all were getting now: pets with deported and detained owners. Nobody calls for anything else, she told The Washington Post.

I dont know whats going to happen with all this, but I can tell you that the animals are the ones paying the price, she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Animal shelters are growing overcrowded as pets lose their homes with their owners detained or deported.

All over the U.S. animal welfare groups say theyre handling an uptick in calls about pets with owners picked up by immigration authorities, or who have left the country of their own accord.

Animal shelters are handling an uptick in calls related to immigration raids (AFP via Getty Images)

The rising need for space comes as animal shelters are already spread increasingly thin following the pandemic, as they deal with being short on staff and decreasing adoptions. Some animals may be euthanized because theres no space for them.

All rescues like us plan for disasters, Jean Harrison at the Big Fluffy Dog Rescue in Nashville told The Post. I plan for floods. I plan for the tornado and hurricane seasons coming up. It did not cross my mind that I needed to be prepared for an onslaught of displaced pets from deported immigrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Homeland Security told The Post that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement does NOT impound property, but didnt clarify further.

Lucero, a young dog, was abandoned close to a gas station after her owner, a trucker, was apprehended. A pair of German Shepherds, Lolita and Bruno, with six puppies, were all surrendered by a man who was set to be deported after a quarter-century in the U.S.

It remains unclear how many animals have lost their homes as no government agency keeps track.

Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse figures show that 56,816 people were in ICE custody as of July 13, but it remains unclear how many are pet owners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Florida, where Blain operates her shelter, had the largest single-state immigration operation in U.S. history earlier this year. The shelter has taken in as many as 19 dogs, 12 cats, 11 roosters, and a number of rabbits, guinea pigs, and pigeons, according to The Post.

Operators of animal shelters said they were fielding calls connected to Trumps immigration raids (AFP via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said 15 dogs had been left behind since June following deportations.

Animal Care Centers of New York City said it had handled four cases connected to immigration this year.

Harrison, in Tennessee, told the paper that she had seen three waves of animals come into her shelter. In the spring, families from Venezuela started leaving their pets after the Trump administration removed their deportation protections. The largest wave came in May after raids conducted by ICE. Then, there were the animals left behind, with pets in empty homes going unseen for weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harrison told the paper that two rescuers found two Great Pyrenees, which should weigh about 110 pounds, weighing in at 49 pounds.

They had some water, but no food. Nobody knew they were there, she said.
Another group of Ukrainian children who endured the horrors of war, loss, humiliation and fear under Russian occupation have been brought to safety  now staying in Ukrainian-controlled territory. The rescue was made possible by the efforts of the Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine organisations.

Source: Bring Kids Back UA and Save Ukraine

Quote from Bring Kids Back UA: "Fifteen-year-old Mariia bravely stood up for her Ukrainian identity  she wore a vyshyvanka to a Russian school and challenged teachers about Ukraine. For this, her classmates called her a Ukrop [derogatory nickname for Ukrainian patriots  ed.], bullied and beat her. Teachers filed reports and threatened her mother with losing parental rights."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: Four-year-old Milana and eight-year-old Sasha lived with their mother and grandmother in the occupied territories, where women were repeatedly threatened with the loss of custody if the children didnt attend Russian schools.

The mother was forced to obtain Russian documents, while the grandmother was interrogated with a polygraph. Milana has a disability and needs medication that was extremely difficult to find.

"Fifteen-year-old Lina was interrogated for six hours over a pro-Ukrainian comment on social media. Authorities confiscated her phone and threatened her with arrest. Afterwards, she lived in fear of surveillance and being sent to a so-called re-education camp," the rescue group added.

Seventeen-year-old Semen fled the occupation to avoid being drafted into the Russian army. He had seen underage classmates forced into military service and didnt wait until turning 18. Military officials had already come to his home, threatening fines and physical punishment for failing to report for duty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Fortunately, these children and their families are now safe and surrounded by warmth and care at our Hope and Healing centre. All rescued people receive psychological support, temporary housing, humanitarian and food assistance, help with documents, and real opportunities for a fresh start," said Save Ukraine founder Mykola Kuleba.

Background: Earlier, a group of children who had continued their Ukrainian studies online despite pressure from Russian authorities were also rescued from occupation.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
A consultation on plans to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in a town, including aggressive begging and street drinking, has been launched.

Reading Borough Council wants to introduce a public spaces protection order (PSPO), which it said would make it easier to stop nuisance behaviour and is supported by police.

Karen Rowland, chair of the council's community safety partnership, said the order would give police officers the power to halt behaviour "that causes residents undue anxiety, nuisance or distress" and urged people to share their thoughts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The consultation is open for responses until 7 September.

PSPOs give police and local authorities powers to address anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

Under the plans, Thames Valley Police officers would be able to ask people drinking and causing nuisance or disorder to stop and hand over any containers believed to contain alcohol.

It would also give the force more powers to stop e-bike and e-scooter riders purposely causing distress or nuisance, the council said.

It would make begging subject to enforcement and it would make it an offence to not pick up after your dog. or hold your dog on a lead if ordered to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Street drinking and begging, dog fouling and proper dog control, along with the aggravated misuse of mechanically propelled micro-mobility vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters are all issues that are increasingly upsetting residents," said Ms Rowland.

She said while a PSPO was not a "panacea to cure all those ills" it was "another very useful tool to allow officers the powers they need to halt the worst of anti-social misbehaviour that causes residents undue anxiety, nuisance or distress".

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story

Related Links
AUSTIN (KXAN)  An 89-year-old man who was previously reported missing was found safe Saturday afternoon, according to the Austin Police Department.

Police said the man was previously last seen in the area of East William Canon Drive and South Pleasant Valley Road in southeast Austin, according to police.

No other details were available Saturday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday rejected the Trump administration's request for an emergency stay of a federal injunction restricting federal immigration agents from targeting migrants in Southern California based on characteristics such as ethnicity or language.

The three-judge panel issued a unanimous ruling that maintains the restraints on federal agents during immigration raids in the Los Angeles area.

The limitations include prohibiting targeting people based on their ethnicity, accent, language or location, including being at a Home Depot or a car wash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling requires federal agents to have more specific probable cause to make an arrest instead of generalized suspicion about a person's citizenship status.

Trump Admin Ends Deployment Of Additional National Guard Troops To Los Angeles

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday rejected the Trump administration's request to lift restrictions on federal immigration raids.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass celebrated the court's decision as "a victory for the rule of law and for the City of Los Angeles."

Read On The Fox News App

"The Temporary Restraining Order that has been protecting our communities from immigration agents using racial profiling and other illegal tactics when conducting their cruel and aggressive enforcement raids and sweeps will remain in place for now," Bass said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We must still fight for justice," she continued. "Los Angeles will stand together against this Administrations efforts to break up families who contribute every single day to the life, the culture and the economy of our great city. No matter what, I will continue to stand by you and fight for your rights, your dignity and your place in this city we all call home."

This comes after recent raids in the Los Angeles area targeted illegal immigrants working at local businesses, sparking weeks of unrest over immigration arrests and the administration's mass deportation efforts.

About 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines were deployed to Los Angeles to gain control over the protests despite opposition from state and local leaders. At this point, most of the National Guard troops and all the Marines have since been withdrawn.

The administration was sued last month over alleged "unlawful stop-and-arrest practices" and "illegal conditions of confinement." A federal judge then issued two temporary restraining orders, including one to stop generalized raids based on the idea that many Spanish-speaking Hispanics are known to be in a certain location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawyers for the administration filed an emergency appeal asking the court to temporarily pause the injunction as it would cause "irreparable harm" and put immigration officials in a "straitjacket." The appeal was denied in court on Friday.

Pentagon Orders 700 Marines To Withdraw From Los Angeles As Stability Returns Following Ice Protests

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass celebrated the court's decision as "a victory for the rule of law and for the City of Los Angeles."

During arguments, one of the judges repeatedly asked the lawyer for the government about a reported 3,000 daily quota for immigration-related arrests  a quota policy the lawyer claims does not exist  in reference to comments made by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller during an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity in May.

"Under President Trumps leadership, we are looking to set a goal of a minimum of 3,000 arrests for ICE every day, and President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every single day," Miller said at the time.

Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to this report.





Original article source: Appeals court denies Trump admin's request to lift limits on Los Angeles immigration raids
LOS ANGELES  An appeals court on Friday kept in place a Los Angeles federal judge's ruling that bars immigration agents from using a person's spoken language or job, like day laborer, as the sole pretext to detain them.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in its ruling that there seemed to be one issue with U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong's temporary restraining order, but it did not put it on hold as the government sought.

The appeals court said that a part of the July 11 temporary restraining order referring to "except as permitted by law" was too vague.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Defendants, however, are not likely to succeed on their remaining arguments," the court ruled, referring to the U.S. government.

Frimpong, a judge at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles, issued the temporary restraining order after a lawsuit was filed by people who claimed they were detained by immigration officers without good reason.

Three people were waiting at a bus stop for jobs when they were detained by immigration officials, and two others are U.S. citizens who claim they were stopped and aggressively questioned despite telling agents they were citizens. Other organizations, including the United Farm Workers, also sued.

Frimpong wrote in the temporary restraining order ruling that the people suing were likely to succeed in proving that the federal government is indeed conducting roving patrols without reasonable suspicion and denying access to lawyers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The July 11 restraining order bars the detention of people unless the officer or agent has reasonable suspicion that the person to be stopped is within the United States in violation of U.S. immigration law.

It says they may not base that suspicion solely on a persons apparent race or ethnicity; the fact that theyre speaking Spanish or English with an accent; their presence at a particular location like a bus stop or a day laborer pickup site; or the type of work one does.

Los Angeles has been targeted by the Trump administration for immigration raids that the city's mayor has decried as a campaign to terrorize residents.

The lawsuit that led to the temporary restraining order was filed against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kyle Harvick, the deputy incident commander for the government's immigration action in Los Angeles, said that "certain types of businesses, including carwashes," were chosen by immigration agents "because past experiences have demonstrated that illegal aliens utilize and seek work at these locations," according to the appeals court ruling.

The appeals court found that "the four enumerated factors at issue  apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent, particular location, and type of work, even when considered together  describe only a broad profile and 'do not demonstrate reasonable suspicion for any particular stop.'"

The appeals court panel said that the government did not dispute constitutional issues when trying to get the temporary restraining order stayed.

They did not meaningfully dispute the district courts conclusion that sole reliance on the four enumerated factors, alone or in combination, does not satisfy the constitutional requirement of reasonable suspicion, the appeals court panel wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mark Rosenbaum, senior special counsel for strategic litigation at Public Counsel, which is among the groups representing the people who sued, said Friday that the actions by immigration agents in the Los Angeles operation were unconstitutional.

"Todays ruling sends a powerful message: the government cannot excuse illegal conduct by relying on racial profiling as a tool of immigration enforcement," Rosenbaum said. "These raids were unconstitutional, unsupported by evidence, and rooted in fear and harmful stereotypes, not public safety."

The appeals court did find that part of Frimpongs temporary order was vague, relating to "except as permitted by law" in the clause about detaining people based on the four factors of race, speaking Spanish, a location or type of work. But it otherwise denied the government's motion for a stay.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, called the appeals court ruling a victory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Today is a victory for the rule of law and for the City of Los Angeles," she said in a statement. "The Temporary Restraining Order that has been protecting our communities from immigration agents using racial profiling and other illegal tactics when conducting their cruel and aggressive enforcement raids and sweeps will remain in place for now."

The immigration raids launched in Los Angeles in June resulted in large protests in the city, some of which turned violent. The Trump administration sent National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles in a move that was condemned by Bass, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected claims that immigration enforcement is based on race or ethnicity, saying agents are targeting individuals who are in the country without legal authorization. She also accused unelected judges" of "undermining the will of the American people.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An appeals court late Friday mostly kept in place restrictions on "roving" immigration raids in the Los Angeles area, agreeing with a lower court judge who found that sweeps conducted by the Trump administration in Southern California appeared to have been predicated on people's race and other factors, like speaking Spanish.

A panel of judges at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit largely denied a Trump administration request to suspend the lower court ruling, which required federal immigration officials to have reasonable suspicion that someone is in the country illegally before detaining them.

The immigration raids at the center of the legal battle triggered massive protests in the Los Angeles area in June, as well as widespread fears among the region's large Latino community. While most demonstrations were peaceful, instances of violence led President Trump to deploy National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles with orders to protect federal buildings and the immigration agents enforcing his far-reaching crackdown on illegal immigration. Most of them have since been demobilized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those high-profile immigration arrests in California have continued, led by Customs and Border Protection agents who have been assigned to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers with furthering the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign  in some cases, far away from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Beyond requiring CBP and ICE to have reasonable suspicion before detaining someone, the July order from U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong prohibited federal agents from basing arrests on people's race or ethnicity, the fact that they speak Spanish or have an accent, their presence in a location, or their occupation.

Frimpong stated that any immigration arrests that relied exclusively on these factors violated the U.S. Constitution's 4th Amendment, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures.

"We agree with the district court that, in the context of the Central District of California, the four enumerated factors at issue  apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent, particular location, and type of work, even when considered together  describe only a broad profile and 'do not demonstrate reasonable suspicion for any particular stop,'" the 9th Circuit panel wrote in its opinion Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The panel was comprised of Circuit Judges Ronald M. Gould, Marsha S. Berzon, and Jennifer Sung, appointees of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden.

The cases cited in the lawsuit against the Los Angeles-area immigration sweeps involved arrests in June near a car wash, a tow yard and other locations where U.S. citizens were among those questioned about their legal status and detained by federal agents. Advocates have described the operations as "roving patrols."

The 9th Circuit did alter one part of Frimpong's ruling, removing an exception to her ban on using the four factors that include people's race and vocation when making arrests. The panel said that an "except as permitted by law" clause in her order was too vague.

Pro-immigrant advocates hailed Friday's ruling, denouncing the Trump administration's immigration sweeps as indiscriminate raids that have instilled fear in the Los Angeles area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Every person, regardless of immigration status, has the right to live, work, and belong in their community without being hunted, harassed, or locked away," said Lindsay Toczylowski, president of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a Los Angeles-based group that represents those facing deportation.

The Trump administration has maintained in court that federal officials rely on intelligence packages and certain information  like "past experiences" that immigrants living in the U.S. illegally frequent or work at certain locations  when carrying out immigration enforcement operations.

In a statement to CBS News on Saturday, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that "unelected judges are undermining the will of the American people."

"What makes someone a target of ICE is if they are illegally in the U.S.NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity," she said. "America's brave men and women are removing murderers, MS-13 gang members, pedophiles, rapiststruly the worst of the worst from Golden State communities. 70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens who have been convicted or have pending charges. President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem are putting the American people first by removing illegal aliens who pose a threat to our communities. Law and order will prevail."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation

Lawyer says political pressure helped Marine Corps veteran, wife reunite after her ICE detention

Katie Ledecky breaks her own record in women's swimming
An appeals court upheld a lower courts order to temporarily block federal immigration agents from conducting immigration-related arrests in Los Angeles without probable cause.

In the ruling on Friday night, the ninth circuit court of appeals agreed with a federal judge that immigration agents cannot use race, ethnicity or other factors, including speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent, as the basis for reasonable suspicion to stop people.

We agree with the district court that, in the context of the Central District of California, the four enumerated factors at issue -- apparent race, ethnicity, speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent, particular location and type of work, even when considered together -- describe only a broad profile and do not demonstrate reasonable suspicion for any particular stop, the three judge panel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The appeals court found that the Trump administration did not dispute in filings that definitive stops in Los Angeles have occurred based on the factors and did not dispute the district courts conclusion that the reliance on them does not satisfy the constitutional requirement of reasonable suspicion.

Lucy Nicholson/Reuters - PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: ICE Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, David Marin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Fugitive Operations team search for a Mexican national at a home in Hawthorne

The judges concluded that plaintiffs are likely to succeed in showing that the Trump administration stopped and detained people based on their race, place of work and language.

Last month, immigrant advocacy groups filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of unconstitutional sweeps in Los Angeles.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for September.
JACKSONVILLE  The sounds of laughter filled the air at the Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville Thursday as children celebrated the end of summer with a back-to-school bash, thanks to the generosity of the Arby's Foundation.

The event, which featured an inflatable waterslide, barbecue, a red fire truck from the Jacksonville Fire Department and the Kona Ice snow cones truck, aimed to send local kids back to school with smiles and essential supplies.

Priscilla Boykin, a spokesperson for the Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville, shared how the event came to fruition with a simple conversation. Boykin said she had reached out to the manager of the Arbys of Oxford, James Lewis, and discussed the need there was in the community. She said Lewis stepped right in, without any formal application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis orchestrated a lively event. What started with a request for school supplies blossomed into a full-fledged back-to-school celebration.

We're going to present them with a check, too, Lewis mentioned, highlighting the foundation's commitment beyond just school supplies.

Children giggled excitedly as they clambered near the Jacksonville Fire Department's truck, its polished chrome gleaming in the afternoon sun. Some children were wrapped in beach towels as the anticipation of the inflatable waterslide gave way to excitement. The aroma of barbecue wafted through the air.

Jackie Watkins, Arby's regional vice president for the area, underscored the company's dedication to community involvement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"One of the things that we do at Arby's is, you know, we're very involved in the community. That's a big part of what we do," Watkins said, explaining that she had been inspired by the work Boykin put into the community.

For me and my team, it was, how do we help? Like, how do we engage? How do we help funds and put things back into our local communities to help the kids? she said.

The foundation provided approximately 48 backpacks filled with school supplies, and Lewis and his team presented a $10,000 check to the Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville in support of its programs.
Aug. 1MINNEWAUKAN, N.D.  Amid a recent string of resignations that left the Benson County Sheriff's Office with one deputy  who is currently out of state for military training  area law enforcement agencies have stepped in to ensure the county's residents continue receiving public safety services.

Deputies from neighboring Ramsey County have been providing assistance, and it is anticipated that some off-duty deputies will be hired on to patrol Benson County. Dick Horner, Benson County commissioner and interim sheriff, said he has been working with the Ramsey County sheriff to coordinate these efforts. The North Dakota Highway Patrol also has assigned additional troopers to the area.

"They've been a fantastic help," Horner said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EMT calls continue to be handled by local emergency responders, he said, and law enforcement services are still available for the county.

Within approximately one day, the staff of five law enforcement officers became one. The first resignations were

Deputy Chief Travis Lee Carlson, who has been accused of multiple crimes in his law enforcement role,

and Sheriff Ethan Rode, who Horner said resigned due to an unrelated payroll issue.

However,

WDAY's Matt Henson has since reported

that the North Dakota Attorney General's Office was investigating Rode for wrongdoing, including misconduct, malfeasance, neglect of duty in office and gross incompetency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rode does not appear to have been charged with any crimes as of late Thursday morning, July 31.

On the same day of these resignations, Deputy Chantel Brorby and Deputy Tyler Denning also stepped down from their positions. Horner said the only explanation he received was that Brorby and Denning were unable to continue in their roles. The Grand Forks Herald has filed a records request for the resignation letters from all four employees.

The remaining deputy, Vincent Storing, is on approved leave for military training in Missouri through the end of August, Horner said.
ST. LOUIS  Just this week, multiple government agencies in the St. Louis area shared warnings about scams related to text messages known as smishing.

The messages often use a false sense of urgency to try and lure phone users into clicking on harmful links.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

One phony text message read, You still have an outstanding traffic ticket. The message goes on to say that if a fine is not paid by clicking a link, You may be prosecuted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A warning from the OFallon, MO Police Department reminded residents that Missouri does not send traffic ticket enforcement notices via text with threatening language.

A similar warning from the Clayton Police Department said even police phones have received themno one is immune.

Visitors to the Missouri Department of Transportation website are greeted with a red-lettered message that reads, SCAM ALERT! MoDOT will never solicit you to pay a toll fee or traffic violation fee.

Last year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation shared information about smishing scams and how to file a complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The recommendation is to file a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov and to include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text and to delete any smishing texts.

Zombie videos reveal latest concerns on unregulated substance sales

If you clicked any link or provided your information, the FBI recommends taking efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges.

Phone carriers also provide information about how to limit the unwanted messages and how to report them. Verizon offers phone setting advice to help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The company also said through a statement:

We take seriously our commitment to protecting our customers from unlawful or unwanted text messages, and our teams work to monitor and block suspected bad actors. To help us identify and end Spam, customers are encouraged to report suspicious or unwanted messages by forwarding the text message to S-P-A-M (7726).

AT&T also offers information about smishing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Area residents are being invited to join Citizens for Local East Texas Aquifer Rights for a united fight in the East Texas water war.

Our primary focus is to get the private well owners together as one cohesive group, with one well-qualified water lawyer and go to war, said CLEAR co-founder Dick Swift. "By joining forces, we can present a cohesive, credible challenge to this unprecedented water extraction effort."

CLEAR held its first town hall meeting Thursday at the Anderson County Annex.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The coalitions main purpose is to unite those that sent in a letter of contest, with regard to the 43 water wells proposed by Kyle Bass company Conservation Equity Management at Pine Bliss and Redtown Ranch that lie within the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater Conservation District, that have legal standing and hire legal representation for them as a group for the State Office of Administrative Hearings evidentiary hearings to be held later this year.

CLEAR was founded and is being spearheaded by three men from Anderson County; Dick Swift, Larry Weber and Paul Woodard.

Swift said by pooling resources private well owners can secure the expert legal and scientific support needed to mount an effective casesomething that would be difficult to achieve individually.

During Thursdays meeting, Swift facilitated the meeting, bringing the group up to speed on everything happening with regard to the permit applications, the special hearings and groundwater bills that were filed this week by Rep. Cody Harris (Palestine-R). He also answered questions from those in attendance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Swift, an attorney, said the SOAH judge would most likely not hear testimony of all of those with legal standing during its evidentiary hearings and in order for most of them to have a voice in the hearings, they would need to ban together.

Swift also noted how costly the process could be for an individual, with attorney and hydrologist fees. He shared that in his estimation, hiring a good water lawyer could cost between $25,000 and $50,000.

My vision on how we can fight this is by joining forces together,everybody contributing something, Swift said. Ive been asked, What do I need to contribute, and my answer is, some people can afford more than others. Some people are barely getting by and cant afford much and other people can afford to give more, but if you are going to participate, you gotta contribute something.

Swift said CLEAR would be collecting donations to hire an attorney and he would be working as co-council with the attorney and as a go-between for information from the attorney to everyone that is part of CLEAR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Swift said CLEAR will keep track of all money spent and will share the total amount raised, but not share individual contribution amounts, and would also share how those funds were spent.

Swift said if they did not raise enough to hire a qualified water lawyer, or if new laws made the case unnecessary or the case ends and there is money left over, all leftover money would be refunded proportionately to everyone who donated.

Swift said those who dont have legal standing for the hearings, can still help support those that do in the groundwater district by donating to legal fees to support CLEAR in their fight.
In retrospect, Erica Kahn realizes she made two big mistakes.

The first was choosing to temporarily forgo health insurance when she was laid off from her job.

The second was screaming when a wild bat later landed on her face.

The bizarre encounter happened last August, while the Massachusetts resident was photographing the night sky during a vacation at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona. Kahn, now 33, noticed a few bats flying around but didnt worry about them  until one flew up to her and got tangled between her camera and her face.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She screamed, and part of the bat went in her mouth. She doesnt know which part or for how long, though she estimates it was only a few seconds. It seemed longer, she said.

The bat flew away, leaving Kahn shaken.

She didnt think the animal had bitten her. Regardless, her father, who is a physician and was traveling with her, said she should go to a hospital within a day or so and begin vaccinations against rabies.

Figuring she would be covered as long as she obtained insurance before going to the hospital, Kahn said, she found a policy online the day after the bat incident. She said she called the company before she bought its policy and was told services related to an accident or life-threatening emergency would be covered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kahn went the next day to a hospital in Flagstaff, Arizona, where she started rabies prevention treatment. Over the next two weeks, she received the rest of the rabies shots at clinics in Arizona and Massachusetts and at a hospital in Colorado.

Then the bills came.

The Medical Procedure

Kahn received a total of four doses of the rabies vaccine. The doses are administered over the course of 14 days. Along with her first vaccination, she received three shots of immunoglobulin, which boosts antibodies against the virus.

Rabies is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Experts recommend precautionary measures when a person has been potentially exposed to rabies, because once the neurological disease causes symptoms, it is fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says postexposure rabies treatment has reduced the number of human fatalities to fewer than 10 a year in the U.S.

The Final Bill

According to explanation-of-benefits statements, Kahn owed a total of $20,749 for her care at the four facilities. Most of the charges were from the hospital where she was first treated, Flagstaff Medical Center: $17,079, including $15,242 for the rabies and immunoglobulin shots.

The Billing Problem: Most Insurance Doesnt Start Immediately

Kahns policy did not pay for any of the services. The required waiting period for this service has not been met, said an explanation-of-benefits letter she received in December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kahn was stunned. I thought it must have been a mistake, she said. I guess I was naive.

When Kahn was laid off from her job as a biomedical engineer last summer, she had the option to temporarily stay on her former employers insurance under a COBRA plan, at a cost of about $650 a month. But as a young, healthy person, she gambled that she could get by without insurance until she found another job. She figured that if she needed medical care, she could quickly buy a private policy.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, those who qualify for COBRA must be given at least 60 days to sign up  and if they do, the coverage applies retroactively. Kahn, who was still within that period at the time of the incident, said recently that she did not realize she had that option.

The policy she purchased after the bat episode, which cost about $311 a month, was from a Florida company called Innovative Partners LP. Documents Kahn provided to KFF Health News say the policy has a 30-day waiting period, which does not apply to benefits regarding an accident or loss of life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kahn said that after receiving notice that her claims were denied, she called the company to ask how she could appeal and was told a doctor would have to file paperwork. She said she wrote a letter that was signed by a doctor at Flagstaff Medical Center and submitted it in March but was unable to reach doctors at the other facilities.

Kahn said she was given conflicting answers about where to send the paperwork. She said a representative with the company recently told her it had not received any appeals from her.

Benefits statements Kahn received in early July show Innovative Partners had not paid the claims. The company did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, said most health coverage plans take effect on the first day of the month after a customer enrolls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The insurance companies  for good reason  dont want people to wait to sign up for coverage until they are sick, she said, noting the premiums healthy people pay help balance the costs of paying for health care.

The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover preexisting conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues. But that doesnt mean they have to pay for treatment of an injury sustained shortly before a person enrolls in coverage, she said.

Corlette, who reviewed a brief benefits overview provided by Kahn, said the policy appears to have been a limited, fixed indemnity plan, which would pay only set amounts toward treatments per day or other period regardless of total expenses incurred. Such plans have been around for decades and arent required to meet ACA standards, she said.

But she said even if Kahn had bought comprehensive health insurance, it probably wouldnt have covered treatment received so soon after she purchased it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

David Shlim, a travel medicine specialist in Wyoming who studies rabies, said Kahn made the right choice by promptly seeking treatment, even though she didnt feel the bat bite her. The disease is deadly, and the fact that the bat went into her mouth meant she could have been infected from its saliva, he said: You could hardly have a more direct exposure than that.

Shlim, who recently co-wrote a federal advisory about rabies prevention, added that healthy bats dont normally fly into people, as the one in this case did. The animals entanglement with Kahn suggests it could have been sick, possibly with rabies, he said.

Rabies prevention treatment is much more expensive in the United States than in most other countries, Shlim said. The priciest part is immunoglobulin, which is made from the blood plasma of people who have been vaccinated against rabies.

The treatment is often administered in hospital emergency rooms, which add their own steep charges, Shlim noted.

The Resolution

Kahn said she is employed again and has good health insurance but is still facing most of the bills from her misadventure at Glen Canyon. She said she paid a doctor bill from Flagstaff Medical Center after negotiating it down from $706 to $420. She said shes also arranged a $10-a-month plan to pay off the $530 she owes for one of her rabies shots at another facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said she plans to continue appealing the denials of payment for the rest of the bills, which total more than $19,000.

In a statement on behalf of the Flagstaff hospital  where Kahn incurred the highest charges  Lauren Silverstein, a spokesperson at Northern Arizona Healthcare, said the health system does what it can to limit costs. We have less ability to control the prices of critical supplies that we use to treat patients, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, diagnostics and medical devices made by other companies, she said.

Silverstein said the hospital needs to keep immunoglobulin on hand to prevent rabies, even though such cases are relatively rare and the drug is expensive.

The Takeaway

COBRA insurance policies, named for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, enable many people who lose job-based coverage to pay to stay on those plans temporarily. There is a 60-day window to choose COBRA coverage, and once a beneficiary pays for it, the coverage applies retroactively  meaning that medical care is covered even if it occurred when the person was uninsured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Corlette said Kahns predicament illustrates why people need to make sure they have health insurance.

She said people who lose employer-based coverage should consider enrolling in individual insurance plans sold on federal or state marketplaces. Many people who buy such policies qualify for substantial ACA subsidies to help pay premiums and other costs.

If you are losing your job, COBRA is not your only option, Corlette said.

Kahn wishes she had signed up for insurance coverage when she was laid off, even though she felt confident she would find another job within a few months. Thats a very big lesson I learned the hard way, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her wildlife encounter did not destroy her love of the outdoors. She even sees humor in it.

I know what bats taste like now. Its an earthy, sweet kind of flavor, she joked. Its actually a pretty funny story  if it werent for the horrible medical bill that came with it.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and The Washington Posts Well+Being that dissects and explains medical bills. Since 2018, this series has helped many patients and readers get their medical bills reduced, and it has been cited in statehouses, at the U.S. Capitol, and at the White House. Do you have a confusing or outrageous medical bill you want to share? Tell us about it!

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.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona tourist ended up with wild bat in her mouth
JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  In late July, a mother and father were brutally killed while hiking with their two daughters at Devils Den State Park in Northwest Arkansas. The children survived, and their bravery has been widely praised.

But the nature of the attackits suddenness, its location, and the young lives affectedhas sparked a broader discussion: How can Arkansans protect themselves when exploring the great outdoors?

Arkansas State Police make arrest in Devils Den double homicide case

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nathan House, owner of Arkansas Armory, says the tragedy struck him on a personal level.

I want to start off saying that our hearts go out to the family and those victims and those girls that lost their parents, House said.

A native of Northwest Arkansas himself, House says Devils Den holds special meaning for his family.

Northwest Arkansas has a very special place in our heart; its where I went to school, my son was actually at Devils Den two weeks prior to this, so its close, he said.

What we know about Clinton and Cristen Brink, killed in Devils Den State Park

With the tragedy prompting many to reconsider how they approach safety in nature, House says preparationnot fearis key. And knowing the law is part of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I will say carrying a firearm, carrying a handgun, is completely legal in the Arkansas State Parks, House explained.

He clarified that while handguns are allowed on state park trails, there are restrictions inside certain facilities.

While guns can be carried on state park trails, House noted, bringing them inside buildings requires an enhanced concealed carry license.

Devils Den double homicide suspect booked into Washington County Jail: What we know about his arrest

He also pointed out that parks on Army Corps land have different rules.

But for those who dont carry firearms or prefer alternative tools, House says there are legal options worth considering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We certainly love to educate people and help them become more comfortable and exercising their right to defend themselves using a firearm if they wish, but there are other alternatives that people can use he said.

Those include pepper spray, bear spray, and even hand-held spikesso long as theyre not made of metal. Metal spikes are prohibited under Arkansas law. House also warned against popular myths around makeshift self-defense items.

WATCH: Videos shows Devils Den double homicide suspects arrest, booking into Washington County Jail

One of the biggest misconceptions that we see is people thinking that wasp spray is a good alternative to a product that is made for self-defense, like pepper spray, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But more than any specific tool or weapon, House says what matters most is having a clear plan and being proactive before heading out into remote areas.

I would encourage people to think about what actions they take anytime they go off into remote areas knowing when you are going to check in, having people know what to do, House said.

Simple steps like letting friends or family know your planned route, setting an estimated return time, sharing your live location, and carrying a communication device can make all the difference, he added.

Devils Den double homicide suspect booked into Washington County Jail: What we know about his arrest

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The horror of what happened at Devils Den, House says, is a reminder that violence can strike even in places that feel safe and familiar.

I think whats been so shocking to us as Arkansans is that this terrible thing has happened at a place that we think is a safe place our heart breaks for those folks, and they are such heroes to save the lives that they did, he said.

For those looking to learn more about legal self-defense tools, firearms training, or concealed carry laws in Arkansas, House and his team offer education and resources through Arkansas Armory in central Arkansas.

Whether you carry a firearm or not, the best defense is being prepared before you ever hit the trail, House 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 KLRT - FOX16.com.
Members of the Arkansas Board of Corrections attend a meeting at the North Little Rock headquarters on Feb. 12, 2025. Left to right: Lona McCastlain, William "Dubs" Byers, Chairman Benny Magness, Lee Watson, Brandon Tollett, Grant Hodges. Board member Alonza Jiles attended remotely. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

The Arkansas Board of Corrections shut down its live stream of its Friday meeting after a hacker twice began playing a racist video containing racial slurs and the Confederate flag, along with swastikas and sexual imagery.

Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness was irate over the hacks, standing from his seat and demanding staff cut off the individual playing the video. The online meeting room on Zoom was shut down, but later reopened  only for it to be interrupted again. The meeting room was then taken offline for the rest of the day-long meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement sent by Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion, the board acknowledged the hack, calling it unfortunate.

The Board wishes to convey an apology for those who were on the stream and were subjected to the content of the hack, the emailed statement said. It is a known issue affecting Zoom, and the Board will pursue other more secure options for future meetings.

The hack was the loudest part of an otherwise hard-to-hear meeting, which was held at the Central Arkansas Community Corrections Center in Little Rock.

Another moment of contention came later in the meeting, when Department of Corrections Chief Financial Officer Chad Brown informed board members he had received invoices from an architecture firm for work on three projects he was not sure had been approved by the board.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On the three projects, the cart was put before the horse, Brown explained to the Advocate after the meeting. Were going to hold those over until the next board meeting to look into what went wrong.

The projects are for roof repairs at the Wrightsville Unit, door controls at the Grimes and McPherson Units and fencing at the Pine Bluff Complex. The board opted not to vote on the invoices while DOC performs its review.

Board member Lona McCastlain expressed frustration about the unexpected invoices, noting that if the projects hadnt been approved, then the firm shouldnt have done the work it was invoicing for.

I just really think this is a mess, McCastlain said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the invoices from Lockeby and Associates, the firm says DOC owes $13,125 for design work on the roof project, $40,500 for design work on the door control project and $16,406.25 for the fencing project.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Arkansas authorities say a peaceful family hike turned into a deadly ambush, when a 28-year-old schoolteacher allegedly stabbed a married couple to death in front of their children at Devils Den State Park.

Arkansas State Police (ASP) arrested Andrew James McGann at a barbershop in Springdale at 4:57 p.m. Wednesday. Officials said that McGann was in the midst of a haircut when ASP officers tracked down the fugitive following the lethal attack on Saturday.

McGann was charged with two counts of capital murder in connection to the killings of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who were found dead on a walking trail. Their daughters, who are 7 and 9, were not hurt and are being cared for by family members, authorities said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here is a timeline of what we know so far about the suspect and the killings:

Video Shows Arkansas Hiking Murder Suspect Arrested Mid-haircut

Clinton and Cristen Brink were murdered at Devil's Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

2:30 p.m. CDT  A 911 call was placed from Devils Den State Park reporting an assault on a hiking trail. EMS and ASP respond.

Read On The Fox News App

Shortly after  Search crews found Clinton and Cristen Brink dead from apparent stab wounds. Their daughters are found nearby, safe but traumatized.

Evening  ASP confirmed that a double homicide occurred at the state park and issued a manhunt alert for an unidentified male suspect.

"Let there be no mistake  we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice," Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X

WATCH: Law enforcement zeroes in on person of interest in 'Devil's Den' murders

Arkansas Hikers Killed: What We Know About Teacher Charged With Murdering Couple In Front Of Children

The victims were identified as Clinton and Cristen Brink, who had recently relocated to the region from South Dakota. Police said the family was on a hike when they were targeted in a seemingly "random" attack.

Arkansas State Police released a photo and sketch of a man wanted for questioning in the deaths of a couple while hiking.

ASP released a sketch and description of the suspect, described as a white male in his late 20s wearing rolled-up long sleeves, gloves, and carrying a black backpack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro footage for images of the suspect. They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage," ASP said in a release on Monday.

"I want to thank the public and our media partners for their support as we pursue the man responsible for this heinous crime," ASP Col. Mike Hagar said. "We are using all available resources to apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice."

WATCH MCGANN'S ARREST:

2:30 p.m. CDT  Authorities arrested McGann at a barbershop in Springdale. Authorities said they received "over 500" tips and surveillance video leading to his capture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police recovered evidence from McGanns car and home linking him to the scene.

Arkansas Man Charged With Capital Murder After Killing Parents In Front Of Daughters At Devils Den State Park

James Andrew McGann, 28, was arrested on Wednesday, July 30 at a barbershop.

Approximately 7 p.m. CDT  McGann was booked into the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was being held without bond.

McGann was a teacher in a small Oklahoma school district until May and then resigned to take a job in another state, according to a statement from Sand Springs Public Schools to Fox News Digital. They said that McGann had passed all background checks.

"The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," said Lissa Chidester, director of communications. "While SSPS has not yet been contacted by authorities regarding this matter, the district has and will always comply with requests from law enforcement in any investigation. Our hearts are with the family and loved ones who have suffered this tragic loss."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McGann had not yet started his new job in Arkansas at Springdale Public Schools, Jared Cleveland, the district superintendent, confirmed to Fox News. Cleveland said that McGann "has not at any time" been in contact with students or their families. He declined to provide more information, citing the investigation.

"Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to the Brink family," he said. "Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers."

Sign Up To Get The True Crime Newsletter

L-R: Arkansas couple Clinton and Cristen Brink; Andrew James McGann.

The mother of a former student provided an email from the teacher's previous school district to Fox News. She said that in 2023, she filed a complaint with the superintendent after her son witnessed McGann behaving inappropriately toward younger females.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, parents received a letter from the district stating that McGann had been placed on administrative leave while officials investigated complaints of poor classroom management and professional judgment.

While the investigation did not find evidence of inappropriate behavior toward a student, it concluded that McGann's classroom management and judgment fell below district expectations. Shortly afterward, McGann resigned.

"Mr. McGann, on Wednesday afternoon, notified our Human Resources Department of his decision to resign his position, effective immediately," the email said, in part. "We will have a substitute teacher in his class for the rest of the school year."

Manhunt Intensifies For Arkansas Suspect Likely Injured In Fatal Attack Of Couple

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McGann was charged with two counts of capital murder. Police said he confessed during questioning.

"Although everyone is innocent until proven guilty, we did confirm this morning that the suspect's DNA is a positive match to the DNA recovered at the crime scene," Hagar said. "During an interview with investigators, the suspect admitted to committing the murders. We also executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered items consistent with the crime."

WATCH THE NEWS CONFERENCE:

Authorities confirmed that the suspect has no known adult criminal history. Investigators have not uncovered any prior charges or convictions. Investigators believe the attack was random and have not identified a motive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It appears to be a completely random event," Hagar said. "We have no reason to believe there was any known association between our suspect and our victims."

Hagar revealed that McGann sustained "injuries" during the attack. The blood found at the scene helped authorities find the suspect, they said.

GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE True Crime Hub

Police said that Clinton Brink was attacked first, and that Cristen ran the couple's two young children back to their vehicle and then returned to help her husband, where she was also fatally attacked.

"We believe that the mother took them to safety and then returned to help her husband," Major Stacey Rhodes said.

WATCH MCGANN'S FIRST COURT APPEARANCE:

9 a.m. CDT  McGann appeared in Washington County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing. He was formally advised of his rights and the charges against him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prosecutors confirmed he is being held without bond. A public defender was appointed. Arraignment was set for Aug. 25, 2025.

Fox News' Brooke Taylor contributed to this report.





Original article source: Arkansas hiking murders: Timeline reveals teacher suspects route from classroom to courtroom
(Reuters) -Armenia and the United States will hold joint military exercises in Armenia on August 12-20, Russia's Interfax news agency cited the Armenian Defence Ministry as saying on Saturday.

The Eagle Partner 2025 exercises will focus on peacekeeping tasks and medical evacuation procedures, the ministry was quoted as saying.

Armenia is a treaty ally of Russia and traditionally a close partner, although bilateral relations have become strained in recent years as Yerevan grows closer to the West.

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow, Editing by Louise Heavens)
A U.S. Army officer who was caught in a Hall County undercover sting operation has been found guilty of a child sex crime.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Last February, the HSCO arrested 16 people during an undercover sting operation targeting people who they say used the internet for illegal sexual activity.

Among those arrested was Lt. Col. Rene Gamara, 45, of Bonaire, Ga.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to officials, Gamara, a U.S. Army Reserve officer on active duty serving at Fort Gordon, communicated online with an HSCO deputy posing as a 14-year-old girl. Authorities said he traveled over two hours from Martinez, Ga., to Braselton, Ga., to meet the child in person.

TRENDING STORIES:

When Gamara arrived at the meet-up location, he was arrested. Officials said the 45-year-old was found with condoms with the intent to have sexual intercourse with the child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 22, he was convicted of attempting to sexually assault a child. He was found not guilty of attempting to sexually abuse a child by indecent communication. He was sentenced by a military judge to three years in jail and discharged from the Army.

This verdict ensures accountability, removes his opportunity to receive retirement benefits, and sends a clear message that those who seek to exploit children will be brought to justice, said Maj. Steven Poland, prosecutor, Second Circuit, Army OSTC.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The U.S. Armys Schofield Barracks-based 25th Infantry Division is seeing drastic changes as Americas Pacific Division  reshapes itself for potential conflict in the region.

On Monday, Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans handed command of the division over to Maj. Gen. James Bartholomeeswho previously served as U.S. Army Pacifics chief of staff at Fort Shafter.

As rain fell during the ceremony at the Schofield Barracks, Army First Corps commander Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane said that under Evans leadership, the divisions soldiers led our Armys continuous transformation efforts while supporting our U.S. Army Pacific campaign plan as youve organized differently, generated readiness continuously integrating new technology and innovative thought.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The division has been testing and fielding new weapons, vehicles, drones and communications systems as it reorganizes.

The Army envisions a force that uses smaller, lightly armored vehicles and more powerful weapons to move faster and hit harderwhile also using high-tech drones and communications systems to hide while scoping out their potential opponents.

Recently soldiers from the division returned from the Philippines, where they spent months training closely with the Philippine military amid tensions with China. While they were in the Philippines, they put their new tools and tactics they had tried out in Hawaii to the test in the unforgiving terrain and harsh climate of the large archipelago, putting both their tech and soldiers to the limits.

The smaller and faster we are, the better we can conceal ourselves and the better we can move to gain positions of advantage,  explained Evans. Speed is security. The ability to hide in plain sight is security. The ability to leverage the terrain in Northern Luzon with smaller, more agile vehiclesthat is security. The smaller you are, the less electromagnetic signature youre putting out, the less observable you are from the air domain or in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bartholomees told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that its an honor to return to the 25thhe was previously a battalion commander with the unit as it was setting up its jungle warfare school at Schofield 11 years ago.

My battalion was very first one through the jungle operations training course,  he said.

To this day its the only jungle warfare school the Army has in the United States and has recently been used by elite military units stationed on the mainland to train for operations in the tropics.

In the years after the 9 /11 terror attacks, the soldiers of the 25th ID deployed extensively to Iraq and Afghanistan, including 15 months of heavy combat in Iraq in support of the 2007 troop surge. But as the Pentagon increasingly sees the Pacific as its top priority theater of operations amid tensions with China, the 25th has become the U.S. Armys vanguard in the region as it seeks to bolster alliances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im actually going forward to the Philippines next week for a Land Forces Command conference to discuss just that,  said Bartholomees. (Maj.) Gen. Evans has set this up in perfect fashion so that I could step right in, shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies, to work closely with them as we look to move forward in the future.

Top U.S. military planners in Hawaii see the Philippines as an increasingly critical ally, as well as a key strategic area to support their operations in the Western Pacific as they posture to confront China. The Philippines is among the most likely staging areas the U.S. military would seek to use if it were to respond to a Chinese blockade or invasion of Taiwan.

The 25th also has deployed troops frequently to other countries in the region, while also hosting foreign troops in Hawaii for joint training exercises and exchanges. Currently members of the division are in Malaysia training with Malaysian and Australian troops for exercise Keris Strike 25.

The 25s senior enlisted leader, command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry, said that there is excitement inside of our formation to be a part of something new for our army  they want to stay in the Pacific, they want to stay in Hawaii. But more importantly, they want to be a part of the cutting edge of war fighting for our nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In military circles the role of the Army in U.S. Pacific policy has been hotly debated. The region, dominated by vast blue ocean, has tended to be viewed as the domain of the Navy and Air Force. As the services have competed for funding and resources, some Navy and Air Force leaders have at times sought to downplay the Armys role.

But Army officials lately have been much more assertive in arguing for their importance to U.S. strategy. Evans said that at some point, everythings got to touch the land, whether youre going to resupply maritime assets, air assets, whether youre going to launch a space asset. So that criticality of the joint fight is incredibly important.

Pentagon leaders have been working to shift the militarys focus away from the sort of small wars  that have defined the Armys recent history to focus on prospect of major combat operations against a peer adversary  like China or Russia. In the decades since the 9 /11 terror attacks the Army has sent troops to hunt relatively lightly equipped militants across deserts and mountains in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and others.

U.S. military leaders have said they want to equip and train their troops for the future, rather than prepare for the last war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But 25th IDs area of operations, which spans the Pacific Islands to East and South Asia, has a long history of revolutions and instability that more closely resemble those wars. Notably, fighting in Myanmar between the ruling military junta and rebel groups has displaced millions, sending refugees across the globe seeking safety.

Bartholomees argued that ultimately, training for bigger fights will make his troops more prepared for anything they might encounter in a real world crisis.

He told the Star-Advertiser I think what weve learned over time as we prepared for those counterinsurgency operations or those peacekeeping operations, is the best way to prepare for those is to prepare for high intensity land combat, and that ultimately, by preparing ourselves for that environment, that were best prepared.

Recently a deadly border clash broke out between Cambodia and Thailand. Fighting lasted for five days until the two countries agreed to a ceasefire that began midnight on Monday, but not before fighting killed 38 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When we talk about large-scale combat operations, theres this belief that somehow people go awaythats just utterly false,  Bartholomees said. We have to operate in and amongst the people that we work with, we live with, because ultimately, were coming to support and defend them.

He added, when it comes to large scale operations theres always discussions about will our allies invite us, would we have access basing and (for flying through their territory )? I can tell you, we wont have access basing and overflight if we dont work closely with their militaries, with their governments, with their people to help solve their problems.

He noted that in the Philippines, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner has requested the U.S. military work and train with Philippine forces on disaster preparedness and humanitarian relief. Brawner, an alumnus of the Daniel K Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Waikiki, has been a frequent visitor to Hawaii in his military career and forged close relations with American officials.

In Hawaii, Bartholomees said that working with local leaders is also a top priority. He assumes command of the division at a time when the military is facing scrutiny of its presence in the islands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Army is seeking to renew leases on state owned lands it obtained for a mere $1 in 1964. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources recently rejected the Armys environmental impact statements on plans to retain lands.

Within our military installations, its easy to become complacent and think of only the services that are provided to soldiers and families that are here,  said Bartholomees. But the reality is what Ive learned in my years of serving here is that our connection with the community, the local community out here, has as much to do with our success as everything that goes on the installation.

He added that it is truly my kuleana as the senior commander of U.S. Army Hawaii to connect with the local communities, and I will rely upon those folks that Ive met over the years that have been here to help me make those connections.
Fifteen people have been arrested after protests across England outside hotels used to house asylum seekers.

Anti-migrant groups and counter demonstrators clashed in London and Newcastle, and before a march in Manchester city centre.

Nine people were arrested in the capital, seven for breaching Public Order Act conditions, the Metropolitan Police said.

A series of protests outside the migrant hotels have been taking place in recent weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Home Office has said the number of hotels being used for asylum seekers has decreased from more than 400 in summer 2023, to less than 210.

It also announced plans to end the use of hotels to house migrants by 2029, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves says will save 1bn a year.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Sunday Times, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says she wants to "restore order and control" to the asylum system by fast-tracking the appeals process.

She told the paper changes will take place in the autumn, adding: "If we speed up the decision-making appeal system and also then keep increasing returns, we hope to be able to make quite a big reduction in the overall numbers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The protest in London on Saturday was held outside of the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, with a counter-protest led by the group Stand Up To Racism.

The Met said the protest was organised by local residents under the banner "Thistle Barbican needs to go - locals say no".

But police said it had been "endorsed by groups from outside the local community which is likely to increase the number of people attending".

The MP for Islington North, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn had urged people to join the counter-protest.

The police had imposed special restrictions ahead of the London demonstration, including setting out specific areas where each group had to remain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Newcastle, a protest and counter-protest took place outside The New Bridge Hotel.

Four people were arrested and remain in custody, according to Northumbria Police.

"The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold," a spokesperson for the force said.

"However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime or disorder."

About 1,500 people waved England and Union flags in a march organised by the Britain First group from Manchester Piccadilly rail station to outside the Central Library, where they held a rally.

About 250 people were also estimated to be at a counter-demonstration led by the Stand up to Racism organisation, with police keeping the groups apart in St Peter's Square.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Greater Manchester Police said that a "number of demonstrations passed by peacefully" with "no incidents of note".

But two arrests were made during a confrontation at the start of the march, the statement added.

One person was arrested for theft and the other for obstructing an arrest.
The artist who created the sculpture of St. Paul Olympian Suni Lee spent months to perfect her likeness in clay, which was then cast in bronze.

When artist Seexeng Lee was notified Thursday that the artwork had been stolen from the near Lake Phalen, My jaw just dropped, he said.

St. Paul police and the Parks and Recreation Department continued looking for the sculpture Friday, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im a very optimistic person, Seexeng Lee said Friday. I just want it back for the community because  it belongs to all of us.

Suni Lee became the first Hmong American Olympian when she earned a place on the 2020 U.S. Olympic womens gymnastics team, then made further history by winning the individual all-around gold medal during the Tokyo Games, which were held in 2021 after being postponed because of the pandemic.

Mee Vang, president of the United Hmong Family, said shes also hoping the bust will be found.

Before Sunisa Lee was a champion and a hard worker and an athlete, she was a Hmong daughter with Hmong parents who came from Laos as refugees, and she really signifies the American dream, she said. She became Americas sweetheart.

Trained artist who grew up with love of art

Seexeng Lee, 49, grew up knowing Suni Lees parents, John Lee and Yeev Thoj. He and John Lee are both from the Lee clan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As a child living in a refugee camp in Thailand with his family, Seexeng Lee would draw and sketch, using a stick in the dirt. His family moved to Minneapolis when he was 9.

I came to this country without knowing a word of English, and drawing and creating was the only thing that helped me survive my growing pains, he said.

He studied studio art and secondary education, graduating from Augsburg University, and became an art teacher. Seexeng Lee taught for 16 years in Minneapolis public high schools and then worked for the Blake School in Hopkins for about a decade.

He recently moved to the Las Vegas area to teach art at a middle school. He considers the Twin Cities his permanent home, where most of his family lives, and has been home for the summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seexeng Lee has created other community artwork, including for the Dragon Festival in St. Paul, Regions Hospital and Concordia University in St. Paul, and in the atrium of NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center in Minneapolis.

Life-size bust cast in bronze

To create a life-size bust of a person, Seexeng Lee would usually meet with them and measure their face and facial features.

Because the sculpture was a surprise and Suni Lee was then a student with a busy schedule at Auburn University in Alabama, Seexeng Lee asked Sunis parents for their help. They took a 360-degree video of Suni Lee, which he used along with photos to determine her facial measurements.

He began drafts of the project in the summer of 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My first attempt was with her big smile, the one when she kissed the medal  very iconic, he said. But that facial expression was really hard to capture.

Then, he decided he wanted to show Suni Lee in a stoic, heroic pose. Thats what makes her so elite: shes so focused, he said.

Seexeng Lee completed the final version in February 2023. He took it to a foundry in Howard Lake, Minn., where they created a mold and cast it in bronze, a process that took 11 to 12 weeks.

Police initially said Thursday the artwork was brass and clarified Friday that it is bronze.

Belongs in community, by Lake Phalen

Seexeng Lee felt the sculpture didnt belong downtown or by the state Capitol, but by Lake Phalen.

Related Articles

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I didnt want it to be out of reach for everyday people, he said. I know she inspired people and my hope is for people to walk by there in their neighborhood and say, Wow, this person came from here.'

The bust weighs 40 to 50 pounds.

We tried our best to safeguard it with two steel rods, bolted down and all of that, Seexeng Lee said. Its not something you could just walk over and carry away.

It was publicly unveiled to Suni Lees surprise in July 2023, as Seexeng Lee, family, community members and officials gathered for a ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seexeng Lee also hand-engraved a large rock, which was positioned near the sculpture. It says Suni and the The Pride of the East Side & The Hmong Community. It went missing at the same time as the sculpture, between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, but was found in Lake Phalen on Thursday.

Lifeguards searched the water for the Suni Lee sculpture, to no avail. A University of Minnesota club that includes scuba divers is planning to go out to help look in the coming days, Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez said Friday.
Asbestos has been illegally dumped 281 times in Northern Ireland since 2019, BBC News NI can reveal.

Asbestos was used in building materials until it was discovered that inhalation of fibres could cause cancers, but it is only considered dangerous when it is moved.

It is illegal to put asbestos in household waste and is supposed to be removed by specialist contractors to be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) said the latest figures showed waste crime still posed "a serious threat to our environment and to public health".

Millions of pounds have been paid out through government compensation schemes [BBC]

A spokesperson added: "Asbestos is particularly dangerous when disturbed, making its professional removal a highly specialised, complex and delicate operation crucial for public safety."

In July the issue of asbestos material made headlines after it emerged a bonfire site in Belfast contained asbestos.

The NIEA subsequently removed about 20kg of the material from the site between the Donegall Road and the Westlink in the south of the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People in the area questioned why the asbestos had not been removed from the site before issues around the bonfire emerged.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir defended the NIEA's handling of removing the material, accusing political opponents of "finger pointing".

On Friday, Muir confirmed that the presence of asbestos at the site in Belfast was under criminal investigation.

Widespread problem

There have been more than 3,000 illegal dumping incidents recorded across Northern Ireland between 2019 and 2024 with material including everything from scrap metal to tyres.

But new figures obtained by BBC News NI showed that, after mixed waste and general construction waste, asbestos was the most common illegally-dumped material in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law in Northern Ireland states that a licensed removal contractor must be used to dispose of asbestos, but it can often be an expensive process.

There have been more than 3,000 illegal waste dumping incidents in NI since 2019 [BBC]

Failure to dispose of asbestos legally can result in prosecution and it is also the legal responsibility of the landowner to secure their land to prevent any illegal waste dumping.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council Area had the highest number of illegal asbestos dumping incidents, with 44 recorded since 2019.

In 2022 MPs called for a 40-year deadline for all asbestos to be removed from public and commercial buildings.

Alan Lewis, a director at G&L consultancy in Northern Ireland, a company in Northern Ireland that provides asbestos management and removal services, said a lot of time and effort went into making asbestos removal safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"[We use] full enclosure air locks, negative pressure units, to keep the fibres within the area you're working in and drawing them out safely," he said.

"All asbestos waste needs to be packaged, labelled, taken from site and taken to the appropriate hazard waste disposal site."

Reacting to the asbestos dumping figures he said: "Those numbers are high and I understand why people are concerned.

"When it comes to illegal dumping, you could have situations where asbestos is being transported and not contained properly, broken up on transit and dumped on the side of the road."

Asbestos was used in building materials until it was discovered that inhalation of fibres could cause cancers [BBC]

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland said the removal of asbestos was considered "a specialist activity which requires planning, surveying and assessing".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Long-term, high-level exposure is needed to cause asbestosis and long-term, low-level inhalation exposure may cause lung disorders, such as asbestos-related cancer - mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to develop, and it is almost always fatal.

'Shocking'

The charity Mesothelioma UK said the latest figures on the illegal dumping of asbestos were "extremely concerning".

"We urge the UK government to establish a national task force to review and address every aspect of our shameful asbestos legacy," chief executive Liz Darlison said.

"The UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world, it is preventable and safe management and disposal of asbestos is at the root of the problem."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Between 2014 and 2023, there were 699 asbestos-related deaths in Northern Ireland.

Niamh Hagan's father died in 2022 soon after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Tony Rodgers died after asbestos exposure [Rodgers family]

Tony Rodgers had worked as a social worker all his life and his family said they had difficulty pinpointing any obvious exposure to asbestos.

"It really came as shock for our whole family when we found out that the type of cancer dad had was almost always caused by exposure to asbestos," Ms Hagan said.

Niamh Hagan said the asbestos dumping figures made her angry [BBC]

She said the amount of asbestos being illegally-dumped was disgraceful.

"As someone who has lost one of the people I loved most in the world because of an asbestos-related illness, those statistics just make me cross, it's shocking," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's scary to think that there are places where this dangerous material is just being dumped and members of the public aren't aware aware of it, that anybody could just stumble across."

BBC News NI previously reported that millions of pounds had been spent on removing asbestos from healthcare buildings and schools in Northern Ireland.

The government has also paid out more than 40m in compensation for asbestos-related illnesses in Northern Ireland since 2011.

In March this year the BBC launched a podcast called Assume Nothing: Killer Dust.

It investigated the history and use of asbestos in the UK.
Aug. 1CLAYTON  The state's top legal official, Attorney General Letitia A. James, paid the north country a visit this week for a fundraising event  netting the local Democratic party committee tens of thousands of dollars for local races.

James had no public meetings scheduled during her evening visit, which revolved around a fundraiser at the Clayton Opera House with Congressman Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., state Sen. Chris J. Ryan, D-Geddes, and Democratic NY-21 Congressional candidate Blake Gendebien. Clayton sits within the NY-24 district, but NY-21 covers the eastern portion of Jefferson County.

The fundraiser was branded as a "Blue Wave" fundraiser, and benefited the Jefferson County Democratic Committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Balcony seats were offered for $100 each, and table seats went for $300. A full table, seating eight people, went for $2,400. According to county Democratic committee chair Corey Decillis, the fundraiser netted about $30,000 for the committee.

"That'll go to our local races, our town and village races that we have candidates running in," he said.

He said it will also help the committee bank money to help recruit and finance parts of a campaign for a possible county legislature challenge in future elections  the Democrats have no candidates up for a legislature seat in Jefferson County this year.

Decillis said Attorney General James came to this region in part because of her involvement in the Sackets Habor immigration case, where a family was taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in late March and was slated for removal from the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Community blowback, which had its profile heightened by the fact that the Trump administration official responsible for immigration policy lives in Sackets Harbor part-time and is a Jefferson County native, was widely perceived by local residents as the reason the family was returned home within weeks.

"It resonated with her (James)," Decillis said. "It was near and dear to her heart as well, and she did some behind the scenes stuff for them as well. I think that was what prompted her to come up here and help us raise money."

Goldman, the Manhattan Representative, signed up to come as well after meeting Decillis at a fundraiser in Oneida County. After mentioning that James would attend, Decillis said that Goldman offered to come as well.

"He's a great speaker, he commands the room," Decillis said.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Attorney General Todd Rokita spoke at a ceremony on Friday marking 80 years since the USS Indianapolis went down in WWII.

The boat was made famous in WWII as a heavy cruiser commissioned in 1932. The boat carried 1,196 sailors and Marines at the time it sank. Three hundred crew members are said to have gone down with the ship. Eight hundred and ninety men were left to survive in the shark-infested waters. By the time rescuers showed up, it had been four days and five nights, and only 316 individuals could be saved.

The USS Indianapolis delivered atomic bomb materials to Tinian Naval Base in the Pacific on July 26,1945.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indiana secures $16.5M in nationwide opioid settlement

Those materials were immediately loaded onto two U.S. B-29 aircraft that proceeded to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Attorney General Rokita said. As we all know, those bombings effectively secured the end of the war. The USS Indianapolis played a huge role, then, in achieving victory for America over the forces of fascism and imperial aggression.

Rokita spoke at the ceremony in Jacksonville, Florida, to commemorate 80 years since it sank after being hit by torpedoes from a Japanese submarine. Four ships in total have borne the name of the USS Indianapolis, and the ceremony was held aboard the current one.

We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Attorney General Rokita said Friday, and we honor those who survived.

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.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Attorneys for convicted murderer Kayle Bates are working to get him more time.

Theyve filed a motion with the Florida Supreme Court for a stay of execution. The motion was filed on Wednesday, but wasnt posted until today.

Bates is scheduled to die by lethal injection at the Florida State Prison in Raiford on August 19th.

In 1982, he kidnapped a local woman named Renee White from her job at a Lynn Haven insurance office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He dragged her into some woods behind the office, tried to rape her, then beat her to death.

When local law enforcement arrested him a short time later, he had some of the victims jewelry that he had stolen from her.

Bates was convicted in 1983 and received the death penalty.

If his attempts to win a stay all fail, he will be the 10th person the state has executed this year.

Edward Zakzrewski, who murdered his wife and two 2-children in Okaloosa County in 1994, was executed last 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 mypanhandle.com.
The city of Aurora is considering buying new dispatch and records management software for its public safety departments for just over $4 million.

Through the proposed five-year contract with Mark43, Inc. of New York, Aurora would be replacing its Computer Aided Dispatch system used by both the fire and police departments as well as its Records Management System used just by the police. The $4.02 million price tag includes replacements for both systems as well as any work needed to interface the new software with others the city has.

Thats according to Aurora Police Cmdr. Bryan Handell, who presented the proposal to the Aurora City Councils Information and Technology Committee late last month. The proposal was unanimously recommended for approval by the committee, so now it is set to go before the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During his presentation, Handell called the software probably the most vital system for public safety.

The Computer Aided Dispatch system, also called CAD, is used to dispatch and track calls for service not only for Auroras police and fire departments but also for the North Aurora Police Department and the Fox Valley Park District Police Department, according to Handells presentation.

He said that police officers and firefighters use a mobile version to get those calls for service plus see additional information such as notes taken by the dispatcher and location data.

The other part of the software, the Records Management System, or RMS, is just for the police department, Handell said. The police and fire departments records systems need to be kept separate, he said, because they each contain different types of sensitive information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Auroras current CAD and police RMS systems are from Hexagon, but that software is at the end of its life and will no longer be supported in the near future because the company is looking for its customers to buy its latest software instead, according to Handell. Plus, he said many of the features promised in the initial contract with Hexagon were never provided or did not work to the citys standards.

A survey of police employees also showed that nearly 80% of those who responded were very or somewhat dissatisfied with the system, over 85% wanted the department to look at other options and over 30% could not find one thing they liked about the current system, Handells presentation showed.

Officers have to use this daily for responding to calls, writing reports, and its not something that they enjoy using, he said. Its not making their job easier.

Over the past 10 years of using the software, the city has spent around $8 million on it, which includes a $5 million initial purchase price, according to Handell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the city would have to buy new software even if it stayed with Hexagon, and since were already unhappy with that company, why would we re-sign with them? Handell asked.

Instead, lets see what the market has to offer, he said.

The city asked for proposals for new CAD and RMS systems in 2024, and 10 companies responded  but not Hexagon, according to Handell. He said those 10 companies were eventually narrowed down to just two options through multiple rounds of demos, and using Mark43 for both CAD and RMS stood out as both the better and least-expensive option.

In addition to its significantly-lower price as compared to the other option, Mark43s offerings had a modern, user-friendly design and a seamless integration between CAD and RMS, which may have been more difficult with the other option since it would involve buying the CAD and RMS systems from two different companies, Handell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Plus, with just one vendor instead of two, updates and maintenance to the software would be easier, not causing potential integration issues like if the two systems were from different companies, he said.

Unlike Hexagon, Mark43 is focused just on public safety software, according to Handell. Other departments across the country are using the company, too, including in places like Washington, D.C., and Seattle, Washington, his presentation showed.

The proposed five-year contract with Mark43 for its software is fully funded, he said, through budgeted IT funds as well as 911 surcharge funds and police asset forfeiture funds.

If the proposal passes through the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, it will then go before the Aurora City Council for final approval. The next City Council meeting is on Aug. 12.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the contract is approved, then starts the lengthy process of converting data and implementing the new software, according to a staff report about the proposal included with the upcoming Committee of the Whole agenda on the citys website.

While that integration process is going on, public safety staff still need to use the current software, the report said. So, later this year staff are expected to ask City Council to extend the citys maintenance and licensing agreement with Hexagon.

rsmith@chicagotribune.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A manhunt continued Saturday for Austin Robert Drummond, 28, a suspect in the deaths of four members of a Dyer County, Tennessee family whose bodies were found in Lake County.

But records show he had a lengthy criminal history, was allegedly a member of the Vice Lords street gang, and was out on bond at the time of the killings, the local district attorney said.

Criminal background of Lake County homicide suspect

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court records, Drummond had spent years in prison for robbing a convenience store as a 16-year-old and threatening to go after jurors.

He was tried as an adult for the July 2013 robbery in Jackson, Tennessee. During the incident, he pointed a pistol at the gas station store worker and ordered the cash register to be opened, taking the $44 inside, court records show.

At a 2020 hearing in which he was denied parole, Drummond said he was on Xanax the night of the robbery and doesnt remember robbing the gas station. He said the gun was a BB gun.

After the jury convicted him of one count of aggravated robbery in August 2014, he made threats to go after jurors, Drummond said during the parole hearing. He pleaded guilty in February 2015 to 13 counts of retaliation for past action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The district attorney that covers Madison County, Jody Pickens, urged against early release for Drummond, writing a letter in 2020 that called him a dangerous felony offender and a confirmed member of the Vice Lords, a street gang.

Pickens wrote that Drummond made the threats against jurors and the victim in the robbery during a phone call with his father.

Truck tied to murder suspect Austin Drummond found in Dyer County: TBI

The Associated Press obtained audio and documents from the parole board hearing through public records requests.

Drummond was given a combined 13-year sentence. His sentence ended in September 2024, according to Tennessee Department of Correction records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of the 2020 parole hearing, Drummond had more than two dozen disciplinary issues in prison, including possession of a deadly weapon, assault, refusing a drug test and gang activity. Drummond said the assault and the deadly weapon charges occurred because he was almost beaten to death.

Drummond was charged criminally for activities inside the prison, included attempted murder, after he completed the sentence that put him behind bars, District Attorney Danny Goodman said at the news conference.

In December, he was reportedly charged with attempted first-degree murder and contraband in a penal facility.

Since then, he was arrested on even more charges, including meth, contraband, and unlawful telecommunication devices in a penal facility.

Goodman Jr. stated Drummond served his entire sentence. There was no probation or parole.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He had these new charges pending from where it occurred inside the prison, he said.

Goodman stated Drummond was transferred to Lake County, where he made bond.

He is currently out on those bonds for those charges, has court dates that have been set, has actually appeared in court and now has these current charges that had just occurred, Goodman stated.

According to the TBIs criminal history that WREG Investigators uncovered, Drummonds rap sheet dates back to 2011 when he was just a teenager. He pleaded guilty to evading arrest and attempted burglary in Jackson, Tennessee. He received 24 hours of community service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quadruple murder suspects Audi found in Jackson, TN; manhunt underway

Drummond is wanted on warrants for four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

The bodies of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38 and Braydon Williams, 15 were found Tuesday along Carrington Road in Tiptonville.

An infant who was related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County.

District Attorney Goodman confirmed that Drummond either was dating or had dated a relative of the victim, Adrianna Williams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Audi connected to Drummond was found Friday in Jackson, Tennessee, where Drummond has deep ties. Saturday, a pickup truck tied to Drummond was found in Dyer 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 WREG.com.
Aug. 1Austin Mayor Steve King was one of several people honored recently during the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Summer Conference.

The conference hosted the Legislative Awards dinner, which recognized city officials and legislators for their advocacy and contributions to Greater Minnesota throughout the 2025 legislative session and their careers.

King was one of six honored with the Excellence in Service, which is awarded to CGMC elected officials, city managers, administrators and/or city staff who demonstrated knowledge, leadership and active participation in CGMC program areas.
The Brief

Austin Police are searching for 89-year-old Jorge Lopez-Garcia.

He was last seen Saturday morning near Meadow Lake Boulevard and Lambs Lane.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin police have ended the search for an 89-year-old man who has been found safe.

What we know

Police said Jorge Lopez-Garcia was last seen around 7 a.m. Saturday morning near Meadow Lake Boulevard and Lambs Lane.

Around 2:30 p.m., they released an update saying he had been found safe.

The Source

Information in this article comes from the Austin Police Department.
A book series aimed at children between the ages of five and eight has had its latest edition written and will raise money for a Channel Island charity.

Leo Seeker, written by Simon Applegate, shines a light on the emergency services in the islands through it's characters, with Leo being a small search and rescue plane from Guernsey.

A share of proceeds from the book sales will go to Channel Islands Air Search.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Applegate said he hoped "to create an awareness of the service because we are a voluntary service and entirely dependent on the generosity of Channel Islanders".

Leo Seeker works with friends from Jersey, France and Alderney to rescue those in difficulty at sea.

The other characters are Albert, the red French helicopter, Mona, the green and orange lifeboat, Christine, the ambulance boat and the blue and orange lifeboats of the Channel Islands also feature.

The first book Meet Leo was launched in 2022 and the second More Stories about Leo was launched in 2023.

All the stories are based upon real-life rescues carried out by the Channel Islands Air Search.

"Create an awareness"

Mr Applegate said: "I have been a member of Channel Islands Air Search since it started in 1980, so 45 years ago, and I flew as a pilot for air search for 28 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Between us all we thought well... the stories are worth telling and I decided in my retirement I would pick up my pen and have a go at writing it up."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

Related internet links
Unseasonably warm weather across Iceland has triggered massive glacier melt and caused dangerous river conditions, according to Iceland Review.

What's happening?

Authorities in Iceland have issued urgent weather warnings after warm air masses pushed temperatures to dangerous highs, causing widespread glacier melt across the country's highlands.

Water levels in unbridged glacial rivers have risen noticeably, making previously safe crossings increasingly hazardous for both vehicles and hikers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Icelandic Road Administration reported that river flow will intensify throughout the week as the unusual weather continues. Temperatures ranging from 63 degrees Fahrenheit to 82 degrees Fahrenheit have created conditions "more typical of southern Europe than the sub-Arctic," according to Iceland Review.

July 14 marked the first time in two years that temperatures in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik broke 68 degrees.

Why is this glacier melt important?

The dramatic temperature spike shows how rapidly changing weather patterns can create immediate hazards for people and critical infrastructure.

Rapid glacier melt previews the kind of disruptions communities the world over face as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Higher tides from melting glaciers can flood coastal areas where millions live, and disrupted water systems affect everything from agriculture to food security.

Changing precipitation patterns can also increase the spread of disease, as mosquitoes and other disease-carrying organisms expand their range into previously cooler regions.

What's being done about glacier melt?

People can take meaningful action in several ways, by supporting renewable energy initiatives and local climate resilience projects to increase your area's resiliency to the changing climate.

Home electrification  switching from gas appliances to electric alternatives  also helps to cut harmful emissions and saves you money on your monthly bills, helping to build stronger communities for whatever weather patterns bring next.

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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  With the new school year right around the corner, traffic going in all directions is bound to go up a notch. However, one traffic obstacle can be a significant nuisance, contributing to already heavy traffic: a stalled car.

Sometimes a stalled car comes down to just rotten luck. But there are a few things to keep an eye out for to lower the chances of stalling and adding more traffic.

Dont get stuck in the Back to School Jam with these DOT tips

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When youre at home, you can do certain things, said Frank Young, a mechanic at K&Y Auto Service. Like you can see your radiator fuel up in the hood, and youre going to see telltale signs like that flaking pinkish or blueish color from the radiator leaking.

Young also showed another firsthand visual cue of a potential stalled car.

The belt on your car, if you see a lot of cracks in the belt thats another potential problem that you may run into, said Young, showing off a belt he had in his shop.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The nature of stop and go driving during heavy traffic can be a catalyst for a stalled car, so its something to keep in mind before fighting the before-school and after-school, and pau hana traffic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While traffic is always annoying, keeping an eye out for signs and noticing when your car might need a fix-up beforehand can keep your everyday annoying commute from turning into an all day trip to the mechanic, something else that seems to be on the rise.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Like yesterday, somebody got stalled, Triple A took like two hours before they could tow them, Young said. Which means they must be busy towing cars.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU)  The biggest fair in Iowa is less than one week away!

As the Iowa State Fair approaches, the number of ticket scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting fairgoers goes up.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said digital tickets and purchases lead to an increased risk of scams.

Its time for the 2025 county fair season! A list of Siouxlands county fairs

For events like fairs or concerts, scalpers will often create counterfeit tickets to make a quick buck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To lower the risk of being scammed, officials suggest that everyone who plans on purchasing tickets to purchase them directly from a venue. Verify the websites address, use secure payment methods like credit cards, and avoid buying tickets on social media.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
INTEL AFFAIRS: The Mossads fateful refusal to eliminate Ayatollah Khomeini is a misjudgment with reprecrussions still felt today.

In mid-January 1979, as shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi fled Iran, Mossad station chief Eliezer Tsafrir navigated Tehrans collapsing SAVAK headquarters  the shahs feared secret police. Sandbags and machine guns lined the windows, as revolutionaries already patrolled streets with Kalashnikovs; a distraught general clung to Tsafrir, begging, Take me with you!

Interim prime minister Shapour Bakhtiar had summoned Tsafrir to pass on a blunt request to Israel: assassinate Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini at his exile residence near Paris. As several former Mossad officers testified further on camera in Duki Drors 2018 documentary The Mossad: Imperfect Spies, this plea triggered a crisis meeting in Tel Aviv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On January 28, Mossad director Yitzhak Hofi gathered senior officers, including Iran chief analyst Yossi Alpher. The dilemma echoed a critical precedent: just months earlier, Saddam Hussein had offered the shah a chance to eliminate Khomeini during his Iraqi exile  an offer rejected due to miscalculated risks, over fear of regional backlash. Now, Israel faced a similar choice.

Hofi opened the meeting by opposing the operation on moral principle. He rejected assassinating foreign political leaders, Alpher wrote in his 2015 memoir, Periphery: Israels Search for Middle East Allies. A veteran Mossad division chief  stationed for years in Iran  argued Khomeini posed no threat: Let him return to Tehran. Hell never last. The army and the SAVAK will deal with him and the clergy who are demonstrating in the streets. He represents Irans past, not its future.

Alpher then acknowledged critical intelligence gaps: We simply dont know enough about what Khomeini stands for to justify the risk. Despite 1,500 Israelis working in Iran and deep security ties, the Mossad lacked expertise on opposition forces. A Caesarea secret senior operative stated that eliminating Khomeini near Paris was not a complicated matter from an organizational standpoint, as reported by Ronen Bergman in Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israels Targeted Assassinations (2018). However, diplomatic concerns dominated: Failure could shatter relations with France, trigger global Muslim outrage, turn Khomeini into a martyr, and strain ties with Moscow and Washington.

PALESTINIAN LEADER Yasser Arafat embraces Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran on February 18, 1979, just one week after the Islamic Revolutions victory. (credit: iichs.ir/WikimediaCommons)

After hours of debate, Hofi ruled, Were not in. Tsafrir informed Bakhtiar that Israel would not act as the worlds police, invoking noninterference principles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On February 1, 1979, two weeks after the shah fled, Khomeini triumphantly boarded an Air France flight to Tehran, greeted by millions of supporters. Bakhtiar dissolved SAVAK  a symbolic gesture. By February 11, his secular moderate government collapsed. SAVAKs final director, Nasser Moghaddam, was executed weeks later, while Bakhtiar fled in turn to Paris, where Iranian agents assassinated him in 1991.

After returning, Khomeini wasted no time reshaping Iran into a theocratic state. He declared Israel the Little Satan and America the Great Satan, sparking the 444-day US Embassy hostage crisis and rupturing Irans Western alliances. Soon after, Saddam Hussein sought to exploit the upheaval by launching a war against the new Islamic Republic, triggering a bloody eight-year conflict. Meanwhile, Iran began actively exporting its revolutionary ideology across the region. In a symbolic gesture, Iran handed the Israeli Embassy to Yasser Arafats PLO, whose Lebanese camps, under IRGC oversight, would go on to train Hezbollahs founding cadre.

Over the decades, the survival of Khomeinis charismatic leadership created a new regional order. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps evolved into a paramilitary empire with proxies across the Middle East. Even one of its original founders, Mohsen Sazegara, later described to The Jerusalem Post the IRGC as a monster, not what we intended. Through proxy groups, Tehran carried out a strategy of encirclement against Israel, challenged Western presence in the Gulf, and deepened sectarian conflict across Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. From the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires to its involvement in the war against Israel in support of Hamas after October 2023, echoes of that 1979 decision reverberate globally.

Israels misjudgment stemmed from flawed assumptions underpinning its Periphery Doctrine. Forged in 1957 in David Ben-Gurions office, the Periphery Doctrine aimed to ally with non-Arab regional forces (Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, Kurdish Iraq...) against Arab nationalism. Intelligence sharing flourished; SAVAK was supplied with Israeli electronic warfare systems; Israeli engineers built energy infrastructure, while Iran supplied Israel with oil and funded half of the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline; Meir Amit (Mossad director 1963-68) attended the shahs 1971 Persepolis celebrations as Israels envoy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This proximity bred confidence. As Alpher noted, A long line of high-ranking Israeli officials were sure they knew Iran like the back of their hand.

The Mossad focused on state actors and ignored the power of hardline ideology when Khomeinis estimated 600,000 sermon tapes flooded Iran from France. When Bakhtiar revealed he had also asked the US, UK, and France to kill Khomeini  all refused  Israels isolation in misjudging the threat became clear.

Would do the Islamic Republic

WHAT IF Israel had accepted Bakhtiars request and eliminated Khomeini in his Paris exile? Former officials remain divided. Some argue that his death could have derailed the revolution or allowed moderates to steer Iran toward a secular republic. Others contend that the revolutionary fervor had passed a point of no return, and Khomeinis martyrdom might have only accelerated the collapse of the monarchy.

Still, one thing is clear: the Islamic Republic was neither inevitable nor predicted  even by those closest to the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The shahs 1978 rejection of Saddams offer and the Mossads 1979 refusal shared three fatal flaws. First, both overestimated military solutions. The shah believed SAVAK could crush dissent; Mossad trusted the army would contain Khomeini. Second, diplomatic caution prevailed; both Israel and the shah worried about regional instability. Third, intelligence agencies globally misread Khomeinis influence. The CIA, MI6, and SAVAK all deemed him a passing phase, despite his 15-year exile mobilizing clerics. Bergman notes this reflected the Mossads institutional restraint over eliminating foreign political or religious figures, even amid existential threats.

Israel was not alone in its misjudgment. France, Britain, and the US  each of which had intelligence capabilities inside Iran  also underestimated Khomeinis appeal. The French government allowed Khomeini to organize from his exile compound in Neauphle-le-Chateau with minimal oversight bordering on complacency. Western countries were also caught off guard by the speed of the Iranian Revolution and adopted a cautious approach to disengaging from their former ally. According to Alpher, Khomeinis aides had promised eager US emissaries that the ayatollah would ensure the flow of oil and that the army would remain pro-Western. In response, president Jimmy Carters representatives gave their blessing, and UN ambassador Andrew Young reportedly called Khomeini a saint.

Had we eliminated Khomeini and been uncovered, would the world have understood what we saved them from? Tsafrir later reflected.

Alpher admitted deep regrets: Given all the harm Khomeini caused, Id have advised differently about Bakhtiars request.
LIBERTY, Ohio (WKBN)  The second annual Back To School Supply Giveaway, hosted by New Horizons Staffing, was held Saturday at the Liberty Public Library.

It was held at the Liberty Public Library on Churchill Hubbard Road.

New Horizons partnered with over 30 local businesses to help provide the supplies for the giveaway. Melissa Misier, owner of New Horizons Staffing, says that shes so grateful for the support they got for the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are so grateful for the support weve had this year. It is overwhelming. We were able to not only double the supplies that we were able to get back this year, but also offer face painting for free, Misier said. We have six businesses that donated raffles for the kids  a fun chance to win something. We were also able to purchase backpacks this year, which we were not able to do last year.

New Horizons plans to continue and expand the event next year.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  August means its back-to-school time for students and parents & caregivers alike. For many, its a time to shop for new supplies. Some of those supplies involve some of the latest technology, which can be a challenge for students and parents & caregivers.

So, FOX 44 invited Verizon Tech Expert Ashley Rea to our studio for a live interview to show people what they need to know about the latest tech available for the 2025-2026 academic year. You can watch our interview in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
HIGH POINT  A bank with a significant High Point presence says its planned merger with another institution wont hamper its longtime philanthropic housing initiative in the city.

Pinnacle Financial Partners in recent years has funded construction of more than 40 single-family houses in distressed core city neighborhoods.

The bank forgoes any profit on the venture, selling the houses at cost to low- to moderate-income buyers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last week, Nashville, Tennessee-based Pinnacle announced plans to merge with Georgia-based Synovus Financial Corp.

As far as the merger, both CEOs have been vocal about the combined company having an even stronger commitment to communities with deeper resources to back our investments and giving, said Joe Bass, a spokesman for Pinnacle, noting that, when the merger closes, the combined bank would have $116 billion in assets, compared to $55 billion for Pinnacle today.

Its way too soon to answer specific questions about specific programs, but our dedication to improving quality of life in High Point will never waver. The immediate pipeline for this program is strong, said Bass.

Pinnacle, which is the successor to Bank of North Carolina and High Point Bank, has five full-service branches in the city, as well as an insurance office and an operations center.

The bank has a total of 3,510 employees, including 188 in the Triad.

The transaction with Synovus is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
The Brief

A Bastrop man was electrocuted in Elgin

Police said it happened at 301 E. 1st Street around 1:20 a.m. on August 1

Based on the circumstances, and the tools found near the man, it is believed he was trying to steal copper wire

ELGIN, Texas - A Bastrop man was electrocuted in Elgin.

Police said it is believed he was trying to steal copper wire.

What we know

Police said on August 1, around 1:20 a.m., officers responded to 301 E. 1st Street after a caller said someone had possibly been electrocuted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When officers arrived, they found a dead man on top of an electrical transformer platform. The man was later identified as 47-year-old Gary Ferguson, of Bastrop.

Police said based on the circumstances, and the type of tools found nearby the man, it is believed the man was trying to steal copper wire.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Cameron Jonse at 512-285-5757 or cameron.jonse@elgintexas.gov.

The Source

Information from the Elgin Police Department
(KRON)  A discovery made in Belmonts Twin Pines Park generated curiosity as community members wondered if something had been uncovered in connection to the Ylva Hagner missing person case.

A crew was working on a creek improvement project Thursday when they made a discovery that triggered coordination with law enforcement, cultural resource specialists, and tribal representatives, city officials said. A portion of the park was blocked off to the public.

City officials confirmed on Friday that nothing found in Twin Pines Park was connected to Hagners 1996 disappearance in Belmont. Law enforcement has determined that this discovery is not associated with this past case, city officials wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ylva Hagner vanished on Oct. 14, 1996. Hagner, a Palo Alto resident and Stanford University student, was last seen at her workplace at 1070 Sixth Avenue in Belmont, FBI investigators said.

At the time of her disappearance, she was 42 years old, 56 tall, weighed 110 pounds, had red hair, and spoke with a Swedish accent.

Ylva Hagner (Photo via California Department of Justice)

Hagners Honda Civic was found three days later abandoned by Day Inn Motel in San Carlos, according to the FBI. Her keys were still in the ignition, and her purse was missing, the FBI said.

Hagner was reportedly dating Thomas Pressburger at the time of her disappearance. Two years ago, FBI agents and police officers searched a house on Farm Hill Boulevard that was bought by Pressburger in 1996.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dog returned to owner in bizarre Pleasanton attempted murder case

Belmont city officials declined to release further details about what exactly was found in Twin Pines Park Thursday. While we understand there may be questions, details about the specific nature of the discovery will not be disclosed to protect the site and prevent unauthorized access. We kindly ask for the communitys understanding as we prioritize both legal compliance and cultural sensitivity, officials 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 KRON4.
Aug. 1BEMIDJI  As part of a collaborative conservation initiative with The Conservation Fund, Beltrami County recently received 286 acres of forestland from the Northern Waters Land Trust.

The county will soon open this land to the public for recreation, a release said.

This marks a major milestone in a long-term effort to protect the Mississippi River's headwaters and expand access to Minnesota's great outdoors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This broader effort has permanently protected nearly 8,200 acres of forestland across northern Minnesota, ensuring continued access for recreation and sustainable timber harvest while safeguarding critical natural resources," the release noted. "Additionally, the preservation of these acres in central Minnesota yields ongoing benefits for wildlife and ensures permanent protection of waters that feed into the Mississippi River."

These lands will provide an economic boost to the county for decades while also providing new places for people to hunt and recreate, the release said.

"This act of stewardship reflects the County's commitment to managing our public lands in a way that balances recreation, conservation, and community benefit," Shane Foley, Beltrami County Land Commissioner, said in the release. "The acquisition of two well managed, middle aged pine forests comes in a summer that saw the county lose a hundred acres of pine to a forest fire and a devastating wind storm that blew down thousands of acres of timber on county managed land."

Annie Knight, executive director of Northern Waters Land Trust, noted in the release that this project is a testament to what strong partnerships can accomplish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Beltrami County, the Conservation Fund, and our team came together with a shared goal: to protect land and water for the benefit of people, wildlife, and future generations," she said.

The journey to protect this land began in November 2020, with The Conservation Fund purchasing over 72,000 acres of land from the owner of PotlatchDeltic Corporation, a timberland real estate investment trust.

Since then, Northern Waters Land Trust secured $10.2 million in funding from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to acquire 8,197 acres, the release said. Funding was provided through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.
Tucked inside President Donald Trump's flagship tax and spending bill last month was a little-noticed provision to relocate the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery from a museum outside Washington to Houston.

The plan now faces legal uncertainty, with the Smithsonian Institution arguing Congress had no authority to give away what it considers private property -- even before accounting for the steep logistical and financial challenges.

"The Smithsonian Institution owns the Discovery and holds it in trust for the American public," the museum network, which receives substantial federal funding yet remains an independent entity, said in a statement to AFP on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In 2012, NASA transferred 'all rights, title, interest and ownership' of the shuttle to the Smithsonian," the statement continued, calling Discovery one of the museum's "centerpieces" that welcomes millions of visitors a year.

The push to move Discovery from the Air and Space Museum's site in northern Virginia began in April, when Texas Senator John Cornyn, a Republican who faces a tough primary challenge next year by state attorney general Ken Paxton, introduced the "Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act," naming Discovery.

The legislation stalled until it was folded into the mammoth "Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law on July 4.

Its passage allocated $85 million for the move, though the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has projected a far higher cost of $325 million, adding that the NASA administrator's power over non-NASA entities is "unclear."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To comply with Senate rules, the bill's language was modified such that Discovery is no longer named directly. Instead, the bill refers to a "space vehicle," though there is little doubt as to the target.

NASA's administrator -- currently Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, serving in an acting capacity -- was given 30 days to identify which spacecraft is to be relocated, a deadline coming up on Sunday.

- End of an era -

NASA's Space Shuttle program ended in 2011, after a 30-year run that carried America's post-Apollo space ambitions.

The four surviving orbiters -- Atlantis, Endeavour, prototype Enterprise, and Discovery -- were awarded to Florida, California, New York, and Virginia through a ranked selection process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Discovery, the most flown, was chosen as a vehicle-of-record in a near-complete state, intended for study by future generations.

"There was not a lot of support within Houston to want a shuttle," space historian and editor of collectSpace.com Robert Pearlman told AFP, adding that a proposal to house it at Space Center Houston was relatively weak.

But after the announcement, Texas -- home to the Johnson Space Center, which oversees NASA's human spaceflight -- felt snubbed, and allegations of political interference by then-president Barack Obama swirled.

A NASA inspector general probe found no evidence of foul play.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- Enormous challenges -

Relocating Discovery now would pose major technical hurdles. NASA had modified two Boeing 747s to ferry retired shuttles -- one is now a museum piece, and the other is out of service.

That leaves land and water transport. "The nearest water entrance to the Potomac River is about 30 miles away," Pearlman said -- but it may be too shallow for the orbiter and required barge, requiring a 100-mile journey instead.

A water transport would require a massive enclosed barge, he added.

The US government owns only one such vessel, controlled by the military. Loaning it to a civilian agency would require another act of Congress, and the alternative would involve building one from scratch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dennis Jenkins, a former shuttle engineer who oversaw the delivery of retired orbiters to their new homes, told CollectSPACE.com he could see costs reach a billion dollars.

Nicholas O'Donnell, an attorney at Sullivan & Worcester with expertise in art and museum law, told AFP that assuming Smithsonian has valid paperwork, "I don't think Secretary Duffy or anyone in the federal government has any more authority to order the move of Discovery than you or I do."

The government could invoke eminent domain -- seizing private property for public use -- but it would have to pay fair market value or try to sue.

The Smithsonian is unlikely to want a court battle, and while it's legally independent, its financial reliance on federal funds leaves it politically vulnerable, said O'Donnell.

ia/jgc/aha
NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  The Emerald Square Mall is officially under new ownership.

The North Attleboro mall announced Friday that it was recently sold to Summit Properties USA.

In a social media post Friday, Emerald Square Mall explained that it has a new team, new energy, and big things ahead.

RELATED: Lawmaker hopes to spur activity at struggling Emerald Square Mall

Were all about bringing back the fun, the local love, and the kind of shopping experience that makes you want to stay awhile, the post reads. Lets make something great together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This comes after Massachusetts Rep. Adam Scanlon introduced legislation earlier this year designed to address the North Attleboro malls extreme vacancy rates.

Summit Properties has not unveiled any specific plans for the mall yet, but told shoppers it will be doing so in the near future.

SEE ALSO: Will a black box theater move into the Emerald Square Mall?

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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 59-year old biker has died after a crash involving two other vehicles on the A82 in Stirlingshire.

The incident happened on the A82 near Tyndrum at about 11:30 on Friday, close to where the road crosses the West Highland Way.

The incident involved the man's Suzuki DL150 motorbike, as well as a white Ford Puma car and a grey Volkswagen Transporter van.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. No one from the other vehicles was injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The road was closed to allow for an investigation and fully reopened around 20:15.

Sgt Louise Beale, of the Road Policing Unit in Stirling, said inquiries into the crash are ongoing and anyone with dashcam footage should contact Police Scotland.

Related internet links
Lets take stock of the first half of the first year of Trumps second term, and make some rational decisions about what to lose our shit over, Bill Maher urged during Fridays Real Time in the New Rules segment.

Specifically, he urged people to ignore things like Gulf of America and focus on more dire matters, like the domestic army of masked troops in ICE terrorizing U.S. cities and residents.

More from TheWrap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To set the commentary up, Maher related an encounter he says he had with a fan who brought up something the Trump administration did, asking if Maher was angry about it. About that, Maher said, Im not. Im not incensed. Im sure youre right. I just dont have room, Maher said, and after some more riffing on the specific Trump subject, added, right after he got elected in November, I said, here and everywhere else I could, he got the White House, but this time, hes not going to get my mind. Theres only so many fs to give.

Maher noted that Steve Bannon famously said that the way you win is to flood the zone with s. You want to help him with that? Great you do you, but Im not chasing every brain fart down the rabbit hole. So therefore, here is my 1/8 of the term scorecard for what actually matters: Turning the Environmental Protection Agency into the pollution Protection Agency. Yes, thats going to matter. All the people who will lose health care and all the debt that will be run up from the big, beautiful bill. Yes, that matters.

Turning the Justice Department into the national revenge agency, firing all the inspector generals, maybe firing the head of the Federal Reserve, letting Doge destroy lives here and abroad in a way that didnt have to go down like that in order to slim the government down, which it didnt do anyway, creating a Domestic army of masked troops, rounding people up and sending them off to detention centers and foreign prisons? Yeah, he continued.

The big, beautiful bill is $150 billion in IT for additional spending for snatching people up whove lived here peacefully and productively for decades, mostly with no criminal records. Im just saying if youre thinking of getting your car wash. You might want to do it now, Maher joked, bleakly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So, yeah, theres a lot of outrageous, horrible shit going on, Maher went on  though he did note hes glad people dont have to take their shoes off in airports anymore.

Its just that life is complicated, and Democrats need to be less emotional and more focused, Maher said, listing some other issues he thinks doesnt rise to the importance of the previously mentioned crises.

Get a life, stop making [Trump] your whole personality, Maher also said, adding somewhat later, at the end, So please, when Im out there, no more Bill, did you just see what he did today? If youre if you dont even have to say who he is, you already lost, because he is already living too rent-free in your head.

Watch the whole commentary below:

The post Bill Maher Says People Need to Triage Trump Outrage and Make Some Rational Decisions About What to Lose Our S Over appeared first on TheWrap.
The Gilded Age was a period marked by rapid economic growth and prosperity.

Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the Gilded Age ushered in a Black aristocracy.

Many of the Black elite during the time owned retail and grocery stores and pharmacies.

In a letter published in the April 22, 1852, issue of the Frederick Douglass Papers, someone known only by the pen name "Ethiop" observed: "Quite a combination of enterprising Blacks are beginning to appear."

"They begin to take their places in every pursuit about town and country; and as their thoughts and sympathies partake of their varied and independent occupations, they naturally form an active and efficient business class. I call it an ARISTOCRACY," Ethiop said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The observation signaled the emergence of a new Black elite in New York City, which bloomed during the Gilded Age, a period toward the end of the 19th century marked by rapid economic growth and prosperity, as well as economic inequality.

The HBO show "The Gilded Age," which wraps up its third season on August 10, captures the clash between Manhattan's old and new money. It also gives viewers a glimpse into the world of wealthy Black Americans previously overlooked in history.

Here's a closer look at what it was like for Black New Yorkers during the Gilded Age.

Season three of "The Gilded Age" has continued to explore what it was like for wealthy Black Americans in the late 1800s in New York City.

Peggy Scott's family on "The Gilded Age." HBO

One main storyline in "The Gilded Age" follows Peggy Scott (played by Denee Benton), an author, journalist, and daughter of a formerly enslaved man, Arthur Scott, who is a successful pharmacist and business owner in Brooklyn. Her mother, Dorothy Scott, is an accomplished piano player.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Peggy's character was inspired by a few real-life women, including Julia C. Collins, the first Black female author to publish a novel.

"The Black elite of the Gilded Age signaled that we, too, have taste. We too have education. We are like other citizens," Carla Peterson, historian and author of "Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in Nineteenth-Century New York City," told Business Insider.

After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, the Gilded Age ushered in a Black aristocracy.

"The Gilded Age." HBO

The new class was made up of Black Americans who managed to amass wealth they'd previously been barred from.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Industrialization and the railroad boom opened up business opportunities across the US. Many of the Black elite were made up of the "shopkeeping aristocracy" who owned retail and grocery stores and pharmacies, according to Peterson.

"After the Civil War, there was an incredible explosion of modern industry, technology, and science, which fueled the money that makes the Gilded Age," Peterson said. "Black families of wealth emerged in this context."

For example, Thomas Downing became one of the wealthiest people in NYC and was known as the"New York Oyster King."

Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

Thomas Downing, the son of formerly enslaved parents, moved to New York City and became a savvy businessman who popularized oysters, which had once been considered common food.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 1825, he opened the upscale Thomas Downing Oyster House, a restaurant so popular that Downing was nicknamed "the "New York Oyster King."

Downing was one of the wealthiest people in New York City at the time of his death in 1866  a millionaire in today's money, per The Virginian-Pilot. Still, he was prohibited from acquiring US citizenship until the Civil Rights Act of 1866 was passed, just one day before he died.

Or maybe you've heard of Pierre Toussaint.

Pierre Toussaint. The New York Historical/Getty Images

Toussaint was born into slavery in Haiti and was eventually freed in New York City. He became a highly sought-after hairdresser among the society's upper crust, and used his new wealth to support orphans and immigrants to gain education and employment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Women also became more independent and wealthy, such as Mary Ellen Pleasant.

Jean Donatto, left, plays Mary Ellen Pleasant and Joyce Anastasia is Rosa Parks. Both women are pioneering civil rights figures of different eras. They meet across time in "Buses." Steve Campbell/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images

Mary Ellen Pleasant became a self-made millionaire after she moved to San Francisco, following the glimmer of the California Gold Rush. While she worked as domestic help, she listened to the wealthy men she served as they exchanged information on making proper investments and managing money.

Pleasant used that knowledge to buy up boarding houses, laundromats, restaurants, and Wells Fargo shares, becoming a famous figure in San Francisco in the second half of the 19th century.

Some estimates by historians put her wealth around $30 million, which would be almost a billion in today's money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gaining access to education was one of the ways Black New Yorkers achieved upward mobility.

Library of Congress

Money alone didn't grant access to the upper echelons of Black society. In addition to having "character" and "respectability," the Black elite emphasized both education and hard work as core values, according to Peterson.

"Since Blacks came to this country, education has always been number one," Peterson told Business Insider. "There is a belief that if you had ambition, you could do anything you wanted. And ambition started with education."

On February 25, 1837, Quaker philanthropist Richard Humphreys founded the first HBCU in the country, the African Institute  now Cheyney University  in Pennsylvania. The majority of HBCUs originated from 1865 to 1900, the period following the Emancipation Proclamation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Education was key to unlocking the skills to become a doctor or pharmacist, and also led to a flourishing of interests in humanities and the arts, according to Peterson. Scholars like W.E.B. Du Bois advocated for the need for an educated class.

"The Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men," Du Bois wrote in his essay, 'Talented Tenth."

But as the name "Gilded Age" implies, not everyone was raking in wealth.

High angle view of slum dwellings on Eighth Avenue, on the west side of the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, circa 1885. Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Not everyone lived lavish lifestyles. The Gilded Age was also notorious for having the most significant wealth inequality in American history. The vast majority of workers, especially Black Americans and immigrants, faced extreme poverty and harsh working conditions in factories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Chattel slavery is dead, but industrial slavery remains," economist and New York mayoral candidate Henry George said in 1886.

And racism prevented even the most successful people of color from becoming fully integrated.

Heritage Images via Getty Images

Even those who did manage to gain wealth faced pervasive systemic inequities. White society largely viewed Black Americans as "a homogenous mass of degraded people," according to historian Willard B. Gatewood in his book, "Aristocrats of Color: The Black Elite."

"Even exceptional Blacks were considered inferior to whites," Gatewood wrote.

There was, however, a "certain amount of cooperation and interracial alliances between Blacks and whites," Peterson said.

"The Gilded Age." HBO

Peterson described how professional relationships enabled Black Americans to climb the ranks within businesses. She also pointed to the King's Daughters, a nationwide charity organization where white and Black women worked together to help those in need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Friendships between characters like Peggy and Marian, a white woman, in "The Gilded Age" were not unheard of.

Erica Armstrong Dunbar, a professor of history at Rutgers University, told The Los Angeles Times about "the letters of white suffragists, women who had deep relationships with Black women, from the era of abolition up through the early 20th century."

Activism of the 20th century would not have been possible without these men and women.

Digital Collections, The New York Public Library; Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University Library

Peterson said the emergence of the Black elite is inextricably tied to the burgeoning political and social activism in the 20th century, as exemplified by the 1909 founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the political magazine The Crisis, and the Harlem Renaissance.

"None of this could have happened without having had the 19th century Black elite," Peterson said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Editors Note: Dr Robert (Robbie) Kroger is a restoration ecologist originally from South Africa but now based in Memphis, Tennessee. His work through the non-profit he started The Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins) aims to showcase the true consequence, benefit, and impact of sustainable use of wildlife globally. Through his conservation work across Africa, Kroger has a network of contacts who contributed information to this story.

Whenever a lion or elephant or some other animal that has been named by the general public is hunted, there is an immediate furor across the world. This is understandable. There are those who will never accept hunting, and who have strong personal beliefs that no animals should ever be harmed by humans. In many cases, these detractors will decry hunting as wholly unethical even before all the facts come to light. Blondie the lion is a case in point.

To catch you up to speed, Blondie was reportedly a five-year-old lion in Zimbabwe that was known to have spent time in Hwange National Park. The male lion, which had been fitted with a GPS collar for research purposes, was taken by a hunter in the Gwayi Environmental Conservation Area three weeks ago, and 10 kilometers from the park boundary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The safari and photojournalism organization that claims to have collared Blondie, Africa Geographic, has blasted the hunt and those involved as deeply unethical. Most major news outlets have echoed this characterization, even though many questions surrounding the hunt remain.

AG and others have suggested that the lion was drawn out of the national park with the use of bait, and as a result, lured to its death. Theyve also taken issue with the lions age, its status as leader of a pride, and the fact that it was shot while wearing a GPS collar.

And because of where the lion was killed, Blondie is already being referred to as the next Cecil. Heres why that could be bad for the global hunting community and African wildlife conservation as a whole.

What We Know So Far

Africa Geographic shared this photo from the hunt on social media. The faces were blurred to protect the identity of those involved. Photo via Facebook

The lion known as Blondie was taken sometime during the week of June 29 by a travelling hunter who was being guided by a professional hunter who is a member of the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association. Neither the PH nor the hunters identity have officially been made public, but this hasnt kept some social media users and news outlets from releasing that information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its unclear if Blondie was being specifically targeted on this hunt. A liaison with the ZPGA, who chose to remain anonymous, told Outdoor Life that bait was used for this hunt on the ECA. They clarified, however, that the lion was hunted and killed as it was encountered on the open savanna.

The ZPGA also made clear that no laws were broken. Baiting is legal, and its the preferred method (using a bait carcass hanging from a tree) for hunting lions in Zimbabwe because it helps present a cleaner shot and allows hunters to be more selective about which lion they are taking. Its also very difficult to use bait to lure in one specific lion. Baits are typically hung in a general area, and hunters will then wait to determine the right male lion to harvest.

Conflicting Details

This gets at another pointed criticism behind the hunt for Blondie: the lions age. Although there are no legal age requirements for harvesting a lion in Zimbabwe, there is a strict rule that if a lion is to be exported out of the country, it must be at least 5 years old. Blondie met this minimum requirement.

Confusingly, there is a photo on Imvelos website, a high end photography lodge, that shows a pride picture in which Blondie occurs, showing he could possibly be 8 years old. The lodge has cataloged a timeline of lion pride dynamics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Could this be the same Blondie, or another lion in the same system, with a blonde mane, similarly named Blondie? This fits with age evaluations from lion hunting professionals of the picture of the hunted lion, suggesting he looks older than a 5-year-old lion.

The ZPGA spokesperson added that both the PH and the hunter assessed the lion before the shot, and neither of them noticed its collar. That collar isnt visible in the blurred photo of the lion after it was killed, and its unclear if the collar was removed prior to the picture being taken, or if its just being covered up by the lions mane.

According to reports and past photographs, Blondie led a pride of two lionesses and 10 cubs. But according to the ZPGA, there were no visible cubs or other lions in the vicinity when the male lion was shot. Additionally there is some conflicting information coming from blog posts around Blondie, and a discussion of a coalition conflict that left him alone. One post said he lost his pride to a rival male coalition in May of 2025. This blog post has since been removed for some reason. To further confirm unrest in lion pride dynamics in the area, lion cubs were purported to have shown up at a photographic lodge in the last couple of months, and a problem lioness was removed from these community lands in the same area. These multiple anecdotes suggest that there was possible significant turmoil among lion prides in the area, and they support the idea that Blondie did not have a pride, counter to what has been reported elsewhere.

Without the collaring data, it is hard to determine whether Blondie was actually lured out from the national park with bait, as some have reported. Did the lion spend most of its time in the park and then decide to leave the parks borders? Or was it a roaming lion that only entered the park on occasion? These are questions that only the spatial GPS collaring data can answer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, if more information does come to light proving that the PH or the hunter skirted fair-chase hunting ethics, then Blondies story, like the one that involved Cecil the lion, would do even more damage to the global hunting community and its reputation.

The Reality (and Risks) of Lion Hunting in Africa

Much of the outrage from the general public has been reminiscent of that infamous hunt in 2015, when Cecil was killed on community land adjacent to Hwange National Park. Cecil was another well-known male lion that also wore a GPS collar, and the hunter who killed it, Walter Palmer, was dubbed the most hated dentist in America. It took years for the worlds condemnation to subside, and judging by the current reaction to Blondie, some of that anger still lingers in places. However, instead of focusing on one lion, it is important to understand that Hwange is a testament to how hunting has and is providing significant economic value to lions in the area through sustainable use.

Looking at the larger Hwange ecosystem, lion quotas have guided hunting in the area for the last 30 or so years. Between 1999 and 2015, 65 lions were killed either by hunters or by government contractors through PAC (which stands for problem animal control.) Its likely that a similar number of lions have been taken over the last 10 years, and their populations still remain healthy in the region today.

Zooming out beyond Hwange into the rest of Africa, a consistent pattern begins to emerge around lion populations. Many of the areas in Africa where lion populations are sustainable and healthy are the same areas where lion hunting is allowed. In Zimbabwe, this would be places like Hwange, Bubye Valley Conservancy, and Save Valley Conservancy. Moving over to Mozambique, sustainable hunting of game and lions (combined with re-introductions from South Africa) has coincided with stable to increasing populations in places like the Niassa Reserve in the northern part of the country, and Coutada 11, where 24 lions have increased to over 100, bolstering the total African wild lion populations by over 6%. This is all due to conservation programs that include hunting as a key funding and management mechanism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The list goes on, but a common thread in all these locations is that the sustainable hunting of lions contributes to the wildlife conservation economy, and it actually helps protect lion populations. People originally started hunting in these areas because they had healthy lion populations, but over time, its because of carefully regulated hunting that lions success has been ensured. A wild lion hunt in any of these areas costs upwards of $45,000 to $120,000. That money from international hunters gives lions tangible value among the locals who live with them.

By contrast, many of the regions in Africa that are seeing lion populations decline are places where conflicts between lions, people, and farmers are occurring. These are also the places where lions arent being hunted under management programs. One of the greatest threats to African lions today is poisoning by poachers, and this is much less common in or near areas where regulated hunting occurs. Poisoning incidents in Hwange are few and far between.

The reality is that anti-hunting proponents can stand on their soap box and shout from the rooftops of the digital media world that the killing of Blondie was a travesty. And many will say it was unethical regardless of what facts come out. However, the fact that Hwange has a healthy population of lions, and those lions continually spill out of the National Park into the adjacent, surrounding community lands, suggests lions are doing very well there.

In this debate we should ask ourselves: What is our end goal when it comes to lion conservation? If the answer is for our kids and grandkids to have healthy wildlife populations, then the Hwange ecosystem and other areas where wildlife is sustainably hunted should not be maligned just for allowing hunters. Hwange has had 30 years of sustainable hunting history with the support of surrounding communities. Lions are still plentiful there today. Thats an anomaly in Africa, and something to be celebrated.
The Trump administration suffered another blow to its mass deportation agenda on Friday after an appeals court upheld a lower courts ruling that prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from detaining a person based on their appearance, native language, or job.

A three-judge panel on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Los Angeles said the plaintiffs, a cohort of five individuals and three immigration advocacy organizations, were likely to succeed on their claim that ICE agents violated the Fourth Amendment by relying on four factors to form reasonable suspicion to support detention stops.

Those four factors include apparent race or ethnicity, speaking Spanish or English with an accent, presence at a particular location such as a laborer pick-up site, and the type of work a person does.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Three plaintiffs who are day laborers said in their original lawsuit against Trump administration officials that they were waiting to be picked up to go to a construction site job when ICE agents swooped in and intimidated them.

The plaintiffs said the immigration law enforcement officers never identified themselves, stated they had arrest warrants, nor informed the plaintiffs of the bases for the arrests.

A federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that says ICE cannot arrest people solely based on four factors such as appearance, language spoken, and job (Middle East Images/AFP via Getty)

The Ninth Circuit panel upheld a previous temporary injunction set by District Court Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong in June.

In keeping with Trumps mass deportation agenda, immigration law enforcement officers were deployed throughout Southern California to begin conducting sweeping raids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of those raids, according to the lawsuit, were conducted at certain types of businesses such as car washes, because immigration law enforcement officials determined those businesses were more likely to hire people without legal documentation.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit referred to those as roving patrols and said they were being detained without reasonable suspicion.

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable search and seizures.

The raids, which led to protests in downtown Los Angeles back in May, have been challenged by multiple individuals and immigration advocacy groups.

One plaintiff, Jason Brian Gavidia, said ICE agents stopped him in June after he stepped onto the sidewalk outside of a tow yard in Montebello, California. Gavidia, who is an American citizen, identifies as Latino and said ICE agents pushed him up against a chain-link fence and interrogated him. Even after Gavidia gave ICE agents his Real ID, they seemingly did not believe him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her earlier ruling, Frimpong said Gavidia and other plaintiffs were likely to succeed in proving that the federal government is indeed conducting roving patrols without reasonable suspicion and denying access to lawyers.

Frimpong ordered immigration law enforcement not to rely solely on the four factors except as permitted by law.

While the appeals court panel upheld much of Frimpongs ruling, they did strike the except as permitted by law, saying that language was too vague.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club is continuing its support for youth by hosting an awards ceremony to reward students for their excellence.

The organization hosted its second annual Blue Carpet Awards ceremony. They are the only Boys and Girls Club in Indiana that hosts Blue Carpet Awards for their students.

This year, they averaged 108 children a day and had 247 students total. They went on 32 field trips this summer around the valley. Unit director Ashton Stevenson has worked for the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club for 10 years and knows how much it means to the children, but also the parents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are here for 10 hours out of the day, so for them to see that we are recognizing those things in their kids, Stevenson said. I know it means a lot to them. Its important for us to recognize them, and I know it just means a lot to the parents.

Many students won awards for their hard work and great attitudes this summer. Madilyn, a 4th grader at Linton Stockton Elementary School, won an award as well.

My favorite part about the Boys and Girls Club, Madilyn said. Is probably that I get to see all my friends and make new friends as the years go on.

Some of the awards included: most helpful, best example-setter, great attitude, and many more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can sign your child up for the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, ages 5-18, on their website 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 MyWabashValley.com.
ST. LOUIS  On Friday, Boeing St. Louis Vice President of Air Dominance Dan Gillian addressed the companys latest contract offer to members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837.

Nobody wins in a strike. We dont want to strike. Nobody benefits in a strike. Our employees wont. The company doesnt. Our customers certainly dont. We have put a tremendously compelling offer on the table. Its the best offer Boeing has ever made to IAM 837, said Gillian.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

On July 27, union members unanimously rejected Boeings contract proposal against the recommendation of union leaders.

Following the vote, the union released a statement saying:

The proposal from Boeing Defense fell short of addressing the priorities and sacrifices of the skilled IAM Union workforce. Our members are standing together to demand a contract that respects their work and ensures a secure future.

Child accidentally shoots brother with rifle left on the couch

Thursday Boeing presented a modified contract to the union. It removed the alternate workweek schedule first proposed  added a 50-cent/hour pay raise for mechanics at the top of the pay scale, and changed a $10 pension multiplier, making it effective in year one of the new deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 20-percent wage increases, $5,000 ratification bonus, vacation, sick leave and healthcare included in the first offer are still included.

This is the best offer that I can and will make, and I hope that they will vote yes for it on Sunday, said Gillian.

FOX 2 contacted IAM District 837ahead of Sundays consequential vote for a response to the modified contract and is awaiting 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 FOX 2.
With the release of her second World War II-era novel, author Suzanne Parry will be at the Wilson Community Library at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a book signing of the new historical novel, The Communists Secret.

The novel will be released on Tuesday and Parry says she has worked hard to keep her novels alive.

In an interview at the Ransomville Free Library, she said she queried dozens of agents and met them at conferences when trying to publish her first novel. She said that the book went through more than 15 drafts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive sold over 9,000 copies, she said. But Russia is an obscure topic.

Its a topic Parry knows well. She originally enrolled in the aerospace engineering program at Purdue University with plans of becoming an astronaut. She said she quickly realized she didnt like the program and changed to a dual major in political science and Russian language.

I became really interested in how government works and how policy is made, she said.

A study abroad trip to Moscow and sightseeing in St. Petersburg profoundly changed her worldview. During a trip to the Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery, known as the final resting place for 500,000 World War II casualties, Parry said she confronted the reality of mass burial mounds with no names. Most of those people died during the Siege of Leningrad, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was a stunning experience, she said. It was so eye-opening to think that whole families just vanished from the earth.

During that same sightseeing trip, Parry said, whenever Russians realized she was an American, they were very friendly and interested in hearing about her life overseas.

I realized the people are not the government, she said. They just want basic rights. It made me feel even stronger about wanting to work for the government.

That trip to the cemetery decades ago made Parry want to tell the stories of life during that time. She has researched the history of the time period and re-visited Russia, paying close attention to the details of daily living, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Parry said she frequently talks to book groups around Portland, Oregon, where she lives, and across the country.

Those people become fans and really look forward to the next book, she said. My greatest critics say the second book is better because the character changes.
(NewsNation)  Boris Johnson is blasting his successor, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for saying the U.K. will recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and take steps to end suffering there.

Johnson, a former Conservative Party leader, says Starmer is bowing to pressure within his Labour Party in an effort to retain support of Muslim voters, and the result is a boon to Hamas.

We seem to be giving a big path, a big reward to Hamas, and its absurd, Johnson told On Balance on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Journalist tries to set record straight on Gaza food distribution

Starmer has said the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not back a ceasefire but repeated demands that Hamas return all remaining hostages that were taken during the deadly incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Starmer also said Hamas must disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.

Johnson has supported a so-called two-state solution giving Palestinians limited governing power but not control of an army. He said Gaza could thrive in the future but not with Hamas at the helm.

The erosion of support for Israel in the U.K.s government seems to be materializing in the United States, as well, Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I just notice that things are changing a bit, particularly in the Democratic Party, he said. I notice a change in the conversation about this issue. Theres now a constituency that has a particular view, and I think its very, very regrettable.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday slammed the current UK leader for threatening to recognize Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing war in Gaza, calling the move ridiculous.

Johnson signaled Prime Minister Keir Starmers commitment  largely following Frances lead  was aimed toward capturing voters attention, not promoting a ceasefire.

Its nothing to do with promoting peace in the Middle East. Is nothing to do with advancing a two-state solution, the former leader of the UKs Conservative Party said in an appearance on NewsNations On Balance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its everything to do with the continual oscillation of the Labor prime minister between his own two states, a state of paralyzed inaction and a state of panic about whats going on in the Labor Party, he told host Leland Vittert.

Johnson continued, The problem in the Labor Party, the governing party in our country, is that theyre terrified of losing the votes of the Muslim community. Its nothing to do with helping the Palestinians. Its about managing his own party.

The former leader, who resigned from his role in 2022 amid a scandal during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the U.K.s withdrawal from the European Union in 2020, criticized broader efforts to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.

Youre not supposed to recognize a state unless it has clearly defined boundaries, plainly the state of Palestine does not. And it [must] have a government [that] is capable of controlling those borders and part of the government of the putative state of Palestine is the psychotic Islamic fascist terrorist group Hamas, Johnson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also described Palestinian statehood as a big reward for little accomplishment.

More calls for a two-state solution have cropped up in recent weeks, as humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip remain dire. The United Nations and other groups have pointed to reports of mass starvation and the blocking of aid into the region as cause for concern.

The Israeli government has denied such claims and said Hamas is promoting a deadly rhetoric to shame leaders. But Starmer and other nations have flocked to the frontlines, promising aid through air drops and medical treatments for the vulnerable as violence in the region continues nearly two years after Hamass initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (Calif.), have pressed the Trump administration to follow in the footsteps of the UK and France  as peace talks have stalled. The U.S. has not agreed to recognize Palestine as a state and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pushed back on such calls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The administration has also significantly reduced assistance efforts in the Middle East, including the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and withdrawal from the United Nations Food Program.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 2An experiment earlier this summer using hoop nets instead of trap nets to sample channel catfish along the U.S. portion of the Red River yielded results that exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist says.

Historically, DNR fisheries crews have used a combination of trap nets and baited trotlines to sample catfish along the U.S. portion of the north-flowing river. Based on those surveys, the conventional wisdom among fisheries managers was that upper reaches of the Red  from Wahpeton to, say, Fargo  had higher numbers of catfish but smaller fish, while stretches of river farther downstream from Grand Forks to the Manitoba border had bigger, but fewer catfish.

Where crews might sample 100 catfish per net upstream, areas from Grand Forks downstream averaged more like five or 10 catfish per net, said Nick Kludt, Red River fisheries specialist for the Minnesota DNR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Looking through the survey data with Matt Skoog, area fisheries supervisor for the DNR in Baudette, those numbers seemed fishy, Kludt says. The DNR, in cooperation with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, has sampled the Red River every five years since 1990. The fish are released after being weighed and measured.

"I don't want to be overly trite about this, but this was a couple of river rats looking at the data and saying, 'I think something's up here,' " Kludt said. "From fishing that section of river (from Grand Forks downstream), from just being out there enough, it seemed that something was up with the sampling.

"When you go from, say, 100 or so fish per net, down to 10 or five like that, that's not representative of the Grand Forks reach (of the river) and north."

After visiting with some other river biologists around the state, Kludt says they decided to try sampling Red River catfish with hoop nets, similar to those that biologists use for sampling the Mississippi River.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We got a full set of those made up, with the proper anchors, all the proper ropes and accoutrements that go with setting that gear," he said.

While trap nets must be secured from shore, hoop nets can be anchored in the middle of the channel, offering more flexibility in sampling fish, especially in wider stretches of river with steeper banks, a common feature from Grand Forks and downstream.

In June, DNR fisheries crews from Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes and Baudette, along with a handful of other biologists and research staff, sampled the four U.S. reaches of river from Wahpeton-Breckenridge to the Canadian border. They set both hoop nets and trap nets to compare the catches.

"And boy oh boy, did we find out some things," Kludt said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the Grand Forks stretch of river, the trap nets produced an average of about two catfish per net  "a little low, but not overly so compared to what you normally see," he said  while the hoop nets yielded a catch rate of 80 cats.

That's a lot more in line with what you'd expect, Kludt says, based on creel surveys, personal angling experience and fishing tournament results.

"We pulled the heaviest nets I've pulled in my career" with the hoop nets, he said. "I mean, like 1 ton hauls because you'd have over 100 fish in a net, and the fish are all weighing between 10 and mid-20s pounds.

"We kind of suspected that the hoop nets were going to do better in the lower river, just because you could set them properly the way that you would want to set them to sample catfish up there. The extent to which they did well, I would say, was surprising."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The effectiveness of the hoop nets also lessens the need for trotlines from Grand Forks to the border, as crews have used in the past, to catch larger catfish. The next Red River survey is planned for 2027 after the pandemic delayed the 2020 survey by two years.

"A trotline is, No. 1, a very dangerous gear to run because you've got 25 hooks on a line and you're trying to manage that in the boat," Kludt said."It can just get sketchy sometimes."

Trotlines also don't provide much information about the population as a whole, other than they catch big fish, Kludt says. Hoop nets, by comparison, sampled catfish all the way from 9 or 10 inches in length to 36-inch fish weighing more than 20 pounds.

"Bycatch" of species such as walleyes, saugers and rough fish also was minimal, compared with the trap nets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We feel like we had a much more representative catch rate," Kludt said. "We had a far more representative size structure, and then just the simple abundance of catfish in the hoop nets blew the doors off the trap nets."

That's "not a knock" on the fisheries managers who set up the sampling regimen, he says.

"They were doing the best they could with the budget they had for the gear that they had," Kludt said. "We're all working within constraints; it just worked out where we were able to get a bunch of these nets and try something different in the interests of continuous improvement.

"It was just a really fun little project."
Former top intelligence officials John Brennan and James Clapper are again defending their handling of the 2016 Russia investigation, calling fresh allegations of misconduct from the Trump administration patently false, even as critics point to their past conduct as evidence of politicization.

In a guest essay published by The New York Times, Brennan, former CIA director and Clapper, former director of national intelligence, said claims by President Donald Trump, current CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard  who have alleged the Obama-era officials engaged in a treasonous conspiracy  are unfounded.

Despite claims by Trump administration officials of a nefarious political conspiracy, we did everything we could at the time to prevent leaks of intelligence reports, including Russias preference for Mr. Trump, the pair wrote. They argued that every serious review has substantiated the intelligence communitys fundamental conclusion that the Russians conducted an influence campaign intended to help Mr. Trump win the 2016 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Brennan and Clappers critics, including the president himself, say their track record undercuts their claims of neutrality. President Trump, in a recent interview with The New York Posts Miranda Devine, cited internal memos and directives  reportedly declassified by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence  as evidence that the Russia narrative was fabricated to damage his presidency.

It was treason. They made up all these stories, just fake stories and hurt the country and put the country in danger, Trump said. Obama, what he did was terrible. What [John] Brennan did, and [James] Clapper, and [James] Comey theyre stupid people, actually. But what they did, and so unnecessary, and they made it really hard.

The dispute is the latest flashpoint in a long-running and polarizing debate over the 2016 election, foreign interference, and the role of the U.S. intelligence community. Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate turned top intelligence official, has accused the Obama administration of promoting a contrived narrative about Russian interference in order to justify the now-discredited Trump-Russia collusion probe.

Fox News, citing administration officials, has reported that internal documents support Gabbards view, though critics caution that the materials remain classified and open to interpretation. Brennan and Clapper countered that their assessment made no judgment about the impact of Russian information operations on the outcome of the election and was not influenced by political pressure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They also addressed the controversial Steele dossier, which critics say shaped the early Trump-Russia narrative. The dossier was not used as a source or taken into account for any of its analysis or conclusions, Brennan and Clapper wrote. A short summary of the dossier was included only to the most highly classified version of the document and explained why the dossier was not used in the assessment.

These minimizing statements appear to be at odds with Brennans reported insistence that the dossier be in the intelligence assessment Obama had requested, according to the newly declassified material.

Still, the Steele dossiers presence in classified materials, along with the pairs public statements and media appearances throughout Trumps presidency, has fueled ongoing skepticism. In 2020, both Brennan and Clapper signed a now-infamous letter dismissing the Hunter Biden laptop story, originally published by The New York Post, as having all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation. That claim, also made in the run-up to a national election, was later undermined as major news outlets verified key elements of the laptops contents.

Clapper later said he regretted how the letter was distorted by the press and Brennan made concurrent statements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The authenticity of the laptop is now largely undisputed, including by the young Bidens legal counsel.

Trump and his allies have pointed to the letter as further evidence of political bias by Obama-era intelligence officials. These are low lives. These arethese are losers, Trump said on Pod Force One. Ive been beating them for 10 years.

As the current administration weighs further investigations, Clapper insist their actions were motivated by national security, not politics. We find it deeply regrettable that the administration continues to perpetuate the fictitious narrative that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 election, they wrote. It should instead acknowledge that a foreign nation-state  a mortal enemy of the United States  routinely meddles in our national elections and will continue to do so unless we take appropriate bipartisan action to stop it.

Both men said they were writing in their personal capacities and that their views did not reflect the endorsement of any federal agency.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has not announced any possible prosecutorial plans or decisions.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH)  Ten tenants were told to vacate their apartment building immediately on Friday due to concerns of structural integrity.

The landlord requested that the insurance company inspect the building at 628 Stanley St. due to the belief that something might be structurally wrong. The insurance companys inspection found that it was not structurally sound, and therefore not habitable.

Data: New Britain YWCA had 7 violations during inspection months before toddler fatally choked

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The citys building and health department worked with the landlord to inform the tenants living in the 4-unit apartment building that they would have to leave.

Representatives from the American Red Cross in Connecticut have provided resources for alternate temporary housing.

Building and health inspectors also helped the tenants and landlord find immediate and temporary alternative housing for those affected.

The future of this building is undetermined at this time, pending a structural engineers 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 WTNH.com.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH)  The New Britain YWCA announced Friday that its child care programs will remain closed until Sunday, Aug. 24.

The closure comes after a 2-year-old choked at the facility and later died on Tuesday. Officials from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families said they are investigating the incident.

Data: New Britain YWCA had 7 violations during inspection months before toddler fatally choked

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

YWCA New Britain said in a social media post that information on other programs would be made available next week.

The YWCA advised families who need immediate alternative child care to contact Chris Badenhop at badenhop@csdnb.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Evyatar David appeared in a Hamas video on Saturday, showing signs of starvation and being forced by his captors to dig a grave, which he presumes is his own.

Ilay David appealed on Saturday for immediate international intervention to save his younger brother, Evyatar David, 23, and fellow Israeli hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24, both held in Gaza since Hamass 7 October massacre.

I am a brother and a son whose heart is being torn apart, watching helplessly as my younger brother Evyatar and his friend Guy slip away, David told hundreds gathered at Tel Avivs Hostage Square. They are on the absolute brink of death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In their current, unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live, he warned. Hamas is starving Evyatar deliberately, systematically, turning his agony into twisted propaganda.

This is not merely a breach of international law, he added. It is an act so vile it scars the very soul of humanity. To remain silent is to be complicit in their slow, agonizing death.

David called on the Israeli government to bring every diplomatic and military tool to bear, urged humanitarian agencies to get food and medicine directly to the captives, and pressed former US president Donald Trump and other world leaders to apply maximum pressure on Hamas by any means necessary.

Israeli hostage Evyatar David as he appears in a Hamas propaganda video, August 2, 2025. (credit: Hostages and Missing Families Forum)

Davids appeal came a day after Hamas issued a harrowing video that shows Evyatar, gaunt and trembling, crossing off days without food on a makeshift calendar in a Gaza tunnel and digging what he says may be his own grave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Evyatar's sister, Yeela, also spoke at the rally, noting how Hamas used the graphic images of her brother for psychological torture.

YeelaDavid, sister of Evyatar David, urges all international leaders to apply pressure on Hamas to secure her brohers release during a rally at Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, Augst 2, 2025.

Hamas releases propaganda video as Witkoff visits Israel, Gaza

The clip was released shortly after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff toured Hostage Square on Friday, and told families that Washington now backs an all-or-nothing deal to free the remaining 50 IsraIlay captives. Relatives responded by erecting a barbed-wire protest camp and vowing to stay until a comprehensive agreement is reached.

Witkoff alsovisited a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip to assess the status of aid dIlayvery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israels Prime Ministers Office said it is working through every available channel to rescue the hostages, and the International Committee of the Red Cross renewed its demand for immediate access to detainees in Gaza.

As the news conference ended, supporters chanted Bring them home. Over the applause, Ilay David voiced one final plea: Act now, before its too late.
Evacuation warning lifted after brush fire burns near homes in Rancho Bernardo

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  An evacuation warning was lifted Friday after a fire burned near homes in the community of Rancho Bernardo.

Authorities reported the fire in the area of Camino Del Norte and Bernardo Center Drive around 2:40 p.m. Crews could be seen working to put out the flames burning on a hillside near homes.

In an update at 4:23 p.m. on X, San Diego Fire-Rescue said the fire had burned at least 12 acres and that crews were making good progress. Crews were later confirmed to have stopped the forward rate of spread of the fire, according to a later update by the agency.

A fire burned on a hillside in Rancho Bernardo on Aug. 1, 2025. (ALERTCalifornia/UC San Diego/SDGE) A fire burned on a hillside in Rancho Bernardo on Aug. 1, 2025. A fire burned on a hillside in Rancho Bernardo on Aug. 1, 2025. A fire burned on a hillside in Rancho Bernardo on Aug. 1, 2025.

Crews from Rancho Santa Fe Fire, Escondido Fire and Cal Fire assisted SDFD in the fire response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At 3:45 p.m., a shelter in place advisory for residents in the area north and west of Bernardo Center Drive, south of Camino Del Norte and Camino San Bernardo, and east of Dove Canyon Road and Camino San Bernardo was upgraded to an evacuation warning.

Around 5:35 p.m., the San Diego Police Department announced all evacuation warnings had been lifted.

People were advised to be prepared to evacuate or leave as soon as possible if they need extra time to do so.

Evacuation warnings are issued when there is a potential threat to life and/or property, per the county.

SDPD added that westbound Camino Del Norte remains closed at Bernardo Center Drive and Dove Canyon Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Updates on any evacuation orders and warnings can be found here.

This is a developing story. Check back 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Newly released police reports are giving insight on how Bryan Kohberger may have entered the house where he killed four college students without being detected.

Before Kohberger murdered four University of Idaho students at an off-campus home in November 2022, there were several strange instances involving victim Kaylee Goncalves' dog Murphy, her friends told authorities in investigation documents publicly released in July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bethany Funkeone of the two surviving roommates who lived in the housetold police Goncalves had described to her an incident that occurred weeks before the murders, during which the the 21-year-old saw an unknown male figure near the home "staring at her when she took Murphy out to go potty."

Goncalves' ex-boyfriend also told a similar story to investigators, saying that Goncalves "saw a shadowy figure behind the house" while out walking with the goldendoodle.

Around the same time, Murphy started running away from home, Goncalves' friends said in Moscow Police Department reports.

One friend, whose name was redacted, told authorities that Murphy "ran up into the bushes behind the house on several occasions and would not return when called."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another friend recounted to police that Murphy ran off into the woods during a Halloween party at the house. She said partygoers "heard noises" similar to the sound of someone "moving through the woods on foot" when they tried to call for Murphy, per a police report.

That friend also told investigators that she and Goncalves once came back to the house to find "the rear side door standing open and Murphy was missing." Though Murphy was eventually located, she said Goncalves was "concerned about someone being behind the house when Murphy would behave in this manner."

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another friend recounted to police that Murphy ran off into the woods during a Halloween party at the house. She said partygoers "heard noises" similar to the sound of someone "moving through the woods on foot" when they tried to call for Murphy, per a police report.

That friend also told investigators that she and Goncalves once came back to the house to find "the rear side door standing open and Murphy was missing." Though Murphy was eventually located, she said Goncalves was "concerned about someone being behind the house when Murphy would behave in this manner."

The encounters have sparked speculation as to whether it could have been Kohberger trying to secretly befriend Murphy, so that the dog would not bark when he entered Goncalves' home to commit his crimes.

Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Images; Instagram

In the police reports, investigators did not say if they linked Kohberger to these incidents. However, prosecutor Bill Thompson said in a recent hearing that Kohberger's cell phone did ping a cell tower near Goncalves' residence in July 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ultimately, Kohberger confessed to fatally stabbing Goncalvesas well as Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20as part of a plea deal. He was officially sentenced to life in prison for the murders on July 23.

"If you were really smart, do you think youd be here right now?" Goncalves' sister Alivea Goncalves told Kohberger in a statement during his sentencing. "You didnt win. You just exposed yourself as the coward you are."

For more about the Idaho murders case, keep reading...

Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle?

Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News.





Were There Any Survivors?

Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night."





Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found?

Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath.





What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense?

At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement





Where Was the Trial Set?

Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial.





What Was the Verdict in the Trial?

Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought."





Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders?

A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me.





What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders?

In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement





Did Kohberger Confess to Killing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle?

After accepting a plea deal that would spare him from the death penalty, Kohberger changed his plea to guilty in the murders of Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin, as well as one count of burglary, at a July 2, 2025 hearing in Idaho. When judge Hippler questioned Kohberger if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought," he replied with a firm, "Yes" for each. In taking the plea deal, Kohberger has waived his right to appeal or ask for a more lenient prison sentence, according to Hippler.





How Long Is Kohberger's Prison Sentence?

Though the families of Goncalves and Kernodle each slammed the decision to issue a plea deal, therby taking the death penalty off the table, Kohberger was officially sentenced to life in prison July 23, 2025. Judge Hippler sentenced Kohberger to four life termsto be served consecutivelywithout the possibility of parole for each count of first-degree murder, along with a $50,000 fine for each count and a $5,000 civil penalty to be paid to each of the victims' families. He also gave Kohberger 10 years and imposed a fine of $50,000 on the burglary count.



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Idaho prosecutor Bill Thompson said investigators can't rule out the possibility that Bryan Kohberger used a second weapon during the murders of four University of Idaho students and believes the killer spared surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen because he panicked and fled, according to an interview with the Idaho Statesman.

Thompson explained that some injuries observed on victim Kaylee Goncalves, 21, appeared to have been caused by something other than the knife used in the attack, though he stopped short of confirming a second weapon.

"There were injuries that appeared to have been caused by something other than the knife, although it could have been the knife," Thompson told the Statesman. "I dont think we can exclude the possibility that there was an additional weapon involved."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court documents revealed the extent of the November 2022 attack on Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Goncalves, authorities revealed in recently released Moscow Police Department documents, endured "more than 20 stab wounds," alongside blunt-force trauma.

Idaho Victims' Families To Address Killer Directly At Kohberger Sentencing

Prosecutor Bill Thompson speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death nearly three years ago.

Regarding why Mortensen, a surviving roommate, was left unharmed despite encountering Kohberger as he fled the scene through the rental property's sliding door, Thompson said it appeared Kohberger panicked.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"From what Dylan described, I have a hard time imagining that the killer did not see Dylan," Thompson said. "At that point, hed been in the house probably longer than he planned, and he had killed more people than he planned. It wouldnt surprise us that the killer was scared at that point and decided they had to leave, not knowing if law enforcement already had been called."

Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty To Idaho Murders

Mortensen shared with authorities that she had noticed an intruder with "bushy eyebrows" on the night of the attack on 1122 King Road in Moscow, who had told her that he was "here to help."

James Fry, who was chief of the Moscow Police Department at the time, told ABC News that there are many theories as to why Mortensen survived, including that Kohberger may have been exhausted from the quadruple murders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I don't know, only he has that answer," Fry told the outlet.

WATCH: Attorney reveals how inmates will likely respond to Kohberger's crimes

Thompson also emphasized the critical role DNA evidence played in solving the case.

"From our perspective as prosecutors, the DNA was critical to the strength of the case for trial purposes," he said.

Without the DNA linking Kohberger to the knife sheath, securing a conviction might have been "insurmountable," Thompson told the Statesman.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Latah County Prosecutor's Office for comment.





Original article source: Bryan Kohberger may have used second weapon and left scared while sparing surviving roommate: report
Germany's Armed Forces or Bundeswehr carried out another airdrop of aid into the Gaza Strip, a spokesman told dpa on Saturday, amid famine in the embattled area.

An A400M aircraft that departed from Jordan released 22 pallets of food and medical supplies weighing a total of 9.6 tons. he said.

If possible, the aid flights are to continue on Sunday, the spokesman added.

The Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine, the United Nations has said. Israel controls all access points to the area and for several months, allowed no or only minimal aid deliveries to pass through in an effort to increase pressure on Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After growing criticism worldwide of the suffering of Palestinian civilians, Israel allowed larger deliveries by land last week and supported air drops of aid supplies from allied states such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Germany is participating in the operation with two aircraft which are loaded at a military base in Jordan and drop urgently needed food and equipment over the Gaza Strip.

But air drops are ineffective and expensive due to the relatively small quantities compared to trucks, say international organizations. Pallets of supplies can also injure or kill people on the ground in such a densely populated area.
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  For the past eight weeks, 10 young cadets from across the country have been at Fairmont State University learning to fly as part of the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy.

These young cadets were selected out of thousands of high school and college-aged applicants and in just a summer, theyve become certified rated pilots. On Friday, their friends and family gathered in Bridgeport to celebrate their achievements.

12 News spoke with Samuel Sumner, one of the cadets who graduated, who told 12 News that since he was three, he had a passion for aviation, and when he heard of the opportunity at the JROTC Flight Academy, he knew he had to go for it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sumner said that over the past eight weeks, hes enjoyed spending time with the other cadets and immersing himself in aviation.

Lumberport man in need of kidney transplant

Just nonstop learning about aviation, flying actual planes, its been so much fun and weve had a lot of fun and adventures, Sumner said.

This is the fifth year Fairmont State University has offered the program, and it is one of only a few dozen universities in the country to do so.

Fairmont State Aviation Center of Excellence Director Joel Kirk oversaw the program and told 12 News that its inspiring to see young people go through the program and become pilots in a span of weeks. He added that its been one of the most amazing events in my career.

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.
While the use of caffeine pouches among teenagers remains relatively rare, experts and educators are concerned that may be about to change.

Marketing aimed at teenagers of such products is spreading on social media. A school resource officer for the Boise County Sheriffs Office in Idaho, David Gomez, began noticing the use of caffeine pouches last spring, according to NBC News. The pouches can contain more than 200 milligrams of caffeine, and students have been using them along with nicotine pouches such as Zyn.

Gomez noted that students would use the pouches as a disguise for nicotine pouches or theyll use both.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyll use the Zyn pouches that they put in their lip, and then theyll take a caffeine pouch, said Gomez. They dont care what it is theyre putting in their lip.

Richard Mumby is a marketing executive who was part of the launch of the e-cigarette Juul, which has been accused of initiating a wave of teen vaping. Hes now back with a caffeine pouch startup known as Wip.

Nicotine pouches are sometimes used at the same time as caffeine pouches, a school resource officer has said (Alamy/PA)

A growing market is now trying to sell Americans on pouches as an alternative to caffeinated beverages.

Mumby told NBC News that caffeine is part of the fabric of many Americans everyday lives. But he said theres room to improve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wip and other companies are marketing caffeine pouches as a portable and affordable alternative to caffeinated drinks. Its a mix between nicotine pouches and energy drinks, placed between the lip and the gums to deliver the caffeine.

Pouches, most of which do not contain nicotine, tend to last between 20 minutes and an hour, but their effect can go on for longer.

Wips flavors include mint, strawberry kiwi, and sour cherry, and each comes with 100 or 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is the same as about two cups of coffee. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, thats half the amount of caffeine an adult can safely consume in an entire day.

We take responsible caffeine consumption and responsible marketing of our product seriously, a spokesperson for Wip told NBC News. While there are no legal age restrictions on caffeine products, we have adopted marketing guidelines that exceed the age-related standards set by the American Beverage Association for most common energy drinks. Wip is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18, and our guidelines ensure the product is marketed responsibly.

200 milligrams of caffeine is about the same as two cups of regular coffee (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Exercise and nutrition sciences professor at George Washington Universitys Milken Institute School of Public Health, Rob van Dam, studies caffeine. He shared concerns about the potency of some of the pouches being sold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It may be a bit different than coffee, he told NBC News. It may hit faster, and you may overdose, in a way, more quickly.

Another worry is the possible popularity among teens, as nicotine pouches and energy drinks are already widespread. Zyn maker Philip Morris has previously told NBC News that Zyns marketing is directed toward legal age nicotine users who are 21+.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that teens dont consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. The chair of the AAPs Committee on Nutrition, Dr. Mark Corkins, told NBC News that it would be better if teens avoided caffeine altogether.

Caffeine, in general, is an area we are very concerned about, he said. Pouches are just another delivery form.
The FBI arrested on Friday a man in Long Beach, California, for allegedly sending money to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the Department of Justice.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, a permanent US resident originally from the Philippines, faces up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Investigators said Villanueva was in communication with two individuals who identified themselves as ISIS fighters via social media earlier this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In those messages, Villanueva allegedly expressed his desire to support ISIS and offered to send money to aid the groups activities.

Its an honor to fight and die for our faith. Its the best way to go to heaven. Villanueva allegedly wrote to the ISIS fighters. Someday soon, Ill be joining.

Over a five-month period, Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas, according to Western Union records cited by the DOJ.

During his arrest, the FBI recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom, according to photos posted on the FBIs Facebook and X accounts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world, said Patrick Grandy, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office.

Earlier this year, a 19-year-old former member of the Michigan Army National Guard was arrested after he allegedly attempted to carry out a plan to conduct a mass shooting at a US military base in Michigan on behalf of ISIS.

Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said was arrested on the scheduled day of the attack, after he visited an area near the military base and launched a drone in support of the attack plan, according to the Justice Department.

He allegedly planned to attack the Armys Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, which is located in a Detroit suburb and manages the Armys supply chain for tanks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Prosecutors say he offered to help undercover law enforcement officers carry out the attack by training them to use firearms and make Molotov cocktails and by providing armor-piercing ammunitions and magazines for the attack.

Said was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and with distributing information related to a destructive device.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
For much of his adult life, Jim Irish was a self-proclaimed bachelor  moving cities every few years, too busy as a business executive and entrepreneur to devote much time to romantic endeavors.

By the time he was in his mid-50s, he had pretty much given up on the idea of finding a life partner.

But fate had other plans.

Little did he know a wink on a dating app from an English teacher with a warm smile and three children would  five years later have him exchanging vows in Hawaii. He and his new wife, Mirna, exchanged the customary promises to love and care for one another in sickness and in health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After nearly a decade of marriage, a grim diagnosis put those vows to the test.

Jim, now 66, started having trouble with his kidneys about two decades ago. He managed the issue with medication for years.

But nearly three years ago, doctors found a mass on his left kidney. Instead of removing it, surgeons performed a cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. Complications during the procedure resulted in another surgery, he said.

"After several months my kidney function dropped by more than half, and it was at that time we realized I'm going to need a kidney transplant pretty quick," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But "transplant" and "pretty quick" don't go hand in hand. Finding a suitable donor  one with the proper blood type, antibody levels and geographic location  all play a role. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that it can take two to five years or longer to find an appropriate match.

Read more: Millions of Californians are willing to donate organs, but relatively few do. Here's why

The couple was devastated.

"He was so desperate and so sad. We were crying," said Mirna Irish, 56. "And he said, 'What am I going to do? What's going to happen?' And I just thought, 'I can give him my kidney.' "

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mirna has had her share of struggles. Her first marriage at age 18 ended in divorce, leaving her a single mother to three children. She lived in Mexico teaching English until her son, then 17 years old, was hit by a drunk driver in a crash that left him in a wheelchair.

She left her home and job behind to move to the United States to get her son the care he needed. He now owns a business selling portable hand controls for disabled drivers and is happily married, Mirna said.

Meeting Jim, she said, was like "finding peace." And she wasn't about to let that go.

Read more: Nonprofit that leads organ recovery in SoCal could be jeopardized by poor rankings

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The need for donor organs nationwide is much greater than the supply. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network estimates that another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 10 minutes.

The odds of Jim and Mirna having compatible organs was a long shot  roughly one in 100,000. Still, Mirna said she would even donate to a stranger if it meant her husband could get an organ faster.

The San Diego couple got the shock of a lifetime when they learned that Mirna's kidney was a genetic match to her husband's.

"It's very rare," Jim said. "Out of 12 genetic markers, four of them are identical matches."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Jim still had more hurdles to overcome. He underwent a surgery to remove half his colon after suffering a bout of diverticulitis, and received iron infusions and hemoglobin shots. Then doctors found a 3-centimeter cancerous tumor on his right kidney. He underwent another cryoablation and as of a few weeks ago is cancer-free, he said.

Read more: Who gets on a kidney waitlist? We're in the dark on a crucial step toward transplant

On Friday, Mirna will finally be able to give Jim the gift she's waited so long to deliver: a working kidney. If all goes according to plan, the couple hopes to celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary next month in Europe, visiting Germany, Switzerland and France.

For Jim, it's hard not to feel lucky that the woman he waited so long to meet is also the person saving his life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We struggled so hard to find each other, we're not ready to let either one of us go," he said, his voice catching with emotion. "I can't imagine my life without her."

"I think I'm here for a reason," Mirna said. "It's a blessing to be able to give life  and to give it to the love of my life, it's even better."

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.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A California man was sentenced to prison on August 1, 2025, after a motion to revoke his probation sentence for sexual assault of a child was granted.

PREVIOUS STORY: California man jailed again for violating supervision terms

Keith Syvinski, 30, of Chula Vista, California, appeared in the 78th District Court on Friday, August 1, 2025, for a hearing on the motion filed by prosecutors in February 2025 to adjudicate his guilt. Judge Meredith Kennedy presided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Syvinski pleaded true to the allegations in the motion that, while on probation, he admitted to communicating with teenage girls on various mobile apps and exchanging inappropriate pictures with them.

For violating his probation sentence, Judge Kennedy found Syvinski guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison on each of the three counts of sexual assault of a child, setting the sentences to run concurrently.

Syvinski was initially arrested in March 2019 after officers with the Burkburnett Police Department said he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl. He was charged with one count of sexual assault of a child.

After posting his bond, Syvinski was free for more than five years before Wichita County authorities arrested him again in June 2024 for two additional counts of sexual assault of a child that also stemmed from 2019.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUS STORY: California man now has 2 assault charges of Burkburnett girl

In August 2024, Syvinski pleaded guilty to all three charges and received a deferred sentence of 10 years of community supervision.

In February 2025, prosecutors filed a motion to adjudicate against Syvinski after he allegedly admitted to violating his sentence to authorities in California. Syvinski was arrested and extradited back to Wichita County in March 2025, where he was held without bond until his hearing on August 1, 2025.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
A Southern California man was arrested Friday on suspicion of sending money to and declaring support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, federal prosecutors said.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, of Long Beach, allegedly communicated with two self-identified ISIS fighters through social media, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office. In online communications, he allegedly pledged allegiance and expressed desire to fight for the terrorist organization.

"It's an honor to fight and die for our faith. It's the best way to go to heaven," Villanueva allegedly said to one of the individuals, according to prosecutors. "Someday soon, I'll be joining."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In February, prosecutors said Villanueva offered one of the self-identified fighters payments through an intermediary, asking whether it would help pay for ISIS resources. He allegedly sent payments totaling $1,615 over five months through two intermediaries overseas, authorities said, citing Western Union records.

In his online communications, Villanueva said he owned a bomb and knives, and the FBI recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom when he was arrested, authorities said.

Villanueva is a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, according to the U.S. attorney's office. He's charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization  a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.

"Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security," U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said in a statement. "We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FBI is investigating the case.

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.
EDENWALD, The Bronx (PIX11)  The community held a candlelight vigil for Detective Didarul Islam outside the 47th precinct Friday, as the community continues to keep his memory alive following Mondays mass shooting.

A purple bunting now hangs above the precincts entrance where Islam worked. A growing memorial of floral wreaths and tribute flowers sits outside the building as the community remembers Islam, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Detective Islam is one of four victims who was killed in Mondays deadly attack. He was working a security detail in a midtown building when a gunman entered the location with a long gun and opened fire, according to investigators. The community has been remembering him as a hero and a symbol of hope as loved ones continue to cope with their grief.

The three-and-a-half-year veteran of the NYPD was laid to rest at a mosque Thursday, which is at the heart of the Bangladeshi-American community in the Bronx, of which Islam was an active member.

Clergy prayed for peace, healing, and strength  not only for Detective Islams family, but for a grieving community still reeling from the tragedy. Detective Islam leaves behind his pregnant wife and two kids as his family now faces unimaginable loss.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The Brief

The man arrested in the shooting that killed his 13-year-old sister was in court today.

On Tuesday, the shooting took place at the Ridgeline Apartments in Canton.

CANTON, Mich. (FOX 2) - The brother of a 13-year-old girl was accused of playing with guns and shooting and killing his sister on Tuesday.

Big picture view

Jay-Veon McKinney, 23, was charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly shooting and killing his 13-year-old sister, Aymira Thomas. His charges are punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and other felony firearm charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the prosecutor's office, McKinney was playing with two guns an hour before the shooting and was unsafely handling one when it went off while he was near his younger sister.

The gun fired, and a bullet hit Thomas, killing the young girl.

According to police, the brother's actions were found in a video taken 45 minutes prior to the shooting.

"The video shows him in possession of both firearms and I'd call it careless playing with the firearms, reenacting, anyway youd like to categorize it," Canton Police Deputy Chief Joseph Bialy. "But its definitely careless behavior which we believe led to about a half hour later the death of his sister."

Family Perspective

Sharon Grier is an attorney representing the family and says this was an accident. The family is still sticking together despite the tragedy. Grier told FOX 2 that McKinny and Aymira were best friends, and he acted much younger than his age.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Its still a family. Its a tragedy thats occurred with this family," Grier said. "But theres still love and concern for him, and they know theyve lost someone special to them, but theres nothing they can do to bring her back."

What's next

McKinney was given a $500,000 personal bond.

That means he is out but under very strict conditions. He does have a GPS tether and is under home confinement.

The Source

Information for this story came from Canton police, the family of Aymira Thomas and a police source.
I have one abiding memory from my early school days in the mid-1980s. It isnt of a favourite teacher, playground companion, or a treasured lesson. No, what stands out most vividly in my mind is Strike Day. It might not have been every week, but it was regular enough to take on the rhythm of a national ritual.

As a five-year-old, I adored it. The anticipation was electric. Strike Day meant I had a whole, uninterrupted day with my mother. Just the two of us. It was bliss: no school! But of course, for my parents, it was a different story. It was a burden. My mother would have to call in absent from work, adjust her commitments, rearrange the day.

Eventually, my parents, like many working-class families trying to climb, had enough. They opted to send me to an independent school. At least there, the calendar didnt tremble with every union whim. Thanks to Margaret Thatcher, these disturbances came to an end. The grip of the unions was broken. Britain felt governable again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We thought the era of union rule had passed into history. But Strike Day has returned. Since July 2024, several hundred thousand working days have been lost to strike action. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 160,000 working days disappeared into the black hole of industrial action. Since the peak in late 2022, over 1.6 million working days have been lost. Unsurprisingly, public sector productivity has plunged  now 8.8 per cent below pre-Covid levels.

The BMA  a union which now more closely resembles a political party than a medical association  recently called a five-day strike because its demand for a pay rise of over 20 per cent wasnt met. That strike saw around 50,000 resident doctors walk out, resulting in thousands of cancelled procedures. These are not Dickensian workers demanding hot meals and clean conditions. These are qualified professionals, whose average salary is between 47-55,000 per year. But the point isnt just about pay. Its about power. And they know they have it.

And its not just the doctors. Nurses are threatening a winter strike. Civil servants have walked out in the last year. Train drivers, sixth-form teachers, university staff  all have joined the chorus of disruption. Britain is being quietly but systematically brought to its knees by the same forces we thought had been vanquished a generation ago.

And what has the Government done? Capitulated. Time and again. Ministers shuffle to the negotiating table like supplicants, pen in hand, ready to sign the next cheque. Each time, they hope the gesture will end the militancy. It never does. Appeasement, as history teaches us, only whets the appetite.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has learnt the hard way: this isnt a rational negotiation  its a hostage situation. And the Government is tied to the chair.

The truth is that Labour is not merely negotiating with the unions  they are the unions. Or rather, the unions are them. Almost every Cabinet Minister owes their ascent to union patronage. The party machine is powered by union money, union operatives, union ideology. The very people meant to hold the line against disruptive action are, in fact, the authors of it. And the consequences are now being laid bare.

Consider the Employment Rights Bill  Labours legislative love letter to the unions. It promises to repeal the Tory anti-strike laws of 2016 and 2023, lower the thresholds for industrial action, and tilt the field further toward collective bargaining. This is an open invitation for more disruption.

Once again, we find ourselves ruled not by Parliament, but by the backroom deal. Beer and sandwiches are back. But this time, theyre accompanied by collapsing productivity, eroded business confidence, and the creeping sclerosis of the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Strike Day has become a national curse. And unless we find the courage once more to challenge the vested interests that now run Britain by proxy, it will become a permanent fixture of our national life  another symbol of decline in a country too frightened to govern itself.

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 covered coal ash pond at Alabama Powers Plant Gadsden sits adjacent to the Coosa River in Gadsden, Ala. (Courtesy of Coosa Riverkeeper)

This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here.

GADSDEN  The coal ash lagoon at Alabama Powers Plant Gadsden was supposed to be a model for how to close ash ponds by covering them in place, a process utilities insisted would protect human health and the environment from toxic contaminants in the ash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, groundwater monitoring data and a federal lawsuit are challenging that contention.

The ash pond was the first in Alabama to be closed with a cover-in-place system in 2018, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 2015 coal ash rules, and Alabama Power planned to use the same basic technique at the coal ash ponds for five other power plants across the state.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

But today, seven years after the Gadsden pond closure was completed, environmental groups say the facility is still leaking toxic substances into groundwater on the banks of the Coosa River and Neely Henry Lake, a popular boating and bass fishing destination in east Alabama.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Southern Environmental Law Center, on behalf of environmental group Coosa Riverkeeper, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Alabama Power, challenging what it called unlawful and defective capping of the coal ash pond at Plant Gadsden.

The groups say that as recently as October 2024, Alabama Powers self-reported groundwater monitoring results show levels of arsenic forty times the legal standard in groundwater, as well as potentially harmful levels of boron, chromium and cobalt.

The citizens of Gadsden and folks who depend on Neely Henry Lake deserve so much better than Alabama Powers legacy of pollution, Justinn Overton, executive director and riverkeeper at Coosa Riverkeeper, said in a news release. Drinking water supply, booming ecotourism, and hard-working Alabamians are all threatened by Alabama Powers recklessness.

Coosa Riverkeeper is among numerous groups that have called for Alabama Power to excavate its coal ash and move the material to a lined landfill, rather than leaving the ash in unlined impoundments near rivers. Alabama Power has announced plans to cap all of its coal ash ponds in place, but Gadsden is the only plant where that process has been completed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its time for Alabama Power to do the right thing and move their ash, Overton said.

A spokesperson for Alabama Power said [a]s a matter of practice, we do not comment on pending legal matters.

Coal ash, or coal combustion residuals, are the leftover solid material from burning coal, typically in a power plant or other industrial facility. According to the EPA, coal ash often contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic which can be associated with cancer and various other serious health effects.

The EPAs 2015 coal ash rules allowed for two possible cleanup options for the coal ash lagoons, which can be hundreds of acres in size, containing millions of tons of wet ash slurry. Utilities could dig out the coal ash and move it to a lined landfill, or they could cover it in place, as long as certain conditions were met.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2016, Alabama Power announced plans to use the cover-in-place option at all its plants. The permit for Plant Gadsden was approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management in 2020, two years after the physical work had already been completed.

But last year, the EPA denied approval of Alabamas coal ash permitting program, saying that the state had approved permits that were significantly less protective of people and waterways than federal law requires, and that coal ash units cannot be closed in a way that allows coal ash to continue to spread contamination in groundwater after closure.

The Riverkeeper lawsuitfiled in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabamacontends that nearly 40 percent of the ash at Gadsden remains saturated in groundwater, constituting a violation of the EPA coal ash rules and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

It is not yet clear how the coal ash regulations will fare under the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The groups filed a notice of intent to sue in May, and went forward with the suit Tuesday, after the required 60-day notification period.

In addition to the lake being a popular fishing spot, the ash pond is located less than a mile upstream of a drinking water intake, although the lawsuit does not allege any contamination of the drinking water.

The coal ash pond at Plant Gadsden is on the opposite side of the river from the old power plant, which was demolished last year. According to the lawsuit, the coal ash slurry was pumped through underwater pipes across the river for disposal in a lagoon.

There is no excuse for a company with Alabama Powers resources to risk a community and commercial riverfront with this type of hazard, Barry Brock, director of SELCs Alabama office, said in a news release. Alabama Power must join utilities across the South cleaning up unlined coal ash dumps. This type of waste must be in safe storage away from waterways like the Coosa and Neely Henry Lake.
OLD LYME, Conn. (WTNH)  A car crashed into a utility pole on Friday in Old Lyme, according to state police.

Former WWE boss Vince McMahon cited for reckless driving in Westport crash

The crash happened in the area of 16 Boston Post Road around 6:51 p.m.

No injuries were reported and Eversource was notified.

At approximately 6 a.m. Saturday, over 200 customers were without power, according to Eversource.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Spartanburg County School Districts 3 and 7 are offering a new program focused on global supply chain management and commercial truck driving.

The Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Academy is set to begin classes this school year.

The academy is one of six new programs at the Daniel Morgan Technology Center.

During the two-year course, students can learn from professionals and graduate with industry certifications and permits, like the Class-A Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The program aims to prepare students for high-demand jobs by offering real-world training and recruitment sessions with company representatives.

Dr. Nikki Honeycutt, Director of the Daniel Morgan Technology Center, said the program is also a partnership with local colleges.

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) will provide a two-week accelerated class for students 18 and older to test for their CDL license and road permits.

SCC and the University of South Carolina-Upstate will offer students two-year and four-year college plans to continue exploring the logistics and CDL career fields.

This program hopes to consolidate is all of the global logistics and supply chain management understanding for students, so they understand exactly what logistics is and how they get the products that they order, Dr. Honeycutt said. The CDL portion is very important because whether we get our materials from a vessel or aircraft, or a railcar, its always gonna land on a truck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SCCs CDL and Heavy Equipment Program Director Randall Parnell provides the road test for students and teaches them about the different jobs available with a CDL license.

You can start with your CDL and theres so much more that you can do. Ive had students who got their CDL, they got the truck and got their feet good and wet, learned it, then went on to own their own company, Parnell explained. They become a broker, they become terminal managers, safety directors, and even become instructors.

Parnell also oversees the recruitment sessions for students. He said local and statewide employers will introduce their company and share valuable information for students looking for jobs.

Theyll talk to the students about the pay, the benefits, and what they have to offer, and now the carrier thats going to hire [the students] has a list of potential applicants, and the students themselves have a bunch of job opportunities, Parnell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Honeycutt explained that this program also helps counter the shortage of CDL drivers across the state.

Logistics and CDL are both very much in demand, especially in South Carolina. CDL alone has an 80,000-member job shortage for CDL drivers right now, and thats expected to expand up to 160,000 by 2030, Honeycutt said. So were fulfilling not only industry need, but an opportunity for them to explore the different careers both trucking and logistics offer.

Honeycutt also expressed how this career field is monetarily beneficial for students. Saying 18-year-olds from DMTC with their Class-A CDL can start off earning as much as $84,000 per year working in the state.

Daniel Morgan Technology Center serves students from Spartanburg and Broome High Schools.

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 WSPA 7NEWS.
Alligators can be found in all 67 of Florida's counties, along with nine other states. In Florida, there's an estimated 1.3 million alligators, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services.

There have been fatal attacks involving alligators in Florida over the years, and not even Disney is immune.

Lane Graves, 2, was grabbed by an alligator while playing in the water at the Seven Seas Lagoon at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Orlando in 2016. A statue honors Lane and "stands as a beacon of hope and support for families in the depths of despair," the Graves family said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here's how to safely live with alligators in Florida.

Alligator attacks: How often do gators bite people in Florida?

From 1948 to 2022, 453 unprovoked bite incidents have occurred. In Florida, 26 of these bites resulted inhuman fatalities, the FWC said.

Over the last 10 years, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites per year that are serious enough torequire professional medical treatment, according to the FWC.

"The likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident in Florida is roughly only one in 3.1 million.

In 2023, a 10-foot alligator grabbed an 85-year-old woman walking her dog near a small lake in a St. Lucie County neighborhood. The alligator was later caught and euthanized.

Where in Florida are the most alligators?

To get a population estimate, Florida Fish and Wildlife using sample data from the state's Alligator Management Units (AMUs), which are established areas across Florida. "The population estimates provided use a set of analyses incorporating the current years size and count data, environmental variables (water levels, etc...), and detection probability to estimate the total population and adult population on a given waterbody," according to an email from FWC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to data from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, these were top 20 most alligator-infested lakes based on estimated total population in the Sunshine State in 2024:

Top 20 most alligator-infested lakes in Florida

Lake Okeechobee: Estimated population of about 33,542 Lake Kissimmee: Estimated population of about 16,184 Lake Jesup: Estimated population of about 14,518 Orange Lake: Estimated population of about 12,032 St. Johns River, Lake Poinsett: Estimated population of about 10,951 Everglades WMA: Estimated population of about 8,301 St. Johns River, Puzzle Lake: Estimated population of about 7,585 T.M. Goodwin, Broadmoor Unit: Estimated population of about 7,518 Lake Griffin: Estimated population of about 7,370 St. Johns River, Lake Harney: Estimated population of about 7,110 St. Johns River, Tosohatchee: Estimated population of about 6,198 Lake Tohopekaliga: Estimated population of about 5,716 Lake George: Estimated population of about 5,412 Lake Apopka: Estimated population of about 4,613 Kissimmee River: Estimated population of about 4,570 St. Johns River Upper Basin canals: Estimated population of about 4,063 St. Johns River, Lake Hellen Blazes: Estimated population of about 3,890 Lake Rousseau: Estimated population of about 3,631 Lake Hatchineha: Estimated population of about 3,524 Lochloosa Lake: Estimated population of about 3,218

How big do Florida alligators get?

Female alligators usually stay under 9 feet long, with larger ones weighing over 200 pounds. Male alligators typically reach up to 13 feet in length with some weighing more than 500 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission.

The Florida record for length was a 14 foot, 3.5-inch male in Lake Washington, in Brevard County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Florida record for weight was 1,043 po9unds for a male found in Orange Lake in Alachua County.

What do alligators eat?

Juvenile alligators eat primarily insects, amphibians, small fish, and other invertebrates, according to the Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission.

Adult alligators are "opportunistic feeders" that eat fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds.

Does anything eat alligators?

Adult alligators are eaten by other alligators. Some videos have shown pythons battling alligators. Hunting accounts for other gator mortalities.

Small alligators are eaten by other alligators  considered the most significant predator  raccoons, wading birds, and fish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The primary predator of alligator eggs are raccoons, although they're also eaten by hogs, otters and bears, according to the FWC.

Where do American alligators live?

The native range of the American alligator extends from Oklahoma to North Carolina and south.

Alligators occur from southeast Oklahoma and east Texas on the western side of their range to North Carolina and Florida in the east.

Alligators can be found anywhere there is water, including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps, and even man-made canals, according to the University of Florida.

They prefer fresh water lakes and slow-moving rivers and their associated wetlands, but they also can be found in brackish water habitats.

How to safely live around alligators

Keep your distance.

Never feed an alligator. They'll lose their fear of people and associate humans with food. It is dangerous and illegal to feed wild alligators in Florida.

Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Alligators are most active at dusk and dawn.

Pets can resemble alligators' natural prey. Keep them on a leash and at least 10 feet away from the water's edge.

What should you do if you're bitten by an alligator?

"If an alligator bites you, the best thing to do is fight back, providing as much noise and resistance aspossible. Hitting or kicking the alligator or poking it in its eyes may cause it to release its grip. Whenalligators seize prey they cannot easily overpower, they will often let go and retreat," the FWC said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by an alligator. Alligator bites often result in serious infection.

Alligators vs crocodiles: How do you tell the difference?

Alligators have a broad, rounded snout with no lower teeth visible when their jaw is closed. Adult alligators are primarily dark gray in color with a lighter color underside.

The American crocodile has a narrow snout, and the fourth tooth of the lower jaw protrudes when closed. American crocodiles are a brownish gray color, and are generally paler colored than alligators.

Alligator nuisance hotline

If you encounter an alligator that is believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property, call the FWCsNuisance Alligator Hotline, tollfree at 1866FWCGATOR (3924286).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FWCs Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers throughout the state to remove alligators 4 feet in length or greater that are believed to pose a threat.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Alligators in Florida: 20 most gator-infested lakes in the state




Key Points

UNESCO just added Port Royal to its World Heritage Site list for its deep cultural and historical importance to Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Once a pirate stronghold, the city was destroyed in a 1692 earthquake and now lies partly underwater.

The designation boosts heritage tourism in Kingston, encouraging visitors to explore beyond Jamaicas beaches.





Talk about a transformation. Formerly known as the "Wickedest City on Earth," the once pirate-controlled town of Port Royal, Jamaica, has been named a new UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich historical and cultural legacy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The history of Port Royal encapsulates the most dramatic extremes of the colonial-era Caribbean. Located at the tip of a sandbar extending into the mouth of the harbor in Kingston, Jamaica, the city was considered one of the most strategically significant destinations for early colonial powers in the region. Once the British took over in the 17th century, it quickly became one of the wealthiest cities in the Caribbean.

Less savory characters soon saw the city's strategic value, too, with notorious privateers and pirates like Captain Henry Morgan and Calico Jack setting up shop in Port Royal. Within just a few decades, Port Royal was transformed into a haven for pirates and the rum-fueled celebrations they brought with them.

In 1692, Jamaica was struck by a devastating earthquake, sending the sandy foundations of nearly two-thirds of the city sinking beneath the sea in an instant. Port Royal was never able to return to its former glory (or infamy), with most survivors fleeing to the site that would become modern-day Kingston.

Jamaica National Heritage Trust View of inside Fort Charles. View of inside Fort Charles.

"Port Royal's recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is significant, validating the relevance of its history to Jamaica and the world," said Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau, the creative duo behind Two Sisters, which explores Jamaica's rich heritage through culinary and cultural experiences in a restored country estate. "Port Royal is a part of Kingston life, and like most Jamaicans, we love it for its beauty and history and for all that lies beneath the surface of its blue waters that was lost."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Orlando Bloom fans may recognize Port Royal for its central role in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise. While the city is referenced heavily in the film, historic Port Royal didn't serve as the film's backdrop. Instead, crews recreated the 17th-century city near the black-sand beaches of Wallilabou on the island of St. Vincent.

Fans can still visit the St. Vincent film sets today, but there's even more to see in the true Port Royal, now protected in perpetuity with its UNESCO designation. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Charles, the only fort in Port Royal to survive the 1692 earthquake, now open as a museum. The fort is also home to Nelson's Quarterdeck, where Horatio Nelson once lived, and Giddy House, a half-submerged artillery store constructed in 1888 that was almost swallowed up in yet another devastating earthquake, which struck in 1907.

Jamaica National Heritage Trust Aerial view of Fort Charles. Aerial view of Fort Charles.

Port Royal joins just one other UNESCO site in Jamaica: the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Coffee lovers will recognize Jamaica's Blue Mountains as home to some of the best coffee in the Caribbean, but the mountains hold an important ecological richness and historic heritage as well. A refuge for Indigenous Taino people and Africans fleeing slavery, this densely forested mountain range north of Kingston became home to some of the spiritual, religious, medicinal, and cultural traditions that define the nation today.

Port Royal's official UNESCO designation is a welcome addition for the nation, which has long celebrated the multifaceted historic and cultural legacy of this formerly pirate-controlled city. Locals hope it's another reason for visitors to get beyond popular sites like the island's white-sand beaches, too. "This is just another reason to make Kingston a part of any visit to our island, and we are so thrilled," say the Rousseau sisters; Port Royal is just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the island's capital. The pirates may be long gone, but the rum is still flowing, and now, Port Royal has even more reason to celebrate.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The Carnegie Science Center is encouraging people to visit its exhibition focusing on mental health in its last few weeks.

Mental Health: Mind Matters exhibition will close on August 17, 2025.

The exhibition opened on March 1, but organizers hope it can be particularly useful now by serving as a way for families to shake off back-to-school jitters.

The exhibition offers a range of interactive and educational experiences designed to help visitors understand and manage mental health issues. It is included with general admission and is available in English, Spanish, and French.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The science center said throughout the exhibit, visitors can:

Engage in interactive activities that help recognize and regulate emotions, from expressive art to movement exercises.

Experience mental health challenges firsthand by stepping into the world of a family navigating the impact of depression.

Encounter the difficulty of engaging in a conversation while wearing noise-distorting headphones that simulate auditory hallucinations.

Shred worries in a Worry Shredder, a symbolic way to release stress and anxiety.

Explore the history of mental health and how perceptions and treatments have evolved.

Listen to real stories from individuals living with mental health conditions, which helps to foster empathy and awareness.

Dr. Doug Henry, Vice President and Medical Director of Enterprise Behavioral Health at Highmark Health, is the Science Centers Mental Health Expert for the exhibition.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year, and in Pennsylvania, 1,814,000 adults are living with a mental health condition.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Hawaii State Department of Education has collaborated with GoKid, the leading school carpooling company, to launch a new carpooling program for families across 14 different schools to use.

Families from Oahus Mililani Complex and Mauis Kekaulike Complex were invited between July 27 and 30 to join the pilot program.

Rade Vanic officially becomes HPD interim chief

The mission is to connect families and parents who live nearby to make carpool plans through GoKids web and mobile apps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its basically a tool to connect families that will allow them meet other families in neighboring areas and then allow them to set up carpools with tracking mechanisms once they do that, explained HIDOE Student Transportation Services Administrator Megan Omura.

The inspiration for this idea came from the need to reduce the impacts of recent school bus driver shortages, bus route limitations and back-to-school traffic.

With attendance being a top priority for our schools, this pilot gives families a simple, flexible way to work together on getting students to school, Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. By partnering with GoKid, were supporting families without access to bus service and helping ease traffic and congestion around our campuses.

HIDOE says they recognize parents commitment to make sure their children arrive to school on time and safely every day. This solution aims to meet those same standards and assures parents a safe transportation alternative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once you opt in, it shows other families who live nearby that also have opted into the program so it can show you who lives around you, and its all parents of students that attend your kids school, Omura explained. You basically make contact with those families and get to know each other and if at that point they feel comfortable setting up a carpool, they have the ability to do that.

Were impressed with the leadership at HIDOE for their vision to bring innovative solutions like ours to families, said Stefanie Lemcke, GoKid founder and CEO. Weve seen how communities thrive when families are empowered to work together on school transportation, and were excited to help families in Hawaii reclaim time while building stronger connections.

New Leeward CC program looks to solve bus driver shortage

Gokid is already being used to provide transportation across 10 states and Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Carpooling is also great for the environment because it can cut back on CO2 emissions produced from cars, aligning with Hawaiis sustainability goals.

Participating schools will provide more information on the program to families.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nicholas Haddad holds a yellow eye snapper caught off Pensacola, Floridas Gulf Coast in February 2025. Reef fish, like this can experience injuries from dramatic pressure change. Specialized devices help improve their chances of survival when released. (Courtesy of Return Em Right)

It happens with a tug at first, the smallest indication that a fish has taken interest in the bait on your hook. Then it pulls hard and steady, bending the fishing rod into a steep downward arc toward the water.

The reel digs into the palm of your hand as you work to spool back the line with  hopefully  a prized red snapper on the end. It rushes through the deep blue of the water, from hundreds of feet below up to the surface, the shining red- and white-scaled creature breaking through the waves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But fish like red snapper face health risks when pulled up to the surface too quickly from such depths. Much like a scuba diver, they can be hurt from the sudden, dramatic change in pressure.

Fishing experts and researchers have explored different ways to address the concern, with federal rules and special tools having been created for use on the water. But convincing anglers to follow and use them is challenging, especially as one key law is set to expire soon.

Barotrauma, an injury sustained by a rapid change in pressure, heavily affects reef fish when they are pulled up from deeper water. Gases in the fishs body expand as they accelerate toward the surface, where they blow up like a balloon, said Nicholas Haddad, communications manager for Return Em Right, a nonprofit partnership program funded with settlement money from the BP-Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Return Em Right uses the funds to send free descending device release gear to the angling community in the Gulf of Mexico and provides education on how to use them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An avid angler in his own right with a background in fisheries management and biological science, Haddad said the signs of barotrauma, such as bulging eyes and organs protruding from a fishs body, can be kind of gruesome looking.

Barotrauma mainly affects fish species that spend most of their time at the bottom of the water column or on reefs. Some fish are vulnerable to pressure damage at depths as shallow as 30 feet.

Once you start fishing deeper than that, the signs of barotrauma will continue to get worse, Haddad said. So if youre fishing in 150 feet or deeper, likely every fish you pull up will have barotrauma.

If a fish is out of season or not within the size range anglers can keep, it has to be put back into the water alive. Barotrauma prevents fish from being able to swim back down to the bottom on their own, making them a floating, vulnerable meal for predators or causing them to succumb to their pressure-related injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its almost like trying to swim down with a life vest, Haddad said. Youre buoyant so you cant get down on your own, so youve got to do something to overcome that.

Haddad said, for many years, few anglers knew there was anything they could do to help fish swim back down to the bottom. But programs and groups such as Return Em Right and Louisiana SeaGrant, part of a network addressing marine issues, are spreading the word about tools that can help fish survive and better recover from barotrauma.

Jeffrey Plumlee, a fisheries scientist with Louisiana SeaGrant and assistant professor at Louisiana State University, recommends using gear thats designed to alleviate the pressure put on a fishs body, called venting tools or descending devices. A big push to increase their use has made them popular along the Pacific Coast over the past 20 years, he said.

You attach them to the lip of the fish  attach it to a spare rod and reel, or you can attach it to a rope and a hand line, and basically lower the fish back down, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The slow descent allows the fish to release built-up pressure that would otherwise prevent it from swimming to the bottom on its own.

All those physics, everything is happening in reverse, so all those gasses are recompressing naturally, Plumlee said.

Fishers can use venting tools, as simple as a hollow needle, to manually release the pressure inside the fishs swim bladder, the main organ that puffs up with gas as a fish is pulled to the surface. While piercing the swim bladder is better than doing nothing, Plumlee said there is a risk of piercing the wrong organ and harming the fish more.

Both methods require specialized gear and extra time to help get the fish back to depth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Venting or decompressing fish increases their chances at survival dramatically, said Haddad, citing a wide body of preliminary research into the effectiveness of these tools.

When you add that up to tens of millions of fish a year, it can really add up in the survival rates, he said.

But anglers have mixed feelings on whether they believe in using these tools.

Hollow needles are sometimes used to puncture the swim bladder on reef fish experiencing barotrauma. (Photo courtesy of Return Em Right)

The DESCEND Act, a federal law sponsored by then U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, in 2020, requires fishers in federal waters have either a venting tool or descending device on their vessel and ready to use. But it doesnt require anglers to actually use the tools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Enforcement would be nearly impossible, said Emily Muehlstein, spokeswoman for the Gulf Council, one of eight regional fishery management groups Congress has tasked to manage and guide fisheries.

It can be hard to break into the culture, said Myron Fischer, a retired biologist with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and former charter fishing captain.

His son, Richard Fischer, president of the Louisiana Charter Boat Association, said promoting the use of descending devices throughout his organization and changing the culture is a priority.

These people charging well over $1,000 to go fish, maybe closer to $2,000, theyre in a rush, Myron Fischer said. They want to get that fish off the line and get a customer baited and go back down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think the need for education is very important and needed, Richard Fischer said.

There are some recreational fishermen that dont take conservation seriously, and [descending devices are] just kind of collecting dust on their boat, he added. So if they get stopped by enforcement, Yeah, here it is. I got it, and they never had any intention of using it.

And the law is about to change; the DESCEND Act, signed into law by President Trump in his first term in office, is set to expire in January.

I do think that, regardless of whether or not theres a regulation, a good bit of the fleet is already adopting those behaviors, Muehlstein said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont think a lot of dudes are gonna chuck the gear off their boats just because the DESCEND Act is gone,she added.

The Gulf Council is interested in placing the DESCEND Acts standards in its own rules, having previously required fishers in its jurisdiction to have a venting tool on board their vessel.

But it wont be in place by the time the federal law expires.

A lot of the requirements of our rulemaking, we have to base our management decisions on the best available scientific information, Muehlstein said.

The Gulf Council wants to see more population-level research, such as exact mortality rates for different species, how different sexes of fish are affected and data over longer periods of time, before it implements a new rule, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its very much a fledgling field, like were kind of newly learning about these tools and how useful they are and how impactful they can be, Muehlstein said.

Researchers now rely mostly on information reported from anglers, Plumlee said, which can vary in accuracy. Newer methods, such as satellite imaging of popular recreational fishing spots to assess how many boats travel and fish there, can help provide more precise information, he said, but there is still much more to figure out.

If we can get better data collection  and if we can get better estimates of how many people are using these descender devices that we know are effective  we can reduce the amount of discard mortality that were assuming, Plumlee said.

With more research, these tools could have a large impact on the number of fish in the ecosystem, he said.

By making sure that they get back down to depth and recover from this injury so that they can live to be caught another day, thats a really important concept, Plumlee said.

Muehlstein thinks progress is being made but also said theres more work to be done with continued education and further research.

I think that in recent years, people have been slowly adopting and changing to using descending devices, she said. But I dont know that a majority of folks have done that, especially some of those old salted guys that are just going to do it the way theyve always done it.

Louisiana Illuminator, 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. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has issued an apology to a victim of sexual abuse by a priest that happened in the 1990s, and the victim responded, urging the Diocese to remove additional Church officials who he says enabled his abuse.

William Hambleton was abused by a Catholic priest in Salt Lake City from 1991-1992, beginning when he was 16 years old, Hambleton said in a statement. In December of 2024, he made a report of that abuse to the Diocese of Salt Lake City, who then investigated his claim.

The Diocese found that Hambletons allegation of abuse was credible, and that the priest involved would have his faculties permanently removed. Hambleton stated that he is grateful for this outcome and for the apology, but that other church officials were involved in concealing his abuse, and as such, they also need to be removed.

What the Diocese found

Hambleton stated that Father Heriberto Mejia from the Diocese of Villavicencio, Colombia abused him while Mejia was ministering in Utah. In 1992, Meija was permanently removed from ministry in the Diocese and left Utah, according to a news release from the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Diocese opened an investigation, which was conducted by an independent investigator, who was given unfettered access to all the information the Diocese had in its possession. The investigation concluded in July 2025, and the investigator gave a report to the Diocesan Independent Review Board.

The Review Board made a recommendation to Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who then determined that Hambletons allegation of abuse was credible. In response, the Diocese offered counseling to Hambleton and family members and shared information with local law enforcement.

Additionally, Mejias home diocese will be informed of the outcome, and his faculties have been permanently removed in Utah and in his Diocese of Columbia, according to the news release. The reports will also be passed on to higher authorities in the church: the Papal Nuncio in Washington D.C. and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Las Vegas, for evaluation and further recommendations.

Bishop Solis extended an apology to Hambleton, for the sexual abuse you received from Fr. Heriberto Mejia in the 1990s, and for the many years of suffering and pain you have endured, Solis said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No one should experience such trauma, especially from any member of the clergy. I personally pray and hope for your complete healing, peace, and that of your family, he continued.

Hambletons response

Following this decision from the Diocese, Hambleton released a statement.

I am grateful that Bishop Oscar Solis and the Diocese of Salt Lake City have finally acknowledged and apologized for the sexual abuse I endured at the hands of Fr. Heriberto Mejia from 1991-1992, beginning when I was 16 years old, Hambleton began.

However, he also said that he was deeply disappointed with his meeting with Bishop Solis and Fr. John Evans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Bishop Solis acknowledged the abuse I suffered at the hands of Fr. Mejia, he continued to shield Msgr. Robert Bussen and Msgr. Terrence Fitzgerald from accountability, Hambleton continued.

Hambleton stated that over the past seven months, he provided Solis with substantial information suggesting that Bussen and Fitzgerald played direct roles in concealing Mejias misconduct. Reportedly, Bishop Solis confirmed to Hambleton that an internal review of these claims began recently, but he did not offer Hambleton any further detail.

Hambletons concerns stem from several issues. First, allegations of sexual abuse against Mejia date back to August 1991, and though Bussen was serving as Vicar General at that time, he failed to remove Mejia from ministry for 14 months. He also did not report the allegations to law enforcement at all, which is a violation of diocesan policy.

As a result of Bussens inaction, Mejia continued to abuse me for another year, Hambleton stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Second, Bishop Solis reportedly wrote a letter to Hambleton stating that he had confronted Fitzgerald regarding a sexual assault, and Fitzgerald then resigned from his position as Special Assistant to the Bishop.

Finally, Hambleton stated that Bishop Solis was given a statement that showed that Fitzgerald told others that he routinely destroyed official documents when they were critical of the Diocese of Salt Lake City or its priests.

Hambleton concluded his statement by calling for the removal of priestly faculties from Bussen and Fitzgerald.

I urge Bishop Solis to take meaningful steps toward justice. This includes the removal of priestly faculties from both Msgr. Robert Bussen and Msgr. Terrence Fitzgerald. Collectively, these two men held the office of Vicar General for thirty years. Their moral and administrative failures contributed to a culture of sexual abuse and misconduct. Revoking their priestly faculties would represent a necessary step toward the transparency and accountability that the Diocese of Salt Lake City has yet to fully embrace under Bishop Soliss leadership. William Hambleton, Ed.D.

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.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on safari in southern Africa. One of the greatest thrills was going out at night looking for predators on the prowl: lions, leopards, hyenas.

As we drove through the darkness, though, our spotlight occasionally lit up a smaller hunter  a slender, tawny feline, faintly spotted or striped. The glare would catch the small cat for a moment before it darted back into the shadows.

An African wildcat doesnt look so different from a domestic cat. pum_eva/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Based on its size and appearance, I initially presumed it was someones pet inexplicably out in the bush. But further scrutiny revealed distinctive features: legs slightly longer than those of most domestic cats, and a striking black-tipped tail. Still, if you saw one from your kitchen window, your first thought would be Look at that beautiful cat in the backyard, not Howd that African wildcat get to New Jersey?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As an evolutionary biologist, Ive spent my career studying how species adapt to their environment. My research has been reptile-focused, investigating the workings of natural selection on lizards.

Yet, Ive always loved and been fascinated by felines, ever since we adopted a shelter cat when I was 5 years old. And the more Ive thought about those African wildcats, the more Ive marveled at their evolutionary success. The species claim to fame is simple: The African wildcat is the ancestor of our beloved household pets. And despite changing very little, their descendants have become among the worlds two most popular companion animals. (Numbers are fuzzy, but the global population of cats and dogs approaches a billion for each.)

Clearly, the few evolutionary changes the domestic cat has made have been the right ones to wangle their way into peoples hearts and homes. How did they do it? I explored this question in my book The Cats Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa.

Why the African wildcat?

Big cats  like lions, tigers and pumas  are the attention-grabbing celebrities of the feline world. But of the 41 species of wild felines, the vast majority are about the size of a housecat. Few people have heard of the black-footed cat or the Borneo bay cat, much less the kodkod, oncilla or marbled cat. Clearly, the little-cat side of the feline family needs a better PR agent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In theory, any of these species could have been the progenitor of the domestic cat, but recent DNA studies demonstrate unequivocally that todays housecats arose from the African wildcat  specifically, the North African subspecies, Felis silvestris lybica.

Given the profusion of little pusses, why was the North African wildcat the one to give rise to our household companions?

In short, it was the right species in the right place at the right time. Civilization began in the Fertile Crescent about 10,000 years ago, when people first settled into villages and started growing food.

This area  spanning parts of modern-day Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Iran and more  is home to numerous small cats, including the caracal, serval, jungle cat and sand cat. But of these, the African wildcat is the one that to this day enters villages and can be found around humans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

African wildcats are among the friendliest of feline species; raised gently, they can make affectionate companions. In contrast, despite the most tender attention, their close relative the European wildcat grows up to be hellaciously mean.

Given these tendencies, its easy to envision what likely happened. People settled down and started raising crops, storing the excess for lean times. These granaries led to rodent population explosions. Some African wildcats  those with the least fear of humans  took advantage of this bounty and started hanging around. People saw the benefit of their presence and treated the cats kindly, perhaps giving them shelter or food. The boldest cats entered huts and perhaps allowed themselves to be petted  kittens are adorable!  and, voila, the domestic cat was born.

Where exactly domestication occurred  if it was a single place and not simultaneously throughout the entire region  is unclear. But tomb paintings and sculptures show that by 3,500 years ago, domestic cats lived in Egypt. Genetic analysis  including DNA from Egyptian cat mummies  and archaeological data chart the feline diaspora. They moved northward through Europe (and ultimately to North America), south deeper into Africa and eastward to Asia. Ancient DNA even demonstrates that Vikings played a role in spreading felines far and wide.

What cat traits did domestication emphasize?

Domestic cats possess many colors, patterns and hair textures not seen in wildcats. Some cat breeds have distinctive physical features, like munchkins short legs, Siameses elongated faces or Persians lack of muzzle.

A fluffy, flat-faced Persian cat has changed a lot in looks from its wildcat ancestor. Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images

Yet many domestics appear basically indistinguishable from wildcats. In fact, only 13 genes have been changed by natural selection during the domestication process. By contrast, almost three times as many genes changed during the descent of dogs from wolves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are only two ways to indisputably identify a wildcat. You can measure the size of its brain  housecats, like other domestic animals, have evolved reductions in the parts of the brain associated with aggression, fear and overall reactivity. Or you can measure the length of its intestines  longer in domestic cats to digest vegetable-based food provided by or scavenged from humans.

The most significant evolutionary changes during cat domestication involve their behavior. The common view that domestic cats are aloof loners couldnt be further from the truth. When lots of domestic cats live together  in places where humans provide copious amounts of food  they form social groups very similar to lion prides. Composed of related females, these cats are very friendly  grooming, playing with and lying on top of each other, nursing each others kittens, even serving as midwives during birth.

To signal friendly intentions, an approaching cat raises its tail straight up, a trait shared with lions and no other feline species. As anyone who has lived with a cat knows, they use this I want to be friends message toward people as well, indicating that they include us in their social circle.

Cats use plenty of tools and tricks to get you to hand over what they want. Nail Galiev/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Evolution of a master manipulator

Household cats are quite vocal to their human companions, using different meows to communicate different messages. Unlike the tail-up display, however, this is not an example of their treating us as part of their clan. Quite the contrary, cats rarely meow to one another.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sound of these meows has evolved during domestication to more effectively communicate with us. Listeners rate the wildcats call as more urgent and demanding (MeeOOOOOW!) compared with the domestic cats more pleasing (MEEow). Scientists suggest that these shorter, higher-pitched sounds are more pleasing to our auditory system, perhaps because young humans have high-pitched voices, and domestic cats have evolved accordingly to curry human favor.

Cats similarly manipulate people with their purrs. When they want something  picture a cat rubbing against your legs in the kitchen while you open a can of wet food  they purr extra loudly. And this purr is not the agreeable thrumming of a content cat, but an insistent chainsaw br-rr-oom demanding attention.

Scientists digitally compared the spectral qualities of the two types of purrs and discovered that the major difference is that the insistent purr includes a component very similar to the sound of a human baby crying. People, of course, are innately attuned to this sound, and cats have evolved to take advantage of this sensitivity to get our attention.

Of course, that wont surprise anyone whos lived with a cat. Although cats are very trainable  theyre very food motivated  cats usually train us more than we train them. As the old saw goes, Dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jonathan Losos, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis

Read more:



Jonathan Losos recently published a book, "The Cat's Meow," on the topic of this essay.
The Navy has a new top officer as the U.S. Senate confirmed Adm. Daryl Caudle as Chief of Naval Operations late on Thursday night. The confirmation comes after the position sat empty for almost half a year, with a nominee to take over the role only recently named.

Caudle was one of several officers approved for high ranking positions, and was confirmed unanimously.

The Chief of Naval Operations position has been empty since February, when Trump dismissed Adm. Lisa Franchetti from the role. She was one of several top military officers removed from leadership positions in a major reorganization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown Jr., the then-Chariman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No reason was given for the firings. Since February there have been several high-level firings in the military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Adm. James Kilby, who had been Vice Chief of Naval Operations since January 2024, has served as acting CNO in the interim.

Caudle, who currently serves as the head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, has a background as a submariner. He previously commanded the submarines the USS Jefferson City, USS Helena and USS Topeka. Other leadership roles have included commanding submarine squadrons, working for the Joint Staff and deputy commander of the Navys 6th Fleet.

Despite the importance of the CNO role and the Navys heavy involvement in combat operations in the Middle East around Yemen, it took the Trump administration several months to nominate a replacement, naming Caudle as the pick in mid June. During his confirmation hearing with the Senate in late July, Caudle stressed a focus on improving the quality of life for sailors.

Top Stories This Week

News The Marine Corps is looking for volunteers to leave the service early The Marine Corps is looking for volunteers to leave the service early By Patty Nieberg News South Korea tours will now be a year longer as Army cuts down on moves South Korea tours will now be a year longer as Army cuts down on moves By Patty Nieberg Tech & Tactics Brutality over precision  What the Army is learning from Russia in Ukraine Brutality over precision  What the Army is learning from Russia in Ukraine By Kyle Gunn

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Caudle also voiced support for the CNO Navigation Plan, a document outlining priorities and strategic goals for the Navy, which had been put forward by Franchetti in 2024. In his written remarks to the Senate, Caudle highlighted some of the biggest challenges facing the Navy, including the rising threat of drones and multi-domain threats. He said that one goal of his is to develop weapons that are modular, scalable, and built for rapid upgrade cycles to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Caudles confirmation was one of three major military ones the Senate passed Thursday night. Alongside the Navy officer, the Senate also confirmed Space Force Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton for the new Vice Chief of Space Operations and Vice Adm. Frank Bradley to serve as the head of U.S. Special Operations Command. Bratton has served as the deputy chief of space operations, strategy, plans, programs and requirements for the service since 2023; he also was approved for a fourth star. Bradley, the current commander for Joint Special Operations Command, will also receive a fourth star.
CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  One person was taken to a hospital Friday evening with self-inflicted, life-threatening injuries after deputies with the Carter County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence.

A news release from the CCSO said that at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday, deputies attempted to serve a warrant for aggravated animal cruelty at a residence on Ed Carpenter Road.

THP: 1 dead, 2 injured after Sullivan Co. semi-truck crash; speed was a factor

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While attempting to make contact with the subject, deputies reportedly heard a gunshot, the release said. Deputies then entered the home and located an individual suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the CCSO.

The CCSO said that the individual was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the CCSOs Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident, according to the CCSO.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  On Saturday and Sunday, the Mesa Conservation District (MCD) will celebrate 88 years since the establishment of the nations first Soil Conservation District on Aug. 4, 1937, by launching a Month of Giving.

As part of its Month of Giving, MCD will host two fundraisers that aim to both honor the anniversary and allow residents to support local conservation efforts. Every dollar raised by dining at the participating local businesses will support local conservation.

The details of the fundraisers include:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Saturday, Aug. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chipotle. Individuals can support by either mentioning the Mesa Conservation District fundraiser at checkout in person or by using code TWCCYK when ordering online or through the app.

Sunday, Aug. 3, all day at MOD Pizza. Individuals can mention Mesa Conservation District at checkout or by using code MODGIVES20 when ordering online or through the app.

The creation of the nations first Soil Conservation District was founded in North Carolina after the Dust Bowl and with a growing awareness of peoples dependence on healthy soil and water. Hugh Hammond Bennett, recognized as the father of the conservation movement, laid the foundation for a national network of local conservation districts.

Without the conservation movement that began early a century ago, the American West and its land would look vastly different. Local conservation remains essential, not only to safeguard our soul and water but also to support the agricultural producer who nourish our families, stated MCD in a press release.

MCD focuses on supporting the diverse interests in Colorados watershed and protecting and conserving natural land resources. Since 1937, Colorados 77 Conservation Districts have represented private landowners interests in conservation planning and practices and have accessed a variety of funding sources to facilitate local conservation programs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More information about the Mesa Conservation District and events can be found at www.mesacd.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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
LEBANON, Mo.  The Lebanon Police Department (LPD) announced yesterday that Sidney Fredrick Wilson V, 25, of Stoutland, has been charged with the murders of 21-year-old Reagan Lynn Wilson and her unborn son.

Wilson, courtesy of the LPD.

Reagan was shot at her Lebanon home in June 5. She was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. She was pregnant at the time of the shooting, and her baby, Silas, died June 13.

Wilson  who was the father of Silas and Reagans husband, although they separated in December of 2024 after she left him was arrested at a residence in Nixa on Thursday, July 31.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The probable cause statement filed in court today says a doorbell camera in the area of the June 5 crime captured the sounds of gunshots. The redacted number of shots fired occurred in a six-second timeframe.

Through my training and experience, I know that whenever that many shots are fired towards one person, the suspect typically knows the victim personally and is considered overkill, an LPD officer wrote in the statement.

Thankful we can start getting some closure; husband arrested for murder of Lebanon woman and unborn child

Police received video footage from a residence near the scene of the crime that captured a male subject wearing a camo-colored hoodie-type shirt, a face covering, and gloves, per the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An LCSO deputy who knew Wilson well believed that the person in the video was Wilson because of the way he was walking.

In comparing the residence surveillance video footage to another video obtained from a Goodwill store that Wilson had visited recently, the walking pattern of the person in both videos appeared to be very similar, the statement says.

On June 7, investigators conducted their initial interview with Wilson.

Wilson disclosed that he had previously owned a redacted model of a firearm, but he told investigators he sold the firearm to an unknown individual around April. Wilson said the individual had sat down with him as he was eating, and they had an hour-long conversation, per the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, surveillance footage from that supposed sales meeting shows Wilson ordering his food and leaving the business. He never sits down and never communicates with anyone other than the employees, the statement says.

Additionally, the bullets found at the crime scene were compatible with the weapon Wilson owned, per the statement.

Investigators found discrepancies in Wilsons timeline of his location and activities around the time of Reagans death.

The statement says on June 12, Wilson was interviewed a second time and gave consent for investigators to search his cell phone. His cells GPS data showed he left his residence at around 10:30 p.m. on June 5 and was on I-44 heading towards Lebanon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The data then drops off as if the location data was manually shut off, the statement says.

The statement also notes that during the time Wilson was at the hospital, nobody heard him ask about the status of the victim, and he also never asked about the status of the investigation and if a suspect was being located.

He only asked about when he could get his vehicle back, the statement says.

Wilson is due in court on Aug. 4. Hes being held in the Laclede County Jail without bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA)  How far would you run to help families with kids in St. Jude Childrens Hospital? Well for a group of people in Monticello their answer is 90 miles. And they began that long journey today. A journey that will take these runners around 22 hours. The good news is they arent doing it all themselves.

Were a team. Segments are 3 to 5 miles apiece and people run as much or as little as they want of it. said Co-coordinator Mary Alexander.

And together this group of people from Monticello  Champaign  and Decatur is trekking to raise money for the St. Jude Childrens Hospital in Peoria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You dont always think about the how much harder it is for kids and for parents of kids who are dealing with this stuff, things like this can help. said runner Haiden Mast.

Each runner had to raise at least one-thousand dollars to lace up and take part. For Mast and Chloe Trimble  this cause was something they wanted to do together  even on a day typically meant for yourself.

This is our 21st birthday and we wanted to make it a little bit more meaningful. said Trimble, His birthday is today and mine is tomorrow.

And for Alexander  she has a personal connection to the care St. Jude provides.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres also some local kids that I run for, Eddie and Bryant, they both are currently St Jude patients and both are doing well. said Alexander.

She says so far, their small-town team has made a huge difference. Theyve raised almost 700,000 dollars over 13 years. And Alexander says theyre on track to raise more than 80-thousand, which would be the most ever in one year.

A lot of hard work goes into it  but they say in the end its all worth it.

As we get closer to Peoria the families and the kids are lining the roads, cheering for us, holding up signs. Im here because youre running. Its a huge motivator to see that kind of inspiration. said Alexander.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even though theyve taken off there is still time to donate 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 WCIA.com.
A 31-year-old man from Leominster could be sentenced to more than 25 years in prison in connection with a scheme to steal $1,355,863 by depositing a forged tax refund check and then laundering the money, according to officials.

Jesse El-Ghoul was indicted on July 31 by a federal grand jury in Boston on one count of theft of government funds, one count of bank fraud and four counts of money laundering, according to a press release from the office of the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

For the charge of theft of government funds, El-Ghoul could face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the charge of bank fraud, El-Ghoul could face a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million, according to the press release.

For each of the charges of money laundering, El-Ghoul could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, according to the press release. The fine depends on whichever number is greater, the press release reads.

El-Ghoul owned and operated Affordable Motor Group in Leominster and owed back taxes for the business, according to the charging documents.

On March 29, 2024, El-Ghoul deposited a tax refund check for $1,344,863, payable to Affordable Motor Group, into his business bank account, Leah B. Foleys office stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The check had been issued by the U.S. Treasury to a Canadian company and had been forged and altered to be payable to El-Ghouls company, Foleys office claimed.

Days after depositing the check, Foleys office said El-Ghoul returned to the bank and bought cashiers checks for $235,280, $223,591, $202,643 and $425,000, which were payable to shell companies and a law firm in connection with a third-party real estate transaction, in eastern Massachusetts.

El-Ghoul was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on June 6.

The latest from MassLive

Read the original article on MassLive.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Fifty years after the end of the Vietnam War, a special ceremony honored 59 men from Clark County who died during the war.

The Never To Be Forgotten Remembrance Ceremony was held Saturday morning in Vancouver, formally acknowledging for the first time the Clark County men who died in the war.

The ceremony also honored all men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Worst Sequel Ever: Protesters march through downtown Portland

Larry Owens, a Vietnam veteran, shared that when the soldiers returned from the war, they didnt receive the best welcome. Having a ceremony like this was a nice way to honor the soldiers.

I think its important, you know? Both of us came home. We didnt have the best welcome coming home, so its nice to come out here and honor these folks, Owens said.

The ceremony itself featured a reading of all 59 names as well as a bell ringing for each one and a military jet flyover.

Another Vietnam veteran, Richard Gregory, shared that the event is especially important for the families of those who lost loved ones in the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The families are the ones who are most honored, really, said Gregory. People who have lost loved ones, I think they bear the burden very much in what happened.

The founder of the Never To Be Forgotten ceremonies, Lynn Vaughn, said in a statement that to truly never forget someone its important to never stop talking about them, and these ceremonies help future generations remember.

Its my firm belief that in order never to forget someone, we must never stop talking about them. The moment we stop speaking their names, thats when they truly fade away. By remembering these heroes and sharing their stories, we preserve their legacy for future generations, Vaughn 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 KOIN.com.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  A Champaign man already accused of kidnapping in Champaign County is facing more legal trouble after he was arrested and charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding.

Court records show 24-year-old Dion Thomas was in court on Friday for arraignment. He was charged with not just a new felony count of aggravated fleeing, but also with a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license.

During his arraignment, Thomas waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty. Judge Brett Olmstead scheduled a pretrial conference for Aug. 19.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two arrested in overnight high-speed chase through Danville

In addition to the new charges, Thomas was also facing revocation of pretrial release in two other cases filed against him in the last nine months. One case, filed in December of 2024, accused Thomas of both kidnapping and possessing a stolen vehicle.

Court records show that the state allowed Thomas to remain out of custody with conditions. But in April, Thomas was charged with aggravated fleeing and damaging property. He was again released, but failed to appear for a status hearing in both the kidnapping case and the aggravated fleeing case.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and court records were not updated until Friday, the day after he was arrested a third time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Springfield attorney fined for using AI, citing nonexistent cases

WCIA reached out to the Champaign County States Attorneys Office to learn more about the crimes Thomas is accused of, but has not immediately heard back.

Court records show that on Friday, Thomas and his counsel moved to continue the subject of pretrial detention to Monday. Judge Olmstead ordered that Thomas remain in custody until then.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  Lisandro Madrigal, the owner of Sacramentos taqueria chain Chandos Tacos, is scheduled to appear in court at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 17, according to the Sacramento Superior Court website.

Madrigal was in court on Thursday, after announcing on Wednesday the temporary closures of his restaurants on social media, following their abrupt closure on Tuesday.

Back-to-school shopping season underway; retailers announce deals on supplies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sacramento Superior Court documents, filed on March 26, 2024, showed that on count one, Lisandro Madrigal allegedly caused injury resulting in a traumatic condition to an unnamed woman, with whom Madrigal possibly had a past dating relationship.

All the chains restaurants in the Sacramento area remain listed as Temporarily closed on Google.

FOX40 reached out to Madrigals attorney, 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 FOX40 News.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  On Friday, Oklahoma District Attorney Vicki Behenna announced the charges against Devin Stallings in connection with the June 24th Harkin Theater shooting.

According to the DAs office, 33-year-old Stallings has been charged in the shooting death of 17-year-old Lyric Lewis and faces the following:

Murder in the First Degree

Gang-Related Offense

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Additionally, DA Behenna confirmed that a 16-year-old juvenile has also been arrested

in connection with the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: 32-year-old arrested for murder of 18-year-old Lyric Lewis

Police say, June 24, 2025, officers responded to a shooting in the 100 block of East Reno Avenue near the Harkins Theater in Bricktown. Lewis was shot in the chest and taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.

Authorities say Stallings is currently booked at the Oklahoma County Detention Center and is being held on a $10 million 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Blog Archive: Aug 2025 (130) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
Charlamagne tha God shared a soft endorsement for Jon Stewart in an interview set to be published Saturday after discouraging former Vice President Kamala Harris from launching another White House bid in 2028.

I would love to see Jon Stewart run in 2028, Charlamagne said told Fox News Channels My View with Lara Trump in an interview that will air in full Saturday evening.

If were talking about like a change agent coming from the outside thats really going to shake things up and somebody that I feel like can speak to, you know, all people, plus we actually, hes a celebrity who actually knows what theyre talking about, he told host Lara Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Charlamagne interviewed Harris on the campaign trail last year and said she revived a dead campaign after former President Biden dropped out of the race. However, he said President Trump just resonated better with voters.

He said Stewart, a champion for first responders and veterans, could resonate with the countrys diverse population in 2028.

Weve seen him get legislation and stuff, you know, passed before, like, we know where his heart is, hed be somebody Id like to see really get in the race and disrupt things in 2028, Charlamagne told Lara Trump.

Maybe a Jon Stewart-[Stephen] Colbert ticket, because, you know, Colberts not going to have a job, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last month, CBS announced Colberts show would end after a 32-year run. The host has been a longtime critic of the president, even railing against his networks $16 million settlement with Trump.

Stewart has similarly slammed the Trump agenda over the past few months and has openly called for retaliation against the presidents policies.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Health officials say there is an elevated count of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, in the Charles River this weekend.

The Boston Public Health Commission sent an advisory and posted warning posters along the Esplanade on Friday.

The area downstream of the Mass Avenue Bridge is where tests revealed the high counts of toxins in the water.

Director of the Environmental & Occupational Health Division at BPHC, Paul Shoemaker, says algal blooms can happen any given summer in Boston, and they can be dangerous to people and pets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We want to make sure folks are aware of this, that theyre not walking their dogs and playing down by the water right now while this is going on. The concern is the ingestion of the algae, and pets are at risk.

Ingesting the toxins can lead to nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach issues. It can be more severe or even deadly for pets.

We spoke to people who changed their routines to prevent their pets from getting into the river.

Aka loves to stop and go for a wade in the water, Ken Sebesta said. We usually do that a few times on the way to the university, but today we knew about the warning, so we had to stop him. He didnt look happy about it, but he soldiered through.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shoemaker expects the bloom to stick around for at least a week. We will let you know when it clears out.

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
Even with individuals taking small steps to combat food waste, the United States is still high on the list of countries that waste the most food, with around 92 billion pounds tossed out per year. Food that is counted as waste is anything that is thrown away while still safe to eat, which accounts for 38% of the safe-to-eat food in the United States. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory are actively working to combat these shocking numbers by choosing to donate unused food rather than tossing it out.

Yes, it's true, there is actually delicious cheesecake that goes uneaten after closing time at The Cheesecake Factory, and no, it doesn't all go home with employees or wind up in the trash. The Cheesecake Factory works with organizations like Feeding America to donate both food and funds. As of May 2025, the restaurant chain has donated around 8.7 million pounds of unused food to over 600 nonprofit organizations. Costco donates excess bakery items, and Sam's Club donates unsold groceries through similar partnerships with Feeding America as well.

Read more: 8 Chain Restaurants To Visit If You're Looking For High-Quality Steak, And 7 To Avoid

Why Aren't More Restaurants Donating Food?

Hands holding cardboard box of food donations - Ground Picture/Shutterstock

The Cheesecake Factory taking action to donate rather than waste is a good move for sustainability. If this giant chain restaurant can manage donating unused food, why aren't more big names following suit? One factor that business owners consider is the liability potentially involved in donating food. Running a business is difficult, and protecting that business can be complex -- no one wants to be responsible for a deadly food recall. However, it appears unlikely that a business would actually be sued as long as it is following food safety regulations, as companies that donate food are widely protected under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To donate food to food banks, restaurants also have to follow strict guidelines to ensure the food is safe to eat, and different states and cities have varying regulations. These considerations, along with food storage, transportation of donations, and extra labor, can prove costly for businesses. Restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory that are determined to throw out as little as possible are working to be a part of the solution, though it's also important to note that businesses can receive significant tax breaks for these sorts of charitable acts.

Food insecurity exists in daunting numbers in the United States. According to data from the USDA Economic Research Service, in 2023, around 18 million U.S. homes experienced food insecurity at some point throughout the year, making reducing food waste exceptionally important. With so many households that could benefit from resources like food banks, every dining establishment should follow The Cheesecake Factory's example.

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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan.  A Cherokee County man is charged with child sex crimes dating back to last year.

TROY FITCH, 46.

Troy Fich, 46, is being held in the Cherokee County Jail on a $50,000 bond on charges of indecent liberties with a child and kidnapping. He made his first court appearance on Wednesday and is scheduled to be back in court next month.

According to court papers, between March 1 and September 1 of last year, Fich inappropriately touched a 6-year-old child and held that child against their will.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Charges were filed against Fich late last week and he made his first appearance in Cherokee County Court 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
CHESTER, Conn. (WTNH)  A Chester man is back home Friday night with quite a story to tell.

Steve Joseph captained his 26-foot Boston Whaler over 3,600 miles along the Atlantic Coast from Old Saybrook to the northernmost permanent settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Joseph made the trek, which lasted about a month, to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation after losing his older brother to multiple myeloma.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joseph said he made the decision to make the voyage on a whim. He had no sail and no keel, just a small boat and rotating crew.

My wife and I have done some terrific traveling, but Ive never seen anything north of Newfoundland, Joseph said. (I) read some books over the years about people sailing the Arctic, and people taking small boats across the Atlantic, so I decided Id explore as far as I could.

News 8 has been told Joseph raised about $7,500 so far for multiple myeloma research.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Before New York City mayoral primary winner Zohran Mamdani made a splash, another big-city Democratic mayoral candidate with progressive bona fides unexpectedly burst onto the national political scene.

Two years later, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons tenure has captured so much negative attention (dubbed Americas Worst Mayor by The Wall Street Journals editorial board) that Mamdanis campaign has taken note. Mamdanis camp is tracking Johnsons challenges and trying to avoid repeating Second City missteps, according to a person close to both Mamdanis and Johnsons teams.

Johnson isnt the only progressive major-city mayor in the country, and his troubles wouldnt automatically translate to ideological allies. Mamdani himself has repeatedly cited another progressive mayor as a role model, as The Boston Globe noted: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Johnsons tenure in Chicago does serve as a useful early warning system for some of the issues Mamdani could confront in New York, whether in a multiway general election or as mayor, if he wins in November. Chicago Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, a strong campaign ally who has also criticized some of the mayors early decisions, noted how critics often trot out the word socialism to cast blame on Johnson for long-standing issues facing the city. Its a phenomenon, she added, that Mamdani could similarly face.

People make this a bad word. People make this into something that it is not. Lets just call all of this what it is: This is the way the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor, because they get us fighting on s--- that just does not even matter, she said.

Johnson was a county commissioner, schoolteacher and union organizer when he leapfrogged far more battle-tested candidates to clinch the citys mayoralty. While Mamdani knocked out former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in New York City, before Cuomo began a third-party run, Johnson eliminated incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot from contention with his rise.

Johnson, who does not call himself a democratic socialist but believes in many of the same principles as Mamdani, was swept into office by a coalition underpinned by the powerful Chicago Teachers Union and the citys Black and brown voters. He vowed to unite fractured coalitions and lift up the most vulnerable. He represented change, and his strong roots in the community as an activist, a parent and a resident of a neighborhood that struggles with crime gave hope around new efforts toward equality across a city long deeply segregated by race and income.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The young, energetic activist with a passion for fighting wealth inequality and lifting up the citys left-behind neighborhoods entered office with much promise. But it hasnt gone well since then.

They lost the plot, the person close to both Mamdanis and Johnsons teams said of Johnsons tenure. The person noted that while both Johnson and Mamdani have specific visions, they said Mamdani is pragmatic and he wants to succeed but described Johnson as unbending at times.

One of the most significant missteps, the person said, was whom Johnson brought into his administration, adding: Staffing is very important. You need professionals who can execute your vision. Those may not be the same people who ran your campaign.

One of Mamdanis recent communications hires comes with deep experience. Dora Pekec, who once served as a campaign manager for Chicago Alderman Bill Conway, also worked with House Majority PAC before heading communications for Brad Lander in his New York mayoral run. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio also recently suggested staffers under his administration would be ripe for picking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was a point that Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, D-Ill., also underscored. Garcia was among those who lost in the first round of Chicagos 2023 mayoral election.

When progressives run for high office its critical to be ready to govern, Garcia wrote in a text message. Governing entails striking a balance between promises made (ideals) and making the wheels of government turn. Need to assemble a team that understands your priorities and deliver services, keep relationships with stakeholders especially a base while expanding through engagement. Intergovernmental relationships need to be really keen.

Experience in developing and executing plans is most important. This applies to Johnson and when Mamdani is elected, he continued.

Agendas and obstacles

While attempting to make headway on his agenda, Johnson was confronted with a rash of challenges facing Chicago, and his popularity began to slide. With some exceptions, observers say it was less about Johnson pushing far-left policies and more about the mayors confrontational style, his struggles to communicate and his inability to forge alliances with state and federal officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even as he made headway in the areas of public safety and mental health, Johnson grew entrenched in battles big and small, cultivating an air of drama over his City Hall.

While Johnson eschewed criticism during his campaign that he would be owned by the teachers union, those concerns persisted. He did hammer out a teachers contract without a disruption to the school year  no small feat  but it proved to be a bad-tempered and messy ordeal that could bring lasting political reprisal. He went to war with and fired a popular schools CEO, and also saw the resignations of the entire board of education, which Johnson had appointed.

Johnson almost immediately saw his coalition splinter over an influx of migrants whom Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused into Chicago without warning. Like other major cities at the time, Chicago grappled with how to adequately house families vying for legal status. The city clashed with its own residents, including in neighborhoods of color, with much of the political backlash affecting Johnson.

He and Gov. JB Pritzker, a fellow Democrat, share a frosty relationship at best. He locked horns with his city council over major policy decisions. He broke a campaign promise by seeking a $300 million property tax increase then suffered the humiliation of a 50-0 council defeat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

William Daley, the son of longtime Mayor Richard J. Daley and brother of longtime Mayor Richard M. Daley, said Johnsons troubles at least partially stem from lacking experience in managing an expansive budget and overseeing tens of thousands of employees. He predicted that, if elected, the 33-year-old Mamdani could face similar political troubles as Johnson.

Its a very tough job if youve never been in politics or in a job that manages something big, Daley said, noting his brothers prior experience before his mayorship. Rich had eight years as states attorney.  He had that experience for eight years  running something. Its not an easy task for these people who have never run anything.

Johnsons predecessors had their own shortcomings, from public corruption to massive civil rights failures, relentless crime and poor fiscal management that still haunts the city today. In 2008, then-Mayor Richard M. Daley sold the citys parking meters to private investors for a staggering 75 years, trading billions of dollars in future revenue to plug a budget hole for a one-time payment.

Taylor, the Chicago City Council member, said that while Johnson made some rookie mistakes he is unfairly getting the brunt of the blame for mistakes shared by predecessors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You think in 22 months we have dug a $1.5 billion hole? she said of those blaming Johnson. The math aint mathing.

New beginnings

Politically, things have potential to look up for Johnson. Trump has sicced his Department of Justice on the mayor to investigate his hiring practices after Johnson had discussed hiring Black individuals for key positions. Johnson fired back that his hiring reflected the country and the city, while Trumps hiring reflected a country club.

It caught on in conservative circles, with cable news hosts bashing Johnson just as they had done with Lightfoot. In an interview, she said Mamdani could expect the same.

Lightfoot often hit back, and that brought its own repercussions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its hard to fight against the guy whos got the biggest megaphone in the world, Lightfoot said. Many of us who were Black women, like me in Chicago, like Muriel Bowser in D.C., like Keisha Lance Bottoms in Atlanta, when he mentioned us by name in a disparaging way, candidly, the death threats went through the roof.

Moving into the second half of his term, Johnson can point to public safety as one of his biggest achievements. Observers largely applaud his choice of Superintendent Larry Snelling to lead the police department, as well as policies the mayor has put into place, like boosting mental health services, restructuring the detectives bureau and backing violence intervention methods.

The number of murders in the city has fallen for two consecutive years, and Chicago could be on pace to reach the mayors goal of having fewer than 500 homicides this year for the first time in a decade.

Mayor Johnsons primary focus over his first two years in office has been on driving down violent crime in Chicago. Since taking office, Chicago has seen historic reductions in crime and violence under the Johnson administrations holistic approach, a spokesperson from Johnsons office said in a statement, citing a 33% drop in homicides in the first six months of 2025 and a 38% drop in shootings in that same period. It also boasted of having the highest homicide clearance rate in more than a decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As far as Johnsons poll numbers, the narrative that Mayor Johnson is unpopular has been constructed by a small number of well-funded political organizations opposed to the Mayors progressive agenda, the statement said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CHICAGO  A Chicago man accused of stabbing a woman on the Northwest Side shortly after using a racial slur earlier this month is now facing felony charges.

Chicago police say 20-year-old Andres Stathoulopoulos, a Portage Park resident, has been charged with three felonies, including two counts of a hate crime and one count of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to police, the charges stem from the suspects alleged involvement in a stabbing that unfolded on July 8 in Portage Park.

Officers said the alleged incident occurred just after 11 p.m. in the 5700 block of West Addison Street.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 20-year-old Andres Stathoulopoulos, who has been charged with three felonies, including two counts of a hate crime and one count of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

While specific details surrounding the incident are unclear, officers said Stathoulopoulos allegedly said a racial slur just before stabbing a 42-year-old woman.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Authorities have not provided an update on the victims condition.

Authorities eventually caught up with Stathoulopoulos in Schiller Park on Wednesday, where he was taken into custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stathoulopoulos appeared in court for a detention hearing on Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The Brief

Jimalita Tillman is suing Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson for $20 million, alleging they falsely claimed she was divorcing after her viral Usher concert moment.

The defamation suit, now in federal court, says the false comments aired on an April 12 podcast episode.

Tillman says the claims hurt her reputation and is calling for tougher regulations on media outlets spreading misinformation.

COOK COUNTY - Jimalita Tillman first captured public attention in April after a viral moment at an Usher concert in London.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, shes back in the headlines  but not for another show-stopping appearance.

This time, Tillman is making news for filing a lawsuit against two high-profile podcasters.

What we know

Tillman made it clear during an April interview that she was single, following a signature cherry-eating moment during the Usher concert that went viral.

But she is now pursuing a $20 million civil lawsuit against former athletes-turned-podcasters Shannon Sharpe, his media company, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, and their producer.

The suit was initially filed April 24 in Cook County Circuit Court  just four days after a separate lawsuit was filed against Sharpe accusing him of sexual assault. That case has since been settled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tillmans lawsuit has since been moved to federal court in Chicago, where she is suing for libel and defamation.

According to the complaint, Sharpe and Johnson recorded an April 12 episode of their podcast Nightcap, in which they allegedly claimed Tillman was married and going through a divorce after her viral concert moment  implying she contributed to the breakup.

Tillman maintains she was neither married nor in a relationship at the time.

A screengrab shows the YouTube episode has since been made private.

Tillman said she attempted to contact the podcast hosts and their company directly to correct the record but received no acknowledgment or retraction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the incident has affected her professional and personal life, including her work as director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center and her advocacy for homeschooling.

"Just throwing the word allegedly in does not get it done. Do the due diligence. That's what you have producers for and researchers for. Don't be so quick to chase the popular culture story and I think that there needs to be changes at a federal level that is regulating these streamers, these podcasters and all of these people that are calling themselves news media outlets that are monetizing false information that most people may not have the courage to stand up for themselves. And I say no more," said Tillman.

What's next

We did reach out to the podcasters' media company via email for a response and haven't heard back.

Their lawyers must file a response to the lawsuit by August 22nd.
By Daina Beth Solomon

SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chilean copper miner Codelco has discovered the remains of one of five trapped miners at its flagship El Teniente mine, it said on Saturday, bringing the death toll from a collapse caused by a strong tremor on Thursday to two people.

It said that the identity of the second victim must still be confirmed by authorities. One other person was reported dead on Thursday at the time of the accident, which occurred in the Andesita section of the mine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place, that the strategy we followed led us to them, Andres Music, general manager of El Teniente, said in a statement.

He said Codelco would continue its efforts with "strength and hope," but with increased caution which could slow its progress.

Music did not provide more details about how Codelco recovered the worker's remains, or update the progress in reaching the area where others are believed to be trapped.

Earlier in the day, Music said Codelco had cleared just over a fifth of the blocked underground tunnels needed to reach the trapped workers, but had not yet made contact with them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rescue teams were using heavy machinery, and hoped to proceed at a rate of about 15 to 20 meters (49 to 65.6 feet) every 24 hours, he said, but the exact timing would be unpredictable.

The accident, which took place around 5:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, was caused by one of the largest tremors ever recorded at El Teniente, with the impact of a 4.2 magnitude quake.

Codelco is investigating whether the cause was mining activity or natural tectonic shifts in the earthquake-prone country.

(Reporting by Daina Beth SolomonEditing by Bill Berkrot)
Once China begins operating in a stretch of sea, reclaiming it often proves an uphill battle  just ask the Philippines or the Vietnamese or anyone else entangled in Beijings unyielding Nine Dash Line campaign to snatch the South China Sea. Now that same playbook seems to be unfolding in the frozen expanses of the Arctic, where Chinas polar icebreaker Xue Long 2 has been spotted in international waters north of Alaska, signalling a continued push into the High North that could reshape global maritime dynamics.

Xue Long 2, Chinas first domestically constructed polar vessel, left from Shanghai for its summer 2025 research expedition and crossed into Arctic territory around July 22. Designed to be able to break through ice up to 1.5 metres thick, the ship has been conducting operations in sensitive areas, with indications that two more Chinese icebreakers are en route to join the effort.

Theres a pattern here. China stakes out a presence  ostensibly scientific, often co-operative. Then comes more equipment. Then military protection. Then grey-zone harassment. Eventually, the region becomes disputed, often indefinitely. The Arctic, long considered neutral ground, could well be the next frontier in this silent creeping strategy.

The Chinese strategy in the South China Sea has shown disregard for sovereignty and the law of the sea. Now Xue Long 2 has been observed within the US Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) off Alaska, venturing 130 or so nautical miles inside this zone, where America claims exclusive rights to seabed resources under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). While high seas freedoms allow innocent passage, any unauthorised extraction of minerals, fisheries, or even detailed surveying could infringe on US interests. Beijing maintains that its mission adheres to Unclos protocols, emphasising peaceful exploration. Yet sceptics view it as a probe of Western resolve, akin to the gradual normalisation of their tactics in the South China Sea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chinas expanding Arctic footprint carries profound implications. Self-styled as a near-Arctic state despite lacking any territorial claims or Arctic coastline, Beijing eyes the region as a gateway to shorter shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR)  provided you can get through the ice its a much shorter run from China to Europe via the Arctic than the normal route through the Red Sea and Suez, and hugely shorter than going south around Africa to avoid the Houthis. There are also untapped riches in the High North: hydrocarbons, fisheries, and minerals worth trillions. The Arctics slow ice melt is unlocking these prizes amid intensifying great power competition. Chinas activities here dovetail with its Belt and Road Initiative. This now has a Polar Silk Road extension, blending economic outreach with strategic positioning.

In recent months and years, Beijings collaboration with Russia has amplified concerns. The two powers conducted their inaugural joint Arctic naval patrol in September 2024, dubbed North-Joint, involving icebreakers and warships simulating search-and-rescue and anti-submarine drills. This built on years of economic ties, including Chinese investments in Russian Arctic LNG projects and infrastructure.

Yet, beneath this there lies some friction: Moscow guards its NSR dominance jealously, imposing transit fees and pilotage requirements that irk Beijing.

Comparing icebreaker fleets underscores the imbalance. Russia reigns supreme with about 57 vessels as of 2025, 41 of them operational, including seven nuclear-powered titans: the Arktika-class monsters boasting 60-megawatt reactors for year-round navigation through multi-year ice. Moscow aims for 15-17 nuclear icebreakers by 2030, including new ultra-heavy 120-megawatt models to enforce NSR control. One Russian ice vessel, the Ivan Papanin, is already armed with missiles, guns and torpedoes. We can expect more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

China, by contrast, operates four dedicated polar icebreakers: the veteran Xue Long 1 (acquired from Ukraine), the advanced Xue Long 2 and two newer additions under trials. A nuclear-powered behemoth is slated for 2025 commissioning, with ambitions for up to 70 ice-capable ships by 2030. These vessels mix scientific missions with potential military applications, reflecting Beijings civil-military fusion doctrine. While numerically smaller, Chinas rapid build-up mirrors their enormous commercial rate-of-build and their intent to challenge the status quo up in the North.

This assertiveness echoes Chinas contempt for international rulings, as when the 2016 Hague tribunal dismissed the Chinese Nine Dash Line claim to own basically the whole South China Sea. Beijing rejected the verdict outright, fortifying its many artificial islands in the Sea and harassing ships and fishermen of other nations  a template that could migrate northward if Arctic disputes escalate.

The High North is already contested, if not yet conflicted. Donald Trumps recent directive for 40 big icebreakers aimed to address this, but words have yet to convert to steel. The US Coast Guard fields just two polar-capable vessels: the ageing heavy icebreaker Polar Star (commissioned 1976, prone to breakdowns) and the medium Healy (1999, science-focused). Another 18 icebreakers handle the Great Lakes and rivers, plus 16 tenders, but nothing rivals Russias fleet of heavies. The US Navy, as distinct from the Coast Guard, has zero dedicated icebreakers. Progress is creeping at best: three new Polar Security Cutters are in construction, with plans for eight or nine total by 2030s, but delays and costs plague the program.

For the UK, discussions on one or two replacement icebreakers for our one and only HMS Protector have started, albeit mostly behind closed doors for now. Outwardly, the Strategic Defence Review acknowledged the importance of polar-operations (which could mean several things) whilst the Armed Forces Minister said the capability was under consideration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive commanded ships conducting anti-submarine operations in the High North and ice-breaking patrols in the far south around Antarctica, and there is no substitute for local knowledge when it comes to both. And because local in both cases means millions of square miles, there is also no substitute for persistence and mass. Automated systems will help with both, but as ever in the maritime environment, these are optimised if deployed from a crewed vessel that can close the distance and then manage operations. Future frigates and destroyers will need to factor operating in very cold now as well as everything else.

In summary, Chinas Xue Long 2 incursion isnt to be dismissed as an ordinary scientific expedition. Its a warning of contested Arctic futures. Her arrival on the scene is a reminder: in geopolitics, presence is power. Most icebreakers dont carry missiles (for now), but they make it possible to send ships that do.

The West  and particularly Washington and London  should stop treating the Arctic as a backwater. The High North is thawing, in every sense. And whoever arrives first may not leave.

Tom Sharpe is a former Royal Navy officer who commanded four different warships. One of them was the icebreaker HMS Endurance

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.
> <

21:01 Woman, lover arrested after husband kills 2 sons, hangs himself A woman and her lover have been arrested for 'abetment to suicide' after her husband allegedly killed the couple's two sons and hanged himself in Surat city, police said on Saturday. The accused were arrested late Friday night on the basis of a suicide note, video messages and entries... Read more >

20:36 Roots of Pakistan's creation lie in BJP, RSS: Congress leader Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday alleged that the ideological roots of Pakistan's creation lie in BJP and RSS, stating that during India's freedom struggle, the BJP's predecessors were allied with the Muslim League.He was reacting to the Shiv Sena's protest march... Read more >

20:28 India receives Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain India on Saturday received the last of its 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain, marking an important milestone in strengthening its defence capabilities, the Indian Embassy in Spain said. The C-295, a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology,... Read more >

20:11 Never seen a helpless CM before: Uddhav takes dig at Fadnavis Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday accused the BJP-led Maharashtra government of trying to finish Marathi from the state, and labelled Devendra Fadnavis a helpless chief minister for not sacking ministers facing corruption charges. Speaking at his residence 'Matoshree' in... Read more >

19:42 Was asked to name Modi in Malegaon blast case: Pragya Former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, acquitted in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case, on Saturday alleged that she was tortured by the investigating officers who asked her to name several persons including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the first time Thakur has made this... Read more >

19:39 Akon to return to India for three-city tour in November Grammy-nominated popstar Akon is set to headline a India tour, bringing his chart-topping hits to fans across Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.The India Tour 2025, spearheaded by event company White Fox in collaboration with Percept Live, will see the Smack That and Lonely hitmaker perform across... Read more >

19:18 IndiGo bans passenger who slapped co-flier IndiGo has imposed a flying ban on the passenger who slapped a co-traveller onboard the Mumbai-Kolkata flight on Friday.The incident occurred on flight 6E138, and after landing, the perpetrator was handed over to the security authorities at the Kolkata airport, a source said on Friday. The... Read more >

19:15 'Serial bride' accused of cheating several men arrested in Nagpur A woman has been arrested in Nagpur in Maharashtra for allegedly duping more than a dozen men after marrying them, a police official said on Saturday. Samira Fatima alias Samrala alias Seema was held from a tea stall in Civil Lines area following a tip off, the Gittikhadan police... Read more >

18:38 Gujarat governor to succeed Jagdeep Dhankhar as VP? Gujarat Governor Acharya Devrut is considered a key frontrunner for National Democratic Alliance's candidate for Vice President election.According to sources, Prime Ministe Narendra Modi admires Devrut who hails from Haryana.The election for the post of Vice President will be held on September... Read more >

18:14 Overthinking a constant habit; 1 in 3 Indians using tech tools like ChatGPT, Google, says survey Choosing a dish at a restaurant or making a gift purchase decision, a growing number of Indians are turning to technology to navigate overthinking, which has become a part of daily life of the people, as per a survey. New age digital tools as conversational AI platform ChatGPT and... Read more >

17:56 Pune Porsche crash case accused gets 3-day bail after father's death The Bombay high court has granted three-day temporary bail to an accused in the Pune Porsche car crash case on account of his father's death. Aditya Avinash Sood was granted bail from August 2 to 5 by Justice Ashwin Bhobe on Friday.The case dates back to May 19 last year when a... Read more >

17:39 Dhankhar didn't allow Oppn to speak, but when he...: Kharge Amid a row over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday alleged that the Election Commission has become a puppet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha also accused PM Modi of... Read more >

17:35 2 arrested for abusing actor Ramya online; 11 more identified Two individuals were arrested by the Central Crime Branch for posting obscene messages and issuing rape and death threats to former Mandya MP and actor Ramya, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said on Saturday. The arrests were made based on a complaint filed by Ramya earlier... Read more >

17:30 Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) in Hyderabad, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one.The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a Therapy Dog Program aimed at enhancing the passenger... Read more >

17:28 CM thinks about teaching Hindi, but...: Raj slams Fadnavis Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray on Saturday attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis amid the ongoing language row and said the latter thinks about how schoolchildren can be taught Hindi but gives no thought on how those coming from outside to work in the state can learn... Read more >

16:59 Prajwal Revanna sentenced to life imprisonment in rape case BREAKING: A Special Court in Bengaluru on Saturday sentenced to life imprisonment, former MP and suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna in a rape case.The Special Court for MPs/MLAs Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat also imposed a total fine of Rs 10 lakh on the accused.The court had on Friday... Read more >

16:50 Kerala nuns walk out of Chhattisgarh jail after getting bail Two nuns from Kerala who were arrested on the charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion were released from Durg Central Jail in Chhattisgarh after a special court granted them bail on Saturday.Catholic nuns Preethy Mary and Vandana Francis were received outside the jail by... Read more >

16:43 Ex-CJI Chandrachud vacates official residence after row Former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has vacated the official residence of the head of the judiciary in the national capital. Justice Chandrachud, who was the 50th Chief Justice of India, had superannuated from the office on November 8, 2024.Recently, a controversy had arisen over... Read more >

16:35 Amarnath Yatra suspended from August 3 Authorities have suspended this year's annual Amarnath Yatra, just a week before its scheduled conclusion, due to the need for maintenance on the tracks that were damaged by recent heavy rainfall, officials said on Saturday. The yatra, which began on July 3, was scheduled to... Read more >

16:32 Court rejects Abhinav Bharat's role in Malegaon Blast Case A special court that acquitted seven persons in the 2008 Malegaon blast case debunked the prosecution's claims that right-wing extremist group Abhinav Bharat had carried out the blast, noting that the government has not banned the organisation as a terror outfit.Special Judge A K Lahoti, in the... Read more >

16:25 Rajnath dares Rahul to detonate 'atom bomb of evidence' against EC Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for claiming to have an atom bomb of evidence which would prove that the Election Commission was committing vote theft in Bihar.Addressing a function organised by a media house in the state capital, Singh also likened... Read more >

15:53 Air India crash: UK families await update on DNA-matched remains British families, waiting for the remains of relatives aboard the London-bound Air India 171 plane that crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, are expecting confirmation on DNA matches after high-level India-UK government talks, their legal team has said.Keystone Law, which has been... Read more >

15:49 Rahul claims Jaitley threatened him, BJP fact-check him The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday flagged Rahul Gandhi's remarks on former Union minister late Arun Jaitley as fake news, and asked the Congress leader to stick to facts instead of rewriting timelines to suit narratives. Addressing Congress' annual legal conclave on Saturday, Rahul... Read more >

15:41 Maharashtra man gets threat on Insta about attack on Ram Temple A threat message to a man on social media about an attack at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has prompted the police in Maharashtra's Beed district to register a case, an official said on Saturday.According to the police, the complainant, Suraj Gadekar (24), a resident of Shirur Kasar, alleged that he... Read more >

15:06 Tejashwi claims his name missing from Bihar poll list Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday claimed that his name was deleted or removed in the draft electoral rolls released by the Election Commission after completion of first phase of Special Intensive Revision.However, the Election Commission has refuted the allegation by... Read more >

14:56 Now, portion of bridge collapses in Bihar's Jamui A portion of an old and defunct bridge over the Ulai river in Bihar's Jamui district caved in, officials said on Saturday.No fatality or injury was reported in the incident, they said.A part of the small bridge over the river caved in on the outskirts of Jamui on Friday. It was closed for traffic... Read more >

14:48 Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren critical, on ventilator Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren is currently on ventilator support and in critical condition, sources said on Saturday. He has been admitted to the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital for over a month, having been hospitalised in the last week of June with a... Read more >

14:46 16-year-old wearing headphones run over by train in UP A 16-year-old boy died after being run over by an express train while crossing railway tracks wearing earphones in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred at the Ballia Mau railway section in Udaina village on Friday evening. The deceased,... Read more >

14:41 Drone found abandoned inside Army camp in J-K's Samba Representative image A small drone, suspected to used for wedding photography, was found abandoned inside an Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials said on Saturday. Some Army personnel noticed the drone lying near the supply depot inside the camp at the Bari Brahmana cantonment late on... Read more >

14:18 Should I call and ask?: Modi on Akhilesh's OP Mahadev remark Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked opposition over Operation Sindoor and alleged that while the country was celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, some people in our own country were troubled by it. Congress and its allies are unable to digest the fact that India... Read more >

13:59 Dharmasthala mass burial: SIT begins exhumation at 9th site The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala resumed exhumation on Saturday at the ninth site identified by the complainant, police said.Officials reached the location adjacent to the Nethravathi riverbank along the Ujire-Dharmasthala-Kokkada state... Read more >

13:41 National Award to 'The Kerala Story' an insult to...: CM Vijayan Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that awarding national film honours to The Kerala Story can only be seen as an endorsement of attempts to misuse movies to spread communal hatred and urged the cultural and film community to oppose such moves unitedly.Vijayan said it was... Read more >

13:25 Don't want to be king, I'm against the very concept: Rahul Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he does not want to be a king and is against the very concept of it. He said this while addressing the inaugural of the day-long conclave, Constitutional Challenges: Perspectives and Pathways. As soon as he started his address, the... Read more >

13:23 Jharkhand education minister suffers brain injury after fall in residence Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren, who suffered a brain injury after he fell in the bathroom in his residence early on Saturday, was airlifted to a Delhi hospital for better treatment, a senior leader said.Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said Soren was admitted to a hospital in... Read more >

13:19 Prajwal Revanna to be sentenced in rape case today A Special Court in Bengaluru is likely to announce the quantum of punishment to former MP and suspended Janata Dal-Secular leader Prajwal Revanna in a rape case, at 2:45 PM on Saturday. The special court for MPs/MLAs Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat on Friday had convicted the 34-year-old Prajwal... Read more >

13:11 Dedicate Op Sindoor success at the feet of Mahadev: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his promise to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor was fulfilled with the blessings of Lord Shiva.My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said while addressing... Read more >

12:47 Trafficking-conversion case: 2 Kerala nuns get bail A special court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district on Saturday granted bail to three persons, including two nuns from Kerala, arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, lawyers said.Principal District and Sessions Judge (NIA court) Sirajuddin Qureshi had reserved... Read more >

12:40 Amrit Udyan to open for public from August 16 to September 14 The famed Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will open to the public from August 16 to September 14, the President's office said in a statement issued on Saturday. During this period, the Udyan will remain open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entry allowed at 5:15 pm. It will... Read more >

12:38 Stay home to avoid rape: Guj traffic police's safety posters draw ire Posters allegedly sponsored by the Ahmedabad traffic police for a safety campaign have stirred up a controversy, as some of them urged women to stay home to avoid getting raped.The posters, which were pasted in a few localities in Ahmedabad, have invited criticism from the opposition, which... Read more >

12:08 Shah Rukh Khan reacts to 1st National Award win Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he was overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility after being named best actor at the 71st National Film Awards, his first win at the prestigious film honours in a career spanning over three decades. In a video message on Instagram... Read more >

11:22 Jiribam killings: Manipur tribal organisations claim arrested persons have no criminal history Two tribal organisations in Manipur on Saturday expressed concerns over the arrest of two persons, belonging to the Hmar community, in connection with the killings of six Meitei people in Jiribam district last year, claiming that the accused had no criminal history. These tribal entities... Read more >

11:13 IIT-Bombay student jumps from hostel building, dies A 22-year-old student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay reportedly died by suicide early Friday morning after jumping from a hostel building on the campus. According to the Mumbai Police, the incident occurred around 2:30 am. The student, a resident of Delhi, was rushed... Read more >

10:55 Will contest solo in Bihar if NDA talks collapse, says BJP ally Rajbhar Ballia Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said that his party is ready to contest the upcoming Bihar elections independently if seat-sharing talks with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance don't work out. Speaking to reporters at his party's headquarters in Rasra, Ballia... Read more >

10:24 Court rejects ex-cop's claim on Bhagwat arrest order RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat/File image A special court in Mumbai in its judgment, acquitting seven persons in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case, rejected the claims made by a former Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad official that he had been ordered to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the case. Special NIA judge AK Lahoti,... Read more >

09:51 Modi to visit Varanasi today, will launch several development projects Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Saturday, and launch and lay the foundation for several development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore. For my family members in Kashi, tomorrow, August 2, is a very special day. Around 11 in the morning, I... Read more >

09:45 Navi Mumbai murder accused apprehended after 13 years on the run The Navi Mumbai police have arrested a 36-year-old accused, who had been absconding for 13 years after killing a man over an unpaid loan, an official said on Saturday. Based on a tip-off, the Navi Mumbai police's crime branch nabbed the accused, Chhotu Markat Yadav, a native of Bihar, from... Read more >

09:36 Terrorist killed in encounter in J-K's Kulgam File image A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday, officials said. The overnight encounter began after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in a forest area at Akhal in the south Kashmir district after receiving... Read more >

09:35 ICAI Training Sebi Officials In Forensic Investigation Frauds cannot be fully prevented, but it is possible to develop tools that enable early detection, said Tuhin Kanta Pandey, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Friday, Pandey emphasised that the regulator is making... Read more >

08:54 Malayalam actor Kalabhavan Navas found dead in hotel Kalabhavan Navas/Image courtesy Instagram Malayalam film actor and mimicry artist Kalabhavan Navas was found dead in a hotel in Chottanikkara here on Friday evening, the police said.The incident came to light when the staff of the hotel, where Navas (51) was staying for a film shoot, alerted authorities.He was rushed to a nearby... Read more >

08:37 Trump calls possible Indian halt to Russian oil 'good step' US President Donald Trump/Kent Nishimura/Reuters United States President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) suggested that India may cease purchasing Russian oil, calling it a good step if confirmed, while India has defended its sovereign right to conduct energy policy based on national interest. Earlier on Friday, the ministry of... Read more >

08:26 UPI Tops Rs 25 Trillion In July Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions reached 19.47 billion in July, up 6 percent from the previous month, marking the continuing popularity of the digital finance platform. The transactions were worth Rs 25.08 trillion, a 4 per cent increase in value. As many as 18.4 billion... Read more >

08:16 NIA arrests another key accused in 2024 murder case in Manipur's Jiribam The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another key accused involved in the brutal killing of three women and as many children in Manipur's Jiribam last year, officials said on Friday. NIA caught -- Lalrosang Hmar alias Rosang of Moinathol village and Dilkhosh Grant of Cachar,... Read more >

08:13 Trump moves 2 US nuke subs after Medvedev remarks US President Donald Trump said on Friday (US local time) that he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in 'appropriate regions' in response to statements made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.He said in a post on X, Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former... Read more >

00:24 No skeletal remains found at two excavation sites in Dharmasthala No skeletal remains were found on Friday at two sites in Dharmasthala identified by an anonymous complainant-witness as mass burial sites, police said. A day after skeletal remains were recovered from the sixth of 15 locations marked by the complainant, excavation was carried out under tight... Read more >
Days after a brawl that injured six people in Cincinnati, the mayor and other city leaders said Friday they would beef up law enforcement patrols but criticized how the much-shared video of the fight had portrayed the city in what they see as an unfair and cynical light.

Let me be clear, there is no place for violent crime in Cincinnati, whether its a fight or gun violence, Mayor Aftab Pureval said. We will pursue those responsible and we will hold them accountable no matter who they are.

Video of the fight quickly went viral, and conservatives leaders and influencers seized on the brawl to point out what they see as lawless urban areas in America. Those voices included Vice President JD Vance, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and the vice president's half brother, Cory Bowman, who is running to be mayor of Cincinnati.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A video of the fight shows a crowd milling about before several people start throwing punches. One man falls to the ground and is repeatedly punched and kicked by bystanders. Another woman is punched in the face and falls to the ground, lying motionless before another woman helps her. She can be seeing bleeding from the mouth.

The mayor acknowledged on Friday the perception remained that the city was dangerous, but he pointed out that data showed the violent crime was declining in the city. Pureval also said theres a concerning increase in burglaries and breaking and entering, and shootings in some specific areas without providing the data.

Currently too many Cincinnatians dont feel safe, he said. All of us, especially me, are clear-eyed and working urgently to fix that.

Pureval said he was working with Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to deploy state highway patrol to work highways into the city, which should free up more police officers. He also said police units like SWAT and the Civil Disturbance Response Team will expand their reach in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said five men and one woman were subjected to unimaginable physical violence in the brawl. She didnt identify them. She also said six people have been charged with assault and rioting for playing a role in the brawl, three of whom are in custody.

This remains an open investigation, and I want to assure you, we will not stop until justice is finally served, she told reporters, adding that they plan to release footage of the brawl, including body camera footage next week.

But several speakers, including a pastor and a council member, talked about how the fight had been racialized and several blamed conservative Republicans for fueling that narrative.

We would not be here and this will not be national news if this was a group of Black people that jumped on other Black people, Pastor Damon Lynch, III told reporters. Obviously its national news because its been racialized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lynch said critics were focused on the Black participants but havent mentioned a white man who, he says, could be seen in a video of the brawl slapping a Black man during the fight.

Nobodys asking why didnt he just walk away?" Lynch said.

Council Member Scotty Johnson also criticized the media for playing the brawl on a loop all week.

What role do you play in quoting misdirected national leaders talking about a city that is on the right track, but they are doing everything they can to try take us off that track, Johnson said.

Toward the end of the press conference, a reporter asked Pureval how he would deal with the racial tensions in the city that have been exacerbated by this brawl.

Its overt racial tensions that have been claimed by irresponsible leaders, who have unfortunately cynically tried to take advantage of this awful fight and try and divide us, he said, noting that Cincinnati has a long history of being, on the on the very front foot of racial justice including as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Aug. 2GRAND FORKS  After nearly 40 years with the city of Grand Forks, Cities Area Transit Director Dale Bergman will be retiring.

Bergman has worked for the city since November 1985, starting as a mechanic at Grand Forks International Airport, when it was still a city department, and eventually leading the metro's public transit service. Bergman first started as a mechanic for CAT when he transferred from the airport. He has led the department since 2007.

"I wanted to make sure it was a business that was viable and kept moving forward," Bergman said. "We're here to provide a service and we want to make sure we provide the service correctly for what we get from our federal, state and local dollars to the folks of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While a function of the city of Grand Forks, Cities Area Transit is a partnership between both cities, along with UND. All three provide funding, with Grand Forks taking the lead for infrastructure and operational needs.

As director, Bergman also oversees compliance and expenditure of the federal and state funds that CAT receives for its capital needs and its infrastructure needs. CAT covers two cities, two states and two federal transit administration regions, all with diverging priorities.

"It is a challenging one because you're dealing with Minnesota's (Federal Transit Funds). It comes from Region Five ... so Region Five gives their funding to Region Eight (Grand Forks' region) to turn around and give back to East Grand Forks," Bergman said. "Then you have the same thing when you have NDDOT and MNDOT, and each of them are totally different."

With input from the federal, state and local governments, it also means having to keep track of varying fiscal cycles. The federal government's fiscal year is October through September, but congressional delays can slow how funds are dispersed. Both Minnesota and North Dakota have a two-year budget cycle, with a fiscal year from July through June. Locally, Grand Forks and East Grand Forks largely follow the calendar year, but have different timelines for when their budgets are passed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"And every one of them have different dates for reports," Bergman said.

Bergman has testified

at the North Dakota Legislature to get additional funding from the state for public transit services.

With service costs going up year after year, North Dakota hasn't kept up, he said. Funding from the state has been less than the cost of replacing a bus and significantly less than the local and federal funds CAT receives.

In 2024, CAT saw more than 300,000 trips between its fixed-route and dial-a-ride services, according to city budget material.

When Bergman leaves in August, CAT Paratransit Supervisor Kristi Slominski will take over the director position.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Anyone who comes after Dale will have some big footsteps to follow," Slominski said. "He's really shaped the transportation system in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks into what it is today and allowing people to get where they need and want to go."

Bergman's counterpart who leads public transit efforts in East Grand Forks, Community Development Director Nancy Ellis, said Bergman's presence and efforts will be felt for years.

"He's been a valuable asset for Cities Area Transit and not just in the administrative sense," Ellis said. "He can also drive a bus. He can fix a bus. He'll get out there and shovel snow if he needs to."

Ellis added that even beyond his directorial duties, Bergman has always been an advocate for transit.

"He has always gone to bat for transit in our community, and that's something to be commended," Ellis said. "It's always been in the community, but you have to have a champion for it, and Dale has always been that champion for service in town."
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso will host a community meeting about proposed updates to the Citys zoning ordinance, known as Title 20.

This includes key amendments related to accessory dwelling units, off-street parking requirements and updated definitions to reflect new housing types.

The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, in the Main Conference Room at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Learn about the proposed changes, project boundary, and public engagement process

Understand how the amendments aim to promote new housing options and support investment and development in El Paso

Ask questions and provide feedback on specific topics including: Increased flexibility to build accessory dwelling units Reduced off-street parking requirements, giving homeowners and businesses more autonomy Updated and new definitions to better reflect emerging housing types and development needs



The meeting will feature a presentation-style format followed by a question-and-answer session.

To learn more about the meeting or explore the proposed changes in detail, click 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 KTSM 9 News.
Aug. 1Amid a nationwide bolstering of federal immigration enforcement, the city of Spokane wants to help immigrant residents understand their rights.

Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown's office issued a news release Friday announcing a new webpage directed at informing the Lilac City's immigrant and refugee residents of the constitutional rights afforded everyone, regardless of their immigration status.

"Our city is stronger because of the diversity of people who call Spokane home," Brown said in the release. "This new website is just one way we are working to ensure that everyone, no matter where they come from, has access to the support they need to feel safe."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

City spokeswoman Erin Hut said the webpage came about from months of meetings Brown and Jerrall Haynes, director of the city's office of Civil Rights, equity, and inclusion, have had with local advocacy groups and the communities they serve.

"It was just some folks who are involved in that community who said, you know, this would be a really helpful resource," Hut said.

The rundown of rights comes in the form of small, red slips often referred to as "red cards," a popular way to disseminate information to immigrant and refugee communities started by the national nonprofit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in 2007.

Spokane's "Know Your Rights" webpage includes ILRC cards in 20 different languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese  some of the region's largest immigrant communities. Hut said the website itself can be translated into several languages courtesy of the city's language access program, and there is a plan to add a guide to the page on how to do so in the coming days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For those needing to translate the page in the meantime, Hut advised visitors to look in their browser settings while the page is open for a "translate" button. The function works throughout the city's website, she said.

"It's something that's fairly new, and so it's not totally perfect, but there's more languages there than you can probably even think of," Hut said.

The page also includes information on how organizations and individuals can use the cards, as well as contact information for a number of groups providing resources and legal assistance to immigrants, refugees and their families. Hut said the city plans to update the page with local events and additional community resources in the months to come.

"This effort is about dignity and inclusion," Haynes said in a written statement. "We want every resident in Spokane to feel supported and empowered to exercise their rights."
Aug. 1SUPERIOR  A civil lawsuit filed against the city of Superior and a retired Superior Police captain by investigator Mikayla LeRette has expanded.

An amended complaint filed July 29 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin adds three additional members of the Superior Police Department as plaintiffs and alleges there was a wide-ranging campaign of discrimination against LeRette after she took leave for pregnancy and childbirth.

The

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

original complaint,

filed March 7, accused the city and retired Capt. Thomas Champaigne of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act and LeRette's Fourth Amendment rights.

The Fair Labor Standards Act violation claimed that supervisors failed to provide a suitable place for lactating mothers. The lawsuit also claims Champaigne violated LeRette's Fourth Amendment rights by placing a tracking device on the police vehicle assigned to her without a warrant.

The amended complaint accuses Champaigne and three additional plaintiffs  retired Assistant Chief John Kiel, Investigations Capt. Jeffrey Harriman and Patrol Capt. Michelle Pope  of violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, childbirth and maternity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit seeks undisclosed compensatory and punitive damages and follows an internal investigation conducted last year into whether LeRette misrepresented her working hours and took absences without authorized leave. The investigation by an outside consultant determined that LeRette violated several department policies by reporting to work late or not at all, the Telegram reported in April.

LeRette, who is the police chief's wife, claims she was the first Superior police officer to become pregnant in more than 20 years. When she informed supervisors of her pregnancy, Champagne and Pope reportedly consulted with the city's human resources department, seeking to remove LeRette from her narcotics investigator assignment. Kiel told LeRette she should be required to wear a "matron skirt" and answer "desk calls," the new complaint claims.

When LeRette returned from maternity leave in November 2022, she reportedly was reassigned to the property room while on light duty. She allegedly was prohibited from carrying a firearm, driving a department vehicle or leaving the station during work hours. Male officers assigned to temporary light duty were not removed from their regular assignments or given the same prohibitions, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges that supervisors treated LeRette differently from other officers concerning time off from work and scheduling, requiring more stringent reporting and providing inconsistent directions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Upon her return to work from her second pregnancy in September 2024, LeRette was served with a notice of internal investigation for alleged attendance violations, tardiness, insubordination and theft or misuse of public funds, according to LeRette's new court filing. She was placed on administrative leave and banned from the Government Center. LeRette claims the city's leave and suspension policies were not followed.

Harriman and Kiel initiated the disciplinary investigation without the knowledge of the chief of police or the involvement of the Police and Fire Commission, the complaint said.

The union reportedly was informed by Human Resources Director Cammi Janigo that Kiel's job description gave him that disciplinary authority. But the complaint claims the city was acting outside of the police union's collective bargaining agreement and state statute regarding disciplinary actions against subordinates.

Harriman, Pope, the president of the Superior Police Union and attorneys representing the city in the lawsuit have not responded to invitations to comment.
The Rogers County Technical Training Program is helping low-income students find jobs, though not always in their field of study, according to preliminary survey results.

Claremore Economic Development started the technical training program in 2023. It has granted full rides to Rogers State University and Northeast Tech to several hundred mostly low- and moderate-income students.

The agency has disbursed $341,742.41 to date, said talent and workforce development manager Silas Ellis. It draws these funds from state Community Development Block Grants given to Rogers County and Claremore by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meggie Froman-Knight, Claremore Economic Development's executive director, presented preliminary findings on the scholarship's impact Monday to the Rogers County Commissioners. Froman-Knight said the agency sent surveys to its first 178 scholarship recipients and had received about 105 responses.

"These are very, very draft early initial findings," Froman-Knight said. "About 60% have participated. Our target goal per the grants was 20%; internally, our goal was 50%."

Nearly all recipients so far used their scholarship to pursue training in health care or manufacturing. Froman-Knight said Claremore Economic Development has been focused on funneling more students into these fields because they are two of Rogers County's largest sectors.

Recipients train to be nursing assistants, paraprofessionals, welders, phlebotomists, lineworkers, truckers and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 80% of the survey respondents told Claremore Economic Development they were employed; a smaller portion, 62%, reported they'd landed a job that matched the training they received with the scholarship.

"That is not quite as high as what we'd like to see," Froman-Knight said. "We'd like to stay up closer to 80. If you go through a training program that's in a high in-demand job that we know there are jobs for, ideally, then you're going to fulfill a job in that same career pathway."

She said some of the underemployed respondents told her they'd taken customer service positions because these roles tend to have more flexible hours than the jobs they'd trained for.

The CDBG funding Claremore Economic Development uses to supply the scholarships won't last forever  the agency has been discussing with the Rogers County Commissioners how to keep it going once the grants run out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Froman-Knight said though 62% is "good," it needs to be "excellent."

"For the scholarship to become permanent and to continue, regardless of where that's funded from and all the other things, that number has to increase in order for us to have a incredible level of capability," Froman-Knight said.

District 3 Commissioner Ron Burrows said in April he'd like to know the economic impact the scholarship has made, and whether it had increased people's incomes. On Monday, he told her he wished there was a way to quantify its impact on quality of life.

Froman-Knight said tracking income pre- and post-scholarship and synthesizing the change into usable data has proven difficult due to differences between individual and household income.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only Rogers County residents may receive the scholarship; Froman-Knight said 60% of the survey respondents said they found a job in Rogers County, which she said is a positive quality-of-life indicator.

Froman-Knight also shared a few data points from a study it commissioned earlier this year from data firm Lightcast Professional Services.

Lightcast found that while the county's population is growing, there are about 5,000 more Rogers County residents who work outside the county than residents of other counties who commute here.

"That's something we'll dig deeper into to really look at what are the job types," Froman-Knight said. "If those are job types that we have here and that are in high demand, that is an issue."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rogers County is also dealing with an education mismatch, Lightcast determined. Froman-Knight said the county has many more associate's degree holders than jobs that require one. She said further research should inquire into whether employers' job postings are accurately representing necessary qualifications.

Froman-Knight also told the commissioners its Rogers County Career Portal is getting more traction. She said the agency has changed the site's search engine optimization so it appears higher up in browser searches.

According to the statistics she presented Monday, the portal features 450 job postings from 238 companies. It had 5,716 unique page visitors in the past month, she said.

"We are continuing to see growth there, month over month," Froman-Knight said. "On average a year ago, we were seeing about 1,500 people a month. January this year, we were seeing about 3,000 unique users a month. You'll see that spike to almost double again."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Burrows said this was very good stuff.

"Meggie, I have to believe you're ahead of the curve on other entities trying to do the same thing you're doing, creating something that really has continued to make a difference," Burrows said.
High water laps at the Kivalina shoreline in 2012. The Inupiat community on the Chukchi Sea coast is battered by erosion, storm surges and other effects of climate change. A relocation plan is in the works. (Photo provided by Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs)

A small coastal community in Kivalina, Alaska sued several major oil and gas companies, including Exxon Mobil, in 2008. Local representatives argued that greenhouse gas emissions from these companies were contributing to the erosion of the coastline and causing irreversible damage to their village by heating the climate.

But the U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed the claim, citing a lack of evidence linking the corporate emissions with coastal erosion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In France, 2024, climate campaigners filed a criminal complaint against the major shareholders and the board of directors of TotalEnergies. They alleged that fossil fuels extracted by the company produced emissions that caused floods and storms that damaged property and irreversibly depleted biodiversity.

Despite acknowledging damage related to climate change generally, the Parisian criminal court also dismissed the case. Again, it said there was insufficient evidence to link the activities of TotalEnergies and damage from extreme weather.

Between 2008 and 2024, significant advances were made in climate science that enable us to understand how specific activities affect the climate, and contribute to wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. The science linking these disasters to fossil fuel giants remains insufficient in the eyes of courts, however.

Thats because climate attribution science generally fails to meet the necessary standard of legal evidence to assign liability. For example, a recent advisory opinion published by the International Court of Justice acknowledged that states have a responsibility to address climate change, and that it is possible to establish a link between a states wrongful acts or omissions and the damage resulting from climate change. Despite this, claimants still sometimes fail to prove such a link in court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, a new study has demonstrated a computer model that can reduce scientific uncertainty around linking emissions from a particular source to outcomes related to climate change. This end-to-end attribution model, as it is called, could strengthen legal claims against entities damaging the climate.

Tracing emissions to damages

The end-to-end attribution model uses a three-step process to assign liability for climate damage.

First, using historical emissions data from online databases such as Carbon Major, the model simulates two scenarios: one with all historical emissions (the real world), and the other where the emissions from a particular company are excluded. The difference in emissions between these two scenarios is then paired with the concomitant increase in the global temperature, which shows how much warming can be directly attributed to that company.

Using statistical methods, the model can then connect the relevant global temperature increase to changes in the intensity of heatwaves in a particular region. It could, for instance, calculate how much hotter the five hottest days of the year have become in a given year because of the companys emissions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The model estimates the economic impact of these intensified heatwaves. It can do this using data on the consequences of reduced productivity and crop losses for growth, for example. It calculates how much money a region lost because of the heatwaves linked to the companys emissions and gives a dollar value for the damages.

By combining these three steps, the model traces the path from a companys emissions to specific economic losses, theoretically making it possible to hold emitters financially accountable for climate damages.

In doing so, the study estimated that emissions from Chevron alone caused between US$791 billion (589 billion) and US$3.6 trillion (2.7 trillion) in heat-related economic losses globally between 1991 and 2020, and that without emissions from 111 large oil, gas and coal producers (collectively referred to as carbon majors) such as ExxonMobil, BP, Saudi Aramco and Gazprom, the global economy would be US$28 trillion richer.

The advantages for claimants

Climate court cases in which claimants seek to assign liability to oil and gas companies are on the rise worldwide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 230 lawsuits have been filed against fossil fuel giants and trade associations since 2015. More than two-thirds of these were filed between 2020 and 2024, and many are awaiting a final decision. For such cases, end-to-end attribution could be helpful.

End-to-end attribution can assist claimants in meeting the commonly used but for test, by demonstrating that, but for a specific companys emissions, certain climate-related damages would not have occurred. The method can also meet other liability tests. One is called proportional liability, and it attempts to quantify the extent to which a companys emissions contributed to increased risk or the severity of damage. This flexibility strengthens the methods applicability across different legal systems.

The end-to-end attribution method enables claimants to connect global warming to local disasters, such as the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome. This is crucial, as climate litigation focused on single, high-impact events is usually more successful.

It is well established that emissions from companies in the U.S. and Europe have caused significant harm which is disproportionately suffered in the global south. End-to-end attribution strengthens the evidence base for such climate justice arguments in courtrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are no established standards for how courts worldwide evaluate scientific evidence. Consequently, while the end-to-end attribution method can link fossil fuel companies and climate-related legal injuries, the courts, depending on differences between jurisdictions and the context of each case, may require higher thresholds to trigger criminal or civil liability.

Additionally, fossil fuel companies often argue that any harm caused by their activities should be weighed against the benefits their products also provide. However, the benefits of fossil fuels should not exempt companies from climate-related liability, because climate change is an existential threat.

End-to-end attribution provides a vital scientific tool for making fossil fuel companies accountable, and could reshape climate litigation globally.

Dont have time to read about climate change as much as youd like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversations environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers whove subscribed so far.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Friday at approximately 6:45 p.m., one of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Controls (DFPCs) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) experienced a mechanical issue with its nose landing gear when returning from a detection mission on the western slope of Colorado.

The crew on the MMA, a Pilatus PC-12 operating as Wildland 27 (N327SF), discovered the issue with the nose gear and followed standard operating procedures. As a precautionary measure, the crew declared an emergency.

Despite the aircrafts nose gear not locking into place, the crew had executed a controlled landing at the Grand Junction Regional Airport and brought the MMA to a stop on the runway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No injuries were reported from the incident.

The incident is currently under investigation, following standard protocols of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

DFPC would like to thank local emergency responders and airport personnel for their quick response and support to our DFPC and contract flight crew members, stated DFPC in a press release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  Several new laws will go into effect on Wednesday, Aug. 6, that focus on a range of items, including preventing wildfires, providing better conditions to workers and voluntary waivers for firearm purchases.

The Colorado General Assembly adjourned on May 7, and the 90-day period post adjournment ends on Aug. 5, making Aug. 6 an important day for new laws in Colorado. From voluntary do not sell firearms waivers to direct care worker legislation, the new laws span a vast portion of Colorado life.

These Colorado laws went into effect on July 1

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here are a few of the most notable new laws that will go into effect as of Aug. 6, 2025.

New Colorado laws go into effect

HB25-1009: A law to prevent and mitigate wildfire damage in Colorado will encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that can fuel destructive wildfires.

HB25-1184: A law to support Colorado seniors will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission.

HB25-1328: A law to boost the incomes and working conditions for home care workers and increase access to care.

Law to boost incomes, address home care workforce shortage

HB25-1328 implements recommendations from the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board, including:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Requiring the board to investigate how health care benefits for direct care workers compare to other industries and how to reduce costs

Establishing a free Know Your Rights training

Investigating violations related to training and labor standards

Fining employers who violate direct care workforce regulations

Increasing the minimum wage for direct care service workers to $17 per hour starting July 1, 2025

The Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board was created to make recommendations to improve working conditions for direct care workers and also help address the workforce crisis.

Laws to streamline, improve Medicaid coverage in Colorado

Three new laws will go into effect to streamline, simplify and expand healthcare for Colorado Medicaid recipients. The laws will make health care more accessible for patients by reducing administrative barriers and expanding coverage options for certain conditions.

HB25-1162: Removes administrative barriers by narrowing the questions providers must ask patients to determine Medicaid eligibility, mainly for long-term care needs

SB25-084: Establishes Medicaid reimbursement rates for parenteral nutrition to help diversify the number of infusion pharmacies that offer this service in Colorado. The law caps dispensing fee rates at 30% of the pharmacys administrative cost.

HB25-1213: Improves access and streamlines healthcare coverage through several administrative, eligibility, billing and review changes to Medicaid

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SB25-085: Health-related research facilities must now offer a dog or cat for adoption before euthanasia.

HB25-1283: The law repeals the wild horse project and transfers wild horse management duties and support to the Department of Agriculture. It also repeals and replaces the wild horse stewardship program and the wild horse fertility program with support efforts from the USDA.

SB25-070: Requires an online marketplace to alert a law enforcement agency if the website knows or should have known that a third-party seller is selling or attempting to sell stolen goods to a consumer in Colorado

SB25-034: Creates a process for a person to voluntarily waive the right to purchase a firearm. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation shall deny a firearm transfer to the person while the voluntary waiver is in effect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More information on each new law can be found on the Colorado General Assemblys 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 FOX31 Denver.
A woman walked into several Colorado banks, posed as customers and stole around $199,000. Victims continue to struggle with the aftermath of the theft, while authorities believe additional cases will be uncovered as the investigation progresses.

In a 9News interview, Mariah Rapp recounts how she had just started her morning when she got a jarring phone call from her local bank.

A woman came in with a drivers license with your name and address on it and tried to take out $28,000 from your line of credit, a banker told her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Luckily, Rapp was well-known at her Adams Bank & Trust branch in Longmont, Colorado. The banker sensed something was off and denied the transaction.

He was like, For some reason, I just thought, thats not the Mariah that comes in here. Somethings off. Mariah recalled the bankers words.

The would-be thief walked out empty-handed  but not unnoticed. The bank gave Rapp a photo of the woman who had tried to impersonate her. Calm and chatty, she had claimed to be starting a business.

Rapps husband, a TikToker, posted about the incident, and the video quickly went viral.

Would you mind maybe not going into my bank with a fake ID that you had made with all of my wifes information on it? he said in the video.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That TikTok would ultimately expose a crime wave.

Don't miss

Used a fake ID

Shan Murphy saw the viral video and felt a chill. Her bank had just emailed her, thanking her for a visit she never made. When she checked her account, $88,000 was gone.

She has an ID with her picture, but my information on it, Murphy said. The woman looked nothing like her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Then came Levi, the third known victim. He noticed two charges on his banking app: A $111,000 cashiers check and $25,000 in cash, totalling $136,000 withdrawn from his Longmont bank account. Someone also applied for a $50,000 personal loan in his name, but was denied.

This is like modern bank robbery, Levi said.

In total, at least four known victims have come forward, all from different banks. Police believe the suspect used high-quality fake IDs, social engineering and confidence to convince tellers she was someone else. Investigators say a cashiers check from Levis account was even cashed at a bank in Connecticut using yet another state ID.

Read more: Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10)

How to stay vigilant against identity theft

The crimes involve both identity theft  the use of someone elses personal information to commit fraud  and wire fraud, the use of telecommunications or the internet to defraud someone of money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wire fraud often happens through email or phishing, but it can also occur in person when someone triggers financial transactions through deception. Longmont Police released the suspects photo, and banks launched internal investigations. Some victims have received promises of reimbursement.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft affected over 2.6 million Americans in 2024, with $12.5 billion in losses tied to fraud.

To guard against this type of fraud:

Visit your bank regularly: In-person interactions build familiarity with staff who may recognize unusual behavior.

Protect your accounts: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all financial accounts.

Freeze your credit reports: Lock your credit files with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

Stay vigilant: Monitor accounts daily for suspicious activity.

Use notifications: Set transaction alerts to flag unusual amounts or out-of-state withdrawals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most importantly, trust your gut. As Rapps banker proved, sometimes it just takes one vigilant person to stop a significant crime.

If you recognize the woman in the released photos, contact the Longmont Police Department. Investigators believe more victims may still come forward.

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.
Aug. 1BEMIDJI  Downtown Bemidji is getting more artsy with the installation of two creations by Mary Therese near the corner of Third Street and Beltrami Avenue.

An information booth outside of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation will showcase the artist's work. It's the first of what is hoped to be at least five installations at kiosks throughout the downtown area in a collaboration between the Downtown Business Alliance and the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment.

The BAAE provided a grant for the first booth, with additional support from the DBA and Tim Meyer, proprietor of Meyers SignSource.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first installation will serve as a model to highlight the project, for area artists to see an example of a completed kiosk and to help with obtaining additional funding to add artwork to the remaining five booths.

The kiosks were erected several years ago and originally featured photos promoting fitness. After years of dormancy, the DBA painted them to match the color of Babe the Blue Ox to attract visitors to each location for information about what is going on downtown.

"They were rusty and just kind of turning into pieces of junk that were falling apart," said Kevin Johnson, owner of myBemidji and co-chair of the DBA. "So we wanted to bring them back and give them some kind of purpose. Our first step was painting them blue a couple years ago."

He said the DBA was excited to have new art on display.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Mary Therese has done a lot of beautiful art work around town," Johnson said, noting murals she has painted at Harmony Foods and the Northern Cycle bike shop.

The two colorful pieces that were scheduled to be installed on Friday, Aug. 1, featured butterflies flying on a rainbow and chickadees in a tree.

Mary Therese said the project was conceived when she connected with BAAE board member Lisa Bruns.

"Lisa is the inspiration behind the project," the artist said. "She asked if I had seen those blue booths downtown and said, 'Everybody's talking about how they look like porta-potties. We've got to get art on them.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That art pieces are 29 inches wide and 68 inches tall. Mary Therese said the butterfly piece signifies hope, new beginnings and beauty, while the chickadees signify adaptability.

"They're so adaptable," she said. "Even through our hard winters they adapt and they bring us joy."
POWELL, Ohio (WCMH)  The newest member of the Columbus Zoos elephant herd will make her public debut this Monday.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced on its social media that the newest baby elephant will make her first public appearance on Monday, August 4. The baby elephant, belonging to mom Sunny, was born on July 23rd. For the past week, she has been resting, exploring, and having fun.

In a social media post, the Zoo says the baby has met the rest of the elephant herd and is now ready to meet her fans. Starting on Monday, from 9 to 11 a.m., zoo goers can see her in the elephant habitat backyard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State saves fair retailer thousands

Saturday and Sunday have similar morning hours, but from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., she can be found in the indoor habitat. Once in the elephant habitat, signs will direct people to the viewing area where volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions as the line moves.

A name has not yet been announced for the baby, but the Zoo says it will announce her name at a later date on their social media channels. To learn more about future viewing plans, 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is delaying Ghislaine Maxwells planned deposition until after the Supreme Court weighs her request to overturn her conviction, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

Committee investigators were set to travel to a Tallahassee prison for an Aug. 11 sit-down with Maxwell after lawmakers voted to subpoena her over her close ties to late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

In a letter sent to Comer earlier this week, Maxwell's lawyer claimed she "did not receive a fair trial" and petitioned to delay the deposition date until after her case before the Supreme Court was resolved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"On July 30, the U.S. Supreme Court noticed that your petition for writ of certiorari will be considered at its conference on September 29. In light of this notice, the Committee is willing to delay your deposition until a date following the Courts certiorari determination," Comer wrote on Friday.

Comer Dismisses Biden Doctor's Bid For Pause In Cover-up Probe: 'Throwing Out Every Excuse'

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were both indicted on federal sex trafficking charges stemming from Epstein's years of abuse of underage girls.

According to the Kentucky Republican's letter, Maxwell's lawyer warned she would invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering any questions unless certain conditions were met.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These conditions include: (1) a grant of immunity, (2) the deposition occurring outside of FCI Tallahassee, (3) access to the Committees questions in advance, and (4) the conclusion of your recent appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and potential future habeas petition," Comer wrote.

He denied her requests for congressional immunity and to get the questions in advance, but wrote the committee would continue to "engage in good faith negotiations."

Comer also vowed the committee would honor its "long-standing practice of engaging in forthright and detailed discussions about scoping."

The subpoena was issued to Maxwell after a unanimous vote by both Republicans and Democrats on the committee in late July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The motion to subpoena Maxwell was offered by Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.

House Oversight and Accountability Committee chairman James Comer responded to Maxwell's request for a delay.

"Your testimony is vital to the Committees efforts regarding Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, including the 2007 non-prosecution agreement and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Epsteins death," Comer wrote. "These investigative efforts may be used to inform potential legislation to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations."

The letter comes hours after Fox News learned Maxwell had been transferred from Florida to a federal prison camp in Bryan, Texas.

Gop Lawmakers Clash Over Strategy To Avert Government Shutdown Crisis

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Congressional investigators are looking to speak with Maxwell over her longstanding close ties to Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges when he died by suicide at a jail in New York City in 2019.

Maxwell herself was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022 "for her role in a scheme to sexual exploit and abuse multiple minor girls with Jeffrey Epstein over the course of a decade," according to a press release by the Southern District of New York.

In the delay request, Maxwell's attorney argued that "Any testimony she provides now could compromise her constitutional rights, prejudice her legal claims, and potentially taint a future jury pool."

Maxwell had already met with federal investigators last week when Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sat down with her in Tallahassee at the direction of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bondi said in a statement announcing the meeting, "President Trump has told us to release all credible evidence. 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."

Maxwell's lawyers told Fox News in response to Comer's letter, "We acknowledge Chairman Comers letter and appreciate the Committees willingness to delay Ms. Maxwells deposition while her case is pending before the Supreme Court. We will continue to engage with Congress in good faith to find a way for Ms. Maxwell to share her information without compromising her constitutional right."





Original article source: Comer OKs delay for Ghislaine Maxwells congressional testimony, denies immunity request
WARNING: Some of the video and audio recordings previously released by CSPD and details of the incident may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A fatal officer-involved shooting in Colorado Springs, in which a suspect who was covered in blood rushed at officers with a knife, has been ruled justified by the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office (DAs Office).

According to the DAs Office review, at midnight on Oct. 8, 2024, officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to the 5100 block of Prairie Grass Lane in the Stetson Hills neighborhood near Tutt Boulevard after a 911 caller reported that his roommate had made suicidal threats and was harming himself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: CSPD releases footage of deadly Stetson Hills officer-involved shooting

The caller said the man, later identified as 41-year-old Matthew Kemper, was lying on the floor of the living room and was covered in blood, completely nude, and armed with a knife.

CSPD Sergeant Andrew Rutter arrived on scene first at 12:07 a.m. and made contact with a second roommate, who was standing outside the home. The roommate told Sgt. Rutter that Mr. Kemper had attempted to assault him while armed with a knife.

CSPD Officers Noah Bartron and Kyle Mace arrived on scene shortly after, and just before 12:15 a.m., several officers approached the home with Officer Bartron at the lead. The front door was open when officers arrived, and Officer Bartron opened the homes screen door while announcing the presence of law enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the DAs Office, He saw Mr. Kemper on the floor and noted Mr. Kemper had blood all over his face.' According to the review, the reporting roommate was still in the front room but was separated from the officers by the suspect.

The suspect was acting erratically and exhibiting suicidal behavior. He was armed with a knife, covered in blood, and blocking a path of escape for his roommate, the reporting party, when officers arrived, the DAs Office wrote. Officers Bartron and Mace expressed they feared for the safety of the reporting party, for themselves, and for their fellow officers.

When Officer Bartron asked the roommate to exit the home, they did not respond.

He looked terrified, like he couldnt move. He looked just scared. I remember yelling to him, Hey, come to me because I wanted to get him out, Officer Bartron stated. And as soon as I yelled, come to me, [Mr. Kemper] lifted his chin and looked right at me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DAs Office reported that was when Kemper jumped to his feet. Officer Bartron stepped back to create space but, because the reporting party was still inside the residence, said he did not feel it was safe for law enforcement to leave.

Kemper then rushed toward officers while holding out a knife, according to the review. And in his left hand, I see a knife, a steak knife with a brown hilt and a silver blade thats serrated, Officer Mace said.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

Officer Bartron yelled toward Kemper, No, no, stay, stop.

As Kemper continued to approach officers with the knife, Officer Mace pivoted from his department-issued taser, which hed already drawn, to his handgun.

Body-worn camera footage of officer-involved shooting on Prairie Grass Lane

Body-worn camera footage of officer-involved shooting on Prairie Grass Lane

According to the DAs Office, Officer Mace stated he threw his taser and reached for his gun because, [The taser] takes two probes to hit and be effective. I didnt want to risk serious bodily injury or death to myself, my partner, or the innocent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[Mr. Kemper] was coming at me with a knife, and I was afraid if he wasnt stopped, he was going to hurt me, my partner, or the other person in the room, said Officer Bartron. Officer Bartron fired four rounds from his duty handgun at Kemper, who was hit multiple times and collapsed to the floor, the DAs Office wrote.

He did not respond to commands to stop. Officers Bartron and Mace stated they were in fear for their lives, their fellow officers lives, and the life of the reporting party, according to the review.

The reporting roommate was led outside of the house by Officer Mace while officers on scene rendered medical aid to Kemper before medical personnel arrived.

Despite the lifesaving efforts from CSPD officers and CSFD personnel, Mr. Kemper died at the scene, wrote the DAs Office. Following an autopsy, [the] El Paso County Coroners Office determined Kemper died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds. According to the toxicology panel, Kemper had marijuana in his system at the time of his death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DAs Office said Officers Bartron and Mace were both equipped with body-worn cameras, but the equipment did not function correctly. The body-worn camera on Sgt. Rutter, however, did function correctly and recorded events normally.

This information was raised with the BWC vendor, who stated this disruption was the result of a bug in their reporting system, which had been identified and resolved, wrote the DAs Office regarding the remote activation failures and temporary interruption in device connectivity.

After completing a thorough review of the facts and evidence, Colorados 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office has determined the use of deadly physical force by Colorado Springs Police Officer Noah Bartron on October 8, 2024, was justified, based on all the facts and circumstances of this case under the laws of the State of Colorado. No charges will be filed based on the statutes outlined previously, as well as the necessary application of ethical rules. 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; this service provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Focusing on long COVID in Santa Fe

Christiane Starks likened her symptoms to pieces in a puzzle  without a box or picture for reference.

"They all go together, and it makes a picture," Starks said. But, she asked, "How do you know all of those puzzle pieces came from the same box?"

For Starks, that box is long COVID.

When she first contracted COVID-19 in November 2022, Starks said it felt like a severe flu, bringing on headaches and fatigue, plus other concerning changes, like fluctuating blood pressure and a sudden spiking heart rate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of her symptoms persisted, said Starks, a resident of Rio Rancho who has been diagnosed with long COVID, a chronic condition that often involves extreme fatigue, respiratory issues and cognitive impairments. She has developed new symptoms since the onset of her case of COVID-19, causing her to lose the use of her legs. She now uses a wheelchair to move around. She is one of potentially hundreds of millions of people with long COVID symptoms who are still waiting for better ways to diagnose and treat the illness.

Experts from around the world in long COVID and similar post-acute infection syndromes will gather in Santa Fe from Aug. 10 to 13 for a medical symposium aimed at making some improvements.

070925 jw shooting range 1.jpg (copy)

Santa Fe police Detective Rebecca Hildebrandt carefully sights a new rifle as Santa Fe police officers get certified at the departments shooting range near the Santa Fe Regional Airport on July 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Candidates sound off on public safety

When she worked for the city of Santa Fe as the human resources director, mayoral candidate JoAnne Vigil Coppler, a former city councilor, said she would see the police chief at the Burning of Zozobra, "carting drunk people off the field."

She doesn't feel that sense of community involvement by police today, which she said could be because many officers, including some in leadership positions, live outside Santa Fe. "It's hard to manage from afar," she said.

Vigil Coppler's assessment isn't shared by all of her competitors, but the six of seven mayoral candidates who responded to a New Mexican inquiry this week about public safety expressed a desire for police to be more involved in the community  something they all said their policies would help spur, if elected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2025 Haciendas cover

Haciendas magazine is out now

Published in partnership with the Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association, Haciendas is your go-to guide for the upcoming Parade of Homes. Learn about the 13 entrants in this years parade with insights from the builders, designers, and architects who create the best open house in the west and plan your route to see all the homes during the parade weekends of August 810 and August 1517. Plus: Go behind the design of last years Grand Hacienda Awardwinning home by Zachary & Sons Homes, discover four thought-leaders' definitions of Santa Fe style, and get expert tips on tapping into the wall coverings home interior trend.

Read it all at santafenewmexican.com.
Aug. 2At Tuesday's Lawrence County Commissioners' meeting, members of the Lawrence County Firefighter Association stopped by to explain some of the trainings that firefighters around the county have done recently.

Larry Dickess, one of the vice presidents of Lawrence County Firefighter Association, gave an update of the recent activities of the county's search and rescue team, which included helping to locate missing children and a lost adult hiker, all of whom were found safely.

He said the team has been doing monthly trainings to improve their skills including low angle rope rescue and K-9 training at the 650 trails, as well as training simpler search skills, such as communication, fire starting, grid search and shelter building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trending

*

Two Hearts opens Ironton location

*

Counseling Center hosts grand re-opening

"All in all, this team continues to get better, constantly learning and

training so that they are ready and able to help anyone that may call on them," Dickess said.

Some of the upcoming trainings include school bus training today at South Point, basic wildfire training at JROC and dealing with chlorine emergencies.

He said some of the trainings are put on by a fire department and they have invited other firefighters to attend and some are put on by the association.

"We've kept a pretty full schedule all year," Dickess said. "And things are going in the right direction."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said that they have even had trainings that were attended by crews from Gallia and Scioto County.

Trending

*

Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy

*

Citizenship Awards presented

Dickess said one of the biggest things they are working on right now is how to contact the SAR team for a call out.

Currently, they have to call dispatch which sends out a 911 call to all departments and an alert on the all-hazard channel on the pager.

"Our 911 coordinator has been working on that and feels he has a solution," Dickess said.

Another thing they are working on is a brush fire team.

Commissioner Colton Copley said it good to hear that the fire department members have been expanding their trainings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commissioner DeAnna Holliday said she loved the fact that other areas are looking at what the Lawrence County Firefighter Association has established and wanting to train with them.

Approved the following floodplain permits submitted by the Soil and Water Conservation District:

Renewed: Jason Ellis-Filling and grading and stream maintenance projects located at 38 Private Drive 331 County Road 36 and between Township Road 170 Windsor Twp. Line along County Road 36; James Boggs-filling and grading and stream maintenance projects located at 11366 St. Rt. 217; Justin Holland-Stream maintenance project located at 1045 County Road 37; Lawrence (Larry) Sullivan-Stream maintenance project located at 277 County Road 36; Car Stop Pre-Owned Auto LLC-Non-residential repair/construction project located at 218 County Road 402; Chesapeake Little League -filling and grading and Non-residential structure (press box on soft ball field) projects located at 624 County Road 31; Chesapeake Little League -Camper being used as a mobile concession stand project located at 624 County Road 31; Ronald Hamm-Stream maintenance project located at 1674 County Road 56; and Mark A. Kipp-filling and grading, bank stabilization and stream maintenance projects located at 7136 County Road 15

Amended: David and Summer R. Maynard to filling and grading project located at 652 and 708 County Road 31.

You Might Like

Business

Two Hearts opens Ironton location

Business

Counseling Center hosts grand re-opening

Ashland, KY

Living in a rock 'n' roll fantasy

News

Citizenship Awards presented
A household sweetener could hold the potential to create an anti-cancer treatment.

New research from Hiroshima University in Japan revealed that stevia leaf extract could help fight pancreatic cancer cells.

The leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) are used to make stevia extract, a naturally sweet substance commonly used as a sugar substitute.

Two Cancer Drugs Show Promise In Reversing Alzheimer's Devastating Effects

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, investigated the anti-cancer properties of stevia leaf extract when it is fermented with a certain strain of bacteria.

In laboratory research, the fermented extract exhibited "significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity" against pancreatic cancer cells, the researchers revealed.

Read On The Fox News App

The chemical properties of stevia plant extract could help fight pancreatic cancer cells, researchers discovered.

This led them to believe that this substance could serve as a "promising candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment."

Paul E. Oberstein, M.D., medical oncologist and assistant director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, shared his thoughts in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ancient 'Pharaoh's Curse' Fungus Shows Promise In Killing Cancer Cells

"This is an interesting study because it evaluated something derived from a natural plant (stevia) and showed that it may have utility in stopping cancer cells from growing in the laboratory," he said.

"As the authors point out, the actual stevia plant does not seem to have any benefit for stopping cancer, so they had to use a chemical process to change the plant and make it stronger with a fermentation process."

Oberstein recommended approaching this with caution, as it is unknown whether altering the plant will lead to side effects or toxicity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The study was not performed on humans, so there is "still a lot thats unknown about whether this will help patients," the oncologist added.

The study was not performed on humans, so there is "still a lot thats unknown about whether this will help patients," an oncologist commented.

As stevia extract alone does not have an impact on cancer cells, Oberstein said these findings most likely will not lead to any immediate changes in treatment plans.

"The study suggests that if the stevia can be changed in the lab, it may have an impact, so hopefully they will further test this and determine whether this effect happens when tested in people and if it doesnt cause new side effects," he added.

"I hope the researchers keep testing this in various formats and in people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Kristen Arnold, a surgical oncologist and pancreatic cancer specialist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, reacted to these study findings in a separate interview with Fox News Digital.

"Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignancy," she said. "And we know that even with the most aggressive of therapies, unfortunately, our outcomes are not good."

The stevia used as a beverage sweetener does not show any benefit to fighting cancer in its current form.

"As a pancreatic cancer community, we spend a lot of time and there's a lot of ongoing effort into trying to find better modalities to treat this disease."

Although more research is needed to confirm these preliminary findings, Arnold said she is encouraged by the study.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter

"I think the data's very early to know if it's ultimately going to be a game-changer, but it's very exciting to know that we're finding some positive pre-clinical data," she said.

"This is the process of how we discover new treatments  some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers and make dramatic changes in the lives of our patients."

"Not all of it pans out, but it's a process of discovery," Arnold added.

"Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive malignancy," an oncologist said. "And we know that even with the most aggressive of therapies, unfortunately, our outcomes are not good."

For those with pancreatic cancer, Arnold recommends seeking out appropriate clinical trial opportunities as new science develops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

"The clinical trials are ultimately what determine how we treat patients on a day-to-day basis," she added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.





Original article source: Common sweetener could hold untapped potential to fight aggressive cancer, study finds
The Cass County Community Foundation continued doing what it does best Thursday afternoon: giving. This time around it was for their annual opportunity grants, which are awarded to local organizations with needs valued at $5,000 or less.

The community foundation held a press conference and reception at its office, 729 E. Market St., to announce the five winners of this years opportunity grants.

Winners included the Columbia Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, who received $4,999 for new picnic tables to be installed at their playground. Logansport Street Outreach was awarded $2,540 for wagons to give to their homeless clients. The Neal Home received $5,000 to repair bathroom water damage. The Pioneer Regional School Corporation Parent Teacher Organization were awarded $4,999 to purchase inclusive playground equipment and the Young America Lions Club received $2,249 for a milk cooler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kellie Pearson, the principal at Columbia Elementary accepted the grant alongside her assistant principal Amy Hayden. Pearson explained the school had a new public playground and she had seen families visit the playground often during the summer. She had also seen families spreading blankets and having picnics. Staff had asked for an outdoor space where they could sit during lunch or even bring their class out to sit as well. She said the funds would be used to purchase five picnic tables that could sit eight people, making for 40 outdoor seating spaces.

Logansport Street Outreach works to provide the local homeless community with food and items they may need. Jason Mitchell, director of the Emmaus Mission Center, said they always ask the people they serve what they may need and many tell him wagons that they could use to move items to and from, perhaps, the laundry or a grocery store.

We bought a lot of collapsible carts and theykinda did collapse, said Mitchell. This money from the community will go to wagons that are a lot sturdier for different terrains and types of weather. It will help folks transport their wares here and there in a safe and secure way.

The Neal Home has been located at 2518 George Street since 1959, said Joyce Elkelbarger, the executive director at the home. Repairs have been needed to keep the home in good shape and of late those repairs have been needed in the bathrooms. They have been able to manage the upkeep in most of the bathrooms on their own but one has major damage which the grant from the CCCF will help with.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Members of the Pioneer parent teacher organization were on hand to accept their grant. Lisa Webber said the elementary school had playground equipment that was no longer safe. The funds would go to buying new equipment that would also be easier for special needs children to use.

Sherri Gehlhausen said that the Young America Lions Club hosts many events throughout the year and their coolers had not been working well. She said the new cooler would allow them to keep items frozen during events.

The Cass County Community Foundation awarded a total of $19,787 in grants. The foundation had previously announced a pool of $230,000 available for opportunity grants and competitive grants. There is $210,213 remaining for opportunity grants which will be announced at a later date in the fall.

The community foundation ended 2024 with over 55 million dollars in assets. Crispen believed that over 90 percent of those funds were contributed by the community. Since 2001, the foundation has awarded over 16 million dollars in scholarships and grants.

Barrie McClain, the grants committee chair, presented the awards during the reception.
EFFINGHAM  Thirty years after Lake Land College opened its first facility in Effingham, the college celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility Wednesday and its growing partnership with the community.

During the grand opening, hundreds of visitors came to tour the Effingham Technology Center. With 100,000 square feet, the multi-level facility has four times the space of the Effingham Kluthe Center.

The college was exploring ways to expand its presence in Effingham when the opportunity to purchase the building from Patterson Companies became available two years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since acquiring the building, LLC has equipped it with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, including new nursing, massage therapy, physical therapy assistant labs and full biology and chemistry labs with prep rooms to allow for biology and chemistry classes that the college would not have been able to offer at the Kluthe Center. HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital has committed to a gift that will elevate the nursing simulation lab with state-of-the-art training and simulation resources at the center.

Besides offering general education courses previously held at the Kluthe Center, the building features a brand-new Innovation Center with a virtual reality lab, an augmented reality lab and a makerspace lab.

Greg Harper and his wife, Donna, were among those touring the Innovation Center, which treated guests to lab demonstrations Wednesday. Donning a goggle headset and hand controllers, Greg tried an augmented reality game in which he shot little digital puff balls around the room, similar to Pokemon Go. The AR room will be used to test different augmented reality programs students will be making, something LLC hasnt had enough room for at its Mattoon campus.

They have a small space, but its nowhere near as expansive. Its a lot harder to test any kind of AR or VR. Here they have a lot bigger space. So, its not as cramped, said LLC Digital Media Specialist Jason Trigg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Next door featured computers with 3-D technology that Trigg said dont require goggles.

You get an amazing view of the heart to where you can actually take pieces of the heart out and get a clear view. As youre watching, the heart is beating, so you can see how the heart works in real time. Theres also a blueprint of a house if you want to build a house, go through the house, whether its the blueprint, the framing or the completed house. You can build a watch, he said, naming some of its capabilities.

Donna Harper found the renovated building really impressive. Greg was amazed by the transformation of the main level from the open layout filled with office cubicles that had inhabited it before.

LLC President Josh Bullock said the Effingham Technology Center will serve as a local hub for innovation, offering educational programs, opportunities and partnerships that will continue to impact the region, many of which he highlighted during a dedication ceremony Wednesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the long list of entities and individuals he thanked was Effingham leadership for their instrumental role in embarking on the project.

When we had the vision to purchase this facility in 2022, they stepped up to the plate and helped make sure that this facility would remain vital to us and vital to the community in a very important way, he said.

Bullock also commended the colleges board of trustees for recognizing the facilitys potential to benefit not only Lake Land College in the community but also to foster a strong partnership with Patterson.

As part of the buildings initial purchase agreement, Lake Land is leasing back a portion of it to Patterson, which employs over 300 in the Effingham area, primarily through remote work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cecile Schauer, vice president and general manager of Dental Software Business at Patterson Companies, noted the company not only employs people for the call center, which answers calls from over a million customers in dental practices who need technology support, but also IT software development, marketing, sales, supply chain and customer training.

One of the things were really looking forward to on our future partnership with Lake Land College is the ability to hire really talented people from the Lake Land College programs, she said during the dedication ceremony.

The new facility has created pathways for the college to build new partnerships with local organizations, including the Illinois Small Business Development Center through Eastern Illinois Universitys Lumpkin College of Business. The ETC will serve as the satellite location for the organization.

The Small Business Development Center is so vital to the work we do in economic development. It supports local start-ups, small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing free or affordable training, said Bullock. Well be able to serve through that partnership entities who are coming in who are looking to grow and prosper right here in the community, and its going to help strengthen the small business culture in Effingham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another partnership is the Effingham-based CORE (Creating Opportunities for Regional Employment) Academy. The ETC will be the first permanent home of CORE, which serves the region with hands-on career development courses to help high school students discover career pathways in the Effingham community.

It helps ideally to create a local pipeline of talent for the future workforce, said Bullock.

Norma Lansing, CORE Effingham Regional Career Foundation treasurer and one of its founding members, called the opening of the ETC monumental, adding it provides so many opportunities for the area.

Effingham Technology Center can benefit not only educational opportunities at many levels but also for the economic boost it gives to the Effingham area as a showcase of the communitys commitment to the future growth and development of our citizens, she said during the ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This fall, CORE will welcome 80 students from nine schools who will be taking classes in the facility, ranging from advanced manufacturing to health care, information technology, agriculture and transportation.

The academy is a collaboration of educators, businesses, business owners, business managers, employees and community leaders that Lansing said is not the norm.

Many of our friends and associates from other communities tell us that. Its not just us saying that, she said. They tell us all the time, this doesnt happen elsewhere. Working together does not happen naturally everywhere, but it happens here in Effingham County, and were so proud of that.

Lansing said ETC will not only provide countless opportunities for high school students, but also adult learners and incumbent workers who desire real-world opportunities, hands-on learning, and a relevant curriculum that can be put to immediate use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are looking at future opportunities for CORE to provide connections for incumbent workers and job seekers to thrive in the ever-changing workforce and to advance their careers, she said.

Together, we are creating a brighter future for our students and for the region as a whole, she added.

Lake Land College students, faculty and staff will officially begin utilizing the Effingham Technology Center with their Aug. 25 start date for the fall semester. To help students register for classes and prepare for the upcoming semester, Lake Land will host a Fast Track to Fall event at the Effingham Technology Center on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. Participants of the Fast Track event will have a chance to meet and ask questions with representatives from Admissions, Counseling Services, TRIO, Perkins and Financial Aid and familiarize themselves with the new Effingham Technology Center.
ATHENS, WV (WVNS)  For those of us who live and work in southern West Virginia, we know that to drive almost anywhere can be a matter of half an hour or more.

CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center has a new certification for Acute Strokes

When you have several doctors appointments over several days, the cost of those trips can be expensive.

This is where telehealth comes in.

Though it has been around for several years now, telehealth is still relatively new to rural areas such as here in southern West Virginia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many people are not sure what it entails, how to get a telehealth appointment, and how secure speaking to your doctor over a computer or phone is.

That is why a conference addressing all these topics and more was held at Concord University.

Terri Philpott, Director of Practicum Education for Social Work Programs, participated in the conference because she felt it was a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

This is pretty much a trial run because theyve had these meetings before but it has been with the larger companies. This is the first time that they have ever thought to include rural communities and rural individuals in their conferences so that we can actually talk about what the problems really are, said Philpott.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the main problems Philpott said was discussed was the lack of infrastructure needed in some rural communities to make telehealth available.

That includes broadband internet and better service for both cell and home phones in order to actually attend a telehealth appointment.

Dr. Shawn Allen, Associate Professor of Social Work, organized the event and said another problem is getting the providers on board.

Its really important that our folks here, our practitioners that came understand, not just want telehealth is, but also the challenges to it that there can be, there can be barriers, but the really great strengths there are to it as well, said Dr. Allen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The importance of self-care and your wellbeing

Dr. Allen said the conference extends across the entire Appalachian region, encompassing sixteen states.

He hopes that the discussions held at the conference are followed up on and rural communities are able to get the healthcare they need without having to leave the house.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNCT)  Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) traveled to Mexico with a congressional delegation including former North Carolina Speaker of the House and current Congressman Tim Moore.

They met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, her cabinet members and other officials. The purpose of the visit was to discuss several issues including the border, fentanyl and other drugs, cartels, trade and banking.

Our delegations meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was both constructive and productive, Congressman Davis said. She emphasized the proactive measures Mexico is implementing to address fentanyl and cartel activities and efforts to secure our southern border. We appreciate her commitment to working closely with the United States and equally recognize the importance of stable trade policies due to our interconnected economies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the beginning of the year, Mexico has deployed more than 10,000 National Guard troops to its borders, effectively preventing around 700,000 unlawful entries into the U.S.

Mexicos actions and the Trump administrations policies have significantly reduced unlawful border crossings, Congressman Davis said. But our work isnt finished. China poses a serious threat and Mexican drug cartels will continue to find ways to smuggle drugs into America. We must stay ahead of them.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Despite Superintendent Ryan Walters saying that an online conservative private school was eligible for a state tax credit, they werent and still arent.

Theyve already met all of the criteria, said Supt. Walters to the board members last Thursday.

He pushed an email out to parents that had a link for them to enroll their kids and said in part, The Academy is also the newest partner in OSDEs fight against far-left teachers unions and woke educators using the classroom for their political activism. American Virtual Academy is in the approval process of the Parental Choice Tax Credit, so parents will have access to a private school education that has already been funded in part by their hard-working tax dollars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: New OSDE and conservative online school partnership comes with concerns

Board members expressed concern that the school, which is run by American Virtual Academy, wasnt eligible for the Parental Choice Tax Credits.

Private schools apply through the Tax Commission, but they have to meet the criteria laid out.

I had the knowledge that the credits only applied to schools in Oklahoma, said Board Member Michael Tinney.

They have an address in Oklahoma, said Supt. Walters to Tinney. But they didnt at that time, according to the Oklahoma Secretary of States Office.

The next day, they did, according to a parent, it was a Post Office Box in Nichols Hills.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, according to the Tax Commission, for a private school to be approved, they have to have an accredited location. And the board members are allowed to be one of the people to accredit their location.

The Tax Commission responded to KFOR Thursday afternoon, The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) has reviewed the Parental Choice Tax Credit registration application for the American Virtual Academy. The American Virtual Academy is not an approved participating school. Schools that have submitted registration applications and have met eligibility requirements can be found in our Parental Choice Tax Credit program school directory. An eligible school must be physically located in Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma location must be accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education or another accrediting association. Additionally, schools must provide a Federal Employee Identification Number and proof of employment for both primary and secondary contacts, which includes an ID badge, letter of employment, or business card. If one or more of the review criteria are not met, the school registration application will be denied by the OTC.

For him to mislead families the way he did and cost them thousands and thousands of dollars, its just shameful, said Rep. Andy Fugate (D-OKC).

Rep. Fugate worried that parents had already enrolled in the school and thought their tuition would be paid for with the tax credits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This specific incident its speaks directly to how believable and truthful Ryan Walters is, said Rep. Fugate.

American Virtual Academy had a scholarship drop-down on their main page, and Oklahoma was listed there. When you clicked on the state, they explained the Parental Choice Tax Credit and said, Your tax credit can go further with AVA!

That was still up on Thursday, but after news dropped that they werent eligible for the credit, they took it down completely.

News 4 has reached out to Supt. Walters asked several times and asked if he knew they werent eligible before sending a link for parents to enroll. News 4 also asked if he had a statement, for there were parents who enrolled thinking they would get the tax credit. We havent heard back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

News 4 has also reached out to A.V.A. several times over the last couple of weeks, but hasnt 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.
The Instagram message I sent went this way: Querido Ivan, Donde estas? Llevo un par de semanas preocupado por ti. Donde estas? Dime que estas pasando desapercibido.  Dime que no estas en la carcel ni en un centro de detencion de mala muerte. O en el Mexico cuerdo.

Ivan is the guy who sells cocos frios  cold coconuts  and watermelon, pineapple and mangos from a cart on an L.A. corner I pass by most days. For nearly a year, whenever I saw his bright rainbow umbrella, my mouth started to water. My usual order: two large chopped watermelon cups  one plain for my girlfriend, and one with a splash of chamoy and tejate, for me  handed over by Ivan or his little brother with a Here, my friend.

Sounds dangerous right? Like Ivan and his brother are criminal masterminds?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: More than 1,000 National Guard troops leaving L.A. Newsom says Trump's 'political theater backfired'

Since the second week in June, as ICE, Homeland Security, the National Guard, the Marines and who knows who else took to the streets all masked up, war-fighting ready, and started disappearing Angelenos, Id been worried about Ivan. Where was he?

Hence the Instagram. I identified myself as tu amigo Miguel, the tipo in the black Acura with the two-watermelon usual.

Te extrano, I said. I missed him and the watermelon. I said I hoped he was desapercibido  lying low  and not in a sleazy detention center or back in Mexico, which at least is a sane country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That lying low would be the best-case scenario for Ivan and his brother was absurd. Two guys providing Los Angeles with iced fruit were probably on the lam, unable to earn a living because the president of the United States thought real Americans wanted their cocos frios cart.

Read more: California's economy is already getting hit by immigration raids

I told my friend Lance about Ivans vanishing act. This was his response:

My youngest son, Chris, went to Cal State Northridge and got his degree in chopping fruit, but he couldnt find a job, so he went to Stanford and got a master's in cocos frios, but still no jobs. Now, thanks to Donald Trump, my boy is going to be on the corner chopping fruit. Finally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Into July, still nothing from Ivan. Finally, out of town on vacation, I heard back.

Hola, amigo, estamos bien, muchas gracias habiamos. One family member was taken, pero ya estamos bien and cuanto se calmen los cosas  estaremos. But were fine and when things calm down, well be back.

Read more: Contributor: ICE raids are cruel, but so is an economy built on undocumented labor

But when? A lot of ICE, he Instagrammed. A lot of la migra. Not yet.

Days went by. Then on Monday, still out of town, I hear my phones handoff tone. A friend texted me a picture of the rainbow umbrella: Your watermelon man is back on his corner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I tried Ivan. He messaged right back. Ill save you the Spanish:

Hello, good evening. Ill be waiting for you here. In the meantime, continue enjoying your lovely trip. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.

Who is this menace to society trying to fool?

I owe Ivan $16. I didnt have cash for my last order in early June. Next week, I'll pay up beneath that beautiful rainbow umbrella. And get two more cups of watermelon to go.

Michael Krikorian is a former Times staff writer. KrikorianWrites.com



If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A controversial protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg is being removed and replaced with a painted, unprotected bike lane following strong community pushback from parents concerned about their childrens safety.

The change comes after a prolonged legal battle and heated debate, with city crews now in the process of dismantling the protected lane along three blocks between Flushing and Willoughby avenues.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Joel Weberman, a Williamsburg father of nine whose children rely on the school bus daily along this route, expressed relief at the decision.

Its a sigh of relief. A long fight came to an end, Weberman said. He and other concerned parents argued that the protected bike lane posed unique dangers during school bus pick-up and drop-off, as young children sometimes run or step into the bike lane when boarding or exiting the bus.

Just that design just happened to be a miscalculation, and our kids were at stake, he added.

While NYC Department of Transportation data showed a 47% decline in injuries on this stretch with the protected bike lane in place, many local residents insisted the risk to children was specific and urgent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An anonymous parent emphasized the importance of safety at bus stops, saying, The effect this is going to have on the children. The safety and the security theyre going to feel when they get on and off the bus every day. This is something as a parent that Im so glad the mayor did this for us.

Weberman highlighted the practical benefits of removing the protected lane, Now the children will be safer when they go on a bus. The bus will be able to block the bike lane at all when he makes that stop. And everyone will stop according to the law and the kids will just go up.

More Local News

He also noted the chaotic nature of small children at bus stops, saying, You know, small kids, they all always run. You cant, uh, stop them. You could stop the bikers for that minute. The bus is putting it on and, uh, we hope thats going to take it safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The decision follows months of legal wrangling.

Mayor Eric Adams sided with parents and community leaders, authorizing the removal of the protected bike lane despite opposition from transportation advocates and data warning that the change could increase risk for all street users. Courts upheld the citys authority to proceed with the removal, dismissing legal challenges from bike safety groups.

Opponents of the removal criticized Mayor Adamss choice. Executive Director with Transportation Alternatives, Ben Furnas said, Thanks to Mayor Adams, Brooklyn just got more dangerous. By reverting a safer street to a more dangerous one, Mayor Adams has made a blatantly self-interested decision, putting New Yorkers at increased risk of injury or death for the sake of his own political prospects.

For Weberman and families like his, the restoration of a painted bike lane is a cause for gratitude. It took longer than we thought. Harder than we thought, but we thank God that be the end of it, he 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 PIX11.
A new employee at one of Kwik Trip's convenience stores discovered that they were unprepared for the disheartening amount of food they threw away each day.

What's happening?

In Reddit's r/KwikTrip community, the employee explained that the company's training videos couldn't offset the shock they felt when they realized how much food ended up in the trash, despite company policies that are supposed to limit food waste.

"The Kwik trip I work at is surrounded by a not so wealthy community and it breaks my heart seeing all the food that gets wasted when I know it could easily go to those in need," they wrote. "If you know something isn't very popular why make like 8 of it  it's really sad."

Why is this important?

While other Kwik Trip employees chimed in to suggest food waste was also an issue at their locations, employees at other major retailers such as Target and Walmart have shared anecdotes that reveal the problem goes beyond just one company's actions  and the data supports that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Feeding America, nearly 40% of food in the country goes unsold or uneaten, with the equivalent of 145 billion meals' worth of food ending up in methane-generating landfills.

This isn't just bad for the environment. It also wastes resources that could go toward feeding the 47 million people struggling with food insecurity, and it represents $473 billion in lost value.

Is Kwik Trip doing anything to reduce food waste?

Like other food sellers, Kwik Trip must adhere to strict food safety regulations. While The Cool Down couldn't find specific published policies involving Kwik Trip-led donations of unsold food, the company has programs for organizations to get the ball rolling by submitting donation requests.

"A lot of KTs have deals with local food banks/shelters and they donate through that way," one Redditor wrote in the thread.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We donate everything that is safe to donate. Some stuff just isn't," another said in response to a Facebook question about food waste at Kwik Trip.

After this article was published, a spokesperson for Kwik Trip told The Cool Down that the company donated 4.4 million pounds of food to Feeding America food banks, bringing the total to 28 million pounds since 2011. They noted that this included "items close to or recently past expiration, such as meat, baked goods, fresh prepared items like sandwiches, dairy items, and produce when possible" and said "even some hot prepared items are frozen after being pulled from sale."

"About 90% of our stores have a food donation pick-up partner, a local food pantry agency partner of the Feeding America food banks," the spokesperson said. "The ones that do not are on the radar of the food bank as needing a partner once there is a suitable one available."

Several people who identified themselves as Kwik Trip employees suggested in the r/KwikTrip thread that the company could benefit from reexamining its production plans and food management policies, or at least how effectively those corporate policies are applied by local store managers and district managers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"My store is actually on an action plan because our waste is too low. That shows them that we're not putting out enough food, especially that early morning breakfast rush," one said.

"If our waste is nothing, that means we didn't have enough food out and some people left empty handed," another said. "It's alllllll about the numbers at the end of the day."

The spokesperson said that Kwik Trip has made strides in recent years by implementing a "computerized Kitchen Production System that monitors hot food sales and makes extremely accurate predictions of how much food to put out that minimizes waste."

"Food waste has always been a focal point of emphasis for as long as we have had a food program," the spokesperson said. "Apart from the social justice aspect of not throwing away food, food waste is a huge drain on profitability. We obviously watch waste numbers extremely closely."

What else can be done to reduce food waste?

Kwik Trip isn't alone in at least having some initiative leading to reduced food waste. Kroger and Trader Joe's are also among the food sellers that have offloaded food to consumers at no cost when their refrigeration or freezer systems have failed.

To that end, multiple social media users revealed their trick to help keep items fresh for longer: a freezer. "At my store when food comes off the hot spot we freeze it and then once a week Feeding America picks it up," one Kwik Trip employee wrote on Facebook. You can reduce food waste in your daily life using the same hack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also, keep in mind that if something is no longer fit for consumption, you may be able to throw it in your compost bin. This will not only transform your food scraps into a nutrient-rich fertilizer that supports soil health but also help prevent as many heat-trapping gases from entering the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency has a breakdown of items ideal for backyard composting.

Editor's note: This article was updated to add statements from a Kwik Trip spokesperson.

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.
Aug. 1Office of Cannabis Management lists disqualifying convictions; Man's charge is not one of them

A 2017 conviction from the man who is attempting to open Albert Lea's first cannabis dispensary is gaining attention from both local residents and officials after the Albert Lea City Council voted against approving the registration for the business at its Monday meeting.

Jacob Schlichter, who plans to open The Smoking Tree at 2718 Bridge Ave., had been approved by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management for his license and had come before the council for the final step before he can open the business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

City Manager Ian Rigg on Wednesday said city staff and the council continued to have legitimate concerns that had come up as a result of what he described as the "constant moving target" of the state law surrounding the issue, as well as the OCM approval process. He said the city did not have time to delve into all of the concerns before Monday's meeting and noted the issue will likely come up again at the Aug. 11 council meeting.

One of the concerns was a conviction Schlichter had dating back to an incident in 2016 when Schlichter was living in Austin. At that time, he was charged in Mower County District Court with a felony count of deprivation of parental rights-cause child to be a runaway.

The initial court complaint stated Schlichter, who was 20 at the time, was concealing a 16-year-old runaway from Texas at his residence. The teenager initially told police she had hitchhiked to Minnesota and stayed with Schlichter, who was her boyfriend, when she got to Austin. She said they had reportedly met online four years prior.

The girl's mother told police they had moved to Texas about a year before and that she had prohibited her daughter from being with Schlichter and even called the police and had him trespassed from her home. They reportedly communicated by using a friend's phone or through fake email accounts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teenager later told police that she was in a romantic relationship with Schlichter and that they had planned her departure from her mother's house so they could be together. Schlichter reportedly drove to her home, picked her up and then drove to Minnesota.

Schlichter ultimately pleaded guilty to an amended charge of contributing to the need for child protection or services, a gross misdemeanor, and in August 2017 was sentenced to two years of probation, along with the requirements of completing a psychological evaluation and treatment, completing cognitive skills training, have no contact with the victim or family, having no alcohol or controlled substance use, and having no threats of violence, among other conditions.

At a review hearing in February 2018, the court noted minimal compliance with Schlichter's probationary conditions and his reported continued attempts to manipulate his supervision, according to court documents. The judge added that he have no contact with minors, be ordered to stay 500 feet away from all schools or other places where minors attend or congregate and that probation and law enforcement be authorized to search and monitor his internet use.

In April 2018, the court found him in violation of his probation and he was sentenced to a stayed 365 days in jail and two years of probation. He was ordered to serve 30 days in the Mower County jail, which he could serve as work release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No other violations were reported before he was dismissed from probation, and the conviction now sits as a misdemeanor conviction.

City Attorney Joel Holstad said the city questioned the Office of Cannabis Management about the conviction but was told it was not considered to be a disqualifying conviction based off of state statute.

According to state statute, the OCM may determine whether "any felony convictions, including but not limited to convictions for noncannabis controlled substance crimes in the first or second degree, cannabis sale crimes after August 2023, human trafficking, labor trafficking, fraud or financial crimes, disqualify an individual from holding or receiving a cannabis business license."

The state's list of disqualifying conditions includes not only various controlled substance and trafficking crimes, but also crimes such as giving a false tax statement, bribery, corruptly influencing a legislator, failing to pay over state funds, perjury, concealing criminal proceeds and engaging in the business of concealing criminal proceeds. It also references theft of public funds, medical assistance fraud, false certification by a notary public, state lottery fraud, fraudulent statements, bribery of a participant or official in a contest, commercial bribery, embezzlement and computer or electronic data theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Holstad said the Office of Cannabis Management is interpreting strictly based on the letter of the law rather than the intent of the law and noted he thinks the Legislature rushed the statute without considering the possible extended consequences.

"I don't believe the Legislature considered it possible that this type of crime would become a relevant consideration," Holstad said.

He said the city has requested additional follow-up with the state office to discuss more information that has come to the city's attention, giving the state the opportunity to reconsider its determination.

The city attorney said it is the council's obligation to the citizens of Albert Lea to pause and consider all information before a final decision is made.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Holstad said he is wearing two hats when considering this issue  first as an attorney and second with broader community concern. He said he is concerned that the Office of Cannabis Management has left the city with "little expressed authority but a great perceived responsibility." The general public also expects that the council is looking out for their interest even when the law doesn't give them authority to do so.

"It's a burden placed on the city that our council has taken very seriously," he said.

Holstad encouraged people to be fully informed before they make decisions about the council's decision this week and said the city has received unfair criticism from people on the internet who have misinterpreted that the action means the council is anti-cannabis. He said the council is not anti-cannabis but is trying to keep the public's safety in mind.

The issues that have come to light in Albert Lea are not going to be unique to the city, he said, and added if the Office of Cannabis Management issues a license even knowing the concerns that have been expressed, they must also assume it can happen in other cities as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thus far, the state has issued nine licenses for cannabis micro businesses, including Schlichter's. Another one of the nine includes Christopher Gracia, owner of Matchbox Farms, who plans to open on Hendrickson Road in Albert Lea.

The council will also vote on his registration in the Aug. 11 meeting.

Schlichter, when contacted by phone Friday, said since the Monday meeting, he has spoken with several of the councilors, who he thinks have been supportive in their discussions and who want to support business in the city.

"It seems like after chatting with everyone, we're a lot more on the same page now," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he has spoken with the city about his past and it appears the city is regaining faith in his abilities after speaking with him. He hopes residents can do the same.

Schlichter said he has been a part of legalizing recreational marijuana for over a decade now, whether it was helping with campaigns to register people to vote for legalizing recreational marijuana or speaking up at town halls in Austin about the issue.

"It's important to me that we focus on the mental health of this," he said. "It has the power to be this amazing tool that can save a lot of lives."

He said it can help people get off of alcohol, heroin and other drugs and help others through things like chemotherapy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An OCM spokesperson said the office has begun issuing licenses to cannabis businesses around the state consistent with state law and its mission is "to foster an equitable cannabis industry that prioritizes public health and safety, consumer confidence and market integrity."

He said Minnesota's cannabis law is clear that a local government may not prohibit the establishment or operation of a licensed cannabis or hemp business, though it can limit the number of licensed locations to no fewer than one registration for every 12,500 residents. Local governments can also enact reasonable restrictions to a business location and hours of operation. Local governments cannot prohibit cannabis businesses entirely.

"As for what comes next, OCM does not have legal authority to compel a local government to comply with state law," the statement said. "A license holder who believes their local government is not in compliance with statute should seek legal counsel to determine their available options."

The spokesperson said the OCM distributes licenses in order of completion of all steps in the application process. The OCM will schedule an inspection for a business as the last step before granting a license after a business has submitted complete final business plans and the local government has confirmed that the business meets zoning and local regulations.
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM)  If you are 25-55 years old and want to learn how SUNY Corning Community Colleges (CCC) program regarding certain free associates degrees works, the college announced in a release that Monday and Wednesday are the days to find out.

The college will host five sessions total, four happening on Monday, August 4, and one happening on Wednesday, August 6, to inform people interested in its SUNY Reconnect program.

SUNY Reconnect is a free community college program for New York State residents ages 25-55, the release noted. The program is created to help New York residents pursue a free education in a select list of majors, with the goal of supporting future career advancement. If you are eligible for the program, you can enroll full or part-time and earn an associates degree, the release explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

How you can help design the new Bath Ambulance official patch

On Monday, August 4, four information sessions regarding the program will be held at the United Steel Workers Local 1000 Union Hall, located at 100 Nasser Civic Center Plaza in Corning. Listed below are the times each session is set to take place:

8:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

The above-listed sessions will be in person and are open to the public, the release said. People do not need to RSVP to attend.

Happening on Wednesday, August 6, another information session will be held both in-person and virtually from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the release noted. If you decide to attend in person, you will want to go to the SUNY CCC Elmira Center, located at 318 Madison Avenue, in Elmira. For the session on Wednesday, those who are interested in going are asked to RSVP beforehand, the release emphasized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These sessions will give those interested in SUNY Reconnect a chance to learn about how it all works, how to sign up, scheduling concerns, and available support through the program, the release explained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has announced an internal investigation into National Guard service members who have been exposed for abuse of power, adding that the National Guard commander has already suspended the individuals involved.

Source: statement by Klymenko

Quote: "On my instructions, an internal investigation has been immediately launched and the National Guard commander has suspended the individuals involved from their posts."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details: Klymenko also announced the creation of a new Service (Combat) Activity Control Department within the National Guard. It will operate according to the principles of internal security. The team will include professionals selected on the basis of their integrity and professional suitability.

Background:

Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard had been caught accepting bribes.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) later provided further details of the corruption case involving the MP and officials. The scheme involved arranging for state contracts to be signed with suppliers at deliberately inflated prices.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Democratic Sen. Cory Booker is imploring his party to fight back harder against President Donald Trump, arguing that history will remember some for their complicity in bending the knee to him.

In a wide-ranging interview with CNNs Manu Raju, Booker argued that Democrats can gain credibility with voters by showing theyre concerned about the American people rather than their party. The New Jersey senator also weighed in on whether his party should embrace its most progressive wing and urged his own state to consider redrawing House maps to fight back against a GOP-led redistricting effort in Texas.

As Democratic voters demand a more aggressive approach toward Trump from party leaders, Booker told CNN hes going to continue to do what leadership is and reprehended institutions for what he viewed as caving to pressure from the president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What I want to see more people doing is not doing what some law firms have done, bend the knee to Donald Trump. Not doing what some universities have done, bend the knee to Donald Trump. You see major corporations who want some merger approval not standing up on principle but bending the knee to Donald Trump. That to me is outrageous, Booker said.

History is going to remember these people for their complicity in what is a guy thats going to severely try to undermine our government  who already incited a riot on our Capitol, the Democrat said. This is a moment in history where people are going to ask, Where did you stand? Did you bow to an authoritarian leader or did you stand strong and fight?

Booker clashed with Democrats this week as he sought to amend several bipartisan police benefits bills with language that would stop the Trump administration from withholding Department of Justice grants for political reasons  arguing it is already happening in New Jersey. In impassioned remarks, Booker said members of his party are complying with Trump as he violates the Constitution and trashes our norms and traditions.

How far are we going to let (Trump) go until we draw a line and say, I dont care where it is, on the floor of the Senate, within our communities, were going to stand and fight against this authoritarianism? Booker told CNN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Booker said he wants Democrats to be aggressive when it comes to redistricting efforts, as Republican-led Texas is moving ahead with a Trump-backed strategy to redraw the states congressional map to try and gain more House seats. The senator suggested Democrats should do the same in New Jersey despite the Democratic Partys past rhetoric about the importance of nonpartisan redistricting.

Trump thinks you should break the rules for Democrats to sit back and just say, OK, were going to play by the queens rules, Booker told CNN.

No, Im telling you right now we need to win in the midterm. We need to stop him from cheating, from lying, and from stealing the election. And if theyre doing something to add their congressional seats, we need to look at our ways of doing that right now, he said.

Bookers political call to arms comes as Democrats struggle with frustration with the party among their base, some of whom appear to be turning to more progressive leaders like the Democratic nominee in the New York City mayors race, 33-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Like many Democrats, Booker declined to say whether he supports the Mamdani, who delivered a surprise primary victory in June.

New York City, I love you. Youre my neighbor. Youre about 10 miles from where I live. You guys figure out your elections, Booker said. Im going to focus on mine.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
It's almost here. A new Costco location is about to open in Florida, one of several in the works.

The popular warehouse chain where you can buy cases of snacks and sundries, boxes of baked goods, fresh fruit, meats and cheese, new eyeglasses or hearing aids, prescriptions, gasoline, tires and even cars is having a grand opening in The Villages on Aug. 6.

It's part of the company's plans to open 25-30 new locations every year, generally split evenly between the U.S. and the rest of the world. Other openings in August include new stores in Texas, Nevada, Washington, Quebec, Ontario, and Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Don't expect a lot of partying, though. Doors to the new warehouses open and shopping starts right away.

"Costco Grand Openings are always exciting and busy for our teams and communities," a Costco spokesperson told The Daily Commercial. "Because of this high level of excitement, we do not have any festivities, and the ribbon cutting is a very concise and quick process."

Here's what to know.

Where is the new Costco in Florida?

The Villages Costco will be at 675 Tatonka Terrace in the Buffalo Ridge Shopping Plaza next to County Road 466. It will encompass 162,000 square feet, including a 2,000-square-foot liquor store. Plans include 700 parking spaces and a gas station with 32 fuel pumps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Villages, the largest adult community in the United States, spreads across Sumter, Lake and Marion counties and six ZIP codes and was named the nation's fastest-growing metro area according to the most recent U.S. Census data and the safest place to live in Florida.

Pepsi is out. Costco bringing back Coca-Cola to Florida food courts. What about the hot dogs?

When is the Costco in The Villages opening?

Doors open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Normal hours will be:

Monday  Friday: 9 a.m.  10 a.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m.  9:30 a.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m.  10 a.m.

A new Costco can be seen under construction in The Villages on June 14, 2025.

What time does Costco open for executive members?

As of the end of June, executive members get to go inside and shop an hour earlier on weekday and Sunday mornings and an extra half-hour earlier on Saturdays.

Do you have to be a member to shop at Costco?

Yes, most of the time. There are two levels of membership:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gold Star membership : $65 a year, includes two cards for you and someone in your household

Executive membership: $130 a year, includes two membership cards, 2% back on eligible purchases (up to $1,250), discounts on select services, and now early entry and a monthly $10 credit for orders of $150 placed through the company's "Same-Day" service or Instacart

Business memberships are also available for the same prices, with the option of allowing buyers to purchase for resale and add additional people to the account for $65 each.

According to the spokesperson, the new Villages Costco will offer a membership incentive to new members signing up for the first time or for people whose memberships have been expired for at least 18 months. The offer will be on the website before opening, although a time frame has not been announced.

Memberships are not required to buy Costco Pharmacy prescriptions online or in-store; non-members can get eye exams but can't buy glasses or contacts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone can shop at costco.com, but there is a 5% surcharge for non-members and some items are limited to members only. You can also shop without a membership if you have a Shop Card, a prepaid Costco gift card which must be purchased by a member.

Costco not the only discount store opening in August

If you like discount pricing but don't have room for bulk purchases, the no-frills grocery chain Aldi is spreading quickly across the state. Two locations just opened July 31 in Port Orange and St. Cloud, and on Aug. 14 there will be grand openings in Bushnell, Jacksonville, Lehigh Acres, New Port Richey, Orlando and Tampa, according to the company's website.

Where can I find a Costco near me in Florida?

As of Aug. 1, there are 35 Costco locations in Florida, including the new one in The Villages. You can see the list here.

The last one opened in Stuart in April. Another new Costco is reportedly coming to Sanford, and talks are in the works for more potential spots, including Port St. Lucie, Pensacola and Miami.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Costco location opening in The Villages in Florida in August
A council has backed a call to tighten planning rules for smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in an area of Nottinghamshire.

Bassetlaw District Council held a meeting on Thursday after local party leaders raised concerns that more were appearing in the area.

Under the current planning framework, changing a home to a small HMO is classed as "permitted development", meaning planning permission from the council is not needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fraser McFarland, Reform UK group leader at the council, has proposed a motion calling for the introduction of Article 4 Direction, which would restrict permitted development rights at the council.

Data held by the authority suggests there were 169 HMOs of all sizes in the district - making up about 0.3% of homes in Bassetlaw.

McFarland claimed residents "are fed up with inaction" on HMOs, adding that many people attended the council meeting demanding proper regulation.

"Reform UK brought this motion forward because communities have had enough," he added.

Motion passed

The motion also asked for a three-month deadline for council officers to report back to the cabinet and full council with detailed recommendations and a draft Article 4 Direction for formal consideration and adoption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ahead of the meeting, McFarland told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "It would give full public consultation and control back to local people where HMOs are located, the amount in an area and more of a say in the future."

The council's ruling group, Labour, proposed an amendment to the motion, which essentially concluded the same request to introduce an Article 4 Direction.

The motion read: "It has not been appropriate to delay the work that is already ongoing to manage the development of HMOs for an extraordinary council to be convened."

The amendment also removed the three-month deadline in the original motion and stated the council had already been working on managing new HMO development.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The use of planning powers, including an Article 4 Directive are already on the Forward Plan and Article 4s have been to pre-scrutiny," it stated.

The amended motion was passed by the council, beginning the process of an Article 4 Direction being introduced to remove permitted development rights for people wishing to make small HMOs "in areas of Bassetlaw where evidence shows significant growth or concentration of HMOs".

It would mean that before an HMO is made, where an Article 4 Direction is in place, a planning application would need to be submitted to the council for a decision to be made.

The passed motion will also see the mapping out of current HMOs and assessing their local impact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, Bassetlaw's Labour MP Jo White said she was "very concerned" about the growth of HMOs in the district.

"The Article 4 Direction will restrict permitted development rights and give residents the opportunity to have their say on the location of new HMOs through the usual planning processes."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.

More on this story

Related internet links
The Daviess County Attorneys office has petitioned to block two orders issued by a District Court judge presiding over a case of a juvenile charged with a sexual assault.

In particular, the county attorneys office is asking a Circuit Judge to prohibit District Judge Shannon Meyer from enforcing orders that would give the defense access to the alleged assault victims psychological counseling notes. The county attorney also wants the Circuit Judge to prohibit Meyers order requiring the prosecution to provide a witness list to the defense prior to trial.

Assistant County Attorney Christopher Riccio filed a petition for a writ of mandamus against Meyers orders in Circuit Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Cornell Law Schools Legal Information Institute, a writ of mandamus is an order to a government official or judge to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion. Circuit Courts have the authority to hear appeals from District Courts and issue writs and prohibition to District judges.

A writ of mandamus is a rather drastic measure, and we did not take it lightly, County Attorney John Burlew said Wednesday. We considered it over a matter of weeks.

Meyer is presiding over a case of a juvenile charged with more than one count of first-degree sodomy (victim under age 12), according to Riccios petition to the Circuit Court. The juveniles case began in 2024. The juvenile also faces a charge of unlawful imprisonment.

The juvenile has pleaded not true, the juvenile court equivalent of not guilty, to all of the charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At issue is an order Meyer signed on June 12, 2025 that was drafted by the juveniles defense attorney, John Bennett. The order, which was signed over prosecutors objections, gives Bennett access to various juvenile records including the alleged victims therapy/counseling record(s) and notes as it relates to this matter ...

The order says Bennett would have access to all juvenile records he believes (are) necessary to the representation of the defendant.

At a hearing on June 26, Riccio asked Meyer to put a stay on her order to release the alleged victims counseling notes until it was determined the notes were relevant, and after Meyer had reviewed them privately.

Riccio cited the Kentucky Supreme Court case Commonwealth vs. Barroso, where the justices ruled a judge may review records otherwise protected by privilege upon receipt of evidence sufficient to establish a reasonable belief that the records contain exculpatory evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Riccio said in his petition that the Supreme Court held this restrictive standard is necessary to prevent fishing expeditions into confidential records.

Riccio wrote that Meyer didnt make a finding that the alleged victims counseling records contained potential evidence important to the defense, and did not review the records privately herself to determine if such evidence existed before ordering the records turned over to Bennett.

A partial transcript quoted in Riccios motion quotes Meyer noting a specific statute in juvenile law that allows parties to receive otherwise privileged records in juvenile cases.

Meyer sited KRS 610.342, which says: An attorney representing a child in any proceeding under KRS Chapters 600 to 645 or in any adult criminal proceeding shall have full access to all records, including juvenile records, held by law enforcement, courts, social work agencies, or any other record, public or private, relating to that child which the attorney believes is necessary to the representation of that child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Riccio wrote in his petition KRS 610.342 explicitly applies to records relating to the minor child who is the defendant in juvenile proceedings and in no way relates or applies to the therapy records of an alleged victim.

The counseling notes were not collected as part of the prosecutions case. To date, the Commonwealth has not seen, nor does it have access to these (counseling) records, Riccio wrote.

Meyers order would only provide the victims records to the defense, Riccio wrote, and requested, if the notes are provided to the defense, that they also be provided to prosecutors.

Meyer issued a trial order June 24 requiring both the prosecution and defense to file a witness list within 21 days of the juveniles adjudication hearing. The order said failing to comply could result in evidence being excluded at trial, and in sanctions being issued against the noncomplying attorney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a July 16 hearing, Riccio said the defense had all of the prosecutions evidence, but said there was no witness list. According to a partial transcript in Riccios petition to the Circuit Court, Meyer said: Well, then you wont have any witnesses, I dont suppose. Is that what Im hearing? Okay.

Riccios petition cites several prior court decisions that say a defendant is not generally entitled to a list of witnesses from the opposing party, and a party to a criminal proceeding may not be compelled to provide a witness list to the opposing party.

Riccios petition says the Circuit Court, in an appeal from another juvenile case presided over by Meyer, ruled a trial court may not order an exchange of a list of witnesses a party intends to call in a criminal case.

Meyer said Thursday she could not comment on any of the issues, because court ethics rules prohibit discussion of a pending case. Meyer referred questions about issues in Riccios petition of the Administrative Office of the Courts legal department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an email, Jim Hannah, communications director for the Administrative Office of the Courts said judges are prohibited from commenting on cases by the state Code of Judicial Conduct.

Questions were sent to the AOC, regarding whether the rules of criminal procedure required prosecutors to provide a witness list for the defense, and if witness lists were required in addition to the evidence and statements both prosecutors and defense exchange during pretrial discovery. The AOC was also sent a question as to whether the Barroso Standard or some other standard had to be followed by judges when considering whether to release notes from a partys psychological counseling to attorneys.

In a written statement, Hannah said: (T)he questions youve posed require a legal analysis of criminal procedure and evidentiary law. The AOC provides information related to the administrative operations and services of the Judicial Branch but does not offer legal interpretations. We recommend consulting an attorney for guidance on those matters.

A call to Bennett for comment at his office was not returned Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Burlew said the juvenile case is currently on hold until Circuit Judge Bryce Caldwell rules on Riccios petition.

Burlew said the order to provide the alleged victims counseling records to the defense was the main issue for prosecutors.

The county attorneys office takes victims rights very seriously and said the office believes the Barroso Standard should be utilized before the records are turned over to the defense.

The Barroso standard protects the victims of sexual assault and protects their privacy, Burlew said. Later, Burlew said, We felt it was a serious enough issue that we filed those writs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We didnt taken this lightly, Burlew said. It wasnt made on a whim. I respect Judge Meyer.

Its an interesting case, and I think we are on solid legal ground, Burlew said. Well have to wait and see.

Burlew said he did not have a timeline for when Caldwell would rule on the petition.
A federal appeals court on Friday night denied the Trump administrations attempt to pause a restraining order that bars immigration authorities from conducting certain types of enforcement actions in Los Angeles and surrounding counties, leaving the order in place while litigation continues.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to issue a stay in a case challenging Department of Homeland Security practices that, according to plaintiffs, led to the unlawful detention and disappearance of Southern California residents without warrants or legal justification.

The ruling keeps in effect a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a lower court in July, which prohibits DHS and other federal immigration agents from stopping individuals based solely on race, language, location, or type of work. Specifically, the court found that using factors such as speaking Spanish or English with an accent, being present in places like agricultural sites or bus stops, or working in industries commonly associated with immigrant labor did not amount to reasonable suspicion under the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit was filed earlier this summer by a coalition of Southern California residents, advocacy groups, and legal organizations who allege that immigration agents carried out warrantless arrests and confined individuals at a federal building in unsafe conditions without legal access to counsel.

Iconic queer bar at risk of closing over legal battle

In a statement, Mohammad Tajsar, senior staff attorney at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, said the courts decision underscored the seriousness of the plaintiffs claims. This decision is further confirmation that the administrations paramilitary invasion of Los Angeles violated the Constitution and caused irreparable injury across the region, he said.

Annie Lai, director of the Immigrant and Racial Justice Solidarity Clinic at UC Irvine School of Law, praised the outcome. None of this would have been possible without everyday people willing to stand up and fight for their rights and the rights of their fellow neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones, Lai said. This win belongs to them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mark Rosenbaum, senior special counsel for strategic litigation at Public Counsel, warned that if the government continues trying to overturn the TRO, it is asking the courts to sanction racial profiling  and to establish, for the first time in our nations history, that people can be detained and arrested based solely on their race and appearance.

Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, called the ruling a step forward but emphasized the human cost of the enforcement actions. The real victory will be when all of those who were detained, disappeared, and torn away from their loved ones and communities through these illegal actions and tactics are safely home, Salas said.

From Mean Girls to pop star: Renee Rapp drops raw new album ahead of 2025 tour

Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers, framed the decision as a win for immigrant laborers. You cant just snatch people up for being brown and working hard. Not in the fields, not in a Home Depot parking lot, and not on our watch, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Armando Gudino, executive director of the Los Angeles Worker Center Network, added, The court has upheld what weve always known: that dignity, safety, and justice belong to every worker, regardless of what language we speak, where we stand, or the work we do.

Lindsay Toczylowski, president and CEO of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, said the ruling reaffirms that nobody is above the law  not even the federal government.

The plaintiffs are represented by a coalition of legal organizations, including the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, Public Counsel, the Law Offices of Stacy Tolchin, UC Irvines Immigrant and Racial Justice Solidarity Clinic, National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and others.

The case is ongoing.

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.
Court dismisses all claims against MTS in Fletcher sexual harassment lawsuit

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A San Diego Superior Court judge has dismissed all claims against the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) in a high-profile lawsuit involving former MTS employee Grecia Figueroa and former San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher.

In the ruling issued Friday, the court granted a dismissal as a matter of law, clearing MTS of any liability in the civil suit. The lawsuit, filed by Figueroa, alleged sexual harassment, gender discrimination and retaliation by Fletcher, and included claims against the agency itself. The court found insufficient evidence to support the claims against MTS.

In a statement released by the transit agency, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn said, From the outset of this case, our board was committed to an independent investigation and review of the matter. Were pleased to see the courts agreement in dismissing charges against MTS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED: Nathan Fletchers accuser dismisses sexual assault allegations from lawsuit

MTS CEO Sharon Cooney echoed that sentiment, adding, As we put this case behind us, we remain focused on our ultimate mission to bring safe, reliable public transportation to our region.

According to the courts summary judgment, MTS demonstrated that its decision to terminate Figueroas employment was based on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons. The court also concluded that Fletcher, who resigned from his public posts following the scandal, did not supervise [Figueroa] nor have any supervisory authority over [her], and Defendant MTS neither knew or should have known about Defendant Fletchers alleged harassing conduct prior to [her] termination.

On the contrary, Figueroa and her attorney  John L. Holcomb Jr.  disagree with the courts decision, alleging that she and Fletcher previously confirmed, in the MTS investigation report, that messages were exchanged about her on the day of her termination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In an opposition filing, the attorney stated, It is worth noting that while MTS appears to argue for transparency, it has only produced to the public a highly redacted and argumentative paid for investigative report and continues to refuse to produce an unredacted report to the public or Plaintiff [Figueroa].

As it stands, Figueroas claims against Fletcher personally remain pending.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK  A new court filing Friday in a lawsuit against Tim Pearson has reopened an old wound for a woman who alleged 12 years ago she was sexually assaulted in a Nassau County hotel by the former senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams.

The womans allegation in 2013 never resulted in any charges against Pearson, and NYPD Internal Affairs records in the filing indicate a detective in Nassau County concluded the encounter amounted to rough consensual sex rather than rape and suggested it involved an ugly breakup.

The internal affairs probe was closed because Pearson was not an NYPD employee at the time of the accusations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the new documents raise questions about the vetting of Pearson by Adams administration officials when the mayor appointed him in January 2022 as senior adviser, a post with broad sway over the NYPD and other city agencies.

The documents containing the allegations were filed in an unrelated lawsuit against Pearson by retired NYPD Sgt. Roxanne Ludemann who alleges Pearson groped her then used his power in the NYPD to retaliate against her, NYPD Chief Miltiadis Marmara and two other cops. Lawyers for Pearson and the city have denied the claims.

The NYPDs Internal Affairs files confirm that rape allegations against Timothy Pearson were brought to top officials and ignored, said Ludemanns lawyer John Scola. The city then brought him back without a thorough background check.

The womans name is being withheld by The News at her request out of concern for her privacy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hugh Mo, an attorney representing Pearson, said Scola is introducing stale, unproven allegations that unfairly tarnish Mr. Pearsons character and credibility.

The allegations that purport to implicate Mr. Pearson in these filings are vague, conclusory, and unsupported by evidence, Mo said.

John Flannery, the lawyer representing Pearson in the Ludemann case referred The News to City Hall.

Tim Pearson does not work for this administration and he was not a city employee when these allegations  which were determined to be unsubstantiated by law enforcement  were reported or when they allegedly took place, said Kayla Mamelak, an Adams spokeswoman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamelak did not directly address the question about Pearsons vetting.

The narrative outlined in the IAB file says the woman informed then Chief of Department Philip Banks, later a deputy mayor under Adams, within weeks of the November 2013 incident. The file also indicates in May 2014, she told then Deputy Chief Rodney Harrison about the alleged assault.

Harrison, then in Internal Affairs, confirmed to The News that he interviewed the woman, but was then named Staten Island Borough Deputy Chief shortly thereafter and did not know the outcome of the probe.

I do remember her saying that Pearson did force himself on her in some form or fashion, said Harrison, who retired in 2021 as NYPD Chief of Detectives and then served as Suffolk County Police Commissioner. I dont recall the act that was committed. There was definitely a part that she shared that there was a relationship with him and it turned to a point where she wanted to file a complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neither Banks, who resigned the deputy mayor post in October, nor his lawyer Ben Brafman replied to requests for comment. The Internal Affairs file indicates that since Pearson had retired, it was outside of Banks jurisdiction and the case was closed.

For her part, the woman told the Daily News she feels authorities with the NYPD and Nassau County didnt take her complaint seriously. But she is also not happy that her case has now been dragged into the public arena as part of the Ludemann litigation.

I did not give my consent for this to be included, I wasnt asked to be in this fight, the woman told the Daily News. But if the mayor had this man vetted properly, he never would have gotten the job, and none of this ever would have come out. No one came and talked to me. How did you hire this man without doing any vetting?

She disputes the summary by the Nassau detective in the Internal Affairs file. She says he told her then Nassau DA Kathleen Rice would not take the case since she did not immediately obtain a rape kit from a hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

None of this stuff is my story. This is Pearsons side of the story, she said. He (the Nassau sex crimes detective) said he would reach out to Pearsons lawyer. When he called me back, he said theres nothing I can do.

In a summary of her allegations filed with the notices of claim and obtained by The News, the woman alleges Pearson returned from a trip to Africa with then state Sen. Eric Adams and took her to a Nassau County hotel where he assaulted her.

The woman filed complaint 1007-2013 with Nassau County Police Special Victims, records show. Nassau police did not reply to a request for comment from The News.

The woman also shared with The News a March 2014 order of protection in which she detailed her allegations and claimed she was harassed by Pearson and NYPD cops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was date-raped by the respondent (Pearson), she wrote I filed a complaint in Nassau County on Dec. 20, 2013. I did not report it right away because I was afraid. (Pearson) used his NYPD muscle to intimidate me.

Nassau Family Court Attorney Robert LoPresti signed off on an order of protection against Pearson the same day, the document states.

Pearson, who retired as an inspector, was working for Resorts World Casino when the alleged encounter took place. In January 2022, Adams appointed him to the adviser post.

During his rocky tenure at City Hall, in addition to the four lawsuits, he was rebuked in an oversight report for pushing security guards at a migrant shelter then providing false information to cops in ordering the guards arrested. He resigned in September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The woman told The News she filed two notices of claims with the city in December under the name Jane Doe announcing an intention to sue Pearson, Adams and Banks, but also Ludemann and Marmara for outing her  even if she is not named in their filings.

The city Comptrollers office confirmed they received the claims, but declined to share the documents themselves citing state law protecting sexual assault victims.

Marmara made a reference to the alleged assault in his initial lawsuit filed in June 2024. The womans sister had just passed away when reporters began calling her after the lawsuit hit the newspapers. She declined to speak to them.

I feel like I was used by everybody, she said. When they called me I had to cancel everything and just leave town. I felt like those who were supposed to help me abandoned me.



(Chris Sommerfeldt contributed to this story.)


A panel of federal judges on Friday limited President Trump's effort to close the U.S. asylum system at the southern border, saying his administration can't unilaterally suspend laws that bar the U.S. from deporting migrants to places where they would face persecution or torture.

The ruling centers on a proclamation issued by Mr. Trump just hours after he returned to the White House in January, ordering the closure of the asylum system. U.S. border officials have relied on the order to summarily expel those entering the country illegally, without allowing them to request asylum. Mr. Trump justified the sweeping measure on the grounds that the country is facing an "invasion" of migrants.

The three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit lifted its administrative pause on a July ruling from a federal judge who found Mr. Trump's proclamation defied U.S. laws that require the federal government to hear the claims of migrants who want to apply for humanitarian protection out of fear that they could be harmed if deported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That ruling by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss struck down the Trump administration's asylum ban and would've required officials to stop enforcing it on a legal class comprised of migrants who are or will be in the U.S.

While it lifted its stay on Moss' ruling, the D.C. Circuit panel also narrowed his order, limiting the class members eligible for relief to asylum-seekers already on American soil while Mr. Trump's decree is in effect. The appellate court also limited the scope of Moss' ruling, partially granting a request from the Trump administration.

The panel allowed the Trump administration to continue using the president's proclamation to deny migrants access to the U.S. asylum system, noting that U.S. law permits, but does not require, the government to grant asylum to those who prove they could be persecuted because of their race, religion, politics or other factors.

But the panel also said Mr. Trump's proclamation could not be used to prevent migrants from applying for other forms of humanitarian protections that the U.S. is legally required to give to certain migrants fleeing persecution and torture. They're known as "withholding of removal" and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture. Those protections have a higher legal threshold than asylum, but unlike asylum, they are mandatory, not discretionary, and must be granted to those who meet the requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The panel was made up of Circuit Judges Patricia Millett and Cornelia Pillard, who were appointed by former President Barack Obama, as well as Gregory G. Katsas, an appointee of Mr. Trump. Each judge filed their own statements in the case, with Pillard and Katsas disagreeing with some aspects of the ruling.

While they had some disagreements, all three judges said Mr. Trump's proclamation could not be used to ignore laws around "withholding of removal" or Convention Against Torture protections. Pillard said she would've also blocked the administration from denying migrants the right to apply for asylum.

The judges scheduled expedited proceedings to decide the merits of the case, asking both the government and the advocates challenging Mr. Trump's proclamation to file briefs through Sept. 26.

The lawsuit that triggered Friday's decision was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates, who have denounced the Trump administration's border crackdown as a draconian policy that has sent migrants to harm's way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The President secured the border in record time at an unprecedented level by using every available legal tool provided by Congress," Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CBS News in a statement on Saturday. "A rogue district judge took those tools away, threatening the safety and security of Americans and ignoring a Supreme Court decision issued only days earlier admonishing district courts for granting nationwide injunctions. The Trump Administration is committed to restoring integrity to our immigration system and to our justice system."

Trump administration officials have credited the president's proclamation and other actions  including the deployment of thousands of additional troops to the southern border  for a historic drop in illegal crossings there.

In July, just 4,600 migrants were caught crossing the southern border illegally, the lowest monthly tally recorded by Border Patrol and a figure the Biden administration reported daily during many months. While public monthly reports started in fiscal year 2000, annual data suggest the last time Border Patrol had that level of apprehensions was in the 1960s.

Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "Great Weight"
A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule homed in on the International Space Station early Saturday and glided in for a problem-free docking  delivering two NASA astronauts, a Russian cosmonaut and a Japanese flier  to the outpost after a 16-hour rendezvous.

Catching up from behind and below, the Crew 11 Dragon Endeavour looped up ahead of the lab complex, then to a point directly above the outpost before slowly moving straight in for a linkup at the space-facing port of the forward Harmony module at 2:27 a.m. ET as the two spacecraft orbited 264 miles above the south Pacific Ocean.

The Crew Dragon Endeavour docked at the International Space Station after a 16-hour rendezvous. / Credit: NASA TV

Hooks and latches then engaged, pulling the Crew Dragon's nose firmly into the docking mechanism, which locked the craft in place. Umbilicals automatically connected and flight controllers began a series of leak checks to verify an airtight structural seal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Endeavour, welcome to the International Space Station," called NASA astronaut Jonny Kim from inside the ISS. "Zena, Mike, Kimi and Oleg, we have cold drinks, hot food and hugs waiting. See you soon."

"Hello space station, Crew 11 is here!" Endeavour pilot Mike Fincke, a three-flight veteran, enthusiastically replied. "And we are super excited to join Expedition 73. We will do our best to also be good stewards of our beautiful ISS during our stay. The ISS has been inhabited and crewed for almost 25 years. We look forward to celebrating with you."

Nearly three hours later, after doffing their spacesuits and configuring their capsule for docked operations, Fincke, Crew 11 commander Zena Cardman, making her first flight, Japanese veteran Kimiya Yui and rookie cosmonaut Oleg Platonov floated through the forward hatch to be welcomed aboard by the space station's seven-member crew.

The Crew Dragon fliers, wearing blue flight suits, joined the seven-member Expedition 73 crew aboard the International Space Station about two hours after docking. Crew 11, left to right: cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, Mike Fincke, commander Zena Cardman and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui. The ISS-73 crew, wearing white shirts, left to right: ISS commander Takuya Onishi, cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Alexey Zubritsky and Sergey Ryzhikov, along with NASA astronauts Jonny Kim, Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain. / Credit: NASA TV

"We are so happy to see your smiling faces," said ISS commander Takuya Onishi. "Zena, Oleg, congratulations on your first spaceflight. We are looking forward to hearing your impressions and your feelings about that. Mike and Kimiya, welcome back. Your experience will be an invaluable asset for Expedition 73."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cardman was bumped from a Crew Dragon flight last year to help NASA bring two Starliner astronauts back to Earth after problems prevented them from coming home on their own spacecraft. She was clearly thrilled to finally be aboard the space station.

"This has been the absolute journey of a lifetime," she said with a broad smile. "We are so incredibly grateful to be here. Thank you so much for this warm welcome. It was such an unbelievably beautiful sight to see the space station come into our view for the first time, especially with these wonderful crewmates."

With the arrival of Crew 11, four of the station's crew members  Crew 10 commander Anne McClain, pilot Nichole Ayers, Onishi and cosmonaut Kirill Peskov  will be clear to undock and return to Earth next Wednesday to close out a 145-day mission.

The other three  Kim and Soyuz MS-27/73S crewmates Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky  will remain aboard with Cardman and company to continue Expedition 73.

Cardman shows her excitement boarding the space station for the first time, hugging cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky. / Credit: NASA TV

Until now, long-duration crews, U.S. and Russian, have typically spent around six months in orbit. But starting with the Soyuz MS-27/73S mission, the Russians have switched to eight-month stays. NASA may follow suit with Crew 11.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal 2026 would reduce NASA funding by nearly 25% while directing the agency to scale back work aboard the ISS in favor of more aggressive planning for eventual crewed missions to Mars.

NASA managers are now considering lengthening crew stays and possibly reducing Dragon crews from four to three. A reduced crew would need fewer resupply missions, saving additional money.

No final decisions have been made. But NASA is assessing the possibility of extending Crew 11's stay in space from six to eight months, depending on the actual funding outlook.

"I can't wait to be in space, and two extra months would be a gift," Cardman said before launch. "Yes, we're baselined for six months right now, with the ability to extend that pending further analysis. For me, it would be an absolute privilege to stay for even longer."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "Great Weight"

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "People We Used To Be"
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  One person was hospitalized with unspecified injuries Saturday morning following an open-space rescue in San Diegos Rancho Bernardo neighborhood, according to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

Emergency crews were dispatched just before 9:45 a.m. to a small park near Nolina Way and Oleander Way, where the individual was reportedly in need of medical assistance.

San Diego Fire-Rescue officials said 24 personnel responded to the incident, which concluded at 10:50 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Details about the injured person, including their identity, condition and the nature of the incident, have not yet been 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
At an anonymous industrial estate on the outskirts of London, a queue of police vans and empty lorries block the usual flow of lunchtime traffic.

They are here to seize fake Labubu dolls. Thousands of them.

After weeks of work, intelligence that started at a corner shop in south Wales has led Trading Standards officers to a labyrinth of rooms hidden above this retail outlet.

Inside, they estimate millions of pounds worth of fake products are piled up, floor to ceiling, but what interests them most are the fluffy, mischievous-looking dolls at the centre of a global TikTok craze.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Forbes, the popularity of Labubu dolls helped parent company Pop Mart more than double its total revenue to 1.33bn ($1.81bn) last year.

They are wanted by children and adults alike, with some telling us they queued for hours or travelled across the country just to secure an authentic one.

However, messages seen by BBC News also suggest scalpers may be buying hundreds of genuine products at a time to resell them at a profit, with authorities reporting a "flood" of counterfeits entering the market.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Border Force has seized hundreds of thousands from UK ports in the past few months, meanwhile officers at the London industrial estate believe the dolls grinning up at them from the crates hide a darker secret.

"The head comes off. The feet will pull off," explained Rhys Harries from Trading Standards, as one literally falls apart in his hands.

Six-year-old Harri's mum says the fakes she bought him began to fall apart within hours [BBC]

Mr Harries first saw dolls like this after raiding a corner shop almost 200 miles away in Swansea, before tracing them back here.

"I've found them in the bags where their eyes are coming off, their hands will come off."

Mr Harries' team use a plastic tube, shaped like a child's throat, to measure how dangerous objects are - if it fits, it is a choking hazard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These [parts] will all get stuck and then potentially cause choking," he said.

Officers say thousands of fake Labubu dolls seized from a London industrial estate were destined for customers across the UK [BBC]

Mum-of-one Jade said she "100%" agreed the fakes were a choking hazard after some fell apart shortly after giving them to her son.

The 34-year-old from Caerphilly knew she had bought fakes - sometimes nicknamed Lafufus - for her son Harri's sixth birthday as she could not justify the cost of the authentic dolls.

But she felt "obliged to get him one" after all his friends got their own and found knock-offs for just over 10, compared to some genuine ones costing 80.

However, just a few hours into Harri's birthday, Jade said the keyring came off, followed by part of one of the feet a few days later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Harri was swinging his new toy the hook came off the keyring, only for Jade to spot it in his mouth.

She said "luckily" her son was old enough to tell her about his toy falling apart, but she warned things could be different for younger children.

Officers say a number of fakes seized had eyes that had not been glued in [Swansea Trading Standards]

According to the Intellectual Property Office, the rush by criminals to get fakes to market often results in dangerous materials being used.

"Counterfeiting is the second largest source of criminal income worldwide, second only to drug trafficking," said Kate Caffery, deputy director of intelligence and law enforcement.

"It's in the interests of these criminal organisations to respond quickly to trends to maximise it, to get on the back of it and make the most money that they possibly can.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"So that's why we see it happening so quickly and a complete disregard for safety concerns."

Kate Caffery, from the Intellectual Property Office, says counterfeiting is the second highest earner for criminal networks, outside drug trafficking. [Intellectual Property Office]

Ms Caffery dismissed claims these fakes were made in the same factories or using the same materials as the real thing as "absolutely not true", adding that they "could be made from anything".

These range from the inferior to the dangerous, including toxic plastics, chemicals, and small parts that aren't properly attached "that can then pose a chocking hazard".

Although fake Labubus are still relatively new to the market, investigators know from previous cases involving counterfeit toys that they can be made with banned chemicals, including some linked to cancers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities say most counterfeit products, including Labubus, can be traced to China, Hong Kong or Turkey and people are being warned to look out for "too good to be true" pricing or packaging that feels cheap and flimsy.

Meg Goldberger bought her Labubus from a reseller who had been ordering hundreds at a time from Pop Mart [BBC]

TikToker Meg Goldberger, 27, is no stranger to collecting in a market filled with fakes.

She has about 250 Jellycat plush toys, alongside her new collection of 12 Labubu dolls.

"The more people talked about it and the harder they became to get, the more I needed them. That's why I now have 12," she said.

However, pretty early into her search, Ms Goldberger said she realised the odds were stacked against her in her hunt for the real thing.

Meg exchanged messages with a reseller who claimed they had been able to order hundreds of genuine Labubu dolls direct from Pop Mart [BBC]

She said she spent about 12 hours over several days waiting for Pop Mart store's TikTok live video, where Labubus are released for sale at a set time, just like gig tickets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It used to be they sold out within like a minute. It's now like literally two seconds. You can't get your hands on them," she said.

Instead, she opted to find someone reselling them online, but also discovered why they may have been selling out so fast.

When she asked an eBay reseller for proof the Big Into Energy Labubu series she was interested in was genuine, Ms Goldberger was sent "a screenshot of what could have been like almost 200 orders of Labubus".

"These people will sit at home and somehow robots hack the websites and bulk buy them, which is why they go so quickly. Then they'll resell them."

How to spot a fake Labubu [BBC]

Mr Harries said a selection of fake Labubus would be taken from London back to Swansea for use as evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The rest will be stored as evidence at a secret location before being either recycled or destroyed.

"These were going everywhere," he said.

"There were invoice books with them and they were going all across the UK. It's a national issue."

Pop Mart has been asked to comment.
CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark.  An order signed in Crittenden County court on Friday begins a new chapter in the notorious West Memphis Three murders.

The order permits DNA testing of evidence in the case. The order is the result of an Arkansas Supreme Court decision in April 2024 that gave the Crittenden County court jurisdiction to decide on a petition for DNA testing after an earlier request had been turned down.

Arkansas Supreme Court rules for West Memphis Three defendant Damien Echols for additional DNA testing

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The order is for the West Memphis Police Department and the Arkansas State Crime Lab to turn the evidence over to a courier who will take it to Bode Labs in Virginia. It authorizes the use of MVac extraction DNA testing, a relatively new process of vacuuming material to extract DNA. MVac allows a finer analysis than using a swab to gather material.

The order acknowledges that in 1993, when the original case was tried, DNA testing was in its infancy. It continues that documented evidence exists that shows some of the evidence was handled in a manner not acceptable by contemporary forensic science standards.

Damien Echols of West Memphis 3 back in court

The order did not give a timeline for the testing to take place, only that it should end with a written report of its findings by the lab.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The West Memphis Three case led to the conviction of the teenagers Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jessie Misskelley Jr. for the murder of three young boys. The murder and trial brought national attention, as did the calls for the pardoning of the three due to what advocates felt was an unfair trial after prosecutorial allegations of satanic influences took place.

AR Supreme Court rules in favor of Damien Echols appeal

Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley made an Alford plea in 2011, allowing them to walk out of prison. An Alford plea is a defendant claiming innocence but agreeing that the prosecution has enough evidence to make a guilty verdict likely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CSP arrests man for pointing laser at several aircrafts

DENVER, Colo. (KREX)  A man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly pointed a green laser at multiple commercial aircraft near Denver.

A Colorado State Patrol aircraft, while conducting traffic operations, overheard the reports and located the suspect in Commerce City. The suspect reportedly pointed the laser at the CSP aircraft while it was surveilling him.

The crew directed ground troopers to the suspect, who was trying to drive to a new location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jose Alonzo Duarte-Campos, 41, was arrested and charged with unlawfully aiming a laser device at an aircraft, driving under the influence of drugs and possession of methamphetamine.

Laser strikes on aircraft are a serious federal offense and pose a significant risk to pilots, passengers, and the public. Anyone witnessing such activity is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement immediately, CSP said in a news release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) stated that officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired near Uintah Street and North 19th Street that led to one arrest on Friday, Aug. 1.

According to CSPD, calls for shots fired came in around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, and when officers arrived at the scene in the 1900 block of Henderson Avenue, they saw a vehicle speeding away from the scene. Officers located a man who was identified as an uninjured victim of the incident.

CSPD reported that a shared description of the vehicle led to a traffic stop on I-25 near North Academy Boulevard. A man, identified as 28-year-old Justin Galan, was taken into custody for Felony Menacing and booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Two attorneys have filed a lawsuit against a former partner who they allege engaged in unfair trade practices and spread false accusations in an effort to prevent them from recruiting clients to a competing firm  the latest of several lawsuits filed by either side following the dissolution of a firm that has led to several legal battles in court.

The most recent civil action, filed recently in Hartford Superior Court by Milford-based attorney David A. Slossberg on behalf of Ryan and Allison McKeen of McKeen Law, LLC., names Andrew Garza and his firm, Claggett Sykes & Garza, LLC., as defendants.

According to the complaint filed last week, Ryan McKeen and Garza  who primarily handle personal injury cases  were partners at the Connecticut Trial Firm, or CTF, which was formed in 2016 and later dissolved in the spring of 2024 amongst ongoing tensions between the pair. The lawsuit states that Ryan McKeen was the chief executive officer of CTF, serving as the face of the firm and developing strategies for marketing, brand development and client relationships.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the civil complaint, Allison McKeen was the chief financial officer of CTF and, at a certain time, its chief operating officer, while Garza was the lead trial attorney responsible for trying cases and overseeing the firms litigation files.

He handled a very limited number of files and did very little in the way of marketing to potential new clients, the complaint claims.

In May 2024, Ryan McKeen and Garza executed the firms Dissolution Memorandum of Understanding on material terms, which required a final, more comprehensive agreement within a week so Garza could begin to transition active files to his firm, the lawsuit states. The complaint contends that that agreement did not address future clients and that Garza was later made aware that the McKeens would be starting a competing law firm.

After resigning from the CTF, Ryan and Allison McKeen set up out-of-office replies on their email accounts that included their contact information and the contact information for those with CTF matters, the complaint states. The emails also reportedly informed senders that the firm was dissolving.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the lawsuit, the McKeens allege that Garza changed the out-of-office replies to refer all clients to his new firm. The complaint also alleges that the autoreply on Ryan McKeens email was later set to include the false statement that he no longer practices law.

The lawsuit contends that this was just one of the ways Garza engaged in a concerted course of conduct to interfere with their ability to obtain referrals and retention of new clients. The complaint also alleges that the McKeens were denied access to their email accounts.

Despite the messages purporting to be from the McKeens, the McKeens did not authorize their out-of-office messages to be changed, the complaint alleges. Nor would they have agreed to the language contained in the altered out-of-office messages, as it was false and misleading.

According to the lawsuit, Garza has also accused Ryan and Allison McKeen of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from CTF. The complaint filed by the McKeens says these allegations are false.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In fact, his false allegations were reviewed by CTFs tax attorney who advised Garza that no money was missing from CTF accounts, the complaint alleges, adding that Garza made comments to the Glastonbury Police Department that are completely false and have absolutely no basis.

The 10-count lawsuit accuses Garza of defamation and claims he was in violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, among other things. The lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, among others, in excess of $15,000.

We categorically deny the allegations and claims alleged in the complaint, Jonathan Kocienda of Claggett Sykes & Garza said Thursday. We look forward to our time in court. We cannot and will not comment on pending litigation.

The McKeens spent considerable effort over a long period of time to be recognized as the talented lawyers they are, Slossberg said in a statement. They are kind, thoughtful, serious professionals who have resorted to this litigation as a last, but necessary, resort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont like bullies. Ryan and Allison McKeens complaint alleges injurious conduct by a fellow attorney that would appear to be just that, Slossberg said. The McKeens are going to make sure that defendants, including Mr. Garza, their trusted former partner, have to defend their bad conduct, on the record, under oath, in a courtroom. These alleged defamatory statements and violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act should not go unchecked.

Slossberg on Wednesday filed a motion to disqualify Claggett, Sykes & Garza from representing itself in the civil proceedings.

Given the nature of the claims, it is perplexing that CSG would appear for itself in the action, he said in a statement. In our motion to disqualify, we are asking the court to sort this out.

On Friday, Kocienda filed a motion to stay the civil proceeding consistent with other stay orders tied to intertwined lawsuits. A stay order, Kocienda writes, would allow for pending arbitration between Ryan McKeen and Garza to be carried out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, Garza filed litigation against Ryan McKeen in November after the latter filed an arbitration a month earlier tied to the dissolution of CTF. In it, Garza alleges that the Memorandum of Understanding contained a no arbitration clause, court papers said.

The civil action taken by Garza contends that Ryan McKeen wrongfully commenced an arbitrationbefore the American Arbitration Association, Inc. without an arbitrator being empowered with the authority to act.

The plaintiffs request that the defendants be ordered to appear at an early date to show cause why the prayer for an injunction should not be granted, the complaint states.

The complaint further alleges that, beginning in February 2024, Allison and Ryan McKeen engaged in intentional, tortious, and fraudulent misconduct that caused significant physical, mental, emotional, and financial harm to Garza and his wife.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, Ryan McKeen made allegations against Garza about why the firm was dissolved. In court filings, Garza has denied these claims and described them as defamatory, adding that they were published in an article in the Hartford Business Journal in January.

Garza alleged the article was part of a smear campaign launched by Ryan McKeen, court papers said.

These allegations were contained, verbatim, on page five of McKeens Demand for Arbitration, which was made public by Attorney McKeens Jan. 14, 2025, filing on the court docket, despite the pendency of his Motion to Seal and his claims that the document should be confidential, court papers filed on behalf of Garza state.

In January, Garza brought further litigation against the McKeens, alleging that Ryan McKeen interfered with his ability to have an accountant access the financial records of CTF. This complaint further alleges that multiple transactions in CTFs financial records appeared irregular and appeared to indicate misappropriations and conversion of (the firms) income, the lawsuit states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The complaint further accused Ryan McKeen of representing that he had created a paralegal scholarship fund and that he took possession of monies despite Garza having no knowledge of it.

Garza also alleges in the lawsuit that he hired a forensic accountant, leading to Ryan McKeen sending the accountant multiple emails insisting Garza had no authority to hire him and instructing him not to proceed with his probe of CTFs accounts, according to the complaint. Ryan McKeen, the complaint alleges, also reportedly told the accountant that if he cashed the check Garza wrote him, his legal fees would almost certainly outpace any accounting fee he has charged.

A lawsuit filed in June on behalf of Allison McKeen against Garza and his new firm alleges that she was owed about $247,000 following the resolution of a CTF case and that she was never paid, the complaint states. The lawsuit further alleges that Garza received about $741,000 following the settlement but that Allison McKeen never received her share.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Thousands of people will be heading to the W.H. Lyon fairgrounds to enjoy themselves.

Since the fairgrounds are owned by Minnehaha County, the Sheriffs Office plays a significant role in keeping people safe.

Hudson familys historic farm destroyed in storm

Dont send your kids out here unattended at night. There is a curfew that the fair has put into effect that we will enforce, said Captain Adam Zishka.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The curfew requires anyone under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

I think the overall vibe at the fair, the overall security has increased substantially. Last year, we only had one arrest. There were times out here, where in the day, there would be kids starting fights, said Zishka.

Along with the deputies that you will see walking around, there are actually cameras placed strategically around the fairgrounds so that deputies in the command center can keep an eye on things, too. 

The fair also has its own security staff that works hand in hand with the sheriffs deputies.

Everybody, come on out. Weve had an overwhelming response to that curfew since we enacted it about 4 years ago. Other fairs across the country have done it as well. So we are just looking for a fun, safe family fair like weve had in years past, said Fair Manager Scott Wick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another safety issue at the fair is the weather. Wick says for the first time, a representative from the National Weather Service will be stationed at the fairgrounds to keep tabs on severe weather.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced that a New Jersey man died during a scuba diving trip on July 29, approximately 150 miles east of Cape Cod.

48-year-old Joseph Mazraani from New Millstone Township was part of a group of scuba divers aboard the vessel Tenacious, which he owned, exploring shipwrecks in the area of Georges Bank.

During the dive, Mazraani experienced a possible medical emergency, prompting other members of the group to pull him from the water and attempt lifesaving measures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Coast Guard and New Bedford Police were notified of the incident, and the vessel began its return to port in New Bedford.

The vessel arrived at the Fleet Marina at approximately 6:00 am on July 30, 2025.

Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, the Massachusetts Coast Guard, and the New Bedford Police Department are investigating the matter. Foul play is not suspected.

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
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams is weighing in on a law recently signed by President Trump to help with the fight against Fentanyl.

President Trump signed legislation known as the HALT Fentanyl Act into law just within the last couple of weeks.

We sat down with the District Attorney today, and he had a lot to say about the bill that he says is nothing new.

In 2022, more than 109,000 people died of drug overdoses, and 75,000 of those were largely due to fentanyl-related substances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Williams, hes seen that impact firsthand.

I had the misfortune of losing a friend and someone I grew up with to drug abuse and addiction. Its difficult, because no father or mother should have to bury their child, said Williams.

Thats the push behind the HALT (Halt All Lethal Trafficking) Fentanyl Act, which permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule-1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

What fentanyl-related substances is really talking about is illicitly manufactured Fentanyl. Fentanyl thats been producednot by a chemist in a lab for a medical purposebut someone whos trying to use it illicitly. Thats what this bill is targeting, Williams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the DA says the legislation is nothing new.

President Trump called for similar legislation during his first term back in 2018, which Williams says saw Fentanyl-related deaths go up instead of down.

At that time in 2018, we had about 70,000 deaths per year due to Fentanyl overdose. That number actually went up from there. From 2018 to 2023, we went from 70,000 to 110,000 from Fentanyl overdose. So, just the law itself is not going to fix the heart of the issue that we have, he added.

Williams says another potential setback with the HALT Act is the limitations for further research on relevant substances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because these drugs are now permanently in Schedule-1, it means we dont have any meaningful opportunities for researchers to study the drugs more. Its going to restrict the ability to test and try different methods of finding other antidotes. I think that hurts us, because it doesnt allow us to find the next naloxone, said Williams.

The law could lead to longer prison sentences for traffickers behind bars.

But the DA says the key to the issue is helping those struggling with drug addictiongiving them a new purpose instead of prison stripes.

If we can help the end-user get linked with the resources they needso they can learn about addiction, learn how to deal with underlying issues and root causes, helping them to start reducing the harm to themselvesthats where we save lives. Thats where we make an impact, Williams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also says it comes down to a response from every stakeholder.

It cannot just be a law enforcement problem, it cannot just be a courts problemits got to be a community response to this health crisis.

Williams says more funding for Fentanyl education and drug treatment services would make a big difference.

His advice to families is to start having conversations at home sooner, before its too late.

To learn more about the HALT Fentanyl Act, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.




NEED TO KNOW

The father of the Navy sailor who went missing on July 28 during a training exercise is speaking out for the first time

Jose Rivera III, the father of Aviation Boatswains Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, said that he had spoken to his son 12 hours before he fell overboard

"It was a great conversation. We always ended up saying, 'we're so proud of you, you have been like none of the Riveras have ever been, look at you,' " Rivera recounted





The father of the Navy sailor who went missing during a training exercise on July 28, while onboard the USS George Washington in the ocean north of Australia, is speaking out for the first time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Wednesday, July 30, USS George Washington spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Mark Langford told PEOPLE that the search for the missing sailor  identified as Aviation Boatswains Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, per a release  had been suspended.

The sailor's father, Jose Rivera III, spoke to local Virginia news outlet WVEC-TV on Friday, Aug. 1, about his son's passion for his role in the U.S. Navy  and shared that he had spoken with his son just 12 hours before he went missing.



"It was a great conversation. We always ended up saying, 'we're so proud of you, you have been like none of the Riveras have ever been, look at you,' " Rivera said of the sailor.

U.S. Navy courtesy photo Aviation Boatswains Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV. Aviation Boatswains Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Navy sailor's father, Rivera Lynch is being remembered as a "likeable, very humble" man who had just enlisted in the Navy in June 2024 and first reported to USS George Washington in January.



"He was a person that, whenever you met him for the first time, you met somebody that was so likeable, very humble, very helpful," his father told the outlet. "No matter where I went with him, people just loved being around him."

The Navy first announced that they had responded to reports of a possible sailor overboard in the Timor Sea, in a Monday, July 28 press release.

The aircraft carrier is currently operating in the Timor Sea as part of the multinational Talisman Sabre 25 exercise organized by Australia and the U.S., per USNI News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The release confirmed that the search for the missing sailor involved a number of Navy helicopters and vessels, as well as assistance from Australian Defence Force crews. The George Washington was carrying out its first patrol since returning to Japan in November 2024 when Rivera Lynch went missing.

"After more than 45 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts covering roughly 2,200 square miles, the U.S. Navy and Australian Defence and Australian Border Forces suspended search efforts in the Timor Sea on July 30," the release stated.

Rivera Lynch's father told WVCE-TV that he's grateful for the military's efforts in trying finding his son.



"I'll forever be grateful that they did their due diligence in searching for him. They will cover every wave and every rock, and they couldn't recover him, but the effort was there, and I commend them for that," Rivera said.



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.

Rivera Lynch's father confirmed to the outlet that a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday in his Florida hometown. He is asking that the local community respect Navy procedures amid the service and remember his son as a caring, passionate man.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They say when you lose a parent, you're an orphan," Rivera said, holding up a picture of his son. "When you lose a spouse, you're a widow. But when you lose a son, there are no words for that... It's going to be step-by-step, but now he lives in me, and I will carry on his legacy until my final days."



Read the original article on People
Ten students from Dallas Irma Lerma Rangel Young Womens Leadership School spent their summer studying across Europe, earning over $60,000 combined in scholarships through international exchange programs.

The young women traveled to Italy, Spain, and Portugal for four-week academic programs focusing on language, culture, and sustainability.

For many students, these Council on International Educational Exchange Global Navigator programs marked their first international travel without family. The experience challenged them to navigate unfamiliar environments while building independence and cultural understanding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Esmeralda C. chose Rome for Italian Language and Culture studies.

Spending four weeks in Italy gave me the opportunity to build a strong sense of community with the locals, she said.

Daily interactions shaped her experience abroad.

Hearing the daily ciao at coffee shops, restaurants, and from neighbors, conversations with my host family at the dinner table, along with exploring the city, deepened my appreciation for the present moment.

Ashley M. studied Honors Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid.

Studying abroad in Madrid has been an exciting, eye-opening experience. Every day has felt like a mix of adventure, culture, and learning far beyond the classroom, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The programs blend traditional classroom instruction with real-world cultural immersion. Students strengthen communication skills while gaining confidence in international settings.

Esmeralda Martinez, who teaches Spanish and leadership at Rangel, champions the exchange opportunities.

Seeing my students light up when they share their admission into one of CIEEs study abroad programs makes my day, she said.

Martinez believes the programs transform students beyond academics.

Experiences like these allow students to view life in a more holistic way. It pushes them to put their phones down and take in the world, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teacher emphasizes hands-on learning over digital consumption.

To be open to the problems of the world through their own eyes, not a textbook or a social media post. They also embrace cultural competency as a valuable trait to have as a contributing member to society.

Students return with broadened perspectives and deeper empathy, according to Martinez. The programs develop skills extending far beyond language proficiency.

Despite challenges in navigating new environments, Esmeralda C. cherished every moment abroad. She now encourages other students to pursue international study opportunities and experience cultural immersion firsthand.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Every morning, Abeer and Fadi Sobh wake up in their tent in the Gaza Strip to the same question: How will they find food for themselves and their six young children?

The couple has three options: Maybe a charity kitchen will be open and they can get a pot of watery lentils. Or they can try jostling through crowds to get some flour from a passing aid truck. The last resort is begging.

If those all fail, they simply don't eat. It happens more and more these days, as hunger saps their energy, strength and hope.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The predicament of the Sobhs, who live in a seaside refugee camp west of Gaza City after being displaced multiple times, is the same for families throughout the war-ravaged territory.

Hunger has grown throughout the past 22 months of war because of aid restrictions, humanitarian workers say. But food experts warned earlier this week the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in Gaza.

Israel enforced a complete blockade on food and other supplies for 2 months beginning in March. It said its objective was to increase pressure on Hamas to release dozens of hostages it has held since its attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Though the flow of aid resumed in May, the amount is a fraction of what aid organizations say is needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A breakdown of law and order has also made it nearly impossible to safely deliver food. Much of the aid that does get in is hoarded or sold in markets at exorbitant prices.

Here is a look at a day in the life of the Sobh family:

A morning seawater bath

The family wakes up in their tent, which Fadi Sobh, a 30-year-old street vendor, says is unbearably hot in the summer.

With fresh water hard to come by, his wife Abeer, 29, fetches water from the sea.

One by one, the children stand in a metal basin and scrub themselves as their mother pours the saltwater over their heads. Nine-month-old Hala cries as it stings her eyes. The other children are more stoic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abeer then rolls up the bedding and sweeps the dust and sand from the tent floor. With no food left over from the day before, she heads out to beg for something for her familys breakfast. Sometimes, neighbors or passersby give her lentils. Sometimes she gets nothing.

Abeer gives Hala water from a baby bottle. When shes lucky, she has lentils that she grinds into powder to mix into the water.

One day feels like 100 days, because of the summer heat, hunger and the distress, she said.

A trip to the soup kitchen

Fadi heads to a nearby soup kitchen. Sometimes one of the children goes with him.

But food is rarely available there, he said. The kitchen opens roughly once a week and never has enough for the crowds. Most often, he said, he waits all day but returns to his family with nothing and the kids sleep hungry, without eating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fadi used to go to an area in northern Gaza where aid trucks arrive from Israel. There, giant crowds of equally desperate people swarm over the trucks and strip away the cargo of food. Often, Israeli troops nearby open fire, witnesses say. Israel says it only fires warning shots, and others in the crowd often have knives or pistols to steal boxes.

Fadi, who also has epilepsy, was shot in the leg last month. That has weakened him too much to scramble for the trucks, so hes left with trying the kitchens.

Meanwhile, Abeer and her three eldest children  10-year-old Youssef, 9-year-old Mohammed and 7-year-old Malak  head out with plastic jerrycans to fill up from a truck that brings freshwater from central Gazas desalination plant.

The kids struggle with the heavy jerrycans. Youssef loads one onto his back, while Mohammed half-drags his, his little body bent sideways as he tries to keep it out of the dust of the street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A scramble for aid

Abeer sometimes heads to Zikim herself, alone or with Youssef. Most in the crowds are men  faster and stronger than she is. Sometimes I manage to get food, and in many cases, I return empty-handed, she said.

If shes unsuccessful, she appeals to the sense of charity of those who succeeded. You survived death thanks to God, please give me anything, she tells them. Many answer her plea, and she gets a small bag of flour to bake for the children, she said.

She and her son have become familiar faces. One man who regularly waits for the trucks, Youssef Abu Saleh, said he often sees Abeer struggling to grab food, so he gives her some of his. Theyre poor people and her husband is sick, he said. Were all hungry and we all need to eat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the hottest part of the day, the six children stay in or around the tent. Their parents prefer the children sleep during the heat  it stops them from running around, using up energy and getting hungry and thirsty.

Foraging and begging in the afternoon

As the heat eases, the children head out. Sometimes Abeer sends them to beg for food from their neighbors. Otherwise, they scour Gazas bombed-out streets, foraging through the rubble and trash for anything to fuel the familys makeshift stove.

Theyve become good at recognizing what might burn. Scraps of paper or wood are best, but hardest to find. The bar is low: plastic bottles, plastic bags, an old shoe  anything will do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the boys came across a pot in the trash one day  its what Abeer now uses to cook. The family has been displaced so many times, they have few belongings left.

I have to manage to get by, Abeer said. What can I do? We are eight people.

If they're lucky, lentil stew for dinner

After a day spent searching for the absolute basics to sustain life  food, water, fuel to cook  the family sometimes has enough of all three for Abeer to make a meal. Usually its a thin lentil soup.

But often there is nothing, and they all go to bed hungry.

Abeer said shes grown weak and often feels dizzy when shes out searching for food or water.

I am tired. I am no longer able, she said. If the war goes on, I am thinking of taking my life. I no longer have any strength or power.

___

Magdy reported from Cairo.




NEED TO KNOW

Ohio daycare worker Mary Stewart, 48, has been charged with felonious assault and endangering children

The mother of a 4-year-old girl has alleged that her child told her the daycare worker grabbed her by the arm and roughly tossed her onto a cot, causing her to have a broken collarbone

The Willowick Police Department (WPD) launched an investigation following the incident and subsequently brought the charges against Stewart, which she has pleaded not guilty to





An Ohio daycare worker has been charged after allegedly injuring a 4-year-old child in her care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mary Stewart, 48, has been charged with felonious assault and endangering children, according to Willoughby Municipal Court documents viewed by PEOPLE.

The charges followed an investigation by Willowick police in June after a 4-year-old came home from daycare with a broken collarbone the month prior, according to WJW-TV.

The child's mother, Alexis Higham, told the outlet that the daycare called her in May and informed her that her daughter tripped and fell over a cot. However, the 4-year-old told her a different story, saying that a woman at the facility grabbed her by the arm and roughly tossed her onto a cot.

When I went to pick her up, you could tell that she was really hurt, Higham recalled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The X-rays came through, and they said that she had a broken clavicle bone, she continued. We were in the ER for five hours.

Higham told WJW-TV that as a result of the incident, her child no longer goes to that daycare facility, which has not been identified. Police launched an investigation into the incident that resulted in charges being filed against Stewart.

Stewart pleaded not guilty, and her case was sent to the Lake County Grand Jury to determine if she would be indicted on those charges, per the outlet.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Willowick Police Department (WPD) and Stewarts attorney for comment on the case.

Willowick Police Department/Facebook Willowick Police Department vehicle Willowick Police Department vehicle

As for Higham, she has filed a lawsuit in Lake County Common Pleas Court against Stewart and the daycare, per WJW-TV.

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.

Higham claimed, per the outlet, that the daycare did not have any working security cameras inside the facility when the incident happened to her daughter and that the daycare failed to ensure the safety of the children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I wanted to speak out because just staying silent only protects the abusers, she told WJW-TV.

Higham's attorney, Marco Bocciarelli, echoed her sentiments, saying, Its important that we make sure these facilities are learning a lesson and not just the people that are working there. I think its a systemic issue that we have to deal with.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
The Brief

Dead and Company will kick off a three-day series of concerts starting Friday to mark The Grateful Deads 60th anniversary.

Residents and visitors in the area around Golden Gate Park can expect a few alterations to transit and travel due to the festivities.

Golden Gate Park Concerts strongly advised attendees against driving to the concerts because there will be no general event parking.

Several roads around the park will be closed during concerts, but visitors can make use of extra public transportation options that will be on offer before and after the shows.

SAN FRANCISCO - Dead and Company is set to take the stage Friday in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park to kick off a three-day series of concerts to mark The Grateful Deads 60th anniversary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bands performance marks the beginning of three consecutive weekends of music. The Outside Lands music festival starts Friday, August 8th and country star Zach Bryan is set to perform Friday, August 15th.

Due to the August festivities, residents and visitors in the area around Golden Gate Park can expect a few alterations to transit and travel.

No Event Parking, Shuttles Available

Golden Gate Park Concerts strongly advised attendees against driving to the concerts because there will be no general event parking offered in connection with the shows.

"During event days, we will have two dedicated tow trucks and one parking control officer on each side of the Park to quickly respond to blocked driveways or any other parking issues related to the festival," event organizers warned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shuttles will be in operation to transport concertgoers to Golden Gate Park from the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in Downtown San Francisco and the Cow Palace located south of San Francisco. Event organizers are offering single-day or multi-day passes for those who opt for shuttle service.

Golden Gate Park Concerts also noted that the Cow Palace offers free parking.

Limited Road Closures

JFK Drive from Transverse to 36th Avenue in Golden Gate Park will be closed to cars for the duration of the shows, while Middle Drive from MLK Drive to Transverse will be closed entirely.

JFK Drive from Transverse Drive to the Marx Event Meadow will be closed to foot and bicycle traffic, as will JFK Drive from 36th Avenue to the meadow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All roads on the western side of Golden Gate Park will also be closed to vehicle traffic during concert days.

Extra Muni Services

Muni will also run extra services on the N Judah and 5R Fulton Rapid to accommodate visitors.

The N Judah will run extra trains along all of the lines normal stops before and after the concerts, while Muni will offer special 5X Civic Center Express buses that will take concertgoers directly from Fulton Street and 30th Avenue back to the Civic Center/UN Plaza BART station after the shows have ended.
People have been urged to avoid a Guernsey bay after a dead dolphin was found.

Guernsey Police said the animal had been discovered near the groynes sea defences in the Grande Mare side of Vazon Bay.

A post on the force's Facebook page said the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre and GSPCA had been notified and were monitoring the situation, along with Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police said the advice was to "stay away" from the animal and area and to not touch the dead dolphin.

"The preferred option by ACLMS is to allow natural decomposer and return to the ecosystem but, ultimately, the decision will be made by ACLMS if recovery is required," a police spokesperson added.

Authorities said they were monitoring the situation in Vazon Bay [BBC]

GSPCA bosses issued a similar warning in a post on the charity's Facebook page.

The post said: "We are aware of a dolphin sadly washed up on the shores of Vazon beach. The States are aware.

"In the meantime, please could we advise people/children to avoid the area."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

Related internet links
Congress Confronts Failures in Organ Procurement Oversight

Until recently, anyone who believed there was anything fishy about the U.S. organ donation system was labeled a conspiracy theorist. Yet now the old adage: "Whats the difference between conspiracy and truth? About six months," rings true again, as so-called conspiracy theorists have been proven right by none other than the federal Health and Resources Services Administration (HRSA) itself.

The "conspiracy?" That organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and hospitals declare living individuals dead in order to harvest their organs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The truth? In March 2025, the federal Health Resources and Services Administration reported in its investigation of a procurement organization called Network for Hope that there had been dozens of instances where organ retrieval was nearly begun despite the donors exhibiting signs of life.

The investigation was started in response to the infamous case of T. J. Hoover. Hoover, a resident of Kentucky (which along with parts of Ohio and West Virginia is exclusively served by Network for Hope) had overdosed on drugs in October 2021 and been declared brain dead. His body was being prepped for organ retrieval when he regained consciousness on the operating table, banging his legs and crying. Thankfully, the process was halted, but not without significant pressure to continue by the OPO representative in the room, according to doctors who testified.

Hoovers story is apparently one among many. HRSA reviewed 351 donation-authorized cases and found that 73 patients showed neurological activity and at least 28 patients may not have been deceased when the procurement process began.

These shocking revelations led to a hearing last week by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Dr. Raymond Lynch, chief of the organ transplant branch within HRSA, testified to Congress regarding the safety and efficiency ofthe organ donation process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lynch admitted that the current method of operation has serious issues, but argued that the root cause is a system that grants a quasi-monopoly to individual procurement operators. Only a single contractor per region can service the OPTN, which is the federal Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network that connects donated organs with patients needing transplants. Over-reliance on the OPOs has impeded "meaningful government oversight," according to Lynch.

Members of both parties peppered Lynch with questions about the practices of OPOs and the OPTN. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Colorado Democrat, referenced a New York Times article revealing the growing use of "circulatory death," which is defined as the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, even though in some cases circulatory death is reversible through proper resuscitation. Nonetheless, using this definition to determine the end of life allowed hospitals to harvest organs faster, leading to concerns about a grim conflict of interest.

Compounding this issue is pressure from OPO representatives, who are required to be present for donation. DeGette asserted that doctors may look to OPO representatives as "experts" and feel pressured to certify death. While Lynch did not affirm DeGettes concerns, he conceded that "increased emphasis on performance in any area of medicine is not an excuse for noncompliance."

Lynch stressed that it is possible that a "good faith" assessment of death could be wrong, and that often, doctors are doing their best in a difficult and fast-paced environment. Rep. Gary Palmer wasnt having it. "Theres clearly things that happened that I think could count as euthanasia," said the Alabama Republican. In response, Lynch stressed that the HRSA has a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) in place for OPOs and the OPTN, with its authority stemming from Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The renewed interest in Congress follows passage of the Securing the OPTN Act, signed into law by President Biden two years ago. This new law the OPTN turns a single-vendor system into a multiple-vendor system, meaning that multiple OPOs can now service the same region. It also establishes a separate OPTN board from any other contractors to ensure transparency, removes the $7 million HRSA funding cap and allocates more money for modernization, and requires a GAO review of the OPTNs financial history.

The HRSA created its CAP to better implement the terms of the act. The CAP lists several important reforms: Any staff member will be allowed to halt procedures due to safety concerns; the OPTN must now monitor and report safety-related halted donations; the HRSA now has authority to decertify OPOs not meeting its standards; and the Network for Hope and any other implicated OPO must implement minimum safety standards, better documentation, clearer donor eligibility criteria, and family communication plans within six months.

While the reforms listed in the CAP are unquestionably needed, a big question remains: Will they truly solve the problem? It will be an uphill fight. The CAP doesnt address the issue of ambiguous death certification, such as circulatory death. Nor does it address the institutional incentives that push OPOs to aggressively advocate for more organ donations. CAPs tend to focus more on metrics rather than ethical gray zones, meaning that the potential of harvesting the organs of live patients is still a possibility.

What needs to change to ensure that what T. J. Hoover endured - or worse - never happens again? Those pushing for further reform believe that the Uniform Determination of Death Act should be further strengthened so that that hospitals in this country operate by uniform and widely accepted standards for certification of death. Independent third-party certification of death might be a brake on misplaced priorities. Finally, some believe that harvesting organs should not be allowed until all brain activity has ceased.

Madelynn McLaughlin is an intern at RealClearPolitics. She graduated from Liberty University in 2025 with a degree in Government: Politics and Policy.
The deadly mid-air collision at Reagan Airport in January was years in the making, the operations manager of the DCA air traffic control tower on the night of the accident told the National Transportation Safety Board on Friday.

"I don't think this accident occurred that night," Clark Allen, the operations manager, said at the investigative hearing. "I think it happened years before we've talked about, you know, resources, whether they were available or unavailable at certain time frames, folks being listened to or not being listened to at certain times. This was not that evening. It was a combination over many years that I think that built up to that evening."

The NTSB concluded three days of hearings late Friday, during which the agency's investigators questioned officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Army, American Airlines regional subsidiary PSA Airlines and other parties over January's mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was the nation's first major commercial airline crash since 2009.

During the hearings, the NTSB was told that the Army helicopter never heard the command from the air traffic controller to "pass behind the CRJ" as the transmission was stepped on. It was also revealed that the plane's pilots were not warned by the controller that there was a helicopter nearby or cleared to fly near the helicopter.

Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy speaks at the start of a hearing to examine the mid-air collision between American Airlines Eagle flight 5342 and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, Aug. 1, 2025.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy also called out the FAA for not sharing a full list of who was working in the control tower the night of the crash until July 6, months after the accident.

Pilots likely didn't know how high they were flying

The NTSB's investigation found discrepancies in the altitude data shown on radio and barometric altimeters on Army helicopters after conducting test flights following January's accident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is likely that the helicopter crew did not know their true altitude due to notoriously faulty altimeters inside this series of Black Hawks, according to the investigation. At their closest points, helicopters and planes flew within 75 feet of each other near DCA, an astonishingly close number. During the hearings, the NTSB was told Army Black Hawks can often have wrong readings and a margin of error of +-200 feet.

"I am concerned there is a possibility that what the crew saw was very different than what the true altitude was. We did testing in May that shows concerns with the altimeters, the barometric altimeters on the 60 Lima. So we are concerned, and it's something we have to continue to investigate how significant is 100 feet in this circumstance," Homendy told reporters on Wednesday.

Army officials told the NTSB investigators that they plan to inform other military aviation officials of the altitude discrepancy by September, but NTSB board member Todd Inman criticized this for a lack of urgency.

The Army officials said they are also addressing it by mentioning it in the public testimony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I hope every Army aviator is not having to watch the NTSB.gov livestream to figure out if there's a discrepancy in their altitudes and planes that are flying around," Inman said.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: Emergency units respond after a passenger aircraft collided with a helicopter in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, Jan. 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.

Disconnect between DCA controllers and FAA leadership

NTSB investigators and board members noted that there seems to be a "disconnect" between the information they are getting from the FAA officials versus what the employees have shared with them during the interviews.

"What we're trying to understand is where the disconnect is because what we have is for example, reports from controllers today that are saying there were 10-15 loss of separation events since the accident," Homendy said.

Tension in the tower

Chair Homendy noted air traffic controllers crying during interviews with investigators following the crash, adding the controller whose voice is heard talking to the doomed aircraft has not returned to work. Tensions have been so high in the tower following the crash, a shouting match turned into a fist fight this spring, ending with a controller being arrested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some employees say they feared getting transferred or fired if concerns were brought up to their superiors.

"I hundred percent agree with you. There definitely seems to be some barrier in communication where the people that impacts it the most are not hearing the things that the FAA is moving forward on and that needs to be addressed. I agree," said Franklin McIntosh, acting chief operating officer of the Air Traffic Organization -- the operation arm of the FAA.

"I wholeheartedly agree and I will commit to you and everyone on the board in the panel that I will start working this immediately to make sure whatever those barriers are occurring, that it stops," McIntosh said. "Clearly someone in the facility doesn't feel like they're getting the help that they should be getting and quite honestly if that word's not getting down, then we need to do a better job in breaking through whatever that barrier is."

MORE: NTSB chair blasts FAA over deadly DC crash: 'Are you kidding me? 67 people are dead'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FAA has pushed back on claims of employees being removed or transferred out of the tower as a result of the collision.

"So we didn't remove anybody as a result of an accident," said Nick Fuller, acting deputy chief operating officer with the Air Traffic Organization.

Homendy challenged that assertion saying, "I think many would disagree, since it was done pretty immediately. Also the NTSB had to weigh in several times to get people help in the tower."

NTSB investigators also pressed FAA officials over controllers who manage DCA airspace feeling pressured to "make it work" due to the large volume of aircraft in the airspace near the airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We have many non-standard tools that we use in order to be able to bring a significant amount of airplanes into DCA, " said Bryan Lehman, air traffic manager at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control, which manages air traffic control in the region, while also adding that they do take "pride in it," but that it gets too much after a certain point.

Lehman also testified at the hearing that controllers sent a memo to their superiors in 2023 requesting a lower arrival rate for airplanes, but the concerns were dismissed and Congress approved more flights for DCA.

Eduardo Munoz/Reuters - PHOTO: A crane retrieves part of the wreckage from the Potomac River, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter in Arlington, Virginia, Feb. 4, 2025.

ADSB policy for Army

Despite calls from lawmakers and the NTSB for mandated Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADSB) -- technology that makes the aircraft more visible to the tower, other aircraft and the public -- on all aircraft, including military aircraft, it remains a point of hesitation for the Army.

All aircraft flying over 18,000 feet are required to have ADSB but certain aircraft, including military aircraft, are exempt from transmitting ADSB location when flying for security reasons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I'm pretty sure most people are aware of the fact that it's inherently open source," Army Lt. Col. Paul Flanigen told the hearing panel on Friday. "It has some spoofing vulnerabilities which make it non-conducive for those sensitive missions, which not just the army, but all of DOD has to operate on."

As previously reported by ABC News, the helicopter involved in the accident was not transmitting ADSB out, meaning it wasn't transmitting its location for other aircraft nearby to see where it was.

A Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) -- which detects other aircraft in close proximity -- was also not installed in the helicopter, according to the investigation.

The NTSB made a recommendation nearly two decades ago asking the FAA to require ADSB on all aircraft but it was not implemented. The point was brought up again during the hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: FAA administrator: 'Clearly, something was missed' that led to DC plane crash

"Does the FAA right now support requiring any newly manufactured aircraft registered in the U.S. be equipped with ADSB in?" Homendy asked.

McIntosh said yes and showed support towards requiring aircraft to be equipped with ADSB out as well.

Experts have said it's more effective when an aircraft is equipped with both ADSB in and out so they can transmit their location and also receive the location of other aircraft in its near proximity.

A bill in Congress titled the "Rotor Act" was introduced earlier this week by Sen. Ted Cruz, which would require all aircraft, including military aircraft, to transmit ADSB location when flying. Notably, the newly appointed FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy were present at the news conference and showed their support towards the legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NTSB's investigation into the cause of the accident continues and a final report is expected by January 2026.

"We do this to improve safety certainly but we all do this with each of you in mind and your loved ones that were lost tragically with you in mind not just on the CRJ but also PAT 25 so we will continue on and hope to complete this investigation within a year," Homendy said in her closing remarks on Friday.
Health officials are warning of a rise in potentially deadly "flesh-eating" bacteria cases along the Gulf Coast, with Louisiana reporting higher numbers than usual this summer.

Louisiana health officials have reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus so far this year -- four of which have resulted in death. That compares to an average of seven cases and one death in the same period over the past 10 years. All 17 cases in Louisiana resulted in the person being hospitalized, the Louisiana Department of Health said.

Meanwhile, health officials in Florida confirmed 13 cases and four deaths this year.

ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. Alok Patel breaks down the latest rising rates of flesh-eating bacteria and how to protect yourself.

"This is a very scary-sounding bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. Fortunately, it is rare, but it can be very deadly," Dr. Alok Patel, ABC News medical contributor and pediatrician at Stanford Children's Health, told ABC News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This bacteria normally exists in warm water, salty water, sometimes brackish water, especially during summer months," Dr. Patel explained. Brackish water occurs where fresh water meets salt water.

MORE: 2 friends travel 1,400 miles on public transit from Mexico to Canada border

The bacteria can infect people in two ways: through open wounds exposed to coastal waters or by eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. Symptoms can range from stomach illness to severe wound infections, and in some cases, life-threatening blood poisoning.

"If you come in contact with ocean water when you have cuts or eat raw seafood and you get sick, you want to make sure you see a doctor immediately, because this needs to be treated quickly," Patel warned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Louisiana Department of Health noted that certain people face higher risks, including those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes or weakened immune systems. About one in five people with severe infections died, sometimes within just days of becoming ill.

To stay safe, health officials recommended avoiding salt water if you have open wounds, thoroughly washing any cuts exposed to ocean water and being cautious with raw seafood.

"The ocean is dirty news. Don't get into it if you have open cuts," Patel advised.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated 80,000 cases of vibriosis occur each year in the U.S, with most cases linked to contaminated food.
The death of a 9-year-old girl who drowned at Hersheypark has been ruled accidental, with no criminal activity found on the part of the park's employees, according to police.

Sophia Subedi drowned on July 24 in the wave pool at the Pennsylvania theme park, the Derry Township Police Department said.

A review by police concluded that the park upheld safety standards and that the number of people in the wave pool at the time was "significantly less than it's designed maximum capacity," according to a Derry Township Police statement released on Friday.

Adobe Stock - PHOTO: The main entrance to Hersheypark theme amusement park, Hershey, Pennsylvania, July, 16, 2023.

MORE: 9-year-old dies at Hersheypark's water park in Pennsylvania

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hersheypark had 10 lifeguards working specifically at the wave pool when Sophia drowned, the park said last month.

"Witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia's distress," police said. "The Derry Township Police Department, along with the witnesses, Hersheypark staff, and first responders who attempted to save Sophia, extend their sincere condolences to her family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this difficult time."

"Our hearts break for this child and the child's family. We extend our deepest condolences for their loss," John Lawn, Hersheypark's CEO, in a statement on July 24, adding that park-goers' "safety and well-being drive every decision we make."




NEED TO KNOW

Rose Marie Moniz, 41, was found beaten to death in her home in 2001  with a conch shell among the weapons used

The case remained unsolved until 2019, when DNA found inside the shell led police to her half-brother, David Reed

Reed, who once served as a pallbearer at her funeral, had a prior assault conviction and has pleaded not guilty





When 41-year-old Rose Marie Moniz was found dead in her New Bedford, Mass., home on March 23, 2001, police noted that her purse had been emptied and money was missing  but there were no signs of forced entry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the scene, investigators recovered several bloodied household items: a fireplace poker, a cast-iron kettle and a decorative conch shell.

An autopsy later revealed the extent of Monizs injuries, per previous reporting by PEOPLE. She had suffered skull fractures, broken nasal bones, a broken left cheekbone and large lacerations to her head. Blood was found in both ears. Her body also showed multiple contusions, according to investigators.

But two people were ruled out early in the investigation. And with no immediate suspects and no eyewitnesses, the murder remained unsolved for years, and the case went cold.

In 2019, detectives from the Bristol County District Attorneys Office and the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Crimes Unit reopened the case  and found a clue they'd overlooked nearly a decade earlier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Autopsy photos of the victims face showed that the victim had suffered numerous abrasions and contusions which suggested that the spiny exterior of the conch shell made contact with the victims face, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office said in a press release. That suggested that the perpetrator would have to put his fingers inside the opening of the conch to hold it as firmly as was needed to strike the victim with extreme force.

Bristol County DA David Reed

When the inner portion of the shell was swabbed, a full DNA profile was developed. That profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS  a national database that contains DNA from convicted offenders and arrestees across the U.S.

The system returned a match: Monizs half-brother, David Reed.

Reed, then 53, had served as a pallbearer at Monizs funeral. In 2021, he was indicted on charges of murder and armed robbery. He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody, awaiting trial.

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.

We had other people that we thought it might be It turned out that the person carrying her coffin to the grave was the person that killed her, Monizs brother, Fred Cunha, told NBC 10 after the arrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reeds DNA was in CODIS because of a violent crime he committed in 2003.

According to CBS News Boston, Reed assaulted a woman with a tire iron during a robbery, striking her in the head and stealing her purse while she pretended to be dead.

During his attempted escape, he rammed a police cruiser with his car and fled the state, per the outlet.

Reed was eventually captured in 2015 and charged with armed assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, and felony bail jumping. In 2023, he was sentenced to 8 to 12 years in state prison for that attack. He is currently serving time for those convictions while awaiting trial for Monizs murder.

Read the original article on People
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  All motorcycle riders, clubs and jeeps are invited to join the Deen-Tate Memorial Motorcycle Ride in Hattiesburg.

The ride is in honor of Officers Benjamin Deen and Liquori Tate, who both died in the line of duty 10 years ago. Organizers said the ride helps raise funds for the Deen-Tate Scholarship, which is administered by the Pinebelt Foundation.

Temporary US 49 ramp closure planned in Forrest County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This years event will begin at Hattiesburg Cycles on Highway 49 on Saturday, October 4. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the ride will begin at 10:00 a.m.

According to organizers, the ride is expected to last 90 minutes and travel 51 miles. Registration is $25 per rider and $10 per passenger.

Requirements:

All riders must have a valid motorcycle license and insurance

Helmets are required for all riders and passengers (per Mississippi law)

Arrive with a full tank of gas

Ride Details:

The ride will be escorted by local law enforcement

Riders will observe all traffic laws and ride safely

A brief memorial ceremony will be held at the ending location

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Online registration will begin on August 5 at www.pinebeltfoundation.org.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
(NewsNation)  Delta Airlines has refuted claims its using AI to set personalized ticket prices, telling lawmakers they have never and will never use such a system.

There is no fare product Delta has ever used, is testing or plans to use that targets customers with individualized prices based on personal data, the airline said in a letter to lawmakers Friday, according to Reuters.

The response comes after Senators Ruben Gallego, Mark Warner and Richard Blumenthal raised concerns over Deltas partnership with Israeli AI pricing company Fetcherr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a letter to the CEO of Delta, Ed Bastian, on July 21, the lawmakers expressed major concerns regarding plans to deploy AI-based revenue management technology across 20 percent of its domestic network by the end of 2025.

Southwest begins selling flights with assigned seats

Deltas current and planned individualized pricing practices not only present data privacy concerns, but will also likely mean fare price increases up to each individual consumers personal pain point at a time when American families are already struggling with rising cost, the senators wrote.

The scrutiny follows mounting concerns over comments made by Delta President Glen Hauenstein at an investor conference in December 2023, where he said the technology could set fares based on the amount people are willing to pay for the premium products related to the base fares.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, the Fetcherr website features a testimonial from Haunstein in which he praises the amazingly favorable units revenue.

The initial results show amazingly favorable units revenue, versus the beta, so we are all in on this, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The Brief

As of 6:30p.m. on Saturday, 78 flights had been canceled and 438 delayed at the Atlanta airport, the flight-tracking website reported.

More than 70 Delta flights had been canceled to and from its hub, and about 269 had been delayed.

The delays follow two days of more than 1,000 flight delays at the worlds busiest airport.

ATLANTA - As bad weather moves through Georgia, hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to FlightAware.

Delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

What we know

As of 6:30p.m. on Saturday, 78 flights had been canceled and 438 delayed at the Atlanta airport, the flight-tracking website reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Delta Air Lines had 71 of the 78 canceled flights, according to FlightAware, and 216 of the delayed flights. Most of the flights were canceled on their way to Atlanta, but more flights were delayed on the ground at Hartsfield-Jackson than on their way to the airport from elsewhere.

Hartsfield-Jackson ranked No. 2 on FlightAwares "Misery Map," behind only Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where weather also caused major disruptions.

Delta currently operates more than 900 daily scheduled Delta and Delta Connection flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson, according to the airline. Atlanta serves as Deltas headquarters and primary hub.

Days of delays at Atlanta airport

Dig deeper

Saturday's delays and cancellations follow two days of more than 1,000 flight delays at the worlds busiest airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 700 of the 1,000 flights delayed on Thursday and Friday were Delta flights, according to FlightAware. About 500 of the canceled flights belonged to the airline between the two days.

A Delta spokesperson responded to FOX 5's request for comment, saying, "We are seeing continued impact across the system due to ongoing weather constraints. Delta recommends customers use the Fly Delta app for the latest information about their flights and to manage their trips, including rebooking options."

Rain and scattered storms could cause more delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

What's next

Rain is expected to linger, according to the FOX 5 Storm Team.

Shower and storm chances are expected to increase throughout the evening and early night, according to FOX 5 Meteorologist Alex Forbes. Showers are forecast to continue overnight.

On Sunday, there will be a 60% chance of rain, and breezy conditions are expected.

The Source

Information in this story came from FlightAware, FOX 5's Storm Team and past reporting by FOX 5.
Seven Filipino scholars are set to begin their studies and research in the United States after they were officially awarded grants under the Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in Space Science, Technology, and Applications (SSTA), Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said Tuesday.

The program is a flagship collaboration between PhilSA and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines.

- Advertisement -

A ceremonial signing was held in June at the PhilSA headquarters in Quezon City marked the formal send-off of the programs inaugural cohort.

The initiative supports Filipino professionals in pursuing graduate degrees and advanced research in space-related fields at top U.S. institutions, with the broader goal of advancing the countrys space capabilities.

Launched in 2024, the Fulbright-PhilSA Program offers two tracks: the Foreign Student Program for graduate and doctoral studies, and the Visiting Scholar Award for advanced research.

The initiative is part of PhilSAs effort to build a sustainable pool of Filipino experts in space science and engineering and to strengthen national innovation and competitiveness in the global space sector.

The 2025 cohort includes four graduate students and three visiting researchers who will pursue specializations ranging from spacecraft systems and robotics to energy systems, airport infrastructure, and geospatial analysis.

The Fulbright-PhilSA Program is not merely an academic opportunityit is a national investment, and you as our pioneering scholars are its first stewards. Your journey represents the long-term vision of this partnership: to build a critical mass of highly skilled, globally engaged Filipino professionals who will shape the future of our space sector. We are confident that you will represent the Philippines with excellence, integrity, and humility, said PhilSA Deputy Director General Gay Jane Perez.

PAEF Executive Director Julio Amador III highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership, calling it a collaboration with one of the countrys most dynamic and forward-looking government agencies. He also reaffirmed Fulbrights commitment to sustaining and expanding the program in future years.

The Fulbright-PhilSA Program Award in SSTA is part of PhilSAs broader Education and Scholarships Program, which aims to nurture a new generation of Filipino space professionals and promote greater public appreciation of space science as a driver of national development.
MADISON, Wisconsin  A group of Democratic governors is urging its colleagues to get tough in countering Republican-backed efforts to gerrymander Texas congressional districts.

It's incumbent upon Democrat governors, if they have the opportunity, to respond in kind, outgoing Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told reporters at a Democratic Governors Association meeting Friday. I'm not a big believer in unilateral disarmament.

The advice from Kelly, who chairs the DGA, came two days after Texas Republicans proposed congressional lines that would create five GOP-friendly House districts ahead of next years midterms. Democrats need only to net three seats to regain control of the lower chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kelly didnt cite California Gov. Gavin Newsom by name, but he is the most high profile, and likeliest, example of a Democrat considering a counteroffensive remapping effort to squeeze more seats from a blue state. On Thursday, Newsom said hed seek a November special election to have voters approve a new House map that would boost Democrats numbers. Its an expensive and potentially perilous gamble that his Democratic colleagues throughout the country appear to be backing  a notably more aggressive posture for the party.

Various mid-decade redistricting efforts could launch a partisan arms race, as the parties look to redraw competing congressional maps to their own advantages. Democrats face a tougher path, as several blue states are bound by independent redistricting commissions and state constitutions, which would prevent them from quickly remaking maps. By contrast, discussions are already underway in several other Republican-controlled states that could follow Texas lead, including Missouri, Indiana and Florida.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged theres validity to concerns that Republicans might gain even more seats, should redistricting wars escalate.

But, Walz and Kelly said, there's a bigger risk in doing nothing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We can't just let this happen and act like it's fine, and hope that the courts fix it, Kelly said. We have no idea, quite honestly, at this point, what the courts might do, but by virtue of us responding in kind, we do send a message. We're not going to take this line down.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, who campaigned on ending partisan gerrymandering , called Trumps requests for new maps so un-American. He nonetheless echoed Kellys call for Democrats to respond, adding when you're up against the wall, you have to do whatever you can to stop it.

Evers recently announced he will not seek another term , rendering the race to replace him a top-tier gubernatorial contest in one of the most politically divided states.

Kelly, Walz, Evers and several other governors, including Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Daniel McKee of Rhode Island, appeared together at the DGA press conference here, where they attacked President Donald Trumps megabill.

Andrew Howard contributed reporting.
From left, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Kentucky Gov. Tony Evers said Democratic governors need to respond "in kind" to GOP mid-decade redistricting that's intended to protect the Republican House majority. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner.)

MADISON  Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and other Democratic governors said responding in kind to Republican mid-decade redistricting is necessary at a Friday Democratic Governors Association press conference.

Kelly said she thinks courts would rule that redrawn maps from Republicans and Democrats are unconstitutional. If Republicans take this path, however, Democratic governors must also pursue mid-decade redistricting to protect the American people, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its incumbent upon Democratic governors, if they have the opportunity, to respond in-kind, Kelly said. Things are bad enough in Washington right now. What it would look like if theres even a greater majority that this President controls  God help the United States of America.

Kelly and other Democratic governors were in Madison for the DGAs summer policy conference.

Discussion over redistricting ahead of midterm elections started in Texas, where President Donald Trumps political team pressured state leaders to redraw its map to gain more seats in the U.S. House and help Republicans maintain their congressional majority in 2026. Trump said a very simple redrawing of the states maps could help pick up five seats.

Redistricting, the process of redrawing state legislative and congressional district boundaries, typically happens every ten years after the U.S. Census.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other Republican-led states, including Florida and Ohio, also said they would look at redrawing their maps mid-decade.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was not at the press conference, was the first Democrat to float the idea of gerrymandering the Democratic state to have fewer Republican seats in response. Democrats in New York and Maryland have also been looking for a path to gain additional seats in their states as well.

None of the governors at the press conference said they would pursue that route but said they supported those that had a path to use it. Kelly joked that she could do mid-decade redistricting. But what would I do? Id just give them another Republican.

Evers said the blatant direction from Trump to pursue redistricting is a constant threat to our democracy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Im really pissed frankly, and were going to do whatever we can do to stop this, Evers said, adding that Wisconsin would not be changing its maps. He said the state has already worked hard to get fair maps.

The Republican-led Legislature and Evers adopted new maps for the state Legislature in 2024 following a state Supreme Court ruling. Some have been calling for new Congressional maps, though those efforts have so far been rejected by the state Supreme Court.

Wisconsins current congressional maps were drawn in 2022 by Evers and selected by the state Supreme Court with a conservative majority at the time. Democrats and their allies filed a new challenge to the maps in Dane County Circuit Court in July, arguing they are unconstitutional because theyre anti-competitive. Republicans currently represent six of Wisconsins eight congressional districts.

Because of those fair [state legislative] maps that we had, we were able to pass a relatively bipartisan budget, and it was a good budget, and so, in my heart of hearts, this is where we have to be, but when you have a gun up against your head, you gotta do something, Evers said.

Im really pissed quite frankly, and were going to do whatever we can do to stop this, Gov. Tony Evers said about mid-decade redistricting. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

This move is unconstitutional. Its again breaking the system. Its, again, meant to game the system, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. Democrats are expected to have the decorum  were expected to protect the institutions, were expected to follow the rules on this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The times call for a different approach, however, he argued.

Were not playing with a normal administration, Walz said. Were playing with one that has thrown all the rules out of there I think it is incumbent upon states that have the capacity or the ability to make sure that we are responding in kind.

Governors criticize GOP over effects of the Republican megabill

The Democratic governors also warned about the potential effects of Republicans federal reconciliation package. Kelly, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, said government systems and programs being cut are not set up for states to operate on their own.

They were set up with the federal government as a very robust partner, and without them being a partner, there is no way that any of our states will be able to pick up the tail, Kelly said. The best we could do is perhaps mitigate the pain, but even that will be difficult.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation,  signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, made major changes to the federal Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Trump and Republicans in Congress are trying to gut programs that Wisconsin families count on, Evers said. Theyre willing to break our constitutional system to make that happen.

The megabill is just one tool, he suggested. Whether its the Republican budget or the continued illegal action to fire Wisconsin workers, strip funds away from our state, damage public education, we have to fight.

A memo released this week by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau found that the exact effects of the federal reconciliation law on Medicaid and FoodShare in Wisconsin are uncertain, but will likely result in fewer enrollees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Currently, about one in five Wisconsin residents rely on Medicaid for health care coverage.

The full impact of the Acts Medicaid provisions on the states MA enrollment and costs remains uncertain, the fiscal bureau memo states. This is partly because some of the details of implementation requirements will depend upon forthcoming federal guidance, but also because the eligibility and enrollment requirements are new for the program and so little is known about their actual effects.

Starting in January 2027, childless adults will be required to complete 80 hours per month of paid work, school, employment training or community service per month to maintain their Medicaid eligibility. There are about 184,000 childless adults currently enrolled in Wisconsin. DHS estimates that 63,000 Wisconsinites will be at high risk of losing their coverage.

The LFB memo said that enrollment will likely drop due to the work requirement provisions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Enrollment reductions could occur either because of the additional complexity of the application process or because the work requirements cause some individuals to increase their earnings to above the eligibility threshold. The magnitude of the program disenrollment, and associated reduction in [Medicaid] benefits costs, is uncertain, the memo states.

The governors warned that hospitals still face a difficult environment under the federal law.

Our rural hospitals in particular are extremely at risk, Kelly of Kansas said. Weve already closed 10 of them in those 10 years and many more are on the brink, and this reconciliation bill is going to throw them over the edge.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said 35 hospitals are at risk in his state, making it the state with the most hospitals at risk in the nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Donald Trumps big ugly bill is the single worst, most devastating piece of legislation that I have seen in my lifetime. It is a direct attack on rural America, Beshear said.

Three hospitals in Wisconsin have been identified as at risk of closure.

Costs for the SNAP program will increase in Wisconsin as the law reduces the federal share of the program  known as FoodShare in Wisconsin  from 50% to 25%. This will leave states responsible for 75% of the costs, a change that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services estimates will require an additional $51 million annually from the state.

The FoodShare program currently helps nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites access food, and nearly 90,000 Wisconsinites will be at risk of losing their benefits due to the new federal provisions, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee echoed concerns over the ability of the state to pick up the gaps left by federal cuts in social programs.

Were not going to be able to absorb in funding whats coming our way, McKee said. The taxpayers are going to pay for it in our states or the benefits are going to get reduced.

The law extends work requirements for SNAP recipients from the current top age of 54 to age 64. It narrows the work requirement exemption for caregivers and parents by changing the definition of dependent child from under 18 years of age to under 14, meaning that parents of 15- to 17-year-olds could now be required to have employment in return for their SNAP benefits.

It provides an exception from work requirements for a married person responsible for a child under age 14 and residing with someone who complies with the work requirements. It also exempts individuals who are eligible for the Indian Health Services.

While Wisconsin just passed a Wisconsin budget that invests in our kids, cuts taxes for working families and supports our rural hospitals, Trump and Congressional Republicans are moving in just the opposite way, Evers said. Democratic governors arent going to just sit idly and watch it happen. When Trump tried to strip hospital funding, we moved real quickly to protect $1.5 billion dollars in health care funding for Wisconsin. When they threaten our schools, we stand up and fight back. When they attack programs that matter to working families, we find ways to fill the gaps.

Republican governors fall in line behind Trumps agenda. Democratic governors are standing up for the people that we serve, Evers said before mentioning 2026 elections. He said Wisconsinites will make a choice about the future of our state when they elect our next governor. Theyre going to choose a leader who will work together and expand health care, support working families and build an economy that works for everybody.

Evers announced on July 24 that he would not be running for a third term in office, setting up the first open race for governor in Wisconsin since 2010.

I know that [Evers] leadership is not going to end just because the title might, and that he is going to be out there fighting for what he believes in moving into the future, said Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear, who wont be able to run for another term in 2027 due to term limits.

So far, Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez has announced her campaign, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is planning on entering the race and other Democrats are still mulling a decision. There will likely be a crowded Democratic primary. Two Republicans have officially launched their campaigns for governor, while U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has been teasing a run.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
A number of high-profile Democratic governors are ready to fight -- ardently throwing support behind their colleagues who have said they will draw new Congressional maps to favor Democrats before the 2026 midterm elections in order to directly counter Texas Republicans' moves to do the same for their party.

Texas GOP lawmakers just this week released their first draft of the state's new congressional map that could flip three to five Democratic seats in next year's midterms.

On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom promptly responded, saying he'd spoken with state legislators and members of Congress about holding a special statewide election on Nov. 4 for Californians to vote on new congressional maps -- ones that would likely favor Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Convening later in the week for a summer policy retreat on the shores of Madison, Wisconsin, a number of leading Democratic governors have backed Newsom and any other blue state leaders who are taking an offensive position on redistricting.

MORE: Texas Republicans propose new congressional maps that could allow GOP gains

The Democrats each did so reluctantly, calling Texas Republicans' efforts "unconstitutional" and "un-American" with hopes that the courts intervene before any new maps steered by either party are implemented. In the meantime, they said it's time to fight against the Trump-championed GOP redistricting, especially now that other Republican-led states, including Missouri, might follow suit.

"That is so un-American, and it's a constant threat to our democracy," Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said about Republican proposals. "So I'm really pissed, frankly, and we are going to do whatever we can do to stop this from happening."

Rich Pedroncelli/AP - PHOTO: Election 2026-Redistricting Newsom

Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, the Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, explicitly got behind Newsom, Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois and any other governors who are weighing counteraction through special elections, special sessions or additional means of redrawing congressional maps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I have never believed in unilateral disarmament, and so while I may not want to participate in certain activities, if I have to, in order to level the playing field, I would support my Democratic colleagues who decide to answer in kind," Kelly said in an interview.

"If the other side is going to pursue this, regardless of the obvious unconstitutionality of it, then I don't think we have any other choice but to go there. You just don't go to the front lines without your bullets," Kelly said.

Kelly said her strong "preference" would still be for courts to intervene. "In fact, it might actually work to our benefit, you know, to play like this. Okay, we'll play this game too, and we all go to court."

Then, Kelly said, "we all lose."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MORE: First to ABC: DNC ramps up anti-redistricting efforts in Texas with calls to 'persuadable' GOP voters

The process of redistricting could prove to be an uphill battle for Democrats, who have less of an opportunity to gerrymander nationwide than their peers across the aisle because of the varied rules of each state.

It's the responsibility of partisan legislatures in many Republican-led states to draw the boundaries of all electoral districts. Many more Democratic states use independent citizen-redistricting commissions -- a practice used to maintain fairness and combat gerrymandering.

"I do worry," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during the press conference in Madison, about the outcome for Democrats if they decide to get in the redistricting fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, Kelly jumped in, "there's a bigger risk in doing nothing."

"You know, we can't just let this happen and act like it's fine and hope that the courts fix it. We have no idea, quite honestly, at this point, what the courts might do, but by virtue of us responding in kind, we do send a message," Kelly added. "We will put up a fight."

Evers, who campaigned for governor twice on ending gerrymandering in Wisconsin -- culminating with their Supreme Court's decision to strike down the state's non-contiguous state legislative maps as unconstitutional -- said that Wisconsin would not be making any changes to their maps. Other states, though, who may be "up against the wall" should make modifications, Evers said.

"We're not changing our maps. Here in the state of Wisconsin, we worked hard to get fair maps, and we're going to continue to do so  in my heart of hearts, this is where we have to be. But when ... you have a gun against your head, you got to do something," Evers said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Govs. Kelly, Walz, and a number of other Democratic governors also said they'd steer clear of redrawing their maps this cycle, either because they lead predominantly Republican states or because their redistricting processes wouldn't allow for a swift process to combat current GOP efforts.

The idea of retaliating against Republicans on the matter of redistricting is a notable shift in strategy for Democrats, who have long touted their reverence for "playing by the rules" on constitutional issues.

For years, Democrats have championed independent redistricting and rules meant to encourage fairer maps are now holding them back in some areas and making it more challenging for them in certain districts.

"Democrats are expected to have the decorum. We're expected to protect the institution. We're expected to follow the rules on this," Walz said, saying time for the party to go aggressively on offense to combat the Trump administration.

"We're not playing with a normal administration. We're playing one that is throwing all the rules out of there, and if the courts that he has packed aren't going to do that, then I think it is incumbent upon states that have the capacity or the ability to make sure that we are responding in kind," said Walz. "It is a terrible spot we're in as a country, but not responding is going to make it even worse."
ALPINE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A 23-year-old man was stabbed multiple times at a Walmart in Comstock Park on Friday night, according to the Kent County Sheriffs Office.

It happened around 9 p.m. on Alpine Avenue. KCSO Lt. Eric Brunner said that the suspect ran out of the Walmart shortly after the stabbing and was hit by someones car before bystanders in the parking lot stopped him.

Officials arrived within several minutes and the suspect, a 29-year-old male, was taken into custody, KCSO says. The victim was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials do not believe that the two know each other.

The stabbing comes less than a week after 11 people were stabbed at a Walmart near Traverse City. Brunner acknowledged the incident and said that authorities are working to give people answers.

Everyone in our community is thinking the same thing and as law enforcement we want to provide as many answers as we can to you, but we cant draw any conclusions, he said. That would limit our investigation. We have to keep all options open to explore this to see what happened. And we owe that to you and we will get you those answers.

Brunner credited the community for assisting officials at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As the sheriff will often say, communities keep communities safe, he said. So its a partnership between the public and law enforcement. Theres not enough of us always to do the job. So having people here take action when they did helped bring this to resolution and it was a very dangerous situation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shredded a local media report Wednesday, saying it had failed to properly report on the migrant detention facility many call "Alligator Alcatraz."

The Miami Herald reported Tuesday in a piece headlined, "Florida has no formal hurricane plan for Alligator Alcatraz," that "After weeks of requests from politicians and media, the state of Florida said it has no formal, completed plan for how to handle a hurricane at Alligator Alcatraz, the new immigrant detention site in the heart of the Everglades."

It further said, "Two weeks ago, the Miami Herald requested the completed hurricane/disaster plan for Alligator Alcatraz from the Florida Department of Emergency Management. On Monday, department spokesperson Stephanie Hartman confirmed that no such record exists."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Red States Consider Alligator Alcatraz Spinoffs As Wh Urges Them To Follow Desantis Lead: 'Lots Of Bears'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about his proposal for Florida to become the first state to abolish property taxes during a news conference at the Florida REALTORS headquarters in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2025.

Another local news outlet, Floridas Voice Radio, however, shared screenshots of a document from Floridas Safety Emergency Response Team regarding the South Florida Detention Facility Continuity of Operations Plan.

"WRONG AGAIN! The Miami Herald reports FAKE NEWS that @GovRonDeSantis, @KevinGuthrieFL and @FLSERT have no formal hurricane plan for Alligator Alcatraz. Here it is," Floridas Voice Radio wrote.

Read On The Fox News App

It went on to ask, "What kind of news outlet thinks FLORIDA of all places is not prepared for hurricanes?"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DeSantis retweeted the post and ripped the Miami Herald, writing, "Legacy media made a mistake by concocting a false narrative that can so easily be disproven Failed drive-by attempt"

The Miami Herald then updated its piece.

Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture

An aerial view of a migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," is seen located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida on July 7, 2025.

"On Wednesday, after this story published, Florida released a heavily redacted draft version of a hurricane plan," the article now says. "The 32-page document contained no new details and cited confidentiality exemptions to Floridas public records laws to exclude the majority of the document."





Original article source: DeSantis calls out media for 'failed drive-by attempt' to discredit 'Alligator Alcatraz'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Two weeks after six people went over Dillon Falls near Bend, search efforts continue to recover the body of the third victim.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office, deputies and search and rescue teams have been searching diligently using every resource available; however, some areas of the river remain extremely hazardous and have not been safe to search yet.

To facilitate searching those areas, authorities said they are working with the Deschutes Basin Board of Control to reduce the flow in the Deschutes River temporarily, allowing the areas to be searched.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Didnt see that in him: Neighbors react to Gresham cops sex abuse arrest

The Deschutes Basin Board of Control, made up of eight local irrigation districts that deliver water across Central Oregon, is partnering with the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office to support the recovery of the individual still missing at Dillon Falls, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control said in a statement. To aid in operations, irrigation districts will temporarily reduce flows in the Deschutes River beginning Friday, August 1. Recreationists and irrigators may notice reduced flows through Monday, August 4.

Once the water levels lower, officials said that swiftwater technicians will begin operations around key locations in an effort to find the victim.

After the incident on July 19, one person was found dead at the scene, and three others were hospitalized. Two other people remained missing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The search for the two missing people was quickly changed to a recovery mission, and a second victims body was recovered shortly after.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New details were released on the search for a man who disappeared in 2023 after visiting a coffee shop in Southern California.

Emilio Salem Ghanem, 42, of Nashville, was reported missing on May 25, 2023, after he visited a Starbucks on Redlands Boulevard in Redlands.

He was driving a rented Nissan Frontier pickup truck that surveillance cameras captured later that day in Grand Terrace. However, that was the last time he was seen alive. Loved ones have not been able to reach him since and authorities have been working to find him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Aug. 1, 2025, investigators confirmed that his rental truck had been located, along with other personal belongings and evidence. Ghanem, however, remains missing.

Emilio Salem Ghanem, a Nashville resident, was reported missing on May 25, 2023, after he visited a Starbucks coffee shop on Redlands Boulevard in Redlands. (Redlands Police Department) The rented Nissan Frontier pickup truck that Emilio Salem Ghanem was last seen driving in was recovered, police announced on Aug. 1, 2025. (Redlands Police Department)

Ghanem was a member of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, a religious organization based in Hemet. He had left that organization shortly before his disappearance, police said.

He also worked for Fullshield, Inc., a pest control business that was owned and operated by the religious group. The business now operates under the name Maxguard, according to detectives.

Ghanem is described as a white man who stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. He has hazel eyes and black hair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Redlands police also learned that another member of the religious group, Ruben Moreno, 49, was reported missing in August 2019 and hasnt been seen since. He is described as a Hispanic man who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.

That case remains under investigation by the Claremont Police Department and anyone who knows his whereabouts can call 909-399-5411.

Ruben Moreno, 49, was reported missing in August 2019. Detectives said he was affiliated with His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, a religious organization at the time. (Claremont Police Department)

Anyone who knows Ghanems whereabouts or has information on his disappearance is asked to call the Redlands Police Detective Bureau at 909-551-4424 or email missingperson_emilio@redlandspolice.org.

The public can also call Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681 ext. 1. Reports can be submitted online 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 KTLA.
The Brief

A community was in mourning after a 6-year-old was killed in a drive by shooting in Detroit.

Detroit police say Rylee Love died after he was struck by a stray bullet Sunday night near Anglin and Stender.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Dozens gathered to bid farewell to 6-year-old Rylee Love, who was tragically killed on Sunday. The community released balloons in honor of him while mourning.

Detroit police say Rylee died after he was struck by a stray bullet Sunday night near Anglin and Stender.

Local perspective

On Friday, Pastor Maurice Hardwick, also known as Pastor Mo, comforted Rylee's father as he was overcome with grief while everyone was there to honor the 6-year-old.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Do you understand what you just did to this man? Do you understand what youre doing to this city. Its time to wake up," said Hardwick.

Pastor Mo and the family were among the dozens who showed to honor Rylee's young life with a rally next door to Joeseph Campau's Church of God, a few blocks from where he lived.

What they're saying

Detroit police say they are looking for the suspect and those responsible for other shootings.

Rylee was unfortunately one of three children shot in the past week in the city.

"I thank our city council members for giving me an additional tool and that increased the penalties when it comes to curfew," said Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.

What's next

In an effort to curb violence, Bettison announced juvenile curfew enforcement. Minors 15 and under must be off the streets by 10 p.m. Meanwhile, 16-and 17-year-olds have to be off by 11 p.m.

For violators, parents will be fined, but Bettison says it takes everyone's effort to make and keep neighborhoods safe.

Rylee's funeral will be on Saturday.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Gresham police officer appeared in court Friday morning after being accused in dozens of sex abuse charges involving an underage girl.

The suspect, Hector Carranza, pleaded not guilty to more than 50 charges, including luring a minor and rape, that span from 2014 to 2017.

Is Nordstrom leaving downtown Portland? CEO responds to rumors

According to court documents, the alleged abuse began when the girl was under 16.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, neighbors who live on his block told KOIN 6 News they are shocked by the news, because he was always kind to them and their kids.

I figured its nice to have a cop next to you. So when I heard, it was definitely a shock, Artur Zhogan said. Im like, No, I didnt see that in him. Theres kids running around, playing around and always been fine.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Morning Digest

Carranza is being held in Clackamas County jail. He will be back in court next week, when a judge will decide whether he is a risk to public safety or if he will be released on bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Dine Out Boston returns for 2025 Summer season

Foodies, get excited, Dine Out Boston is returning for the 2025 Summer season.

Dine Out Bostons 2025 Summer edition will last from August 3 through August 16.

Dine Out Boston offers visitors and locals the perfect opportunity to discover why Boston is one of the culinary capitals of the world.

Presented by Meet Boston, and in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, this two-week culinary celebration features more than 175 participating restaurants, providing diners an opportunity to enjoy delicious deals at restaurants across Greater Boston.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy specially priced menus in Greater Boston across a variety of cuisines, from Asian or Latin fare to French, Italian, seafood, tapas and sushi, said Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner, with many offering takeout and delivery options as well.

Restaurants select one of three price points and customize their lunch and dinner menus: lunch at $27, $32, or $36, and dinner at $41, $46, or $55.

Dine Out Boston includes a charitable auction component and this years beneficiary organizations are City Strings United and Community Work Services.

For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, click the link here.

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
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo held the first meeting of a joint international oversight committee on Thursday in Washington, a step forward in implementing a peace agreement signed in April, Reuters reported. The committee includes the African Union, Qatar, and the United States, and is tasked with overseeing implementation and resolving disputes tied to the June deal.

The agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trumps administration, outlined a 90-day plan for Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern Congo. It also mandated the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism within 30 days and the implementation of a plan to monitor the withdrawal within three months. Congos military campaign against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group with ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, was also expected to wrap up in that same window.

But 30 days after the deal was signed, however, the joint security mechanism has not convened. There has also been no movement yet to withdraw Rwandan troops or military operations against the FDLR.

Despite that, the joint oversight meeting was held on schedule, within the 45-day window outlined in the accord.

When asked about the delays in troop withdrawal and anti-FDLR operations, Trumps senior Africa adviser Massad Boulos denied that the deal has been derailed. There was no timeline for that, he said. If you look at the chronology of what weve been able to do since April, its been extensive, and its been very much on point and very much in line with our aspirations. So its not off track in any way.

Sources familiar with the talks acknowledged the delays but said they do not threaten the deal. Military and diplomatic sources told Reuters that the conflict parties, including the M23 rebel group and local militia groups

known as Wazalendo (patriots), have reinforced their positions along the front lines.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DR of Congo have simmered for decades, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the complex web of rebel activity in eastern Congo.

After the genocide, thousands of perpetrators and Hutu militias fled into eastern Congo, forming the FDLR. Kigali views the group as a persistent security threat. Over the years, the FDLR has clashed with Congolese forces and rival militias, fueling instability in the mineral-rich Kivu provinces.

Rwanda has been repeatedly accused of backing the M23 rebel group, which claims to defend Tutsi interests and has launched multiple offensives in eastern Congo. Kigali denies supporting M23, but UN experts and several Western governments have provided evidence linking Rwandan forces to the groups operations.

In response, Congos President Felix Tshisekedis government has aligned with the Wazalendo and deepened military ties with countries including Burundi and Angola. The conflict has displaced over seven million people, according to the UN, and disrupted access to vital resources such as cobalt, tantalum, and gold, metals critical to global supply chains for batteries and electronics.

The June 2025 Washington deal followed months of behind-the-scenes talks led by the US, amid concerns that the regional crisis could escalate further. While the agreement includes security and military commitments, its real test lies in its implementationsomething that has long proved elusive in this volatile region.
Rep. Debbie Dingell has held office for a decade, but her family has represented in the same general region of Michigan for almost a century, since Rep. John Dingell Sr. took office in 1933.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, however, Dingell, a Democrat, stressed she is not concerned with the idea she is continuing a record-breaking family legacy but instead the "quality" of work she does in-the-moment for the people in her district.

"I love my husband very much. And I'm proud of my last name. But I have to get up every day and earn the respect of the people that I represent. And I have to deliver for my constituents every day," Dingell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Most important to me is being a voice in a room and at the table for the people that I represent."

John Dingell, Longest-serving Member Of Congress, Dies At 92

Dingells own lineage, like her husbands (Rep. John Dingell Jr.) and father-in-laws, is also one that epitomizes the area she represents. She is the great-granddaughter of one of the Fisher Brothers  whose Fisher Bodyworks company became an early component of what is now General Motors.

Read On The Fox News App

"Home is home to me," she said. "My district is a very complicated district. [Its] Mini-America. Downriver (southwest of Detroit) is home  they have a manufacturing legacy, but they have a lot of environmental issues, and Im really proud of some of the things I did from the moment I stepped into this job."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dingell spoke of regularly being on the phone with agencies from FEMA to healthcare, saying she always wants to "talk to people directly" and not politicize pressing issues.

"I dont have entourages because I dont believe in them. I love my staff but I want people to talk to me directly  I go to farmer's markets every weekend because thats where [constituents are]."

Dingell supporters point to her willingness to work across the aisle, as the congresswoman said: "Weve got to respect  [and] listen to each other."

In the century since Dingell Sr. took office, politics has gotten nastier, or as Dingell put it, "what weve lost in the legislative process is trust  people dont get to know each other anymore."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Liberals Blame Big Beautiful Bill Loss On Dying Dems: Imagine If They 'Retired Instead Of Died In Office'

Rep. John Dingell Jr.'s portrait is unveiled.

National Wildlife Federation CEO Collin OMeara called Dingell and Dingell Jr. the "hardest-working people" hes worked with.

"I think in the conservation world, they're just kind of legendary figures," he said, noting that Dingell Sr. was a leader in the space as well, drafting the "Dingell-Johnson Act" in 1950 that helped restore sportfishing and continues to be utilized today.

The Dingells were instrumental in the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and other key laws, he said, adding Dingell has led major cleanup efforts around Michigan while also leading nationally on conservation, including via caucus chairmanships.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OMeara said that Dingell and her family have been "versatile lawmakers" in a Washington full of "one-trick ponies."

David Hecker, a former state president of American Federation of Teachers, said Dingell has supported domestic manufacturing, workers' rights and education issues.

"The congresswoman is everywhere, informing, but moreso listening: to needs and concerns of her constituents and supporting community organizations," Hecker said.

85-Year-old Longtime House Democrat Facing Primary Challenger Who's Making Age A Key Issue

Trenton, Mich., Mayor Steve Rzeppa told Fox News Digital that Dingell and Dingell Jr., could not be "bigger fighters" in Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rzeppas earliest political work was in Dingell Jr.s district office.

"It's tough to even put into words what you learn working for someone like that," he said. "It was really more a way of living and serving others than it was a set of certain skills."

Rzeppa said the political family have been "champions" of the local auto industry, universal healthcare and conservation  recalling them also greeting workers at plants shift-change.

Bentley Johnson of the League of Conservation Voters called the Dingells district a "fascinating case study" as the home of UAW and heavy-industry workers who were longtime Democrats who have been trending more toward President Donald Trump or independent affiliation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In a lot of ways, it's a microcosm of the country in terms of political polarization. But what is interesting is that we see water and outdoor recreation as classic examples of issues that are top priorities for people across the entire political spectrum," Johnson said.

Johnson said the Dingells recognize that and that as "problem-solvers," there is "no situation too complex or politically sticky that they won't throw themselves into to try and find a solution."

Local colleges also praised the Dingells tenure, with spokespeople for both the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University crediting their support for the institutions.

"Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has been an incredible supporter of Michigan Medicine, and we are fortunate to have someone of her caliber represent our students, faculty, staff and patients," said Mary Masson, a spokesperson for UMich-Health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"As a lifelong resident of Ann Arbor and former local elected official, I've had the honor of working over many years with Debbie Dingell and, before her, John Dingell," added Eastern Michigan administrator Leigh Greden.

Rep. Debbie Dingell: Democrats Need To Examine Why Millions Of Voters Supported Trump

Rep. John Dingell Sr.

"The district has changed a lot over the years What hasn't changed between John and Debbie is their omnipresence in the community."

The lack of change, however, has been something critics of term limits and "dynastic" political families have in turn called out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Writer Andrew Sullivan previously dove into the "Dingell Dynasty" and cited several critiques of having a family in office that long.

He cited journalist Philip Kleins take that it is an indictment of incumbency.

"[Dingell Jr.] was re-elected over and over again due to the way congressional districts are drawn up and because incumbents have such a huge money and influence advantage that it creates a barrier to entry for any potential challengers," he said according to Sullivan.

"The United States was created by a revolution against a monarchy, and yet Americans have had an unhealthy obsession with political dynasties," added Klein, who noted that at the time, the nation was flirting with dynastic presidencies of Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"And seriously, does anybody believe that Caroline Kennedy is the most qualified person in the country to serve as ambassador to Japan?" he wrote.

Reps. John Dingell, John Dingell Jr., Debbie Dingell.

Outside The Beltway writer Doug Mataconis said following Dingells primary win to succeed her husband, "as a general rule, there is something unhealthy about both political dynasties and long-term incumbency, and the Dingell case provides ample examples of both."

"Congressional seats such as Dingells are made virtually immune from challenge by the opposing party  there is just something distasteful about the fact the same family has held the same congressional seat since Franklin Roosevelt was first elected to the presidency."

Dingell Jr.s tenure by itself remains the longest of any member  at 59 years.

Former Democratic Sens. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, and Carl Hayden of Arizona, and ex-Rep. Jamie Whitten of Mississippi all served about 50 years as did Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. Former Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, served 49.

At the state level, the "Byrd Machine," led by Democratic Sen. Harry Byrd, famously controlled Virginias politics for almost all of the 20th century.





Original article source: Dingell family in office for 90+ years: Locals praise pavement-pounding, critics say it indicts incumbency
The Brief

Disney's General Joe Potter ferry, which transports people between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation & Ticket Center, hit the dock on Wednesday night amid storms, officials and passengers told FOX 35.

Photos and videos shared with FOX 35 showed first responders tending to several people off the boat, while another video showed a stretcher being wheeled onto the boat.

"It was so sudden and it was chaotic, completely chaotic afterwards. Passengers were helping passengers get up, checking on people, making sure that everybody was okay," one person told FOX 35.

ORLANDO, Fla. - It appears that multiple people were tended to or treated by paramedics after one of Walt Disney World's ferry boats seemingly docked hard at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center, according to the fire departments who responded, as well as photos shared with FOX 35 Orlando.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ferry boats are one of the ways that people can get between Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC for short) and Disney's Magic Kingdom theme park, and vice versa. There is also Disney's bus system and the Monorail.

On Wednesday night, it appears that one of Disney's ferry boats hit the dock harder than usual while docking at Disney's TTC.

What we know

A Walt Disney World ferryboat crashed into a dock at Magic Kingdom during a storm on Wednesday night. (Credit: Tyler Simpson)

Both the Orange County Fire Rescue Department and Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS confirmed to FOX 35 on Friday that its teams assisted the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's Fire Department (formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District & Fire Department) on Wednesday night with a boat crash at Disney's Transportation & Ticket Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Photos shared with FOX 35 showed members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's Fire Department wheeling medical supplies and a gurney onto the General Joe Potter, one of Disney's ferry boats. Another photo showed first responders surrounding a number of people seated in wheelchairs.

There were showers and thunderstorms moving through the area Wednesday evening.

FOX 35 has reached out to both Walt Disney World, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and its fire department for additional details. We will update our story once we receive a response.

What we don't know

It's unclear what caused the crash, what time the crash happened, how many people were aboard the ferry, nor how many people were treated at Disney's TTC, or if anyone was transported for treatment at nearby hospitals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The status of the dock and the General Joe Potter was not immediately clear.

What they're saying

FOX 35 talked with people who said they were aboard the boat when it hit the dock.

Disney's ferry boats are large two-level boats. There is some bench seating on both levels, though it is common for several people to be standing as the boat makes its way across Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon to the docks on either side.

Tami Hackett is visiting with family from Houston, Texas. She was on the boat with her daughter and her husband, and their three kids. She said they were on the lower deck.

"Suddenly we crashed into something and we all went flying forward, falling. The stroller landed on its back causing the girls to hit their heads. A lot of people screaming and really hurt bad. We got the girls out and they docked. And honestly that is when it all went down hill. Not only was there no announcement on what to do when injured they just had us get off the boat," she said in a written message to FOX 35. She did not want to talk with us on camera.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said she had to grab an EMT to check out her grand-daughters. All were cleared, she said.

A woman named Kelly told FOX 35 her granddaughter's stroller was also flipped upside down, causing her to hit her head. She said there was little communication or announcements following the crash.

"I have loved Disney all my life but the way the handled the situation was unacceptable. We were left all left in the dark. There was no announcement made after hitting whatever we hit at full speed. The captain was not apologetic whatsoever. Every single person on the packed ferry was thrown forward," she said in a message to FOX 35. She declined an on-camera interview.

She said they were checked out by paramedics and urgent care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heidi Goldsworthy told FOX 35's Stephanie Buffamonte that she was on the ferry at the time, and noted that it was heavily raining.

"It was so sudden and it was chaotic, completely chaotic afterwards. Passengers were helping passengers get up, checking on people, making sure that everybody was okay," she said.

"I rode it in 1971 when the park opened with my mom, so I've been riding it sporadically ever since the park had opened. I had never heard of any accidents, and certainly had never been in one before. It seems such a quiet, easy ride across the lake that you don't think that something's going to happen like that, but it was definitely a boat crash."

The Source

The Orange County Fire Rescue Department and Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS confirmed that they assisted the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's Fire Department on Wednesday night after a Disney ferry boat hit the dock at the Ticket & Transportation Center. FOX 35 staff also talked with several people either in person, via Reddit, or Facebook Messenger who were aboard the boat. FOX 35 also received photos and videos of the medical response.
A dispute has emerged in Germany's The Left party over a prominent member's support for Israel over the war in Gaza.

Andreas Buttner, who serves as anti-Semitism commissioner for the eastern state of Brandenburg, is being threatened with expulsion from the far-left party over allegations he has publicly opposed its positions on the conflict.

In an application for his expulsion seen by dpa, nine members of the party argued Buttner "is consistently conspicuous on social media with statements regarding the Middle East conflict in which he not only clearly violates applicable party resolutions, but in some of his arguments also ignores applicable international law."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among their complaints was a post by Buttner on X that said "recognizing a Palestinian state would be the worst step one could take."

In addition, the members highlighted Buttner's criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), an organization that Israel accuses of being infiltrated by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Buttner said he has been branded a "child murderer" and "genocide denier" on social media.

"For me, the focus must be on what it means when Jews are attacked in Brandenburg because the Israeli government makes decisions that people don't like," Buttner told dpa. While the Israeli government makes many mistakes, it is not his place to criticize them, he argued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commissioner has defended his position on the conflict.

"The party's resolutions bind the party executive, but not every single member," he told the Tagesspiegel newspaper. "Of course, members can have their own positions."
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, whose comments prompted US President Donald Trump to move two nuclear submarines, was once seen as a liberal reformer but has become one of the Kremlin's most prominent anti-Western hawks.

The 59-year-old, who served as head of state between 2008 and 2012, sought "friendly" ties with Europe and the United States during his single term but faded into obscurity after handing the post back to President Vladimir Putin.

Demoted to prime minister in 2012 and then made deputy head of Russia's security council in 2020 -- a largely advisory role -- Medvedev began espousing hardline views on social media shortly after Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In public statements since the conflict began he has described Westerners as "bastards and degenerates", declared that "Ukraine is, of course, Russia" and raised the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Russia's enemies.

In June, after the US launched air strikes on nuclear facilities in Moscow-allied Iran, Medvedev suggested that "a number of countries" were willing to provide Tehran with nuclear warheads, prompting an angry Trump to accuse him of "casually" threatening a nuclear strike.

On Thursday, Medvedev alluded to Moscow's semi-automatic "Dead Hand" nuclear arms control system in a Telegram post criticising Trump.

Medvedev's critics have derided his posts as an attempt to retain political relevance in Russia's crowded elite circles, but Trump has taken the threats seriously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Based on the highly provocative statements," Trump said Friday, "I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that."

- Tandem rule -

Medvedev's often incendiary posts contrast sharply with his public image in office, when he declared Russia did not want confrontation with "any country" as part of his foreign policy doctrine.

In 2010, he signed a nuclear arms reduction treaty with US President Barack Obama, while in 2011 he brought Russia into the World Trade Organisation after 18 years of negotiations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On his watch, Moscow also abstained in a key UN Security Council vote on Libya in 2011 that paved the way for a NATO-led military intervention, a decision Putin has relentlessly criticised since.

But it was always clear who was the senior partner in a pairing dubbed Batman and Robin by a secret US cable.

Medvedev's first act after winning a 2008 presidential election on the back of Putin's support was to appoint the Russian strongman as prime minister, giving Putin broad decision-making power.

While some in the West greeted Medvedev's arrival, others saw him as simply a placeholder for Putin, who was able to circumvent constitutional term limits and remain in de facto power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2008 Russia sent troops into Georgia, fracturing relations with the West, a decision that Medvedev insisted he made but that a top general claimed was planned by Putin before Medvedev was even inaugurated.

His trademark modernisation programme was marked by bold statements but was also mercilessly mocked by commentators for being short on actions as Putin held real power.

- Putin's protege -

Medvedev, born in Putin's home town of Leningrad, owes his entire political career to the former KGB agent.

Putin took his protege to Moscow after being appointed prime minister in 1999 and Medvedev rapidly rose to become chairman of gas giant Gazprom. He also served as chief of staff at the Kremlin and as first deputy prime minister.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After taking office, he said Russia's economy had reached a "dead end" and required urgent reform.

But cynics pointed out that such words counted for little when Russia was still dominated by Putin, and Medvedev himself played down the idea there was any radical difference in their visions.

After championing anti-corruption measures while in office, Medvedev was himself accused of graft in 2017, when late opposition leader Alexei Navalny alleged he had built a luxury property empire using embezzled funds.

Navalny was labelled an "extremist" by Russian authorities in 2021.

While liberals and the West hoped Medvedev would reverse the increase in state control and erosion of civil liberties during Putin's previous rule, he showed little desire for a radical break with Putin's legacy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin really is modern Russia's most popular, experienced and successful politician," Medvedev said during an attempt to explain why he was standing down in favour of Putin in 2012.

bur/tw
Four Guatemalan siblings, detained as undocumented immigrants after a traffic stop, spent several days last week at the Orange County Jail before being picked up in a van and driven around for hours.

Finally they reached their destination, their attorneys say: Right back at the Orange County Jail.

This directionless odyssey  similar to what some other detainees across Florida have faced in recent months  happened because of rules limiting the number of days an undocumented immigrant can be held in a local facility before federal officials must take custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the Trump administrations push for mass deportation filling federal detention beds, detainees are being transferred from facility to facility because the switch restarts the clock and gives federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents more time to pick them up.

Multiple immigration attorneys described the shuffle to the Orlando Sentinel, and law enforcement leaders in Orange and Pinellas County confirmed the practice.

But the attorneys say its a maddening tactic that often leaves them struggling to locate the immigrants, and denies detainees access to family members and due process.

Even though his clients  three brothers and a sister  wound up in the same place they started from, Orlando-based immigration attorney Walker Smith said he couldnt find the siblings because their previous inmate numbers were changed upon their return, leaving him and their family unsure of their whereabouts. He said the two youngest siblings in the family, 26 and 18, had valid work permits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If theyre just holding people indefinitely, holding people by sending them from facility to facility, or worse, sending them out of one facility and back to the same one under a different number  Its gaming the system at its finest, Smith said.

The youngest brother has since been moved again  this time to Alligator Alcatraz, the states new detention center in the Everglades.

The way a detained immigrants custody clock works is complicated.

Under the Intergovernmental Service Agreement, or IGSA, that governs the relationships between ICE and the handful of Florida jails like Orange Countys that temporarily hold detainees, undocumented immigrants without criminal charges can be held up to 72 hours before ICE must come to pick them up. But if the immigrant is arrested for a separate criminal offense, the 72-hour clock may not start until the other offense is charged or dropped  for all arrestees, state law prescribes a two-day time limit for that  or bail is granted and paid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the 72-hour period is up, theres no more authority for whatever agency or jail or entity to continue to hold those people, Smith said. So . . . they should be released.

And prior to the Trump administration, immigrants with an ICE hold often were released if time expired with no action. Now, some of them are simply relocated, whether to a different jail, or for a brief ride.

It remains unclear how often the scenario occurs.

In a July 15 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, Orange Corrections Chief Louis Quinones described a shuffle involving a large amount of individuals in early July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was responding to questions from Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, who had been told about the practice by advocates pressuring commissioners to terminate the IGSA with ICE.

Right around the [July 4] holiday, we had a large amount of individuals who were reaching the 72 hours and ICE had to come get those individuals and they were going to attempt to send them to another location, he said. That did not go as they had planned, so they brought them back to Orange County Corrections.

One reason the issue irks some county officials is that it costs about $145 per day to keep somebody in the jail, and the federal government only reimburses Orange County about $88 per day to house detainees. Shuffling people in and out of the jail prolongs their stay and runs up the bill. The county is in the midst of trying to renegotiate its agreement with ICE for a better reimbursement rate, but so far hasnt come to a deal.

Quinones didnt say how many people were impacted by the transfer, and the county didnt make him available for a requested interview with the Orlando Sentinel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Smith said he was skeptical of Quinones description.

He tried to make it seem like it was a one-off, Smith said. So I was very intrigued that the [Guatemalan] guy that I went to go talk to had also encountered the same situation.

Danny Banks, the countys Public Safety Director, also said the shuffle has occurred only as an isolated incident so far.

Largely, ICE has been transporting their inmates within the 72-hour timeframe indicated in the IGSA agreement, he said in a text message.

However, the Orlando Sentinel has been told of multiple other instances. One of the most elaborate involved Cuban native Michael Borrego Fernandez, who was transported to multiple different facilities before ending up at Alligator Alcatraz, where he has been since July 5.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In June, Borrego Fernandez was arrested for violating his release terms after being charged with grand theft for bilking homeowners to pay for swimming pools up front but not finishing the work, which his mother Yaneisy Fernandez Silva said was because he unwittingly worked for a businessman operating the scam.

Borrego Fernandez, who lived in South Florida, was taken to the Seminole County Jail to serve ten days in jail, she said.

Following the completion of his sentence, he was taken to Orange County Jail on an ICE hold, then three days later shuttled to Pinellas County Jail. Three days after that, he was again transported back to Orange County Jail, his mother said. Roughly four days later he called his mother saying he had reached Alligator Alcatraz.

Only his calls offered clues that let Fernandez Silva search for her son in jail databases, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its clear what the counties are doing, theyre trying to create a legal loophole to a constitutional obligation to not hold people for more than the 72 hours, said Mich Gonzalez, a South Florida-based immigration attorney who called the transfers alarming.

Gonzalez said conditions for inmates who move around are different than for those housed in a single jail.

Theyre shackled, theyre handcuffed, sometimes theyre also waist-chained, Gonzalez said. Theyre not provided proper food like when theyre in custody at a county jail, where there are  general rules that youre going to get three meals a day and access to water. But when youre being transported and transferred, that goes out the window.

In June, a Mexican man was arrested while his boss, a U.S. citizen, was driving him and his brother to a construction site. Both were passengers in the car and both had permits to work in the U.S., said the wife of one of the brothers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She spoke with the Sentinel on the condition of anonymity as she worries her comments could make her a target of immigration authorities.

For weeks after her husbands arrest she did not know where he was. He would call from an Orange County number but he did not appear in the correction systems database. He told his wife he was put into a van and taken somewhere, but returned the next day to Orange County Jail.

I didnt hear from him for three days  I was so scared, She said in Spanish. He spent so much time in Orange County Jail that when he returned he knew it was the same place.

Advocates for the family met with officials at Orange County Corrections in early July to help find him. Six hours later, he was finally located in a county jail cell, they said. He had been given a different inmate number upon his return, which contributed to the confusion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri confirmed there has been some shuffling involving his facility but defended it, saying it stems from a capacity issue that can prevent detention centers from accepting detainees when their 72-hour clock ticks down.

If the transportation system is overloaded or theres no room at Krome  thats when it backs up and they have to put them into the IGSA jails such as Orange, Gualtieri said.

Gualtieri serves on Floridas Immigration Enforcement Council, which has sounded an alarm that federal detention space cant keep up with the pace at which Florida law enforcement agencies are arresting undocumented immigrants.

The board has called on the federal government to allow more local jails to house detainees, rather than send them to the seven jails in Florida with IGSA agreements while they await ICE detention.
The problem has vexed Boston leaders, public health officials and police for years: How best to address the interwoven issues of homelessness and public drug use that collide near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Two years after the city cleared a nearby tent encampment where officials said drug use, drug dealing and sex trafficking ran rampant, the troubled area known as Mass and Cass remains a hotbed of drug activity and a congregation point for people who are homeless.

South End residents say many of the former occupants of Mass and Cass have since dispersed into the surrounding areas. In recent months, they say visible substance use, drug dealing and discarded needles have increased in their neighborhoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not okay, Mayor Michelle Wu said in an interview with WBUR that aired Tuesday. I have three kids. No parent should ever have in the back of their minds even that it could be a concern that one of their children just walking around in the city or in any area might experience something like this.

Wus main challenger for reelection, philanthropist Josh Kraft, said the mayor has failed to address the conditions near Mass and Cass and needs to do more to guide people off the streets and into addiction programs.

Both acknowledged the tremendous difficulty of addressing the nationwide opioid epidemic and growing homelessness crisis at the local level.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Here is what the mayor says her administration is already doing, and what Kraft proposes doing differently.

Mayor Michelle Wus plan

Wus plan calls for using all levers of city government, in partnership with the state and nonprofits, to end congregate substance use in Boston and the criminal activity that supports it, she wrote to South End residents in a letter in June.

A key part of that plan was dismantling the tent encampment on Atkinson Street, a side street near Mass and Cass, in November 2023. With drug use and violence festering in and around the tents, the site had become a public health crisis, city officials said. Breaking up the encampment allowed social workers to guide people living there into housing and recovery services.

Equally important were dedicated efforts to prevent the tents from reemerging, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the year after authorities removed the tents from Atkinson Street, police did not log a homicide in the area of Mass and Cass. Violent crime  rapes, attempted rapes, robberies and assaults  all dropped, according to a seven-page memo the Wu administration sent Boston City Councilors in February.

Today, the citys approach is continuously adapting to meet the ongoing issues of group outdoor drug use that has spread to the South End, Downtown Boston and Boston Common, Roxbury, and parts of Dorchester and South Boston, the memo said.

Bostons Coordinated Response Team is a key part of the strategy, coordinating city agencies to enforce laws preventing outdoor encampments and responding to constituent calls reporting congregate public drug use and related issues.

Alongside Boston Police, the team works to connect people dealing with addiction to residential recovery services and treatment programs offered by the Boston Public Health Commission and partner organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For certain people facing nonviolent drug charges, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office offers programs that direct people into treatment rather than the traditional criminal justice system.

Last month, Wu announced $200,000 in new grant funding to expand the Coordinated Response Team.

Those measures have also come alongside an ongoing surge in police presence around Mass and Cass and other hotspots of congregate drug use, with a focus on enforcing drug-related crimes.

Police also increased the availability of specially trained outreach officers to respond to people dealing with mental health and substance use disorders in the Mass and Cass area.

Josh Krafts plan

Kraft says the prevalence of outdoor living, trespassing and discarded needles have reached intolerable levels in many neighborhoods, and that Wus plan has failed to solve  and often exacerbated  the problems at Mass and Cass."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under his plan, police would increase enforcement of public drug consumption, trespassing, tent camping and other quality-of-life crimes. Prosecutions would be handled in specialty courts, aiming to drive people into recovery programs rather than prison.

Kraft would also revive the Community Syringe Redemption Program, a needle collection program supported by pandemic relief money that encouraged people to return used needles for a monetary refund.

Funding for the program ended last year.

The citys needle collection efforts are now focused elsewhere.

The Boston Public Health Commissions Mobile Sharps Team continues to operate at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week, cleaning up needles around the city, according to the Wu administration. Another program hires individuals in early recovery to clean the streets and collect syringes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, Kraft has upped his calls to increase the clean-up efforts this week after reports that a 4-year-old child stepped on a discarded needle at a South Boston park and now has to enter a prolonged HIV prevention regimen.

This is something that no mother, or any 4-year-old child, should ever have to endure, Kraft said Monday.

Under Kraft, authorities would also establish a dedicated recovery campus in or near Boston to provide housing and support services while people work to overcome addiction. The campus could fill the gap left by the closure of the Long Island facility in Boston Harbor more than a decade ago, where the city offered shelter and social services to hundreds of homeless people, Kraft said.

Authorities closed the facility after determining that the bridge connecting Long Island with the mainland had become structurally unsafe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The campus proposed by Kraft would be funded and managed jointly with the state, part of an effort to deepen the local-state partnership on public health issues that Kraft said deteriorated under Wu.

The Kraft plan also calls for a surge in shelter beds to house every person living on the street, also in partnership with the state.

One South End neighborhood leader called for National Guard troops to be deployed in the Mass and Cass area to bolster the citys response to homelessness and public drug use, only to later back off the suggestion, according to the Boston Herald.

Wu rejected that idea, saying Monday that she didnt think we need or should have a military deployment in our city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked whether Kraft supported deploying Guard troops, a Kraft campaign spokesperson did not directly answer. Instead, he referred a reporter to the candidates Mass and Cass policy and recent comments surrounding discarded needles, which included a call for the mayor to commit to taking emergency measures to pick up all discarded needles throughout Boston.

More on Boston's 2025 race for mayor

Read the original article on MassLive.
Six Volusia County men have been sentenced to federal prison for smuggling what prosecutors call military-grade weapons to Mexican drug cartels, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

Prosecutors said DeLand resident Angel Velazquez Delgado, 34, led five others also living in DeLand in purchasing high-caliber guns and reselling them to the La Familia and La Nueva Generacion cartels, according to Velazquez Delgados signed plea agreement. The six were sentenced over the course of several months, with the last being sentenced Wednesday, court records show.

The men were paid in cash and illegal drugs while also trafficking imported cocaine in Volusia, the plea agreement said. They would purchase firearms with profits from selling drugs or money directly supplied by the cartels. Velazquez Delgado initially purchased weapons himself, but eventually had the other men purchase them for him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dismantling this Central Florida-based firearms trafficking ring is a huge win for public safety in Mexico and America, said Kirk Howard, Tampa Field Divisions special agent in charge for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in the DOJ release.

The CJNG [Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion] is a notoriously brutal transnational criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization that now has less fuel for its violent criminal activities, thanks to this joint team, he said.

Velazquez Delgado was sentenced to nine years in prison while the other five were sentenced to between 18 and 46 months in prison, the release said.

The ring trafficked about 11 Barrett .50 caliber rifles, which can expel a very accurate, heavy and fast-moving projectile that defeats all individually worn body armor, can penetrate and disable vehicles, aircraft and boats, and can even prevail against some types of protection provided by armored vehicles. Those rifles are highly sought after by the cartels in their efforts to control large territories, according to the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Using the eTrace Firearm Recovery Notification Program, Mexican authorities were able to confirm the presence of at least one of the trafficked firearms in Mexico, the release stated.

On March 22, 2023, Mexican State Police and Mexican Military personnel were involved in a shootout with suspected members of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Two individuals were killed during the exchange of gunfire. After the shooting, a Barrett model 82A1 .50 caliber rifle purchased in 2022 by one of the ring members was recovered, the release said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms began investigating the men when two tried to purchase Barrett .50 caliber rifles from a licensed firearms dealer in Okaloosa County, according to Velazquez Delgados plea agreement. The store owner believed they were attempting to purchase on behalf of Velazquez Delgado, to whom the store had just refused to sell the weapon since hed already purchased several.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol seized Velazquez Delgados cellphone at a crossing from Mexico to the United States in May 2023 and found messages, audio and photos relating to the trafficking operation, including with a known commandant in the La Nueva Generacion cartel, the agreement shows.
Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of child sex trafficking, has been moved to a minimum security prison in Texas. The family of the late Virginia Giuffre, who accused Jeffrey Epstein of abusing her when she was a teenager, said in a statement: It is with horror and outrage that we object to the preferential treatment convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has receivedGhislaine Maxwell is a sexual predator who physically assaulted minor children on multi
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 20: The Department of Justice building on July 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Attorney General Pam Bondi has asked a federal judge to unseal grand jury testimony used in the prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)

U.S. Department of Justice officials say the department will seek voting and election information from all 50 states, according to a national group that includes many top state election officials.

The department has sent letters to at least nine states in recent months asking for information related to voter list maintenance in the states under the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several letters also request state voter registration lists, prompting concern among some Democrats and voting rights activists about how the department, under the control of President Donald Trump, plans to use the data.

The National Association of Secretaries of State, known as NASS, said that after states began receiving letters, its staff reached out to the department for additional information and context.

DOJ staff told NASS staff that all states would be contacted eventually on NVRA and HAVA matters. We passed along this information to members, assocation spokesperson Maria Benson wrote in a statement to Stateline, using the acronyms for the two voting registration acts.

The Department of Justice has declined to answer questions from Stateline about its plans for the voter registration data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some states have declined to hand over their full voter registration records, which can contain sensitive personal information, including partial Social Security numbers.

Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin have all declined to release full lists. In Maine, Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows plans to deny a similar request, telling the Maine Morning Star that the DOJ can go jump in the Gulf of Maine.

The departments focus on elections comes after Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in March to seek information about suspected election crimes from state election officials and empowered her to potentially withhold grants and other funds from uncooperative states.

Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
The agriculture sector is on edge like never before.

With ICE officers chasing undocumented immigrants through fields and barging into meatpacking plants, workers are spooked. Even before the farm raids, workforce shortages and economic uncertainty rankled the industry. Now, as harvest season arrives for many crops, concerns are growing that there may not be enough workers out there to feed the country.

To Dolores Huerta, its an unprecedented problem caused squarely by the Trump administration. Its an atrocity, what theyve been doing to the immigrant community, Huerta said in an interview with POLITICO Magazine. The longtime labor activist says the federal governments current approach is very, very different than anything shes seen before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And the 95-year-old Huerta has seen a lot.

She first began lobbying the California legislature on farm labor issues when she was just 25, and she founded an agriculture workers union soon after. In her early 30s, she partnered with civil rights leader Cesar Chavez to create the National Farm Workers Association, now the United Farm Workers. For years, she and Chavez worked in tandem, delivering major victories to protect farm workers from exploitation and exposure to dangerous pesticides. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

The Trump administration is now struggling to reconcile its mass deportation efforts with the need to keep farm production going. Huerta is not optimistic about how it will all play out, though she was able to poke at Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recent suggestion that automation will soon replace human laborers . I guess I could just wait until they get enough robots to do the farm work, Huerta joked.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

The Trump administration has launched farm raids targeting undocumented immigrants, which has sent a chill through the labor force and industry. Youve advocated for farm workers for decades. Does the current climate feel familiar, or are we in a really different place?

Oh, its a very, very different place. Because in the past, in the 50s, when we had this Operation Wetback, they were not putting people in jail. They would repatriate people. They would deport them, take them to the border. Somewhere along the way, I think during Newt Gingrichs time, they started putting people in jail, but then they would let them go. It was not putting people in prisons, like were seeing right now. The kind of brutality, the horror, the kidnapping, endangering peoples lives, separating the families  the way that Trump did in the last administration, and theyre doing now, leaving all of these missing children  its an atrocity, what theyve been doing to the immigrant community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many of those people that they have been picking up and arresting are farm workers. Here in Bakersfield, California, we were the first city to be hit. When Border Patrol came in, they arrested [78] people, and only one person had any kind of criminal record . And when they talk about a criminal record, it could be a traffic stop. It could be just that they came in, and they were deported, and came back in again. These are not violent crimes that were talking about. They are, you might say, civil infractions, and yet theyre being treated like they were criminals.

This administration says it wants to get to a 100 percent American workforce. It also has discussed rapidly expanding migrant visa programs, like H-2A. Do you see those two goals in conflict? How might that play out?

Well, I think it would be really great to have American workers to work on farms. Farm work has been denigrated for so many years by the growers themselves, and they did this because they never wanted to pay farm workers the kind of wages that they deserve. Farm workers were essential workers during the pandemic. They were out there in the fields. So many of them died because they never got the proper protections that they needed. But they were out there every single day, picking the food that we needed to eat.

Farm workers dont get the same kind of benefits or salaries that others get. We just recently did a study with the University of California Merced. Their average wage is $30,000 a year, $35,000 a year. And on that, they have to feed their families. A lot of them, unless they have a union contract, theyre paid minimum wage. Theyre not respected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The whole visa program, the H-2A program, its always been there. Cesar Chavez and I, when we started the United Farm Workers, one of the first things that we did was end the Bracero Program, which was a similar [guest worker] program. Now theyve increased these H-2A workers in agriculture. This is a step above slavery. They cant unionize. They dont get Social Security. They dont get unemployment insurance. Farmers save money by having these H-2A workers. They cannot become citizens. There is no way for them to even get a green card.

If you were trying to get to a 100 percent American workforce, whats the solution here? Does it start with paying more competitive wages for workers? Or is it something else?

Well, right now, were trying to stop a detention center here in California City, which is up here in the Mojave Desert. They are offering the people to work in that center $50 an hour. In California, our minimum wage is $16. Thats what a lot of workers get.

Lets offer farmworkers $50 an hour, the same kind of a salary that you offer the prison guards, and youll get a lot of American workers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have very high unemployment in the Central Valley. We have the prison industrial complex, where a lot of our young people are going to prison. So many of these young people dont have to go to prison if they were paid adequately. Im sure a lot of them would go and do the farm work, especially if they had good wages to do it. And we still have a lot of young people here in the valley that go out during the summers and they do farm work to help their families. Im sure a lot of people that we now see that are homeless on the streets and that are able to work would go to work if they were paid $50 an hour.

So its just a matter of improving wages?

And training, too. Because farm work is hard work. I mean, youve got to be in good physical shape to be able to do farm work.

Why are undocumented workers such a large part of the agricultural workforce? Is it just that these are low-paying, hard jobs that Americans dont want to do, or is there more going on?

Well, like I said earlier, the growers have denigrated the work so much that people dont realize that this work is dignified. Farm workers are proud of the work that they do. They dont feel that somehow theyre a lower class of people because they do farm work. They have pride in their work. If you were to go out there with farm workers, you would be surprised to see that they have dignity, and they care about the work. They care about the plants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When we started the farm workers union way back in the late 50s and early 60s, you would be surprised how many American citizens were out there. Veterans were out there. The Grapes of Wrath was filmed here. All of those workers in that camp were white. It was the Okies and Arkies, the people that came from Oklahoma and Arkansas and those places to work in the fields. They were all white workers. There were some Latino workers, and then over the years, you had the Chinese, you had the Japanese, and different waves of immigrants that came in to do farm work.

When did it change?

Well, the growers always fought unionization, as they still do to this day. Ill give an example. Theres a company called the Wonder Company. When you watch television, you see all of their ads for pistachios. Theyre billionaires. The United Farm Workers just won a recognition election, and they refused to recognize the union.

When you have a union out there, you have a steward out there in every single crew, and their job is to make sure that theres a bathroom out there in the fields, which farm workers never had before. We had a big movement to get farmers just having toilets in the field and hand washing facilities, cold drinking water, risk periods, unemployment insurance, et cetera. This is the thing that we fought for, and the growers fought against it, right to the end. The Farm Bureau Federation fought against all of these improvements for farm workers, and they continue to fight.

You supported the 1986 Reagan amnesty, when 1 million farm workers received legal status. The Trump administration has been adamant, for political purposes, that there will be no amnesty. Do you think the administration could get to some sort of mass legalization for farm workers? If not, what happens next?

The problem with this administration is, theyre so racist. Racism rules, fascism rules with this administration. I dont know, I guess I could just wait until they get enough robots to do the farm work.

What about pesticides? Youve long fought against pesticide use in agriculture because of the effect of exposure on farm workers. Now, theres this Make America Healthy Again push to get rid of pesticides. What do you make of that?

Well, I think maybe thats one good thing that Robert Kennedy Jr. might do. His father was a champion for the farm workers. The pesticides  we should have gotten rid of those a long time ago. We didnt have pesticides until after World War II.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres a pesticide called paraquat. Paraquat is banned in Europe. Its banned in almost every country except the United States of America, and it is used right here in Kern County in California. It causes cancer. It causes leukemia. It causes Parkinsons disease, and we cannot get it banned in California. We know that when plants are planted, when food is planted, the pesticide is already in the seeds. We were trying to stop that in Washington, D.C., and were unable to. We were even just trying to get them to put information on it, so when you go in to buy your fruit, it would have a sticker on it that said, This particular fruit or vegetable has been treated with this pesticide. Its in the fruit when you eat it.

Just recently, we had about four or five young people in their late 40s, early 50s, all have died of cancer, and theyre from Delano, California.

Are these farm workers?

No, but when they spray this stuff, it also goes into the towns. So nobodys really safe from it.

Is this pesticide issue something you could collaborate or find some common ground with the Trump administration?

Yeah, we would love to. But you know what? Its not going to happen, because pesticides really come from the petroleum industry.

Have you discussed this with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or would you be open to meeting with him? I know his father was a friend of yours and a great champion of your cause.

I imagine, maybe, when we talk about this issue. I wouldnt agree with Robert Jr. on the issue of vaccinations, or fluoride in our drinking water, et cetera, and some of the issues that he espouses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I know him. Ive known him for many, many years. I havent spoken to him. He did try to contact me when he was running, and I didnt respond. I knew that the family, that Kerry and Ethel and the rest of them, were not happy about his supporting Trump.

But you havent spoken to him since he became HHS secretary?

No. I know people that have spoken to him.

The labor movement as a whole has an unusual relationship to Donald Trump, who claims to champion the working class. Do you think union leaders have more to gain by working with Trump, or by opposing him? What explains his appeal to many union members?

Well, I cant speak for the Teamsters. I think there was a kind of a betrayal of the working people, because I know the majority of the labor unions went against Trump and endorsed Biden [in 2024]. I think that was very damaging.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think a good comparison is if you look at what theyve done in Mexico with Claudia Sheinbaum and the president before her. Theyve done incredible work in Mexico right now because it has been very labor-focused, very working people-focused, in contrast with whats happening here in the United States, where we are very billionaire- and millionaire-focused. And so you can see in Mexico theyve been able to increase pensions, increase the minimum wage, increase benefits for the working people.

Last question: Youre 95, whats your secret? What do you eat?

Im a vegetarian, and I just stay busy. I think you just have to stay busy.
In an official message addressed to King Mohammed VI, President of the United States, Donald Trump, reiterated Washingtons position in support of Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara, dealing a hard blow to the enemies of the Kingdoms territorial integrity.

President Trump emphasized the United States support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, describing it as serious, credible, and realistic, and as the only basis for achieving a just and lasting solution to this regional dispute.

I want to reaffirm that the United States of America recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, and that it supports the Autonomy Proposal as the only path to a fair and enduring resolution, stated Mr. Trump in his message to the Sovereign on the occasion of Throne Day.

While acknowledging the historic ties between the two countries, the American President extended his congratulations to the King and the Moroccan people. He emphasized the importance the United States places on the strategic and long-standing partnership with Morocco. Together, we are working to advance our shared priorities in regional peace and security, including through the Abraham Accords, counterterrorism efforts, and the development of our trade relations for the mutual benefit of our two peoples, he declared.

President Trump concluded by expressing his desire to continue this bilateral cooperation to promote stability, security, and peace in the region.

Moreover, the recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara now enjoys broad international support.

The majority of countries around the world support this position, with the notable exception of Algeria, which continues to support the Polisario Front.

This separatist movement, based in the Tindouf camps, receives financial, diplomatic, and military support from Algeria and is increasingly being discussed for possible designation on the U.S. and United Nations lists of terrorist organizations.




NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump responded to social media warnings made by a top Russian security official

Trump said that he moved two nuclear submarines in a post on Truth Social Friday, Aug. 1

The response came after a weeklong back-and-forth with the deputy chairman of Russia's security council





President Donald Trump is responding to social media warnings made by Dmitry Medvedev.

After a weeklong back-and-forth between the president of the United States and the former Russian president, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Trump said on Truth Social that he repositioned two nuclear submarines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," he said.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

"Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances," his post continued. "Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on January 23, 2025 Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on January 23, 2025

The discourse between Trump and Medvedev began on Monday, July 28, when Medvedev wrote on X that "Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"50 days or 10 He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road," he wrote, referring to former U.S. president Joe Biden.

Medvedev's post on X came as a response to Trump declaring in Scotland, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, earlier that same day, that he was cutting his deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a peace deal with Ukraine from 50 days to less than two weeks, per CNBC.

He also warned that they could face big secondary tariffs on their trade partners if a peace deal was not met.

Trump similarly condemned Medvedev on Wednesday, July 30, while discussing Russia's trading partnership with India in a post on Truth Social.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I dont care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World. Likewise, Russia and the USA do almost no business together," he said.

Contributor/Getty Former Russian President, Deputy Chairman of the Securuty Council Dmitry Medvedev on March 19, 2025 Former Russian President, Deputy Chairman of the Securuty Council Dmitry Medvedev on March 19, 2025

"Lets keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks hes still President, to watch his words. Hes entering very dangerous territory," continued Trump.

Medvedev responded to Trump on Telegram, writing, according to Fox News: "If a few words from a former Russian president provoke such a nervous reaction from the supposedly mighty President of the United States, then clearly Russia is in the right  and will continue on its chosen path."

His statement continued: "As for his remarks about the dead economies of India and Russia and venturing into dangerous territory, perhaps he should revisit his favorite movies about the living dead and recall just how dangerous the mythical Dead Hand can be."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The "Dead Hand" refers to Russias system for automatically launching nuclear strikes.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

PEOPLE has reached out to the White House for comment.

Read the original article on People
A new social media trend is sweeping across the country - and officials are fearful it will end in tragedy.

The door-kick challenge takes the ding-dong-ditch prankringing peoples doorbells and running away before they answerto new extremes. Pranksters choose a door at random in the middle of the night and kick it aggressively, sometimes until it comes off the hinges, and upload a video of it online.

Thats a good way to end up dead, Floridas Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood bluntly put it. Especially in Florida. Youve got to think youre about to become a victim of a home invasion robbery and, under the Castle doctrine, youre gonna shoot first and ask questions later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Online safety advocacy groups also warn that kids could lose their lives over the social media trend or end up in jail.

This trend has the potential to end in absolute tragedy, Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control app, told The Independent. Were not just talking about property damage  kids are putting themselves at serious risk. If homeowners are armed or on high alert, its not hard to imagine how a prank like this could escalate into something irreversible.

The door-kick challenge takes the ding-dong-ditch prankringing peoples doorbells and running away before they answerto new extremes. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

Whats at stake is more than just a viral moment gone wrong, Jordan adds. Its a childs life, a familys future, and the potential for criminal charges that could follow them for years.

Authorities are warning parents about the dangerous door kick challenge as recent incidents have cropped up in California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Wisconsin, Texas and Michigan, to name a few. Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, said that social media has conditioned American teens to re-enact dangerous challenges and pranks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Social media incentivizes users, especially teens, to post content that will generate likes, shares, and views, or clout as some may call it, Berkman told The Independent.

Unfortunately, what generates that social media attention is often salacious content: violent, explicit or otherwise extreme. Our teens, spending upwards of five hours a day viewing this content, quickly become desensitized to it, and violence, cruel pranks, and challenges become normalized.

Police in Louisville, Kentucky, said that the prank was stupid and dangerous following an incident in the city over the weekend.

A woman caught masked teens kicking down her door at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Wave reports.

Authorities and online safety advocates are warning that the trend is dangerous. Two teens in Volusia County were caught by authorities after they kicked a homeowners door in. (Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

Anyone participating in this type of behavior is certainly risking their own life, said Louisville Metro Police Department spokesperson John Bradley. A resident could easily assume resorting to deadly force against the person is the next appropriate course of action to protect themselves from what they believe may be an intruder. This type of behavior is stupid and dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Las Vegas earlier this month, homeowner Tyler Reggie and his pregnant girlfriend were asleep when pranksters kicked the door in at 3 a.m. on July 8.

Reggie told FOX5 that he assumed the worst when the banging started, but saw it was teenagers after reviewing his doorbell camera footage. They caused $5,000 worth of damage to his property, he said.

In Florida, two teenagers are facing a charge of felony burglary after taking part in the challenge in the city of DeBary, Volusia County.

The teens kicked a homeowners door in so aggressively that it broke open. The so-called door kicking challenge is a surefire way to get locked up with a felony or even worse, shot and killed by a homeowner, Sheriff Chitwood said in a social media post on July 7.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The teens told deputies they were just being stupid. One of them, a 13-year-old girl, was found hiding in her attic after deputies searched for her inside the house.

And, let me tell you, mom was furious with her daughter after deputies told her what she had been up to, Chitwood said. Parents, use this as a reminder to TALK with your kids that this challenge is not harmless and is the dumbest way to end up with a felony charge or dead.

Similar social media trends have met a tragic end in recent years. Teenage lacrosse star Michael Bosworth Jr was allegedly shot dead by a homeowner in May during an alleged break-in, but his friend told police it was a TikTok ding-dong-ditch prank gone wrong.

Tyler Chase Butler, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the 18-year-olds death, who was fatally shot in the torso in Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Butler is being held in Rappahannock Regional Jail until a preliminary hearing in September. His family said he acted out of a genuine fear for his safety and the safety of his mother.

In another devastating case in Riverside County, California, Anurag Chandra killed three teenage boys after they played a doorbell prank on him in 2020.

The group of six teenagers pranked Chandra before running back to their vehicle. Chandra then got in his car and intentionally rammed the teenagers vehicle off the road, killing three of them, authorities said.

Online safety advocacy groups also warn that kids could lose their lives over the social media trend. (Getty Images)

Parenting expert Jordan noted that similar pranks have been around for decades, but social media has elevated them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pranks like ding dong ditch have always existed, but social media has given them a megaphone, Jordan said. What used to be a local stunt can now go viral in seconds. Even if kids arent sharing their own videos, just seeing others do it on repeat can make it feel normalized or even encouraged.

Kids may take part in the challenges due to peer pressure, the simple thrill of doing something they shouldnt, or more likely, for social validation, Jordan said.

Even if theyre not filming themselves in the act, just being part of a trend gives them a sense of belonging, Jordan explained.  Its easy to forget how impulsive kids can be when theyre trying to impress their peers or prove theyre not afraid to push boundaries.

Jordan recommends parents have regular conversations with their kids, not just about what theyre posting but what theyre watching online. Ask what trends are showing up in their feeds and how they feel about them, she said.

This kind of open dialogue is your best defense, Jordan added. At the same time, it can be helpful to use tech tools that give parents a window into their childs digital world.
Milwaukee police are investigating a double shooting that occurred Aug. 1 in Milwaukee that injured two 18-year-olds.

The shooting occurred at approximately 7:18 p.m. at 2471 S. 17th St., Capt. David Anderson said in an email.

The two, 18-year-old victims sustained gunshot wounds and were treated at a local hospital, Anderson said.

MPD is investigating the incident. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are undetermined at this time, and police are seeking unknown suspects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact MPD at (414) 935-7360 or to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips.

Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Double shooting injures two 18-year-olds in Milwaukee
Dozens of peaceful protesters gathered outside Oklahoma City Hall as part of a nationwide demonstration protesting the Trump administrations policies.

Rage Against the Regime: No Camps, No Wars, No 1984 was just one of a series of protests that took place Saturday, Aug. 2, across the United States. Each were coordinated, in part, by the 50501 Movement.

50501 is a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy, and who stand against the authoritarian actions of the Trump Administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Movement, reads the movements website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With intentions to build on the recent No Kings and Hands Off protests, the Oklahoma City Rage Against the Regime protest rally came to fruition with the help of a broad coalition of organizers, including, but not limited to Indivisible, OKC Mutual Aid, DSA, PSL, No Small Act, The Lawton Resistance, 50501 Veterans and Organizing Okies.

We are not here because we are afraid: We are here because we are fed up, because we care and because we refuse to give up on each other, said event organizer Rory Bell. This is about rage, but the kind of rage rooted in love  love for our communities, love for justice and love for the truth. We are not ruled by kings; we are not pawns in some authoritarian game. This is still a democracy, and we are here to demand it acts like one.

Throughout the protest, which ran from 9 a.m. to noon, Bell welcomed numerous event speakers to take the microphone atop the steps of City Hall.

Among the speakers was Sean Cummings, restaurant owner and former member of The Village City Council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have to vote. It is not enough to be on social media. It is not enough to come to these events. If you don't vote, you don't matter, said Cummings. Theyve told us that we dont matter.

Protesters hold signs at the Rage Against the Regime rally Saturday, Aug. 2, on the east side of the Oklahoma City Municipal Building downtown.

Oklahoma State Sen. Julia Kirt assumed the microphone shortly after Cummings, using her speaking time to express her political grievances with the crowd.

We have a process at the state Capitol where no one is allowed to speak. No one. Has anyone gone to the Capitol because you wanted to protest a specific bill? Were you shocked to find out that there's no testimony allowed from the public? said Sen. Kirk. This is a constant frustration for us in the Democratic Caucus.

Sen. Julia Kirt speaks at the Rage Against the Regime rally Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Oklahoma City Municipal Building.

While event speakers voiced their perspectives on the current political state of the country with a platform and a microphone, members of the crowd expressed their concerns through unanimous chants and handmade signs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawlessness in the name of the law, Protesting is patriotism and Justice is not just ICE, read just a few of the poster boards protestors held up for display.

Protesters hold signs Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Rage Against the Regime rally on the east side of the Oklahoma City Municipal Building downtown.

What concerns me is erosion of basic democratic principles, said Elizabeth Wylie, a retired museum director and curator. Free speech is being eroded.

As the spouse of a green card holder who has lived in the United States for 35 years, Wylie expressed particular concern about the intensifying deportation policies that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is implementing.

I was scared for him. We went out of the country; I was scared. Is he going to be stopped coming back? said Wylie. That's the first time in my life I've ever been scared as an American citizen.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Rage Against the Regime held to protest Trump administration policies
MARTIN COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A 25-year-old man from Lamesa was killed early Saturday morning after crashing into the back of a semi-truck on SH 349, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The crash happened around 4:20 a.m. near mile marker 300 on August 2. Preliminary findings indicate that a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Aaron Contreras, was traveling northbound behind a 2000 Volvo truck tractor towing a trailer. Authorities said Contreras failed to control his speed and struck the rear of the trailer.

Contreras, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The driver of the truck, 57-year-old Benjamin Tenorio of Midland, was not injured and was wearing a seatbelt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

The Dragon Bravo Fire is one of the largest wildfires in Arizona's history.

The Grand Canyon's North Rim has been under a "GO" status and ordered to evacuate.

The fire has burned over 145,000 acres and containment is at 63%.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz.. - The Dragon Bravo Fire is the largest fire ever recorded in the Grand Canyon.

Crews knew that on August 1, they had a very small window of opportunity to get containment on the fire. At the South Rim, skies are clear, but 11 miles across the Grand Canyon, plumes of black smoke cover the horizon, but it has not slowed down summer tourism.

What we know

In the fire's fourth week, it continued to grow to the north, east, and west, now threatening the Kaibab Lodge. Crews have faced difficult conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The north rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most difficult places to fight fire. If you think about the Grand Canyon as a firebreak, it also funnels winds and creates its own difficult weather," said Lisa Jennings, a public information officer for Southwest Incident Management.

What they're saying

The Dragon Bravo Fire has not stopped visitors from coming to one of the United States' busiest national parks.

"We're from Saint Louis, Missouri," said the Sauter family.

"From the Czech Republic," said another tourist.

"Visiting from Virginia," said Jerry Mrykalo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"From Daejeon, Korea," said Kim Kwang Yu.

"Washington, D.C.," said another.

"From Germany," said Frank Tahhan.

70 structures have burned, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim, a place German traveler Frank Tahhan and his family had planned to stay.

"We was booked on the North Rim in the lodge. And we get this notice that it's not possible anymore to enter. And the lodge is destroyed," Tahhan said.

Like many others, they opted for the South Rim.

"A mixture of enjoying and also being aware that much of the natural history is being destroyed," Tahhan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We had already planned the South Rim and it's not that crowded. We were a little bit surprised," Mrykalo said.

Video captured by fire personnel shows the power of the wind carrying the flames during July 31's red flag warning, with wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour.

"We saw a jump of 20,000 acres in a single day," Jennings said.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

DRAPER, Utah (ABC4)  A Draper man, who was previously convicted of burglary 11 times, is facing burglary charges after he allegedly committed a string of robberies of Draper and Sandy businesses over the past few days.

Justin Nuzman, 50, was arrested on eight charges of burglary, a third-degree felony, and two charges of unlawful use of a financial card, a class A misdemeanor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the filed affidavit, Nuzman was previously convicted of burglary 11 times: in 2004, 2005, 2010, five convictions in 2017, and three convictions in 2020. He also currently has 11 other open burglary cases with multiple agencies across the Salt Lake Valley from the last six months.

READ NEXT: Sandy man used laser pointer on helicopter, threatened to take down aircrafts, charges say

On July 27, Nuzman allegedly robbed two dental practices after forcing the door open with a blunt object. In the first suite, a desk was ripped open and items were taken, and money was taken from the second business after he pried open their money drawer.

On July 28, a chiropractic business nearby was broken into when Nuzman allegedly threw a rock through the window. A gray lock box with approximately $200 inside was stolen, and a motion-activated camera caught still images of a male suspect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Four businesses at a business complex were burglarized on July 30 with forced entry. Security cameras captured the suspect, later identified as Nuzman, who used a hammer to break through the doors of the businesses. The businesses reported stolen: $750 in cash, two business credit cards, $200 in cash, and $2,000 in gift cards.

Not long after, the owners of the stolen credit cards reported that they had been used at a Midvale Walmart for $1,239 each, a total of $2,478.

Draper Police worked with Walmarts loss prevention to learn that that a suspect attempted to use cash to purchase gift cards at self-checkout. However, the self-checkout machines would not accept $100 bills, and so he left. Allegedly, another man wearing the same shirt entered the store shortly after and used the stolen credit cards to purchase black sandals and other items. The second man was later identified as Nuzman.

Mosquito abatement district explains how it tests for West Nile virus, gives tips for avoiding bites

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While police were investigating these burglaries, a family therapy business close to the business complex reported that they had also been broken into overnight on July 30. The suspect gained access by removing a window screen and entering through the window, and he then stole cash from a cash drawer and an iPhone that belonged to the business.

Police were able to track that iPhone to a field next to a Maverik gas station. On the Maveriks security footage, they saw a silver Chevrolet Silverado drop a man fitting Nuzmans description off at the location and pick him back up several minutes later.

Sandy Police Department then contacted Draper Police, stating that they had a license plate number for a Chevrolet Silverado that was involved in several recent forced entry burglaries, similar to the string of Draper burglaries.

Police were able to locate the silver Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot of a Costco and Hobby Lobby, and detained Nuzman after finding him in the vehicle. Nuzmans girlfriend was also in the vehicle at the time, and she told police that while she didnt know about the robberies, she knew that he had been up to no good. Nuzman would leave at night and come back with money, she said, and she knew he didnt have a job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The girlfriend identified Nuzman as the man in the surveillance videos, and she said that she was driving the Silverado when he was dropped off at the Maverik, adding that they went to the gas station to buy drugs and she watched Nuzman throw the stolen iPhone out of the car window when he realized he still had it in his pocket.

The girlfriend also told police that she was frustrated because this was not the first time she had been stopped by the police to arrest Nuzman for burglaries. She said Taylorsville Police arrested him for the same thing in May.

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.
Summerset, SD (KELO)  A Texas man is facing several charges following a pursuit early Friday near Summerset, in western South Dakota.

According to a post by the Meade County Sheriffs Office, an officer found a driver asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle along Interstate 90.

The sheriffs office says the officer spotted a drug pipe in the mans lap and an open container in the center console.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 29-year-old man from Dallas allegedly took off, driving westbound on the interstate before being caught.

Hes charged with aggravated eluding, possession of a controlled substance and DUI.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 2---- A man was injured when his vehicle went off the road Saturday morning in Meeker County.

According to the

Carson Daniel Bruce Halvorson, 23, of Litchfield, was driving southbound on Minnesota Highway 24 in a 2014 Ford Focus when his vehicle left the roadway and crashed.

The airbags in Halvorson's vehicle deployed and he was wearing a seat belt,

Halvorson was the only occupant in his vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Halvorson suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the accident and was transported to the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield for treatment.

Alcohol is not involved and road conditions were reported as dry at the time of the crash at 7:14 a.m. Saturday, according to the report.

The Meeker County Sheriff's Office and Mayo Ambulance assisted the Minnesota State Patrol at the scene.
Editor's note: This story was updated to include statements from Ukraines General Staff and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

A series of drone attacks targeted industrial facilities in Russia's Ryazan, Penza, Samara and Voronezh oblasts overnight on Aug. 2, Ukraine's General Staff reported.

This confirmation follows earlier reports from Russian officials about a drone attack on Russian territory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Ryazan, an oil refinery was reportedly struck, with videos shared on social media showing a large pillar of fire near the site.

Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov said debris from a drone fell on the territory of an unspecified enterprise and that emergency crews were addressing the damage.

In Penza, the Elektropribor plant was allegedly targeted. Russian Telegram channels reported five explosions over the city. Regional officials have not publicly commented on the incident.

In Samara Oblast, the Novokuibyshevsky oil refinery, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Samara, was reportedly on fire following a drone strike. Videos posted on local Telegram channels appeared to show flames rising from the refinery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Samara Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed a drone strike in the region but did not name the specific facility. He said mobile internet access has been temporarily restricted and that the Samara airport was closed following the incident.

Ukrainian drones also targeted the Annanefteprodukt fuel and lubricants storage base near the village of Anna in Voronezh Oblast, the General Staff said.

Additionally, Ukrainian drones operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) targeted the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, striking storage and launch facilities for Shahed kamikaze drones, the SBU claimed. Following the attack, a fire reportedly broke out near the airfield.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both Elektropribor and the Novokuibyshevsky refinery are subject to international sanctions. The refinery is owned by Rosneft, a Russian state-controlled energy company sanctioned by the United States in 2014 following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.

The Ukrainian military called the attack a "response" to Russia's recent strikes on civilian infrastructure in the country.

The strike across Russia come just a day after Moscow launched a barrage of drones and missiles on Kyiv on July 31, killing at least 31 people and injuring 179 in one of the deadliest attacks on Ukraine's capital since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Read also: As search efforts conclude, Russias attack on Kyiv becomes most deadly on capital this year with 31 civilians killed

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new editorial published in Comprehensive Physiology underscores the critical importance of understanding heart-lung interactions in pulmonary vascular disease (PVD). Tim Lahm, MD, a pulmonologist and researcher at National Jewish Health, along with a team of esteemed colleagues from institutions across the country, urges the scientific community to confront the major knowledge gaps that hinder progress in improving patient outcomes.

The editorial, titled "Towards a Better Understanding of Heart-Lung Interactions in Pulmonary Vascular Disease," serves as a call for papers for an upcoming special issue of Comprehensive Physiology dedicated to this topic.

"We've moved beyond the idea that pulmonary hypertension is simply a lung disease," said Dr. Lahm. "The survival and well-being of patients depend not only on how we treat the lungs, but also on how the heartparticularly the right ventricleadapts, responds or fails under pressure. The future of patient care lies in unraveling these cardiopulmonary dynamics."

Drawing from a wide range of recent research, the editorial explores how the heart and lungs function as a tightly coupled unitwhat the authors call a "right atrium-right ventricle-lung vascular unit." Dysfunction in one often exacerbates problems in the other, with systemic effects that extend beyond the thorax to the kidneys, liver, brain, skeletal muscle and more.

The editorial highlights growing evidence that pulmonary hypertension, traditionally viewed as a lung-centric disorder, is actually a systemic disease marked by two-way connections among multiple organs. The authors call for an expansion of research to explore novel signaling pathways, mechanical stressors and even emerging model systemssuch as heart- and lung-on-a-chip technologies and computational approachesthat can simulate real-world cardiopulmonary conditions with greater precision.

The authors issue a call for papers for basic, translational and clinical research exploring these heart-lung interactions in PVD. This request includes investigations into molecular mediators, disease phenotyping, and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to sex, age, disease stage and systemic factors.

More information: Tim Lahm et al, Towards a Better Understanding of HeartLung Interactions in Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Comprehensive Physiology (2025). DOI: 10.1002/cph4.70016
DUNDEE, N.Y. (WETM)  A Dundee man was arrested in July on a felony child sex abuse charge similar to those he received in July 2024, according to a report from the New York State Police.

Ronald R Chilson, 48, of Dundee, was arrested on Thursday, July 31, on the charge of predatory sexual assault against a child, specifically a child under the age of 13, a class A felony.

Details on the incident are limited, but it was confirmed with the Yates County Jail that he is being held there as of Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dundee man arrested on sex abuse charges

This marks the third time in just over a year that Chilson was charged on child sex abuse and sex abuse-related charges.

In January, the Yates County District Attorney charged Chilson on eight felony charges involving the sexual abuse of children under his care as a foster parent.

The DAs office claimed those incidents took place between 2022 and 2023.

Chilson was first arrested in July 2024 on sex abuse charges after an investigation into an incident in February 2024 by the Yates County Child Protective 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
The Eagan Police Department is the first department in Minnesota to utilize the Grappler Police Bumper, a gadget intended to safely end high-speed vehicle pursuits by law enforcement.

Were always looking for new, innovative ways to keep the public safe, Eagan police Sgt. Brian Boekhoff said. This was something that we decided to try out.

The Grappler is one of various devices used by police to stop pursuits in Minnesota. The Ramsey County Sheriffs Office, Woodbury Police Department and Maplewood Police Department use sticky GPS trackers to locate fleeing vehicles without pursuing them at high speeds. Bloomington police use MobileSpike, a device that allows officers to deploy a stop stick from inside their vehicle with a push of a button.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boekhoff said the departments main goal in trying out the Grappler is to cut down on vehicle pursuits. Eagan police initiated 18 pursuits last year, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

In the last five or so years, our pursuits have gone way up, Boekhoff said. Pursuits are super-duper dangerous, and not only to the suspects but the officers, the general public.

Since 2021, there were 12,606 agency-involved pursuits in Minnesota. At least 24 people died during these pursuits, according to BCA data, including several in uninvolved vehicles.

How it works

The Grappler has a nylon net loaded into a compartment in the bumper. Police officers deploy the webbing by flipping a switch on an inside console. The net wraps around the fleeing cars tire and suspension, preventing the vehicle from moving forward. Boekhoff said the police car must be within about 10 feet of the fleeing vehicle in order to deploy the Grappler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Eagan Police Department has Grappler units attached to two of its Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. Each unit installation costs $5,000, and the net, which cannot be reused, costs $400 to replace after each use.

Grappler founder Leonard Stock said police in 37 states currently use the Grappler. He said Eagan is the first department in Minnesota to use it.

In the Minneapolis area, I believe its going to start taking off, Stock said. In the Denver area, we had an agency that started, and now we have about eight or nine agencies using it. Same with Kansas City.

Safety concerns

Eagans policy says the Grappler should be used with extreme caution in pursuits over 75 mph, according to Boekhoff. He said using the Grappler to stop a pursuit will not be documented in a use-of-force report, but it will be documented in an incident report and the BCA pursuit-reporting form.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rich Neumeister, a citizen who follows privacy issues at the state Capitol, has raised concerns about the cost-effectiveness and safety of the Grappler. He compared police using the Grappler to a cowboy lassoing a runaway cow.

Its definitely a use of force under the state statute, he said. Theres so much potential for physical harm. The impact on vehicle control, or it can swerve, or flip.

In a 2024 incident, both vehicles involved in a pursuit in North Dakota lost control and landed in a ditch after a deputy deployed the Grappler. The deputys car flipped over, and he incurred minor injuries.

Neumeister has also advocated for tighter restrictions on sticky GPS trackers in the past, such as requiring law enforcement to obtain a search warrant or remove the tracker within 12 hours of attaching it.

Success rates

Boekhoff said that if using these two Grapplers is successful, the Eagan Police Department will probably purchase more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Although Eagan installed the Grapplers in May, Boekhoff said Wednesday that they hadnt been used in the field yet.

Related Articles

The only reason it hasnt been used is that the vehicles that are equipped with a Grappler have not been involved in a pursuit, Boekhoff said. Had they been in a pursuit, I can almost assure you that it would have been used.

Stock said the most successful use is a preemptive grapple where the officer approaches the suspects vehicle unnoticed and deploys the net.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When theres a suspect thats weaving back and forth and its a 80 or 90 mile-an-hour pursuit, theyre swerving all over, those are definitely more of the 50-50 success rate, he said. Just because its extremely difficult to get the net into position.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gabriel Moltrer said the agencys Investigative Service Section began using the Grappler in 2021.

Last year, the section attempted 60 Grappler deployments; 34 of those attempts resulted in a successful grapple of the vehicle, about a 57% success rate.

Stock said theres no way to document whether an injury or death in a pursuit was prevented with the Grappler.

According to our police departments that use it frequently, they swear that it has saved lives, he said. Its initial cost up front, but its keeping everyone safer.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office arrested a woman accused of giving massages without a license following a months-long investigation into a massage parlor on Coursey Boulevard.

According to an affidavit, authorities launched a human trafficking and prostitution investigation in December 2024 after receiving complaints about Oriental Relax Spa, a business that operated from 2015 to 2025.

Several individuals were connected to the spa, including Yueying Jiang, Junjie Zhang, Guangdong Bai, Yan Bai, Ruilian Feng, and Xia Zhang. The Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT) issued multiple cease-and-desist orders against the spa over the years for illicit ads promoting prostitution and unauthorized residential occupancy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Jan. 9, the LBMT issued an Order of Summary Suspension to Guangdong Bai, demanding he cease all massage-related activities. Despite this, a neighboring business reported in March that Oriental Relax Spa remained operational.

On May 24, detectives observed the spas open sign illuminated. Surveillance showed a man exiting the business while buttoning his shirt and adjusting his belt. A nearby Toyota Corolla was registered to 59-year-old Xin Zhang, who had previously been listed on an application for Xin Lian Spaan unlicensed establishment.

Investigators linked several online erotic advertisements to the spa, many of which appeared on websites known to promote prostitution. Despite repeated legal warnings, the business continued to operate.

Denham Springs man arrested, linked to unlicensed massage parlors in Baton Rouge

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On May 6, Ruilian Feng applied to the LBMT as the owner of Xin Lian Spa and listed Xin Zhang as the licensed therapist. A search warrant later uncovered documents linking Feng to the Coursey Boulevard location, as well as new business cards for Oriental Relax Massage and a credit card receipt for a separate spa location on Bluebonnet Boulevard.

Authorities concluded that all named individuals acted illegally, either without licenses or in violation of prior orders.

Xin Zhang was arrested and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of pandering (3 counts), practicing massage therapy without a license (2 counts), and promoting prostitution. Arrest warrants have been issued for the others involved.

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Students in ten East Texas school districts are heading back to class on Monday and their safety is top of mind for every parent.

LIST: 2025 back to school start dates for East Texas districts

As the back-to-school rush begins, the Lufkin Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and look out for young pedestrians.

Sgt. Eddie Ibarra, the head of traffic for the Lufkin Police Department, told KETK that yellow means slow down, it doesnt mean speed up to beat the red light.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to TxDOT, last year there were 781 crashes, 11 of them involving school buses and two people were killed in Texas school zones.

Look out for pedestrians, especially since theres going to be a lot of kids walking to school, Ibarra said.

Starting this year, theres also a new state law requiring students to stay off their phones during school hours.

LIST: How is your East Texas school district implementing new cell phone ban

After being kept away from their devices all day, officers are now worried students will be more distracted outside by their screens, raising safety concerns for texting while driving or while walking home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whenever they are getting out of class or leaving school, they are going to be so into their phone they are not paying attention. Just another reason for drivers to pay attention for pedestrians, Lufkin Police Department Corporal Carter Willmon said.

TxDOT said parents should teach their students to always stay alert, never assume a driver sees you, and do not text in school parking lots.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  East Texas State Rep. Brent Money said if Democrats walk out of the special session there are hard consequences they can face.

Texas House select committee to hear testimony on proposed redistricting map

Money sent a letter Wednesday to the Republican Caucus of the consequences in the Texas Code that can be put on Democrats who walk out of the session.

He said hes heard that there are fundraisers to cover the $500 fine for lawmakers who do not have a leave of absence. The Texas Tribune reported on the rumors on Tuesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are fundraising efforts to make sure that Democrats nationally are letting the local state elected officials that, hey, weve got your back. If you guys leave, well pay the fine for you. I dont have any firsthand knowledge of that, but that is what Ive been told, Money said.

Members of the House are fined $500 a day for an absence but he is calling for steeper options available.

It would basically tell the sergeant at arms to lock the doors to the chamber and not let anyone leave without permission. Were allowed to have state police go and arrest members and bring them to the chamber if they are still within the state, Money said.

He said under Texas Election Code Chapter 201, the governor could declare seats vacant if a representative leaves the states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That would be an extreme measure, Money said.

Redistricting efforts could impact balance of power

This letter comes after 15 House Democrats visited California and Illinois last week to sit down with their Democratic governors. The partys state leader said they were not breaking quorum.

Were going to go back because we still have to hold the Republicans accountable, State Rep. Gene Wu said.

Money said Democrats leaving the capitol could also stall Republican priorities in the session.

We have getting rid of the STAAR Test. We have to cut property taxes. We have taxpayer funded lobbying, sex trafficking, abortion and a lot of things on the governors call that are very important to the people of Texas, Money said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Money gave the following message to Democrats potentially thinking of walking out of the session.

We are going to pass a congressional map that reflects the Republican nature of Texas, and thats going to happen. We can do it now or we can do it later, Money said.

KETK News has reached out to the Texas Democratic Party for comment and has not heard back.

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.
Aug. 1We've written in support of this in the past, but we think it's important enough to voice our support for it once again, because in the end it represents opportunity and experience.

Earlier this month, area farmers and businesses hosted at their sites the annual Ag & Food Science Exploration Day  a chance for organizers behind the event to connect youth with industry professionals in both agriculture and science.

This is a marvelous, hands-on way of getting youth excited by both areas that have connections with each other throughout the nation, Minnesota, southeastern Minnesota and right here at home in Mower County,

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Subscribe

Students took part in field work and visited a number of different areas and of course came away from it all with a broader outlook on ag and science.

What makes it particularly important is that Austin has taken huge strides in becoming a hub for both ag and science. With Hormel, The Hormel Institute, Riverland Community College, Nu-Tek and whatever waits just over the horizon, our area has become a destination for businesses and organizations that excel in the best of both worlds.

It's especially important as we move into the Mower County Fair, because here again youth are getting a valuable connection to agriculture through their 4-H work. Any time you can draw experience from multiple areas can increase interest in a certain area and considering how important agriculture is here in our area, you couldn't ask for any better hands-on experience for the betterment of agriculture's future.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  As the back-to-school season approaches, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is offering a helping hand to educators through its annual Educator Deal Days event.

UMass Amherst primate research lab shuts down after PETA campaign

The annual event provides a 40% return on qualifying purchases in the form of a Crazy Deal Gift Card. The special promotion runs from August 7 through August 13 at all OSJL locations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Designed to ease the financial burden often faced by teachers and school staff, the program supports classroom preparation efforts during a time when many educators pay out of pocket for essential supplies. To participate, customers must be registered Job Lot Insiders and show professional photo identification at checkout. Eligible participants include teachers, school administrators, support staff, and verified homeschoolers.

Due to budget constraints, teachers often need to purchase supplies for their classrooms out of their own pocket, said Curtis Corl, Chief Marketing Officer, Ocean State Job Lot. Educator Deal Days is our way of lending a hand to the amazing teachers and support staff as they work to help students learn, develop, and succeed.

The deal works as follows: educators who spend $20 or more in-store will receive 40% of their purchase value back as a Crazy Deal Gift Card. For example, a $50 purchase would earn a $20 gift card.

The promotion is valid for in-store purchases only and excludes Ship to Store transactions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ocean State Job Lot, which operates 176 stores throughout the region, encourages all qualified educators to take advantage of the promotion by registering as Job Lot Insiders ahead of the promotion period.

For more information, visit their website.

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 23-year-old man was arrested after he stabbed and killed a 46-year-old man on Tuesday, July 29, in South El Paso, according to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD).

Oscar Octavio Ortiz, 23, from Socorro, was arrested on Thursday, July 31, at the Paso Del Norte port of entry for the stabbing death of Rigoberto Cortes, 46, according to EPPD.

El Paso Police said Ortiz was charged with murder under a $1 million bond and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Man dies after stabbing in South El Paso

EPPD said that at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, officers responded to 201 E. Ninth St. for an aggravated assault in progress.

When officers arrived, they located Cortes lying on the street with an apparent stab wound. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries, EPPD said.

The Crimes Against Persons unit was called out to take over the investigation.

Though the investigation, police identified Ortiz as the suspect who stabbed and killed Cortes, EPPD said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Irans Intelligence Ministry said in a statement on Monday that the Islamic Regime had arrested 20 people alleged to be members of Israels Mossad.

Iran is holding an American Jewish 70-year-old man prisoner along with three other US citizens, human rights groups, lawyers, and Hostage Aid Worldwide told the New York Times.

The Jewish man, who has a jewellery business in New York, was held for questioning on alleged previous trips to Israel, rights groups, and the mans colleagues and friends told the American outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report comes nearly a week after Israel's KAN News reported that two Jewish American nationals were among the 35 Jews who were arrested in Tehran and Shiraz last month for allegedly having ties to Israel.

Three of the US citizens are being held in jail, while the fourth has been barred from leaving the country.

Two anonymous senior Iranian officials confirmed the arrest of the New York Jewish man and a woman from California, claiming it was part of awider crackdown on an alleged network of operatives linked to the US and Israel.

A member of Iranian militia forces (Basij) gestures during an anti-Israeli march in Tehran, Iran, January 10, 2025; illustrative. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

'Hostage diplomacy'

The detainment comes as Iran has rechannelled efforts to target Americans, according to the New York Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critics have claimed the detainments are an extension of Irans decades-long practice of hostage diplomacy - where foreign nationals are held prisoner as leverage for prisoner swaps or the return of frozen funds.

The State Department confirmed it was closing tracking the cases of the four Americans, but added, For privacy, safety, and operational reasons, we do not get into the details of our internal or diplomatic discussions on reported US detainees We call on Iran to immediately release all unjustly detained individuals in Iran.

Irans Intelligence Ministry said in a statement on Monday that the Islamic Regime had arrested 20 people alleged to be members of Israels Mossad.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Friday, Utah! Todays temperatures will be right around seasonal norms across the state. Daytime highs will top out in the low to mid 90s for most valleys, 80s for higher terrain, and low 100s for St. George. Mostly clear skies are in the forecast with dry conditions.

The dry air and breezy conditions will keep an elevated fire threat, especially for the Central Mountains and Color Country Mountains where a Red Flag Warning is in effect through 10 p.m. Saturday due to humidity in the 5-8% range and gusts up to 35 mph. Unfortunately, thats where the Monroe Canyon Fire is burning over 55,000 acres with no signs of slowing down. Southern Idaho is also under a warning, but only until 10 p.m. tonight. The main threat in southern Idaho is dry thunderstorms with gusty winds and the chance of lightning sparking new fires. We also have a Fire Weather Watch in effect for the Book Cliffs Saturday afternoon through the evening, which will likely be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning as we get closer.

The Monroe Canyon Fire, White Sage Fire, and Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will continue pumping smoke into the Beehive State. Southwest winds will keep the thicker plumes of smoke east of I-15, but we could see some periods of haze sneak into western Utah as well. The thickest smoke will be seen along I-70, Castle Country, the Uinta Basin, and the Four Corners region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Through the weekend we dont see much change in the weather world, apart from a slight uptick in moisture on Saturday. Unfortunately, it wont be enough to aid our bone-dry conditions, only bringing an increase in cloud coverage and the chance of a shower in the West Desert, but nothing super helpful. We could be kicking off the workweek with critical fire conditions yet again as winds pick back up.

The bottom line? Dry breezy conditions bring an elevated fire threat to portions of the state while fires continue growing and putting out smoke.

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.
Gov. Kim Reynolds and Attorney General Brenna Bird, third from right, shown here in a July 2023 file photo, are investigating a university employee's statements about DEI in a video aired on FOX News. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Kim Reynolds and Brenna Bird have chosen their next target.

Fresh off an embarrassing defeat to Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx, the states chief enforcers of Iowa RightThink have decided to take on someone they undoubtedly believe is more vulnerable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The governor has filed a complaint concerning a University of Iowa employee who had the misfortune of being captured on hidden camera disparaging the anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Gospel of the Republican Party.

In a secretly recorded video that aired on Fox News this week, an employee who has been identified in news reports as Andrea Tinoco, assistant director of Leadership and Student Organization Development, said that despite being ordered to remove DEI from their websites, we are essentially finding ways to operate around it.  We were like, oh, OK, we cant use that word. OK, civic engagement. I think thats a lot of what were doing.

Civic engagement? The horrors!

In another part of the heavily edited video, Tinoco says: We are still doing DEI work. Were still working with our students. I have yet to be told, like, Drea, you cant say DEI, and Im still gonna say it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Reynolds  who once said a jurys verdict convicting Donald Trump of 34 felonies didnt matter  was instantly triggered by the video. Shes already pronounced Tinoco guilty of defying the state law banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices and activities. This, before the investigation was even completed; perhaps before it had even begun.

But its not at all clear that Tinoco has violated anything. The vaguely written law, passed in 2024, prohibits establishing offices or engaging in activities that give special benefits or encourage preferential treatment based on characteristics like race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Just because the adherents of Iowa RightThink get wiggy at the mere mention of DEI, and some university employees continue to believe in the idea behind it  equal opportunity  this doesnt mean they are breaking the law.

Disparaging a concept, or attempts to banish it, are not illegal, either.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nor are attempts to maneuver within the laws meaning. Politicians do this all the time.

Weve seen this movie before.

In February, Dan Marx violated Iowa RightThink by having the nerve to say he would uphold the Constitution, even if it meant refusing to pledge unquestioning loyalty to the federal governments immigration practices.

These words also triggered the governor, who complained to Bird. The attorney general then tried to bring Marx to heel for what he wrote, going to court claiming he had broken state law. But Marx, a popular Republican sheriff in a Republican leaning county, chose to fight. He won.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This no doubt embarrassed Reynolds and Bird. So now theyve chosen someone who might not have the resources or the level of public support of the elected sheriff who humiliated them. A person who they now seek to intimidate, either themselves or by leveraging the Board of Regents or the university to do it for them.

I dont know Andrea Tinoco, but I hope shes got access to good legal help. Because the weight of Iowas government is being brought to bear against her.

If she doesnt, I hope Iowans who believe in free speech will step up.

I also hope the University of Iowa doesnt knuckle under. Weve already seen larger universities, with hefty financial resources, cave under the pressure of Trumpian intimidation, surrendering their free-speech values in the process. It would be a shame to see the University of Iowa join this crowd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres the bottom line: Iowans, including public employees, ought to be able to express an opinion, even if it runs against the prevailing winds of Iowas ruling party; even if it is expressing how you have tried to find ways, in the face of a pernicious law, to do what we know we have to do for students.

If this breaks the law, then Bird should have to prove it. If not, then she and the governor ought to leave people alone to say what they want in our free society.

Iowa Republicans have been on a jihad for years to try to establish RightThink in this state  by muzzling public school teachers, banning library books, seeking to impose loyalty oaths on law enforcement, etc.

If they cant do it by law, then theyll try to do it by intimidation. They failed with Dan Marx, so now theyve chosen a new target. But the truth is theyre not just trying to persecute a state employee. We are all the targets of Iowa RightThink.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This column was originally published by Ed Tibbetts Along the Mississippi newsletter on Substack. It is republished here through the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

Editors note: Please consider subscribing to the collaborative and the authors blogs to support their work.




NEED TO KNOW

Taking to Reddit, a woman reflected on an unpleasant experience that she had flying

She said that two other passengers, a mother-daughter pair, refused to gate check their bags despite there being no room for luggage in the plane

After attempting to remove her bag from storage, the woman said that they were forced to gate check, but doing so delayed the flight by 20 minutes





A woman opened up about an unpleasant experience that she had flying with two "entitled" passengers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Taking to Reddit's "Entitled People" forum, the user recalled a flight that she was on roughly a year ago while heading home from a bachelorette party. Unfortunately for her and the rest of the passengers, they had a delayed takeoff thanks to a mother-daughter pair who refused to gate check their luggage.

In her post, she noted that the flight was totally full and that airline employees were urging people to gate check their bags before boarding the plane.

Since her husband had upgraded her boarding pass, she was able to get on early and found a space for her bag. She got the last spot in one of the overhead compartments, which a flight attendant then closed.

Getty Stock image of a man putting away luggage on plane. Stock image of a man putting away luggage on plane.

"As more groups board the plane the flight attendants repeatedly made announcements that the closed overhead compartments are full and to find another compartment," she writes, noting that by the end of the boarding process, there seemingly weren't any other spots left to store things.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That didn't stop a pair of women who boarded the plane with their bags.



"The older woman opens the overhead compartment above me and scoffs when she sees that its full. She says something like 'Our bags need to go here,' " the poster continues. "She proceeds to open the overhead compartment above the row across from me and scoffs again when she realizes that it is also full."

When a flight attendant came and told the woman to stop opening compartments, they "got into an aggressive conversation," with the passenger repeatedly insisting that she needed to put her bags above her seat.

After the flight attendant turned to help another passenger, the woman reopened the compartment and took out the poster's bag, placing it in the aisle, so that her own carry-on would fit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The flight attendant comes back immediately and said 'you cant do that maam. You need to find another place for your bag,'" she recalls. "The woman then explains that she needs to put her bags above her seat because she has a tight connection and has to make her way to the international terminal when we land."

"Now Im thinking this lady is an idiot. A) she could have paid $30 to upgrade her boarding group like I had to be able to get her carry on in the cabin. And B) She probably should have booked an earlier flight so she could make her connection."

After the mother-daughter duo realized there were "no more open compartments on the plane," two flight attendants told them they would need to gate check their bags and fill out paperwork to make sure that everything got to their final destination.

However, the older woman repeatedly refused to check the bag, leading to a delay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Between all the back and forth and bringing forms and more staff into this debacle, they delay the flight by like 20 minutes," she writes.

As the flight finally landed, the pilot asked passengers to let anyone who had a tight connection exit the plane first.

"Once we land, its a free for all . Everyone who can get up does, and Im just laughing thinking theirs no way these entitled women are making their flight. Even if they do their bags wont," she concludes.

Getty Stock image of angry plane passengers. Stock image of angry plane passengers.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Fellow Redditors commented on the situation, noting the irony of the women's behavior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"She has a tight connection so she delays the flight by an extra 20 minutes. Best of luck emulating Usain Bolt to make your next flight," one wrote.

Another agreed, writing, "Absolute chaos. Imagine holding up a whole flight and still thinking you're in the right. Touching someone else's bag? That's wild. Hope karma met them at the next gate."

Others shared similar experiences that they'd been through, noting that rude passengers can make flying so unpleasant.



Read the original article on People
When the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would roll back regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions  especially from motor vehicles  it touted annual savings for Americans of $54 billion. The EPA said eliminating Biden-era policies, which encouraged higher fuel efficiency standards for cars and electric vehicle adoption to limit tailpipe emissions, would enable consumers to "have affordable choices when deciding to buy a car."

But a CBS News review of the agency's own regulatory impact analysis of the proposal found that gasoline prices would increase, and nearly a half million jobs would be lost by 2035, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Agency, which was cited in the EPA's report.

Cost of gasoline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the EPA's July analysis, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which collects and analyzes energy data, showed Biden-era policies that were adopted by the end of 2024 would dramatically bring down the future cost of gasoline because more consumers would be driving electric vehicles, hybrids and fuel-efficient cars that require less gas.

It is challenging to predict the future gas prices because they're subject to high uncertainty and market volatility, but under a future scenario where Biden-era policies have been revoked under the Trump administration, the EIA projects gasoline prices will continue to increase because of a higher demand for gas-powered cars and fuel.

The former administrator of the EIA, Joseph DeCarolis, explained in an email that if the government "disincentivizes electric vehicle purchases, more consumers will purchase gasoline vehicles resulting in higher gasoline consumption and high gasoline prices for everyone."

"There's a clear causal connection between rescinding measures promoting electric vehicles, such as EPA tailpipe standards, and the projection of higher gasoline prices," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked in an interview with CBS News' "The Takeout with Major Garrett" about how this plan could raise gas prices, Zeldin did not directly address the question.

Instead, he argued that previous policies like an electric vehicle mandate were costing trillions of dollars to regulate climate pollution, saying the policies were "seeking to strangulate out of existence, entire sectors of our economy, and specifically our energy economy.

'It's important that we are applying common sense," Zeldin said, "that we are cognizant of these economic demands and that, wherever possible, when we can protect the environment and grow the economy that we will choose both."

Neither the Biden nor Obama administrations implemented EV mandates, though both encouraged EV adoptions by Americans and businesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zeldin reiterated the Trump administration's stance that the EPA does not have the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act unless an act of Congress changes that.

"Here's my message: If Congress wants the EPA to be regulating the heck out of carbon dioxide, well, they could put it inside of law," Zeldin said.

Impacts on fuel efficiency

Along with rolling back greenhouse gas emissions standards to limit tailpipe emissions, the EPA would also rescind fuel efficiency measures.

Under Biden-era fuel efficiency policies, a new standard gas-powered car was expected to get 47.1 miles per gallon by 2027, and by 2035, cars were expected to achieve 61.2 mpg, according to EIA data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Without the Biden policies, model 2027 cars are supposed to meet a 43.6 mpg standard and gradually increase to 50.5 mpg by 2035.

Light trucks and SUVs, beginning in model year 2027, under a scenario where Biden policies are revoked by the Trump administration, are set to reach fuel efficiency of 27.2 mpg and increase to 28.6 mpg by 2035. Had the Biden policies remained in place, SUVs and light trucks were expected to meet a 28.4 mpg standard in 2027 and increase to 46.2 mpg by 2035, according to EIA data.

Future job losses

The EIA's own data estimates that a future scenario  where Biden-Obama emissions standards are revoked  would lead to a loss of 450,000 jobs by 2035. Jobs would begin to rebound by 2045, but not enough to overcome the significant losses suffered in previous decades.

Peter Huether, senior transportation research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, said in a statement, "Drivers would pay thousands of dollars more in fuel and maintenance costs over the life of a vehicle, and businesses could lose billions annually from higher trucking costs" as a result of the Trump administration's deregulation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These costs would ripple through the economy, raising prices for everyday goods and undercutting job growth," Huether said.

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

The A.I. Divide | America Unfiltered

Defense attorneys refuse new cases in Massachusetts, citing unfair pay
In a cramped apartment in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Pavlo, a 30-year-old drone operator who had recently returned from the front, unzipped a black case about the size of a pizza box. Inside, there was a four-rotor drone he intended to fly around the room.

He pressed buttons on the control unit and pushed the antenna to different positions. Nothing happened. "Sorry, not today," he said, with a smile. The unit looked fine, but something was broken.

At the front, Pavlo, who asked to be identified only by his first name, was a pilot of first-person view (FPV) drones. These small, highly manoeuvrable drones have front-facing cameras that allow them to be flown remotely. Over the past year or so, bomb-laden FPVs have become ubiquitous on the frontlines in Ukraine, replacing the heavy weapons that characterised the war's first phase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FPVs chase armoured vehicles, hunt infantry units through treelines and stalk individual soldiers to their deaths. "You cannot hide from the FPV, and to run is useless," Pavlo said. "You try to be as calm as possible, and you pray."

Even when an FPV is too high to see clearly, or hidden behind foliage, soldiers can hear its distinctive, high-pitched whine.

"Bzzzzzzzzzz," Pavlo said. "You are being hunted."

Small FPV drones with munitions attached, in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers [Getty Images]

After more than a year at the front, Pavlo has returned home to the Kyiv apartment he shares with his wife. But the sound of the drones has followed him. Everyday mechanical tools like lawnmowers, motorcycles and air conditioners remind him of the FPVs that hunted him and his unit mates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And nature is not an escape. Pavlo can no longer hear the sound of bees and flies buzzing near him without a creeping panic. "I don't like to go into nature anymore and hear this sound, because it reminds me so hard of the drones," he said.

Trauma associated with sound is not new  generations of soldiers have been affected by sudden noises after returning to civilian life. But as the war in Ukraine has evolved into a conflict driven by drone technology, the trauma has evolved with it.

"Over the past year, the majority of patients  if they are not physically wounded  have mental health injuries as a result of being under drone activity," said Dr Serhii Andriichenko, chief psychiatrist at Kyiv's military hospital. "We call this droneophobia."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many thousands of men are now returning from the front like Pavlo, with acute stress disorders associated with the sounds of drones, Dr Andriichenko said. The droneophobia can be triggered by an array of ordinary urban sounds  small motorcycles and scooters, lawnmowers, air conditioners  anything mechanical that whirrs.

"If it's a moped or a lawnmower, my first thought is that it might be a drone," said another returned frontline soldier, Savur, who lost his arm in an FPV drone attack.

At the front line the drones were a "permanent sound", said Savur, who in accordance with military protocol asked to be identified by his callsign. "The sound of a shell lasts just a few seconds, but the sound of the drone is there most of the time," he said.

"You can lay in your position, in your foxhole, and listen to it for hours. I remember that sound all of the time."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Or sometimes the problem was the opposite  silence. "Silence is always the start," Dr Andriichenko, the psychiatrist, said. "When the soldiers go on rotation to combat positions, they start listening carefully to make sure there are no drones. There is constant tension, constant fear. They are always looking up."

Serhii Andriichenko, chief psychiatrist at Kyiv's military hospital. "We call this droneophobia," he said. [BBC]

In many cases, that constant sense of tension has not been dispelled by the return to civilian life. Soldiers have been observed suddenly switching off lights at home, moving away from windows and hiding under furniture.

Later, if a soldier is seen for treatment, Dr Andriichenko describes how he often has no memory of any trigger sound, but his wife or family member will reveal that an extractor fan or air conditioner had just been turned on.

Soldiers from the earlier phases of the war - which was characterised more by brutal, direct combat - came home fearful of being in forests, where much of the fighting had taken place. But drone warfare has reversed the phenomenon. Now soldiers "feel safest in forests, under dense tree canopies", the psychiatrist said. "And in their free time, they try to avoid wooded areas."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The rise in drone use has had another terrorising effect for combat troops - it has extended the danger zone far back from the front line. Soldiers operating up to 40km (25 miles) away, or pulling back after a heavy rotation, can no longer let their guard down.

Nazar Bokhii, a commander of a small drone unit, was about 5km from the contact line in a dugout one day when his unit scored a direct hit on a Russian mortar position 22km away. Buoyed by the success, Bokhii bounded out of the dugout, forgetting the usual protocol of stopping first to listen for a telltale buzz.

Metres away, a Russian FPV was loitering in the air. As it sped towards him, Bokhii only had time to raise his arms. When it detonated, it took both his hands and his left eye and badly burned his face.

Nazar Bokhii lost both his hands and one eye in a Russian FPV drone attack [BBC]

Bokhii's own PTSD was limited, he said, to an occasional fear response to motorcycles and lawnmowers. But he knew about the effect of the sound, he said, because his unit had used it to inflict terror on others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We were the side that caused fear with sound, not the side that suffered from it," Bokhii said.

They had realised at some point that the sound could be used to force Russian soldiers into exposed areas. "You buzz around them and it becomes a test of the enemy's psychological resilience," Bokhii said. "The sound of the drone itself is a serious psychological attack."

According to Bokhii, buzz above a soldier for long enough and he will leave a strong shelter and simply run into open terrain. "Our psychology works in such a way that we need to do something to calm ourselves," Bokhii said. "So you hover nearby and psychologically suppress him and he starts running and becomes easier to hit."

And the psychological terror of the FPV is no longer just a problem on the front line. It has reached beyond even the areas behind the front lines. Russia has begun using FPVs to drop munitions on civilians in Ukrainian cities nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the worst hit is Kherson, a southern city occupied for a time by Russian forces and still comfortably within drone range. According to Human Rights Watch, Russian forces have deliberately targeted civilians in the city with FPV drones and killed or maimed them - a war crime.

According to the regional military administration, at least 84 civilians have been killed in the Kherson region as a result of Russian drone attacks so far this year.

Residents say the tiny FPVs are a daily terror.

"There is no such thing as a safe place anymore," said Dmytro Olifirenko, a 23-year-old border guard who lives in Kherson city. "You always have to be alert, focused, and because of that, the body is constantly under stress," he said.

Dmytro Olifirenko is among the many civilians wounded in drone attacks in Kherson. [Stanislav Ostrous/BBC]

Olifirenko was waiting at a bus stop in September when he heard the familiar sound of a Russian drone overhead. "We thought it would follow the bus, because they had been hunting civilian buses," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, the drone simply dropped its munition on the bus stop, sending shrapnel into Olifirenko's head, face and leg. Video of the incident, filmed by a bystander, captured the buzz of the drone followed by Olifirenko's screams as he bled onto the pavement.

Olifirenko now heard the drones "constantly", he said, whether they were there or not. "It hits your mental and psychological health hard," he said. "Even when you leave for Mykolaiv or another city, you are constantly trying to listen."

For civilians like Oliferenko, the drones have transformed the ordinary sounds of a populated area  cars, motorcycles, generators, lawnmowers, air conditioners  into a psychological gauntlet for civilians to run every day, even as they contend with the real danger of the drones themselves.

For the soldiers coming back from the front, like Pavlo, the drones have created a new and specific type of fear, one that is not easy to shake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"You see the world as a battlefield," Pavlo said. "It can become a battlefield any second."

And of all the triggers, hearing - the human sense drones are exploiting so effectively - was the most insidious, he said.

"When you see something, your brain can check it in a second, you can realise what it is very fast.

"But an unknown sound is different. Your brain has been changed. You cannot ignore it, you must respond. Because at the frontline, it could save your life."

Svitlana Libet contributed to this report. Photographs by Joel Gunter.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The state board of ethics is hearing a dispute over free Formula One tickets given to Clark County commissioners.

Each four-day ticket was worth more than $10,000.

A panel of commission members determined there is enough reason to require a full Nevada Commission on Ethics ruling.

Ethics complaints named current commissioners Tick Segerblom, William McCurdy II, Justin Jones and Jim Gibson. Former commissioner Ross Miller was also named.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The complaints argue they violated a provision in Nevada law against state employees accepting gifts. The commissioners could be forced to pay a fine.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.




NEED TO KNOW

Michael Paul Brown, the man suspected of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Montana on Aug. 1 is still at large

Brown, an Army veteran, is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, according to authorities

Residents in the Anaconda area have been advised to stay inside on high alert and to not engage with Brown





Michael Paul Brown, the man suspected of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Montana, remains at large and is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, authorities said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a press briefing on the evening of the Friday, Aug. 1, shooting, Lee Johnson with the Montana Department of Justice said that Brown remained at large as of 10 p.m. local time. He added that law enforcement had located the white Ford F-150 that Brown fled the scene in, though Brown was not located in or around the vehicle.

Authorities are now focusing their search for Brown  described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 170 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes  in the mountains near Stumptown Road just west of Anaconda.

While law enforcement has not received reports of Brown harming more people, Johnson said that Brown is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. He added that residents in the area have been notified to stay inside on high alert and to not engage with Brown.

"This is a small, tight-knit community that has been harmed by the heinous actions of one individual who does not represent what this community or Montanans stand for," Johnson said in his statement.

Google Maps The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Mont. The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Mont.

In an update shared on Saturday, Aug. 2, the Montana Department of Justice said the search for Brown is still focused on the area off of Stumptown Road, both on the ground and in the air, and includes multiple local, state, and federal agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department also confirmed that a bartender and three bar patrons were killed in the shooting, and additionally stated that Brown lived next door to the bar.

The shooting took place in the small town of Anaconda at The Owl Bar on Aug. 1, at about 10:30 a.m. local time, per a statement from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (MDCI).

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.

Brown is an Army veteran who served in Iraq between 2004 and 2005, according to an Army spokesperson, per The New York Times. He also served in the Montana National Guard for about two years until March 2008, according to the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two relatives of Brown, who spoke to the outlet under the condition of anonymity, said that Brown suffered from severe mental health problems, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte wrote on Facebook that he's "closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda."

Read the original article on People
Dual enrollment programs are helping Nebraska high school students earn college credit and in some cases associates degrees before graduation. Shown is the downtown Lincoln campus of Southeast Community College. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

The U.S. bioeconomy is driven by access to domestic feedstocks and our ability to successfully convert those feedstocks into the manufactured goods that we use every day. Americas heartland is a rich source of these feedstocks  including corn, soybeans, and sugar beets  that can be used by bioindustrial manufacturers to realize the promise of the bioeconomy.

Specifically, Nebraska has abundant natural resources and a strong, capable, resilient, workforce. Gov. Jim Pillen has said, The biobased economy is gigantic for the future. Its [Nebraskas] Silicon Valley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the U.S. tries to reach its full potential of this bioeconomy, many factors have fallen into place that could allow Nebraska to emerge as a leader, including political support, government and private sector funding and workforce development. Growing the bioeconomy is a state priority, and Lincoln-based Southeast Community College (SCC) is working to help meet the current and future demands of our state.

SCC serves a primarily rural 15-county area in southeast Nebraska, including the future home of Citroniq Chemicals decarbonized plastics production facility, the largest in the world. To ensure our workforce is adequately prepared, SCC in 2021 launched a new biotechnology program featuring three stackable credentials to prepare the next generation of skilled technicians to work in the industry.

Students acquire industry-relevant skills, along with the knowledge of how to work in a regulated environment. Twice a year, industry professionals provide input on the most relevant skills they hope new employees hold  to ensure that graduates fit industry needs. Furthermore, SCCs programs ensure that agreements are in place and that courses remain transferable to 4-year institutions, so that education opportunities can extend beyond a 2-year degree for those who want them.

Another key priority has been to ensure that a full pipeline has been built from middle school through graduate school, resulting in key partnerships with educational institutions and industry partners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One success has been the development of an industry-relevant citizen science research project that links dog genetics to attachment behavior. SCCs industry partner Neogen runs an animal genomics facility, also located in Lincoln, and many graduates of this program have gone on to lead successful careers at the site.

Furthermore, middle and high school teachers have been trained in summer workshops onsite at Neogen. During the school year, teachers are supported with equipment, materials and in-person assistance as they incorporate the research project into their classes. Career awareness helps expose teachers and students to the breadth of careers available in the bioeconomy. From the network of over 40 teachers trained, many are interested in adding more biotechnology to their current courses, as well as dual credit biotechnology courses. SCC is working to expand our capabilities and this network of teachers.

Collaborating with industry partners in the development of relevant curriculum is also a feature of SCCs work. In partnership with Bluestem Biosciences and their recently funded BioMADE project to scale up production of bioacrylates, SCC is creating a module of related bioindustrial manufacturing curriculum. This will include study materials, assignments, and assessments designed to expand resources for community college programs in bioindustrial manufacturing.

This initiative supports Bluestems commitment to leveraging existing bioethanol assets in the Midwest, which includes cultivating workforce talent. The curriculum will provide an engaging introduction to fermentation and purification of organic acids, life cycle assessment and environmental justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It will also be crafted to resonate with Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and to align with best practices in educational content creation. The approach fits with BioMADEs efforts to equip the next generation of technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs and plant operators.

Lastly, SCC has partnered with trade organization Bio Nebraska in its Fermentation Collaborative that seeks to increase collaboration between industry and educational institutions to improve opportunities for seamless work between 2- and 4-year institutions and raise awareness of the usefulness of precision fermentation. These collaborations have led to more connections with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, allowing for more opportunities for SCC students to engage in summer research and improved transfer opportunities.

Collectively, this work demonstrates the important role of community colleges in ensuring industry needs are met in the short term while also facilitating long-term partnerships that lead to future gains for a trained workforce. There are opportunities to participate in STEM careers at all education levels. Together, this will bring bio-based solutions to global problems.

Misty Wehling is a biology instructor at Southeast Community College, where she also co-chairs the biotechnology program. She led a team at SCC focused on meeting the workforce needs of Nebraskas bioscience industry.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Aug. 1Earlier this summer, Interior Alaska wildfires were so widespread, Fairbanks resident Nettie La Belle-Hamer had to prepare a go-box in case the flames encroached too closely on her home.

La Belle-Hamer, deputy director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, brought that firsthand experience along with plenty of scientific knowledge to this year's Arctic Encounter Symposium, an annual conference focused on the region.

La Belle-Hamer was joined by four other panelists  three of whom live in the Interior  to discuss methods to address wildfires in the Arctic, as well as strategies to implement fire mitigation in the Arctic to protect permafrost melt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Aug. 1, 981,180.7 acres in Alaska have burned in wildfires, according to the Bureau of Land Management. That land mass is the equivalent to the entire state of Rhode Island.

The four Alaska panelists all mentioned the wildfires in the Interior this summer.

"It's very real to us who are living here and smelling the smoke and seeing the fires summer after summer," La Belle-Hamer said.

She discussed her background with satellite imagery and how fire burn maps can inform what future fires would look like.

"There's a huge potential that's not being realized at the University of Alaska Fairbanks," La Belle-Hamer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

By combining the satellite imagery and fire department training at UAF with the science of what has happened in the boreal forest, "we're actually so much better together," La Belle-Hamer said.

Edward Alexander, who is co-chair of the Gwich'in Council International, said that if a predicted wind event had actually materialized, "Fairbanks could have easily been evacuated to Anchorage or to Whitehorse."

As of Aug. 1, there are 187 active fires in Alaska, 10 of which are staffed.

Morten Hglund, former Arctic ambassador for Norway, is a co-leader of the Arctic Wildland Fires Initiative along with Alexander. The initiative was launched in 2023 by the Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We just came to this issue after 65% of our (Gwich'in) homeland ... burned during my lifetime," Alexander said Wednesday. "It's basically equivalent to four states of Delaware on the upper corner of Alaska there, that have burned."

"Our area has been slightly warmer than the rest of the Circumpolar Arctic by a couple of degrees," Alexander said about the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Not all parts of the globe are warming at the same rate. Alexander noted that the Arctic has warmed four times more than the global average.

Seeing the effects of widespread smoke and fires in the Yukon, Alexander said that he and Hglund were concerned about what would happen once the rest of the circumpolar boreal forest reached higher temperatures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wildfires in the Arctic have different results compared to wildfires in the Lower 48. Alexander used Alaska and California as an example. In California, wildfires burn down to the soil. Comparatively, in Alaska, the fires burn to the duff  a surface layer that insulates permafrost.

Permafrost is defined as soil or sediment that remains below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more years. Permafrost contains large amounts of organic carbon, and as it thaws, the carbon that is trapped within the soil is released as a greenhouse gas.

The boreal forest, according to Alexander, serves as a protective blanket insulating the permafrost under it. When this blanket burns, the permafrost becomes vulnerable to thawing. Once this blanket is removed, there is no way to prevent or reverse the permafrost from thawing.

Areas in the Arctic contain permafrost whose carbon, when released, "could be more than ... a small country's entire emissions," according to Alexander.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last summer, 1.6 million acres of "permafrost-rich lands" in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge were moved to a higher fire protection classification. Instead of letting areas burn in the early season, firefighters will manage the fires more closely under the new classification.

The Yukon Flats spans 8.6 million acres in total.

Alexander pointed out that this area is "affecting our future." He said that recent fires have burned so intensely on the Yukon Flats that the "yedoma is collapsing." Yedoma is permafrost that formed in the Pleistocene period, which started roughly 2.6 million years ago.

According to the Woodwell Climate Research Center, where Alexander is a senior Arctic leader, 20% of the permafrost that is vulnerable to thawing is found in Alaska.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Boots on the ground

Alexander and fellow panelist Peter Butteri, a retired Alaska statewide fire planner, both worked as wildland firefighters. By partnering with scientists, Butteri said, firefighters are able to increase their effectiveness. Scientists at UAF like La Belle-Hamer look at various maps of the boreal forest, fire burns, scars and fuel maps to better predict fire activity.

"We've got long-term researchers ... providing tools that we use on a daily basis," said Butteri.

Alexander sees an opportunity to use a new type of fire management in the state.

"As firefighters, we tend to think of things as a chain saw problem or a Pulaski problem," Alexander said. "You can't solve the circumpolar wildland fire crisis with a chain saw or a Pulaski (ax)."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, Alexander pointed to how the Gwich'in traditionally kept large wildfires at bay. The Gwich'in practice involves burning off the "dead sticks and matter on the top" in the spring, while the ground is still frozen, Alexander said. These mild fires, as Alexander put it, allow for more biodiversity to return, compared to severe fires that lead to widespread damage.

"Mama moose has got protein shakes everywhere she goes," Alexander said about the plants that come back after mild fires.

Similarly to mowing a lawn every two weeks, Alexander said that cultural burnings every two years can be used as preventive maintenance.

"If all the world's permafrost thawed, I mean, there's no amount of solar panels, or, you know, zero-emission cars or anything like that, that's going to create food security for humans," Alexander said.
The ongoing food crisis in Yemen  driven by conflict, economic shocks, and extreme weather  has once again ranked among the worst in the world, according to a major international report.

What's happening?

The 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, recently released by a group of intergovernmental organizations and United Nations agencies, identified Yemen as one of the sites of the "four most severe nutrition crises" in 2024. The other three were Sudan, Gaza, and Mali.

In these four places, "catastrophic hunger driven by conflict and other factors is hitting record highs, pushing households to the edge of starvation," wrote Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the UN, in a foreword.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report's profile on Yemen also stated that nearly half (48%) of the country's population faced acute food insecurity during a peak period from late 2024 through early 2025. Nearly 17 million Yemenis struggled to access sufficient food during this time.

Why is this food crisis concerning?

Multiple factors compounded hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in the country last year. According to the report, these included economic circumstances that sharply raised food prices as well as continued conflict between Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized government.

Extreme weather events, intensified by an overheating planet, also played a role in food shortages and rising costs. Heat waves, irregular rainfall, rapid humidity changes, and reduced soil fertility have all hurt farming and ranching, outlet Atalayar noted in June.

The global report explained that heavy rains in March and August 2024 led to flooding that impacted hundreds of thousands of people, damaged over 240,000 acres of crops, increased water contamination and disease, and led to losses of livestock and livelihoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the situation in Yemen has been especially harsh, it also reflects food insecurity and crises worldwide, all too often amplified by extreme weather.

More than 295 million people in 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization in a summary of the global report. Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition have now risen for six consecutive years, and the number of people facing catastrophic hunger is at its highest since the annual reports began in 2016.

For Yemen, a tragic trend has continued. The Arabian Peninsula nation has now been named a site of one of the worst food crises in each edition of the report.

What's being done about the food crisis in Yemen?

According to this latest Global Report on Food Crises, international aid to Yemen was limited in 2024 by "funding reductions and a deteriorating humanitarian operating environment." Sudden suspensions of funding in 2025 have further disrupted aid operations in Yemen and other fragile settings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, the UN has reported on Yemeni initiatives to improve agricultural resilience, ranging from improving water management to promoting hydroponic farming.

Atalayar cited Yemeni researcher Wafaa Al-Sanidar, who called for increasing the use of renewable energy and building reservoirs to make the nation more resilient to the effects of a rapidly warming Earth. Others have called for more research into drought-resistant crops.

More broadly, Secretary-General Guterres wrote that decision-makers should take note of the recent report: "We must summon the funding, innovations, and global solidarity to build the food-secure and climate-resilient future that every person, everywhere, needs and deserves."

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.
If plans to complete the border wall between Mexico and the United States are realized, irreversible harm could be done to dozens of endangered species.

What's happening?

The U.S.-Mexico border is nearly 2,000 miles long and stretches across four states. In March, the current administration indicated an intention to finish the wall's construction by 2029. Aside from the enormous cost and questions of its efficacy, one of the biggest concerns is the environmental impact.

The Sky Islands are a remote mountain range in southeastern Arizona, described by an article in The Travel as having "more biodiversity than any other inland region in the United States." If this critical biodiversity hot spot is walled off, several species face extinction. Sky Islands Alliance zoologist Eamon Harrity warned: "If we block this, it's forever. We are going to lose so many species."

Why is a border wall such a concern for wildlife?

The U.S.-Mexico borderlands are home to several migrating species, including black bears, mountain lions, ocelots, and jaguars. They rely on wildlife corridors to travel freely between the countries in search of food, water, and mates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In areas with standing barriers, the wildlife suffers. With only a limited number of openings for animals to cross through the obstacles, most will either avoid them or try to go around them. A study revealed that only 9% of attempted animal crossings are successful.

Habitat connectivity is vital for the long-term viability of a species. Without it, animal populations become isolated, inbred, and vulnerable to the impact of food scarcity and extreme weather events. It also closes the door on the revival of particular species in the future. For example, as Panthera noted, jaguars once roamed the southern United States but have since been effectively extirpated from the region; a completed border wall would guarantee that the species could never return to the region.

What's being done to protect borderlands wildlife?

The proposals are still a long way from being realized, and there's a great deal of scope for taking local action to counter the damage that could be done. Similarly, just as bipartisan pressure prevented the sale of public lands, it can work again to protect species in the borderlands. Backing pro-climate political candidates is another way to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Sky Islands.

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.
A shooting at an Anaconda bar on Aug. 1 left four people dead  a bartender and three patrons. The shooting suspect, Michael Brown, was arrested about 2 p.m. Aug. 8.

Here is what else we know about the incident:

Suspected shooter Michael Brown arrested

Michael Brown, the man suspected of fatally shooting four people in an Anaconda bar Aug. 1, was arrested Aug. 8 west of town after a weeklong manhunt that involved hundreds of law enforcement officers.

Brown, 45, was found about 2 p.m. near the Ranch Bar, 13177 Montana Highway 1, state officials said.

He was listed Aug. 9 in the Butte-Silver Bow County Detention Center. No court information was immediately available.

Bill Everett, chief executive of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, said Brown was captured in or near an old abandoned trailer near the bar.

Hes alive and its over, Everett told The Montana Standard on Friday. Anaconda can get some sleep tonight.

Numerous law enforcement agencies were at the scene Friday afternoon. They included the U.S. Marshals Service, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Police, Montana Highway Patrol.

Also offering support were the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the Montana National Guard with canines, aerial resources, manpower, and other supports for the search.

Where and when did the shooting take place?

According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at the Owl Bar at 819 E. 3rd St. in the Goosetown neighborhood of Anaconda.

Situated in southwest Montana, Anaconda is a town of about 9,800 people. It's roughly 25 miles west of Butte and 80 miles southwest of Helena, Montana's capital.

Who is the shooting suspect?

Law enforcement identified Michael Brown, 45, as the suspected shooter.

Brown served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 and had been deployed at least once to Iraq. He was in the National Guard from 2006 to 2009 and his last known rank was sergeant.

He lived in a home next door to the Owl Bar, authorities said. According to an initial online records search, Brown is a 1998 high school graduate with no listed criminal record.

William Leonard Brown, a brother of Michael Brown, fatally stabbed a man in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County in 2000. He was sentenced in January 2002 to 100 years in prison and is now held at the Saguero Correctional Center, a private prison in Arizona, according to the Montana Department of Corrections.

Where was the suspect last seen before he went missing?

Before being apprehended seven days after fleeing the scene, Brown was seen around 2 p.m. Aug. 1 driving west of Anaconda on Stumptown Road. He was believed to be driving a stolen white Ford F-150 pickup.

Authorities located that truck on Aug. 1, but Brown was nowhere to be found.

Authorities released a still surveillance photo of Brown that was taken at some point after the fatal shooting Aug. 1 and it appeared he was barefoot and only had shorts on.

But Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said the pickup truck Brown drove off in had camping gear and clothing in it, and believed he was clothed when he ditched the truck and scampered by foot into the mountains.

Knudsen also said authorities did not know whether Brown was armed, a situation that added peril for searchers in an area that features thick stands of aspens and lodgepole pines.

In the wilds of the Anaconda Range, experts say elusive gunman has advantage over searchers Anaconda natives and veteran outdoorsmen familiar with the area a suspected shooter may be located say there are plenty of places to hide in this breathtaking and rugged country.

Several Anaconda natives and veteran outdoorsmen familiar with the Garrity Mountain Wildlife Management Area said there are plenty of places to hide.

The mountain pine bark beetle kills lodgepole pines. Toppled trees spread like jackstraws across the landscape, providing a bulwark of sorts for someone hiding behind them. There are shrub thickets and bushy riparian areas along Warm Spring Creek and other streams.

In a separate interview, Chris Marchion  an inductee into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame, noted conservationist and public lands advocate  said Brown had "the advantage over people looking for him."

What did search efforts entail?

Officials said more than 250 law enforcement officers from nearly 40 local, state and federal agencies were involved in the manhunt in some capacity. Among other assets, authorities deployed helicopters with infrared technology.

During one press conference, authorities said there were signs Brown had been in mountains near Anaconda.

There is certainly evidence in our search area that hes present and that, you know, were hunting in the right haystack, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said as the manhunt for Brown entered its fifth day.

Search efforts were largely concentrated to the Mt. Haggin and Garrity Mountain areas.

Theres been sweeps, Knudsen said. Theres a number of cabins up there. Theyve all been swept and checked (and) other assets up there.

Gov. Greg Gianforte also signed an executive order providing emergency funds to help pay for search efforts.

Governor OKs emergency funds for search of Anaconda shooting suspect Authorities say there are signs Michael Paul Brown has been in a mountainous area since he allegedly shot and killed four people in an Anaconda bar on Friday.

Who are the victims?

The names of the four victims were released Aug. 3. They are 59-year-old Daniel Edwin Baillie, 64-year-old Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 70-year-old David Allen Leach, and 74-year-old Tony Wayne Palm. All four were residents of Anaconda.

Knudsen said authorities believe Brown was a regular at the bar and likely knew the victims.

How do people who know the suspect describe him?

Chris Marchion of Anaconda, an avid outdoorsman who knows the territory around Garrity Mountain and the Garrity Mountain Wildlife Management Area, said Brown knows the area well.

He said Brown has backpacked in the country and knows the terrain, mountain lakes like Hearst, Haggin and more. There are heavily timbered sections, along with abandoned mines.

"It's pretty good terrain to hide out in," Marchion told The Montana Standard on Aug. 3. "Even if there is a helicopter flying over you could find a place to hide."

"He's not afraid of being uncomfortable, he said. He's an unstable person. And he's going to become more unstable."

David Gwerder, owner of the Owl Bar, told the Associated Press that the suspect "knew everyone that was in the bar. I guarantee you that. He didn't have a running dispute with any of them. I think he snapped."

Gwerder said he was not aware of any conflicts between Brown and the victims.

Numerous social media posts from people who said they knew Brown claim he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had sought mental health help numerous times. Authorities have not confirmed those claims.

Dan Oberweiser, Browns high school football coach in Deer Lodge in the 90s, says as a kid he always "had a big smile on his face."

What he did, thats not the Mikey I knew 30 years ago," Oberweiser said.

Did the incident prompted lockdowns or other ripple effects?

According to public service updates from authorities, Anaconda did not go on lockdown.

Law enforcement urged residents to avoid the Stumptown Road area and "remain cautious and vigilant."

Anaconda Deer Lodge Police Chief Bill Sather issued a statement on video Aug. 2 posted on the Montana DOJ Facebook page, telling residents it was OK to go about your business but, please use caution.

Some residents in the Stumptown Road area were initially evacuated but they have been allowed to return to their homes.

An official with Discover Anaconda announced Tuesday afternoon that the upcoming Smeltermens celebration scheduled Aug. 8-10 has been canceled due to the ongoing search efforts.

This is not an easy decision, but it is the right one, said Celina Van Hyning, director of Discover Anaconda. Our community is grieving, and while Smeltermens Day is a celebration of Anacondas strength, spirit and history, we believe that now is not a time for celebration  but for mourning, reflection and healing.

What was the shooter's motive?

Authorities have not released any information regarding the shooter's motive.

How are locals reacting to the situation?

Marlene Quick, who lives on Washoe Street adjacent to Stumptown Road, said she saw a white pickup speeding by her house on Friday followed by several police cars.

Its so sad, Quick said Aug. 2. Its horrifying.

Tom Yochem was walking his dog, Sarah, about a half mile up the road that leads to Hearst Lake on Friday when he heard sirens. Then a friend called him and said he should get home.

Given the police presence Saturday, Yochem planned to change his routine.

Ted Williams, a well-known manager at the Anaconda McDonalds, hoped authorities would allow him to return to the home he shares with an aunt at Garrity Mountain to allow him to feed and water three dogs.

Williams home is smack dab in the search zone area, with his home built into the side of Garrity Mountain.

He said he was allowed to return Aug. 2 with a police escort to tend to the dogs. But he was not allowed to go Aug. 3. His three dogs are Gus, around 13 years old, Stanley and Ira.

What do we know about the Owl Bar? The Owl Bar is cluttered with old signs and memorabilia, neon lights and has a long bar on one end that stretches the length of the room. One woman described it Aug. 1 as a favorite watering hole for locals. It dates back to the early 1900s and according to a 1987 story in The Montana Standard, was one of numerous bars along the old streetcar run that brought thousands of men to and from the Washoe Smelter each day. The bar is in the Goosetown neighborhood, which got its name from a large number of geese kept behind each bar that were raffled off frequently.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A thick haze covers the Peoria area, starting on Thursday, which is a result of the Canadian wildfires.

The smoke from the wildfire has covered much of the Midwest, causing an unhealthy rating on the air quality index. Medical professionals are urging people who are sensitive to poor air quality to stay inside.

The people who are at high risk, as we discussed earlier, should try to avoid being outdoors if they can and go out as little as possible. Wearing a mask when going outside might be somewhat helpful, said Ravi Kashyap, M.D., a pulmonologist for Carle Health Methodist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People at high risk include people with respiratory diseases, cardiac diseases, pregnant women, the elderly and children.

Doctors also suggest residents filter the air in their homes, as they are not completely safe from poor air quality.

It cannot be completely free from pollutants, even inside the house. Keeping the house closed and minimizing the air coming inside the house would be helpful. Not eliminating that, but it will be a lot better than going outside, said Kashyap.

For more information on the air quality index and how to keep safe, visit the American Lung Associations 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 CIProud.com.
OLD FORT, Tenn. (AP)  Officers found 14 improvised explosive devices while executing a search warrant for a man who had threatened to kill public officials and tried to detonate the devices as he was being arrested, Tennessee authorities said Saturday.

Detectives and deputies went to a home Friday in Old Fort, about 45 miles (70 kilometers) east of Chattanooga, seeking to apprehend the 54-year-old suspect, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

After taking him into custody, the officers noticed something was smoldering in the bedroom where he was found, the sheriffs office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They saw what appeared to be an improvised explosive device and evacuated the home. Subsequently, bomb squad officers and agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, found the 14 devices, the sheriffs office said.

The suspect was charged with 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 14 counts of prohibited weapons and one count of possession of explosive components, according to the sheriffs office.

He was being held at the Polk County Jail, which could not confirm whether he had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf when reached by phone Saturday.

The suspect had active warrants for threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel in the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Elisa Myzal, public affairs director for Chattanooga police, said via email that none of the devices detonated. Myzal did not comment on the nature and timing of the suspects threats against officials or whether he was arrested because agents believed there was an imminent danger.

Police and the ATF referred further inquiries to the sheriff's office, which said nobody was available at the moment to answer questions.
HIGH POINT  The Guilford County Division of Public Health will hold extended childhood immunization clinic hours on select days during August ahead of the new school year.

The hours for the division clinic at 501 E. Green Drive will be from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. on Aug. 12, 14, 19, 26 and 28. Usual clinic hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Immunizations will be by appointment by calling 336-641-3245. The division announced the extended clinic hours on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Carolina law requires all incoming seventh-graders to receive a Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, vaccine and an MCV, or meningococcal conjugate vaccine, by the start of their seventh-grade year. All incoming 12th-graders are required to receive a second dose of the MCV by the start of their 12th-grade year.

Parents or guardians should bring their childs insurance or Medicaid card and immunization records to their clinic appointment. The Guilford County Division of Public Health will collect fees for out-of-network immunization services.

Parents or guardians also may schedule appointments for the required immunizations with their childs in-network primary care physician or at participating pharmacy clinics.
He must have gotten an F in ethics.

NYC socialist mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani and a pal stole a table while an undergraduate at Bowdoin College in Maine  only admitting to the heist in the campus newspaper after security had him dead to rights.

I would occasionally use the table in my room. You know, for that game with the red Solo cups and a few ping-pong balls, the future defund-the-police Queens assemblyman recalled in a Sept. 16, 2011 column for The Bowdoin Orient, titled Idiots Steal Table.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not a drinking game though, because that would be against the rules, so we play with water. Just as much fun with twice the hydration.

NYC socialist mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani (left) stole a table while an undergraduate at Bowdoin College  only admitting to the heist in the campus newspaper after security had him dead to rights. REUTERS

And the crime was premeditated  Mamdani admitted to eyeing the piece since he was a freshman the year before, he wrote.

He claimed he grew so fond of the furniture that he plotted with a buddy to borrow the table for a few nights at his new campus living quarters by carrying it in broad daylight from one building to another, The Maine Wire first reported.

Mamdani wrongly assumed there were no security cameras along his getaway path, so his jaw dropped the following day when he got a call from Randy Nichols, a retired Maine State Trooper who then ran the nearly $65,000-a-year colleges security.

Mamdani during his senior year at Bowdoin in 2014. Bowdoin SJP/ Facebook

I thought it had to do with a crime to report, since I also cover the crime beat for this paper. In a way, I wasnt wrong, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His first words to me on the phone: Zohran, do you have any knowledge on the whereabouts of a bench from second floor West? I couldnt believe it, and yet I kind of did. But before we established ourselves as the worst borrowers in history, I needed clarification: A bench or a table, Mr. Nichols?

The crime of stealing the table was premeditated, since Mamdani eyed the piece since he was a freshman the year before, the future anti-police pol wrote in a Sept. 16, 2011 column for The Bowdoin Orient, titled Idiots Steal Table. AP

By the end of the conversation, I had admitted to having taken a table from [the] second floor [of the] West [building] without asking anyone, and also to having been an idiot in the process.

Mamdani, however, insisted in his column he still had nothing but love for Nichols  and was ready to deal with the consequences, whatever they would be.

Heres to the man with the deepest voice Ive ever heard and the trendiest wrist-bands on campus, continuing to catch idiot table-snatching thieves for years to come. And to my meeting with my dean next week, he wrote.

Mamdani graduated the Maine college in 2014 with a bachelors degree in Africana studies. The Bowdoin Orient

It is unclear if Mamdani received any punishment.

Nichols did not return messages.

Reps for Mamdani, who graduated in 2014 with a bachelors degree in Africana studies, did not return a request for comment.
Did the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate search database say that Ghislaine Maxwell was "Not in BOP custody" on Friday, August 1, 2025? Yes, that's true: A search for Maxwell by Lead Stories at 2 p.m. EDT showed a page that indicated she was not in the custody of the federal prison system. A statement from the BOP to Lead Stories a few minutes later said Maxwell was in their custody at its prison in Byron, Texas. The database would be updated at midnight to show her in custody, the spokesman said. Lead Stories confirmed did update early morning on August 2.

The claim that the BOP website indicated Maxwell was released appeared in a post (archived here) shared by the @IamCassandraEsq account on X on August 1, 2025: The caption above the image of the BOP search result read:

Trump officials say Ghislaine Maxwell has been moved from Jacksonville to Federal Prison Camp Bryant in Texas, but BOP says otherwise. WHERE IS GHISLAINE?

This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:

Image source: Screenshot of August 1, 2025, post by x.com/IamCassandraEsq

When Lead Stories conducted the search of the Federal Inmate Search page, we confirmed the image was real:

Image source: Screenshot of bop.gov by Lead Stories

The Federal Bureau of Prisons' public affairs office quickly responded to Lead Stories' inquiry about Maxwell's status with this emailed statement:

We can confirm Ghislaine Maxwell is in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas. You may check our website's locator here https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ for any future updates. The locator function should update at midnight tonight to reflect this location. To learn more about FPC Bryan, you may visit our public website here https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/bry/. Thank you, Benjamin O'Cone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The inmate database was updated to verify Maxwell was in BOP custody at the Texas facility when Lead Stories conducted the same search at 5 a.m. EDT on August 2.
Did U.S. President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, bemoan what he described as "disrespect" from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi? No, that's not true: A widely-shared screenshot which appeared to show such a message was, in fact, fake. A search of the president's TruthSocial account, and news archives, yielded no record of his having written those words.

The fake post appeared in an August 1, 2025, post on Threads (archived here) which consisted of a screenshot of the post and the following introductory caption:

now he is behaving like my ex

The text of the embedded screenshot itself read:

So hard to believe that Prime Minister Modi STILL hasn't responded to my tweets, statements, or tariff concerns. We gave India so much -- great deals, defense support, big crowds -- and yet, TOTAL SILENCE. Not even a thank you!

Don't forget -- I'm the one who got India and Pakistan to declare a ceasefire. Nobody else could do that. MANY people said I should've gotten the Nobel Prize for it!!

India continues to benefit while American workers suffer. I've always liked Modi, but this kind of disrespect will NOT be forgotten. Bad for business. Bad for friendship. #AmericaFirst

This is what it looked like at the time of writing:

Image source: Screenshot of August 1, 2025, post by x.com/vedikabaisa

Trump never posted that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An August 1 scan of his TruthSocial account (archived here) showed no posts matching the one shown in the screenshot. Furthermore, the archive TrumpsTruth.org contained no trace (archived here) of a TruthSocial post by Trump containing the words "Modi" and "friendship".

Searches on Google (archived here) and Bing (archived here) for the words "Modi" and "friendship", limited to links containing "truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump" (using the "site:" search operator) returned no results either. This indicates that Google and Bing didn't recently index such a post.

If Trump had published such a post, it would undoubtedly have formed the basis of widespread news coverage. Google News and Yahoo! News searches (archived here and here) both yielded no relevant results for the phrases "Trump", "Modi", and "bad for friendship", further underlining the fabricated nature of the post.
Families and supporters of hostages starving in Gaza have erected a barbed-wire protest camp in Tel Aviv.

The protest is intended to increase pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, after footage released by Palestinian terror groups revealed the conditions in which Israelis are being held.

Families will sit in the camp to draw attention to the hostages plight, saying the footage of two hostages shows they are dying in captivity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A statement from the Hostage Family Forum read: Against the backdrop of horrifying footage and harsh reports about the hostages condition  hostage families will cry out this morning in the heart of Tel Aviv.

A barbed wire fence compound will be erected in Hostages Square, family members will sit imprisoned within it  and cry out the desperate plea of their loved ones who are dying in captivity.

Supporters and families of hostages hope the barbed-wire camp will put pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu - Abir Sultan/EPA/Shutterstock

A spokesman added that the group was calling on the Israeli and US governments to stop this nightmare and bring them out of tunnels and home.

On Saturday, Donald Trumps special envoy for the Middle East met the families of Israeli hostages still in captivity, 22 months after Hamass Oct 7 terror attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Video footage online showed Steve Witkoff arriving in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, an area that has become known for protests, to be greeted with applause and pleas for help.

A propaganda video posted this week by Palestinian Jihad showed hostage Rom Braslavski, and footage shared by Hamas showed hostage Evyatar David. The latter video was shared on social media, leading to criticism by his family.

On Sunday, the Mr Davids family accused Hamas of tormenting him with hunger as part of a propaganda campaign.

The family said in a statement: Hamas is using our son as a live experiment in a vile hunger campaign. The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Davids sister said: Those who have seen it now understand how serious it is and the physical condition Evyatar was in.

Hostages Square has become the site of protests against Benjamin Netanyahus handling of the Hamas war - Jack Guez/AFP via Getty

Mr Witkoff told families at the protest: A majority of Israelis want the hostages at home, and a majority of Gazas public wants the return of hostages because they want the rehabilitation of the Strip.

There is no victory without bringing everyone home; all of you have become part of my family.

Reports in Hebrew media suggested that Mr Witkoff stayed at the meeting in Hostages Square for several hours.

Mr Witkoff met Mr Netanyahu on Thursday for talks on a ceasefire in Gaza, and on tackling the famine experts say is happening there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shortly after Mr Witkoffs arrival, Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social network: The fastest way to end the humanitarian crises in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages!

Following a meeting between Mr Witkoff and Mr Netanyahu, a senior Israeli official said the two sides agreed that all hostages should be released, in addition to disarming Hamas and demilitarising the Gaza Strip.

Steve Witkoff is Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East - AFP via Getty

Mr Netanyahu has been under increasing pressure from the hostages families to reach a deal to secure their release.

Earlier this week, thousands of Israeli reservists called on Mr Netanyahu to stop the fighting and instead focus on a deal to bring back the remaining hostages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But at the same time, the prime minister has been under pressure from those on the far-Right of his coalition government to keep the war in Gaza going.

Without their support, his government would probably collapse, causing an election many believe he could not win.

Food distribution shootings in Gaza

On Saturday, hospitals in Gaza reported Israeli fire had killed more than a dozen people, including eight who had been looking for food.

Yahia Youssef, who had been looking for aid at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site, said he saw people lying on the ground bleeding. Its the same daily episode, he said.

The US and Israeli-backed GHF said that nothing happened at or near our sites.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It has been reported for weeks that people looking for food are being shot, stabbed or trampled to death, during rushes to get hold of vital life-saving aid.

Israeli soldiers have been accused of shooting at ordinary Gazans, although Israel insists Hamas infiltrates the aid distribution.

In parallel, countries such as Jordan, the UK and France have co-ordinated to drop vital aid into the war-torn strip from the air.

They have restricted what reporters aboard the planes are able to show, but the Washington Post has published a number of photos showing parts of the Gaza Strip that have been severely affected by Israels bombing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many buildings have been flattened, partially or totally destroyed, with hundreds of thousands of Gazans forced to live in makeshift tents wherever there is space. The territorys skyline is blackened, with smoke pouring out of some buildings.

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.
[Editors note: The suspects wife has requested that she and her children not be directly identified to protect their safety and privacy at this difficult time.]

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  For more than three hours, on Thursday afternoon, the Abilene Police Department (APD) SWAT team was engaged in a standoff with Joshua Williams, one of Abilenes Most Wanted Fugitives.

Officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant when Williams barricaded himself inside his South Abilene home along the 3000 block of Heritage Lane. He was taken into APD custody without incident around 2:30 p.m. KTAB/KRBC returned to that neighborhood just a few hours later, speaking with neighbors who witnessed the scene, as well as the suspects wife and children, who were not home at the time as they returned to their home, frightened for what they might find.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

UPDATE: Suspect wanted for injury to child arrested after SWAT situation at Abilene home

Just a few doors down from the SWAT situation, Melissa Robinson had just returned home as the scene was escalating. She said she didnt realize what was going on when she initially came home around noon, but the severity of the situation sank in about an hour later when she saw a drone overhead and heard commands over the megaphone coming from the rapidly increasing police presence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was pretty impressed with the way that they handled it. It seemed pretty peaceful, Robinson said.

Upon seeing the drone, she retrieved her phone and began filming the standoff for the next three hours. She also shared her view on Facebook Live, connecting with the suspects wife through social media. Robinson said it was sometime before 2 p.m. that she went back inside after hearing and smelling what she believes to be gas being deployed into Williams home.

Williams is given a drink by an officer as he is taken into APD Custody (07/31/2025)

I was doing a live feed and I was like Oh goodness, I better stop. Shortly after that, I smelled the gas and saw it, and I knew I needed to head inside.

MOST WANTED: Abilene man accused of causing bruising all over 3 children under age of 5

Joshua Williams, APD Mugshot  07/31/2025

The KTAB/KRBC crew was able to capture the moment that Williams was taken into APD custody. It was just a few hours later that Williams wife and her children reached out to Robinson to ask if the scene was clear so that they could assess damage and return home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The air that wafted from the front door still stung her senses as they saw the aftermath of the incident for the first time. Currently, they are still searching for one missing pup. Williams wife says she is extremely grateful for Robinsons support. Unsure, she says, how she and her family would have been able to face that scene on their own.

It was helpful to know that somebody did care to respond to meShe willingly let my kids go inside her home. Get them out of the heat, said Williams wife.

Williams was booked into the Taylor County Jail, where he remains charged with Injury to a Child, a 2nd degree felony charge, and a motion to revoke his probation that had been previously filed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA)  A family in Michigan is trying to get their family member back home after he was hit and killed in Mattoon.

Coles County Sheriffs Office says in late July 35-year-old Earon Criswell was riding a mini-bike near the corner of Old State Road and County Road 400 East. They say he was hit by an S.U.V. and died two days later in Carle hospital. Criswell is originally from Detroit  and now his family is asking for help getting him back to his hometown.

My dad was a very strong, supportive man. said his oldest daughter Earyies Criswell, He was more than just a father. He was more like my hero, our hero. He was like our Superman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Criswells say donations received will help cover funeral expenses and a proper burial for Earon. To donate you can visit 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 WCIA.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  The family of Luis Garcia says it will continue fighting to get answers about how he was killed outside East High School after a judge dismissed their wrongful death lawsuit.

The family says they plan to appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals, asking the judges to reconsider the case. A district court judge dismissed the familys wrongful death suit, saying that the shooting did not happen on school property.

2nd East High School dean injured in student shooting sues district for lack of training, policies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a decision that has angered a lot of families who were hoping that the lawsuit would help them find out more about whats being done to keep kids safe on the campus.

The attorney representing the family of Luis Garcia says they plan to ask the Colorado Court of Appeals to help move the case forward. The East High School Student was shot and killed outside the school in 2023.

Attorney Matthew Barringer says the appeal could force the court to reconsider the wrongful death lawsuit.

This is just simply to say, judge, judges, this is the argument for which we had from the district court. We lost. Wed like you to take another look at this, Barringer said

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barringer says the school had a responsibility to help keep students safe. A parent safety group is upset over the dismissal.

This is not about the money. Its about getting to discovery, to get people who are tight-lipped to talk about what happened. Whos responsible? How do we avoid it next time? Theres been no investigations, theres been no arrests. Its just terrible, Parents Safety Advocacy Group Member Steve Katsaros said.

Denver Public Schools will not close additional schools in 2025

We remain optimistic that the person or people responsible will be held accountable. Our investigation of the case remains open and active, Denver District Attorneys Office Communications Director Matt Jablow said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Garcia family said the school had a responsibility to ensure student safety because the shooting occurred on the Property.

But the judge overseeing the case said the shooting occurred outside of East High Schools Property boundaries.

Still, the family says the school needs to be held responsible.

East High School and Denver Public Schools had a duty, and this is in general terms, they had a duty to protect Luis. They failed in doing that said duty and because of it, led to his murder, Barringer said.

Homeland Security, Denver Public Schools mutually agree to dismiss lawsuit

The court ruled the 2023 shooting, though tragic, did not occur on Denver Public Schools property, releasing the district of any responsibility. DPS is satisfied with the judges ruling, Denver Public Schools Director of External Communications Scott Pribble said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attorney representing the Garcia family tells FOX31 he expects the Colorado Court of Appeals to take at least a few months to make a decision.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday night tried to cover the Dadar Kabootarkhana with tarpaulin, to put a stop to pigeon feeding, only to be met with resistance from residents.



Civic officials, however, said that in the coming days they will completely cover the structure, with police on hand to enforce the decision.



Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court had ordered the BMC to prevent people from feeding pigeons at kabootarkhanas around the city, and file police complaints against violators. The court separately asked the police to enforce the order.



The BMC, citing the high court orders and health concerns over the risks posed by pigeon droppings, is determined to seal off the Grade 2 heritage structure.



On Friday night, the civic body launched its first offensive, sending a team to drape the kabootarkhana in tarpaulin. But the operation was met with opposition.



The BMC team came late at night, a time we have never seen them act before, said Anil Dharod, a resident. We, the local people, opposed the action. They were trying to remove the cage for ill birds. The people stood their ground, and the officials had to stop.



Another resident, who did not want to give his name, said: This is the first time we have seen the BMC take action at night. If they are following court orders, why do they need to come at this hour.



The officials argued that a daytime operation was impossible due to the area being a heavy-traffic junction.



The Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North ward, Vinayak Vispute, confirmed the BMCs intention, stating, As per the court order, we have decided to cover the kabootarkhana. We had to postpone the action after people requested more time, but we will move forward with our plan.



According to the BMC, despite repeated attempts to prevent feeding, people continue the practice. While the BMC is backed by official mandates and concerns over hygiene, the locals feel betrayed. For them, the kabootarkhana is more than just a structure; it is a part of Dadar's rich cultural heritage.
PIEDMONT  Kevin Farmer, a 46-year-old lifelong resident of Piedmont, has announced his intent to return to city government, this time as mayor. The former city councilman has no opponent in the upcoming mayoral election.

Farmers focus, he said, will be on financial and operational efficiency, clean infrastructure, and quality city services.

Farmer graduated from Piedmont High School and completed the Tennessee Valley Public Power Apprenticeship Program as a lineman. He has worked at Cherokee Electric Cooperative for more than 25 years and currently serves as the manager of engineering and safety. From 2002 to 2008, he served on the Piedmont City Council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Farmer said he is motivated by a desire to improve the quality of life for Piedmont residents through meaningful upgrades to city infrastructure and an overall focus on community well-being. He said he believes in projects that result in visible and practical improvements.

It might sound simple, but clean streets, well-maintained public spaces, and responsive city services send a strong message that we care, and that things work here, Farmer said.

He said he also plans to propose a comprehensive audit of city operations to help identify inefficiencies. He said the goal is to streamline services, reduce duplication, and modernize outdated systems.

Farmer said he believes the savings found through increased efficiency can be reinvested in tangible services such as better street lighting, faster pothole repair, and a more responsive city workforce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He emphasized that his strongest traits are integrity and resilience.

I've developed a reputation for being approachable, fair, and unafraid to take responsibility, he said. I don't shy away from tough conversations, and I hold myself to a high standard of accountability.

Farmer said he cares deeply for the residents of Piedmont and envisions a future where city policies promote opportunity and long-term sustainability. He said that through clear planning, efficient government, and a dedication to public service, he hopes to help guide the city toward continued growth and improvement.

Farmer says he can offer experience and civic involvement that he believes will allow him to contribute to the citys development. He said his plans are centered on putting people first, creating a cleaner, more efficient government, and ensuring that the citys resources are used in ways that benefit all residents.
The girlfriend of a man charged in last months fatal Apple Valley stabbing lied to investigators about how the killing went down and helped him elude authorities afterward, prosecutors say.

The Dakota County Attorneys Office charged Lesley Segura Espinoza, 19, of Farmington, by warrant on Wednesday with felony aiding an offender by being an accomplice after the fact in the July 6 killing of Daniel Isaac Aguilar, a 21-year-old Apple Valley man who was found dead on a neighborhood sidewalk.

Segura Espinozas boyfriend, Aron Isait Medina Rojas, 20, of St. Louis Park, remains on the run. He was charged with second-degree murder on July 8, when a nationwide warrant also was issued for his arrest. Police said at the time that he might be trying to escape to Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Segura Espinoza was arrested Friday morning and went before Judge Bryce Ehrman for a first appearance on the charge.

Assistant Dakota County Attorney Caitlyn Prokopowicz asked that Segura Espinoza be held on $1 million bail or $500,000 with conditions, saying: I will tell you that she played a significant role in the death of the victim of this offense.

Bail set

Segura Espinoza was angry at Aguilar, sought him out and was there when Medina Rojas stabbed him, Prokopowicz told the judge. Cellphone records and witness statements all point to her helping Medina Rojas flee for Mexico, she said.

Segura Espinozas attorney, Alberto Miera, told the judge they vehemently dispute the allegations against her. He said Segura Espinoza had no information that Medina Rojas was headed for Mexico. Your Honor, the presumption of innocence is real, said Miera, who asked for $20,000 bail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, Prokopowicz said that nearly all of what Segura Espinoza told investigators has been shown either through surveillance video, cellphone records or witness statements to be either an absolute lie or a complete minimization.

The judge set bail at $750,000 without conditions or $400,000 with conditions, including that she not leave the state and hand over her passport. She remained jailed Friday.

Let me be

About 3:12 a.m., July 6, police were called to the intersection of Pennock Avenue and 138th Street W. on the report of an unresponsive man lying on the sidewalk. They found Aguilar covered in blood and unresponsive. His body was still warm to the touch. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and autopsy showed he was stabbed in the chest, shoulder and arm.

Surveillance video from the surrounding area showed Aguilar walking on the sidewalk at 2:38 a.m. near where his body was later found. He walked out of camera range.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A minute later, car headlights came into view and then voices could be heard out of camera range. The voices were elevated, as if they were arguing, the criminal complaints state.

A female voice yelled, Grab his phone! Grab his phone! this weeks complaint against Segura Espinoza says.

Medina Rojas is then seen on video walking toward Aguilar, who backed away. He struck Aguilar in his left chest, to which Aguilar said, Im (expletive) walking home bro. Let me be, the complaints state. Medina Rojas then punched Aguilar in the throat and Aguilar collapsed onto the sidewalk. Medina Rojas walked out of camera view, but was heard saying, Hes dead. Lets go.

A minute later, Medina Rojas and Segura Espinoza walked toward where Aguilar was lying on the sidewalk. She and Medina Rojas walked up to Aguilar, while her phone was pointed at him and illuminated. They walked out of camera view.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aguilars girlfriend told investigators she and him got into an argument after being at a club in Minneapolis. While at the club, she said, she kept getting calls from Segura Espinoza, who was angry with her for being with Aguilar because he had been unfaithful, the complaints say.

They left the club and drove to an Apple Valley bus station parking lot, where they continued arguing, she said. Segura Espinoza called and said she was with Medina Rojas and they were going to pick her up.

Video surveillance showed Aguilar walking away right as Segura Espinoza and Medina Rojas pulled into the parking lot.

Aguilars girlfriend told investigators she was upset and crying because of the argument. She said Segura Espinoza and Medina Rojas insisted on driving her to a friends house so that she wouldnt pick up Aguilar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Segura Espinoza contacted police on July 6 and gave a statement, with her attorney present. She said after dropping off Aguilars girlfriend, they saw Aguilar walking. Medina Rojas stopped the car, and she got out and confronted Aguilar. She said he became aggressive with her, prompting Medina Rojas to then get out.

(Segura Espinoza) claimed that (Medina Rojas) and (Aguilar) were throwing punches at each other all the way down the sidewalk, in direct contradiction to what was seen on the surveillance video, this weeks complaint states. It adds that she also claimed she saw Aguilar extend his arm before sitting down on the sidewalk.

Medina Rojas returned to the car with blood on his shirt and told her they had to leave, she said.

Related Articles

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Segura Espinoza also told investigators that she never made any comments during the altercation and never left the car after Aguilar sat down on the sidewalk, according to the complaint, which adds video proves otherwise.

Officers interviewed Segura Espinozas friend, who said that Segura Espinoza and Medina Rojas said they were going to beat up Aguilar and that they wanted her to help, but she declined, the complaint says.

Officers also spoke to Segura Espinozas cousin, who owns a car tint and wrapping business. He said that after Aguilars killing, at approximately 3:10 a.m., Segura Espinoza messaged him and said she needed a wrap for Medina Rojas car. He said she also asked him to get her passport and cash, as she was going to take off for Mexico.
(FOX40.COM)  One of three people connected to a murder-for-hire plot in Northern California pleaded guilty on Friday for conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities as part of the plan to kill someone, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Video Above: How to report a public safety threat

Court documents revealed that Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu, 51, of Tracy, conspired with Jagninder Singh Boparai, 49, of Manteca, and Ramesh Kumar Birla Jr., 47, of Dublin, to murder someone referred to as Victim 2. In February 2023, the three of them repeatedly met with a person they believed to be a hitman at a Starbucks in Manteca.

Guest becomes a millionaire after massive win at a Northern California casino

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unbeknownst to Sandhu and his co-defendants, the hitman was a confidential informant working for the FBI, according to the DOJ. On Feb. 17, 2024, Boparai told the supposed hitman that the first job involved the assault of someone referred to as Victim 1, and once he proved his trustworthiness, he would be given another job.

The following day, the DOJ said Boparai met the confidential informant again and offered to pay $6,000 for the assault of Victim 1. In March 2023, in the presence of Birla and another individual, Boparai met with the confidential informant, and Boparai gave the confidential informant $1,000 as a down payment for the assault.

Sacramento police arrest teen for murder after two-month investigation

Shortly after, the confidential informant showed Boparai a staged photo of Victim 1 lying on the ground covered in bruises, dirt, and blood to indicate the assault had occurred. Boparai said he liked the photo and told the confidential informant that he had two other jobs, one of which involved robbing a business, and the other involved making a person disappear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, after what Boparai thought was a successful assault on Victim 1, he met with the confidential informant to pay him $10,000 as a down payment for the murder of Victim 2. Sandhu provided Victim 2s address, and Boparai instructed the confidential informant that Victim 2 must disappear without any evidence remaining.

Sacramento International Airport sets all-time passenger record, busiest month in history

Boparai then made two calls to Birla asking for Victim 2s Facebook profile. Boparai subsequently received a Facebook profile picture of Victim 2, which he showed to the confidential informant, according to the DOJ.

On March 24, 2023, Sandhu and Birla met with the confidential informant in a parking lot in Manteca. Sandhu and Birla claimed that Boparai was out of town, but Boparai was observed by surveillance remaining in a car in the same parking lot. The DOJ said Sandhu and Birla instructed the confidential informant to kill Victim 2 and take Victim 2s remains to Mexico in a suitcase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody. On Friday, Sandhu pleaded guilty. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13 and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Boparai pleaded guilty for his role in the offense on Jan. 23, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7. He faces the same penalties as Sandhu. Birla, however, is facing allegations. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.




NEED TO KNOW

Bunge North America Inc. issued a nationwide recall of 64,800 lbs. (or 1,800 cases) of its European Style Butter Blend 1 lb. product on July 14 due to undeclared milk, which was not listed on the label

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised the risk classification for the recall to Class II  the second-highest warning level  on July 30

The FDA said users who begins to experience any allergy symptoms by eating the affected product should stop eating the food immediately, evaluate the need to use emergency medication (such as epinephrine) and seek medical attention





A recent nationwide butter recall has been escalated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a higher risk level.



The FDA raised the risk classification for the recall of one of Bunge North America Inc.s butter products to Class II  the second-highest warning level  on Wednesday, July 30.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Class II recall indicates a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," according to the FDAs website.

Bunge, which is based in Chesterfield, Mo., initially announced a voluntary recall of 64,800 lbs. (or 1,800 cases) of its European Style Butter Blend 1 lb. product on July 14 due to undeclared milk, which was not listed on the product label.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

The company said the butter was packed in white paperboard cases, with 36 blocks to a case, and sent to a dozen distribution centers throughout the U.S. and one distribution center in the Dominican Republic. The lot code number for the butter is 5064036503.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FDA did not say whether anyone has been affected in connection with the recall.

Bunge North America Inc. did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Aug. 2.

Milk is listed as one of the nine major food allergens on the FDAs website. The FDA said food-related allergic reactions can vary in severity and include mild symptoms, such as hives, face and lip swelling, vomiting, coughing or swelling.

However, people may also get more severe reactions like anaphylaxis, which causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause a person to go into shock and can be fatal, per the Mayo Clinic.

Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Bunge logo on a smartphone Bunge logo on a smartphone

The FDA said that because of this, it enforces regulations to require companies to list ingredients on packaged foods and beverages. The agency added that there are more specific labeling requirements for foods that can cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FDA advised that if anyone who eats the affected products begins to experience any allergy symptoms, they should stop eating the food immediately, evaluate the need to use emergency medication (such as epinephrine) and seek medical attention.

Other major food allergens listed by the FDA include eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame.

Read the original article on People
This story was produced by the Berks County Bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks.

READING  Large-scale immigration raids havent hit a Pennsylvania county with a large Latino population, but the community, employers, and advocates are on high alert as enforcement ramps up across the country.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Morning Weather Forecast

Nearly 200,000 of the more than 1 million immigrants living in Pennsylvania are undocumented, according to an analysis of 2023 census data by the American Immigration Council. In Berks County, there were 7,000 unauthorized immigrants in 2019, the Migration Policy Institute estimated.

But the area is also home to thousands of U.S. Citizens who are Puerto Rican or naturalized citizens born in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and other countries. ICE has wrongfully detained Latino citizens in other states.

On the ground, advocates for immigrants say theres a general atmosphere of fear as ICE detains people at the county courthouse, adults skip English language classes, employers fire people whose immigration status is up in the air, and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, ICE administrative arrests and detention have skyrocketed. Guided by the presidents promise to deport 1 million immigrants in one year, ICE has carried out large-scale raids in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, and other states with high immigrant populations, often targeting cities that tout immigrant-friendly policy and openly reject local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.

At the same time, the administration has canceled or severely limited programs that allow immigrants to be in the country legally. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other humanitarian parole programs are set to end later this year. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is suspended indefinitely.

ICE arrests are up nationwide, including here in the commonwealth. There have been 13 daily arrests on average since Trumps inauguration, an increase of 249% from 2024, a New York Times analysis found.

In the nearby Lehigh Valley, ICE arrested 17 people in June who were working on an unoccupied property for immigration violations. That same month, 14 people were arrested in the Pittsburgh area and three in northeast Pennsylvania during similar raids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Norristown, in Montgomery County, has also been particularly hard hit by raids and arrests.

While large-scale arrest operations have not been the norm in Berks, there are other ways ICE has been carrying out Trumps immigration policies in the county.

Weve had clients indicate that ICE has gone to their workplace  but we havent had anyone tell us that they were detained, Bridget Cambria, attorney for Aldea  the Peoples Justice Center, told Spotlight PA. They were either going or had gone to the workplace, but no large-scale raids, as you see on TV, as theyre sort of promoting to scare people.

Something new Cambria has noticed is people being detained at the Berks County Courthouse after their hearings for a broad range of criminal offenses, from minor ones, like traffic violations and disorderly conduct, to more serious crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She noted one instance in which a client had a criminal case dismissed but was still picked up by ICE because they did not have permanent status.

One immigration rights advocate in Reading, who asked to remain anonymous because she is a permanent resident in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship, said she has not heard about ICE raids in Reading. But since the beginning of the Trump administration, she says more than 10 of her neighbors have moved away.

If this happens here, where we can speak the language and with a city mayor who lets us know Hey, Im with you, how do others who live in places where they know they are not welcome feel? she said.

In regular meetings, she hears from members in the community who have concerns about ICE and immigration policies. She said people have told her about ICEs presence in parts of Reading, and from one bodega owner who felt powerlessness after an agent inspected his kitchen looking for a former employee.

Reading Mayor Eddie Moran joins Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Manny Guzman, and other invited guests for an event to highlight grant opportunities for planting trees in underserved communities across the Commonwealth. Trees improve peoples lives in many ways, including by cleaning the air, preventing flooding, and reducing temperatures.

Differing law enforcement approaches

Public officials in Reading  where 21.5% of people were born outside of the United States, according to 2024 census data  say they wont help ICE carry out raids or make arrests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the weeks after Trump took office, Reading Mayor Eddie Moran said city police would not enforce immigration laws.

Public safety in Reading depends on trust between our residents and law enforcement, Moran said in a statement. He added that he supports efforts to remove violent criminals from the streets, but has serious concerns about how the federal government plans to carry out the deportation of nonviolent individuals.

Reading Police Chief Eli Vazquez echoed the mayor. We dont do that. Its not our job. Thats a federal job, and we dont want to damage relationships as well, Vazquez told Spotlight PA.

Vazquez said city police would not participate in operations or be part of briefings, but would not get in the way if ICE comes to Reading to carry out arrests, because it would be against the law for us to do so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the department would not facilitate access to private property if ICE requested it.

If ICE has a warrant, thats for them to coordinate and figure out, Vazquez said.

However, if a person is arrested by Reading police for a reason besides immigration, they would be processed at the Berks County Jail, which cooperates with ICE. There, county employees will ask ICE if it wants the jail to temporarily hold a person who doesnt have legal status so the detainee can be transferred to federal custody.

Other municipalities in Berks County are also more open to cooperating with federal law enforcement authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Muhlenberg Township, where 12.6% of the population is foreign-born, according to 2023 census data, the police department cooperates with all law enforcement agencies, including ICE, said Kevin Lerch, vice president of the Board of Commissioners and liaison to the police.

Whatever theyre requesting us to do is what we would do, Lerch said. If they come and they ask us to do a specific task, those are the kind of tasks that we would do, as long as it is in cooperation, but theyre carrying out their particular mission.

No municipality in Berks County has a formal agreement with ICE to help the agency make arrests. However, Lerch said Muhlenberg police would provide logistical support to ICE during a raid if asked.

He added that immigration enforcement is ICEs responsibility, and that the townships police officers do not perform that duty and are not proactively looking for people who are undocumented.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Much of Berks County  about 45%  is served by State Police. Agency policy prevents troopers from asking a person about their immigration status and from enforcing immigration laws.

Fear of going out

Trumps immigration crackdown isnt just affecting undocumented immigrants.

The president is also targeting the Temporary Protected Status program, which allows people from countries facing armed conflicts or other disasters to legally live and work in the U.S. The administration has terminated or plans to terminate these protections for immigrants from Afghanistan, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Andrew J. Mahon, attorney at Barley Snyder, said employers have had to fire workers whose employment authorization has expired under these policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve had those conversations where, unfortunately, thats been our advice, Mahon said.

More than 17,000 people have TPS in Pennsylvania, including a large population of people from Haiti in Berks County.

People are afraid to go out, attend events, or [do] anything, said Alex Civil of Bring the Change, who grew up in Haiti and now advocates on behalf of the community. There have been quite a few instances of people reaching out, whether its deportation letters or email, and just not being able to work.

Many of the people Civil helps are in the process of applying for asylum and hoping to get approved before the end of TPS  which is slated for February 2026, because of a court ruling. A lot of the Haitians living in Berks County already have paperwork in progress, and some have received their work permits under asylum, Civil said.

Fear is also believed to be driving a decrease in enrollment and attendance for adult ESL classes with the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks.

Im attributing that larger bump to, they were just scared and they werent coming back, no matter what reassurances we gave them, that would not be enough, and I understand that, Executive Director Ryan Breisch said.

The program started to offer an online option in January after some students expressed concerns about leaving home to attend the in-person classes. They felt safe in class, Breisch said, but were afraid of what might happen on their way to and from. Those concerns died down as the semester progressed, Breisch said, and most students continued to attend in person.

I think they were just concerned, and they wanted to see what was going on, Breisch said. I think it helped that there werent big ICE raids in Berks County. I think that calms people.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ANDERSON  Since the arrests of eight people implicated in a February fatal shooting, Anderson police have seen a decline in gunfire in the city.

Dayla Swain was shot to death Feb. 2 outside of Sonny Rays tavern on Madison Avenue. An extensive investigation over the next three months netted the slew of arrests, including those of four teenagers on charges of murder. Meanwhile, local police noticed a significant dip in reports of gunfire.

We saw over a 50% decline in those reports immediately after making those eight arrests, Anderson Police Chief Mike Lee said recently, indicating the arrests have had a chilling effect on gun violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the things our intelligence unit tracks is the number of gunshots that have been fired and police are called, he explained, noting that some of the reports come from someone firing a weapon in a backyard.

According to Caleb McKnight, APD public information officer, 15 gunshots were investigated in the city the first two months of the year. Over the past five months, only 11 more gunfire reports have been filed.

Lee believes that APDs new gunshot detection system, which enables officers to react more quickly to gunfire in the city, is at least partially to credit for the decline. Word of mouth that police are investigating gunfire with more immediacy and consistency is discouraging some from pulling the trigger.

The city has placed 200 gunshot detectors around Anderson since November 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chief Mike Lee told The Herald Bulletin in August 2024 that the technology is part of the Flock safety law enforcement system, which also includes license plate readers in Anderson and in several other locations in Madison County.

Lee explained that the gunshot detectors help officers find the location of gunfire.

Officers get an alert to the spot where a gunshot has been detected, he said. There are enough sensors available to give an exact address to dispatch officers.

Lee said the system is designed to discern the difference between the sound of fireworks and that of gunfire.

We have the detectors in the most densely populated areas of the city, the chief said. There are times when we have officers en route (to the location of gunfire) before there is an emergency call made.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Increased security in the Madison Avenue area where Swain was shot also is playing a role in tamping down gun violence, Lee indicated.

Business owners and police are collaborating.

We have some cameras to watch the area, he noted. We have directed patrols and are working with business owners.

That area of the city has often been a hot spot for violent crime.

In the Feb. 2 fatal shooting Swain, an innocent bystander, was shot to death when gang-affiliated assailants opened fire, intent on killing a man who was a witness in the Donavan Harris murder trial, according to police. The man escaped.

The Madison County Prosecutors Office has filed murder charges in the Feb. 2 case against Rejon Shamaud Smith, 17; Rashawn Darrius Samuels, 18, 1200 block of West Ninth Street; Kyree M. Craver, 17, 2600 block of Meridian Street; and JoMaijze Larry, 14, 800 block of Sun Valley Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The four are also charged with aiding or causing murder by intentionally attempting to kill a witness in a pending murder case against Harris.

Lee said the investigation into the shooting of Swain is ongoing, with at least one additional suspect at large and additional search warrants served.

We continue to get information from the Indiana State Police lab and ATF crime lab, he noted.

Lee said every member of the police department has been involved in the investigation.

In another case, Dayla Swains brother, Devin, was murdered at the familys Anderson home on New Years Day in 2022 when several masked men stormed the residence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We believe we developed a very solid suspect in that case, who is now deceased, Lee said. I dont believe we will ever be able to work that case to a conclusion unless a witness steps forward.

During the investigation into the shooting death of Dayla Swain, investigators have found a connection to the Chicago-based Mickey Cobra Nation gang.

It has been an active gang in Madison County, Lee said. Its a gang that originated in Chicago and has been around for quite some time. We saw them here over the past five or six years.

The gang has been involved in drug activity in the past, but Lee said crime statistics have remained level in Anderson.

Police are hopeful that the recent decline in gunfire could signal a continuing decline in violent crime in the city.
The Brief

An appeals court upheld a temporary restraining order blocking immigration raids in Southern California.

The court ruled that immigration agents cannot stop people based on race, language, or where they are without reasonable suspicion.

Mayor Karen Bass called the decision a major victory.

LOS ANGELES - The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled to uphold the temporary restraining order that blocks federal agents from continuing aggressive immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling was announced Friday night after a three-judge panel heard arguments earlier in the week.

Mayor Karen Bass celebrated the ruling, calling it a major victory for the city.

"The court essentially affirmed the rule of law. This is a victory upholding the Constitution. The people of Los Angeles stood strong, and this court order affirms that federal immigration officers or the mask people, because in many cases, we weren't sure who they were, cannot stop people based solely on their appearance, their race or ethnicity, the language that they speak, being present at certain locations, or the type of work that they do," Bass said during a Friday night press conference.

She said this decision means LA will continue to see peace in the city as it puts a stop to roving patrols in Southern California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The ruling is a major setback for the Trump administration, which had aimed to ramp up immigration arrests. Bass said the administration could appeal the temporary restraining order to the Supreme Court.

The backstory

The appeal stems from a lawsuit filed July 2 by SoCal residents, workers and advocacy groups alleging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is operating a program of "abducting and disappearing" community members using unlawful arrest tactics, then confining detainees in illegal conditions while denying access to attorneys.

The proposed class-action suit brought in Los Angeles federal court by five workers as well as three membership organizations and a legal services provider alleges that DHS has unconstitutionally arrested and detained people in order to meet arbitrary arrest quotas set by the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:ACLU announces lawsuit against DHS over 'unlawful' immigration raids

The Department of Homeland Security says more than 2,800 undocumented immigrants have been detained in the LA area since June.

What they're saying

Attorneys and plaintiffs in Vasquez Perdomo vs. Noem hailed the decision as a victory.

"The Ninth Circuit's decision is a vital affirmation. One of our most basic constitutional principles. That no one, no one can be stopped or detained or arrested based on appearance, language, or location alone," said Public Counsel Mark Rosenbaum.

"I was simply standing at a bus stop, waiting to get to work like I do every day. Then, without warning, several unmarked cars showed up. Men jumped out, grabbed me and my coworkers, and took us away like we were criminals," said plaintiff Pedro Vasquez Perdomo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The federal government wants to intimidate us. They want to normalize mass abductions of people from our streets. But people of conscience throughout Southern California will not back down," added immigrant defender Alvaro Huerta.

The Source

Information for this story came from a press conference held August 1, 2025 by LA Mayor Karen Bass.
A school bus drives along a rural road outside of Kenosha, Wis. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act established a national tax credit scholarship program, but state leaders can decide whether and how to participate. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

This story originally published Wednesday in Stateline.

When President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, he gave state leaders  not federal regulators  the power to decide whether and how to participate in the first-ever national tax credit scholarship program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That decision now looms largest in blue states, where Democratic governors and lawmakers must weigh whether to reject the law outright on ideological grounds  or try to reshape it into something that reflects their own values.

This isnt the federal voucher program we were worried about five years ago, said Jon Valant, a senior fellow in governance studies at the left-leaning Brookings Institution who testified before Congress on earlier versions of the bill. It still has serious problems  but states now have tools to mold it into something they might actually support.

The final law gives states wide discretion, he said. They can opt out entirely. They can opt in passively, leaving the program to operate as written. Or, as Valant suggests, they can try to redraw its footprint  focusing less on private school tuition and more on public school supports like tutoring, transportation and enrichment services in underserved districts.

My hope is that blue states take a hard look and ask: Can this be used to address our own needs?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For progressives and education advocates who are wary of school vouchers, the decision is fraught. Opting in could draw criticism for approving what many see as a vehicle for privatization of K-12 education. But opting out could mean turning down federal dollars  education money that states with budding or robust private school voucher infrastructures, such as Arizona and Florida, will gladly take.

Theres money on the table, and it can be used for more than just private school tuition, Valant said. If blue states want to keep that money from reinforcing inequality, theyll have to get creative, and act fast.

Since 2020, private school choice programs  once limited to low-income or special needs students  have rapidly expanded.

In 2023, $6.3 billion was spent nationwide on private school choice programs  less than 1% of total public K-12 operational spending, according to EdChoice, a nonprofit that advocates for school choice measures. From 2023-24 to 2024-25, participation in universal private school choice programs surged nearly 40%, growing from roughly 584,000 to 805,000 students in just one school year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

By 2026-27, about half of all U.S. students will be eligible, according to estimates by FutureEd, an independent think tank at Georgetown University.

These trends, combined with new federal tax credit, could fundamentally reshape the education funding landscape across state governments, experts say.

States will need to decide whether to encourage the redirection of funding to support private and religious schools  either by expanding existing voucher programs or, if they dont have one, by introducing such a program for the first time, said Sasha Pudelski, director of advocacy for AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The group opposes the national voucher plan.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

States without programs face rollout decisions without clear federal guidance, advocates say

As of this May, 21 states operated tax credit scholarship programs with varying degrees of funding and oversight. According to the EdChoice Friedman Index, the states of Florida, Arkansas, Arizona and Alabama rank highest in private school access, with 100% of students eligible for school choice programs.

Some states, like Florida and Arizona, already have extensive tax credit scholarship systems. Others, including Texas, are building new infrastructure such as statewide voucher programs and education savings accounts, known as ESAs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

States with no current programs face decisions about participation, regulation and equity, but without clear federal guardrails, education advocates told Stateline.

The federal policy builds on existing state-level tax credit scholarship programs  such as Alabamas  but significantly expands eligibility, removes scholarship caps and broadens allowable uses to include not just tuition, but also tutoring, therapy, transportation and academic support services. Beginning in 2027, scholarships will be excluded from federal taxable income.

Valant, of Brookings, told Stateline that some of his initial concerns were addressed in the version of the bill signed into law.

There was a very realistic scenario in the earlier version of the bill where a small number of very wealthy people could essentially make money off this, Valant said. That was mostly addressed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The enacted version eliminates stock donations and caps individual tax credits at $1,700. And with states that opt in having the power to shape their own program, Valant said that gives them the chance to establish their own guardrails, such as income eligibility caps or nondiscrimination policies for participating schools.

If blue states want to keep that money from reinforcing inequality, theyll have to get creative, and act fast.

 Jon Valant, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution

The scholarship-granting organizations, known as SGOs, would then be subject to new state regulations about where the money can go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

States could say SGOs cant give money to schools that discriminate based on sexual orientation.  Theres quite a lot of room here for state regulation, he said.

Looking ahead, Valant said hell be watching how states interpret their regulatory powers  and how effective scholarship-granting organizations are at fundraising under the new rules, which prohibit large stock gifts and rely instead on millions of smaller donations.

Now its a strange pitch: Can you front me $300 to give to the SGO? I swear the IRS will give it back, he said. Its going to take time to figure out how to sell this to families.

Concerns over transparency and equity remain. The program allows donors, scholarship-granting organizations and families to direct funds with little public accountability, critics say. And in states without robust oversight, Valant warns that funds could be misused  or channeled to institutions that exclude students based, for example, on identity or beliefs about sexual orientation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also emphasized that early participation is likely to skew toward families already in private schools, particularly in wealthier ZIP codes  mirroring patterns seen in programs in Arizona, Florida and Georgia.

One big risk is that the funds will disproportionately flow to wealthier families  just like weve seen in many ESA programs, Valant said.

What do these programs look like across the country?

FutureEd studied eight states  Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia  where 569,000 students participated in school choice programs at a cost to taxpayers of $4 billion in 2023-24.

The FutureEd analysis found significant differences among the states in design, funding and oversight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arizonas ESA program was the first of its kind in 2011, and also the first to shift toward universal eligibility in 2022.

Florida operated the largest and most expensive program, with broad eligibility, no caps or accreditation requirements, and a major influx of higher-income families, though it mandated some university-led performance reviews. Iowa fully funded ESAs and, like other states, saw mostly existing private school families benefit.

Arkansas had a cautious rollout due to legal delays and geographic clustering of participants, while West Virginia allowed spending across state lines with no performance reporting.

Newcomer North Carolina began with income-based prioritization but quickly expanded under political pressure or demand, while Alabama and Louisiana will launch ESA programs in 2025-26 using general state revenues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Utah enacted a universal voucher program in 2023, providing up to $8,000 per student for private school or homeschool expenses. A state teachers union sued, arguing that participating schools were not free and open to all children and that the program diverted public school funds. A state court this April ruled the program was unconstitutional.

As the new federal law opens the door for tax-credit-funded tuition support, Texas is building its first universal school voucher program, aided through ESAs to begin in the 2026-27 school year. The program is funded with $1 billion over two years, with $10,000-$11,000 per student  up to $30,000 for students with disabilities and $2,000 for homeschoolers.

The Texas comptroller will oversee the program, and private schools must be open for at least two years to be eligible for funds.

Voucher programs can drain state budgets, and budget wonks predict the cost for Texas could rise to around $4.8 billion by 2030, The Texas Tribune reported.

A spokesperson for the Texas comptrollers office said that details are still being finalized; the state has issued a request for proposals due Aug. 4 to select eligible educational assistance organizations that would help funnel scholarship dollars to schools.

Other states may be more cautious. The Missouri National Education Association filed a lawsuit this summer to block $51 million in state appropriations to private school scholarships through the MOScholars program. The suit argues that using general revenue rather than private donations violates the state constitution and undermines public education funding.

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.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Ashleigh Fox of mid-Michigan is living proof that miracles can happen. Just two years ago, at age 33, Fox received a devastating diagnosis: stage four stomach cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes. Doctors told her she had less than six months to live and that her cancer was incurable.

Blindsided but determined, Fox leaned on her family and the medical team at UM-Health Sparrow-Clinton. Together, they developed an aggressive treatment plan that included intense chemotherapy. After eight grueling months, something remarkable happened.

God showed up in a big way and we saw that there was significant improvement, Fox said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Hussein Ali-Ahmad, an oncologist and hematologist at UM-Health Sparrow, said her treatment was amazing and that 95% of the cancer was gone.

Eighteen months after her diagnosis and treatment, Fox felt strong enough to return to work. This time, she chose to join the team that saved her life. Now, she spends her days at UM-Health Sparrow-Clinton praising the teamwork and care she once received as a patient.

I wanted to be a part of that, she said.

Two-and-a-half years after her diagnosis, Fox remains in remission and has been on maintenance immunotherapy for more than two 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 WLNS 6 News.
When he went to work as a servant for a local landlord family, Sajid Masih would have a spring in his step.

The hours were long and the duties mundane. But every time he entered the Asif family home in a village in Pakistans Punjab province, he had a chance to exchange a glance  perhaps a few words  with Sanah, his employers daughter, with whom he had fallen in love.

Over time, an unlikely relationship blossomed. Sanah was rich, privileged and part of a powerful landlord caste. Not only was Sajid a servant of the family  something that would immediately rule him out as a potential match  he was Christian. The odds appeared insurmountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But on July 15, the young couple eloped. They fled the Asif home not far from the city of Gujrunwalla and headed for the vast southern megalopolis of Karachi, where they hoped to blend in among the 20 million other residents who throng its streets.

One week later, they married. In order to secure the approval of a local court, Sajid had converted to Islam, a legal requirement to wed a Muslim woman.

Two bodies found

For a time, they were happy. Husband and wife let loose. The sweltering summer heat cooled at night and they could sit side by side on a bench to watch the world go by.

But on July 28, two unidentifiable bodies were found by labourers in the China port area. They belonged to Sanah and Sajid, police later confirmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both had been shot with a single bullet to the head. And so detectives began the familiar task: launching an investigation into one of the hundreds of so-called honour killings that take place each year in Pakistan.

Sajid was a kind and hard-working son, his mother, Arifa Bibi, told The Telegraph from an undisclosed location.

He supported not just us  his elderly parents  but also his four younger siblings.

I dont know exactly what happened. But my son Sajid eloped with Sanah, the daughter of one of those landlords [we worked for]. Since then, weve been in hiding. Two days ago, we learned that Sajid and Sanah were killed in Karachi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Gujrunwala, Sanahs family filed a police report claiming their daughter had been kidnapped and raped.

But Mohammad Riaz, a senior police officer in Karachi, said the main line of investigation was into Waqas Ali, Sanahs brother, who is the primary suspect in an alleged honour killing.

Activists hold placards as they protest against honour killings in Quetta, Pakistan - Fayyaz Ahmed/EPA/Shutterstock

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, such crimes are on the rise. In 2023, there were 226 reported cases. Last year, the figure rose to 405.

Two more cases have shocked the nation in the last month alone.

In the rural, poverty-stricken southwestern province of Balochistan, a woman, Bano Bibi, was filmed calmly accepting her fate after she reportedly had an affair with Ehsan Ullah Samalani.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Come walk seven steps with me, says Bano, approaching a group of armed men before turning her back, after that you can shoot me.

Her brother then shoots her three times in the back before she falls to the ground. He then turns the gun on Ehsan and shoots him dead.

Since then, Banos mother and Sher Baz Satakzai, a tribal chief, are among 16 people to be arrested by police.

Sher Baz Satakzai, a tribal leader, arrives at court over a so-called honour killing - Reuters/Naseer Ahmed

Her mother, Gul Jan Bibi, said the killings were carried out by family and local elders based on centuries-old Baloch traditions and not by the tribal chief.

We did not commit any sin, she said. Bano and Ehsan were killed according to our customs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the modern, wealthy city of Rawalpindi, the body of an 18-year-old girl, Sidra, was exhumed after a suspicious burial: she had been strangled by her former husband and her relatives, police said. She was allegedly murdered after she married a man she had fallen in love with.

The moment a young couple are shot dead in Balochistan for marrying by choice

Harris Khalique, the secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, said the true number of honour killings each year is likely far higher than the official total, explaining that many cases go unreported.

Syed Kausar Abbas, director of the Sustainable Social Development Organisation, agreed.

In cities like Karachi and Rawalpindi, these crimes often come to light. But in remote areas, we may never know they even happened  unless a video goes viral, like in Balochistan.

Police surgeon Aisha Faiz prepares the post-mortem report on the victims of the latest honour killing in Quetta - Fayyaz Ahmed/EPA/Shutterstock

Both Mr Khalique and Mr Abbas argue that these killings should not be called honour killings. This is pure brutality, said Mr Khalique. No society should accept this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even when arrests are made, convictions are rare, Mr Abbas added. Justice is not being served.

From hiding, Sajids mother Arifa mourns her son.

My young son is gone. We are living on the run  hiding from one place to another. Sajid even changed his religion for Sanahs love. He became a Muslim to marry her. Arent all Muslims equal? Then why was he killed?

It is a question so many are forced to ask, in a society where love can be deadlier than hate.

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.
apoorva.agashe@timesofindia.com



The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a 7,000-page chargesheet in the multi-crore Mithi River scam, providing the most detailed account yet of how the fraudulent scheme was orchestrated, and how it came to light.



Mumbai Mirror has accessed exclusive excerpts of this chargesheet, which reveal that the scam was not uncovered by an outside investigation, but by the vigilance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) own Stormwater Drain Department.



According to the chargesheet, the scam began to unravel when officials within the SWDs Andheri office began a detailed scrutiny of documents submitted by a number of contracting companies, including CHM Infrastructure, Nikhil Constructions and Acute Designs. Their analysis revealed glaring inconsistencies that pointed to a large-scale manipulation of records between 2018 and 2021.



The chargesheet specifically states that the departments officials noticed a critical lapse: The log sheets, which were meant to record the details of dumpers carrying silt, were incomplete. Crucial information such as the weight of the dumpers and the exact time of their arrival at the weighing platforms was either missing or had been omitted. Furthermore, some log sheets had not been recorded by the responsible employees at the designated time, suggesting a deliberate attempt to obscure the paper trail.



Following these initial findings, an FIR was filed against several individuals, including BMC officials Ketan Kadam and Prashant Ramugude. The chargesheet alleges that a loss of Rs 65 crore was incurred by the BMC due to this systematic manipulation. The chargesheet now explicitly names several key conspirators  Ketan Kadam, Bhupendra Rajpurohit, Prashant Ramugude, Jay Joshi, and others  who are accused of hatching the conspiracy.



The chargesheet further alleges that contractors  including Acute Designs, Kailash Constructions, NA Constructions, Nikhil Constructions and JRS Infrastructures  manipulated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements. These companies are accused of failing to verify the authenticity of the designated dumping grounds and creating fraudulent MoUs, all without ensuring that the silt was actually being disposed of in the correct locations. The chargesheet also highlights a critical lapse by BMC officials, who are accused of issuing bills without cross-checking the data from the weighbridge and the log book, a lapse that proved central to the success of the scam.



The investigation is ongoing, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also probing the matter and having already frozen assets belonging to Acute Designs and Nikhil Constructions. The EOW has stated its intention to file a supplementary chargesheet.
Wildfires in Utah and Arizona, near the Grand Canyon, are producing "fire clouds" that can be seen for hundreds of miles and further fuel the fires.

The Dragon Bravo fire near the Grand Canyon has become the largest wildfire in the continental U.S. this year, consuming 111,000 acres and destroying the historic lodge at Grand Canyon National Park.

The fire is only nine percent contained, as extreme heat and strong winds continue to fuel the blaze, according to the latest update.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both it and the Monroe Fire, burning further north near Monroe, Utah, are generating pyrocumulus clouds  sometimes called "fire clouds"  that form when air over a fire becomes superheated and rises in large, smoky columns.

The massive clouds are visible for hundreds of miles and resemble the shape of an anvil.

Fire clouds form near the Bright Angel Trailhead at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Sunday

The fires can also generate pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which trigger thunderstorms, and may further fuel the wildfires.

"If they get high enough, they can also create downdrafts, and that's something we really watch out for because that can quickly spread the fire and can be very dangerous for firefighters who are doing their work on the ground," Lisa Jennings, a spokesperson for the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, told CBS News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several fire crews battling the Monroe fire were forced to pull back on Wednesday when fire clouds created dangerous conditions on the ground.

Fire clouds in Arizona near the Grand Canyon are helping to fuel the Dragon Bravo wildfire ((Lin Chao via AP))

"Think of the fire as kind of like a hot-air balloon, so it adds buoyancy and things rise as a result," Derek Mallia, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Utah who studies fire clouds, told CBS News.

"You get this towering thunderstorm over the fire, and just like any other thunderstorm it gets really windy underneath it. Because it's the West, these thunderstorms tend to be very dry."

If that's not frightening enough, a fire tornado spun up in Utah and tore through a neighborhood with wind speeds of 122 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mallia said that fire clouds are likely to appear more frequently due to climate change driven by the human burning of fossil fuels. Climate change is producing longer fire seasons, drought conditions, and extreme weather events, as we're seeing play out in the southwest.

The Dragon Bravo Fire burns on the northern rim as seen from Grandeur Point on the southern rim of Grand Canyon, Arizona, on July 14 (REUTERS/David Swanson)

The temperature and weather conditions in the southwest are continuing to fuel the fires and erasing the gains firefighters have made in containing the blazes.

The Dragon Bravo fire crossed a threshold recently, becoming what the U.S. Forest Service calls a "megafire." Megafires earn that frightening title when they reach more than 100,000 acres in size.

Driving around the totality of the fire would take about as long as driving from New York to Washington, D.C.

A massive wall of wildfire smoke billows into the sky near the Grand Canyon's North Rim, in northern Arizona, on Thursday, July 10 ((Abraham Freebairn via AP))

According to fire officials, the blaze in Arizona is continuing to push north. In Utah, the Monroe fire has consumed approximately 50,000 acres and the state's governor, Spencer Cox, said "terrible conditions" are continuing to fuel the blaze.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These terrible conditions that are making it impossible for us to get ahead of this fire exist in every corner of the state right now, Cox said. It would be very easy to have more fires like this one, so we need people to be incredibly cautious.

The Monroe fire is only seven percent contained.
MURDO, S.D. (KELO)  Earlier this week a beloved member of the Murdo community and volunteer fire department lost his life while responding to a grassfire.

Fire Departments from across the state showed up to support the family and community of fallen firefighter Nick Van Dam.

Tribal leader reacts to state lawmaker Instagram post

The community has really rallied together and supported us, the community has always been here for the volunteer fire department. Its just unfortunate that a tragedy like this had to occur, Murdo VFD Fire Chief Kasey Peters said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Draper Volunteer Fire Department has been responding to all of Murdos calls in an effort to help out in this difficult time.

We just texted Kasy and Dustin right away and said we got all of your calls for the week. I guess I didnt, theyd do it for us so were not doing anything special were just doing what we do, Draper VFD Assistant Fire Chief Tyler Rankin said.

37-year-old Nick Van Dam was known as a loving member of his community.

He was a family man through and through. His number one was his family. After that he was a diehard fireman, a true fireman. He didnt just wear the shirt, you could talk to him for five minutes and you knew exactly that he was a true fireman, Peters said.

Drapers 10 miles from Murdo and we all went to High School here, so Nick was a friend of ours, his brothers are friends of ours still and his family we do business with their business. Yeah, its just hard to wrap your head around, probably a little more real today than any other day, Rankin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Firefighters from Piedmont, Watertown, Colton and more were among those at the funeral.

Nicks spirit will be carried on by his wife and their four children.

People have been adding to his tribute wall online. If youd like to do so as well, you can do so here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

GARFIELD COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A new fire started in Garfield County alongside State Route 22 on Friday evening. It was reportedly human caused.

Utah Fire Info announced that a new fire started in Garfield County around 6:17 p.m. The fire, called the Little Cottonwood fire, was initially estimated at approximately 10 acres and growing. It is burning on state-owned lands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Multiple ground and air resources responded to the scene. As of 8:50 p.m. on Friday night, they have been able to stop forward progress at 20 acres. Utah Fire Info announced that this would be the final update, unless there were significant changes.

Crews have determined this fire was human-caused, though they have not yet identified exactly how the fire started.

Utah Fire Info is urging the public to practice fire sense. The agency said, Many wildfires start along Utahs roadways. Check your chains, avoid parking on dry grass, and secure anything that could drag or spark. A small mistake can ignite a fast-moving fire.

The State of Utah has had over 700 fires throughout 2025, with 485 of those fires being human caused. Stage 2 fire restrictions are being enforced throughout the state, as well.

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.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4)  Multiple agencies, including Spanish Fork Fire Department, responded to a fire near 2235 E and 2200 S in Spanish Fork around 5 p.m., on Friday evening.

A brush fire started in Spanish Fork around 5pm. According to Jack Urquhart, with Spanish Fork City, a tractor caught fire and spread to multiple structures on the farm property. Reportedly, it spread to hay and to an unenclosed barn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Spanish Fork Fire Department and other county partners responded to the scene and have been able to get the fire mostly knocked down, in addition to establishing a perimeter. They have also been able to dismiss several of the partnering agencies from the scene.

There have still been some residual flares and crews are currently letting those burn out. Urquhart says they will likely be monitoring it for a couple more hours.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the fire is not threatening any residential structures. Officials are asking residents to continue to avoid the area.

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.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Lets get a check on the latest in news and weather with KELOLAND On The Go.

People gathered in Murdo Friday for the funeral of a firefighter who died in the line of duty.

Fire Departments from across the state pay their respects for fallen Murdo Firefighter

A Texas man is facing several charges following a pursuit early Friday near Summerset, in western South Dakota.

Texas man arrested near Summerset following police pursuit

Bikers rode hundreds of miles Friday to get to the Black Hills for the start of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sturgis bikers at the border

It has been a wet start to the day for some of us in KELOLAND. A slow moving low pressure system brought heavy rain to portions of central and western South Dakota. Rapid City broke their daily maximum rainfall record for August 1st with 1.37 inches of rain!

Storm Center AM Update: Rain Chances over the Weekend

The 86th annual Sioux Empire Fair officially kicked off last night at the W-H Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls.

The gates are open for 86th annual Sioux Empire Fair

The Minnehaha County Sheriffs Office is in charge law enforcement at the fair.

Curfew & security at Sioux Empire Fair

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Firefighters responded to a fire in north Charlotte on Saturday morning.

Charlotte firefighters responded to the 3300 block of Sorrento Court. Officials said smoke was showing upon arrival.

The fire was controlled within ten minutes, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

No additional details have been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

WATCH: 2 killed after fire in Lincoln County
Firefighters in southern Europe and Turkey have largely succeeded in containing the devastating wildfires of recent days, according to reports on Saturday, though many areas were bracing for further hot, dry weather.

The situation was most difficult in northern Portugal where a fire had been raging for days near the small town of Ponte da Barca. The flames are almost under control there but the weather conditions are unfavourable, said the head of civil protection, Elisio Oliveira, on the state TV channel RTP.

A new heatwave is forecast to bring temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days, which is also likely to affect neighbouring Spain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A second large fire near the small Portuguese town of Arouca further south has also been brought under control.

The fires raging in southern Europe, usually a dry region in summer, have been fanned by hot and particularly dry winds that can turn the smallest acts of negligence, arson or a lightning strike into a wildfire. Such conflagrations can quickly rage out of control after days of heat that withers vegetation which then burns like tinder.

Southern Spain welcomes rain

In Cuevas del Valle, south of Avila in Spain, firefighters were unexpectedly aided by rain and the flames were almost completely extinguished, state television channel RTVE reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The rainfall was like "manna from heaven," wrote the environmental department of the regional government of Castile and Leon on the platform X.

The second major wildfire in the country, in Las Hurdes in the Caceres region, has also been brought under control, according to the disaster protection agency.

In Portugal and Spain, more than 70,000 hectares of forest, bush and farmland have been destroyed by fires since the beginning of the year.

Relief in Turkey

There was also a respite for firefighters in Turkey. The wildfires were largely under control on Saturday, reported the state news agency Anadolu. Isolated fires were reported from the rural region of Thrace and from Izmir but they were extinguished shortly afterwards, Anadolu wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Ministry of Forestry and Environment said more than 2,000 wildfires have broken out in Turkey this year. In the past few weeks alone, at least 14 people have died in the fires, including firefighters.

Greece, Italy on high alert

In the south of the island of Euboea, the east of Crete and also in the region around Athens, the risk of wildfires remains extremely high, according to authorities, despite recent rainfall in many areas.

The Greek fire brigade is on heightened alert, especially as high winds are forecast in some areas in the coming days - dreaded by firefighters - as strong winds drive the flames forward, complicating firefighting efforts.

The situation also remains tense in Italy, especially in the south of the country, where Sicily is particularly affected. The local forestry authority said more than 3,700 fires were recorded between May and the end of July. Several fires were also extinguished on Sardinia during the week.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday.

CRFD said its units discovered an active fire in one of the mobile classrooms located to the south of the main building, after responding to a reported commercial fire alarm.

Column of black smoke visible from barn fire south of Fort Lupton

The agency said it immediately upgraded the fire to a commercial structure fire and that the appropriate additional units responded and were able to extinguish the fire without further incident.

The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday. (Credit Eric Hurst/CRFD) The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday. (Credit Eric Hurst/CRFD) The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday. (Credit Eric Hurst/CRFD) The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday. (Credit Eric Hurst/CRFD) The Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire at Castle Rock Elementary School at approximately 2:10 a.m. Saturday. (Credit Eric Hurst/CRFD)

No injuries to firefighters or civilians was reported, according to CRFD, which said the fire did do significant damage to the mobile classrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The school, in a letter sent to families and viewed by FOX31, said the incident will not impact the normal start of the year for our students or staff.

FOX31 had the opportunity to interview Kassi Harris, a member of the parent-teacher organization at Castle Rock Elementary, who talked about the fire, saying that everything looked pretty and nice for the upcoming school year and after the fire, its just all gone.

Were very, very thankful it was in the middle of the night, nobody was in there, nobody was at school, it was before school started, didnt have to, you know, scare any of the kids, said Harris.

An investigation into the fire is ongoing; however, CRFD said it does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The first weekend of the Wisconsin State Fair means lots of fried food, carnival rides, loud music and  thick white smoke in the air?

What would otherwise be a pleasant weekend in southern Wisconsin is being blanketed by Canadian wildfire smoke, said Taylor Patterson, a meteorologist with the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service.

Milwaukee has seen poor air quality conditions this week  even the worst in the world  that will linger through Aug. 2 and 3.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Patterson said air quality conditions on Aug. 2 are going to be elevated for groups sensitive to smoke, such as those with asthma, heart or lung conditions.

The morning air quality is moderate, but Patterson said meteorologists are expecting an additional push of smoke in the afternoon and into the evening. This lingering smoke, which may arrive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., will create an air quality that is sensitive for all groups.

Patterson said Aug. 3 could see slight improvement and moderate conditions similar to the morning of Aug. 2. She said southerly and easterly winds will return, keeping wildfire smoke to the north in Wisconsin. But, these winds will be light, meaning smoke may take a long time to clear out.

Fairgoers: pay attention to how you feel

As for sensitive fairgoers this weekend, Patterson said it's important to keep tabs on your health. If you're breathing harder than normal and feel like you're struggling to be outside, that's a sign to spend some time indoors and catch your breath where there's air filtration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Just pay attention to how you're feeling, especially outside in the sun, drinking and having fun," Patterson said.

Patterson said the average person won't likely feel much effect from the wildfire smoke this weekend but may feel lung agitation. But even those who aren't sensitive to poor air quality should monitor heart rate and breathing while spending time outside, she said.

Mild temperatures and sunny skies

Wildfire smoke aside, the weather in Milwaukee looks enjoyable this weekend.

Aug. 2 will be mostly sunny with a high around 78 degrees, according to an NWS forecast. The night will be clear, with a calm breeze and a low of 60 degrees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As for Aug. 3, it will be sunny with a high near 82 degrees and a slight breeze in the afternoon.

See air quality in your area

See the live map below to track air quality in your area. Green indicates good air quality, while yellow is moderate and orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

How to check the air quality in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has interactive air quality maps that show the AQI and any active advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website or type in your ZIP code into the AirNow.gov website to view air quality in your area.

Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Will wildfire smoke be a concern for first weekend of the State Fair?
Ukraine's Defence Intelligence and the resistance movement carried out a successful operation on the outskirts of the occupied city of Melitopol on 2 August, killing five troops from the Akhmat unit, a Chechen military group fighting for Russia.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: Defence Intelligence reports that a minibus carrying Akhmat soldiers was blown up, killing all five on board.

The explosion also wounded two Russian soldiers who were in a nearby car and destroyed an electronic warfare system.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
After nearly 17 years of investigation, incarceration, and trial, the special NIA court in Mumbai on Wednesday acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, citing a lack of legally admissible evidence to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. In a detailed 1,036-page judgment, the court admitted there were strong suspicious circumstances and serious doubts about the involvement of some accused but emphasised that suspicion, however grave, cannot replace legal proof.



Among those acquitted were BJPs former MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Major (Retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Dhar Dwivedi alias Dayanand Pandey, and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. In the backdrop of the facts, it is also necessary to mention that the evidence on record creates grave suspicion against the accused but mere suspicion cannot lead to a conviction. Hence, I am extending the benefit of doubt, the court said in its detailed judgment.



10 key reasons behind acquittal



No direct link to the blast site: The prosecution failed to produce any eyewitnesses or forensic evidence placing the accused at the scene of the explosion.



Motorcycle ownership alone was not enough: The motorcycle used in the blast was registered in Pragya Singh Thakurs name, but no evidence proved she had knowledge or intent of its use in a terror act. Police witnesses said the vehicle bore the original number GJ-05-BR-1920, in Thakurs name, but was in the possession of Ramji Kalsangra during the NIA probe.



Inadmissible confessions: Confessions and disclosures to police were retracted or ruled inadmissible as they werent recorded under Section 164 CrPC before a magistrate.



Hostile witnesses: 39 key witnesses turned hostile, weakening the prosecutions narrative on conspiracy and indoctrination.



Unreliable forensic handling: Discrepancies were found in how evidencelike RDX traces, laptop data, and documentswas collected, sealed, and submitted.



No conclusive voice matching or email proof: Voice recordings and intercepted messages couldnt be forensically linked to the accused.



Lack of financial trail: Claims of fund transfers for the plot werent backed by account statements, receipts, or witness corroboration.



Torture allegations against ATS: Accused alleged custodial torture and illegal detention by ATS, and the NIAs own inquiry supported these claims.



Contradictory investigations: After taking over in 2011, the NIA gave clean chits to several accused, casting serious doubt on the original ATS probe.



Ideology alone isnt conspiracy: The court noted that while some accused had radical views, ideology or community criticism doesnt prove criminal conspiracy without action.



Insufficient to establish guilt



While the court noted that there was grave suspicion against the accused, it did not elaborate on what constituted this suspicion. Instead, it pointed out that the prosecution had failed to present reliable and legally admissible evidence to support its case. The statements of key witnessesrelating to the alleged conspiracy, meetings, and other incriminating circumstanceswere found to be insufficient to establish guilt.



The court underlined that strong suspicion, however compelling, cannot replace legal proof. It also observed that many witnesses deposed long after the incident, leading to natural lapses in memory and inconsistencies in their accounts.



Further, the presence of contradictions, omissions, and embellishments in witness testimonies raised serious doubts about the prosecutions version of events. Though police witnesses were consistent in describing procedural aspects like arrests and recoveries, the overall evidence lacked the credibility and coherence required to sustain a conviction.



The judgment sharply criticised the Maharashtra ATSs conduct, especially in 2008. Accused including Col Purohit, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, and Sameer Kulkarni alleged torture, illegal detention, and coercion by ATS officers.



The NIAs supplementary chargesheet itself noted that ATS evidence suffered from procedural lapses and rights violations.



While acquitting the accused, the court concluded: It is necessary to place on record the fact that I am fully aware of the degree of agony, frustration, and trauma caused to society at large and, more particularly, to the families of the victims by the fact that a heinous crime of this nature has gone unpunished. However, the law does not permit courts to convict an accused solely on the basis of moral conviction or suspicion. No doubt, terrorism has no religion because no religion in the world preaches violence.
The Florida Highway Patrol is establishing a new immigration enforcement unit to collaborate with state and federal agencies in finding and detaining undocumented immigrants in Florida.

The Florida Highway Patrol chief stated that the new unit will work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as other state and federal agencies.

Both state and local Florida law enforcement officers are being trained at the federal level to enhance this collaboration, and some have already completed the program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since March this year, more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants have been detained during highway enforcement operations in Florida.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Over the past decade, Florida has shifted from swing state status to becoming the center of the Trumpist universe. The state has led the way in trumpeting  and sometimes originating  some of MAGAs most infamous policies.

But Floridas rightward shift has been decades in the making. Like other parts of the South and more conservative regions of the country, the Sunshine State has been a laboratory for illiberalism and authoritarianism. In that way, the Age of Trump and the countrys ascendant authoritarianism are American-made, and not something imported or imposed from abroad.

Donald Trump has now been president for six months. But in that time, he and MAGA Republicans have consolidated near-total control over almost all of the power centers in the federal government, including Congress, the courts, the military and national security state, and the bureaucracy and regulatory state as a whole. Their goal is to dismantle Americas multiracial, pluralistic democracy and replace it with a permanent right-wing regime. So far, their efforts have been very effective.

In his latest book American Scare: Floridas Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives, journalist and historian Robert W. Fieseler details a lost and hidden history of the anti-freedom regime that existed in Florida during the 1950s and 1960s  a time that, in retrospect, serves as a terrifying preview of the Age of Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With what he calls unprecedented access to a secret trove of primary source documents, Fieseler reconstruct[s] the story of a largely forgotten inquisition that, for nine years from 1956 to 1965, held Florida citizens ransom to an extrajudicial committee with the power to declare Black integrationists or closeted queers [to be] communists and enemies of the people.

I recently spoke with Fieseler about American Scare and the stunning parallels between past and present.

I always start with emotions, given our worsening national disaster. How are you feeling? Do you have any advice for the average American who may be confused, afraid and feeling powerless as the America they thought existed changes around them in horrible ways?

I feel spiritually called to be a counter-voice to this era of American crisis. My earliest memories involve thinking The world is wrong when middle-class family members tried to explain why the triumph of Reagan and capitalism made homelessness an acceptable phenomenon. From a young age, even in the glitter of 1990s excess, I lived at odds with the cruelties of empire. In other words, I was never built to be a peacetime queer who plays make-nice in a Stepford Americana. My destiny as an adult to oppose the Trump regime feels invigorating, urgent and necessary every morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As for advice? The American people need to put down their damned phones and get out of doomscroll mode, and do the deep work that is required to discover what you are truly meant to be doing with your rare energy and gifts.

What is the relationship between Florida and whats happening in the Age of Trump?

There are presently two major political power centers in the United States: Washington, D.C., which is basically being run by Floridians, and Tallahassee, where the Trump administrations wildest ideas get incubated and perfected. Our current attorney general is a former Florida attorney general. Our current secretary of state is the former junior senator of the Sunshine State. And what is Trump 2.0 but a superego on spin in the Florida machine? In a horrible sense, were all Floridians now and subject to Tallahassee rules.

Donald Trump became more himself, not less, when he became a Florida resident, and the state system catered to his comeback because his personality so grooved with the archetypical values and behavior of a Tallahassee strongman: Spoils, revenge, gerrymandering, scapegoating, exploiting constitutional loopholes and ruling through the news cycle. As Florida State Sen. Lauren Book once explained to me, When you get power in Florida, you can use it to pick on anyone.

Florida and red states are often laboratories for autocracy. But as you show in American Scare, the rise of Trumpism and American authoritarianism is mostly treated as a top-down phenomenon.

Florida is the third-largest state by population in the United States. Its also the fastest-growing, and its been a political kingmaker since the 1990s. The state of Florida, and by proxy our country now, can be a kings court. Post-Reconstruction state constitutions were drawn in Dixieland to facilitate apartheid-level tyrannies that advantaged white people, and in many regions of the South, theres still very little a white man with an office cant do in the name of the law

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps Washington and Tallahassee have embraced a kind of valueless imperiousness that pulls on these deep historic currents to rile up hysteria among their mostly white base of support, who are simultaneously terrified and screaming for red meat. In other words, what our body politic is facing today is not substantively new; its only perceptually new to those whove never before been subject to the whims of a place like Tallahassee.

There are many examples of the convergence between Florida and the Age of Trump. Alligator Alcatraz, the right-wing war on education and free speech, discriminatory laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community, the systematic harassment of Black and brown people, attempts to reverse the gains of the civil rights movement. The past isnt even past, as William Faulkner observed.

Very little of DeSantis-ism, or Trumpism even, is original. The Florida breed of fear politics, the good old American Scare as I call it, was perfected during the post-World War II red scare years by a segregationist faction called the Pork Choppers, of which a powerful state senator named Charley Johns was leader. Johns made Pork Chopper politicos take a Klan-style blood oath in the 1940s to preserve the post-Reconstruction white power base of North Florida against Black integrationists who wanted social equality. They also wanted to keep power in places like Miami against newcomers. The seeds of his political style took root very deeply.

[They] took their cues from the federal red scare and weaponized [words] to attack anyone who opposed their schemes of getting and keeping white financial advantage. Leveraging an atmosphere of social panics, Johns pioneered the practice of scapegoating Black, queer and Cuban minority groups  or even targeting and suffocating individual citizens, such as teachers, using all the weight of the state. Sound at all familiar?

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.

Alligator Alcatraz has antecedents in Floridas historic chain gangs, where Black and queer workers in prison stripes toiled on roadsides and slept in cages often insured by the Charley E. Johns Insurance Agency. The Dont Say Gay bill has antecedents in Johns 1950s devotion to the theory of homosexual recruitment, or the idea that innocent white children can be corrupted and somehow made queer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DeSantiss opposition to the teaching of AP African American history speaks to a state power apparatus that is afraid of a factual recitation of Floridas real history. This includes Floridas era of lynching against Black peopleSince there has been no truth and reconciliation about white violence against Black people and other non-whites in Florida, these cycles continue to play out in [the states] public policy and politics.

The Trump administration, DeSantis and the larger right-wing regime are attempting to erase entire categories of human beings from public and private life. Transgender peoples personhood is being criminalized, for example, nevermind what is happening in the military, with passports, job opportunities, education, housing and other civil rights issues more broadly.

Since the end of Reconstruction in Florida, the gifts and benefits of personhood, those who are deemed fit to receive first-class citizenship, have largely been limited to the Sunshine States hetero-white residents. To channel Hannah Arendt, Florida whites are bestowed at birth the right to have rights, which helps explain how white or white-aligning folk can often get out of inexplicable jams that would imprison others in a heartbeat. Casey Anthony walks free after her two-year-old daughter was found dead and suffocated with duct tape back in 2008. Think about how neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman play-acts [at] being an armed policeman and ends the life of a 17-year-old Black teenager with the protection of a state Stand Your Ground statute.

I write in American Scare that its as if the forces of justice and karma break and break upon the shores of Florida. Something of the karmic order has shattered. What goes around does not readily come around for Florida elites. Remarkably for Floridas profound level of diversity, Florida has not had a single Black or non-white governor since home rule was reestablished in 1885

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a wonder that a cultural mecca like Miami holds next to nothing of Tallahassees power. But politicos can make a hell of any paradise. To wit: A governor who got married at Disney World later went to war with Disney World to gain swagger points.

What about undocumented people? The administrations mass deportation campaign has historic origins in Florida too.

I dont think the average law-abiding white American has taken the mental journey of what it means to be abducted by authorities, which is a commonplace scenario in totalitarian societies. Generally, jackbooted people in uniform will take you out of your life at a purposefully planned bad time to foment maximum anxiety and shame and to generate complete psychological surrender. Next, authorities tend to confine and/or cage their abductees, restricting freedom of movement, before having their way with them.

Johns Committee agents abducted a University of Florida undergraduate student named Art Copleston, a guy in his twenties whod heretofore had no interaction with state authorities, in the middle of a final exam for his sophomore accounting class.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They humiliated Copleston by turning up in uniform in an auditorium classroom and theatrically summoning him in front of classmates; Copleston complied to avoid publicly being called queer at a time when such an accusation would mean that he needed to transfer colleges. Authorities then put Copleston in the back of an idling squad car and, without explanation, drove him to an isolated motel on the edge of town, where they sat him in a chair in front of a state senator, an elected official, and interrogated him for hours on suspicion of his homosexual lifestyle. Throughout that span, he couldnt eat or drink water or use the bathroom or receive legal counsel or stand up to leave without permission.

I interviewed Copleston numerous times about this episode, and he described to me the sense of being a cockroach in the spotlight. This same feeling of helplessness in the hot seat, these same tactics of dehumanization, these same devices of domination, have only been heightened and finetuned by Florida and federal authorities to foment maximum torment for the latest scapegoats: Documented and undocumented immigrants, Black males deemed militant, suspected Venezuelan gang-members, whoever might be branded as a terrorist and/or investigative journalists who refuse to give up their sources.

Can you offer some profiles in courage and resistance?

In Florida and elsewhere, there were individuals of rare caliber who rose up in their day to defeat these right-wing despots. Meet [queer person of color] music professor William James Neal, who sued segregated Florida in 1962 for firing him from his teaching position due to homosexual rumors. Neal won back his teaching credentials in a Tallahassee courtroom, defeating the Johns Committee at their own game, by hiring two white appellate attorneys and fleeing the state so as to obscure his race from racist white judges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is also the case of NAACP Florida President Father Theodore Gibson, architect of Miami school desegregation, who Florida State Sen. Charley Johns tried to imprison and pursued all way [to the] Supreme Court, where Gibson emerged victorious and strengthened the NAACPs freedom of association.

Yes, ordinary Americans defeated would-be emperors in the past through political participation, nonviolent confrontation, decency of comportment  and a few self-evident truths.

The post Florida is the laboratory for MAGA  and American autocracy appeared first on Salon.com.
ORLANDO, Fla.  A frustrated Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, threatened with suspension and removal from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis, said he signed an amendment to an agreement Friday with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under protest and extreme duress.

He said he feared DeSantis would oust him and county commissioners, then name his minions to lead the county.

Yes, I signed the damn thing because we really had to, Demings said at an afternoon press conference called to explain why he backtracked on his opposition to a codicil permitting county correction officers to transport immigration detainees to federal detention facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Demings and all six commissioners voted against the amendment July 15 but will discuss it again at their Tuesday meeting.

His turnabout occurred as DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet were gathering in Orlando at the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters for a press conference at which the governor announced the creation of a new immigration enforcement unit within the patrol.

Demings was asked if he suspected the governor had actually planned to announce he was suspending him.

I dont have any direct knowledge of that, but I do have relationships, and Ill leave it at that, Demings said.

Before he was elected county mayor, Demings spent four decades in law enforcement, starting his career as an Orlando police officer in 1981. He later served as Orlando police chief, Orange County public safety director and two terms as Orange County sheriff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Demings objected to adding transport duties for correction officers, insisting the jail lacked staff to handle the extra chore.

To even be deployed to do that in the first place requires specialized training, Demings said.

Demings was advised by County Attorney Jeff Newton that DeSantis could not only suspend and remove him and other elected commissioners from office but could impose civil and possibly criminal penalties if the board did not reconsider and approve the amendment.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a DeSantis appointee, warned Demings in writing this week that the rejection of the transport obligation constituted failure to use best efforts to assist with federal immigration enforcement, as required by state law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Demings said he was unwilling to risk suspension of the entire Board of County Commissioners, including himself.

I say that with all sincerity, because of the role, the responsibilities that we have here within this community to take care of our community and look out for our residents, he said.

Cliff Shepard, a government law attorney, said he believes the risk to Demings and the commission was real. He recalled the governor has previously suspended and removed state attorneys and those actions survived court challenges.

DeSantis replaced Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in 2022, alleging neglect of duty and incompetence for signing pledges not to prosecute cases related to Florida laws restricting abortion and gender-affirming care. The governor then ousted Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell in 2023, alleging incompetence and neglect of duty, arguing she failed to adequately prosecute drug trafficking and offenses involving firearms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not an idle threat, Shepard said.

We also know that a significant majority of the current Supreme Court was appointed by the current governor and seem to have favored his position on certain things. If you look at the track record of the current governor with legal challenges in front of the Supreme Court as currently constituted, I cant think of one that hes lost.

But Demings capitulation drew criticism from immigration advocates.

In an email to the Orlando Sentinel, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of Hope CommUnity Center, an immigrant resource center in Apopka, criticized the mayor for folding under pressure.

His decision represents a betrayal of the values of dignity, inclusion and community that the residents of Orange County hold dear, Sousa-Lazaballet said. By doing so, Mayor Demings becomes complicit with the human rights atrocities being committed at these centers, including the already infamous Alligator Alcatraz. I cant stress this enough, as this is not about politics but about human lives.




NEED TO KNOW

A Florida woman was arrested after allegedly violating the guidelines of her local homeowners association (HOA)

It was alleged in a lawsuit that Irena Green had "browning grass" on her lawn, a dirty mailbox and a commercial van, among other minor violations

"To be taken to jail and to be treated like that for brown grass at my own home ... thats horrible," the homeowner said







A Florida woman is speaking out after she was arrested for allegedly violating the guidelines of her local homeowners association (HOA).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Irena Green was jailed on May 23 after The Trowbridge Company Inc. alleged in a lawsuit that the homeowner had violated community appearance rules, ABC Action News reported.

The HOA management company, based in Hillsborough County, claimed that Green had browning grass on her lawn, a dirty mailbox and a commercial van, among other minor violations, which they said they ordered the woman to correct.

The grass has started turning brown. So then they started sending notes, Green told ABC Action News. And it went from the grass being brown to theres a dent in my garage.



After the lawsuit was filed, Green said a judge gave her 30 days to tidy up her lawn and to correct the violations, or she would be jailed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I sold my van to comply. My mailbox was cleaned to comply. I bought seeds and watered my grass to comply," she told ABC Action News.

Despite her attempts at resolving the issue, Green was later arrested after missing a next court date in August 2024, the outlet reported.

I was supposed to receive documentation. Nothing was sent to my home. And I reached out to the courthouse several times to try to find out my court date," she said.

Getty Tiny houses sitting on top of blocks with the letters H, O and A (stock image). Tiny houses sitting on top of blocks with the letters H, O and A (stock image).

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.

On May 23, while picking up her 15-year-old daughter from cheerleading practice, Green was pulled over and arrested, according to ABC Action News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There was no bond. So I couldnt even go home to my family, she told the outlet. I sat in there for seven days in the jailhouse like a criminal.

According to jail records seen by PEOPLE, Green faced two charges: contempt of court and failure to comply with court's order to show cause.

Green was released from jail after her family presented evidence that she had cleaned up her yard to a different judge than the one who signed the arrest warrant, per ABC Action News.

It makes me feel horrible. I work hard to buy this home for me and my kids in a better neighborhood and environment, and to be taken to jail and to be treated like that for brown grass at my own home ... thats horrible, she said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office and The Trowbridge Company Inc. did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Read the original article on People
One parent is demanding that a Florida county school board chair resign following comments in which she appeared to praise Hulk Hogans death as "one less MAGA" in the world.

Florida parent Jeremy Clepper told Fox News Digital in a statement that Sarah Rockwell, chair of Alachua County Public Schools, "needs to resign because of her comment good, one less MAGA in the world, saying she wants all MAGAs dead."

In since-deleted social media posts, Rockwell, who was elected in 2022, said, "Oh did Hulk die? I didnt even know. Good. One less MAGA in the world."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kentucky School Official Resigns After Allegedly Calling To 'Shoot Republicans' On Social Media

Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died July 24 at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

In a reply to her initial comment, Rockwell added, "[H]e worked with the McMahons to union bust professional wrestling. [H]es never been a good guy. I feel absolutely nothing about his death."

Read On The Fox News App

Rockwell is "an extreme progressive at the head of our school board and clearly doesnt have the mental capacity to treat all families equally and keep our children safe," Clepper said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Clepper, who spoke Thursday at an Alachua County Public Schools school board meeting, said Rockwell should resign, calling her a "disgusting, vile human being."

He said that he was "initially removed" from the meeting but that the environment became so hostile that he ended up leaving.

Clepper told Fox News Digital that he has an elementary school child in the Alachua County Public Schools system, and that it is "absolutely terrifying that someone like her is at the head of the system."

Following her comments that went viral on social media, Rockwell deleted the messages and apologized for them on her official school board Facebook account.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heckler Hijacks Florida Governor's Hulk Hogan Tribute With Profane Tirade Against 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died July 24 at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.

"A few days ago, I made a cruel and flippant comment from my personal Facebook account on a friends post regarding the death of Hulk Hogan," she wrote on Saturday. "I deeply regret making that comment and have since removed it. I want to make it very clear that I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views. While I strongly disagree with some of the comments Hulk Hogan made, that is no excuse for my comment."

Rockwell added, "I also sincerely apologize for the way my comment has eroded confidence in my ability to represent all students, families, and staff in Alachua County. I want to assure all of you that the best interests of our children and our public schools are at the center of everything I do as a board member. I hope I have shown that by my record of advocacy for children, families, and staff members throughout Alachua County. Again, I apologize for the hurt and distrust I have caused with my insensitive comment. I will continue to do the hard work of putting our children and schools first. I hope that I can earn back your trust."

"There is absolutely no excuse for what I said and I take full responsibility for it," Rockwell said. "I posted an immediate apology on my professional Facebook page, and again tonight I sincerely and publicly apologize to everyone who was hurt or offended by my words."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fox News Digital reached out to Rockwell and the Alachua County Public Schools for comment.





Original article source: Florida parent demands resignation of school board chair who celebrated Hulk Hogan's death
The Brief

A town of Fond du Lac arson investigation led to a tactical standoff.

It started after residents reported someone started a fire outside their home.

The 32-year-old suspect ultimately surrendered after seven hours.

FOND DU LAC, Wis. - A town of Fond du Lac arson investigation led to an hours-long tactical standoff and ended with the suspect in custody on Friday, Aug. 1.

What they're saying

Authorities were called to a home near Townline and Waterway around 2:45 a.m. The residents said their home security system woke them up and alerted them to motion outside. They watched surveillance footage and saw a suspect "spray an accelerant" on their home and light it on fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

The suspect ran away, and the fire self-extinguished by the time deputies arrived. They quickly identified a suspect who lived nearby and set up a perimeter. Nearby residents were asked to shelter in place, and residents of one home were evacuated.

Deputies attempted to contact the suspect, but the sheriff's office said he refused to cooperate  instead barricading himself in his basement and refusing to surrender. That prompted a response from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office SWAT team, drone team, K-9 teams and crisis negotiators.

The standoff lasted seven hours as SWAT members  both inside and around the suspect's home  ordered him to surrender. Authorities also used "less lethal gas and irritant agents" to try to get him out. After opening a "communication port" in the side of the home with an armored vehicle ram, the suspect surrendered shortly after 1 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 32-year-old man was taken into custody. The sheriff's office said he'd be booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail for numerous felonies related to the investigation.

No one was injured.

The Source

Information in this story is from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office.
Food aid groups that partner with the U.S. Agency for International Development to assist in providing critical nutrition for millions around the world have had to watch cases of food go to waste as the Trump administration dismantled USAID.

In Georgia, Mana Nutrition, a company that creates ready-to-use therapeutic food, is waiting for someone to pick up 400,000 cases of its nutritional supplement to be shipped worldwide. The food could help an estimated 60 million people, but chaos with USAID has disrupted coordination, the company told the Washington Post.

The company is planning to destroy approximately 585 cases of its peanut paste this month because it became too dated to ship while waiting for a new government contract that never happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The owner of Mana Nutrition told The Post that some of it could have been added to previous shipments, but wasnt.

But other companies or organizations that have or had contracts with the government to supply aid have faced similar issues in recent months.

Cases of food assistance have sat in warehouses around the country, waiting for someone to pick them up as the administration dismantles USAID (Getty Images)

In July, approximately 500 metric tons of food aid, specifically high-energy biscuits meant for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, expired while being stored in warehouses in Dubai.

While the administration assured people that the small percentage of food aid wasted would not impact future shipments, some have raised concerns about the pattern that has been highlighted due to the dismantling of USAID.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last month, the company Edesia Nutrition waited for someone to pick up more than 100,000 boxes of nutritional aid that had sat in a warehouse in Rhode Island. After sounding the alarm, the shipments were finally picked up only after a Rhode Island retailer teamed up with the company.

In May, several people familiar with USAID told Reuters that more than 60,000 metric tons of food, sourced from American farmers and manufacturers, was set to expired in warehouses by July. That concerned enough people that the Office of Inspector General said it would open an investigation into food aid in warehouses.

Its unclear if that aid was eventually shipped.

Lawmakers have raised concerns about food aid going to waste while sitting in warehouses (Getty Images)

The Trump administration has sought to axe USAID by revoking federal funding and firing most of its staff. President Donald Trump and his allies have characterized USAID as an unnecessary agency filled with waste, fraud, and abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

USAID, which was established in the 1960s, was one of the worlds leading distributors of food and aid. Partnering with other companies, USAID provided humanitarian assistance, medical necessities, education, and more to people living in poverty, war-torn countries, and disaster-impacted communities.

A spokesperson for the State Department told the Post that it is constantly assessing global humanitarian needs and expects to allocate additional resources to address those needs in line with U.S. interests.

More than 730 million people face malnutrition or hunger worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The U.S. is the single largest donor of international food assistance.

Food aid has been especially highlighted recently as people in Gaza are on the brink of starvation and face dire circumstances.
BLUEFIELD  National Weather Service forecasts issued Friday called for more rainy conditions over southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia. But relief from weeks of sweltering summer heat will be felt across Mercer, Raleigh, Fayette and surrounding counties over the next several days.

Rain remains a feature in the regions forecasts until Monday, but temperatures are dropping from the persistent high 80s. In Mercer County, todays expected high is 72 degrees, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va.

Weve got a frontal patch, a cold front, coming through here, said meteorologist Phil Manuel. It came through today and temperatures are going down as we speak.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The weather service also issued a flood watch which started at 1 p.m. Friday and continued until midnight for the Virginia counties of Bland, Giles and Wythe. There was a possibility of heavy rain bringing some flooding to low-lying and flood-prone areas.

While most days have some chances for rain, showers were not expected to be heavy. Manuel checked his forecast models.

Well, lets see. What shower chances we have are small, he said. Its not the heavy rain that weve had to deal with in places. There is a chance of showers, but nothing that would be a concern in terms of flooding.

Todays nighttime low is expected to drop around 58 degrees. Sundays high temperature could reach only 74 degrees and fall to 55 degrees that evening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Further north in Raleigh County, partly sunny skies and a high of 75 is expected today with only 58 degrees tonight, according to National Weather Services office in Charleston. The forecast calls for sunny skies and 80 degrees by Monday with a 40% chance of rain and a high of 77 degrees Tuesday. Neighboring Fayette Countys forecast has partly and sunny skies today, Sunday and Monday with highs in the mid to upper 70s.

Temperatures around the region are expected to stay in the 70s until at least the middle of next week.

Its a nice reprieve from all the heat weve had, Manuel said. Thats for sure.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

MT. PLEASANT, Utah (ABC4)  A former Mt. Pleasant police officer has been charged after an internal investigation revealed he was working a second job while on duty and falsifying time logs to get additional pay.

Nathan Taylor, 41, has been charged with misusing public property valuing more than $5,000 and theft valuing more than $5,000, both second-degree felonies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The North Valley Police Department was previously the Mt. Pleasant and Fairview Police Departments, but they officially merged as of July 1, 2025. Taylor was part of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department when the theft allegedly occurred. According to the chief, he was terminated prior to the merger.

LEARN MORE: Two Utah police departments merge following brief staffing shortage

According to a press release from Chief Steve Gray of the North Valley Police Department (and former Mt. Pleasant Police Chief), the officer was working for the Mt. Pleasant Police Department when they were informed that he may be working a second job while on duty as a police officer.

In May 2025, an internal affairs investigation was launched into the possibility that Taylor was essentially getting paid by the two different jobs for the same hours worked (double dipping), and he was placed on administrative suspension, according to the press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The internal investigation determined that he had falsified time logs and received pay for hours that he did not actually work. It was also determined that he was, in fact, working a second job and getting paid by both agencies between January 2024 and May 2025. At this point, an independent agency was contacted to perform a criminal investigation.

In June 2025, according to the press release from Chief Gray, the internal affairs investigation was completed, and Taylor was terminated from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. The Utah Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training was also contacted regarding the investigation.

The independent agency turned the criminal investigation over to the Iron County Attorneys Office to review potential charges in July 2025. Today, Aug. 1, charges were filed against Taylor.

Chief Gray included the following statement in the press release shared with ABC4.com:

It truly is a sad day for us as a small police agency because everyone who works for our agency or agencies is like family. However, I would like to thank all the individuals who investigated this incident and the hard work they put into the investigation. Thank you to Gunnison Police Department specifically, and Iron County Attorneys Office for their work Chief Steve Gray, North Valley Police Department

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.
Aug. 1SANTA FE  A former Cabinet secretary in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration has entered New Mexico's secretary of state race, setting the stage for a three-way Democratic primary next year.

Sonya Smith, who led the state's Department of Veteran Services, announced her candidacy for secretary of state this week.

She joins fellow Democrats Amanda Lopez Askin, the Dona Ana County clerk, and Katherine Clark, the Santa Fe County clerk, in the race to succeed current Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Toulouse Oliver has been New Mexico's top elections official since 2016 but is barred under the state Constitution from seeking a third consecutive four-year term.

Smith, a former U.S. Air Force and Gulf War veteran, was nominated in January 2021 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to lead the Department of Veterans Services. Before that, she had worked in the state Department of Health, coordinating COVID-19 testing.

After nearly two years on the job, Smith stepped down from her Cabinet-level post in November 2022 to be closer to her family.

She said Friday she would work to build on Toulouse Oliver's record if elected, while also expanding voter education efforts across New Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It is a need and desire to protect our vote; that's what I'm running on," Smith told the Journal.

She also said she planned to target independent voters  along with registered Democrats  in the run-up to the June 2026 primary election. The election will be the first in modern state history in which independent voters are allowed to vote without having to change their party affiliation, under legislation signed into law this year by Lujan Grisham.

If her election bid is successful, Smith would become the first African American elected secretary of state in New Mexico.

She acknowledged Friday she does not have experience running elections but said her leadership skills and connections made with veterans statewide could be assets on the campaign trail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All New Mexico statewide offices will be on the ballot next year, including governor, attorney general and secretary of state.

No Republican candidate has, as of yet, announced a campaign for next year's secretary of state contest.

The last GOP candidate to win election as New Mexico secretary of state was Dianna Duran in 2012. Duran resigned from office in 2015 while being investigated for using campaign contributions to pay for a gambling habit.

New Mexico's primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Some familiar faces will be back in Connecticut this weekend as former members of the Hartford Whalers will visit St. Francis Hospital to show support for patients and fans.

The visit is part of the Hartford Yard Goats eighth annual Whalers Alumni Weekend. The Whalers who are returning to Hartford may feel like they are back home.

Guilford rides no-hitter to Little League Softball World Series

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its always a pleasure to be back, especially to this wonderful facility, former Whalers broadcaster Chuck Kaiton said.

The former Whalers will be signing autographs and reflecting on times past with people who first supported them.

Now were at the point where we can do as much as we can for charity and contribute as much as we can, former Whaler Paul Lawless (1982-88) said. The people embraced us, and they still do and its such a nice feeling as an older athlete to come back to a town like this.

South Windsor 10u baseball team wins state championship, headed to regionals

The Whalers played their last game in Hartford in 1997 before moving to North Carolina and becoming the Carolina Hurricanes. But their popularity lives on all over the world, and the memories and passion for the sport is alive and well, thanks to the annual Whalers Alumni Weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was in Costa Rica and Im sitting there and a guy, a local with a Hartford Whaler hat on that someone gave him, Lawless said. There are so many guys to this day that played little Hartford, Connecticut that still to this day, once again, they say this is the greatest years of their life.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Construction has begun at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, on the nations largest immigration detention facility  a $1.2 billion project that could eventually house up to 5,000 illegal immigrants.

The Trump administration awarded a roughly $1.2 billion contract to Virginia-based Acquisition Logistics Company to build and operate the tent complex, including $232 million contributed by the Army, per Bloomberg.

The Department of Homeland Security described the site in a performance work statement as a staging facility that will supervise aliens pending their removal from the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The memo added that the facility will start with 1,000 beds, with 250 beds added incrementally until full capacity is reached.

The contractor shall design and recommend a housing configuration that promotes safety and security and aligns with ICE detention standards and policies regarding housing detainees by classification and sex, the department wrote.

The camp will consist of temporary, soft-sided housing spread across roughly 60 acres at Fort Bliss, an active Army base that has previously supported border operations and illegal immigrant housing.

Operations will be managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though it remains unclear whether U.S. troops will be involved beyond possible perimeter security.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When contacted for comment, ICE confirmed that detainees will be held at Fort Bliss but noted that other options are also under consideration.

ICE is indeed pursuing all available options to expand bedspace capacity. This process does include housing detainees at certain military bases, including Fort Bliss, the agency told Border Report.

The Trump administrations broader immigration enforcement strategy has increasingly involved the Department of Defense, with active-duty troops providing security and logistical support at the border.

These developments come shortly after the Pentagon announced that 1,700 troops would be deployed to the southern border to assist ICE units, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
A fourth arrest has been made in connection with a violent Cincinnati brawl that took place on July 26 as authorities continue to hunt down suspects.

Dominique Kittle is facing charges of aggravated rioting and misdemeanor assault, according to the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department website. Kittle made his first court appearance on Saturday morning, where his bond was set at $150,000. His attorney stated on the record that Kittle suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.

The other suspects arrested so far in connection with the incident have been identified as Jermaine Matthews, Montianez Merriweather and Dekyra Vernon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Doj, Fbi Investigate Brutal Cincinnati Assault Captured In Viral Video

"Let me be clear, there is no place for violent crime in Cincinnati, whether it's fight or gun violence, we will pursue those responsible and we will hold them accountable no matter who they are, period," Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said at a news conference on Friday.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, told Fox News Martha MacCallum that the mayors response to the violent incident was "way too little." He also knocked Pureval for being in Canada when the incident occurred.

Read On The Fox News App

"No apology, no atonement, no atonement for the fact that under the mayor's leadership, we're down anywhere between 110 to 300 police officers. There's no atonement for the fact that when police do arrest criminals, the judges and prosecutors basically give them a slap on the wrist and send them on their way. The police are doing the best they can in Cincinnati. They're the heroes every day. But nice words don't mean anything unless you have actual actions. This is way too little response," Moreno said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cincinnati Mayor Missing During Viral Assault Crisis As Gop Senator Slams Absence, Sets Deadline For Action

The brawl took place between Elm and Fourth Streets and videos of the beatdown quickly went viral on social media. The footage showed a mob attacking two people, including a woman who was knocked unconscious while bystanders filmed.

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy spoke with the woman, who he identified as Holly.

"Shes a single working mom who went to a friends birthday party. Its unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night, or even an ambulance to take her to the hospital," he said. "Hard-working Americans shouldnt have to worry for their safety when they have a good time in our cities."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police Identify Multiple Suspects In Brutal Cincinnati Street Fight: 'Cruel And Absolutely Unacceptable'

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge later revealed that out of the approximately 100 people who witnessed the incident or were involved in the fight, only one called law enforcement.

"That is unacceptable to not call the police," Theetge said. "Traffic was horrendous. People saw this. They were fighting in front of traffic. Why didn't people call us?"

During a news conference on Friday, Theetge called the brawl "an act of violence that shook us all." She also vowed that all those involved in the attack would be held accountable, and reiterated her call to the public to alert law enforcement when they see violence taking place.

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge speaks at a press conference about early Saturday mornings viral beatdown in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

"Trust me when I say this: had the Cincinnati Police Department been notified in real time, our officers would have responded with urgency and force to protect life," Theetge said at the news conference on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FBI and the Justice Department have confirmed an open federal investigation into the beatdown.

"The FBI has been and will continue closely coordinating with the Cincinnati Police Department on this matter," the federal law enforcement group told Fox News Digital on July 30.

Fox News' CB Cotton contributed to this report.





Original article source: Fourth arrest announced as investigation into violent Cincinnati brawl continues
A fourth arrest has been made in connection to a Cincinnati street fight that went viral on social media.

Cincinnati police announced in a statement on Aug. 1 that Dominique Kittle, 37, was arrested at approximately 6:20 p.m. that same day. He is charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot.

Kittle joins Montianez Merriweather, 34, Jermaine Matthews, 39, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, as those who have been arrested after the Downtown fight sparked great concern across the Cincinnati area, becoming a part of a broader national argument about politics, crime and race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorney: Video shows racial slurs that 'triggered' downtown Cincinnati brawl

This latest arrest comes just hours after Mayor Aftab Pureval and other city leaders held a press conference in which they announced plans to help combat crime, addressed public saftey concerns and gave updates on the invesitgation into the fight.

Police Chief Teresa Theetge said during the conference that six people, including the three that were already in custody, have been charged with felonious assault and aggravated riot. With the arrest of Kittle, police are now only pusuing the remaining two suspects.

Police did not give details regarding Kittle's involvement in the fight. He is currently listed as an inmate at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fourth suspect arrested in Cincinnati fight that went viral
France said Friday it could not seize $9.7 million (8.4 million) worth of women's contraception products that the United States plans to destroy, after media reports suggested the stockpile would be incinerated in the country.

The contraceptives were purchased by the US foreign aid agency USAID under former president Joe Biden to be provided to women in some of the world's poorest countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

But Donald Trump's administration, which has dismantled USAID since Trump succeeded Biden in January, confirmed last month it intends to destroy the contraceptives being stored in a warehouse in the Belgian city of Geel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to several media reports, the unexpired products were to be incinerated in France at the end of July by a company that specialises in destroying medical waste.

France's government has come under pressure to save the contraceptives, with women's rights groups calling the US decision "insane".

But the health ministry told French news agency AFP that "unfortunately there is no legal basis" for French or even European health authorities to intervene to recover the stockpile.

"Since contraceptives are not drugs of major therapeutic interest, and in this case we are not facing a supply shortage, we have no means to requisition the stocks," it added.

'Insane decision'

The ministry also said it had no information on where the contraceptives would be destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It remains unclear where the contraceptives currently are  or even if they have already been destroyed.

French women's rights group Family Planning told AFP on Thursday they had been informed that the boxes had started being moved out of the Belgian warehouse 36 hours earlier.

"We do not know where these trucks are now  or whether they have arrived in France," the group's head Sarah Durocher said, calling on incineration companies to "oppose this insane decision".

Exactly which company could be responsible for incinerating the products has also not been revealed.

France supports Belgium's push to block US destruction of contraceptives

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

French company Veolia, which had been rumoured as a contender, confirmed to AFP that it has a contract with the US firm Chemonics, USAID's logistics provider.

However the company emphasised that the contract only covers "expired products, which is not the case for the stockpile" in Belgium.

The products, which include IUDs, implants and birth control pills, are reportedly up to five years away from expiring.

Belgium's foreign ministry told AFP earlier this week that it "is exploring all possible avenues to prevent the destruction of these products, including temporary relocation solutions".

The US decision has provoked an outcry in France.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Can France accept to become the executor of a senseless policy imposed by the US?" said an opinion piece by five NGOs in the French newspaper Le Monde on Friday.

Among the signatories was MSI Reproductive Choices, one of several organisations that have offered to purchase and repackage the contraceptives at no cost to the US government. All offers have been rejected.

'Epitome of waste'

Last week, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen pointed to the Trump administration's stated goal of reducing government waste, saying the contraceptives plan "is the epitome of waste, fraud and abuse".

Shaheen and Democratic Senator Brian Schatz have introduced a bill aiming to prevent further US aid being wasted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A US State Department spokesperson told AFP earlier this week that the destruction of the products would cost $167,000 and "no HIV medications or condoms are being destroyed".

Global aid in chaos as Trump proposes to slash funds and dismantle USAID

The spokesperson also pointed to a policy, reinstated by Trump earlier this year, which prohibits providing aid to non-governmental organisations that promote or perform abortions.

The NGO Doctors Without Borders, which has slammed the US plan as "unconscionable", has pointed to reports that there is another warehouse with USAID-purchased contraceptives in the United Arab Emirates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A study published in The Lancet medical journal in June estimated that more than 14 million of the world's most vulnerable people could die as a result of the USAID cuts.

Last month, the US also incinerated nearly 500 metric tons of high-nutrition biscuits that had been meant to keep malnourished children in Afghanistan and Pakistan alive.

(with AFP)
A former Hamas hostage who endured more than 480 days in captivity said he suffered from starvation, dehydration and abuse at the hands of his captors.

Keith Siegel, an American-Israeli who was released in February during a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, told "Special Report" that he and other hostages suffered "all sorts of abuse."

"I personally experienced severe violence, being kicked and being spat on and just being threatened with death, had weapons, guns pointed at me, and they were telling me they were going to kill me," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, according to numbers compiled by Fox News.

Siegel, Anat Angrest and Lishay Lavi-Miran, the family members of hostages still held by Hamas, met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week in Washington, D.C., to push for a comprehensive deal to secure the release of all remaining hostages, as ceasefire talks stall.

Siegel highlighted the dire conditions that hostages have lived in for nearly two years since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks in southern Israel.

Read On The Fox News App

"Sometimes there was food. Sometimes there was not food. But you never knew what to expect," he said. "I'm here to talk about the life-threatening situation that they are in, and I'm talking about the urgency to bring them all home. Every day that passes is a day where the hostage's situation is deteriorating."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arab Nations For First Time Pressure Hamas To Disarm, Relinquish Power In Gaza

Angrest, whose son Matan was pulled from his tank on Oct. 7 while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier that her son was badly injured when he was taken. He spent two months with Siegel in Gaza, who said the Israeli soldier suffered from burns and injuries.

"I must go on believing he's coming back and I dream about the day that he's coming to his warm bed. The same sheets wait for him," said the mother of four. "I'm here because I'm optimistic, because I believe President Trump [will] actually act to go on saving lives and bring all the 50 back home."

Lavi-Miran, a mother of two, whose husband, Omri, was taken from their home at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, added that hes the oldest hostage still captive in Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her children were two and six months old at the time, and Lavi-Miran says they want to know their father.

Omri Miran was taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

"We need the courage like Trump [had this past] six months and Keith with us is evidence that it can be," she said.

Israel Announces Immediate Resumption Of Gaza Aid Aidrops Amid Growing Hunger Crisis

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff wrote in a post on X in late July that the United States was pulling out of ceasefire talks with Hamas in Doha because the militant group wasnt negotiating seriously.

"It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way," Witkoff said. "We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel announced it would pause fighting in the enclave to allow more humanitarian aid to enter amid a global outcry over images of emaciated Palestinian children.

Palestinians carrying pans, gather to receive hot meals, on July 23, 2025.

The World Food Programme said nearly a quarter of Gazas population is enduring famine-like conditions and the remaining population is facing emergency levels of hunger.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is no starvation in Gaza and blamed Hamas for stealing aid.

President Donald Trump acknowledged to reporters that there was "real starvation" in the Strip and vowed to step up humanitarian efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September at the U.N. General Assembly and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his country would also recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.





Original article source: Freed American-Israeli hostage details starvation and abuse by Hamas as families push Trump for deal
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Downtown Sioux City was alive with reggae music Friday night.

This was the third of four Friday Night Live music concerts held in Sioux City this summer, all hosted by Downtown Live Sioux City.

Tonights band was Rocket and Gezzae, a reggae band out of Chicago.

This was the 22nd year of the summer concert series.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was the first year that Friday Night Live was held on the first Fridays of every month, as opposed to every Friday night.

You can bring your lawn chair. Its also family friendly, so you can bring your kids, you can bring the whole family down, and there are food trucks, as you can see, member of the Downtown Live Committee, Brent Stockston, said. You can come down and get a bite to eat. It runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can stay as long as you like, and its just a chance to get outside on a summer night downtown.

There is one more Friday Night Live this season. Its September 5, and the band is Chuck Mead and the Stalwarts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Hillside Orchard Farms is recalling several flavors of their fruit breads and fritters due to an undeclared allergen.

During an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company was told that the labels on some of their breads and fritters didnt include egg on the label.

The products were sold primarily in farmer markets and roadside stands in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and North Carolina, the FDA reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The recalled breads and fritters were distributed between Nov. 18, 2024  July 16, 2025.

FDA, JULY 28, 2025

Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg could be at risk for a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products, the FDA reported.

Officials said they urge consumers who have purchased these products to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund, or they may discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact 706-782-4995, Monday to Friday from 8:30-5 p.m. EST.

View the products below:

Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA Hillside Orchard Farms, FDA

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Air raid sirens blare in Zolochiv, a small town in the Kharkiv region, where dozens of destroyed buildings line the streets that few civilians walk along. The alarms were not the first that day, and they would not be the last.

Zolochiv is just 10 miles away from the nearest front lines but holds no strategic military value. Still, it is pummeled almost daily, and this air alert warned residents to seek cover immediately as a Russian Molniya drone flew over the town. Some residents sat outdoors at the towns coffee shop or tended to their needs at one of the few remaining grocery stores.

Residents of a destroyed apartment in Zolochiv throw debris out of their window in Zolochiv on Feb. 25, 2025. / Anna Conkling/ The Daily Beast

Nearly three and a half years into the war, frequent attacks on Zolochiv have become the norm, but life carries on regardless of the dangers, and their constant frustrations that not enough is being done to end the fighting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents of Zolochiv told the Daily Beast they are angry at both the U.S. administration and President Donald Trump, who they believe are turning their backs on Ukraine.

Minutes after the alarms lifted, Valentina, 54, stood outside her large white van where her granddaughter, Ulyasha, 10, was scrolling aimlessly on a tablet. She was parked outside one of Zolochivs last remaining drug stores, waiting for her husband to return from his shopping.

Firefighters respond to an attack in Zolochiv. / Anna Conkling /The Daily Beast

Trump himself doesnt know much about Ukraine. I personally invite him. Let him stay at my house. Let him sit under the drones and under the KAB bombs and then go talk about negotiations, said Valentina.

Valentina echoes the views of more and more residents in Zolochiv whom I have spoken with during trips to the town over the last 18 months. Previously, all residents would voice appreciation for the U.S. and former President Joe Bidens unwavering support for Ukraine, noting the financial, military, and medical assistance the White House secured for Kyiv during that time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They now ask me, Can you tell me what is happening in America? and Do you like Trump?

Mayor Vitaly Sadovii on the phone in his office in Zolochiv as air raid alarms begin. / Anna Conkling/ The Daily Beast

There is no data on Trumps approval rating in Ukraine, but in Zolochiv, the residents are clear: They distrust the U.S. president and believe he is siding with Vladimir Putin.

Speaking from his office, its windows boarded up since being shattered in an attack last year, Deputy Mayor Vitaly Sadovii told the Daily Beast he hopes Russia will not try to reach Zolochiv and that it is heavily fortified. But he is well aware that the situation could change.

My heart shrinks when I look at the SMS [warnings]: Kab missile to Kharkiv region, said Sadovii. As the mayor spoke, the air raid alarms began again, and Sadovii moved to the basement of the building to wait for the threat to lift. He said the hardest part of living in Zolochiv for him is knowing that residents are anxious and fearful for the fate of their town.

Zolochiv is 10 miles away from the nearest front lines in Ukraine and is attacked most days. / Anna Conkling/ The Daily Beast

On July 15, Trump gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an ultimatumaccept a peace deal with Ukraine within 50 days or face sanctions on energy exports, 100 percent tariffs on Russia and secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil. On July 28, Trump said he has brought forward the deadline to 10 to 12 daysso early August instead of early September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps remarks over the last six months have been a wave of often-hostile rhetoric that has led many in Ukraine to wonder where the U.S. leaders loyalties lie. For many Ukrainians, 50 days to potential peace was simply too long.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky has stressed that no one wants the war to end more than Ukrainians. Trump, on the campaign trail, vowed that he would put an end to the war in Ukraine on day one of his presidency, a deadline that was extended to his first 100 days in office, and which ran out in April.

Zhenya voices her frustration at U.S. President Donald Trump. / Anna Conkling /The Daily Beast

Back in Zolochiv, at a flower shop near Anatolys store, the owner, a woman in her 70s named Zhenya, motioned towards the back room as the air raid alarms began once more. She walked to a thick metal basement door and raised it to show steps leading down to a dark room that served as a bomb shelter.

For all of this to be happening in the 21st century, a war like this, its a catastrophe. When, in the middle of the night, we take our little [grandchildren] and drag them into the cellar because bombs are flying at us, exclaimed Zhenya.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We wish Trump would come here and sit in the cellar with our kids. Let him see the truth for himself, not the lies people babble about, she said. I dont even consider them [Russians] human. You cant even call them beasts.

Vasily, 72, enters the flower shop he owns with his wife, Zhenya, in Zolochiv. / Anna Conkling /The Daily Beast

Zhenya and her husband, Vasily, 72, have owned their shop for decades and have raised their children and grandchildren in the village.

Before the war, Vasily said that people bought flowers for birthdays and other celebrations, but now, Its all for funerals. People forget about birthdays.

When there are attacks during the day, he said that people run to the shelter at his flower shop. While he is at home at night, he sleeps with his phone on his chest so he can run to his basement. This is how we live, said Vasily.

Two days earlier, the husband and wife learned that their granddaughters husband, a 44-year-old border guard, was killed in a Russian attack. Vasily said, It hurts. It hurts the soul. In the 21st century, such a war. Its a catastrophe.
As it turns out, humans, even Palestinians, need food to live. But before we discuss such a lofty dispensation 21 months into a near-total blockade of humanitarian aid, a brief bit of levity:

For my money, the best sketch comedy show out isnt Saturday Night Live, but former SNL writer Tim Robinsons I Think You Should Leave. Robinson specializes in constructing surrealist, cringe-inducing social nightmares, then extracting side-splitting comedy with an extremely committed performance with a flawless, unforgettable one-liner.

One of the shows most memorable sketches, Hot Dog Car, starts with a mysterious hot dog-shaped car crashing into a clothing store. The whodunit is solved within seconds as Robinson emerges with a series of excessive and absurd denials that the car is not his  all while wearing a hot dog costume.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now, were all trying to find the guy who did this, he claims, rejecting his obvious culpability while clumsily portraying himself as someone zealous to find the real culprit. Epitomizing the Shakespearean embarrassment of a man who doth protest too much, nobody at the store is convinced.

Anyway, funs over. Back to the genocide.

Roughly 2.1 million people remain in Gaza, and according to the UN World Food Programme, a third of those have gone multiple days in a row without food. Doctors Without Borders says 100,000 women and children are suffering severe acute malnutrition.

Gazans do not have food for the same reason they do not have medicine; for the same reason they do not have homes or hospitals or schools or mosques or churches. Its the same reason they do not have electricity or fuel (which means they do not have water), the same reason they dont have journalists on the ground able to tell you what happened to these things they used to have.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While I appreciate those who have acknowledged that no children should have their ribcages poking through their skin  an ideological spectrum that stretches from Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump  this reality was obvious to many millions of Americans who took to the streets and student halls in protest months and years ago. As Jewish Currents writer David Klion notes, a larger consensus around the atrocities of the war would have been far more useful then than now.

The Biden administration dismissed lawmakers who called for an immediate ceasefire as repugnant and disgraceful. Those who protested the governments responsible for restricting the safe passage of food  including the Palestinians watching their people go hungry and the Jews who bore witness  were collectively characterized as antisemites. As the bombs fell and the food dwindled, then-President Joe Biden insisted Israel wants to do all it can to ensure civilian protection.

Some who begrudgingly admit that Gazans are starving lay the blame primarily at the feet of Hamas militants who provoked Israels ongoing siege when they killed about 1,200 Israelis and took about 250 hostages. If only Hamas would simply release the hostages, then everyone else (including the hostages) would have food, the argument goes.

Even assuming most spoken and implied false premises about the nature of this conflict were correct  such as the charge that Hamas wont agree to ceasefire proposals or that Israel does not itself have thousands of Palestinian prisoners, many of them held without charges  it operates under the fundamental logic of collective punishment, a notion that civilians should suffer for the choices made by their government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Consider the implications anywhere else. If you happen to read this on star-telegram.com or in our print edition, chances are high that your governor pardoned a white supremacist murderer and agreed to build literal concentration camps. Vile acts of discrimination and tacit support for terrorism at best. Systemic stripping of human rights at worst. All escalations towards lethal violence we all decry. I personally would not like to be punished in any regard for the decisions of any elected official, even one as charming as Greg Abbott. Palestinians deserve that, too.

There is no lone culprit or solitary super villain. But since November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been wanted for arrest by the International Criminal Court, a judicial body representing 125 countries on charges of, among others, starvation as a method of warfare. None of those accusations stopped a bipartisan group of senators, some of whom mourned the fatally malnourished on social media, from meeting with Bibi and, naturally, posing for the gram.

Our valiant detectives are assuredly, to quote Hot Dog Guy, trying to find the guy who did this. I wish them well on their chase.

Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us!

We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news  and to publish those views in the Opinion section.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Letters should be no more than 150 words.

 Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days.

 Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions.

You can submit a letter to the editor two ways:

 Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred).

 Fill out this online form.

Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  After nearly 60 years in operation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will close its doors. CPB provides federal funding to local public radio and television stations across the countyincluding Hawaii Public Radio and PBS Hawaii.

In an unprecedented move last month, Congress pulled over one billion dollars in funding from CPB.

Federal decision made to revoke future public media funding

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations, said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and CEO.

On Aug. 1, employees were informed most staff positions would be terminated at the end of September, said CPB officials.

CPB shutting down is a big deal. They have been a center of gravity for public media for decades. Prior to the recent rescission vote, we all shared CPB and federal funding in common, said Meredith Artley, president and CEO of Hawaii Public Radio.

The way CPBs closure will affect public broadcast cannot yet be determined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We dont know the immediate impacts today, but those will surely come over time, Artley said. This adds uncertainty in an already uncertain time.

After federal funding was cut, Hawaii Public Radio raised almost $500,000 during a two-day fundraiser.

We have good reason to believe we will continue to grow support for our vital service that informs, inspires and connects all of Hawaii, Artley said.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

PBS Hawaii reassured the community of their stations commitment and expressed appreciation for viewers support.

This marks a significant turning point for PBS Hawaii but this is not a time for panic. It is a time for purpose, said Ron Mizutani, CEO and president of PBS Hawaii. Thanks to our generous community and careful planning, weve built a resilient foundation and we remain committed to serving Hawaiis keiki, kupuna and families.

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.
PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP)  Each summer, hundreds of brightly colored cabins come to life with the sound of children playing and smells of Southern comfort food in what's known as Mississippi's giant house party, the Neshoba County Fair.

The fair touts itself as the largest campground fair in the country, where attendees cram into more than 500 two-and-three story wood cabins for eight days every year. The larger cabins can sleep upwards of 30 people, sometimes in the same room.

It's like having two Christmases a year, said Mike Hardy, who attends the fair just about every year and shared a cabin this year with 20 members of his family, from infants to grandparents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Hardy, who lives more than 300 miles (500 kilometers) away in Nashville, Tennessee, the fair is one of the only times he visits his hometown. He calls it a high school, college and family reunion all wrapped into one.

I wouldn't miss it for anything, he said. It's just always been a big part of our lives.

Hardy inherited the cabin from his father, who bought it in the late 1960s. It's located in what's known as watermelon alley,' one of several neighborhoods that divide up the community, which feels like a mix between a candy-colored frontier town and an amusement park. His children grew up going there. The pictures they drew on hot summer days still hang on the walls, joined now by their own children's artwork.

His daughter, Madison Hardy-Dennis, attended her first fair when she was less than a year old. Now, her 6-year-old twins run barefoot in the red Mississippi mud, play pranks and get into water balloon fights  just like she did.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I hope that they understand how special this week is, and that this place is, Hardy-Dennis said.

Horse-race watching at the nearby race track and card playing are among Hardy family's favorite activities during the fair. They take their kids to the carnival rides and cook large family meals. On their way to the track, they walk through Founders Square, the oldest section of cabins with a pavilion used for dances and political speeches. It's where Ronald Reagan gave his famous states' rights speech in 1980 while running for president.

Sid Salter, whose family has been going to the fair since it first opened in 1889, said it's a place where children are safe to roam freely. Often, parents write their kid's name and cabin number on their arms. If they get lost, a friendly fair-goer will help them find their way back.

The communal atmosphere extends to mealtime. Although only about 20 people stay in their cabin, Salter's family often feeds 50 or 60 people a day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not an inexpensive hobby, he joked, but its a great time with people you only see, you know, during the fair."

The fair, Salter said, also feels like a reunion with loved ones who are no longer living. He imagines that the spirits of his twin sister, first wife and parents like to knock around the campground where they made so many memories.

It may be a figment of a fertile imagination  Im sure it is  but I feel it, he said.

At 66 years old, Salter has only missed three Neshoba County Fairs, once for an adventure camp when he was 13, again to cover the 2000 Republican National Convention as a reporter and in 2017 when he was battling cancer. He said he often eats the same meals, does the same activities and sees the same people year after year.

In a sea of change in every facet of our lives, the fair is constant," he said.
Geneva-on-the-Lake is remembering Fire Chief Christopher Craft, who died Wednesday at age 58.

Village Mayor Dwayne Bennett said he knew Craft for much of his time in office.

Craft became the villages fire chief in 2020, and was assistant chief for years before that, Bennett said.

Its a sad thing, he was just too young, he said.

Craft had a 25 year career with the Geneva-on-the-Lake Fire Department, Bennett said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bennett described Craft as an upbeat person, who was always at events, and great at reaching out to village residents.

He was just perfect at his job, Bennett said.

Craft developed a great relationship with many of the villages businesses owners, and he would often visit them, Bennett said.

Craft was a person who always got things done, Bennett said.

He said it will be tough to replace Craft and his dedication to the fire department.

He was my buddy, Bennett said.

He extended the villages condolences to Crafts family.

Don Woodward, who was on village council until last year, worked with Craft for much of his tenure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was one of the best chiefs weve had in a long long time, Woodward said.

Woodward, who was formerly part of the village fire department, said Craft shared his passion for improving the departments services.

Craft kept the fire department and village safety as 100% of his focus, and tried to be at every fire the department had to respond to, Woodward said.

Crafts death left a big hole to fill in the department, Woodward said.

He was always professional, Woodward said.

Woodward said he saw Craft talking with everyday residents often and was someone who really enjoyed his part at the fire department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Geneva-on-the-Lake village council member P.J. Macchia said Craft was a staple of the community.

He put his whole life into Geneva-on-the-Lake, he said.

Macchia had a great relationship with Craft, saying Craft was a jokester who always kept a smile on his face.

He had a big heart of gold, but he was quick on his feet and could tell a good joke, Macchia said.

He said Craft took a lot of people under his wing and mentored them.

He was a big inspiration to a lot of people in our fire department, Macchia said.

Craft was a wonderful person, he said.

Hes going to be greatly missed, Macchia said.
A Buford man was found guilty of murdering his live-in girlfriend and her teenage son in March 2021, and was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole.

William Jerome Adams, 29, was convicted of two counts of felony murder and two counts of aggravated assault for the shooting deaths of Mary Lindsay, 39, and her 15-year-old son, Atif Muhammad, Jr.

The murders happened in their home, where Adams left Lindsays 8-year-old son alone for two days.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The verdict and sentence are fitting for a defendant who violently took the life of a mother and son and stole from them, Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On March 26, 2021, Lindsays oldest daughter was called to the house by her mothers friend to check on Lindsay, who had not been heard from for several days.

The 19-year-old daughter and her 15-year-old sister, who was Muhammads twin, did not live with their mother.

TRENDING STORIES:

Lindsays 19-year-old daughter had to crawl through a window to get into the house, according to the DAs office. She was the one who found her 8-year-old brother asleep in their mothers bedroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eventually found her mother and brother dead inside a locked bedroom in the home and called the police.

Investigators found three 9mm shell casings inside the room where Lindsay and Muhammad were discovered and were able to match the shell casing to ammunition found in the master bedroom.

Police got a warrant for Adams arrest and within a day, police in Laredo, Texas, called to report that Adams had attempted to cross the border into Mexico under an assumed name and without a passport and was arrested.

Investigators also determined that Adams took $2,000 from Lindsays bank account.

During trial, Muhammads twin sister testified that 10 days before the shooting, the siblings found a 9mm Luger handgun in their mothers room and took a picture of it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The daughter testified that when they questioned Lindsay about the weapon, the mother confirmed that it belonged to Adams.

The jury also heard testimony that Adams had a controlling nature and was abusive to Lindsay.

Prosecutors presented a photo that Lindsay emailed to herself documenting an arm injury that Adams gave her.

Adams was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences with no chance for parole, according to the DAs office.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The German government observes a "initial slight progress in humanitarian aid for the population in the Gaza Strip," according to spokesman Stefan Kornelius on Saturday, though he noted it remains insufficient to alleviate the emergency.

Kornelius' comments came in writing as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul briefed the security cabinet by phone at the close of his visit to Israel and the West Bank.

"Israel remains obliged to ensure comprehensive supply also with the support of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations," Kornelius said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"At the same time, the German government is concerned about information indicating that large quantities of aid supplies are being withheld by Hamas and criminal organizations."

Between half and all of the aid supplies reaching the Gaza Strip are being diverted by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas or other criminal organizations, according to German security sources.

The Gaza Strip is facing the threat of famine, the UN has said. Israel controls all access points to the area and for several months, allowed no or only minimal aid deliveries to pass through in an effort to increase pressure on Hamas.

But Israel permitted larger aid deliveries via land routes and also allowed air drops since last week and 220 trucks have brought aid supplies to the area daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Currently, two out of three major water pipelines in the Gaza Strip are functioning as well as one out of 10 power transmission lines.

But the price of flour is at an exorbitant 80 ($92) per kilogram. So far, 73 tons of aid supplies have been air-dropped, despite UN criticism that the approach is inefficient.
The German government observes a "initial slight progress in humanitarian aid for the population in the Gaza Strip," according to spokesman Stefan Kornelius on Saturday, though he noted it remains insufficient to alleviate the emergency.

Kornelius' comments came in writing as Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul briefed the security cabinet by phone at the close of his visit to Israel and the West Bank.

"Israel remains obliged to ensure comprehensive supply also with the support of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations," Kornelius said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"At the same time, the German government is concerned about information indicating that large quantities of aid supplies are being withheld by Hamas and criminal organizations."

Between half and all of the aid supplies reaching the Gaza Strip are being diverted by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas or other criminal organizations, according to German security sources.

The Gaza Strip is facing the threat of famine, the UN has said. Israel controls all access points to the area and for several months, allowed no or only minimal aid deliveries to pass through in an effort to increase pressure on Hamas.

But Israel permitted larger aid deliveries via land routes and also allowed air drops since last week and 220 trucks have brought aid supplies to the area daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Currently, two out of three major water pipelines in the Gaza Strip are functioning as well as one out of 10 power transmission lines.

But the price of flour is at an exorbitant 50 ($57) per kilogram. So far, 73 tons of aid supplies have been air-dropped, despite UN criticism that the approach is inefficient.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed gratitude to the Bundeswehr as well as Jordanian and European partners for the air-drops, in a post on X.

"We know: Air-drops are only a small contribution to alleviating the suffering of the people in Gaza. Therefore, we continue to work intensively to enable aid via land routes."

The Bundeswehr began its aid operation on Friday, working alongside other nations. German transport planes have dropped pallets with food and medical equipment over the Gaza Strip, the Defence Ministry said.
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is delaying its deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell, the committee's chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., confirmed.

Comer penned a letter to Maxwell this week acknowledging the committee will postpone the scheduled date with the convicted associate of late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein until after the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether or not to hear her appeal.

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of facilitating and participating in the sexual abuse of children for her role in helping Epstein procure young women in his sex trafficking operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 63-year-old was scheduled to sit down for a deposition with House Oversight Committee members on Aug. 11, but that date will now be pushed back until the fall.

"Your testimony is vital to the Committee's efforts regarding Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, including the 2007 non-prosecution agreement and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Epstein's Death," Comer wrote in the letter dated Friday.

Ghislaine Maxwell will have her deposition date postponed until after the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether or not to hear the appeal of the convicted associate of late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. File photo by Rick Bajornas/EPA-EFE

"These investigative efforts may be used to inform potential legislation to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations.

Maxwell was recently moved to a minimum-security prison in Texas where she continues to serve a 20-year custodial sentence on child sex trafficking charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No reason was given for the move, which comes approximately a week after Maxwell answered questions from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about Epstein's crimes and who may have associated with him.

Blanche's interview is separate from proceedings involving the House Oversight Committee.

Maxwell's lawyer David Oscar Markus has previously petitioned the committee to push back Maxwell's deposition date after she was subpoenaed, arguing such a hearing could hurt her potential appeal.

"As you know, Ms. Maxwell is actively pursuing post-conviction relief - both in a pending petition before the United States Supreme Court and in a forthcoming habeas petition. Any testimony she provides now could compromise her constitutional rights, prejudice her legal claims, and potentially taint a future jury pool," Markus wrote to the committee last month.
Ghislaine Maxwell has been transferred to a new federal prison in Texas and the woman behind convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein will be housed alongside two famous faces at the lower security lockup.

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on charges related of luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by the late financier and sentenced to 20 years in prison on sex trafficking and transportation of minors charges. She was serving her sentence in Florida until this week and is now at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The news of her transfer comes as the details and mysteries of the Epstein saga have come roaring back into the news after Attorney General Pam Bondi said earlier this month that no more files related to the Epstein sex trafficking investigation would be made public and that he didnt maintain a client list.

President Donald Trump was a known associate of the financier, who died officially by suicide inside a New York federal lockup under questionable circumstances.

Conspiracy theories surrounding Epsteins death in a Manhattan jail cell are nearly equaled by the speculation about Maxwell and what she knows.

The move of Maxwell to a lower-security federal facility comes the same week that she met privately with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in Tallahassee, Florida. What was discussed between the two in that meeting is not public knowledge. An attorney for Maxwell indicated the former socialite-turned-inmate was cooperative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

[She] honestly answered every question that Mr. Blanche asked, legal rep David Oscar Markus said.

Maxwell, who was by Epsteins side for decades, is widely believed to have vast knowledge of Epsteins world including any potential dirt he held on other rich and powerful men.

Headline-grabbing inmates already housed at the Texas facility include the former CEO of blood testing company Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes and Real Housewives of Salt Lake City castmember Jennifer Shah. Holmes is serving more than 11 years in federal prison after being convicted of fraud for misleading investors into believing her company had developed a medical device that could detect various diseases and conditions from only a few drops of blood. Shah is serving a six-and-a-half year sentence after she pleaded guilty to charges related to a telemarketing scam.

The Hollywood Reporter asked the federal Bureau of Prisons for comment on Maxwells transfer and why it was occurring but did not immediately hear back ahead of publication.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
(NewsNation)  A study analyzing 92,000 people found semaglutides, found in GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, were linked to a 33% lower risk of dementia, among other health benefits.

Dr. Archina Sadhu, a professor of medicine at Houston Methodist University, joined Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Friday to discuss the nuances of the research.

Like any drug, there are side effects, Sadhu said. It is surprising to all of us in the medical community how every clinical trial thats coming out now, studying it for various indications, has had positive results.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flu, COVID can reawaken dormant breast cancer cells: Study

Sadhu said the medical community is not certain of how the drugs are working. Still, there are side effects such as gastrointestinal effects and potential links to certain thyroid tumors and gallstones.

She believes there could be a time when drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may be more accessible and covered under Medicare and Medicaid.

It is exciting to see that Medicaid and Medicare will be covering it as soon as next year  if all goes as planned, because these are high-risk populations, and would greatly benefit from the cardiovascular protection, kidney disease protection and liver protection, potentially as well.

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.
Glynn County Schools is implementing a new cell phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year.

All students in grades K-12 will be expected to keep personal electronic devices like cell phones, earbuds, and smartwatches off and away during the school day. This includes time spent in the hallways and at recess.

The new policy goes beyond the requirements of the Georgia-wide Distraction-Free Education Act signed into law this year, which created a ban on personal electronic device use by students in K-8 schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glynn County Schools is choosing to adopt this change now for all grade levels, including 9-12, to provide consistency and ensure a smooth transition throughout the school year, wrote the district.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The school district says families can still contact their child during the school day by calling the schools front office.

Action News Jax reported in June when Ware County made the same change.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also signed a similar law this year for elementary and middle school students. A pilot program will expand the restrictions to high schools in six Florida counties.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Goose, the 5-foot-long water monitor lizard that escaped its home weeks ago, has been captured, according to the Webster Police Department.

The Webster Police Department announced on their Facebook page Saturday the capture of the lizard, promising to have more details to share.

The illegally owned reptile escaped its home in Webster on July 18. His escape prompted Webster Animal Control to search for the area off Upper Gore Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 25, Goose was spotted walking in the area of Little Pond on Wilsonville and Thompson roads in Thompson, Connecticut, about five miles south of Webster.

Goose then crossed state lines again as he was seen back in Massachusetts, in Douglas.

The wayward lizards story has inspired several people online to post memes and AI-generated pictures of Goose. On Saturday, the Uxbridge Police Department made a post on Facebook, with Chief Marc Montminy proclaiming that if Goose crossed into Uxbridge, he would be deputized.

But with the Webster Police Departments announcement of Gooses capture, it seems that the water monitor lizard will have to wait for his deputy badge.

The latest from MassLive

Read the original article on MassLive.
AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL)  Governor Greg Abbott told the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate more state emergency response resources before severe storms across the state hit over the weekend.

Current Conditions

Texas continues to closely monitor conditions as severe weather moves across our state, said Governor Abbott. Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to protect Texans from anticipated flash flooding and heavy rains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the National Weather Service, excessive rainfall from thunderstorms may cause flash flooding in North, East and Central Texas and the Texas Panhandle on August 2 and 3.

Texans are urged to use personal preparation methods while monitoring local weather forecast information, including checking TexasFlood.org, for any flooding information.

The following state emergency resources are available to support local storm response efforts:

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues

Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): Strike Teams consisting of personnel and fire engines to support local departments against all hazards

Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles

Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues

Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit

Texas National Guard: Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues, High-profile vehicles and personnel responding to support stranded motorists

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as County Extension Agents, to support agricultural and livestock needs

Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers

Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the states natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Severe Weather

Texans are reminded to make emergency plans, to listen to local officials and pack an emergency supply kit for severe weather. To check road conditions, visit DriveTexas.org. For flood safety tips, visit TexasReady.gov and visit TexasFlood.org for flood information. Hazard preparedness tips can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Governor Cox filled the vacant seat on the state board of education this week by appointing Erin Longacre to represent District 7, which covers the southeast portion of Salt Lake County, the seat left vacant when Dr. Molly Hart was chosen as the state superintendent.

Longacre was appointed on Tuesday, July 29, the Governors office told ABC4.com, and they said that they typically do not announce when they fill a vacancy.

Longacre was one of three finalists chosen by the Republican Partys State Central Committee (SCC) over a month ago, on June 21, and submitted to the Governor for him to appoint. Since outgoing member Dr. Hart was a Republican, state law outlines that the SCC  the partys governing body  submit three names to the Governor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lt. Gov. Henderson sends DOJ public voter info after letter questions maintenance of voter registration rolls

She brings experience in education and a focus on student outcomes and parent engagement, said Rob Caroll, Communications Director for Governor Spencer Cox. Two areas that continue to be priorities for the Governor.

Longacre, along with her two fellow Republican candidates, Kris Kimball and Glen Burton, were all backed by Natalie Cline and her organization, Higher Ground, which she co-runs with Monica Wilbur. Cline is the former highly controversial school board member who was censured by both the legislature and the governor and stripped of her school board duties by USBE after she falsely and publicly accused a student of being transgender.

Higher Ground labeled Longacre, Kimball, and Burton as their three top picks and solidly conservative. They listed their support for Longacre because they say she has extensive experience in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools  two issues that Cline and Wilbur rallied against having in Utahs schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It takes extraordinary courage for anybody going into the USBEs Great and Spacious Building to resist the pressure and deceptions that its entire transformative Global Education agenda depends on, Wilbur wrote on social media. Pray for Erin very hard, she will need all the help she can get.

In 2022, Longacre also ran against Incumbent Amanda Oaks in the general election for Canyons School District, District 6 in November 2022, but lost that year.

Longacre will serve the remainder of Harts term until 2026, when voters will weigh in during that years election.

ABC4.com has reached out to Longacre for comment and is waiting to hear back.

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.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Governor Maura Healey closed the remaining emergency shelters in Massachusetts months ahead of schedule, according to her administration.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll celebrates Puerto Rican culture at Holyokes fiestas patronales

Governor Healey also ended an emergency declaration issued back in 2023.

Nearly two years ago, Massachusetts experienced a surge of families from other countries seeking emergency shelter. Some of those shelters included state motels and hotels. The Healey administration recently announced a decline in the program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A lot of hard work has been done by Governor Healey and our team, trying to ensure that folks have a place to stay, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll told 22News. But that were driving down costs, putting in reserves, and folks who have been relocated to a more stable environment.

In 2024, there were more than 120 active hotel shelters in the state. The last four were closed on Friday.

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared an emergency to make repairs possible for the Camp J unit at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The governors executive order states that the prison, commonly known as Angola, lacks an adequate number of beds for inmates. The order specifically states that Camp J, a maximum security unit, is in a state of deterioration, adding that it poses an injury risk for inmates, employees, and other people in the facility.

According to the document, Camp J was plagued with issues for years before it closed. Landry references the following incidents or events in his order:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 2017 incident in which dozens of weapons were found due to security malfunctions.

85 corrections officers assigned to the building resigned, retired, or were fired due to challenges within one year.

Malfunction of cell locks, which caused security issues and led to the 2018 closure of Camp J.

A spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety said officials are developing a timeline for repairs.

The order, signed on July 25, suspends procurement and bidding rules. It will remain in effect until Aug. 23 unless it is extended.

A look at the status of US executions in 2025

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
EVANSTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Illinois students will soon have access to mental health resources after the Governor signed a new bill.

On Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker joined State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, Chief Officer for Childrens Behavioral Health Transformation Dr. Dana Weiner, bill sponsors, and local elected officials to sign Senate Bill 1560, according to a release from the Governor.

It said the bill offers cost-free mental health screening tools to public schools in Illinois, as well as informs parents and caregivers about the Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation, or BEACON portal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Access to mental healthcareespecially for childrenis too often overlooked or ignored. Since the formation of the Childrens Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, weve seen our state agencies work closely together and swiftly make progress in evaluating and redesigning the support systems we need to ensure that our children are healthy, said Governor Pritzker. Thanks to the bill sponsors and partners joining me today, annual mental health screenings will be available for all Illinois students in grades three through twelve by the 2027 school year. This is a national first worth celebrating.

Under current Illinois law, screening every student each year is not required. Pritzker said as part of an initiative to implement universal mental health screening in Illinois schools by the 2027-28 school year, SB1560 makes the following two major changes:

The bill requires all school districts to offer mental health screenings to students enrolled in grades 3 through 12, at least once a year, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

The bill requires the Illinois State Board of Education to provide resource materials for schools to implement universal mental health screenings, including model policies and guidance, by Sept 1, 2026.

Pritzker also said the state will provide public schools with free access to screening tools and other associated technology.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of the legislation, the state will partner with psychiatric hospitals and schools to raise awareness about BEACON, he said.

Pritzker said BEACON provides Illinois families with information about available behavioral health services for children and adolescents, centralizing resources from the following agencies:

Illinois Department of Human Services

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Illinois State Board of Education

Illinois Department of Public Health

Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice

For more information about the BEACON portal and how to use it, click 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 CIProud.com.
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphias Community Education Center on Aug. 1, 2025 to discuss funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program. (Commonwealth Media Services)

As the calendar turned to August, the state budget in Pennsylvania was one month overdue. Gov. Josh Shapiro and leaders in the General Assembly have said they are continuing to make progress, but have not reached an agreement.

We all understand the issues that need to be resolved in order to reach a final agreement, Shapiro said to reporters in Philadelphia on Friday. I think were working together respectfully to get that done.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shapiro said both sides know what the key issues are and its frustrating that they have yet to come to an agreement.

But I also acknowledge that were working at a time where we not only have a divided legislature, weve got a lot of division in our society, and finding that common ground  thats critically important, Shapiro said. Its taken longer than I would like, but I think were going to get there and we understand the important issues that need to be resolved.

On July 14, the Democratic-controlled state House advanced a $50.6 billion proposal to the GOP-led state Senate. Since then, House Democrats have maintained that it is up to the Senate for the next step in the process.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) wrote on social media on Wednesday, We have different visions for the future of the Commonwealth, but were working together across the aisle to move this budget forward. Regardless of divided government or political philosophy, some of these issues are just extraordinarily complex & need to be done correctly.

House Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) told Newstalk 103.7 FM on Friday that it is moving very slowly, but said the reason why leaders are saying its been positive is because nothing has blown up to a point (that) sides arent talking yet.

The reason why this is so difficult is because the issues were talking about are so transformational in terms of our future, and the two sides simply see it so differently, he added.

Topper said they want to work towards a compromise, but warned if we dont get some of the policy initiative changes in terms of parental empowerment and school choice reform, in terms of entitlement reform and benefit integrity, economic growth and changing our regulatory policy in Pennsylvania, then in three years, were going to be looking at either massive  cuts that will significantly affect a lot of people in their everyday lives, or a massive tax increase, which nobodys going to want to see.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the issues that has taken center stage during negotiations is funding for mass transit agencies, as service cuts and fare hikes loom the longer the impasse continues. In June, the House passed a transportation funding package that would provide nearly $300 million of new funding into mass transit and a half-billion dollars to repair roads and bridges.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said during an update on budget negotiations Friday that mass transit funding is high on the list of priorities.

Riders board a rabbittransit bus in Harrisburg (Capital-Star photo by Ian Karbal)

Our Senate Democratic Caucus stands ready with 23 votes to support Gov. Shapiros proposal with respect to mass transit funding for the whole commonwealth, Costa said.

Costa also highlighted funding for roads and bridges, education, and protecting social and human service programs as important.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least two Republicans in the Senate would need to support funding for mass transit, even if every Democrat voted for the package.

On Thursday evening, Pittman said, Our state is faced with a structural deficit just like SEPTA. Along with the discussion of any additional dollars for mass transit, this reality necessitates meaningful reforms and accountability measures must be implemented to ensure the long-term success of mass transit.

Shapiro told reporters on Friday he understands how critically important mass transit funding is for the state, noting that he proposed it twice in his budget and that he previously flexed federal highway funds in November to stave off immediate fare hikes and increases for SEPTA.

Were going to keep working at that issue, Shapiro said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last week, three Republican Senators introduced a package of bills that would provide additional oversight and new accountability measures over SEPTA. However, the package did not include funding.

When asked if he supported the proposals, Shapiro said he wants to make sure that we fund mass transit, and we will have a broader dialogue of other legislation that may or may not accompany that.

Im not going to get into that here in this setting, Shapiro said.

SEPTA has been placing signs at bus stops throughout the Philadelphia area warning riders that if funding does not come to the agency, service cuts will begin on Aug. 24.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If that person lives in Northeast Philadelphia, call Senator (Joe) Picozzi, whos a Republican in the state Senate, and tell him to go back to Harrisburg and vote to pass transit funding the way the House Democrats did, Shapiro said.

Picozzi, who is one of the GOP authors of the SEPTA accountability package, has said he supports funding mass transit. Following Shapiros comments, the Republican lawmaker told NBC Philadelphia that the people of the Great Northeast want to see a better SEPTA. We want funding and accountability for results on fare evasion, safety and cleanliness.

On Tuesday, Spotlight PA reported Pennsylvania Secretary of the Budget Uri Monson warned that the state wouldnt be able to make at least $2.5 billion in payments to schools, counties, and others amid the ongoing budget impasse.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Topper criticized that move, claiming that he thought it was premature for the governor to send that message out, arguing the state treasurer can release funds to those, if needed.

But at the end of the day, its my responsibility and others to ensure that this budget is sustainable and that were doing everything we can to get a quality product, Topper said. And if the governor wants to try and use some of these tactics to push for any kind of an agenda of his, then Id like to knowwhat that agenda is, other than being on TikTok.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) also seemed to ramp up the criticism of Shapiro on Friday, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that those letters are an effort to just trying to get people all riled up. She added this is the biggest gaslighting administration I have ever worked with.

Costa, the Democratic leader in the Senate, seemed to echo Shapiros sentiment saying that we are moving slowly, slower than I would like of course, but I think at the end of the day, were making progress, and I think thats whats important for the people of Pennsylvania.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shapiro said there is one thing both sides can agree on.

We all have to compromise, and thats what were doing right now, he said.

As of Friday afternoon, neither chamber has session days scheduled for the following week, although that could change on short notice.
The federal government reportedly launched a probe into the actions of special prosecutor Jack Smith who investigated President Trumps criminal cases beginning in 2022.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel said Saturday officials would look into Smiths potential violation of the Hatch Act, which restricts government employees from political involvement.

The office did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation comes after Trump and his allies have previously alleged that Smith went after Trump without legal standing in an effort to thwart his second campaign for the presidency.

Former Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Smith three days before the president announced his reelection bid.

Still, GOP lawmakers said the special prosecutor needs to be investigated.

Jack Smiths legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the [former President] Biden and [former Vice President] Harris campaigns. This isnt just unethical, it is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote in a Wednesday post on the social media platform X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Special Counsel Smith pushed for an out-of-the-ordinary, rushed trial for President Trump, with jury selection to begin just two weeks before the Iowa caucuses. No other case of this magnitude and complexity would come to trial this quickly, the Arkansas senator added in a separate post.

However, Smith has long defended his actions.

The ultimate decision to bring charges against Mr. Trump was mine. It is a decision I stand behind fully, Smith wrote in his final report published in mid-January, adding that Garland nor anyone else at the Justice Department pushed him to prosecute Trump.

To all who know me well, the claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smith ultimately resigned from the Justice Department (DOJ) after Trumps November win and dismissed charges against the president-elect arguing that he believed he would have scored a conviction against the leader if the legal battles played out in court.

The throughline of all of Mr. Trumps criminal efforts was deceit-knowingly false claims of election fraud-and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States democratic process, Smith wrote.

Until Mr. Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years, he added.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi fired 20 additional employees tied to Smith weeks before the Office of Special Counsel said it would investigate the prosecutor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The independent agency can only research Smiths actions and seek disciplinary actions for the federal employee. Investigators can then present findings to the DOJ for criminal charges.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Brief

Gov. DeSantis insists Florida was deprived of its rightful representation in congress under the 2020 census that was conducted by the Trump administration.

He revealed that the new Trump administration has talked about whether a new census should be taken.

TAMPA, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis insists that Florida was deprived of its rightful representation in Congress under the 2020 census conducted by the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He revealed on Wednesday that the new Trump administration has talked about whether a new census should be taken. He even pointed to an analysis that said if the population was counted right now, Florida would gain two more seats in the house, in addition to the one it already gained after the 2020 count.

READ:Florida county school board chair deletes comments celebrating Hulk Hogan's death as 'one less MAGA'

What they're saying

"Florida's population really took off from the day the census ended," DeSantis said on Wednesday during a press conference in Tampa. "Which was like the start of COVID, we boomed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The governor said he spoke with the commerce secretary about whether the administration would consider a new census.

"I think you have to do it once every 10 years," he said. "It doesn't mean you can't do it more than every 10 years under the Constitution."

MORE: Federal judge to hear case over legality of Alligator Alcatraz detention center

The backstory

Article 1, section 2 of the Constitution says, "The enumeration shall be made within three years of the first congress in 1789, and within every subsequent term of ten years."

Any call for a mid-decade census would have to be approved in the house and then pass a filibuster in the senate, a tall order in a 52-47 chamber, especially when it can cost billions of dollars and require thousands of people to be trained.

"Legally, there is nothing stopping it from being done," said Dr. Robert Collins of Dillard University. "But, it's just never done before."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Further, DeSantis said the 2020 census itself wasn't fair, because Florida did not make an effort to count those here illegally, like California did.

READ: Gov. DeSantis floats idea of redrawing districts while speaking in Manatee County

"I think it's wrong," said Desantis. "I think it's unconstitutional that they're counted in the census."

Dig deeper

With potentially 2.5 million undocumented immigrants in California, he wonders how many seats they would lose if they weren't counted.

But scholars point out that the 14th Amendment calls for "the whole number of persons in each state" to be counted, "excluding Indians not taxed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The Congress debated whether or not to count citizens only, and the decision was made back in the 1860s that the reapportionment was to be based on the whole number of persons, regardless of their status," said Jeffrey Wice of New York Law School.

Experts also say liberal and conservative judges have found that whole persons means all persons, and that limiting a census count to citizens only could backfire on Republican states like Florida and Texas. There are large foreign-born populations in each, and while most might be here legally, they may not be full-fledged citizens.

If the current census, which was taken in 2020, remains in force in its usual ten-year increment, it will be used for three more elections.

The Source

The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Evan Axelbank.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  The West Virginia Sales Tax Holiday has kicked off just in time for the back-to-school season.

Appalachian Festival Car & Bike show to return to Beckley

Residents across the state got a chance to save on qualifying clothing and school supply items as part of the annual event. Governor Patrick Morrisey told 59News the holiday is a great opportunity for teachers to save as they prepare their classrooms every school year.



We have some amazing teachers here in West Virginia. A lot of times they bring things into the classroom that benefit the class as a whole, said Morrisey. So, I think it is terrific for our teachers, and I want to think all of them for everything they do. Especially when they lay money out of their own pocket. That really is very special. Theyre doing it for the kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Senator Rollan Roberts also said the savings event can be helpful for teachers looking to stock the classroom. He said the annual holiday is reflective of the family values commonly associated with West Virginia.



It is the State of West Virginia saying, we care about families  we care about children,' he said. Not only are the children and the families helped with this. But our teachers are helped with this! Everyone can take advantage of this and its a great thing.

The savings arent just for brick-and-mortar stores. Qualifying items purchased by mail, phone, online, or by layaway also qualify for tax exemption through the weekend. Markers, notebooks, pencils, and paper are just some of the school supplies on which shoppers have been able to save throughout the years.



The Sales Tax Holiday has been announced to run from Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
View Article

A fierce blaze that has burned along the Grand Canyon's North Rim since being sparked by lightning on July 4 has exploded in size in recent days, reaching "megafire" status and becoming the largest wildfire in the U.S. this year, according to the Arizona Republic.

What's happening?

The fire, which officials have dubbed the Dragon Bravo Fire, doubled in size over the last days of July to reach 111,000 acres, with conditions appearing primed for the spread to continue, according to The Weather Channel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A "megafire" is defined as a fire covering more than 100,000 acres, per National Geographic.

"It will still be hot and dry with at least some afternoon wind gusts the next couple of days that could allow fires to spread quickly," said Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist for Weather.com.

Jennifer Gray, another meteorologist, agreed, telling The Weather Channel, "High winds and low humidity will continue to work against firefighters as they battle the flames."

The National Park Service has announced that the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will remain closed for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Dragon Bravo Fire became the 10th largest fire in Arizona since 1990 even as it continued to spread, with a reported 1,000 firefighters struggling to contain the blaze over difficult terrain, according to the Arizona Republic.

The fire has destroyed at least 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and has been threatening the Kaibab Lodge in Fredonia, per The Weather Channel.

"Just say a prayer," said Larry Innes, owner of the Kaibab Lodge, which had been preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, per Fox 10 Phoenix. "I mean, it's kind of out of our hands."

Innes told the local news outlet that the scale of the firefighting effort had been massive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There's a thousand firemen up there. I've never seen anything like it," Innes told Fox 10. "I've never seen so much equipment. And they're all focused on saving the lodge."

Why is the Grand Canyon wildfire important?

Experts have long warned that as global temperatures rise, the magnitude of extreme weather events also will increase, leading to more severe floods, heat waves, and wildfires.

While no single weather event can be tied directly to human causes, the release of massive amounts of heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere has increased the likelihood of natural disasters on the scale of the Dragon Bravo Fire.

"Wildfires require the alignment of a number of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the lack of moisture in fuels, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and forest debris," according to NOAA. "All these factors have strong or indirect ties to climate variability and climate change."

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.

Wildfires take lives, destroy homes and businesses, devastate communities, and burn crops. Their impacts are felt far beyond the affected areas in the form of higher insurance premiums and food prices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 2023 Senate report found that wildfires made worse by rising global temperatures cost the U.S. as much as $893 billion annually, including diminished real estate value, lost income, and exposure to wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke is a dangerous blend of toxic pollutants and particulate matter. Even just a few days of exposure to wildfire smoke can cause serious health problems ranging from coughing and wheezing to heart attack and stroke, according to the EPA.

What's being done about wildfires?

While mitigation measures like proper forest management can help reduce the likelihood and severity of wildfires, in order to reverse the overall trend, it is necessary to significantly lower the amount of planet-warming pollution entering the atmosphere.

To make a difference, you can do everything from supporting political candidates who share your priorities to taking local action to driving an EV.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A great way to maximize the environmental benefits and cost savings of driving an EV is to install solar panels on your home. Charging a vehicle off home solar is cheaper than off the grid or at a public charging station, plus you always know your vehicle is being powered by cleaner, renewable energy from the sun.

To make your home more resilient in the event of a weather emergency, you can pair your solar panels with a home battery system, giving you the peace of mind of knowing your family will always have power when you need it most.

EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes among vetted local solar installers while also taking maximum advantage of available tax credits and other incentives, saving customers as much as $10,000.

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.
Ive been thinking a lot about a particular intestinal parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Its goal is to enter the stomachs of cats. To achieve this, it infects rats, causing them to develop a fatal attraction to the feline predators, which kill and consume them. Job done.

This could be taken as a metaphor for much that is wrong with Britain. In the sybaritic decades since the Cold War, we have developed an infatuation with the very people and things that will devour us. It is a kind of cultural pathology.

Consider universities. From Marxism to jihadism, every dogma that opposes Western values is seemingly not just indulged, but actively promoted by academics and embraced by students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I read English in the early noughties. The trend was underway then. Under the rubric of critical theory, we were taught to interpret all of literature as an allegory for postcolonialism, queer theory, deconstruction, feminism and Marxism (never conservatism or liberalism).

Fast-forward to today and the Pride Progress flag flutters above my old college. Keffiyeh-clad students  frequently lecturers, too  demand the toppling of statues and raise hell in venerable quads in support of the very ideologies that would deprive them of their freedoms.

This cultural Toxoplasma gondii was particularly in evidence this week, when new university free speech rules were announced by the Department for Education. These aim to bar overseas regimes from vetting staff employed at British universities, in an effort to fight any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK.

The measures are understood to particularly affect Confucius Institutes, which are partnerships between British and Chinese universities. Funded by an arm of the Chinese state, they offer tuition in Mandarin and cultural activities at 20 universities, including Manchester, Coventry and Liverpool. They have long been accused of acting as a sinister Trojan horse for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the charity UK-China Transparency, Chinese Confucius Institute staff are vetted by CCP apparatchiks for their political attitude before being appointed to work in Britain. Once on our shores, they are said to impose state-sponsored discipline on Chinese students and conduct harassment.

Is it a coincidence that the engine of Chairman Maos cultural revolution was Chinas youth, with the Red Guards paramilitary movement led by a vanguard of students?

Given these concerns, the new regulations would seem long overdue. But how did the Toxoplasma university officials respond? To defend the Confucius Institutes, of course.

To be fair to them, the Middle Kingdom is a cash cow. Astonishingly, more than a quarter of our students are now Chinese, and they pay far higher rates than British youngsters. But this only proves that the problem extends to generations of government, which created the financial model that encouraged such dependency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year it emerged that, after becoming apparently compromised by an alleged Chinese spy, Prince Andrew got rather too close for comfort to the regime in Beijing, even sending an annual birthday letter to President Xi.

At the time, there was a great appetite for the story. Not only was it scandalous, but it concerned the member of the Royal Family that  after that Emily Maitlis interview  the public loves to hate. The true implications of the revelations, however, were less widely appreciated. Prince Andrew was not simply an anomalous case, distinguished by his gullibility and desperation. He was symbolic of growing Chinese influence over many aspects of British officialdom.

Future generations will surely marvel at the enthusiasm with which we enabled our destruction. If they still have the freedom to do so, of course.

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 Guatemalan government on Friday said it has arranged for its officials to visit a notorious US migrant detention center to check on 14 detainees from Guatemala housed there.

The facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" due to its location in the swamps of the Everglades in southern Florida, has come under fire by both environmentalists and critics of US President Donald Trump's crackdown on migration, who consider the facility to be inhumane.

Guatemala's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it had requested permission from US officials to visit the detained Guatemalans "to identify, interview and learn about their situations and conditions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The statement said Guatemalan officials are set to visit on August 7.

"Until this moment, we have confirmed the nationalities of 14 Guatemalans held there -- all men of legal age," the statement added.

Trump visited the facility in July, boasting about the harsh conditions and joking that the reptilian predators will serve as guards.

"A lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators -- you don't have to pay them so much," Trump said.

Earlier this week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said 30 Mexican nationals were being held at "Alligator Alcatraz" as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The current facility consists of bunk beds inside cages made of metal fencing, and can house 1,000 people currently.

New York-based NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report last month detailing abuse and degrading treatment suffered by migrants housed at multiple detention centers in Florida.

ec/cjc/jgc/sla
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  Families with students in Guilford County Schools are trying to adjust to a new way of accessing student information.

The school district is switching to Infinite Campus, a platform being used across the state, but the rollout hasnt been seamless.

We asked district leaders about challenges in this transition and when families can expect access.

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools asks state legislature for help amid unprecedented financial crisis

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, our North Carolina Department of Public Instruction did transition away from power school to a new student information system called Infinite Campus, something that we were super excited about to have a new system, said Dr. Sonya Stephens, Guilford County Schools Chief of Staff.

Guilford County families have been trying to log in to the new Infinite Campus portal after being given a launch date of July 14.

The statewide system is meant to modernize how parents access everything from grades to schedules, and even transportation requests.

GCS Chief of Staff Dr. Sonya Stephens said not everything is up and running yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have close to 68,000 students. Most of our kids have a parent or guardian that has contact information that transfers with them. So, its just going to take time, and so we want families to understand that time is of the essence, said Stephens.

For parents who thought they were going to be able to log in and see student information on July 14, its raising questions.

Theyre calling with questions because they are concerned that theyre missing something that they feel like theyre supposed to see. I think people thought that they were going to be able to see their students schedules, which will not be accessible until a few days before open house, Stephens said.  I think families start with the new system that they were going to have access to information a lot sooner than they have had access to in the past.

While the district works to verify data before allowing them access.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Carolina A&T State University provides biotechnology resources for teachers in the Triad

Stephens said parents can still enroll students, submit transportation requests, and call schools directly for help.

We want to make sure that families understand that theyre not missing any information. We are on track with the processes that we typically follow with families and providing them with information, said Stephens.

GCS said everything is on track for parents to access the platform by the day of their students schools open house, which varies by campus.

GCS early colleges and early start schools will have their first day next week, and parents should already have access to the systems information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For schools on the traditional calendar, the first day back is August 25.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROME (AP)  Pope Leo XIV urged hundreds of thousands of young people on Saturday to have the courage to make radical choices to do good, as he presided over his first big encounter with the next generation of Catholics during the highlight of the Vaticans 2025 Holy Year.

Leo encountered a sea of people as he arrived by helicopter at the Tor Vergata field on Romes outskirts for a vigil service of the Jubilee of Youth. Hailing from early 150 countries, the pilgrims had set up campsites on the field for the night, as misting trucks and water cannons spritzed them to cool them down from the 30C (85F) temperatures.

Leo displayed his fluency in speaking to the kids in Spanish, Italian and English about the dangers of social media, the value of true friendship and the need to have courage to make radical choices like marriage or religious vows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Friendship can really change the world. Friendship is a path to peace, he said. How much the world needs missionaries of the Gospel who are witnesses of justice and peace!

But history's first American pope also alerted them to some tragic news: Two young people who had made the pilgrimage to Rome had died, one reportedly of cardiac arrest, while a third was hospitalized, Leo told the crowd during the vigil service.

Leo was to return to the field for an early morning Mass on Sunday morning to close out the celebration.

Rome welcomes the throngs

For the past week, these bands of young Catholics from around the world have poured into Rome for their special Jubilee celebration, in a Holy Year in which 32 million people are expected to descend on the Vatican to participate in a centuries-old pilgrimage to the seat of Catholicism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The young people have been traipsing down cobblestoned streets in color-coordinated T-shirts, praying the Rosary and singing hymns with guitars, bongo drums and tambourines shimmying alongside. Using their flags as tarps to shield them from the sun, they have taken over entire piazzas for Christian rock concerts and inspirational talks, and stood for hours at the Circus Maximus to confess their sins to 1,000 priests offering the sacrament in a dozen different languages.

It is something spiritual, that you can experience only every 25 years, said Francisco Michel, a pilgrim from Mexico. As a young person, having the chance to live this meting with the pope I feel it is a spiritual growth.

A mini World Youth Day, 25 years later

It all has the vibe of a World Youth Day, the Catholic Woodstock festival that St. John Paul II inaugurated and made famous in Rome in 2000 at the very same Tor Vergata field. Then, before an estimated 2 million people, John Paul told the young pilgrims they were the sentinels of the morning at the dawn of the third millennium.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials had initially expected 500,000 youngsters this weekend, but Leo and organizers from the stage said the number could reach 1 million. The Vatican didn't immediately provide a final estimate.

Its a bit messed up, but this is what is nice about the Jubilee, said Chloe Jobbour, a 19-year-old Lebanese Catholic who was in Rome with a group of more than 200 young members of the Community of the Beatitudes, a France-based charismatic group.

She said, for example, that it had taken two hours to get dinner at a KFC overwhelmed by orders Friday night. The Salesian school that offered her group housing is an hour away by bus. But Jobbour, like many in Rome this week, didnt mind the discomfort: Its all part of the experience.

I dont expect it to be better than that. I expected it this way, she said, as members of her group gathered on church steps near the Vatican to sing and pray Saturday morning before heading out to Tor Vergata.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Romans inconvenienced, but tolerant

Those Romans who didn't flee the onslaught have been inconvenienced by the additional strain on the city's notoriously insufficient public transport system. Residents are sharing social media posts of outbursts by Romans at kids flooding subway platforms and crowding bus stops that have delayed and complicated their commutes to work.

But other Romans have welcomed the enthusiasm the youngsters have brought. Premier Giorgia Meloni offered a video welcome, marveling at the extraordinary festival of faith, joy and hope that the young people had created.

I think its marvelous, said Rome hairdresser Rina Verdone, who lives near the Tor Vergata field and woke up Saturday to find a gaggle of police outside her home as part of the massive, 4,000-strong operation mounted to keep the peace. You think the faith, the religion is in difficulty, but this is proof that its not so.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Verdone had already made plans to take an alternate route home Saturday afternoon, that would require an extra kilometer (half-mile) walk, because she feared the invasion of kids in her neighborhood would disrupt her usual bus route. But she said she was more than happy to make the sacrifice.

You think of invasion as something negative. But this is a positive invasion, she said.

___

AP reporter Paolo Santalucia contributed to this story.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
In on-site questioning, the terrorists said they had planned to flee after another terrorist who was with them in the shaft was killed during a clash with IDF troops.

A group of Hamas terrorists surrendered to Givati Brigade troops in the area of Beit Hanun in northern Gaza after they emerged from a tunnel on Saturday, and were interrogated on the spot.

Hamass Beit Hanun Battalion, which posed a threat to Nir Am and Sderot, has been defeated, the military announced in a release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In on-site questioning, the terrorists said they had planned to flee after another terrorist who was with them in the shaft was killed during a clash with IDF troops.

The terrorists revealed that there was a weapons cache nearby, which they led the troops to. The troops seized large quantities of weapons, including vests, magazines, fragmented grenades, and firearms.

IDF soldiers seize weapons from Hamas terrorists, August 2, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Troops also found equipment for prolonged stays, including food, water, and hygiene supplies inside the tunnel.

IDF troops speak on interview

There is a very significant operational achievement here for the brigade, Lt.-Col. S., commander of the Givati Reconnaissance Unit, told N12. There has been a very deep process involving the underground infrastructure for a long time now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commander revealed that the three captured terrorists had been out of contact with their leadership and underground for months.

Theyre not just low-level operatives. Theyre soldiers under the company commander we eliminated last week  his subordinates. They had been out of contact for a very long time, underground for several months, with no grasp of the outside reality.

Basically, they said they were abandoned underground and cut off. At the start there were four of them  one was killed in a strike, and the remaining three were stuck in a 500-meter to 1-kilometer stretch, unable to communicate or mount any attack.

Terrorists were transferred for further questioning

The terrorists were transferred to security authorities for further interrogation. Troops are currently examining the tunnel in the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Givati Brigade was operating under the command of Division 162 in northern Gaza, and began its encirclement of the Beit Hanun area after five IDF soldiers were killed and an additional 14 wounded due to a Hamas ambush involving several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in early July.

The IDF carried out operations in Beit Hanun many times over the course of the war. Most of the city has been badly damaged or destroyed in the war.
(NewsNation)  As the United Nations secretary general has said Gaza is on the brink of famine, United States ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says Israel shouldnt be responsible for feeding them.

Look, I would agree that food, water and medicine need to flood in there. But you know who else is hungry in Gaza? The hostages, Huckabee said on NewsNations Morning in America with Hena Doba on Saturday, as Israel resumed airdrops of food over the area.

Huckabee and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff spoke with Gazans at an aid site on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre the ones who are telling us their suffering is caused by Hamas, and they want them gone, Huckabee said of Gazans he spoke with. They love President Trump, and they think hes the one whos the key to getting some of this resolved and moving forward for a better life for all of them.

Chaotic situation: Journalist describes food distribution in Gaza

The two officials spent over five hours in Gaza and met with the Gaza Health Foundation and other agencies.

Watch Part 2 of the interview:

The purpose of the visit was to give @POTUS a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza, Witkoff wrote on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the U.N. World Food Program, 1 in 3 people in Gaza are now going days without food, and more than 500,000 are facing famine-like conditions.

Its tragic whats happening there, but the greatest tragedy of all is that people are blaming Israel, Huckabee said. Can anyone tell me in the history of mankind, in the history of modern civilization, when a nation that has been attacked and has its citizens massacred, when was it the responsibility of the nation attacked to feed the people who attacked it?

The war officially began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks on Israel and kidnapped hundreds of people. At least 50 of them are still in Hamas custody, and fewer than half are thought to be alive.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan claimed Netanyahu was not serious about reaching a ceasefire deal.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan claimed on Friday, during a meeting with a delegation from Hamas, that Israel is enacting a policy of genocide and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not serious about reaching a ceasefire deal, according to Turkish state media.

Gaza is witnessing a genocide that the world is ashamed of," Hamas claimed Fidan told the delegation. "By prolonging the ceasefire negotiations, Israel aims to break the resistance of the Palestinians in Gaza and force them to leave their homes."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fidan further alleged that Israel was working to expel Palestinians from Gaza and annex the West Bank.

During the meeting in Istanbul, Hamass delegation, headed by Muhammad Darwish, claimed that insufficient humanitarian aid was reaching the Gaza Strip and condemned Israels alleged unwillingness to compromise in hostage deal-ceasefire negotiations.

Erdogan issues statements backing Gaza

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted on X/Twitter after the meeting concluded, To those targeting our government with expressions lacking decency and propriety, I say only this: Who are you to question our sensitivity towards Palestine? Werent you the ones calling Gazans, who were defending their lands until just yesterday, terrorists? If you were on the side of the oppressed, then where were you for 14 years in Syria?...

You have never stood by the oppressed. You have never looked at the Middle East through the lens of brotherhood. You have never understood what it means to be part of the ummah, nor have you ever felt this sentiment in your hearts. Now you come forward, criticizing us without looking at your own dark record, criticizing our Cabinet members, shamelessly attacking our ministers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

...You cannot uproot the love for Turkey, the love for Tayyip Erdogan, from the hearts of the Palestinian people. You cannot prevent the Turkish nation from embracing its brothers again after a century. Even if you deny it, history is recording our steadfast stance

In a follow-up post, Erdogan wrote: The crimson door of freedom will surely be opened. Our Gazan brothers and sisters will, God willing, live freely forever in their homeland, on that blessed land watered with the blood of martyrs. When that glorious day arrives, if God grants it, we will be there too.

...We will embrace our Gazan brothers and sisters with love, hug each other, and, God willing, stand shoulder to shoulder to perform a prayer of gratitude together. Just as in Syria, we will, God willing, witness the end of oppression in Gaza, and we will surely reach those beautiful days. Everything will pass, this oppression will end, this blood will stop, this rubble will be cleared; God willing, Palestine will remain, standing tall in all its grandeur.
Hamas has rejected reports that it expressed a willingness to disarm during Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Israel, stressing that it has a national and legal right to confront the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian group responded on Saturday to recent remarks purportedly made by United States President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting with relatives of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Citing a recording of the talks, Israeli news outlet Haaretz reported that the US envoy told the families that Hamas said it was prepared to be demilitarised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But in a statement, Hamas said the resistance and its weapons are a national and legal right as long as the [Israeli] occupation persists.

That right cannot be relinquished until our full national rights are restored, foremost among them the establishment of a fully sovereign, independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, it said.

Witkoff met the Israeli captives families in Tel Aviv on Saturday, one day after he visited a US and Israeli-backed aid distribution site run by the controversial GHF in Gaza.

Hamas had earlier slammed the US envoys trip as a staged show aimed at misleading the public about the situation in the enclave, where an Israeli blockade has spurred a starvation crisis and fuelled global condemnation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 1,300 Palestinians also have been killed trying to get food at GHF-run sites since the group began operating in the bombarded Palestinian territory in May, the United Nations said earlier this week.





But the Trump administration has stood firmly behind GHF despite the killings and growing criticism of the groups operations in Gaza. In June, Washington announced that it approved $30m to support GHF.

Witkoffs comments on disarmament also come amid a widening international push to recognise a Palestinian state amid the scenes of starvation in Gaza.

The United Kingdom announced at a two-day United Nations conference in New York this week that it may follow France in recognising a Palestinian state in September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Echoing an earlier statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said London would proceed with recognition if Israel did not meet certain conditions, including implementing a ceasefire in Gaza.

The UN meeting also saw 17 countries, plus the European Union and the Arab League, back a seven-page text on reviving a two-state solution to the conflict.

The text called on Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.
Hamas has reaffirmed that it will not agree to disarm unless a sovereign Palestinian state is established, in response to one of Israel's key demands in talks about a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Palestinian armed group said it was responding to remarks it attributed to US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff that Hamas had "expressed its willingness" to lay down its weapons.

Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas one of several key conditions for any deal to end the conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages stalled last week.

In the past few days, Arab governments have urged Hamas to disarm and surrender control of Gaza, after a number of Western countries - including France and Canada - announced plans to recognise a state of Palestine. The UK said it would if Israel did not meet certain conditions by September.

But in its statement, Hamas said it could not yield its right to "resistance and its weapons" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" was established.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warned on Friday that there would be no respite in fighting in Gaza if negotiations failed to quickly secure the release of hostages being held by Hamas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And on Saturday, the family of hostage Evyatar David issued a statement after Hamas released a video showing him shirtless and emaciated in a dimly-lit tunnel.

They accused Hamas of starving him as part of a propaganda campaign and appealed to the Israeli government and the United States to do everything possible to save him.

Lishay Lavi, the wife of hostage Omri Miran who was kidnapped in the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, sits amid security wire during a protest in Tel Aviv [Reuters]

Witkoff has been visiting Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces mounting pressure over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

UN agencies have warned there is man-made, mass starvation in Gaza, and have blamed Israel, which controls the entry of all supplies to the territory. Israel has insisted there are no restrictions on aid deliveries and that there is "no starvation".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier on Saturday, Witkoff met in Tel Aviv with families of Israeli hostages who are still in Gaza.

Footage posted online showed the Washington negotiator being greeted with applause and pleas for help by supporters of the hostages' families as he arrived in a square that has become known for protests.

Witkoff said peace efforts should focus on ending the conflict and bringing home all the hostages, instead of what he called a partial deal.

As part of Witkoff's trip, he met Netanyahu on Thursday and on Friday he inspected a widely-criticised aid site in southern Gaza.

Latest figures from the United Nations say at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed seeking food since late May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The majority have been killed by the Israeli military near Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution sites, the UN says.

Israel has accused Hamas of instigating chaos near the sites and says its troops do not intentionally open fire on civilians.

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

More than 60,000 people have since been killed in Gaza, and 169 people, including 93 children, have died from malnutrition, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

Advertisement Advertisement
By Emily Rose

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy told families of hostages being held by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday that he was working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza.

Trump has made ending the conflict a major priority of his administration, though negotiations have faltered. Steve Witkoff is visiting Israel as its government faces mounting pressure over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the enclave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a recording of the meeting, reviewed by Reuters, Witkoff is heard saying: "We have a very, very good plan that we're working on collectively with the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Netanyahu ... for the reconstruction of Gaza. That effectively means the end of the war."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his remarks.

Witkoff also said that Hamas was prepared to disarm in order to end the war, though the group has repeatedly said it will not lay down its weapons.

In response, Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, said it would not relinquish "armed resistance" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" was established.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and deal for the release of half the hostages ended last week in deadlock.

On Saturday, Hamas released its second video in two days of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. In it, David, skeletally thin, is shown digging a hole, which, he says in the video, is for his own grave.

"They are on the absolute brink of death," David's brother Ilay said at a rally in support of the hostages in Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered holding posters of those in captivity and chanted for their immediate release.

"In the current unimaginable condition, they may have only days left to live."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar said the "world cannot remain silent in the face of the difficult images that are the result of deliberate sadistic abuse of the hostages, which also includes starvation".

Witkoff, who arrived in Israel with Benjamin Netanyahu's government facing a global outcry over the devastation in Gaza and the starvation growing among its 2.2 million people, met the prime minister on Thursday.

Afterwards, a senior Israeli official said an understanding between Israel and Washington was emerging that there was a need to move from a plan to release some of the hostages to a plan to release all the hostages, disarm Hamas and demilitarise the Gaza Strip, echoing Israel's key demands for ending the war.

GAZA STARVATION

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of it, they said Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

The crisis in Gaza has also prompted a string of Western powers to announce they may recognise a Palestinian state.

On Friday, Witkoff visited a U.S.-backed aid operation in southern Gaza, which the United Nations has partly blamed for deadly conditions in the enclave, saying he sought to get food and other aid to people there.

Dozens have died of malnutrition in recent weeks after Israel cut off all supplies to the enclave for nearly three months from March to May, according to Gaza's health ministry. It said on Saturday that it had recorded seven more fatalities, including a child, since Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza and says it is taking steps for more aid to reach its population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, air drops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys.

U.N. agencies have said that airdrops of food are insufficient and that Israel must let in far more aid by land and quickly ease the access to it.

The Gaza war began when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures. Israel's offensive has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

(Reporting by Emily Rose, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Hatem Maher, Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Don Durfee, Joe Bavier and Alison Williams)
This has been a long week for Cincinnati. We all know why. We've all seen it. You can't unsee it. You can't unsee a woman being knocked out like that, her head jerking back, her body lying motionless on the pavement, her eyes staring up in lifeless, mute horror.

And in our city.

Like many people, I'm trying to process this event and find it difficult. When I first saw the video on July 27, I found it horrifying. It's so bad you might as well say it was choreographed by the devil. And yet I also thought it would receive brief local attention before people moved on. News cycles are very short these days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But as the week has gone by, as this story has been picked up by the national news, especially conservative news outlets, I'm starting to think this will not be a short ordeal for our city. It's starting to feel like an event that will force a reckoning. But what should that reckoning be?

Mayor Aftab Pureval speaks during a press conference on Aug. 1, 2025, at a press conference at Riverfront Park in Cincinnati.

More: 'There are 2 sides to every story': Cincinnati grapples with image after brawl | Letters

Certain things must be said.

For one, this was clearly racially motivated violence in an extreme form. Anybody who balks at that admission is not being honest. The crowd of Black people who beat up the white people engaged in racial violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It must also be said that the white guy at the center of the fight is culpable for drunkenly contributing to the fight and potentially committing the first aggression. That must be acknowledged and condemned.

How does a city come to terms with racially motivated violence? It's a hard conversation to have.

Vivek Ramaswamy evidently feels up to the task and is coming to town to try. I'm skeptical whether a politician in the middle of an election can bring the nuance and honesty necessary to have a productive conversation on such a fraught topic. There's a possibility he's just coming to make political hay of violence in an all-Democrat-run city.

Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will host a town hall in Cincinnati on Aug. 5, 2025, to discuss a recent violent incident downtown.

More: Ramaswamy has chosen Jim & Jack's for his town hall

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But I'm encouraged that Ramaswamy is teaming up with former Cincinnati councilman Christopher Smitherman for the town hall, a man with an admirable record as a moderate local politician. I'm hoping Ramaswamy makes an honest effort to move the conversation forward.

One local politician who is not helping to move the conversation forward is Councilwoman Victoria Parks. After the video of the fight circulated, Parks tagged it with the response, "They begged for that beat down! I am grateful for the whole story."Let's be plain. That is a nasty, racist statement. There is no excuse for that kind of behavior, least of all by someone in a place of authority. Parks is not fit to be on City Council. She is not seeking re-election and plans to leave office at the end of the year, but she shouldn't be allowed on the council for another day, let alone another five months. Parks must resign now.

More: Victoria Parks stands by controversial post as fellow council members condemn comments

President Pro Tem Victoria Parks, Cincinnati City Council, announces she won't run for council in the fall during a press conference at City Hall, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Parks is receiving backlash for her online response to the viral video of a fight in downtown Cincinnati on July 26, 2025.

As a Cincinnatian, I am saddened by everything having to do with this fight. It's painful to see Cincinnati getting the worst national press in a generation. This should not be what America thinks when it thinks about our city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city will be facing significant national scrutiny. Some are calling for Justice Department intervention. It would be unfortunate if we became a scapegoat for the Trump administrations campaign against local Democratic control, but that should not prevent us from admitting we have a real problem.

This fight was not something that occurred in isolation. It was a lurid reminder of the stubbornly high rates of violence Cincinnati has experienced, even as most major metro areas have seen significant declines in the last two years.

More: City leaders say crime is 'stabilizing' as criminals take notice of new police task force

It's up to city leaders to find solutions. The biggest deterrent against violent crime is policing, and the Cincinnati Police Department's ranks have grown perilously thin recently. City Council has made a real financial commitment to increasing the number of police, but only time will tell if this is enough.

A video of a fight in downtown Cincinnati, posted on July 26, circulated social media.

Despite all this, I take encouragement from the conviction that the vast majority of us, regardless of race, would never act like the people in that video. Cincinnati is still a great city, with great people. I hope that we emerge from this reckoning with stronger unity and a commitment to making our city safer and more welcoming than ever before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That is the Cincinnati I know and love.

Christopher Wood

Christopher Wood is a neurologist who lives in Clifton.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati is facing a reckoning after the Downtown brawl | Opinion
Usually the biggest names at Cedar Point are Maverick or Siren's Curse.

But there was a star at the Six Flags amusement park in Sandusky this week that outshined them all.

Jason VanHeirseele took a selfie with actor Daniel Radcliffe at Cedar Point.

Actor Daniel Radcliffe  best known for his role as the young bespectacled wizard Harry Potter  visited the park with his family.

Park visitor Jason VanHeirseele said he was on the Peanuts Camp Bus at Camp Snoopy on Tuesday, July 29, with his 7-year-old while the rest of the family was off riding big-kid rides when he recognized the movie star.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He was a pleasure to meet," VanHeirseele said. "He has that distinct British voice and pleasant demeanor. Our kids were on the same Snoopy ride together."

The family makes regular trips to Cedar Point from their home in Libertyville, Illinois, but this is the first time they have encountered someone as famous as Radcliffe at the park.

Jason VanHeirseele with actor Gene Hackman on the set of the 1089 movie "The Package" in Chicago.

But it is not the first star encounter for VanHeirseele, who said he met the late actor Gene Hackman decades ago on the set of the 1989 movie "The Package" in Chicago.

Since posting the selfie of himself with Radcliffe, VanHeirseele said, it has garnered some 20,000 likes and growing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The social media response has been overwhelming with positive responses," he said. "When you have a loyal Harry Potter fan base that collides with a strong Cedar Point fan base  it makes for good energy."

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Muggle meets Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe at Cedar Point
Yair Netanyahu's defense statement argues that Yaalon delayed the lawsuit for five years, filing it only after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his father, sued Yaalon.

Yair Netanyahu filed a statement this week in his defense against a defamation lawsuit brought against him by former IDF chief of staff and defense minister Moshe Yaalon.

In the statement, Yair Netanyahu argues that Yaalon delayed the lawsuit for five years, filing it only after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his father, initiated his own defamation lawsuit against Yaalon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yair Netanyahu described the lawsuit as "a harsh and ugly act typical of criminal organizations, where the criminal attempts to harm the children of his adversary to influence them."

Yaalon filed the lawsuit in April, citing tweets from 2020 in which Netanyahu wrote to Yaalon: Give your monthly pension, worth tens of thousands of shekels, funded by taxpayers, and go to Abarbanel.

This tweet was one of several that led to Yair Netanyahu being sued for defamation in a case filed this week at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court, which seeks 318,000 shekels in damages. The plaintiff in the case is Yaalon.

Yair Netanyahu (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)

The X posts in question were posted in 2020 after Yaalon criticized the prime minister. Yair Netanyahu responded by sharing a link to the Abarbanel Mental Health Centers website.

Yair claims lawsuit was 'deliberately delayed'

In his statement, Yair Netanyahu calls the lawsuit vexatious and harassing, fundamentally flawed, and deliberately delayed.

He adds that if the lawsuit had any merit, it would have been filed at the time of the publication in 2020, not now, alongside the defense statement in a case where the father of the defendant is suing the plaintiff here. The timing is ugly and reminiscent of the behavior of violent criminal organizations that harm the children of their adversaries.
The Brief

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled William Eickholt's death a homicide.

Officials say that Eickholt, 74, died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Friends and locals believe Eickholt could have been targeted.

HASTINGS, Minn. (FOX 9) - The death of 74-year-old William Eickholt was ruled a homicide Friday, after he was found dead in Hastings in February.

Hastings death ruled homicide

What we know

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Eickholt's death a homicide about six months after he was found dead in Hastings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eickholt died from a gunshot wound to the head, the medical examiner's report said.

FOX 9 has reached out to the Washington County Sheriff's Office regarding Eickholt's death being ruled a homicide, and has yet to hear back.

The backstory

Eickholt was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2025, after authorities found a suspicious car fire at a Denmark Township property, with evidence that Eickholt had been injured.

The next morning, Eickholt was found dead in a nearby ditch in Hastings.

"Whoever did this went right to the first ditch in Hastings they could find, and dropped him off on the corner," Eickholts friend Mitch Carmody told FOX 9 at the time. "Everything was burnt. It was just something nefarious [that] happened."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Friends and locals in the area believe Eickholt could have been targeted because he was known to wear womens clothing.

The Source

A press release from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, and past FOX 9 reporting.
For the first time ever, the dengue virus has been contracted locally in Brevard County, with health officials confirming five cases of the mosquito-borne illness and two more likely infections. The virus has been detected locally in the past, but was always linked to travel, Brevard health officials said Friday during a meeting at the Florida Department of Health offices in Viera.

But the virus spreading through mosquitoes to Brevard County residents is a first, prompting swift action by both the Brevard Department of Health and mosquito control to urge precautions be taken to prevent the biting and breeding of mosquitoes.

A mosquito that carries dengue fever and Zika virus is sucking blood on a person's skin.

As of Aug. 1, those five cases make up the bulk of the seven cases of locally acquired dengue reported in Florida, with the other two in Miami-Dade County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We've never had locally acquired dengue in the county before," said Helen Medlin, director of epidemiology with the DOH Brevard.

In addition, she said, there are "definitely" cases of dengue out there that have not been reported or detected in Brevard, meaning people should take as many precautions as possible.

Medlin said of Brevard's five confirmed and two probable cases, there have been multiple hospitalizations but no deaths. The department is working closely with local emergency rooms and other providers to ensure their surveillance will catch any and all cases of the virus, she said.

Because dengue virus is not transmittable from person to person, health officials in Brevard County are urging extreme caution around mosquitoes to prevent the potentially deadly virus from spreading. Wearing mosquito repellant and eliminating sources of standing water are among the top ways to limit mosquito populations.

Health officials urge caution around dengue

Symptoms of dengue can be vague, Medlin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"You can have a mild illness that feel like any viral illness such as fatigue, fever, and body aches," she said.

"You even have people without symptoms who are infected and can be bitten by mosquitoes and spread the virus that way. It's important for everyone to be aware and prevent mosquito bites because they could unknowingly have it and unknowingly be exposed."

The surveillance system to track viruses like dengue is operating all the time, even outside of heavy mosquito seasons, Medlin said, encouraging people to go to the doctor if they feel symptomatic. "Don't second-guess. If you feel you need to be seen for something; just go to the doctor," Medlin added.

Brevard mosquito control pushes prevention efforts

Even before the dengue cases were reported, Brevard County mosquito control chief Jonathan Linder said, his team was taking urgent action to prevent the primary mosquitoes behind dengue from breeding and biting county residents. Even a thimbleful of water is enough for the species of mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti, but also Aedes albopictus, behind spreading dengue to lay eggs and increase the chances of the virus' spread. What's more, the Aedes aegypti, while a small part of the overall mosquito population, specializes in feeding on human blood over any other animal, Linder said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They love urban areas and pots, pitchers and even a bottle cap," he said. "Even a bottle cap. If that's upside down, the species of concern will lay their eggs and use that as a breeding source."

Linder said his department is using a multi-pronged approach to limit mosquito populations at every level, whether it's treating water with a special bacteria that directly targets mosquito larvae's digestive system, rotating through different sprays to target adult populations, or setting traps to monitor population levels across the county.

Homeowners need to take "any and all steps" to limit standing water around their homes, Linder said, whether that's in ponds or potted plants or even bromeliads that can collect water in their petals. "Because this is Brevard County, so many people water their lawns or their plants, and that creates standing water," Linder said. "We're less concerned with rainfall events, we're just concerned with any containers in the area."

"If at all possible, don't go out at dawn and dusk. These mosquitoes are particularly active at dawn and dusk."

Stop mosquitoes from breeding

Mosquitoes lay eggs in and near standing water. As little as one teaspoon of water standing for one week is enough for mosquitoes to breed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least once a week, empty or cover anything that can hold water, including:

buckets;

toys;

child pools and pool covers;

birdbaths;

trash containers;

boat, car covers;

roof gutters;

pet dishes; and

tires.

What are symptoms of dengue?

Symptoms of dengue usually begin within two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the CDC said, adding that about one in four people infected with dengue will get sick.

Symptoms typically last two to seven days, with most people recovering after about a week.

Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, the CDC said. Symptoms can include:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain).

Nausea, vomiting.

Rash.

Headache.

Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Officials: First-ever Brevard transmissions of dengue virus reported
Aug. 1An out-of-state child with measles visited Santa Fe last weekend, prompting state health officials to issue a warning Friday to people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The infected child visited two locations in Santa Fe, the New Mexico Department of Health announced. The locations and duration of the visits were:

Meow Wolf Santa Fe, 1352 Rufina Circle, on Saturday, July 26, from 10:45 a.m.  3:45 p.m.The Hampton Inn, 3430 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, from 10 p.m. Friday, July 25, to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agency recommends that anyone who visited either location check their vaccination status and report any measles symptoms within the next 21 days to a health care provider.

"Summer travel can increase the risk of catching measles," said Dr. Chad Smelser, a DOH medical epidemiologist. "We urge New Mexicans to be sure they are up-to-date with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination before traveling."

The infected child is an out-of-state resident and does not add to New Mexico's case count, which remains at 96, including 20 children ages 5 to 17. New Mexico's most recent case of measles was reported in Santa Fe County on July 19.

Measles symptoms begin with a cough, runny nose and red eyes before progressing to a fever and rash.

People remain infectious for about eight days, from four days before the onset of the rash until four days after. If you have those symptoms, call ahead to a medical provider before showing up at the office, the DOH recommends.
For the past month, the Epstein files (or lack thereof) have eclipsed other law enforcement and national security stories, and the issues and questions raised by the Trump administrations actions are important. But we should not lose sight of the Pentagons continued implosion. After all, the Department of Defense is tasked with defending the country, not chomos.

Ive previously written about the Pentagon hemorrhaging top officials, but now they have outdone themselves. Justin Fulcher, a 32-year-old high-level official in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths office  those words alone should have set off alarm bells  is now at least the secretarys sixth top advisor to leave in six months. Most of the think pieces following Fulchers exit have missed the forest for the trees. The story is not about the usual Hegseth office drama; its more about Hegseth himself.

Its easy to see why the office dysfunction narrative took hold. When the Fulcher story initially broke, CBS News reported he had been fired. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, then acknowledged Fulchers exit in a text message. (Normally, there would have been a media briefing and some perfunctory farewell puffery, or at least a press release.) It didnt help that Fulcher had to be his own communications guy and lily-gild his departure as perfectly amiable. Most of us know by now that when anything in Trump World is described as perfect, thats usually code for pockmarked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Fulcher departure is unlike the other Hegseth scandals. To recap, in Signalgate, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz unwittingly invited Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, into an encrypted-but-unsecured chat during which Waltz, Hegseth and other principals discussed real-time U.S. airstrikes on Yemen. Subsequently, it emerged there was a second Signal group chat on the same topic, which involved Hegseths wife, brother and divorce lawyer.

The next scandal involved three top Pentagon officials and Hegseth loyalists being put on administrative leave  and then unceremoniously fired  because of their suspected involvement in leaks about military plans to retake the Panama Canal. The trio issued a joint statement saying they were being unfairly targeted and thrown under the bus. As it turns out, they were right to feel scapegoated. Hegseth fell for a batshit crazy story cooked up by his divorce lawyer, which was used to help justify their ouster.

The toxic office kerfuffle continued to play out publicly, including unflattering headlines about Hegseths third wife crashing principals meetings with foreign military leaders, his first chief of staff being laterally arabasqued to a different position, his difficulty finding a new chief of staff and the departure of his chief spokesman, who described a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon.

Now we have learned there was a third kerfuffle back in April, which adds another layer to the Pentagon intrigue. Fulcher, then with the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, stormed out of a meeting with Yinon Weiss, the DOGE team lead at the Pentagon, because he thought Weiss had reported him to the internal police and security group. Fulcher took his complaint directly to Hegseth and enlisted his help in reining in Weiss. Hegseth obliged, shouting at Weiss, which is never a good look for any workplace  especially when the head has a history of anger management problems. The icing on the cake of this fustercluck is that Fulcher was wrong. Weiss had contacted the Pentagon transition office, not the Pentagon police.

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.

Whatever the true reason for Fulchers departure, the alarming part should be Hegseths gullibility, inexperience and glaring ineptitude in both his hiring and ousting of Fulcher. In a mash-up of George Santos and Elizabeth Holmes, Fulcher appears to have padded his resume, claiming he was a college dropout, an entrepreneur of a successful telehealth startup and had received a non-existent PhD from Johns Hopkins Universitys prestigious School of Advanced International Studies. Its unclear how he could have obtained even a low-level security clearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its also difficult to imagine how bad, and perhaps how lethal, an infraction by Hegseth would have to be for him to be canned. Perhaps revealing nuclear design information? Or outing an undercover agent who then gets killed? I represent former Pentagon employees who were harshly investigated, prosecuted and often imprisoned because they blew the whistle on waterboarding, as was the case with John Kiriakou; inaccurate drone targeting (Brandon Bryant and Chris Aaron) and underreported civilian casualties from drone strikes (Daniel Hale). All these men received far more scrutiny and punishment than Hegseth, who has suffered no meaningful consequences.

I get that Whiskey Pete is Trumps younger, fantasy alter ego  the swagger, the tough talk, the telegenic head of hair. But he also embodies Trumps worst traits: Hubris, unresolved anger, misogyny, failing up. I can only wonder what our adversaries think when the official tasked with defending the most powerful country on the planet cant even hold his own hand-picked front office together. A warrior ethos may be good for the battlefield, but its not when you unleash it on your own men. (And they are all men, which is a topic for a different column.)

There are multiple exit ramps Hegseth can take. Hes served his six months and can legitimately leave to spend more time with his three wives and seven kids. He can easily move into a cushy gig with a big defense contractor. He can probably get his own show in the Fox News universe, and certainly can compete on Dancing with the Stars. He has also apparently discussed the idea of running for governor of Tennessee.

Yes, Hegseth has nine lives. The troops he leads do not.

The post Hegseths office exodus hides the real problem: Its him appeared first on Salon.com.
Staff turnover across the Pentagon has Trump administration officials and GOP leaders questioning Pete Hegseths fitness to lead the Department of Defenses 3.4 million employees.

Sources told The Wall Street Journal that Defense Secretary Hegseths lack of managerial skillsand several public missteps, such as the Signalgate security breach, in which top members of the administration discussed plans to bomb Yemen on a chat that included a journalisthave some officials losing faith in the former Fox News hosts warrior spirit.

If you just look at the broader turnover and the lack of consistency there in terms of executive management, I think its a red flag, Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis told the Journal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tillis, who announced he was not running for re-election after criticizing President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill in June, also ripped Hegseth as out of his depth in a July interview, a surprising comment given that Tillis cast the decisive 50th vote to confirm Hegseth as defense secretary.

According to sources, White House officials are frustrated over Hegseths refusal to replace his acting chief of staff. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

The Journal reported that a particular point of contention between Hegseth and the White House has been his refusal to replace his acting chief of staff, Ricky Buria. Trump officials had tried to oust Buria, viewing him as a liability, only to abandon their plans, The Guardian reported.

Hegseths first chief of staff, Joe Kasper, left amid reports of a major upheaval in the secretarys front office, fueled by disarray and distrust on the heels of Hegseth allegedly subjecting staff to polygraph tests.

On top of a damning report that suggested Hegseths chats with national security officials over Signal did, in fact, include classified information, according to a probe, Hegseths performance has not inspired confidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After firing a number of generals on a whim, Hegseth has reportedly made little effort to replace the staff he has lost, leading to lapses in communications, according to current and former defense officials, the Journal reported. As a result, President Donald Trump was left in the dark about a temporary halt in weapons deliveries for Ukraine, The Independent reported. However, Trump was able to reverse the pause.

Sen. Thom Tillis said the staffing turnover at Hegseths Pentagon raises a red flag. / Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

In public, Trump has only reaffirmed his support for Hegseth.

President Trump has full confidence in Secretary Hegseth, who is doing an incredible job leading the DOD, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the Journal.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell added, These anonymous sources have no idea what theyre talking about and are just plain wrong.
In a further jolt to the process of reviewing and recommending vaccines at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, another group of outside advisers to the agency was abruptly sidelined this week.

In an email sent late Thursday evening, which was obtained by CNN, members of roughly 30 medical and public health organizations who serve as liaison members of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, were told they could no longer participate in the committees crucial workgroups.

Liaison members dont vote at ACIPs public meetings on vaccine recommendations, but they can participate by asking questions and commenting on presentations. Behind the scenes, they have also historically done important work undertaking detailed evidence reviews of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that helps to inform the groups votes. Those reviews happen in subcommittees called workgroups. As of late last year, ACIP had 11 active workgroups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to studying scientific research, workgroups consider issues of public health importance like what age groups might get the most benefit from a vaccine, what an immunization costs and whether it will be accessible to people who should get it. Workgroups also help craft the language of the recommendations that are voted on by the full committee. Votes are typically held during ACIPs three public meetings each year.

If ACIP approves a recommendation, its forwarded to the CDC director for consideration. The director isnt bound by the committees recommendation but usually follows it.

Liaisons include groups like the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Pharmacists Association. Members also represent nurses and public health officials, typically groups that play a significant role in delivering vaccinations.

The latest move comes more than a month after US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 voting members of ACIP, replacing them days later with eight of his own picks, many of whom have cast doubt on the safety of vaccines and public policy around vaccination. One member later dropped out during the required financial review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The email sent Thursday called the liaison members special interest groups that are expected to have a bias based on their constituency and/or population they represent.

It is important that the ACIP workgroup activities remain free of any influence from any special interest groups so ACIP workgroups will no longer include Liaison organizations, the email said.

Andrew Nixon, director of communications for HHS, said in a statement Friday that Under the old ACIP, outside pressure to align with vaccine orthodoxy limited asking the hard questions. The old ACIP members were plagued by conflicts of interest, influence and bias. We are fulfilling our promise to the American people to never again allow those conflicts to taint vaccine recommendations.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University who has been participating in ACIP for 40 years as both a voting member and a liaison member, said the move to exclude professional organizations from the process of making vaccine recommendations was shortsighted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The organizations have a certain ownership in the recommendations because they participate, Schaffner said.

That participation increases buy-in from different stakeholder groups, which helps ACIP recommendations become the accepted standards of medical practice.

Without that participation, Schaffner said, theres a risk that groups will make their own vaccine recommendations, which could lead to conflicting and confusing advice.

In fact, some outside organizations, including the Vaccine Integrity Project, have already started the process of making independent vaccination recommendations.

Shaffner said he also takes issue with the idea that liaison representatives are biased, which he says implies a conflict of interest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Every work group member, no matter who they are, is vetted for a conflict of interest, he said, and that vetting process has only become more stringent over time as society has become more attuned to the problem.

I have to turn down opportunities because they would interfere with my being on a work group, and thats something I do, or did, he said.

ACIPs charter spells out that some 30 specific groups should hold non-voting seats on the committee. It also allows the HHS secretary to appoint other liaison members as necessary to carry out the functions of the committee.

On Friday, eight organizations that are liaisons to the committee said in a joint statement that they were deeply disappointed and alarmed to be barred from reviewing scientific data and informing the development of vaccine recommendations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To remove our deep medical expertise from this vital and once transparent process is irresponsible, dangerous to our nations health, and will further undermine public and clinician trust in vaccines, said the statement, which was sent by the American Medical Association.

New outside experts may be invited to participate in the workgroups as needed based on their expertise, according to an HHS official who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they had not been authorized to share the information, but such inclusion will no longer be based on organizational affiliation.

Many of these groups dont like us, the official said. Theyve publicly attacked us.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
HIGH POINT  The week before Christmas 1928 mustve been the saddest week in High Point Enterprise history. Nearly a century later, the pain of what happened that week  though largely forgotten now  still resonates when you hear the story.

That week, only three days apart, two Enterprise paperboys  one 13, the other 14  were killed in separate tragedies. In both instances, during a week that shouldve been highlighted by the joy of the Christmas season, the youths were carried to their graves by their fellow newspaper carriers. Both boys lie buried at Oakwood Cemetery.

We dont know for sure, but its possible one or more young paperboys actually served as pallbearers for both funerals. How heartbreaking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The first incident occurred on the evening of Dec. 19, when a Ford roadster was all but obliterated by a Southern Railway passenger train at the Kivett Drive crossing. According to newspaper accounts, the train smashed into the roadster when the automobile driver unwisely tried to beat the train through the crossing.

Killed at the scene was 13-year-old Robert Arthur Atkins, who had been carrying The Enterprise for about a month. After being thrown from the vehicle, Arthurs mangled body was found on the ground between the northbound and southbound railroad tracks. The driver, 17-year-old Herbert Yates, was also thrown from the vehicle and hospitalized with severe injuries, but he survived.

The news of Arthurs death understandably cast a somber mood over the city, dampening citizens Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, the news was about to get worse.

On the night of Dec. 22  only three days after Arthurs untimely death, and three days before Christmas  14-year-old William Conrad Durham died after being run over by a car on South Main Street. His poor brother, 12-year-old James, witnessed the fatal accident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Enterprise reported that a Ford or Chevrolet coupe, traveling at a rapid rate, struck William without slowing down, dragging him several feet before he finally became disentangled from the vehicle. The youth suffered a broken neck, two broken legs and a pair of dislocated shoulder blades. His face was also skinned badly on one side where it had dragged against the pavement.

According to the newspaper account, William was still alive when an ambulance reached the scene, but he died on the way to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the driver who struck William had disappeared. According to a couple of witnesses, the car turned onto West Russell Street and lit out. It was a classic hit-and-run.

That was around 10 p.m. By midnight, police had arrested a man who told an unusual, somewhat dubious tale about what hed been up to that night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres what happened: A car that resembled the one that hit William was found resting against a telephone pole near the corner of Mallory and Main Streets. The driver had obviously crashed into the pole. The headlights were still burning, and the key had been left in the ignition, but the driver had left the scene.

Police investigated and eventually found the driver, J.M. Stanley of Trinity, who denied any knowledge of the incident that had killed William. He admitted running into the telephone pole at some point after 10 p.m. and said he simply left his car there to attend a fish fry.

Um, he abandoned his wrecked car, with the key still in it and the lights on, to go to a fish fry? Who does that?

By the next day, however, Stanley had been released. Police said they didnt have any evidence linking him to Williams death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The hit-and-run fatality became the talk of the town, angering citizens over the callousness of the guilty driver, whoever it was. On Christmas Eve, The Enterprise published a front-page article  right next to a picture of Santa Claus  announcing a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

In an editorial that same day, the newspaper denounced the ruthless driver and called for harsh punishment when he or she was captured.

The boy was dragged some distance by the car which struck him, the paper wrote. It is almost inconceivable that the driver did not know what he had done. Yet he turned off the street into another and sped rapidly away, leaving the broken body of the boy on the pavement.

Unfortunately, even after the city added another $100 to the reward, no one was ever charged, and the crime remains unsolved to this day. The lack of an arrest just added to the sadness that enveloped the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So did this: Three weeks after Williams death, The Enterprise ran a classified ad  posted on behalf of the boys family  in search of a French harp, also known as a harmonica.

Lost by William Durham, who was hit and killed by the hit-and-run driver, the ad read. The parents are anxious to get the harp and keep it as a remembrance of the boy.

We dont know whether the parents ever got the harmonica back.

We do know, though, that the Durhams  like the Atkins family before them  never got their son back.
A Georgia school district is considering swapping out plastic lunch trays with eco-friendly metal ones, and it's all thanks to students.

At an Athens City School District board meeting in June, a group of Athens High School students made a presentation asking the district to purchase stainless steel trays for students' lunches.

The Athens Independent reported the students are a part of Athens ReThink Plastics, a group working to reduce plastic use across the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We don't have many clubs that are directly doing things about sustainability or local issues," one of the students, Rachel Prange, told the Athens Independent. "I thought that it was really cool to be a part of."

Currently, high school students in the district use trays made of plastic foam, commonly known as Styrofoam. Elementary students use trays made of plastic or plastic foam.

In particular, the students expressed concern about how the current trays create large numbers of microplastics, and how dangerous those could be to students' health.

Plastic foam is cheap to produce, lightweight, and insulates well, which has made it a staple in many kitchens and cafeterias for decades. But it also plays a large role in the roughly 500 million tons of carbon pollution created each year by single-use plastics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While cafeteria trays are not single-use, plastic also breaks apart easily, which helps create the microplastics the students discussed. These tiny particles are seemingly found everywhere, from our oceans to human brains, and have been linked to health concerns such as lung cancer.

Because of those concerns, many states have banned food services from using plastic foam products. Georgia is considering such a ban statewide, and that's a standard Athens students hope their school district will follow.

"I think that there is a little hypocrisy when we teach in science class about what's happening on the planet, and yet they go to the cafeteria and see a very different landscape," Janalee Stock of Athens ReThink Plastics told The Independent. "So to see young people that have the energy and  the intelligence to take on the issue, it's just so exciting to me."

District officials told The Independent they support a move to stainless steel trays, especially with the city opening a new high school in 2027. They also noted, however, the need to determine the cost of such a switch.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Brief

Hillsborough County teachers and support staff are preparing for a new school year that comes with a raise thanks to a voter-approved property tax increase.

Teachers will see an average pay increase of $6,000; support staff will receive about $3,000 more.

Homeowners will see higher property tax bills, with "TRIM" notices arriving August 18.

TAMPA, Fla. - Hillsborough County teachers are heading back to the classroom with more than just school supplies: Theyre getting a boost to their paychecks, too.

What we know

Thanks to a voter-approved property tax increase last November, Hillsborough County teachers are receiving a $6,000 raise. Support staff will receive an extra $3,000. The raises will go into effect immediately.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ: Celebrity chief revamping Tampa General Hospitals menu, food service for patients

Libby Carter, a teacher at Ballast Point Elementary, said the extra income is coming at the right time.

"We're in the thick of it. We're setting things up. We're very excited. We have a lot to do before the students come back," she said as she prepared her classroom during the first day back for teachers.

The average Florida teacher earns about $53,000 annually. For Carter, the added income means a little more breathing room.

MORE: Man in U.S. illegally accused of selling drugs under fake name at auto body shop for years

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It means that I'll be able to kind of have some more wiggle room and be able to afford living. I think that's a big testament to the community involvement and how much they appreciate and respect our teachers," Carter said.

The other side

While educators celebrate the pay increase, homeowners are bracing for higher tax bills. The millage rate increase means property owners will pay an extra $1 for every $1,000 of assessed home value.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said "Truth in Millage" (TRIM) notices will be mailed starting August 18.

"They should be expecting in their mailbox their Notice of Proposed Taxes," he told FOX 13.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

READ:Tampa police officer heads home after being shot near Busch Gardens

For a home assessed at the county's median value, that equates to an average tax increase of around $250 per year.

Henriquez also noted that homeowners who disagree with their property valuation can request a reassessment.

"Especially in a year like this, where we've had so many people that had damage as a result to the storms, we may not know that as of January 1st, 2025, they still had damage. They hadn't addressed it and those kinds of things," Henriquez explained. "We need to know so we can try to address it and adjust the value as such."

What's next

TRIM notices go out August 18. Homeowners will have until September 12 to file for a reassessment if they believe their property has been overvalued.

The Source

Information for this story came from reporting by FOX 13s Aaron Mesmer, interviews with Hillsborough County teachers, and statements from Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)- August is National Black Business Month, and it was kicked off in Shreveport with a black owned business ribbon cutting hosted by the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber.

The community came out to help celebrate the ribbon cutting for Hollywood Quick Stop on Linwood Avenue. It was a proud moment for owner Eric Stephens, he said, It means everything to have ownership. Its a big step, but it means a lot.

Shreveport welcomes three new Black-owned business set to open in August

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stephens wants young people to realize the dream of business ownership. He said, Its just something that our kids need to see and something you know is very vital for them to see and know that they can do it, and its possible for them also.

The chamber has more events planned for the business owners; they will be releasing a calendar soon with the months events. You can find it on the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber Facebook page.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Traditional learning techniques are evolving, and many schools are using a new education model called STREAM, which stands for science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Holy Nativity Episcopal School administrators, teachers, and students are welcoming STREAM onto their campus. They have raised over $1.3 million for the $2 million facility.

They broke ground on the project today. It will be called the Linda and Tom Weller building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Wellers are founding members of Holy Nativity school. They were instrumental in acquiring the old Cove Elementary School after Bay District School officials closed the campus, and moved Holy Nativity from the church grounds.

The new stream building will have four classrooms and lab space.

Holy Nativity is growing by leaps and bounds right now, and its important that we keep the foundation and the traditions that are present at our school now. And have been since the thirties, are still here, Head of Holy Nativity Cynthia Fuller said. But also building on todays latest innovation and staying competitive in the world right now. So our students can become lifelong learners and leaders when they leave us.

Its just such an enhancement because were a small school, Holy Nativity math teacher Amy Moody said. I think sometimes people forget that we can do really great things, and so having this building, especially just to break ground, I mean, this is the motivation we need to really get all of that going, that positive feeling for a new year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The building is expected to be complete by June of next year. Almost all of the schools 300 Pre-K through 8th grade students will use it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Holyoke Community College (HCC) will host a special Registration Express event for Fall 2025 classes on Saturday.

Citizens Bank opens Holyoke branch with community event

During the event, prospective students can apply for admission, take the college placement test, meet with an academic adviser, register for classes, and set up financial aid, all in one day. It will also be an opportunity for prospective students to learn about MassEducate and MassReconnect, the states programs offering free community college.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Registration Express will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of the Campus Center at 303 Homestead Ave. and virtually over Zoom. Fall 2025 classes start September 2nd, with Flex Start dates on September 15 and October 27.

Registration Express at Holyoke Community College provides an opportunity for students to complete the admissions and registration process all in one day and all in one place, said Mark Hudgik, director of admissions and onboarding. Admissions, financial aid, and advising counselors will be available to help students get ready for both summer and fall.

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.
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) HOPE for Bereaved held its 15th annual Remembrance 5K Run and Walk at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, bringing the community together to honor lost loved ones.

The event aimed to change the negative stigma surrounding grief and provide a space for collective remembrance.

Kelly Ocampo, the groups executive director, shared a recent experience where two people left a support session with a renewed sense of hope.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After about an hour and a half with one of our peer grief support staff, she said, they left the room just visibly lighter.

First-place winner Myah Keenan, a sophomore track and cross country athlete, ran to remember her friend.

I think that its important for me to keep running for her because she loved it so much, Keenan said. We created so many memories running together, so to be able to keep doing it is like Im running for her.

Oscar Ocampo, a peer grief support team member, used a metaphor of strings and rope to demonstrate how individuals can support each other during difficult times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Each one of these strings is a person, and they come together to make one strong rope, Ocampo said. One of these strings by itself can easily be broken, but together they are all very tough and tight.

The run ended up raising just under $30,000  the most theyve ever raised for this event.

For information on other events HOPE for Bereaved is hosting this month, you can go to 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 WSYR.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)  The Hope Highway, based in Appleton, welcomed 22 furry friends to town as they met with Foster families on Friday.

22 dogs were flown in from the south, some having been sitting in a shelter for years at a time, many facing possible euthanasia due to space concerns.

Crowds visit Kelley Country Creamerys sunflower fields in Fond du Lac to support veterans

Many of the dogs sat in shelters after being verbally abused by owners or even neglected. Some of the dogs, according to The Hope Highway, had no idea this could happen after so long, but theyre finally close to finding their furever family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Hope Highways President/Founder, Jill Brauer, posted images of the dogs on Facebook as she expressed gratitude that the dogs were able to come up to Wisconsin and get a second chance.

We have babies on this transport that never would have known what life was. They would have left this world thinking that cruelty and doggy prison were all there was, Brauer said. Now they have a chance to experience adventure, love and the hopes of a wonderful future.

Valley Transit riders across northeast Wisconsin benefit from WisGos fare capping system

Countless individuals showed up as the flight arrived with furry friends on board, as they wiggled and barked with excitement ahead of meeting their Foster families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Click the link to learn more about The Hope Highway.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
A coroner has expressed concerns about delays in hospital treatment, including a failure to recognise medical alert bracelets before a woman's death.

Joanne Stones, 53, died at Scarborough Hospital on 17 September 2023 and following an inquest last month the area's assistant coroner has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report.

Gillian Kane said Ms Stones had complex medical problems and she found during the course of the inquest there were "delays in recognising and appropriately treating" her condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it recognised the coroner's concerns and would set out an action plan to address any recommendations.

Ms Kane said Ms Stones' medical conditions included Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and in 2021 she had suffered Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS) which led to Addison's Disease (AD).

As a result her body could not produce cortisol and she required lifelong steroid treatment with hydrocortisone. If she had an infection she would need her hydrocortisone level to be recalibrated to manage it.

Ms Kane said Ms Stones had been taken to hospital on 10 September 2023 where she was given a provisional diagnosis of suspected gallstones and discharged home with oral antibiotics and analgesia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her medical notes showed that those treating her were aware that her medical history included the diagnoses of APS and AD.

Three days later she attended the hospital for a planned ultrasound and was diagnosed with Acute Cholecystitis with gallstones.

She was again discharged home and advised to complete the course of antibiotics she had previously been given.

However, on the 16 September she was blue lighted to hospital with suspected Cholecystitis.

'Failure to prioritise'

The ambulance service had alerted the hospital about her condition but when she arrived there was a delay of two hours before she was moved to resus.

The coroner added there had also been a delay in administering intravenous antibiotics and fluids leading to Ms Stones developing hypoglycaemia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There was also a substantial delay before it was recognised that she had AD and required steroids.

Ms Stones died in intensive care on 17 September 2023.

Ms Kane said she was unable to determine on the balance of probabilities if the delays in treatment "caused or more than minimally contributed to her death".

"However, there was evidence of omissions and delays in the treatment that Joanne received which caused me concern," she added.

The coroner raised a number of concerns in her report.

The failure to prioritise her despite the ambulance service alert, that Ms Stones had worn two medical alert bracelets about her existing conditions which staff did not observe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There were also no red flags on her medical records highlighting her APS and AD diagnoses to the treating team.

Ms Kane said doctors had to rely on a "very sick patient" to confirm any medical conditions.

"There was no liaison with Rheumatology, who had extensive knowledge and experience of Joanne and how to treat her conditions," she added.

"It was not clear from the medical notes that staff treating Joanne had considered the relevance of her APS and AD in her treatment plan."

'Ensure learning'

A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it wished "to extend our sincere condolences to Ms Stones' family".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We recognise and share the concerns raised by HM's Coroner. Following the conclusion of the inquest, we acknowledge the coroner's recommendations and fully accept the need for further action.

"We will be setting out our action plan and implementation timetable to meet the coroner's deadline, and a full response will be shared with the coroner in due course.

"We remain fully committed to patient safety and will take all necessary steps to ensure learning and improvement where needed."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Related internet links
Another round of storms have developed across the state this afternoon. A few strong to severe storms will continue to be possible in northeast New Mexico as we move into the later evening hours.

Drier weather begins moving in Saturday. A few afternoon storms are still likely in the afternoon across northern and northeastern New Mexico along with mountain peaks in southern New Mexico. Temperatures will be even hotter though. Sunday will bring dry weather to almost all of New Mexico as temperatures continue to heat up. Many locations in southern New Mexico will climb into the triple-digits.

Dry and hot weather will stick around into early next week. A stretch of triple-digit heat will continue across southern New Mexico as well. While almost all of New Mexico will stay dry, a pop up storm or two will be possible across some of the mountain peaks. That chance for rain will increase slightly with more isolated afternoon storms starting Wednesday. But the heat will continue with near record heat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
The chair of the House Oversight Committee said Friday he's willing to postpone convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell's deposition until the Supreme Court reviews the appeal she filed in her criminal case. Maxwell, a longtime friend and associate of Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted in 2021 on five federal counts related to sex trafficking.

The committee, which is chaired by Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, subpoenaed Maxwell last week, ordering her to sit for a deposition on Aug. 11. The move came as the Trump administration faces bipartisan scrutiny over its handling of the Epstein case, with lawmakers calling on the government to release records on Maxwell and Epstein.

In a letter to Maxwell obtained by CBS News, Comer said the committee is "willing to delay" the Aug. 11 deposition date while the Supreme Court weighs taking up her case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maxwell  who is serving a 20-year prison sentence  is challenging her conviction, arguing she should've been covered by a non-prosecution deal that federal prosecutors in Florida offered to Epstein and any co-conspirators almost two decades ago. The Supreme Court indicated this week it will consider whether to hear Maxwell's case in September, and Comer said her deposition can take place after the court decides on whether to take the case.

Comer also said the committee will "engage in good faith negotiations" around the deposition, but is "unwilling to grant you congressional immunity" and will not send her its questions in advance  rejecting two requests by Maxwell's attorney.

Her lawyer, David Oscar Markus, told the committee earlier this week she will plead the Fifth at her deposition unless she's granted immunity or President Trump pardons her, arguing that any testimony to Congress could endanger her appeal to the Supreme Court.

The oversight panel said in a statement this week it would not consider giving Maxwell immunity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last week, Maxwell sat for a separate two-day interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Markus said his client was "asked maybe about 100 different people" and "answered questions about everybody."

And in recent days, Maxwell was transferred from a low-security prison in Florida to a smaller, all-female minimum-security facility in Texas, CBS News learned Friday. No reason was given for the move, which outraged some Epstein and Maxwell accusers.

The Trump administration has faced weeks of fallout since the Justice Department and FBI published a review of Epstein's case that stood by the finding that the accused sex trafficker died by suicide in 2019 and didn't have an incriminating "client list." Critics, including some Trump loyalists, weren't satisfied by the review's findings and are demanding more information.

The administration responded last month by asking judges to unseal grand jury transcripts from Maxwell's and Epstein's criminal cases. A Florida judge rejected a request to unseal transcripts from Epstein's case in the 2000s, and requests to release materials from Epstein and Maxwell's 2019 and 2020 cases are still being considered by judges in New York.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr. Trump has encouraged his followers to drop the matter, referring to it as a "hoax."

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

The A.I. Divide | America Unfiltered

Defense attorneys refuse new cases in Massachusetts, citing unfair pay
The Brief

Minnesota is terminating its Housing Stabilization Services Program amid an FBI probe into widespread fraud.

The program was created in 2020 and allowedMedicaid to cover expenses for finding housing for vulnerable adults, including seniors and those with disabilities or addiction issues.

An FBI investigation led to multiple raids on homes and businesses after investigators found invoices for services that were never provided.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that it will terminate the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program after allegations of widespread fraud came to light.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation came to light in July after the FBI raided several homes and businesses connected to providers accused of defrauding the program.

READ MORE: MN Housing Stabilization Services fraud investigation: Feds raid homes, businesses

Termination of Housing Stabilization Services

Big picture view

Officials say the termination is necessary despite it being "regrettable" for the people who rely on the service.

The HSS program began in 2020, and utilized Medicaid funds to secure housing for clients.

DHS said it issued 11 new immediate payment withholds to HSS providers, and stopped 50 payments that were already issued in the past month after reviewing billing data analysis and investigations conducted by its Office of Inspector General.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The organization also suspended payments to a total of 77 housing stabilization providers that were enrolled in Minnesota's Medicaid program so far.

READ MORE: GOP lawmakers ask feds to audit states Medicaid program

The announcement comes after DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi sent a letter to Acting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Director Caprice Knapp.

That letter can be found below:

Click to open this PDF in a new window.

What they're saying

Gandhi shared this statement on the terminated services:

"DHS is rooting out fraud wherever we find it. We cannot allow one more cent of taxpayer money going out the door to providers who claim to serve Minnesotans in need of stable housing while lining their pockets for personal gain. As I made clear in my letter to CMS, our own data analysis has shown that this program does not have the necessary controls to stop bad actors, and we are urging CMS to approve our request to end this program as swiftly as possible."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS Inspector General James Clark shared this statement on the end of the program: "As our OIG data and investigations have revealed, too many fraudulent, unqualified bad actors have likely stolen money from our states taxpayers, and also cheated Minnesotans who need housing services. The termination of this program, while regrettable for those who need these services, is the necessary step at this time."

READ MORE: Before FBI raids, Maple Grove man saw 'red flags' with housing program provider

What's next

Officials say the remaining providers will be monitored and evaluated as the program is terminated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS said it intends to "redesign and relaunch the benefit" by working with lawmakers and other community members to build a program that prevents bad actors from taking advantage of it.

The Source

This story uses information from a news release shared by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and past FOX 9 reporting.
LINDEN, Texas (KETK)  A Hughes Springs man was convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 on Wednesday and has been sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Former Eustace officer gets 20 years for child porn possession

Mugshot of Vincent Riddle, courtesy of Cass County Jail Records

Vincent Riddle was arrested on March 24 and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14, according to Cass County Jail records.

The Cass County Criminal District Attorneys Office said Riddles trial was scheduled to start in front of a jury on Wednesday morning, however, the defense and prosecution reached a plea agreement before opening statements could begin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The court held a preliminary hearing to decide who the proper outcry witness would be in this case in regards to evidence.

The DAs office said hearsay evidence is usually inadmissible, but Texas law allows exceptions to the hearsay rule for this certain type of testimony.

Man sentenced to 25 years for copper theft in Polk County

Under Texas law, the first adult who the child told about the abuse in sufficient detail is allowed to testify about what the child told them, the DAs office said.

The first adult to learn about the abuse in this case was a forensic investigator with the Winnsboro Childrens Advocacy Center. The investigator testified about the details that were shared by the victim during an October 2023 investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Riddles original charge of continuous sexual abuse of a young child would have landed him between 25 and 99 years in prison or a life sentence without the possibility of parole, but he ultimately received a 60 year sentence.

His current charge is considered aggravated; meaning he will need to serve at least half the prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

UPDATE: 18-wheeler driver indicted in fatal crash on I-20 in Kaufman County

We are so thankful justice was served in this case and that we were able to resolve it with a very stiff prison sentence and with the finality and closure that a guilty plea brings. The victim is an incredibly strong and brave young girl and without her coming forward and being ready and willing to take that stand and face her abuser, this plea would not have happened. We are so proud of her and happy that she can now start the healing process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

First Assistant Nick Ross

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Authorities in Marlboro County are investigating a vacant farm after human skeletal remains were discovered on the property.

The Marlboro County Sheriffs Office said Friday they were found in the Adamsville area during bush-hogging operations. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and county coroners office are assisting.

Chief Deputy Larry Turner said more details will be released as the investigation continues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

* * *

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.
A senior White House official noted that allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.

US President Donald Trump reportedly clashed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the food security situation in Gaza, among other issues, the Atlantic reported on Thursday.

Senior US administration officials said that Trump believes that Netanyahu has extended the war in Gaza to further his political career. They also told The Atlantic that they believe that the prime minister has repeatedly interfered with ceasefire talks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Atlantic also reported that the administration was upset over IDF airstrikes in Syria and a strike that hit Gazas only Catholic Church. The US president believes that these actions, alongside the international perception of the food security crisis in Gaza, are harming Trumps reported efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.

Trump is willing to break with Netanyahu over the perception of the food security situation in Gaza due to his "America first" policy, namely that some in his base have warned against entering a conflict on foreign soil.

This being said, the two officials expressed that they did not think that Trump would punish Netanyahu in any impactful way. A White House official told the Atlantic that there is no significant rupture between the two, but that allies can sometimes disagree, even in a very real way.

Palestinians carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, July 30, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS)

On Monday, far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) called the situation in Gaza a genocide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US aides have reportedly discussed pushing Israel to dramatically increase the amount of aid that enters Gaza, so that even if some is stolen by Hamas, more than enough will find its way into the hands of civilians.

Officials said that Trump sent his special envoy Steve Witkoff to Israel to assess the aid distribution situation in Gaza, including the viability of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Trump and Netanyahu reportedly split on Gaza aid

Though Trump has called for Hamas to end the war, and has said that Israel needs to finish the job in Gaza, he has also broken with Netanyahus assertions that there is no starvation in Gaza.

Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry, Trump said. Thats real starvation stuff. I see it, and you cant fake that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Israel-Hamas War and Netanyahus perceived defiance of Trump have created another major news story for the president, who is also attempting to quell discontent from his supporters regarding the Epstein files and the Ukraine-Russia War.

He just really wants these stories to stop being on TV, an adviser told the news site.
The Brief

The city of Lakeland has released a report on the causes and potential mitigation efforts after Hurricane Milton caused devastating flooding around Lake Bonny.

Polk County submitted a $12 million grant application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management for flood relief projects around Lake Bonny, as recommended in the report.

A final report will be prepared to describe all of the data obtained and the reasons for selecting the best of the three alternatives.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Nearly a year after Hurricane Milton caused devastating flooding around Lake Bonny, the city of Lakeland released a report on the causes and potential mitigation efforts. However, the results are what some homeowners say they feared.

What we know

The independent flood assessment report completed by AECOM found that the flooding was intensified by high rainfall in the months leading up to Hurricane Milton. It also highlighted a lack of infrastructure support, specifically the inadequate drainage system, and insufficient pump capacity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The pump isn't big enough to handle a regular storm, let alone a massive hurricane, so it's very validating. It makes us feel like we're not crazy for fighting and attending all these meetings," said resident Nicole Aldahonda-Ramirez.

READ: Lake Bonny residents brace for new hurricane season after Milton's devastating flooding

Aldahonda-Ramirez and Jan Morsey were displaced by the hurricane and have since formed the Citizens for Flood Prevention and demanded answers from the city and Polk County about why the flooding occurred and how to prevent it from happening again.

"We lost everything in our home, and we could've lost our lives," said Morsey. "The dangers of electrical lines in the water, I mean, that's just one thing that could've been life-threatening for us."

The report highlighted three mitigation options:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pump water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker

Pump water from Lake Bonny Pump Station to the Mine

Pump water from Lake Bonny to the Wetland and then from the Wetland to Lake Parker.

What they're saying

City spokesperson Kevin Cook stated, in part: "...at least one of the proposed scenarios will involve property acquisition and wetland mitigation..." and "...There is no straightforward solution. Each option outlined in the report involves complex considerations and will require coordinated decisions from multiple jurisdictions and agencies..."

Cook also mentioned that Polk County has submitted a $12 million grant application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management for flood relief projects around Lake Bonny, as recommended in the report.

The other side

However, the homeowners would like to see exactly what the grant entails and how it can be used.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We don't take anything at face value anymore," said Morsey.

PREVIOUS:Lake Bonny residents create petition calling for independent investigation into flooding after Milton

With recent rainstorms, the homeowners say they've already experienced flooding conditions, which is not a good sign as hurricane season is in full swing.

"We have black-and-white evidence that we're less prepared than we thought or were led to believe," said Morsey.

"It's not going to be long before my house becomes part of the lake if I don't get something done now because my dirt is disappearing as we speak," said Aldahonda-Ramirez.

What's next

A final report will be prepared to describe all the data obtained and the reasons for selecting the best alternative among the three.

The Source

This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Carla Bayron.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The San Diego County Sheriffs Office released the identity of an 82-year-old man who died while in custody earlier this week.

On Monday, July 28, Karim Talib, 82, was found unresponsive in his cell at the San Diego Central Jail by deputies and a facility nurse. He was discovered around 8:40 a.m. while the nurse and deputies were distributing medication.

2 dead in Oak Park homicide investigation identified as married couple

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the sheriffs office, deputies immediately called 9-1-1, requested more assistance from the facilitys medical staff and began CPR. Despite life-saving efforts, Talib was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m.

Talib was taken into custody on May 27 and was facing charges for mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse, authorities said.

At the time of his death, there was a court hearing pending related to his mental competency, according to the sheriffs office.

The San Diego Sheriffs Office extends our sympathies to the Talib family and all those affected by Mr. Talibs passing, the department stated in a news release. A Sheriffs Family Liaison Officer will continue to support the family as they navigate through this difficult time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into the incident in accordance with the protocol for all in-custody deaths. Talibs cause and manner of death will be determined and released by the San Diego Medical Examiners 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The Post learned that Zamir had conditioned his US departure on the establishment of a durable Gaza ceasefire.

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has canceled a high-level visit to the United States that was scheduled for Tuesday, deciding to remain in Israel while Gaza ceasefire talks are at an impasse, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Zamirs trip was to include participation in Gen. Michael Erik Kurillas retirement ceremony at US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and a round of meetings in Washington with Americas top defense and intelligence officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was slated to hold a series of meetings with senior US defense officials in Washingtonincluding at the Pentagonand had also planned to meet representatives of Jewish organizations. Those scheduled to see him included the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the heads of US military intelligence and the CIA. In Washington, the sides were to discuss the lessons of Operation Rising Lion and ways to deepen operational coordination between the IDF and the US military going forward.

Kurilla, who has forged an unusually close working relationship with Zamir since Israel shifted into CENTCOMs area of responsibility in 2021, arrived in Israel early Friday for a final consultation tour before handing over command later this month.

Within hours of landing, the American four-star general made his first-ever visit to the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalems Old City. Guided by Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Heritage Foundation director Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, Kurilla prayed for the well-being of IDF and US troops, for the safe return of the hostages, and for peace in both nations. He placed a note between the ancient stones and wrote in the guest book: Thank you for a fantastic visit to the Western Wall. May you find peace.

CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla met with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in Israel. (credit: IDF SPOKESMANS UNIT)

Kurilla told his hosts that although this is his 40th trip to Israel, it was the first time he had visited Judaisms holiest site. My mother always told me that for supporting Israel, God would repay me, he added, according to people present. The general also toured the new Gateway to Heaven multimedia exhibit and the recently uncovered Second Templeperiod excavations beneath the plaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Post learned that Zamir had conditioned his US departure on the establishment of a durable Gaza ceasefire.

When that failed to materialize, and as public pressure mounted over the hostage crisis, he concluded that his place is here. Canceling the trip conveys a dual message: acknowledging the strategic importance of face-to-face talks with Washington while demonstrating that moral and operational responsibilities outweigh even the most prestigious diplomatic itinerary.

During a tour of the Strip on Friday, Zamir told commanders that the IDF would continue to apply relentless pressure on Hamas until every one of our people comes home. Families of captives have been staging near-daily protests outside government buildings; 50 hostagesalive and deceasedremain in Gaza.

Dialogue to continue

Although Zamirs Washington meetings will now be deferred, liaison officers from the IDF Planning Directorate and the Defense Ministrys Washington Mission will maintain staff-level talks in the interim. Kurillas successor, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, is expected to assume command later this month, and officials said a follow-up invitation for Zamir would likely be extended once conditions allow.
Additionally, an airstrike on July 24, 2025, in the central Gaza Strip killed Salah al-Din Zaatra, deputy commander of Hamass al-Furqan Battalion.

The IDF's ground and air units struck more than 130 Hamas positions over the weekend in northern, central, and southern Gaza, killing a senior Hamas field commander and dismantling extensive underground infrastructure, the military announced on Saturday.

Additionally, an airstrike on July 24, 2025, in the central Gaza Strip killed Salah al-Din Zaatra, deputy commander of Hamass al-Furqan Battalion. Military officials said Zaatra had supervised combat-support operations and planned attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Intense action was reported first in northern and central Gaza, where troops of the 99th Divisions Nahal Brigade uncovered several tunnel shafts and used tank fire to kill multiple gunmen.

A few kilometres to the north, reconnaissance teams from the 401st Brigade of the 162nd Division observed four Hamas fighters moving toward IDF lines and directed an aircraft that struck and killed them moments later.

Fighting also flared in the south. There, troops belonging to the Gaza Division (143rd) and the 36th Division methodically demolished tunnels as well as buildings that, the army said, served as rocket storehouses.

IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, August 2, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Several additional assailants were killed in close-quarters engagements as troops advanced through densely built neighbourhoods.

IDF operations in cooperation with Shin Bet

Operations over the weekend, the IDF added, were conducted on the basis of real-time intelligence supplied by the IDF Intelligence Directorate and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).

Commanders said their forces continue to degrade Hamass military capabilities and have widened searches for tunnel networks believed to stretch beneath residential areas.
Two Los Angeles County men accused of running an illegal cannabis extraction business have been charged with murder after five of their workers died in two separate incidents, authorities said Friday.

According to the L.A. County district attorney's office, Ted Chien, 53, and Han Quan Jiao, 55, administered the operation, which included at least nine locations countywide.

In October 2023, an explosion occurred at a warehouse in Irwindale that was allegedly being used for honey oil extraction, prosecutors said in a statement. Four workers  Yi Luo, Xin Chen, Guangqi Fu and Quizhuo Liang  were killed in the blast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another employee, Bordin "Tony" Sikarin, was killed just over a year later in a fire that broke out at a laboratory in South El Monte, according to the district attorney's office. Prosecutors allege that the location was also run by Chien and Jiao.

Read more: A massacre that killed 6 reveals the treacherous world of illegal pot in SoCal deserts

The two are accused of continuing to distribute illegal concentrated cannabis even after the deaths of the five workers, officials said.

"This case shows the deadly and disastrous results when illegal cannabis operations recklessly put greed over the safety of their employees and neighbors," said L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman. "Cannabis may be legal in California, but this kind of high-risk, illegal activity is not."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chien, of Temple City, has been charged with five counts of murder and two felony counts of arson causing great bodily injury, prosecutors said. Jiao, of Rosemead, faces one count of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

The two also face eight felony counts of manufacturing a controlled substance and three felony counts of maintaining a place for selling or using a controlled substance, according to the district attorney's office.

If convicted as charged, prosecutors say Chien could face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Jiao could face a life sentence.

Read more: California hails $544 million in illegal weed seizures. But it's just a drop in the bucket

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Several workers were also charged for their alleged involvement in the enterprise, the district attorney's office said. Xiaolong Deng, 36; Chengyan Xu, 61; Christopher Reyes, 30; and Frank Herrera, 35, allegedly worked for Chien and Jiao. They each face one count of conspiracy to manufacture concentrated cannabis, a controlled substance.

Reyes, Herrera and Deng were also each charged with one count of manufacturing and compounding or producing a controlled substance. Xu was charged with two counts of the same offense, officials said.

The case was being investigated by the district attorney's Bureau of Investigation, as well as several other agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Service.

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.
An illegal immigrant from Mexico accused of attempting to run over federal agents in Colorado was previously deported six times and has prior convictions for child abuse and domestic violence.

Jose Mendez-Chavez, 31, was the driver of a vehicle used to attack U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as they were conducting an operation in Colorado Springs. He remains on the loose. Francisco Zapata-Pacheco, a passenger in the car, was arrested Thursday.

"As a result of their violent actions and to protect the officers and agents onsite, an officer fired three shots into the vehicle. The aliens fled and later abandoned the vehicle," an ICE spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ice Lodges Detainer Against Illegal Migrant Charged With Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Neighbor In Texas

Jose Mendez-Chavez is accused of trying to ram federal agents in Colorado during a raid.

No one was injured, ICE said.

The agency also criticized the Colorado Rapid Response Network (CRRN), an anti-ICE group that responds to immigration raids to disrupt the operations.

Read On The Fox News App

"It is despicable that Colorado Rapid Response network would show up in defense of an alien who has abused children and attempted to injure our officers," the ICE spokesperson said. "Our brave ICE law enforcement officers are facing an 830% increase in assaults against them as they carry out operations due to the misinformation activist groups spread."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Man Busted With Anti-government, Anti-trump Documents After Texas Ice Ambush Suspect Phone Call, Feds Say

Jose Mendez Chavez and Francisco Zapata Pacheco are accused of trying to ram ICE agents in Colorado.

"Mendez was not an innocent victim he is an abuser who plays the system and is now wanted for assault on a federal officer," the statement continued.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the CRRN. Mendez-Chavez also has convictions for multiple illegal re-entries into the United States, ICE said.

"He knows hes not supposed to be here, since weve removed him six times previously," an agency spokesperson said.

Mendez-Chavez was most recently convicted in August 2020 of reckless endangerment in Texas and sentenced to a year in prison. In January 2020, he was arrested in Colorado for child abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July 2013, he was convicted in Ohio of domestic violence and sentenced to 180 days in jail.





Original article source: Illegal migrant with history of child abuse, domestic violence allegedly tried to ram ICE agents in Colorado
The Brief

Robert Lord, 54, of St. Charles, was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated fleeing and eluding police and DUI following a high-speed chase on Sept. 15, 2024.

Police were responding to a domestic disturbance when Lord fled intoxicated, led officers on a pursuit, damaged sheriff's department property, and later refused to cooperate with a court-ordered blood test.

Lord received an extended-term sentence due to prior convictions and was credited for 472 days served in Kane County Jail; he is eligible for day-for-day sentencing.

KANE COUNTY, Ill. - A St. Charles man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after leading police on a high-speed chase while intoxicated, according to the Kane County States Attorneys Office.

What we know

Robert Lord, 54, was sentenced in exchange for a guilty plea to aggravated fleeing and eluding a peace officer, a Class 3 felony, and driving under the influence of alcohol, a Class A misdemeanor.

Pictured is Robert Lord, 54.

The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 15, 2024, at a residence in Kane County. Authorities were initially called to respond to a domestic disturbance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Lord learned police had been called, he got into a vehicle while intoxicated and attempted to flee the scene, prosecutors said.

Police located him shortly afterward and a high-speed pursuit followed. Officers attempted multiple times to stop Lord using spike strips and other techniques. During the pursuit, he damaged property belonging to the Kane County Sheriffs Office.

Lord was eventually stopped and taken into custody. Officers obtained a search warrant to draw his blood for alcohol testing, but he refused to cooperate, according to the states attorneys office.

What they're saying

"This conviction and sentence should serve as a warning for every motorist in Kane County that individuals who choose to flee the police and drive intoxicated will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Refusal to cooperate with the police will not prevent a DUI conviction, and if you choose to flee the police you will be caught. These types of behaviors will not be tolerated on our roadways. My thanks to ASA Brandon Raney for his assistance in the prosecution of this case and to the officers of the Campton Hills Police Department and Kane County Sheriffs Office for their swift actions in safely ending this police chase and taking a dangerous driver off our roadways," said Assistant States Attorney Katy Flannagan.

What's next

Lord is eligible for day-for-day sentencing. He received an extended-term sentence due to his prior criminal history and has been credited for serving 472 days in the Kane County jail.
DIXON, Ill. - A K9 was found on Saturday after going missing from a northern Illinois police department.

He has been returned to his handler.

What we know

The Dixon Police Department said on Saturday that its K9 Vesuc, a German Shepherd, was last seen around 1 a.m. in the area of West Graham Street in Dixon.

Vesuc weighs around 80 pounds and wears a black collar.

The Dixon Police Department said on Saturday that its K9 Vesuc, a German Shepherd, was last seen around 1 a.m. in the area of West Graham Street in Dixon. (Dixon Police Department)

Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately. Police urged the public not to approach Vesuc as he may be startled or disoriented while separated from his handler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, Dixon Police Chief Ryan Bivins said:

"K-9 Vesuc is not just a highly trained police service dog, hes a beloved member of our department and our community. Our officers are working around the clock to bring him home safely, and were asking for the publics help in this effort. We are deeply grateful for your support."

Dixon police said theyve launched a full-scale search and are actively pursuing leads.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  An estimated 30 million Americans have sleep apnea, which is defined as recurring episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep.

For many years, a CPAP machine, which has a large mask that goes over your nose and mouth while you sleep, has been the prescribed fix.

Dr. Ian Newberry, an otolaryngologist with RI ENT and Brown University Health, says the Inspire device changes all of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Inspire, an implanted device thats used to treat sleep apnea at the source, delivers gentle pulses that move your tongue out of the way each time you take a breath, according to the devices website.

The device is also customizable to each patient, and the surgery is a quick outpatient procedure.

It was approved by the FDA 10 years ago, and Dr. Newberry helped bring it to Rhode Island in 2024.

Dr. Newberry says the success rate for the Inspire device is in the 90th percentile, and it is covered by insurance for those who qualify.

You can learn more about it in this full episode of 12 Health on the 12+ TV app on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the 12 Health clip above, Dr. Newberry explains how the Inspire device is used to treat sleep apnea.

Learn more about the Inspire sleep study

12 Health

More from 12 Health

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.
Indian officials said that they would continue to buy cheap oil from Russia despite threats of punishment from President Trump.

Source: The New York Times with reference to sources

Details: Two senior Indian officials said there had been no change in policy. One of the officials said that the government did not give oil companies any guidance on cutting imports from Russia.

At a news conference a day earlier, Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesman for India's foreign ministry, declined to comment directly on Trump's threat. But he hinted that the policy towards Russia will not change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. India and Russia have a steady and time-tested partnership," Jaiswal said.

Some analysts believe Trump's focus on India's purchases of Russian oil could be a negotiating tactic as India and the US try to complete the first stages of a bilateral trade deal.

Background:

US President Donald Trump said about the introduction of a 25% tariff on trade with India, mentioning that this country buys Russian oil and weapons.

India is confident that it will be able to meet its oil needs through alternative sources if supplies from Russia are affected by secondary sanctions.

US-sanctioned tankers have begun to emerge in a complex maritime supply chain carrying Russian oil to India, which currently records record levels of imports of that oil.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of Indonesias most active volcanoes, erupted for a second straight day, sending a column of volcanic materials and ash up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky early Saturday and blanketing villages with debris. No casualties were immediately reported.

Another eruption Friday evening had sent clouds of ash up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) high and had lit up the night sky with glowing lava and bolts of lightning. The two eruptions happened in a span of less than five hours.

Indonesias Geology Agency recorded an avalanche of searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava traveling up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) down the slopes of the mountain. Drone observations showed deep movement of magma, setting off tremors that registered on seismic monitors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Volcanic material, including hot thumb-sized gravel, was thrown up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater, covering nearby villages and towns with thick volcanic residue, the agency said. It asked residents to be vigilant about heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano.

Saturday's eruption was one of Indonesias largest since 2010 when Mount Merapi, the countrys most volatile volcano, erupted on the densely populated island of Java. That eruption killed more than 350 people and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

It also came less than a month after a major eruption on July 7 forced the delay or cancelation of dozens of flights at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport, and covered roads and rice fields with thick, gray mud and rocks.

Lewotobi Laki Laki, a 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano on the remote island of Flores, has been at the highest alert level since it erupted on June 18, and an exclusion zone has been doubled to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius as eruptions became more frequent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Indonesian government has permanently relocated thousands of residents after a series of eruptions there killed nine people and destroyed thousands of homes in November.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 280 million people with frequent seismic activity. It has 120 active volcanoes and sits along the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.
Influencer Irene Gu reportedly sent her boyfriend a message about domestic violence before she was found dead.

Gu, 23, shared an image of a protective order she applied for on her Threads account on Monday, July 28.

Yes, there is also domestic violence, Gu wrote in Chinese in a message translated by Us Weekly. If you beat me, I will go to the police station.

In a follow-up message, Gu explained why she didnt want to block her then-boyfriend on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Influencer Deaths of 2025: Camila Trevisol, Andreas Tonelli and More Stars Weve Lost This Year

Someone asked me why I don't block him? she wrote in a translated message. Because hell find me [and] hell stop me. He even asked my colleagues if I was at work, disturbing coworkers.

Gu, who worked in publicity for a nightclub in Taipei, further claimed that, most importantly she didnt owe her partner any money.

If you have some details, one by one, see whether it's a voluntary giving or a loan relationship, she concluded.

Gu was reportedly found dead outside a movie theater earlier this week. The U.K.s Metro newspaper reported that Gus car had been blocked by her boyfriend, who has not been publicly identified. He allegedly dragged Gu into a stairwell and slit her throat before fleeing the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gus boyfriend was arrested by Taiwanese police on Thursday, July 31, confessing to her murder, Metro reported. He also claimed that he wanted to get back the approximately $13,000 he lent to Gu during their relationship.

Ahead of her death, Gu had denied her boyfriends claims that she borrowed money.

Tattoo Beauty Influencer Gives Update After Being Stabbed by Boyfriend on Livestream

What he said is not true. After the breakup, he wanted to make up and ask me to forgive him, not having sex with a guest, she wrote via Threads on Monday, allegedly referring to a nightclub patron. It's slander, you know?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She continued, addressing her partner directly, I didn't owe you any money, you cut all my boutique bags, clothes, daily supplies and Dyson hair dryer and air purifier and threw away the evidence worth 1.5 million.

Gu further told her boyfriend that she would see him in court, and that she had police records documenting his alleged harassment.

Don't let me close the door or even pull with my friends when I get in the car, even friends are still pulling back to the driver's seat, so friends will stop with chili water, there is no doubt of abetting, she wrote in a translated statement. All harassment police records, including coming to my house and work to block me, see you in court.

An investigation into Gus death is still ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to her job in public relations, Gu was also an influencer who had more than 20,000 followers on Instagram.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
A Right-wing influencer is suing the Guardian for defamation over its review of a new Mumford & Sons album.

Andy Ngo, an American social media influencer and journalist, has filed a High Court claim against Guardian News & Media (GNM) over allegations about his political leanings in a recent article.

The 200-word review was published in March in The Observer, when GNM still owned the Sunday title. The Observer was taken over shortly afterwards by news start-up Tortoise Media. The Telegraph is not reproducing the part of the text believed to be allegedly defamatory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The scathing two-star review described Mumford & Sons latest album Rushmere as utterly insipid balladry, adding that the mood was self-pitying and self-justifying.

The article referred to the fact that the folk rock band have reverted to being a trio following the departure of guitarist and banjo player Winston Marshall in 2021.

Mr Marshall, the son of Sir Paul Marshall, the co-founder of GB News, left the band in a storm of controversy after he praised Mr Ngos book Unmasked, a critical account of the Left-wing Antifa movement.

Winston Marshall, who left Mumford & Sons after praising Right-wing influencer Andy Ngo - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

In a post to Mr Ngo on social media, Mr Marshall wrote: Congratulations. Finally had the time to read your important book. Youre a brave man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following an outcry, Mr Marshall stepped back from the band saying he would examine my blind spots, before quitting just weeks later.

In a blog post, he wrote: The truth is that my commenting on a book that documents the extreme far-Left and their activities is in no way an endorsement of the equally repugnant far-Right.

The truth is that reporting on extremism at the great risk of endangering oneself is unquestionably brave.

Mr Ngo, who is represented by London-based Patron Law, is a senior editor at The Post Millennial, a Canadian news website.

He is an outspoken figure who has garnered controversy for his coverage of Antifa and Muslims.

Reposted by Elon Musk

The influencer, who lives in the UK, wrote an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal in 2018 titled A visit to Islamic England.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has live-streamed coverage of rallies and protests to his 1.6 million followers on X.

Mr Ngos political views and prominence on social media have brought him into contact with Elon Musk, who has reposted the influencers videos.

Elon Musk has reposted Andy Ngos videos - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images North America

In 2022, several high-profile Left-wing Twitter accounts were banned after Mr Ngo and other prominent figures urged Mr Musk to take action against the large number of Antifa accounts operating on the site.

A Guardian spokesman said: This relates to a 190-word review published by the Observer in March.

The lawsuit comes as the Guardian awaits a judgment in a separate defamation claim filed by Kidulthood actor Noel Clarke.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Clarke is suing GNM for libel over seven articles and a podcast in which more than 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct. Mr Clarke denies the allegations.

GNM is defending its stories, with editor-in-chief Katharine Viner telling the court there was a very high public interest in reporting the claims.

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.
COAL TOWNSHIP  Jury selection for a State Correctional Institution Coal Township inmate accused of third degree homicide in 2022 will begin Monday, according to officials.

Samuel Merriweather, 50, originally of the Philadelphia area, who is serving a lengthy sentence in state prison, was charged in May 2024.

State police say they investigated the case in 2022, after being called by prison officials when they discovered a fight had taken place inside a cell and an inmate was deceased, according to authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Troopers allege Merriweather told police he killed his cellmate UFC style, according to a criminal complaint.

Merriweather allegedly told authorities he choked out and tried to kill his cellmate after the two had an argument over a shared sink being dirty, according to the court documents.

When Merriweather was asked about the incident, officials said, you put some work in? to which Merriweather allegedly replied, I gave him a chance to back up but he didnt move, he tried to stab me, according to court documents.

Troopers say when Merriweather was being evaluated by medical personnel, he said, you should have saw, I had him in rear naked choke, I was choking him to death. For real, like UFC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When Merriweather was told he could be in trouble for the incident, Merriweather allegedly said, Charge me up, I dont want no more cellys. He was asleep, yall lucky you got there because he was gurgling like, according to court documents.

District Attorney Michael ODonnell is prosecuting the case.
Along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, Col. Hugh Jones commands a brigade of soldiers guarding the border wall  stretching across 1,044 miles of rugged terrain.

It's part of President Trump's plan to further increase U.S. military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border. In April, Mr. Trump authorized the military to take control of a strip of public land along the southern border.

"Because we can't brute force the border or just occupy by force, we try to drive that in the smartest way we can, using a lot of the capabilities we would use in warfare," Jones told CBS News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's unclear how long soldiers will be deployed to the border, and Mr. Trump has not set a timeframe for the deployment.

Along the border, Chinook helicopters lifted in heavy equipment while thousands of deployed active-duty troops were sent to reinforce the border.

Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann commands American forces on the border and the Army's 10th Mountain Division, known for its quick-reaction capabilities.

"Basically, I synchronize all different capabilities and resources to overpower an enemy," Naumann told CBS News. "What I'm doing here is really no different. ... We're not firing lethal weapons, but we're solving a problem."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These combat units are sealing the border with barbed wire, strategic patrols and surveillance  in the air and on the ground  where Army Sgt. Ana Harker and Specialist Austin Waters keep close and constant watch.

Harker said they're tasked with keeping an eye on the border, and whenever they see somebody cross by, they contact Border Patrol.

In the past three months, they've seen just four people, Harker said.

They see "a lot of animals," Waters said.

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

The A.I. Divide | America Unfiltered

Defense attorneys refuse new cases in Massachusetts, citing unfair pay
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa  It was announced Friday that there was insufficient evidence found to file charges against former Madison County Auditor Teri Kaczinski.

The Warren County Attorneys office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation had been investigating Teri Kaczinski, former Madison County Auditor, in relation to a contract with RMG.

Robert Morris Group, a political consulting agency, was hired on January 28, 2025, for $250 an hour to provide efficiency and operational stabilization services. The county ultimately paid owner Craig Bergman more than $7,353.60 for 29 hours allegedly worked over two days at the courthouse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, the hiring of the consulting agency was never approved by the Board of Supervisors, and there was public outcry after residents learned of the contract, especially in light of major budget cuts happening within the county.

The Madison County Sheriff then told WHO 13 News in April that the complaint against Kaczinski was being sent to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation due to the nature of the complaint and the officials it involved.

In May, Kaczinski resigned from her elected position days after her legal petition against the Board of Supervisors was dismissed in court.

The Warren County Attorney announced Friday that there was insufficient evidence to find that Ms. Kaczinski had the requisite intent to violate the Code of Iowa, and that no charges would be filed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Northside Back 2 School Bash is an annual event that offers free supplies, haircuts and resources for students and families in the Concho Valley.

Joe and Geneva Rodriguez are the organizers of the bash, which is now in its fifth year in San Angelo. They sat down and chatted about the event and what it means to them and the community.

We open it up to everybody, said Joe Rodriguez. The only reason we call it the Northside Back 2 School Bash is because I happen to work on that side of town. Thats the only reason. Its not because its catered to Lakeview or Lincoln. Its catered to all of the schools in San Angelo and the surrounding communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The July 4 floods affected the northern part of San Angelo in particular, and they expect to see more people than in previous years.

We definitely are expecting to see a bigger turnout, said Geneva Rodriguez. We usually give out between 1,300 to 1,500 backpacks. We have upped that to 2,000 for this year just because there is going to be a need. We have been blessed with the people who have donated. It has been a little harder; resources have been a little tighter. A lot of the organizations that would have or have donated in the past have already donated to the flood. We completely understand that, so it has made it a little tougher this year. Itll all work out.

The bash will be taking place at the CRC Roofers Coliseum on Sunday, August 10, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The official registration form can be found here.

To watch the full interview, click the video above.

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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
Araghchi hinted that financial compensation may be necessary for Tehran to reenter negotiations with the US, mirroring sentiments previously expressed to the Financial Times.

In separate statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the commander-in-chief of Iran's military, Amir Hatami, said that Iran could still strike Israel.

Hatami told state media that threats from Israel still persist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A 1% threat must be perceived as a 100% threat. We should not underestimate the enemy and consider its threats as over," Hatami said, according to the official IRNA news agency, adding that the Islamic Republic's missile and drone power "remains standing and ready for operations."

Araghchi claimed earlier that there was no established ceasefire between Tehran and Jerusalem in an interview with the Iranian Student News Agency.

The aggression has stopped, and in turn our right to defend has stopped, Araghchi said.  That's it. There is no ceasefire agreement; there is nothing else. They stopped the aggression without any conditions, and we stopped the defense. When there is no aggression, naturally, there is no reason to defend ourselves. So since they asked for the attacks to stop without any conditions, we accepted.

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS )

Everything can resume. They can resume, we can resume. There is no official ceasefire, and everything is possible, and it is not just Iran that should be worried and concerned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the same interview, the regime official asserted that it was necessary for the regime to continue enriching uranium and that Iranian healthcare was dependent on an enrichment of at least 20%.

Iran's nuclear talks

While Iran has held discussions with a number of European officials since talks with the US failed, Araghchi said, Why should we continue negotiations with them? So there is only one reason to negotiate with the Europeans, and that is the trigger mechanism. Because they cannot lift or terminate the sanctions, they cannot stop the aggression. They cannot do anything. The only leverage they think they have is the possibility of activating the trigger mechanism, and if they do that, everything is over and they will no longer play any role in the future of the Iranian nuclear negotiations.

He alleged that there was strong pressure in Tehran to walk away from any negotiations, claiming that the recent 12-day war signalled the Trump administration was disinterested in reaching any real agreement.

Araghchi hinted that financial compensation may be necessary for Tehran to reenter negotiations with the US, mirroring sentiments previously expressed to the Financial Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Financial compensation for what has been imposed on us, and of course, as you know, a significant number of our people have been martyred in these attacks. So we cannot simply return to negotiations and pretend that everything is normal. The situation is no longer the same, he said. They have attacked us. Our facilities have been severely damaged. So we cannot enter negotiations and pretend that nothing has happened. This is obvious. So this time the negotiations will be much more difficult, and they must understand that by attacking our nuclear facilities, they have not made the path of negotiations easier, but rather more complicated and difficult.

While acknowledging that Operation Rising Lion had damaged much of Tehrans nuclear capabilities, Araghchi claimed that Iran was capable of restoring the facilities.

Although many advanced centrifuges have been lost in Fordow and Natanz, we can still enrich, we still have the capacity to enrich uranium after the attacks, he said. ...We have the theoretical and practical knowledge of itWe had everything before the attacks. The buildings are rebuilt and the machines are replaced because the technology is there; we have many scientists and technicians who were working in our facilities, and, as I said, we have the ability to do this. But when and how we resume enrichment depends on the circumstances.
Iran still has the capabilities to enrich uranium  despite U.S. and Israeli strikes  and could restart its nuclear program if it wanted to, Tehrans foreign minister claimed.

While the U.S. struck three key Iranian nuclear sites, Israel destroyed much of its air defenses, took out top military commanders and killed at least 13 nuclear scientists and more than 1,000 people, according to figures put out by Tehran. Israel claims it killed 30 senior security officials and 11 top nuclear scientists.

"Buildings can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced, because the technology is there. We have plenty of scientists and technicians who used to work in our facilities," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a recent interview with the Financial Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"But when and how we restart our enrichment depends on the circumstances."

Iran Will Not Give Up Nuclear Enrichment, Top Official Confirms In Exclusive Fox News Interview

"Buildings can be rebuilt. Machines can be replaced, because the technology is there. We have plenty of scientists and technicians who used to work in our facilities," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Washington maintains that it inflicted significant damage to Irans two main uranium enrichment sites, Fordow and Natanz, and fired missiles that rendered the Isfahan facility essentially inoperable, setting Irans nuclear program back "years."

Read On The Fox News App

Now, the world is watching to see whether Iran and the West will be able to come to a deal that ensures Iran does not work towards a nuclear weapon in exchange for sanctions relief.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Araghchi said the U.S. must offer funds to Iran to compensate for last months strikes in order to move forward with negotiations.

"They should explain why they attacked us in the middle of . . . negotiations, and they have to ensure that they are not going to repeat that [during future talks]," Araghchi said. "They have to compensate [Iran for] the damage that they have done."

Araghchi claimed the so-called 12-Day War "proved there is no military solution for Irans nuclear program."

Araghchi also said the strikes had prompted calls from within the regime to weaponize Irans nuclear program but claimed Iran would continue to abide by a two-decade-old fatwa banning the production of nuclear weapons.

Trump said that the United States had completed a "very successful" strike against Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, saying that Irans nuclear enrichment installations had been "obliterated."

"Anti-negotiation feelings are very high," Araghchi said. "People are telling me, Dont waste your time anymore, dont be cheated by them . . . if they come to negotiations its only a cover-up for their other intentions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The minister repeated Irans insistence that it would not give up its ability to enrich uranium for civil purposes  a sticking point for Washington. "With zero enrichment, we dont have a thing."

Irans Nuclear Capabilities Crushed, But Regimes Desire For The Bomb May Persist

The White House could not immediately be reached for comment on Araghchis remarks.

Israeli officials have admitted that some of Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium did survive the attacks.

European powers have threatenaed to trigger "snapback" United Nations sanctions against Iran if there isnt a breakthrough in nuclear talks.

View of a damaged building from Israeli strikes aimed at taking out nuclear scientists and military officials.

Any of the current members of the 2015 nuclear deal, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action  France, the UK, Germany, China, and Russia - can invoke the snapback mechanism if they determine Iran hasnt held up its end of the deal. The U.S. cant trigger the sanctions because it pulled out of the deal and enacted unilateral "maximum pressure" sanctions under Trumps first administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The U.S. heaped more pressure onto Tehran this week with new sanctions on the nations oil network and military drone enterprise.

European diplomats have been meeting with Iran to relay how it could avoid snapback sanctions, including resuming cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor its compliance with nuclear limits.

Araghchi said Iran would stop negotiating with Europe if they were to trigger the sanctions. "If they do snap back, that means that this is the end of the road for them."





Original article source: Iran says it has 'plenty of scientists' left to restart uranium enrichment, despite US, Israeli strikes
There have been several IDF soldiers and reservists in recent weeks who have taken their own lives due to trauma from the military and from October 7.

Trigger warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as suicide.

Israeli defense leadership has ordered the establishment of a committee to examine the support that has been provided to discharged soldiers and reservists not in active duty who have taken their own lives as a result of the trauma experienced during their military service, the IDF said on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maj.-Gen. David (Dado) Bar Kalifa, head of the IDFs Manpower Directorate, launched the initiative in coordination with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir.

The committee will be led by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Moti Almoz, former head of the Human Resources Directorate. It will include medical and mental health professionals from the military, legal experts, Casualty Affairs Unit officers, Defense Ministry representatives, and representatives from the Commemorative and Heritage Families Division.

The panel will examine systemic, ethical, and national-level social issues faced by discharged IDF personnel, including recognition and support for these individuals, as well as legal aspects related to their official recognition.

The goal is a thorough, responsible, sensitive, and equitable review of the support given to soldiers during and after their service.

Major-General David (Dado) Bar Kalifa, Head of the Manpower Directorate speaks during a conference of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion in Jerusalem, January 28, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)

The IDF has a moral and national responsibility to stand by those who paid a heavy price during their military service, even after they remove the uniform, Maj.-Gen. Kalifa said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The establishment of this committee is intended to ensure that the State of Israel and the IDF provide an appropriate, sensitive, and fair response to every soldier at every stage of their life.

Mental health crisis among military personnel in Israel

There have been several IDF soldiers and reservists in recent weeks who have taken their own lives due to trauma from the military and from October 7.

Reservist Roi Wasserstein, who had served over 300 days in the 401st Armored Brigade, committed suicide on Wednesday. His family has been advocating for him to be recognized as a fallen soldier, although he was not on reserve duty at the time of his suicide.

IDF reservist Ariel Taman was found lifeless in his home last Sunday night in Ofakim in southern Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An IDF soldier from the Nahal Brigade took his own life on a military base in the Golan Heights in mid-July, and Daniel Edri took his own life in early July in the Biriya forest near Safed.

In mid-May, St.-Sgt.-Maj. Igor Pivnev, a policeman praised for his bravery during the October 7 Hamas attacks, also took his own life.
Relatives of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip gathered behind a barbed wire installation in Tel Aviv on Saturday to draw attention to the plight of their loved ones.

"Our children are experiencing a Holocaust. Never again is happening right now. They will not survive much longer," said Einav Zangauker, the mother of a man with dual US and Israeli citizenship who was abducted by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas on October 7, 2023.

She demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu end the war and get the hostages home now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Netanyahu, the time has come to do the only thing that will bring back all the hostages - put a comprehensive deal on the table that will end the war!

Shocking hostage videos

In recent days, Hamas and other Islamist organizations in Gaza released videos of two hostages. The families did not authorize the dissemination of the videos, although still images were first allowed by one hostage family and then a second agreed to this on Saturday.

The footage of emaciated hostages in a tunnel shocked many Israelis and reminded them of images of liberated prisoners from German concentration camps during World War II.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The US special envoy Steve Witkoff also visited the families at the site, according to Israeli media reports.

Grandson of Holocaust survivor is Gaza hostage

"I avoided using the word Holocaust until now because I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor," said Anat Angrest, the mother of a soldier named Matan who was abducted and taken to Gaza on October 7, according to a statement from the Hostage Families Forum.

However, she said she now stood between barbed wire fences because her son was experiencing a second Holocaust.

"My father is experiencing a second Holocaust through his grandson!" she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cousin of Rom Braslavski, whose video was recently released by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization, said the video haunted his nightmares.

"Where is the humanitarian aid for the hostages after almost two years?" he asked.

Yael Adar, whose son Tamir was abducted and then killed in Gaza, appealed to the Israeli government.

When I saw the videos I couldnt breathe. Sights of skin and bones, and my son doesnt even get the right to burial," she said

"Get the living hostages out before theyre in my situation."

At least 20 hostages believed to be alive

According to official Israeli figures, 50 hostages are still in the Gaza Strip, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Hamas terror attack triggered the ongoing Gaza war. Hamas terrorists and other Islamists killed around 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 others from Israel to the Gaza Strip.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive. According to the health authority controlled by Hamas, more than 60,000 people have been killed in the process.
ITHACA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A 42-year-old Ithaca man was arrested and charged with enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography.

David Pastorello is accused of sending text messages to a girl under the age of 12, repeatedly requesting that the child have sex with him.

He is also accused of sending the victim indecent images of himself, two images of child pornography and entering the victims apartment without permission before running away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III said that the state authorities failed by letting Pastorello, who had a history of trouble with the law for similar charges, out of custody.

His new crimes demonstrate how dangerously unwise that decision was, Sarcone said.

This is not Pastorellos first run-in with the law.

In May, he was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old.

In July, just a few days before the incident that gave rise to the federal charges, Pastorello pleaded guilty in Cortland County Court to disseminating indecent material to a minor. The Cortland County case was reset for sentencing. Pastorello was out on bond in both pending state cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following the initial appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings.

If convicted of enticement of a minor, Pastorello faces a maximum term of life in prison and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and for distribution of child pornography, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years.

The FBI and New York State Police are investigating Pastorellos charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of the national initiative Project Safe Childhood, which collects resources to find out how to better locate and apprehend those who sexually exploit children through the internet.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  In the latest installment of PIX in Politics, New Jersey Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli discusses his strategy for the general election.

Ciattarelli is running for a third time as the Republican nominee for New Jersey governor, explaining why his message resonates not just with Republicans but also with the majority of the state. He will focus on immigration, crime, and the economy as the campaign intensifies this fall.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also on this weeks show, Henry Rosoff, Josie Stratman, and Jeff Coltin talk about how policing has become the leading issue in the race for New York City Mayor following the shooting in Midtown.

They also discuss how each candidate is responding and how that might impact the campaign moving forward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Former special counsel Jack Smith, the federal prosecutor who led two federal investigations into President Donald Trump, is being investigated by the Office of Special Counsel.

Smith, who has long been targeted by Trump and allies for what they believe is weaponization of the justice system, is being investigated by the office for allegedly violating the Hatch Act, a law that prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activity.

The Office of Special Counsel confirmed the inquiry into Smith to The Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That comes after Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, requested that an investigation be opened into Smith on allegations that he intended to interfere with the 2024 presidential election by trying to speed up proceedings in Trumps election interference case.

Jack Smith is a partisan Democrat who weaponized the law against President Trump to help Dems win, Cotton wrote on X. Ive asked the Office of Special Counsel to investigate his actions that likely violated the law to influence the election.

Former special counsel Jack Smith is under investigation for allegedly violating the Hatch Act (Getty Images)

Smith is a registered independent voter.

The Office of Special Counsel is an independent federal agency that safeguards the governments merit system by investigating allegations of wrongdoing and protects employees while whistleblowing. It is separate from the Justice Department office where Smiths special counsel status came from.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation into Smith is the latest move in the presidents campaign of retribution against those whom he believes unfairly targeted him for political reasons. Trump has used his power as president to open investigations into people, revoke security clearances, and target businesses and institutions.

In August 2023, Smith brought a four-count criminal indictment against Trump for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results in his favor. Smith had pushed for the trial to begin soon after the indictment was filed because the presidential election was coming up and Trump was running.

Cotton claims that Smiths urgency is a sign that he was acting at the behest of Democrats to influence the election. No evidence has yet been brought forward to confirm Cottons theory.

Smith had investigated Trump for less than a year before bringing the indictment. He accused the president of pushing false claims of widespread voter fraud to try and convince the public that the election had been rigged in former president Joe Bidens favor, despite no evidence of mass voter fraud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those claims incited Trump supporters who, at the direction of Trump, marched to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, to protest Congresss certification of election results. The mob turned angry and violent and physically stormed the Capitol that day, resulting in multiple deaths.

The indictment claimed Trump and his allies engaged in a scheme to try and appoint fake electors in states with close races to certify the election in Trumps favor, even though he lost.

Trump had denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges, constantly railing against the indictments and Smith as corrupt and motivated by politics.

Smiths case against Trump began seeing cracks after the Supreme Court ruled in the presidents favor, awarding him vast immunity from criminal prosecutions in July 2024. Once Trump won the 2024 election in November, Smith moved to dismiss the case, saying there was a precedent not to prosecute a sitting president.

Smith stepped down from his position in the Justice Department in January, shortly before Trump took office. The president had threatened to fire Smith as soon as he assumed power.
JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS)  The historic Cascade Falls, one of Jacksons most iconic landmarks, may soon receive a significant restoration. Local officials say that with the help of state funding, the man-made waterfall could be transformed for future generations.

The effort to restore the Cascades traces back to William Captain Sparks, a three-time Jackson mayor and industrialist. Inspired by a waterfall he saw in Barcelona in the early 1930s, Sparks established a foundation to build the Cascades for his hometown.

He was traveling around the world and wanted to do something special for Jackson, Jackson County Parks Director Kyle Lewis told 6 News. He saw the idea elsewhere and made it happen here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson lawmaker wants state funding for the Cascades

Lewis now sees it as his responsibility to uphold Sparks legacy. He is urging state lawmakers to approve a $3.5 million grant to begin the restoration project, which would address critical infrastructure needs, including overhauling the plumbing system.

We talked to the state about some improvements to the concrete into replacing all the piping and plump house, Lewis said.

For longtime Jackson resident Larry Harris, the Cascades are a vital part of the community.

Ive been in Jackson for over 30 years, he said. Its a beautiful park for families to come out and enjoy with the ice cream parlor, the splash pad, things to do year-round, the walking track, the courts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lewis believes the planned upgrades will enhance the parks family-friendly atmosphere and attract more tourists to Jackson.

The Cascades brings in almost half-a-million visitors to the park each year, he said. So a lot of people from out of the county, out of the state even, come from all over to see it. So its important to Jackson. It is Jackson.

Fundraising campaigns are already underway for the Cascades.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jacksonville is now the venue for President Donald Trump's nomination celebration at the Republican National Convention. Credit: AndrewAvitus via Wikimedia Commons

We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.  The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Aug. 28, 1963

As galling as it has been to watch a Jacksonville sheriffs deputy break a car window and punch a non-combative man in the face, the feeble justification from the sheriff and a determination from the state attorney that cops did nothing wrong is just as infuriating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Feb. 19 videotape of an encounter with William McNeil, Jr. and a posse of rogue officers from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, and their brutal response, is a searing reminder of everything wrong with policing in America.

These officers appear to have forgotten that they are supposed to protect and serve the communities they police. Rather than being respectful in their dealings with members of the community, too many times, those in uniform operate as if the people work for them. Because of their mindset, they operate as an occupying force that has to subdue a hostile populace.

In a recent press conference held to react to a videotape that captured the police assault of McNeil, Sheriff T.K. Waters was defensive. He refused to condemn his officers egregious behavior and, in a move right out of the victim-blaming handbook, had the temerity to question why McNeil released the video five months after the incident and concluded that he intended to inflame the public.

Waters was probably embarrassed because his men look like neanderthals who escalated a situation for no reason other than to show who was in control. Im glad that the confrontation did not end with McNeil shot, injured, maybe dying on the street, because a cop feared for his life. This happens much more frequently than we are willing to admit.

Troubled relationship

The relationship between African Americans and law enforcement has always been fraught with suspicion and hostility. America has never come to terms with policings slave origins and racially troubling past, their earlier role in controlling the movements of enslaved African Americans and the current role of monitoring the movements and activities of Black people, the poor, and working class.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The American Bar Association discusses the deep ties between chattel slavery and American law enforcement.

American policing has deep historical roots in the system of slavery, with early forms of law enforcement in the Southern states, known as slave patrols, established to control enslaved populations and maintain the institution of slavery. These patrols were authorized to enforce slave codes, apprehend escaped slaves, and suppress potential revolts, using methods of terror and violence.

Waters claims theres more to the story than the cellphone video that went viral. The sheriff warned against a rush to judgment, but McNeils lawyers, famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and Harry Daniels, said the video captures a clear and compelling case of police brutality.

He didnt do anything but suffered tremendously. He suffered very significant injuries, including memory loss and closed head injuries, said Daniels. Were seeking justice and legal redress. Were planning on filing a lawsuit and doing everything to achieve justice in this matter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is unhinged. Were pursuing all actions to achieve accountability and responsibility for what these rogue cops did.

Daniels told News4JAX that McNeils injuries included a chipped tooth and concussion, adding that he needed stitches.

This is one of these days that we have echoed over and over that the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is out of control. This is not a one-off. This is a systematic continuum of assault on folk in Jacksonville,

Things we need to look at

The police report of the traffic stop said McNeil was verbally combative and reached towards a knife that was in the vehicle. Waters said McNeil was charged with resisting an officer without violence, driving on a suspended license, and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked by a reporter about the first punch that a cop standing by the door threw, Waters said it wasnt a sucker punch.

Im not excusing it administratively. There are things we need to look at. The context of this video should tell you everything you need to know. It is what it is, Waters said during the press conference. The video provides a lot of information to the public. Youre not allowed to resist a police officer when hes doing his lawful duties. Its necessary to get you under control and take you into custody.

According to ABC News, in the video, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office say they pulled McNeil over because the vehicles headlights were not on. McNeil questioned the traffic stop because it wasnt raining and it was still light outside.

An officer, who cannot be seen in the video, is heard saying, It doesnt matter, youre still required to have headlights on. An officer asks McNeil to step out of the car, and when McNeil asks for the officers supervisor, another officer punches the drivers window until it shatters. The officer then punches McNeil in the head before unlocking the vehicle door, unbuckling his seatbelt and forcibly removing him from the drivers seat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once out of the vehicle, multiple officers then gather around McNeil. One officer is seen grabbing McNeils head and punching him in the chin before forcing him to the ground.

Unenviable task

Daniels wrote in a news release on Sunday that this incident is only the latest in a long line of excessive force incidents involving the JSO.

In September 2023, the department was the focus of a national outcry after a video of JSO officers violently beating 24-year-old LeKeian Woods while he was unarmed went viral, Daniels explained. In 2019, JSO officers faced a federal lawsuit for killing 22-year-old Jamee Johnson after pulling him over for an alleged seat belt violation, the attorney said.

Its clear that if there were no video, Sheriff Waters would have leaned on the fact that an internal investigation cleared the officers involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Waters explained that he was aware of a video circulating on social media showing a traffic stop represented to be from February 19, 2025.  We have launched an internal investigation into it and the circumstances surrounding this incident. We hold our officers to the highest standards and are committed to thoroughly determining exactly what occurred.

Yeah, right.

Waters, police brass, and civic leaders have the unenviable task of rebuilding public trust. But we shouldnt hold our breaths because weve seen this before. There is a critical need for oversight by the public and civil society to investigate and prosecute cases of racial profiling and widespread abuses of power including use of excessive force, brutalizing protesters, bystanders, and others exercising their constitutional right to free speech and dissent.

But that is not happening.

Clear and present danger

Law enforcement in the 18,000 police departments and across history in America has proven to be a clear and present danger to African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and other non-white people. Given DeSantis his record, and past comments, Floridians shouldnt be holding their breath for him to use the considerable power entrusted in him to attempt to level the playing field and hold law enforcement more accountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asking law enforcement to police itself is like inviting wolves into the henhouse. It never ends well.

I interviewed retired Seattle Washington Police Chief Norm Stamper, a fierce critic of modern American policing, and he was clear about whats needed.

Stamper argues that what the United States needs is to reimagine a public safety system that has armed professionals working with citizens.

There is a way of imagining and constructing a system with a commitment to genuine partners  the community and elected officials, he said. We need to see it as a 50-50 partnership. Others who have a stake would help create a new system with [police] unions ceding and sharing power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That reform includes bringing an end to racial profiling, excessive force, police brutality, corruption, and other law enforcement problems.

The epidemic of police violence in this country is not an issue of bad apples. Modern policing is rotten at its core. This must change now. Real change will come when we make meaningful changes to how police are funded.

Stamper, author of two books on good policing, has been a persistent and vocal critic of existing police tactics and the way departments interact with Black communities. The entire criminal justice system and policing is broken, he said.

Tainted and toxic

Stamper describes Americas police departments as tainted and toxic, institution, saying the way officers act is a function not just of the culture, but also the power they wield, which makes them feel as if they can do what they want with no consequences. It is that attitude  and the deadly consequences particularly for African Americans  that has so angered protesters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its an arrogance that afflicts too many officers, he said. It causes them to believe that theyre above the law. What were facing from institutions in Seattle, San Diego, the NYPD, is an undercurrent of racism and abusive practices that lead to excessive force, lethal force, and sexual predation.

Stamper said resistance from police unions and rank-and-file officers has hampered the radical restructuring of public safety.

The public safety mechanism must be reliable, effective, and aligned constitutionally. I think that we must have the capacity to fight violent crimes, but we have to hold individuals accountable, he said.




NEED TO KNOW

Jacobs Pillow announced on social media on Aug. 1 that production manager Kat Sirico has died

The Berkshire District Attorneys Office said that Sirico died as a result of a workplace accident when Sirico and an intern were attempting to move platforms on a dolly down a slope

Sirico tripped and fell and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on the decedent, the office added





The death of a beloved employee at Jacobs Pillow, a performance and festival space in Massachusetts, has been ruled accidental.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Berkshire District Attorneys Office determined that the employee  identified by Jacobs Pillow as production manager Kat Sirico  died due to a workplace accident and said no criminal charges would be brought forward, according to the Times Union, The Berkshire Edge and WRGB-TV.

Sirico and an intern were moving platforms used for staging for a theater across the Jacobs Pillow property in Becket on a dolly on Friday, Aug. 1, according to The Berkshire Edge and WRGB-TV, which cited the district attorneys office. The pair attempted to move a dolly down a sloped area when they lost control of it and it began to roll down.

The decedent attempted to regain control of the dolly; however, tripped and fell, the office said, per the outlets. The dolly ran over the decedent and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on the decedent.

Thinkstock Images/Getty Ambulance lights (stock image) Ambulance lights (stock image)

Life-saving measures were performed on Sirico by bystanders, and Becket Police and first responders were dispatched to the area at around 12:30 p.m., the office said, per The Berkshire Edge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Berkshire District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Jacobs Pillow paid tribute to Sirico on Facebook and Instagram, sharing that the employee was a beloved member of the staff and an essential part of our team. The festival added that their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many.

We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together, Jacobs Pillow added.

The company noted that as a result of the incident, all performances and events that were set to take place on the weekend between Aug. 1-3 have been canceled and the campus will be closed. It also noted that festival performances would resume next week.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Siricos official cause of death will be announced by a medical examiner, the district attorneys office said, per WRGB-TV.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sirico had been involved with Jacobs Pillow since 2005, starting out as an intern at the festival, according to Siricos LinkedIn.

Sirico went on to work as a production manager and an electrician at several theaters including Childrens Theater of Madison in Wisconsin and the University of Chicagos Court Theater before returning to Jacobs Pillow last year as an event production manager. Sirico then returned to Jacobs Pillow in February as the Doris Duke Theater Production Manager.

Read the original article on People
Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that cities must solve their police recruitment issues after a beatdown in Cincinnati in which a man and woman were attacked by multiple people.

"You had, I mean, basically a woman who was just an innocent bystander who got punched in the face by a grown man," Vance told the Ruthless Podcast. "That's being investigated. Hopefully, those folks are brought to justice. Just a really disgusting act of violence."

"Part of the story there is that there weren't enough police officers at the Cincinnati Jazz Festival. Why aren't there enough police officers? Because there aren't enough police officers in Cincinnati," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Click Here To Listen To More Episodes Of Ruthless

Doj, Fbi Investigate Brutal Cincinnati Assault Captured In Viral Video

"I think the biggest thing, and obviously, we can help this at the federal level, but the most important thing that states and cities can do is to actually solve the law enforcement recruitment challenge that we have," he said.

Read On The Fox News App

Vance said that current and veteran police officers are discouraging their relatives from joining the police force.

"And if you talk to local law enforcement, they'll tell- you know, sometimes you hear heartbreaking stories of a fourth, fifth-generation cop who says, 'I tell my son or daughter, do not go into law enforcement because it's so uncomfortable,' because they got attacked so much, especially back in 2020, 2021. And that's just left a really bad hangover."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vances comments came after six people have now been charged in last weekend's brutal street beating in Cincinnati as police hunt for the three remaining suspects, city officials said at a news conference Friday.

The corner of Fourth and Elm Street outside LoVe, a local nightclub, where the beating took place, as seen on July 28, 2025, in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Mayoral Candidate, Vp Vance's Half-brother, Slams City Leadership After Brutal Beatdown

Authorities had previously said five people had been charged, three of whom had been arrested.

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said Friday that six people had now been charged with felonious assault and aggravated rioting. The city's fugitive apprehension unit is pursuing the three suspects who have not been captured yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We've got to get the best and the brightest in law enforcement," Vance said. "I think the most important thing is local governments. You know, you still got a lot of blue, big city mayors, people who maybe have some, some memories of the defund the police movement. Maybe they themselves were actually advocating defending the police. They've got to say, Okay, this was a crazy moment."

"We got to support our local cops, and we got to get good people back into law enforcement, because pretty much every big city police department is really understaffed," he added.





Original article source: JD Vance condemns 'disgusting' Cincinnati attack, points to police hiring crisis in blue cities
More than one fifth of the island's territorial waters will be designated as marine protected areas and off limits to trawling and dredging from September 2026, the government has confirmed.

Jersey politicians voted unanimously for the Marine Spatial Plan in October, which included a pledge to increase the area of protected waters from 6.5% to 23%.

Marine protected areas prohibit mobile gear fishing, which includes trawling and dredging, to stop damage to habitats and species.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jersey's government said it will work with licensed fishermen in Jersey and France to support adjustment to the new rules.

A timeline for implementing the plan released by the infrastructure and environment committee also shows part of Les Sauvages reef will be off limits to all fishing.

Only commercially licensed vessels will be prohibited from fishing in the protected areas.

Potting, netting, rod and line fishing and all recreational activities are unaffected by the changes.

An additional 4% of territorial waters are being researched and could be added to the protected marine areas by 2030, the committee said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This will be a seismic shift for marine management in Jersey waters, significantly changing the face of fishing," it said.

"The Economic Impact Assessment will assist in understanding the livelihood impact of these changes and government will work with licensed fishermen in Jersey and France to support adjustment to the new rules."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story

Related internet links
Mamdani is pulling the largest share of Jewish voters at 37%, with the rest dispersed between his competitors, according to a poll conducted by GQR.

Jewish New Yorkers support Zohran Mamdani more than any candidate for mayor, but they strongly disagree about how he would shape their future, says a new poll from a pro-Israel nonprofit.

Mamdani is pulling the largest share of Jewish voters at 37%, with the rest dispersed between his competitors, Mayor Eric Adams (25%), former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (21%) and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa (14%), according to the poll commissioned by New York Solidarity Network and conducted by GQR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The results largely align with a poll by Zenith Research and Public Progress Solutions earlier this week, which had Cuomo ahead of Adams, but still showed Mamdani holding a significant lead without a majority of Jewish support. Public Progress Solutions is run by an ally of Mamdani, while New York Solidarity Network campaigned against him in the primary.

The new survey explored Jewish voters sentiments about antisemitism, Israel, and their concerns as New Yorkers. Among the 800 people surveyed, 74% said they worried about antisemitism. But they differed on where that threat came from  about half said they believed Mamdani was antisemitic, while nearly all of his Jewish supporters disagreed.

They also diverged on the overlap between pro-Palestinian slogans and antisemitism: Three in five Jewish voters said the phrases globalize the intifada and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free were antisemitic. (Mamdani, a vocal critic of Israel, has come under fire for declining to condemn the former slogan.)

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York. (credit: YUKI IWAMURA/REUTERS)

But they said they were basing their votes primarily on local matters: 76% said they based their vote on issues like affordability and crime, with only 17% centering their future mayors views on Israel. The Jews who supported Mamdani were most motivated by his promises to tax the wealthy, build affordable housing, and focus on mental health officers rather than police to prevent crime.

Israel and Palestine still the main issue with Mamdani

Mamdanis stance drove 17% of Jewish voters, the poll found.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In comparison, 62% of all Mamdani voters said they were driven by his pro-Palestinian advocacy, according to another recent poll by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project.

Many Jews surveyed by New York Solidarity Group said they believed their future is in danger  58% believe the city will be less safe for Jews under Mamdanis leadership, including a large contingent of older voters.

Sara Forman, the groups executive director, told Politico she wanted Mamdani to understand the concerns weighing on Jewish New Yorkers. Her message for him signaled that even staunchly pro-Israel Jewish leaders may be resigning themselves to the idea that Mamdani will prevail in November, leaving them no choice but to collaborate with him.

Its a very good overview in terms of a roadmap for how, if you want to represent everyone, how you can take the first step to do that, said Forman.
President Donald Trumps former national security adviser has bashed the president for getting drawn into nuclear brinkmanship with Russia.

Trump announced Friday that he had repositioned two nuclear submarines in the region after an incendiary remark from a Kremlin official.

I think its a very risky business for a lot of reasons, John Bolton told CNN. Its really just very ill-advised to have the president responding to somebody like that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bolton further said Trumps move betrayed his ignorance of how the fleet operates.

President Donald Trump repositioned two nuclear submarines earlier after incendiary remarks from a Russian official. / Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty

A sufficient number of [missiles] are in position right now, Bolton explained Friday. To say hes going to move those kinds of submarines anywhere indicates he doesnt know how they work.

I hope somebody from the Pentagon who understands the disposition of the nuclear force explains this to Trump at some stage, Bolton added.

Boltons comments follow a series of exchanges between Trump and Russian Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.

On Thursday, Trump reiterated his ultimatum to President Vladimir Putin: agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine before August 8 or the White House will impose new sanctions of 100 percent.

Bolton called Trump's move

Medvedev called Trumps threat a step towards war, urging him to revisit his favorite movies about the living dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, Trump repositioned two nuclear submarines in the appropriate regions ... just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.

Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, and I hope this will not be one of those instances, he said.

Bolton warned that Trumps gesture could lead the Kremlin to think he is considering a strike against Russia.

You could see people in the Kremlin, obviously always nervous about our strike capabilities, believe that Trump is trying to insinuate that he may be considering a first strike, which is even more dangerous, Bolton said.
Details regarding an audit are proposed for discussion in a closed meeting Monday night between the Joplin City Council and an auditor.

The closed meeting notice on the agenda does not specify whether the discussion involves the state auditor.

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatricks office started in February 2024 to conduct a state audit of the city of Joplin that was sought by a petition of public signatures. State officials said they expected the audit to take about a year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The council also will present a proclamation at the Monday meeting to honor the contributions of six area colleges and universities to the regions economy and community.

The proclamation, to be read by Mayor Keenan Cortez, acknowledges the collective impact of Missouri Southern State University, Pittsburg State University, Kansas City University, Crowder College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Ozark Christian College.

In other business:

 The council will take up a resolution that calls for the City Council to appoint a nine-member Charter Review Commission.

The resolution would require the panel to involve four former mayors and five residents appointed by the mayor with the input and consent of the council. The commission would review the Joplin Home Rule Charter and propose any changes they want to consider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The panel is to make recommendations to the council on whether any changes to the charter should be placed on a ballot for voters to decide.

That mix of commission members has been used by past City Councils. The last charter reviews occurred in 2013 and in 2006, although council members continued to discuss changes in 2014 that were proposed in the previous years.

Fewer than 10 members of the public turned out at a public hearing in 2013 to testify about changes proposed to the Joplin Home Rule Charter.

One of those was former Councilman Morris Glaze. He proposed that mayors be elected directly by voters rather than by the council from its own ranks, as is done now. He wants a limit of three, two-year terms for the same person to serve, though most contemporary mayors have only been elected to one or two terms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glaze also wanted to take away the mayors vote except in cases where there is a tie or a supermajority is needed.

At another session that year, length of council terms and whether the designation of council seats should be changed was discussed, but no changes resulted.

One question discussed was whether zone council seats should be eliminated.

Now, five council seats are designated as general seats, and residents from any area of the city may run for those. Four seats are assigned to the citys four zones and a council candidate has to live in the zone to run for election.

The council two years after the last charter session revisited the question of whether mayors should be elected by council members or directly by voters. It was decided to stay with election by council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Allo Fiber will give an update on the status of its fiber optic cable installation to provide citywide broadband service.

 City staff will propose a work authorization contract with the engineering firm Allegeir Martin and Associates for up to $175,000 for design of an Interstate 44 culvert and Silver Creek water detention study.

That project would be aimed at reducing flooding in south Joplin along Silver Creek by eventually installing a culvert under I-44 to allow water to flow through rather than congregate in streets and yards.

 A closed session also is proposed to discuss a real estate matter.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 602 S. Main St.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom to journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna.

Source: Zelenskyy on Instagram

Details: On 2 August, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom to Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna. Roshchyna was killed in Russian captivity in October 2024.

Quote: "In October 2024, we learned of a painful and unjust loss: Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna died in Russian captivity. She had already been included in the prisoner exchange list. Russia had pledged to release her but broke its word.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Viktoriia was one of those who spoke the truth about the war. She worked on the frontlines and in temporarily occupied territories, risking her life.

In February of this year, her body  bearing numerous signs of torture  was returned to Ukraine. Since then, all necessary forensic examinations have been carried out. Today, we honour Viktoriia Roshchyna posthumously.

She has been awarded the Order of Freedom for her unwavering belief that freedom will overcome everything. Honour and eternal memory to Viktoriia Roshchyna."

Read also: The Viktoriia Project: the story of the captivity and torture endured by journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna and thousands of Ukrainians imprisoned by Russia

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Background:

In March 2022, Roshchyna was captured by Russian forces and held for 10 days in the temporarily occupied city of Berdiansk.

In 2022, Roshchyna wrote a series of articles for Ukrainska Pravda from the temporarily occupied territories. Her work included stories about life in occupied Crimea during the war, the sham referendum in occupied Donetsk Oblast, and a photo report from the devastated city of Mariupol.

On 25 July 2023, Roshchyna left Ukraine for Poland, planning to make the three-day journey via Russia to the occupied part of Ukraine's east.

On 3 August 2023, Roshchyna went missing on Russian-occupied territory.

It was not until May 2024 that Russia admitted to having detained Roshchyna. The Russian Ministry of Defence sent a letter confirming this to her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
A Hillsborough County circuit judge has ordered state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. to stop sending claims disputes to arbitrators employed by the state.

Circuit Judge Melissa Mary Polo said that the plaintiff, Martin A. Alvarez, a Hillsborough resident, demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success in his claim that Citizens practice of ordering cases to be decided by the Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) violates policyholders constitutional rights to fair trials.

Citizens obtained approval in 2022 from the Office of Insurance Regulation, and later from the Florida Legislature, to add a provision to all new and renewing policies that allowed the company to divert claims disputes from the court and into binding arbitration.

Related Articles

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, Citizens Board of Governors approved paying DOAH $19.3 million to administer the program through 2027.

Policyholders who wanted Citizens coverage were not allowed to refuse the provision.

Since 2024, Citizens moved more than 1,300 claims to the DOAH courts. Prior to July 10, the company prevailed in 47 of 51 cases that advanced to a final hearing.

For others, Citizens typically tendered settlement offers of $250 or $500, attorneys for the plaintiff told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Refusal by plaintiffs to accept the settlement offers put them at risk of rulings ordering them to pay Citizens legal fees if they lost their cases or withdrew prior to hearings, the attorneys said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alvarez filed his lawsuit on July 11, a day after a similar lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Miami by a 92-year-old Citizens customer.

Lynn A. Brauer, an attorney with the Miami-based Insurance Trial Lawyers firm, told the Sun Sentinel that she had filed eight motions for relief from the courts in cases that Citizens had sent to DOAH before Polo ordered the statewide injunction.

Brauer said Citizens invoked the arbitration provision after Alvarez filed an intent to sue over Citizens decision to cover only part of his claim that his home suffered damage during Hurricane Ian.

Citizens spokesman Michael Peltier said the company has received the order and is working on a response. State law specifically authorizes the DOAH process, and we believe that the law is Constitutional. Beyond that, we do not comment on pending litigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Peltier told the Sun Sentinel in July that while seeking attorneys fees against plaintiffs who lose or withdraw their DOAH cases, collecting the money requires the company to file a motion in state court. Citizens has not yet done that, though some losing plaintiffs have voluntarily paid legal fees imposed against them, he said.

In his lawsuit, Alvarez claims that the provision requiring Citizens policyholders to accept binding arbitration violates the Florida Constitution and policyholders due process rights.

Brauer said the state insurance code requires companies to offer the binding arbitration option, likely in exchange for a premium discount, and require policyholders to sign a document stating they accept the offer.

But the statute that Citizens convinced the Legislature to enact states that the requirement does not apply to Citizens, she said. They can just put it in their policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Polo agreed that Alvarez is likely to prevail on claims that the provision violated the due protection and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as well as Section 21 of the Declaration of Rights of the Florida Constitution, relating to access to the courts.

Chip Merlin, founder of Tampa-based Merlin Law Group, called attention to the lopsided DOAH hearing results in an April blog entry on his website, Property Insurance Coverage Law, on Friday called Polos ruling welcome and overdue.

There is no fairness when a government entity makes up and hires its own judicial system, Merlin said in an email. The legislature should never have approved this. Officials running Citizens should have a change of heart because they are losing all credibility and any good will which remains by sticking to this wrongful charade of justice.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071 or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com.
Aug. 1A jury this week found that Brian Rascon raped a woman in 1991 during a home-invasion robbery in a case based on DNA evidence that had remained untested for decades, prosecutors said Friday.

Jurors deliberated about five hours Thursday before convicting Rascon, 52, of three counts of first-degree criminal sexual penetration with a firearm enhancement in connection with the July 1991 assault.

The verdicts followed a four-day trial in 2nd Judicial District Court before Judge Brett Loveless. Rascon faces up to 57 years in prison at a sentencing hearing scheduled Oct. 29.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A sexual assault kit collected at the time of the attack was tested in 2020 resulting in Rascon's identification through DNA, 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office spokeswoman Nancy Laflin said in a statement. A second man involved in the attack has not been identified, she said.

"Rascon and several masked, armed men broke into the victim's home searching for drugs and money," the statement said. "When they found nothing, Rascon and another man sexually assaulted the victim simultaneously, causing great mental anguish." The men fled the scene, and the case remained unsolved for decades.

In 2016, Tim Keller  then state auditor, now Albuquerque's mayor  announced that an audit found that New Mexico had 5,302 untested rape kits dating to the 1980s. Two scientific laboratories began testing the kits in 2019, leading to multiple arrests and convictions.

Rascon's conviction appears to be among the oldest rape cases yet to reach trial. Other cold-case rape convictions include:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jurors in November convicted Gilbert Contreras, 58, in the 1994 attack of a woman who was jogging in the bosque when she was dragged to a secluded area, then tied, beaten and raped. The victim, 43 at the time, died in 2013, long before her rape kit was matched to Contreras in 2022. He was sentenced in April to 54 years in prison.

Edward Gilbert Duran, 66, pleaded no contest last year to 15 counts of criminal sexual penetration in the rapes of six Albuquerque women from 1992 to 1997. The case also was based on decades-old DNA evidence. Duran was sentenced in December to 270 years in prison.

Ralph Anthony Martinez, 63, a former Albuquerque Public Schools bus driver, pleaded guilty last year to six counts of criminal sexual penetration in the rapes of four Albuquerque women from 1988 to 1991. Martinez was sentenced in August 2024 to 30 years in prison.
MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A 53-year-old charged with the death of a formerly reported missing man in 2022 is set to appear in court in the coming weeks, court documents say.

Christopher Lee Stracener was arrested in 2022 for the death of James Tracy Denson.

Denson was first reported missing in September 2022. The Marshall County Sheriffs Office said it received a tip on September 30 about human remains found near the Town of Susan Moore in Blount County. The remains were then sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After analysis, the remains were identified as Denson.

On October 24, 2022, Stracener was served with a warrant for the murder of Denson. Stracener was then indicted for Densons murder in June 2024. The document said he shot Denson with a gun.

Following the indictment, court records show he pleaded not guilty on November 4, 2024.

However, despite his attempt to set/reduce/amend his bond, previously set at $1 million, a Marshall County Circuit Court judge denied the motion.

He is now set for a jury trial on August 11.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
(FOX40.COM)  Ryan Barbec, 36, of Sacramento, allegedly assaulted his roommate with a glass bottle before he barricaded himself inside the home on Friday morning.

 Video above: Local K9 and handler deployed to assist with flooding in Texas

According to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, the incident happened inside a home on the 3800 block of Moonbeam Drive in East Sacramento. After several hours of unsuccessful negotiation, the Sheriffs Special Enforcement Detail deployed CS gas.

Chandos owner back in court; heres when the next trial date is expected

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs office said Sheriffs K-9 Tito had a success after bringing the standoff to an end by taking Barbec into custody.

Once Barbec is medically cleared, SCSO said he will be booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and possibly resisting arrest, SCSO 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 FOX40 News.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Kamesha Mumford hopes to with the Senate seat in Mississippis District 26, which was left vacant after John Horhn was elected mayor of Jackson.

Mumford has been an attorney for 18 years and a judge for 12 years, in addition to owning a small business.

Mumford said shes spent some time speaking with people in the district in recent months. Shes heard about their concerns, which include roads, bridges and drainage issues. Mumford said some are also concerned about the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our teachers, our firemen, our police officer, nurses. They invested in us and our community, and we have to take care of them. When they came into that system, they were expecting to be able to retire well, and weve got to protect that, she said.

To get on the ballot for the November 4 election, candidates have to qualify by August 21.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
A voter fills out an advance ballot on July 29, 2022, at the Shawnee County Elections Office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

To me, our government has become more and more out of step with the general public every year. At both the federal and state levels, legislatures are passing laws that face big public opposition while ignoring policies that have supermajority public support.

If our government is supposed to reflect the will of the people, its clearly failing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our plurality elections are a big reason for this failure. Even though its all weve really used in Kansas, plurality is not benign or neutral. I believe it actually harms most voters. It works to shut out those who are in the opposition. It also harms voters in safe districts by denying them a voice. Their representative has been chosen long before any votes have been cast. Plurality elections are also very easy to gerrymander, as we see in each redistricting cycle.

Is this the best way to choose our representatives? To minimize the number of votes that actually make a difference? I understand why some may support plurality if they believe it best advances their interests, but I like to think that most people agree that the current way of doing things is fundamentally unfair.

Ones opinion on a voting system is a moral choice as much as it can be a strategic one. This is why I advocate for proportional representation in our elections. Such a system allocates seats by vote share, so parties will still gain seats in districts where they are in the minority. This does a better job of electing bodies that reflect the priorities of the entire electorate, and not only the whims of one group. If the goal of our government is to give all voters an equal voice, then proportional representation will get us much closer to that ideal than plurality.

Of course, there are high barriers to passing election reform. The largest beneficiaries of plurality are our elected officials and their donors. Even if they dont explicitly say it, they have a great motivation to keep things the way they are. I can understand why representatives in safe districts wouldnt want more competition for their seats, but I also think that it says a lot about their character that theyd rather benefit from a broken system than use their power to fix it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are some politicians who support reform, but they are in the minority. In Kansas, former Republican state Sen. John Doll is one such supporter. In the 2023 session, he introduced Senate Bill 202. This bill would have allowed proportional representation in our state using ranked ballots, but it died without a hearing. His party colleagues then went on to ban ranked ballots this year so local governments couldnt adopt that reform themselves.

With these barriers in mind, I went looking for historical examples of election reform to understand how they succeeded. In our original Kansas constitution, the state House was apportioned such that every county had a minimum of one seat. By the 1950s, a report by professor C. Stewart Boertman of Emporia State showed that this created a massive malapportionment between the rural and urban areas.

From the report: For Greeley county one representative represents 1,966 persons; for Sedgwick one representative represents 85,620 persons. Thus, if Greeley county receives one member for about 2,000 persons, Sedgwick should have approximately 128 representatives.

Today, our state House seats are apportioned into districts of roughly equal population. I wish I could share an uplifting story in which our representatives put aside their self-interest and came together to pass a constitutional amendment, but thats not what happened. It was the U.S. Supreme Courts one person, one vote rulings in the 1960s that first forced the state to reapportion the House by population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That isnt to say that there was no advocacy for reform, as there certainly was. Most notably, the Hutchinson News won a Pulitzer Prize in 1965 for its years-long campaign to bring about more equitable reapportionment of the Kansas Legislature, despite powerful opposition in its own community. When the Legislature finally got around to amending our constitution to align with the ruling, voters easily approved the measure.

Does this mean wed need to wait for another favorable Supreme Court ruling for further election reform? Thankfully, no. Ordinary people still have the agency to make this change happen. Canadian political scientist Dennis Pilon found that significant election reform in western countries most often happens as a result of multi-party agreements. The motivations for this agreement could be different  some parties may want reform as it aligns with their principles, while others may see it as a hedge against a total loss of power.

If proportional representation becomes a reality, it would come from popular support for the issue. It would come by elevating politicians who support reform and drive their parties to adopt the policy as a plank in their platform. It would come from sustained advocacy from the media and grassroots organizations.

The moment for reform might come when those who currently work to maintain the status quo end up getting burned by pluralitys failings. As political scientist Lee Drutman suggests, if Elon Musks America Party spoils a handful of Congressional elections in 2026 then that could create more of an appetite for reform at the national level. Or perhaps the proposed mid-decade gerrymander by Republicans backfires and leads to them losing seats overall. Whatever the case, proportional representation must be part of the conversation when that moment comes.

Richard Pund is an electrical engineer interested in improving elections at all levels of government. He lives in Overland Park with his wife, son, and dog. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A major public transportation crisis is looming in Kansas City.

A funding standoff is pushing the citys entire bus system to the brinkand if a deal isnt reached soon, the consequences could be devastating.

Thousands of riders, workers and families across the metro are now caught in limbo.

Kansas Citys buses are more than just a conveniencetheyre a lifeline, and while both city leaders and transit officials say this situation shouldve never reached this point, thats little comfort for those who rely on the service daily.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OSHA investigating deadly collapse at Family Dollar in Kansas City

We do  yea  we get around a lot work, home, doctors appointments  everything, said a couple sitting a bus stop downtown who spoke with FOX4.

Id have to make a new plan to get around I have no specific plan, Kieth Stewart said.

Real people are caught in the middle of a contract disputeone that, if not resolved soon, will have serious consequences.

Listen to the voice of the people  that should be the messageListening to the people coming to get our opinions on it will be the best solution because its not about yall, yall arent riding the bus, Latisa Moze said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A proposed ordinance would have allocated $77 million to keep KCATA operating, with the city manager directed to find another $16 millionbringing the total to $93 million to fund the system for another year. But that ordinance was voted down Thursday.

Council members say KCATA failed to sign the contract needed to release funds from the previous ordinance. KCATA, however, argues the terms were unworkableleaving $47 million already allocated by the council still sitting untouched.

In the meantime, the transit agency has been using its credit line to keep buses running, but that line will be maxed out by August 15. After that, the system faces two options: secure funding from the city, or shut down service.

In an interview this week, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed confidence that it wont come to that and urged both sides to come together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But KCATA Vice Chair Bridgette Williams laid blame on the councils failure to act, warning that vital services for thousands are now at risk.

I live out there  she live out here we wouldnt be able to spend tie together as a family if the buses stopped running, Monta Johnson said.

Its going to affect more than myself and others  I hope they just get down and compromise or something  because some people really need the transportation, Stewart said.

Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV

There is one last resort: KCATA could technically dip into its financial reserves to continue service temporarily. But a source close to the commission says that move is unlikely, calling it, just another way to kick the can down the road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For now, its a waiting game. Riders, drivers, and city leaders are all watching closelyhoping a deal gets done before its too late.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  As you head out to do some shopping for your tax-free weekend, dont forget about your local stores. KFOR spoke to a couple of businesses ahead of the shopping holiday about the help your business can bring.

For Chad Brown at Daniels Shoes near NW Expressway and N. MacArthur Blvd., it starts with a measurement before finding the perfect fit for your foot. Its work thats been in the family blood since 1975, starting with his dad.

LOCAL NEWS: Study: Back to school shopping hitting parents pocketbooks this year

Tax free weekend helps local businesses. Image KFOR.

Tax free weekend helps local businesses. Image KFOR.

He used to work for Bates shoes in Bethany, Oklahoma. And, you know, he grew up probably 16, working there and was going to start his own business, Brown said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Daniels Shoes was born. Browns dad, Dan, is retired now, but the business is still standing 50 years later thanks to customers like Judy Akin, whove shopped there since the beginning.

My oldest, whos 33 now, she got her first pair of shoes here and continues to get them, Akin said. My grandchildren and great-grandchildren get their shoes here.

When you also consider giveaways and donations to local charities, shopping where youll see personal attention is all the more valuable.

You get that benefit of quality and comfort and a good fit, Brown said.

More can be found on their website, danielsshoes.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dont forget, though, clothes under $100 are exempt along with shoes.

We draw everything ourselves, store manager at Opolis Clothing Bailey Stringer said. We print everything ourselves.

LOCAL NEWS: OKCPS to host back-to-school bash with supplies, services starting August 2

Opolis Clothing in Midtown has walls of shirts from Bedlam to the OKC Thunder.

Opolis Clothing. Image KFOR. Tax free weekend helps local businesses. Image KFOR. Tax free weekend helps local businesses. Image KFOR. Tax free weekend helps local businesses. Image KFOR.

Were a small team and we work really hard, she said.

Stringer said lots of business came with the recent title run, and they hope the tax-free weekend can do the same.

People coming in and shopping and spending their money with us, that keeps us around, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can shop for all ages and find more on their website here, opolisclothing.com.

Theres also a plethora of other small businesses you can find across the metro.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Brief

Ken Paxton is asked for an en banc, or full court, hearing after a federal appeals court blocked a 2023 law that allows local police to arrest people they believe crossed the border illegally.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an early ruling blocking the law in July.

Paxton said the ruling is not in line with precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking a full federal appeals court to reconsider its decision to uphold a ruling that prevents the state from enforcing a 2023 law that would allow local police to arrest people they believe crossed the Texas-Mexico border illegally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Radical open border activists have sought to undermine Texass right to defend itself, but I will never stop fighting to close the border and equip state law enforcement with the power to ensure border security," Paxton said.

In a filing on Thursday, Paxton argues that the panel's July ruling stating the U.S. Constitution covered the entirety of immigration enforcement goes against precedent set by the Supreme Court.

"The panel's holding deprives Texas  and every other State  of the police power to protect its citizens from the scourge of illegal immigration," court documents state.

The backstory

A 2-1 decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in July ruled that the law is at odds with federal law that says that immigration is an issue for the federal government and not state governments.

What they're saying

"For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that the power to control immigrationthe entry, admission, and removal of aliens is exclusively a federal power," Judge Priscilla Richman wrote in the opinion.

The other side

The dissenting opinion from the panel echoed arguments that Paxton made in Thursday's filing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Andrew Oldham said the majority ruling "usurps the State of Texas's sovereign right to police its border and battle illegal immigration."

"Today is a sad day for Texas and for our court," Oldham wrote. "It is a sad day for the millions of Americans who are concerned about illegal immigration and who voiced those concerns at ballot boxes across Texas and the Nationonly to have their voices muted by federal judges."

Senate Bill 4

The backstory

Senate Bill 4 was signed in 2023.

The law would allow local law enforcement officers to arrest migrants caught crossing the border between ports of entry. Those who are caught later, anywhere in Texas, and admit they crossed illegally can also be charged under SB 4.



A judge could drop the charges if a migrant agrees to return to Mexico, and police could turn over migrant families to Border Patrol agents to avoid separating children from their parents instead of arresting them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The legislation came about after Texas lawmakers said the Biden administration was not doing enough to stop illegal immigration.

The government sued Texas, saying the state violated the constitution which establishes the federal government as the ultimate say in all things related to immigration.

Several advocacy groups also sued the state to block the law from taking effect.

The federal government filed for a voluntary dismissal of their claim in March.

The Source

Information in this article comes from a filing from the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Backstory comes from previous FOX 7 reporting.
Over the course of three days of investigative hearings, the National Transportation and Safety Board sought to gather more information about the factors that lead to the deadly midair collision over Washington, D.C., in January between an Army helicopter and a passenger plane.

The NTSB heard testimony from air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Army, and the families of several of the victims were in attendance. At one point on the first day of the hearings, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said of the circumstances leading up to the crash, "Every sign was there that there was a safety risk." Addressing the families, she said the hearings would be "a critical part of our ongoing investigation."

On Jan. 29, a Black Hawk helicopter struck an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, as it was coming in for a landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NTSB will continue its fact finding and will compile a final report with determinations about the probable cause, likely within the next year.

Here are the top takeaways from the hearings:

Helicopter's altitude measurements showed significant discrepancies

The Black Hawk crew members were relying on a barometric altimeter  a gauge that determines altitude based on air pressure  which may have given them incorrect information, according to NTSB investigators. The crew was calling out altitudes that were lower than the actual height at which the helicopter was flying.

The helicopter and commercial airliner collided approximately 300 feet above the Potomac River, and the maximum altitude for helicopters at that part of the route near D.C.'s Reagan Airport is 200 feet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NTSB, as part of its investigation, tested three helicopters that are in the same battalion as the one that crashed and found that the barometric altimeter for all three was off by 80 to 130 feet. Army representatives on Wednesday told investigators that discrepancy is within the accepted variability because pilots are trained to maintain their altitude at plus or minus 100 feet.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy told CBS News' senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave the NTSB calculated the margin of error on Route Four in that area of the Potomac to be 75 feet.

The Army said it is conducting additional reviews to determine how to proceed, frustrating investigators who asked why it would not make changes to the equipment, based on the findings of the NTSB tests.

In 2022, an FAA working group considered moving helicopter traffic away from the airport, but ultimately did not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Airplane pilots knew they were going to be hit

Transcripts from the airplane's cockpit voice recorder show the pilots received an automated verbal warning about traffic in the vicinity approximately 20 seconds before the collision. Less than two seconds before impact, the pilots shouted in alarm. Flight data indicates the plane's pilots attempted to climb to avoid the helicopter just before impact.

The transcripts also reveal the pilots of the American Airlines flight questioned the move to Runway 33. The plane was originally supposed to land on Runway 1 but was redirected by air traffic controllers to Runway 33. As it was trying to land on that runway, the helicopter and plane collided.

Black Hawk pilots missed key command from air traffic controller

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pilots of the Black Hawk missed a key word when communicating with the air traffic control tower, according to a transcript released during the hearings of the conversation between the helicopter crew and the control tower.

Fifteen seconds before the collision, DCA Tower asked the helicopter if it had the regional jet in sight. Four seconds later, the DCA Tower instructed the helicopter to pass behind the plane. The Black Hawk's cockpit voice recorder indicated that the phrase "pass behind" was rendered inaudible because a helicopter crew member pressed the microphone key.

FAA acknowledged air traffic controller did not warn airliner that the helicopter might cross its path

Although it was already known  based on control tower audio from that night  that the controller did not warn the American Airlines plane that the Black Hawk might cross its path, the FAA only openly acknowledged this for the first time during this week's hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a key moment from the second day, Homendy asked FAA Air Traffic Oversight Service executive director Nick Fuller if any traffic advisories or alerts were issued to the plane. He responded, "No safety alerts."

Homendy then asked, "Should the local controller have let the [plane] crew know that there was a helicopter there?"

"Yes," Fuller responded.

Medivac pilot said presence of military helicopters in National Airport airspace makes him "uncomfortable"

Rick Dressler, of Metro Aviation  which operates medical helicopters  was asked if there are units flying in the National Airport airspace that make him uncomfortable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I don't like saying that first heli of [U.S. Air Force] from Andrews (Air Base) and I don't like saying that 12th Aviation Battalion gives us all pause in the community," Dressler said, but "we are all very uncomfortable when those two units are operating."

During the hearing, the Army admitted helicopters regularly flew below flights that land at Reagan National Airport.

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "Great Weight"
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A special train ride sponsoring Kids on Track in Springfield is kicking off its first day this weekend.

On Saturday, Kids on Track participants were able to hop aboard a special round-trip ride between Springfield and Hartford. This national effort by the model railroad industry is to encourage youth to connect railroading to STEM education.

New Springfield nonprofit hosts Lets Make a Deal Jr. for local youth

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The C-Train Hartford Line, the Amherst Railway Society, and Springfield Union Station all teamed up for this event. Families met up at Union Station to depart for an hour-and-a-half ride, with many kids excited to get on their first train. Over 125 youth got to take part in this inclusive experience.

Its a heck of a lot of fun to watch these kids, and their parents, too, for that matter, said John Sacerdote, Executive Director of the Amherst Railway Society. Just saying, Whoa, because its a very nice ride along the river.

Maggie the Railroad Clown performed magic tricks, juggling, and gave away lots of balloons throughout the event, but her passion for trains runs deeper.

I used to be with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and I lived on a circus train, Maggie the Railroad Clown said. So thats my love of trains and my connections, because for three years of my life, I lived on a train.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of Saturdays participants, John, is part of the Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA), home to one of the top model train collectors in the world. John is only 11 years old and hopes to become an engineer himself.

Sunday is the last day of the Kids on Track train ride event. Tickets are five dollars, with 130 kids expected to take part on day two. To purchase tickets online, visit amherstrail.org.

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.
Politicians and experts close to the Kremlin have downplayed the deployment of two US nuclear submarines near Russia, a move announced on Friday by President Donald Trump.

The two submarines were "not a new threat" to Russia's national security, former air force general and current Duma deputy Leonid Ivlev told the state-run news agency TASS on Saturday, adding that Russia is fully aware of such US military manoeuvres.

Viktor Vodolatsky, another lawmaker, echoed that view. He called any attempt to intimidate Russia pointless, noting the country's large fleet of nuclear submarines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump said ordered the deployment in response to comments made by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

This is being done "just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social.

Where the submarines will be sent is unclear. In his post, Trump only referred to "appropriate regions."

Trump and Medvedev have been clashing for days. The dispute began last week after Trump gave Russia a new ultimatum for a ceasefire in Ukraine, or face tough new sanctions.

In response, Medvedev on Monday said that each new ultimatum that Trump makes "is a threat and a step towards war."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kremlin, along with Medvedev, has remained silent on Trump's submarine deployment.

The Foreign Ministry and other senior Russian bodies, which typically respond quickly to perceived threats, have withheld comment.

Vodolatsky said that no official response was needed, asserting that "everyone knows" Trump frequently changes his stance.

However, he questioned why a US president would respond so strongly to comments from a deputy chair of a security council. What mattered more, he said, was the need for a renewed agreement between Moscow and Washington to end speculation about a potential World War Three.
Politicians and experts close to the Kremlin have downplayed the deployment of two US nuclear submarines near Russia, a move announced on Friday by President Donald Trump.

The two submarines were "not a new threat" to Russia's national security, former air force general and current Duma deputy Leonid Ivlev told the state-run news agency TASS on Saturday, adding that Russia is fully aware of such US military manoeuvres.

Viktor Vodolatsky, another lawmaker, echoed that view. He called any attempt to intimidate Russia pointless, noting the country's large fleet of nuclear submarines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump said ordered the deployment in response to comments made by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

This is being done "just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social.

Where the submarines will be sent is unclear. In his post, Trump only referred to "appropriate regions."

Trump and Medvedev have been clashing for days. The dispute began last week after Trump gave Russia a new ultimatum for a ceasefire in Ukraine, or face tough new sanctions.

In response, Medvedev on Monday said that each new ultimatum that Trump makes "is a threat and a step towards war."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Kremlin, along with Medvedev, has remained silent on Trump's submarine deployment.

The Foreign Ministry and other senior Russian bodies, which typically respond quickly to perceived threats, have withheld comment.

Vodolatsky said that no official response was needed, asserting that "everyone knows" Trump frequently changes his stance.

However, he questioned why a US president would respond so strongly to comments from a deputy chair of a security council. What mattered more, he said, was the need for a renewed agreement between Moscow and Washington to end speculation about a potential World War Three.

Mixed reactions from experts

Political scientist Sergei Markov, a Kremlin loyalist, criticized Trumps actions on Telegram, calling them "stupid and irresponsible."

He accused the US president of losing his sense of proportion and noted the irony of Trump aligning with Medvedevs earlier warnings about nuclear war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Markov also claimed Trump was reneging on his pledge to end US involvement in wars and suggested the move was a distraction from domestic controversies plaguing him.

In contrast, military expert Yuri Fyodorov warned that the deployment could pose a real threat.

Speaking on "The Breakfast Show," a Kremlin-critical Russian-language YouTube channel based in the EU, Fyodorov said that if the submarines were stationed near Cyprus, their nuclear missiles could reach central Russia in just 10 minutes.

In such a scenario, he said, even President Vladimir Putin might not wake up in time at his residence outside Moscow to activate his nuclear briefcase before the estate was obliterated.
A 29-year-old traveling nurse employed at two Los Angeles-area hospitals has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to engage in sexual acts with a minor, and authorities are asking the public for help in identifying potential additional victims, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Ameen Zarinkhil was taken into custody by detectives from the LAPDs Harbor Area Vice Unit and has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office with three felony counts related to child exploitation. The charges include one count of attempting to meet with a minor for sexual acts, one count of attempting to create child pornography, and one count of sending harmful matter to a child.

38 neglected dogs found in California home; felony charges filed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zarinkhil, who held credentials from both West Hills Hospital and San Dimas Community Hospital, was assigned booking number 7051147 and is currently out on bail. Due to the nature of the allegations and Zarinkhils position of trust within the medical community, detectives have released his booking photograph and are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized to come forward.

Ameen Zarinkhil (Courtesy of Los Angeles Police Department)

The booking photograph is being released in the hope that victims will recognize him and provide critical information to our investigators, LAPD officials said in a statement.

The LAPD is urging anyone with information or who may believe they were a victim to contact Harbor Vice detectives at (213) 280-1501. Calls outside of business hours can be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477), or through the 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 KTLA.
A La Habra mother of six was sentenced to one year in jail and two years of probation after intentionally running over a 13-year-old boy who had gotten into a fight with her son, according to media reports.

Norma Alcazar, 49, was sentenced Friday and taken into custody immediately afterwardmore than seven years after the incident and nearly four months after an Orange County jury convicted her of assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse, the Orange County Register reported.

During the sentencing hearing, she reportedly turned toward the victims mother and said, I want to apologize for any harm my actions caused, according to the Register. The boys mother reportedly broke into tears.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I hope you are sincere about that, Orange County Superior Court Judge M. Marc Kelly told Alcazar. You impacted a lot of people. Before being led out of the courtroom, the O.C. Register said an emotional Alcazar embraced her family.

Prosecutors said Alcazar was driving a Ford Expedition in February 2018 when she spotted the teen who had bloodied her sons nose in an after-school altercation. She first bumped him with her vehicle, the Register reported, but he stayed on his feet and tried to run across Harbor Boulevard.

Alcazar allegedly drove after him, veered onto the sidewalk near Harbor and La Habra boulevards, and struck him again, breaking his leg and pinning him into a bush. Two of her sons then got out of the SUV and punched the injured boy before leaving him screaming in pain, prosecutors said.

She doesnt call 911. She doesnt check to see if this kid is OK, Deputy District Attorney Neal Albright said during sentencing. She doesnt know if this kid has internal injuries. She doesnt know if he is bleeding out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alcazars attorney argued that she mistakenly believed she was protecting her children.

Judge Kelly noted that Alcazar had no prior criminal record and opted against the two-year prison term sought by prosecutors. In addition to jail time, she was ordered to complete an anger management program and had her drivers license suspended.

With good behavior, Alcazars time in custody may be reduced. Her two sons were arrested in connection with the incident, but it is unclear if they were ever charged.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Los Angeles city workers and police officers began clearing out a major homeless encampment near the 405 Freeway on July 31, removing trash, tents and an estimated 5075 unhoused residents from a patch of Van Nuys sidewalk that had become known as "Tent City" or The Compound.

This is a notorious encampment, Mayor Karen Bass told reporters at the scene. This is such a dangerous location. I saw propane canisters all over the place. This is dangerous.

The move was met with non-violent resistance from protestors who padlocked the gates to the encampment and protested with signs as the work unfolded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The operation was part of the citys Inside Safe initiative  a voluntary program aimed at relocating people from the street into motel rooms, and eventually, permanent housing. Officials emphasized that the event was not a sweep, but a housing-led outreach push.

We try to take people together so that we dont break up the community, Bass said, noting that community-based organizations take over once individuals are housed in motels, providing food, security and social workers.

But the event  and the program itself  has reignited debate over whether the citys resources are being used effectively in the fight against homelessness.

Don't miss

What is Inside Safe?

Launched in late 2022, Inside Safe is the cornerstone of Mayor Basss homelessness response. The program aims to clear encampments by offering motel rooms and services as a bridge to permanent housing. As of spring 2024:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

2,482 people were brought inside from the streets.

Only 440 transitioned to permanent housing.

The programs costs ballooned to over $300 million, with some estimates placing per-person spending at $96,000

Despite high costs, Mayor Bass has defended the program as a humane alternative to letting Angelenos live in dangerous squalor.

"But here's the choice. Do you pay for them to be in motels? Or do you allow them to beat in squalor, endanger themselves and endanger everybody else while you work to build a house?" she told Fox LA. We are looking for more cost-effective ways than motels. We have reduced the price this year, and we hope to reduce it even further moving forward. But one thing that I will not tolerate is Angeleno's living in dangerous squalor conditions."

Is it working?

The city has seen some progress. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA):

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homelessness in L.A. County declined 4% in 2025, to 72,308 people.

Unsheltered homelessness in the city fell 7.9%.

Chronic homelessness dropped 22%.

The Van Nuys site was one of the largest cleared in the San Fernando Valley, and LAHSA officials called it a major milestone.

But critics argue the city is simply shuffling people from encampment to motel  without building long-term solutions fast enough.

Human Rights Watch called the program unsustainable, and said many people return to the streets because of limited services, poor planning, and a lack of permanent housing supply.

Read more: Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10)

What's working in other cities?

While Los Angeles grapples with the mounting cost and complexity of its homelessness response, other U.S. cities are charting alternative paths  some with striking success.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In cities like Houston, Austin, and New York, the most effective responses share a common philosophy: prioritize permanent housing over temporary shelter, and align public and nonprofit agencies under a unified strategy.

Houston, for example, has drawn national attention for reducing its homeless population by nearly 60% since 2011. The citys housing first approach hinges on robust coordination between local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits  allowing them to pool resources and streamline placements.

In Austin, tiny home communities like Community First! Village offer another model  providing affordable, dignified shelter and wraparound services in one location. With philanthropic support, the community is expanding to house over 2,000 people.

And while New York City has faced ongoing challenges, it has leaned heavily into hotel conversions, rental assistance programs, and legal protections for unhoused tenants. Though far from a solved problem, the city has set a precedent for large-scale shelter expansion in a dense urban environment.

Whats next?

Coinciding with the Van Nuys clearance, Councilmember Adrin Nazarian broke ground on the districts fourth tiny home village, which will provide 100 new beds for unhoused residents. Its scheduled to open in Spring 2026, with an estimated cost of $4 million, ABC 7 reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, the city plans to fence off the cleared area to prevent future encampments from forming  a temporary fix in a city where affordable housing remains scarce and more than 45,000 people are still unsheltered.

Clearing encampments and offering motel rooms can offer short-term relief, but experts agree: the only real solution is more permanent, deeply affordable housing  and the political will to fund and build it at scale.

Without that, even the most well-funded programs risk becoming costly cycles of displacement, not recovery.

What to read next

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

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.
Explosions were heard in several Russian regions on the night of 1-2 August, accompanied by air defence systems responding. Eyewitnesses have reported a drone attack and large-scale fires at oil refineries, explosions at radio plants and near a military air base.

Source: Russian Telegram channels

Details: Videos published on social media showed a large-scale fire, reportedly on the grounds of the Novokuibyshevsk oil refinery in Samara Oblast. The footage captures sounds resembling drone activity and air defence systems responding.

          pic.twitter.com/EOQhSaXExf     (@ukrpravda_news) August 2, 2025

Samara Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the drone strike on Novokuibyshevsk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Enemy UAVs attacked one of the industrial facilities in Novokuibyshevsk this morning. Emergency services are working at the scene," he wrote.

He also reported that temporary restrictions had been imposed on mobile internet in the oblast and Samara airport had suspended operations.

Drones also reportedly hit JSC Electropribor Production Association in the city of Penza in Penza Oblast. This business is directly linked to the Russian defence sector and specialises in the production of control components for Russian missile and communication systems.

   " ' ""     pic.twitter.com/O1l1Ijtgpx     (@ukrpravda_news) August 2, 2025

Located nearby is JSC Radiozavod, the only Russian defence plant that manufactures control systems for air defence units, which was likely also affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eyewitnesses said loud explosions had been heard near Dyagilevo air base in Ryazan Oblast.

Another oil refinery was reportedly hit in the city of Ryazan. Local Telegram channels posted eyewitness videos showing a column of fire. Oblast authorities confirmed the drone attack on a local facility, without specifying which one.

  

Columns of smoke

Photo: social media

Residents of Lipetsk and Voronezh oblasts also reported UAV attacks and air defence responding.

For reference: JSC Kuibyshev Refinery specialises in producing motor fuels, including Euro-5 standard petrol and diesel, and several dozen other in-demand petroleum products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Background: On the night of 1-2 August, a series of explosions were also heard in several cities in temporarily occupied Crimea. The Russians closed the Crimean Bridge to traffic.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The attorney for the fourth and latest suspect arrested in connection to the Cincinnati fight claims his client has schizophrenia.

Dominique Kittle, 37, was arrested on Aug. 1 and is facing charges of felonious assault and aggravated riot. During his arraignment the following day, Kittle's attorney Caleb Baum told municipal court Judge Gwen Bender that he has paranoid schizophrenia and she should take into consideration the context of his situation.

"He was scared," Baum explained. "He was an impressionable person that night. Hes charged with an M1 and everybody got charged with the F4."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Everybody that was involved," Baum continued. "Except for the man that thrown the first punch and the man that said the N word multiple times with Black people, which I find to be very

Baum was then cut off mid-sentence by Bender who accused him of "grandstanding," the act of making exaggerated or theatrical statements or actions primarily to impress an audience rather than to genuinely advance their legal arguments or contribute to the court's understanding of the case.

Bender set Kittle's bond at a total of $150,000. He is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center.

A grand jury is set to hear the case by Aug. 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This latest arrest came just hours after Mayor Aftab Pureval and other city leaders held a press conference on Aug. 1 in which they announced plans to help combat crime, addressed public safety concerns and gave updates on the investigation into the fight.

Kittle joins Montianez Merriweather, 34; Jermaine Matthews, 39; and Dekyra Vernon, 24, as those who have been arrested after the fight near Fourth and Elm streets sparked great concern across the Cincinnati area. Police are still looking for two remaining suspects and will name them when they're apprehended, Police Chief Teresa Theetge said at the conference.

More: JD Vance talks viral fight, Bengals, and Sydney Sweeney

Dominique Kittle, left, stands next to attorney Caleb Baum during his bond hearing on Aug. 2, 2025.

Police will be more visible downtown

During the conference, the mayor and police chief outlined steps they will take immediately to address concerns over rising crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People will see more police on downtown streets, Pureval said.

"They're going to see police officers on foot," Pureval said. "They're going to see police officers on bike patrols. They're going to see police officers in squad cars. They're going to see police officers on Segways and on Segways that have three wheels. We are prioritizing visibility in our urban core in order to not just maintain safety, but to make sure people feel safe when they're going out."

Pureval and Theetge announced a new bike patrol that will patrol the area around Fountain Square. He didn't say how many officers would be part of that bike patrol.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Pureval spoke on Wednesday, with the governor agreeing to send Ohio Highway Patrol troopers to help. Troopers will work traffic details on the highways to free up Cincinnati police to patrol and investigate in the urban core, Pureval said. This will last on a week-by-week basis until it's deemed no longer necessary, Pureval said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theetge said the Hamilton County Police Chiefs Association will form a committee of law enforcement and judges to look at ways to reform the justice system and "work for a safer Cincinnati." She didn't reveal any more specifics about the new committee.

Mayor Aftab Pureval speaks during a press conference on Aug. 1, 2025, at a press conference at Riverfront Park in Cincinnati.

Mayor, council member critical of how city is being portrayed

Pureval and others took aim at those who they see as sensationalizing the event.

"The racial dynamics of this fight are unavoidable, and some have cynically used the opportunity to divide us along racial lines," Pureval said. "That is a choice we must reject."

Councilman Scotty Johnson, who chairs City Council's public safety committee, slammed the media for fixating on the fight and the divisiveness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"When you continuously run a loop where you have national leaders that are speaking irresponsible, showing Black and White people trying to knock each other's heads off," Johnson said, "what role do you play, media, in continually showing that level of violence?"

More: 'Some people acting crazy:' 911 call from viral Downtown fight released

What happened in the Cincinnati brawl?

In one of the mutliple videos that caputred the incident, a group of people is seen striking one man until he falls to the ground as they continue to punch and kick him. Shortly after, another man is seen punching a woman in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, where she remained motionless until a person helped pick her back up.

During a July 30 arraignment, Cincinnati police Detective Barney Blank said video of the incident shows Merriweather walking up to Matthews whispering something to him and approaching one of the victims from behind before striking him in the face.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Merriweather and Matthews then chased the victim, who was trying to retreat, to the ground before punching and kicking him, Blank said. The detective added that Merriweather went after another man.

Attorney: Video shows racial slurs that 'triggered' downtown Cincinnati brawl

Jermaine Matthews, 39, stands in front of Municipal Court Judge Michael Peck during his arraignment on charges stemming from the early morning downtown brawl on July 26, 2025. His bond was set at $100,000, July 30, 2025. At right is his attorney, Brandon Fox.

Blank added that Matthews was seen on video knocking the victim to the ground and kicking him several times in the face and chest, before going after another victim.

Blank said that Vernon was a bystander watching the brawl when she approached and punched a Russian woman trying to protect someone on the ground.

The detective said Vernon was not involved in any of the arguments that preceded the fight. "She just interjected herself into a brawl on the street," Blank said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, Vernon is also accused of striking the woman who video shows was struck by a man that caused her to lose consciousness.

Who was injured in the fight?

Jonathan Cunningham, a spokesperson for the Cincinnati police, told USA TODAY on Tuesday, July 29, in an email that "two victims did go to the hospital the following day with at that time non-life-threatening injuries, treated and (were) released."

He added that he did not know what the status is of their follow-up care.

During the Aug. 1 press conference, Police Chief Teresa Theetge said investigators have identified six people they say were attacked and suffered "unimaginable physical violence." The people include five males and one female, who Cunningham confirmed is the woman who lost consciousness and is now actively cooperating with police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Russian woman, who Blank said was punched by Vernon, is a different woman than the one knocked unconscious, Cunningham added, and has since returned to her home country.

This story will be updated when more information becomes available.

Enquirer reporters Scott Wartman, Hailey Roden, Aaron Valdez, David Ferrara, Quinlan Bentley and Cameron Knight contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati fight: Fourth suspect arrested, police says more to follow
Mykyta and Sofiia Lamekhov, both just 23, their two-year-old son Lev and their unborn baby were killed in a Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 30-31 July.

Source: Sloviansk City Military Administration on Facebook

Details: Mykyta and Sofiia were from Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast and had moved to Kyiv in the summer of 2022, the authorities said. Initially, when Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Sofiia had gone to Germany, where she lived for several months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote from Sloviansk City Military Administration: "Mykyta and Sofiia were the same age. They were born in Sloviansk in 2002. Both studied at School No. 17 and graduated from an agricultural technical school.

After evacuating to Kyiv in 2022, the young couple got married. Their son was born the same year. Sofiia was on maternity leave, and Mykyta worked as a security guard in a shop in the ATB chain."

The family rented an apartment on the fourth floor of a high-rise building, a section of which was hit by a missile. Their bodies were found under the rubble 24 hours later.

The Sloviansk administration noted that the family will be buried in their home city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sofiia is survived by her parents, three younger brothers, and two grandmothers, while Mykyta is survived by his mother, father, grandmother, and younger sister.

Background:

Thirty-one people, including five children, were killed in Russias attack on Kyiv on the night of 30-31 July.

Among the victims was six-year-old Matvii Marchenko, who was enrolled in a Kyiv karate club and had been training there for a year and a half. Russias overnight missile strike on Kyivs Sviatoshynskyi district also claimed the life of a patrol police officer, Liliia Stepanchuk.

Two sisters, Alina and Anastasiia Humeniuk, and their mother, Iryna, were killed in the Russian strike. The family had been internally displaced from Donbas, seeking to escape the war and find safety.

The Russian strike also claimed the life of 17-year-old Vladyslav Haiovyi, who had just completed his studies at Lyceum No. 13. He was likely the son of Nataliia Haiova, a 47-year-old preschool teacher who was also killed in the attack.

Russia also took the lives of neurologist Roman Moskalenko, Vitalii Raboshchuk, who practised Japanese martial arts, and Vlada, Raboshchuks 18-year-old daughter.

Nataliia Mazina, a journalist from Ukrainian public broadcaster Hromadske, and her husband Dmytro Mazin were injured in the Russian drone strike on the Sviatoshynskyi district, and their apartment is uninhabitable.

Another 159 people were injured, 16 of them children.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Fox News host Laura Ingraham recently criticized Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas) with a common MAGA-esque line of attack thats often used against women and people of color.

Last Friday, Ingraham reposted a video interview that featured Crockett on X, formerly Twitter. The representative had delivered remarks at a press briefing addressing the GOPs redistricting efforts that same day. Another reminder that having a law degree doesnt mean youre smart, Ingraham wrote about Crockett on X.

The Fox News host has leveled disparaging remarks about Crockett before. In April, Ingraham and Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo both criticized the Texas Democrat, whos Black, by spewing racial tropes and stereotypes.

Racial equity begins with sharing real stories. HuffPost is committed to amplifying voices and experiences that drive the conversation on racial justice and equality. Support our mission to tell these important stories by joining our membership program today.

During a segment of The Ingraham Angle, Arroyo called Crockett the Madea of Capitol Hill, while Ingraham scrutinized the way the congresswoman speaks. She charged that Crockett speaks in a very different way than how she did in the past.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And now shes going very ... street, Ingraham said at the time, as she swayed her head side-to-side.

Tabitha Bonilla, an associate professor of political science and human development and social policy at Northwestern University, previously told HuffPost in response to that segment of The Ingraham Angle, that the labels Arroyo and Ingraham used for Crockett felt overtly racist.

Dog whistles tend to be subtle  you only understand them if you know what to listen for, she said, emphasizing that their remarks werent subtle references.

President Donald Trump has a long history of questioning the intelligence of women and people of color. Among the criticisms hes received for disparaging people of color over their intelligence  and for using phrases like low IQ  is the demeaning language hes used toward Black female journalists. He infamously told CNNs Abby Phillip during his first term as president that she asked stupid questions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And as it relates to Ingrahams recent attack on Crockett, Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo whose expertise includes gender, feminism, race and class, said that the Fox News host carries water for a president who does not know the difference between an IQ test and a basic cognitive screening for dementia.

The way that both of them constantly disparage the intelligence of exceptionally bright, genuinely accomplished people like Jasmine Crockett reveals, I think, a deep insecurity about their own mental capacity, she said. Trump in particular demonstrates the wisdom of the adage my grandma told me as a child: When you point a finger, three fingers are pointing back at you.

Trump and his MAGA base are growing a culture of cruelty, Winter said. And its concerning.

Im confident that Crockett easily shrugs off Ingrahams insults, considering the source, Winter said. What is more concerning is the way that Ingraham, Trump and their ilk are aggressively growing a culture of cruelty, conjuring up the ugliest roots of American history.

Like a toxic red tide, Trump and right-wing media are deliberately propagating forms of hate and sadism that have deep roots in racism, xenophobia and misogyny, she continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Winter emphasized that history is proof that a political leader can feed an appetite for cruelty, and that it can grow and spread to the point where no one is safe.

An addiction to hate is arguably the most contagious and deadly of all human diseases. No one is safe when a society celebrates violence, she said.

Crockett is often the target of right-wing, racist and anti-Black attacks online. Shes often ridiculed for the way she speaks and her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Last month, comments she made about first lady Melania Trumpsimmigration history during a hearing on Capitol Hill spurred racist attacks on social media, with some X users calling her ghetto trash, among other derogatory statements.

Ingrahams recent tweet about Crocketts intelligence spurred similar disturbing responses. Winter said that Ingraham and other rage machines are masters of clickbait.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are determined to mesmerize their audience with nonstop spectacles of insults, cruelties and jeers, she said.

Related...
Laurel: The AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival broke its attendance record for the fourth consecutive year, this time by 28%, the largest year-over-year increase yet, organizers said. The musicians who performed also upped the ante this year, said Bryan Hummel, Heritage Johnstowns co-chair for the festival. And crowds were undeterred by storms that hit both days of the event this past Friday and Saturday.

Barb: Vandals struck again recently at Hinckston Run Reservoir, where people damaging property has been an issue for some time. After several flower baskets and plaques were stolen from the Laurel Highlands Historical Villages veterans memorial below the dam, the groups executive director, Ron Shawley, put up new laminated signs asking people not to steal the flowers. Why would you go out of your way to destroy property? he said. The vandalism issue led the Cambria Somerset Authority to delay building a playground at Hinckston Run and to take the extra step of securing play equipment in cement deep in the ground.

Laurel: Author Cody McDevitt, who wrote the 2020 book Banished from Johnstown about the 1923 Rosedale banishment, recently also wrote a play about the infamous incident. He is raising funds to stage and film the play and then use a recorded version as an educational tool to help students learn the story. I think if we can actually take this and then edit it and put it online, I think it will further help understand the story, McDevitt said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barb: Gov. Josh Shapiros administration says billions of dollars in aid to Pennsylvanias schools and human services will be delayed as he and the politically divided legislature struggle to end a budget stalemate in Harrisburg. State-supported universities, libraries, early childhood education programs and county health departments also will see delays in payments, Shapiros administration said in letters sent Tuesday to providers.

Laurel: A new restaurant in downtown Johnstown, Bettys Bayou Bistro & Creamery at 538 Vine St., features ice cream, Cajun food and views over the Stonycreek River, owner Dave Jurcic said. I have a passion for cooking, he said. I like spicy food, and theres a need for something different here in Johnstown. Im really excited. He named his business in honor of his mother, Betty, who taught him to cook.

Barb: Incorrect altitude readings on the Army helicopter that collided with a passenger plane over Washington, D.C., in January contributed to the aircraft getting too close, but air traffic controllers had warned about the hazards that helicopter traffic presented years before the crash. Despite the concerns about the route the Black Hawk helicopter followed that night, the Federal Aviation Administration didnt change it or warn pilots about it. The details came out of the first day of National Transportation Safety Board hearings in Washington this week about the disaster, which killed all 67 people aboard both aircraft, including a 1995 Westmont Hilltop High School graduate and her family.

Laurel: The Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association Convention in Nanty Glo this past week gave firefighters from around the region a chance to reunite, relax and engage in friendly competition. The annual convention dates back decades, and many firefighters have been attending for many years. Its a good week for everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves, recharge their batteries and look forward to the next year, said Johnstown Fire Department Chief Jim McCann.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE)  Promised to voters more than 15 years ago, the California High-Speed Rail project is over budget, behind schedule, and now, by law, must finally explain exactly how it plans to finish the job and pay for it.

Freshman Assemblyman David Tangipa, author of AB 377, celebrated a victory Wednesday when Governor Gavin Newsom signed his bill requiring the California High-Speed Rail Authority to submit a locked-in funding plan for the entire project  no more vague projections, no more moving targets.

We are 400% over the estimated cost, Tangipa said. That doesnt happen in the private sector [you would] not only be fired, but be blacklisted from work. But you can, if you work for the government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AB 377 requires the California High-Speed Rail Authority to produce a comprehensive and legally binding funding framework that outlines how the project will be completed, what it will cost and how the funding will be secured.

If the agency fails to stick to its plan, Tangipa said, it could trigger legal consequences that could bring the project to a halt.

We need a fine line, Tangipa said.  You either build the high-speed rail and you get it done and you create a plan in place, or you have an offload plan and you make sure that the Central Valley isnt left with a modern-day Stonehenge.

Voters originally approved the high-speed rail project in 2008. Tangipa was 12 then.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Now its expected to be done by the time Im 50, Tangipa said. Even my kids potentially arent going to ride on it the project is already obsolete for the technology that it was already approved for.

The Central Valley segment, between Merced and Bakersfield, is the only part under construction. But Tangipa argued even that has been mismanaged. He said contractors have been paid millions in delay fees, sometimes up to $5 million a month, because state planners didnt know the location of easements or utility lines before breaking ground.

AB 377 passed with surprising ease in a legislature dominated by Democrats. Tangipa said thats a sign lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are beginning to recognize the flaws in the project.

This was on the legislature and the governor, and Im grateful for both of them, he said.  I think he may try to use this bill as one that, to argue with the federal administration on, look at what were doing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump Administration officially pulled $4 billion in federal funding for the project in July.

Tangipa is open to the idea of private companies taking over the high-speed rail project. He said the Central Valley cities left holding the bag need clarity to make long-term development decisions.

 We cannot have this arbitrary is it gonna get done, is it not? Tangipa said. Thats not good governance.

Now that AB 377 is law, the clock is ticking and the penalties are clear for the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS47 and KSEE24 | News from YourCentralValley.com.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Later this month, lawmakers will kick off budget hearings for the upcoming legislative session.

A point of discussion will be updating the funding method for Alabamas four-year universities. Lawmakers told CBS 42 that incentivizing schools could make for a better workforce in the state.

Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) said over a billion dollars is allocated to Alabamas universities every year. He said there should be more accountability for how these dollars are used.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We want to encourage our universities to retain the students, Orr explained. Because the taxpayers are paying for part of that education if that student that doesnt continue on. And, if theyre not able to achieve the best, the most that they can achieve then, thats a human capital loss to our state.

Orr said the legislature can combat that loss by taking graduation rates into consideration. He said promoting majors that align with workforce needs could also be an incentive for colleges.

Northport voters express frustrations with city council

We need to be training Alabamas future for those positions that do need a college degree. And not  we dont have the luxury of spending it on degrees that may look good or sound good, but theyre really not gonna help the future of our state, said Orr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gordon Stone, executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, agreed that every university has a unique set of needs. But, he said the success of one university might look different than another.

Whatever those formulas are, take into account the uniqueness of the missions, the uniqueness of the expectations, the uniqueness of the clientele and the marketplace in which these institutions work, said Stone.

He continued that each board of trustees, from Huntsville to Mobile, serve different student populations.

Having the flexibility to design those curriculums, and those degrees to match those expanding marketplaces, are all important characteristics that have to be considered when you talk about creating performance-based outcomes, Stone explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stone said universities in the state have a $27 billion economic impact on the state every year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Lawsuit claims Mayo Clinic discriminated against worker's religion by requiring COVID-19 vaccine originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A new federal lawsuit alleges that the Mayo Clinic discriminated against an employee by not waiving a COVID-19 vaccination requirement due to his religious beliefs.

The lawsuit filed Thursday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims that the Mayo refused to grant a security guards 2021 request for an exemption to Mayo's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, citing his Pentecostal faith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The employee told the Mayo that he belongs to the Assemblies of God, which places faith in the concept of "divine healing," and claims the vaccine contained ingredients that were against his beliefs.

But the Rochester-based health care system rejected the exemption request and allegedly threatened to fire the employee, "effectively forcing him to receive the vaccine and violate his conscience and religious beliefs to save his job," according an announcement from the EEOC.

Mayo declined to provide comment to Bring Me The News due to the pending litigation.

Employees have a right to request reasonable religious accommodations without fear of punishment or termination, including for vaccination policies, EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Effectively forcing employees to submit to vaccinations against sincerely held religious beliefs can violate federal civil rights laws. The EEOC will hold employers accountable for such violations of Title VII.

Alan Levine, Flickr

The lawsuit alleges that the security guard explained the basis of his religious beliefs and offered to test for COVID-19 and wear a mask rather than get the vaccine, but Mayo did not believe the employees religious beliefs were sincere.

The EEOC says it initially attempted to reach a settlement with Mayo before filing the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on Thursday.

The EEOC seeks monetary damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief and policy changes at Mayo to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory virus that since appearing in late 2019 has caused more than 1.2 million deaths in the U.S. alone.

Related: U.S. News ranks Minnesota's top hospitals in 2025

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A new lawsuit filed on Friday accuses a Family Dollar in Kansas City of negligence leading up to a partial roof collapse.

A 68-year-old man was killed in the collapse near West 37th Street and Broadway Boulevard on Sunday, July 27.

Hearing held, no recall election date of Jackson County Executive set

The lawsuit names Arthur Fels Company, Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC and Family Dollar, Inc.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The woman who filed the lawsuit claims she was shopping at the store when the roof collapsed, falling directly onto her and crushing her.

The lawsuit states that heavy debris that fell on her caused severe and permanent injuries to her entire body.

According to the lawsuit, a car crashed into the store in 2016, knocking down a support pillar in the front of the building. The support pillar was never replaced or repaired.

The lawsuit claims Family Dollar took no steps to repair the building or alert customers to the buildings condition.

The woman is asking for compensation of damages in excess of $25,000, together with interest and costs and for further relief as the court deems just and proper. She is also requesting a jury in this case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SWL Injury Lawyers, LLC released the following statement to FOX4 Friday night:

SWL Injury Lawyers, LLC is proud to represent the kind and innocent individual who was catastrophically injured in the Family Dollar collapse on July 27, 2025. We look forward to holding the appropriate parties responsible. Based on our preliminary investigation, it appears Family Dollar and the property owner knew the building was not structurally safe and presented a serious danger to customers and the general public. It is heartbreaking that this tragedy could have been avoided, but instead, Family Dollar put profits over safety. Our hearts go out to the individual that was killed and the others injured. We ask that anyone with information contact our firm immediately so that we can get justice for our client and the other victims of this avoidable tragedy.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also confirmed on Friday its helping in the investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  A suspected thief is dead and two others are on the run following an attempted ATM theft at a Murfreesboro gas station Friday morning.

The Murfreesboro Police Department revealed the unidentified man was killed by an armed civilian at the 7-Eleven Exxon on East Northfield Boulevard on Friday, Aug. 1.

Authorities said the three suspects backed a stolen pickup truck to the store around 5 a.m. and used a sledgehammer to smash a window before trying to pull the ATM from its base with a guy wire. A customer inside the store reportedly opened fire, hitting one of the would-be thieves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its crazy. I mean, people are just nuts anymore. You dont know what to expect, Murfreesboro resident Karen Laakkonen said.

PREVIOUS: Deadly shooting amid ATM theft at Murfreesboro gas station

Police said they interviewed the armed civilian and released him. Investigators will now work to determine if the deadly shooting was justified.

They went there with what appears to be a pretty clear plan. They just didnt count on the citizen having a gun, criminal defense attorney Ben Powers said.

The other two suspects fled the scene, abandoned the stolen truck at a nearby apartment complex, and escaped in a separate getaway vehicle, according to law enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorney David King explained that under Tennessees Stand Your Ground law, an individual doesnt have to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense  but certain criteria must be met.

On a commercial piece of property, for a person to do something like this, they have to be in fear, in imminent fear of personal harm, or in fear for their life, said King.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Powers told News 2 he believes that argument could be made.

When you smash a window and go into a store, you dont get the presumption that youre going to act reasonable once you get into the store that youve just broken into, Powers said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, both attorneys agreed that these cases can become complicated, and there are things armed individuals need to consider.

Its not just automatically a self-defense situation, Powers said. It goes through the scrutiny of law enforcement, the DAs office, and then if there are charges, potentially a jury, as well.

Detectives said this was an isolated incident, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Aug. 1WILKES-BARRE  U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week joined state legislators and industry leaders for a series of facility tours and a roundtable discussion focused on positioning Pennsylvania as a national leader in the domestic production of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements.

The day began with site visits to two pioneering lithium extraction facilities utilizing produced water from the Marcellus Shale  the Avonlea/Kendra II facility in Springville and the Gradiant/C2G facility in Montrose showcased groundbreaking technologies that recover lithium from fracking brine  reducing environmental waste while strengthening America's energy independence.

"These facilities represent the future of American energy," Meuser said. "What we saw today is innovation in action  private sector ingenuity transforming waste into strategic resources. They're proving that we don't need to look overseas to meet our energy needs. By responsibly tapping into what's available domestically, we can create jobs, protect the environment, and secure our national supply chain from adversaries like China."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following the tours, Meuser participated in a roundtable at The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. The discussion focused on how federal and state policymakers can work with private industry to expand critical mineral production, streamline permitting, and create rural economic opportunities.

Meuser also announced that he will soon introduce legislation to establish a production tax credit for companies extracting critical minerals  including rare earth elements from coal byproducts and lithium from fracking brine. He said these credits are aimed at unlocking overlooked domestic resources, strengthening U.S. manufacturing, and turning existing waste into valuable supply chain inputs.

"America imports nearly 90% of our critical minerals  many of them from foreign adversaries. That is unacceptable," Meuser said. "My legislation will help reverse that dependency by turning underutilized materials like coal ash and brine water into strategic assets. It's about pairing innovation with environmental reuseconverting industrial waste streams into sustainable inputs for clean energy, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing."

Meuser concluded by saying that this "is a win-win for Pennsylvania. We bring new opportunity to our legacy energy regions, revitalize local economies, and help the U.S. lead the next industrial revolution. It's time to match bold policy with private sector potential  and this bill will do just that."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meuser's upcoming bill builds on momentum created by the Trump Administration, which began the push to onshore critical mineral refining and processing.

Meuser offered special thanks to State Rep. Jonathan Fritz and William desRosiers of Coterra Energy for organizing an insightful and productive day. He said Coterra Energy is helping lead innovation in Pennsylvania. Through community engagement and investment, Rep. Meuser said Coterra will help drive Pennsylvania into a new age of energy production.

Attendees Included:

State Rep. Jonathan Fritz, 111th District (Host); Commissioner Dave Darrow; Commissioner Robert McNamara; Rep. Tina Pickett, 110th District; Rep. Kristin Marcell, 178th District; Rep. James B. Struzzi II, 62nd District; Rep. Michael Stender, 108th District; Rep. Clint Owlett, 68th District; Rep. Brenda Pugh, 120th District; Rep. Alec Ryncavage, 119th District; Rep. Jamie Flick, 83rd District; Doug Brett, President, Avonlea Lithium Corp.; Ron Lincz, P.Eng., COO, Avonlea Lithium Corp.; Jesse Bonnice, President, C2G Energy Services; Cristine Clayton, Executive Director & CEO, Endless Mountains; Earle Wootton, Chairman of the Board, Endless Mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McCormick, Fetterman introduce legislation

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, this week introduced the PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act to protect U.S. markets, consumers and national economic security.

The senators said this legislation is in response to growing concerns on the unequal regulatory landscape between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) that expose U.S. financial markets and consumer data to risk from Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked firms.

"The PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act recognizes that CCP-linked firms pose an inherent risk to our financial system," McCormick said. "This bill gives the financial regulators necessary time to evaluate the impact on U.S. consumer protection and protects the U.S. retail investor."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Pennsylvanians don't want their hardearned savings snooped on or toyed with by the Chinese Communist Party," Fetterman said. "This bipartisan bill slams the brakes on CCPlinked brokerdealers and investment advisers until our regulators can give them a full, nononsense inspection. Protecting American investors and our economic security isn't a partisan fight, and I'm proud to team up with Senator McCormick to get it done."

While China restricts access of U.S. firms to its retail financial market, U.S. markets are open for business to Chinese affiliates. The affiliates have access to millions of Americans' personally identifiable information and sensitive data.

Baker encourages local veterans to sign up for E-newsletter

Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, this week launched a new digital newsletter to better connect with the nearly 20,000 veterans across the 20th Senatorial District and keep them informed on legislation, services and resources specifically tailored to those who served.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The monthly "News for Veterans" e-newsletter will highlight state and federal programs, benefits updates, community events and relevant policy developments. Baker encourages all local veterans, their families and those who advocate for veterans' issues to sign up and stay informed.

"Veterans deserve more than our gratitude  they deserve easy access to the benefits and support they've earned," Baker said. "This new e-newsletter is one more way we can ensure they're getting up-to-date information on the programs and services available to them here in Pennsylvania."

Veterans can subscribe to "News for Veterans" through a dedicated sign-up form on Baker's website at www.senatorbaker.com/veterans-enews-signup.

State announces new advisory committee

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) this week announced the members appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to serve on the Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) Advisory Committee, which will support the Commonwealth's first-ever ADRD Office within PDA.

"The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is proud to help, support and advocate for those impacted by Alzheimer's and Dementia," said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. "This Advisory Committee will support the ADRD Office with its goals of addressing the growing public health crisis in our Commonwealth while further amplifying the Department's work. I look forward to working with our partners to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians living with ADRD, their families and caregivers."

The establishment of the ADRD Office within the Department of Aging is among the tactics of Aging Our Way, PA  the 10-year strategic plan designed to meet the needs of older Pennsylvanians and improve services for this rapidly growing population.

The ADRD Advisory Committee is made up of accomplished professionals who will advise the Department on necessary updates and implementation of the State Plan, assess the current and future impact of ADRD, and develop strategies to mobilize a statewide response.

The committee will convene for its first meeting on Aug. 14.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
To the editor: Im sorry former Vice President Kamala Harris decided not to run for governor of California ( Kamala Harris says she is not running for California governor, July 30). She is the only Democrat who has the total package to protect Californias future. Harris has the character; the state, local and national political skills; and the necessary experience, expertise and leadership to fight President Trump and the tactics hes trying to use to get California to bend the knee.

Harris is a statesman respected by leaders around the world, where character, trust, integrity, truth and commitment matter. And in her presidential bid to lead the country, she had a solid domestic agenda that Trump dismissed with lies about his own abilities.

California needs Gov. Harris, a governor who would know about our struggles with the homelessness crisis, high home-buying costs, high costs of living and how to protect our economy and people from being attacked by the Trump administration. Hopefully, Harris will reconsider her decision not to run for governor and recognize her leadership is necessary here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Donald Peppars, Pomona

..

To the editor: Harris has nothing to prove to anyone. Her record speaks for itself. She served California with distinction as attorney general and senator. Her service as vice president of the United States has only amplified that impact on a national and global scale.

Speculation or political noise, the truth is clear: Shes already made history and more importantly, shes made a difference. She ran an inspiring campaign for president and the masses are now realizing the kind of leadership we missed. Whatever her next steps may be, her voice, experience and advocacy are needed and appreciated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Conrad Angel Corral, Cathedral City

..

To the editor: It was mildly surprising to note that Harris will not seek the California governors seat. One would have thought she would see it as a stepping stone to the presidency. But on the front page of the California section, the apparent reason comes to light with a story about how a 2026 governorship would interfere with the timeline for the next presidential nomination cycle ( By scrapping bid for California governor, Harris boosts White House prospects  if she runs, July 30).

Columnist Mark Z. Barabak posits that she wouldnt want to enter the presidential cycle as a sitting governor if she won. Really? As Barabak points out, other governors have.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Democrats would be insane to even consider her for their nomination after the results of the 2024 election. But dont underestimate them.

Joseph A. Lea, Mission Viejo

..

To the editor: Two words for Harris regarding her option to run for president: please dont ( Run for president? Start a podcast? Tackle AI? Kamala Harris options are wide open, July 31). We need new leadership, someone who can demonstrate understanding and empathy for both parties as well as offering solutions that meet a wider variety of needs. A reaction to the current administration is not whats needed. A new vision that includes both parties is.

Dan Brumer, Encino

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Approaching almost a month since the devastating flooding that hit Central Texas, many communities are still rebuilding.

Liberty Hill was one of those communities impacted by the flooding. About a day following the initial flooding, the city set up a page where people could request or provide help.

That gave us a way to capture that data in a database, said Katie Amsler, Liberty Hills Director of Community Engagement and Communication. We use that initial data to match the people that needed help with the resources, but then we were also able to use that data to really assess our needs, and that was key, because it helped us to have boots on the ground walking around.

What the Liberty Hill website page for disaster relief looked like initially

Jermey Stillman operates a tactical aviation company that helps with disaster recovery and was looking for ways to help when the flooding hit. Stillman praised how the page functioned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I myself know hundreds, if not thousands of people who were reaching out to me saying, who do we talk to,' Stillman said. I was able to tell them, look at Liberty Hill website.'

Mayor of Liberty Hill Crystal Mancilla said collaboration across different organizations was essential to help people needing basic necessities.

I think creating the distribution center was huge, Mancilla said. It was definitely a team effort of pulling people who we all have strengths, and utilizing those to make sure we got the work done and we got it done quickly.

With the road to recovery still ongoing, Mancilla said its important to continue to communicate productivity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I believe that the residents of Liberty Hill embody the essence of protecting one another, Mancilla 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.
PRINCETON  A jury that convicted a Mercer County man Thursday afternoon for first-degree murder determined Friday morning that he should spend the rest of his life in prison.

Charles Lee Dawson of the Bluefield area was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder, kidnapping, use of a firearm in the commission of a firearm and gross child neglect. Dawson used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to murder 32-year-old Keri Michelle Billings in front of her two daughters.

The girls fled the Stoney Ridge Road home when their mother was killed and called Mercer County 911. One of them had recorded Dawson and Billings arguing before the fatal shot was fired into her head.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday morning, the jury reconvened before Circuit Court Judge Mark Wills for the proceedings second phase.

In West Virginia, juries convicting a person of first-degree murder can recommend mercy. If a jury recommends mercy, that person is eligible for parole after serving 15 years of their prison sentence; however, parole is not guaranteed.

If the jury does not recommend mercy, the sentence will be life in prison without parole.

Attorneys representing Dawson did not deny that their client had killed Billings, but they argued that he had been high on drugs when he fired the rifle. They asked the jury to find him guilty of a lesser offense, voluntary manslaughter, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. They also asked the jury not to convict Dawson of kidnapping. Dawson did not try to stop the daughters when they ran from the home or stop them from calling 911.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the daughters testified during the trial that they did not feel free to leave while Dawson, who was holding the rifle and had two pistols in his back pockets, were arguing with their mother. They also said they did not want to leave their mother.

Dawson did not testify during his trial. Judge Wills told the jurors before they started deliberations that this decision could not count against him since whether to testify was his choice.

During Fridays hearing, members of Billings and Dawsons families and friends testified and, at times overcome with emotion, asked the jury to grant mercy or not to grant mercy.

Attorney Caitlin Flanagan-Morgan, who represented Dawson with attorneys Patrick Erickson, Bobby Erickson and Blake Belcher, told the jury that Dawson did commit a terrible crime and needed to be punished, but he still had the chance to become a better person.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is about believing in the possibility of redemption, she said, asking the jurors to remember Dawsons sons and other members of his family will have to live their lives without him.

Im asking you to remember the power of mercy, to give him a chance to show the world that he is more than the worst thing he has ever done, Flanagan-Morgan said.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney David Pfeifer, who represented the state with Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran, asked the jurors not to forget Keri Michelle Billings and how her daughters will have to go on without her.

Pfeifer said there were details he could not share during Dawsons trial, but he could share them before they decided Friday whether he should have a chance for parole after serving 15 years of his life sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I wasnt allowed to tell you about the years and years of violent abuse, Pfeifer said. The girls and Keri suffered immensely at his hands. That night was the culmination of that abuse.

I think he is a coward and a domestic abuser who beats women and children behind closed doors, he said.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the verdict of life with no recommendation of mercy.

Soon after the jury was excused, Cochran commended the Mercer County Sheriffs Departments investigation of Billingss murder and the victims daughters for testifying at Dawsons trial. He also thanked Pfeifer and the staff at the prosecutors office for their work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cochran said it was rare to have a bifurcated trial for a person charged with first-degree murder, but the defense had asked the court for it. First comes the trial. If the defendant is convicted, the trial is followed by another hearing before the jury to determine whether their sentence should come with mercy or no mercy. Then members of the defendants family can ask the jury for mercy.

Dawson was not offered a plea agreement, Cochran said. Billingss family supported going to trial, participating in it and seeking a guilty verdict with no recommendation of mercy.

Pfeifer said after Fridays hearing that seeking the guilty verdict with no mercy was the familys decision.

We have a very victim-centered prosecution approach in our office, he said. We really defer to them in these kind of decisions and they were comfortable with going to trial and this is what they wanted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Judge Wills scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29. Flanagan-Morgan said the defense would be moving for a new trial.

Dawson was sent back to the Southern Regional Jail.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Two years ago, Tom Jones noticed a mole on his chest that he "didn't bother with".

The head of hospitality in Herm said "it was a little itchy" every so often but otherwise caused him no trouble.

A visit to the doctor confirmed it was a melanoma that had grown rapidly under the skin.

"Don't think that little itch is nothing because it's what's underneath is the problem, not what's on top," he said. "It came back to haunt me."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Jones said he was now a "breast less" after the 4.5 inch melanoma under his right nipple needed to be removed.

He said the growth on his chest "changed colour and it began to be quite an annoyance".

He got checked over at the hospital and was told it had been there "an awful long time" and it had grown significantly under his skin.

An operation which saw the full removal of his right breast.

Mr Jones said: "It had been growing quite rapidly underneath the skin, so therefore it wasn't treatable with a small incision, it had to be taken out completely."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The melanoma was successfully cut out but Mr Johns said he still goes for regular check-ups.

He urged visitors to the island to take responsibility of their safety in the sun.

"I'm personally more aware of that than anyone else because I have fallen foul to not protecting myself," he said.

"Don't hesitate, get that sun cream on, and if you've got an itch, get it checked.

"It's everyone's personal responsibility and it's really important for you to bring some protection with you [to the island]."

This story is part of BBC Guernsey's Sun Safety Campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

More on this story
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A 73-year-old woman last seen Friday morning has been found safe and is in good condition, the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office said..

LPSO said Diane Sue Benham was last spotted around 7:45 a.m. on Aug. 1 in the Juban Crossing area. She was wearing a gray shirt, tan shorts, and was carrying a white bag at the time of her disappearance.

Authorities were working closely with Benhams family, who shared that she has not taken her required medications and would need medical attention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sheriff Jasob Ard thanked the public and said he appreciated their time.

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.
In a significant stride towards establishing digital sovereignty, the central government's ambitious semiconductor mission is being hailed as a transformative step in securing the country's control over its digital infrastructure. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, experts stated that this initiative lays the groundwork for India to become self-reliant across the entire digital technology stack, from chip manufacturing to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud applications. At the heart of this initiative lies the understanding that all mission-critical digital infrastructure, whether related to artificial intelligence or cloud computing, fundamentally depends on semiconductor chips. "When you are talking about a completely digital sovereignty, it starts at the chip level. Whether it is a complete AI stack or a complete cloud stack on which any mission-critical applications of government or enterprises are running, it always starts from the ground level, which is the chip. From chip level, we end up making equipment," Sunil Gupta, Chair, ASSOCHAM National Council on Datacenter, told ANI. "Chips form the base, leading to the development of equipment, operating systems, datasets, models, and ultimately, applications." On top of that, Gupta said, "You start making operating systems, then you run in case of AI examples. You have data sets and then you have models and then you have applications." "So, the Government of India is clearly understanding this whole stack, which needs to be completely owned by India. At the chip level, India has created a semiconductor mission, which means India is able to design, fabricate, assemble, and package its own chips in India itself." Recognizing this technological hierarchy, the Government of India has launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) to ensure full ownership of this stack. The mission aims to enable domestic capabilities in chip design, fabrication, assembly, and packaging. "The semiconductor mission and the government emphasis on that is actually a step in the very very right direction. It is at the route of becoming a sovereign nation in terms of digital infrastructure," Gupta said. He further said the initial efforts have begun with the manufacturing of 28-nanometer chips, but the government is setting its sights higher. "Starting has been done maybe with chips of 28 nanometers, but I am very sure once this mission starts, we will start manufacturing the most high-end two and three nanometer chips also," Gupta stated. "As the Minister of IT also announced that within five years India can also expect its GPU manufacturing in India, which is a real sovereignty at the root level that you are not dependent on a chip which is designed in the US and manufactured in Taiwan." As per Gupta, "India will be able to design and manufacture chips in India itself. Now, on top of that, which is the semiconductor mission that is addressing this point. We also would have seen that India is also trying to find other sources of rare earth metals." "The Prime Minister has visited so many countries in the Latin America and Africa. The reason was that if China had put a huge control on rare Earth. It is presumably, they are owning 90 per cent of the rare Earth in the world. Then India will have to be self-dependent on rare Earth because these rare Earth which are actually being used in the manufacturing of electronics. So, that is another component on which the government is very serious about," he added. On sovereign tech for India's digital transformation, founding member of Bharath Cloud, Dipali Pillai stated, "Having a digital India on sovereignty is crucial because it is an economic and security story, and having everything in house is very important, because then we are running on the regulations that we write..." On India announcing indigenous chip manufacturing units, she stated, "Having everything on our own soil and working on our own terms is extremely important for us to grow and innovate..." On the progress of India's AI and semiconductor missions, she added, "We have dedicated about USD 20 million towards infrastructure investment and that itself tells about our commitment... India is focused on working within our own confines and regulations..." (ANI)
The 2025-2026 school year is right around the corner, and there are several events to start off the year.

Some of the events in the McAlester and Pittsburg County area will provide area students with backpacks and school supplies while other will focus on hair cuts and free shoes ahead of the first day of school.

The J. Michael Miller Book Bag Giveaway will happen again this year. This year there will not be a car line, but the backpacks and school supplies will be delivered to the schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The schools receiving help include Pittsburg County public schools, Eufaula, Wilburton, Stuart and Quinton. Each school will have a contact person to know how many backpacks are needed.

The book bag giveaway originally started 10 years ago when Reed Marcum saw classmates needing book bags and school supplies. It was a 4-H project for Marcum, but it has grown over the years.

The community comes together as they donate their time and supplies to make the event possible. Whether it is bringing three notebooks or donating an hour of their time, anyone can be involved, said Angie Miller, Marcums mother.

Were running it as a pilot program. Were going to see how this year goes, Miller said. As this goes well, we may grow to more schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They prepare for this event all year long as they receive donations and buy supplies. Everything they receive goes directly to the schools to give out.

Were at least giving out two to three thousand backpacks to the schools, Miller said.

Any supplies  backpacks, pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, glue sticks and more  can be delivered to the J. Michael Miller law office.

To help area kids go back to school feeling fresh, Dream City Church will host a back to school haircut event from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 at the church on 124 V Hubert Smith Dr. This event is for all school aged children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This marks the fourth year for the event. The event started when Dream City Church noticed the cost of preparing for back to school can be expensive. Removing the cost of a back to school haircut is something they feel is important, according to Dream City Church Benevolence Pastor Jennifer Brenner.

We are big with wanting to help the community, Brenner said.

Mark Hennen, Dream City Church lead pastor, believes if theres anyway for the Church to be a blessing to the community, then they want to do it. The church reaches out and works with the community to put on these events, he said.

At the event. 16 stylists from all over the community will provide haircuts. There will be a stylist who specializes in sensory friendly haircuts for children with special needs who struggle with getting haircuts as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The event is more than just haircuts, with inflatables for children to play on and the churchs Loaves of Love providing food for those who attend.

Its not a church event. Its a community event, Brenner said.

Finally, Shared Blessings will hosts its Back to School event from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Church of Christ on Main and Oklahoma.

Shared Blessings has partnered with the Shoe Department for gift cards to purchase new shoes. Last year they provided 900 shoe gift cards.

The event is open for school aged children, and the child must be with a parent to receive the shoe gift card.
A local community college received a $2,000 grant from Kroger to benefit its food pantries.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

This week, the Edison Foundation received a $2,000 grant from the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and the Cincinnati operating division on behalf of Edison State Community College.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the grand reopening event of the Piqua Kroger, Kroger representatives present a check to officlas with the Edison State Community College.

The funds will go toward supporting the Charger Station food pantries. The Charger Station food pantries were launched in 2019 and are overseen by the Student Needs Team.

They are available at all Edison State locations for registered students and provide much-needed items such as food, toiletries, school supplies, and information on how to access local resources.

The aim of the food pantries is to assist students facing food insecurity, enabling them to pursue their education and achieve their academic and career goals, according to a spokesperson from Edison State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Edison State is committed to removing barriers to student success, both academic and non-academic. When students dont have to worry about basic needs like food, they can focus on their studies and reach their goals, Dr. Jeannette Passmore, Dean of Student Affairs, said. This partnership with Kroger helps us address the everyday challenges that can prevent students from completing their education.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A blue whale, the largest mammal on the planet and a member of the endangered species list, washed up on a beach between Pakistan and Iran, Independent Pakistan reported.

What's happening?

The blue whale was found floating in the waters of Gwatar Bay by a fisherman, and the Daily Times posted a photo to Facebook.

Scientists could not pinpoint the cause of the whale's death. It could have been tangled in fishing gear, which has been a problem for other whales in the past. Blue whale populations have also struggled with accidents involving boats and vessel strikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Muhammad Moazzam Khan, one of World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan's technical advisors, described the situation as "sad news" in a statement.

Why is whale conservation important?

Whales play an important role in regulating the ocean's ecosystem. Their feces serve as nutrients for phytoplankton, which form the basis of the ocean's food chain. Protecting whales protects biodiversity.

Plastic consumption is also a large problem for many whale species. According to the Stanford Report, whales can eat 10 million pieces of microplastic per day.

While research on microplastics is new and evolving, the scientific consensus is that we should avoid consuming them whenever possible. Microplastics can have negative health impacts ranging from organ damage to reproductive issues, Harvard Medicine researchers have reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Larger plastics are also a problem for ocean creatures. Thousands of marine animals are killed every year by ingesting or becoming tangled in plastics.

What's being done about blue whale populations?

Thanks to conservation efforts, blue whale populations are increasing around the globe, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.

Whale enthusiasts spotted a blue whale off the coast of Massachusetts in 2024, sparking excitement about the rising population since whales had not been seen in that region for decades.

For blue whales and wildlife more generally, conservation is an essential step for maintaining healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and food chains.

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.






WASHINGTON - There are growing concerns within food banks, school communities and small farms across the country about the Trump administration's cuts to the Department of Agriculture.

Several groups in the D.C.region claim that the cuts are having a direct effect on our food supply.

RELATED: USDA to close down DC headquarters, lay off thousands of workers

What we know

A Senate Agriculture Committee hearing was held on Wednesday to review the ongoing restructuring of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration announced that thousands of employees from D.C. will be relocated, saying this has been long overdue to cut wasteful spending.

USDA leadership defended the cuts as part of a larger mission to reduce federal spending. The Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, recently said that its a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to save our country from fiscal ruin."

READ MORE: USDA cuts, tariffs leave some Maryland farmers struggling

Local perspective

But for one food pantry in D.C., that's been around for decades, this means feeding hungry people or those dealing with food insecurity is going to be much more difficult.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Especially during the summertime when children are home parents need to make ends meet, so this is the way to supplement," said Ray Burley, the manager at the So Others Might Eat (SOME) food pantry.

Ray Burley has been helping stock these shelves at the SOME pantry in D.C. for nine years. Typically, hundreds of families are fed every month. However, they say since the Trump administration's cuts to federal food programs at the USDA, demand is up but some of these shelves are left bare.

"We almost had to decrease the amount of food items that people could get just to stretch it out a little longer so we can serve more people so weve seen it impact that way and like I said times are just really hard for folks right now," Ray said.

Normally, the non-profit located on O Streetwhich has been serving residents for 55 yearsoperates on 80% of shelves full stocked. According to SOMEs president, inventory dropped as low as 30% and now sits closer to 50.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A million people are served by SNAP, so reductions to thatwere seeing a demand in our food pantry and across to our dining center where we serve 1/4 million meals a year," President and CEO Ralph Boyd said.

READ MORE: USDA plans to close Alexandria headquarters and relocate DC area staff

What you can do

Boyd says just a few days ago, they made a plea to the community to help, and that call is slowly being answered.

Dozens and dozens of donations are helping keep this vital community food source stay alive.

"These Amazon packages have been coming in over the last week, week and a half," he said. "One thing I know for surewe would not be able to do the work we do without the community. When I see this, I see people being able to sit down with their families and have a decent meal. I see joyI see hope."

FOX 5 reached out to the USDA and the Trump administration for comment.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  President Donald Trumps self-imposed deadline for dozens of countries to strike new trade deals with the U.S. has arrived, meaning new tariffs are on the horizon.

State House Spotlight: Sprint to August break

President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on more than 90 countries, including many key trade allies, overnight.

President Trumps new executive order imposed a 39% tariff rate on Switzerland, 8% higher than what he had originally threatened in April. The tariff on Brazil will be 50%. Over forty other countries, meanwhile, will face 15% rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The White House is billing the tariffs set to go into effect next Thursday, and state lawmakers, like U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, are worried about the outcome.

McGovern told 22News, These tariffs, Trump is not only throwing our economy into uncertainty, but its going to raise prices on everyday people. I know my constituents dont want to pay more for food. They dont want to pay more for toys or for clothing or for shoes. Right. They think the cost of living is too expensive already. These tariffs are going to make the cost of living even worse.

Other state lawmakers like us congressman Richard Neal agree and warn that Americans could see more harm to come. In a statement to 22News, he says in part, Through higher health care costs, slashed benefits, and looming hospital closures, Trump is further rigging the economy in broad daylight. The American people didnt ask for this.

U.S. congressman Richard Neals full statement:

While working families continue to feel the weight of rising costs, economic uncertainty, and a softening labor market, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are making matters worse at every turn. Overnight, the President announced sweeping tariffs on 90 countries, including many key trade allies. In yet another unconstitutional stunt, hes raising prices on everything from food to medicine, fracturing our global relationships, and doing nothing to hold China accountable. If you can even call it a strategy, its one that has already proven to stunt small business investment and terrify the economy-at-large. Its not just bad economics, its dangerous and corrupt. Trump is shaking down sovereign governments to serve his own political and financial interests, weakening our security partnerships, and protecting coup leaders by interfering in the judicial process. He is subverting democracy at home and destabilizing the world abroad, all while workers and families are stuck footing the bill. And with their signature legislation, theres only more harm to come. Through higher health care costs, slashed benefits, and looming hospital closures, Trump is further rigging the economy in broad daylight. The American people didnt ask for this. Hiring has stalled, prices are surging, and this administration is actively undermining the labor market Democrats rebuilt. This isnt just a failure of Republican leadership, it will actively make life harder for the people. U.S. Congressman Richard Neal

As a result of tariffs, Trump believes consumers will buy more American products, taxes will be raised, and investment will prosper. It is an attempt to reduce the gap between what the U.S. buys from other countries and what it sells to them.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Over the last seven days, Sioux City received almost three inches of rain. Now, backyard pool owners are being reminded to check for potential irregular pH levels in the water.

So rain affecting a swimming pool, contaminants entering that swimming pool during that time, dirt, and so on, that can cause algae to grow, said sales manager, for Professional Pool and Spa, Lucas Mosher.

When summer rain occurs, pool experts warn that pH levels can rise, leading to significant issues with your pool chemicals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chemical changes like chlorine and stuff will be mostly affected by the rain, said Mosher.

And if its not taken care of: Its very damaging for your filtration system, Mosher said. Its damaging for the pool structure itself. Its not very pleasant to use the pool if, you know, bather comfort is going to be affected as well.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mosher stated that after a rainstorm, pool owners should check for visible signs.

Youre going to start to see a little cloudy or hazy look, or you might start to see some algae growth here or there. Thats the sign that the rain did something, said Mosher.

And when dealing with rain, Mosher said it just depends on how much rain you get in your pool before you see any damage.

It would take inches of rain to significantly change the chemistry of a swimming pool. You know, when we get a small inch or two of rain, thats not going to be enough to make considerable changes. Just minute, little changes, Mosher said. Its when we get a tremendous downpour, you know, that were going to see the potential of having to make chemical adjustments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ultimately, keeping your pool clean at all times is essential.

Testing the water before the rainstorm, maybe adding a little bit of chemical before a rainstorm may be needed, Mosher said. Just regular testing is what you need to do.

As the pool season comes to an end, Mosher advises thoroughly cleaning your pool and balancing the water chemistry before winterizing. Ensure that the levels of pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer are proper.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

President Trumps new Big Beautiful Bill promotes oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters.

Florida lawmakers from both parties have filed legislation to permanently block drilling in the eastern Gulf.

Local tourism and business leaders warn drilling could threaten the economy and environment.

TAMPA, Fla. - President Donald Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill into law last month that removes clean-energy incentives and increases domestic fossil fuel production.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of the law, the administration is preparing to expand offshore drilling leases in federal waters.

What we know

Now, Florida lawmakers, including Rep. Kathy Castor (D), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R), and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R), have introduced the Florida Coastal Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would permanently ban drilling within 125 miles of Floridas Gulf Coast.

Why you should care

Local business leaders say offshore drilling threatens Floridas economy, environment, and even military training zones.

Courtesy: Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce

The tourism industry, still recovering from last years hurricane season, remains wary of another disaster like the 2010 BP oil spill, which hurt bookings despite limited direct impact on Tampa Bay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We just dont think the juice is worth the squeeze," said Charlie Justice, CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, "This would be a bad idea for Florida right now."

The backstory

In January, former President Biden implemented a ban on offshore drilling as part of his energy policy, citing potential "irreversible damage" to coastal regions.

President Trump reversed that stance on his first day back in office, declaring a national "energy emergency" and vowing to restore access to 625 million acres of federal waters for oil and gas development.

What's next

The Florida Coastal Protection Act will now move through Congress, but it faces opposition from the oil and gas industry, which calls the drilling ban "a major attack" on domestic energy production.

Courtesy: Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce

If approved, the bill would lock in a permanent barrier against offshore drilling in Floridas Gulf waters, something local leaders say is essential for the states economy and environment.

The Source

This story is based on statements from President Trump, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Florida lawmakers and local business leaders. Background information comes from FOX 13 News interviews.
A Montgomery County teacher has been named a finalist for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year competition.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ronda Nisbet, a mathematics teacher at Dixie Middle School in New Lebanon, Ohio, has been named one of four finalists for the honor.

The winner will be announced at the beginning of the school year.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Montgomery County Educational Service Center Superintendent Shannon Cox praised Nisbet for her commitment to empowering students and shaping a better future.

Every day here in Montgomery County, we are committed to supporting educators so they can empower students to thrive, said MCESC Superintendent Shannon Cox. Ronda Nisbet exemplifies that missionnot only by lifting up her students, but by shaping a better future for the next generation through her unwavering dedication and excellence in teaching.

New Lebanon Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Williams expressed pride in Nisbets recognition, stating, The honor of being one of four finalists for Teacher of the Year in Ohio affirms what her students and colleagues observe every year.

Jason Izor, Principal of Dixie Middle School, noted Nisbets ability to maintain positive relationships and high expectations for academic progress, leading to improved academic results.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The other finalists for the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year are Christopher Monsour from Tiffin City Schools, Chad Thatcher from Whitehall City Schools, and LeShun Collins from Orange City School District.

The Ohio Teacher of the Year program, which began in 1964, annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide, celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom.

The program aims to provide opportunities for professional learning and networking to exemplary teachers as leaders and advocates for public education.

Finalists are selected based on criteria such as expertise in their field, collaboration with colleagues and families, connection to the community, leadership and innovation, and clear communication and expression.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A flag was raised in honor of a local woman, and a $5,000 donation was made to a local charity.

Rochel Blakemore, a recent retiree who worked for Atmos Energy for 14 years and former chair of the local branch of United Way, received a flag flown in her honor at the US Capitol, along with giving $5,000 to the United Way of the Concho Valley.

River Fest to return after 7-year hiatus

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was a reception, and the company gave everyone a chance to come up and talk, Blakemore said. Kathy Keane, from Congressman Pflugers office, came up and thanked me for my service to the community and presented me the flag that was flown over the United States Capitol.

Blakemore explains how the flag flying was presented to her:

They did it on their own, as far as I know, Blakemore said. I did not request it. She [Keane] said that I was an outstanding citizen in the community, my volunteer work, my board work, especially through United Way. Atmos Energy and I were very active with United Way because of the recent flooding on July 4.

Blakemore describes her admiration for Atmos Energy and how well they have treated her and the community throughout her time working there:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Atmos Energy is a fantastic company to work for, Blakemore said. They have such a giving spirit, and they want to support the communities that we are in. The employees live there, raise their kids there, and worship there. They want the communities to know that they truly do care and want to show that. One of the ways is through volunteer work and donations. Our employees volunteer for different activities in the communities.

Working for Atmos Energy made the donation to United Way an easy decision for Blakemore.

Atmos gave me the choice of where they were going to give the donation, Blakemore said. United Way was definitely the nonprofit that I wanted the money to go to. United Way is huge. I learned a lot more about that since being on the board and being on the community council. I believe in what United Way does, and I believe in how they do it. They truly make sure that all of these donations are going to worthy causes and are being used for the purposes intended.

Blakemore reflects on her experience with the ceremony and her work:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It was almost overwhelming, Blakemore said. I love my job, the people I work with, the company I work for, and that they would do all of this. The people in the community, as well as Congressman Pflugers office, Senator Perrys office, and Representative Darby. It was very touching and emotional for me.

Blakemore can be seen here with her donation to United Way:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  2 NEWS is digging deeper into the background of Matthew Hunt, the man facing over 80 charges that include several counts of rape and sexual battery.

Hunt was arrested earlier this week, with Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. revealing an investigation into the last 20 years of Hunts career as a school bus driver across the Miami Valley.

Hunt is accused of several charges of rape and sexual battery, involving at least nine victims so far. While he awaits his next court date, 2 NEWS is digging deeper into the story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ex-school bus driver facing rape, sexual battery charges

Heather Squier tells 2 NEWS she knew Hunt as a child. She says she was disgusted to hear the details of why Hunt was arrested, but says even at a young age, she saw signs first hand that something wasnt right.

Clearly hes an individual that really needs to be separated from society, said Heather Squier, who knew Hunt as a child.

Squier is Northmont alum, and also knew Hunt as a child. She says when she saw the news about his arrest and the long list of charges, she didnt recognize that this was the same boy she knew from her childhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At first I didnt realize it was him until a friend recognized him and said, Oh my goodness, actually thats Mrs. Hunts son, said Squier.

Squier went to Hunts house for organ and piano lessons with his mother. Hearing the details into the investigation this week left her feeling disgusted, and showed her that the child she had brief interactions with never got the help he needed.

Its a feeling of disgust, of course, but also sadness because he was a little boy at one time that just didnt get the help he needed, said Squier.

Squier would describe Hunt as different, with odd behaviors for a child so young.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They didnt realize at the time because we were all children, but I feel like he did know things that a child his age shouldnt have known. said Squier. He would say inappropriate things, try to touch other kids inappropriately. It made myself as well as the other kids in the neighborhood extremely uncomfortable being.

Being a Northmont graduate, Squier says that she is disappointed the school district did not do extra research on Hunt ebfore hiring him as a bus driver.

She says to see something of this caliber happen at her Alma Mater, as well as so many other schools, is shocking.



I cannot believe that Northmont didnt do their due diligence and look into his background before they hired him. So thats actually very disappointing, said Squier.

2 NEWS has reached out to Northmont Schools for comment, but school leaders declined our interview request.

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.
Community partners drive innovative grassroots governance

Xinhua) 17:00, August 01, 2025

CHONGQING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- As dawn breaks, residents of Qiaobei Community, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, hustle to work with warm breakfasts in hand, while elderly neighbors, returning from their morning exercises, unwind on the outdoor terrace of the neighbor service center. Zhou Xiaoping, an energetic "community partner," swiftly prepares breakfast for the community.

Just months ago, the center was an abandoned toolroom. Today, it has transformed into a community service hub offering breakfast, daily necessities and fresh produce. This is one of Chongqing's latest explorations and implementations of an innovative grassroots governance model known as the community partner initiative.

Traditionally, community governance in China has been led by government bodies and neighborhood committees responsible for social services and livelihood support.

However, rapid urbanization and diversifying residents' needs have rendered the government-centric approach inadequate. The current challenge lies in mobilizing social resources and enhancing residents' self-management and service capabilities.

The community partner model, first introduced in the Jiangbei District of Chongqing, represents a novel solution to these challenges.

By integrating the forces of government, market and society, it has increasingly made local residents aware that they are part of the community, sharing common interests and the responsibility of community work. This not only enhances the quality of public services but also strengthens the community's self-management capabilities.

"Community partners function as a model where the government provides a platform to introduce resources, allowing merchants, innovators and residents to collaboratively engage in the co-construction and co-governance of the community," explained Huang Lei, Party Secretary of the Qiaobei Community.

Covering just 0.3 square kilometers and home to 11,000 residents, Qiaobei Community is characterized by aging neighborhoods and complex public service demands.

Ushering in the community partners, Qiaobei has established its own enterprises to actively involve merchants, entrepreneurs and residents. Companies were introduced to create senior cafeterias, residents were engaged for cleaning and maintenance services, and individual business owners like Zhou were encouraged to set up service centers.

The cooperation approach has not only expanded services available to residents but has also effectively revitalized underutilized resources within the community.

In the vibrant Guanyinqiao commercial area of Chongqing, a modern three-story building has recently become an internet-famous site. This facility is a newly opened neighborhood service center in the Yubei Community.

Guanyinqiao Sub-District has adopted the community partner model to attract investors to develop digital cafeterias, cultural courses and chronic disease management services for its residents.

On a summer afternoon, community officials, entrepreneurs and artists gathered as "community partners" inside the service center, discussing preparations for the upcoming summer music festival.

"Governance is no longer solely the domain of grassroots officials. With each new partner engaged, the community has evolved into a large family characterized by co-building, co-governance and co-sharing," said Du Xiao'ai, a grassroots official with the Guanyinqiao Sub-District.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chaolan)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], August 2: Yatra Online Limited (Yatra), India's leading online travel company, is kicking off its 19th anniversary with a celebration -- The Big Outing Fest. Live from 1st - 10th August, the campaign invites travellers across the country to be a part of the biggest travel party of 2025, packed with some of the most exciting deals and unbeatable offers. As Yatra enters its 19th year, the milestone stands as a testament to the brand's enduring commitment to making travel more accessible, seamless, and dependable for millions of Indians. To commemorate the occasion, Yatra is rolling out blockbuster deals across categories: up to 19% off on domestic flights, up to 19,000 off on international flights, and up to 50% off on hotels, all available on the Yatra app and website, using the code YTANNIVERSARY. With the Independence Day long weekend and Rakshabandhan celebrations around the corner, it's the perfect time for travellers to make the most of these offers, whether planning a spontaneous getaway, a reunion with loved ones, or a much-needed international escape. For those who love extra perks, Yatra has partnered with ICICI Bank to bring exclusive benefits for its credit card users. Travellers booking with ICICI Bank credit cards can unlock up to 19% off on domestic flights, up to 15% off on international flights, and up to 55% off on hotel stays using the code ICICIFEST, making it the perfect time to book that long-awaited vacation. Commenting on the anniversary celebration, Dhruv Shringi, Co-founder & CEO, Yatra Online Limited, said: "Turning 19 is a major milestone for us, not just in years, but in impact. What began with a simple mission to simplify travel has grown into one of India's most trusted travel platforms. From powering our very first booking to becoming a publicly listed company, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Travel has always been at the heart of what we do, and there's no better way to celebrate this milestone than by making it easier and more exciting for India to explore. The Yatra Big Outing Fest is our way of celebrating this journey with the very people who made it possible -- our customers. With unbeatable deals across flights, hotels, and holidays, this is Yatra's biggest travel party yet, and everyone's invited!" Whether it's a quick escape, a romantic getaway, or a long-awaited international trip, Yatra's Big Outing Fest presents the ideal occasion to plan the next adventure. For more information, visit www.yatra.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2742594/Yatra_19_Year_Anniversary.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)
Aug. 1MITCHELL  In a small cemetery on the edge of Mitchell, a single bench near a concrete Bible statue now sits empty. For nearly three years, 82-year-old Marvin Zimmerman made a daily visit there. Rain or shine, he made the short drive from his home in Alexandria to Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

He carried a framed photo of his late wife, Irma, buried there in 2020. He sat by her grave and often brought flowers  not only for her, but for others whose plots seemed forgotten.

Until he moved into a nursing home in Bridgewater earlier this summer, Zimmerman didn't miss a day. He died Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the day before a scheduled interview with the Mitchell Republic. At his request, he will be buried there too, quietly, without a formal service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He was so proud of the cemetery," said Denise Fox, a member of the association that now owns and maintains Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. "Even this spring, before he moved to the nursing home, Marvin picked flowers for me to put on the graves that didn't have any. He said, 'These are for the ones who don't have anyone.' He just didn't want anyone to be left out."

Zimmerman's contributions are visible across the grounds  in the flagpole that now flies a U.S. flag, in the bench where visitors now sit and in the rows of graves marked with flowers he never wanted to see forgotten.

Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, a small 7-acre burial ground just south of Mitchell off Highway 37, has recently undergone a major transformation after years of being owned and maintained from out of state. Once thought of by some locals as abandoned or church-owned, it's now in the hands of a nonprofit association made up of area residents  many with family members buried there.

From 2017 to 2023, the cemetery was owned by the city of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota  over 200 miles away. In an interview with the Mitchell Republic in April 2023, Kurk Kramer, then director of Sleepy Eye's Economic Development Authority, explained how the city came to own a cemetery in another state. The cemetery landed in the EDA's hands after Minnesota businessman Elwin Schubbe defaulted on a loan that used the Mitchell-area property as collateral. When Schubbe passed away in 2018, Sleepy Eye retained ownership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city spent years trying to sell the cemetery, contacting officials in Mitchell and Davison County, as well as local churches and funeral homes. None were willing to take it on.

That all changed in 2023 when Mike and Pam Bathke  Mitchell residents with no family ties to the cemetery  purchased adjacent property and grew curious about its history. Pam began contacting others with loved ones buried at Sunset Memorial and quickly realized she wasn't alone in her concern.

On March 26, 2023, descendants met at the Mitchell Public Library. Two months later, they formed an association, pooled spare change and bought the cemetery from Sleepy Eye for $1.

Since that modest $1 purchase, the group has grown into a 67-member association  with 40 actively involved. Board President Jim Grosz, Vice-President Ron Bainbridge, Secretary Dorene Winckler, Sexton Julie Granger and Treasurer Lynette Schreck now lead efforts to restore dignity and order to the site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their motto: "We are an association of people working together to make the cemetery which holds our loved ones look a little more loved."

In May 2025, 21 volunteers showed up to plant 14 new trees, remove overgrown ones, reseed graves, clean the shed and install peace lights. In just two years, the cemetery has gone from looking dormant to being the subject of local pride.

Earlier efforts included trimming overgrown areas and removing dead trees. Anne and Arlen Moke spent days edging all 432 grave markers, restoring visibility to names nearly lost under overgrowth.

Julie Granger, Deb Wilson and Fox, spent over 250 hours reorganizing burial records scattered across outdated ledgers. The group now maintains a color-coded record system that tracks interred individuals, cremations, disinterments and available plots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Some family plots hadn't been touched since the 1950s," Granger said. "Many didn't even know they owned a plot. Now, we can show them where their loved one is  or where they could be."

The association has also established a dedicated veterans section at the cemetery. Currently, 37 veterans are buried there. Record updates revealed several plots donated to the local VFW, and recently, some families gave unused plots for veterans. The group is consolidating these 24 donated plots into one area to honor service members together.

The cemetery is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(13) nonprofit. A portion of plot sales go into a perpetual care fund, something the cemetery lacked under previous ownership. Sleepy Eye provided the startup funding for that account when they handed over the property.

A new sign designed by Jeanie Grosz is on the way. A Mount Vernon craftsman, Loren Brech, is building an information box. An old Bible statue in the center of the cemetery  worn by time  is being assessed for restoration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group even secured a grant to install white fencing on the corners of the property to better define its boundaries.

Sunset Memorial Park contains a total of 5,084 burial plots, with 432 currently occupied. But beyond the numbers, the cemetery holds decades of local history. Charles and Minnaretta Adams were the first to be buried there in 1956 and 1959. Their granddaughters, Fox and her sister Dorene Winckler, remember how their mother took pride in making sure the cemetery looked its best for Memorial Day. Winckler carried that tradition on, bringing her own daughters to help care for the grounds as they grew up.

That kind of involvement still drives the work today.

"Someone asked me recently if I was the caretaker," Winckler said. "I told them, no. We are just family members who care."
GENEVA  Paul Lombardo had his first day on the job as Geneva Area City School District superintendent Friday.

Lombardo comes to the district with three decades of experience in education.

He was hired by the board of education in April, after a months-long search.

People have been so supportive  not only the community, but the staff here, Lombardo said. Theres a lot of positive energy. Im excited about that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lombardo began his tenure by sending out a letter to the community, in which he said he wanted the district to give great opportunities to every family.

We will embrace the challenges before us not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow stronger  together, he said in the letter. This means pursuing greatness in every detail: in the pride reflected in our buildings, in the depth of our relationships, and in every interaction that communicates trust, quality and hope.

Lombardo wants to guide students toward wherever their path leads, he said in the letter.

We will remain focused on foundational goals: ensuring every child is a confident reader and writer by third grade, preparing every graduate with the academic strength to succeed, and instilling the leadership, character and courage to shape their own futures, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attached to the letter was a survey for feedback from parents and community members.

Lombardo said Friday the survey can also be found on the districts website.

I also sent something to all the staff, and theres a separate staff survey, to get an idea of the climate and culture, and just what people are looking forward to for the year, he said.

Lombardo wants to get the community more involved with the district, he said.

Im looking to have a student advisory committee, he said. Im looking to have a superintendent committee to try and run things through. Were looking to start a foundation, working with the board on that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lombardo said people can reach out to him by emailing paul.lombardo@genevaschools.org, and should feel free to approach him if they see him.

I am thankful that the board allowed me 30 transition days, because I really utilized those to meet people, to meet teachers, meet union reps, work with the board, he said.

Alongside meeting staff, Lombardo has taken time to introduce himself to local first responders and elected officials in the districts overlapping municipalities, he said.

They are really excited that I took the time to come there, Lombardo said. Im really going to try my best to make as many meetings as I can, because that connection between the community and the schools has to be strong, but its been a great, warm welcome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lombardo is not done meeting with local government leaders, he said.

He recently went on a retreat in Columbus to prepare taking on the role.

They set you up with a mentor, and they give you some of those first year dos and donts and tidbits, Lombardo said. Although Ive been in education for 30 years, Im a believer in always improving, and finding out what others are doing to improve my craft.

Lombardo has been preparing for the beginning of the school year, he said.

I have a 100-day plan that I distributed to the board, when I first got hired, he said.

He will talk more about the plan at the Aug. 20 board meeting, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The district is hosting Eaglefest from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Geneva High School to get the community ready for the new year.

School starts for most students Aug. 26, and kindergarteners start Aug. 28.

Lombardo said he is excited to work with district staff as the year ramps up.

Bussing has been a big issue for district families recently, and Lombardo was asked about it when he was a finalist for superintendent.

I will be meeting with transportation next week to really make sure were doing everything we can to communicate, he said.

The district will implement recently purchased software to help parents track busses, Lombardo said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hats off to transportation for purchasing this software, and really understanding the needs of what needed to change, he said. Were definitely moving in the right direction.

When Lombardo was a finalist for superintendent, he said he was interested in bringing on a full-time grant writer.

We felt that adding an additional administrator at this time would probably not be the best move, he said. That doesnt mean we arent going to look at grants, and try to accomplish that. At some point in the next year or two Id like that to be an option for us.
The Brief

A Long Beach man was arrested for allegedly supporting the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

During a search of his home, FBI officials found what they believe to be a bomb in his bedroom.

Bank records show that Mark Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A Long Beach man was arrested on a federal criminal complaint alleging he sent money to the terrorist organization ISIS.

What we know

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, a statement from the Department of Justice read.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to an affidavit, Villanueva used social media to communicate with two people who self-identified themselves as ISIS fighters. During their interaction, Villanueva allegedly discussed his desire to support ISIS, and offered to send money to them to support their terrorist activities.

Villanueva allegedly told one of the ISIS fighters that he wanted to fight for ISIS himself, stating, "Its an honor to fight and die for our faith. Its the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, Ill be joining."

Villanueva also told the other fighter that he had a bomb and knives. According to prosecutors, during Villanuevas arrest Friday morning, the FBI recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom.

A statement from the DOJ said that records from Western Union showed that Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 during a five-month period to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating this matter.

What they're saying

"Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world," said Patrick Grandy, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology."

The Source

Information for this story came from a press release issued by the Department of Justice on August 1, 2025.
A 28-year-old Long Beach man is behind bars after federal authorities accused him of financially supporting ISIS and constructing what appeared to be a homemade bomb inside his home.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines, was arrested Friday morning after FBI agents raided his residence on the 3000 block of Caspian Avenue. According to federal prosecutors, Villanueva expressed support for ISIS in online chats, sent money overseas to people he believed were fighters for the terrorist group, and even claimed he had the tools  and the willingness  to carry out violence himself.

Neighbors told KTLA that Villanueva didnt raise suspicions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont know what to think. Its kind of scary, said Heliodoro Becerra, who lives nearby. You see your neighbors, but you dont see what theyre doing inside their house.

Agents with the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force said they recovered several knives and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device from Villanuevas bedroom. The device was reportedly loaded with ball bearings and wrapped in cellophane, with red and black wires attached. The U.S. Attorneys Office released photos of the object.

The FBI raided a Long Beach mans home and found this alleged homemade bomb. July 2025. (FBI)

Authorities say Villanueva used social media to communicate with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters, pledging allegiance and expressing a desire to join their cause. In one exchange, prosecutors say he wrote, Its an honor to fight and die for our faith. Its the best way to go to heaven.

He allegedly went on to say, Someday soon, Ill be joining.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also offered financial support. According to court documents, Villanueva asked one purported ISIS contact if his money would help cover the cost of weapons and equipment. Records show that between February and July 2025, Villanueva sent a dozen payments totaling $1,615 through Western Union to intermediaries who accessed the funds overseas.

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker arrested for multiple weapons violations after traffic stop

Retired Marine intelligence officer Hal Kempfer cautioned that Villanueva may have been communicating with undercover law enforcement rather than actual terrorists.

There is nothing in the criminal complaint that makes it clear he was actually talking to ISIS, Kempfer said. He could very well have been talking to law enforcement working undercover online.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still, authorities say the case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown extremism. You probably wouldnt notice a neighbor who is self-radicalizing online at night, Kempfer added.

Villanueva appeared in federal court Friday afternoon, where a magistrate judge ordered him held without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles.

Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security, said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.

Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world, added Patrick Grandy, acting assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Villanueva faces a felony charge of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Brief

A shooting occurred in Long Beach during the late evening hours of Thursday, July 31.

Arriving officers discovered the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to their upper body.

The victim was identified as 27-year-old Rickie Taylor.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A homicide investigation was launched after a 27-year-old was shot late Thursday night.

What we know

Long Beach Police Department officers were called to an area near Long Beach Boulevard and Bort Street just after 11:15 p.m. Arriving officers discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers provided lifesaving efforts until Long Beach Fire paramedics took over. The victim was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Homicide detectives then responded to the crime scene where the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown.

The victim was identified as 27-year-old Rickie Taylor, a Long Beach resident.

What we don't know

Details about a possible suspect were not available.

What you can do

Those with information about the shooting are asked to call Long Beach Homicide Detectives Eric Thai or Chasen Contrereas at 562-570-7244. For those who wish to remain anonymous, you can submit tips online.

The Source

Information from the Long Beach Police Department.
Two of Trumps top foreign policy officials  Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and U.S. Amb. to Israel Mike Huckabee  made a rare visit to Gaza on Friday, as the United Nations reports more than 20,000 children in Gaza have been hospitalized for acute malnutrition since April. And now, international pressure against Israel has reached a tipping point. Even former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert recently wrote: Enough is enough. Israel is committing war crimes.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The countdown is on as there is a little more than a week before kids go back to school. The Siegel Cares team, along with Siegel properties, came together Friday to make sure children living at the apartments have the necessary items come Aug. 11.

Siegel Cares, along with Siegel properties Twain 1, Twain 3, Twain 4 and Swenson, hosted the Back 2 School Giveaway, offering food, school supplies, and services for free.

Families in need were all smiles at this community event, where children got new backpacks and notebooks, as well as haircuts and braids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We want them to feel special and not feel like they are being judged because they have nothing new to go back to school with, Michelle Robinson, property manager for Siegel Suites Twain 3, said.

Robinson has been managing that property for 13 years. She says the goal is to make sure no child in the neighborhood starts the school year feeling left out.

On top of the donations from Siegel Cares, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department also contributed to the cause, donating 20 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Each kid will fill out a slip with their information, so when they come to get their backpack, we have their apartment number, and their specific backpack picked out for them, Robinson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For parents like Dominique Dixon, a mother of four living at Siegel Suites, buying school supplies for her children can take a toll.

She says sending kids back to school on a positive note can help set them up for success.

Some people dont have it right now. Theyre struggling in a low-income area. Im grateful for what the Lord brought to our community, Dixon said.

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school spend, on average, about $150 on school supplies.

If you add in clothing, shoes and electronics, that cost goes up to about $850.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LUMBERPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  August 1 is West Virginia Donor Day, which encourages people to donate life by signing up to become organ donors. To recognize the day, 12 News is telling the story of a Harrison County man, his need for a life-saving organ transplant and the struggle to find one.

Before last October, 51-year-old Joseph Beverly lived in Lumberport with his wife, son and two daughters and worked at the concrete company CRH. In the fall of 2024, Beverly sought medical care because he thought he had kidney stones. However, he instead found out that his kidneys had shut down, prompting him to have an emergency port inserted and immediately start emergency dialysis.

Since then, Beverly has been put on dialysis five days a week, has had to stop working and is waiting on the kidney transplant waitlist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sounds horrible, but youre just waiting because you never know when that kidney is going to come, and you got to be ready. It could be two oclock in the morning. They call, you go, and hey, Im waiting on that call, Beverly said.

The Beverlys are doing what they can to get the message out that they need a donor, posting on social media and writing a message on the back of their car that reads: be a hero, save a life, kidney donor needed.

Rabid raccoon in Monongalia County bit person: Health Department

According to the Center for Organ Recovery and Education, there are more than 500 people in West Virginia on the waiting list for organ transplants. For Beverly, an organ transplant would mean getting to spend a life with his family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I cannot tell you that I dont live in fear. Because its not the fear of dying, its the fear of leaving behind, Beverly said. I dont want this to happen to my children.

12 News spoke with Shelley Zomak, Director of Transplant Operations and Compliance at WVU Medicine, to provide the medical context for this story. Zomak told 12 News that kidneys are one of the two most common organs that doctors do living donor transplants with, the other being livers, because the human body is able to function with only one kidney.

Zomak said that for people who are considering becoming a live kidney donor, there are extensive screenings, and that WVU Medicine does its best to educate the potential donor.

Were here to try to help give you the background information. What can we do to help you through the process? Or at least give you enough information that you can make decisions thats good for you, Zomak said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zomak said it can take seven to 10 years to find a match for a kidney transplant, but however long it takes, Beverly said hell wait and fight to stay with his 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 WBOY.com.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  An innovative mentorship initiative that began just last school year is growing.

UMass Amherst primate research lab shuts down after PETA campaign

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, a program of the Center for Human Development (CHD), announced that its school-based Lunch Buddies program will expand this fall to include two more local elementary schools.

Launched in 2024 at Jackson Street School in Northampton, the program pairs vetted adult volunteers from the community with elementary school students for weekly lunchtime meetups, often over board games or puzzles. Following the programs early success, Wildwood Elementary in Amherst and Ryan Road Elementary in Florence will join the effort for the 20252026 school year.

Photo Courtesy of the Center for Human Development

Photo Courtesy of the Center for Human Development

Volunteers, who include a bank manager, a retired paraeducator, and a senior systems analyst, will meet with their matched student during the school lunch period. Supervised and guided by caseworkers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, these weekly sessions have already led to genuine friendships and meaningful development.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Program organizers credit the early success to strong community partnerships. A2Z Science & Learning Store, owned by Devon Boulay, provided all board games and puzzles for the initial launch and has pledged continued support for the newly added schools. Greenfield Savings Bank also stepped up as a sponsor.

We believe that children are our future, and if we tend to them, they will be better humans. BBBS of HC has shown to be a good partner in this effort, so when they approached GSB for support of their new Lunch Buddies Program, we, of course, said yes, remarked Tara Brewster, VP of Business Development & Director of Philanthropy for Greenfield Savings. Thank you to BBBS for your innovation and support of the children and families of Hampshire County. When we work together, we work better and more effectively.

With the addition of the Lunch Buddies program in more schools, organizers hope to reach even more young people across Hampshire County and deepen the programs impact for years to come.

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.
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 2: Bollywood star Anil Kapoor also fulfills his social responsibility very well and goes ahead to help. GJEPC along with Veteran Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor donated Rs 75 lakh to HIV AIDS Research and Care Center. In a grand ceremony held on 31st July 2025 at Jio World Convention Center BKC Bandra Mumbai, GJEPC Chairman Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Voice Chairman Shounak Pareekh, former Police Commissioner Mumbai Vivek Phanshalkar and other dignitaries present at Global GJEPC selected Guinness Book of World Record holder RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Center as the best NGO of the year for the world's largest free general medical camp and handed over a cheque of Rs 75 lakh to the organization. Dr. Dharmendra Kumar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Anil Kapoor. It is noteworthy that RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Center and "Doctor 365" have been organizing large medical camps in various parts of the country, in which lakhs of people benefit. Free health checkup, free eye checkup, free distribution of all types of medicines and free spectacles are done. Apart from this, thousands of wheel chairs are distributed. Hundreds of doctors contribute in the medical camps. Nutrition kits are given to TB patients. Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, President of RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Center, is making a significant contribution in the mission of the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the country TB free. Camps are being organized all over India under the leadership of Dr. Dharmendra Kumar. It is noteworthy that the name of RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Center is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records and Asia Book of Records. RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Center is known for organizing the maximum number of medical camps. So far, crores of people have benefited from this organization. RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Centre has conducted medical camps, health check-ups and medicine distribution in Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Centre, no 1 in India in working in screening, testing and nutrition distrusting for TB patients under the mission and vision of PM Narendra Modi's TB Mukt Bharat. RK HIV AIDS Research and Care Centre, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Mumbai, is a national NGO involved in HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, treatment, TB control, cancer screening and mobile medicine. To date, the organisation has organised over 33,000 medical camps across India and provided care to millions of people in underprivileged areas through its mobile medical van network. Through its extensive mobile medical unit network, awareness campaigns and collaborations with public health bodies, it has consistently provided critical healthcare to marginalised populations in urban and rural India. Over the past two decades, the organisation's mission has impacted the lives of millions. Reached over 6 crore beneficiaries, Distributed benefits worth over 1,500 crore through free medicines, Distributed over 1.5 crore pairs of spectacles, Provided over 34 lakh wheelchairs to Divyangjans, Conducted over 1.2 crore TB diagnostic tests, Distributed over 1.17 lakh TB treatment and nutrition kits, Treated over 7,80,000 anaemia and sickle cell patients, Screened and treated over 4,20000 cervical cancer patients, Conducted over 2 crore free HIV/AIDS awareness sessions, Provided over 1 crore free medical checkups and diagnostics. Collaborated with several state governments to enhance access to rural healthcare. The organisation is Operates an extensive network of mobile medical units, enabling outreach to remote parts of the country. You-tube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmMoskgnZFk (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)
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.1 rattled Big Bear on Saturday morning.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 11:19 a.m. The epicenter was about 1.9 miles east of Big Bear Lake, at a depth of roughly 4.84 miles.

There were no initial reports of any damage or injuries.

A map showing the epicenter of a 3.1 magnitude earthquake in Big Bear. July 2025. (U.S. Geological Survey)

Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California annually, but the vast majority are incredibly minor. Several hundred reach a magnitude of 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 reach a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, according to the USGS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In North America, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California.

Latest California Earthquakes. Please wait a moment for map to load.

Use controls or your thumb to move and zoom.

What to do in an earthquake

During an earthquake, knowing the proper steps to protect yourself and minimize injury is crucial. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides detailed guidelines on what to do during such events. Here are the key points:

Drop: Immediately drop down onto your hands and knees. This position prevents you from being knocked over and allows you to stay low and crawl to safety if necessary.

Cover: Use one arm to protect your head and neck, and if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is available, get down next to an interior wall away from windows. Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Its ironic that the finest hour of Britains V-Force of strategic nuclear bombers came long after it had been stripped of its nuclear capability. On April 30 1982, a lone Avro Vulcan carried out what was then the longest bombing mission by any air force  and only surpassed recently by the USs raid on Irans nuclear facilities  when it flew 16 hours and 6,600 nautical miles from Ascension Island to the Falklands.

The target was Port Stanley airfield (then in the possession of the Argentinians, who had invaded the islands a month earlier). Dropping 21 1,000-lb bombs, Flight Lieutenant Martin Withers was able to cause enough damage to the runway to prevent Argentine fast jets from using it, if not transport planes.



Jonathan Glancey describes this raid in detail  and the fact that another V-Force bomber, the Victor, played a significant role in both the Falklands and Gulf wars  in his impressive new history of Britains nuclear bombers, V-Force: Britains Nuclear Bombers and the Cold War. But, he tells us, that raid was the bombers last hurrah. The Vulcans were taken out of service in 1984, the Victor nine years later. The original V bomber, the Valiant, last flew on operations in 1964. The meat of Glanceys book explains how the V-Force was developed originally as nuclear bombers, up until 1968 when the deterrent was transferred to the Royal Navys Polaris-equipped submarines.

With previous books on Concorde, the Harrier and the Spitfire, Glancey is an aviation nut whos interested as much in the technical wonder of these planes as he is in the legacy they leave in the public consciousness. His book, he writes, looks at these winged Cold War warriors  warts, rivets and all  through the lenses of invention and engineering, of rivalry with fellow Nato countries as well as with the Soviet Union, and of popular culture too. It is, he continues, a story of success, with compromise and failure along the way, and might serve as a universal parable for most defence procurement.



The author provides plenty of context. We get potted versions of the history of strategic bombing (the bomber will always get through, as Stanley Baldwin said in 1932), the development of the atomic bomb, and even the technical capabilities of rival US and Soviet nuclear bombers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Glancey is at his best, however, when he sticks to the story of the V-Force, which began with Britains decision in 1946 to build its own atomic bomb (and later hydrogen bomb). Once we had the bomb, we needed a way to deliver it. Hence in 1947, six aviation companies were invited to tender designs for long-range jet bombers.

The bomber will always get through: Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, pictured in 1923 - PA News

The two eventually chosen were Handley Pages reconfigured crescent-wing HP80 (Victor) and Avros striking Delta-wing 698 (Vulcan), both marking new territory in terms of design and engineering. The Victor, with its swept-back wings, high tailplane and giant air intakes, had the appearance of a deeply strange fish; the Vulcan left elongated delta-shaped shadows on the ground as it flew overhead with an unearthly howl.



The first Valiants, Vulcans and Victors were delivered to RAF squadrons in 1955, 1956 and 1957, respectively. Though less advanced technically than its sister planes, the Valiant carried out the entire gamut of tasks asked of V-Force, short of dropping a live nuclear bomb on an enemy target. That included conventional bombing raids (over Aden in 1956), testing an A-bomb over South Australia that same year, and, too, Britains first H-bomb over Malden Island in the Pacific in 1957. Ultimately, V-Force would be the front line of aerial cavalry were the Soviets to ever fire the first shot of World War III.

Eight Valiant V-Force bombers preparing for a training take-off in Warwickshire - Douglas Miller/Getty

Its shelf-life, however, was relatively brief. The beginning of the end was the development of the Soviet Unions surface-to-air missiles, which could intercept enemies from the ground. Particularly the S-75 Dvina, which shot down high-altitude American U-2 spy planes in 1960 and 1962, and triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis. This forced V-Force to switch to low-level attack methods, which in turn revealed weaknesses in the Valiants airframe. After one near-fatal accident when a rear wing-spar fractured, all 50 Valiants in service were grounded for good. There was a plan to equip them with a US-made nuclear missile, Skybolt  but then America grounded that too.



Glancey has written an engaging and affectionate account of the V-bombers, not least the figures who made it all possible: the brilliant British engineers who designed the planes; the pilots who were prepared to risk (and most often sacrifice) their lives to accomplish their missions. He also explores the political chicanery that prevented many other superb aircraft designs  military and civil  from ever becoming a reality.



There is, ultimately, a whiff of nostalgia and regret in these pages. Britains nuclear deterrent has become increasingly reliant on US politics and technology; this is, says Glancey, partly thanks to an almost wilful deindustrialisation. France, by contrast  with a smaller economy than Britains  retains an independent nuclear deterrent, and makes its own multi-role fighter, the Rafale. Its not about money, but rather a lack of will, or interest perhaps. Does this matter? Yes, argues Glancey  and hes right. Its not a question of guns over butter, but more about considered self-defence, of Britain being a dynamic Nato partner. Such arguments have never been more timely.



Saul David is the author of books including Sky Warriors. V-Force: Britains Nuclear Bombers and the Cold War is published by Atlantic at 22. To order your copy at 18.99, call 0330 173 0523 or visit Telegraph Books

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.
BAMAKO (Reuters) -A Malian court has detained and charged former Prime Minister Moussa Mara over a social media post criticising shrinking democratic space under military rule in the West African nation, his lawyer said late Friday.

Mara is one of few public figures in the country who has been willing to openly question moves taken this year to dissolve political parties and grant the military government, led by Assimi Goita, a five-year mandate without elections.

Last month, authorities formally approved Goita's five-year term and said it could be renewed as many times as necessary as Mali struggles to respond to a long-running jihadist insurgency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Goita assumed power after military coups in 2020 and 2021.

Mara had been summoned several times for questioning this month over a social media post dated July 4 expressing solidarity with government critics who have been jailed.

On July 21, his lawyer, Mountaga Tall, posted on social media site X that Mara had been barred from boarding a flight to Senegal to participate in a regional conference on peace and security.

On Friday, Mara was summoned by a judicial cybercrimes unit, and a prosecutor charged him with offences including undermining the credibility of the state and spreading false information, Tall said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mara's trial has been scheduled for September 29, Tall said.

A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The case against Mara comes amid worsening insecurity in Mali. The past few months have seen a surge of deadly attacks by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group that also operates in Burkina Faso and Niger.

Analysts say the group's battlefield tactics have grown increasingly sophisticated and that it has amassed substantial resources through raids on military posts, cattle rustling, hijacking of goods, kidnappings and taxes on local communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, the group said it had ambushed a convoy of Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries in the Tenenkou locality in central Mali. Mali's army confirmed the ambush in a statement on X. Neither statement gave a death toll.

(Reporting by Mali newsroomWriting by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Mall of America hosts 60th anniversary celebration of when Beatlemania came to Minnesota originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

As Paul McCartney prepares his return to the Twin Cities, WDGY is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Beatlemania landing at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington.

The Aug. 21 performance would wind up being the first and only concert that the legendary quartet played in the state. WDGY will celebrate the event with a free show at the Mall of America that pays tribute not only to the original concert, but the press conference that preceded it.

The Beatles speak to the press before their only Minnesota concert in 1965Photo by Bill Carlson; Courtey of WDGY

On Aug. 17, at the former site of the Met Stadium, the Beatles tribute band A Hard Day's Night will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The Beatles 1965 concert and press conference are etched in Twin Cities history," Brent Borgen, WDGY Radio President, says in an announcement for the event. "We're thrilled to mark the anniversary of this incredible moment by bringing Beatlemania back to the very spot where it all happened."



The tribute group will play through the 1965 setlist, which included "She's a Woman," "I Feel Fine," "Ticket to Ride," "Can't Buy Me Love," "Help!," and "A Hard Day's Night." (The show took place prior to the release of iconic releases like Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's, and The White Album.)

In addition to the chance to relive the concert, Beatles fans will have the chance to win tickets to Paul McCartney's Oct. 17 concert at U.S. Bank Stadium during the Aug. 17 tribute.

Related: Paul McCartney confirms show at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering former Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman as his choice to lead the citys schools despite Bowmans controversial track record on a variety of issues.

Bowman could become the New York City Chancellor of Schools if Mamdani were to become mayor in November, in a position where he will oversee more than 1,000 schools with almost a million students, the New York Post reported last month .

Bowman, a progressive Democrat and former member of "The Squad" in Congress, once called standardized testing in public schools a "form of modern-day slavery" when he was serving as a Bronx public school principal in 2015.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, crack cocaine and now standardized testing were all  designed to destroy the mind, body and soul of black and brown people," Bowman said.

Flashback: Zohran Mamdani Says Israel Is Not A Place And Not A Country

Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering Jamaal Bowman to run New York City public schools

According to a New York Post report on Friday, Bowman operated a radical public school without a license for about two years.

Read On The Fox News App

Bowman, who gained national notoriety in 2023 for pulling a fire alarm in Congress in the middle of a dramatic House floor vote which led to him being censured, has drawn heated criticism in recent years for controversial anti-Israel comments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

'Damage Control': Mamdani's 'Blatant Flip-flop' On Defunding Police Ripped As 'Political Theatre'

NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani briefly speaks with reporters as he leaves the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Bowman has defended the pro-Palestine chant "From the river to the sea," which many in the Jewish community view as a call to eradicate Israel.

He has been a staunch critic of Israel, especially since the start of its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Last year, he attended a fundraiser co-hosted by an Islamic leader who said he was "happy to see" the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians.

Bowman was also forced to apologize for denying that Hamas had raped women and committed other atrocities during the terror groups Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayoral candidate, speaks to the media at 32BJ SEIU headquarters following a mass shooting in Manhattan that took the lives of a New York Police Department (NYPD) police officer and others in Manhattan, New York, United States on July 30, 2025.

Bowman sparked outrage from Jewish groups in 2024 for defending a mural of Louis Farrakhan, who has infamously made disparaging comments about Jews, including calling them "the synagogue of Satan" and "termites."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He also came under fire that same year when an unearthed video showed him honoring a radical Black activist and convicted murderer during a special project at a New York City middle school while serving as its principal before being elected to Congress.

A 2014 video centered on Cornerstone Academy for Social Action Middle School's (CASA) then-"Wall of Action" project shows Bowman praising various historical Black and Latino figures being honored on the wall, including Assata Shakur, who was convicted in the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper. Bowman referred to the people on the wall as "tremendous, tremendous figures."

Shakur, whose real name is JoAnne Chesimard, was a member of the Black nationalist group Black Liberation Army and was serving a life sentence for the fatal shooting of the officer before escaping from prison in 1979 with the help of Mutulu Shakur, another radical Black activist praised by Bowman in the video. She fled to Cuba, where she remains a wanted domestic terrorist today.

Radical Black liberation activist and convicted murderer Assata Shakur (Left) and now-former Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y. (Right)

Mamdani has faced criticism for numerous anti-Israel positions of his own dating back to his college days when he called for academic sanctions against Israel. He has often spoken out in favor of BDS, sanctions against Israel that Influence Watch describes as "an international campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel as the expression of the Jewish peoples right to national self-determination by isolating the country economically through consumer boycotts, business and government withdrawal of investment, and legal sanctions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamdani has also faced criticism for refusing to condemn the phrase "Globalize the intifada," and Fox News Digital reported this week that Mamdani had said in 2023 that Israel is "not a place" and "not a country."

Mamdanis campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

"I am not thinking about any of that," Bowman told the New York Post in early July about the possible appointment. "I want to help my brother get elected. I am exceptional in compartmentalizing. Right now, I want to help Zohran win the general election."

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie contributed reporting.





Original article source: Mamdani reportedly eyeing former 'Squad' member for top position despite controversial track record
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A 67-year-old man faces six years in prison after pleading no contest to shooting a man a third his age in California City.

Gordon Tripp on Friday pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and a charge of first-degree murder was dismissed. His sentencing is set for Aug. 28.

Tripp is accused of shooting Luis Esparza Jr., 21, during a confrontation Dec. 8, 2023, at a home on Tamarack Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Esparza answered the door and exchanged words with someone others in the home could hear but didnt see  and whose voice one resident recognized as belonging to Gordy, according to court documents.

Esparza said something to the effect of, Thats not real, then threatened to hit the person with something  possibly a shovel found by the door  if he tried to enter, witnesses told police.

Ill show you its not fake, the other person said. A loud bang was then heard.

The others at the home rushed to the door and found Esparza seated on the floor, bleeding and making gurgling noises, according to the documents. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tripp was identified as a suspect  witnesses reported he and Esparza had numerous prior run-ins. Authorities located him months later and took him into custody.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.




NEED TO KNOW

Vladimir Trapeznikov, 88, died from fatal head injuries caused in a botched take off attempt in an aircraft he built on Thursday, July 30

The amateur pilot was trying out the fifth aircraft he'd built at the time of the incident

In video shared online, the DIY aircraft can be seen falling apart before it's able to get off the ground







An amateur Russian aviator has died after attempting to take flight in a homemade helicopter, according to reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, July 30, 88-year-old Vladimir Trapeznikov was attempting to take off in the aircraft when the rotor blades detached, causing fatal head trauma to the pilot, CNN reported, citing the Volga Region Transport Prosecutors Office (VRTPO).

During engine startup, while still on the ground and as the engine power was building, the main rotor blades detached. This caused injuries to the pilot, the VRTPO said in a statement to the outlet.

Trapeznikov was transported to Omutninsky District Hospital but died from his injuries hours later, per CNN. This was the fifth aircraft the former log truck driver had constructed. The vehicle was unregistered at the time.

The incident took place in the village of Zalazna, in the Kirov region, where Trapeznikov was from, according to local outlets Izvestia and the Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Getty Stock image of a Russian ambulance Stock image of a Russian ambulance

Footage of the incident obtained shared on social media reportedly shows Trapeznikov sitting in the aircraft as the rotor blades are spinning before attempting to lift off. One of the blades flies off as the aircraft is still on the ground and hits Trapeznikov in the head as the structure falls apart, per the Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trapeznikov's daughter and son-in-law were reportedly present at the time of the incident, a source claimed to Izvestia.

Trapeznikov previously gained national fame in 1985 when he successfully flew a homemade plane. His craftsmanship led him to gain a feature spot in a short film in a Panorama cinema and TV newsreel, CNN reported. According to the Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the amateur pilot named his first aircraft Rosinante, after Rocinante, Don Quixote's horse in the Miguel de Cervantes' novel.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The 88-year-old always dreamed of becoming a pilot as a and later became a self-taught inventor, according to local outlets. Per CNN, he built a total of five aircrafts over the course of his lifetime, including the final one, which failed.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

PEOPLE has reached out to the VRTPO for comment.



Read the original article on People
TREMONT, The Bronx (PIX11)  A man was arrested Saturday in connection with torturing and killing his 21-year-old girlfriend in the Bronx, according to authorities.

Robert Strother, 27, faces charges of murder, manslaughter, hindering prosecution, concealment of a human corpse, and tampering with physical evidence, according to the criminal complaint.

More Crime News

According to police, Strother was recognized and chased down by two or three Bronx neighbors when they saw him. Strother fell right in front of a police car in his attempt to run from the neighbors, where he was then arrested, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Strother was arraigned Sunday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Strother is accused of stabbing and killing 21-year-old Princesa Encarnacion-Soto in their Bronx apartment on July 22, law enforcement officials said.

Her body was found in the third-floor stairwell at 2295 Grand Concourse with multiple stab wounds, head trauma, a piece of her knuckle missing and slits underneath her feet, according to court documents.

More Local News

The wounds themselves were inflicted for pain, not to kill, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny during a briefing on July 24.

Investigators found bloody sheets and clothing as well as a bloody bungee cord in the messy apartment, but one spot had been cleaned with bleach, sources said. Authorities believe Encarnacion-Soto was tied down to a bed and tortured before she was left for dead in the stairwell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

There are slice marks on her thighs, slice marks on her upper arms and shoulders. The ones on her legs were fresh. The ones on her upper torso seemed like they were in the process of healing, Kenny said.

Naida Jorge, 54, was arrested at the scene and arraigned July 25 on charges of murder, manslaughter, hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence, and concealment of a human corpse, according to the complaint.

Authorities alleged Jorge tried to clean up the scene and may have tried to clean the body.

There was no blood on [the victim]. There was no blood on her as she lay on the staircase, and she was in fresh clothing that had no blood on it. So, its a possibility that someone cleaned the body, put fresh clothes on her, and threw her down a flight of stairs, Kenny said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Encarnacion-Soto was living in Rhode Island before moving into the Bronx apartment with Strother and his father, Jorge, according to the NYPD Chief of Detectives. Strother had 22 prior arrests for domestic violence, but none involving the victim.

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.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  A Texas man believed to be responsible for a string of violent sexual assaults in New Bedford more than a decade ago faced a judge Wednesday, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III.

Orlando Robles, 51, is facing a slew of charges, including kidnapping, two counts of rape, nine counts of assault and battery, and indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14.

Robles, formerly of Dartmouth, is accused of brutally attacking four women in New Bedford throughout the summer of 2013.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quinn said Robles punched and strangled the women while sexually assaulting or raping them. In one instance, Quinn said Robles grabbed a womans tongue so she couldnt yell.

Robles was taken in for questioning after his pickup truck was spotted on surveillance footage near where the fourth attack took place, according to Quinn. He reportedly told detectives that he would be available for further questioning, but then left for Texas the next day.

Quinn said Robles was later convicted of four other violent sexual assaults that happened within the two months after he left Massachusetts. He was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison as a result.

Robles was formally indicted by a grand jury back in April 2022 for the New Bedford assaults thanks to a lengthy investigation by Quinns Cold Case Unit. He recently returned to Massachusetts after completing his sentence and parole in Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quinn said Robles is being held without bail pending his next court date, which is slated for Sept. 9.

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 man has denied murdering a pensioner who died days after a house fire in the West Midlands.

Andrew Gorrell, 53, from Moss Grove, Saltney in Flintshire, Wales, pleaded not guilty to murder and arson with intent to endanger life at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

John Edwards, 82, and three others were seriously injured after the fire in Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, in the early hours of 11 May and Mr Edwards later died in hospital on 25 May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Gorrell also denied three counts of attempted murder relating to Doreen Edwards, Mark Edwards and Carl Edwards.

Judge Simon Ward set a trial date for 28 January 2025 and said a pre-trial hearing would be held on 7 November.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links
The financial frauds in Indian capital markets have ranged from simple diversion of shareholder funds to the use of complex structures and transactions to bypass regulatory safeguards, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SABI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on Friday. Addressing the Future Proof Forensics 2025 event held in Mumbai, the SEBI chief highlighted how the market regulator has used forensic audits to uncover several such frauds in recent times. "We must safeguard market integrity, the foundation that fuels investor participation and sustains capital formation," he said. Citing examples of egregious cases, Pandey said SEBI investigations have revealed several instances where listed companies engaged in fraudulent practices to siphon off investor funds. He highlighted that in a case, a listed entity transferred its assets to a subsidiary company. He said "SEBI has unearthed transactions where the listed entity transferred assets to its subsidiary. The loan obtained by the subsidiary against these assets were then used to repay the outstanding loan of a promoter linked entity". In another instance, a company inflated its financials by entering into circular transactions with a number of named lending entities. The promoters subsequently siphoned off shareholder funds or assets through related-party transactions under the pretext of purchases or sales made to or from their own companies. Pandey said SEBI also found that proceeds from preferential allotment, which should result in cash flow to the company, were instead siphoned off. In one case, the funds raised through preferential allotment were round-tripped back to the allottees themselves using complex, multi-layered transactions. He added "Forged bank statements were submitted to SEBI to show receipt of funds by the company. The statutory auditor also failed to report the structured circulation of funds". The SEBI Chairman also warned about the misuse of preferential allotment and misleading disclosures. He said that misleading information is sometimes deliberately made public just before the expiry of the lock-in period on shares issued through preferential allotment. This enables the preferential allottees to exit at a profit, often at the cost of retail investors who trust the misleading disclosures. "These are egregious cases. I'm not saying this is a generalised phenomenon. I'm just giving you certain examples of egregious cases which have been detected," Pandey said. He added that the negative impact of such financial frauds on the securities market is tremendous and SEBI is doing forensic audits to uncover theses kind of financial frauds. (ANI)
A man in Lakeland, Florida, has been charged in connection with the illegal dumping of waste tires following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Jeffrey Padgett, 39, was taken into custody Jan. 24 on charges related to the trafficking of fentanyl, along with other drug-related crimes.

Polk County investigators later alleged that Padgett unlawfully disposed of "a staggering 3,000 waste tires" on an older relative's property without their permission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The charges resulting from that investigation include felony dumping, two counts of failure to obtain a Department of Environmental Protection permit, and creating a nuisance injurious to health.

Dumping is not only against the law in most jurisdictions, but it can also lead to serious environmental consequences  in addition to being a public nuisance that often unfairly impacts the community at large.

Piles of trash disposed of in public places such as the middle of a street are not only unsightly but can also attract harmful pests that spread disease, on top of potentially leaching toxins into surrounding areas.

Problems caused by the illegal disposal of waste can compound if local officials ignore these events or take action too late, which is why it's crucial to report instances of unlawful dumping to the relevant authorities promptly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In most areas, improperly disposing of trash is punishable by a hefty fine, further underscoring the serious threat this activity poses to public health.

Contacting your sanitation center or taking action by joining local cleanup crews not only contributes to a cleaner future but also mitigates the impact of behaviors such as illegal dumping that deface natural environments and put others at risk.

Participating in efforts to restore shared spaces and beautify local spots will empower your community and protect the health and safety of everyone who lives in it.

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.
An Owensboro man was charged with two sex-related charges involving juveniles Friday, after an investigation by the Owensboro Police Department.

Officer Mark Hammonds, public information officer for OPD, said the investigation began when police detectives received information from the Kentucky State Police. An OPD press release says the tip was investigated by OPDs Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The release says detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Robert Cannon, 62, of the 4000 block of Benttree Drive, regarding sexual abuse material. The release says Cannon was interviewed and officers obtained a search warrant for Cannons home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cannon was charged with two counts of use of a minor in a sexual performance (victim under age 16) and one count of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means.

Cannon was being held Friday in the Daviess County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond, and is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Monday.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man is dead after he was found injured inside a vehicle in North Las Vegas, according to police.

On Friday, around 4:50 p.m., North Las Vegas police responded to the 6100 block of Withrow Down Street near Tropical Parkway and Pecos Road after a report of an injured man inside a vehicle, police said.

When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive 25-year-old man. Medical personnel pronounced him dead, according to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Las Vegas police are investigating the incident as a homicide. Anyone who may have information about this incident is urged to contact the North Las Vegas Police Department by phone at 702-633-9111. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Nevada by phone at 702-385-5555, or online at crimestoppersofnv.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 KLAS.
CHICAGO  A man was pulled from the North Branch of the Chicago River Saturday near Albany Park.

The mans body was found floating in the water just before 2 p.m. in the 3000 block of West Argyle Street, Chicago police said.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police say. His age was not known.

Police did not release any additional details. Area detectives are investigating.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities are on the lookout for a parolee who allegedly endangered law enforcement and motorists during a high-speed chase in Kingston Springs Monday afternoon.

On Monday, July 28, one of Kingston Springs license plate recognition cameras captured a Ford F-250 driving by. The vehicle was reportedly stolen on June 25 from the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Video from the Kingston Springs Police Department shows the dangerous pursuit as the driver  later identified as 38-year-old Christopher Pate  passed cars on a double yellow line and drove 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sgt. Jeremy Vaughan told News 2 that Pate put many people in jeopardy over the course of that chase, saying he was driving very recklessly.

Quadruple murder suspects Audi found in Jackson; manhunt underway

It wasnt long before Pate barreled onto Interstate 40 East. He passed a merging car and an approaching semi, almost causing a wreck, on the right shoulder.

Moments later, the stolen truck can be seen driving across the grassy median. The truck sped toward oncoming traffic in the breakdown lane, driving dangerously past cars in the wrong direction. Shortly afterward, the truck steered back into the eastbound lanes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pursuit ended when the truck hit the guardrail and flipped.

What did it look like in real time? News 2s Andy Cordan asked.

It was slow motion, Vaughan answered. I could see his face, and just the expression on his face as the vehicle was going sideways and then starts to roll over. He knew that he messed up at that point. He was scared.

Man accused of threatening, spitting on officer during Barren County traffic stop

In the few seconds it took Vaughan to back up, Pate was gone. A trucker told officers he saw a man get up off the highway and run into the woods.

You put on the brakes, you back up  it only takes 10 seconds. I bet you figure theres going to be a body in the truck. Are you shocked when you hear hes gone? Cordan questioned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Absolutely, the sergeant replied. We thought maybe he had been ejected, and the truck driver that was behind us said that he saw the man get up off the road and run into the woods.

A Metro Nashville Police Department K9 tracked Pates bloody trail for a while, but the felon got away.

Meanwhile, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames until the Kingston Springs Volunteer Fire Department arrived to extinguish the blaze.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, in 2013, Pate was sentenced to 12 years of probation after being convicted for meth and forgery charges. Following multiple probation revocations by the court, he wound up in TDOC custody in 2020 and then granted supervised parole in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of Friday, Aug. 1, Pate is still at large and considered very dangerous. If you see him or have any information regarding his whereabouts, youre asked to call the Kingston Springs Police Department at 615-952-9965.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Brief

A man was seen hiding underneath a victim's bed in San Marcos

SMPD said it was at an apartment complex near the 1800 to 1900 block of Aquarena Springs Drive

SAN MARCOS, Texas - San Marcos police are encouraging residents to lock their doors and be aware of their surroundings after a man was found hiding underneath a victim's bed this week.

What we know

Police said on Thursday, July 31, around 11 p.m., officers responded to a burglary at an apartment complex near the 1800 to 1900 block of Aquarena Springs Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A resident said she found a man hiding underneath her bed. When she went outside to call 911, the man left the apartment through a backdoor.

What we don't know

Police said it's not clear how the man got inside the apartment or how long he was inside.

What they're saying

"San Marcos police are actively investigating the incident and encourage residents in the area to lock their doors and be aware of their surroundings. If you notice any suspicious activity, please report it," SMPD said.

The Source

Information from the San Marcos Police Department
(FOX40.COM)  A man in Stockton was sentenced to five years in state prison after authorities discovered a large amount of narcotics in his home, leading to the suspect injuring a police K9, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorneys Office.

Video Above: How deadly is fentanyl?

The office said that the Metro Task Force and the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office SWAT team executed a search warrant at the home of Charles Benavides on April 23.

According to officials, a significant quantity of illegal narcotics was found, including:

329.4 grams of powder fentanyl

Around 1,000 blue M30 pills suspected to contain fentanyl

Three pounds of processed marijuana

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Benavides had previously denied having fentanyl in the home, leading a police K9 to accidentally inhale loose fentanyl powder and suffer an overdose. The K9 was administered Narcan, taken to the vet, and survived.

According to the district attorneys office, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl for sale and possessing more than one ounce of fentanyl for sale. He also pleaded guilty to causing injury to a police dog.

Man sentenced to 17 years to life for sexually assaulting a minor

Benavides was sentenced to five years in state prison.

Fentanyl continues to be one of the deadliest threats facing our community. This case highlights not only the volume of this dangerous drug but the real risks our officersand their K9 partnersface every day, District Attorney Ron Freitas said I commend the quick response that saved the life of the police K9 and reaffirm our offices commitment to aggressively prosecuting those who traffic this poison.

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.
WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP)  A Worcester man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2019 murder of a 23-year-old man in Fitchburg.

On Friday, 27-year-old Mugisha Jeanbosco of Worcester was sentenced to life in prison, according to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office. Judge Karin Bell also sentenced him to 25 to 30 years in prison for armed robbery, which will be served concurrently with the life sentence.

Here are the U.S. Marshals most wanted fugitives in Massachusetts

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jeanbosco was found guilty of these charges just last week by a Worcester Superior Court jury after a multi-day trial. His conviction of first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole.

The charges stem from the death of 23-year-old Leon Wilson, Jr., of Fitchburg, which occurred in the Pie Alley and Blossom Street area of Fitchburg. Wilson was shot and killed on the night of July 11, 2019.

In March 2020, 39-year-old Jason Robinson of Fitchburg and 25-year-old Jonathan Baez of Worcester were arraigned in Worcester Superior Court in connection with the homicide. They were each charged with armed robbery and accessory after the fact of murder. Both men are scheduled to appear next in court on August 25.

It is my hope that this verdict helps bring some closure to Leons family and loved ones, said Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early. I want to thank Assistant District Attorneys Brett Dillon and Shayna Woodard, Victim Witness Advocate Kayley Jones, the Fitchburg Police Department, and State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office for their hard work on this case.

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 Brief

A 33-year-old man was stabbed inside a business on Hegeman Avenue in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon.

The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and later died.

The suspect ran from the scene and has not been arrested.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - A 33-year-old man has died after being stabbed multiple times inside a deli in Brooklyn on Friday afternoon, according to a report from police.

What we know

At approximately 3:07 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, police responded to a 911 call for a man stabbed at 684 Hegeman Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers found the male victim with multiple stab wounds to his torso. He was taken by EMS in critical condition to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he died.

Police confirmed the man was stabbed inside the deli, but lived in an apartment above the store at the same address. They believe the victim, identified as Diego Sandoval-Nava, worked at the deli. The attacker ran from the scene, and police are still looking for him.

What we don't know

The motive for the attack and the identity of the suspect are not known.
Man taken into custody following 18-hour standoff in Cambridge

Princiano Faustin, 51, of Cambridge, has been taken into custody after police resolved an 18-hour standoff inside the apartment building where he resides at the intersection of Broadway and Windsor Street.

According to police, the incident began around 6:40 p.m. on Friday, when officers first interacted with Faustin, who was swinging two large machete-type knives around at a bus stop.

Faustin slashed a bystander in the head, who was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, which led the police to engage in an on-foot pursuit. Officers shouted verbal commands to Faustin, who continued to swing the knives and refused the commands, shouting back multiple times for officers to shoot him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Faustin made his way towards a crowded park, police attempted to stop him by using a 40MM Less-Than-Lethal Launcher, which failed to stop him despite striking him multiple times. Faustin then made his way to his apartment.

An 18-hour standoff ensued, and despite efforts to resolve the situation peacefully, utilizing the expertise of crisis negotiators and mental health professionals, officers resorted to deploying a pepper ball at approximately 2 a.m.

The deployment of the pepper ball, intended to encourage the suspects surrender, inadvertently affected more than the intended unit due to the buildings shared ventilation system. Despite this, the suspect did not surrender.

We understand that the use of chemical agents, particularly in shared residential buildings, raises concern, Cambridge police said. Every use of force by this department is reviewed, and that review is already underway in this case. While we support the difficult decisions made by officers in real time under stressful and unpredictable circumstances, we also recognize that we must continuously evaluate our tactics  especially when vulnerable community members are impacted."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After securing an arrest warrant and ensuring all legal protocols were followed, officers made entry and safely apprehended the individual, identified as Faustin, shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Officers remained on scene to gather evidence and continue their investigation. Police say that all nearby roadways have been reopened to normal traffic, and the remainder of the building has been reopened to residents.

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
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 2: In a major milestone for India's deep-tech ecosystem, CamCom Technologies, an award-winning, industry-agnostic computer vision company headquartered in Bengaluru, has entered into a strategic partnership with ERGO Group AG, one of Europe's leading insurance groups. Under this collaboration, CamCom will serve as the primary technology partner for ERGO's AI-powered visual inspection solution, which is now being rolled out across multiple European markets. The partnership signals CamCom's growing global footprint and affirms its position as a world-class platform delivering enterprise-ready AI solutions for critical sectors. The solution is already live in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with phased rollouts planned across other ERGO markets in Europe. CamCom's proprietary Large Vision Model (LVM) -- the world's first domain-specific AI engine for defect and damage detection on surfaces -- is trained on a dataset of over 450 million customer-validated images. It allows insurance customers to capture and upload images of vehicles or properties via their smartphones, enabling accurate, auditable, and scalable pre-inspection and damage assessments. This reduces subjectivity, improves efficiency, and enhances transparency for both insurers and customers. "We are proud to be ERGO's trusted technology partner," said Geetha Sham, Director and President - Europe, CamCom Technologies. "This partnership marks a milestone in our global journey and reinforces our commitment to delivering scalable, high-performance AI solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the insurance sector." "Good technology is not just innovative -- it must be practical, scalable, and intuitive," said Mark Klein, Chief Digital Officer and Member of the Board of Management, ERGO Group AG. "CamCom's AI solution meets all these criteria, and we're excited to expand this collaboration beyond India and into our European markets, where we operate in motor and homeowners' insurance classes. Together, we aim to simplify and digitize insurance experiences for our customers' workflows, helping validate the platform's robustness, accuracy, and scale in real-world applications. The partnership with ERGO Group AG signals the success and maturity of this collaboration", he added. Parthanil Ghosh, Executive Director, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, commented "Our long-standing partnership with CamCom has brought measurable improvements to our automotive claims and underwriting operations. Their AI-driven inspection solutions have enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience -- we are pleased to see this proven technology now supporting ERGO Group's global initiatives." Ajith Nayar, CEO of CamCom Technologies said, "CamCom as an industry-agnostic computer vision platform, we have built world-class solutions that are not only accurate and scalable, but also trusted by global enterprises and Governments. With the onboarding of an esteemed brand like ERGO Group AG, we are expanding our global footprint and reaffirming our commitment to delivering AI innovation that drives real-world impact from India." CamCom's platform is currently deployed by over 15 insurance companies across globally. The platform complies with region-specific regulations, including GDPR in Europe and IRDAI guidelines in India -- enabling secure, compliant, and efficient integration across geographies. This partnership is also aligned with ERGO's broader ambition to be the digital leader in insurance by 2025 and reflects the group's continued investment in innovative technologies through platforms like the ERGO ScaleHub in Dusseldorf. *Subject to IRDAI approvals CamCom, an award-winning, industry-agnostic Computer Vision (CV) platform, is revolutionising defect and damage assessment on all surfaces. They are pioneers in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and associated technologies in the visual inspection process. CamCom's expertise lies in assessing micro-defects during production and macro-damages in the aftermarket, which is often subjective and inconsistent. The impactful CamCom AI solutions increase efficiency, prevent defective product seepage, and offer non-linear scalability. Their track record includes successful implementations in various industries across the globe, demonstrating their capabilities and reliability. For more information, please visit: www.camcom.ai. ERGO is one of the largest insurance groups in Germany and Europe. The Group is represented in over 20 countries worldwide, with a focus on Europe and Asia. ERGO offers an extensive product portfolio for private and corporate clients in every key insurance category, as well as end-to-end support and services. Three separate units operating under the umbrella of ERGO Group AG - ERGO Deutschland AG, ERGO International AG, and ERGO Technology & Services Management AG - manage the ERGO Group's businesses and activities. The German and international businesses as well as global management of IT and technology services are organised in these units. Around 37,000 people work for the Group, either as salaried employees or as full-time, independent agents. In the 2024 financial year, ERGO generated insurance revenue of EUR20.8bn and a result of EUR810m. ERGO is part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers. You can find more information at www.ergo.com. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, one of the leading private sector general insurance companies of India, whose promoters are HDFC Bank Limited, one of India's leading private sector banks, and ERGO International AG, the primary insurance entity of Munich Re Group. A digital-first company, transforming into an AI-first company, HDFC ERGO is a leader in implementing technology to offer customers the best-in-class service experience. HDFC ERGO offers a complete range of General Insurance products including Health, Motor, Home, Agriculture, Travel, Credit, Cyber and Personal Accident in the retail space along with Property, Marine, Engineering, Marine Cargo, Group Health and Liability Insurance in the corporate space. Be it unique insurance products, integrated customer service models, top-in-class claim processes or a host of technologically innovative solutions, HDFC ERGO has been able to delight its customers at every touchpoint and milestone. The Company has created a stream of innovative & new products as well as services using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Processing Language (NLP), and Robotics. HDFC ERGO offers a range of general insurance products and has a completely digital sales process with 299 branches and 600+ digital offices across India. HDFC ERGO's technology platform has empowered the customers to avail services digitally on a 24x7 basis, with 70%+ claims for retail products intimated digitally and over 80% of service interactions are catered digitally of which 10% are AI led. The Company issued ~3.4 crore policies in FY25 and has one of the best claims payout ratios in the General Insurance industry. Please log on to www.hdfcergo.com or stay connected on the following social media handles to get more information on HDFC ERGO and the products and services offered by the company. This media information contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of CamCom Technologies, the ERGO Group and HDFC ERGO General Insurance. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements given here and actual developments, in particular the results, financial situation and performance of the Companies. The company assumes no liability to update these forward-looking statements, or to adjust them to future events or developments. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Police are scouring mountains for an armed military veteran after four people were killed in a shooting in a Montana bar.

Michael Paul Brown, 45, fled The Owl Bar in the town of Anaconda in a white pickup truck but later ditched it, authorities say.

The shooting happened at about 10:30 local time on Friday morning.

Residents were told to stay at home and on high alert as the manhunt continued.

Lee Johnson, of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, said: While law enforcement has not received reports of Brown harming any other individuals, he is believed to be armed, and he is extremely dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities said they would release the names of the victims once all of their families have been notified.

This is a small tight-knit community that has been harmed by the heinous actions of one individual who does not represent what this community or Montanans stand for, Mr Johnson said.

Family members of Brown, pictured, say he has suffered serious mental health problems

Anaconda, about 25 miles north-west of Butte, is hemmed in by mountains. The town of about 9,000 people, was founded by copper barons.

Brown lived next door to The Owl Bar, said owner David Gwerder, who wasnt there during the shooting on Friday morning. Gwerder told the Associated Press that the bartender and three patrons were killed and didnt think anyone else was inside. He also said he wasnt aware of any conflicts between Brown and any of the victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He knew everybody that was in that bar. I guarantee you that, Mr Gwerder said. He didnt have any running disputes with any of them. I just think he snapped.

Brown served in the US army as an armour crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, said Lt Col Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson.

Brown was then in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009. He left military service in the rank of sergeant.

Browns niece, Clare Boyle, told the AP on Friday that her uncle has struggled with mental illness for years and that she and her other family members repeatedly sought help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This isnt just a drunk/high man going wild, she wrote in a Facebook message. Its a sick man who doesnt know who he is sometimes and frequently doesnt know where or when he is either.

Authorities locked down the west of Anaconda by ground and air, preventing anyone from leaving or entering.

A helicopter hovered over a nearby mountainside as officers moved among the trees, said Randy Clark, a retired police officer who lives there.

Following reports of the shooting on Friday, business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers.

Barbie Nelson, the owner of the Firefly Cafe in Anaconda, said she locked up her business after a friend alerted her to the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are Montana, so guns are not new to us, Ms Nelson said. For our town to be locked down, everybodys pretty rattled.

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.
CARTHAGE, Mo.  At the heart of Marian Days is the Catholic religion, and for many whove come to the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer, spiritual growth is what theyre looking to find.

We honor our Lady, the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God, said CMR minister, Father John Paul Tran.

Since 1978, thousands of Vietnamese American Catholics have made the annual journey to Marian Days to celebrate their faith and honor the Virgin Mary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a gathering to worship God and honor our Lady and giving thanks that she led us across the sea to a new country where we have a new beginning, said Father Tran.

Through daily mass, conference, and prayer, this festival gives people a chance to proclaim and grow in their Catholic faith.

Most of the time, people are saying, why do you worship, Mary? and this and that. A lot of time I explain to them, were not really worshiping Mary, were praying to Mary just like were asking our brothers and sisters and other people to pray for us. So, its coming to a place where all the people have the same faith and the same thought that were here to ask the Mother of our God to intervene and pray for us, said Washington D.C. resident, Jason Pham.

Those whove made the unique pilgrimage to Carthage say the love they find in the community gathered here is just as important as the religion its founded on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive met so many people I have never seen before. Its so chaotic, but yet everybody just goes on their way, and theres a sense of community. Theres nobody bumping heads, and nobody has hard feelings for each other. It gets to the point where I dont have electric and people just say, hey, use my cord, use my batteries, use my generator, so theres a whole community here, said Pham.

Attendees say Marian Days is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, thats hard to find anywhere else and is what keeps them coming back year after year.

It just makes me feel clean, and recharged, and makes me happy when I come here, so thats why I keep coming back, said Columbus, Ohio resident, Liz Doan.

The faithful say thats the goal of Marian Days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To keep the faith of the people going, said Father Tran.

Its good to see hundreds of thousands of people come together, out in public, proclaiming their faith, said Pham.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Seven years ago, nearly 75 people  mostly senior citizens  attended a Terre Haute City Council meeting to express their concern over the closing of the Vigo County YMCA pool in September 2018.

Brenda Williams helped lead that group. They adopted the clever name Why (as in Y) Make Waves?

They felt as if they had to make some metaphorical waves. Its members ranged from a doctor to a machine operator, an art instructor, retired teachers, rehabbers and others. Williams was a newly retired educator and breast cancer survivor, who also was dealing with the effects of scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and two knee replacements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Each Why Make Waves? member came to the YMCAs pool for different reasons, but all bonded through its therapeutic waters.

The Y was their home, Williams said Friday morning. Many in our group were those who found the Y as a lifeline. Theyd worked their whole lives and didnt have much. But they had the Y pool.

YMCA officials made the difficult decision in autumn 2018 to close the aging pool, because of the financial burden of the high costs of operating and repairing it. That left all those seniors, as well as younger folks, without an indoor place to swim regularly.

Swimmers of my age who had enjoyed their access to the pool had a new mission, recalled Williams, now 77.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They worked to revive and sustain the YMCA pool. The members formed a 501(3) nonprofit. They continued talking with community leaders. They raised funds through bingo nights, painting parties and a style show, undaunted by the six-digit totals needed to assure the pools long-term viability. As an example of their determination to aim big, that style show  conducted on a Wednesday afternoon in Terre Haute, no less  raised $30,000. They enlisted, and received, donations through service groups such as 100 Women Who Care and Guys Who Give.

And Why Make Waves? didnt quit.

Now, seven years later, Williams and her cohorts can see the endzone for the project.

At their meeting next week, theyll pinpoint the details of their final donation toward the YMCAs pool modernization  $25,000. Those funds, along with a match through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, will support pool updates, Williams explained. In total, Why Make Waves? will have contributed more than $100,000 toward the pool and its programming. Its helped purchase things such as shower curtains, a waterproof TV to display videos of senior-swim-class instructors when those instructors were unavailable, an accompanying sound system, an elevated lifeguard chair and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A decisive chunk of the pools modernization comes through the city of Terre Haute  approximately $300,000 for a new pool operating system to replace the 30-year-old original unit. The city and YMCA have bids out for the project.

Our goal of a reliable, sustainable public YMCA pool, available in our community for all ages and abilities, has been achieved, Williams said Friday, enthusiastically. Our work is done.

The city, through former Mayor Duke Bennett and current Mayor Brandon Sakbun, has continued to maintain the pools operations since taking over the pool and reopening it in January 2020. Of course, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made that restart brief, but the pool eventually resumed and soldiered on through mechanical issues the past few years.

The pool modernization comes amid a larger, overall renovation of the Vigo County YMCA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The facility on the banks of the Wabash River south of Fairbanks Park announced in January it had been awarded a $6.5-million grant through the Lilly Foundation for an extensive makeover and update to a structure built in the 1980s. Last January, Ryan Penrod  CEO of YMCA of the Wabash Valley, which includes the Vigo facility  said the expansion and refurbishment of the Y would cost between $10 million and $12 million, meaning another $5 million to $6 million would need to be raised.

The pool is just a small piece of the overall YMCA renovation project, Mayor Sakbun said Friday morning. The city has incurred very large costs on the facility and we look forward to modernizing it. This will help reduce operational cost in future years. The overall project will really kick off around November. I remind folks that the pool is just one piece of the pie. The YMCA offers programming, fitness instruction, youth after-school care and so much more.

November will include the Ys fourth annual Inspiration Gala. That event is scheduled for Nov. 1 at the Terre Haute Convention Center and will feature the communitys own Richard Goodall, the singing janitor who won the Americas Got Talent competition last year. Williams believes the upcoming gala will be the best yet, and allow Why Make Waves? to go out with a big splash.

The effort to bring the Y pool to sustainability filled much of the past seven years in Williams life. She retired as a school teacher at age 62, then served as a Vigo County School Corp. consultant for seven years, until the pandemic hit, and then fully retired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shes boldly led Why Make Waves? since then. The results of that work have benefited many Vigo County retirees, as well as children, moms and other folks.

It is a mission accomplished for us, Williams said. Its been a major part of my life the last seven years. But it was something I needed.

It kept her active after the passing in 2023 of Williams biggest cheerleader, her husband Jerry Williams.

Its given me purpose and something fulfilling to do with my time, she added. And Ive made lots of friends.

And lots of waves. Good waves. Important waves.
Aug. 1MITCHELL  Corn grown specifically for the Corn Palace ripens in early fall and this leaves little time for the Corn Palace to be decked out in murals before the weather turns cold.

City officials are seeking a third party contractor to take over the mural installation. Bids for the Corn Palace mural installation were to be opened on Tuesday afternoon at City Hall. However, no bids came in, and Public Works Director Joe Schroeder expects to have a contractor's quote within a month's time to present to the Mitchell City Council for approval.

The proposed change is bittersweet for Corn Palace maintenance and decorating supervisor Jeff Hanson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"If you don't get it done in time, you're standing on the lift in the middle of winter," Hanson said. "I do enjoy doing it, but it'd be nice to do the grasses and get the corn done before it's freezing cold out."

Corn produces its color in the last couple weeks of growing, which can be anywhere from the first of September to the end of September. This leaves a short amount of time before the weather changes for all nine of the Corn Palace murals to be switched out with a new theme.

If the corn cobs are put up within 30 days, the cobs maintain moisture. However, anything past this point and the corn cobs have to be soaked so cobs do not fall apart when installing.

"Imagine soaking it in the middle of winter. That's not fun," Hanson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hanson, 39, started out as a Corn Palace custodian in 2011 and then took on more responsibilities in maintenance and decorating.

Hanson has a crew of 12 people working 36 hours a week from June through the second week of August to get the Corn Palace decked out with ornamental grasses and prepared for installing corn cobs. This comes out to about 4,320 man hours.

Each of the five 10.6-foot tall by 12.6-foot long murals take about a day to outline and about two days to fill in, if two people are hanging the entire time. The longest mural, which is 10.6-foot tall by 33.6-foot long, takes about five days to complete with two people hanging cobs. Three other murals, which are 20.1-foot tall by 30.1-foot long, take two days to outline and 10 days to fill in.

A decorator stands on a lift to install a cob with two-inch finish nails placed about one inch apart, and installs a cob as close to flush with the next cob as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think if you had a big crew, you could get it done really fast, which would be beneficial for everyone, but it all depends on what they bid out," Hanson said.

Sixty acres of corn and 10 acres of rye are grown for the Corn Palace murals by farmer Brett Lowrie. Corn is planted 1/8th mile apart so as to not cross pollinate, according to Hanson. This comes out to about 660 feet between corn varieties.

Corn is delivered as a whole cob rather than as a bushel of corn seed.

The Corn Palace uses rye instead of wheat because it stays gold and is a little longer straw, according to Hanson.

Sourdock is harvested from the banks of the James River by Corn Palace crews over the course of about a month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fourteen stations are set up for binding the sourdock and rye so these grasses can be readied for installation. While still green, sourdock is tied in a bundle so that the leaves do not fall off at installation time. The bound rye is then cut to a length of 16 inches and becomes a broom. Thousands of these brooms are made each year. Brooms are then put on a drying rack.

"That's why you have to have about 12 people going at all times," Hanson said.

A good year of corn will produce pieces of cob long enough to be processed into 8-to 10-inch long pieces. However, a dry or less plentiful year produce cobs about half this size, which means covering the same about of mural space with double the amount of cobs, effort and time, according to Hanson.

A workshop behind the Corn Palace provides storage for 10 bins of corn cobs and shelter to keep the decorating crew preparing, even in snowy conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cobs are processed through chopping off the ends of the cobs on either side with a chop saw and cut lengthway through a special cob rip saw. The blade on the cob rip saw is changed once a week because of how tough corn is on blades, according to Hanson.

Black cobs are used to outline shapes in murals and to make the murals easier to see. Hanson contrasted the Taj Mahal mural, which is easily-identifiable with clean black lines and a lot of calico corn cobs, with a mural of a backpacker at the grand canyon, which Hanson noted had too many dark colors side by side.

The more detail is in a mural, the longer the mural will take to install.

Hanson's goal is to have all the grasses installed around the murals by the second week of August or before the Corn Palace Festival.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Existing murals do not come down until fresh corn is in hand so that the bare plywood underneath the murals is not left to the elements and to potential damage by hail. The 2026 Corn Palace mural theme is 250 years of America.

Hanson said he would be happy to offer guidance and answer questions to a contractor. Hanson painted a picture of several teams working on different lifts to complete murals at the same time.

"The goal would be to get more lifts, more people on crews, and then have preppers prep the corn ahead of time, come in and do all the corn," Hanson said.
RANDOLPH, VT. (WWLP)  An individual from Roxbury was arrested on Thursday in Vermont for allegedly operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.

The Vermont State Police stated in a news release that at approximately 11:08 p.m. on Thursday, troopers observed motor vehicle violations occurring on I-89 southbound in Randolph and conducted a traffic stop.

Springfield man released from prison after 40 years for wrongful conviction

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When speaking with the operator, identified as 31-year-old Naliber Taveras of Roxbury, Mass., officers noticed signs of impairment. Following the investigation, Taveras was arrested under suspicion of DUI Drug.

Courtesy of Vermont State Police.

Taveras was released on citation after being processed at the Royalton State Police Barracks, and is scheduled to appear at Orange County Criminal Court on September 24.

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.




NEED TO KNOW

Maxwell Anderson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of killing and dismembering 19-year-old college student Sade Carleena Robinson

Robinson's family spoke during the sentencing hearing on Aug. 1, calling Anderson a "demon" and suggesting that "everything that he did should be done to him"

"My ancestors roll deep," Robinson's mother said during the sentencing





Maxwell Anderson, the Milwaukee man who was convicted of killing and dismembering a 19-year-old college student, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nearly two months after the 34-year-old man was found guilty on all counts for the killing and dismemberment of Sade Carleena Robinson, Circuit Judge Laura Crivello sentenced him to life in prison with no opportunity to seek parole during his sentencing hearing on Friday, Aug. 1, according to the Associated Press and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In June, Anderson was convicted by a jury of first-degree intentional homicide, dismembering a corpse, arson and hiding a corpse in connection with the April 2024 death.

Investigators claimed he killed Robinson on a first date and spread her remains around Milwaukee County. His conviction came with a mandatory sentence of life in prison, with the judge revealing the parole decision on Aug. 1.

Milwaukee Police Department Sade Robinson Sade Robinson

During the sentencing hearing, Robinsons mother Sheena Scarbrough referred to Anderson as a "demon" and said he messed the entire community up." The teen's father, Carlos Robinson, also spoke out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everything that he did should be done to him, Carlos said, per the AP. No man should be able to live after what he did. Thats just how I feel. I cant get past this. I cant.

While Andersons attorney, Anthony Cotton, encouraged the judge to make his client eligible for parole  citing his time in the U.S. Navy and apparent mental health issues  the judge refused.

Anderson also said on Aug. 1 that he hoped "true justice will be delivered" after claiming he was innocent. Per the Sentinel, he claimed he "did not commit these crimes" and that he was planning on appealing the convictions.

Cotton did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the sentencing, Crivello called Anderson's crimes unconscionable and said his view of reality differs from the rest of the world."

She sentenced him to an additional seven and a half years on the dismemberment charge and a year and a half for arson, while apparently dismissing his count of hiding a corpse after Cotton argued he couldn't be convicted of that charge and the mutilating charge, according to the AP.

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.

In June, Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said during the trial's closing arguments that Anderson, who was 33 years old at the time, met with Robinson at a bar the week before she went missing, per the AP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both surveillance video and cell phone records put the two together during the late afternoon and early evening of April 1, Vance-Curzan said, adding that they visited two bars before going back to Anderson's apartment.

Authorities later discovered photos from Andersons phone of him groping Robinson while she lay face down on his couch, as the prosecutor described her as incapacitated, according to the AP.

Video footage also showed Robinson's vehicle leave Anderson's apartment on April 2 and arrive at a park near Lake Michigan, where prosectors said Anderson cut the victim's body up without being seen. An informant also alleged that Anderson provided a detailed plan of how he intended to carry out the killing.

"My daughter had to cross your demonic path," Scarbrough said during the Aug. 1 hearing. "You plotted and planned to kill, dismember, then you disrespectfully spread my daughter across Milwaukee like a piece of trash. How dare you?"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"My daughter was everything. She was everything to all of us. ... This has affected the world, the community in such extreme ways. There's no way in hell we should've went through this freaking trial that you [dragged] us through. You knew you were guilty."

Scarbrough also told the convicted killer of her daughter that he could "no longer hurt" her child. "She's in heaven. She's protected. We roll deep. My ancestors roll deep. When you touched my daughter, you f----d with the wrong family," she said.



Read the original article on People
CYPRESS HILLS, Brooklyn (PIX11)  Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday that his administration has created, preserved, or planned for nearly 470,000 housing units during his 3.5 years in officea figure he hopes will define his legacy amid New Yorks worsening housing crisis.

We have already created, preserved or planned for approximately 426,800 homes for New Yorkers, Adams said during a press conference, pointing to the citys multi-pronged approach to boosting housing supply.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A closer look reveals that only about 95,000 of those units have been newly built or are under construction. Another 135,000 were preserved through city intervention, and nearly 197,000 are simply promised many tied to the mayors rezoning package known as the City of Yes.

To illustrate progress, the city highlights developments like a newly opened 123-unit building that includes both affordable housing and supportive units designed for formerly homeless New Yorkers or those recovering from substance abuse.

While Mayor Adam underscores stories his progress rents remain high, and competition for available units continues to be fierce.

State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor, has criticized Adams for not placing enough emphasis on rent-stabilized housing, which he argues is vital to addressing affordability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Adams administration counters that much of the preserved units included in its housing count are, in fact, stabilized affordable apartments, often maintained as such because of city intervention.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A frustrated Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, threatened with suspension and removal from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis, said he signed an amendment to an agreement Friday with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under protest and extreme duress.

He said he feared DeSantis would oust him and county commissioners, then name his minions to lead the county.

Yes, I signed the damn thing because we really had to, Demings said at an afternoon press conference called to explain why he backtracked on his opposition to a codicil permitting county correction officers to transport immigration detainees to federal detention facilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Demings and all six commissioners voted against the amendment July 15 but will discuss it again at their Tuesday meeting.

His turnabout occurred as DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet were gathering in Orlando at the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters for a press conference at which the governor announced the creation of a new immigration enforcement unit within the patrol.

Demings was asked if he suspected the governor had actually planned to announce he was suspending him.

I dont have any direct knowledge of that, but I do have relationships, and Ill leave it at that, Demings said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before he was elected county mayor, Demings spent four decades in law enforcement, starting his career as an Orlando police officer in 1981. He later served as Orlando police chief, Orange County public safety director and two terms as Orange County sheriff.

Demings objected to adding transport duties for correction officers, insisting the jail lacked staff to handle the extra chore.

To even be deployed to do that in the first place requires specialized training, Demings said.

Demings was advised by County Attorney Jeff Newton that DeSantis could not only suspend and remove him and other elected commissioners from office but could impose civil and possibly criminal penalties if the board did not reconsider and approve the amendment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Demings signs ICE transport agreement just before DeSantis, cabinet appear in Orlando

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a DeSantis appointee, warned Demings in writing this week that the rejection of the transport obligation constituted failure to use best efforts to assist with federal immigration enforcement, as required by state law.

Demings said he was unwilling to risk suspension of the entire Board of County Commissioners, including himself.

I say that with all sincerity, because of the role, the responsibilities that we have here within this community to take care of our community and look out for our residents, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cliff Shepard, a government law attorney, said he believes the risk to Demings and the commission was real. He recalled the governor has previously suspended and removed state attorneys and those actions survived court challenges.

DeSantis replaced Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in 2022, alleging neglect of duty and incompetence for signing pledges not to prosecute cases related to Florida laws restricting abortion and gender-affirming care. The governor then ousted Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell in 2023, alleging incompetence and neglect of duty, arguing she failed to adequately prosecute drug trafficking and offenses involving firearms.

Its not an idle threat, Shepard said.

We also know that a significant majority of the current Supreme Court was appointed by the current governor and seem to have favored his position on certain things. If you look at the track record of the current governor with legal challenges in front of the Supreme Court as currently constituted, I cant think of one that hes lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Demings capitulation drew criticism from immigration advocates.

In an email to the Orlando Sentinel, Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of Hope CommUnity Center, an immigrant resource center in Apopka, criticized the mayor for folding under pressure.

His decision represents a betrayal of the values of dignity, inclusion and community that the residents of Orange County hold dear, Sousa-Lazaballet said. By doing so, Mayor Demings becomes complicit with the human rights atrocities being committed at these centers, including the already infamous Alligator Alcatraz. I cant stress this enough, as this is not about politics but about human lives.

shudak@orlandosentinel.com
CHARLESTON  The McDowell County Public Service District is among several entities in the state receiving funding for critical water infrastructure improvements, according to an announcement Friday by Gov. Patrick Morriseys office.

Morrisey announced the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council has awarded $16 Million in new water infrastructure investments funds for seven water and sewer projects across the state.

By upgrading critical infrastructure, were protecting public health, strengthening our communities, and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth, Morrisey said during a press conference in St. Marys on Friday. This is how we build a West Virginia that works for everyone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the announcement, the McDowell County Public Service District has received a $219,047 IJDC Critical Needs grant to address failures of the Bradshaw wastewater system that McDowell County PSD is now operating on their behalf. This grant will repair the vacuum and grinder pump system, affecting 112 customers in the Bradshaw area.

Other approved projects include:

 Jumping Branch- Nimitz Public Service District: Summers County  Jumping Branch-Nimitz PSD has been awarded a $1,000,000 IJDC grant to extend public water service to the Madams Creek Road area in western Summers County.

 Canaan Valley Public Service District: Tucker County  Canaan Valley Public Service District received an IJDC grant of $1,000,000 to construct a new wastewater treatment plant that will replace five existing package plants owned by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Blackwater Center, and Land of Canaan Vacation Resort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 City of St. Marys: Pleasants County  The City of St. Marys received a low interest loan of $496,700 to replace deteriorated waterlines on Morgan Avenue and Barron Street and install five hydrants and two valves in the Mound Manor area.

 City of Thomas: Tucker County  The City of Thomas received an IJDC grant of $500,000 to install a pre-treatment system at the Thomas Water Treatment Plant.

 Flatwoods Canoe Run Public Service District: Braxton County  Flatwoods Canoe Run PSD has received $17,810 in IJDC Critical Needs grant funds to replace 70 feet of sewer line to mitigate a partial sewer collection collapse, which resulted in an immediate health hazard.

 Mingo County Public Service District: Mingo County  Mingo County Public Service District has received a $195,684 IJDC Critical Needs grant to address the failures at the Naugatuck water treatment plant, affecting 4,531 customers in Mingo County.

Andy Patton is the managing editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph and The Register-Herald in Beckley. Contact him at apatton@bdtonline.com
The Brief

The New Jersey Department of Health reported a new measles case in a Passaic County resident who recently traveled internationally.

The individual may have exposed others to the virus at Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains on July 31 and August 1.

The state is not currently experiencing a measles outbreak, which is defined as three or more related cases.

TRENTON, NJ - A new case of measles has been confirmed in a New Jersey resident and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date on their measles vaccinations.

What we know

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents to the case found in a resident of Passaic County who caught the virus while traveling internationally. This case is not related to other recent cases reported in July in Hudson and Ocean counties, according to NJDOH.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New Jersey is not considered to be experiencing a measles outbreak, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines as three or more related cases. Measles is a highly contagious virus with symptoms that include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward.

Potential Exposure Locations

The health department has identified several locations where people may have been exposed to the virus. Anyone who visited the following locations during these specified times may have been exposed:

Chilton Medical Center, Emergency Department

July 31, 2025, 7:00 PM through August 1, 2025, 3:30 AM

Chilton Medical Center, Main Hospital, 5th Floor, Intensive Care Unit

August 1, 2025, between 1:30 AM and 12:30 PM

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NJDOH is urging anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to call their local health department or a health care provider before visiting any medical office or emergency department. Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as August 24, 2025.

The NJDOH is working with local health officials on contact tracing and efforts to notify people who might have been exposed. Since the beginning of 2025, New Jersey has had a total of six confirmed cases of measles. In 2024, seven cases were reported.

Nationally, measles cases have reached the highest levels since 1992, with the CDC reporting 1,333 cases across 40 jurisdictions as of July 30, 2025.

What you can do

Health officials are urging residents to stay up to date on their MMR vaccine and to call ahead to a medical facility if they suspect they have been exposed.

The MMR vaccine is described as the most effective way to protect against the virus, according to NJDOH.

The Source

This article contains information provided by the New Jersey Department of Health.
PNN New Delhi [India], August 2: Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, led by Dr Naresh Kumar Goyal, Principal Director & HOD, Cardiology & Heart Failure Programme, Fortis Hospital - Shalimar Bagh its team of Doctors, marked Organ Donation Day with a large-scale walkathon aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from healthcare professionals, citizens, and representatives of key social bodies including Lions International, Charak Heart Foundation, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Dadhichi Deh Daan Samiti, and Aagam Shree Foundation. Held early Saturday morning, the walkathon began from Fortis Hospital and saw over 500 participants take to the streets carrying banners and placards advocating for organ donation. The event was spearheaded by Dr Naresh Kumar Goyal who stressed the urgency of increasing awareness on organ donation in India to save lives. "Organ donation is one of the greatest acts of humanity. With over 5 lakh people in India waiting for life-saving organ transplants, it is crucial that we remove the myths and hesitation around this cause," said Dr. Naresh Kumar Goyal, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh. "Each donor can save up to eight lives - this awareness must reach every household." The initiative was supported by Lions International, whose Delhi District Governor, Lion Mr Dinesh Batra, emphasized, "Our global network stands with this mission. Lions are committed to building awareness and supporting families who wish to donate." Aagam Shree Foundation, a prominent organization dedicated to body and organ donation, played a key role in mobilizing volunteers. Its General Secretary, Shri Ankit Batra, shared, "Organ Donation is the noblest Donation. Through such efforts, we hope to normalize this conversation in every Indian family." Bharat Vikas Parishad which is voluntary organization participated and added support of Swasth-Samarth-Sanskarit Bharat Shri. Naveen Gupta stated, "Organ donation is a spiritual act of continuity. Our foundation supports every initiative that spreads this message." Mahipal Singh Bhanot, Business Head, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, "The walkathon is part of Fortis Shalimar Bagh's ongoing commitment towards community outreach and patient education, particularly in areas of critical need around organ donation. The hospital is actively involved in transplant programs and continues to advocate for increased public awareness and participation on organ donation initiatives." The walkathon ended with a certificate distribution to the participants & pledge ceremony where hundreds vowed to register as organ donors. www.drnareshkumargoyal.in (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)
DENVER (KDVR)  Another potential measles exposure site has been reported in Colorado, this time near Monarch Pass in Chaffee County.

The case was confirmed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Chaffee County Public Health. A week ago, CDPHE reported other measles exposure locations in Gunnison and Almont.

US childhood vaccination rates fall again as exemptions set another record

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The virus is highly contagious, and anyone who is concerned or who was at the locations on the dates and times listed is asked to monitor for symptoms for 21 days. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days after infection on the face and spreads.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has been proven to provide strong protection against the virus, says CDPHE.

The location cited as a possible exposure site by CDPHE was:

Location Date/time When symptoms may develop Monarch Mountain at the Crest Gift Shop

24500 US-50

Salida, CO 81201 Friday, July 25

4:30  7 p.m. Through August 15

If you were at this location during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of July 23, CDPHE had reported 16 measles cases in Colorado. The majority of cases were in people who were unvaccinated. Ten of the cases have been associated with an out-of-state traveler who flew while infectious.

CDPHE told FOX31 in February that prior to 2025, the last confirmed case of measles in the state was reported in December 2023, and that most of the time, measles cases occur in Colorado after travel or in under-vaccinated communities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KRON)  A United Airlines plane headed from Tampa to San Francisco International Airport was diverted to San Antonio Friday night due to a mechanical issue, a UA media relations spokesperson confirmed to KRON4.

Military-style rifle fired near Wildcat Canyon Regional Park had homemade suppressor: police

United flight 2301, on aircraft 737-MAX8, landed safely in San Antonio, said the airline company.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Passengers deplaned normally at the gate and weve arranged for a replacement aircraft to get them to their destination as soon as possible, said UA in a news statement.

There was a total of 179 passengers on the flight and six crew members.

Details concerning the origin and cause of the mechanical issue have not yet been provided.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The memorial service for Rishard Harvey is today.

Brighton graduate killed in Virginia crash, community mourns loss

The youngest son of Reverend Doctor Rickey B. Harvey Senior and Yvonne Harvey was killed in a vehicular crash in Virginia two weeks ago. A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where his father serves as Senior Pastor.

Calling hours start at 10 a.m., with the memorial service at 11 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rishard was a senior at Hampton University, remembered for his kindness, compassion, and bright spirit.

Rishards light was so bright that even tragedy could not dim it, said his brother, Reverend Doctor Rickey B. Harvey Junior, Executive Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Columbia, MD. We will carry his legacy in our hearts every day.

In his memory, the Rishard Harvey Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church to honor his life and lasting impact.

Service will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, visit: mt-olivetbaptistchurchrocny.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 RochesterFirst.
A memorial service for former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh has been scheduled.

The service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at Crossings Community Church, Nigh family spokesman Bob Burke said. The church building is at 14600 N. Portland Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Nigh, a legendary politician who served in the states highest office four times before becoming president of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, died Wednesday, July 30, at age 98.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More: George Nigh dies at 98: Oklahomans remember former governor, longtime politician

Nighs body will lie in state from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, in the fourth-floor rotunda of the state Capitol.

Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order directing all U.S. and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff until 5 p.m. on the day of Nighs internment.

Nigh, from McAlester, served as governor for nine days in January 1963, then for five days in January 1979, as he completed the terms of previous governors J. Howard Edmondson and David Boren, respectively, after they each left to join the U.S. Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nigh was elected to full terms as governor in 1978 (taking office in January 1979, after his five-day term replacing Boren had ended) and 1982, making him the first person to be re-elected as Oklahomas governor. Nigh had previously served as lieutenant governor and as an Oklahoma House representative.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Time, date of memorial service for former Gov. George Nigh is set
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  One person is dead after a South Memphis shooting Friday night, Memphis Police said.

Officers responded to the 400 block of Betty Bayou Avenue at approximately 10:20 p.m

A male victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no suspect information at this time. If you have any information that could help police, 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.
Around 350 racers have already signed up to participate in MentorKids Kentuckys annual fundraising event, the Rugged Race, which will kick off bright and early on Saturday morning at Diamond Lake Resort, located at 7301 Hobbs Road in western Daviess County

According to the nonprofit organizations website, MentorKids Kentucky exists to positively impact the lives of kids aged six to 14 from single-parent and non-traditional households to promote academic excellence, character building, social responsibilities and relational and life skills development.

The first heat of runners will leave the starting line at 7 a.m., but, according to MentorKids Kentuckys Executive Director Berly Sullivan, the nonprofit will be taking race entries up until the start of the action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Rugged Race is a 5K race containing 28 different obstacles that participants must traverse as they make their way around Diamond Lake Resort. Obstacles include water crossings, barbed wire, rope climbs and mud, and the race also utilizes the resorts topography to challenge the runners. Water stations and paper towels are placed at various points along the race route to help assist the participants.

Diamond Lake is such a treasure, Sullivan said. We are thankful that they provide us with the space and opportunity to host the Rugged Race every year. These runners are going to see parts of the grounds that people who have camped here for years have never seen.

Competitors for the Rugged Race are able to register for five different race groups depending on age and the ability of the runner. The Elite Rugged category, Sullivan said, is for your more competitive participants, and they begin Saturdays race.

The Elites are in it to win it. Think Spartan or Iron Man types of competitors, Sullivan explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teams are allowed to compete in the Ultimate Rugged group, which makes it different from the Elites, Sullivan said.

Theres also a Rugged Kids course that consists of one mile of obstacles, and it is open to ages eight to 13.

The last race that we hold is for two groups of Rugged Rascals, she said.

The Rugged Rascals are divided into two groups, one for ages 4 to 7 and another for ages 8 to 13 that are inexperienced runners.

There are some kids who want to do the race, but maybe they dont want to go in the water yet, and those kids can be a part of the Rugged Rascals race group, Sullivan said. Its so precious to see them run.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The race isnt just physically challenging, Sullivan explained, it is mentally challenging, so weve placed inspirational signs like Keep Going and Dont Stop along the course to help encourage the runners.

Sullivan said that one of the race participants came to last years Rugged Race and lost a significant amount of weight to be able to compete this year.

She lost around 140 pounds to be able to run the race, and thats inspirational for everyone, Sullivan said.

She said that it takes her, MentorKids Kentucky staff members, including her executive assistant Sarah Magliner and volunteers around three weeks to prepare the course for the race, utilizing her 2009 Honda Odyssey mini van, nicknamed Bess, leading the efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Well also have around 100 volunteers out here on Saturday to help direct runners, watch the obstacles and assist with parking, she said.

Sullivan said that she has set a goal to have 400 racers compete on Saturday, but also added that a lot of the turnout depends on the weather.

If its beautiful weather, more people are going to show up, she said. Plus, Diamond Lake is also running specials during the race.

As mentioned on Diamond Lake Resorts Facebook page, Snag an RV or tent campsite for this weekend and score not one, but four free race registrations, a $260 value.

Were all about providing some of these more unique experiences for our program kids. Theyre running in the race. Its all about family and experiences, Sullivan said. Many of our clients dont get to take family vacations, so the race is a great way for them to see the outdoors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Spot coffee truck, Kona Ice and the Cottage, along with the resorts snack shop, will also be available at Saturdays race to provide food and beverages for purchase for families, spectators and participants.

Weve got a little something for everyone, Sullivan said.

All participants in the Rugged Race will receive a finishers medal and event T-shirt. Additional medals will be awarded to the overall male and female winners, based on how quickly they traverse the course, in the Ultimate and Elite categories and a trophy will be provided to the top team in the Ultimate group.

The event, Sullivan said, would also not be possible without the support of the amazing volunteers and sponsors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More information about Saturdays Rugged Race can be found on the MentorKids Kentucky website, www.mentorkidsky.org, or by visiting the MentorKids Kentucky or the Rugged Races dedicated page, MKK Rugged Race.

All proceeds from the Rugged Race will benefit MentorKids Kentucky.
PRINCETON  A program that has eliminated 298 of Mercer Countys blighted structures with another batch slated to come down has been honored by the County Commissioners Association of America.

Mercer County is one of three West Virginia counties earning the national associations 2025 Achievement Award. This year, the countys Dilapidated and Blight Eradication Initiative was recognized for partnering with residents to remove unsafe structures while improving public safety and fostering hope and economic growth.

County Commissioner Greg Puckett said the demolition program was recognized during the associations recent conference in Philadelphia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They were recognizing Mercer County for a job well done, and next year were going to expand and see if we can win an even bigger award, Puckett said. Were starting to see awards come in because of the work were doing to accomplish life altering in many ways. Our partnerships with cities has never been better and in many ways were leading the state in how to facilitate proper demo execution.

Money allowing the demolition program to offer grants to property owners who couldnt afford to have structures torn down became available in 2023 when the county was awarded a $1.5 million West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. When this money was spent, the county received a $750,000 grant last January.

The last $88,000 of this second grant is being spent on demolishing another 20 structures, said Dilapidated Structures Officer Lori Mills. This batch will be on top of the 298 decaying homes and buildings that have been torn down already.

It will be gone after these 20 and Im not sure well get all these, Mills said about the remaining grant money. I just want to make sure we use all the money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not all of the counties awarded demolition grants have spent their money, so there is the possibility that the state will draw back these funds and award them to other counties, she said.

Weve asked for an additional $750,000, but we dont have any idea if were going to get any, Mills said. Were hopeful.

Mercer Countys program has had a lot of success, but this does not guarantee that the county will get another grant.

There are two ways to look at this, Mills said. Weve done more than anybody else in the state, but weve also received a lot of funding. Theres a chance based on the amount that weve received that we will not get any more, but we are ready to go if we do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, Mercer Countys program was awarded the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protections first Ready, Set, Demo Award.

Puckett said that tearing down decaying and burned-out structures aids economic development, so he hopes that having more demolitions will encourage the state to award another grant.

When you have buildings that are no longer an eyesore and a problem, it gives a new vision for the potential to come, he said. Were going to get on those and were hopeful the state will continue to see our progress and allow us to work with our smaller communities like Oakvale, Athens and Bramwell to continue those partnerships.

Programs in Greenbrier and Lewis counties were recognized as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Greenbrier County, the Planning & Permitting Blight Reduction Program was presented the 2025 Achievement Award, according to the associations announcement. The program focuses on building maintenance and property regulation to eliminate hazardous and abandoned structures, making communities safer and more attractive for residents, visitors, and new businesses.

In Lewis County, the 2025 Achievement Award was presented to the Local Government on the Go program, according to the associations announcement. This program brings government directly to residents through rural Neighborhood Watch meetings to share updates, address concerns like broadband and cellphone service while making local government more accessible and responsive.

Contact Greg Jordan

at gjordan@bdtonline.com
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WJTV)  A federal jury convicted a Meridian man of drug trafficking offenses after a four-day trial.

According to court documents, Jabreon Deshon Mosley, 34, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Man arrested after drag race, crash in Starkville

Prosecutors said in January 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of Mosleys residence. They recovered more than 87 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 pounds of fentanyl, and 35 pounds of cocaine, two different pill press machines, 13 firearms and one suppressor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Mosley was utilizing an illegal automatic pill press machine to manufacture counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine from October 2023 to January 2024. Authorities said the counterfeit pills were then distributed to the streets of Meridian and parts of Alabama.

Jabreon Deshon Mosley (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center)

The Drug Enforcement Administration Jackson and Birmingham District Offices, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force are investigating the case.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  On Wednesday, Mesa County announced a new option for residents to escrow property tax payments through the Mesa County Treasurers Office if they do not have a mortgage company to handle the escrow.

The Treasurer enrolled in a program that allows for escrow payments to be processed securely through EscrowTaxes, a cloud-based platform, which enables residential and business property owners to set up monthly pre-payments.

Participating individuals must pay $1 per transaction for ExcrowTaxes payments through electronic checks or a 2.5% processing fee with credit and debit cards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many property owners who do not have a mortgage company doing their escrowing for them have mentioned that its really hard for them to make those large payments when they own their home outright and they dont have to take a monthly chunk from their cash flow, said Mesa County Treasurer Sheila Reiner.

Before the program, the options Mesa County residents had to lower or delay property tax payments by either applying for the Senior Homestead Exception, Disabled Veteran Exemption, or participating in the Property Tax deferral program, in which the state places a lien against the properties.

Colorado has proposed legislative proposals in the past to address taxpayer concerns with property tax payments. In 2024, a proposal was introduced for a 12-month payment mandate, and in 2025, House Bill HB 25-1199 would have implemented four payment installments. Both proposals were rejected and would have been an unfunded mandate on Colorado counties.

The Colorado legislature has considered the idea of requiring Treasurers to accept monthly payments for years. If the counties were required to do it, the cost for additional staff, printing and education would be spread amongst all taxpayers, said Reiner. It is not good governance to create a requirement that only serves some and costs all taxpayers. Its exciting to see an option come from a third party that doesnt require an unfunded mandate upon county governments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new program will not add development, maintenance, or overall costs to the county, nor add contracts between Mesa County and participating taxpayers.

When I sat on the tax commission statewide, this was one of those ideas that we really loved because it- not this particular idea, but giving taxpayers the opportunity to split up their payments. But the hurdle we couldnt get over was that we were burdening other taxpayers with [] the use of county funds. So, I love this option. [It] gives people other options to essentially escrow funds and pay it once a year to you guys [at the Mesa County Treasurers Office], said Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis.

Many tax bills are expected to increase for Mesa County residents when they arrive through the mail in Jan. 2026. The amount that the Treasurers Office will bill is contributed due to the following of a reappraisal year and the ending of the property tax relief legislation.

More information about the Mesa County Treasurers Office or ExcrowTaxes can be found at www.mesacounty.us.

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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department announced that officers arrested a man who had been wanted on more than two dozen outstanding warrants with charges ranging from theft of merchandise to domestic violence.

Green Hills residents react after teen carjacking spree

On Thursday night, MNPD officers reportedly saw 31-year-old David Foxx driving a Ford Taurus in the area of 16th Avenue North and Blank Street. They identified him as a man wanted on 25 outstanding warrants for theft of merchandise, auto theft, a probation violation and domestic violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though Foxx initially fled from officers, spike strips were deployed and he stopped on the Interstate 40 entrance ramp on Charlotte Avenue; thats where he was taken into custody.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Police said Foxx allegedly took items from a variety of retail stores. Additionally, they say he has prior felony convictions for gun possession, evading arrest, drug possession and theft. As of publication, he is being held on a $78,000 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 WKRN News 2.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a high-level meeting with major steel producers in Mumbai on Saturday. The focus of the meeting was to discuss on key areas such as advanced technology adoption, reducing logistics costs, boosting iron ore production, and enhancing MSME competitiveness to strengthen India's position in global value chains. "Held a productive dialogue with major steel producers in Mumbai. Focused on ideas like advanced tech adoption, reducing logistics costs, increasing iron ore production, and expanding India's role in global value chains by making our MSMEs more competitive. Looking forward to a collaborative roadmap ahead to forge a resilient & future-ready steel industry," Goyal said in the X post. Steel is a de-regulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of the steel sector. The government has taken the several measures to improve raw material security, enhance R&D activities, reduce import dependence, and cost of production to support India's goal of becoming Aatmanirbhar in steel production and help MSMEs, small steel producers. He also engaged with leaders from the engineering goods sector, calling them "champions of precision, performance & progress." Goyal emphasized the government's commitment to building a resilient steel industry and transforming India into a global engineering hub under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. "Engaged with leaders of the Engineering Goods Sector who are our nation's champions of precision, performance & progress. Together, we are building an ecosystem that strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat and fuels Make in India for the World. Government is committed to turbocharging India's march to become a global engineering hub!," he added in a seperate post. These meetings are possibly part of the government's effort to protect the stakeholders in the steel and other allied sectors amid the uncertain environment after the imposition of tariff by the US President Donald Trump. (ANI)
Aug. 2New Mexico's clean energy and environmental advocates are recoiling from energy policy shifts set in motion by the Trump administration this week, including the possible rollback of a major scientific finding about climate change and the delay of rules regulating oil and gas emissions.

For a big oil- and gas-producing state like New Mexico, the consequences could be far-reaching, state officials say. But Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's administration is sticking to its own clean energy policies, and a state board in the coming weeks will hold a hearing to consider the adoption of a clean fuels rule.

"The proposal to rescind the Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 Endangerment Finding ignores decades of established climate science and threatens the health and economic future of New Mexican families," said state Environment Secretary James Kenney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal administration's pro-oil and gas stances have resulted in multiple unfavorable policies for renewables, according to advocates, who pointed out that just last month, President Donald Trump signed a bill that they say will slow down the nation's renewable energy transition.

On Tuesday, the EPA announced a move that the Union of Concerned Scientists called "laughable, if it weren't so dangerous"  an intent to rescind a 2009-era legal prerequisite that allows the federal government to combat climate change.

Known as the "endangerment finding," it concluded that greenhouse gas emissions pose a global threat by contributing to climate change. The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions nationwide is transportation, contributing 28% of GHG emissions in 2022, according to the EPA.

If the EPA officially rescinds the endangerment finding, the federal government could no longer impose greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles and trucks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In our work so far, many stakeholders have told me that the Obama and Biden EPAs twisted the law, ignored precedent and warped science to achieve their preferred ends and stick American families with hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden taxes every single year," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement.

President Trump has long played down, or questioned, the seriousness of climate change, arguing that the steps taken by Democratic administrations to address the issue were too expensive.

Zeldin told Fox News in an interview Tuesday that the proposed change would amount to "a trillion dollars worth of savings."

"If finalized, this amounts to the largest deregulatory action in the history of the United States," Zeldin said to Fox News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additional EPA changes drew even more ire from environmentalists as Zeldin announced Tuesday that his agency is pushing back several deadlines on emissions standards.

"These announcements make it more important than ever that New Mexico strengthen its state regulations that address oil and gas methane emissions to protect its citizens' health, its unparalleled landscape and its legacy as a climate leader," said Nini Gu, regulatory and legislative manager with the Environmental Defense Fund, in a statement.

New Mexico has its own emissions standards, two of which  an ozone precursor rule and a methane waste rule  are projected to reduce methane emissions by 54% between 2020 and 2030, according to NMED. By the end of 2026, operators must capture at least 98% of their natural gases. Ozone and methane are two common GHGs, though by far the largest GHG pollutant is carbon dioxide, which is what cars, planes and other transportation vehicles produce.

Last year, operators in New Mexico captured 99.67% of their methane, according to data compiled by the Center for Western Priorities. They produced 3.5 trillion cubic feet of methane and wasted 11 million cubic feet of that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"New Mexico did what the federal government can't do  create certainty for its oil and gas operators," said NMED spokesperson Drew Goretzka. "We followed the science, collaborated with stakeholders and set innovative rules that embrace technology while reducing emissions."

Kenney said the state will continue working with lawmakers on the right toolsets needed to reduce emissions, "regardless of what happens in Washington."

"New Mexico will continue standing behind the science and leading on climate action because it protects our families, our economy and our future," he said.
MIAMI, Okla.  A Miami schoolteacher charged with assaulting two teenage boys has been terminated from his position, school officials confirmed on Friday.

Charles Murnan Preaus, 53, of Miami, appeared before the Miami School Board on July 24 for a due process hearing on his termination.

Charles Murnan Preaus

He is charged in Ottawa County District Court with two counts of child abuse and public intoxication.

The Miami School Board upheld the schools decision to terminate Mr. Preaus, said Jill Doughit, Miami Schools superintendent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state Department of Education shows that Preauss certification in Spanish, physical education, and drivers education has been suspended.

Four days before the hearing, Preaus posted on social media and asked for character witnesses to appear at the July 24 hearing, saying the allegations are  bogus.

Preaus told police he was in his garage smoking and drinking when the two boys, ages 13 and 14, walked through his property carrying sticks and mouthing off. The boys told police that Preaus followed the boys to private property, and he jumped him.

Preaus said the assault happened the other way around.

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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
A flyer sitting on the ground near the press area during Vice President JD Vance's March 14, 2025 visit to Bay City demands Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer call a special election in Michigan's vacant 35th Senate district. | Kyle Davidson

This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access.

LANSING  Its been more than 200 days since residents of Michigans 35th District have had a state Senator, prompting growing and bipartisan complaints over Gov. Gretchen Whitmers refusal to call a special election to fill a vacant seat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were being taxed, but we have no representative in the state Senate. I think thats egregious, Saginaw County Democratic Party Chair Brandell Adams said this week.

Brandell is among three candidates who have so far filed to run for the seat in a district that includes parts of Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties. Its been vacant since Jan. 3, when Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet began her new job in Congress, leaving about 270,000 residents without a state senator.

Under Michigan law, only the governor has the power to call a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the term, which runs through next year. Whitmer has not said when shell do so  or why its taken so long.

We expect an announcement will be made in the near future, Whitmer spokesperson Stacey LaRouche said Wednesday in a text message. We will keep you posted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The governors office has offered variations on that statement for months but missed opportunities to utilize existing election dates to fill the seat, including Tuesdays municipal primary.

In the meantime, the absence of a state Senator has real consequences for people in the district, said state Rep. Bill G. Schuette, a Midland Republican who is considering a run should Whitmer call a special election.

Were debating serious issues in the state Legislature, whether its our states budget, how we finally work to fix our roads  , he said. People in the Great Lakes Bay region only have half of their voice.

Schuette and other Republicans have continued to question the delay, accusing Whitmer of petty politics driven by a fear that the district will flip to Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Should it, Democrats and Republicans would each hold 19 seats in the state Senate.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist would have the power to break a tie, but Republicans could effectively block bills by asking a lawmaker to miss session. In the event of a 19-18 vote, a bill would fail, with no opportunity for Gilchrist to provide the 20th vote necessary for passage.

It seems like Gov. Whitmer is very intent on doing the most political thing, because it seems like theyre afraid theyre going to lose the seat to Republicans, said Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. Its blatantly political, partisan politics that theyre playing.

People in the district deprived of representation

Its not uncommon for a lawmaker to leave office before their term concludes. But Michigans solution  giving the governor almost absolute control to call an election with little restriction on timing  is a poor solution, experts say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is an endemic problem, said Quinn Yeargain, a professor of law at Michigan State University. Any time theres a vacancy and you have to have a special election, theres going to be a period of time in which nobody is in the seat and the people are functionally deprived of representation.

Half of U.S. states instead use some version of an appointment system  typically, where the party that previously held the seat gives names to the governor for a replacement candidate  to expedite the process.

Political appointments can appear undemocratic, Yeargain said, but they help ensure voters do not lack representation for prolonged periods.

Michigan lawmakers in recent years have tried but failed to force a timeline for filing vacant seats in the state Legislature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former state Rep. Andrea Schroeder introduced a bill in June 2021 that would require a governor to announce within 30 days of a vacancy whether there will be a special election to finish the term.

The bill was personal for Schroeder, a Republican from Independence Township: She had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and she died in October of that year.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate approved the legislation, but Whitmer vetoed it, saying she would not tie the hands of future Michigan governors.

Schuette, the Midland Republican, introduced a similar bill this year that would require a special election within 180 days of a legislative vacancy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The proposal was co-sponsored by 16 Republican colleagues and referred to the House Election Integrity Committee in June. The GOP-led House has yet to hold a hearing on the bill, however.

State Board of Education Chair Pamela Pugh, a Saginaw Democrat who has already filed to run for the vacant seat, said Whitmer may have a good reason for not yet calling a special election, including ongoing negotiations over the state budget and road funding talks in Lansing.

But its getting to the point where she needs to bump us up on that priority list, Pugh said, adding later: We are asking her to prioritize us. This district. A district that has great needs.

The cost of a special election

A lack of clarity around when  or even if  Whitmer will call a special election also leaves local election officials in a lurch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whitmer could call a special election to be run outside of the standard schedule, which can prove expensive and labor-intensive for clerks who will only have a single question on the ballot.

Its not uncommon, as both May and August local elections frequently have little on the ballot. But any election requires a lot of clerks, from the ballot design to machine testing to counting ballots, and balancing that with the many other tasks they manage can be tricky.

The governor could also call a special election to coincide with other upcoming election dates. That might be easier on clerks, but it would likely also mean the state Senate seat stays vacant into next year.

State law requires that there is first a primary, Department of State spokesperson Cheri Hardmon confirmed. Its far too late to get the race on next weeks ballot, and the language for much of the November ballot is finalized by the middle of the month to meet state and federal requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials in the affected counties said they havent heard anything about possible special election dates from the Whitmer administration or the Michigan Bureau of Elections.

Its been radio silence, said Bay County Clerk Katie Zanotti, who is concerned about the potential timing.

If the election is scheduled for later this year, officials could be looking at canvassing during the holidays. If it waits until 2026, Zanotti and other local clerks could have to run four elections next year, including major statewide primary and general elections for governor, U.S. Senate, the Legislature and more.

That was really challenging for fellow clerks when it happened last year in Metro Detroit, said Zanotti, a Democrat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I wish it would have been called much, much sooner, she said. Otherwise, its going to be a mad dash if it gets called at all, and I dont know if its going to be.

Jordyn Hermani covers state policy and politics for Bridge Michigan. She can be reached at jhermani@bridgemi.com. Hayley Harding is a reporter for Votebeat based in Michigan. Contact Hayley at hharding@votebeat.org.

Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  Jim and Sue Clinton, Carrie (Clinton) Griepentrog and Brad Clinton, owners of Clinton Farms in Bear Creek, Wisconsin, are continuing a family tradition by hosting the 2025 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days on August 5-7.

Theyll be joined in hosting duties by Carries son, Payton, making Clinton Farms the first farm to host Wisconsins most popular farm show across four generations.

Roland (Joe) and Dorothy Clinton hosted the 25th show, then called Farm Progress Days. 25 years later, the 50th show was hosted by Jim and Sue Clinton in 2003, the first year the event was called Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Clintons hosting Farm Tech Days for the third time across four generations is a powerful story about the evolution and resilience of Wisconsin farming, said Mel Pittman, Chair of the Board, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. Visitors and exhibitors will have an incredible opportunity to see how this family farm has modernized for future generations.

In 1978, the farm operated 320 acres with 300 head of cattle. Before the show, Joe and Dorothy Clinton added a machine shed, garage and shop. Field demonstrations focused on forage harvesting and oats. A stationary stack former was demonstrated, a sawmill produced cedar shingles, and field plots featured alfalfa, legume and grass varieties.

Click here for more Midwest Farm stories!

25 years later, at the 50th show, now called Farm Technology Days, the farm had undergone a large transformation, not the least of which was the growth from 320 acres to 2,300 acres. At that time, the Clintons milked 150 cows using a flat barn parlor with a double-six design. They raised their dairy replacements as well as 100 steers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2003, the second generation of Clintons grew corn, soybeans, 300 acres of alfalfa and 100 acres of cabbage. Visitors saw the new 200,000-bushel grain handling system and storage facility. Farm demonstrations included alfalfa harvesting and global positioning system (GPS) equipment.

The second, third and fourth generations of Clintons now milk 750 cows, raise all their dairy replacements and raise all their bull calves, which they sell as feeders. The Clinton family built a new facility in 2019 that includes the first Waikato 50-stall rotary milking parlor in Wisconsin.

Before the show in 2025, the Clintons plan to expand to 1,000 milking cows.

Plans also include adding to the existing freestall barn and building a pre-fresh and post-fresh barn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Early show plans include wheat and forage harvesting demonstrations, viewing of the rotary parlor in action and active farmer seminars and tours focusing on manure storage, livestock building design, maternity and calf care and feed storage. A child-safe play area and potential tractor pull are in the planning stages.

Mark your calendars for August 57, 2025, and make your way to Bear Creek, Wisconsin, for Wisconsin Farm Technology Days at Clinton Farms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The Brief

Mild winters in recent years have left Canadian forests primed to burn, the worst being in 2023.

Millions of acres of forests are remote and hard to reach, making both prevention and firefighting difficult.

The sheer number of fires across Canada means crews have to prioritize the protection of more populated areas.

(FOX 9) - If it seems like weve had more poor air quality days in Minnesota in recent years because of fires burning in Canada, you are not wrong.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) began issuing Air Quality Alerts in 2008. To date, this year and 2023 have been the worst in terms of smoke impacting the state.

"Whats happened in Canada in 2023, and this year, was drought," explains MPCA Meteorologist Ryan Lueck.

Mild winters, dry forests

Whats happened

Lueck told FOX 9 that a smaller snowpack in Canada has left forests primed to burn, starting wildfire season earlier than normal.

The number of fires burning across Canada is staggering, fueled by warmer weather and wind.

Rising temperatures, even by a few degrees, have made wildfires much more intense over the past decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"So, we can look back all the way back to the 1980s, and we can see how much area has burned in Canada," explained Lueck. "Those numbers have spiked in recent years."

The most widespread amount of area that was burned by wildfires in Canada was in 2023, while 2025 is on pace to come in second.

Vast wilderness

Dig deeper

The fires burning further north are in vast, sparsely populated areas of millions of acres with very few roads.

That makes it difficult, if not impossible, to do much in terms of prevention. It also makes it very tough to fight them.

"Its remote," said Lueck. "Theres a lot of areas where, if you wanted to fight the fires, youd have to drop firefighters in by plane. And then that becomes a danger and hazard for the firefighters."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Without enough resources to fight all the fires at once, crews must prioritize those that threaten more populated areas.

In other words, the fires will continue to burn and drifting smoke into Minnesota will continue to be a factor into the fall.

"We have the wildfires in place. Theyre going to stay there. Now its a matter of when the wind will direct that smoke toward Minnesota."

Tough fight

What they're saying

We also spoke to Ralph Bloemers, a documentarian and wildfire expert in Oregon. Hes also the director of Fire Safe Communities, which works to prepare people and homes to live with the reality of intensifying fire conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Water drops are pretty futile when its that big of a fire over that vast of an area," he told FOX 9 of the massive challenge currently in Canada.

With fires so widespread in the remote forest areas, air drops of water make such a small dent that it does little towards putting them out.

Hot and dry air makes it even harder.

"I was just talking to some pilots in Canada who fly over these fires and theyre dropping 3,000, maybe even more, gallons of water. But when they drop that water, a lot of it, the atmospheres just so thirsty, it just vaporizes."
ANACONDA, MT (Associated Press)  Authorities have launched a manhunt after a shooting at a Montana bar left four people dead.

State investigators said the shooting happened Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda.

Public records show and U.S. Army officials say the man suspected in the shooting is a military veteran who lived next to the bar.

His home was cleared by a SWAT team, but he remained at large Friday evening and was believed to be armed, prompting warnings from officials to avoid the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities have yet to release details about what led to the shooting.

Anaconda is a town of about 9,000 people that is about 75 miles southeast of Missoula.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Hundreds of thousands of young faithful feted Pope Leo XIV like a rock star Saturday at an open-air prayer vigil outside Rome, after the head of the Catholic Church made a dramatic entrance by helicopter.

Pilgrims began crying and cheering when the white military helicopter descended over the sprawling, open-air site in Rome's eastern outskirts;

Organisers said as more than 800,000 young pilgrims from 146 countries around the world had assembled there as part of a "Jubilee of Youth" -- and perhaps as many as a million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smiling broadly from his popemobile, the first American pope waved to throngs of young, screaming pilgrims lining his route, many of them running for a better vantage point.

They had already spent the day in the hot sun listening to music, praying and talking with fellow Catholics.

"The pope is here!" announced an excited voice over the public address, to thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd.

But the tenor of the event soon became more solemn and contemplative as the pope took to the stage, carrying a large wood cross.

"Dear young people, after walking, praying and sharing these days of grace of the Jubilee dedicated to you, we now gather together in the light of the advancing evening to keep vigil together," Leo, 69, told them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- A Catholic 'Woodstock'-

In the crowd was French pilgrim Julie Mortier, 18, whose voice was hoarse from singing and screaming for hours.

"We're too happy to be here! Seeing the pope, that's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" she croaked happily to AFP.

Event organisers said people had continued to arrive during the vigil and that it was possible that attendance numbers had reached one million.

Most pilgrims said they would camp overnight for a Sunday morning mass at the site led by Leo. That will mark the culmination of the week-long youth pilgrimage, a key event in the Catholic Church's Jubilee holy year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some in the crowd were so far away, they could not see the massive stage with a golden arch and towering cross that dominated the vast open area -- which at over 500,000 square metres was the size of around 70 football fields.

"I'm so happy to be here, even if I'm a bit far from the pope. I knew what to expect!" British student Andy Hewellyn told AFP.

"The main thing is that we're all together," he said ahead of the pope's appearance, as other young people nearby played guitars, sang, or snoozed in the sun.

Italian broadcaster Rai dubbed the event a Catholic "Woodstock", as throughout the day nearly two dozen musical and dance groups, many of them religious, entertained the crowds, who lounged among blankets, cushions and umbrellas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a video message, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed pilgrims to the capital, who were "praying, singing, joking amongst themselves, celebrating in an extraordinary party".

- Water and suncream -

The "Jubilee of Youth", which began Monday, comes nearly three months after the start of Leo's papacy, and 25 years after the last such massive youth gathering in Rome under Poland's Pope John Paul II.

Early Saturday, countless groups of young people set off from central Rome for the venue in Tor Vergata after filling water bottles, applying suncream and adjusting backpacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They were ready to spend the next 24 hours surrounded by a crowd of people and then sleep under the stars.

Victoria Perez, who carried a Spanish flag, could not contain her excitement at seeing "the pope up close".

"It's the first time I'm going to see him, and I can't wait," the 21-year-old told AFP, looking forward to a "night of prayers under the stars".

French pilgrim Quentin Remaury, 26, said he had been inspired by the late pope Francis's rousing message to youth during a 2016 visit to Krakow, Poland.

"Pope Francis told us to 'get off your couches,' and that really gave me a boost," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- Open-air confessional -

Throughout the week, attendees have participated in Church-planned events, such as confession at Circus Maximus, one of Rome's top tourist spots.

On Friday, approximately 1,000 priests were on hand, with 200 white gazebos serving as makeshift confessionals lining the hippodrome where chariot races were once held in Ancient Rome.

The pilgrimage unfolds as under-30s navigate economic uncertainty, climate change, and ongoing international conflict, with some pilgrims travelling from war-torn areas like Syria and Ukraine.

Samarei Semos, 29, who said she had travelled three days from her native Belize to get to Rome, said she hoped Leo would have a strong say about "third world countries".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Vatican said that before the vigil the pope had met and prayed with travellers accompanying an 18-year-old Egyptian pilgrim who died Friday night.

Rai News reported that the young woman had died of a heart attack on a bus while returning to her lodging from an event in Rome.

Amid tight security, more than 4,300 volunteers and over 1,000 police are watching over the vigil, organisers said.

ams/jj
A 22-year-old Milwaukee woman faces decades behind bars after prosecutors say she fled a traffic stop, led police on a chase, and eventually caused the death of West African immigrant Al-Mukhtar Sidiya following a high-speed crash at an intersection on Brady Street.

Cera A. Wilkerson was charged Aug. 1 with five felony counts, including operating a vehicle while fleeing an officer causing death and second-degree reckless homicide.

Police attempted to pull over Wilkerson for speeding on the 1200 block of West Center Street, when she fled, crashed into a vehicle near North Humboldt Avenue and East Brady Street, before crashing into Sidiya, 28, at the intersection, according to a criminal complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Analysis of a module in Wilkerson's car revealed she was traveling 62 miles per hour and was applying the throttle, not the brakes, through a red light at the intersection when she crashed into Sidiya as he had a passenger in the car, the complaint said. The crash was captured on Milwaukee Police Department pole cameras.

Sidiya died from blunt force injuries to his upper body during transport to a local hospital, the complaint said. His 27-year-old passenger was sent to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, but included broken ribs and a collapsed lung, according to the complaint.

Wilkerson told police that she saw the police lights and believed she was getting pulled over for running a red light, but she has bad anxiety and a bad history with police, and does not remember what happened until the crash, the complaint said.

As of Aug. 1, Wilkerson has not yet made an appearance in court and she remains in custody of the Milwaukee County Jail.

Al-Mukhtar Sidiya was seeking the American dream

Sidiya moved to the U.S. in 2023 from Mauritania, a country in northwestern Africa, in search of a better life, his uncle told the Journal Sentinel earlier this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"(Sidiya) was very humble," Ibrahim Minih said. "He tried to help everybody.

Al-Mukhtar Abdullah Muhammad Sidiya, from Mauritania, died in a crash on Milwaukee's Brady Street after a reckless driver fled police.

"He tried to do his best," he added. "He's a very hard worker ... just trying to get a better life, like everybody else in the land of opportunities."

Sidiya leaves behind his parents, three sisters, and a younger brother in his home country. Minih said his body will be transported back to Africa for burial.

Police pursuits can result in injuries or deaths

Minih, who lives in Chicago, said of the manner in which he lost his only U.S.-based relative that more should be done, not just in Milwaukee but around the country, to help lessen police pursuits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I wish the community stand by and pay attention to those criminal people and mainly the police not to chase the criminal in the neighborhood or in the busy time," he said.

There has long been a debate on whether authorities should engage in chases, especially when they reach extremely dangerous speeds after the number of chases grew tenfold over a five-year span in Wisconsin, resulting in injuries and deaths of innocent bystanders.

Al-Mukhtar Abdullah Muhammad Sidiya, from Mauritania, died in a crash on Milwaukee's Brady Street after a reckless driver fled police.

The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, and other area governing bodies, have debated whether police chases are succesful enough, given the risk, and changed police pursuit policy multiple times over the past 15 years or so.

In 2018, the apprehension rate in Milwaukee for people caught or detained after a pursuit was 38%. In 2016, West Allis had an apprehension rate of 17.8%, while Wauwatosa had a 14.6% rate in 2017. Other suburban cities in Milwaukee County showed higher rates in 2017, with Glendale at 26.9% and Greenfield at 26.7%. Greendale reported a 33.3% catch rate. Other U.S. cities in recent years report much higher apprehnsion rates, though.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's unclear in recent years how many police pursuits resulted in injuries or deaths. But the San Francisco Chronicle built a national dataset of at least 3,336 people killed in police vehicle pursuits from 2017 through 2022.

The Chronicle said no government agency counts every police pursuit death, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration comes closest. The data shows that nearly two deaths during police chases were occuring daily in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman charged in Brady Street crash that killed West African
Minnesota DHS terminating Housing Stabilization Services amid fraud probe originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is moving to terminate the state's Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program amid a federal investigation into fraud among providers.

DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi on Friday made a request of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take the "unprecedented step" to end the program, which uses Medicaid funding to locate and maintain homes for Minnesotans with disabilities, mental illnesses, and substance abuse disorders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department intends to "redesign and relaunch the benefit" in collaboration with the Legislature, community partners, providers and the CMS to ensure "robust program integrity and service quality requirements to prevent bad actors from entering the program."

"Once that work is complete, DHS will then work with CMS to submit a new program framework for approval," the DHS said.

The program has come under scrutiny, to the point a federal probe has been launched, after payments rose from $2.5 million in 2020  the year Minnesota became the first state to offer Medicaid funding for housing stabilization  to more than $100 million in 2024.

A federal search warrant alleged the program had become "extremely vulnerable to fraud," with "dozens of new companies ... created and enrolled in the program" since its launch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The DHS said on Friday that it had stopped payments to an additional 11 companies enrolled in the program and has now stopped payments to 77 in total based on "credible allegations of fraud."

Google

"DHS is rooting out fraud wherever we find it. We cannot allow one more cent of taxpayer money going out the door to providers who claim to serve Minnesotans in need of stable housing while lining their pockets for personal gain," said Gandhi.

"As I made clear in my letter to CMS, our own data analysis has shown that this program does not have the necessary controls to stop bad actors, and we are urging CMS to approve our request to end this program as swiftly as possible."

"As our OIG data and investigations have revealed, too many fraudulent, unqualified bad actors have likely stolen money from our states taxpayers, and also cheated Minnesotans who need housing services," said James Clark, DHS Inspector General.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The termination of this program, while regrettable for those who need these services, is the necessary step at this time."

The DHS says service providers and recipients will receive notifications regarding the imminent shutdown of the program.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Brief

Several new laws took effect on Aug. 1 in Minnesota, including one preventing HOAs and landlords from prohibiting service dogs with proof they're in training.

The speed limit for implements of husbandry - including combines and tractors - went up from 30 to 35 mph.

DWI laws changed, too, mainly in the requirements for interlock ignition devices. Repeat offenders will have to stay on the sobriety-ensuring devices longer. The change was prompted by the Park Tavern drunk driver who killed two and injured 12 last year.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - At least a dozen new laws took effect Aug. 1 in Minnesota, including one prompted by a tragedy and another aiming to help get more service dogs in the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Advocates think Minnesotans will quickly see the positive impacts.

Can do service

Training dogs allowed

Can Do Canines have trained almost 1,000 dogs to be service animals, but they have a waitlist and never quite enough volunteers.

One of todays new laws should help with that.

Black lab mix Inga is wrapping up her training and already has a service dog assignment to a child with autism.

"The stories you hear from parents about how this just changed the entire family are absolutely amazing," said executive director Jeff Johnson. "So they're really transformational."

Johnson says they have a great group of volunteer trainers, but landlords and HOAs have limited the pool.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He pushed for the new law, opening the door for dozens of waiting volunteers.

"Our waitlists are too long, and we want to serve more people, and we want to change more lives," he said. "And this will allow us to do that."

Faster farmers

Tractor traffic

The speed limit opens up a little bit for farm and waste vehicles because of a new law.

It increases the maximum speed from 30 to 35 mph for implements of husbandry and uncovered trash-haulers.

Slowing DWI?

Longer sobriety proof

Slowing down repeat DWI offenders is the goal of the new law, expanding how long drunk drivers have to use ignition interlock devices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its two years now for a second offense, six years on a third, and 10 years after a fourth DWI.

St. Louis Park legislators got it passed after a five-time drunk driver killed two people and injured 12 more at Park Tavern last year.

The driver was sentenced to 30 years in prison this week.

Hed been forced to use an interlock ignition device before, but the requirement had ended.

Under the escalating punishments of this new law, he wouldve still needed to prove he was sober to start his car.

"Hopefully this addresses the behavior earlier in the process so you don't get this craziness of five, this guy with five priors killing two people in my community," said Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL-St. Louis Park).

The new law also looks back through 20 years of driving history instead of ten, and it lets offenders into the program without paying the reinstatement fee up front.
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has announced statewide protest gatherings across all 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala on August 3 and 4, in response to the arrest of two Kerala nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and religious conversion. The nuns, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethy Mary, were arrested by police at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on July 25. Condemning the arrests, CPI(M) State Secretary MV Govindan said that the party does not view the incident as an isolated one, but as a serious attack on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. "The Party does not see this as an isolated issue concerning just a few individuals. What is at stake are the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution, including freedom of religion, freedom of movement, and other civil liberties, which are now being openly challenged," Govindan said. He said the LDF would organise protest gatherings across Kerala's 140 constituencies on August 3 and 4 to defend the Constitution and civil liberties. "The shocking visuals of Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar members confronting nuns while the police stood by silently have been seen by the entire world. To expose such dangerous and unconstitutional actions and to defend the rights of the Indian people, the LDF will organise protest gatherings across all 140 constituencies in Kerala on August 3 and 4," he said. Earlier on July 1, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday wrote a letter to Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai over the arrest of two Kerala nuns, saying "religious persecution" of any kind has no place in a democratic and secular nation. The CM Sangma condemned the arrest and demanded the withdrawal of the "false case. "The nuns from Kerala, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethy Mary, were arrested at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on July 25 for allegedly being involved in forceful conversion and human trafficking. In his letter, Sangma wrote, "Religious persecution of any kind has no place in a democratic and secular nation like India." He added that such "baseless accusations" not only put the lives and freedoms of innocent individuals at risk but also "reflect a worrying pattern of religious targeting." (ANI)
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Summer time brings warmth and fun for many, but blood donation shortages also rise at this time.

The Mississippi Blood Services (MBS) has put out an urgent request for blood donations in Mississippi, citing a critical blood shortage for the request.

Water giveaway held at Blossom Apartments in Jackson

Blood donations tend to falter during the summer months, while the need for donations remains steady. According to Americas Blood Centers, patients require a blood transfusion every two seconds with more than 42,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma are used by patients every day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those who look to donate should be sure to bring a valid photo ID, eat a balanced meal within four hours, and stay well-hydrated before and after your donation. They accept walk ins, and will be hosting upcoming drives at these locations:

DATE LOCATION CITY START END Aug. 2 Zenergy Nutrition Jackson 8 A.M. 12 P.M. Aug. 3 Home Depot Madison 12 P.M. 4 P.M. Aug. 3 Piggly Wiggly Sebastopol 12 P.M. 4 P.M. Aug. 4 360 Nutrition Morton 11:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M. Aug. 6 Walmart Philadelphia 2 P.M. 6 P.M. Aug. 7 Bank of Yazoo Crossgates Pearl 11 A.M. 3 P.M. Aug. 7 5th Squad Blood Drive at Army National Guard Flowood 12 P.M. 4 P.M. Aug. 9 Walmart Carthage Carthage 10 A.M. 2 P.M. Aug. 10 Saint Joseph Catholic Church Madison 8 A.M. 1 P.M. Aug. 11 Baptist Healthplex Clinton 2 P.M. 6 P.M.

For a full list of statewide donation opportunities, visit the MBS website here or call 601-368-2673.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The same organization behind prior protests against the Trump administration reported mixed results for Saturday's "Rage Against the Regime" protests across the country.

The protests are part of the ninth "national day of action" event coordinated so far this year by the 50501 Movement, which opposes President Donald Trump and his administration's policies.

Organizers accuse the Trump administration of "heralding ... American neo-fascism," building "concentration camps" and funding "genocide."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They also accuse Trump of "weaponization of ICE against our communities, construction of concentration camps, covering up the Epstein files, attacks on transgender rights and ... dismantling of Medicaid, SNAP, USAID, the Department of Education, NOAA and the National Weather Service."

The protests are intended to be peaceful, but at least one local organizer changed the name to "Rise Against the Regime" to emphasize its peaceful intent for the protest in San Angelo, Texas.

Several posts on the 50501 Movements' Facebook page expressed disappointment over low turnout at many of the protests, while others said hundreds showed up.

The organization says "50501" refers to 50 protests in 50 states in one day and calls the Trump administration a "threat" to democracy and human rights, The Hill reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

About 350 Rage Against the Regime protests were scheduled in communities across the nation.

The name of Saturday's collective protests references the Los Angeles rock band Rage Against the Machine.

Other nationwide protests organized by the 50501 Movement include the "No Kings Day" protest held on June 14 and the "Good Trouble Lives On" protest held on the anniversary of former Rep. John Lewis' death on July 17.
Minnesotas Department of Human Services is moving to terminate a Medicaid-funded housing assistance program after federal law enforcement announced it was investigating a massive fraud scheme that likely lost the state millions.

DHS on Friday said it sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services asking to end the Housing Stabilization Services program, describing the move as an unprecedented step. The agency said it intends to redesign and relaunch the program to avoid fraud in the future.

In the letter, temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi said there are not enough controls in the program to stop bad actors from taking advantage of the system. The agencys Office of Inspector General recommended termination of the program, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS is rooting out fraud wherever we find it. We cannot allow one more cent of taxpayer money going out the door to providers who claim to serve Minnesotans in need of stable housing while lining their pockets for personal gain, Gandhi said in a statement.

Payments cut off

The request to terminate the program comes as the department cuts off payments to housing providers it suspects are defrauding the government. Gov. Tim Walz on Monday said he had directed DHS to cut off payments to 50 housing providers following news of the federal investigation earlier in July.

Eleven more housing stability providers lost funding on Thursday, according to DHS. A total of 77 programs have lost payments due to credible allegations of fraud this year, the agency said.

Gandhi has credited recent legislation that went into effect on July 1 with providing her agency the ability to cut off payments when there is credible evidence of fraud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Minnesotas Housing Stabilization Services, a first-of-its-kind program authorized in 2018, helps the elderly and people with disabilities at risk of homelessness find and pay for housing. People with mental illness and addiction problems also are eligible.

Susceptible to fraud

But the program is susceptible to fraud, according to an FBI search warrant affidavit. Dozens of companies emerged to provide state-funded services, and many claimed reimbursements for services they did not actually offer, investigators claim.

The state initially expected the program would cost about $2.6 million a year. But from January 2024 to April 2025, 14 providers received more than $22 million in taxpayer money for housing stabilization services they purportedly provided, according to the warrant. Each of the 14 received more than $1.2 million through the program.

On July 16, the FBI searched eight locations in St. Paul, Roseville and Little Canada tied to five providers, though no one was arrested.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the providers, Brilliant Minds Services LLC, is located in the Griggs-Midway building on University Avenue in St. Paul, where about 22 providers are purporting to operate, according to the warrant. Those groups received about $8 million in Medicaid payments between January 2024 and May 2025.

Officials with the human services department said they will work with the federal government, the Legislature and community partners to fix the program and relaunch the benefit.

GOP accuse Walz of trying to dodge accountability

In a statement on the DHS plan to terminate the program, Senate Republicans accused the Walz administration of attempting to dodge accountability for another high-profile government fraud scandal.

Today we learned Governor Walz is shutting down a housing program riddled with fraud, not to fix it, but to prevent any more embarrassment, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. Instead of holding anyone accountable, theyre pulling the plug before an audit can expose just how badly they mismanaged millions in taxpayer funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July, House Republicans sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for an audit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services amid a wave of Medicaid billing fraud investigations.

Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, the chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, called the termination request an admission of how deep the fraud in the program has become.

This was a program initially expected to cost taxpayers just $2.6 million a year, yet it ballooned to over $100 million, with fraud so rampant that the agency now admits it cannot guarantee basic program integrity, she said. The shutdown of this program confirms what we feared all along: this fraud goes far deeper than the few raids and arrests made public so far.

A string of fraud cases

Housing Stabilization Services is the latest DHS-administered program in Minnesota to fall under investigation for fraud. Child care, substance abuse treatment and autism support programs have also seen allegations of abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All that comes on top of the single largest known instance of fraud, where federal prosecutors say a scheme centered around the nonprofit Feeding Our Future defrauded the government of $250 million in federal funds from a pandemic-era meal program. In that case, the money was administered by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Minnesota has a fraud problem  and not a small one, Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said in a statement announcing the investigation into housing fraud a few weeks ago.

In a subsequent interview with KSTP-TV, Thompson said the total amount of fraud under investigation by federal authorities could top $1 billion.

Related Articles
An 84-year-old man is in a critical condition after being hit by a car while riding a mobility scooter.

The crash happened at about 16:50 on Friday on Gartlea Road in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire.

The mobility scooter was struck by a Vauxhall Mokka driven by a 43-year-old man.

Emergency services attended and the pensioner was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. His condition is described as critical.

Sgt Ross Allison, of Police Scotland's road policing unit said inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.

Related internet links
RICHFIELD, Utah (ABC4)  The Monroe Canyon Fire burning near Richfield in Sevier County continues to grow amid high winds and high temperatures. A community meeting has been scheduled for tonight, Aug. 2, at the Snow College auditorium to discuss the wildfire.

The blaze is currently mapped at 57,118 acres with 4% containment, according to an incident update on Saturday. A Red Flag Warning has been extended until Saturday at 10 p.m.

Temperatures around the fire have reportedly been in the high 80s and low 90s. Wind speeds have been consistently around 27 mph with 35 mph gusts. Humidities across the landscape are around 5% with historically low fuel moistures at around 8%.

Monroe canyon Fire. Courtesy: Lone Peak Fire District Monroe canyon Fire. Courtesy: Lone Peak Fire District Monroe canyon Fire. Courtesy: Lone Peak Fire District Monroe canyon Fire. Courtesy: Lone Peak Fire District Monroe Canyon Fire. Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service  Fishlake National Forest Monroe Canyon Fire. Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service  Fishlake National Forest Monroe Canyon Fire. Courtesy: U.S. Forest Service  Fishlake National Forest

A community meeting has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tonight, Aug. 2, in the Snow College auditorium in Richfield, Utah. Gov. Cox visited crews fighting the Monroe Canyon Fire on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yesterday, Aug. 1, was a calmer day on the fire, officials said. Crews were reportedly able to catch the flanking fire and mop up spots, holding the lines south of Monroe Canyon. Hotshots will be working to finish line construction between Manning Meadow and Marysville Peak today.

Crews successfully held Highway 24 after Thursdays activity and kept the fire on the west side of the highway, despite high winds. Firefighters continue to work in the area, mopping up, digging out hotspots, and expanding fireline, Saturdays update states. This burned area will assist firefighters by acting as a holding feature, should the fire attempt to make any more wind-driven runs toward the east. The highway has reopened to all traffic. Crews will be working along roadways in the coming days. We ask that the public drive safely when passing firefighters.

Dozers continue to construct line over the Koosharem Road, officials said. In Bear Valley, power companies are working to replace power poles damaged by the fire so that normal power can be restored to residents.

More aircraft have reportedly arrived to assist with the wildfire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fire now has seven type one helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter, six heavy scoopers, three air attacks, two UASs, and two helicopters on loan from the state of Utah. This brings the total number to twenty-three aircraft on incident. Having this quantity of aircraft has created the necessity to bring in a temporary FAA tower for the Richfield Airport, the update states.

Evacuation orders for people living in certain areas of Monroe Canyon have been lifted, according to the Sevier County Emergency Management system.

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.
More than 100 people have attended a peace vigil outside the Faslane naval base, home to the UK's nuclear-armed submarines.

The event was timed to mark the upcoming 80th anniversary of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan.

The peace vigil was organised by Scotland's three largest Christian churches, which are calling for an end to all nuclear weapons.

The protest came as President Trump announced he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed "in the appropriate regions" in response to comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The No To Nuclear Weapons event took place at the south gate of Faslane, which is officially called His Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde.

It is the home of all the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines, including the Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines which carry Trident nuclear missiles.

The four Vanguard submarines are the sole platforms for the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons and are due to be replaced by the new Dreadnought-class submarines after 2030.

Faslane is the base for the UK's nuclear missile-armed Vanguard-class submarines [Getty Images]

The vigil was attended by the Most Rev William Nolan, the Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and the Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Members of the Quakers, the Iona Community and the United Reform Church also took part.

Speaking ahead of the event, Archbishop William Nolan said: "The phrase 'never again' gained much currency 80 years ago.

"But the actions of nuclear powers, including our own, run contrary to that.

"As the late Pope Benedict articulated, the very concept of a nuclear deterrence has instead fuelled an arms race as those on opposing sides keep seeking to outdo the other.

"We have seen this in the replacement for Trident. Deterrence itself, therefore, has increased insecurity and does nothing to build up trust which is necessary to encourage disarmament and build up peace."

The protest was organised to mark the anniversary of the bombings of Japan in August 1945 [BBC]

An estimated 140,000 people were killed at Hiroshima and a further 74,000 at Nagasaki when the USA dropped the first and only atom bombs ever used in a conflict, on 6 and 9 August 1945.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UK began developing a nuclear weapons programme at the end of World War Two and held its first bomb test in 1952.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the main platform for the UK's nuclear weapons was the air-based V-bomber fleet, named after the three strategic bombers used to carry the missiles - the Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor and Avro Vulcan.

Since 1969, the UK has operated continuous at-sea deterrence, with first Polaris and then Trident missiles stored on and launched from nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity to remain submerged at sea for months.

Faslane, which sits on the Gare Loch - is also the home of Astute-class nuclear powered but conventionally armed attack submarines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The UK's stock of nuclear warheads is based at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long.

The Faslane base has long been the focus of anti-war protests from groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Trident Ploughshares.

A peace camp has been based just outside the site since 1982.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "Our nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of the UK's defence and the cornerstone of our commitment to NATO and global security and Scotland plays a crucial role in that.

"We recently announced a 250m investment into HMNB Clyde over three years, supporting national security and economic growth."
PORTSMOUTH  A commission dedicated to industrial and port-related development is working to bring more American Cruise Lines dockings to the city.

Its one of several ways Portsmouth  where 40% of its properties are government-owned, limiting its ability to generate tax revenue  is maximizing its existing land and resources to increase economic development activity across the city, develop the waterfront and keep momentum on a promising trend of increasing tourism dollars.

The Portsmouth Ports and Industrial Commission, formed by state lawmakers in the 1950s, is a group of seven members appointed by City Council to work alongside the citys Economic Development team to own, develop and sell off property, as well as maintain and operate the citys wharves, docks and piers. The commission can borrow money and issue bonds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The commission shared earlier this month in a City Council joint meeting a host of initiatives and opportunities underway to increase tourism and incentivize business development, particularly along the waterfront.

Among the biggest goals is bumping up the number of dockings from American Cruise Lines at High Street Landing. Commission members said the cruise line docks up to 15 times during the spring and fall seasons as part of a port of call for its American Revolution Cruise offering, where typically anywhere from 100 to 120 passengers visit two nights.

But theyre working with American Cruise Lines to increase those visits to 25-35 a year, commission members said. That will require some accommodations, however, including connections for city water, waste removal, minor modifications to seawall railings for disembarkment and boarding, and a docking agreement.

We have that opportunity to increase our tourism in our downtown corridor by double, and making sure we facilitate that relationship as best as possible, said commission chair Angelia Allen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commission members didnt have a cost estimate for sea wall accommodations. Council member Mark Hugel, who serves as the commissions council liaison, said the goal is to factor all the improvements into the long-term waterfront development. But in the short term, Portsmouth will get a test run on the types of accommodations needed when tall ships from Sail 250 visit the waterfront next summer.

Being able to to commit to them that were interested in accommodating their needs so that they can spend more time on our waterfront is going to be good business for us, Hugel said.

The Elizabeth River Ferry cruises by High Street Landing, a stretch of waterfront that extends from the Renaissance Hotel to the ferry stop at the intersection of Water and High Streets, in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) A section of waterfront by River Front Park in downtown Portsmouth is seen on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) High Street Landing, a stretch of waterfront that extends from the Renaissance Hotel to the ferry stop at the intersection of Water and High Streets in downtown Portsmouth, is seen on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) The High Street ferry stop at High Street Landing in downtown Portsmouth is seen on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) A Coast Guard vessel cruises by North Landing Harbor Park in front of Harbor Tower Apartments along the waterfront in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) High Street Landing in front of the Admiral's Landing apartment building is seen in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. High Street Landing is a stretch of waterfront that extends from the Renaissance Hotel to the ferry stop at the intersection of Water and High Streets. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) North Landing Harbor Park in front of Harbor Tower Apartments is seen along the waterfront in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot) Show Caption1 of 8The Elizabeth River Ferry pulls up to the High Street stop in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot)Expand

Other projects in the works include redevelopment of a 13-acre former Portsmouth Public Schools and Environmental Protection Agency superfund site along the 3900 block of Burtons Point Road. As a formerly contaminated superfund site, the type of development is limited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its zoned industrial, and commission members said theyre pursuing state and federal grants to develop a roughly 180,000-square-foot industrial warehouse. Funding could also help complete roadway improvement projects at Burtons Point Road and Victory Boulevard/Elm Avenue. The commission hopes to sell the property by September.

The commission can also administer state, federal and local grants to industrial-type businesses and projects. To date, Lineage Logistics has received $315,000 in a Commonwealth Opportunity Fund grant, which includes a 50% match from the city and is given at the governors discretion to secure a competitive deal. Virginia Port Host Communities Revitalization dollars reimburse certain cities up to 50% of the cost to remove or redevelop port-related properties. To date, that funding has gone to UNIS ($140,000), BASF site ($345,000), Crofton ($415,000), and Norfolk and Portsmouth Beltline Railroad ($800,000). DeLong received a state Rail Industrial Access grant of $750,000.

Collectively, these companies estimate an investment of more than $100 million, according to the PPIC.

We want to make sure that theyre staying in Portsmouth as much as possible, utilizing our businesses, Allen said. Its our time to shine and make ourselves a destination.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Metro students are scheduled to head back to class next week, where theyll be welcomed by more School Resource Officers.

The Metro Nashville Police Department has added 23 new SROs across the district. That includes two high schools with three officers each. The department called it their highest ever coverage at Metro schools.

Building relationships, working in close collaboration with Metro Schools, putting a rapid school safety team together. Weve done a lot to try and mitigate future school violence, said MNPD Chief John Drake on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WATCH: Metro police focused on school safety ahead of new year

Now in the 4th year of their School Safety Initiative, Drake said changes made to campus security are not based on Januarys deadly school shooting in Antioch.

We were planning for active shooters even before the Covenant incident, even before the Antioch incident. So weve met with Metro Schools, weve given them what we thought would be best moving forward, explained Drake.

Speaking to his SROs, Drake referenced relationship-building as a skill all their school officers needone they can hopefully use to prevent future campus violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our men and women are invested in more than just the police aspect, said Drake. Its building the relationships, getting to know people, and then those kids that may be on the edge or teetering on doing something wrong, we get the opportunity to have that conversation, to change that trajectory.

When do Middle Tennessee districts go back to school? Find your district, 2025 start date

This school year, McGavock and Antioch High Schools will have the most SROs in Davidson County with three each. Metro police said the schools were chosen due to their size.

Every district middle school and high school will have at least one school resource officer. Many elementary schools, however, still dont have an assigned SRO.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In total, based on numbers shared by Metro police, only nine of Metros 68 K-5 elementary schools will be staffed with a School Resource Officer to start the school year.

I think last year they only had eight (SROs), and if theyre only going up one from last year, I mean that is pitiful to be honest with you, said JC Bowman, executive director/CEO for the Professional Educators of Tennessee. We need them in those elementary schools and we need to prioritize that. Until every school has one, we havent done our job.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

While praising Chief Drake and Metro polices efforts, Bowman said there are still countless ways to improve school security, including better reporting of weapons found at schools, and hiring more women SROs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Eighty-two percent of our teachers are female and it would be very helpful to see some SROs that are female, said Bowman.

Metro students will return for their first full day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DAVIS COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  West Nile virus has been detected in communities across the Wasatch Front, including seven cities in Davis County. The abatement district gave ABC4 a look at how they test for the disease and shared tips for how people can reduce their risk of exposure.

To stay on top of the disease, Davis County Abatement District has 60 traps set up across the county. On any given week, they collect 52 of them, take them back to the lab and test them for West Nile.

Once at the lab, the insects are placed in a large deep freezer. It just puts them to sleep, and they die in their sleep, Lab Manager Elizabeth Hart told ABC4. Not only is it a human way to kill the mosquitoes, but it keeps their bodies intact. This is important for the next step: species identification.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some have stripes, some are plain, some have spots on the wings, so there are lots of characteristics that allow identification, explained Hart.

Not every species carries the disease. Hart added: The two species we worry about are culex tarsalis and culex pipiens, which are the main carriers of West Nile in Utah.

Once identified, 10 to 100 of those two species are placed in small glass tubes. This is what is referred to as a mosquito pool.

Then we process them by putting a buffer in smashing them up and then centrifuging them down so that we can then take that material and extract any RNA for West Nile, Hart said. The Davis County Abatement District is able to do the testing in house. Hart said this means they can get results back in about three hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One might wonder why the state has abatement districts and why they test for diseases like West Nile. With West Nile, many wont realize theyre sick or get West Nile, Hart answered. But, when you do get West Nile and get neuroinvasive, it can lead to many potential health problems, even death.

When a pool comes back positive, the abatement district targets treatments (for both larva and adult mosquitoes) in the area the trap came from. I like working to help the community and reduce the mosquito population and the mosquito risks, added Hart.

There are steps people can take to prevent the risk of being bitten (and possibly exposed to West Nile virus). Use bug spray when outdoors. Wear light-colored clothing and long sleeves that loosely fit. Dump out any standing water on your property (buckets, tires, etc.) Avoid spending prolonged periods of time outside from dusk to dawn.

If a person has any questions, concerns or thinks their neighborhood needs to be sprayed because extra mosquitoes seem to be around, Hart encourages them to reach out to their local abatement district.

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.
BRACEVILLE TWP., Ohio (WKBN)  A motorcyclist was killed Friday night in a crash in Trumbull County.

Colin Conklin, 21, of Kent, was killed in the two-vehicle crash.

It happened around 8:50 p.m. at the intersection of State Routes 5 and 534 in Braceville Township.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the driver of a 2007 Jeep Commander was headed east on SR 5 and turned left onto SR 534. Conklin, who was headed west on SR 5, collided with the Jeep.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Conklin was taken to University Hospital in Portage County, but did not survive his injuries.

Troopers say he was wearing a helmet.

The crash 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 WKBN.com.
Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil on Friday dismissed Maharashtra's claim that raising the height of the Alamatti dam to 524.256 metres would cause floods in Sangli and Kolhapur districts. He asserted that this argument has already been rejected by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, the Supreme Court, and even in the Lok Sabha. "Sangli and surrounding regions in Maharashtra witnessed severe floods in 1964, 1976, 1994 and 1997 -- all before the construction of the Alamatti dam. Moreover, as early as the year 2000, the Supreme Court had ruled that Karnataka is entitled to raise the height of the dam to 524.256 metres," Patil explained. He further pointed out that Maharashtra had raised the matter again in 2005 before the Krishna Water Tribunal, which also rejected the claim. "The Tribunal, in its detailed reports of 2010 and 2013, clearly stated that the Alamatti dam was not responsible for floods in Sangli and Kolhapur. It even considered the impact of the Hipparagi dam in this context, but found no basis for Maharashtra's claim. No state has challenged the verdict of the second Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal constituted to examine such matters," he said. "Even the erstwhile unified Andhra Pradesh had once opposed the raising of Alamatti's height, claiming it would affect its share of water. That, too, was dismissed," Patil noted. "Maharashtra's current objection is politically motivated. Having served as Water Resources Minister for five years, I have complete clarity on the issue," he said. Patil added that rampant encroachment on catchment areas in Sangli district was a more credible reason for flooding and that he possessed a report on the matter. He urged the Maharashtra government to focus on resolving such issues rather than obstructing Karnataka's development initiatives. He also stated that he would hand over all relevant documents to the current Water Resources Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. "Our state will give a befitting reply to Maharashtra's objections," he asserted. (ANI)
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles is being investigated by the parliamentary standards watchdog over claims that she was late declaring a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, announced that he was looking into a possible breach under rules about the declaration of an interest and the late registration of an interest.

In the most recent filings, Eccles listed a trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories, sponsored by Labour Friends of Israel, with flights, accommodation and meals totalling 2,600.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ms Eccles has been contacted for a comment.

Parliamentary rules state MPs must "always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest" and register such interests within 28 days.

The trip was listed as having taken place between 25 and 29 May but was registered with officials on 9 July.

The purpose of the visit was described as being for meetings with politicians, academics, activists and diplomats.

The Express and Star reported on Saturday that a spokesperson for the MP said missing the deadline was due to an administrative error and there had not been any attempt to conceal the trip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
MP Oleksii Kuznietsov is to be suspended from the ruling Servant of the People faction while he is under investigation for his part in a corruption scheme involving the procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme has just been exposed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).

Source: Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People faction, on Telegram; a statement from the Servant of the People party

Quote from Arakhamiia: "MP Oleksii Kuznietsov's membership of the faction will be suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We await the court hearing of the case in due course. Those guilty of corruption offences must face just punishment, regardless of their status or position."

Details: Arakhamiia also stated that "the faction fully supports the effective actions of NABU and SAPO in combating corruption".

Update: The Servant of the People party later issued a statement announcing that it has removed Kuznietsov from his position as head of the oblast organisation, and the disciplinary commission is already considering his expulsion from the party.

The statement also says that Servant of the People "remains committed to transparent, fair governance and zero tolerance of corruption in all its forms".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Background:

Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard had been caught accepting bribes.

NABU and SAPO have exposed an MP, several heads of local government and service members from the National Guard as having been involved in bribery in relation to the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme involved entering into state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices.

Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Oleksii Kuznietsov, an MP from the Servant of the People party, Serhii Haidai, Head of Mukachevo District State Administration in Zakarpattia Oblast and former head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, and Andrii Yurchenko, Head of Rubizhne City Military Administration in Luhansk Oblast, are among those who have been exposed by NABU and SAPO as having been involved in large-scale corruption.

Kuznietsov was one of the MPs who on 22 July voted in favour of the controversial draft law No. 12414, which contained amendments intended to deprive Ukraine's independent anti-corruption institutions of their autonomy and bring them under the prosecutor general's control.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi Moves hosted their 5th Annual Intergenerational Summer Camp at Tougaloo College in Jackson.

Mac Epps, the founder of MS Moves, said creating a safe space for individuals to come together and learn different life skills is essential for success.

We definitely want to encourage about life skills, reading, understand financing and just also providing a safe space for our youth and our seniors. So, we have an intergenerational summer camp, eight to 80, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the years, the organization decided to add basic essentials that were either forgotten about or were never taught.

Weve added other things that are needed. Like Monday, we had life skills which will be on in skilled labor mechanics and farming. Tuesday, we do CPR on first day, and then Wednesday, we did canning, learn how to keep and preserve food. So, we are coming back with basic skills that a lot of us grew up with, Epps said.

The camp will conclude on Saturday.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Aug. 1A cohort of high school students assisted a mannequin with delivering a baby Friday morning, while another group learned ostomy care, CPR and virtual reality in neighboring classes.

These experiences are all part of M.A.S.H., or the MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare. This is the first year interested students had to submit applications to engage in the four-day program, which initially started in Western Washington.

Thirty-one local students, ranging from high school sophomores to seniors, participated for free. To be considered, Katie Van Deusen, MutliCare's workforce development recruiter, said students had to write an essay about their interest in health care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition, the application asks "if they've ever faced any hardships or encountered potential bias and possible discrimination," Van Deusen said. By creating a sense of belonging among the future-healthcare professionals, she believes the patient care experience can become more inclusive.

Sophia Benedetti, a recent graduate of University High School, was at the Catalyst Building on Friday to complete the last day of M.A.S.H. camp. Earlier in the week, she practiced basic healthcare procedures, shadowed lab and emergency room technicians and learned about a variety of healthcare professions.

Benedetti entered the program with an interest in medical forensics, she said, because of the cooperation between law enforcement and victims' families.

"It's about medicine, but it's also about justice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After her "eye-opening" day at the MultiCare Deaconess Emergency Department, Benedetti expressed a newfound interest in emergency care.

An aspiring doctor, the 18-year-old bound for Spokane Falls Community College recognized the value of a program like M.A.S.H. and has hopes to continue the extracurricular engagement with medicine through COPE Health Scholars  a different local hands-on volunteer opportunity.

One key component of the program is the partnership with MultiCare nurses and team members. They volunteer their time to run participants through simulations and share their experiences in healthcare.

Van Deusen said MultiCare hopes to host 50 students in 2026 for a five-day M.A.S.H., and applications will open in January. The "ideal" candidate would be interested in healthcare and be passionate about patient engagement, Benedetti said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's very exciting knowing that these students will be taking care of us eventually," Van Deusen added.

Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club.
(FOX40.COM)  The Office of Emergency Services strike team, comprising multiple local fire agencies, was deployed to the Gifford Fire in Santa Barbara on Saturday morning.

Video above: A.I. wildfire detection and tracking

The Metropolitan Fire District, Sacramento City Fire, Cosumnes Fire, West Sacramento Fire, and Manteca Fire were sent to combat the flames around 11 a.m.

The wildfire, which began near Highway 166 northeast of Santa Maria on Friday, has burned more than 23,000 acres and is 5% contained, according to Cal Fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Metro Fire said in a statement, This coordinated response highlights the strength and readiness of Californias mutual aid system as local fire agencies come together to protect lives, property, and natural resources in Santa Barbara 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 FOX40 News.
Originally appeared on E! Online

On Dec. 6, 1991, Jennifer Harbison was working at I Can't Believe It's Yogurt! in Austin, Texas, with Eliza Thomas.

Amy Ayers and Sarah Harbison were at the shop waiting to catch a ride with Sarah's older sister.

But none of them ever made it home. Responding to a report of a blaze at the business shortly before midnight, firefighters discovered the bodies of the four teenage girls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Yogurt Shop Murders, a new HBO docuseries premiering Aug. 3, delves into the chilling crime, as well as the investigation that led to four men being charged with capital murder eight years laterand why the case remains unsolved to this day.

All of the family members always said to me, There never is closure, series director Margaret Brown told the Austin American-Statesman in March. You learn how to live alongside it, but it never loses its potency.

More from E! Online

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres what to know about the cold case that continues to haunt Austin:

Courtesy of HBO

Who were the victims of the 1991 yogurt shop murders?

At 11:47 p.m. on Dec. 6, 1991, a patrol officer reported seeing flames inside I Cant Believe Its Yogurt! in northwest Austin. Inside, firefighters found the burned bodies of Jennifer Harbison, 17, her sister Sarah Harbison, 15, Eliza Thomas, 17, and Amy Ayers, 13.

Police said they believed the fire was purposely set to destroy evidence.

Travis County Medical Examiner Robert Bayardo told reporters a few days later that the teens were already dead when the fire started. Amy had been shot twice, while the other girls were each shot once in the back of the head.

Courtesy of HBO

The front door was locked, according to investigators, but the back door was open and there were no signs of forced entry. Money was missing, Austin Police Lt. Andrew Waters said at the time, per the Austin American-Statesman, so robbery was the best theory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, he added, its possible there could have been something else and they attempted to make it look like a robbery.

Were there any suspects in the yogurt shop murders?

Eight days after the murders, Maurice Pierce, 16, was arrested at Northcross Mall, a few blocks away from the crime scene, carrying a .22-caliber revolver.

Pierce told police his gun was involved in what happened at the yogurt shop and that he drove a getway car, retired detective John Jones, who was the lead investigator on the case, told 48 Hours in 2022.

Jones said Pierce "implicated" Forrest Welborn, 15, Michael Scott, 17, and Robert Springsteen IV, 17, in his statement to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the other three boys denied any involvement, Jones explained, and there wasn't enough evidence to file charges.

In the early days of the investigation, detectives interviewed hundreds of people and amassed a long list of suspects, Jones counting 342 at one point.

When did police first make arrests in the yogurt shop murder case?

Scott was re-interviewed by Austin cold case detectives in September 1999.

Courtesy of HBO

At first he denied knowing anything about the murders beforeover the course of what his lawyers said was a 20-hour, multi-day interrogationhe admitted to participating. Authorities said he also implicated Pierce, Welborn and Springsteen in the crime.

Springsteen was arrested days later in West Virginia. He too initially denied being involved before he told detectives during a videotaped interview that he sexually assaulted and shot one of the girls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Welborn and Pierce were arrested that October and all four were charged with capital murder.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a press conference announcing a break in the case, On Dec. 6, 1991, weas a citylost our innocence. Today, we regain our confidence.

What happened to the yogurt shop murder suspects?

Springsteen and Scott recanted their confessions, maintaining that they were coerced (which police and prosecutors denied), and pleaded not guilty at trial.

Tried separately for the murder of Ayerswhich left the door open for them to be prosecuted for the other murders in case of an acquittalboth men were found guilty.

Springsteen was sentenced to death in 2001, while Scott was given life in prison the following year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, ballistics testing couldnt prove that Pierces .22 was one of the two guns used in the murders. He spent three years in jail awaiting trialmaintaining his innocence throughoutand was released in 2003 when prosecutors acknowledged they didnt have the evidence to convict.

Springsteen was sentenced to death in 2001, while Scott was given life in prison the following year.

Meanwhile, ballistics testing couldnt prove that Pierces .22 was one of the two guns used in the murders. He spent three years in jail awaiting trialmaintaining his innocence throughoutand was released in 2003 when prosecutors acknowledged they didnt have the evidence to convict.

Two grand juries passed on indicting Welborn, who also insisted he was innocent, and the case against him was dropped in 2000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Springsteens conviction was overturned in 2006, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruling that Scotts confessionallowed into evidence at Springsteens trial for corroborationhad been used in violation of the defendants Sixth Amendment right to confront or question his accuser at trial.

Scotts conviction was thrown out in 2007, the appellate court issuing the same ruling regarding clips of Springsteens confession being played at Scotts trial.

Travis County prosecutors said they planned to retry both men, but both walked free in 2009 after newly tested DNA collected from crime scene samples wasnt a match to Springsteen, Scott, Welborn or Pierce (who died in 2010).

Courtesy of HBO

Where does the yogurt murder shop case stand now?

The 1991 case remains open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We're waiting forthe DNA science to improve to then resubmit what we have left in the crime lab for further testing, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, whose district includes Austin, told 48 Hours in July 2025. The DNA, he noted, is everything.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Murray Hill Theatre is marking its 30th anniversary with a birthday bash and a month-long concert series.

The celebration kicks off Saturday, August 2, with a free community open house at 932 Edgewood Avenue South starting at 5:30 p.m. Bands will begin performing at 6:30 p.m.

The event launches the theaters 30 Bands in 30 Days concert series, running throughout August. The lineup features big names like Trip Lee, Aaron Cole, and Disciple, who will close out the series on August 30.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The theater, originally built in 1948, reopened in 1995 as a nonprofit Christian venue. Since then, its welcomed over 400,000 guests and helped launch artists like MercyMe, Switchfoot, and Jeremy Camp.

Founder Tony Nasrallah says the venue was created to bring hope to the community. We believed God could use a music venue to change lives and an entire neighborhood.

Ahead of the weekend celebration, a free Night of Worship will be held Thursday, July 31, featuring Gabriel Storm.

Saturdays event will include music, food, local artists, and a chance to connect with the team behind the venues 30-year mission.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
MURRAY, Utah (ABC4)  Murray Police are looking for a driver in a hit-and-run collision with a pedestrian that happened on State Street and left the victim in critical condition.

A car hit a pedestrian on July 31, shortly after 11 p.m., around 4500 S. State Street. The victim was identified as an adult woman, but Murray City Police Department is not providing any further identifying details at this time as the investigation continues.

UPDATE: Murray Police seek help in identifying vehicles in fatal hit-and-run

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pedestrian was crossing the road when she was struck by a dark colored truck that was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed, according to a news release. The truck continued eastbound after the collision.

The truck and the driver who fled the scene have not been located. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to help identify the suspects vehicle, and they said that it will most likely have damage on the front end.

Following the collision, the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but no additional information about her condition is available at this time.

Police are asking for anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 801-840-4000 and reference case number MR2025-23474.

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.
Deputies are still searching for a California woman and her 8-month-old daughter who went missing after they left a doctor's appointment more than two weeks ago.

Whisper Owen, 36, and her baby daughter, Sandra McCarty, were last seen on July 15, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said investigators still have no clues as to where the mother and daughter went or what lead to their disappearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The duo's loved ones are trying to make sense of the frightening developments.

It just makes it really hard for me as her mother to shut my brain off and not constantly imagine what couldve happened to her, Owens mother, Vickie Torres, told the Los Angeles Times. And that beautiful little baby. God, I hope, whatever happened, shes with her mama.

Whisper Owen, 36, and her 8-month-old daughter, Sandra McCarty, were last seen nearly two weeks ago on July 15, according to police (Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

The Fresno Police Department's Missing Person's Unit is leading the investigation into the woman and childs disappearance.

As of Wednesday, the department had nothing new to report, but noted that there was no reason to suspect foul play was involved in the disappearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is nothing in the current missing persons investigations which leads us to believe any foul play is involved with Whisper and her child not being located yet, the department said in a statement to the LA Times.

On the day of their disappearance, Owen left her home in Elk Grove, where she lives with her partner and their three other children, around 4 a.m. She was leaving early to make a 160-mile drive to Fresno to make a doctor's appointment for 8-month-old Sandra.

After the doctor's visit, Owen visited her brother in Fresno and stayed there until around 2.45 p.m., after which she went to visit her mother's house. She left Fresno around 5 p.m., but never made it home.

Sandra McCarty and her mother, Whisper Owen, vanished during a routine trip home in California on July 15. The Fresno County Sheriffs Office has found no sign of the pair (Fresno County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)

A license plate reader in Atwater, approximately 65 miles from Fresno, flagged Owen's 2006 Chevy Trailblazer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Surveillance footage from a nearby tobacco shop showed Owen changing Sandra's diaper in the parking lot about a half and hour before the license plate reader picked up her vehicle.

No one has heard from or seen the mother or daughter since.

Owen's mother, Torres, told the LA Times it wasn't unusual for her to stay in Fresno for days at a time. Three days later, she received a call from Owen's partner, who police have not identified, asking where she was.

So then everything started to get scary at that point, Torres told the paper.

Torres has been frustrated with the lack of answers from law enforcement. She contacted the Sacramento Police Department and the FBI for help, though she noted that neither have been responsive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They've all blown me off," she told the LA Times.

That's left family members to search the route between Elk Grove and Fresno searching for any sign of Owen. Torres said her daughter's other children are "losing their minds" and insisted her daughter would never run off and abandon her children.

She also told the paper that Owen's partner has been "constantly searching, and he's exhausting every resource to him."

Owen is 5'6 and weighs approximately 145 pounds. She has blue eyes and brown hair. Her daughter is an infant weighing around 17 pounds with green eyes and brown hair.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Department has asked anyone who sees Owen and her daughter to call 911 immediately.
In 1943, a camouflaged ship set off from Australia to England carrying top secret cargo - a single young platypus.

Named after his would-be owner, UK prime minister Winston Churchill, the rare monotreme was an unprecedented gift from a country desperately trying to curry favour as World War Two expanded into the Pacific and arrived on its doorstep.

But days out from Winston's arrival, as war raged in the seas around him, the puggle was found dead in the water of his specially made "platypusary".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fearing a potential diplomatic incident, Winston's death  along with his very existence  was swept under the rug.

He was preserved, stuffed and quietly shelved inside his name-sake's office, with rumours that he died of Nazi-submarine-induced shell-shock gently whispered into the ether.

The mystery of who, or what, really killed him has eluded the world since - until now.

Two Winstons and a war

The world has always been fascinated by the platypus. An egg-laying mammal with the face and feet of a duck, an otter-shaped body and a beaver-inspired tail, many thought the creature was an elaborate hoax; a taxidermy trick.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Churchill, an avid collector of rare and exotic animals, the platypus's intrigue only made him more desperate to have one  or six  for his menagerie.

And in 1943 he said as much to the Australian foreign minister, H.V. 'Doc' Evatt.

In the eyes of Evatt, the fact that his country had banned the export of the creatures - or that they were notoriously difficult to transport and none had ever survived a journey that long - were merely challenges to overcome.

Australia had increasingly felt abandoned by the motherland as the Japanese drew closer and closer  and if a posse of platypuses would help Churchill respond more favourably to Canberra's requests for support, then so be it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Conservationist David Fleay  who was asked to help with the mission  was less amenable.

"Imagine any man carrying the responsibilities Churchill did, with humanity on the rack in Europe and Asia, finding time to even think about, let alone want, half-a-dozen duckbilled platypuses," he wrote in his 1980 book Paradoxical Platypus.

Among Churchill's animals were lions, a leopard, and a flock of black swans [Getty Images]

On Mr Fleay's account, he managed to talk the politicians down from six platypuses to one, and young Winston was captured from a river near Melbourne shortly after.

An elaborate platypusary  complete with hay-lined burrows and fresh Australian creek water  was constructed for him; a menu of 50,000 worms  and duck egg custard as a treat  was prepared; and an attendant was hired to wait on his every need throughout the 45-day voyage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Across the Pacific, through Panama Canal and into the Atlantic Ocean Winston went - before tragedy struck.

In a letter to Evatt, Churchill said he was "grieved" to report that the platypus "kindly" sent to him had died in the final stretch of the journey.

"Its loss is a great disappointment to me," he said.

The mission's failure was kept secret for years, to avoid any public outcry. But eventually, reports about Winston's demise would begin popping up in newspapers. The ship had encountered a German U-boat, they claimed, and the platypus had been shaken to death amid a barrage of blasts.

David Fleay is known as the "Father of Conservation" in Australia [Australian Museum]

"A small animal equipped with a nerve-packed, super sensitive bill, able to detect even the delicate movements of a mosquito wriggler on stream bottoms in the dark of night, cannot hope to cope with man-made enormities such as violent explosions," Mr Fleay wrote, decades later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It was so obvious that, but for the misfortunes of war, a fine, thriving, healthy little platypus would have created history in being number one of its kind to take up residence in England."

Mystery unravelled

"It is a tempting story, isn't it?" PhD student Harrison Croft tells the BBC.

But it's one that has long raised suspicions.

And so last year, Mr Croft embarked on his own journey: a search for truth.

Accessing archives in both Canberra and London, the Monash University student found a bunch of records from the ship's crew, including an interview with the platypus attendant charged with keeping Winston alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They did a sort of post-mortem, and he was very particular. He was very certain that there was no explosion, that it was all very calm and quiet on board," Mr Croft says.

Records about Winston's life have ended up in museum collections in Australia and the UK [Renee Nowytarger/University of Sydney]

A state away, another team in Sydney was looking into Winston's life too. David Fleay's personal collection had been donated to the Australian Museum, and staff all over the building were desperate to know if it held answers.

"You'd ride in the lifts and some doctor from mammalogy [would ask] 'what archival evidence is there that Winston died from depth charge detonations?'" the museum's archive manager Robert Dooley tells the BBC.

"This is something that had intrigued people for a long time."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the help of a team of interns from the University of Sydney, they set about digitising all of Fleay's records in a bid to find out.

Ewan Cowan (second left) and Paul Zaki (second right) were among a team of interns who helped solve the case [Renee Nowytarger/University of Sydney]

Even as far back as the 1940s, people knew that platypuses were voracious eaters. Legend of the species' appetite was so great that the UK authorities drafted an announcement offering to pay young boys to catch worms and deliver them to feed Winston upon his arrival.

In the platypus attendant's logbook, the interns found evidence that his rations en route were being decreased as some of the worms began to perish.

But it was water and air temperatures, which had been noted down at 8am and 6pm every day, that held the key to solving the mystery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These readings were taken at two of the cooler points of the day, and still, as the ship crossed the equator over about a week, the recorded temperatures climbed well beyond 27C - what we now know is the safe threshold for platypus travel.

With the benefit of hindsight - and an extra 80 years of scientific research into the species - the University of Sydney team determined Winston was essentially cooked alive.

While they can't definitively rule out the submarine shell-shock story, they say the impact of those prolonged high temperatures alone would have been enough to kill Winston.

Though temperatures dropped as Winston neared England, the relief came too late to save him [Australian Museum]

"It's way easier to just shift the blame on the Germans, rather than say we weren't feeding it enough, or we weren't regulating its temperature correctly," Ewan Cowan tells the BBC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"History is totally dependent on who's telling the story," Paul Zaki adds.

Platypus diplomacy goes extinct

Not to be dissuaded by its initial attempt at platypus diplomacy, Australia would try again in 1947.

High off the achievement of successfully breeding a platypus in captivity for the first time  a feat that wouldn't be replicated for another 50 years  Mr Fleay convinced the Australian government to let the Bronx Zoo have three of the creatures in a bid to deepen ties with the US.

Unlike Winston's secret journey across the Pacific, this voyage garnered huge attention. Betty, Penelope and Cecil docked in Boston to much fanfare, before the trio was reportedly escorted via limousine to New York City, where Australia's ambassador was waiting to feed them the ceremonial first worm.

Betty would die soon after she arrived, but Penelope and Cecil quickly became celebrities. Crowds clamoured for a glimpse of the animals. A wedding was planned. The tabloids obsessed over their every move.

Penelope and Cecil were the original Moo Dengs, Mr Cowan says [Australian Museum]

Platypus are solitary creatures, but New York had been promised lovers. And while Cecil was lovesick, Penelope was apparently sick of love. In the media, she was painted as a "brazen hussy", "one of those saucy females who like to keep a male on a string".

Until 1953 that is, when the pair had a four-day fling - rather upsettingly described as "all-night orgies of love", fuelled by "copious quantities of crayfish and worms".

Alas, Penelope soon began nesting, and the world excitedly awaited her platypups, which were to be a massive scientific milestone  only the second bred in captivity, and the first outside Australia.

After four months of princess treatment and double rations for Penelope, zookeepers checked on her nest in front of a throng of excited reporters.

But they found no babies - just a disgruntled-looking Penelope, who was summarily accused of faking her pregnancy to secure more worms and less Cecil.

"It was a whole scandal," Mr Cowan says - one from which Penelope's reputation never recovered.

Years later, in 1957, she would vanish from her enclosure, sparking a weeks-long search and rescue mission which culminated in the zoo declaring her "presumed lost and probably dead".

A day after the hunt for Penelope was called off, Cecil died of what the media diagnosed as a "broken heart".

Laid to rest with the pair was any real future for platypus diplomacy.

Though the Bronx Zoo would try to replicate the exchange with more platypuses in 1958, the finnicky beasts lasted under a year, and Australia soon tightened laws banning their export. The only two which have left the country since have lived at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2019.
Amidst the ongoing political turmoil over the Special Intensive Revision procedure in Bihar, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar called for the same exercise in West Bengal, stating that a well-proven voter list is necessary for a vibrant democracy. Speaking to reporters in Siliguri, Majumdar pointed to past precedent, noting that a similar exercise in 2002 resulted in the removal of 20 lakh names from the state's voter list. "SIR is a regular practice of the Election Commission of India. Even in the year 2002, the SIR exercise was carried out in West Bengal. Names of 20 lakh voters were removed from the voter list...It is the role of the Election Commission to rectify the voter list. A well-proof voter list is necessary to make our democracy vibrant," Majumdar said. The remarks come at a time when the Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting the SIR exercise in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections later this year--a move that has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC). TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee ridiculed the exercise, calling it "Silent Invisible Rigging", and accused the Election Commission of operating in favour of the BJP. He cited cases such as a residential certificate issued in a dog's name, arguing that genuine voters were being arbitrarily removed from the rolls. "Under the pretext of SIR, the names of the citizens of this country are being deleted from the list, and a residential certificate is being issued in the name of a dog, and the Election Commission is even accepting this residential certificate. There is a residential certificate in the name of a dog, but people cannot cast their votes. The SIR that they are talking about...Special Intensive Revision...the actual meaning of SIR is rather Silent Invisible Rigging, which has been started by the Election Commission in favour of the BJP. Those who use their voting rights to question the government, the election commission is trying to snatch away their voting rights," the Trinamool MP said. "The way they are behaving in a partial manner...I believe...they have seen earlier as well, that their actions rendered no results in West Bengal...They have now done it in Bihar; I believe the people of Bihar will respond. Meanwhile, the case is pending in the Supreme Court as well. We have complete trust in the judicial system.... They will try it in Bengal too, they will do a lot of mischief..." Banerjee told reporters here. Meanwhile, during the Shahid Dibas event in Kolkata on July 21, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had claimed that the ECI has removed 40 lakh voters from the list in Bihar and alleged that it wants to do the same in West Bengal as well. "ECI removed over 40 lakh names from the voters' list in Bihar, and now you want to do the same in Bengal? Try it, and we will launch a Gherao movement. We brought our people back from detention once, and we fought in court and won. We will not let this new law stand. We will fight, we will change it, we will not accept it", Mamata Banerjee said during her address. (ANI)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis Police Departments Sex Crimes Unit is investigating several reports of a naked man seen near a Raleigh apartment complex.

The man has been reported unclothed around the Regency Apartments off New Allen Road, police said.

So far, police say there are no reports of the man making contact with anyone.

Police have increased patrols in the area, and are working to locate the man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone with information about this individuals identity or whereabouts is encouraged to contact 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.
Questions and theories are mounting as the city of St. Paul marks a week into the cyberattack on its internet-based computer networks, though few answers have been offered.

The breach was first detected last Friday, July 25. The city voluntarily cut off most of its own access to Wi-Fi and internet services Monday. Mayor Melvin Carter declared a state of local emergency Tuesday, and now the city is being assisted by the FBIs and Minnesota National Guards cybersecurity experts.

St. Paul police and firefighters are still responding to 911 calls, but they dont have all the technology theyre accustomed to. For example, officers use in-squad laptops to check if someone has a warrant or a vehicle is stolen. Now, they are temporarily having to obtain that information by phone or over police radio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Libraries, recreation centers and other buildings remain open, but with no access to internet-based services, some check-in and registration activities are affected.

RELATED: St. Paul cyberattack: Which city services are available?

The Pioneer Press spoke with cybersecurity expert Betsy Cooper, the founding director of the Aspen Policy Academy and former executive director of the University of California, Berkeleys Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, to understand the potential scope of the attack.

A Bay Area-based initiative of the Washington, D.C.-headquartered Aspen Institute, the Aspen Policy Academy is a program designed to help experts and community members get involved in policy, with a focus on cybersecurity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Betsy Cooper Q&A

Q: How widespread could the range of impact be when a citys internet-based computer networks are attacked?

A: It can have a wide range of impacts. If your internet basically goes down, your city systems wont work, your payments wont work, staff who are doing every type of job at the city  from picking up garbage bins to processing taxes  wont be able to do that work if they dont have a way to do it without the internet.

Thankfully, in St. Pauls case, it sounds as though 911 is not affected. A worst-case scenario could see emergency services affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We live in a digital era: most of the work that we do as a city is digital. All of those operations can be affected when there is a cyberattack that interferes with internet communications.

Q: Why might someone choose to attack a city in this way?

A: I put motivations into 4 categories: Money, revenge, data and fun.

Potentially the most common is money, which often occurs with a ransomware attack. In a ransomware attack, a malicious actor will block systems and ask the city, or whatever entity is being attacked, to pay bitcoin to release the data or the system.

Revenge would mean someone has it out for the city of St. Paul for some reason, maybe a disgruntled city member for example, and they are seeking to do this to get revenge for one reason or another.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sometimes malicious actors want to collect some form of data. Is there something about the city of St. Paul that has sensitive information on certain citizens or leadership of the city? Is there a reason why somebody might want data from the city?

Lastly, there are people that find it fun and amusing to hack cities and other organizations. They are proud of their ability to cause this sort of havoc. Itll be annoying, but the effects will be less likely to be long-lasting.

Whatever the initial reason looks to be, its still going to be important for the city to do forensics and make sure, because someone could launch a ransomware attack to distract from the fact that theyre collecting data.

Another example could be the hackers trying to make it look like someones just having a bunch of fun, when it is actually a nation state with more specific goals than might initially appear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Q: What is the worst-case scenario for the city in a breach like this?

Related Articles

A: The worst case would be if data is manipulated or disappears. For instance, one of my biggest fears in a situation like this is not just that records are unable to be accessed for a short amount of time, but what if the records are tampered with or removed altogether?

Say they take the tax payments and change all of the numbers or mix them all up so the city has no record anymore of the information. Or, say they delete that database altogether.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For instance, you can imagine a situation where a city no longer has records of who paid property taxes and if individuals dont have those records themselves, itll be very hard for everybody to sort all of that out. (St. Pauls property taxes are collected through Ramsey County, so there may be outside records that could be used as a backup.)

For the city, you hope for sensitive systems like criminal record systems, that they have backups in a separate place. Without paper backups, it becomes incredibly difficult to restore that information.

Q: What is the worst-case scenario for individuals in a breach like this?

A: Worst case for individuals, for example, would be if you dont have a record that you paid your taxes and the city doesnt have its records  thats gonna be a big difficulty to unwind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another example would be if someone changes records to make it look like you have a criminal record when you dont. How do you prove a negative?

Those are some of the scenarios I most worry about, but I will say the average hack is probably not going to reach those scenarios. In all likelihood, it is a more traditional hack seeking to gather data or extract money.

Q: What are some factors that St. Paul residents should consider?

A: If the data is tampered with or missing, that would be something ordinary people will want to care about. They are going to want to hear from the city what systems were affected and what data was collected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For instance, if the hackers got into sensitive city systems like voter records, the actor may have access to sensitive data about the people who live in the city.

If that happens, you may want to consider getting credit monitoring and consider the implications that could have. For the average person, it may not be that sensitive, but for people in certain categories, like those with criminal records they may not want public, that could be cause for concern.

Q: Could the scale of this attack be cause for concern?

A: The fact that they called in the Minnesota National Guard suggests that the city believes this is a pretty serious attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are attempts at attacking cities regularly, but this is a particularly broad one for the city of St. Paul, so the effects are pretty significant.

Weve seen significant cyberattacks before, Cleveland experienced something similar, so I dont think this is entirely novel. The city of St. Paul will be able to reach out to other cities once they know more about their attack and should be able to figure out some systems and best practices. While the attack on St. Paul is serious, it is not unique.

Q: How can everyday citizens keep their information safe?

A: We work closely with a campaign called Take9. The program is all about getting people to take a 9-second pause to think about their cybersecurity when theyre online.

Take9 is a great moment for people to reflect: Is that email legit? Is someone really offering you free Taylor Swift tickets? Have you set up multi-factor authentication on your computer system? Have you compartmentalized your data into different places so if someone gets access to one system, they dont get access to all your data?

Related Articles

Q: Could we see more cyberattacks in the future?

A: I do think cyberattacks are on the rise because artificial intelligence is going to make it easier to take on these sorts of attacks.

Very often, though not always, humans are the weakest link in a cyberattack. A phishing scam will trick someone into clicking on a malicious link and, with artificial intelligence, its getting easier and easier to send targeted attacks that look to be legitimate.

Using the Taylor Swift tickets example, with artificial intelligence, an attack could be targeted only to people who have posted on social media about Taylor Swift, which would increase their likelihood of clicking a link.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The annual Dancing with our Columbus Stars event is happening Friday at Villa Milano near Westerville.

This year, nine dance couples are competing to raise money for the Byron Saunders Foundation.

Over the past few months, NBC4 weekend anchor Andrea Robinson has been busy breaking in her dance shoes getting ready to dance the night away. Robinson was paired with pro dancer Cedric Eaton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

List: Back to school dates for central Ohios 2025-26 school year

Eaton won the competition in 2024 with star partner Sameen Dadfar, setting the fundraising record bringing in $30,706. By setting the record, the team was honored the title of the DWOCS Mirrorball trophy naming it the Dadfar Eaton Award.

Dance is one of the oldest ways of bringing people together, and we get to do that for a good cause, said Eaton.

The Byron Saunders Foundation works to help feed Thanksgiving meals to central Ohio families in need. Brian Wollenberg is the founder and president of the nonprofit. He said the work it does wouldnt be possible without the efforts and money raised during their premier event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It doesnt exist without dancing with the stars, he said. We might help a thousand or two thousand, but without dancing with the stars, it doesnt happen.

Wollenberg said it cost about $50 to feed a family of four.

We give them a box of nonperishables and a $20 gift card, its usually to Kroger or Aldi, said Wollenberg.

Robinson said Thanksgiving is holds a special place in her heart, having been born the day before and brought home from the hospital on the holiday.

Eaton and Robinson hope by being a part of DWOCS that they can make a difference in their community and help bring families together for the holiday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its one thing to wake up every day doing something you love, its quite another to be able to turn that into somethings thats going to give other people joy, love, said Eaton.

This year, DWOCS is doing a movie-themed event where each couple chose a movie to style their dance after. Like many dance pairs, Robinson and Eaton are not revealing their movie choice until showtime.

Its a very pink-themed movie, and our costumes will be reflecting that, said Eaton.

Eaton and Robinson are dancing a fun mix of hustle and samba with quick movements, turns and tricks.

Samba has a Latin background, said Eaton. Its most popular overseas. Were doing a bit of an American version to complement the hustle that were doing. Hustles been around since the 70s, and its the dance that lives in the clubs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During last years event, dancer raised about $120,000. The goal for this year is to top that at $150,000.

You can vote for Eaton and Robinson by donating at the link. Each dollar equals one vote.

If youd like to donate by check, you may make the check payable to The Byron Saunders Foundation. If you are donating in the form of a vote, please include a note indicating the dance pair you are voting for. You can mail it to The Byron Saunders Foundation, P.O. Box 268, New Albany, OH 43054.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Friends and family of the 145th Airlift Wing bid farewell to the Airmen as they fly off to the Middle East.

The deployers left from the North Carolina Air National Guard base, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, on August 1.

The deployers join a larger group of Airmen who deployed in June in support of operations around the globe.

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nathan Clark)

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nathan Clark)

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Nathan Clark)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
NEOSHO, Mo.  Voters in Neosho and Newton County will head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to approve use taxes in their respective jurisdictions.

A use tax is a tax placed on purchases online from companies that do not have a physical presence in Missouri.

The rates would be the same as the existing sales taxes in those areas, 1.65% in Newton County and 3% in the city limits of Neosho.

The ballot language on both questions, listed as Newton County Proposition A and City of Neosho Proposition A, call the use tax an attempt to eliminate the unfair advantage enjoyed by out-of-state vendors over local vendors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state of Missouri already charges a use tax on purchases at 4.225%, the same as the state sales tax. Joplin residents in Newton County have been paying a use tax rate of 3.125% since 2023. Voters approved it in the November 2022 election.

Newton County Sheriff Matt Stewart said the county use tax will be used mostly to fund moving sheriffs deputies and other county employees to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System, or LAGERS, which offers better retirement benefits for county employees than the current system, known as the County Employee Retirement Fund.

You know, its OK but its not the best, Stewart said. And we want to be able to make sure were offering a better retirement plan so that whenever deputies are done with serving their community theyre able to retire comfortably. We want to make sure were attracting the best employees we can get and we want to make sure were retaining that talent, that professionalism by offering them this LAGERS plan.

Stewart said the sheriffs office has seen high turnover in the past few years and many are leaving for either better pay or better benefits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We want to make sure we can try to address that benefits issue and offer them the best benefits package possible, Stewart said. The use tax will primarily cover the move to the LAGERS plan and depending on the revenue it could also help pay for some other benefits like health insurance or things like that to help ease that burden on our employees. It can also be used to provide better pay if the money is available.

In Neosho, Fire Chief Aaron Houk is leading the campaign for the city use tax.

Neosho voters rejected a use tax in April 2025 on a vote of 570 to 603. At that time, Neosho City Manager David Kennedy had estimated the tax would bring in $300,000 to $400,000 annually based on state estimates, and the revenue was to be used to build a water park to replace Neoshos aging swimming pool.

Houk said feedback from that election indicated voters didnt like the idea of the tax going to the water park so city has decided to put the money, if passed, toward improved salaries and benefits for police officers and firefighters and to make improvements to roads and bridges.
A source knowledgeable about ceasefire talks told CNN that a decision on the IDF's actions in Gaza will not be reached at the end of this week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed making a decision on the IDFs actions in Gaza after Hamas abandoned hostage and ceasefire negotiations, CNN reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the subject.

The source told the American left-leaning news site that a decision will not be reached at the end of this week as planned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the same time, Israel and the United States will work to increase humanitarian aid, while continuing military operations in Gaza, the official added.

CNN noted that there are several options that the Israeli government is considering, ranging from encircling Gaza City or other high-population areas to conquering Gaza.

American and Israeli officials were coming to a new understanding on the war in Gaza after Hamas withdrew from ceasefire negotiations, The Jerusalem Post reported on Thursday.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Rafah in the Gaza Strip to visit the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid site, August 1, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

Netanyahu to assess IDF operations in Gaza

Hamas has cut off contact, an Israeli source told the Post. There are no real negotiations with them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hamas has also partially severed ties with Qatar and Egypt, another official familiar with the talks told the Post.At the moment, they are primarily engaged in talks with Turkey, the source said.

The report came as US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visits Israel to assess the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and coordinate positions on the war with Netanyahu.

Amichai Stein contributed to this report.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE)  Newfound Gap Road/US 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is closed between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap until further notice following storm-related damage.

On Sunday afternoon, the National Park Service announced that the road had opened on the North Carolina side between Cherokee and Newfound Gap. However, drivers have to turn around at the Newfound Gap Overlook. Visitors can access Kuwohi from the North Carolina side, NPS wrote.

Three Ohio residents charged after road rage shooting in Smokies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Saturday, the park said the road would be closed until further notice after heavy rainfall caused the Walker Camp Prong to swell, which led to the the damage under part of the roadway. The impacted portion is between mile markers 12 and 13, which is south of the Alum Cave trailhead,

The National Park Service, working with the Federal Highway Administration, is assessing the structural integrity of the damaged roadway. Approximately 100 feet of the roadway, with the roadway being significantly undercut for nearly the entire width of the southbound lane.

(Great Smoky Mountains National Park) (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

The park said that travelers going between Tennessee and North Carolina should use I-40 as an alternate route. The park is preparing for a partial road reopening on the North Carolina side of the park from Oconaluftee to Newfound Gap early next week. That reopening will give visitors access to Kuwohi from the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the LeConte Lodge, because of where the slide happened, lodge guests hiking down on Saturday will exit through the Tennessee Side of the trail. LeConte Lodge added that Cherokee Orchard Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail are still open, giving visitors access to the lodge through the Rainbow Falls, Bull Head or Trillium Gap trails.

What is the car with a net on the roof in the Smokies?

Newfound Gap Road runs through the park in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Park visitors are encouraged to explore options that dont require travel on Newfound Gap Road on the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks website.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

The closure comes as crews in the smokies have been working since mid-July to rehabilitate a 7-mile stretch of Newfound Gap Road on the North Carolina side of the park. Construction is expected to take place overnight from Sunday Night until Friday morning until August 15, when daytime construction will begin. The rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by September 30.

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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
Video above: This Nexstar Media video explains how to look out for human trafficking.

SAN DIEGO (*FOX 5/KUSI)  A new state law aimed at cracking down on human trafficking and protecting minors from sexual exploitation has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, thanks in part to efforts led by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Assembly Bill 379, co-sponsored by Gloria and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, reinstates criminal penalties for loitering with the intent to buy sex and imposes felony consequences on adults who solicit sex from minors aged 16 or 17. The law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

AB 379 will make a real difference in our ability to disrupt child exploitation and illegal prostitution in San Diego by holding buyers and traffickers accountable, said Mayor Gloria. As a proud co-sponsor of this bill, Im grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this legislation into law, and also to Assemblymembers Maggy Krell and Nick Schultz for their tireless work crafting and championing this bill.

Court dismisses all claims against MTS in Fletcher sexual harassment lawsuit

The legislation responds to the fallout from Senate Bill 357, which was passed in 2022 and decriminalized loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Since then, law enforcement officials have raised concerns about increased visibility of sex trafficking on public streets and diminished legal tools to intervene.

For the last three years, we have seen the consequences of Senate Bill 357 play out, with open prostitution and human trafficking on our streets, and little that our officers could do to address it, said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. This legislation makes sure that we can rescue and support victims of illegal sex trafficking, especially minors, as well as hold offenders accountable for their actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the new law, adults who are at least three years older than a 16 or 17-year-old victim can face felony charges. In cases where the age gap is smaller, solicitation remains illegal and classified as a misdemeanor.

This legislation is going to save lives and assist in our efforts to ensure our city can protect our most vulnerable, stated Mayor Gloria.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAGOS (Reuters) -Nurses in Nigeria's public hospitals suspended their seven-day "warning strike" on Saturday after reaching an agreement with the government over the implementation of their demands, the nurses' union said.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives said in a statement that the government has responded to their demands and provided "clear timelines" for putting them in place, but added that they would be monitoring the implementation of the signed memorandum of understanding.

The nurses began the action on July 30, threatening to scale it up to an indefinite strike if their demands were not met within the seven days. They are demanding higher pay, better working conditions, and increased recruitment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The nurses' union held a meeting on Friday with representatives of the government led by Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate and his counterpart in the Labour and Employment Ministry, Muhammad Dingyadi.

Pate had earlier announced a suspension of the strike after the meeting, pledging that the government would address the issues raised by the nurses. The meeting also resolved that no nurse who participated in the strike would be punished by the government.

(Reporting by Ben EzeamaluEditing by Bill Berkrot)
Night vision goggles may have hindered the U.S. Army helicopter pilots in the moments before the deadly crash with a jet in Washington D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 people, experts have said.

The technology, worn by the pilots, would have made it difficult to see the color of the lights on the passenger plane, which could have helped determine the direction in which it was traveling, as well as limiting peripheral vision.

Friday saw the final day of public testimony to the National Transportation Safety Board over the fatal midair crash  which occurred almost exactly six months ago in February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter before exploding. There were 67 people aboard the two flights when they crashed, and none survived.

At Fridays hearing, experts said that, in addition to the possible hindrance caused by the use of night vision goggles, pilots also may not have been able to distinguish the aircraft from lights on the ground while the two aircraft were on a collision course.

Flight 5342 from Kansas was on the final approach to D.C.s Ronald Reagan National Airport when it collided with the Black Hawk helicopter before exploding a huge fireball. There were 67 people aboard the two aircraft when they crashed, and none survived (EPA)

The helicopter pilots may not have known where to look for a plane that was landing on a secondary runway that most planes didn't use, experts said.

Knowing where to look. Thats key, said Stephen Casner, an expert in human factors who used to work at NASA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Though it is still too early to identify what exactly caused the crash, with a final report from the board expected next year, a number of factors that may have contributed to the tragedy have been unearthed over the past two days of testimony.

Night vision goggles may have hindered the U.S. Army helicopter pilots in the moments before the deadly crash with a jet in Washington D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 people, experts have said (AP)

NTSB Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Administration to do better as she pointed to warnings the agency had ignored years earlier, during the hearings (AP)

Major issues to emerge included the fact that the Black Hawk helicopter had been above prescribed levels near the airport as well as the warnings to FAA officials for years about the hazards related to the heavy chopper traffic there.

Mary Schiavo, a former U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General, told The Associated Press that both the Army and the FAA appear to share significant blame for the deadly incident.

The Black Hawks' altimeters could be off by as much as 100 feet and were still considered acceptable, she told the outlet. The crew was flying an outdated model that struggled to maintain altitude, while the helicopter pilots flying was loose and under loose supervision.

The D.C. collision was the first in a string of crashes and near misses this year that have alarmed officials and the traveling public, despite statistics that still show flying remains the safest form of transportation (Getty Images)

Its on the individuals, God rest their souls, but its also on the military, Schiavo said. I mean, they just seem to have no urgency of anything.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Questions were also raised during the hearings by the FAAs lack of alcohol testing for air traffic controllers after the crash.

Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Administration to do better" as she pointed to warnings the agency had ignored years earlier.

The D.C. collision was the first in a string of crashes and near misses this year that have alarmed officials and the traveling public, despite statistics that still show flying remains the safest form of transportation.
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, justified deploying Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel in the Well of the Rajya Sabha and said that some MPs have physically taken a stand atop the treasury bench. Replying to Congress on Friday, after party chief Mallikarjun Kharge flagged the Centre's move, Rijiju assured that no MPs will be stopped from speaking in the Parliament. "It was Parliament members' demand to increase security, therefore CISF was deployed. Inside the house, members have sometimes physically taken a stand atop the treasury table and near the Well. Security has been deployed to stop them from doing this. No MPs will be stopped from speaking," Union Minister Rijiju said. He added that the CISF personnel would not take any action till an MP indulges in "malicious" activity. The Union Minister said, "Marshals and security inside the House will not take any action till the time MPs indulge in something malicious. Some MPs went aggressive, and therefore arrangements were made to stop them." Earlier on Friday, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, wrote to Deputy Chairman of the House, Harivansh, and condemned deploying CISF personnel in the Well of the House while the Opposition was protesting. Kharge wrote, "We are astonished and shocked at the manner in which CISF personnel are made to run into the Well of the House when the Members are exercising their democratic right of protest" "This is most objectionable, and we condemn it unequivocally. We expect that in the future, CISF personnel will not come trooping into the well of the House when Members are raising important issues of public concern," the letter read. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also slammed the Centre and claimed women MPs were stopped by men in the CISF. "Today is a sad and dark day in Indian democracy. Commandos have been deployed. Some are saying it is CISF, some are saying something else. They forcefully stopped the members from going to the staff. Our women members were stopped. Men stopped them," Tiwari told reporters. He called it a black day for Indian democracy. "The way people from outside the House were called and stopped MPs from going to the well forcefully, this is a black day in the history of Indian democracy, and we are registering our objection to this in writing to the Speaker and Deputy Chairman. Everything is captured on camera," the Congress MP said. (ANI)
NEW YORK  A search is underway at the Grand Canyon for a New Jersey man who went missing there early last week.

Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35 of Freehold, was last heard from around noon on July 22, according to a press release from the National Park Service. Investigators believe he was in the Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa area prior to his disappearance.

His family reported him missing on Monday. His Tesla Cybertruck was found later that same day in the Grand Canyons Grandview Point parking lot on the South Rim, park officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gibbs is described as a 6-foot-1 white man with brown hair and brown eyes. His disappearance comes as the Dragon Bravo megafire rages on amid extreme heat warnings in the region, forcing the park service to close off certain parts of Grand Canyon National Park.

The fire was sparked by a lightning strike on July 4 and has since become the largest wildfire in the continental United States so far this year, scorching more than 111,000 acres of land, according to AZ Central.

Park rangers are asking anyone who was on the Grandview Trail around July 22, or who may have seen Gibbs, to contact the tip line for the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch or to reach out online.
A female grizzly bear with her young cub in April 2016 near the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park. (Frank van Manen/USGS)

Here we go again.

The internet is abuzz with claims that animals are fleeing Yellowstone National Park and suggesting that the bears, elk and other creatures know something about Yellowstones volcanic system that humans dont.

Hogwash.

The nonsense seems to have started on July 10, when a social media post suggested that hundreds of mountain lions were leaving Yellowstone National Park, heading south  never mind that there are only about 40 of those animals in the entire park. The video showed cougars walking on a snowy paved road, which is obviously not how Yellowstone looks in July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A few days later, the rumors went into overdrive when the same account shared a video of bears walking past a few cars  the claim was, once again, that they were leaving Yellowstone. The animals were hugely fat and not behaving as they would in the wild, and the landscape and vegetation looked nothing like Yellowstone. Internet sleuths eventually traced the location of the video to a drive-through wildlife park in South Dakota.

Not that such inconsistencies mattered. Millions of people viewed the original post and the claims went viral, repeated and modified on numerous other platforms and made more and more fantastic and ominous. One post showed a herd of wildebeest crossing a river in Africa. Its not clear if that post was trying to be sarcastic. Soon, even major media outlets were covering the story, and Yellowstone National Park staff members and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Consortium scientists had to give interviews to counter the rumors.

The original post seems to have been a joke, but just like the childrens game of telephone, the more the story was retold, the more it was twisted.

The flames might have been fanned by this very Caldera Chronicles column, which on July 14, 2025, described the discovery of a new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin. That story, too, was picked up and reposted, but often with worrying overtones  for example, that scientists were supposedly baffled by the appearance of the new hot spring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maybe this is why all the bears were leaving Yellowstone? Except, of course, the spring at Norris Geyser Basin formed in December 2024, and several new features like that appear every year across the park  for example, the steaming vent near Nymph Lake between Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Hot Springs that formed in August 2024.

The myth that animals are leaving Yellowstone is nothing new. This rumor comes up every year or two, and sometimes, as in 2025, it grows to ridiculous proportions.

Bison graze in Yellowstone National Park in this Sept. 20, 2023 photo. (Jennifer Lewicki/USGS)

In 2014, an employee of a Yellowstone nonprofit organization filmed several bison running along a road and posted it online  he thought it was a fun video and not at all abnormal, given that bison are always running around Yellowstone National Park. But the video took on a life of its own, and it was reposted by people claiming the bison were running away from the park, even though they were actually running toward the parks interior.

More than two weeks after the 2014 video was filmed, a M4.8 earthquake occurred near Norris Geyser Basin  the strongest earthquake in the region since 1975. This caused a further surge in claims that animals were running away, with some suggesting that the video of bison running was filmed after the earthquake because a volcanic eruption was imminent.

Elk congregate on the Camp Creek Feed Ground in northwestern Wyoming in this undated photo. (Courtesy of the USGS)

The speculation became so widespread that Yellowstone National Park put out a rumor control video explaining that, in fact, animals were not stampeding away from the park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier in 2025 a social media site known for satirical content showed a doctored photo of dozens of bears sitting on a road, supposedly in Yellowstone, and saying that the animals were blocking the entrances. Some bears were even carrying crudely drawn signs. Most people got the joke, but misleading reposts of the story caused concern among some who thought the animals knew something we didnt.

Because of its incredible natural history and environment, Yellowstone can inspire our imagination. Where else but Americas first national park could you take in a view shaped by massive volcanic eruptions and featuring some of the countrys most iconic wildlife?

Perhaps, then, it is not a surprise that fantastic stories sometimes accompany this fantastic landscape. But the next time you hear that animals are, once again, fleeing Yellowstone in droves, we would suggest a healthy dose of skepticism. At least until those bears with signs learn to write more legibly, anyway.

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  A North Kingstown police officer working an undercover sting operation was seriously injured Friday when a suspect in a sexual exploitation case fled the scene, striking the officer with his car.

Alec Perry, 30, of Pawtucket, is facing 10 charges including indecent solicitation of a child, felony assault, eluding police, assault on an officer, obstruction and resisting arrest.

The investigation was conducted by a task force made up of investigators from The R.I. State Police, FBI, the North Kingstown Police, the Attorney Generals Special Victims Unit, and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Perry began engaging in an extended series of text messages soliciting sex from an undercover police officer who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl., according to a news release from the R.I. State Police.

Police said Perry exchanged numerous text messages and sent a photograph of himself, thinking he was talking to the minor, and set up a meeting with her at a Park and Ride in North Kingstown. But in reality he was communicating with an investigator.

When Perry arrived at the parking lot Friday night, officers attempted to arrest him and the situation escalated.

He accelerated his vehicle, striking a North Kingstown police officer, the release said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The officer, who Police Chief John Urban identified as Detective J. Dylan Navakauskas, a 17-year veteran of the department, was transported to R.I. Hospital. He has since been released.

Officers opened fire on the car. The release does not state how many rounds were fired at Perry or if any struck the vehicle, but 12 News spotted at least six evidence markers on the ground Friday night.

Perry crashed the vehicle a short distance away and attempted to flee on foot and he was quickly arrested. The car could be seen with a shattered rear window.

Perry is already on probation for previous charges of first-degree robbery, felony assault, and possession of a stolen vehicle. He is also being charged with driving without consent of owner in the North Kingstown case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because of the prior case, Perry will face a probation violation hearing as well as an arraignment.

I want to commend our Troopers and our partners in law enforcement for their work last night, R.I. State Police Colonel Darnell Weaver said in the statement. Their efforts led to the arrest of a suspected child predator with an extensive criminal history.

Our thoughts are with the injured North Kingstown officer and we wish him a speedy recovery, Weaver said.

North Kingstown Police Chief John Urban said in a statement the department is grateful to our community for the outpouring of support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our detective is now home with family, resting, and reflecting on what could have been a far different outcome, Urban said. His sense of duty and bravery represents the best of law enforcement.

A special thank you goes out to our partners at the federal, state, and local levels who work tirelessly, and risk so much, to keep our town and all of Rhode Island safe, he said.

Court records show Perry has had several brushed with the law, including previous charges for violent crimes, robbery and indecent exposure. His first brush with the law in Rhode Island appears to be in 2013 when Johnston police charged him with breaking and entering a home.

The State Police, North Kingstown Police and Attorney Generals office is investigating the incident under the states officer-involved protocols.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

Follow us on social media:

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she no longer identifies as Nigerian and has not renewed her passport since the early 2000s.

Badenoch, who was born in the UK, grew up in both Nigeria and the US. She returned to England aged 16 because of Nigeria's worsening political and economic climate, as well as to continue her education.

Speaking on former MP and television presenter Gyles Brandreth's Rosebud podcast, she said she was "Nigerian through ancestry" but "by identity, I'm not really".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, Badenoch faced criticism from Nigeria's vice-president, who said she had "denigrated" the West African country.

Badenoch, who previously lived in Lagos, spoke at length about her upbringing on the podcast.

"I know the country very well, I have a lot of family there, and I'm very interested in what happens there," she said. "But home is where my now family is."

On not renewing her passport, she said: "I don't identify with it anymore. Most of my life has been in the UK and I've just never felt the need to."

She added: "I'm Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there because of my parents... but by identity, I'm not really."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Badenoch said that when she had visited the country when her father died, she had to get a visa, which was "a big fandango".

She said her early experiences in Nigeria shaped her political outlook, including "why I don't like socialism".

As a child, "I remember never quite feeling that I belonged there", she went on, adding that she recalled "coming back to the UK in 1996 thinking: this is home".

The Tory leader added the reason she returned to the UK was "a very sad one".

"It was that my parents thought: 'There is no future for you in this country'."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said she had not experienced racial prejudice in the UK "in any meaningful form", adding: "I knew I was going to a place where I would look different to everybody, and I didn't think that that was odd.

"What I found actually quite interesting was that people didn't treat me differently, and it's why I'm so quick to defend the UK whenever there are accusations of racism."

At the end of last year, Badenoch was criticised for saying she had grown up in fear and insecurity in Nigeria at a time it was plagued by corruption.

The country's vice-president Kashim Shettima responded that his government was "proud" of Badenoch "in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin". A spokesperson for Badenoch rebuffed the criticism.
For the record:

11:39 a.m. Aug. 3, 2025: An earlier version of this article said former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter raised $2.5 million, spent $449,000 since launching her campaign in March, and has $2.1 million in the bank. She raised $3 million, spent $1.2 million and had $2 million cash on hand as of June 30.



For months, candidates in the race to become California's next governor had waited for a pivotal question to be settled: Will former Vice President Kamala Harris run or not?

With Harris' announcement this week that she's out, a new question arose: Who's the front-runner now?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Because of Harris' star power, the answer is far from simple. For months, other candidates saw their campaign planning and fundraising undercut by the possibility she would run, meaning the race got a big reset seconds after Harris made her announcement Wednesday.

Some political observers give the nod to former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who appears to have a small leg up over her opponents.

Read more: Kamala Harris says she is not running for California governor

Porter was the only Democrat to receive double-digit support in multiple polls when Harris was not included in the field.

A prodigious fundraiser while she was in Congress representing an Orange County district, Porter reported a strong infusion of cash in the months after launching her campaign in March, and said she raised $250,000 in the 36 hours after Harris' announcement.

Katie Porter, a lawyer who served as a U.S. representative from California from 2019 to 2025, speaks at the Women's Caucus at the California Democratic Party Convention at the Anaheim Hilton and Convention Center in May. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

"The enthusiasm we're seeing from donors at every level shows that Californians know how critical this race is," Porter said in an email blast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other candidates  including Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Biden administration and a former California attorney general  have also tried to assert that, with Harris out, they are moving up.

"BECERRA CAMPAIGN BUILDING MOMENTUM IN WIDE OPEN RACE," read the subject line of an email sent Friday by the Becerra campaign, saying he is "well-positioned to unite a broad swath of voters around his plans to make health care and housing less expensive and more accessible."

Xavier Becerra, attorney and former United States secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks at the labor caucus at the California Democratic Party Convention at the Anaheim Hilton and Convention Center in May. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Outside observers, however, said that none of the candidates stand out from the pack at the moment.

"That these remaining candidates are jockeying for bragging rights about who may be the front-runner  it's to be expected, but it's ludicrous," said Garry South, a veteran Democratic strategist who has worked on a number of past gubernatorial campaigns, including for former Gov. Gray Davis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"With Harris opting out, there will likely be no obvious front-runner among the remainder of the current field for quite some time," South said. "None of these candidates start out with statewide name recognition."

With such a wide-open field, factors such as endorsements and communication strategies will be important to watch, experts said. So will the candidates' ability to raise money and use it to broaden their appeal.

"I would start spending money on social media, on television advertising, on every single platform I could find to build up my name ID," South said, but "none of them have enough money to do that at the moment."

Experience and endorsements

With Harris out, will she back someone else?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Obviously if she did endorse, that would be a big plus" for whichever candidate she rallied behind, said John Pitney, a professor of politics at Claremont McKenna College.

Harris has long relationships with several of the candidates in the race. A source familiar with her thinking told The Times after Harris bowed out that she was still considering whether and how to approach the governors race.

Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates

Other endorsements could affect the race as well. Hours after Harris announced her decision, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), the influential former House Speaker, appeared on CNN to endorse Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, whom she has known for years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We have many great candidates, one in particular Eleni Tsakopoulos, whom I support," Pelosi said, referring to Kounalakis by her maiden name.

Eleni Kounalakis, lieutenant governor of California, speaks at the Women's Caucus at the California Democratic Party Convention at the Anaheim Hilton and Convention Center in May. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Kounalakis' father, the wealthy developer Angelo Tsakopoulos, helped bankroll an independent expenditure committee supporting his daughter's 2018 campaign for lieutenant governor. Political observers are watching to see if he dumps money into a similar effort backing her gubernatorial campaign.

Pitney said Pelosi's opinion "would carry a lot more weight" if she were still speaker. He said it "isn't necessarily going to sway a large chunk of the electorate," but could be important if it sways Bay Area donors.

A former GOP legislative aide and national party staffer who renounced his membership in the Republican Party the night Trump was elected in 2016, Pitney said that endorsements are far from a determining factor in today's political landscape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I hesitate to rule anybody out, because very often candidates seem to come out of nowhere  like Mamdani in New York City," he said, referring to the sudden rise and stunning upset primary win of 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race.

Pitney added that experience in government and administrative leadership also matters, but could also cut against candidates at a time when many voters are frustrated and want something new.

Antonio Villaraigosa speaks to the Latino Caucus at the Calififornia Democratic Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in May. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

For example, Antonio Villaraigosa, the former state Assembly speaker and L.A. mayor who is in his 70s, "obviously has a long history, but that long history is both an advantage and a disadvantage," Pitney said.

Villaraigosa has said his campaign is "about the future." But voters "may not regard him as a fresh face," Pitney said.

Name recognition and money

None of the current candidates for governor have the same profile as Harris. In fact, they are broadly unknown to huge swaths of the electorate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That means they have their work cut out for them, Pitney and South said  namely in terms of fundraising.

South said that there "is no question that the Democratic donor base has basically been sitting on their haunches waiting to see what Harris is going to do."

But, he said, he hasn't seen any sign yet that donors have picked a favorite candidate now that she's out, either  which is a problem for candidates with little or no name recognition.

"None of these candidates in the remaining field with Harris out have enough money in the bank to run a statewide campaign for governor," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

South said that could change if Kounalakis gets another major infusion of cash from her father and once again taps her personal wealth.

At the same time, there could also be a "huge blowback" from that sort of splashy family spending, South said, especially if Kounalakis' opponents pounced on it as distasteful.

"We have not tended in this state to elect moneyed people who try to buy the governor's race," he said.

South said he is watching to see if big Bay Area donors decide to back Porter "because of her profile as a progressive."

Read more: Skelton: Katie Porter has a shot at being California's next governor, but there's a big hitch

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Los Angeles developer and 2022 mayoral candidate Rick Caruso "could be a force" if he were to enter the race, Pitney said, because "he has prominence in Southern California and also has a lot of money."

Fundraising reports

The most recent fundraising reports, which were due Thursday night, shine a light on candidates' coffers  but only through the end of June, well before Harris dropped out.

The Democrats who do not have the potential to self-fund their campaigns reported having millions of dollars in cash on hand as of June 30, including some who transferred money from prior campaign committees to their gubernatorial accounts.

Former legislative leader Toni Atkins reported having $4.3 million in the campaign, while raising $648,000 and spending $549,000 in the first six months of this year.

Gubernatorial candidate Toni Atkins speaks to supporters at the California Democratic Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in May. (Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times)

Villaraigosa raised $1.1 million and spent $550,000 this year, but reported $3.3 million cash on hand based on fundraising he did last year.

Becerra had $2.1 million in the bank after raising $2.5 million and spending $449,000 in the first six months of the year.

Porter reported raising $3 million and spending $1.2 million since announcing she was running for governor in March. She said she had $2 million in the bank.

Unlike the other candidates, Porter's campaign revealed her fundraising because her filing on the state disclosure website didnt show any dollar figures.

Spokesman Nathan Click said her number of small-dollar donors crashed the state's system, and that they had been working with state officials to get the documents displayed on the secretary of states website all day Friday. He said most of Porter's 34,000 donors contributed less than $200 each.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco reported raising $1.6 million and spending $609,000 this year, leaving him with $1 million in the bank.

A few candidates reported mediocre fundraising numbers, but have personal wealth they can draw on.

Kounalakis raised just over $100,000 and spent nearly three times as much during the first half of this year. She has more than $4.6 million on hand and millions more in her lieutenant governor campaign account, although some of that money can't be transferred because of campaign finance rules.

Businessman Stephen J. Cloobeck, a Los Angeles Democrat, raised about $160,000 and spent $1.5 million  including more than $1 million on consultants. He had about $729,000 on hand at the end of the period. He also said he made a $10-million contribution Friday that he said "turbocharged" his campaign.

Philanthropist and businessman Stephen Cloobeck, right, takes a photo with a supporter after speaking about his candidacy for California governor during the labor caucus at the California Democratic Party Convention at the Anaheim Hilton and Convention Center in May. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

"One of my many advantages is that Im not a politician and I am not compromised," Cloobeck said.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate, raised about $1.5 million, of which $200,000 was a personal loan. Hilton spent about $1 million and has a little less than $800,000 in the bank.

Read more: Run for president? Start a podcast? Tackle AI? Kamala Harris' options are wide open

At the lowest end of the fundraising were former state controller Betty Yee, who raised almost $238,000 and spent $255,000, with $637,000 on hand; and state schools Supt. Tony Thurmond, who raised about $70,000, spent about $180,000 and had almost $560,000 on hand.

Both Yee and Thurmond told The Times last month that fundraising had slowed while Democratic donors waited on Harris to make a decision.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A one-day festival returns to Charlotte to revive the create spirit of NoDas All Arts Market.

ALSO READ: Your704 Weekender: Heres whats happening in Charlotte Aug 1-3

This Saturday, the Johnston YMCA will host an all-arts festival that celebrates creativity and community with over 75 local vendors and live performances.

Organized by the NoDa Neighborhood and Business Associations NoDaRioty committee, the festival is a modern revival of the All Arts Market, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions and activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The festival will run from noon to 8 p.m., transforming the YMCA lawn into a vibrant hub of artistic activity. Visitors can enjoy performances by local musicians such as Maggie Lowe, Greg Steinfeld, and Ellie Morgan while exploring handmade goods and original art.

In addition to the adult artists, 10 youth artists will showcase their talents, adding a fresh perspective to the event. A silent auction, in partnership with Charlotte Studio Artists, will offer unique pieces from over 10 local artists, with proceeds supporting the arts community.

Food vendors such as Chutney Cat, King of Pops, and VJs Chicken Inasal will provide a variety of culinary delights, ensuring attendees have plenty of options. Divine Barrel Brewing will offer nonalcoholic handmade sodas and seltzers crafted specifically for the festival.

A raffle featuring prizes from more than 15 local NoDa businesses will also be part of the festivities, encouraging visitors to engage with the neighborhoods vibrant business community. Attendees are encouraged to explore NoDas brick-and-mortar shops, bars, and galleries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you missed this weekends event, theres no need to worry. A NoDa Bizarre Holiday Market is coming this December with NoDa Churchs tree lighting ceremony.

VIDEO: All we have: NoDa bakery loses thousands of dollars in inventory after break-in
A Mexico-based nonprofit sounded the alarm after discovering that debris and vibrations from rocket launches at SpaceX's nearby Starbase posed a threat to endangered turtles and their nests, CNN reported.

"In half a kilometer out of 40 kilometers of shoreline, we already collected one ton (of trash)," Jesus Elias Ibarra, founder of the non-governmental organization Conibio Global, told CNN. "We are a very small group; it's impossible to clean everything."

What's happening?

SpaceX's Starbase, which houses a launchpad and company town, is located in Southern Texas, just across the border from Bagdad Beach in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When SpaceX has launched its giant rockets from the site, the area around Bagdad Beach has been showered with debris, shaken by intense vibrations, and even scorched, Ibarra said, per CNN.

These impacts threaten an endangered species of turtle that uses Bagdad Beach as a nesting ground. The launches also harm nearby humans, as debris from SpaceX launches has fallen on communal farmlands, according to CNN.

Vibrations from the powerful launches have damaged local homes and destroyed as many as 300 turtle nests, Ibarra estimated.

When SpaceX launches fail and the rockets explode, the damage to surrounding areas can be even worse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There is vegetation that the last explosion burned, the entire edge of the Rio Bravo, and the pipes broke many trees, which fell near a small population of people," Ibarra said, per CNN.

Why does the environmental impact of rocket launches matter?

Beyond the localized damage to people, animals, and the environment, SpaceX rocket launches contribute heavily to the amount of heat-trapping pollution entering the atmosphere.

One launch of the SpaceX Starship releases 83,600 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, according to Space.com, citing figures from Andrew Wilson, an assistant professor in environmental management at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.

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.

That's roughly the same amount of pollution that would be generated if an average, gas-powered car drove 197 million miles, further than the distance from Earth to Mars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the private space industry currently accounts for a relatively small fraction of global pollution overall, that figure is expected to grow significantly as satellite launches, space tourism, and other ventures require more frequent launches.

That isn't to say society should cease all such operations, but it's important to be aware of the consequences and factor them into how society takes care of the planet.

Further, scientists say they are only now beginning to understand the other damage that rocket launches and space exploration are doing to the upper atmosphere.

The New York Times reported in 2024 that the upper levels of Earth's atmosphere have been contaminated with the metals of spacecraft burning up upon reentry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We are changing the system faster than we can understand these changes," Aaron Boley, an astronomer at the University of British Columbia, told the Times in 2024. "We never really appreciate our ability to affect the environment. And we do this time and time again."

What's being done about the environmental impact of rocket launches?

While groups like Ibarra's Conibio Global do their best to collect the debris that SpaceX leaves behind, there is only so much that individuals can do to address a problem that is international in scale.

Personnel from the Secretariat of the Mexican Navy recently visited the area to collect samples, and Ibarra told CNN that the Mexican government had been collaborating with his group on potential solutions.

Meanwhile, literal tons of SpaceX's trash remained, littered along Bagdad Beach, being slowly buried by the waves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The debris is still there," Ibarra said, per CNN, "and it has to be removed sooner or later."

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Brief

Musically Fed, a national nonprofit, is partnering with local organizations to deliver unused, catered food from Lollapalooza to homeless shelters in Chicago.

The initiative helps prevent food waste by redirecting chef-prepared backstage meals to shelters, feeding dozens of residents.

Strict quality guidelines are followed to ensure the food remains fresh and respectful to guests, with meals potentially lasting multiple days.

CHICAGO - As Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park this weekend, there's an effort underway behind the scenes to ensure Chicagoans don't go hungry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Musically Fed, a national nonprofit, is mobilizing the music industry to make a difference by teaming up with local nonprofits, like homeless shelters, to feed dozens of people.

What we know

Since 2016, Musically Fed has partnered with performers, promoters and festivals to turn leftover catered food from backstage into meals for those who need it most.

"We have had the opportunity to meet some of the most innovative, positive, impactful organizations throughout the Chicago community," said Maria Brunner, who is the founder & director of Musically Fed.

This year during Lollapalooza, the Arizona-based organization is joining forces with Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS), which operates two homeless shelters in the city, including one on Sedgewick Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"By having food, it's one of the key ingredients of having a healthy life," said LPCS Director of Development Bob Jones.

For Jones, Musically Fed's mission is hitting all the right notes. As crews were setting the stage in Grant Park in the days leading up to the four-day fest, and throughout the weekend, LPCS is getting encore-worthy donations.

"It's all quality catered food that's leftover that the artists don't use, the stagehands don't use, the people who are setting everything up, they don't use it, and they don't want it to go to waste," Jones said.

On Friday, volunteers from Musically Fed made another delivery to the homeless shelter. On the menu: chicken, pasta, pork, veggies, and breakfast items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Otherwise, the food would go to waste.

What they're saying

There are strict guidelines enacted by Musically Fed that ensure the food is fresh and of quality.

"Things are kept in refrigerators, they're kept in hot boxes. Whatever is left, it's inventoried, it's wrapped," Brunner said.

As Jones is sharing, the partnership is leaving a lasting impact on guests staying at the shelter.

"They're getting quality food and that saves us a lot of money that we can then put into other programs, including our drop-in program," Jones explained.

Jake Perry with C3 Presents, which produces Lollapalooza, explains that teaming up with Musically Fed is part of the festival's overall commitment to sustainability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're talking about thousands of meals over the course of this weekend," Perry said. "We're incredibly thankful to be here."

What's next

To learn more about LPCS and its efforts to support Chicago's unhoused individuals, CLICK HERE. For more information about Musically Fed and how you can bolster its mission, CLICK HERE.

Meanwhile, Lollapalooza's sustainability efforts also include its Rock and Recycle program and its hybrid-battery-powered T-Mobile stage, which is back for the second year in a row. Learn more about the festival's impact on the local community by clicking HERE.

The Source

This story includes information reported by Fox 32's Kasey Chronis.
An employee of the Norfolk Sheriffs Office was arrested and subsequently fired on Tuesday, according to officials.

Tashonna McKinzie, 49, of Virginia Beach, was the Inmate Classification Manager, a civilian position within the sheriffs department, according to the sheriffs office. In that role, she oversaw inmate placement within the jail. She had been working with the sheriffs office since Nov. 23, 2001, according to a release.

Norfolk detectives charged McKinzie with conspiracy to violate the Drug Control Act in Norfolk, according to the Norfolk Police Department. She was arrested and released on bond and is facing additional charges in Virginia Beach, according to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The charges stem from an investigation by NPD and other law enforcement agencies into several people, including McKinzie, according to a release.

The Norfolk Sheriffs Offices mission statement outlines our commitment to public safety, public service, and public trust and I expect our employees to make decisions that embody that mission statement and our core values of integrity in all things, Sheriff Joe Baron said in a written statement.
August 2, 2025: In late 2024 the Ukrainians accused Russia of using Chloropicrin gas against Ukrainian soldiers. Chloropicrin is currently used to fumigate the soil before crops are planted. It was frequently used by both sides during World War One. After the war everyone agreed that it was best to ban the use of chemical weapons. That ban generally held until the Russians resumed manufacturing Chloropicrin for use against the Ukrainian. Not content with that, Russia is using malware against NATO countries. The Russian cyber threat group APT 28 is distributing the malware throughout NATO countries in an effort to disrupt aid for Ukraine.

These chemical attacks are nothing new. It has long been known that if you attack an opponent's food supplies, they weaken your foe substantially. Since the 19th Century, use of chemical fertilizers, and the ability to mass produce ammonia and nitrogen based fertilizers, has more than doubled food production. This has also created a potential vulnerability because there are only about 500 ammonia production facilities worldwide, all really massive. Sabotage or aerial bombing of ammonia plants would have a direct impact on food supplies.

Some nations may have secret plans to attack ammonia plants in wartime, but most military planners consider such attacks impractical. A similar mistake was made during World War II, when the committee formed to select and prioritize targets for the allies aerial bombing campaign of Germany ignored one key element. After the war the United States conducted an after-action study of the bombing campaign and discovered that an important target system had been ignored. The German electrical power production was very vulnerable, and damage was difficult to repair, because the massive electricity generators took months to build and Germany had few of these in reserve.

For thousands of years, wars have often been decided by control of food supplies. Victory could be won without fighting by rapidly destroying enemy crops and key supporting equipment like flour mills or draft animals to assist with planting and harvesting. If you cripple an opponent's food supply, you deplete the supply of military manpower and food to supply an army on campaign. The most successful armies in history were usually those that paid close attention to food supplies. Russia is doing the same, but is using Chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers and, perhaps, farmers as well.
Six people were injured in a devastating landslide in Dharmari, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, on August 1, which also claimed the lives of Rajinder Singh, a 2011-batch JKAS officer and SDM Ramnagar, and his young son. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir expressed profound grief over the tragedy. "Extremely saddened by the landslide incident in Dharmari, Reasi, in which we have lost an officer, Rajinder Singh, JKAS 2011, SDM Ramnagar & his son. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family & I pray that the injured recover quickly," the LG's office stated. Dr. Gopal Dutt, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Reasi, detailed the response to the incident, saying, "As we received information about the incident, we sent two ambulances to the spot. Six people were admitted to the hospital. We have lost a young officer in this incident." The local administration and medical teams are working to support the affected families and ensure swift recovery for the injured. SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred while they were returning to their native village, Pattian, from Dharmari, along with family members and relatives in a vehicle, as they reached the Salukh Ikhter Nallah area, a sudden landslide occurred, causing a massive debris flow to crash down on their vehicle. Rajinder Singh's son died on the spot, while his wife and two cousins sustained serious injuries. A rescue operation was launched promptly with the help of residents and police, and all the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital. After initial treatment, the critically injured were referred to the District Hospital in Reasi. According to official sources, the cause of the accident was a landslide, and police have launched an investigation into the matter. This tragic incident highlights the growing danger of landslides in the region amid continuous rainfall. The local administration has appealed to the public to exercise extreme caution while travelling through hilly areas. A similar incident was reported on July 30, where two Indian Army personnel lost their lives after a boulder fell on a military convoy vehicle in Ladakh. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM when a large rock rolled down a cliff and struck one of the vehicles in the convoy. The Army confirmed the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Singh and Lance Dafadar Daljeet Singh. (ANI)
Jin-su says over the years he used hundreds of fake IDs to apply for remote IT work with Western companies. It was part of a vast undercover scheme to raise funds for North Korea.

Juggling multiple jobs across the US and Europe would make him at least $5,000 (3,750) a month, he told the BBC in a rare interview. Some colleagues, he said, would earn much more.

Before he defected, Jin-su - whose name has been changed to protect his identity - was one of thousands believed to have been sent abroad to China and Russia, or countries in Africa and elsewhere, to take part in the shadowy operation run by secretive North Korea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

North Korean IT workers are closely monitored and few have spoken to the media, but Jin-su has provided extensive testimony to the BBC, giving a revealing insight into what daily life is like for those working the scam, and how they operate. His first-hand account confirms much of what has been estimated in UN and cyber security reports.

He said 85% of what he earned was sent back to fund the regime. Cash-strapped North Korea has been under international sanctions for years.

"We know it's like robbery, but we just accept it as our fate," Jin-su said, "it's still much better than when we were in North Korea."

Secret IT workers generate $250m-$600m annually for North Korea, according to a UN Security Council report published in March 2024. The scheme boomed in the pandemic, when remote working became commonplace, and has been on the rise ever since, authorities and cyber defenders warn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most workers are after a steady paycheck to send back to the regime, but in some cases, they have stolen data or hacked their employers and demanded ransom.

Last year, a US court indicted 14 North Koreans who allegedly earned $88m by working in disguise and extorting US firms over a six-year period.

Four more North Koreans who allegedly used fraudulent identities to secure remote IT work for a cryptocurrency firm in the US were indicted last month.

Getting the jobs

Jin-su was an IT worker for the regime in China for several years before defecting. He and his colleagues would mostly work in teams of 10, he told the BBC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Access to the internet is limited in North Korea, but abroad, these IT workers can operate more easily. They need to disguise their nationality not just because they can get paid more by impersonating Westerners, but due to the extensive international sanctions North Korea is under, primarily in response to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

This scheme is separate from North Korea's hacking operations which also raise money for the regime. Earlier this year the Lazarus Group - an infamous hacking group understood to be working for North Korea, though they've never admitted to it - is thought to have stolen $1.5bn (1.1bn) from cryptocurrency firm Bybit.

The BBC spoke to Jin-su on a video call from London. For his safety we are protecting his identity. [BBC]

Jin-su spent most of his time trying to secure fraudulent identities which he could use to apply for jobs. He would first pose as Chinese, and contact people in Hungary, Turkey and other countries to ask them to use their identity in exchange for a percentage of his earnings, he told the BBC.

"If you put an 'Asian face' on that profile, you'll never get a job."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He would then use those borrowed identities to approach people in Western Europe for their identities, which he'd use to apply for jobs in the US and Europe. Jin-su often found success targeting UK citizens.

"With a little bit of chat, people in the UK passed on their identities so easily," he said.

IT workers who speak better English sometimes handle the applications process. But jobs on freelancer sites also don't necessarily require face-to-face interviews, and often day-to-day interactions take place on platforms like Slack, making it easier to pretend to be someone you are not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jin-su told the BBC he mostly targeted the US market, "because the salaries are higher in American companies". He claimed so many IT workers were finding jobs, often companies would unwittingly hire more than one North Korean. "It happens a lot," he said.

It's understood that IT workers collect their earnings through networks of facilitators based in the West and China. Last week a US woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for crimes connected to assisting North Korean IT workers find jobs and sending them money.

The BBC cannot independently verify the specifics of Jin-su's testimony, but through PSCORE, an organisation which advocates for North Korean human rights, we've read testimony from another IT worker who defected that supports Jin-su's claims.

The BBC also spoke to a different defector, Hyun-Seung Lee, who met North Koreans working in IT while he was travelling as a businessman for the regime in China. He confirmed they'd had similar experiences.

A growing problem

The BBC spoke to multiple hiring managers in the cyber security and software development sector who say they've spotted dozens of candidates they suspect are North Korean IT workers during their hiring processes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rob Henley, co-founder of Ally Security in the US, was recently hiring for a series of remote vacancies at his firm, and believes he interviewed up to 30 North Korean IT workers in the process. "Initially it was like a game to some extent, like trying to figure out who was real and who was fake, but it got pretty annoying pretty quickly," he said.

Eventually, he resorted to asking candidates on video calls to show him it was daytime where they were.

"We were only hiring candidates from the US for these positions. It should have been at least light outside. But I never saw daylight."

Back in March, Dawid Moczado, co-founder of Vidoc Security Lab based in Poland, shared a video of a remote job interview he conducted where the candidate appeared to be using artificial intelligence software to disguise their face. He said that after speaking to experts, he believed the candidate could be a North Korean IT worker.

Get Real Security - a digital forensics company - told us it's highly likely the candidate (left) is using some kind of faceswapping or AI filter [BBC]

We contacted the North Korean embassy in London to put the allegations in this story to them. They did not respond.

A rare escape route

North Korea has been sending its workers abroad for decades to earn the state foreign currency. Up to 100,000 are employed abroad as factory or restaurant workers, mostly in China and Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After several years of living in China, Jin-su said the "sense of confinement" over his oppressive working conditions built up.

"We weren't allowed to go out and had to stay indoors all the time" he said. "You can't exercise, you can't do what you want."

However, North Korean IT workers have more freedom to access Western media when they're abroad, Jin-su said. "You see the real world. When we are abroad, we realise that something is wrong inside North Korea."

But despite this, Jin-su claimed few North Korean IT workers thought about escaping like he did.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They just take the money and go back home, very few people would think about defection."

Although they only keep a small proportion of what they earn, it's worth a lot in North Korea. Defecting is also hugely risky and difficult. Surveillance in China means most are caught. Those few who do succeed in defecting may never see their families again, and their relatives could face punishment for them leaving.

Jin-su is still working in IT now he's defected. He says the skills he honed working for the regime have helped him settle into his new life.

Because he isn't working multiple jobs with fake IDs, he earns less than when he worked for the North Korean regime. But because he can keep more of his earnings, overall, he has more money in his own pocket.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I had got used to making money by doing illegal things. But now I work hard and earn the money I deserve."

More Weekend Picks
Shavers Creek Environmental Center welcomed a cute new addition to its aviary and the public can meet him as soon as this weekend.

Pip, a Northern Hawk Owl chick, was bred for conservation education in Washington state, the first time this species has been bred in the United States. Paige Sutherland, director of Wildlife Programs at Shavers Creek Environmental Center, said mutual connections and colleagues in the field connected Shavers Creek to the opportunity to have one live at the aviary.

Pip is about six weeks old and weighs 270 grams (a little more than 1/2 pound)  and he probably wont get much bigger. Joe Whitehead, coordinator for the Klingsberg Aviary at Shavers Creek Environmental Center, said Pip is within a normal adult range already and might not weigh much more than that.

Pip, a Northern Hawk Owl chick, takes a look around the room as he learns how to fly at Shavers Creek Environmental Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

The name Pip was chosen as a way to represent the start of a new journey for Shavers Creek. A pip is the first crack in an egg that a bird makes when its hatching, Sutherland said. Because it is the first time a hawk owl was bred for conservation education in the country, they thought the name Pip would be a fun way to celebrate that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were also saying hes a lot of new beginnings for our center, Whitehead said. Weve never done a little baby promo that were doing right now, or the programming we have in mind for Pip to be doing would be new for us as well, so thatll be something fun to promote down the road. But we just think hes gonna bring out a lot of really good changes for the program.

That programming starts this weekend. The public can sign up in small groups to come into the classroom at Shavers Creek for a Meet-Cutes, where they can meet Pip and have close up encounters with him.

Were hoping that the public really connects with him at this age, and that they watch him grow up and theyre invested in him, because we know that the more people care about a species, the more likely they are to take conservation action for them. And thats the heart of what we do, trying to inspire as much conservation action within our community as possible, Sutherland said.

For the rest of Pips life, theyll have a variety of programs where people can experience Pip and the other wildlife up close.

Pip, a Northern Hawk Owl chick, takes a look around the room as he learns how to fly at Shavers Creek Environmental Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Unique opportunity for Pennsylvania

Because its the first time one is raised under human care, there are a lot of research opportunities and collaborations available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hawk owls are northern birds and like the colder climates. They would visit Pennsylvania during the winter seasons, Sutherland said, and would come on a periodical cycle about every ten years. But the last observed hawk owl in Pennsylvania was in 1991. Theories as to why this happened include unregulated hunting pressures and environmental degradations, she said.

We also have only been able to find 10 publications conducted globally for the species, we dont understand them a lot. We dont really know how they move, what they need. So from one of those publications, we do understand they use bogs and tamarack forests for their habitats or ecosystems. And so we know these are naturally occurring ecosystems within Pennsylvania that also need our help, Sutherland said.

Those habitats also are experiencing environmental degradations and pressures, so thats probably another influential factor as to why theyre reducing their visit to Pennsylvania.

Theres likely more influences that theyre not aware of yet because they have so much to learn about the species. Sutherland hopes having Pip at Shavers Creek can bring awareness to the raptor diversity Pennsylvania has, especially in the winter months.
NORTHPORT, Ala (WIAT)  Some Northport voters says its single-issue election that stems from a series of decision made by the city council and many residents want the incumbents out.

That single issue is the University Beach development, Northport voter Jack Roberts said.

University Beach is a private development and while it advertises ocean front property on a man-made beach, the development sits off of Highway 82 and is sandwiched between fast food restaurants and residential communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Residents expressed concerns at least a year ago over traffic, enforcement impacts, and if the development is even feasible for Northport. Despite outcries, the council has moved forward and the early stages of construction are underway.

They misled us, and thats still me being nice as to what happened, Northport voter Jack Roberts said. The city council flipped Northport voters off time and time again.

Northport citizens say they are tired of having public servants who do not serve the public.

There hasnt been much transparency with [the development], and I think that is a little disturbing, Northport voter Terri Lary Killian said. Residents need to have more say about whats going on,

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Many voters look to a new council as the answer.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency concludes Jabari Peoples shooting investigation

Anything would be an improvement over some of the council we have now, Roberts said.

District 5 is the only seat running unopposed and is definitively the only seat on council that will have a new elected official. Some voters hope that after Aug. 26, the same can be said for the other four seats.

District 5 is also the only councilor who was not in office during the early stages of development. At the time, Jeff Hogg was council president and the District Five Councilor. Hogg stepped down, and Anwar Aiken filled the district seat. District 1 Councilor, Christy Bobo became council president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Councilors for District 1-4 have been there since University Beach was initially proposed.

I think there is some big money behind the candidates running for this and its interesting because they side step this resort, they dont really want to talk about it, Roberts said.

Northport residents who never wanted the multi-million dollar development in the first place, feel confident that those running against the incumbents will have open dialogue about University Beach.

We have people running who agree this has not been handled properly, it needs to be handled, it needs to be addressed, Roberts said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, there is uncertainty about how much can be addressed or stopped.

Theres been such a lack of transparency over this project, were not sure whats in the contract and whats not, Roberts said

There are residents who are onboard with the development or at least are not against it entirely.

Whatever grows Northport and Tuscaloosa, with them coinciding with each other is a positive for all of us, Northport voter Jackie Ramsey said.

Ramsey grew up in Northport but spent the last 10 years living in Georgia. Even though he just got back to his hometown, hes a registered Northport voter and plans to head to the polls.

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.
As the international community embroils itself in a row about Palestinian statehood, the crisis of hunger in Gaza continues to deteriorate  and starving Palestinians say they are struggling to survive.

Reports of starvation in the enclave persist despite an increase in aid deliveries via the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and airdrops by Jordan, Germany and France. These efforts, Palestinians say, are changing nothing on the ground.

This is not life, Asmaa Abu Diya, a 46-year-old mother of eight, tells The Independent. We are not living a dignified life. The state we have reached is difficult to describe in words. There is no life.

US envoy Steve Witkoff visited the war-torn strip on Friday (Reuters)

The challenge of finding food and aid has become known as the death journey, Ms Diya says, a journey her son takes regularly. Either they bring us something and return safely, or they come back dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My son went to get American aid, and a quadcopter dropped a bomb on them, killing people right in front of his eyes. Four people were cut into pieces. My son was hit by shrapnel in his chest, and it remains there to this day, she adds.

If our children dont go to die, we wont eat.

On Thursday, the UNs humanitarian office (UNHCR) said that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach aid since the GHF took over aid distribution in May. At least 859 of these killings have been near GHF sites, most by the Israeli military, it says.

Mourners at the funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid on Thursday (Reuters)

The GHF denies the killings are a result of its aid distribution practices, accusing Hamas of spreading disinformation by falsely attributing casualties to the agency. The agency, along with Israel and the US, says that systematic theft of aid by Hamas is the reason there is starvation in the strip. Israeli military officials and US government analysts have cast doubt over such claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another 91 Palestinians were killed at aid sites on Thursday, Gazas health ministry said. Despite this, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee hailed the incredible job of the GHF, following a visit to the Gaza Strip on Friday alongside Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The visit came ahead of the expected unveiling of a new humanitarian aid plan for Gaza, touted by President Trump during a visit to Scotland earlier in the week, in which the US would set up new food centres.

Shortly after Mr Trumps departure on Tuesday, the British prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, was embroiled in a diplomatic row by threatening to recognise the state of Palestine in September unless Israel dramatically changed the course of its actions in Gaza. France had recently become the first G7 state to promise to recognise Palestine, and Canada has since vowed the same.

A woman collects flour from the ground as Palestinians receive aid supplies from the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (Reuters)

For Gazans, however, diplomatic posturing makes little difference in their desperate pursuit of food and resources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We dont just want political statements; we want real action on the ground, says Umm Odary Nassar, 45, who has two children. We want them to recognise us on the ground and in a realistic way. Not in a way that makes us feel insensitive. Recognition is meaningless if there is no change on the ground.

As for Mr Trumps promise of new food centres, Ms Nassar said she doesnt consider any positive-sounding statements to be worthwhile unless they are implemented on the ground and real change is achieved.

The level of starvation in the Gaza Strip is the work of Netanyahu and Israel, with full support from Trump, Ms Nassar said  and despite a supposed increase in aid deliveries, the people of Gaza say they are not noticing a significant change.

Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Gaza City (AP)

The aid so far has only been symbolic because the quantity is very small in relation to the number of people and doesnt suffice for all peoples needs, and the types of aid are not enough for everyone, says Ms Nassar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have been living on canned food for two years. Our children have become dwarfs due to the lack of food and nutrition. Everyone has brittle bones and health, and psychological problems.

Recent airdrops by France, Germany, the UAE and Jordan  an initiative which the UK aims to join, Sir Keir said  have done little to alleviate a growing crisis of hunger, residents say.

Ms Nassar describes them as a theatrical performance which benefits only Israel.

Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip (AP)

As the world sees them, they are airdrops, and they allow aid. But I havent actually heard from any segment of society that theyve benefited, she says. Most of this aid is dropped in prohibited areas, forbidden to enter, and entering them is considered suicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ms Diya says the airdrops dont exceed five truckloads. She adds: All of this is death. For me and others, we consider it a smokescreen for the world. Even if they come and bring aid, its not enough.

Ms Nassar adds: Weve reached the point where there is no life, weve reached the peak of starvation. The story of bread has become a tragedy. We are now in an age where a mother distributes a livelihood to her children.
Palms West Hospital nurse Leelamma Lal returns home following months of rehabilitation after being severely beaten by her patient
A Brooklyn deli worker was stabbed to death by an agitated maniac in an unprovoked attack Friday afternoon, cops and sources said.

The disturbed attacker walked into the NY Deli & Mini Market Corp. on Hegeman Avenue near Van Siclen Avenue in East New York just after 3 p.m., and workers  including the victim  asked him to leave, law enforcement sources said.

But he came back a few minutes later and tried to make his way behind the counter, the sources said.

The East New York deli worker, believed to be in his 30s, was repeatedly stabbed by an agitated man, cops and sources said. ABC 7

Employees again tried to stop him, but he pulled out a knife and stabbed one of them, believed to be in his 30s, a few times in his torso, according to the sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The gravely wounded worker was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, cops said.

The still-at-large suspect lashed out when the victim and other workers tried to stop him from going behind the counter, cops and sources said. ABC 7

The unhinged knifeman fled the scene and had not been caught hours later.

He is described as having a dark complexion and braided hair, standing about 5-foot-10 and weighing 190 pounds, police said.
A purchasing secretary pleaded guilty this week to embezzling more than $145,000 over seven years from a Staten Island public school in a deal that will spare her jail time but require full restitution, officials told The Post.

Michele Cenci, who had full access to the checkbook and procurement system at PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park in North Shore, used subterfuge to divert funds to herself and family members, authorities said.

Among devious schemes, Cenci disguised expenditures as payments to vendors for purchases never made, and collected duplicate payments for legitimate purchases, court documents allege.

Michele Cenci, the former purchasing secretary at PS 21 in Staten Island, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $145,000 in school funds to line her own pockets, investigators said. Obtained by the New York Post

Stealing nearly $150,000 in school funds from one of Staten Islands beloved elementary schools, Michele Cenci brazenly pilfered precious resources away from students and staff, betraying her colleagues, schoolchildren, and our borough, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon told The Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State Supreme Court Judge Lisa Gray offered Cenci, 55, a plea deal without prison time over my prosecutors objections, McMahon said.

While my office fought for even more serious consequences, including imprisonment, for Ms. Cencis shameless criminal behavior, the judges plea offer ensures some semblance of accountability for her criminal acts as she will be left with a permanent criminal record, the DA said.

Officials said Cenci used the stolen funds to supplement her DOE salary, which totaled $84,950 in 2024, at the expense of PS 21s 398 students  including 30 percent with disabilities.

Cenci attempted to avoid detection and cover her tracks by falsifying the schools business records and used forged signatures of colleagues to make it appear that legitimate goods and services were being provided when, in fact, they were not, said Anastasia Coleman, Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools, whose office conducted the probe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, she was lining her own pockets.

In January, the DA charged Cenci with two counts of grand larceny  a felony with a maximum prison sentence of five to 15 years  as well as tampering with public records, falsifying business records and forgery.

Purchasing secretary Michele Cenci admitted embezzling more than $145,000 from PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park, which serves 398 students on Hooker Place in Staten Island. Leonardo Munoz

This week, Cenci pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny.

In exchange, she will be put on probation for five years, said DA spokesman James Clinton.

Cenci agreed to make an upfront restitution payment of $46,000, then $1,500 a month until her probation ends  and will be mandated to pay back every dollar and cent she robbed from our students, McMahon said.

Cenci issued bogus payments to divert school funds to herself and family members over seven years, the Staten Island DA charged. Obtained by the New York Post

After Cencis indictment, SCI Coleman warned against similar fraud elsewhere in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We ask that all school administrators take the time to review their schools budget, books and records to ensure that their funds are being allocated appropriately, and that no one else is attempting the same

sort of scheme, Coleman said.

The city Department of Education would not explain what degree of oversight then-Principal Anthony Cosentino exercised over school finances. Cosentino referred questions about his role to the DOE press office, which said only that supervisors will get training on purchasing procedures.

The DOE said Cenci retired. She did not return a request for comment.
Speaking to hundreds of mourners on Thursday, the daughter of slain Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner delivered a tearful eulogy as her mother was laid to rest after she was shot to death in the lobby of her New York City office building earlier this week.

"My mom was like my rock," the 14-year-old told the congregation at Central Synagogue in Midtown Manhattan, according to the New York Post.

LePatner was gunned down in the lobby of 345 Park Avenue on Monday after a man opened fire inside the office building, killing four people before taking his own life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nypd Officers Line Streets To Honor Colleague Killed In Park Ave Shooting

This photo shows Wesley LePatner, an executive at Blackstone Inc., who was shot and killed by a gunman on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the company's headquarters in New York.

"I went over this scenario a thousand times in my head, and I only thought it would happen when I was older," the teen said.

The heartfelt tribute continued, with LePatners tearful daughter describing her anguish.

Read On The Fox News App

"I never imagined this happening when I was 14," she said. "Its just unimaginable that this actually happened. I keep thinking its a prank or like a lucid dream, and that someones going to jump out and say, Ha, ha. It was all a joke.

Nyc Shooting Timeline Shows Gunman Moved With Speed In Cross-country Drive That Ended With Office Bloodshed

Police officers gather in a street as they respond to a shooting incident in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York on July 28, 2025, in New York City. Four people are dead after being shot during an active shooter incident in midtown Manhattan, including a police officer.

The 43-year-old and her husband, Evan LePatner, have two children together. The pair met at Yale University, according to the New York Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"How does the husband of a giant like Wesley possibly capture her in a short eulogy?" he asked mourners.

"Theres a huge, gaping Mount Everest-sized hole in my life right now," the grieving husband said. "I know everyone here has different-sized versions of it from her loss."

LePatner worked as the chief executive officer of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, according to the companys website.

Manhattan High-rise Shooting Victims: Nypd Officer, Blackstone Executive And Security Guard Among Those Killed

Evan LePatner and Wesley LePatner attend DiMenna Children's History Museum Family Benefit Party 2018 on January 20, 2018, in New York City.

"It is overwhelming and awesome all at once," her husband said. "It speaks to the supernatural abilities Wesley had and the way she made the world better for all of us."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LePatners father, Larry Mittman, remembered that his newborn daughter seemed "to have the most intelligent eyes that I have ever seen."

"I held Wesley in my arms with these two huge eyes, looking not only at me, but looking around the delivery room," Mittman said. "And it was almost like a periscope circling the room."

LePatner previously served on the UJA-Federation of New York board with Merryl Tisch, the mother of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who referred to LePatner as her "beautiful friend" at a vigil earlier this week, the Post reported.

Three additional victims  NYPD Police Officer Didarul Islam, security guard Aland Etienne and a Rudin employee  were also remembered at services throughout the city following their deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LePatners daughter spoke about the scope of her loss, telling those gathered, "Every time I hear the doorbell ring I think its her, and I get excited. I just miss her so much."





Original article source: NYC shooting victim's daughter delivers tearful eulogy at funeral: 'Never imagined this happening'
For four decades, the Ocean House in Dennis Port has been a landmark of Cape Cods fine-dining scene.

Built in 1983 by the Hart family on beachfront land purchased in the 1960s, it began as a single-room restaurant and owners residence overlooking Nantucket Sound. Its first reviews applauded both polished hospitality and gourmet cuisine served by formally dressed staff.

Under owner and general manager Janet Hart-Barbato, along with her daughter, Kari Anne Hart, The Ocean House has remained family-owned for more than 40 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The duo have navigated changing tastes, scaling back the formality of its early years while preserving high standards of service and culinary innovation.

A turning point in the restaurants evolution came with the recruitment of Executive Chef Tom Woods. A Rhode Island native and Johnson & Wales graduate, Woods honed his craft in Boston kitchens, including Ming Tsais Blue Dragon and the Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville. He joined Ocean Houses team the spring of 2021.

Chef Woods speaks fondly of his Cape Cod roots  holidays spent clamming, fishing and gathering vegetables shaped his commitment to local bounty.

His signature dish, Day Boat Halibut, exemplifies this ethos  a pan-seared halibut filet served over brown butter couscous with summer corn, tomatoes, passion fruit coulis and delicate pea microgreens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The restaurant blends New England seafood traditions with Asian flavors such as with its popular small plates, including ahi tuna tartar, Jonah crab rangoons and rock shrimp calamari.

The Ocean House continues to gather acclaim as its named among OpenTables Top 100 Scenic Restaurants of 2023 and winning Cape Cod Times Community Choice awards for Best Waterfront, Fine Dining and Most Romantic Restaurant.

Looking forward, The Ocean House remains a family affair with the Hart lineage at the helm.

Behind the scenes, Woods leads a culinary team rooted in local ingredients and contemporary technique. As it embraces its landmark status, this beach-side gem continues to deliver both seaside views and memorable plates.

destinations

Read the original article on MassLive.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  Josephine Josie Finnegan has been there, done that.

The 104-year-old South Kingstown resident has lived through 19 presidencies, four major wars and eight hurricanes.

Though the South Kingstown resident described herself jokingly as being just a baby, Finnegan stressed that being a centenarian is no laughing matter.

You dont want to, Finnegan replied when asked what it takes to live past 100 years old. I wouldnt recommend it. Getting old is no fun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Finnegan was born on May 24, 1921. She was 24 years old when she married her soulmate, Terrence Terry Finnegan, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Terry enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in World War II shortly after the two tied the knot. The couple had four children together and celebrated 53 years of marriage prior to his passing in September 1998.

Josies secret to living a long life is simply to keep moving.

Youve got to move, move, move, Josie explained. You have to keep busy.

Thats why she still works a couple of days a week at the Ocean Mist  a popular beach bar owned by her son, Kevin Finnegan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its good for me, she said.

Kevin, who referred to his mother as Ocean Mists matriarch, told 12 News she knows everyone and loves working nights so she can hear the live music.

There are a lot of times when I want to go home at 10 or 11 oclock, but shes still watching the band, Kevin said. I cant go home before my mother.

Everyone who comes to the Ocean Mist is wonderful, according to Josie.

I could write a book, she said, referring to her experiences at the beloved bar.

Despite her age, Josie said she still lives a relatively independent life. She cooks her own meals and cleans her house when shes not out having a good time.

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

This Week in Good News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Heavy security was deployed at Taragarh in Rajasthan's Ajmer on Saturday as the administration is set to carry out a demolition drive on structures built on the land under the jurisdiction of the forest department. The officials said several shops in Taragarh were built in the forest. The demolition drive will target those shops. "The forest department is conducting this demolition drive to remove encroachment. There are around 200 cabin-sized shops in Taragarh, which were built on the forest department land. Heavy security has been deployed," Ajmer SP Vandita Rana told ANI. In recent days, Assam has also seen major anti-encroachment drives aimed at clearing forest lands from illegal occupation. On Friday, Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah promised appropriate action against the non-indigenous population and immigrants residing in the forest lands in Guwahati. He claimed that the immigrant and non-indigenous population was trying to "end Assamese culture" and change the region's demographic composition. "A significant number of non-indigenous individuals and immigrants, or those who will end our culture, are residing on forest land in Guwahati, altering the region's demographic composition. We will take appropriate action against them. This needs to be done. Otherwise, the indigenous people of Assam will not remain due to changed demography," Baruah told ANI. Earlier, the Assam Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a statement, flagging the issue of the alleged population explosion of "illegal Bangladeshi-origin minorities". Amid Assam's ongoing eviction drive against illegal settlers in its reserve forests, Nagaland has been placed on high alert due to fears of a possible influx across the state's borders. Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, addressed the situation on Tuesday, detailing the state's approach and urging public cooperation with law enforcement. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "The current issue, which has been flagged by various people and is also known to the state government, is primarily due to the eviction drives carried out by the Assam government and various reserve forests in Assam." He clarified that those being referred to as "illegal immigrants" are, in fact, illegal settlers who had encroached upon reserve forest areas in Assam." (ANI)
ODESSA, Texas  At the Ector County Southside Senior Center on Friday, the walls were decorated in pink. Balloons swayed. Tables were filled with cake, hugs, and memories. And at the center of it all sat a woman whos lived through ten decades of change and love, wearing a gentle smile and, of course, one of her signature hats.

Beaulah Hutchison turns 100 years old on Saturday, but staff at the center and her family werent about to let the weekend stop them from throwing her the celebration she deserves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shes going to be 100 years old tomorrow. We dont work tomorrow, so we thought wed celebrate it today, said Irma Lopez, assistant director of the Northside Senior Center. Weve been planning this for months.

Lopez has known Ms. Beaulah for the last three years, but it doesnt take long to feel her warmth. Shes always smiling. Always willing to play, Lopez said. She loves bingo and dominoes, especially dominoesHer mind is sharp. She doesnt even wear glasses.

When asked how it feels to be turning 100, Beaulah didnt miss a beat. Oh, I feel good, she said with a grin. I do like cake.

Beaulah is known not just for her sense of humor, but also for her unwavering faith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Love the Lord, she said softly when asked the secret to a long life. Then, a moment later, she added with certainty: Jesus.

Shes a devoted member of the Church of Christ, attending every Sunday. Her faith, her hats, and her heart have made her a beloved fixture in Odessa.

She was always there with those beautiful hats, said one longtime friend and minister at the celebration. Her scrapbooks are a piece of history. She didnt just sit on the bench; she led. Shes been an inspiration to our church, to our hospital community, to the business community. Her life is a legacy of action.

Beaulahs personality is impossible to miss. When her family was asked about her hobbies, the answer came quickly: dominoes and hats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She wears a different one every day, they said. Big ones. Bright ones. Ones that make a room feel more joyful. Oh yes, she smiled. I love hats. Keeps my head warm.

Her style is bold, her energy magnetic, and her domino game? Fierce.

Even relatives who traveled in from out of state had stories to share about her competitive streak and her devotion to the center.

When Id come visit from California, I had to go with her to the senior center whether I liked it or not, one niece said, laughing. Eventually, I learned to enjoy it. But I always had to defend her during dominoes. She didnt like to lose. Being here gave her a reason to keep going.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

That daily rhythm, movement, community, and joy may very well be the secret to her strength.

This center kept her active, her niece added. Im so thankful for that. Thank you all for recognizing her. Its meant the world.

Beaulahs legacy stretches far beyond these four walls.

Shes a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and even a great-great-great-great-great-grandmother. In total, her family includes 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, one 5x great-granddaughter, and an unknown number of great, great, great grandchildren. During the celebration, one daughter stood to speak.

Mama, we love you so much. Were so thankful youre still here with us. Your mind is still strong. Youre still moving. Thank you And happy birthday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When it came time to blow out the candles, someone asked what her wish would be.

Just give me a little money, she joked. The room burst into laughter.

In 100 years, Beaulah Hutchison has seen the world transform. From segregation to civil rights, small Texas towns to booming oilfields, letters to smartphones and social media, but the foundation of her life has remained beautifully simple:

Faith. Family. Food. Dominoes. And above all, love.

She gave one last piece of advice for the younger generation: Go to worship service every Sunday. Praise the Lord.

And before bowing her head in a prayer of her own, she offered one more whisper, a line from an old hymn or Psalm, said with a trembling reverence: When Im old and feeble stand by me.

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 Yourbasin.
People advertising illegal Channel crossings online could face up to five years in prison under a new offence the government plans to introduce.

The offence, which the government is seeking to create under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently going through Parliament, would form part of a crackdown on the number of migrants coming to the UK on small boats.

Assisting illegal immigration to the UK is already a crime, but officials believe the offence would give police and other agencies more power to disrupt criminal gangs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Figures out last week showed more than 25,000 migrants have arrived in the UK via small boats in 2025 so far, a record for this point in the year.

The new UK-wide offence would criminalise the creation of material for publication online, which promotes or offers services that facilitate a breach of UK immigration law.

This would include people using social media to advertise fake passports or visas, or the promise of illegal work opportunities in the UK, and as well as jail time could carry a large fine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to analysis by the Home Office, around 80% of migrants arriving in the UK via a small boat have told officials they used social media during their journey, including to contact agents linked to people-smuggling gangs.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country - whether on or offline - simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.

"These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them."

The National Crime Agency (NCA) already works with social media companies to target online posts promoting organised immigration crime, with more than 8,000 posts taken down in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The NCA has taken action against a number of people-smuggling gangs where social media accounts have been used to promote crossings.

A network operated by Preston-based smuggler Amanj Hasan Zada, who was jailed for 17 years, posted videos of migrants thanking him for helping him.

NCA director general of operations Rob Jones said the proposed new offence would give them more options to target gangs and their business models.

The Home Office said cases of Albanian people-smugglers, who have used social media platforms to promote 12,000 "package deals" to Britain including accommodation and employment upon arrival, would be within the scope of the proposed offence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Policing minister Diana Johnson said the law would be drafted to enable "extra-territorial reach" which would mean that if an advert was produced abroad and the perpetrator then travelled to the UK then authorities in the UK "would be able to deal with them".

She added: "We will be working, as we have done for many months now, with authorities in other countries, to hold these people to account, to close down these criminal gangs, to stop this business model."

But the Conservatives said the plan was "too little, too late".

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: "Tinkering at the edges won't fix the problem."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He added that the Conservative Deportation Bill would allow police and other agencies to "remove illegal arrivals immediately and remove them without delay".

No 10 wants to work more closely with France to reduce the crossings.

A deal was struck in early July between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to send some migrants who arrive on small boats back to France.

For every migrant returned, France would send an asylum seeker to the UK - potentially one with a family connection to Britain.

But critics pointed out this would involve a tiny proportion of those currently crossing, and questioned whether the scheme would deter migrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government has also toughened up rules to make it almost impossible for anyone arriving in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen.
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Officials with the Office of Special Counsel are launching an investigation into Jack Smith, who oversaw criminal probes into President Donald Trump related to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The investigation into Smith is related to alleged violations of the Hatch Act, NBC News reported, citing sources within the agency.

Investigators have not yet disclosed any specific evidence against Smith, who headed two criminal investigations, one into Trump's role in the Jan. 6 insurrection and a second into his handling of classified documents following his first term in the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I appreciate the Office of Special Counsel taking this seriously and launching an investigation into Jack Smith's conduct. No one is above the law.

"Jack Smith's actions were clearly driven to hurt President Trump's election, and Smith should be held fully accountable," said Senate Intelligence Committee chair Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., told the New York Post in a statement.

The investigation into former Special Prosecutor Jack Smith is related to alleged violations of the Hatch Act. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency, which also operates as a secure channel for federal whistleblowers.

The Hatch Act was passed in 1939 and "limits certain political activities of federal employees," while ensuring "that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion."

Jack Smith headed two criminal investigations into President Donald Trump's actions, one into Trumps role in the Jan. 6 insurrection and a second into his handling of classified documents following his first term in the White House. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Smith's role as special prosecutor is not related to the Office of Special Counsel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smith in January resigned from the Justice Department, days before Trump took office for his second term as president.

In July, Attorney General Pam Bondi fired nine former members of Jack Smith's former team of federal prosecutors and assistance. File Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI

He initially announced his intention to resign following Trump's victory in the November 2024 election.

Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi fired nine former members of Smith's former team of federal prosecutors and assistance.

That brought the number of firings of employees involved in prosecutorial efforts of Trump to 20.
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has launched an investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith for potential violations of the Hatch Act during his criminal inquiries into President Donald Trump, POLITICO confirmed on Saturday.

The announcement comes days after Senate Intelligence Chair Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) requested that OSC investigate Smith for unprecedented interference in the 2024 election, claiming that Smiths legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns.

The Hatch Act restricts federal government employees from using their positions to engage in political activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump and his allies have argued that Smith  who was chosen by former Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the federal criminal investigations into Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and his handling of classified documents  was conducting a witch hunt.

Two weeks before the election, Trump said that Smith should be thrown out of the country.

Jack Smith should be considered mentally deranged and he should be thrown out of the country, Trump said on a radio show in October.

The Justice Department has focused much of its resources and time  as it deals with the fallout and criticism from its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein saga  on the alleged wrongdoings of former Biden DOJ officials, including Smith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this year, it launched the Weaponization Working Group, which is tasked with, among other things, reviewing efforts by Smiths team during the Biden administration.

The investigation was first reported on Friday by the New York Post.

Neither the White House nor a representative for Smith immediately responded to requests for comment.

Since Smith is a former government employee, its not entirely clear what action the independent agency could take if it finds he violated the Hatch Act. When asked about potential actions against Smith, an OSC spokesperson declined to comment.
Insurance companies in Montana can't cancel home insurance policies because of distant wildfires that pose no immediate threat to properties, reported KGVO.

What's happening?

Montana's insurance commissioner, James Brown, issued a notice to insurance companies following complaints from upset homeowners. Some insurance providers were attempting to end or not renew home insurance policies because of wildfire dangers, even for homes located far from any active fires.

Brown discussed the Jericho Fire near Helena as an example of companies incorrectly attempting to end coverage for homes that were nowhere near the actual fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Montanans deserve fair access to property insurance, especially during wildfire season," he said. "And I'm just reminding insurers that they cannot use wildfire risk as a blanket reason to deny coverage for properties that are not at immediate risk."

The commissioner found these actions troubling: "I can't see any really legitimate reason to go out and cancel policies when there's a wildfire that is occurring, right? Because then you're taking the risk off the insurance company and putting it on the property owner; and that's not the way insurance works or and it's not certainly allowed by Montana law."

Why is fire insurance protection important?

With hotter summers and drier conditions exacerbating wildfire season across western states, insuring your home has never been more important. When insurance companies back out of fire-prone areas, homeowners face financial troubles if disaster strikes.

You need insurance to get a home loan, and when coverage disappears, home values sink. This hurts whole towns and neighborhoods, not just individual homeowners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Brown's notice prevents insurance companies from dropping their customers simply because a fire breaks out in the same part of the state, even if it poses no real threat to the covered homes.

What can I do to protect my home?

While Montana fights to maintain insurance options, you can take steps to shield your property and stay insurable.

Clear a safety zone around your house by removing brush and trees at least 30 feet out. This basic step reduces fire danger and may help you maintain your insurance.

Add spark-resistant vents and nonflammable roofing when possible. These changes help prevent flying embers from igniting your house, which is how many homes burn during wildfires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Remove leaves from gutters and cut down dead tree limbs near your house. Good yard care eliminates materials that can easily catch fire.

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.




Ten people have been arrested in Cambodia after being suspected of running an illegal gold mining operation inside a protected national park.

As reported by the Khmer Times, the gold mining ring was uncovered following a days-long operation conducted by park rangers from the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Environment. At the time of the arrest, the park rangers were assisted by "community forces" who helped patrol the area.

Authorities allege that the suspects ran their operation at Okapin Mountain in the Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Stung Treng. Park rangers recovered mining equipment and materials at the suspected illegal mining operating site.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Sim Polin, head of the Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park Office, eight of the suspects were taken to provincial court before being transferred to Stung Treng Provincial Prison. Two underage suspects were cleared of wrongdoing and released after being interviewed by investigators.

Developed in 2016 with the help of Conservation International, the Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park is a 280,359-hectare (692,782-acre) forested area known for its rich biodiversity and significant conservation efforts. The park is home to a number of endangered and vulnerable species, including the giant ibis, sun bears, and clouded leopards.

Illegal mining activities can cause significant and far-reaching damage to the environment and vulnerable ecosystems. These impacts include water pollution from toxic chemicals, deforestation, and even soil erosion. This can destroy habitats and displace species, ultimately disrupting the overall food chain.

Cambodia is no stranger to illegal mining operations running inside protected areas. In 2023, a Chinese mining company was accused of illegal open-pit mining within the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Thom, Cambodia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A team of researchers released a report that detailed the effects of open-pit mining for gold in Cambodia. Ida Theilade, an ecologist at the University of Copenhagen and co-author of the report, emphasized the environmental damage caused by these operations.

"The environmental threats of open-pit mining are well-known," Theilade said, per Mongabay. "Environmental destruction is not limited to the mining area itself. It includes roads fragmenting a fragile rainforest ecosystem."

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.
UPDATE: The Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office confirmed that 88-year-old Syndey Alvers was found dead shortly before dark on Friday.

According to the sheriffs office, Alvers was found lying dead less than a mile from his home in a pasture surrounded by tall grass and brush. The sheriffs office said that it appeared he had been dead for sometime when he was found.

The sheriffs office and the Texas Rangers are investigating his death and autopsy has been ordered to help determine how Alvers died.

CHIRENO, Texas (KETK)  The Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office is currently searching for an 88-year-old man with dementia who was last seen leaving his home in Chireno on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities searching for missing 38-year-old man last seen in Kilgore

Syndey Alvers, 88 of Chireno, was last seen leaving his home in the 4000 block of County Road 350 in Chireno on Thursday afternoon. He was last seen walking away from the home while wearing a white shirt with red lettering, blue jeans and house shoes.

Photo courtesy of the Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office.

According to the sheriffs office, Alvers has dementia and his family last heard from him at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The sheriffs office was notified of his disappearance at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and responded to his home to help search for him.

The Nacogdoches County Sheriffs Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Chireno Volunteer Fire Department, Melrose Volunteer Fire Department, Swift- Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department and Hudson Rescue are currently searching near his home with the help of community members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anyone whos seen Alvers since he left home is asked to call the sheriffs office dispatchers at 936-559-2600.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An Ohio sheriffs office is advising against vigilantes posing as minors on social media in efforts to catch suspects.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Lake County Sheriffs Office said theyve become aware of multiple incidents of private citizens conducting their own investigations to expose people they believe are trying to solicit sexual activity from minors on social media and other internet sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In these reports, the vigilantes pretend to be under the age of 16 and spend a substantial amount of time communicating with the adult suspects online.

TRENDING STORIES:

After agreeing to meet, the vigilantes confront them at the meetup and then call deputies to ask them to arrest the suspects.

Our Deputies have attempted to explain that arrests in these situations are not possible- this has been met with dismay, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sheriffs office went on to say they strongly discourage private citizens from conducting law enforcement activity.

Private individuals jeopardize their safety when confronting someone in this situation and create a volatile situation without law enforcement involvement, the office said.

The office also cited Ohio Revised Code, which requires the person posing as an underage person in the communications to be Law Enforcement.

The Lake County Sheriffs Office is very serious about prosecuting sexual offenders. Our SORN Unit is among the most (if not the most) knowledgeable and competent in the state. If you conduct these types of private investigations, you are inhibiting the investigation, not helping, the office said.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Oklahoma State University has started a scholarship program it says will provide renewable, four-year support to incoming freshmen and provide stipends for internships and study abroad, along with mentorship opportunities with those who donate to the program.

Dubbed the Horizon Scholars Program, its initial funding will come from a cumulative $12 million in gifts from 12 families of OSU alumni. The program will start with students enrolling as freshmen in fall 2026, and students applying for the program must do so by Nov. 1.

Students in the program will receive a $7,500 annual scholarship for four years, a $5,000 one-time award to study abroad and $5,000 for a one-time internship or work experience stipend. All students in the program will pay in-state tuition, even those coming from outside Oklahoma. The Horizon scholarships will be able to be combined with other student-aid packages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In-state undergraduate students now pay $13,920 annually in tuition and mandatory fees to attend OSU, which has not raised tuition and mandatory fees since 2021.

The goal of the program is to have 400 students each year receiving Horizon scholarships. Blaire Atkinson, the president of the OSU Foundation  a private fundraising organization for the university  said the university hopes to have at least 20 donor families invested in the program by fall 2026.

These families are leading by example and showing the entire Cowboy family the power of generosity, Atkinson said. Our ultimate, long-term vision is that every student at Oklahoma State is connected through a donor-funded four-year scholarship, and we hope others will join us in making this happen.

OSU President Jim Hess said hard work and paying it forward are hallmarks of OSU alumni.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These incredible families are not only helping the next generation, but theyre also leading by example and demonstrating what a strong work ethic combined with an OSU degree can accomplish, Hess said. We know students will be inspired by these donors and will be encouraged to challenge themselves while theyre here.

Scholarship recipients, no matter their major, will have an interdisciplinary curriculum based in humanities, social sciences and STEM, an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The core curriculum will include intensive reading and writing and special seminars and classes focused on current events and topics.

Jessica and Bryan Begley are among the families donating to the Horizon Scholars Program at Oklahoma State University.

Among the initial set of donors are Bryan and Jessica Begley, of Southlake, Texas, who graduated from OSU in 1994 and 1995, respectively.

We are confident that the Horizon Scholars program will attract terrific students and prepare them to compete with the best of the best in any career path, Bryan Begley said. We think these students will quickly become highly sought after by the top employers and graduate programs. Jessica and I are honored and excited to invest in these future leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

OSU's primary campus is located in Stillwater, and the university also has campuses in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Okmulgee.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Alumni donate $12 million to fund new OSU scholarship program
Social media posts have recirculated an old video of US President Donald Trump and falsely presented it as depicting him calling South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung a "bad negotiator" after their countries agreed a trade deal. The clip in fact shows Trump criticising then president Barack Obama as he launched his presidential campaign in June 2015.

"Trump mocks Lee Jae Myung as a bad negotiator," reads a Korean-language post featuring the clip on Naver Band, a South Korean forum, on July 31, 2025.

"[Trump] mocked Lee as soon as the tariff negotiations finished. [Lee] has become a total pushover," it continues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video shows Trump saying, "The people negotiating don't have a clue. Our president doesn't have a clue. He's a bad negotiator."

But its Korean subtitles mistranslate "our president" as "their president".

Screenshot of the false Naver Band post captured on August 1, 2025, with a red X added by AFP

The clip was also shared in similar posts on multiple right-wing South Korean circles on Facebook, as well as on YouTube.

"The way that fool Lee acted as he did, no wonder he is being mocked," read a comment on one of the posts. Another said: "An international embarrassment to be used like that, then mocked by the US president."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the trade deal, the United States will impose a 15 percent tariff on South Korean imports -- down from the previously threatened 25 percent -- in exchange for $350 billion in South Korean investments in US industries and $100 billion in energy purchases (archived link).

A keyword search on Google found the clip corresponds to a part of a speech Trump gave on June 16, 2015, when he announced his bid for the presidency (archived link).

At around the 18:50 mark of the speech posted in full by CSPAN, Trump makes the comment: "The people negotiating don't have a clue. Our president doesn't have a clue. He's a bad negotiator."

This was part of a broader tirade against the Obama administration's trade and foreign policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump then references a prisoner swap involving US soldier Bowe Bergdahl to illustrate his criticism of Obama's negotiating skills.

Bergdahl was a US Army sergeant who was captured by the Taliban in 2009 after walking off his post in Afghanistan and was released in 2014 in exchange for five Taliban detainees held at Guantanamo Bay (archived link).

"We get Bergdahl. We get a traitor. We get a no-good traitor, and they get the five people that they wanted for years, and those people are now back on the battlefield trying to kill us. That's the negotiator we have," Trump said.

Screenshot comparison of the miscaptioned video (left) and the CSPAN video (right)

A full transcript of the speech published by Time magazine also shows Trump was referring to Obama (archived link).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nowhere in the video or transcript does Trump mention South Korea or Lee Jae Myung.

AFP has previously debunked similar instances of Trump remarks and social media posts being misrepresented as references to South Korea.
Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary came down heavily on the Samajwadi Party (SP) for lessons being taught in its 'PDA paathshala' while accusing them of promoting nepotism, claiming that it remains fundamental to the party. He further alleged that the Samajwadi Party was trying to "tamper" with the future of children. "When the SP was in power, they tampered with the future of children, and they are still doing it today. To fulfil their political interests, the SP can go to the extent of teaching children 'A for 'Akhilesh' and D for 'Dimple.' Their school is only about nepotism. They cannot move beyond their family," Chaudhary told ANI. Intensifying his attack, the UP BJP chief claimed that nepotism was fundamental to the Samajwadi Party. He suggested that If SP were concerned about the children of the state, they would teach about great leaders who have worked for the country and society. "If they were concerned about the children of the state, they would teach about great leaders, about those who worked for the country and society. They would have taught A for Abdul Kalam. Nepotism is fundamental to the Samajwadi Party, which is the basis of their trying to ground the definition of PDA," Chaudhary said. Meanwhile, Yadav on Thursday asked whether the news of the acquittal of the Malegaon blast case accused was intended to suppress the big news of the US announcing imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on India. Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Akhilesh Yadav said, "I did not read the report, but the accused who were involved in such a huge incident should be punished. Such a big thing happened in America, is this news to suppress that? Tariff is a big question." Akhilesh Yadav further noted India is facing a threat from China as well. (ANI)
A 66-year-old Olivehurst man drowned Friday morning at Starr Bend Boat Dock on the Feather River in south Yuba County when his boat drifted away and he attempted to stop it, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office reported.

The sheriff's department received a call shortly after 7 a.m. of a possible drowning near the boat ramp."The reporting party indicated that a male subject was attempting to dock his boat when currents caused the vessel to drift away," the sheriff's department said in a statement. "In an effort to stop it, the man entered the water and was overcome by strong currents."

The man was unable to swim to safety, however. The Yuba County Dive Team was deployed, although the victim was located before their arrival. Despite life-saving measures attempted by medical personnel on scene, the victim passed away, the department said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Sheriffs Office emphasizes the importance of safety precautions, including wearing life jackets and avoiding entry into unfamiliar or fast-moving water without appropriate equipment and backup.

The victims identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Brief

Olympian Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested for assault at SeaTac Airport.

Police allege she shoved and threw headphones at her boyfriend, fellow athlete Christian Coleman.

Both Richardson and Coleman denied any physical altercation and Coleman declined to press charges.

Sha'Carri Richardson, a Dallas native and Olympic gold medalist, was arrested earlier this week at SeaTac Airport in Washington State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to arrest documents obtained by FOX 4, Richardson, 25, is believed to have assaulted her boyfriend at a TSA checkpoint.

Sha'Carri Richardson arrested

What we know

The incident happened at a TSA checkpoint at SeaTac on Sunday just before 6 p.m. Officers arrived on the scene after a TSA agent reported seeing a woman assault a man while leaving security. According to the arrest affidavit, the woman was later identified as Richardson.

The TSA agent reported seeing Richardson hit the man, later found to be Christian Coleman, 29, who told police in an interview after the incident that he and Richardson had been dating for two years. The agent was able to show police security footage of the alleged assault.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The video reportedly shows Richardson shoving Coleman into walls and columns, and throwing a pair of headphones at him after he appears to attempt to get help from TSA.

Police interviews

During the investigation, police say they spoke to both Richardson and Coleman.

Coleman is reported to have told police that he and Richardson had gotten into a verbal argument that became "heated." When asked to elaborate, the document says he refused, and denied any physicality in the altercation. He did not wish to press charges, and "declined to be a victim," the document says.

Richardson is reported to have said the same, denying any physical assault and claiming the argument was entirely verbal. She told police it started because she was upset at Coleman for having her headphones, the document says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After viewing the security footage, however, Richardson was arrested and booked into the SCORE jail. She's charged with 4th-degree assault.

What we don't know

The documents do not say when Richardson was released, but the New York Times reports that she and Coleman both competed in a track event on Thursday.

The Source

Information in this report came from documents provided by the Port of Seattle Police Department.
The death toll from the partial collapse of the worlds largest underground copper mine in Chile has increased to two people, the mine operator has said, after human remains were found during a search for five trapped workers.

Chiles state-owned mining company Codelco said on Saturday that human remains had been recovered in the search at El Teniente mine in Rancagua, some 100km (62 miles) south of Santiago.

Codelco did not identify whose remains were found.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We know this news hits the families of our colleagues and our entire mining community hard, Andres Music, the mines general manager, said in a statement.

This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also shows us that we are in the right place, that the strategy we followed led us to them, he said, adding that search efforts would continue.

At least 100 people have been involved in the perilous search, according to mine operators.

The miners had been working at a depth of more than 900 metres when the collapse happened, killing one colleague and halting operations at the site. Their exact location had been pinpointed with specialised equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We will do everything that is humanly possible to rescue the five trapped workers, Codelcos president, Maximo Pacheco, said during a news conference on Friday afternoon.

All of our experience, all of our knowledge, all of our energy and all of our strength are dedicated to this cause and to seeing this through, he added.

Temporary closure

Minister for Mining Aurora Williams earlier announced the temporary cessation of activity at the mine, which began operating in the early 1900s and boasts more than 4,500km (some 2,800 miles) of underground tunnels.

Last year, El Teniente produced 356,000 tonnes of copper  nearly 7 percent of the total for Chile.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cave-in happened after a seismic event on Thursday afternoon, of which the origin  natural or caused by drilling  is not yet known, according to authorities. The tremor registered a magnitude of 4.2.

It is one of the biggest events, if not the biggest, that the El Teniente deposit has experienced in decades, Music said.

The search team included several of the rescuers who participated in successfully surfacing 33 miners trapped in a mine for more than two months in the Atacama Desert in 2010, attracting a whirlwind of global media attention.

Chile is the worlds largest copper producer, responsible for nearly a quarter of global supply, with about 5.3 million tonnes in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its mining industry is one of the safest on the planet, with a death rate of 0.02 percent last year, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile.

It also lies in the seismically active Ring of Fire that surrounds the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police said that a man was killed in a shooting on Friday afternoon in Prince Georges County.

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said in a post that officers responded to the 200 block of Harry S Truman Drive at around 4:50 p.m.

Responding officers found a man with a gunshot wound outside.

He died there.

Charles County family asking for help to solve daughters cold case murder

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

PGPD investigators do not believe that this shooting was random. Officers were still working to determine the motive and any suspect(s) in this shooting.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person was injured after a house fire in Columbus Southern Orchards neighborhood.

Columbus firefighters were called to the 500 block of East Kossuth Street around 3:12 p.m. this afternoon. According to the Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter, a minor fire began on one side of a two-family home.

List: Back to school dates for central Ohio

Geitter says one person was transported to a local hospital, and their condition was described as stable. The cause and the events leading up to the fire are currently under investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  One person died, and another was seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash in Suffolk Friday morning.

Suffolk Police responded to a multi-vehicle accident in the 3900 block of Whaleyville Boulevard at approximately 8:15 a.m. It involved two cars and a commercial motor vehicle.

An occupant in one car was pronounced dead at the scene. The decedent was identified as 69-year-old Alvin Lee Ward Jr. Another occupant of the car sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital by Suffolk Fire & Rescue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An occupant of the second car was also taken by Suffolk Fire & Rescue to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

The driver of the commercial motor vehicle did not sustain any injuries.

The 3900 block of Whaleyville Boulevard was shut down in both directions for almost six hours but has since reopened.

This is an ongoing 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 WAVY.com.
How sad it was to see a 48-year-old Black woman in an Associated Press story linking skepticism that Black people belong in certain places to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. She told a reporter that now if someone sees a Black girl in an engineering course they may believe shes only here to meet a quota. But questions about Black peoples intelligence and qualifications arent a function of DEI initiatives; theyre a function of racism.

Because why does a Black person in an enviable position (or a difficult class) warrant an explanation? And to whom is an explanation owed?

According to a survey recently conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the percentage of U.S. adults who believe Black people in the U.S. face a great deal or quite a bit of discrimination was 60% four years ago but has now fallen to just below 50%. That story goes on to say: Significant numbers of Americans also think diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, also known as DEI, are backfiring against the groups theyre intended to help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But its not true that DEI efforts are backfiring. Whats true is that people who feel threatened by a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society are firing back. Theyve worked, and not in secret, to make words such as critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion toxic; theyve even laid siege to the word woke and turned it into a slur.

The goal is to have the public read something crazy in the newspaper and immediately think "critical race theory." We have decodified the term and will recodify it to annex the entire range of cultural constructions that are unpopular with Americans.  Christopher F. Rufo  (@realchrisrufo) March 15, 2021

Whats worse is that these neo-segregationists have the president of the United States and the power of that office on their side. And the president has a phrase  Make America Great Again  that suggests that our progress is problematic and that we ought to be moving backward and not forward.

And moving backward is exactly what this country is doing if people are becoming more exercised about DEI initiatives than the discrimination DEI initiatives are intended to address.

The poll from four years ago that found 60% of Americans believed discrimination was a real problem was conducted less than a year after Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd and protests in this country and around the world called attention to racism in America. We should all want discrimination to be less of a problem, but the belief that it is diminishing doesnt seem rooted in empiricism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What the National Urban League can safely say, unequivocally, is that economic, education, health disparities are still broad and wide in America, NUL President and CEO Marc Morial said by telephone Thursday. Black people are tracking on all of these indexes maybe about 74% of what white Americans are, he said, and thats whats material. Further proof, he said, is in the huge number of EEOC [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission] complaints, discrimination lawsuits, that are filed every single year, and in the civil rights complaints filed against police.

Workers with the District Department of Transportation continue dismantling Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC, on March 14. (Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

Morial said he suspects that people are conflating discrimination with expressions of bigotry  that is, with ugly outbursts that may include the use of racial slurs or epithets. Such ugliness is rarely exhibited, though, when a Black applicant is denied a job or a loan or an apartment theyd like to rent. The pleasantness of the person doing the rejecting doesnt mean there wasnt discrimination. Racism is a system, Morial said. Bigotry is an individual attitude.

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in an email Friday that the movement that followed Floyds murder offered some hope  but then attacks on our community ramped up immensely and DEI  a positive initiative that gained incredible traction in 2020  became demonized and politicized. He said, The once-disgraced president, whose time in office was marked by his racially-charged dog-whistles, was re-elected, and now  that same leader  is pushing to further gerrymander electoral maps and disenfranchise Black voters.

Johnson said, The notion that our community isnt experiencing a great deal of discrimination could not be further from the truth  but it does say one thing: the extreme-right has been successful in communicating their narrative of America.

True story. This would happen often in the ER when the patient would ask for the young white male medical student to be their physician instead of me. pic.twitter.com/aj5pwgNDaU  uche blackstock, md (@uche_blackstock) July 29, 2025

Theres no doubt that the right-wing narrative has been persuasive to many people. But Johnsons assertion that people who dont know what its like to be Black are buying that narrative misses, I think, an important part of the story. The percentage of Black people who think discrimination is an issue has also trended down (from 83% in 2021 to 75% now).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I wont argue with Black people who think things are improving  even if the data contradicts them  but the approximately 4 in 10 Black people who believe that DEI efforts are making things harder for Black people need to properly assign the blame for that increased hardship to the opponents of DEI initiatives and not to DEI initiatives themselves.

And they should give up the dream that theres some set of conditions under which the accomplishments of, say, a Black woman engineer will be universally accepted as valid. Knee-jerk skepticism about certain peoples qualifications, which has a long history in this country, is one of the attitudes DEI programs are meant to address.

So how could getting rid of them make things better?

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
CHICAGO  As I write this, people are gathering in Chicago to bury an Ohio coal miners daughter who came to this city in the early 1950s.

They are celebrating a social worker and community activist who has affected thousands of lives over the last eight decades in this city. As the Sun-Times reported, her backbone and willpower fueled positive change in Chicago for decades.

Angela Piazza Turley was a force to be reckoned with  both the irresistible force and the immovable object when it came to fighting for others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was also my mother.

The writer George Bernard Shaw once said that unreasonable people expect the world to conform to them. He then added that that was why all history is made by unreasonable people.

My mother was one of those brilliantly unreasonable people. As the baby of five, I spent much of my early years clinging for dear life on my mothers skirts as she confronted slum landlords, abusive husbands, and gang bangers in the Uptown area of Chicago. Time and again, I would squeeze her hand with that look of what do we do now?

She already seemed to know what to do. Growing up in a coal mining town in Ohio, my mother knew poverty and prejudice. She would never forget either. It created a solid core within her, harder and tougher than anthracite coal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some nights, she would go to sleep looking at the burning crosses on the nearby hill, a message from the local Ku Klux Klan that she and the other Italians were not welcome in the valley.

She learned that you had to fight for a better life. Her father, Dominick, was one of the earliest organizers of the United Mine Workers until he contracted black lung.

At Yorkville High School, she was called Champ for her feisty, indomitable energy. She had a certain tomboy beauty with olive skin and penetrating hazel eyes.

Courtesy of Jonathan Turley

After World War II, she caught the attention of a young veteran, Jack Turley. This string-bean Irish street kid making scraps as a photographer was not exactly what my grandparents had in mind for a suitor. He faced an insurmountable wall of separation policed by my pint-sized Sicilian grandmother, Josephina.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The two gradually came up with a way to meet that even my grandmother could not refuse: doing crosswords in the bay window of their grocery store. It worked.

She believed in him, and, when he said he wanted to be an architect, they decided that he should study under arguably the most famous architect of the time: Mies van der Rohe, who developed the modern steel and glass structures that transformed cities.

It was an act of sheer hubris, if not insanity. The two arrived late on a snowy night in Chicago with $1.37 in their pockets. They stopped in a shop and ordered the only thing that they could afford: a cup of coffee. Before they left that night, my mother had a job as a waitress.

He would become one of Miess closest associates and, after his death, a partner at Skidmore Owings and Merrill, who helped design some of the most famous buildings in Chicago and around the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With my parents success came the ability to help others. They founded organizations that would have a significant impact on this city, including one of the first inner-city community credit unions to provide local businesses and families access to loans.

She was president of Jane Addams Hull House and the founder of an array of organizations that fought for better housing, education, and safety for the poorest of the city. She helped create one of the first shelters for abused women and a group to maintain support for our public schools. She ran for city council in the 46th Ward, and the Chicago Tribune described her as the scrapper from Uptown seeking to transform the poorest areas into decent places to live.

She was all that  fearless; the embodiment of pure will. I remember going into slums with her as she faced down violent landlords and pimps. On one occasion, she and other mothers literally chased pimps and gang bangers out of a playground and a low-income building.

I can still see the face of one pimp as a mix of amazement and amusement at this tough Sicilian mother with two young children in tow, pushing him into the street. I looked at her with that same What do we do? look, but she did not flinch. She had that crazy Sicilian look that said, I am ready to go all the way, are you?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was convinced that we were dead. But he never came back.

My parents success also gave my mother the opportunity to have something she had dreamed of as a little girl growing up during the Depression: a beautiful home filled with family. They bought one of the oldest houses in Uptown near the lake, with a room for each of their five children.

When she first walked through that house, she stopped in the backyard and smiled as she came face to face with a giant Ohio buckeye. It was love at first sight.

She would later fill the house with a steady stream of people who were struggling or foreign students seeking opportunities in the U.S. That house was her projection of herself in this world: a loving and protected space, large and open to others. For her, the house echoed with the dreams of a little girl in the depression; it meant safety, family, and continuity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After my fathers death, my mother only had one request  she wanted to die in that house, not some hospital or hospice.

She and the house slowly deteriorated together; gradually and inexorably. My siblings and I struggled to keep the old furnace and pipes working, to keep our promise.

She would pass in her room with the ivy-framed windows looking out on Hazel Street, just a few days before her 98th birthday. Her death was hardly unexpected. It is a moment that comes for all of us, but few are ready to say goodbye when the time comes.

When her health took a sudden turn for the worse, I rushed to the airport to be with her, only to have the airport shut down due to a raging storm. For the first time, she was out of reach. She died as I waited at the gate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My last moment with her had come a week earlier.

I sat late at night at the end of her bed, staring at her and trying to hold it together. I had to catch a flight back to Washington in a few hours. I couldnt say a thing; I just looked at her with the same What do we do now? look.

I think that somehow, she knew. She suddenly sat up and looked straight at me with those beautiful hazel eyes and smiled. She then threw me a kiss. She then fell back to sleep. It was as if she were saying, Youre going to be okay. You can take it from here. And it was the last thing that my mother ever said to me.

She had always been there. In the toughest situations from the slums to the streets, I knew that I only had to hold more tightly; hold on to her. We would get out of there  together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She was always my guiding light, my North Star. Now she is gone. What do you do when your North Star supernovas, leaving just a black hole in the very center of your life that seems to suck in the very light around you?

What do we do now? She did not have to say. We know now. You hold on tighter to those you love and you stand your ground.

Angela left behind five children, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She left a legacy of thousands of lives made better for her being there when they needed her most. This week, we will gather to bid farewell to Angela Turley, but not to her legacy. That will live and grow with the city she loved.

Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro professor of public interest law at George Washington University and the author of the best-selling book The Indispensable Right: Free Speech in an Age of Rage, which is dedicated to his mother.

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.
A self-described proud Islamophobe and pro-white nationalism influencer is one of the most influential people in the Trump White House  despite not actually working for the administration. And shes brought a particularly odious form of cancel culture to President Donald Trumps second term thats led to well over a dozen White House and federal employees recently fired for wrongthink.

Laura Loomer, 32, is known as much for her overt racism as her peddling of evidence-free conspiracy theories  such as 9/11 was an inside job, the Parkland high school shooting was staged, and Ohio was being overrun by cannibalistic Haitians who were eating peoples pets. Loomer has been described by many news outlets as a personal friend and confidant of Trumps, and shes fond of bragging about the scalps shes collected, referring to the former White House and federal employees she successfully targeted for firing.

James Risen, writing in The Guardian, noted that Loomers critics insist she has just been taking credit for moves that Trump was already planning, but added that Trump himself has said he takes her seriously, so it may be more accurate to describe her as Trumps de facto national security adviser.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Loomer has also referred to herself as Trumps loyalty enforcer, and she has just added a few more scalps to her collection.

The Daily Wire  a right-wing partisan site co-founded by MAGA pundit Ben Shapiro  reported that National Security Agency general counsel April Falcon Doss had previously worked for Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., on the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating Russias interference in the 2016 election. The Daily Wires Luke Rosiak called her a transparently partisan activist who has written publicly about her opposition to Trump. As evidence, Rosiak cited Doss call for Trump to be permanently banned from social media for staging an insurrection.

Loomer told The New York Times that she reposted a tweet that exposed her last week and flagged it for the right people. Doss was fired last week.

Another civil servant recently Loomerd is Jen Easterly, a former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), who had her job offer to serve as the distinguished chair of the Military Academy at West Points social sciences department rescinded by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Loomer earlier this week called Easterlys job offer a vetting crisis and later boasted that All Biden holdovers must be removed from the Trump admin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Loomer has taken credit for at least a dozen other scalps for disloyalty  including federal prosecutors, directors and aides on the National Security Council and even Trumps original surgeon general nominee, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, because of her support for the Covid vaccines that Trump helped bring into existence in his first term.

But one of the most striking Loomer-influenced cancellations is the resignation of Dr. Vinay Prasad from his roles as the Food and Drug Administrations head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and chief medical and scientific officer.

Prasad  an acolyte of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who made a name for himself during the Covid pandemic by blasting the FDA and other health agencies on social media, podcasts and his blog  was only on the job a little more than two months. But he made his MAHA mark when he overrode the FDAs vaccine experts recommendations on two Covid vaccines, which led directly to the FDA announcing its plan to only recommend Covid shots for people over 65 or with high-risk health conditions.

But Prasad was not spared from MAGA cancel culture, after Loomer dug up some old podcast clips where Prasad was critical of Trump. In a classic case of people supporting the Leopards Eating Peoples Faces Party being shocked that the leopards subsequently ate their faces, the MAGA-friendly and cancel culture-obsessed Free Press (where Prasad has been a contributing writer) published an editorial decrying Loomers shameful smear campaign against our honorable, decent friend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Loomer told Politico that she expects hundreds more to be purged for disloyalty to the dear leader. And Loomer is soliciting snitches via an anonymous tip line.

Im happy to take peoples tips about disloyal appointees, disloyal staffers and Biden holdovers, Loomer said. And I guess you could say that my tip line has come to serve as a form of therapy for Trump administration officials who want to expose their colleagues who should not be in the positions that theyre in.

Were a little more than one-eighth of the way through the second Trump administration, and one of its defining features is that it is led by astoundingly unqualified people whose raison detat is ruthlessly enforcing ideological orthodoxy and slavish devotion to the president, rather than the country and the Constitution.

And whether you previously worked for people Trump doesnt like, or you told the objective truth about Trumps attempted self-coup, or even if you previously criticized him before turning MAGA sycophant, your job is not safe from being eliminated at the behest of a person who during the 2024 election made comments about Vice President Kamala Harris that were so unimpeachably racist they even drew rebukes from loyal Trumpists JD Vance and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps election was widely seen as a rebuke against the excesses of left-wing cancel culture. But the Loomering of the federal government shows we probably havent seen the worst of MAGA cancel culture yet.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Federal lawmakers passed national school choice legislation in President Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill, laying the groundwork  for the first time ever  for educational spending vouchers to be within reach in all fifty states by 2027. But with teachers unions having fought school choice measures every step of the way, the success of federal education spending vouchers will depend on parent voices to demand these dollars for their children.

Now is the time for parents to organize and advocate on behalf of their children the same way unions have demanded what is best for themselves for decades. A great example of grassroots parent mobilization in education comes from Florida in 2005 when thousands of parents marched outside of Floridas Supreme Court, declaring support for school choice as the teachers union brought a legal suit against the states Opportunity Scholarship Program. The plaintiffs case relied on Floridas Uniformity Clause that requires a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools. Although only about 700 students were participating in the Opportunity Scholarship Program at the time, the lawsuit was ultimately a threat to all 200,000 students benefitting from state scholarship programs.

Parents were passionate defenders of the programs that offered their children a much-needed exit from their F-rated public schools and into a private school of their choice. Grassroots groups from around the state rallied their members to show up in Tallahassee  and they did. Clad in red shirts and holding homemade signs as they marched, they made headlines in local papers all over the state. Renowned school choice activist Howard Fuller commented at the time, Were here to say that it is un-American for only those with money to choose their education. National outlets like the New York Times and Newsweek weighed in, too, making the school choice debate nationally relevant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ultimately, the Florida Supreme Court ruled against the Opportunity Scholarship Program in January 2006. And yet, instead of giving up upon this ruling, Floridas education reform leaders reimagined school choice in their state. The program was restructured into a tax credit scholarship program, funded by private dollars, that has grown to serve over 500,000 students today. The number of students on Floridas tax credit scholarship program is larger than the number of students in any one of Floridas 67 public school districts. It is even larger than the massive Los Angeles Unified School District.

Florida families were fighting to protect a freedom they experienced and valued. What makes the federal voucher fight more difficult in some ways, 20 years later, is that the majority of families in blue states still have not experienced the benefits of school choice personally. Florida families in 2005 were less vulnerable to anti-voucher media manipulation because they had personally experienced how school choice changed their childrens lives.

The Florida story provides America an example of what it means to give children access to the education they deserve. At this historic moment in American history, families must step up and carry the torch to the finish line. Governors  who can choose whether or not to opt into the program  must prioritize childrens futures despite any pressure they face from teachers unions. In fact, the opt-in provision bill ensures that sunlight will be the best disinfectant for any governor who stands in the way of parents and life-changing educational opportunities for their children, particularly when bipartisan support for education freedom is at a historic high.

The One Big, Beautiful Bills legislative changes have helped Americans see what is possible, but will ultimately require civic engagement from American citizens and courageous state leadership from governors to make what is possible accessible to all.
The 'Thiruvilakku Pooja' took place in Mudukulathur's famous Sri Selliyamman Temple this morning. A large number of people, including women, men, and children, from the surrounding areas participated in the Pooja. The 49th annual Pooja of the famous Vadakku Vaasal Sri Selliyamman Temple in Mudukulathur of Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district began with the hoisting of the flag on Wednesday. The main event of the festival was held today, in which 5,008 women sat around the temple, lit the Thiruvilakku (a lamp or Deepa, made of brass or silver, used in the traditional South Indian "Thiruvilakku Pooja"), and chanted mantras. On the occasion, the deity of Sri Selliyamman was adorned with lemon garlands, and the Utsava was adorned with money garlands. Special food was provided to the devotees who participated in the function. The 'Paalkudda procession', another main event, will be held on the 7th of this month, with more than ten thousand devotees, and the 'Theekundam festival' will be held on the 8th of August. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu and described it as a "deeply spiritual experience. "Terming the place one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion, PM Modi said he prayed for the well-being of the people of the country. In a post on 'X', the Prime Minister said, "Prayed at the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram. It was a deeply spiritual experience at one of India's finest expressions of Chola devotion. I prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the people of India." PM Modi was on a two-day trip to Tamil Nadu, where he attended several programs, including releasing a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I at the valedictory function at the 'Aadi Thiruvathirai' festival on the occasion of the Chola king's birth anniversary at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur. (ANI)
President Trump recently proposed redrawing Texas congressional maps to flip five House seats in favor of the Republican party. The Texas Legislature is currently holding a special session to explore the idea. The timing is unusual because redistricting typically happens once a decade following the census.

After President Trumps Texas plan became public, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he was considering redrawing maps to favor Democrats, saying, We can act holier than thou. We can sit on the sidelines, talk about the way the world should be. Or we can recognize the existential nature that is this moment.

Its tempting logic. If one side cheats, the other feels forced to cheat just to keep up. Fairness can follow once the imbalance is corrected. But that approach comes at a cost. To protect democracy, we must fight for a fair process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Breaking those checks  even to restore balance  can lead to escalation. Weve seen this before with the Senate filibuster. In 2013, Democrats eliminated it for President Obamas nominees. Then in 2017, Republicans took it further and ended it for Supreme Court nominees to confirm Neil Gorsuch. Now, that same rule change is helping Trump fill the federal bench without needing a single Democratic vote. What started as a short-term strategy to bypass obstruction ended up giving the other side more unchecked power. Redistricting could follow the same path.

A redistricting arms race is unfolding. Each side uses the others violation to justify their own. The more checks are weakened, the harder it becomes to claim moral high ground. California Assemblymember Alex Lee said of Newsoms plan, Trying to save democracy by destroying democracy is dangerous and foolish. You cannot have both.

What should we do when one side keeps redrawing maps to lock in power and the courts say partisan gerrymandering is allowed? If fighting fire with fire isnt the answer, then what?

In Utah, we fought for fairness through institutions rather than through escalation. In 2018, Utah voters passed Proposition 4 to create an independent redistricting commission  a policy four other states have adopted to guard against partisan influence in the map-drawing process. However, after the 2020 census, our Republican-led state legislature disregarded the commissions recommendations and adopted a congressional map that split Salt Lake City into all four congressional districts. That process is now the subject of ongoing litigation, with the Utah Supreme Court ruling in 2024 that voter-approved reforms cannot be easily overturned and are subject to strict scrutiny.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Courts are not perfect. They move slowly, and even when they strike down a bad map, the damage may be done. Once a candidate wins a gerrymandered seat, they carry the advantages into the next cycle  name recognition, fundraising networks and institutional support. That is the reality of the incumbent effect, and it is one of the biggest challenges to fixing this through legal means alone. Still, court challenges matter. They create a public record, force transparency and sometimes stop the worst abuses before they take hold. While not a cure-all, they remain among the few tools that still work.

State-level reforms are another path forward. Independent redistricting commissions have shown that fairness is possible when partisan interests are removed from the map-drawing process. Even in Utah, where the Legislature ignored the commissions recommendations, the courts stepped in and have given voters a real shot at fair representation.

Its important to stay active in districts that look out of reach. Gerrymandered maps discourage competition. In a closely divided Congress, flipping just one or two seats can shift the balance.

The urge to redraw maps in blue states to create competition is a shortcut with no off-ramp. If both sides break the rules, there are no rules, and voters lose trust. The entire process becomes a contest of who can rig it better?

To protect democracy, our focus cannot be on what helps one side today. The fight must be for a process that holds regardless of who is in power. Calling out abuse when it happens, showing people whats at stake, and reminding them that none of this is inevitable. Otherwise, were just dressing up the same power grabs under a different name, and people will see right through it.
If Washington doesnt act urgently, content pushed by TikTok and consumed by young Americans will result in future U.S. leaders unwittingly parroting Chinas talking points, advocating warped views and, most dangerously, acting in ways that are in Beijings interests but undermine U.S. national security.

There is admittedly no smoking gun, but TikTok represents a highly plausible vector of intelligence collection. ByteDance, TikToks parent firm, claims it is committed to U.S. national security, but is legally bound to cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party.

The Peoples Republic of China almost certainly uses TikTok, at a minimum, as a collection platform to monitor public opinion. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. and TikTok agreed in January 2023 to maintain all U.S. data within the U.S., but there are concerning reports of leaks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With 170 million U.S. users, TikTok provides Beijing with real-time, granular insight into American public opinion. That real-time data collection would prove enormously useful, for instance, in assessing U.S. willingness to fight in a hypothetical conflict over Taiwan.

But the challenge from TikTok with Americas youth is not just collection, but influence. Early evidence suggests this is already underway.

A Rutgers study found TikTok suppressed unfavorable accounts of sensitive topics, including Tibet, Tiananmen Square, Uyghur rights and Xinjiang. Heavy users expressed elevated positive attitudes toward Chinas human rights record and greater interest in traveling to China.

Given that the companys black box algorithm thwarts independent verification, we likely have seen only the tip of the iceberg of Beijings efforts to sway the U.S. public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The algorithm could convulse U.S. domestic politics by sowing discord and highlighting divisions, an outcome that serves Beijings interest in undermining U.S. cohesion and painting D.C. as an unreliable partner.

Indeed, rather than bolstering one candidate or another, TikTok may act as an anti-incumbent tool.

In the 2024 election, TikTok contributed to President Bidens low approval ratings, according to one Democratic strategist. In that election, President Trumps support among 18-29-year-olds, which disproportionately comprises TikToks user base, rose by seven points from 2020.

And yet, by April, only three months into office, Trumps support among young people has declined markedly  by up to 27 points.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While there are admittedly many variables at play, TikTok can amplify alienation and short-term sentiment swings. Whatever ones politics, its dangerous for China to retain levers that can subtly shape American public opinion, especially by amplifying dissatisfaction.

Its worth noting that as Beijing uses tools to manipulate the U.S. public, especially its youth, its taking meaningful steps to protect its own young people.

Douyin, the version of TikTok used in China and also owned by ByteDance, is required by authorities to enforce a youth mode, limiting users under 14 to app usage for just 40 minutes a day. It also locks them out between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily.

The contrast is stark: China exports attention-fracturing content while shielding its own youth from it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chinas use of TikTok may allow it to influence mass and elite opinion. And in fact, TikTok may be uniquely effective at influencing elite views, by enabling microtargeting.

Given TikToks effectiveness and deniability, as well as Beijings determination to supplant the United States, Chinese security services are likely tweaking TikToks algorithms to micro-target key users.

Chinese security services can directly shape TikToks algorithm  rather than merely exploit one built by others  giving it a deniable, end-to-end influence over what users see.

Crucially, any elite-focused information operation via TikTok would be even more difficult to detect in the unclassified domain than efforts to shape mass public opinion because of how narrow and precise the targeting would be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For far too long, U.S. leaders on both sides of the aisle have failed to take action against the platform.

And the reported decision by President Trump to tell U.S. companies they can ignore the law barring American companies from engaging with TikTok represents a new and immediate danger to U.S. national and economic security.

At a minimum, it is imperative to ensure the U.S. is not allowing companies or individuals to engage with TikTok so long as its algorithm is controlled by a Beijing-linked company.

But U.S. policymakers need to go even further and consider, for example, more ambitious measures such as national limits on short-video screen time for minors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The status quo is incomprehensible and dangerous: Young Americans are being asked to unwittingly face off against an algorithm that may be a tool of Chinese intelligence services.

Allowing this dynamic to persist risks eroding the cognitive, civic and strategic foundations of American leadership.

Jonathan Panikoff is a senior fellow in the Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Center and the former director of the Investment Security Group, overseeing the intelligence communitys CFIUS efforts at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Joseph Webster is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and editor of the independent China-Russia Report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
America is running out of power.

In July, the Department of Energy confirmed what many experts have warned for years. Their report found that 104 gigawatts of reliable, dispatchable electricity, mainly fueled by coal and natural gas, are set to retire by 2030.

Whats replacing it?

Just 22 gigawatts of new firm capacity.

Lets put that in plain English: Power plants that run around the clock are being shut down and replaced by sources that only function when the weather cooperates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unfortunately, this is the inevitable result of a four-year effort by the Biden administration to dismantle our most reliable energy sources, layering on regulation after regulation, choking off investment and forcing Americans to gamble on expensive, intermittent alternatives.

The problem? Those calling for the elimination of abundant traditional fuels, such as coal and natural gas, have yet to offer a credible alternative that doesnt put our energy grid, along with everything that depends on it, in serious jeopardy.

Coal and natural gas provide 60% of our electricity.

Power lines along 2300 East in Millcreek on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Wind and solar? Just 14%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We dont have to guess what happens when a nation bets heavily on unreliable energy. In April of this year, Spains power company, Red Electrica, proudly announced that renewable energy was generating enough electricity to meet its demand, with more than 70% of its power coming from solar panels and wind turbines.

Less than two weeks later, Spain and Portugal experienced an 18-hour power outage, affecting nearly 57 million people. While engineers always find a series of causes for a major blackout, overreliance on intermittent generators cant be ignored as a significant risk factor.

Spectators roam inside the Madrid Open tennis tournament venue during a general blackout in Madrid, Monday, April 28, 2025. | Manu Fernandez

We cannot let the same fate befall America.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently held a hearing on the soaring demand for energy and the challenges the U.S. faces in meeting that demand. When asked what would happen if we gave up fossil fuels, Peter Huntsman, CEO of the Huntsman Corporation, didnt mince words: National suicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He further stated that to meet the growing electricity demand, We need to be building out the baseload power, which has got to come back to natural gas. Thats going to be the cleanest, the fastest, its the most economical means of having a reliable baseload across the board. Weve been through Europe. Weve been through all these continents that have tried seven different ways of making electrons, and theyre virtually bankrupt. It doesnt work.

Hes right. The stakes are higher than ever, and our nation is in dire straits if we dont make some significant changes.

The United States is locked in a global competition with China and other adversarial nations over artificial intelligence. AI will reshape everything as we know it, from our economy to our national security and our position on the world stage.

China understands this and is moving aggressively, investing billions in energy infrastructure to support its own AI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

America cannot afford to fall behind. If we cant meet our own demand, we will inevitably surrender our position as the global energy superpower.

Thats why I worked closely with Utahs leaders to ensure our states energy priorities were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Our goals are simple: Cut red tape, unleash private investment in domestic energy production and keep electric bills affordable for working families.

The changing regulatory environment under President Trump is already having an impact in Utah.

Hunter and Huntington, two coal-fired power plants in Utah, were previously slated for retirement. Thanks to recent changes in the regulatory environment, those plans have changed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reason for that is, primarily, the changes that have happened recently in regulatory requirements at the state and federal levels, said David Eskelsen, a Rocky Mountain Power spokesperson. As a result, the company no longer foresees either plant closing within the next 20 years.

Americas strength, security and prosperity depend on abundant and affordable energy.

With President Trump back in the White House and Republicans leading both chambers of Congress, were in a position to restore American energy dominance and secure a stronger future for every American.
Virginia Roberts Giuffre died by suicide on April 25, 2025, three months before Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met twice with the woman serving 20 years for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually victimize her and other young women.

That remarkable concession last week can only mean Blancheand therefore U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and therefore President Donald Trumpwants something from 63-year-old Ghislaine Maxwell.

Whatever it is, it must outweigh the political cost of further rewarding Maxwell with a transfer from an actual prison in Tallahassee, Florida, to what is termed a prison camp in Bryan, Texas. This Club Fed is too much like the Michigan summer camp where Maxwell joined Epstein in targeting a 13-year-old who would be the first victim to testify against Maxwell in her 2021 sex trafficking trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The next step might well be the ultimate reward: clemency.

Though Giuffre is unable to voice an objection now, she leaves us with a statement her attorney read at Maxwells sentencing on June 28, 2022. Giuffre addressed the statement directly to Maxwell.

Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre, addresses a press conference following a hearing where Epstein victims made statements. Manhattan Federal Court, Aug. 27, 2019. / New York Daily News / TNS

Ghislaine: Twenty-two years ago, in the summer of 2000, you spotted me at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, and you made a choice: You chose to follow me and procure me for Epstein. Just hours later, you and he abused me together for the first time. Together you damaged me physically, mentally, sexually and emotionally. Together you did unthinkable things that still have a corrosive impact on me to this day. I want to be clear about one thing: Without question, Jeffrey Epstein was a terrible pedophile, but I never would have met Jeffrey Epstein if not for you.

For me, and for so many others, you opened the door to hell, and then, Ghislaine, like a wolf in sheeps clothing, you used your femininity to betray us and you led us all through it. When you did that, you changed the course of our lives forever.

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell photographed in New York City in 2005. / Patrick McMullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

You joked that you were like a new mother to us. As a woman, I think you understood the damage that you were causing, the price you were making us victims pay. You could have put an end to the rapes, the molestation, the sickening manipulation that you arranged, witnessed, and even took part in. You could have called the authorities and reported that you were part of something awful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I was young and naive when we met, but you knew that. In fact, you were counting on it. My life as a young person was just beginning. You robbed me of that by exploiting my hopes and ambitions.

Ghislaine, the pain you have caused me is almost indescribable. Because of your choices and the world you brought me into, I dont sleep. Nightmares wake me at all hours. In those dreams, I relive the awful things that you and others did to me and the things that you forced me to do. Those memories will never go away. I have trouble meeting new people without questioning if somehow theyre going to hurt me, too. There is not a day that doesnt go by that I dont ask why. Why did you enjoy hurting us so much?

I worry every single day and night that you will get away with it and evade being punished. I will worry about that until youre brought to justice. And what should that justice look like? Ghislaine, you deserve to spend the rest of your life in prison in a jail cell.

Donald Trump, Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in 2000. / Davidoff Studios Photography / Getty Images

She added, You deserve to be trapped in a cage forever just like you trapped your victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maxwells subsequent conviction gave her victims reason to believe justice was being done, that she was not going to get away with it.

In her statement before sentencing, Maxwell suggested that Epstein should have been there as the lead defendant.

But today it is not about Epstein, ultimately, Maxwell allowed. It is for me to be sentenced and for the victims to address me, and me alone, in this court. To you, all the victims, those who came in court and to those outside, I am sorry for the pain that you experienced. I hope that my conviction, along with my harsh and unusual incarceration, brings you closure. I hope this brings the women who have suffered some measure of peace and finality to help you put the experiences of those many years ago in a place that allows you to look forward and not back.

She went on, It is my sincerest wish to all those in this courtroom and to all those outside this courtroom that this day brings a terrible chapter to the end, to an end.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She closed by saying: And to those of you who spoke here today and to those of you who did not, may this day help you travel from darkness into the light.

Mug shot of British convicted sex offender and former socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, taken at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn. / FBOP

Judge Alison Nathan sentenced Maxwell to 20 years. But however much closure that offered the victims, Giuffre was unable to escape the darkness. And she cannot add her voice to the outrage over Maxwells efforts to be the one traveling into the light.

If Maxwell can pull it off, her accomplice in that moral crime, however legal, will be the Department of Justice.

Those who remember Giuffre will have to make good on a pledge she made to Maxwell in her victim impact statement.

If you ever get out of prison, I will be here watching you and making sure you never hurt anyone else again.
President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs may not be long for this world. An 11-judge en banc panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit appeared deeply skeptical Thursday of the Trump administrations argument that it can use a congressional statute, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), to impose expansive tariffs.

You might be asking why were talking about a statute when the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the imposition of tariffs. Its because for almost a century, Congress has regularly ceded its authority to the president.

It began in 1934, in the middle of the Great Depression, when Congress passed the Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act, which gave the president the authority to unilaterally negotiate trade agreements and make certain changes to domestic tariff rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the next few decades, Congress continued to cede more of its authority to the executive branch. In 1977, Congress passed the IEEPA, which has never been used by a president to impose tariffs. In fact, the IEEPA authorizes the president to impose sanctions when there is an unusual and extraordinary threat.

Challengers in two separate cases, one brought by small businesses and another brought by 12 Democratic-led states, sued the Trump administration, arguing that the IEEPA doesnt give Trump the power to unilaterally impose these tariffs.

The question of whether Congress gave the president the power to impose tariffs via the IEEPA brings up important issues related to the nondelegation doctrine and the major questions doctrine. The nondelegation doctrine dictates that Congress cannot give too much of its constitutionally granted duties to the executive branch. Its not clear, based on the nondelegation doctrine, that Congress could have given Trump the power to impose tariffs under the IEEPA even if it wanted to. But it doesnt appear that it wanted to. Theres a good argument to be made here that when Congress passed the IEEPA, it meant to provide the president with the power to impose sanctions, like asset freezes, to respond to national economic emergencies. This is quite different from the power to restructure domestic economic policy by imposing tariffs.

Under the major questions doctrine, the Supreme Court has said that Congress must provide crystal-clear authorization before giving an executive agency the power to decide an issue of national significance. Here, challengers have a compelling argument that when Congress passed the IEEPA, it did not give the president the specific guidance needed to unilaterally impose tariffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It is also rational to conclude that a structural trade imbalance does not qualify, as the Trump administration claims it does, as an unusual and extraordinary threat. The challengers have persuasively argued that a chronic trade deficit is not the same as a national economic emergency.

For all these reasons, this may be the Trump administrations second time losing its argument that it has the power under the IEEPA to impose these tariffs. At the end of May, the U.S. Court of International Trade held, among other things, that the IEEPA did not delegate an unbounded tariff authority to the President. The Trump administration appealed that decision.

The 11-member en banc panel considering this case appeared particularly concerned about the governments maximalist view of executive authority. Again, the Trump administration faces specific hurdles here. To win, it has to convince the judges that Congress properly delegated its power and gave the specific guidance necessary to allow not just this president, but any president, the power to carry out economic policy via the imposition of sweeping tariffs.

This case feels destined for the Supreme Court, where a conservative supermajority that has generally been protective of executive power will decide whether that power includes the ability for any president to set economic and international trade policy without a coequal branch. This is not the moment for the courts to undermine constitutional structures. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to regulate interstate commerce. We should now allow the executive to usurp that or any other power it doesnt have.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Orange County Mayor signs ICE agreement to avoid being removed from office

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says he had two options-- strike a deal with ICE or get removed from office.

Demings acquiesced and signed an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to allow Orange County corrections officers to transport detainees to facilities like Alligator Alcatraz.

Its a dramatic turn after Wednesday, Demings told Channel 9, he wouldnt be bullied by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to sign an updated ICE agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tuesday, Uthmeier sent a letter to Demings and commissioners saying they were breaking state law because the commission initially rejected the agreement in June. Uthmeier accused the mayor and commissioners of being a sanctuary county. The Attorney General threatened to remove Demings and commissioners from office if they did not sign the agreement.

On Friday, the mayor said the County Attorney advised him to sign the agreement to avoid being removed from office.

I signed the damn thing..., Demings said. I cant let our entire board of county commissioners and myself be removed from office. The Mayor described much anxiety filled the county administration building this week after the Attorney Generals threat.

Do you still feel like you were bullied into making this decision, Channel 9 asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no question that the state has used intimidation factors. Im still not intimidated, Demings said.

The signed addendum was announced just 15 minutes before the Governor and Attorney General were set to have a news conference in Orlando, Friday morning.

Demings said the news conference was a factor in his signing the agreement. He was asked whether he was concerned that Governor DeSantis would announce his removal from office at the Governors news conference, but he did not answer.

But, I do have relationships with many people, and Ill leave it at that, Demings said.

Demings says that based on the countys reading of the addendum, ICE can request that county corrections officers transport detainees. However, the Orange County Jail can deny a transport based on its operational ability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If we have the capacity to transport, I highly doubt that there will be such a time in the near future, Demings said.

Demings says the jail has 212 vacant corrections officer positions, a 24 percent vacancy rate. The Governor and Attorney General say Orange County would be reimbursed for the costs of transporting detainees.

Even after this addendum has been signed, theres questions of whether the Governor and Attorney General could say its a violation of state law for Orange County to refuse to do a transport because the jail is short staffed.

I would think that given everything that has occurred, I think theyll be reasonable about that, Demings said. Plus, the agreement is not between us and the state of Florida. The agreement is between us and the federal government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

County Attorney Jeff Newton says by the mayor signing the agreement with ICE, it puts the conflict in the proper forumcourtif there ever were to be litigation.

The mayor made clear that his opinion on the ICE agreement has not changed since Wednesday. He still is against the federal government having the ability to take county corrections officers out of their jurisdiction to transport detainees.

What Ive changed is the process by which we will continue to fight, Demings said.

Before Demings signed the agreement, the county attorneys office studied the state law on all possible penalties and the power of the Governor in this situation. Newton told Channel 9 he informed the Mayor and two commissioners that they could be suspended by the Governor and face a $5,000 civil penalty. Newton said the law is unclear on what the criminal penalties could be.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon park-goers will soon see rate increases at some state parks, officials announced Friday.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is updating some visitor fees at state parks in an effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks, the department said.

This includes parking fees. Starting October 1, Oregon State Parks is no longer waiving parking fees at an additional 21 day-use parks, officials said, noting the fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 for out-of-state visitors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vancouver, Clark County in talks to collaborate on citys potential annexation

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12-24-month parking permit.

Officials note that the parks department currently charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at more than 225 parks statewide.

The new parking fees will be implemented at some of the business parks in the state such as Harris Beach State Park, which saw about two million day-use visits in 2024. Officials note the fees help fund park maintenance and operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vancouver, Clark County in talks to collaborate on citys potential annexation

The department also announced updates for overnight camping rates starting May 1, 2026.

According to the parks department, overnight rates at Oregons 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. The increase will apply year-round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, officials said, noting the top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RVs.

At all parks, cabin and yurt prices will also rise to the top of the rate range, year-round, including $72 for rustic yurts and $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Morning Digest

Additionally, the department said boat moorage fees will rise from $15 to $20 and overnight parking and overflow camping fees will increase from around $10 to at least $15 per night.

The rate increases come as the parks department faces a projected 14% budget shortfall amid increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and reduced lottery funds for operations.

Officials said these fee increases, along with internal efforts to reduce costs and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains accessible in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Plans for Portland-area In-N-Out restaurant moving forward: What to know

State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. Were working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come, said State Parks Director Lisa Sumption.

The department has three main sources of funding, with a little less than half coming from lottery funds, about 15% stemming from recreational vehicle license plate fees and about 35% from park fees and visitors. Officials note the department is not funded by general fund taxes.

Visitors looking to save on parking can opt for annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks, which are available online.

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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A new Arkansas law set to take effect Monday is under fire from organ donation advocates who say it undermines the wishes of registered donors and could cost lives. Southern Legacy of Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting organ and tissue donation, has filed a lawsuit seeking to block Act 861, calling the law unconstitutional and life-threatening.

At the heart of the legal challenge is the laws change in language, requiring family authorization rather than acknowledgement for organ donation, even when a person has already registered as a donor. The group argues this opens the door for families to veto a legally binding decision made by the deceased, creating harmful delays and setting up what they call a two-tiered system.

Arkansas organ recipient and donors father become found family each Christmas

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Donors make the ultimate act of generosity during their lifetime when they proactively decide to become a part of the donor registry, said Stephanie Jackson, spokesperson for Southern Legacy of Life. This law dishonors that decision  it allows others to override it, even though its a legally binding choice.

The lawsuit argues Act 861 violates multiple provisions of both the U.S. and Arkansas constitutions, including:

Equal Protection Clause  by allowing family members to override the decision of a registered donor but enforcing quicker timelines when families make the decision on behalf of an unregistered deceased individual.

Due Process Clause by denying individuals the right to direct what happens to their body after death and allowing third parties to interfere with that decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commerce Clause by potentially disrupting the federally coordinated, interstate organ donation and transplant system.

It threatens lives, not only in Arkansas, but across the country, Jackson warned, citing how donated organs often cross state lines. Any delay can mean someone on the transplant list loses their chance  or worse.

Southern Legacy of Life also expressed concern over the confusion the law could cause for hospitals and organ procurement organizations.

This creates delays, and delays in organ donation are not just paperwork issues  they cost lives, Jackson said. Every one organ donor can save up to eight lives. If even a few organs arent donated in time, the ripple effect is devastating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lawsuit filed to halt changes to Arkansas organ donation law

The laws requirement for family members to deliberate and authorize donation  even when the deceased has clearly expressed their wishes  could stretch the critical post-death decision window and lead to lost transplant opportunities.

Weve already seen growing concern from hospitals and national organ networks, Jackson added. This is why were asking for an emergency restraining order. Theres no more time to wait.

In a brief statement, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins office pushed back on the urgency of the filing.

Waiting until the last minute to challenge laws that were passed months ago and then acting as though their pending implementation requires emergency relief is a far too common practice, Griffin said. Emergency orders should be reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Jackson insists this is such a circumstance.

Lives are threatened by Act 861, she said. And from that perspective, yes  this is an emergency.

A 98-year-old mans liver was donated. He is believed to be the oldest American organ donor ever

The law is scheduled to take effect Monday, Aug. 5. Southern Legacy of Life is urging the court to issue a temporary restraining order before then to halt its implementation.

We could not wait any longer to ensure that we can help protect as many lives as best we can, Jackson said.

The outcome of the case could have national implications for organ donor rights, bodily autonomy and the coordination of life-saving transplants across state lines.

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 KLRT - FOX16.com.
The Brief

Steven Rosado was arrested after he allegedly punched a parking enforcement specialist over a parking ticket.

Rosado later admitted that he committed the battery crime to detectives.

Rosado has been booked into the Orange County Jail and is being charged with battery on a parking enforcement specialist.

ORLANDO, Fla. - An Orlando man has been arrested after he allegedly punched a parking enforcement specialist in the head over a parking ticket.

Parking enforcement specialist allegedly attacked

What we know

Officers with the Orlando Police Department (OPD) responded to reports of a battery around 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the intersection of West Jefferson Street and North Orange Avenue in Orange County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When they arrived at the scene, a parking enforcement specialist for the City of Orlando told officers he wrote a parking citation around 2:43 p.m. for a black BMW. He said he then left the area and continued working.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

When he came back to the area, he said he was approached by a man, Steven Rosado, who was "violently" talking to him. The parking specialist said Rosado kept following him and continued to verbally assault him. Rosado then allegedly came up and punched the parking specialist on the left side of his head, knocking his helmet off.

A City of Orlando parking enforcement specialist said he was physically and verbally assaulted by Steven Rosado back in February. (Credit: Orlando Police Department)

After Rosado hit him, the parking specialist said he got into the car and drove away. Officials say video footage captured the incident and affirmed the parking specialist's statements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

I slapped him

What they're saying

When detectives made contact with Rosado, he said: "The guy started arguing with me over a parking ticket. From there, he told my wife that he (had given) me back the ticket, and I don't like being called a liar. So, when he said that, I said don't have the ticket, and I slapped him. So, that's the honest truth. I'm (going to) let you know, honestly."

What's next

Rosado was arrested and charged with battery on a parking enforcement specialist. He was booked into the Orange County Jail.

Steven Rosado was arrested and charged with battery on a parking enforcement specialist. (Credit: Orange County Jail)

The Source

This story was written based on information gathered from an Orange County arrest affidavit and shared by the Orlando Police Department (OPD).
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  Work on one of Oklahomas most controversial infrastructure projects is officially set to begin early next year, as strong opposition and lingering questions about its legality and feasibility show no signs of slowing down.



The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority says it plans to break ground on the East-West Connector turnpike along Normans northern border in spring 2026.



Opponents like Kelly Wilson with Pike Off OTA say that the timeline is premature.

Construction begins in Yukon on Garth Brooks Boulevard

I feel like thats a little premature, considering we still havent seen any environmental studies, Wilson said. We still havent seen any traffic justification studies. We havent seen the access justification report. It just feels like this is putting the cart before the horse.



When fully built, the East-West Connector will stretch east from I-44 in Newcastle, cross over the Canadian River to I-35 in Norman, then extend northeast to I-40 near Newalla, connecting with the current terminus of the Kickapoo Turnpike.



OTA says construction will begin on the segment between I-44 and I-35 in Spring 2026, including what the agency says will be the longest bridge in Oklahoma.



Construction plans for that portion, published on OTAs Access Oklahoma website, are listed as 90 percent complete.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

EWC28502AandEWC28802A_90Percent_28April2025Download

Wilson says the plans, which indicate some support piers for the bridge will be built within feet of the Canadian Rivers main channel, are concerning.

It shows that the pier is going to go nine feet, eight inches from the river channel, Wilson said. If the river migrates, will it wash out the piers? Thats a concern.



OTA says it will also begin work by next fall on a portion of the East-West Connector heading east from I-35 to Air Depot Boulevard.



But thats where certainty ends.



The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation forced OTA to redraw its plans for the next segment to the east, which would connect the turnpike from Air Depot Blvd. to I-40.

The Bureau said OTAs original proposed route for that portion was too close to Lake Thunderbird.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Right now, OTA has no formal plans drawn or a start date in place for that stretch.

Without that stretch being built, the East-West connector would effectively dead-end at Air Depot Blvd., with no connection to I-40.

The fact that OTA is starting construction on certain portions of the east-west connector, while still having no plans in place for other portions of it, raises concerns for PikeOff OTA member Tassie Hirschfeld.

Their trust agreement specifically says they are not supposed to do things this way, Hirschfeld said. You cant do a little piece here and a little piece there. So theyre in total violation and no ones enforcing it.



But Friday, an OTA spokesperson assured News 4 the entire East-West Connector will be fully built by 2030, including uncertain the portion east of Air Depot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Business owners concerned about NW OKC road construction

Hirschfeld said she feels the Spring 2026 groundbreaking date for the portions west of I-35 is performative.



Im not entirely confident that this is a real start date or just more magical thinking on the part of the Turnpike Authority, Hirschfeld said. There have been lawsuits and challenges. No environmental studies and investigative audit. So my sense is they are desperate to demonstrate competence when in fact, theres really not a lot of confidence there.

She said shell wait to believe the turnpike is coming until she can see it.



All kinds of things can happen to delay, cancel, postpone, she said. And Im going to put my money onif they start it, they probably wont finish it.



The Turnpike Authority told News 4 it plans to put construction contracts for the first portion of the project out to bid in November.



Pike Off OTA leaders say if construction crews do show up next spring, theyre urging supporters not to interfere with any equipment and instead continue challenging the project through legal means.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Responding to the conviction of expelled JD(S) leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna in a rape case, BJP leader Sumalatha Ambareesh on Friday said that there was nothing more to comment on the matter after the court's decision. Speaking to reporters, Sumalatha said, "The court has pronounced the verdict. Everyone should obey the court order. I have nothing more to comment on this matter. There is nothing to talk about after the court gave its verdict. Let's see what the punishment will be." The court will announce the punishment on Saturday. A special court in Karnataka found the former MP from Hassan guilty in a rape case involving a domestic help on Friday. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak said the verdict sends a clear message that everyone is equal before the law. He added that the punishment in the case could range from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. "This happened three-four years ago, but she could not raise her voice due to poverty. We examined 26 witnesses. Everyone is equal before the court; this is the message given by the court today. The punishment in the case can be from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment," Nayak said. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was convicted in one of four rape cases filed against him. The conviction comes just 14 months after the case surfaced. Following the verdict, Revanna broke down in court. The matter came into light in April last year after obscene videos of sexual harassment against multiple women were leaked ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He was arrested in May 2024 after returning from Germany. He had earlier been denied bail by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. A senior advocate, Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Revanna, told the bench that the offence of Section 376 IPC (rape) was not mentioned in the complaint. Justice Trivedi pointed out that there are several other complaints. "You are so powerful," the bench told Revanna's counsel. Revanna had challenged the Karnataka High Court order dated October 21, whereby it dismissed his regular bail and anticipatory bail pleas. On May 31 last year, he was arrested at Bengaluru airport by CID's SIT on his return from Germany, where he had remained for 35 days, after hundreds of explicit videos surfaced, allegedly featuring him with multiple women. He lost the Lok Sabha election by over 40,000 votes. In June 2024, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police, which is investigating cases of sexual assault and harassment against Prajwal Revanna, registered a fourth case against him. Last year, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet of 2,144 pages against the former JD(S) MP in the sexual assault and rape case. While three cases registered against Prajwal Revanna invoked the Indian Penal Code (IPC)'s section for sexual assault, the fourth case was registered under sections for sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation of a victim, as well as clandestinely recording and sharing images of the victim. Following the conviction of Revanna, opposition parties strongly criticised the BJP and JD(S), accusing them of remaining silent on the matter. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, "I don't want to comment on it. The law of the land is the verdict." Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge called the incident "disgusting" and questioned the BJP's stand on its "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" slogan. Kharge said BJP leaders have not spoken out against Revanna or JD(S), despite the seriousness of the crime. He also alleged that the BJP is using leaders like him and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to divert attention from such issues. Speaking to the reporters, Kharge said, "Let's talk about this again. Isn't the BJP their coalition partner? Isn't their relative a minister in the central government today? BJP leaders need Priyank and DK Shivakumar to cover up all this. Otherwise, their true colours will be revealed, won't they? Tell me, have they spoken about this even once? Did they say even once that what JD(S) did was wrong? What Prajwal did was wrong. They are making excuses. Do they say what Munirathna did was wrong? All these are rape cases." "So they use us, the CM, the DCM, or Kharge sahab, to cover these up, as they say. The BJP and JD(S) should also answer this. Shame on you; this heinous act was committed. If he is convicted, he should have retired from political and public life. Definitely disgusting. BJP says 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', what do you say to this now?" Kharge added. Special public prosecutor Ashok Nayak said the court has sent a clear message that everyone is equal before the law after former Revanna was convicted. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Nayak also said the court's verdict is a victory for the victim. The sentence will be announced tomorrow. He added that the trial was completed quickly, and 26 witnesses were examined. He praised the SIT's investigation and said digital evidence, including videos recorded by Revanna himself, helped uncover the truth. "MP/MLA Special Court convicted former MP Prajwal Revanna. Tomorrow, the quantum of sentence will be pronounced. In this case, we have examined 26 witnesses on behalf of the prosecution. A speedy trial has taken place. It is a victory for the victim. I congratulate the SIT team for their investigation. The accused himself recorded the video of his sexual acts. We have taken the assistance of the digital evidence to find out the truth," Nayak said. (ANI)
By Saeed Shah and Shivam Patel

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI, August 2 (Reuters) -Just after midnight on May 7, the screen in the Pakistan Air Force's operations room lit up in red with the positions of dozens of active enemy planes across the border in India.

Air Chief Mshl. Zaheer Sidhu had been sleeping on a mattress just off that room for days in anticipation of an Indian assault.

New Delhi had blamed Islamabad for backing militants who carried out an attack the previous month in Indian Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Despite Islamabad denying any involvement, India had vowed a response, which came in the early hours of May 7 with air strikes on Pakistan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sidhu ordered Pakistan's prized Chinese-made J-10C jets to scramble. A senior Pakistani Air Force (PAF) official, who was present in the operations room, said Sidhu instructed his staff to target Rafales, a French-made fighter that is the jewel of India's fleet and had never been downed in battle.

"He wanted Rafales," said the official.

The hour-long fight, which took place in darkness, involved some 110 aircraft, experts estimate, making it the world's largest air battle in decades.

The J-10s shot down at least one Rafale, Reuters reported in May, citing U.S. officials. Its downing surprised many in the military community and raised questions about the effectiveness of Western military hardware against untested Chinese alternatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shares of Dassault, which makes the Rafale, dipped after reports the fighter had been shot down. Indonesia, which has outstanding Rafale orders, has said it is now considering purchasing J-10s  a major boost to Chinas efforts to sell the aircraft overseas.

But Reuters interviews with two Indian officials and three of their Pakistani counterparts found that the performance of the Rafale wasn't the key problem: Central to its downing was an Indian intelligence failure concerning the range of the China-made PL-15 missile fired by the J-10 fighter. China and Pakistan are the only countries to operate both J-10s, known as Vigorous Dragons, and PL-15s.

The faulty intelligence gave the Rafale pilots a false sense of confidence they were out of Pakistani firing distance, which they believed was only around 150 km, the Indian officials said, referring to the widely cited range of PL-15's export variant.

"We ambushed them," the PAF official said, adding that Islamabad conducted an electronic warfare assault on Delhi's systems in an attempt to confuse Indian pilots. Indian officials dispute the effectiveness of those efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The Indians were not expecting to be shot at," said Justin Bronk, air warfare expert at London's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think-tank. "And the PL-15 is clearly very capable at long range."

The PL-15 that hit the Rafale was fired from around 200km (124.27 mi) away, according to Pakistani officials, and even farther according to Indian officials. That would make it among the longest-range air-to-air strikes recorded.

India's defense and foreign ministries did not return requests for comment about the intelligence mistakes. Delhi hasn't acknowledged a Rafale being shot down, but France's air chief told reporters in June that he had seen evidence of the loss of that fighter and two other aircraft flown by India, including a Russian-made Sukhoi. A top Dassault executive also told French lawmakers that month that India had lost a Rafale in operations, though he didn't have specific details.

Pakistan's military referred to past comments by a spokesperson who said that its professional preparedness and resolve was more important than the weaponry it had deployed. China's defense ministry did not respond to Reuters' questions. Dassault and UAC, the manufacturer of the Sukhoi, also did not return requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"SITUATIONAL AWARENESS"

Reuters spoke to eight Pakistani and two Indian officials to piece together an account of the aerial battle, which marked the start of four days of fighting between the two nuclear-armed neighbors that caused alarm in Washington. The officials all spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss national security matters.

Not only did Islamabad have the element of surprise with its missiles' range, the Pakistani and Indian officials said, but it managed to more efficiently connect its military hardware to surveillance on the ground and in the air, providing it with a clearer picture of the battlefield. Such networks, known as "kill chains," have become a crucial element of modern warfare.

Four Pakistani officials said they created a "kill chain," or a multi-domain operation, by linking air, land and space sensors. The network included a Pakistani-developed system, Data Link 17, which connected Chinese military hardware with other equipment, including a Swedish-made surveillance plane, two Pakistani officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The system allowed the J-10s flying closer to India to obtain radar feeds from the surveillance plane cruising further away, meaning the Chinese-made fighters could turn their radars off and fly undetected, according to experts. Pakistan's military did not respond to requests for comment on this point.

Delhi is trying to set up a similar network, the Indian officials said, adding that their process was more complicated because the country sourced aircraft from a wide range of exporters.

Retired U.K. Air Mshl. Greg Bagwell, now a fellow at RUSI, said the episode didnt conclusively prove the superiority of either Chinese or Western air assets but it showed the importance of having the right information and using it.

The winner in this was the side that had the best situational awareness, said Bagwell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CHANGE IN TACTICS

After India in the early hours of May 7 struck targets in Pakistan that it called terrorist infrastructure, Sidhu ordered his squadrons to switch from defense to attack.

Five PAF officials said India had deployed some 70 planes, which was more than they had expected and provided Islamabad's PL-15s with a target-rich environment. India has not said how many planes were used.

The May 7 battle marked the first big air contest of the modern era in which weaponry is used to strike targets beyond visual range, said Bagwell, noting both India and Pakistan's planes remained well within their airspaces across the duration of the fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Five Pakistani officials said an electronic assault on Indian sensors and communications systems reduced the situational awareness of the Rafale's pilots.

The two Indian officials said the Rafales were not blinded during the skirmishes and that Indian satellites were not jammed. But they acknowledged that Pakistan appeared to have disrupted the Sukhoi, whose systems Delhi is now upgrading.

Other Indian security officials have deflected questions away from the Rafale, a centerpiece of India's military modernization, to the orders given to the air force.

India's defense attache in Jakarta told a university seminar that Delhi had lost some aircraft "only because of the constraint given by the political leadership to not attack (Pakistan's) military establishments and their air defenses."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indias chief of defense staff Gen. Anil Chauhan previously told Reuters that Delhi quickly "rectified tactics" after the initial losses.

After the May 7 air battle, India began targeting Pakistani military infrastructure and asserting its strength in the skies. Its Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile repeatedly sliced through Pakistan's air defenses, according to officials on both sides.

On May 10, India said it struck at least nine air bases and radar sites in Pakistan. It also hit a surveillance plane parked in a hangar in southern Pakistan, according to Indian and Pakistani officials. A ceasefire was agreed later that day, after U.S. officials held talks with both sides.

LIVE INPUTS

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the aftermath of the episode, India's deputy army chief Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh accused Pakistan of receiving live inputs from China during the battles, implying radar and satellite feeds. He did not provide evidence and Islamabad denies the allegation.

When asked at a July briefing about Beijing's military partnership with Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters the work was "part of the normal cooperation between the two countries and does not target any third party."

Beijing's air chief Lt. Gen. Wang Gang visited Pakistan in July to discuss how Islamabad had used Chinese equipment to put together the "kill chain for the Rafale, two PAF officials said.

China did not respond when asked about that interaction. The Pakistani military said in a statement in July that Wang had expressed "keen interest in learning from PAFs battle-proven experience in Multi Domain Operations."

(Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris, Idrees Ali in Washington, Nur-Azna Sanusi in Singapore and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Katerina Ang)
ROYAL PALM BEACH  Nearly six months ago, Leelamma Lal, a nurse at HCA Florida Palms West, was attacked by a patient who beat her to the point of blindness.

On Saturday, family and friends of the 67-year-old woman celebrated her first return home since the Feb. 18 attack.

Lal's son Chris Lal, her daughter Cindy Joseph, her son-in-law and Lal's two grandchildren greeted Lal on Saturday outside of her Royal Palm Beach home and cried tears of joy as they hugged her in the driveway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lal stepped into the house  where she raised her children and studied to become a nurse  and observed it in awe, as if it was her first time seeing it.

She smiled as she stared into her family portraits hung on the walls. She crossed herself in front of the images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus above her home altar. She slid her fingers over the cross in her living room.

"I thought I was going to die and that I would never come back to my home, said Lal, tears streaming down her face as she put her arms around Joseph.

Jospeh said the family celebrated with a welcome-home party where they served Indian food to almost 100 guests, including the health workers who cared for Lal during her recovery, co-workers from Palms West, neighbors who sent cards and brought meals to their home, and her friends from church.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The nurses who attended Lal's celebration wore matching red shirts that read "#Leela Strong."

"Her healing is still going on but she has come a long way, said Joseph, a Melbourne physician. It's been a lot of hard work and I am really proud of her. I am really happy to have her back with her family, with my kids, and in the community with her friends."

On Feb. 18, Lal was caring for Stephen Scantlebury, a Wellington man who had just become a patient at the hospital. He attacked her, beating her and breaking "essentially every bone in her face before fleeing the hospital. Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies arrested Scantlebury on an attempted murder charge as he ran along Southern Boulevard.

The sheriffs office also placed a hate-crime enhancement on the case after deputies said Scantlebury had "made utterances" about Lal's race after the attack. Lal is of Indian descent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Scantlebury's attorneys have informed the court they intend to pursue an insanity defense. In February, Circuit Judge Howard Coates ordered pretrial detention for Scantlebury, citing safety concerns.

Family celebrates nurse's return home after Feb. 18 beating

Leelamma Lal, left, touches the cheek of her granddaughter, Anika, held by Edward Kwon, after arriving home in Royal Palm Beach after months of rehabilitation following her beating by a patient at Palms West Hospital.

Lal, a nurse for 21 years, arrived home in Royal Palm Beach home from Brooks Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, where she spent almost four months in intense rehabilitation.

The day marked a big milestone for Lal's family. They welcomed her with yellow and white balloons and letters spelling out "Welcome" on her front lawn. A poster in the font door with her picture read: "Welcome home Leela! We're SO glad you're back!"

A photo of Leelama Lal covers the door of her Royal Palm Beach home Saturday, Aug. 2.

Inside her living room, Lal gave a statement to a group of reporters for the first time since the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lal said she is excited to be back home and took the opportunity to express her gratitude to everyone that had prayers for her. She thanked God for bringing her back home.

"Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone and being part of my recovery, Lal said. "I have a long road ahead so please, continue to pray for my recovery."

Lal then raised her hand to her heart before holding both hands in prayer .

Leelamma Lal is overcome by emotion Saturday as she returns to her Royal Palm Beach home.

I want to thank you all again, from my heart for all you have supported and your prayers, Lal said with her voice breaking. I didnt know all these people loved me so much."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Thank you, God, for showing me all the people and how much they care about me, Lal added.

On Sunday, Aug. 3, Lal will meet with Msgr. Gabriel Ghanoum, a chaplain at Palm Beach County hospitals, who got Lal a personalized blessing from the late Pope Francis after meeting Lal at the ICU in St. Mary's Medical Center.

Nurse beaten at HCA Florida Palms West faces long road of recovery

Photographs of Leelamma Lal adorn her home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, on August 2, 2025. The Palms West Hospital nurse was severely beaten by a patient in February.

Lal's injuries included her vision. She can see out of her left eye but has not regained complete eyesight in her right. She suffers double vision and is forced to wear a patch, Joseph said.

Joseph added a recent MRI showed Lal had severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and that she is still suffering from cognitive impairment from the attack. Lal will continue rehabilitation in West Palm Beach.

Leelamma Lal, left, smiles next to her daughter Cindy Joseph after returning home from the hospital in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, on August 2, 2025. The Palms West Hospital nurse was severely beaten by a patient in February.

Joseph called on hospitals to put in place stricter protection protocols that can prevent other health workers from being attacked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Health care workers deserve to feel protected in their jobs, Joseph said. At the end of the day, this should not have happened.

Things need to change, Joseph added. "This is a really traumatic event, but it's not going to end there. There will be more health care workers that get injured if things don't change.

Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her atvpalm@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palms West nurse beaten by patient makes tearful return home
ELKHART  The city redevelopment commission has approved a development agreement with Garrison Frazier to move forward a project on South Main Street and in the Freight District.

Garrison Frazier would like to start construction in the spring and the estimated completion date is fall 2028, Development Services Director Mike Huber said.

It is a $51 million total investment in the project, Huber said. ... Not including the public spaces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The South Main Street project is 210-unit multifamily project with about 8,000 or 9,000 feet of commercial space across the Freight Street and South Main Street project sites, Huber said.

The citys commitment is the future tax increment financing in $7.8 million projections from Baker Tilly on what the project will generate over the next 25 years, Huber said. Between a forgivable loan on an existing TIF and the state Indiana Economic Development Corp. Lily endowment commitment is a total of $11.8 million.

We see this as really supportive of the Benham Neighborhood plan objectives and outcomes, Huber said. We anticipate the project will provide spaces and opportunities for folks that live in the neighborhood currently to come and be a part of activating this. We also see this as kind of an extension of downtown south of railroad tracks and moving some of the energy of the downtown development that were seeing start to move into the Benham Neighborhood just as were finishing the Benham Neighborhood plan.

There will be significant improvements in the Benham Neighborhood area including opportunities for new housing and homeowner rehabilitation, Huber said. He said the Garrison Frazier development agreement helps in the junction between the downtown master plan and the Benham Neighborhood plan.
Children who are provided with access to smartphones before the age of 13 are, per a jarring new study, far more likely to suffer severe mental health problems down the line.

Published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, this new paper out of a neuroscience startup called Sapien Labs found that among current young adults in Generation Z, the first generation to grow up with smartphones, the younger that use of the gadgets began, the worse the mental health outcomes were.

Using longitudinal data from the Global Mind Project, a massive mental health database assembled by Sapien, a team led by the company's cofounder and chief scientist Tara Thiagarajan found that among the more than 100,000 18-to-24-year-olds whose outcomes they tracked, those who got phones when they were younger experienced more suicidal ideation, aggression, reality detachment, and hallucinations as they aged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In that same cohort, girls reported lower self-image, self-worth, confidence, and emotional resilience, and boys were less calm, stable, and empathetic as compared to their counterparts who got their first smartphones when they were above the age of 13.

That age in particular matters because, as Thiagaran and advocacy groups like Wait Until 8th insist, kids aren't neurologically or developmentally ready to be exposed to social media on personal devices until they're 13.

"This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to," the study leader told CNN.

As Thiagaran explained in a press release, there are lots of factors that lead to Sapien's new results, including "social media access, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships." Those factors appear to lead to adult mental health symptoms that stray from traditional diagnostics, she said, and "can be missed by studies using standard screeners."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Along with advising parents to not give their kids smartphones until at least the age of 13, Thiagaran and her team are boldly calling on global policymakers to "adopt a precautionary approach, similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco, by restricting smartphone access for under 13s, mandating digital literacy education, and enforcing corporate accountability."

We've already seen the latter when Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to the Senate in early 2024 to apologize to the families of children harmed by his social network  though his statements left much to be desired.

Beyond calls to action, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that smartphones aren't just nebulously "bad" for children, as many a Luddite will bemoan, but that they can have real and severe mental health consequences for them.

More on kids and tech: Vast Numbers of Lonely Kids Are Using AI as Substitute Friends
President Donald Trump has never met Todd Chrisley, the reality TV star that he pardoned on May 27, 2025, along with Chrisleys wife, Julie.

But the pair have much in common.

Both are admired by their fans for their brash personas and salty ripostes. Both enjoy lavish lifestyles: Trump is known for his real estate deals and rococo White House redecoration, and Chrisley for his entrepreneurial skill and acquisitions of sprawling properties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quick-tempered tycoons, they live large and keep score  especially when people cross them.

And maybe most importantly, both have run into legal trouble with Georgia prosecutors. In 2019, The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Georgia indicted the Chrisleys for fraud and tax evasion, and the Fulton County district attorney filed charges against Trump in 2023.

In 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were tried in Fulton County, found guilty and sentenced to 12- and seven-year sentences, respectively. A year later, a Fulton County grand jury indicted Trump as part of an alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, a case thats currently in limbo.

After the Chrisleys went to prison, their daughter Savannah began campaigning for their release. Her efforts to win over prominent conservatives  including her outspoken support for Trump  led to a prime-time appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

My family has been persecuted by rogue prosecutors due to our public profile and conservative beliefs, she told the delegates and a television audience of 15 million viewers.

Turning an insult into an accolade, she claimed prosecutors had called them the Trumps of the South.

Her framing of her parents imprisonment aligns with Trumps broader campaign narrative of victimization, redemption and retribution, which critics say he has continued to promote and carry out during his second term.

Preaching perfection

Like Trump, who starred on The Apprentice for 11 years, the Chrisleys had their own reality television show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chrisley Knows Best aired on USA Network from 2014 to 2023. Im familiar with the Chrisleys because I wrote about Todd in a 2018 book I co-edited on religion and reality television. The show was particularly popular among viewers in their 30s, who were fascinated by the Chrisleys extravagant lifestyle and Todds over-the-top personality.

The self-proclaimed patriarch of perfection, Todd flew twice a month to Los Angeles from Atlanta, and later Nashville, to have his hair cut and highlighted. He spoke freely about using Botox and invited viewers into his room-size closet where his clothes were organized by color. No matter the time of day, Todd was camera-ready: buffed, manicured and dressed in designer clothes.

The family enjoyed all the trappings of success: fancy cars, a palatial home and expensive vacations. Yet, in almost every episode, Todd made clear that his life, and theirs by extension, centered on family, religion and responsibility. In fact, many episodes revolved around Todds efforts to promote these values through his parenting lessons.

On the one hand, Todd tried to teach responsibility and the value of hard work to his five children. On the other hand, he bribed and cajoled them into doing what he wanted. Todd seemed to have it both ways: His strictness and traditional values appealed to Christian viewers, but his sass and cussing won over secular audiences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet sometimes his words rang hollow. Todd talked a lot about work, but viewers rarely saw him at a job. He frequently quoted the Bible, but audiences seldom saw him in church. He extolled family, but a few years into the series, his two older children, Lindsie and Kyle, disappeared from the show.

In 2023, the series disappeared, too. By then, the Chrisleys were in prison.

Trump knows best

On the day of his inauguration, when Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of the roughly 1,500 people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, he vowed to take appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the Federal Government related to the weaponization of law enforcement.

According to the president, the imprisonment of Todd and Julie Chrisley and his pardoning of them is just that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow, Trump told Savannah Chrisley in a recorded phone conversation. Theyve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what Im hearing.

Trumps pardons, which have freed a number of conservatives convicted of fraud, may stem from his belief that he and many others have been falsely accused and persecuted by the elite, liberal establishment.

But the pardons also strike home for his right-wing religious supporters, many of whom think that Democrats will do anything to quash their faith, including using the justice system to specifically target Christians.

We live in a nation founded on freedom, liberty and justice for all. Justice is supposed to be blind. But today, we have a two-faced justice system, Savannah Chrisley said during her RNC speech. Look at what they are doing to countless Christians and conservatives that the government has labeled them extremists or even worse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While those claims have been disputed, eradicating anti-Christian bias, at home and abroad, has nevertheless become a centerpiece of Trumps policies during his second term.

The lawyers who prosecuted the Chrisleys had a different perspective. They called Todd and Julie career swindlers who have made a living by jumping from one fraud scheme to another, lying to banks, stiffing vendors and evading taxes at every corner, and whose reputations were based on the lie that their wealth came from dedication and hard work.

The couple were ultimately found guilty of defrauding Atlanta-area banks of US$36 million by using falsified papers to apply for mortgages, obtaining false loans to repay older loans, and not repaying those loans. They also were convicted of hiding their true income from the IRS and owing $500,000 in back taxes.

At his sentencing, Todd said that he intended to pay it all back. At a press conference after his pardon, he said he was convicted for something he did not do.

In the days since their release, the Chrisleys announced they were filming a new reality show, which will air on Lifetime. The series will focus on the couples legal struggles, imprisonment, pardon and reunification.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks to the constitutional protections of the presidency, Trumps reelection has shielded him from ongoing federal criminal prosecution. And now, thanks to the stroke of Trumps pen, the Trumps of the South are back in business, too.

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: Diane Winston, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

Read more:



Diane Winston 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.
The Brief

Fire officials evacuated twelve minors from Now Faith Apostolic Ministries due to the church operating an unpermitted board and care facility without necessary fire safety measures.

Clayton County Fire Chief Tim Sweat emphasized the church's lack of zoning for residential use and absence of critical fire protection systems, classifying it as an assembly dwelling rather than a group home.

The church's pastor, Dr. C.H. Braddy, acknowledged violations but disputed claims of serious fire hazards, stating efforts were underway to address the issues and asserting the church's authorization to house the teens.

REX, Ga. - A Clayton County church is disputing allegations by fire officials that it improperly housed foster teens and violated multiple fire safety codes, prompting an emergency evacuation earlier this week.

What we know

Twelve minors under the custody of Georgias Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) were removed from Now Faith Apostolic Ministries on Rex Road after fire inspectors determined the church was operating an unpermitted board and care facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Clayton County Fire Chief Tim Sweat said the church was not zoned for residential use and lacked critical life safety protections, including an automatic sprinkler system, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency door-release mechanisms.

"The facility is classified as an assembly dwelling, not a board or group home," Sweat said. "You have to have the required fire protection systems in place."

The backstory

Inspectors visited the property July 29 and found the teens, ages 15 to 18, sleeping in a basement outfitted with multiple beds. Sweat called the lack of emergency fire protections "an extreme hazard."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fire officials said they coordinated with DFCS to relocate the minors, completing the evacuation by 5:30 a.m. the following day. Citations were issued for five fire code violations, which are scheduled to go before the Clayton County Code Enforcement Board on September 9.

What they're saying

Fire officials maintain the occupancy change from a church to a residential care facility requires substantial upgrades and formal approval. "Because you have individuals occupying the lower level overnight, sleeping, pretty much, that is their home," said Sweat. "Those kids should not have been staying there."

The other side

The churchs pastor, Dr. C.H. Braddy, acknowledged the facility had violations but said they were being addressed. "We are actually working as we speak to address those violations," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Braddy disputed the fire chiefs claims that the site was unsafe. "I dont see it being a serious fire hazard. Theres adequate ingress and egress," he said, adding that both DFCS and county officials had approved housing the teens there.

According to Braddy, the teens were initially housed at the churchs Riverdale property, but flooding in April forced a temporary move to the Rex location. "I believe the church is zoned to house people," he said. "Yes, we are authorized to have the kids here."

In a statement, Now Faith Apostolic Ministries condemned what it called "misinformation" surrounding the emergency placement of the children, whom it described as survivors of trauma and long-term displacement.

Pastor Braddy said the teens were never in danger and called the evacuation "unfair."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The health and safety of all residentsespecially our youthremains a top priority," said Sweat. "We are committed to ensuring all facilities meet required safety standards to prevent loss of life or injury."

What we don't know

DFCS declined to comment, citing child welfare confidentiality laws. It is unclear where the minors have since been relocated.

The Source

Dr. C.H. Braddy, pastor of Now Faith Apostolic Ministries, spoke to FOX 5's Christopher King for this story. Additional details come from previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.
The Brief

Paula Deens flagship restaurant in Savannah, The Lady & Sons, closed without warning on July 31.

The closure also includes her nearby takeout spot, The Chicken Box.

Deen says her remaining restaurants in Tennessee, Missouri, and South Carolina will stay open.

One of Savannahs most famous tourist stops and a key part of Paula Deens rise to fame is no longer serving Southern cooking.

Deen announced Friday that she and her sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, had made the "heartfelt decision" to close The Lady & Sons  the restaurant they opened in downtown Savannah in 1996  along with an adjacent takeout stand called The Chicken Box. The closures took place quietly at the end of service on July 31. No reason was given.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Thank you for all the great memories and for your loyalty over the past 36 years," Deen said in a statement posted to her website and social media. "We have endless love and gratitude for every customer who has walked through our doors."

The backstory

The Lady & Sons began as a small catering venture called The Bag Lady in the early 1990s, when Deen was recently divorced and struggling financially. After years of hustling and home-cooked meals delivered by her sons, she opened her first brick-and-mortar location at a Savannah hotel, eventually relocating to downtown in 1996.

The restaurants buffet-style Southern menu  including fried chicken, collard greens, and banana pudding  attracted lines of tourists and locals. At its peak, the restaurant served over 1,000 guests a day and received national recognition, including a 1999 "meal of the year" nod from USA Today.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Deens national stardom took off after "Paulas Home Cooking" debuted on the Food Network in 2002. Filmed largely in her home kitchen, the show ran for over a decade.

How the community responded

Local perspective

For many Savannah visitors, a reservation at The Lady & Sons was a must.

Adrienne Morton, who had dinner plans there with her family during a trip from Cincinnati, told the Associated Press she received a cancellation notice the morning of their reservation.

"I thought this must be a mistake," Morton said. "We wish them the best. Hopefully everything turns out."

Martin Rowe, who works across the street from the restaurant, said it never appeared to be struggling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Nobody knew anything was wrong," Rowe told the AP. "I walk by there two or three times a week at lunch, and it was always packed."

On Friday, brown paper covered the windows of the closed restaurant, and signs posted at the entrance read: "It is with heavy hearts and tremendous gratitude that we announce that we have retired and closed."

What's next

Though the Savannah location was her most famous, Deen still owns four other restaurants that remain open: in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.

She also maintains an active media presence. In recent years, Deen has appeared on "Dancing With the Stars," Foxs "MasterChef: Legends," and Fox Nations "At Home With Paula Deen." Her YouTube channel has more than 520,000 subscribers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Lady & Sons may be gone, but Deens brand  built on comfort food and a comeback story  still has a loyal following.

The Source

This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press, including interviews with Savannah locals and visitors. Quotes from Paula Deen were taken from her official statement posted on her website and social media accounts. Additional background information was drawn from Deens career history and restaurant archives.
Authorities released the identity of the pedestrian killed by a police vehicle on U.S. 60 near Apache Junction.

The Pinal County Medical Examiners Office identified the woman killed in a July 28 crash as 33-year-old Briana Cisick. The Arizona Department of Transportation said the incident occurred at about 4 a.m. near South Silly Mountain Road on the eastbound side of U.S. 60.

ADOT said the pedestrian was struck by a Hayden Police vehicle, which the Arizona Department of Public Safety described as a Ford Explorer. The woman ran into the roadway near milepost marker 200 and was struck by the fully marked police vehicle, according to DPS spokesman Bart Graves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cause and manner of death remained pending as of the afternoon of Aug. 1, according to the medical examiner.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Woman identified in fatal police crash near Apache Junction
A pedestrian is hurt after being struck by a scooter in Allston on Friday night.

According to Boston police, officers were called to a pedestrian accident involving a stand-up style scooter on Linden St shortly after 10:40 p.m.

Upon arrival, police found the pedestrian, a 24-year-old male, suffering from a head injury and was unconscious.

He was transported to the hospital and is now in stable condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The operator of the scooter, a 17-year-old male, suffered a head laceration but was conscious and alert.

The cause of the crash 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
COATESVILLE, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania man is facing charges for allegedly taking inappropriate pictures of children at a YMCA.

The Chester County District Attorneys Office said on July 23 the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department responded to a report at the YMCA in East Goshen Township.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Severe Weather Alerts

An individual at the YMCA reported that her teenage daughter and friend were being filmed and photographed at the pool the day prior. The suspect, identified as Mark Mackrell, was approached by staff and allegedly presented a badge identifying himself as a police officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The District Attorneys Office said Mackrell is a part-time police officer at the Millbourne Borough Police Department in Delaware County.

Hot dog spill shuts down highway in Pennsylvania commuters wurst nightmare

Law enforcement searched Mackrells phone and, according to the DA, discovered photos and videos of juveniles that appeared to have been taken by Mackrell. In some of the videos, Mackrell is alleged to have made inappropriate comments about the children.

The District Attorneys office said Mackrell is charged with Photographing a Sexual Act, Stalking, Unlawful Contact with Minors, and related offenses. He was arrested on July 31, 2025, and released after posting $100,000 bail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Westtown-East Goshen Police Department is the lead investigating agency and received assistance from the Chester County Detectives. This is an ongoing investigation and if anyone has information about Mackrell they should contact the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department at (610) 692-9600.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Police have detained over 20 persons in Maharashtra's Yavat village after incidents of vandalism targeting vehicles and places of worship, following tensions sparked by an alleged objectionable social media post, officials said on Saturday. "Yesterday, there was a law and order situation in Yavat. Some vehicles and prayer places were vandalised. A total of 5 offences have been registered against them in the Yavat Police Station. Police have listed more than 150 names and we have received some video footage and CCTV footage as evidence against them. We have detained a total of 20-21 people so far," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ganesh Biradar told ANI. Biradar added," We have footage of 16-17 people, we are arresting them for an inquiry into that crime. The atmosphere of the city and the village is becoming normal now. Schools are open, and medical facilities are open. The administration has issued orders of gathering, curfew, and its implementation is still going on in this city. A drone survey is going on in the city. We are making announcements and requesting people to maintain peace, but no untoward incident has been reported since yesterday." Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was imposed in Yavat village of Maharashtra's Pune district after tensions flared over an alleged objectionable social media post by a local youth. Yesterday, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the state government over the law and order situation in the wake of tensions in Pune's Yavat village following an alleged objectionable social media post. Sapkal alleged that the police are failing to maintain law and order and are instead engaged in other activities, leading to repeated incidents of unrest in the state. "The law and order in Maharashtra is in a really bad condition. There is no Police here. Police are busy running unscrupulous jobs. Law and order are not being upheld, and the Police are not working. So, such incidents are happening every other day," Sapkal told reporters. A tense situation had arisen in Yavat village in Daund Taluka of Pune district after a youth reportedly posted an objectionable status online. In response, villagers took to the streets and some attempted to vandalise a structure. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also yesterday appealed to the public to maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Fadnavis said, "We have only one appeal: everyone should maintain peace and no one should take the law into their own hands. If anyone does so, the police will take strict action against them." The Maharashtra CM assured that the situation had been brought under control and peace was restored in the area. Fadnavis said, "I have just gathered information about the matter. According to it, a person from outside had posted an objectionable status, which led to tensions. People came out onto the streets, and in order to control the crowd, a lathi-charge had to be carried out. The situation is now under control. People from both communities are sitting together, talking, and trying to resolve the tension." (ANI)
Warning: This article mentions suicide and drowning.

Have you ever had a feeling someone's watching you or lurking about? That disaster could happen at any moment? You get a gut feeling that something's very wrong? Well, someone on Reddit asked people what the most horrifying parts about where they lived are, and they had some answers. Here are some of the most disturbing stories from the replies:

1."I live out in the country, on a quiet dirt road surrounded by woods. My nearest neighbor is a five-minute drive away, so Ive always thought of this place as isolated and peaceful. But recently, Ive had a couple of unsettling experiences. Twice now, Ive caught two different people emerging from the woods and looking into my house."

John Greim / LightRocket via Getty Images

"It makes me wonder how many times this has happened without me knowing. My dog often goes into a barking frenzy at what I assume is nothing, but now Im not so sure. Im starting to realize I might not be as alone out here as I thought.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both times Ive seen the strangers, theyve come from the backside of my property. There are no roads out there, just miles of untouched land. So either theyre making a long, quiet loop from the dirt road, staying far enough away that even my dog doesnt hear them, or theyre coming from somewhere back there. Im not sure which possibility is worse.

I used to be afraid of all the usual things before I moved out to the country. Ticks that carry disease, a few venomous snakes around here that could kill you, some aggressive wildlife youd rather not cross paths with. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and being too far for anyone to save me. But after living here for a while, Ive realized its not nature I fear most, its people.

Animals act on instinct, not malice. Nature doesnt discriminate; it just is. But people? People show up with intention. And too often, that intention feels like harm."

Careless_Day_3506

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is the first entry that raised my eyebrows. Snakes, ticks, and tornadoes are all scary, but precautions can be taken. People emerging from the woods to look in your house is a scene from a horror movie."

purdyp13

Related: 27 Facts You've Definitely Never Learned Before That'll Make You Say "And Why The F*ck Do YOU Know That?"

2."100+ years ago, the slaughterhouses in Chicago dumped so much of their waste into the Chicago river that there is a portion of the river that is still bubbling today because there are piles of rotten meat remaining at the bottom."

Ilbusca / Getty Images

"Edit: Even more horrible, don't look up what happened to the fat that floated to the top of the river back in the day."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ChiAnndego

"It says that the part of the river where this occurs, the river bed is covered in 8 to 18 feet of animal carcasses and other stuff. Holy shit. Edit: I found a video from 6 years ago. It looks nasty."

Netsuko

"Bubbly creek! Chicago basically invented the factory farm with their pig slaughterhouses. They'd dump the waste products in the river, and the gases from the decomposition made the water bubble. That's the part of the river that still bubbles, though there's been some restoration work to it in recent years to clean it back up. It's mentioned in The Jungle and Devil in The White City."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

roccotheraccoon

3."I live in a neighborhood, but basically behind my house, two minutes out there is this river in a thick forest. We call it Rapid, real original name, I know. One of our buddies had gone alone to Rapid about three months ago and came back terrified. He told us he saw these people in the woods wearing strange clothing. Apparently, they didnt notice him, and he was far enough away."

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

"Naturally, me and the boys didnt believe him. He was so adamant about the story even weeks later. Eventually, we finally cracked. So a few weeks later, the five of us, including him, went out late at night around 1 a.m. to go to Rapid. Its pretty easy to get there because it's a natural path weve created after so many years of going.

We get there. We are at the river side where we usually hang. And Im not even joking, on the other side of the river, there is a man-made campfire with about six people surrounding it, standing. Our buddy was right, they wore weird clothing, almost like deer skin. The craziest part about that whole thing is that they had a severed deer head with antlers on a spike.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lemme tell you we hightailed it so fast out of there. We called the police that same night to hopefully investigate the situation. They did, and went into the woods with us. They found nothing. The people were gone.

A month and a half ago, our local town police arrested 12 individuals. Apparently, it was a small cult that had been killing most of the bucks in the area, and they were allegedly living in the woods.

We havent been back to Rapid since."

Alchemiist7

4."I have a friend who lives in a town nearby and likes to take her dog for a walk along the riverbank. She's so far found several washed-up people and several people trying to commit suicide by jumping into the river."

Carolina Jaramillo / Getty Images

"The last time she found a washed-up body, she and another passerby actually had a brief discussion where she politely asked the guy to call the police because she's already done it so many times that it was starting to look suspicious even to her."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Daemonicvs_77

Related: 32 "Why Would You Put That In Writing?!?!?" Photos That Prove Some People Are The Worst

5."The number of people who underestimate Lake Michigan and drown every single year, year-round."

Paul Sequeira / Getty Images

"Lake Michigan is HUGE, and it has its own currents, including the undertow, which every kid in this region has been taught to avoid at all costs and to swim diagonally to try to get out of it if they do get caught in it.

Still, people underestimate it, either because they're tourists who have never experienced a Great Lake, or it's people from the region who think they know better because 'I've been on this lake my whole life, it's fine.' Even in the winter, people will walk on the ice shelves WITH THEIR YOUNG KIDS. If you fall through the ice shelf, good luck getting out before you get hypothermia and drown. It's horrifying how many people do not respect the danger of the Great Lakes."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

True_Panic_3369

"I remember one summer on Lake Michigan, watching the Coast Guard helicopters go back and forth along about a ten-mile stretch of shoreline all day. All day. Turns out that those riptides claimed seven people in one day along that stretch."

londuc

6."I work at an alfalfa farm up in Arizona with an inmate crew out in the middle of nowhere (9 p.m.-7 a.m.). We see rattlesnakes and javelinas every night, and random mountain lion sightings. If any of us were to be bitten or attacked, medical response would more than likely be too late for any of us to survive."

Loc / Getty Images

birdman760

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

7."High desert of California: dead bodies keep being found throughout the desert. Cops just say 'man/woman/child found deceased.'"

ROBYN BECK / AFP via Getty Images

"There are a few houses further out with injured wandering dogs, high fences, and abandoned grow ops. The desert as a whole is creepy once you get to the less populated areas. The stories Ive heard make me wonder if we have a serial killer somewhere out there."

Pleasant-Mouse949

Related: Women Are Absolutely Destroying The Internet With These 15 Tweets That Had Me Rolling On The Floor

8."Wildfires are a pretty serious reality right now in Canada, and I live in a city that is literally carved into a forest. For the past decade, the smell of smoke in the air has been a common thing in the summer. It's a scary reminder of the distant but not too distant fires burning away. There have been times when the smoke lasts for days or even weeks. When this occurs, a subtle mounting fear begins to take hold as there's no escaping it."

AscentXmedia / Getty Images

"Even without the smoke, the looming threat is always finding ways to make itself known. As a major evacuation centre for the region, I will often drive past refugee camps for the various communities that had to bail out. Some of them have homes to return to, others don't. Every year, it seems like there's at least one significant community impacted. I don't know if we can anticipate insurance to be able to keep up. And what then? I'm only 37, and I presumably have 40-50 years left on this planet. I'm left pondering the odds and I feel it's very unlikely that I won't be forced to flee for my life as well."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Regnes

9."Valley Fever. Its a million-year-old fungal spores that live in the dirt. If you inhale the dust, the spores activate in your lungs and you get chronic fungal infections for life."

The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images

the-software-man

10."The Strid. A very narrow section of a river in Yorkshire. It's deceptively dangerous. It almost looks like you could step across it, but both banks are covered in slick, mossy rocks, and if you fall into the water, you will be instantly sucked under by the currents, washed into any one of dozens of underwater tunnels or caves, and you will never be seen again."

Adam Gray / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Far_Mycologist_5782

11."The urban legend of the Candlestick man. In Ballarat (Rural Victoria, Australia) in the 90s, there was a serial prowler who would break and enter using a candlestick as his source of light. You often only found out you were a victim of his crime due to the dripping of wax on the carpet next to your bed."

Fox Photos / Getty Images

Masian

Related: I'm Crying Laughing Over These Hilarious Job Tweets From June

12."The summer power outages. They started about 10 years ago or so, the grid would get overwhelmed, and entire neighborhoods would go dark."

Shaldrian Gomez / Getty Images

"The first year it happened, every power outage was met with comments about it. Everyone complaining, neighbors yelling, 'YOU GUYS TOO OR JUST US?' 'WE'RE DARK HERE TOO!' 'SAME HERE! THOUGHT I TRIPPED A BREAKER THANKS NEIGHBOR.' Chatter, activity, just without power.

A couple of years went by, with Summer outages, and the comments became more scattered. It stopped being a noteworthy event. Just another one. No neighbors interacting. No people sitting outside anymore. No one taking advantage to grill instead. I just bought backup power and small solar panels to keep things going when it inevitably happens.

But then a new neighbor moved in last year with a baby and a dog. The power went out as usual. She freaked out, alone with a baby. She came knocking on my door while I was home alone. It was past sunset, so it was pitch black, and she was scared, standing on my porch with her phone flashlight, baby in a carrier, as she asked what was going on. No one else had opened the door for her, no one responded to the knocking and the calling out. Her dog looked uneasy. I asked if she needed anything, all she wanted was to know what was happening. I told her it was just one of the summer power outages.

It didn't hit me until that interaction that every summer, for hours at a time, my neighborhood just accepts not having power. It's like the whole neighborhood gets turned off. We're ready for it and we don't bother asking each other about it. When people move in and it happens to them, they're met with silence about it. If the new neighbor hadn't had a baby with her, I'm not sure if I would've answered the door. I'm not suspicious of people in general, but when the power goes out I already assume everyone knows and is home dealing with it, so a stranger showing up is immediately unwelcome and suspect. All my neighbors have said the same. Usually, we're pretty chill with people knocking on our doors, but when the power goes out in the summer, we regard them differently. Even known neighbors. Why are they out there, it can't be the power outage, something must be wrong."

PhantomIridescence

13."My town has been around since New Jersey was a colony. There are lots of historic homes and places around town, but also lots of old stories. There are numerous stories of homes being haunted, with what I would consider proof."

ClassicStock / Getty Images

"I have a friend who claimed their house was haunted. They and their family lived in the house for over 200 years. The first known person to live in the house was the son of a famous writer. The home was a two-story mansion, but its now a one-story, and Ill get to why. All the families reported similar things happening in the house and on the property. My friend said her son was sick in his room one day. She was working in the kitchen when she decided to go check on her son in his room. It was just the two of them in the house. She checked on him, everything was fine, and when she returned to the kitchen, every single cabinet door was wide open. Strange, right? But all the families that lived there all said one thing: at night, if they looked out the front window, they would see a gray figure of a woman. Not a reflection, but a flowing, gray woman outside holding a burning candle. But the house used to be a two-story mansion, and became a one-story. The second floor was taken off by one of the families, and it was because they kept hearing footsteps above, but when they checked, nothing was there. And after the second floor was demolished, the footsteps were gone."

INEEDMEMANSHERB

14.And finally, "There's a big wooded park on the bluffs above the Missouri River. The local rumor is that way back when, people were lynched in this park. Over the years, the park has also been rumored to have become a nocturnal albino colony and a hangout for Satanic worshipers. There's also a creepy 'haunted' staircase in the middle of the woods."

Davidfillion / Getty Images/iStockphoto

"I've driven in the park in the daytime, and though there is a creepy vibe, it is quite pretty with huge trees and great hiking trails. But a friend of mine who grew up here (I didn't grow up here) told me about one time back in the late '80s when she and some college friends were driving through the park at night around Halloween. As they came around a curve, there was a small clearing with a burning mattress just lying there."

CougarWriter74

What story creeped you out the most? Do you have any strange stories about the places you live? Share in the comments below!

Also in Internet Finds: Private Investigators Are Sharing The Most Disturbing Cases Theyve Ever Gotten, And Wow

Also in Internet Finds: "I Still Feel Like A Horrible Person Nearly 20 Years Later": 19 Giant "Dark Secrets" People Kept To Themselves

Also in Internet Finds: 20 Funny, Wholesome, And Absolutely Adorable Posts From This Week That Lowkey Restored My Faith In Humanity

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Editors note: This story was updated at 11 a.m. Saturday to include additional details.

A production manager for the dance center known as Jacobs Pillow was killed on Friday, according to a statement from Jacobs Pillows Director of Marketing and Communications, Nick Kepley.

Kat Sirico was killed in a tragic accident that occurred outdoors at the centers campus on the afternoon of Aug. 1, Kepley said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Authorities were immediately notified, and an investigation by state police and the state medical examiner is ongoing, according to Kepley.

The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit responded to Jacobs Pillow for a reported fatality at 12:32 p.m. on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Berkshire County District Attorneys told MassLive the investigation into the incident is still ongoing but noted there would be no criminal charges.

The events leading to the fatal incident were due to a work place accident, the spokesperson wrote in an email on Saturday.

During the afternoon of Aug 1, both the victim, (Sirico) and an intern were moving platforms used for staging a theater at Jacobs Pillow, according to the email. The platforms were on a dolly and as both Sirico and the intern began moving it down a sloped area, they lost control and the dolly began to roll. Sirico tried to regain control of the dolly but tripped and fell. The dolly ran over the them and the platforms fell from the dolly, landing on Sirico. Bystanders attempted to save their life, according to the email.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Additionally, a separate investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is also ongoing, according to Kepley. The director provided no further information about the incident.

Kat was an alumni of the Pillow and an essential part of our team, and their spirit, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of many, a statement on Jacobs Pillows Facebook page reads. We are holding their family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts as we grieve together.

All performances and events from Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3 have been cancelled.

Sirico began work at Jacobs Pillow as a production intern in 2005, according to their LinkedIn page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They served as an event production manager for the organization from May through August 2024. They then returned to Jacobs Pillow in 2025 as the production manager for the Doris Duke Theater.

Sirico also worked as a production manager throughout the United States, including, but not limited to, the Childrens Theater of Madison in Wisconsin and at the Fisher Center at Bard College.

They also worked as a faculty lecturer at the University of Rochester, according to their LinkedIn.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
A Phoenix program for kids to escape the city's summer heat and get outdoors returned for a second year after its most recent hiatus.

Camp Colley, the city of Phoenix's summer camp, has endured financial challenges over its more than two decades, in part by adapting its programming to meet demands. The camp's latest iteration puts a focus on children with disabilities.

The camp is in a remote area north of Payson and sits on a flat expanse of land hidden behind dense forests. It was started by former Phoenix Parks and Recreation Director James A. Colley.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Colley dedicated his career to increasing Parks and Recreation Department programming and making sure kids of all backgrounds could enjoy them, according to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. With Camp Colley, he wanted to provide children from underserved populations in the Valley with the benefits of outdoor recreation, said Chelsea Harden, founder and executive director of the Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation, also known as the H.E.A.R.T. Center.

In 2023, the H.E.A.R.T. Center, a nonprofit microschool operator and provider of equestrian recreational therapy to disabled and neurodivergent youth, took over operations for Camp Colley. The H.E.A.R.T. Center brought its expertise in inclusive learning environments to Camp Colley and refined the program's commitment to serving underserved populations, Harden said.

We know wholeheartedly what the mission of this place is, what it stands for, why it exists, said Harden. It is really important that we make sure that camp is cost-effective and that cost is not a barrier for people to attend.

Chelsea Harden, founder and executive director of the Harden Education and Recreation Therapy Foundation, also known as the H.E.A.R.T. Center., helped bring back Camp Colley, Phoenix's summer camp program in the pines. Harden in Coconino County on July 8, 2025.

The partnership between Phoenix and the H.E.A.R.T. Center is just one instance of the camps long history of collaborating with local organizations to keep Camp Colley running for over two decades, said Claire Miller, park supervisor for Phoenix.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can bring a lot of information and stuff to the kids down in the community centers, but there's nothing like having this kind of an experiential opportunity to really be in the pines, said Miller.

Camp Colley is for kids 7 to 15 who are Phoenix residents or have a parent with a Phoenix Parks and Recreation account, as well as students of the H.E.A.R.T. Center, said Harden. The camp runs from mid-June to late July, and fees range from $175 for a three-day camp to $275 for a five-day camp, according to the camp's website. Camp Colley also offers leadership roles for kids who are 16 and 17, with fees from $100 for a three-day camp to $150 for a five-day camp. Young adults with disabilities ages 18 to 22 can also take on leadership roles at no expense, according to the website.

Fees include transportation from Phoenix to the campgrounds, meals and lodging. Phoenix also provides scholarships so kids can attend at no cost to families, said Harden.

Phoenix's Camp Colley in Coconino County, Arizona, on July 8, 2025.

Despite a financial crisis and a global pandemic, Camp Colley lives on

Phoenix bought the land that would be used for Camp Colley for $1.38 million in 2001 and opened its campgrounds for remote camping the following year, according to a 2019 report from the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. Throughout the 2000s, Phoenix expanded the camp's facilities to include stables for an equestrian program, solar panels for off-grid power and a bathhouse for hot showers, the report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2008, as a result of the Great Recession, the Parks and Recreation Department saw staff reductions and budget cuts that put the camp at risk of being discontinued, said Miller. That's when the Camp Colley Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2005 to help raise funds for lower-income youth to attend summer camp, took over camp operations, she said.

Claire Miller, at Camp Colley in Coconino County on July 8, 2025, has worked for Phoenix's Parks and Recreation Department since 1986.

"When we lost those positions, we lost the ability to have city staff running the camp, said Miller, who joined Phoenixs Parks and Recreation Department in 1986. It's not cheap to maintain a facility like this; this facility is also very unusual because it's completely off-grid, so it just adds another layer of challenge.

In 2012, the Arizona Parks and Recreation Fellowship, an organization that awards grants and scholarships, took over operations, according to the Parks and Recreation Department report. The following year, Camp Colley had to close for the summer due to a Coconino County permit noncompliance issue, the report said. In 2017, the Arizona Parks and Recreation Fellowship ended its relationship with Camp Colley, resulting in another lost year for the summer camp, according to the report.

Tonto Creek Camp took over operations for two years beginning in 2018 before handing it off to Camp Colley Foundation again in 2020, the report said. The program was closed in 2020 because of COVID-19 and in 2021 because of wildfires.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For the next two years, Camp Colley had no operator. Then, the H.E.A.R.T. Center decided to step up to the challenge. Harden, who was a counselor at Camp Colley from 2008 to 2014 and ran the equestrian program, said she knew that the H.E.A.R.T. Center could bring the camp back with a greater focus on recreational therapy.

Campers have lunch in Camp Colley's dining hall. Photo taken in Coconino County, Arizona, on July 8, 2025.

Being a camp counselor and somebody who ran those programs, I got to see firsthand the impact that being able to take a group of kids to the forest could have on their lives, Harden said.

How H.E.A.R.T. Center expanded upon Camp Colleys existing framework

Harden became a certified recreational therapist and opened the H.E.A.R.T. Center in 2014 to provide therapeutic horsemanship to help students with developmental disabilities build confidence.

By having recreation therapists on staff, were able to adapt the activity to support the physical-cognitive needs of all the students that attend camp, said Harden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Campers spend three to five days at Camp Colley, from Tuesday through Thursday or Monday through Friday, depending on the program for which they signed up. Days start at 7 a.m. when the campers wake up and go until 9 p.m. when the lights in the cabin go out, Harden said. Throughout the day, campers participate in activities including horse care, crawdad fishing in the nearby creek and hiking, said Harden.

Campers in hammocks at Phoenix's Camp Colley in Coconino County on July 8, 2025.

Activities at Camp Colley are meant to encourage social and emotional learning, Harden said. Group games aim to teach campers communication and teamwork skills, and other activities, like archery, allow them to practice hand-eye coordination. Activities allow campers to identify positive attributes about each other and help them make friends in a way that is less daunting for neurodivergent kids, said Harden.

On a recent July day, campers experienced a cool, rainy afternoon while 100 miles away, Phoenix was expected to have record high temperatures. Campers were given disposable raincoats to shield themselves during outdoor activities. One group of 6- to 7-year-olds, practicing teamwork, used their raincoats to build a fort.

Out of all the activities at Camp Colley, the equestrian instruction seemed to be the most popular, according to the horse riding instructor for H.E.A.R.T. Center, Alex Halping.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The biggest thing with these animals is that they're incredible at mirroring and regulating emotions, which is helpful for campers with neurodivergency who have big emotions, said Halpin. The horses get them, and they get the horses in a way that I can't explain.

Neurodivergent campers learn better in mixed-ability environments, where neurodivergent and disabled students are taught alongside neurotypical students, Harden said.

"Kids that wouldn't be able to integrate into a larger camp, they are able to integrate into ours because we are able to keep smaller group sizes, and we have specialized teams," said Harden.

Teens and young adults can return to summer camp as Camp Colley staff

As campers get older, they can continue attending Camp Colley by taking on leadership roles under the guidance of camp counselors they've developed relationships with over the years, Harden said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Campers in leadership roles earn work experience while participating in camp activities, which helps them build their resumes, said Miller. They also learn how to be camp counselors so they can return to Camp Colley as an instructor or have a similar role at another summer camp, she said.

Young adults with disabilities can also return to camp while learning essential work skills in a safe environment, said Miller. These campers can obtain their Food Handlers Certificate so that they can help around the kitchen with meal preparation and serving, in addition to taking on other critical work, said Miller.

Employing young adults has helped Camp Colley with staffing issues that have been a problem in the past, Miller said.

"It is so great to see it up and running, and have kids experience the benefits of being out in nature, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix camp in Coconino County has endured for decades. Here's how
People steer their stand-up paddle (SUP) boards during rainfall along the Moyka River at the annual costumed 'Fontanka' SUP-boards festival attracting more than 10,000 participants, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

ASSOCIATED PRESS
STARITSA, Russia (AP)  Clowns and street performers gather to attend the Karandash-Fest in the town of Staritsa in the region of Tver, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of Moscow.

The festival is named in memory of notable Soviet circus clown Karandash, the stage name of Mikhail Rumyantsev, who started his career in this town on the banks of the Volga River.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
On Tuesday, July 29, concerned community members attended a meeting at Kernersville Fire Station 42 to learn and discuss the impacts of the proposed Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project methane gas pipeline by Williams Companies.

According to the Williams Companies website, the proposed project aims to provide reliable natural gas deliveries to Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama.

The proposed pipelines route would include parts of Guilford, Forsyth and Davidson counties. The pipelines route would also be close to a number of public schools and medical centers in Kernersville, said Jessica Mendez Rowe, the events and partnerships manager of the Piedmont Environmental Alliance, which opposes the project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its going to be close to four of our public schools: Calebs Creek Elementary School, Union Cross Elementary School, Southeast Middle School, and Robert B. Glenn High School. There are a lot of students and children of all ages that are going to be, in our opinion, too close to this pipeline. It is also going to be less than a mile from two big medical centers, the Veterans Affairs clinic and the Novant Health Kernersville medical clinic, she said.

The pipelines route also crosses Interstate 74, Interstate 40 and N.C. 66.

These are major thoroughfares, and they receive a lot of traffic everyday, so were concerned about the ramifications of crossing those major roadways, Rowe said.

The proposed pipeline would be 42 inches in diameter, one of the largest pipelines that could be built, Rowe said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It would be pushing the equivalent of about 13 coal-powered plants through this 42-inch diameter pipe of methane gas, Rowe said.

Rowe said the pipeline would be built next to four existing pipelines, which she said could pose potential problems.

The reason that is so risky is that youre putting new material where old material is and there is potential for disruption of the older material. Theres also the fact that if something were to happen, if a leak were to happen or if an explosion were to happen, those issues would compound, Rowe said.

Rowe said one of the biggest risks associated with the proposed pipeline is the threat of methane pollution in the environment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Methane is known to leak and pollute waterways. It (the pipeline) goes into soil, but we know that methane is a gas, so that gas ends up in the air, so its primarily a water and air pollutant, which harms our health in multiple ways, Rowe said.

There will be another No Pipeline Community Meeting on Aug. 26 from 6-7 p.m. at the Kernersville Fire Station 42, 1180 N.C. 66.
Trash has been piling up in city neighborhoods over the last several days as city leaders acknowledge that the delays have been a big problem.

Today, the head of public works repeated a claim from the mayors office that the city controller is to blame.

Channel 11s Talia Kirkland spoke with the director, who said that the lack of operating garbage trucks and delayed trash services is a result of the city controllers decision to withhold payments to the contracted vendor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have had essentially six months of no payment to the vendor for vehicle maintenance, said Public Works Director Chris Hornstein.

Hornstein said he was not made aware of the city controllers decision to withhold payment from the departments contracted vendor until months laterand has resulted in delayed repairs to their aging fleet of garbage trucks.

We have started every day somewhere short of eight to ten trucks every day for the last two weeks, said Hornstein.

Video from earlier this week shows trash overflowing into Oakland streets after the weekly garbage collection was missed.

This is directly tied to the controllers unilateral decision to withhold payment to our maintenance vendor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But City Controller Rachel Heisler says the invoices are being paid.

Weve decided we are only paying for work done at the city garage, said Heisler.

She told us that the city pays a flat monthly fee of more than $706,000 but was being invoiced at a higher rate. Heisler said she requested itemized invoices, which turned out to be significantly less. She estimates that through June, the city has saved more than 400,000 dollars.

If you or I got an invoice for work done at our home and our vehicles and a bill for $200, would you pay it if you didnt know what they did? Probably not.

I would invite her to show the math of how she came to that conclusion, said Hornstein.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The director disagrees and says that not only are they losing money on renting working trucks, but they are also placing workers in danger.

I estimate that in the last two weeks alone $150,000 worth of increased cost in overtime, workers comp claims, and what will be released is increased vehicle maintenance from basically running our trucks into the ground, said Hornstein.

The director confirmed that an additional trash pickup day has been added this weekend to help impacted communities.

On Friday, Deputy Mayor Pawlak issued a formal letter to City Controller Rachael Heisler calling for payment to be made to TransDev.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Letter to Controller Re Transdev Fleet Services Fleet Management & Maintenance Agreement 8-1-2025 by WPXI Staff on Scribd

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Bakersfield location of Planned Parenthood laid off two of its employees in July, according to the WARN letters issued to the city of Bakersfield.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Karen Goh and the Kern County Administrative Office, Planned Parenthood Mar Monte Human Resources Vice President Gregory Krause said the layoffs are expected to affect two employees who work out of the offices located at 2633 16th St, Bakersfield.

According to Krause, the layoffs will be permanent and the layoff date was July 24. This layoff, along with others across the state, triggers WARN Act requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act is a U.S. labor law that requires employers to give 60-days notice before a mass layoff, closure or relocation.

The two employees being laid off are the central follow-up coordinator and the volunteer services coordinator, the letter said. The two positions are set to be permanently eliminated Sept. 24.

Unfortunately, with the recent loss of significant grants and the anticipated loss of federal funding, we have had to make some difficult decisions about our staffing, Krause said in the letter.

On Tuesday, more than 20 Democratic-led states sued the Trump Administration for trying to cut Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte also said it is expected to close five of its offices in California.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Bakersfield Health Centers website, the location offers services such as abortion, birth control, emergency contraception, gender-affirming care, HIV services, pregnancy testing and planning, prenatal and postpartum services, STD testing and treatment, sexual and reproductive concerns, vaccines and wellness and preventive care.

Over half of those services offer the Telehealth option, meaning patients dont have to visit in person.

17 News has reached out to Planned Parenthood for 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 KGET 17 News.
The family of one of Britains sickest anorexia patients has issued a desperate appeal to the NHS to offer the 25-year-old a bed in an eating disorder unit.

Patricia, as she is known under a court order, weighs 22kg (3st 6 lbs)  the average weight of a seven-year-old  and has a body mass index of 9, making her among the most unwell eating disorder patients in the country.

On Thursday, her parents and aunt won a landmark legal battle overturning a court order that had blocked the NHS from treating her anorexia for 21 months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mrs Justice Arbuthnot ruled that doctors must be permitted to provide life-saving treatment, including the option of force-feeding, which had been denied under an earlier court order.

This is the first time the Court of Protection has reversed a ruling to withhold eating disorder care.

In danger of deteriorating

On Saturday, her family issued a desperate appeal for the NHS to act on the judgment and help save her life.

They told The Telegraph: We are incredibly grateful to the judge. Her ruling has removed the legal barriers that prevented Patricia from being admitted to a specialist unit for almost two years.

But unless a consultant steps forward now to offer her a bed, she will still die. Patricia is back home, still dangerously underweight and in danger of deteriorating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Every suitable unit in the country has been contacted, but for months none has replied to say they have a bed.

We know how fragmented the system is, but Patricia doesnt have time for NHS bureaucracy to fail her. If a bed isnt found in the next few days, it may be too late.

Were not asking for special treatment  just for our brilliant, bright and loving daughter and niece to receive the same care as any other critically ill patient.

Please, if you run an NHS unit for complex eating disorder cases that is autism-friendly and works collaboratively with patients, check your referral inbox.

We need every consultant psychiatrist with an available bed to ask their team, can we help save this young womans life? Patricia can only survive if someone says yes.

Dont let bureaucracy cost Patricia her life

Patricias parents and aunt also issued a direct plea to the Health Secretary, who framed it as part of his war on red tape when he announced plans to scrap NHS England in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Please, Mr Streeting, do not let bureaucracy cost Patricia her life, they said. If a consultant with a bed does not see the referral in time, and she dies as a result, it would be a tragedy beyond words.

The original 2023 judgment in Patricias case, issued by the now-retired Mr Justice Moor, followed a decision by clinicians at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust that her anorexia was untreatable.

The judge agreed, finding that although Patricia lacked the capacity to make treatment decisions, she had the autonomy to refuse care.

He claimed she was days or even hours from death and ruled that force-feeding was not in her best interests. She could, he said, be discharged for palliative care at home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Patricia, who has always insisted she wants to live, defied expectations.

She survived the next 18 months, but without access to eating disorder treatment, her condition worsened.

By March, she weighed just 19kg, with a BMI of 7.3 and was at immediate risk of death.

Over eight hearing days between March and May, Mrs Justice Arbuthnot heard evidence from Patricias parents, a psychologist, gastroenterologist and several psychiatrists  including Dr Ali Ibrahim, a consultant who gave a pro bono opinion in favour of compulsory treatment to restore Patricia to a healthy weight.

He acknowledged the trauma that force-feeding can cause, but cited outcomes showing patients often recover and later feel grateful for the care they had once resisted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The family was represented pro bono by barrister Oliver Lewis, who worked for more than 150 hours on the case.

In court, he argued Patricia is so severely ill she cannot distinguish between broader wishes [I want to live] and the narrower ones regarding life-saving interventions [I dont want NG feeding].

The submission from her parents and aunt included increasingly desperate WhatsApp messages they had received from Patricia pleading for help. On 28 February, she wrote to her aunt: I dont want to die I want to walk up mountains. I want to swim in the sea. I want cuddles and kisses. I want to play and have fun.

Im so so scared. Im terrified. Please help me more. WE [sic] havent got much time to play with. Ill never walk if we dont sort things now.

Over multiple hearings, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, where she was being monitored, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), which provided her mental health care, opposed the familys application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both argued that force-feeding would be futile, a position that appears to contradict NHS guidance that anorexia is not a terminal illness and should be treated. In its final submission, CPFT said it would not oppose the court overturning the 2023 ruling if it concludes that the benefits of doing so outweigh the burdens.

But the trust continued to argue that the familys criticism of the ruling was misconcieved, suggested that it could be an abuse of process for the judge to order Patricia be force-fed, and submitted that the treatment available to her if the order was lifted does not offer a sufficient benefit to outweigh the inevitable burdens.

The trusts can be named after The Telegraph successfully challenged court reporting restrictions twice. NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, which commissions Patricias care, can also be identified.

In her judgment, Mrs Justice Arbuthnot ruled in favour of the parents application, stating: I agreed with Mr Lewis when he said, echoing Dr Ibrahims observation, that by respecting [Patricias] autonomy, the court [in 2023] had permitted her anorexia to call the shots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The court found Patricia remained incapable of making treatment decisions, and that the previous ruling had failed to protect her welfare.

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 (KXAN)  An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in the parking lot of Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander earlier this week, according to the Leander Police Department. Police also identified the victim in the shooting.

Shaunathan Raby, of Cedar Park, was arrested on a charge of capital murder, LPD said on social media Friday.

Police: 1 dead after multiple shots fired at Robin Bledsoe Park

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Attorney information was not available for Raby, as of Friday. We will update this if that changes.

Police also identified the victim as 26-year-old Bodhi Allen Linman of Round Rock.

Around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, LPD officers responded to a report of a shooting.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a man, later identified as Linman, with gunshot wounds. Officers immediately administered life-saving measures until the Leander Fire Department and EMS arrived.

Linman was taken to St. Davids Round Rock Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Police said the suspect, identified as Raby, drove away from the scene before police arrived. Officers then began their investigation and spoke with numerous witnesses at the park, and began searching for Raby and the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, police requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to arrest Raby. Officers with the task force arrested Raby in the 6800 block of McNeil Drive in Austin without incident. He was taken to the Leander Police Department, according to a news release from the task force

Detectives with LPD are asking anyone who may have information, cell phone video, doorbell , or other surveillance footage in connection with the shooting to contact police via the Submit a Tip on the LPD app.

The shooting remained under investigation Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President and Assam Minister Atul Bora said that all party workers are working hard for the upcoming 2026 Assam assembly elections. He added that he is very happy to see their enthusiasm. While speaking to ANI on Friday, Cabinet Minister Bora said, "The 2026 assembly elections are approaching and all party workers are working hard...Today, I attended the extended central executive meetings of Assam Mahila Parishad (AMP) and Assam Chhatra Parishad (ACP)...I am very happy to see the enthusiasm among the party workers...". The number of constituencies in the Assam Legislative Assembly is 126. The Legislative Assembly elections are set to be held in Assam from March to April 2026, electing 126 members of the Assam Legislative Assembly. The term of the current assembly, which was elected in 2021, will end in May 2026. Earlier on July 11, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) announced that it will contest in 35 out of 126 seats in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam told ANI that the party has decided to go solo this time in the elections. "... We will fight in 35 seats, and we will go solo this time. Recently, our party MLAs discussed this with our party chief, Badruddin Ajmal. We are preparing for the upcoming assembly polls... All opposition parties should jointly fight against the BJP... Congress or any other party does not have that kind of support to defeat the BJP alone... If Congress thinks of an alliance in the state, AIUDF will definitely consider it," Islam said. When asked about a possible alliance with the Congress, Islam said that the party will definitely consider it. "Right now, we are not thinking of any alliance. But all opposition parties should unite to take on the BJP," he added. In the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, the AIUDF had joined hands with the Congress, BPF, and Left parties to form a grand alliance. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to contest "vigorously" in the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, with a strong focus on peace, development, and self-governance in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), according to Assam BJP's Chief Spokesperson Kishore Upadhyay. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Upadhyay said, "We are serious about BTR elections. There was unrest in BTR before. But now, the atmosphere is different, peaceful, and open for election participation." The BTC elections are likely to be held in the month of September this year. The Chief Minister will address rallies in Udalguri district on August 2. On July 22, the Assam State Election Commission published the draft voter list for 40 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) constituencies containing 26.69 lakh voters. A total of 26,69,396 voters include 13,29,742 male voters, 13,39,637 female voters, and 17 others included in the draft electoral rolls. (ANI)
CALHOUN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Joshua Wagner, 44, of Altha, on 16 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

On July 31, the FDLE conducted a search warrant at Wagners residence with the assistance of the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Multiple electronic devices were seized, and forensic analysis of the devices revealed that they contained several files that depicted the sexual abuse of children.



Using the information revealed by the analysis, FDLE agents arrested Wagner and transported him to the Calhoun County Jail.

The investigation began in October 2024 after FDLE received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of a messaging app user in possession of digital files depicting child sexual abuse. The user was later identified as Wagner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The State Attorneys Office, 14th Judicial Circuit, is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Dickson City man is accused of attacking his girlfriend because he thought she was texting another man, according to a criminal complaint.

Ronald Loveras-Belliard, 30, 1202 Main St., is charged with simple assault, making terroristic threats and related charges.

According to the complaint:

At about 10:30 a.m. on July 30, officers responded to a domestic assault at the rear of the residence.

As officers approached the building, they could hear a man and woman screaming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They spotted Loveras-Belliard in the doorway and asked him to come out and speak with officers.

The woman involved in the incident began yelling that Loveras-Belliard had acted like he was going to stab her with a knife.

Loveras-Belliard removed a pocketknife from his right pocket and handed it over to officers. He could not explain why his hand was cut.

Officers then spoke with the female victim. She said she had been texting Loveras-Belliards mother and he thought she was texting another man.

She said he held a knife and acted like he was going to stab her. He then held the knife to her hip and neck area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He grabbed her by the neck, she said.

Officers spotted the drivers side window of the victims car smashed.

She said as she was trying to back out of her space earlier, Loveras-Belliard started punching her window, causing it to break.

She told police Loveras-Belliard had previously smashed her tires and had been abusing her for years.

She said she could provide officers photos of the previous abuse.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 13 before District Judge Christopher J. Szewczyk.

Loveras-Belliard remains at the Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $7,500 bail.
A gunman wanted for shooting a man accused of intentionally driving into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub has been identified as he remains at large.

The shooter was identified as Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

On July 19, Fernando Ramirez, 29, is accused of driving his car into a large crowd outside a popular nightclub in the 1000 block of North Vermont Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More than 120 first responders rushed to the scene where 37 people were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations. Several people who were struck by the car were briefly trapped beneath it. No fatalities were reported.

Earlier that night, Ramirez had reportedly been removed from the nightclub for being disruptive and was turned away when he tried to reenter the venue.

He allegedly got into his car, drove to Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, where he made a U-turn before driving onto the sidewalk and hitting a taco vendors stand and a valet podium before he plowed into the crowd of people.

At least 30 were injured after a car plowed into crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub. July 19, 2025. (okramtattoos) Fernando Ramirez, 29, a resident of San Clemente, is charged with 37 counts of attempted murder for allegedly plowing through an East Hollywood crowd on July 19, 2025. (OCDA) At least 30 were injured after a car plowed into crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub. July 19, 2025. (RMGNews) At least 30 were injured after a car plowed into crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub. July 19, 2025. (RMGNews) Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale, is wanted for allegedly shooting a man who was accused of intentionally driving into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub on July 19, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) Efrain Villalobos has multiple tattoos including his last name Villalobos on his right forearm, the phrase, Respect is earned not given on the inner part of his right arm and the name Miabella on his left inner arm. (Los Angeles Police Department) At least 30 were injured after a car plowed into crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub. July 19, 2025. (okramtattoos) Police are searching for man suspected of shooting a driver who plowed into an East Hollywood nightclub crowd, injuring 36 people on July, 19 2025. (LAPD) At least 30 were injured after a car plowed into crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub. July 19, 2025. (RMGNews) Police are searching for man suspected of shooting a driver who plowed into an East Hollywood nightclub crowd, injuring 36 people on July, 19 2025. (LAPD) Police are searching for man suspected of shooting a driver who plowed into an East Hollywood nightclub crowd, injuring 36 people on July, 19 2025. (LAPD)

After the crash, cell phone video showed bystanders pulling Ramirez out of his vehicle and repeatedly punching and kicking him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the altercation, a gunman, Villalobos, allegedly approached from across the street and shot Ramirez in the lower back. He fled the scene before police arrived.

Ramirez was taken to the hospital and later arrested. On July 22, he was charged by the L.A. County District Attorneys Office with 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted as charged, he could face multiple sentences of life in prison.

LAPD is still searching for Villalobos. He is described as a Hispanic male who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He has a shaved head, brown eyes and distinctive features including gauged piercings in both ears.

Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale, is wanted for allegedly shooting a man who was accused of intentionally driving into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub on July 19, 2025. (Los Angeles Police Department) Efrain Villalobos has multiple tattoos including his last name Villalobos on his right forearm, the phrase, Respect is earned not given on the inner part of his right arm and the name Miabella on his left inner arm. (Los Angeles Police Department)

He has multiple tattoos including his last name Villalobos on his right forearm, the phrase, Respect is earned not given on the inner part of his right arm and the name Miabella on his left inner arm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Villalobos is facing felony charges in connection with the shooting. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.

This is a heinous act that left dozens injured, and while the allegations will be tested in court, the impact on the victims is undeniable, said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones as they begin the long road to recovery. We are committed to pursuing justice with care and compassion for those impacted.

Anyone who has seen Villalobos is asked to call LAPD Detective Audelo at 213-484-3451 or simply dial 911. Callers should reference case number 25132662.

Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  Police are investigating an apparent incident that happened at North Kingstown Town Beach Friday evening.

12 News has confirmed that a North Kingstown officer was injured in the incident. The officers injuries are not believed to be serious.

Its unclear exactly what happened. 12 News has learned that at least one shot was fired, and that the injured officer was not shot.

It appears that a car with a shattered back windshield crashed into a pole off Beach Street, which leads to North Kingstown Town Beach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are also North Kingstown officers and Rhode Island State Police troopers canvassing the park and ride off Boston Neck Road. 12 News spotted at least six evidence markers on the ground.

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person was hospitalized after a shooting in northeast Columbus just after midnight Saturday.

Dispatchers said police responded to reports of a shooting at the 4900 block of Cherry Bottom Road at 12:26 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, they found one victim with a gunshot wound to the lower body.

Police said they are investigating the incident as domestic violence, and arrested 41-year-old Brandon Harvey at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition and is suspected to survive.

Police said there have been nine domestic violence homicides this year in Columbus, and the city is actively working to reduce domestic violence incidents in central Ohio. If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network offers resources to help. You can also reach the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or by texting BEGIN to 88788.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Update: Puyallup City Council members Lauren Adler and Julie Door sent a statement to The News Tribune Saturday night that condemned the threats.

As members of the Puyallup City Council, we want to speak clearly and without hesitation  the reported racial slurs, threats of sexual violence, and other hateful attacks directed at one of our community members in response to their work on Puyallups Comprehensive Plan are abhorrent and unacceptable, the statement said. What was reported in the Tacoma News Tribune today is reflective of targeted, racist intimidation and it will not be tolerated in our city.

The statement goes on to say: No one should face threats or intimidation for serving their community. We must call this behavior what it is  racism and political violence  and reject it outright. We call on our community to stand up, speak out against hate, support those who have been targeted, and commit to engaging with each other respectfully, even in disagreement. Puyallup is better than this  and we must prove it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Initial story: Puyallup police are investigating disturbing threats made to the head of the citys Planning Commission amid controversy over updates to the citys comprehensive plan.

The letter Chair Kenya Jones-Lowell received, shared with The News Tribune, includes explicit death threats, the threat of sexual violence and racial slurs, among other obscenities.

Puyallup Police spokesperson Capt. Kevin Gill confirmed to The News Tribune on Friday that the threats were reported on June 9.

We take these types of cases very seriously and give them the attention they deserve, and as soon as I can tell you more, I certainly will, Gill said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He declined to confirm the nature of the threats, citing the ongoing investigation, but said the department increased security at City Hall following the report.

We did have some extra officers present there for a while, he said.

Asked if investigators have any suspects, Gill said they are looking at possibilities.

Jones-Lowell, who is Black, agreed to speak with The News Tribune on Friday about the threats she received. She emphasized that she was speaking in her personal capacity, not on behalf of the city or in her role on the commission.

She said she first received a series of unusual text messages starting in late May that tried to get her to confirm her address. On June 6, she found a threatening letter in her mailbox, which she said video showed was hand-delivered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The comp plan will pass and end all of you, part of the letter reads.

It goes on to say that we will make Puyallup great again, that Black lives do not matter here, and it describes ways that Jones-Lowell could be killed.

It was incredibly violent and specific and just invasive in a lot of ways, she said.

Jones-Lowell said she also received two threatening robocalls, including one the day after the City Council voted on the comprehensive plan.

She left Puyallup for several weeks last month, she said, extending a family trip in response to the threats. She missed the last Planning Commission meeting, she said, because she decided with her family that she shouldnt return until after the plan passed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its terrifying, she said. Weve really changed our routines a lot, I think. Were just hyperaware. Its very, very stressful.

Controversy over Puyallups comprehensive plan

The Planning Commission worked on the comprehensive plan for more than a year before presenting its recommendations to the council. Jones-Lowell was the vice chair of the commission for much of that time, then became the chair, presiding over the commissions meetings. The earliest she remembers discussing the plan was in fall 2023, and she said the commission presented the plan to the council in December 2024.

The council reviewed the Planning Commissions recommendations and made changes to the commissions plan that drew criticism from residents, including that the councils removal of language about equity failed to respect the citys diversity and could expose the city to legal risk due to state requirements.

The council voted 4-3 to pass the comprehensive plan with the controversial changes at the councils July 22 meeting. Opponents argue the councils changes will make Puyallup less inclusive and possibly lead the city to run afoul of state law. Many residents spoke against the changes ahead of the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Changes that got the most attention from opponents at the July 22 meeting were proposed by Mayor Jim Kastama, according to the citys website. Among other things, one change replaced the word equity with equality in many sections, The News Tribune reported. Another involved language that the city will follow federal executive orders, including when theyre at odds with state law.

Kastama spoke about the changes at the July 22 meeting. He said in part that race-neutral terminology aligns with both Washington state law and the U.S. Constitution.

Kastama, Deputy Mayor Dennis King, and council members Dean Johnson and Renne Gilliam voted to approve the plan with the changes. Council members Lauren Adler, Julie Door and Ned Witting voted against it.

The News Tribune was not immediately able to reach Kastama for comment late Friday about the investigation into the threats reported by Jones-Lowell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked about her views on the changes, Jones-Lowell said in a text message Friday that she does not speak publicly on specific recommendations outside of the recommendation given by the dais, and that she has never issued a minority report against any planning commission recommendation.

She said that her recommendations on all comprehensive plan matters are consistent with the recommendations provided to the City Council by the commission.

I really believe in local government.

Jones-Lowell has lived in Puyallup for about eight years.

The ability to come into a community and feel like you can be a part of it and that there is a place for you here, and then to just feel so incredibly unwelcome, that is hard, she said. Harder than I expected it to be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 35-year-old designer works on master plans for tribal communities, large gaming organizations and on large hospitality developments, she said. She estimates the projects shes worked on across the world, including in Washington state, amount to nearly $1.2 billion in development.

To her knowledge, she is the first Black chair of the citys Planning Commission. The City Council appointed her to the commission in the spring of 2022. Commissioners are unpaid volunteers.

I really believe in local government, and I just think that the communities in which people live should reflect who they are as a community, and you cant really do that without input, she said.

Kenya Jones-Lowell, the head of the Puyallup Planning Commission, poses for a picture with her husband and her 6-year-old Dachshund-terrier mix, Winter Rose, after graduation from a pup training course. Courtesy photo

The commission put a great deal of work into the comprehensive plan in recent years, she said, which she describes as a 20-year vision for Puyallup.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its sort of like a wish list for how we wish to see our city, she said.

Jones-Lowell said she cares deeply about the city, and that she loves being on the planning commission. Her firm doesnt work in Puyallup, she said, and its fun to be on the other side of things as a regular citizen.

There are a lot of people who chose to live in Puyallup and are deeply invested in what it looks like moving forward, she said.

Jones-Lowell said shes particularly impressed by how hard the citys planning team worked on outreach to residents during the comprehensive plan process. They were out in-person at many, many events, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Every community doesnt get that, she said. I think that that really is something to be proud of.

Her hope, she said, is for the city to move forward together to address the needs of the average person who lives in Puyallup

If there arent people who are going to stand up and talk about things from a variety of different places and backgrounds, then it all just sort of looks one way, she said. I just dont see how I could not try and serve, because who else is going to do it? If you can just go around sort of scaring people? At some point someone has to say: no.

News Tribune archives contributed to this report.
The reward for information leading to an arrest in the 2021 murder of Katie Janness at Piedmont Park has increased to up to $25,000, according to Atlanta police.

Janness was found dead on July 28, 2021, about 100 yards inside the entrance of Piedmont Park at Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street.

Her dog, Bowie, was also killed and found nearby.

The case remains unsolved, with police actively examining DNA evidence in hopes of identifying a suspect.

RELATED STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With a case this unusual, you would think there would be a similar transaction somewhere, said crime scene investigator Sheryl Mac McCollum, noting the brutality and unique aspects of the crime.

Emma Clark, Janness girlfriend, discovered the bodies after using her phone to locate Janness.

The scene was described as particularly gruesome, with Janness having been stabbed multiple times and letters carved into her body.

Atlanta police have not made any arrests or publicly identified any suspects in the case.

They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.

Tipsters can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.




NEED TO KNOW

Sophia Subedi, 9, drowned in the wave pool at the Hersheypark water park in Pennsylvania on Thursday, July 24

The coroner's office previously said that she "did not have a medical event that caused the drowning"

After finalizing their review, police said they found no evidence of "criminal activity on the part of Hersheypark" or any park employees







Just over a week after a 9-year-old child drowned at Hersheypark's water park, police have released their findings about Sophia Subedi's death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Aug. 1, the Derry Township Police Department announced they had finalized their review into the drowning incident, which took place shortly before 6:46 p.m. local time on Thursday, July 24.

"Following a thorough review of video footage, statements from employees, witnesses, and first responders, as well as documentation of the physical scene, our department has determined that the incident did not involve any criminal activity on the part of Hersheypark" or any park employees, police wrote.

"The drowning of 9-year-old Sophia Subedi has been determined to be an accidental freshwater drowning, consistent with the official findings of the Dauphin County Coroner's Office," they added.

Police went on to note that their review revealed that "safety standards were being upheld by Hersheypark" and that the number of people in the wave pool at the time "was significantly less" than maximum capacity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It was also noted that nearby witnesses and lifeguards responded promptly, initiating rescue and resuscitation efforts within seconds of noticing Sophia's distress," they added. "The Derry Township Police Department, along with the witnesses, Hersheypark staff, and first responders who attempted to save Sophia, extend their sincere condolences to her family and friends, as well as the Bhutanese community, during this difficult time."



The young girl was remembered as bright, kind and loving in a statement by Tilak Niroula, a spokesperson from the Bhutanese Community in Harrisburg (BCH). Born in Columbus, Ohio, Subedi moved with her family to Harrisburg in 2022 and aspired to be a teacher.

She recently finished third grade at North Side Elementary School and was set to enter fourth grade this coming fall.

Sophia brought joy and light to everyone who knew her, the statement shared with WPMT continued. Her sudden loss has left our entire community in grief.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Sophia became in distress in the wave pool, where there were 10 dedicated lifeguards, while visiting The Boardwalk at Hersheypark on Thursday, July 24.

A park representative previously stated that the lifeguards were specifically dedicated to the wave pool, and that they had "received the highest level of training and certification," which includes "deep-water lifeguarding, Basic Life Support, AED use, supplemental oxygen support, CPR, and First Aid."



She was immediately rushed to the nearby Milton S. Hershey Medical Center but did not survive.



Google Maps Hersheypark wave pool Hersheypark wave pool

In the wake of her death, a GoFundMe has been created to support her family, which has raised over $30,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Those who knew Sophia remember her not just for her brilliance and curiosity, but also for her compassion," the message continued. "She loved dancing in the living room with her little cousins, holding her moms hand on evening walks, and singing along to her favorite Nepali songs on long car rides."

"We hope to turn this loss into a legacy  perhaps by supporting children's safety initiatives, advocating for awareness, or creating a small space in her name where kids and families can feel safe, loved, and connected," the message continued. "Please keep Sophias family in your thoughts and prayers."

A funeral was held on Wednesday, July 30.



Read the original article on People
Two men have been arrested in connection with a man's murder.

Police were called to Mill Park, Cambridge, at 23:27 BST on Friday after a 20-year-old man was assaulted. He was pronounced dead just after midnight.

A 21-year-old man from Cambridge has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 50-year-old man, also from the city, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Both men remain in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Det Insp Dale Mepstead, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "The investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Related internet links
Detectives are asking the public for help in locating a man who allegedly shot the driver of a car that plowed into a crowd outside an East Hollywood nightclub last month.

The suspected shooter was identified Friday as Efrain Villalobos, 28, of Lawndale.

Villalobos is described as 5 feet 10 and about 160 pounds, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He has a shaved head, brown eyes and gauges in both ears.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say he has multiple tattoos, including his last name, "VILLALOBOS," on his forearm; the phrase "Respect is earned not given" on his inner right arm; and "Miabella" on his left inner arm.

Read more: East Hollywood club crash: What we know about the suspected driver and the man who shot him

Authorities say Villalobos should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911. Tips can also be submitted online at lapdonline.org.

On July 19, dozens of people were injured after a vehicle plowed into a crowd gathered outside the Vermont Hollywood nightclub.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The vehicle came to a stop when it hit multiple food carts, police said.

Surrounding people pulled the suspected driver, identified as Fernando Ramirez, 29, out of the vehicle and began attacking him. A man now identified as Villalobos pulled out a gun and allegedly shot Ramirez in the lower back before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

Ramirez has been charged with 37 counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the crash. Authorities say he was thrown out of Vermont Hollywood early in the morning on July 19, but returned around 2 a.m.  allegedly plowing what police described as a compact Nissan sedan into a crowd of revelers, street vendors and pedestrians.

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.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Saturday criticised the Election Commission and the BJP after the release of a draft voter list for Bihar and said that removing the names of 65 lakh people is "shocking". As the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that 7.24 crore electors out of the total 7.89 crore in Bihar have been included in the draft list, Congress MP Tiwari claimed that people from areas where minority communities are predominant have been removed. "If 65 lakh names, especially from those districts and areas where minority communities, backward classes, and Dalit communities are predominant, have been removed (from the voter list), then this is a very shocking figure," Pramod Tiwari told ANI. Reiterating Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claim, he said, "Rahul Gandhi has rightly said that the Election Commission is doing this at the behest of the BJP government. If there is evidence, it will be provided. Just imagine what 65 lakh means." The ECI on Friday released the draft voter list for Bihar, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) process. The EC said the public has one month to submit claims and objections, assuring that "no name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason." "The draft voter list has been released today in Bihar. One-month period for claims and objections begins; draft list shared with political parties. Still a full one month to get names added. No name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason," the Commission stated in a statement on X. According to a press release by the Election Commission, more than 7.24 crore electors of Bihar filled up the Enumeration Forms; all included in the draft Electoral Roll. From August 1 to September 1: During this period, to add the name of any eligible elector or to delete the name of any ineligible elector, any elector or any political party, can file claims and objections in a prescribed form before the concerned ERO, the release said. (ANI)
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Authorities found the truck used by the suspect in the shooting deaths of four people at a bar, the bartender and three patrons, in a small town in western Montana.

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation identified the gunman in the shooting, which happened on Friday morning at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Mont., as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown.

Investigators say they located a white Ford F-150 pickup truck that Brown used to flee the crime scene, but his whereabouts are unknown, the BBC reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Law enforcement is focusing its search in a mountainous area that is located west of Anaconda, which is 130 miles east of Idaho and 198 miles west of Bozeman, Mont.

"This is a small, tight-knit community that has been harmed by the heinous actions of one individual today who does not represent what this community or Montanans stand for," Lee Johnson, with the agency, said.

On Saturday, Johnson said the search was continuing on the ground and in the air of the area off Stumptown Road. He also confirmed Brown lived next door to the bar and was a frequent customer.

The agency released a photo of the suspect fleeing the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, Johnson said his Ford F-150 pickup was found.

Residents of the town, of whom there are roughly 10,000, were told Friday night to stay in their homes and be vigilant because he was considered armed and dangerous.

SWAT team members cleared his home in neighboring Granite City, the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center said. The home is about 25 minutes from the bar.

"I've bartended quite a few years, so I'm pretty familiar with most everyone," Sierra, a 7 Gables employee, told KPAX-TV about Brown. "I have met him multiple times. I have served him multiple times. I have had conversations with him multiple times. I have not served him up here yet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We're waiting for the kitchen chef to be done so we can actually all leave together and so we all know each other made it safe."

Brown was an Army soldier from 2001 to 2005, including deployment in Iraq, an Army spokesperson told ABC News, and rose to the rank of sergeant. He also served in the National Guard from 2006 to 2008.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation and the FBI's Deputy Director posted on X that agents are being sent to the area to assist.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianfort also posted Friday on X that he was "closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda."

Officials have identified the four victims have been identified, but they declined to release their names until their families had been notified.
A 51-year-old Cambridge man who police said slashed a persons head with a large knife on Friday night was arrested the following day after an 18-hour standoff.

At around 6:40 p.m. on Aug. 1, police said the man, Princiano Faustin, waving two large machete-type knives at a bus stop in Central Square, according to Sergeant Bob Reardon Jr.

Faustin slashed a bystander in the head, police said, resulting in officers pursuing him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As he was being chased, Faustin continued to swing his knives and yelling that he wanted the police to shoot him, Reardon said.

Eventually, Faustin arrived at his apartment building, barricading himself inside his unit.

For 18 hours, officers, along with crisis negotiators and mental health clinicians, tried to resolve the situation.

At 2 a.m. on Saturday, officers sent a pepper ball through one of the windows. The pepper ball was launched in an attempt to have Faustin comply with the police and other officials, Reardon wrote in a statement.

The chemicals from the pepper ball, however, circulated through the buildings shared ventilation system and Faustin did not surrender, according to Reardon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After receiving an arrest warrant, officials entered the building and placed Faustin into custody before 1 p.m.

Faustin will be arraigned at Cambridge District Court on multiple charges at a later date, Reardon wrote.

In his statement, Reardon wrote that the police department understands the use of chemicals, specifically in shared residential buildings, raises concerns.

Every use of force by this department is reviewed, and that review is already underway in this case, he wrote. While we support the difficult decisions made by officers in real time under stressful and unpredictable circumstances, we also recognize that we must continuously evaluate our tactics  especially when vulnerable community members are impacted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The person who was slashed in the head at Central Square was sent to a local hospital for treatment and their injuries are non-life-threatening, Reardon said. He did not identify the victim.

Officers will remain on-scene to gather evidence and continue their investigation, Reardon wrote. However, all nearby roadways have been reopened to normal traffic and the remainder of the building has been reopened to residents."

More public safety stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Police are investigating after a teenager claimed he was attacked in Providence Friday.

Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department, told 12 News officers were called to the intersection of Smith Street and Chalkstone Avenue to investigate a reported stabbing.

The victim, who Vega identified as a 17-year-old boy, suffered defensive lacerations to both hands after being attacked by unknown suspects, possibly armed with a machete.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The boys injuries are not considered life-threatening and its unclear if anyone is in custody at this time.

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.
The survey shows the current coalition receiving 49 seats, compared to 61 for the opposition bloc led by Bennett, while Gantz's Blue and White party is expected to be just above the threshold.

The Israeli Knesset may shift after the next elections, with the opposition projected to gain a 61-seat majority if led by Naftali Bennett, according to a Maariv poll published Friday. The current coalition would receive just 49 seats.

Benny Gantzs Blue and White party would win four seats, just above the electoral threshold, according to the same poll. If MK Gadi Eisenkot were to form a new party, it would not change the overall balance between the two blocs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A key factor could be the creation of a new party by Israel-Hamas War veterans, reservist groups, and youth organizations, which would become the third-largest faction if it runs. The poll shows this party would receive 13 seats, behind Likud with 21 (down from 25 without the new party) and Bennetts party with 18 (down from 23).

Unlike Bennett and Eisenkot, this new party appears to draw support from undecided voters, the opposition, and Likud.

Under this scenario, the opposition would rise to 66 seats, while the coalition would drop to 44. Arab parties would retain 10 seats, indicating a clear opposition win.

MK Gadi Eisenkot attends a Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting on the ultra-Orthodox draft law at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on June 24, 2024. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

However, two opposition parties - Blue and White and Eisenkots hypothetical party - are polling at just four seats each, putting them at risk of falling below the threshold. If one or both fail to enter the Knesset, the political map could shift significantly.

The hostages and Gaza are vital issues

The poll also explored views on how best to secure the release of hostages. Half of the respondents (50%) favored a comprehensive deal involving the release of all hostages in exchange for a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, 38% supported continuing the military campaign to occupy and annex parts of Gaza until Hamas collapses, and 12% had no opinion.

Among Netanyahu coalition voters, 73% supported continued military action. In contrast, 79% of opposition voters backed a comprehensive deal, even with potential concessions.

On the issue of hunger in Gaza, 47% of Israelis said they believe there is no crisis and that reports are Hamas propaganda. Another 41% said the crisis is real23% expressed concern, while 18% did not. An additional 12% were unsure.

The political divide is stark: 77% of coalition voters believe the hunger crisis is fabricated, while 59% of opposition voters believe it is real. Among them, 38% said they care, and 21% said they do not.

Antisemitism while traveling a problem

Finally, the survey also revealed widespread concern about travel to Europe. Amid rising incidents targeting Israelis, 61% of respondents said they fear being harmed while traveling in Europe simply for being Israeli.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only 31% said they are not concerned, while 8% were unsure. On this issue, there was broad consensus across the political spectrum: 64% of both coalition and opposition voters expressed the same fear.

The poll was led by Dr. Menachem Lazar, conducted between July 30 and 31, and has a maximum sampling error of 4.4%. There were a total of 511 respondents, who constitute a representative sample of the adult population in Israel, aged 18 and above.
After more than a year, Kopachuck State Park is open to the public following its $10 million renovation. A celebratory grand reopening event was held at the park on Aug. 2.

This project was more than 10 years in the making, with Washington State Parks establishing a master plan in 2014 to improve the parks daily operations, The News Tribune reported.

A ribbon cutting takes place for the renovated Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, near Gig Harbor. Olyvia Buday, from left, South Sound area manager with Washington State Parks; Diana Dupuis, director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission; Pat Lantz, former commissioner with Washington State Parks and Recreation; and Scott Merriman, current commissioner with Washington State Parks and Recreation, cut the ribbon in front of the new event space.

Mountain Construction was the lead contractor for the project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were honored that the Parks Commission, our project partners, and the community entrusted us to preserve and enhance this special place in a way that respects its natural character, Rod McCarten, the project manager, stated in Mountain Constructions news release.

Olyvia Buday, front, South Sound area manager with Washington State Parks, leads a tour of renovated Kopachuck State Park and its new features on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, near Gig Harbor.

A new cabin-style playground with an outdoor learning space was manufactured to look like the landscape, South Sound area manager Olyvia Buday told The News Tribune in an exclusive park tour Friday, Aug. 1. It includes a water pump, slide, climbing and wooden play areas.

Linda Gough, right, chair of Preserve Our Parks, uses the water pump feature at the Kopachuck State Park playground on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, near Gig Harbor. A group toured the park and its new features ahead of a grand opening event Saturday.

Other amenities include a visitors center, outdoor amphitheater that can host special events like weddings, an accessible trail system leading to the beach, improved parking lots and restrooms, and a rentable event space, according to the news release.

A tour makes its way through newly renovated Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, ahead of its grand reopening on Saturday near Gig Harbor.

Prices for the rental facility have not been confirmed, but Buday said by the end of the month, people should be able to make reserverations.

People move along the back deck of the new rentable event space at Kopachuck State Park on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, ahead of the renovated park's reopening on Saturday near Gig Harbor, Wash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the renovation process, crews also installed new water and sewer systems.

This has exceeded any expectations,  Lynda Filson, a board member of Preserve Our Parks (POP), told The News Tribune at the event. POP is a community initiative that contributed to preventing a permanent closure of Kopachuck in 2009 through fundraising and other efforts, Filson said. The Gig Harbor group also helped design the space.

The park will be open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, Buday said.
The Brief

A 2-year-old boy died and 12 others were injured after a 50-year-old driver crashed into a Portillos restaurant in Oswego on Wednesday.

The Kane County coroner confirmed the child died from multiple traumatic injuries; further test results are pending as the investigation continues.

Oswego police say its too early to determine whether the driver will face charges, though the crash appears to have been accidental.

OSWEGO, Ill. - New details have emerged about a deadly crash at a suburban Portillo's earlier this week that killed a 2-year-old boy and left 12 others injured.

What we know

A vehicle crashed through the front entrance of a Portillo's restaurant at 2810 Route 34 in Oswego at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thirteen people total were injured in the crash, according to Oswego police. Eight were transported to local hospitals, while the remaining five received treatment at the scene. The hospitalized victims range in age from their 20s to their 60s.

The 2-year-old boy was transported to Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, where he was pronounced dead, the Kane County coroners office said.

Following an autopsy, the coroner reported on Friday that the boy died from injuries consistent with multiple traumatic injuries. Additional test results are pending as the investigation continues.

"This is a tragic and heartbreaking situation for our community. As a mother, it breaks my heart to think about the loss of a child who was sharing a meal with his family at a restaurant. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the child and to all those who were injured in the crash," said Coroner Monica Silva.

New Details on Driver

On Friday, police said the driver in the crash was a 50-year-old woman from Canton, Michigan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Preliminary findings suggest the crash may have been accidental in nature; however, the exact cause remains under investigation. At this time, it has not been determined whether charges will be filed against the driver," police said.

The vehicle involved in the crash was a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Sedan.

What's next

Oswego police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

The coroners office is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the childs death.

RELATED: Portillo's crash: Child killed, 13 others injured after car slams into Oswego restaurant

The restaurant's drive-thru was set to reopen on Monday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. The dining room will remain closed for the time being.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A flight departing from San Diego International Airport Friday made an emergency landing, aviation officials said.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1414 was headed to Los Cabos, MX, when the crew reported a possible bird strike, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed on its website.

Evacuation warning lifted after brush fire burns near homes in Rancho Bernardo

The Boeing 737-900 returned safely to SAN around 1:05 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The FAA is investigating the incident.

No other details have 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(SALIDA, Colo.)  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Chaffee County Public Health have confirmed a case of measles from a person who is out of state but visited a business in Salida late last month.

According to public health officials, the location and date of potential exposure were confirmed at Monarch Mountain at the Crest Gift Shop in Salida on July 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

CDPHE wrote that anyone who was at the location during that timeframe may have been exposed to measles and should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Symptoms of the measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.

For more information on symptoms, transmission, and vaccine recommendations, go to the CDPHE measles webpage. CDPHE has also released 2025 Colorado measles case information and a current list of exposure locations.

An official statement from the CDPHE read: People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. If you were at any of these locations during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.

This is an edition of The Wonder Reader, a newsletter in which our editors recommend a set of stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight. Sign up here to get it every Saturday morning.

After losing his corporate marketing job during the pandemic, Stephen Starring Grant decided to move back home and become a rural mail-carrier associate in Blacksburg, Virginia. His recently published memoir unravels what he learned about Appalachian identity and blue-collar experiences, but also about the power of showing up, every single day. In Grants telling, postal workers bring order and predictability to a country that can feel like its unraveling, especially during crises that starkly illustrate how reliant we are on the federal bureaucracy, Tyler Austin Harper writes in a review of the memoir.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Todays newsletter looks at how mail carriers do their jobseven in the most remote parts of the countryand why their work matters.

On Mail Delivery

Memoir of a Mailman

By Tyler Austin Harper

A new book describes the challenges and joys of life as a letter carrier.

Read the article.

How the Most Remote Community in America Gets Its Mail

By Sarah Yager

Transporting letters and packages to the village of Supai requires a feat of logistics, horsemanship, and carefully placed hooves.

Read the article.

The Quiet Heroism of Mail Delivery

By Mara Wilson

After a natural disaster, courier services such as USPS and UPS help communities return to a sense of normalcy. (From 2019)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read the article.

Still Curious?

When you give a tree an email address : The city of Melbourne assigned trees email addresses so citizens could report problems such as dangerous branches. Instead, people wrote thousands of love letters to their favorite trees, Adrienne LaFrance wrote in 2015.

The endangered art of letter writing: In 1981, Belinda struck up a conversation with a stranger on a ferry. Nearly 40 years later, she and that stranger, Julie, still write each other physical letters multiple times a year.

Other Diversions

P.S.

I recently asked readers to share a photo of something that sparks their sense of awe in the world. On a rare sunny day during this seasons rainy May and June, I picked up a red rose that had been dropped on the sidewalk, Jane Stahl, 78, from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, writes. I enjoyed this single bloom on my kitchen windowsill, reminding me that sometimes it's the little things that provide joy on cloudy days, beauties that inspire us to look for more of them in our travels. And, indeed, that's what happened. During the rest of my walk that morning, I saw roses everywhere and brought them home via my phones camera to share with friends and remind me to look for those little things.

Ill continue to feature your responses in the coming weeks.

 Isabel

Article originally published at The Atlantic
A downtown Los Angeles bar known as a haven for the gay community is warning it could soon shutter as it faces a costly legal fight with a former employee.

"Were a couple of slow weekends away from having to close our doors," owners of Precinct DTLA wrote Friday on Instagram.

"Like many small businesses, weve taken hit after hit  from COVID shutdowns and ICE raids to citywide curfews and the ongoing decline of nightlife. But what were facing now is even more devastating."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: The 117-year-old home of the 'original' French Dip announced it would close. Then business boomed

In May, Jessica Gonzales sued the bar, its owner, manager and an employee, alleging she faced discrimination and harassment as a cisgender, heterosexual woman and was subjected to an unsafe work environment.

Gonzales, who worked at the bar on Broadway for eight years, claimed that when she reported employees and patrons were having sex in the bar, its owner told her to "stop complaining."

According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Gonzales was required to work the coat check for Precinct DTLA's weekly "jockstrap / underwear party" without receiving pay. She said the bar's manager eliminated the coat check fee, believing it would "incentivize more patrons to drop their pants."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gonzales claimed the environment grew so hostile she needed to bring stress balls to work. One day, her complaint said, another employee grabbed her stress ball and refused to give it back to her. In a struggle over the stress ball, Gonzales claims the employee broke two of her fingers.

According to her lawsuit, Gonzales was effectively fired after the incident, in part because Precinct DTLA's owner and manager wanted to replace her with a gay male employee.

"These claims are completely false," the bar's representatives wrote on Instagram.

In the post, they added that the lawyer representing Gonzales "appears to have a clear anti-LGBTQ agenda."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are multiple reports  including from individuals who previously worked with him  that he used anti-LGBTQ slurs in written emails while at his former firm," they wrote on Instagram.

Read more: The Mayan, a staple of DTLA nightlife, will close its doors this fall

Gonzales is represented by John Barber, court records show. The Times reported in 2023 that Barber and his colleague Jeff Ranen regularly denigrated Black, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Asian and gay people in emails they exchanged while partners at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.

After Barber and Ranen left to start their own firm, Lewis Brisbois, released scores of the lawyers' emails, which showed the men regularly used anti-gay slurs, The Times reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a joint statement at the time, Barber and Ranen said they were "ashamed" and "deeply sorry."

In a written statement on Barber's behalf, his law partner, Nicole Davidson, said that to "debate or even acknowledge" what she called false allegations raised in the Instagram post "would distract from what matters: that our client was wrongfully fired, retaliated against, and physically abused while employed by Precinct."

"We will allow the judicial system to serve as the forum for resolution, not social media," she wrote in an email. Davidson added that appealing to bar patrons to contribute to a legal defense fund smacks of "crass opportunism."

In the Instagram post, Precinct DTLA's representatives said defending themselves from Gonzales' allegations was "draining us emotionally and financially."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Come to the bar," they wrote. "Buy a drink. Order some food. Tip the staff. Show up."

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.
Jammu city has made a significant improvement in its ranking in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards, leaping from the 248th position last year to 42nd place in the 3-10 lakh population category. Now, the city administration aims to break into the top 10 and eventually secure a spot in the top three. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, told ANI that focusing on people's participation in the cleanliness drive is a key aspect of the administration's endeavour to make the city cleaner and greener. "I want to thank all the residents of Jammu city. In previous years, Jammu was ranked between 250 and 300 in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. This time, our ranking has leapt to 42. Now, the challenge ahead is to break into the top 10 and eventually the top three," Devansh Yadav told ANI. He said that Jammu will replicate the best practices of top-performing cities in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. "If we look at top-performing cities like Indore, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow, there are many best practices we can replicate here. Our focus is on people's participation. We must involve residents in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to make Jammu greener and cleaner," he said. He said that implementing an effective waste processing mechanism and holding accountable those responsible for waste disposal helped the city improve its ranking. "First, we implemented an effective waste processing system. We are now converting food waste from hotels and restaurants into compost. All our vehicles are GPS-enabled, and we monitor them online. We have also ensured accountability among sanitation workers by using a face-recognition app for attendance and salary payments," he said. "Additionally, we are building a team of Swachhata Ambassadors, with over 100 participants, including media professionals and college students. Together with public support, we can achieve even greater success," he said. In the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, Jammu has also been named as one of the "Promising Swachh Shehars." The Jammu Municipal Corporation also earned the prestigious Garbage Free City (GFC) 3-star rating, secured the ODF++ certification and 42nd ranking among the top 100 cities in India in the category of 3-10 lakh population. (ANI)
Steve Ricchetti was the gatekeeper for former President Biden.

But House Republican investigators hoped Ricchetti was the key to unlocking answers about Mr. Bidens cognitive state when he was commander in chief.

The House Oversight Committee summoned Ricchetti for a closed-door deposition recently. Ricchetti worked for President Clinton, was Bidens top aide when he was Vice President and served as a key advisor in the Biden White House. He frequently visited Capitol Hill as President Biden and Congressional Republicans negotiated a debt ceiling pact in the spring of 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Whats your message to the committee today?" yours truly asked Ricchetti when he materialized on the third floor of the Rayburn House Office Building for a voluntary, transcribed interrogation.

"Im not going to say anything on the way in. Im just going to go in and give an interview," replied Ricchetti.

"Was the President up for the job?" I inquired.

Read On The Fox News App

"Of course he was," answered Ricchetti. "Of course he was."

Senate Republicans Plan Hearing On Biden's Alleged Cognitive Decline Cover-up

Former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti met with House investigators on Wednesday.

In a statement, Ricchetti conceded that former President Biden "occasionally stumbled." But he argued the former president was fit for the job. Ricchetti added that no one "usurped President Bidens Constitutional duties."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In their inquest, Republicans have specific questions about the former Presidents use of the autopen and about legal documents bearing Mr. Bidens signature.

"Who was signing any of these documents and who was running the White House?" asked Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., on Fox. "Thats the biggest, weirdest scandal probably in American history since Woodrow Wilsons wife was running the White House."

That refers to First Lady Edith Wilson. Historians generally believe that she took over day-to-day executive functions after President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke.

"Anything that had the force of (law) that was signed by autopen should be null and void," argued Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, on Fox Business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Unlike Ricchetti, three other Biden figures have ducked questions when summoned for closed-door interviews. The Oversight Committee issued subpoenas for former Biden administration aide Annie Tomasini, former Jill Biden aide Anthony Bernal and the Presidents former physician, White House doctor Kevin OConnor. All three invoked the Fifth Amendment during their sessions before the House Oversight Committee, declining to answer questions.

Biden's Autopen Use Questioned Amid Released Audio From Special Counsel Hur Interview

"I think the real witness is the doctor. And unfortunately, he took the Fifth," said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan.

Marshall himself is an OB-GYN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A doctor certainly has an obligation ethically to protect (a patient) for privacy. But the needs of the country  the national security issue, legal issues  trump that relationship as well," said Marshall.

Democrats contend Republicans are flailing in their probe of the former President. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., believes the GOP should focus on the economy and affordability issues.

"Message to House Republicans," declared Welch. "You won the election. I mean, Im not quite sure why they want to waste time on this."

"Hes not the president," said Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., of former President Biden. "I think we really should just move (on)."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fetterman himself faced questions about his health after suffering a stroke during his 2022 campaign and hospitalization for depression after taking office as a senator in 2023.

But Republicans contend the Biden investigation is critical. Former President Bidens medical state isnt clear, although the public saw his performance in the debate last June. Republicans insist their probe is about figuring out what to do if a future President struggles cognitively.

Senate Hearing On Who Was 'Really Running' Biden White House Kicks Off Wednesday

Steve Ricchetti is the latest former Biden administration aide to appear before House investigators.

"What were doing today is setting sort of a template for the future," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "How can we make it better? Because its a Democratic President today. It may be a Republican President tomorrow."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not just a challenge for the presidency. But for lawmakers, too. In recent years, Capitol Hill has witnessed uncomfortable, steady declines of late Sens. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Rep. Kay Granger, R-Tex.

"Hopefully all of us make the right decision when its appropriate," said Welch. "And we have people around us to do the right thing."

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., is one of the most conservative, politically pragmatic Democrats in the House. She represents a district President Trump carried three times. And even though Sens. Patty Muray, D-Wash., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., routinely win statewide, they fail to carry Gluesenkamp Perezs district. Gluesenkamp Perez bested GOP nominee Joe Kent - for a second time  by four points in 2024.

The 36-year-old Gluesenkamp Perez introduced a plan requiring cognitive standards for persons to serve in the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The House Appropriations Committee rejected her amendment late last month.

However, there are Constitutional and legal problems with imposing a cognitive exam on prospective lawmakers.

Article, I, Section 5 of the Constitution says the House and Senate "may determine the Rules of its Proceedings." So, its possible the House or Senate could impose a "rule" dictating a test. The same part of the Constitution says each body may judge "the qualifications of its own Members."

Inside The Biden Cover-up Probe: 8 Aides Questioned, More On The Way

President Joe Biden seen addressing a campaign rally in Washington, D.C. The president was interviewed as part of an investigation into his handling of classified documents by Special Counsel Robert Hur.

But imposing an additional provision for eligibility to serve could be extra-constitutional. For instance, Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution says House Members must be at least 25-years-old, have been a citizen for seven years and reside in the state from which they were elected. A senator must be 30, a citizen for nine years and live in the state they represent. However, heaping another mandate on top of that is a problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This is why the Supreme Court found term limits to be unconstitutional. An additional "rule"  such as how long one can serve  introduces an extra qualification not outlined in the Constitution. Thats why the Supreme Court ruled against term limits proposals. Its likely the High Court would follow suit with additional stipulations to serve in Congress.

Moreover, installing an acuity credential holds the potential to undo the will of the voters.

Late Rep. Adam Clayton Powell, D-N.Y., faced ethics issues in the late 1960s. Voters re-elected Powell in 1966. But the House refused to seat him. Powell sued. In Powell v. McCormick, the Supreme Court found that the House didnt have the right to exclude Powell. The High Court argued that the Houses refusal to seat Powell wasnt Constitutional since it placed additional conditions on his service in Congress.

Theres no easy solution on how to handle an impaired President or lawmaker. It is often said Congress simply reflects the rest of the country. There are cognitively-diminished persons serving in every walk of life in the U.S. And thats a reality for those in government, too.





Original article source: 'Was the president up for the job?' Steve Ricchetti defends Bidens fitness as GOP seeks answers
Tens of thousands of people joined Prague's Pride parade on Saturday to demand equal rights for sexual minorities.

Rainbow flags dominated the colourful and cheerful procession, with the national flags of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary as well as the blue European flag also seen above the crowd.

The march was the highlight of the Prague Pride Festival, which has been going on all week in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBT+) communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The CTK news agency said several hundred people in the demonstration drew attention to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

According to police reports, there were no major incidents, although a small group of counter-demonstrators lined up along the route.

The organizers chose the question, "Where is my homeland?," taken from the Czech national anthem, as the motto for the series of events.

"Home is more than a place  it is a feeling of safety, acceptance and belonging," said a statement on the festival page. "For LGBT+ people, however, the road to this feeling is often difficult, fraught with obstacles in the form of prejudice, laws or rejection."

Spokeswoman Kamila Frohlichova told CTK that members of the LGBT+ community were still waiting for full equality in the Czech Republic.
Tuesday, Aug. 5, is Election Day in Washington. It might not be a presidential election year or an off-year congressional election, but the choices voters make will have a greater impact on their daily lives than most decisions made in distant Washington, D.C. We urge eligible voters to embrace their democratic rights and submit their ballots on time.

Because this is a primary, voters will winnow the field. Where there are three or more candidates in a race, the two who receive the most votes will advance to the November general election for a head-to-head contest. Ballot propositions will pass or fail now.

Primary elections are the first step toward choosing leaders who will make important decisions about housing development, public safety, infrastructure investments and municipal services that directly affect your quality of life. Historically, odd-year primary elections have low participation rates. Those who stay home hand tremendous power to their neighbors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To cast an informed vote, start with coverage in this newspaper. Tri-City Herald reporters have profiled candidates in Kennewick, Prosser and Richland. Then check out the Voters Pamphlet for more information, and peruse candidate websites if youre still unsure.

Watch out for candidates who could not be bothered to submit basic information to the official Voters Pamphlet. If they did not complete that basic campaign task, voters should question their ability to handle the complex responsibilities of municipal governance. Civic leadership requires attention to detail.

The primary election provides an opportunity for young, first-time voters to cultivate a habit of voting. Seventeen-year-olds who will turn 18 before the November general election may vote in this election.

We hope they decide to do so. One of the best predictors of who will turn into a regular voter year after year is participation early on. All eligible voters can register in person through Election Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most of the local electoral action is in Benton County. There are competitive city council races in Kennewick, Prosser and Richland as well as in a couple of school districts. Residents of Fire District 1 will decide a levy lid lift.

In Franklin County, the only race is in Connell, where voters will find a mayoral race on the ballot. Everyone else in the county need not worry that they did not receive a ballot in the mail.

In Walla Walla County, Proposition 1 asks residents to approve a modest sales tax increase to pay for upgrades to the emergency communications infrastructure and staffing. It would cost shoppers 20 cents on a $100 purchase to upgrade an aging 911 system. Theres also a mayoral race in Waitsburg.

Local elections in Washington are nonpartisan; at least they are supposed to be. The Benton County Republican Party has waded into local contests with endorsements, ignoring that longstanding tradition. Local leaders should be focused on fixing potholes, not advancing a national agenda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Voters decide whether local leaders are up to the job of ensuring that traffic runs smoothly, neighborhoods are safe, and tax dollars are spent wisely. Be sure that your voice is heard.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday or can be submitted at county drop boxes. View Voters Pamphlets and drop box locations at Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla election websites.




NEED TO KNOW

Ian Ball, the man who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne for ransom in 1974, claims he is an "innocent" man a new interview published in August 2025

The kidnapping was meant to be a "hoax," with Ball claiming he believed there was no gunpowder in the bullets and that Anne had been swapped with a body double

Ball was sentenced to life imprisonment in a psychiatric hospital and released in 2019







Ian Ball, who attempted to kidnap Princess Anne more than five decades ago, injuring several people in the process, claims he is innocent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On March 20, 1974, Annes chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce was forced to stop by a vehicle blocking the route. The driver of the vehicle, Ball, began firing shots  injuring both Annes chauffeur, Alex Callender, and private detective, James Beaton  before climbing in the front seat and ordering the princess to get out before he was stopped by a passerby.

Ball  who had intended to kidnap Anne, then 23 years old, to hold her ransom for almost $4 million, a letter he wrote for Queen Elizabeth later revealed  was prosecuted for the attempted murder of Beaton and sentenced to life imprisonment in a psychiatric hospital. But he was quietly released in 2019, according to the Daily Mail, whom he recently told he is innocent.

I'm an innocent, sane man because I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne," Ball claimed in the new interview, published on Aug. 1.

PA Images via Getty Princess Anne (right) visits James Beaton (left) in the hospital Princess Anne (right) visits James Beaton (left) in the hospital

In the Daily Mail interview, Ball not only maintained his innocence, but also doubled down on a claim he first raised after pleading guilty decades ago: The attempted kidnapping was meant to be a hoax staged with the help of a friend on the police force whom he only knew as Frank.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The whole idea of performing the hoax was to get the publicity so I could write my autobiography, and I expected to get 10,000 in royalties, Ball told the outlet.

To prove my innocence I need to prove the existence of Frank, he added. That will prove I had reason to believe it was all a hoax.

Ball also claimed in the new interview that Anne, now 74, was not scared of him. The royal  who had refused to budge, even as Ball grabbed her arm and tackled her to the floor of the car  wasn't bothered on the night, he told the outlet. I didn't scare her. I was more scared than she was.

Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Princess Anne

He also told the Daily Mail that it would be a waste of time to apologize to the men that he shot during the alleged hoax  and denied that Anne said "Not bloody likely, her now-iconic alleged reply to his attempts to remove her from the car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Rather, Ball claimed, She said, You just go away and nobody will think any more about it', which fuelled the belief that I thought it was a hoax.

At the time I thought it wasn't Princess Anne in the car, he said. She looked nothing like Princess Anne. The personality was nothing like Princess Anne.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Princess Anne recalled her refusal to budge in a 1980 interview with British talk show host Michael Parkinson. "We had a sort of discussion about where or where not we were going to go," she deadpanned at the time.

PA Images via Getty Queen Elizabeth (center left) and Princess Anne (center right) with those who thwarted Anne's attempted kidnapping Queen Elizabeth (center left) and Princess Anne (center right) with those who thwarted Anne's attempted kidnapping

Ultimately, however, it was not Anne or her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips (who was also in the car during the attempted kidnapping), who stopped Ball back in 1974, but a passerby named Ronnie Russell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russell punched Ball in the head several times and eventually tackled him to the ground. Ball fled the scene, but was arrested by a nearby police officer shortly afterwards.

Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britains highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughters life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.



Read the original article on People
Pro-Palestinian protesters have disrupted an Edinburgh Fringe Festival event featuring First Minister John Swinney.

He was being interviewed by comedian Susan Morrison when the event was disrupted five times by six different groups of protesters

They called for an end to funding arms companies through the Scottish government's economic agency Scottish Enterprise.

Afterwards, Swinney described the situation in Palestine as "a genocide".

The protesters disrupted the event in Edinburgh [PA Media]

The event, billed as a conversation about "life, art, politics and Scotland's future" was taking place in the Stand comedy venue in York Place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police attended as tensions rose between the protesters and other members of the audience.

The first minister's security team is reported to have aided in refraining people from berating Swinney on the stage.

Video posted on the social media site X shows him sitting quietly while the confrontation takes place.

A spokesperson for the Stand told BBC Scotland News told BBC Scotland News they had no prior knowledge of the protest but as a company they are "fully opposed to the genocide" and have taken "practical steps to loudly support Palestinian human rights".

Swinney has repeatedly spoken out about the war between Israel and Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has called for a ceasefire between the two and has lobbied the UK government to recognise Palestine as a state.

Last week he spoke to Donald Trump about the war when the two met during the president's Scottish visit.

'Terrible atrocities'

The protesters urged the first minister to describe the crisis as a genocide and stop state funding for arms companies.

Speaking to journalists after the event, the first minister said: "It's quite clear that there is a genocide in Palestine - it can't be disputed.

"I have seen reports of terrible atrocities which have the character of being genocide.

"I've expressed that and obviously it's not reached all those individuals, but that's my feeling."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Scottish government has also been criticised for - while not funding directly the manufacturing of munitions - providing money for apprenticeships at firms which build weapons.

But the first minister said the Government's commercial arm Scottish Enterprise has the "strictest assessments imaginable about the purpose and the use of public expenditure in companies who may be related to defence industries".

Pushed on providing money for staff who could potentially build munitions, the first minister added: "We're trying to enable companies to diversify their activities, that's the purpose.

"That's why the due diligence checks are applied and they are applied unreservedly."

'Protect freedom of speech'

The confrontation in Edinburgh came just two days after the first minister gave a speech in the capital to mark the opening of the Edinburgh festivals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said freedom of expression is under "greater and greater attack" at home and around the world.

"I want to ensure that Scotland  the birthplace of the enlightenment  remains a country of robust debate and inquiry.

"I firmly believe that art and culture must be able to challenge us, to ask us tough questions, and to force us to look at things from different perspectives," he said.

"And yes, it must at times be allowed to shock and to offend us. It can also heal us.

"So let me be absolutely clear  as first minister I will always protect freedom of speech in our country. It is not the first minister's job to tell you what to create  nor would I ever seek to do so."

[BBC]

For almost 80 years, Edinburgh's festivals have been a place to say whatever you want.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The challenge with a city full of thousands of shows is to capture attention. And just being there can bring protests.

In 2012, a demonstration was staged outside the Playhouse theatre against the Israeli government's funding of a performance by Batsheva Dance Company.

But the protesters also got inside the theatre where they staged a silent protest, standing and raising placards during the show.

In 2023, Greta Thunberg pulled out of an event at the Edinburgh International Book Festival because it received funding from the investment firm Baillie Gifford, who she claimed invested heavily in the fossil fuel industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A number of authors joined the revolt and the festival ended its 20-year partnership with the wealthy and famously generous Edinburgh firm.

But many venues prefer to avoid protest and the last few years have seen the cancellation of a number of shows which were deemed likely to cause offence to staff or audiences.

The former SNP MP Joanna Cherry threatened legal action last year when the Stand tried to cancel her event over her gender critical views.

In the end, her show didn't attract protests, although security was increased around it. And safety concerns seem to be the sharpest way to avoid confrontation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

John Swinney declared the Irish band Kneecap had "crossed a line" with their comments about killing MPs.

It was then only a matter of time before Police Scotland told the TRNSMT festival that they had safety concerns and the band's appearance was cancelled.

The first minister has already made one appearance at the festivals, a formal speech to welcome the world to the birthplace of the enlightenment.

He may have imagined that a cosy conversation in a comedy club would have gone unnoticed in the maelstrom of cultural offerings.

But that's the festival for you. Uncensored, unpredictable, where anything goes.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Volunteers are gearing up at the MPEC as project Back to School begins tomorrow morning, Saturday, August 2.

Every year on the first Saturday of August, families across Wichita Falls line up for a chance to receive free school supplies.

Project Back to School is again partnering with the WFISD Foundation to ensure local students have what they need to succeed.

The event provides backpacks and essential school supplies to qualifying students with proof, such as a free lunch letter, Medicaid, or Lone Star or SNAP card.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The program has helped more than 100,000 families over the years, and tomorrow, more than 6,000 supply sets will be handed out.

Were hoping to supply what is needed for the kiddos to get off to a great start for parents to have a little bit of relief and for teachers to know that their students will have a well-equipped classroom. WFISD Foundation member, Vanda Cullar, said.

Students of all grade levels are eligible, and kids attending Booker T. Washington, Burgess, Scotland Park, and Zundy Elementary will be supplied directly on the first day of school.

Organizers said theres no need to rush. The doors open at 9 a.m., and supplies will be available at the MPEC through noon.

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 Texomashomepage.com.
A court in southern India has sentenced a prominent politician in the state of Karnataka to life in prison after being found guilty of raping one of his domestic staff.

The sentencing of Prajwal Revanna, who is from an influential political family in the state, took place on Saturday - a day after he was convicted of sexually assaulting his former employee.

The allegations against the 34-year-old former Indian MP first came to light in 2023 after hundreds of explicit videos featuring him started circulating on social media, causing outrage across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Revanna had denied the charges. On Friday, he broke down and pleaded for a lesser punishment when he was found guilty.

He can appeal against the sentence.

Revanna is a grandson of former Indian Prime Minister, H D Deve Gowda, whose Janata Dal (Secular) party is allied with current Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP.

It is rare that a person with such an influential political background gets punished in a case like this in India.

Revanna left India in April 2024 using his diplomatic passport after hundreds of videos of alleged abuse began circulating in his state.

At the time, Revanna did not comment on the videos, but an official from his office said the videos had been doctored.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was arrested a month later after arriving back home from Germany.

He is still facing two other rape cases and one case of sexual harassment. He denies the charges.
WASHINGTON (WPRI)  President Donald Trumps proposed budget for the upcoming year includes significant cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), spurring pushback from Rhode Island lawmakers.

The administration is proposing a $1.6 billion year-over-year reduction to NOAAs budget. The plan specifically calls for the complete elimination of funding for climate research in fiscal year 2026, which begins Oct. 1.

Some of these proposed cuts have already raised alarms among those who depend on NOAAs services  particularly commercial fishermen in the Ocean State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Point Judith fisherman Frederick Mattera has more than 40 years of experience. Mattera said his industry relies heavily on two specific aspects of NOAA that are at risk in next years budget: climate research and weather data.

Were driven by it, Mattera said. If we take away all of this climate funding, were on our own.

ALSO READ: Trumps new budget law will bring changes to food assistance

The proposed budget would also slash funding to key NOAA offices, including the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the worlds largest provider of weather and climate data.

I need good forecasting, accurate forecasting, Mattera added. And I believe whats going to happen is third parties are going to start to develop that with satellites and imagery. And well have to pay. It will cost us thousands of dollars to get that information.

Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast 

Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziners office said lawmakers were able to restore funding for weather buoy research last month that had previously been placed on hold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Magaziner argued the true impact of the proposed cuts have not been thought out by the administration.

He said the cuts to NOAA will also affect stock assessments, which the fishing industry depends on to determine which species to catch and in what quantities.

Having good data from NOAA helps the fishing industry in Rhode Island and all across the country find that right balance between making money in the short term and being sustainable in the long term, Magaziner explained. So, these cuts to NOAA are very short-sighted, the people that are going to be hurt the most from these cuts are middle class people, fishermen, farmers, consumers, whose prices are going to go up.

Supporters of the proposed cuts argue that federal spending needs to be reined in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Youve got all kinds of projects  you can make excuses that they should be funded, said South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman, a Republican. Wheres the money coming from? If its not a dire necessity or a priority of this administration, then it should be on the block.

Magaziner said hes working to restore NOAAs full budget for next year and told 12 News that he and other coastal-state lawmakers are forming a bipartisan group to advocate for NOAA funding and support the fishing industry.

Kyra Ceryanek is a masters student in the Syracuse University broadcast journalism program.

NEXT: Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it is beginning to shut down

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

Nesi's Notes

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Prosecutors have dropped a criminal investigation into Broward Judge Kristin Kanner over a complaint about an unlawful child pick-up order, saying it does not allege a violation of criminal law, according to a letter sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday.

The governor had assigned the investigation to the State Attorneys Office for the 20th judicial circuit in Southwest Florida to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest with the Broward State Attorneys Office, Kanners former employer.

Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity began investigating Kanner in late June, according to the State Attorneys Office letter, which does provide further details on the case involving the pick-up order or who filed the complaint. A little over a month later, Doolity determined that the complaint does not allege a violation of state criminal statutes, the letter states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kanner was appointed by DeSantis in 2023 and has served in the Family Court division of the Broward Circuit Court for the past two years. Gregg Rossman, Kanners attorney, declined to provide details about the case that spurred the complaint but said it came from a parent who was upset with an order Kanner had issued involving her child, even though it was lawful, a common occurrence in contentious family court cases.

Its the toughest division to be in, Rossman, who worked with Kanner in the Broward State Attorneys office, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Saturday. Every day youre asked to split hairs between who does or doesnt get children, who wrongfully moved the children or took the children.

Kanner has since recused herself from the case. But Rossman said no one notified her of the complaint initially, which led her to stay on the case for longer than she should have.

I think there were mistakes made and it was mishandled in a lot of ways, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The investigation into Kanner came as four other Broward judges faced discipline this year for misconduct allegations. One of them, Judge Gary Farmer, submitted his resignation letter on Friday.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
A detailed view of the sun covered by smoke from the Canadian wildfires as air quality alerts were issued across Minnesota during the second round of the 3M Open 2025 at TPC Twin Cities on July 25, 2025 in Blaine, Minnesota. Credit - Andrew Wevers2025 Getty Images

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has sent a blanket of smoke over the midwestern United States this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued air quality alerts for Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as, Iowa, Illinois Michigan, and parts of Nebraska and Missouri.

Minneapolis and Chicago remained on IQAirs list of top 10 major cities with the worst air quality on Saturday morning and Minnesotas Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) extended an air quality alert for all of the state throughout the weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wildfires are becoming increasingly common in Canada and the United States. In 2023, more than 6,000 fires ravaged 37 million acres of land in Canada alone and the last two years have ranked among the worst wildfire seasons in the country's history, according to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. Parts of states like Texas, Oregon and California experiencing wildfires twice as often as they did in the 1970s, according to a study by the Center of American Progress.

Behind this rise is climate change, which is exacerbating the frequency and severity of wildfires, specifically in northern and more temperate forest areas. As 2023 and 2024 were the two hottest years on record, they also saw "unprecedentedly high increases in fires damaging global forests.

Read More: We Are Living in the Age of Fire. And Its Only Going To Get Worse

Because of climate change, and the fact that were starting to see [wildfires] more and more, its becoming a very active area of research, Dr. MeiLan Han, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association told TIME earlier this year in the aftermath of the Los Angeles Wildfires. We need to think hard about how we can obviously try to prevent the wildfires, but [also] think about how we can protect air quality better moving forward, generally speaking, because it is becoming an increasing health concernnot just a one-off event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The masses of smoke produced by those fires is viewed by experts as a major public health threat. Poor air quality can be devastating for a persons health, especially vulnerable populations. The effects can be felt right away, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with symptoms including a scratchy throat, coughing, trouble breathing, and chest pain. Those with asthma, heart disease, chronic conditions, and those who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable.

As smoke from wildfires can travel far and widesometimes even thousands of miles away from the fire it originated atand as climate scientists share that the frequency of these events will increase, here is how best to protect yourself.

Stay Indoors

One of the best ways to protect oneself when the air quality has worsened is to limit time breathing the pollutants in the air, and moving events indoors.

This is especially important for those with asthma, heart or lung disease, as well as older adults and children, who should consider rescheduling events to be indoors and reduce heavy exertion, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

If you go outside, be prepared

If you have to go outside, experts recommend using a face mask to limit the pollutants that enter your body, including through wearing a N95 or KN95 mask. If you do buy a mask, its recommended, according to the Washington State Department of Health, to find one that is certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The mask should seal over your mouth, chin, and nose in order to properly protect from pollutants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Masks work best, they say, on clean-shaven faces, and should be thrown out after breathing gets difficult, or the mask gets damaged.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends finding a mask with two straps that fit over your head, not those with one strap, or with two straps that go over the ears.

A respirator is a device (mask) that covers your nose and mouth, fits tightly to your face, and can filter out smoke or ash particles before you breathe them in, the EPA says.

Improve Air Quality Indoors

If in a car, experts say the best thing to do to protect yourself is to ensure that your car is not taking in air from outside, but instead is recirculating air from inside the car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The EPA also recommends that people increase the air quality in their homes through considering air purifiers, portable air cleaners, or even do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners.

If you have air conditioning in your home, they recommend setting the system to recirculate mode, or closing the outdoor intake damper.

Check your local Air Quality Index

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to stay informed, and check your local air quality through the governments AirNow website, which includes six color-coded categories that correspond to a range of air quality values, from best to worst. The EPA measures air quality through this Air Quality Index (AQI), in which a score of under 50 indicates good air quality, up to where a score of over 300 indicates hazardous air quality that is a health hazard to all in the area.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Soren is being airlifted from Tata Motors Hospital to Delhi for better medical aid.

JMM leader Mangal Kalindi said, "Preparations are going on to take him to Delhi for treatment."

He was admitted to Tata Motors Hospital in Jamshedpur earlier today. (ANI)
BANGKOK (AP)  Protesters rallied Saturday in the Thai capital to demand the resignation of court-suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and in support of the armed forces following a violent border dispute with Cambodia that killed more than three dozen people and displaced over 260,000.

Gathered at Bangkoks Victory Monument despite soaring temperatures, many sang patriotic songs and listened to speeches denouncing Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister, and voiced their backing of the country's army, which has always retained substantial power in the Southeast Asian country. Police said there were about 2,000 protesters by mid-afternoon, though more were expected to join as the temperature cooled.

Some locals accuse Paetongtarn and her family of allowing the conflict  which stretches back decades with both sides claiming pockets of land near the shared border  to escalate due to their close ties with Cambodia's former prime minister, Hun Sen. A court suspended Paetongtarn last month after Hun Sen, still a major power in his own country, leaked a phone call in which she she called him uncle" and appeared to denigrate a Thai general, angering many.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The most recent clashes ended with an uneasy Malaysian-brokered ceasefire on July 29.

Ung Ing, you need to leave, said one well-known conservative columnist and protester, Jittakorn Bussaba, using Paetongtarn s nickname. Because theres blood on your hands. People have died because of you, he said from the stage to general applause.

Ung Ing has damaged the country. Everyone needs to help out," said 58-year-old Ammorn Khunthong. Thaksin and his family should not run or command this country anymore.

There were many familiar faces from a conservative, pro-royalist group once known as the Yellow Shirts, longtime foes of Paetongtarns father, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006. Thaksin, a billionaire tycoon, entered politics by founding his own political party and buying the loyalty of local political bosses nationwide. He was often accused of bullying critics and not separating his business dealings from those of the government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yellow Shirts rallies also helped oust the elected government of Thaksins sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in a 2014 coup.

The army in Thailand plays a major role in politics and has staged 13 successful coups since the country became a constitutional monarchy in 1932.
MIDDLEBURY  Protesters are holding out hope that animal cruelty charges will be reinstated against three men accused of killing cats in a trash compactor.

Close to 40 people attended a vigil at Middlebury Memorial Park on Thursday evening for the two cats killed in February at a Jayco RV factory.

The vigil was organized by the Michiana trap-neuter-release organization Meow Mission, whose president, Jodi Aker, said they hope their efforts can reach Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Becker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were very  we have positive thoughts about it, she said. Weve got the attorneys working on the right language and were going to have another protest, and we hope we can persuade her to do the right thing  which is to prosecute criminals that have admitted to it.

Three Jayco RV factory workers were charged with Level 6 felony counts of torturing an animal in early June, following an investigation into the Feb. 27 incident by the Middlebury Police Department. The men were accused of placing two cats into cardboard boxes, taping them shut and putting them into the trash compactor before turning it on.

The employees did not dispute that they killed the animals, which they considered a recurring nuisance even after trying to find homes for them or relocate them away from the factory. They allegedly told police they didnt want the animals to suffer so they made sure the machine acted as quickly as possible.

The RV company condemned the mens actions but disputed certain details in the police affidavit underpinning the felony charges. Devon Miller, vice president of operations, denied making a statement attributed to him which indicated he believed the men acted in the companys best interest by placing the live cats into the trash compactor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Elkhart County Prosecutors Office moved to dismiss the three criminal cases, saying Millers alleged statement could not be substantiated and that more investigation was needed before proceeding. The prosecutor announced on June 25 that the men would face no charges based on a review of the evidence and a close reading of applicable laws.

A statement from the prosecutors office compared the killing of the cats to the trapping and killing of nuisance animals such as rats or raccoons. The compactor caused death within a few seconds of the physical injury that was inflicted and there was no documented evidence that the men intended to cause the cats suffering, according to the prosecutors office.

The announcement was made shortly after a Meow Mission demonstration outside the prosecutors office had wrapped up.

In the month since the charges were dropped, tens of thousands of people signed a petition calling on Becker to reopen the case. Another protest is planned for Aug. 27  on the six-month anniversary of the cats deaths  outside the prosecutors office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Becker said Thursday that she has not been swayed by any of the legal arguments put forward, nor by the heartfelt pleas and even threats she said her office has received.

Yes, my staff and I have been flooded with rude and angry messages, emotional pleas, correspondence that ignores the pertinent Indiana laws, and repeated threats of violence, she said. However, in light of the fact that not one of the complainants suggests another way forward that would be legal, my declination to file charges stands.
Protesters gathered in the city of Vinnytsia late on Aug. 1 to demand the release of men detained by military enlistment offices and broke into a stadium where the detainees were being held.

As Ukraine steps up its mobilization efforts, draft offices are often accused, at times justly, of forced conscription without compliance with fundamental civil rights and ill-treatment of conscripts.

The online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported that hundreds of protesters joined the rally, while police put the number at 80. The police arrested some of the demonstrators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tensions escalated when demonstrators forced open the gates of the stadium. Witnesses told the public broadcaster Suspilne that the police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent a breach of the facility.

The protest continued despite the start of the curfew.

The police said on Aug. 2 it had launched an investigation into the protests. Five men aged between 21 and 33 have been charged with seizing a state building, the police said.

The police said that one of the men whose release the protesters were demanding had been detained earlier that day. According to the police, he was wanted for evading military service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Vinnytsia military enlistment office reported that a group of conscripted men had been brought to the stadium for medical examinations.

Reports on mobilization in Ukraine are often used by Russian propaganda to help escalate social tensions in Ukraine and further damage Ukraine's recruitment efforts.

In June and July, Russian forces launched several strikes on enlistment offices in the cities of Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, Kremenchuk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, damaging infrastructure and causing civilian and military casualties.

These recent attacks are viewed as an escalation in tactics, aimed at disrupting Ukraines mobilization efforts and fueling social unrest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: Attacks on Ukraines draft officers on the rise, fueled by social tension and Russian interference

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Open water swimmers campaigning against raw sewage discharges into public water are touring the UK with a giant puppet they created to represent rivers.

Avona is being sculptured by members of Bristol's Conham Bathing, and will be taken to events around the country.

The group regularly samples the water quality of the River Avon, and are campaigning for it to have legal personhood status similar to rivers in New Zealand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Founding member Charlotte Sawyer said: "We want to create a spirit for the river because it just helps you to think 'Is the river alive? Should it have rights? Is it a person?"

The giant puppet will tour the UK, representing the River Avon, once it is complete [Conham Bathing]

The group was founded in 2021 to highlight the amount of people getting sick when they swam in the river, and now has around 90 members, with 45 citizen scientists.

So far, they have surveyed the River Avon five times this year, with recent surveys showing some E. Coli bacteria, which comes from either raw sewage or agricultural pollution.

Their tests indicate the river meets minimum standards to swim in.

"Our overall mission is to build that picture of of what kind of pollutants are in the water and to demonstrate to the public what power we all have in our hands to make a difference, to make a change," group member Megan Ruth-Trump told BBC Radio Breistol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ms Ruth "married" the river in 2023 as part of efforts to highlight pollution.

She said the puppet will be loosely based on the stories of the goddess Ivona, and will be "beautiful, but also have fangs, as rivers can take away as much as they give".

The puppet will be made in a series of workshops at The Puppet Place on Bristol's Harbourside, before being taken to a procession at Green Man Festival later in August.

It will then appear at Bristol Aquarium on September 28 to mark World Rivers Day as part of a public art exhibition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

Related internet links

More on this story
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  Police arrested a Providence man following a 47-mile chase that spanned from Kingston to New Bedford Wednesday afternoon.

Officers were called to a Kingston home to investigate after a resident reported there were several suspects in her backyard actively stealing her jet ski and trailer, according to police.

The officers arrived just as a pickup truck sped off with the stolen jet ski and trailer attached. Police said the truck did not have proper registration plates and had been reported stolen out of Rhode Island.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers attempted to pull the truck over, but the driver refused to stop. Police said officers chased the vehicle down Main Street onto Route 3 South, to Route 6 West, to Route 25 West, to I-195 West and into downtown New Bedford.

Massachusetts State Police troopers successfully deployed stop sticks, according to police, but the driver still didnt stop. Instead, police said the suspect continued driving on the trucks rims in excess of 90 mph.

Police said a Kingston cruiser was damaged after flying debris smashed the windshield during the pursuit and sprayed the officer driving it with shattered glass.

The stolen jet ski and trailer fell off the truck in Bourne, according to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The driver eventually crashed the truck in New Bedford. Police said the truck caught fire just as three suspects hopped out and took off running.

A Kingston officer was able to take one of the suspects, later identified as 21-year-old Livan Sarit, into custody after chasing him over a guard rail and across the opposing lanes of traffic.

The other two suspects are believed to have jumped off an overpass on I-195 before running into the city.

No one was hurt, according to police, and the property of two different victims was recovered.

Let this serve as a notice to anyone who considers committing crimes like these in our town, Kingston Police Department wrote in a social media post. Dont risk it. Not in Kingston. Well chase you until your wheels fall off  literally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Surveillance and body-worn camera footage released by the Kingstown Police Department chronicled the entire ordeal, from the theft of the jet ski and trailer to the pursuit, crash and arrest.

Anyone with information on the two other suspects is asked to contact the Kingston Police Department by calling (781) 585-0523.

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.
MCLEAN COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT)  As disaster recovery continues following the April flooding in western Kentucky, the Federal Emergency Management has approved assistance for eligible houses of worship.

It may give them the opportunity to get their doors back open to their community, Daviess County Public Safety Director Jeremy Smith said. Those that operate on a limited budget, it would afford them the opportunity to keep going because a lot of them are vital to the community.

Some counties eligible for assistance include Daviess, Henderson, Union, Hopkins, Ohio, Webster and Mclean. McLean County officials say around 50% of the county was believed to be underwater with 60 county and state roads blocked due to high water. The town of Rumsey was only accessible by boat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kyle Stroud is a pastor at Knobbs God of Prophecy who says the flooding forced his congregants out of the building for several weeks. He says with many major events coming up, repairing areas of the building, including the basement, was crucial.

It was completely cut off, said Stroud. You couldnt get in and you couldnt get out. Were trying to get things done. So getting them here to pick up all of our trash that was out there and then we had Vacation Bible School on its way. So we wanted to make sure we were meeting all the deadlines so that was kind of aggravating.

While the church was faced with several financial burdens from the flooding, Stroud says he is grateful to see FEMA open its doors for churches. But it is not something Stroud says he will jump into until discussing with his church community.

Theres a lot of people living in poverty and a lot of people is going to benefit from any kind of funds that they could gain from anywhere, Stroud said. And FEMA being one of those.. Im glad theyre stepping up to do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At the end of the day, Stroud says the reason why his church stands strong is because of his community in McLean County.

Officials say nonprofit organizations can contact their local or county emergency management agency to learn more about obtaining FEMA Public Assistance. Click here for FEMAs Public Assistance Policy Guide.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  On Saturday, the Puerto Rican Festival marked its last day in its 55th year as one of the regions most vibrant and cherished cultural celebrations.

Taking place at Parcel 5, 285 East Main Street, the festival will officially begin at 2:00 p.m. and conclude at 11:00 p.m.

Before the official start time, crowds watched the Puerto Rican Festival Parade as it went down Main Street at 11:00 a.m. this morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This annual event brings together the community for a lively fusion of live music, traditional dance, cultural performances, and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. It serves as a tribute to heritage, unity, and the enduring pride of the Puerto Rican people.

Visit the official event website for more information or to buy tickets here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Negotiators will take another stab at reaching a global pact on plastic pollution at talks opening Tuesday in Geneva but they face deep divisions over how to tackle the health and ecological hazard.

The coming 10 days of talks involving delegates from nearly 180 nations follows a failure to reach a deal last December on how to stop millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering the environment each year.

Plastic pollution is so ubiquitous that microplastics have been found on the highest mountain peak, in the deepest ocean trench and scattered throughout almost every part of the human body.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2022, countries agreed they would find a way to address the crisis by the end of 2024, but the talks in Busan, South Korea failed to overcome fundamental differences.

One group of countries sought an ambitious globally binding agreement to limit production and phase out harmful chemicals.

However, a group of mostly oil-producing nations rejected production limits and wanted to focus on treating waste.

The stakes are high. If nothing is done, global plastic consumption could triple by 2060, according to OECD projections.

Meanwhile, plastic waste in soils and waterways is expected to surge 50 percent by 2040, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which is acting as the secretariat for the talks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, half of which is single-use. And less than 10 percent of plastic waste is recycled.

Plastics break down into bits so small that not only do they find their way throughout the ecosystem but into human blood and organs, recent studies show, with largely unknown consequences on the health of current and future generations.

- 'Forever chemicals' -

Despite the complexity of trying to reconcile the diverging interests the environment, human health, and industry "it's very possible to leave Geneva with a treaty," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen told the press in the runup to the talks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The text published after the failed talks in South Korea contained 300 points that still needed to be resolved.

"You have over 300 brackets in the text, which means you have over 300 disagreements," said Bjorn Beeler, executive director and international coordinator at IPEN, a global network aimed at limiting toxic chemicals. "So 300 disagreements have to be addressed."

The most divisive issue is whether to restrict production of new plastic, with petroleum-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Russia opposing limits.

Another contentious point: establishing a list of chemicals considered dangerous, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of synthetic chemicals often called forever chemicals as they take an extremely long time to break down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bjorn Beeler, head of the IPEN network of activist groups working to eliminate pollutants said that no one wants the talks to go to a third round and the diplomats need to show progress.

The "context is difficult," a diplomatic source acknowledged on condition of anonymity, saying they could not ignore the changed US attitude towards multilateral initiatives under Donald Trump's administration.

- Lobbyists at work -

Meanwhile, developing nations are keenly interested in talks "either because they are plastic producers with a risk of a strong impact on their economies or because they suffer from plastic pollution and demand accountability," said the same source.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Nice in June, at the UN Oceans Conference, 96 countries, ranging from tiny island states to Zimbabwe, including the 27 members of the European Union, Mexico and Senegal, called for an ambitious treaty, including a target to reduce the production and consumption of plastics.

Ilane Seid, chair of the Alliance of Small Island states (AOSIS), said "the treaty should cover the full life cycle of plastics and this includes production. It should not be a waste management treaty."

"Governments must act in the interest of people, not polluters," said Graham Forbes, the head of Greenpeace's delegation at the talks, who denounced the presence of industry lobbyists.

IPEN's Beeler said negotiators want to avoid another round of talks, but that does not assure an all-encompassing deal will be reached.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The escape hatch is most likely a skeleton that's going to be called a treaty, that needs to have finance, guts, and a soul to be actually something effective," he said.

im/ico/rl/gv/rmb/ach
A 32-year-old Queens man was fatally shot during a dispute outside of a downtown Brooklyn eatery, police said Saturday.

Victim Clyde Ricks was outside Guac Time, a Mexican restaurant on Jay St. near Willoughby St., around 5:30 p.m. Friday when a shooting broke out.

One shot only, Sakib, 29, who works at a nearby pizzeria near the scene recalled of the shooting. I saw his body, saw blood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

First, a group was arguing, which led to gunfire erupting in the area and the victim walking down Jay St. and collapsing, according to Sakib.

Ricks was hit in the torso and rushed to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he died from his wounds.

It was not immediately clear if Ricks was part of the clash that sparked the gunfire, officials said. A motive for the shooting wasnt immediately disclosed.

Witnesses said the argument began at a pizzeria at the corner.

Two men were arguing in front of the pizza place, then a few minutes later, the gun sounded like a cannon going off, one witness, who identified themselves as defixiones23, wrote on Reddit. I was getting on the B26 across the street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The gunman ran off and remained at large Saturday.

Cops were scouring the area for surveillance footage that can help them identify the suspect and track his movements after he fled the scene.

Ricks lived in South Jamaica, Queens, about 14 miles from where he was shot.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  A Virginia Beach park was the site of hate this week as a man and his daughter, while riding their bikes, stumbled upon racist and antisemitic language spraypainted on a sidewalk.

It happened Wednesday at Kempes Landing Park in Virginia Beach. The father and daughter come to the park everyday to do a a quick lap on their bikes as a apart of their daily morning routine.

So just coming around the lake here like we do normally, doing laps and coming down the sidewalk and I notice that there is some writing on the ground, vandalism, and the text was racist, theres no other kind way to put it, said Virginia Beach resident Aaron Edler.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The below are images of the words spraypainted on the sidewalk, both derogatory, racist images on blatant display.

It was one of those things  I had to sleep on it after I took a couple pictures of it, Edler said. I had to think about what I [had] just seen overnight because I started to notice I was getting angry about it.

Edler said he contacted the authorities right away.

The city of Virginia Beach said its Parks and Recreation department was made aware of the graffiti and quickly washed it away. The words have been removed, but the wounds of these slurs still run deep.

We need to clean up our act, Edler said. If I can bring awareness that its still out here and prevalent, then here I am. We need to clean up our streets. We dont wanna raise our kids in this same scenario, not in my community at least.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Virginia Beach Police told 10 On Your Side the incident has now been forwarded to its Detective Bureau for further 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 WAVY.com.
press release

Parliament, Friday, 1 August 2025 - The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation), Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, is concerned by reports of the closure of the Emfuleni Local Municipality client service centre due to unpaid rent.

"The closure of the client service centre negatively impacts the ability of the municipality to collect rates and taxes, a key driver of municipal revenue. The inability to collect revenue will have an unintended negative impact on the ability to deliver quality services to the people," Mr Kaunda said.

The 6th Parliament select committee visited the municipality and criticised the lack of progress in resolving material risks of governance and financial control within the municipality, which exacerbate the already dire state of poor service delivery. Furthermore, the continued attachment of the municipality's bank accounts by service providers, such as Eskom and Rand Water, due to non-payment for services requires a focused and deadline-driven approach.

"While it is not sustainable that the accounts of the municipality are attached, it is also unsustainable that the municipality does not pay for services. The residents of the municipality deserve better basic services in line with the objects of municipalities as envisioned in Section 152 of the Constitution," Mr Kaunda suggested.

The Chairperson also highlighted the importance of government departments paying the municipality for services to improve cash flow management and enable the municipality to provide services.

The Chairperson called on the municipality and the provincial executive to find a workable solution to ensure that the client service centre is reopened and that service providers are paid on time.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inspected nearly 50,000 long-abandoned Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flats in Sultanpuri and said the BJP is committed to ensuring the poor have access to housing, security, and improved facilities, while criticising previous governments for failing to allocate the units to slum dwellers for over a decade. During her visit, CM Gupta said the nearly 50,000 flats constructed in 2011 remained unutilised for over a decade, worsening in condition and now requiring extensive repairs. Speaking to ANI, CM Gupta said, "These flats, built in 2011, were meant to provide housing for poor people living in slums. However, due to the government's negligence and ill intentions, these flats were repeatedly prevented from being allocated to slum residents. They intended to keep the poor in slums without basic facilities. Today, these 50,000 flats are in a dilapidated state and require crores of rupees to repair. The BJP is committed to ensuring that the poor have access to housing, security, and improved facilities." "As per the vision of PM Modi that every poor person should get their own home, we are working towards achieving this goal. We have given instructions that, regardless of the agency involved, they must not destroy the slums. Until we provide houses to the poor, we don't want to hear anyone's complaints. Opposition should also not get involved in this. If necessary, then we can also build 10 lakh more houses," Delhi CM added. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said the initiative is part of a broader housing push guided by the Prime Minister's directives. "On the instructions of the Prime Minister, we promised to build houses in place of slums. To fulfil this promise, the CM allocated Rs 200 crore in her budget. Under these provisions, we have come here to inspect the work. Now, the time has come to provide a dignified life to the citizens of Delhi living in the slums. By repairing and rebuilding, we will work to give a dignified life to the people of EWS Housing," Sood told reporters. BJP leader Yogendra Chandolia claimed the flats were actually constructed in 2016 and comprise 1,060 units. He added, "These houses were built in 2016. There are 1060 houses. Under the Prime Minister's promise of 'Jaha Jhuggi Wahi Makaan,' the work of relocating people living in slums within a 1-kilometre radius of this area will be carried out here. Previous governments did not utilise these houses; they deceived slum people and continue to mislead them into believing that their slums will be demolished. The reason why these houses were not allocated for about nine years after 2016 should be investigated." "Now the Prime Minister has given Rs. 200 crores for this. They will be maintained, and the people of the surrounding area, the people of the slum settlement, will be settled here. With this, the lifestyle of the people living in the slum settlement will be elevated. And they will be free from filth and live in cleanliness," Chandolia said. Meanwhile, on Friday, the Delhi CM said the state government has made it clear that no slum will be removed in the capital. Accordingly, directives have been issued to all concerned departments, including the Railways and DDA, to ensure that no slum is demolished. (ANI)
Demonstrators lined both sides of West End Avenue in front of Centennial Park in Nashville on Aug. 2 to protest actions and policies of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Organizers named the protest Rage Against the Regime, which held demonstrations around the country that included at least seven in Tennessee.

The Nashville protest appeared to have several hundred in attendance. Many at the rally carried signs such as "stop Trump," or "wake up, resist fascism," and demonstrators chanted, "love not hate, that's what makes America great," encouraging passing vehicles to honk in agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It makes clear that millions of Americans are upset with the government," said Malcolm Getz, 79, of Nashville.

Rage Against the Regime drew demonstrators to Nashville's West End Avenue on Aug. 2, to protest against the Trump administration.

There were other Rage Against the Regime protests scheduled in Tennessee on Aug. 2.

The Rage Against the Regime demonstrations were promoted as: "Non-violent does not mean passive."

Nashville's Emergency Communications department did not have calls related to the demonstration as of the afternoon of Aug. 2, after the scheduled end of the protest.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Rage Against the Regime protest comes to Nashville's West End Avenue
DENVER (KDVR)  The group that planned an activist fair in Denver on President Trumps birthday is planning another series of protests across the nation, including in Denver.

The Colorado chapter of 50501, which means 50 protests in 50 states on one day, is planning to Rage Against the Regime on Saturday, Aug. 2, on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol building. In advance of that, the group planned three above the streets protests that were held on overpasses of busy roadways, including Interstate 25.

SEC oversight sought for ICEs no-bid contracts with for-profit prison corporations

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The day of action is planned by the same group that planned the No Kings protests held on President Trumps birthday, as well as the Hands off protests held in April. Thousands attended the June event, voicing their concerns about the current administrations efforts and actions.

Saturdays event is planned to begin at noon and last until 4 p.m. Its being billed as a national day of action, as communities transform anger into action. The group will take to the streets to fight back against the growing fascist regime threatening our democracy, due process, our bodies, and our communities, according to organizers.

Our movement is rooted in non-violence, but it is far from passive, the group states on its website. Rage Against the Regime is a mass mobilization to channel our collective rage against the Trump regime for its weaponization of ICE against our communities, construction of concentration camps, covering up of the Epstein Files, attacks on transgender rights, and its dismantling of Medicaid, SNAP, USAID, the Department of Education, NOAA, and the National Weather Service into collective action.

Demonstrators gather on the west steps and lawn of the State Capitol in protest of the Trump administrations policies and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in dismantling large parts of the federal government Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Demonstrators gather on the west steps and lawn of the State Capitol in protest of the Trump administrations policies and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in dismantling large parts of the federal government Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Demonstrators gather on the west steps and lawn of the State Capitol in protest of the Trump administrations policies and the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in dismantling large parts of the federal government Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR) Demonstrators took to the steps of the Colorado Capitol building in April for a Hands off! protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. (KDVR)

All of those topics have close ties to Denver, especially with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service offices located in Boulder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In July, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced that 243 people were arrested in the metro area who the agency said were currently charged with or have been convicted of criminal offenses after illegally entering the United States.

Medicaid and federal access to Medicaid data have also been a wide concern in Colorado. In June, GOP members of Congress wrote to Gov. Jared Polis, expressing grave concerns over Colorados continued policy of covering illegal immigrants with state Medicaid funds.

There are options for noncitizens to enroll in private, individual health care in Colorado through the Colorado Division of Insurance, but the program is not Medicaid. In July, the states Attorney General joined a lawsuit to try and block the transfer of Medicaid data to ICE.

Mesa County sheriff apologizes for deputys actions that may have led to teens arrest, seeks lawsuit dismissal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The group behind Rage Against the Regime has over 400 events planned for Aug. 2 across the U.S., which you can find on the organizers website. There are 10 events planned across Colorado, mostly along the Front Range, but one event is also planned in Frisco.

The Denver event will feature the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Aurora Unidos CSO. The group says it anticipates as many as 8,000 people at the event, which is aimed at opposing the Trump administrations executive overreach.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Outrage has erupted after a trophy hunter killed a lion named Blondie after allegedly luring it out of a wildlife reserve.

Blondie was part of an Oxford University study, and Africa Geographic, the safari company that sponsored Blondies tracking collar, claims that the 5-year-old male lion was coaxed with bait into a hunting area over a period of weeks in June.

Lions are one of the animals targeted by big-game trophy hunters. / Eva Manez / REUTERS

The company also posted a photo to Facebook that they say shows the hunter and his guides standing over the lions carcass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Africa Geographic CEO Simon Espley told the Associated Press that the killing made a mockery of the ethics that hunters say they hold, as Blondie was a breeding male in his prime with a visible collar.

Africa Geographic posted a photo that they say shows the Blondies carcass and the hunter who killed him. / Facebook/Africa Geographic

That Blondies prominent collar did not prevent him from being offered to a hunting client confirms the stark reality that no lion is safe from trophy hunting guns, Espley said.

Tinashe Farawo, a spokesperson for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, defended the slaying in a statement to the AP.

He said that he is not aware of evidence that Blondie was lured but added that there is nothing unethical or illegal about that for anyone who knows how lions are hunted. This is how people hunt.

The killing of Cecil the lion sparked protests in 2015. / Adam Bettcher / Getty Images

Our rangers were present, Farawo said. All paperwork was in order. Collars are for research purposes, but they dont make the animal immune to hunting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Farawo declined to reveal the hunters identity to the Associated Press, and while there has been speculation about the persons identity, it remains unconfirmed.

While hunting lions has been banned in some African nations, it remains legal in Zimbabwe. Lions are classified as a vulnerable species, with just 20,000 remaining in Africa.

Blondies death echoes the slaying of Cecil, a lion from the same reserve in Zimbabwe, who was lured away and killed by an American hunter almost exactly 10 years earlier.

Walter Palmer, the Minnesota dentist who killed Cecil the lion, was the target of protests and media attention in 2015. / Eric Miller / Reuters

The killing of Cecil ignited fury and protests against the hunter behind itMinnesota dentist Walter Palmerand brought attention to the issue of big game trophy hunting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Palmer reportedly paid $50,000 to his guides to help give him the opportunity to kill Cecil, which he did using a bow and arrow.

After the outcry, Palmer expressed regret.

If I had known this lion had a name and was important to the country or a study, obviously I wouldnt have taken it, he said. Nobody in our hunting party knew before or after the name of this lion.
Raising Cane's is continuing its expansion this summer.

After opening five new restaurants in July, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based chain known for its chicken fingers said in a statement to USA TODAY it is opening seven more locations across six states in August, including its first restaurant in the Long Beach, California area.

Other states getting new locations include Florida, Wisconsin and Maryland, among others, Raising Cane's said in an emailed statement on July 28.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres what to know about this months Raising Cane's openings.

Which states are getting new Raising Cane's locations?

New restaurants are scheduled to open at the following locations on the following dates, according to the chain:

Aug. 5: 323 William S Canning Blvd., Fall River, Massachusetts

Aug. 5: 2742 Tyrone Blvd N., St. Petersburg, Florida

Aug. 7: 1850 Oakland Ave., Indiana, Pennsylvania

Aug. 12: 1741 Claribel Rd., Riverbank, California

Aug. 19: 6803 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, Maryland

Aug. 19: 3740 WI-16, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Aug. 26: 119 E. Carson St., Long Beach, California

What is Raising Canes?

The company sells chicken sandwiches and chicken finger combos including crinkle-cut fries, Texas Toast, coleslaw and Canes sauce, which the company says is made with a "special blend of spices."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Raising Canes owner Todd Graves initially planned to call his restaurant Sockeyes, a nod to the salmon he once fished in Alaska.

However, a friend suggested he name the company after his yellow Labrador Retriever, Raising Cane, who spent lots of time at the construction site of the first Raising Canes location at the north gates of Louisiana State University.

The dog, Cane I, served as the companys mascot until he died in 1998, according to the chain. He was friendly and loved to wear Graves sunglasses.

Raising Cane's second mascot, Cane II, stepped into her role in 1999. She was a therapy dog who visited hospital patients around the country. As the company mascot, Cane II spent time at the companys Restaurant Support Office and attended community events until 2016.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Most recently, Cane III, born in 2017, was appointed mascot.

"She loves visiting Raising Canes Restaurants and receiving belly rubs from crewmembers," the company said, noting that Raising Canes fans can follow her on social media at @RaisingCane3.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Raising Cane's opening new restaurant locations in 6 states in August
When Amber Meade twisted her ankle and broke a bone in her foot, she expected recovery to be easy. She needed surgery to shave down the damaged bone and make sure the nerves and tendons in her foot were where they should be.

The procedure seemed to go smoothly, but in the weeks that followed, she began to feel debilitating pain. A second surgery found that a screw placed in her foot had been pressing on the head of one of her nerves. That screw was moved, and a nerve decompression was performed but the pain didn't stop.

"It would just turn black and blue, swell up really big, and I just was unable to put any weight on it," 41-year-old Meade said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The pain upended everything. She left her job as a surgical assistant since she could no longer stand for long periods. She was unable to take part in family activities with her two young sons. Even light breezes could trigger the pain. Resting under a blanket was unbearable, making sleep difficult. Meade compared the sensation to "walking on a hot bed of Legos constantly, while getting stabbed with a pencil."

Meade spent months seeing different specialists. Finally, after nearly a year, a doctor suggested Meade might have something called complex regional pain syndrome. It was the first time Meade had heard of it. It would take even longer before she could find a treatment that helped her pain.

Amber Meade in 2023. / Credit: Amber Meade

What is complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic disorder with no cure, said Dr. Rohan Jotwani, an interventional pain specialist and anesthesiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. Jotwani was not involved in Meade's care. CRPS can occur after surgery, like Meade's, or from other injuries to the nerve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"For some patients, they'll have an injury to a nerve and it will get better with time. For some patients, that injury will actually develop into its own chronic pain disorder," Jotwani said.

Diagnosing the condition is difficult, Jotwani said. No test or scan can definitively identify it, and because it is a rare condition, many doctors may not be familiar with it, he added.

Physicians have to rely on clinical criteria. Telltale hallmarks for the condition are extreme levels of pain at the source, even when nothing should be causing it - like when a bedsheet causes pain, as Meade experienced. CRPS patients may also experience swelling, changes in temperature and skin color or texture changes. They may even begin to lose function in the affected area.

Diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome is only the start, Jotwani said. Actually treating the condition requires a "multi-pronged approach" that can vary from person to person. Treatment typically starts with physical therapy. Patients may also take medication to decrease nerve signals in the area, so they feel less pain, or try interventional techniques like a nerve block. Meade tried multiple options, but nothing was improving her pain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Doing regular therapies was not working. I even heard, at 33, that I was getting older and that 'sometimes we just hurt more.' I thought that was comical," Meade said.

Treating complex regional pain syndrome



In 2022, long after Meade's pain started, a doctor suggested she see physical therapist Dr. Anita Davis, who specializes in treating the condition and leads the comprehensive pain rehabilitation program at Brooks Rehabilitation in Florida. The pair worked to develop a physical therapy routine that would work for Meade.

"Before me, she had all of the traditional exercises ... and those things were just not possible with that much pain in her foot," Davis said. "As healthcare providers, we ask patients to rate the pain from zero to 10. These folks are typically going to be at the top of the scale, even on a good day. When I ask her to do something that's painful on top of her existing pain, it's just crazy to think about doing that."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They also worked on relaxation and emotional exercises to cope with the mental load of the constant pain.

Dr. Anita Davis, left, and Amber Meade, right. / Credit: Brooks Rehabilitation

"Pain management for Amber ... isn't just the physical aspects," Davis explained. "Anything that enhances relaxing the nervous system is valuable."

The protocol led to some improvements for Meade, but while CRPS patients can have "symptoms subside for a length of time," it is "a lifelong condition," Davis said.

"There's not a cure for it," Davis said.

Working towards a less painful future

Meade said she still feels pain and discomfort, and is at risk of flare-ups when the weather changes or if she steps the wrong way. In addition to working with Davis, she is taking medication and receiving ketamine infusions every few months. She said the combination of ketamine treatment and physical therapy allows her to "do a lot more than I have been able to." The effects of the infusion usually last around four weeks. Meade uses that period to work on strengthening her body.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I try to make some headway in my physical health before that starts going down, because I know it's going to," Meade said. "The pain is a lot less when my physical health is better."

Meade said even without the effects of the infusions, she is dealing with less pain than before her diagnosis and treatment. She can focus on her day-to-day activities. She sleeps better and can walk on the beach, one of her favorite activities. She can't do too much running around with her kids, but she can play catch and help with homework most days. Meade said she hopes to improve her functionality and eventually go back to work and be more active, but for now, she is grateful for what she has gained.

"I want to try to get to that point where I have less and less flares, and get up to doing what everybody enjoys doing: Working, coming home, having something to work towards, going on vacations," Meade said. "Every time I have a good day, we work a little bit harder."

Examining the meteorite that landed in a Georgia house up close

Exploring Hollywood Forever Cemetery's new 5-story mausoleum

Air Canada flight attendants' strike grounds hundreds of planes
CHICAGO  A step was taken Friday to address the lack of affordable housing in the Chicago area.



Crews broke ground on the Reclaiming Chicago project that will deliver 10 new homes in the next six months.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle touted the initiative led by the Hope Center Foundation and Cook County Land Bank Authority. In the majority of the cases, the land bank provides the vacant lots. Crews use that land to build 1,600-square foot homes worth an estimated $230,000 dollars in the Roseland neighborhood.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So far, Reclaiming Chicago has completed 59 homes. Another 71 homes make up the next phase to begin construction not just in Roseland but Back of the Yards and North Lawndale..

WGNs Lourdes Duarte has 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 WGN-TV.
More than a quarter million people took part in Hamburg's Pride parade on Saturday, as organizers lauded the largest participation ever seen in the northern German city.

"There were around 260,000 people at and around the demonstration," a police spokesman told dpa.

The Christopher Street Day (CSD) march - a term used in Germany to refer to Pride celebrations for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans and the wider queer community (LGBT+) - was organized by the Hamburg Pride association.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The organizers said they were overwhelmed by the turnout.

"This was the biggest CSD demonstration in Hamburg's history," spokesman Manuel Opitz told dpa. "We are incredibly proud that we were able to send such a powerful signal for queer visibility today and feel supported by Hamburg's urban society."

This year's motto was: "We are here to stay. Protect queer people."

It was the 45th CSD demonstration in Hamburg, with Mayor Peter Tschentscher and many other city leaders attending the celebrations.

More than 60 floats from associations, parties, companies and church communities were part of the parade, going down a 4.3-kilometre route.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

CSD 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.
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)- At the Columbiana County Fair Friday, a special send-off was held for a number of army recruits as they took their oath of enlistment in front of their family and friends.

In all, 12 recruits between the ages of 17 and 23 stood in front of the Columbiana County Fair grandstand and took their oath. Allison Bowen of East Liverpool is one of them.

Im very proud to be a part of my country and serve my country. Its very important to me. A big step, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bowens family watched as she took the oath. Her uncle, Ernie Bowen, who recently retired from the Army, was especially touched by the moment.

Shes a good kid, and I look forward to her having a long and successful career, he said.

Hes my biggest role model. Im trying to be as much like him as I possibly can be. I look up to him every day, and I couldnt be more grateful for him, Bowen said.



All the recruits are from Northeast Ohio and say theyre thrilled to begin their next steps. Many are continuing a family legacy of service.

It means a lot. My stepdad took the same oath a long time ago, so it means a lot to do that for him and my mom, said Trent Gouer, an Army recruit from Rootstown.



Its super exciting. Im ready to go on Monday, and Im excited to serve my country, said Ethan Grossi, an Army recruit from Malvern.



Lisbon Mayor Pete Wilson offered a few words of encouragement during the ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are embarking on a new chapter of their lives to serve their country, and I think its great they did it in front of their family and friends at the Columbiana County Fair. Its a great way to send them off, Mayor Wilson said.



Many of the recruits will ship off to boot camp within the next few weeks. Army Captain Alexander Mills says the ceremony was a great way to get their families and friends in one place to celebrate them as they embark on their next steps.

This is huge  the support. We gather from family and friends  none of this would be possible. We wouldnt be able to wear the uniform without friends and family that support us, Mills said.

Strive to be the best. This is the opportunity that opens up the world to you, Ernie Bowen 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.
DONELSON, Tenn. (WKRN)  An abandoned hospital in Donelson may soon get a major makeover, with new plans mentioning apartments, retail space and grocery stores.

Built in the 1960s, Donelson Hospital on Lebanon Pike closed in the late 90s. Since then, it has had several owners before becoming vacant following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Hermitage resident Brittany McCann explained that there are concerns about a lack of infrastructure to support more people.

I think that Donelson Hospital is great the way it is, McCann said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

RELATED | Future plans for old Donelson Hospital up in the air

However, developers see a different future for the 21-acre property. The property is zoned for 435 apartment units. A new rezoning request could transform it into a mixed-use development with two possible options.

The first option includes a grocery store, 250 multifamily units, 80 single family homes for sale and retail space.

There are several new neighborhoods, including mine, including a lot along Dodson Chapel that would definitely utilize that grocery store, Metro Councilmember Jordan Huffman, whose district includes the site, told News 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I know the community is raving for a Trader Joes and another grocery store, McCann stated.

If no grocery store is able to be secured, the second option includes 390 multifamily units, 80 single family homes and retail space.

This is going to be massive just simply because regardless of what plan, we will have retail space. There will be a restaurant there as well, Huffman said. These are things I campaigned on. Theres not a ton of restaurant options in my district.

Some neighbors worry about what else could come, like added traffic.

Its going to be really bad, McCann said. There are several accidents within that short little stretch in front of the shopping center, and our commute times to downtown are just going to be so much worse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Huffman told News 2 that he was already looking at smart traffic signals to help ease congestion.

How that will come in useful is if traffic is backing up in the mornings, the light will stay green longer, Huffman added.

Nonprofits celebrate next steps in Bordeaux construction project

While this project is still in its early stages, supporters said it could fill a long-time gap in the Donelson and Hermitage area.

Development should be done for us and not to us, and this is a perfect example of that, Huffman added.

Huffman said the plan is to have another public meeting on this proposal in September, followed by a Metro Council vote on it around October. He hopes to see work begin some time in early 2026.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After a man was indicted Monday for his role in a violent protest at a Portland ICE facility, his alma mater Reed College announced it is opening an investigation into a staffer who gave the mans personal information to authorities before his arrest.

On Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon announced that 24-year-old Robert Jacob Hoopes faces charges for allegedly injuring a federal officer and damaging the Portland ICE building.

The charges, and Reed Colleges investigation, stem from a June 14 protest outside the South Macadam Avenue ICE facility, where federal law enforcement officers were stationed inside to secure the building from violent protestors, according to an affidavit, noting, While federal law enforcement officers were within the building, numerous individuals attempted to breach the front door of the facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mayor Wilson: Portland to comply with Trump administrations DEI demands

As law enforcement opened the doors to clear an obstruction from the doorway, Hoopes allegedly threw a large rock  striking an officer in the head, leaving a 2-inch gash above his eyebrow, court documents claim.

Later that day, Hoopes and two others were allegedly seen on security footage using a stop sign as a makeshift battering ram, which damaged the main entry door to the building and caused more than $7,000 in damage, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Authorities announced Robert Hoopes was charged for allegedly throwing a rock at a federal officer during a protest at the South Portland ICE facility in June 2025 (Courtesy U.S. Attorneys Office District of Oregon). Authorities said Robert Hoopes was charged for allegedly assaulting a federal officer and damaging the South Portland ICE facility, noting a photo appears to show Hoopes and two others using a stop sign as a battering ram, which damaged the door to the building (Courtesy U.S. Attorneys Office District of Oregon).

Authorities noted Hoopes was identified from a photo online that day and was later arrested by the FBI on July 25.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The affidavit details work by an FBI agent to identify Hoopes, including using a facial recognition software that matched the security images of Hoopes with comparison photos from public databases.

Oregon hospital paused endoscopies due to issues with quality control, cleaning

FBI Portland reviewed the comparison photos and found one from a Reed College photo sharing page, which showed a man with a similar build, appearance and tattoo as Hoopes.

The software also pointed authorities to an Instagram account with a matching profile name, and a bio stating, Reed CS 2023. Authorities later learned that Hoopes graduated from Reed College in 2023 with a computer science degree.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Then, the affidavit claims a Reed College staff member disclosed Hoopes information to authorities.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Morning Digest

I contacted the Reed College Director of Community Safety, who provided college alumni information for Jacob Hoopes, the FBI agent wrote in the affidavit  first reported by The Oregonian  noting this included Hoopes full name, address and phone number.

Now, Reed College says its investigating.

In a letter sent to the Reed College community July 29, Reed College President Audrey Bilger addressed the arrest.

Plans for Portland-area In-N-Out restaurant moving forward: What to know

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yesterday, it came to my attention through media reports that Reed Colleges Director of Community Safety recently disclosed information about this alumnus to federal law enforcement, apparently without a subpoena or warrant. Reed has established protocols and values, and we are initiating an investigation into this action and its impact on our standards and our community. Reed prioritizes the privacy and rights of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all members of our community, Bilger wrote.

The Director of Community Safetys actions related to sharing information with law enforcement are under formal review. This inquiry will be thorough and conducted with urgency and fairness by a third-party investigator, the Reed College president continued.

We understand that recent developments may raise concern, and we want to assure you that the college is treating this matter with the seriousness it warrants. Reed maintains clear policies and provides regular training to ensure that information is managed responsibly and in alignment with legal requirements and institutional values, Bilger added. We are committed to upholding the trust that our community places in this institution. We will continue to provide relevant updates as appropriate.

Viral TikTok star gives Portland restaurant 10-star review

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesperson for Reed College confirmed to KOIN 6 News that the formal review is in connection to Hoopes arrest.

Reed Colleges website identifies its Director of Community Safety as Gary Granger, who could not be reached for comment.

Hoopes made his first federal court appearance Monday, facing charges for aggravated assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000.

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 KOIN.com.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that the great cultural heritage of Indian cinema was insulted by recognising 'The Kerala Story' in the 71st National Film Awards. He appealed to the artistic community of Kerala to unite against this "unfortunate move." He termed the award to 'The Kerala Story', which "defames Kerala society", as an acknowledgement of the "cultural corruption that misuses films as a means to spread communal hatred." "While remembering the historical glory of Malayalam cinema, one more thing needs to be said. It is about the efforts that some people are currently making to destroy this glory. The National Film Awards were announced yesterday. A film that defames Kerala society is also among the winners," Vijayan said while speaking at Film Policy Conclave here. "It cannot be considered as an acknowledgement of art in any way. Rather, it can only be seen as an acknowledgement of the cultural corruption that misuses films as a means to spread communal hatred. A film that insults the secular tradition of Kerala and presents Kerala in a defamatory manner before the world has been accepted. This is extremely unfortunate," he said. The 71st National Film Awards jury has decided to award 'The Kerala Story' the Best Director and Best Cinematography awards. The Chief Minister said that the message behind the award for the film is that art should be used to destroy the secularism of the country and replace it with communalism. "The great cultural heritage of Indian cinema is also being insulted through this. We should think about why standards beyond art are used to evaluate art. The message behind this is that art should be used to destroy the secularism of our country and replace it with communalism," he said. "The cultural community of Kerala, especially the film community, should stand united against this unfortunate move. The entire film consciousness of Kerala needs to wake up against such a distorted portrayal of Kerala. We need to put an end to the destructive presentation of our culture, heritage and history," the Chief Minister said. He said that Malayalam cinema achieved greatness because it adhered to the soil, mind, humanity and secular way of life. That foundation was being attacked. "This film, which got a National Award, is portraying Kerala in a bad light with fake constructions. We are now seeing the secular tradition of Kerala, which is known all over the world, becoming more and more evident at every stage. It is at such a stage that it is distorted and used to foster rivalry. Such trends should definitely be discussed in film circles," he said. (ANI)
(FOX40.COM)  For the first time, one of the survivors of Mondays deadly shooting at a Reno Casino is speaking out, recounting the terrifying moments that left three dead and several others injured.

Matt Sitler, who was shot twice while fleeing for safety, is now recovering in a Reno hospital after undergoing surgery earlier this week. He credits the quick-thinking valet worker for helping him reach safety during the chaos.

Speaking from the hospital, Sitler described the moment he and his friends realized they were under fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And that morning its just a little fuzzy from what I went through, Sitler said.

Alleged Davis Picnic Day shooter charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm

It was supposed to be a weekend of celebration, a bachelor party among lifelong friends, but in a matter of seconds, it became a scene of horror and heartbreak.

So I was actually facing the direction from where the gunshot came from. It happened so fast. You know, its like you dont really know how youre going to react, Sitler said.

On Monday morning, Sitler and his friends were near the valet area at a Reno Casino, wrapping up their trip for a bachelor party and heading to the airport to return to Southern California, when gunfire suddenly broke out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But I did see one of my best friends, Justin, get shot and collapse right in front of me, Sitler said.

Minimum wage increases by 40 cents in the following year

Two of his friends, Justin and Andrew, didnt survive.

Image: Matt Sitler

Just based on what I saw before I got shot and ran. I knew the chances of my friend Justin being alive was not good, Sitler said.

Sitler was shot twice, once in the shoulder, another in his lower back as he was running away. Hes been in the hospital ever since, but said its the emotional wounds that may take longer to heal.

Both of those guys were just people you would want to be friends with. People you would want your loved ones to be around. Sitler said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Through the heartbreak, Sitler remembers the moment a valet driver guided him to safety and stayed by his side until help arrived

It was more just instinct, and Id do it again, Kade Macedo, the GSR valet driver, said.

Sitler and Macedo met for the first time yesterday following the shooting.

Got to see just like how broken down he was by everything. And just how much he cared about a random stranger to him being okay. Says a lot about his character, though. Hes a really good person, said Sitler.

As Sitler slowly heals from his injuries and hears that the shooter is dead, hes haunted by the painful question. Why did this person take two of his friends?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He took two of my best friends. Two really good people off the face of the planet in a second, Sitler said.

Matts family has launched a GoFundMe page for Kane, saying they will do everything they can to support the man who saved his life.

Image: Matt Sitler

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A new report shows the U.S. has lost about 75% of its local journalists over the past two decades  where does Arkansas stack up?

The 2025 Local Journalist Index, released by media data firm Muck Rack and nonprofit Rebuild Local News, measures local news coverage using local journalist equivalents (LJEs). This metric includes full-time, part-time, freelance and regional reporters focused on local communities.

Across the country, the average is just 8.2 LJEs per 100,000 residents, down from more than 30 per 100,000 in 2002. More than 1,000 U.S. counties now have fewer than one full-time local journalist, and two-thirds fall below the national average.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Arkansas, however, shows a stronger profile.

Despite statewide strength, pockets of Arkansas remain underserved

Statewide, Arkansas ranks 19th nationally for local journalist coverage.

Northwest Arkansas has 18.3 LJEs per 100,000 residents in Carroll County, 16.1 in Washington County, 13.6 in Madison County and 10.4 in Benton County, all well above the national average.

Meanwhile, in the River Valley, Scott County boasts a 17.2 LJE, the rest of the area falls behind the national average, with Logan and Franklin County bringing in the rear at 0.2 LJE a piece.

The Arkansas counties with the highest LJE rate are 1) Columbia County, 2) Faulkner County, 3) Union County, 4) Hempstead County and 5) Arkansas County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres how the KNWA/FOX24 coverage area stacks up against other counties in the state:

Northwest Arkansas

Carroll County  No. 6 in the state

Washington  No. 9

Madison  No. 11

Benton  No. 17

River Valley

Scott County  No. 8 in the state

Sebastian County  No. 19

Crawford County  No. 28

Logan County  No. 51

Franklin County  No. 67

To view how each county compares nationally, as well as expanded analysis, hover or click on each county in the map above.

What families canand cantbuy with Arkansas Education Freedom Account funds

National

The report states that local journalism shortages affect all types of communities, including rural areas, fast-growing suburbs and major cities like Los Angeles (California ranks 42nd nationally).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the 48 U.S. counties with over one million residents, fewer than one-third meet the national average for local journalism and several counties with populations over two million fall well below that average, according to the report.

Check out national data in the two maps below, broken down by state and by county.

So, how did they get those numbers?

This analysis used Muck Rack data from Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2025, covering over 100,000 contributors and millions of online articles, according to the reports webpage.

Journalists were assigned to counties based on their primary publishing outlet. The study included only bylined, online-published work and excluded most print-only, broadcast-only or syndicated content.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Local Journalist Equivalent (LJE) was calculated using output volume, local focus and employment type. Freelancers were weighted based on article count, and national and aggregator content was filtered out.

The final count was reduced to about 27,000 LJEs across 3,141 U.S. counties. Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News said that this method aims to reflect actual local reporting capacity, not just employment numbers.

To view the studys complete methodology, head to Muck Racks 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 KNWA FOX24.
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)  A new report has revealed why Lake Bonnys current storm water system is incapable of handling major storm events.

Following the impact of Hurricane Milton in October 2024 and its lasting effects, the City of Lakeland tasked infrastructure consulting firm AECOM to find the source of the flooding and solutions to relieve the problem.

Poorly maintained drainage ditch on school property causes flooding, Hillsborough homeowner claims

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the report, the current culverts and ditches being are undersized and the pumps capacity is limited.

The existing pumping system is limited to 18.56 cubic feet per second (cfs) but effectively operates at 9.7 cfs to mitigate flooding between Lake Bonny and Lake Parker, per the study findings.

The firm offered three alternative options to resolve issues surrounding the system: either pump water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker, pump water from Lake Bonny Pump Station to the mine, or pump water from Lake Bonny to the wetland and then from the wetland to Lake Parker.

Lake-Bonny-Watershed-Assessment-text-onlyDownload

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wetland is not something that you want to just casually decide to dump water in, because thats an ecosystem that we all need to protect, plus the homes that are within that wetland, we would put them at flood risk, said Jan Morsey, resident and member of Citizens for Flood Prevention-Lake Bonny. Those three choices have significant changes that are necessary and upgrades. All of them have to have the infrastructure updated.

Morsey spoke with News Channel 8 along with Nicole Alahonda Ramirez who both continue to see impacts from Hurricane Milton.

It [the report] makes us not feel like we were crazy all this time fighting and going into all of these meetings its very validating, Alahonda Ramirez said, Its not going to be long before my house is the lake if I dont get something done now because my dirt is disappearing as we speak.

The city responded to the finalized report and sent News Channel 8 this statement:

The report has just been finalized, and we are now entering the next phase of the process. This will involve a thorough evaluation of the reports findings in collaboration with our partner agencies. We are committed to carefully assessing the feasibility of each scenario presented. There is no straightforward solution. Each option outlined in the report involves complex considerations and will require coordinated decisions from multiple jurisdictions and agencies, including the City of Lakeland, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, the State of Florida, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. It is important to note that at least one of the proposed scenarios will involve property acquisition and wetland mitigation, underscoring the importance of a collaborative and strategic approach moving forward. Polk County has taken the lead on mitigation and has submitted a grant application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management for $11.9 million to help implement flood relief projects around Lake Bonny as recommended by the report.

Kevin Cook, Director Communications

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Germany, more people than ever before became victims of domestic violence in 2024 according to a report published on Saturday, citing registered figures.

A total of 265,942 people were affected by domestic violence, marking an increase of approximately 3.7% compared to the previous year, the Welt am Sonntag newspaper reported, based on figures from the Federal Criminal Police Office.

But not all cases are reported so the true figure is higher, according to experts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The latest figures are worrying, said the Social Association of Germany (SoVD). "Domestic violence mostly means violence against women, which makes facilities like the 'Violence Against Women Helpline' all the more important," said board chairwoman Michaela Engelmeier.

Domestic violence is always referred to when it involves people who are or were in a partnership or when the violence occurs within the family or a familial relationship exists.

A person became a victim approximately every two minutes, according to statistics. The focus is on violence perpetrated by partners or ex-partners, which accounts for most cases.

There were nearly 171,100 such cases in 2024, 1.9% more than in 2023. In recent years, women have been predominantly affected. Domestic violence has increased by almost 14% over the past five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Ministry of Family Affairs told the newspaper that the increase in domestic violence could be attributed to a rise in the propensity for violence "in light of societal crises and personal challenges."

However, it is also possible that there is an increased willingness to report such incidents, the ministry said.

In February, the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, followed the lower house or Bundestag, and approved a law to better protect victims. It requires states to create sufficient protection and counselling services. To accomplish this the federal government will pay a total of 2.6 billion ($3 billion) between 2027 and 2036 to the states.

The legal entitlement to free protection and counselling is to take effect from January 1, 2032. So far, victims of domestic or gender-specific violence can merely hope for support and that shelters for example might have sufficient capacity to take them in.

Better protection in 2026

In order to better protect women from violent partners, Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig plans to introduce electronic tagging for violent offenders, with a regulation based on the Spanish model, she told the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Spain, there are no fixed exclusion zones, such as the victim's place of residence or workplace.

Instead, the distance between the perpetrator and the victim is decisive, with the victim wearing a GPS unit to receive a warning if the perpetrator enters their vicinity. Hubig said she would present a draft bill after the summer recess.

Party responses

The Green Party noted that violence against women is not "family dramas" but "patriarchal violence."

"There needs to be more prevention and perpetrator work, swift procedures, mandatory training for police and judiciary," the Green Party's spokeswoman on women's policy, Ulle Schauws, told the newspaper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Left Party called for reforms in custody and access rights.

"Women with disabilities suffer physical violence almost twice as often as non-disabled women," SoVD chairwoman Engelmeier said. Despite this alarming figure, women's shelters lack space, including for women with disabilities.
Congressional testimony by Jeffrey Epsteins co-conspirator and confidant Ghislaine Maxwell previously scheduled for mid-August will be postponed until at least October, the chair of the Republican-led House Oversight Committee indicated in a letter Friday.

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said in the letter obtained by NBC News that the committee would consider next steps after the Supreme Court in late September decides whether it will review Maxwell's conviction as a sex offender.

The committee subpoenaed Maxwell for a deposition last month and scheduled it for Aug. 11, citing the "immense public interest and scrutiny" surrounding her case and Epstein's.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Follow live politics coverage here

In Friday's letter, Comer reiterated his desire to interview Maxwell, calling her testimony "vital to the Committees efforts regarding Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, including the 2007 non-prosecution agreement and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Epsteins death."

"These investigative efforts may be used to inform potential legislation to improve federal efforts to combat sex trafficking and reform the use of non-prosecution agreements and/or plea agreements in sex-crime investigations," he wrote.

Maxwell's lawyers, David Oscar Markus and Melissa Madrigal, said in a statement that they "appreciate the Committee's willingness to delay" the deposition and "will continue to engage with Congress in good faith to find a way for Ms. Maxwell to share her information without compromising her constitutional rights."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Maxwell's attorneys previously indicated that she planned to invoke her Fifth Amendment rights during the deposition unless the committee granted her immunity, telling Comer in a letter on Tuesday that, absent the legal protection, Maxwell's testimony "could compromise her constitutional rights, prejudice her legal claims, and potentially taint a future jury pool."

The Oversight Committee in its letter Friday said it remains "unwilling" to grant Maxwell congressional immunity, but will "continue to engage in good faith negotiations" regarding the particulars of the deposition.

Maxwell for months has been pleading with the Supreme Court to overturn her 2021 conviction on federal sex trafficking charges and subsequent 20-year prison sentence, arguing that her conviction violated a nonprosecution agreement prosecutors in Florida made with Epstein in 2007 that extended to several of his co-conspirators.

Federal prosecutors have argued that the 2007 agreement applies only in Florida, where it was reached, and not New York, where Maxwell's 2021 trial took place. The federal judge who oversaw that trial, Judge Alison Nathan, agreed. The Supreme Court indicated Wednesday it would consider whether to review Maxwell's case during a private conference on Sept. 29.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Oversight Committee's subpoena for Maxwell was sent when the Trump administration was coming under increasing pressure to disclose more information related to Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death, ruled a suicide, has sparked conspiracy theories for years, some of which have been promoted by administration officials and Trump allies.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Maxwell and her attorney last week for an interview that spanned nine hours across two days. The Justice Department official has made no public statements about what Maxwell said during their meeting.

On Friday, a week after her meeting with Blanche, Maxwell was moved to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas that only houses women. The facility where she was previously held in Florida houses men and women.

Trump said in an interview with Newsmax on Friday that he is unsure whether Blanche will reveal details from his meeting with Maxwell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We'd like to release everything, but we don't want people to get hurt that shouldn't be hurt," Trump said.

In court filings seeking additional records from Epstein's case, the Justice Department has pushed for redacting information related to survivors of Epstein's abuse as well as people named in the investigation who have not been charged.

Trump, alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi, had pledged to release all files pertaining to the investigation, including a purported "client list" of people who benefited from Epstein's crimes. In a stunning about-face last month, the Justice Department released a memo outlining its decision to cease additional disclosures while dismissing several conspiracy theories related to the case.

The memo roiled Trump's base and proved to be a rare point of contention between the president and his supporters, particularly as additional news reports emerged highlighting Trump and Epstein's past relationship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hours after The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Trump wrote a letter to Epstein in 2003 with a drawing of a naked woman, Trump directed Bondi to seek the release of "pertinent" grand jury testimony from Epstein and Maxwell's cases.

A federal judge in Florida denied the request, while another in New York has sought additional information from the government before making a ruling.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NEOSHO, Mo.  The annual Free Watermelon Feed, hosted by the Republican Women of Newton County and the Newton County Republican Central Committee, is slated for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Neoshos Big Spring Park.

The annual event features free watermelon and bottled water and Republican speakers from across the state.

This years program will feature U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, as well as Missouri state Sen. Jill Carter and state Rep. Dirk Deaton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to a statement from the Newton County Republicans, if Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe calls for a special election for the currently vacant 160th Missouri House District  which covers Neosho, the Newton County part of Joplin and northeastern Newton County  before the watermelon feed, Republicans are prepared to also allow interested candidates to speak at the event.

One candidate, Chris Wright, a Neosho small-business owner, has publicly announced his intention to run for the seat when a special election is called.

That seat has been open since May when former state Rep. Ben Baker announced he was taking an appointment to serve as Missouri director of USDA Rural Development.

I know we have people interested in running if the governor calls a special election for the 160th House District, said Nick Myers, chairman of the Newton County Republican Central Committee. Theres a lot of news from Washington from Congressman Burlison and a lot of news from Jefferson City from Sen. Carter and our only state representative in Newton County right now, Dirk Deaton, and theyre scheduled to speak at the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Myers said the event was a chance for Republicans to gather, set up lawn chairs in what he called the most scenic municipal park in Missouri, and enjoy watermelon while talking politics.

A drawing for prizes will be held at the end of the feed.

The event will be moved to the Lampo Building, 500 E. Spring St., Neosho, if it rains.
Republicans have told Donald Trump to grow up after he sacked the US governments top statistician over underwhelming jobs numbers.

The president said on Friday he would remove Erika McEntarfer as commissioner of the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) shortly after government figures indicated the economy was performing worse than expected.

The move has prompted a rare backlash against Mr Trump from members of his own party.

US stocks were hit after jobs figures indicated the economy was performing worse than expected - Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Cynthia Lummis, a Republican senator for Wyoming, told NBC News that deciding to sack Ms McEntarfer before establishing the accuracy of the employment figures was kind of impetuous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the president is firing the statistician because he doesnt like the numbers but they are accurate, then thats a problem, she continued.

Its not the statisticians fault if the numbers are accurate and that theyre not what the president had hoped for.

Thom Tillis, who represents North Carolina, said: If she was just fired because the president or whoever decided to fire the director just did it because they didnt like the numbers, they ought to grow up.

In the past, Mr Trump has taken an uncompromising attitude to critics in his own party, publicly threatening to back primary challenges to replace them with loyalists. Mr Tillis said in June that he would not run for re-election.

Thom Tillis, a North Carolina senator, said Mr Trump ought to grow up - J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Rand Paul, a Kentucky senator and former presidential primary contender, raised concerns about the politicisation of government data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have to look somewhere for objective statistics. When the people providing the statistics are fired, it makes it much harder to make judgments that you know, the statistics wont be politicised, he said.

Im going to look into it, but [my] first impression is that you cant really make the numbers different or better by firing the people doing the counting.

Democrats have also condemned the presidents move. Chuck Schumer, the partys leader in the Senate, criticised Mr Trumps shoot the messenger response in a speech on Friday.

Chuck Schumer, the Democrats Senate leader, accused Mr Trump of shooting the messenger - Mariam Zuhaib/AP

Mr Trump has long been suspicious of the BLS, claiming last year that it inflated the jobs numbers during former president Joe Bidens administration in an attempt to swing the election for the Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He announced via social media on Friday that he was sacking Ms McEntarfer, labelling her a Biden political appointee even though she is a career civil servant and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote in January 2024.

Among those who voted to confirm her were former senators JD Vance, now the US vice-president, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state.

Some Republicans have backed the presidents move, including Roger Marshall, a Kansas senator, who was one of the 85 senators who confirmed her last year.

Her cooked-up numbers have misled the American people for too long, he claimed.

Ms McEntarfer was approved as BLS commissioner by JD Vance, the vice-president, and Marco Rubio, secretary of state - Reuters

The US created just 73,000 new jobs in July, considerably fewer than the predicted 110,000, while the figures for May and June were slashed by 258,000 combined, according to the BLS report released on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Trump hit out at the bureau as stock markets tumbled, branding the figures revision a major mistake and adding: Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they cant be manipulated for political purposes.

Ms McEntarfer would be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified, he said, insisting the economy was BOOMING.

For now, BLS deputy commissioner William Wiatrowski is serving as acting commissioner.

In a follow-up post, Mr Trump said: In my opinion, todays Jobs Numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and me, look bad.

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.
All five workers who were trapped in a Chilean copper mine that partially collapsed last week have been found dead, authorities said on Sunday, bringing the total number of fatalities to six.

The partial collapse of El Teniente, one of the worlds largest copper mines, had killed one worker on Thursday and left five others trapped under a significant amount of debris.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric said Sunday that the last missing miner had been found dead, as rescue workers completed their search through the debris.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The deadly incident happened after a shaft collapsed following an earthquake, according to Codelco, the state-run firm that operates the mine.

The National Seismological Center of the University of Chile recorded a 4.3 magnitude earthquake in the area around the mine on Thursday. The quake and subsequent collapse left nine additional people injured, Codelco said.

Codelco named Gonzalo Nunez Caroca, whose body was retrieved from the mine on Saturday, as one of the victims.

On Friday, Codelco CEO Ruben Alvarado warned that the first 48 hours are fundamental to finding the men alive.

He added that 20 meters (65 feet) of debris in the mine tunnel needed to be removed by rescue workers to reach where they believe the remaining men were trapped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

El Teniente, in central Chiles OHiggins region, is the largest copper deposit in the world, according to data from the company. The shaft collapse has forced a halt in operations.

During a press conference on Sunday, Codelco chairman Maximo Pacheco was questioned about the working conditions at El Teniente mine and asserted that the company had not received complaints from its workers.

Codelcos heart is damaged, we are devastated by the pain of the losses, Pacheco said.

At the conference, Boric declared three days of national mourning starting on Sunday.

A CNN journalist attending the conference witnessed workers and relatives of the dead miners heckling Borics motorcade as it left Codelcos offices in the city of Rancagua.

Aerial view of the entrance to the El Teniente mine, a Codelco copper mine in Chile, on Friday. - Raul Bravo/AFP/Getty Images

On Friday, Boric said that his government would do everything in (its) power to find the missing miners. I have instructed the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams, to be in the area to coordinate all necessary actions on the ground, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At a press conference on Saturday, Boric extended his condolences to the family of Paulo Marin Tapia, who died in the collapse, and said he is in contact with the loved ones of the other workers.

As the hours passed, the anguish of the families and their fellow miners increased.

Hope dies last, said Edgar Rodrigo Quesada, a miner and former union leader. He explained to CNN that while there is a shelter within the tunnel in case of a collapse, it isnt close to where they believe the miners were.

I just pray to God that my coworkers are okay, Quesada said. What I can tell you, honestly, is that the shelter is very far from where the collapse happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have hope that they will be rescued alive, Abelardo Cespedes, a miner at the site, told CNN. We just found out that one co-worker was not lucky enough to make it out alive, but we trust a lot in God, we are very faithful, and maybe God will work a miracle and bring them out alive. Thats the hope we all have.

The Chilean prosecutors office has already launched an investigation into the collapse. Codelco reported that it is also investigating the cause.

Andres Music, the general manager of the mine, expressed his condolences in a Saturday statement and stressed that the accident was not caused by the use of explosives.

CNNs Billy Stockwell contributed to this report.

This story has been updated.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A well-known lion studied by University of Oxford academics has allegedly been killed by trophy hunters.

Blondie, who was believed to be five-years-old and the dominant male in his pride, is thought to have been killed on the week commencing 29 June just outside of Hwange National Park, in Zimbabwe.

The lion had been wearing a collar used by a university team to study its movements and support long-term conservation efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Simon Espley, CEO of Africa Geographic, a safari company that sponsored the collar, said he was "dismayed and angered".

He said in a statement: "That Blondie's prominent collar did not prevent him from being offered to a hunting client, confirms the stark reality that no lion is safe from trophy hunting guns."

"He was a breeding male in his prime, making a mockery of the... repeated claims that trophy hunters only target old, non-breeding males."

Africa Geographic allege that the lion was "lured out" of his usual habitat and shot, in what the company said was a "deeply unethical hunt".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But, the company added that sources suggested the hunt took place legally, with all required permits in place.

In a statement to Associated Press, Tinashe Farawo, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe parks agency, defended the hunt and said they often happened at night, meaning the collar on Blondie may not have been visible.

He said he had no information on Blondie being lured out of the park with bait, but said there "is nothing unethical or illegal about that for anyone who knows how lions are hunted - this is how people hunt".

"Our rangers were present. All paperwork was in order. Collars are for research purposes, but they don't make the animal immune to hunting," Mr Farawo said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He declined to name the hunter.

In a text message to The Times, Mike Blignaut, co-owner of Victoria Falls Safari Services, who allegedly helped organise the hunt, said: "I cannot comment on anything. This is under instruction from ZPGA (the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association)."

But he added: "I do wanna assure you, though, that the hunt was legal and conducted ethically."

The BBC has also contacted Mr Blignaut for a comment.

Blondie is said to have led a pride of three females and ten cubs.

Blondie's death echoes that of Cecil the lion, which led to widespread protests [Getty Images]

Responding to the lion's alleged death, conservation charity Born Free said it was "shocked and saddened that yet another magnificent male lion has been brutally and callously slaughtered by a trophy hunter".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The charity compared Blondie's fate to that of Cecil the lion, who was killed in similar circumstances in Zimbabwe in 2015.

An American dentist had paid $50,000 (32,000) to shoot Cecil - which led many to call for the southern African country to tighten up its trophy hunting laws.

Born Free's head of policy Dr Mark Jones said "little has been learned since Cecil's death".

"This irresponsible activity has no place in the modern world, when wildlife needs all the help it can get just to survive. Trophy hunting must be consigned to history," he added.

The study had been led by Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, who have not responded to a BBC request to comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story

Related internet links
A new study has revealed that human gut bacteria may play a role in protecting us from toxic "forever chemicals"  offering both a warning and a glimmer of hope.

What's happening?

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News reported that scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that certain species of gut bacteria can absorb and store per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  synthetic compounds used in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging that have been linked to serious health conditions, including infertility, cancer, and heart disease.

In the study, published in Nature Microbiology, researchers tested 38 types of human gut bacteria and found that many could bioaccumulate PFAS. One strain, Bacteroides uniformis, stored the chemicals inside clumps within its cells while continuing to grow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When mice were colonized with these bacteria and fed PFAS-contaminated food, the bacteria sequestered the toxins and helped excrete them, reducing the amount that entered their bloodstreams.

Why are PFAS concerning?

PFAS are nearly impossible to break down and build up in our bodies. Their long-term presence has been tied to everything from developmental delays in children to immune system dysfunction.

What makes this discovery particularly urgent is how little progress has been made in safely removing PFAS from human systems.

"Given the scale of the problem of PFAS 'forever chemicals,' particularly their effects on human health, it's concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies," said senior author Kiran Patil, director of research at Cambridge's Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the new findings offer an avenue for reducing exposure, they also underscore the lack of medical tools available to address this public health crisis.

As PFAS contaminate drinking water, food sources, and even air, millions of people remain at risk, often without knowing it.

What's being done about PFAS?

The research team has launched a startup called Cambiotics to develop probiotic supplements that could accelerate the removal of PFAS from the body. The first products are expected to be available by 2026.

In the meantime, policy efforts to reduce PFAS exposure are another solution. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency recently set strict limits on PFAS levels in drinking water, and states have banned their use in food packaging and textiles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other innovative solutions include using special resins and filtration systems to remove PFAS from water supplies and developing safer materials to replace them altogether. Individuals can also explore critical climate issues to learn more about how to reduce PFAS exposure and support cleaner communities.

Still, experts stress that prevention is key. "The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies," study co-author Indra Roux said. "We need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now."

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.




Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Abhishek Manu Singhvi launched a sharp critique of the ruling regime at the party's annual Legal Conclave, accusing it of systematically undermining constitutional institutions and reducing democratic principles to political convenience. Addressing the AICC Law, Human Rights and RTI Department's Legal Conclave, titled 'Constitutional Challenges - Perspectives & Pathways', in the national capital, Singhvi said, "Governors today act as the glorified agents of the ruling part, not constitutional empires. Speakers suspend opposition or remain mute when the ruling party should be held to account.". He argued that the balance of power in the country has dangerously shifted and warned against what he described as "constitutional silences being exploited with constitutional impunity." Singhvi said, "The balance of power has tilted into an abyss and constitutional silences are being exploited with constitutional impunity. We must reflect how did we reach here and more importantly how do we reclaim our republic. First we must stop pretending that this is business as usual. What we are witnessing is not a mere aberration. It is a design, a calculated, organized design. This is not a temporary deviation. It is an ideological project. The project is simple, to convert democracy into dominance, pluralism into polarity, and the constitution into a convenience." Highlighting what he called the regime's strategy of "constitutional mimicry," Singhvi accused the government of using democratic symbols while hollowing out institutions. "The ruling regime has perfected the art of constitutional mimicry, where they use the language of the constitution to undermine its very essence. They hold elections but erode institutions. They appoint judges but question judicial independence. They sing Vande Mataram but jail young voices. They lay claim to Ambedkar but bulldoze the very rights he stood for. They quote Ambedkar at dawn and crush his dream by dust," he said. Singhvi said, "This is not nationalism. It is a narrative warfare. Being a patriot doesn't mean to love the government, patriotism does not mean that the dissent should be silenced, and the Constitution does not mean that it should become just a government-issued book." Singhvi said India's republic is "on a ventilator" and warned that democracy is being threatened not just by overt authoritarianism, but also by subtle erosion of institutions. "Democracy dies only when not only when tanks roll out, it also dies when institutions cave in. when constitutional functionaries become partisan puppets, when media becomes a megaphone and not a mirror, when courts begin to delay what they dare not deny, when dissent is sedition, protest is provocation and every question is anti-national, you know then that the republic is on a ventilator," he said. (ANI)
The Brief

The invasive spotted lanternfly has now been found in Atlanta, specifically in Fulton County.

The insect feeds on over 70 types of trees, fruits, and plants, including peaches.

UGA researchers ask Georgians to kill and report sightings to prevent agricultural damage.

ATLANTA - Researchers from the University of Georgia are tracking the invasive spotted lanternfly, which has made its way to Metro Atlanta.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bugs can kill plants and trees precious to Georgia's ecosystem and economy.

The researchers have asked for the publics help in tracking and eliminating the pest.

What we know

The spotted lanternfly originated in Asia and first appeared in the United States in 2014. It is known for feeding destructively on more than 70 kinds of plants, including trees, flowers, and fruits like peaches.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has confirmed the insects presence in Fulton County.

"Right now, it's being found in Atlanta," said Rebekah Wallace, with UGA's Center Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. "North Georgia is also home to apple crops and peach crops, things like that. Those are all hosts for spotted lanternfly."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the pest spreads further, it could cost Georgias agricultural industry millions of dollars.

What you can do

UGA researchers have a clear request: if you see a spotted lanternfly, kill it and report it.

"Squishing is very important," Wallace said. "But if you also report what you're finding, then the researchers know it's there as well. And they can help, in research, and management efforts."

She is in charge of the states official lanternfly tracking tool, EDDMapS.

Sightings can be reported through an app or online.

She added to doublecheck that the bug is not one native to Georgia that looks similar to a spotted lanternfly.

Why you should care

So far, confirmed sightings are limited to Fulton County. But researchers say every report matters and may be the key to containing the infestation before it reaches Georgias crops in full force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Any kind of flat surface they'll lay their eggs on. And so that's a major way these can spread very quickly and make these big long jumps like it did, into Georgia," Wallace said.

Every confirmed report provides vital data that helps both state and federal agencies in controlling the spread, she added.

The Source

This article is based off of original reporting by FOX 5s Rob DiRienzo. Additional information comes from the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
While the name may indicate a true blessing, the tree of heaven is anything but. The invasive plant has garnered a reputation as an unrelenting nuisance that is as disruptive to local ecosystems as it is difficult to remove.

Because of this, one concerned Redditor took to r/Indianapolis with a warning for anyone who might come across the plant.

Photo Credit: Reddit

"Has anyone else noticed this plant popping up everywhere?" the original poster asked. According to the Indianapolis resident, an increasing number of tree of heaven plants have been observed in the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They've been left "shocked" by how fast the plant can grow. "It just concerns me how fast it seems to be taking over and how obviously damaging that can be to the local ecosystem."

Although the Redditor acknowledged that there are ways to curtail the spread, they were concerned about the city's ability to address the situation. "If you can, try to pull the baby ones up when you see them."

Outside of its native habitats in China and Taiwan, the tree of heaven is considered an invasive species due to its rapid growth, prolific seed production, and release of toxins that inhibit the growth of other plants. It can also spread aggressively through root sprouts and has an impressive ability to withstand a range of environmental conditions.

The invasive plant additionally serves as a preferred home to the destructive spotted lanternfly. Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of various plants, including grapes, hops, and fruit trees, secreting a sticky "honeydew" substance that promotes harmful sooty mold. Paired, the two invasive species can wreak havoc on ecosystems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Users shared their frustrations with the invasive plant species.

"Mind-boggling how quick it is spreading," one commented.

"Our neighbor likes it and let one grow big," another commenter shared. "I don't think we'll ever be able to kill it. It's awful."

Although it can be tempting to let a tree of heaven plant prosper, its downsides heavily outweigh its visual appeal. There are plenty of stunning native plant alternatives that are more suitable for local ecosystems. Not only can this promote the healthier growth of other plants in the area and support strong food systems, but native plants also require less watering and overall maintenance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another user offered some advice for removing the tree of heaven. "Don't pull them unless they are very small and the ground is wet. They resprout suckers all along their root systems when the trunk is severed," they wrote.



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.
Residents living on Notting Hill's famous Portobello Road are taking legal action over a number of concrete barriers which have been installed on the street.

Last month, Kensington and Chelsea Council placed the barriers on the west London road, following counter-terrorism guidance issued by the Metropolitan Police.

However, residents and market traders argue that they were introduced without formal consultation and have left them feeling imprisoned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The council said the temporary order was introduced to protect people and it would consult with residents over a permanent solution.

Law firm Broadfield, which represents the residents, claims the new barriers were introduced without formal consultation.

Their lawyers have sent a letter on behalf of residents to the council, expressing their intention to challenge the Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order.

As well as the barriers, vehicles have also been banned from using the road between 10:00 BST and 16:00 for either three or seven days a week, depending on the section of the street.

Locals say the measures, which were introduced over fears of vehicles being driven into pedestrians, means emergency services, delivery trucks and taxi cabs are unable to reach them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Further concerns have been expressed by blue badge holders, who said they were unable to access the street via car.

The council said it had worked with emergency services to ensure their vehicles can get through, after paramedics were forced to park beyond the barriers and carry kit to attend to a child with breathing difficulties.

It said it had also created new blue badge bays and drop-off areas in side streets.

Market trader Mark Barr feels the barriers "cause as many problems as they cure" [BBC]

Portobello Road claims to host "one of the most famous and historical street markets in the world", which began in the 19th Century and is particularly known for its antiques.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It rose to fame after being featured in the 1999 film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

Market traders say they understand the reasons for the barriers, but that they had been badly implemented.

Mark Barr, a stall holder at the market, said: "They're too low, they're not signed enough, and they cause as many problems as they cure."

He said there has been "two or three crashes a day", and that residents had to persuade the council to fit reflective signs on the barriers, so they would be visible at night.

The measures are intended to be temporary, with the council consulting on a permanent scheme [BBC]

Fellow trader Jane Bridgman expressed sympathy for the council, but still felt there had been issues over the lack of a full consultation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Obviously we want safety from hostile vehicles, but traders are having to witness cars getting scrunched up metres away from where they work."

She also said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour, including street drinking and drug use, since the barriers were erected.

Ms Bridgman added traders had been advised there would be a "better, stronger alternative", but that this "is not going to happen immediately" and "we've got to be a bit patient".

However, she said that "the new system is what most traders are hanging their hopes on, and we should have that sooner rather than later".

Portobello Road is famous for its market, which was featured in the 1999 film Notting Hill [BBC]

A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council said the temporary order was introduced to protect from vehicle attacks during busy periods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They said: "Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the community.

"We believe the current measures strike a reasonable balance between protecting the public and supporting the needs of individuals."

The council pledged to address concerns expressed by residents and businesses in its proposals for a permanent scheme.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

More on this story

Related internet links
For residents of Chashma Goth, a coastal village in Karachi, Pakistan, flooding is an all-too-frequent occurrence.

The government's decade-old seawall no longer functions properly, according to the regional ARY News, and locals who face the constant threat of rising seawaters experience ongoing challenges to their safety and livelihoods.

What's happening?

Intruding seawaters threaten low-lying and low-income communities worldwide. In Karachi's coastal settlements, insufficient drainage systems lead to damaged homes and disrupted lives "during monsoon season or even regular high tides," ARY News reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Freshwater fish breeding is also threatened by saltwater incursion, and flooding can take fishing boats out of the ocean, costing the many families who rely on the industry.

Despite these challenges, and though many are displaced for periods of time, some villagers don't want to permanently relocate.

"During floods, we move to higher places for a while," Nawaz Ali told the news outlet. "But we do not migrate. This is our home."

Why are rising sea levels along the Karachi coast concerning?

While tidal surges and monsoon rains are not new phenomena, scientists agree that human-driven warming  caused by heat-trapping pollution from burning coal, oil, and gas  is amplifying the severity of these extreme weather events.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other human activities are also compromising coastal life.

The deforestation of protective mangroves has left communities more vulnerable to rising seas, storms, and erosion. Property developers have cleared mangroves for construction, while others harvest the trees for fuelwood and commercial use.

A World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan report noted that mangrove cover shrank by 200 hectares between 2010 and 2022, weakening a natural buffer to destructive waters along the Karachi coast.

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.

Meanwhile, seawater that breaches an aging seawall built by the state reportedly can form stagnant pools. Amnesty International has shared that such conditions can create breeding grounds for water-borne diseases, posing serious health risks to children and older adults in particular.

What's being done?

State officials have collaborated with community-based and non-governmental organizations to restore mangrove habitats. The tree cover expanded from 44,486 to 106,637 hectares from 1988 to 2024, according to a 2025 report in Ecological Indicators.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flood-resistant home designs from experts like Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari can offer hope for resilient futures. And public-private partnerships working to implement nutrition, sanitation, and vaccination programs could help mitigate other flood-related struggles.

Meanwhile, the interruption of U.S.-backed foreign assistance early in 2025 has shed light on the low- and middle-income coastal communities around the world in need of additional support to survive rising sea levels and intensifying storms.

Global coordination will be required to effectively address such disasters in the long term, but actions closer to home can also unlock progress. Supporting reforestation, making the switch to cleaner energy sources, and being a mindful consumer can help. Individuals can also call upon elected officials and prominent decision-makers to get vocal about the impacts of rising seas and disappearing forests and get serious about funding resilient infrastructure, such as updating functional seawalls and restoring natural flood barriers.

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 the Trump administration bulks up its mass deportation machine, officials have relied on a network of for-profit prison companies that run the overwhelming majority of Americas immigration detention centers.

One of the officials overseeing those contracts at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the governments Department of Homeland Security, is a former executive from a top private prison firm, GEO Group, which manages 20 detention centers across the country.

According to The Washington Post, Trumps border czar Tom Homan approached David Venturella for a role in the administration, despite federal ethics rules that largely prohibit government employees from working on contracts with their former employers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Instead, Venturella was hired by the Department of Homeland Security as a full-time adviser and was granted a waiver from those ethics rules, according to the newspaper. Doing so has kept him out of the public eye and away from potentially contentious Senate confirmation hearings, the newspaper noted.

Venturella worked as an assistant director at ICE before he was recruited by GEO Group in 2012. He left the company in 2023 though he stayed on as a paid consultant through January 31, according to company filings reviewed by The Washington Post.

An official overseeing contracts at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the governments Department of Homeland Security, is a former executive from a top private prison firm, GEO Group, which manages 20 detention centers across the country (AFP via Getty Images)

This apparent revolving door has also swung in the other direction.

Days before the 2024 election, a top official at ICE left his position to take a senior role at GEO. Daniel Bible, who worked for ICE for nearly 15 years, is now a senior vice president at the company.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least six former ICE officials who left government work over the past decade now work in top roles at the company, according to reporting from nonprofit Project on Government Oversight. The group found a long tradition of ICE officials departing to work for the agencys top contractor, part of the so-called revolving door between the federal government and the private sector.

The Independent has requested comment from ICE and GEO.

In a statement to The Washington Post, a spokesperson for ICE said Venturella has divested his GEO stocks and holdings and has no financial ties to the company.

The spokesperson said he has no role in reviewing, approving, or recommending contracts, but declined to comment on why he was given a waiver that authorizes him to work on Geo matters, according to the newspaper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told the newspaper that Homan adheres to the highest ethical standards and he had no knowledge of any potential conflicts involving Venturella.

GEO runs 100 facilities globally, with a capacity of approximately 81,000 beds across those facilities, according to documents obtained by the ACLU.

More than 22,000 beds  more than a quarter of GEOs global capacity  are inside ICE detention centers in the United States, including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.

Nearly 90 percent of all immigration detention systems are operated by private prison contractors. More than 56,000 people are currently in ICE detention  likely a record in modern history. The figures top both the 39,000 people held in the final days of Joe Bidens administration, and the previous recent record of 55,654 in August 2019 during the first Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since January, ICE has awarded GEO new and modified contracts expected to increase the agencys bed space to keep up with the administrations anti-immigration agenda, which the president and Congress have boosted by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade.

With a directive from the White House to make at least 3,000 daily arrests, ICE received record-breaking funding from Congress  expanding the agencys budget to be larger than most countries militaries  to hire more officers and expand detention space.

That surge in congressional funding could land private contractors lucrative deals to detain more immigrants.

Earlier this year, GEO inked a 15-year contract with ICE worth $60 million a year, the company announced. According to the Federal Procurement Data System, the contract is worth a total of $1.2 billion.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled a meeting of a preventive health panel meeting that sets screening guidelines for things like mammograms and colonoscopies. Tom Williams via Getty Images

Its hard to keep track of the funding cuts, layoffs, vaccine recommendation changes and other major shake-ups happening within the countrys federal public health organizations at the hands of the Trump administration and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary.

One of the latest changes is RFK Jrs postponement of a preventive health panel meeting by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which was scheduled for July 10 and the rumored dismissal of all task force members, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The USPSTF sets guidelines for preventive health screenings for conditions such as diabetes, depression and cancer in children and adults. Insurance companies are then required to cover these screenings based on the USPSTFs guidelines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This news comes not long after Kennedy postponed the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which sets vaccine recommendations, and replaced the entire committee with individuals known to spread vaccine and health misinformation, according to earlier HuffPost reporting.

The changes to the USPSTF meeting and task force members is worrisome for a few reasons and could directly impact your health. Heres what doctors want you to know:

This task force sets preventive screening recommendations. Changes or delays to the meeting schedule can mean missed diagnoses or changes to what insurance companies cover.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force, which was formed in 1984, is a group of non-partisan volunteers who are nationally recognized experts in the fields of primary care, prevention and evidence-based medicine, according to the USPTF website.

All members are screened for biases, are chosen through public nomination and appointed by the Health and Human Services secretary. They serve four-year terms with new task force members rotating in each year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cancellation of this specific task force ... is going to affect every American if [Kennedy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services does] what they did to the ACIP and fire or remove the 16 independent medical experts who really scour the literature and then grade the evidence for each of their recommendations, Dr. Anita Patel, a pediatric critical care doctor in Washington, D.C., told HuffPost. Once again, this hasnt been done yet, but it is allegedly in the works.

One of the significant roles of the task force is to make recommendations and guidelines for preventative care services such as mammograms, colonoscopies, depression screenings and more, said Patel. Insurance companies are then required to cover these screenings and services as part of the Affordable Care Act. Doctors across the country also follow these guidelines when recommending health services for patients.

In response to the reports of the dismissal of current task force members, the American Medical Association sent a letter to RFK Jr. in support of the task force in which they said, USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients by helping to ensure access to evidence-based clinical preventive services.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) also backed the task force by introducing a resolution that underscores the importance of the group, according to NPR.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the [task force] is unable to continue its work, this could have devastating effects on access to preventive services, Dr. Oni Blackstock, a primary care physician and executive director of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consultancy, told HuffPost via email.

We [already] know millions of Americans are at risk for losing their Medicaid, Blackstock said, referring to the nearly $1 trillion cuts in Medicaid as part of the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill.

Now, many others who have insurance coverage will be at risk for losing no-cost coverage of preventive care services, added Blackstock.

Its worth knowing that the meeting is currently postponed; its not clear when it will happen instead, and who will be part of the task force when that time comes. But, as of now, what the task force recommends hasnt changed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canceling the USPSTF meeting without a clear plan to reschedule puts essential, evidence-based health guidance at risk, including continued access to preventive services that millions of Americans rely on, from cancer and diabetes screenings to depression checks to support for breastfeeding, Dr. David Higgins, a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, told HuffPost via email.

Any delays to the task forces meeting schedule can also cause issues.

Delays or disruptions can mean delayed diagnoses, missed opportunities for early treatment, and ultimately, worse health outcomes, added Higgins.

Not only do these changes threaten the guidance from the task force, but they affect whether a patient catches their cancer early enough or a person with chronic heart disease gets optimal treatment, he noted.

The task force was recently criticized for being woke, which some experts think is why its being targeted now.

Unfortunately, this [postponement] fits a troubling pattern of political interference in scientific and public health processes, Higgins said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just a few days after Kennedy told panel members that the preventive health meeting was postponed, The American Conservative published an essay titled Time for Kennedy to Kill the USPSTF. The article claimed the task force is woke and follows left-wing ideological orthodoxy and is part of the deep state, among other things.

The claim that the task force is driven by woke ideology is a political talking point, not a reflection of how the USPSTF actually operates, said Higgins.

Their work is based on a rigorous review of scientific evidence. Identifying and addressing disparities in health outcomes is part of delivering high-quality care, Higgins added.

Its well-established that certain demographics do have worse health care outcomes; Black people have higher rates of maternal mortality than other groups, upward of 50% of Latinx folks are predicted to be diagnosed with diabetes, Black people are 30% more likely to have asthma than white people and the list goes on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The task force should be considering how race and gender impacts health outcomes. Blackstock noted that USPSTF hasnt always done this, but that is changing.

Its lacked community voices and, for a long time, didnt focus on health equity or racisms impact on health and was not focused on ensuring diverse representation among its members, Blackstock said.

Recently, though, this has changed, and the task force has worked to address these issues, Blackstock added.

It has taken steps to formalize the use of inclusive language, and to flag if data is missing for a population, particularly those that are minoritized, Blackstock said.

The group is also piloting an equity checklist that helps integrate equity throughout the screening recommendation process, Blackstock noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These recent steps put a target on USPSTFs back, she said.

I believe this is why the [task force] is being targeted, because it is paying attention to health inequities and racisms harmful effects on health, Blackstock said.

Patel added that USPSTF isnt taking care away from white Americans. Instead, its trying to level the playing field so that everyone got equal care, Patel noted.

But, of course, [critics of the task force] saw the term diversity or equity and really tried to blow up one part of a much larger organization to play to their base and say, Hey, these guys are woke idiots, Patel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

USPSTF is now trying to advance medicine and make sure everyone, no matter where they live or what they look like, has access to preventive health screenings.

The task force is here to take out the inherent racism that weve had in medicine for decades that has been really unduly perpetuated, Patel noted.

While racism does certainly still exist in medicine, awareness allows medical professionals to address any biases and make sure everyone gets the care they deserve regardless of their race, socioeconomic background or ethnicity, Patel noted.

Its an evil thing to walk back all of these medical and diversity advancements that weve made in the past decade just because they want to pander to their base. Its unconscionable, Patel said.

Related...
Rhinos in South Africa will have their horns injected with radioactive material to deter poachers.

A team from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) said the rhinos would not be harmed by a process that would allow smuggled horns to be tracked across the world.

Hundreds of the animals are poached every year in South Africa, which has the largest rhino population in the world.

The Rhisotope Project, which cost about 220,000, involved six years of testing and research, according to those involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

James Larkin, a Wits professor involved in the project, told the BBC: At least one animal a day is still being poached.

I think the figures are only going to go one way if we dont watch out.... this is a significant tool to help reduce the numbers of poaching, because were proactive rather than being reactive.

The rhinos are sedated before the pellets are implanted - Emmanuel Croset/AFP via Getty

Prof Larkin said the study, which initially involved 20 rhinos, confirmed that radioactive isotopes could be stored inside their horns completely safely.

The academics worked with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the project. They found that rhino horns stashed inside fully-sized metal shipping containers could be detected due to the radioactive isotopes  even at low levels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This could lead to the arrests of poachers and traffickers.

The project was praised by animal rights activists, including Jamie Joseph, the director of the charity Saving the Wild, who said it was much needed.

He said: Its not the endgame  only better legislation and political will can bring an end to the rhino crisis.

But it will certainly help disrupt the flow of horns leaving the country and help experts better map out the illegal channels by providing reliable data.

Rhino horns are poached primarily for sale in the far East as a bogus medicine - Emmanuel Croset/AFP via Getty

Prof Larkin said the process involves drilling a hole in the rhino horn and then putting a carefully selected radio isotope into the horn in a couple of places, then you seal it up, you reverse the tranquillizer, and you send the rhino on its way for the next five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its easy. All done and dusted in a couple of minutes, he added.

About 500 rhinos were killed for their horns every year in South Africa since 2021, according to Save the Rhino, the conservation charity.

Jessica Babich, the head of the Rhisotope Project, said: Our goal is to deploy the Rhisotope technology at scale to help protect one of Africas most iconic and threatened species.

By doing so, we safeguard not just rhinos but a vital part of our natural heritage.

Mariano Grossi, the IAEA director general who is best known for urging caution on the world stage when countries with nuclear capabilities get into conflicts, said the project showed how nuclear science can be used in new ways to address global challenges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

By using already installed nuclear security infrastructure in novel ways, we can help protect one of the worlds most iconic and endangered species, he said.

Other deterrents

Different methods to deter poachers have been trialled in the past. In a study published in 2024, it was found that de-horning rhinos reduced poaching by 78 per cent.

However, while de-horning rhinos doesnt affect the animals health, a 2023 study suggested it did impact their behaviour, causing them to socialise less.

Conservationists have also proposed dyed rhino horns and elephant tusks bright pink as another method of deterring poachers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has estimated that the global rhino population was 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century but has now declined to 27,000 due to continued demand for rhino horns on the black market.

The horns are often exported to Asian markets, where they are used in traditional medicine and as status symbols.

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.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined a lawsuit Aug. 1 challenging the Trump administrations efforts to restrict access to health care for transgender youth.

President Donald Trump has made transgender issues a central part of his presidency. He has signed executive orders declaring the recognition of only two sexes, ending federal support for gender ideology and restricting medical care for transgender youth.

The lawsuit, filed by the attorneys general for 15 states and the District of Columbia as well as the governor of Pennsylvania, targets the latter; specifically, recent federal actions aimed at deterring providers from offering medical care to youths under 19 through threats of criminal prosecution and federal investigations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are arguing that through these actions the administration is trying to ban medical care for transgender youths  such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries  nationwide, even though Congress has not passed a federal ban.

"The decision of whether or not a child should receive gender affirming care needs to be made between the child, their family and their doctor  not the federal government. It isnt a decision these kids and their families take lightly, it isnt mutilation, and it isnt dangerous. Whats dangerous is this Administrations attacks on these children for political capital," said Neronha in a news release. "We will not simply stand by as they target young people and the providers who help them feel like themselves.

The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Joining Neronha in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, as well as the governor of Pennsylvania.

Gender-affirming care is legal in all of the states that joined the lawsuit.

Why are states suing over Trump's transgender policies?

On Trump's first day of his second term, he signed an executive order called Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The executive order barred the federal government from funding or helping minors obtain puberty blockers, hormones and surgical procedures. It directed federal agencies to take action against hospitals that continued to provide care.

Supporters of transgender youth hold a Transgender Pride flag as they demonstrate outside Children's Hospital Los Angeles on Feb. 6 in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive order threatening to pull federal funding from health care providers who offer gender-affirming care to children.

"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," Trump wrote.

The lawsuit is challenging the actions that the Department of Justice took in response to the order, including sending subpoenas to doctors and clinics and demanding private data. The attorneys general say these actions are attempting to intimidate providers into ceasing this type of care, despite there being no basis in law.

In Rhode Island, gender-affirming care is legal, and state law protects patients from discrimination based on gender identity. But Neronha's office said that the administrations actions seek to undermine Rhode Island's laws, along with the laws of the other plaintiff states. The attorneys general said that the administration's actions are already having an impact in some states, in reduced or eliminated services and canceled appointments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No federal law prohibits, much less criminalizes, the provision or receipt of gender-affirming care for transgender adolescents, the lawsuit reads. These efforts to chill the provision of healthcare for adolescents  even in states where such care is legal and protected  show that the Agency Defendants have adopted and are engaged in a systematic effort to leverage the threat of criminal and civil enforcement to eliminate medically necessary care for transgender adolescents in the United States.

Neronha said that this medical care is lifesaving for many transgender kids who "are just trying to find their way in this world."

Dr. Michael Wagner, the president and CEO of Care New England, said in a statement that he supports Neronha's decision to join the lawsuit.

When delivered in an age-appropriate, evidence-based and multidisciplinary manner, gender affirming care plays a critical role in supporting the mental and physical health of transgender and gender-diverse youth," said Wagner. "This care is strongly endorsed by leading medical and psychological organizations because it significantly reduces rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, helping young people grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The lawsuit says that the administration's actions also violate the Constitution and exceed federal authority, and asks the court to block them and stop the enforcement of the executive order.

How many lawsuits has Neronha filed against Trump?

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI sues Trump over threats to medical care for transgender people
The mystery behind a series of flyers advertising a Richard Madeley lookalike contest has caused a stir across a Greater Manchester borough.

Hand-printed posters about the competition have been placed across Stockport and become the subject of speculation across social media, with prizes on offer for the top three lookalikes to the daytime TV presenter and former Manchester resident.

It will take place at 11:30 BST on 17 August in Stockport's Alexandra Park, according to the flyers spotted in the same park on Saturday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nicci Owen, who owns a coffee kiosk in the park, said the flyers had been "dotted across notice boards" but then mysteriously disappeared.

She told BBC Radio Manchester: "No one saw who put them up but, obviously as soon as anyone saw it they were just so excited. But, is it real?"

Madeley, from Essex, presented ITV's This Morning alongside his now-wife Judy Finnigan before the couple went on to host Richard & Judy from 2001 to 2009.

He now occasionally presents on ITV's breakfast programme Good Morning Britain.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

More on this story
Richland plan for Couplet a worry

Ive been following Richlands plans for making a loop with George Washington Way going north and Jadwin going south. It doesnt make any sense to me for these reasons:

The main traffic tie-up on GWW seems to be near Winco, which is not addressed by this re-routing.

The concept that it will be good for the businesses along those streets is problematic. Ask any business owner who lived through Pascos Lewis Street closure how it affected their business, and it should be clear that it was a loss of income for the entire construction phase. Some didnt recover.

Buying rights-of-way is expensive and usually takes longer than anticipated.

What purpose does it serve? Moving traffic through this area faster mainly helps people who live outside the north Richland area, while making it harder for those of us who live here to get around. Ask yourself if, when driving in any city with one-way streets, was it easy? Or confusing?

Once a project is planned, it is hard to get it stopped. This time, I truly hope the planners and city council will reconsider their plan. Its very expensive and seems to create more problems than it solves.

Judy Brager, Richland

Isreal has lost moral high ground

I have always been a supporter of the statee of Israel, until now. The oppressed have become the oppressors. What set this disaster off was the unspeakable act of terror by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 250 hostages. The instructions found on dead Hamas fighters included, Kill as many people and take as many hostages, as possible. This triggered a massive Israeli military offensive to root out Hamas from Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Only a trickle of assistance is getting through to Gaza, and Palestinians are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Deaths by starvation and disease are occurring. This action by Israel is more than vengeful; it is vindictive. It is deliberately cruel with the intent to cause widespread suffering on the whole populace.

Only a massive entry of food aid distribution and medical supplies and care can reverse this dire situation. Babies and young children starving to death as a direct cause of Israels actions is unconscionable, and must be condemned by governments around the world. Aid trucks must be allowed in now to relieve the suffering and prevent further deaths by starvation.

Amy Small, Richland

Trump budget bill bloats Pentagon

President Donald Trumps new budget bill increases the worlds largest annual Defense budget to over $1 trillion by adding $113 billion to the 2025 budget. The Pentagon is currently spending over $100 million per hour. The U.S. spends more on defense than the next nine biggest spenders combined (seven of those nations are U.S. allies). China, the second largest spender, spends about 1/3 as much as the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While Trump and the subservient Rep. Dan Newhouse continue their efforts to end waste and fraud in federal spending, they have seen fit to award the Department of Defense a 13% increase in funding even though that department has not passed its annual audit for the past seven years.

As we add hundreds of millions of dollars to a bloated defense budget, we are told that we can no longer afford to fund mentors for at-risk students, maintain current funding levels for food banks and Meals on Wheels and must significantly reduce spending on Medicaid.

Mr. Trump, Mr. Newhouse and their supporters have interesting values and priorities.

Ed Frost, Kennewick

Rich buy yachts, stiff nations poor

Its hard to believe that people wealthy enough to own yachts and multimillion dollar homes without going into debt want to cut medical care and food support for poor Americans and blow up the deficit just so they can pay less income taxes and have even more disposable wealth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dont they worry that the misery of the masses might come back to bite them? Wouldnt they rather lord over happy people? Its probably a loud minority of the very rich who are buying and intimidating lawmakers while trying to stay in the good graces of the Mango Mussolini but, even so, they have accelerated America on a path that is destructive even to them in the long run.

America needs to vote out and replace the bent lawmakers in 2026. The new lawmakers mission will be to stop the bleeding and, after Trump is out of power, to build our institutions back better than before.

Some billionaires have publicly said that they believe they should be paying more in taxes. Its like theyre saying Do I really have to be the one to state the obvious? You cant fix this by taking more from the poorest Americans.

Greg Carl, Richland

Trump can brag but hes a loser

Trump recently bragged about his successes in his first six months in office, but most Americans see him as a big time loser. Some of his so-called successes are:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Passing a tax bill that favors the rich, cuts services to millions of poor people and further increases the deficit by billions of dollars.

His hateful immigration actions.

His arbitrary, disruptive layoffs of government employees, based on unsubstantiated claims of waste, fraud and abuse.

His reduction of funding of U.S. scientific and technological institutes.

Staffing many of the U.S. departments with people whose only qualification was their personal loyalty to him.

His failure to re-establish an agreement with Iran over their nuclear program and then bombing their nuclear facilities.

Withholding foreign aid authorized and paid for by the previous administration.

His destruction of a reliable trade network throughout the world.

Actions that put in doubt the previous dependable alliances with other countries.

Many voters and politicians see his first six months as a series of failures for the president and his administration on almost every issue. He continually lies about his accomplishments, and his lack of popularity isnt going to help him as the Epstein scandal continues to envelop his presidency.

Bill Petrie, Richland
Preparations are underway for the foundation stone laying and bhoomi pujan ceremony of the grand temple of Maa Sita in Sitamarhi, Bihar, scheduled for August 8 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Bihar BJP President Dilip Kumar Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah's arrival is set to take place in Sitamarhi... The grand temple of Lord Ram has been constructed in Ayodhya, after which the people of Bihar had faith that a grand temple of Maa Sita should be built in Sitamarhi, Bihar, where Maa Sita was born. This is going to be a very significant and historic task. On August 8, the foundation stone laying ceremony of this temple will be done by Amit Shah and Nitish Kumar." According to a Bihar BJP Facebook post, a meeting to finalise arrangements was held under the leadership of Bihar BJP President Dr. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal and Organisation General Secretary Bhikhubhai Sahab. State General Secretary Rakesh Kumar, state ministers, MLAs, district presidents, district in-charges, and other esteemed party office-bearers attended the meeting. Earlier on July 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bihar to inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore in Motihari. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government does not stop at slogans or promises; it delivers through action. He emphasised that when their Government says it works for the backwards and extremely backwards communities, this commitment is reflected in its policies and decisions. He stated that their mission is clear: to prioritise every backwards individual, whether it is backwards regions or backwards classes, they remain central to the government's priorities. 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, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and 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)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The city of Ridgecrest demanded the Indian Wells Valley Water District to actively oppose the initial court ruling for its groundwater availability, saying Ridgecrest residents will have to pay significantly higher water rates otherwise.

On Thursday, the city posted about the recent ruling on their Facebook page.

According to the post, a preliminary court ruling in Orange County on Tuesday limited the federal reserve right to groundwater in U.S. Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake to 2,008 acre-feet per year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bakersfield City Council approves refinancing of wastewater bonds, estimated to save nearly $5 million

The Navy originally said they needed 6,783 in AFY for its future mission, according to city officials.

This ruling threatens the very foundation of water affordability in Ridgecrest and the ability for our community to grow and prosper, Ridgecrest City Manager Ron Strand said in the post.

Strand said the Water District relied on 4,390 AFY, transferred from the Navys unused water right, to provide to the off-base civilian workforce in the Ridgecrest area.

The city also warned if the ruling isnt overturned, the Water District could be forced to start purchasing water, which would lead to significantly higher water rates for Ridgecrest residents and businesses. The statement did not mention estimates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Strand alleged this happened because the Water District didnt file a lawsuit directly against the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority to challenge the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. According to Strand, the Water District instead filed an adjudication, which led to a trial that placed the matter under legal scrutiny.

The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority is a state-mandated agency that manages the 597 square mile Indian Wells Valley groundwater basin.

Strand also accused the Water District of failing to publicly support the Navy in the legal battle.

It is now time for the Water District to reverse course and argue against this preliminary decision and support an appeal if it becomes final  for the benefit of its ratepayers and our communitys largest employer  the Navy, said Strand in the post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority also put out a statement regarding the ruling, saying they were in support of the Navys request.

While the actual estimates of water use for the China Lake station doesnt change with this ruling, the court decision is capable of increasing costs for groundwater for the Water District, the Groundwater Authority said in the release.

In the statement, the Groundwater Authority expressed concern about the plaintiffs  Searles Valley Minerals and Meadowbrook Dairy  now being able to fight for a larger share of water rights at the expense of the Water District.

The only winners here are private interests that want more water at the expense of the residents and businesses of Ridgecrest, Chair of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority Scott Hayman said in the release. Meadowbrook Dairy stands to benefit from this costly legal exercise to successfully secure more water rights and then sell them back to the water district, with costs passed on to water district customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trial date confirmed for man charged in Arvin educators death

On Friday, Searles Valley Minerals shared a statement expressing their satisfaction with the preliminary ruling.

In its statement, the mining company alleged the Groundwater Authority incorrectly allocated 6,350 AFY to the Navy to serve Navy personnel living off base and that their Groundwater Sustainability Plan was also based on this incorrect conclusion.

Other stakeholders in the basin will now have more access to the water they need to support their communities and operations, the release said.

On May 6, the Kern County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to discuss the possibility of submitting letters of support for two proposed state legislations about groundwater adjudication  Assembly Bills 1413 and 1466.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The matter was brought to the board by District 1 Supervisor Phillip Peters, who is a member of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency. District 1 encompasses Ridgecrest and the China Lake Naval Weapons Center.

Peters said current law encourages parties to engage in groundwater adjudication processes if they can pay for it and that the proposed bills, if passed, would close loopholes.

As supervisors, I dont believe that we should be picking winners and losers in groundwater adjudications, Peters said. Current law should not allow big farmers to take away rights of smaller farmers, our local water agencies, the military or anyone else because they can afford to pay for adjudications.

Peters also said the Water Districts plans, if they were to lose water rights in the adjudication, is to buy groundwater from other parties which are now very expensive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their hope is they can take water from the Navy and then make the Navy pay for that sustainability, but their ratepayers are paying heavy costs for that, Peters said.

Others, like Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains, came to the meeting to disagree with the proposed bills.

Bains said she admires the desire to streamline groundwater management and protect farmers who cant afford legal representation, but supporters of the bills shouldnt protect the legal rights of some by taking away the rights of others.

AB 1413 would outright force the courts to accept the GSAs sustainable yield determination, said Bains. That court would be barred from checking their work or conducting an independent review.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage

The Board of Supervisors ultimately didnt take action on the item.

I know that theres (no) adjudications happening in your districts right now, I dont hold it against you that you dont support this, but I also hope you wont hold it against me when I say I told you so when those adjudications happen, Peters said to the rest of the board.

The Ridgecrest City Council is set to discuss important topics requiring action by the Groundwater Authority during its meeting Aug. 6, according to the city council agenda. The agenda didnt provide details about the issues to be discussed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
SPRINGFIELD  A political rival of Springfield City Councilor Maria Perez was the architect of a press release that accused her, falsely, of embezzling money from the New North Citizens Council.

In an unusual move, the council on Friday retracted damaging accusations against Perez, who until July 21 served as its housing director.

In a emergency meeting Thursday, members of the councils board learned that board member Joesiah Gonzalez on July 26 enlisted the boards clerk, Efrain Jesse Vazquez, to send a press release that accused Perez, the Ward 1 city councilor, of embezzling from the nonprofit organization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The council on Friday issued what it called a corrective press release, saying the one sent last Saturday was unauthorized  but stopped short of explaining who drafted the false allegation.

The New North Citizens Council, Inc. (NNCC), through its Executive Director, Maria Ligus, issues this corrective press release in response to a prior press release dated July 26, 2025, which appeared to be disseminated by NNCC, the release said.

The July 26th release was issued without the knowledge or approval of NNCC executive leadership and without formal authorization from the NNCC Board. It contained certain inaccuracies, it continued.

Fridays statement said that while Ligus decided to terminate the employment of Ms. Maria Perez ... such termination was unrelated to any allegations or findings related to the use of federal funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At Thursdays emergency board meeting, members learned that Vazquez, the boards clerk, had been approached by Gonzalez about creating what amounted to a smear against his opponent in the Nov. 4 election.

Gonzalez, who serves on the School Committee, is running against Perez for Ward 1 City Council seat. Perez could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

Thursdays emergency meeting was called by a new board member, Gladys Oyola, who is now the acting president of the board.

It was revealed at that session that Gonzalez was responsible for orchestrating a public statement about Perezs firing without proper authorization. Earlier Thursday, Gonzalez resigned from the board. Board members are elected by members of the community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fridays statement from Ligus, the executive director, clarified that the press release last Saturday was not properly vetted.

The termination letter provided to Perez, a 43-year employee of the agency, made no mention of embezzlement. Instead, it said she was being fired for using agency computer equipment for political reasons.

In interviews Friday, multiple board members told The Republican that Vazquez, acting as the boards clerk, claimed to have been manipulated by Gonzalez on the Saturday the press release about Perezs firing went out.

He told us that Joesiah called him and said to meet him on his porch in 10 minutes and that he asked him to bring his laptop, said board member Carmen Santana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gonzalez is said to have told Vazquez that the press release couldnt come from him and instead asked for Vazquezs passcode, to send it out from his computer as the clerk of record.

Gonzalez then sent the press release from Vazquezs laptop, according to what Vazquez told board members.

He said he felt used and manipulated, Santana said of Vazquez. He kept telling the same story over and over again.

Reached for comment, Gonzalez declined to comment on the account of his actions provided by board members.

If thats what you want to believe, he told a reporter before saying God bless, and hanging up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Days after the July 26 press release about Perezs firing was sent, and before his role in its creation was revealed, Gonzalez told The Republican that he believed Perez should step down from the City Council, if the accusations proved to be true.

I said if it was true, he told a reporter Thursday.

Vazquez declined Friday to speak publicly about his role in the sending of the press release.

Records obtained by The Republican show the release went out from Vazquezs computer at 4:44 p.m. Saturday.

He told Jesse it was an emergency and they had to send something out, board member Sheyla Acosta said, referring to Gonzalez. She confirmed the account of the visit between the two men on Vazquezs porch on Massasoit Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the press release was sent, Gonzalez said he had only just learned of Perezs firing, calling it unfortunate.

I will pray for her and her family, he said at the time.

Gonzalez is chief philanthropy and communications officer for Home City Development. He was previously an employee of New North Citizens Council.

On Thursday, according to board members interviewed, Oyola made a motion to strip president Juana Jenny Girona of her position, a move she resisted.

Girona had approved of the sending of the press release.

Board votes prevailed and Girona was replaced as president by Oyola.

Vazquez also was demoted from his position as clerk, pending an internal review of the circumstances surrounding the July 26 release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Board member Acosta, who was herself previously reprimanded over an incident with human resources, when she challenged Ligus self-drafted performance evaluation, had been denied her chairmanships of subcommittees.

Now she finds herself with a promotion. Isnt that something? she askec.

A document obtained by The Republican shows Girona submitted an apology letter to the board Thursday.

I acknowledge that I approved a press release to be sent by the board secretary this past week. Knowing that the board was in recess and this was going around the community, I made the decision to protect NNCC and the work that we do for our community, the letter reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I apologize if board members did not agree with certain words, or sending this out. I believe that what is done is done and that we dont have to add fuel to the fire, it reads.

She added that if board members have questions about why Maria Perez was fired, they should ask Ligus.

Read the original article on MassLive.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Officers with the Greece Police Department have arrested one of two suspects involved in a spree of property crime in the towns of Greece and Brighton, and the City of Rochester, with one suspect still at large.

Police have arrested 18-year-old DeWayne Simmons Jr., of Rochester. They suspect Simmons Jr. to be a part of the multi-town crime spree that happened in the early morning of June 16.

The other suspect, 18-year-old Kamari Williams, of Rochester, is currently wanted. He is being charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree and attempted identity Theft in the 3rd degree (for the use of stolen credit cards in Henrietta and Greece).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DeWayne Simmons Jr. is currently charged with burglary 3rd degree, criminal possession of stolen property 3rd degree (stolen vehicle from Brighton), grand larceny 4th degree (multiple counts), criminal mischief 2nd & 3rd degree, and petit larceny.

Police say they were able to identify the suspects through surveillance footage, a license plate reader, and physical evidence.

The stolen 2020 Kia Sorento, used in the spree, has been recovered on St. Paul Street. The vehicle, as evidence, further links both suspects to vehicle theft and fraud.

As Kamari Williams is still at large, police ask anyone with information to call 911.

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 RochesterFirst.
Jacquese Traveon Underwood, 40, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.

Drug distributor gets 15-year prison sentence

Underwood was already incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections for drug trafficking when he conspired to distribute narcotics. The drugs included methamphetamine, fentanyl-based pills resembling Oxycodone, and cocaine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the investigation of Darryl Hemphill and others, agents discovered that Underwood was responsible for arranging the purchase and distribution of narcotics obtained from Hemphill.

Hemphill led the drug trafficking organization that supplied Underwood with drugs while he was in prison.

Underwood used associates outside the prison to obtain drugs from Hemphill in Rock Hill.

Agents identified Underwood through monitored telephone calls with Hemphill and statements from others. They learned that Underwood taught Hemphill how to order, ship, and receive narcotics from Southern California.

While incarcerated, Underwood received at least 1,000 fentanyl-based pills, over 700 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 312 grams of cocaine from Hemphill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Underwoods sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, includes 121 months of imprisonment followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.

VIDEO: Drone intercepted at local prison; 3 arrested, contraband seized
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Andrew James McGann, the man accused of killing two people at Devils Den, passed a background check to begin teaching at Bayyari Elementary School in Springdale this year despite alleged reports of inappropriate behavior in past employment.

Since his arrest, many questions have been raised about the thoroughness of background checks in schools.

Dr. Jeff Perry is the superintendent for the Rogers Public School system. He said its standard practice for schools to perform three separate background checks before a candidate can be hired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres actually three background checks that we do. We do the fingerprinting, and then thats run through the Arkansas State Police. Then also through the FBI, Perry said. So we have both a statewide campus for any potential criminal history. Then theres a national database well go through also.

These background checks are only reliable for turning up any past criminal history, as they check for criminal offenses such as misdemeanors or felonies. In McGanns case, he had no criminal history prior to his arrest.

Hairstylist at Lupitas Beauty Salon details Andrew McGanns arrest

Perry also added that most schools conduct reference checks with past employers for any other issues that may have occurred. However, Perry said even that isnt a perfect system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The issue is, who do you get? You know, if you get the HR director and that individual tells you the truth [and] if you get an administrative assistant that may not have known everything about that [offense], Perry said.

McGann taught at schools in both Oklahoma and Texas before moving to Arkansas. During his time at Donald Elementary School in Texas, there were reports of inappropriate behavior between McGann and students.

Lindsay Polyaks son was a student of McGanns at Donald Elementary. She said her son gave her shocking details on McGanns past.

I started hearing other things from parents whose kids were in his classroom full time, alleging that during lunch time, when all the kids went to the cafeteria, he would invite special girls to stay back and to have lunch with him in his classroom, Polyak said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Dr. Perry, in cases of student misconduct, if a crime isnt reported, its up to the school district to discipline the offender, and oftentimes that report slips through the cracks.

Despite the recent arrest of McGann, Perry said that parents should feel safe about sending their children back to school.

We have a position of trust. We want to make sure that parents feel good about [us] taking care of their children. So, I think that we do a number of things to ensure that people that we place in the classroom are individuals that we would want in the classroom, Perry said.

For more information on the requirements for a background check in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Educations 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 KNWA FOX24.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has deactivated over 192,000 voter registrations through the legally required four-year maintenance process, according to an Aug. 1 press release.

The 192,369 individuals deactivated had not voted in the past four years and did not respond to mailing regarding their registration status, said Meagan Wolfe, WEC's administrator.

The commission is required by Wisconsin law to conduct voter record maintenance every two years to identify individuals and deactivate their registration status unless they notify their clerk with a desire to remain registered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wolfe said maintenance review helps ensure the integrity of the state's voter database. She said individuals whose registration status is deactivated must re-register to vote at their current residence and can no longer vote using their inactive record.

Maintaining accurate voter rolls is a year-round priority, Wolfe said in the release. Through the four-year maintenance process and ongoing collaboration with local election officials, we ensure that the voter registration database reflects current, eligible voters by deactivating those who have moved, passed away, or have otherwise become inactive.

In June, WEC identified over 202,000 registered individuals with no voting record since the November 2020 presidential election. The commission sent "Notice of Suspension" postcards to these individuals, asking if they would like to remain active on the statewide voter list.

Of the 202,000 postcards mailed, 9,501 voters responded by mailing a return postcard to their municipal clerk indicating they wanted to remain active. Voters who did not respond or whose postcard was returned as undeliverable were deactivated from the list.

2025 numbers are higher than past three counts

There hasn't been a consistent uptick in deactivation numbers in recent years, but the 192,000-plus voter registrations deactivated in 2025 is greater than the 2023, 2021 and 2019 totals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2023, the number of voter registrations deactivated was 108,378. That year, 116,051 notices were mailed.

In 2021, 186,982 voter registrations were deactivated and 174,307 notices were mailed.

In 2019, 113,314 registrations were deactivated. 95,939 notices were mailed to voters.

Numbers from 2025 four-year voter record maintenance

Total number of notices mailed: 202,593

Number of notices that were returned requesting continuation of registration: 9,501

Number of notices that were returned as undeliverable: 50,463

Number of voters mailed a notice who requested cancellation of registration: 13

Number of voters mailed a notice who clerks determined to be deceased: 657

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Number of voters mailed a notice who clerks deactivated for reasons other than being deceased or at the voters request: 744

Number of duplicate voter records identified and merged together: 358

Number of voters who did not respond to the notice: 142,629

Total number of voters mailed a notice whose status changed from eligible to ineligible: 192,369

(This story was updated with a photo gallery.)

Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Elections Commission deactivates roughly 192,000 voters
ANDERSON  An autism diagnosis was something Marya Sherron had never experienced in her family.

Her son, Dylan, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 2.

You dont want to hear any diagnosis, she said in March during an event at Anderson Museum of Art. I honestly thought, the visual that came to mind was of Downs Syndrome. I did not know what it was.

It was not her first time dealing with neurodivergence; her oldest son has ADHD and an array of physical health issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think I was just like again. Its not fair, I just did this, Sherron remembered.

An autism diagnosis back then didnt come with help from the medical community. Sherron remembered being left without guidance as to what the next steps were for her son.

Those next steps differ from person to person, Sherron said.

We know Dylans autism, this mom over here is totally different, she said. There isnt a book or handout because its so vast, that is the hardest part. Learning your child, what they need and who has the resources to give them what they need.

She did her own research and found Applied Behavioral Therapy, which incorporates principles derived from learning theory and behavior modification, according to a report from the Autism Society of America.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ABA and other forms of assistance have helped Dylan learn how to adapt to the world around him.

Hes got all of these big emotions and he doesnt know what to do with that, Sherron said. Learning to say, Youre emotions are fine, You can be angry, you cant throw a chair.

ABA therapy has been a hot button issue in Indiana after state officials floated the idea of cutting the amount of ABA services that could be paid for via Medicaid.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration enacted restrictions on the number hours someone on Medicaid can spend for ABA therapy.

Restrictions range from a 30-hour cap to a more-than-38-hour cap depending on where the patient falls on the autism spectrum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Such numbers could change after the Trump administration introduced sweeping cuts to Medicaid in what was dubbed the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

The precise amount Indiana is expected to lose is estimated at $20-23 billion.

The state of Indiana is going to have to decide what Medicaid looks like in the future. We are very concerned about what that means, said Kim Dodson, executive director of Arc of Indiana, an organization dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and physical disabilities.

We dont want them to erode decades worth of progress that weve made simply because they dont want to spend the money on Medicaid. Its sad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Such changes could devastate small, rural hospitals which often rely on Medicaid to furnish operating costs.

Currently, 27% of Indianas rural hospitals are operating at a loss. While we appreciate Congress enacting the rural fund to help offset future Medicaid cuts, it wont be enough to cover expected losses, said Scott B. Tittle, president of the Indiana Hospital Association.

Madison County has one rural hospital: Ascension St. Vincent Mercy.

While we do not expect immediate operational changes, these cuts risk destabilizing the health care system, especially in rural and undeserved areas, Eduardo Conrado, president of Ascension, said in a statement.

As a Catholic health ministry dedicated to serving all, we remain committed to advocating for those who may not have a voice in policy conversationshe wrote.
Russian forces launched 53 drones against Ukraine on the night of 1-2 August. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 45 of them had been shot down or suppressed by electronic warfare.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force

Details: It is specified that eight of the drones were jet-powered.

It was confirmed that eight UAVs had hit five locations and drone debris had fallen in two additional locations.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Aug. 1 that Moscow has begun production of its latest hypersonic missile, named "Oreshnik," and confirmed plans to deploy the weapon to Belarus later this year.

Putin made the announcement during an interview with Russian state-controlled media while meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Valaam Orthodox Monastery near St. Petersburg.

Belarus, a close Kremlin ally, shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia and has served as a key staging ground for Moscow throughout its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have launched attacks into Ukraine from Belarusian territory, and the two countries frequently conduct joint military exercises.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Putin, Russian and Belarusian military forces have already selected launch sites in Belarus for the Oreshnik missile system.

"Preparatory work is ongoing, and most likely we will be done with it before the year's end," Putin said, adding that the first batch of Oreshnik missiles and related systems have been produced and entered military service.

Russia first launched the experimental Oreshnik missile during a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. Putin claimed the attack was in retaliation for Ukraine's use of U.S. and British long-range missiles against Russian territory.

Few details about the missile have been made public. However, defense analysts believe Oreshnik is likely an upgraded version of Russia's RS-26, also known as the Rubezh, which was first produced in 2011.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Words are very important,  Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedevs threats

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia launched a record 6,129 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine in July, according to data from the Ukrainian Air Force, smashing the previous months record of 5,337.

Russia's bombardments, a fact of life after three years of full-scale war, have intensified dramatically in June and July, with mass attacks becoming more frequent and more deadly.

The year-on-year increase is even more dramatic  during July 2024, Russia launched 423 drones against Ukraine, meaning a more than fourteen-fold increase over the year.

Russian drones launched against Ukraine July 2024 vs July 2025 (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Ukraine's Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat told the Kyiv Independent that the data is approximate and the real number of drones launched by Russia may be higher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Russia is now capable of launching in a single night as many drones as it did over an entire month in early summer 2024.

A damaged civilian home burns after being hit by a kamikaze drone following a mass drone and missile attack by Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 4, 2025. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images)

Kyiv residents and emergency crews at the site of Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 4, 2025. (Ukraine's State Emergency Service / Telegram)

Overnight on July 9, Russia launched a daily record of 728 drones, targeting Ukraine's far-western cities, such as Lviv, Lutsk, Khmelnytskyi, and Ternopil.

During this attack, six civilians were killed and 39 were injured across multiple regions, Ukrainian officials said.

Almost all of Russias deep-strike drones are divided into three similar varieties  Iranian-made imported Shaheds, which have been in use since late 2022, Russian-made Gerans, which are direct copies of Shaheds, and more recently Garpiya-A1s, which look similar but use Chinese parts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are also inexpensive "dummy drones," or Gerbers, which resemble Shaheds but do not carry explosives.

Russian drones launched against Ukraine May 2024July 2025 (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Gerbers distract Ukrainian radar and anti-aircraft fire and typically make up half of the drones sent into Ukraine in a given attack, a Ukrainian mobile defense group that shoots them down told the Kyiv Independent last month.

The data analyzed does not include those used in the frontline areas, such as Lancet kamikaze drones.

Survivors of the latest attack on Kyiv on July 31 which killed at least 31 people and injured 159, described it as "the end of the world" for them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I woke up, and I couldn't hear anything," 66-year-old Kateryna Naralnyk told the Kyiv Independent hours later outside her destroyed home, as rescuers cleared the rubble looking for more bodies.

Naralnyk and her son were the only ones to make it out from her apartment on the first floor, which began to collapse as soon as the missile hit the ninth floor of the Soviet-era residential building.

The aftermath of a mass Russian aerial attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 10, 2025. (State Emergency Service)

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 24 that Russia has launched around 28,000 Shahed-type drones since 2022, with around 10% of them fired since the beginning of the month.

Over the past year and a half, there were only two days when Ukraine was not attacked by missiles and drones of various types, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said during a joint press conference with his German Foreign Minister Johannes Wadefuhl on June 30.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The drone threat to Ukraine could soon intensify as Russia ramps up production at its main manufacturing hubs in Yelabuga and Izhevsk, with new models of Geran drones being developed, Ukraine's military intelligence told the Kyiv Independent.

Read also: Inside the Battle of Kostiantynivka, as Ukrainian forces brace for three-sided Russian assault

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Delhi Police Anti-Narcotics Squad has arrested two foreign nationals for allegedly peddling drugs in the national capital. The accused, identified as Bernadin (39) and Ezekile (33), were apprehended during a raid in Gali No. 13, Govindpuri, on July 31, said the police. A significant quantity of narcotics was recovered from their possession, including 36.64 grams of cocaine, 61.16 grams of MD (Mephedrone), eight mobile phones, a weighing machine, drug-packing pouches, and 10,600 in cash. Police have registered a case under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act at Govindpuri Police Station. During interrogation, the accused confessed to overstaying in India and being unemployed. To sustain themselves, they allegedly turned to drug peddling, said the police. Further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Delhi Police (West District) initiated a campaign across all fronts to check crime and nuisance in the area. A multifaceted approach was adopted to tackle street crime, organised crime, and rein in mischief mongers, according to an official statement by Delhi Police. The release said that more than 650 persons involved in street crime were arrested in the month of July 2025, which includes 24 robbers, 28 snatchers, 21 burglars and 75 thieves. More than 55 cases of the Arms Act, the Excise Act, the Gambling Act and the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act were registered in the month of July alone. Delhi police said, "Action against street criminals: With the arrest of 24 robbers, a total of 14 cases were worked out, along with the recovery of Rs. 46440/- cash and one mobile phone. Out of the 24 arrested robbers, nine are repeat offenders. With the arrest of 28 snatchers, a total of 20 cases were resolved. Out of the 28 arrested snatchers, 16 are repeat offenders." (ANI)
Russian forces have shelled the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast with tubed artillery, killing one man.

Source: Serhii Horbunov, Head of Kostiantynivka City Military Administration, on Facebook

Details: Horbunov reported that the man was in his own house at the time of the attack and suffered fatal injuries.

In addition to killing one person, the attack damaged the facades of residential buildings and a passenger car.

Background: On Saturday 2 August, at least seven people were injured in a large-scale Russian drone attack on the town of Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russian attacks against Ukraine have killed six people and injured at least 37 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Aug. 2.

Ukrainian forces downed 45 out of the 53 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, rocket-powered drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

A 75-year-old woman was killed in a Russian attack on the village of Lisna Stinka in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Eleven people, including a nine-year-old boy and two boys aged five and 10 months, were injured in Kharkiv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two more men, aged 62 and 64, suffered injuries in the village of Tokarivka in the region.

Russian drones targeted Chernihiv Oblast, injuring a 50-year-old man, Governor Viacheslav Chaus said.

A woman born in 1959 was injured in Russian shelling of the Esman community in Sumy Oblast, the region's military administration reported.

A Russian drone strike near Vasylkiv in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast injured a 30-year-old, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

Two people were killed in Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Ten others suffered injuries in the region over the past day.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 34 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. Three people were killed, and 11 others injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Words are very important,  Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedevs threats

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian troops launched a mass drone attack on the city of Druzhkivka in Donetsk Oblast on Aug. 2, injuring at least five people, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

Druzhkivka lies 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Chasiv Yar, one of the hottest spots on the front line.

The recent Russian attack damaged two houses, a market, a shop, and administrative building and several cars, Filashkin said.

He urged residents who are still in the city to evacuate. Around 34,000 people  half of Druzhkivkas wartime population  remained in the city as of late 2024.

As Russia advances in the east, settlements in Donetsk Oblast have come under increased shelling and aerial attacks by Russian forces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The attack on Druzhkivka came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on July 29 to impose tariffs on Moscow unless the Kremlin agreed to a ceasefire.

Read also: As search efforts conclude, Russias attack on Kyiv becomes most deadly on capital this year with 31 civilians killed

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia targeted the village of Svesa in Sumy Oblast with drones on Aug. 2, killing a 12-year-old boy.

The attack struck at around 2:30 p.m. local time, Governor Oleh Hryhorov reported. A 12-year-old boy near the attack site died of his injuries before medics could arrive.

Another boy, age 13, was hospitalized with shrapnel wounds.

"Unspeakable pain. Sincere condolences to the family. No words can lessen this loss," Hryhorov wrote on Telegram.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The border villages in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast are subject to daily attacks from Russia. The relentless strikes have triggered mandatory evacuations in hundreds of communities.

Moscow has aimed to open a new front in Sumy Oblast and succeeded in capturing several border villages in June. Ukrainian forces have thus far blocked further Russian attempts to push deeper into the region.

Russia has ramped up attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine throughout spring and summer, a devastating strategy whose impact is measured in human lives. On July 31, Russia struck Kyiv with its deadliest attack this year, harming more children than in any previous strike on the capital.

Read also: Russia launched record 6,129 drones against Ukraine during July, smashing previous months high

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces attacked the central part of Balakliia in Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 1-2 August. At least two explosions have been recorded and the grounds of a property have been hit.

Source: Vitalii Karabanov, Head of Balakliia City Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Karabanov said that Russian forces had attacked Balakliia with loitering munitions. Two explosions occurred in the central part of the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A house and a non-residential building were hit in the attack. Information about possible casualties is being confirmed.

Background: On the evening of 1 August, Russian forces attacked the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv with a Molniya loitering munition, injuring 11 people, including two children aged nine and ten and a five-month-old baby.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russia's nuclear submarine base in the country's Far East appears to have been hit by the powerful tsunami that swept the Pacific on July 30, according to satellite imagery seen by the Telegraph and published Aug. 1.

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake near the Russian Kamchatka peninsula on July 30 triggered tsunami waves in Russia's Far East, prompting evacuations in Japan and Hawaii and warnings across the Pacific Ocean.

The waves reportedly hit the Rybachiy naval base, which houses the bulk of the nuclear submarines in Russia's Pacific Fleet, according to images taken by the Umbra Space satellite the morning after the tsunami.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The base is believed to have been hit within 15 minutes of the earthquake.

The images show that a section of a pier at the base has bent away from its original position, suggesting it may have been detached from its moorings. While damage to the structure itself has little military significance, it is unclear how much damage the base may have sustained overall.

"If the base assumption is that a wave got in there and bent that jetty then yes, what else did it do?" Retired Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe told the Telegraph.

Dr. Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), cautioned that there is no evidence of damage to any submarines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It looks like it was a surface ship that was moored at the pier rather than a submarine, which is noteworthy. I'm not sure we can really ascertain more than that a pier was damaged," he said in comments to the Telegraph.

Russia's Rybachiy base is home to the majority of the nuclear submarines in Moscow's Pacific Fleet. The vessels are critical to Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy in the Pacific, as they are stationed closer to the U.S. than any other submarines except those on forward deployment.

The reported damage to the base comes shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed "to appropriate regions" in response to nuclear saber-rattling from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Trump said on Aug. 1 that he gave the order due to Medvedev's "foolish and inflammatory" remarks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Words are very important,  Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedevs threats

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A 12-year-old boy has been killed and a teenager injured in a Russian strike on the Svesa hromada in Sumy Oblast. [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: Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that Russia attacked the Svesa hromada at around 14:30 on 2 August. Two boys who were near the scene of the strike were affected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote: "A 12-year-old boy died before medics arrived. A 13-year-old was injured and taken to hospital with shrapnel wounds. Doctors are currently fighting to save his life."

Details: The circumstances of the tragedy are being established.

Background: On 2 August, Russian forces shelled the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast with tubed artillery, killing one man.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Russian forces struck the city centre of Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast on the morning of 2 August, injuring one person.

Source: Vadym Liakh, Head of Sloviansk City Military Administration

Quote from Liakh: "The central part [of the city was hit].

One of the city's landmarks  the Sloviansk Hotel  had been damaged.

Nearby apartment blocks and an accommodation centre had also been affected."

Details: As of now, one person has been reported injured.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
At least three people have been injured and civilian infrastructure has been destroyed and damaged in Russian attacks on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council

Details: Lysak reported that a 30-year-old man had been injured in a Russian strike on the Vasylkivka hromada in the Synelnykove district. An outbuilding was destroyed and an office building, four houses and a car were damaged. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two more people have been injured in the Mezhova hromada. In addition, two houses and a car were damaged.

Damaged building.

Photo: Mykola Lukashuk

Fire

Photo: Mykola Lukashuk

Russian forces were attacking the Nikopol district until late in the evening and in the morning.

Quote from Lukashuk: "They targeted the city of Nikopol with artillery and drones. A fire broke out and two outbuildings were destroyed by the flames and two high-rise buildings, a house, an outbuilding, two cars and a power line were damaged."

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Russians launched an attack on one of the settlements in the Zaporizhzhia district on 2 August, injuring three people.

Source: Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration

Details: The authorities have not disclosed the name of the attacked settlement.

So far, it is known that three people were injured: a 66-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were hospitalised following the attack on the Zaporizhzhia district. The man is in a serious condition, while the womans condition is assessed as moderate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another injured person, a 44-year-old man, sought medical treatment, but his condition remains unknown.

Around 100 houses were damaged: windows shattered, roofs and doors destroyed, and fires broke out. A school and a local outpatient clinic were also damaged.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
The Chief Minister flagged off a fleet of newly inducted police vehicles aimed at enhancing traffic control and public safety across the state. These vehicles will bolster security and traffic management on national highways, state highways, and in urban areas across various districts. They will also enable stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, improve accident response, and facilitate better surveillance.

Before the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected the vehicles and was briefed by officials on their features and operational mechanisms. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the addition of these vehicles would significantly enhance the efficiency of the police force and aid in maintaining law and order. He added that this initiative will lead to a more robust traffic system and improved road safety across the state.

At the start of the program, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting a sapling as a token of respect.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, and Principal Secretary Dr. S. Siddharth.

Also present were Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Director General of Police (Special Branch) Sunil Kumar, ADG (Headquarters) Kundan Krishnan, ADG (Traffic) Sudhanshu Shekhar, ADG (Provisioning) Ajitabh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Anupam Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Kumar Ravi, Secretary (Home Department) Pranav Kumar, IG (Patna Range) Jitendra Rana, SSP (Patna) Kartikeya K. Sharma, along with several other senior officials. (ANI)
(FOX40.COM)  An investigation into a murder that left a teen dead earlier this year led to another teen being arrested on Thursday, according to the Sacramento Police Department.

 Video Above: Violent crime statistics

Around 10:30 p.m. on May 27, SPD responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of Coral Gables Court. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a juvenile boy with at least one gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital. However, despite life-saving attempts, he was was pronounced dead.

Minor killed in late night shooting Shooting in Sacramento

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After a nearly two-month investigation, SPD arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the murder. He faces homicide and other related charges.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
During a livestream broadcast, FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross fielded viewer questions about the 2025 hurricane season, touching on everything from Saharan dust to the role artificial intelligence is playing in forecasting.

Fortunately, the Atlantic basin remains quiet with no signs of activity brewing, but the central and eastern Pacific are rather active, with several named storms to track.

FOX Weather viewers questioned whether the Saharan air layer is playing a role in the reduction of activity across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Norcross noted that while satellite information shows a decline in the SAL, caution is needed when interpreting the data.

"It doesn't look like any kind of record-low amount of dust or anything," Norcross stated, referencing recent imagery.

Atlantic basin dust tracker on 8/1/2025

Hurricane Hunters Fly Into World's Worst Weather. See Which Storm Was The Bumpiest

Asked whether parts of Florida have become more hurricane-prone during the past decade, Norcross said such clustering tends to happen in cycles. He noted similar hurricane clusters have occurred historically, including a notable period in the mid-20th century, and said the current trend may simply be another phase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I would guess that it's just a phase," he said. "The west coast of Florida has always had hurricanes."

Florida's worst hurricanes

Another viewer asked whether the peak of hurricane season has shifted later in the year, with recent seasons appearing to be backloaded.

Norcross acknowledged recent trends, citing patterns connected with the status of the El NinoSouthern Oscillation, which have helped push storm development deeper into the fall.

The FOX Weather hurricane expert noted that for Florida specifically, September and October are often peak landfall months, so backloaded seasons have not changed vulnerabilities for the Sunshine State.

La Nina hurricane season impacts

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Guide

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conversation also touched on artificial intelligence and how it might enhance long-range forecasting.

Norcross pointed out that AI models are developing quickly and have the potential to dramatically improve medium- to long-term forecasts, but he cautioned that this year marks the first season these tools are being tested in real time.

"This is our first season to actually see all this in action," said Norcross.

Norcross also explained the mechanics behind rapid intensification and the problems it sometimes causes for forecasters.

While forecasting confidence in the area of intensity has improved, understanding the exact internal processes remains a challenge - particularly without detailed observations inside a cyclones core.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Looking ahead, Norcross said the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), a pulse of atmospheric energy, may enhance Atlantic storm activity later in August. However, he noted that similar setups have previously failed to produce cyclones, leaving some uncertainty as to when the next named series of storms will develop.

As for conditions over the Pacific Ocean, Norcross said systems currently southwest and southeast of Hawaii are tracking well south of the islands and dont pose a significant threat.





Original article source: Saharan dust, AI forecasting dominate topics during hurricane season Q&A with Bryan Norcross
DENVER (KDVR)  Faith leaders in Highlands Ranch are asking the Catholic church to consider recognizing local teen Kendrick Castillo as a saint.

Castillo, 18, gave his life to save others during the May 7, 2019, school shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. One of the suspects reportedly arrived late to class and pulled out a gun while ordering the whole room not to move.

Kendrick Castillo Way signs installed to honor STEM School shooting hero

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Castillo ignored that order, charging the gunman, which allowed the other students time to take cover and escape. He was shot and killed, and eight others were wounded. His actions have made him a community hero ever since.

John and Kendrick Castillo (Family Photo) Kendrick Castillo (Family Photo) Kendrick Castillo (Family Photo) Kendrick Castillo (Family Photo) A close-up view at Kendrick Castillos memorial in Douglas County (KDVR)

In November, Douglas County honored the teen by naming a busy street after him. Now, the Diocese of Colorado Springs has received a petition from the St. Mark Parish in Highlands Ranch to open his cause for canonization. As of Aug. 1, no cause for Castillos canonization had been opened.

I am very grateful for the time and effort that Father Gregory Bierbaum and Father Patrick DiLoreto of St. Mark Parish in Highlands Ranch have spent gathering evidence and conducting interviews to prepare for a petition to open the cause for canonization of Kendrick Castillo, said Colorado Springs Bishop James Golka in a statement. Although I have just begun to review the information submitted, it seems clear that Kendrick was an exceptional young man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The priests are starting to collect testimony through interviews and information gathering to determine whether Castillos life was one of heroic virtue.

This is not yet a petition to Rome for Castillo to be considered a saint. If Bishop James Golka and the Diocese of Colorado Springs approve of the evidence collected for Castillos canonization, the petition will be forwarded to Rome.

Castillo had attended the Notre Dame School in Denver and served as Squire of the Knights of Columbus in a Denver council. His funeral was held at St. Mary Parish in Littleton.

What is the process of canonization?

There are three official steps to sainthood, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Candidates first become a Venerable, then Blessed, and finally Saint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Venerable individuals are people who have died, but are recognized by the pope as having lived a heroically virtuous life or offered their life.

To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidates intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or offering of life, the conference explains on its website. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification.

However, the pope can waive these requirements, and the conference also noted that a miracle is not required before the martyrs beatification, but is required before canonization.

Pope Leo XIV surprises Catholic youth festival with unexpected popemobile salute

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Canonization is a lengthy process that takes years or even centuries. Church leaders say that the process involves lots of prayer and discernment, as a large part of the process is determining whether the individual at hand has a faithful following, whether the faithful invoke the potential saints intercession, and whether miracles were granted through Castillos intercession.

As we study and discern how to approach the massive undertaking of promoting a canonization cause, I ask all the faithful to keep Kendricks family in their prayers, Golka said in his statement. I also encourage everyone to privately invoke Kendricks intercession, praying especially for the youth in our diocese, that they emulate his example of fortitude and generosity.

On its Facebook page, St. Mark Catholic Church noted that Father Bierbaum was asking individuals to report any out-of-the-ordinary fruits from veneration of Castillo and said that the church members could ask for Castillos intercession in any matter we think appropriate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the wake of federal funding cuts, Utah public radio fans filled Abravanel Hall to capacity on Thursday for the live taping of the latest episode of NPRs Wait Wait ... Dont Tell Me!

The Salt Lake City audience often drowned out host Peter Sagal and the shows panelists with its laughter and applause.

Craig Bjorklund, a regular Wait Wait listener who attended Thursdays taping, said anyone who hasnt listened to the show before is missing a good time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its just such a fun show to listen to on the radio. This is the second time Ive come to the one that theyve done here in town. Its just so much fun. You get a good laugh each week  or more than one, he said.

Wait Wait ... Dont Tell Me! isnt your average news program.

In Wait Wait, contestants, a panel of comedians and a celebrity guest are quizzed on the weeks current events in a series of games. The winner of each game receives a voicemail greeting recorded by the host or panelist of their choosing.

"Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" panelists Shane ONeill, Shantira Jackson and Luke Burbank are welcomed onto the stage for a recording of the NPR news game show at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

This weeks panel featured Luke Burbank, Shantira Jackson and Shane ONeill. Actor Alzo Slade filled in for official judge and scorekeeper Bill Kurtis. Heather Gay of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City stopped by as the Not My Jobcelebrity guest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Wait Wait ... Dont Tell Me! attempts to find the humor in the weeks news cycle. Burbank, who has been with the show for 20 years, told the Deseret News that thats part of the shows appeal.

I think the fact that its about the news, but its not crushingly depressing, helps I think, particularly right now for a lot of these listeners, he said.

"Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" guest judge and scorekeeper Alzo Slade and "Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" host Peter Sagal talk with Not My Job guest, Heather Gay of the "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," during a recording of the NPR news game show "Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

KUER executive director Maria OMara believes the shows novelty as a news quiz show has also contributed to its longevity as well as public radio fans doubling as news nerds.

What would be more perfect for a news nerd than a show where you could kind of show your ability to know whats happening in the world? OMara said.

Wait Wait ... Dont Tell Me! and Salt Lake City

Wait Wait has had a long history with Salt Lake City, dating back 25 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, Sagal called Salt Lake City the shows second home.

Its so fabulous. We love being here, Sagal said.

Jason Beck and Tina Ziemek laugh during a recording of the NPR news game show "Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The show was sold out. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

The program started off as a studio show in Chicago in 1998. Two years later in 2000, the show came to Salt Lake City to record in front of its first-ever live audience outside of Chicago.

Wait Wait celebrated another milestone in Utah during its last stop in Salt Lake City in 2019 when it recorded its 1,000th show.

The impact of federal funding cuts to public radio

The shows stop in Salt Lake City comes weeks after Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law roughly $1 billion in federal funding cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which includes PBS and NPR, over the next two years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local stations will face the brunt of the cuts, as NPR receives less than 1% of its funding from the federal government, as the Deseret News previously reported.

The cuts have already made an impact. On Friday, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced it will be shutting down by the end of the year as a result of the cuts.

Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations, president and CEO Patricia Harrison said in a statement.

Following the show on Thursday, Sagal assured the Salt Lake City audience that the program would be safe from cuts, but he encouraged them to support their local radio stations, such as KUER, which hosted the evenings show.

Peter Sagal hosts the NPR news game show "Wait Wait... Dont Tell Me!" at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

But it is important to keeping new things going, bringing new things to life, keeping smaller stations alive so that people who dont have much access to anything else in the more rural parts of Utah or other Western states, for example, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KUER will likely survive the cuts, too, per OMara.

Were very fortunate that we are not among those stations that will likely close because of that loss. Our funding from the federal government was at about 8 or 9%. We will have to stretch to make up that loss in revenue, she said. It comes out to about half a million dollars every single year.

Sagal suggested listeners contact their representatives to express their support for public radio.

Let them politely know how much public broadcasting means to you and the country at large, and never give up in fighting for the country and the government that you want, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Salt Lake City episode of Wait Wait ... Dont Tell Me! will be released on Saturday and can be found on NPRs website and on various podcast platforms.

Listeners can also tune in to KUER to listen to the show at 10 a.m. MDT on Saturday.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Over the next month or so, Golden Gate Park is expected to host almost half-a-million people.

Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia has childhood street named for him in San Francisco

The next three weekends, San Francisco will be the music capital of the world, boasted San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie in a social media post on Thursday. Weve got Dead & Company this weekend, Outside Lands next, and then Zach Bryan and Kings of Leon. Our city departments and event organizers are coordinated to make sure our residents and visitors have a safe and fun month ahead. Lets go San Francisco!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After Dead & Co. on Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, there is Outside Lands on Friday, August 8 though Sunday, August 10. Zach Bryan will perform on Friday, August 15.

The surge in visitors means lots of cars and people with some folks spilling into the typically sleepy Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods. While neighbors may not be thrilled about the disruptions, some residents told KRON4 News that theyre okay with it.

They get to see how great San Francisco as we are, as we already well know that said one San Francisco resident. I think, generally, Im feeling very positive about it.

The surrounding area will be tight for the next month or so. Organizers are encouraging concertgoers to use public transit whenever possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the shows come road closures. Some entrances into the park will be blocked off for drivers starting Friday, including Transverse Drive at Crossover Drive, JFK Drive at Transverse Drive, 30th Avenue, 36th Avenue and more. See the full list of closures and reroutes 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 KRON4.
MARION, Ohio (WCMH)  A Sandusky man was found guilty of trafficking fentanyl after an alleged buyer overdosed.

Joseph Smith of Sandusky, Ohio, was found guilty of corrupting another with drugs and trafficking fentanyl yesterday in the Marion County Common Pleas Court. According to the Marion County Prosecutor, on June 18th, 2022, Smith supplied Daniel Griffith with pills laced with fentanyl, which caused him to overdose.

A media release from the Prosecutors office details how authorities were able to piece together who sold Griffith the lethal drug mixture. Surveillance video from a gas station allegedly shows Smith exchanging pills with Griffith, along with text messages and phone calls between the two men.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New bill targets Ohioans who skip job interviews

Through their investigation, authorities determined Griffith and his girlfriend traveled to Sandusky to purchase what they believed to be Percocet pills. After allegedly making the exchange with Smith, Griffith returned home to his home in Marion.

Griffiths girlfriend discovered him unresponsive some time later, and he was pronounced deceased. The Prosecutors office states that analysis performed on the pills sold to Griffith confirmed they were laced with fentanyl.

This conviction strikes at the heart of the fentanyl crisis that we are facing; a crisis that is killing our residents, said Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Ray Grogan. Smith peddled poison disguised as painkillers, and we held him accountable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smith will remain in custody as his sentencing date is still pending.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SANDY, Utah (ABC4)  A Sandy man has been charged after telling law enforcement that he would use a drone or invent an unregulated device in order to take down any aircraft entering his airspace.

Joseph Talbot, 46, has been charged with threat of terrorism using a hoax weapon of mass destruction, a third-degree felony, and threat of terrorism causing an emergency agency to act, a Class B misdemeanor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to court documents, on June 28, 2025, deputies with the Salt Lake County Sheriffs responded to a residence in Sandy on reports of a suspicious circumstance. Dispatch was alerted that someone had targeted a helicopter with a laser pointer.

Former Mt. Pleasant officer charged with theft  had second job on duty and falsified hours, chief says

When law enforcement arrived on scene, they located Talbot in the area and told him they were there to investigate the incident involving the laser pointer. Talbot allegedly admitted that he absolutely shined the laser at the aircraft.

While speaking with deputies, Talbot went further, saying that if any aircraft entered his airspace below 1,200 feet, he would defend his airspace by crashing his drone into the aircraft. He also allegedly stated that he may need to invent something unregulated to take down aircrafts, because if it hasnt been regulated yet, it cant be illegal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Documents say that law enforcement tried to explain that his actions could endanger lives. Talbot allegedly responded that he didnt care and it would not impact him. According to documents, law enforcement is concerned that Talbot has the capability to carry out the threats that he made.

Talbot is not currently in custody, but a warrant has been filed for his arrest.

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.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Elephants at a waterhole in Namibias Etosha National Park. | Credit: Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

Drought is forcing Namibian desert elephants to seek water near human settlements. But human encounters with the giant mammals frequently end in tragedies. Elephants are being shot, and their population is shrinking. A conservation project using a combination of GPS data and high-resolution satellite images is trying to help the two species coexist in peace. Without it, the rare desert population might soon go extinct.

About 24,000 elephants live in Namibia, a southwest African country known for its desert landscapes and wildlife parks. Most of them dwell in the lush greenery of Etosha National Park in the north of the country and near the border with Botswana in the northeast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But over the centuries, smaller groups of elephants have ventured into and learned to survive in the more arid plains in the western Kunene region. These elephants fascinate zoologists for their ability to handle the harsh weather conditions in the area, including strong, ice-cold winds and alternating droughts and heavy rains.

"Somehow, these elephants know when the winds are coming before they come," Christin Winter, Conservation Program Manager at Namibia's Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA) charity, told Space.com. "They know where to hide from it; they know where water will pool when it rains because they remember it from previous seasons."

But the extreme conditions are also forcing these elephants to approach human settlements. When droughts hit, elephants have no choice but to share water resources with humans, despite knowing all too well that people equal mortal danger.

Before the Namibian war of independence, which raged from the mid-1960s until the end of the 1980s, locals in the deserts of western Namibia knew how to live with elephants. But poaching for meat and ivory decimated the population so much that the elephants disappeared during the war. They began returning in the 1990s, but by then, social change erased the traditional knowledge. New settlers came into the region and brought with them many misconceptions about the giant mammals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There is a lot of fear and folklore around elephants  for example, that they eat people," Winter said. "But there have been other problems. Elephants could break infrastructure, even damage houses. If you bump into them at night and you don't know what to do, it can get dangerous."

Local farmers frequently resort to defending their property with brute force. Elephants get shot at, wandering off wounded and dying in the fields. From a population that once counted around 3,000, only 150 animals remain in the region today.

"Over half of the local population of desert elephants was lost within a few years," Winter said. "It has stabilized a bit, but there are also other environmental pressures that prevent calves from surviving. We have a very low number of adult elephants and very few teenagers, which is obviously not great."

In a bid to help locals coexist with the magnificent species without either side suffering harm, the researchers fitted three elephants in the most affected group with GPS collars in 2021 to track their movements. Whenever an elephant approaches a village or farm, the "Earth Ranger" system generates an alert that gets shared with the community in real time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since the roll-out of the geofencing system, the number of incidents involving humans decreased, Winter said. To make things even better, the researchers are trying to combine the GPS tracking data with high-resolution images from Airbus' Pleiades Neo satellites to understand why and when the elephants visit villages and farms. They collected data during the droughts and the subsequent rainy season to understand how the elephants' movement patterns change throughout the year.

Satellite image of Namibia, captured by an Airbus Pleiades Neo satellite. | Credit: Namibia, Pleiades  DS (2024) Distribution Airbus

"The elephants will choose a place even within a risky environment where they feel the safest and where there is vegetation and water," Winter said. "When there is enough water and food, that for them outmatches the risk of dying from shooting, which surprised us. They are willing to risk the consequences."

Known for their impeccable memory, the elephants remember the tragedies that people inflicted on their families, Winter said. They only approach villages at night and move almost "like ghosts," running away at the first hint of human presence.

RELATED STORIES

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Satellites find likely cause of mysterious African elephant deaths of 2020

 GPS: Everything you need to know about the space-based technology keeping us on track

 Earth's continents are drying out at unprecedented rate, satellite data reveal

The researchers hope the satellite data may help design new strategies to make human-elephant coexistence easier.

"We are trying to protect the natural water points and place troughs and dams strategically so that the elephants don't need to go through the villages at night," Winter said.

The satellite images help identify elephant hotspots, which then enables the researchers to negotiate with farmers.

"The big aim is to identify corridors and find ways to protect that habitat for the elephants," Winter said. "We had one farmer who saw the data and realized that one corner of his farm was almost owned by the elephants, and he allowed us to have that corner in exchange for protecting the rest of his farm. With compromises like that, we can reduce the conflict and give the elephants a safe spot to be."
Pennsylvanias ugliest creature  a depressed fictional pig named the Squonk  will take center stage Saturday at Squonkapalooza, a festival drawing in people across the country to celebrate the mythical being and make it smile.

Squonkapalooza organizers Lisa Russell and Joe Fogle described the Squonk as saddest of folklore creatures, who cries constantly because its so ugly.

It has loose fitting skin and warts. Its closest relative is the boar or pig, Russell, who dresses up as the official Squonk mascot, told The Post.

The Squonk is the saddest of folklore creatures, who cries constantly because its so ugly, Squonkapalooza organizers told The Post. Squonkapalooza

It has two webbed feet only on the left side, added Fogle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The origin of the Squonk  said to reside in the Keystone States Hemlock Forest  dates back to 1910, with a book called Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods  and Pennsylvanians have adopted the beast as their own.

Its the cryptid we can claim as our own. Its not big and scary like Bigfoot or Mothman. They hear its story, feel sad, pity him, but they want to lift him up like they would their friends and neighbors, Fogle said.

This is the third annual Squonkapalooza, which is held at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in the southwestern city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and welcomes people of all ages, who travel far and wide for the one-of-a-kind festivities.

People have told us theyve come from the west coast, east coast, deep south and far north. Several of our vendors also travel from out of state. Including me, when we started this festival I was living in Washington, then Colorado and now Illinois, said Russell.

This is the third annual Squonkapalooza, which is held in the southwestern city of Johnstown. Squonkapalooza

The event includes a Compliment Contest, where participants can try and cheer up the ever-sad Squonk.

It can range from a simple pick-me-up, like I love you Squonk, Fogle said, but some have written poems, sang songs.

Basically anything that can uplift the Squonk.
MPR News reported on a team of researchers who are developing methods to remove invasive carp from Minnesota lakes.

The common carp is an invasive species that is abundant in lakes in Minnesota. Like most invasive species, these carp outcompete native species for resources. Common carp consume quite a bit and, in doing so, root around the bottom of the lakes they reside in, which damages plants, decreases water quality, and spurs algae growth.

Now, a team of scientists is hard at work developing methods to control this invasive species. Their goal is to help native species recover and repair damage to the lakes caused by the carp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The team began their work on Lake Fremont, and once they've determined the best management technology and tools to control these fish, they plan to help other lakes in Minnesota keep their invasive carp in check.

The researchers are currently attempting to control the carp population via tagging and baited nets.

Last fall, they tagged over 150 carp in Lake Fremont with passive integrated transponders. These PIT tags contain microchips that allow scientists to track movements, congregations, and spawning locations. Once that information is acquired, researchers know where they should place baited nets.

Scientists can simply check an app on their phone to see how many tagged fish are in one of these nets at any given time. When the net catches enough fish, scientists use a remote-controlled trigger to raise it, trapping the carp inside.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They then go out to the net and collect the trapped fish. Researchers place the invasive carp into tubs of anesthesia and water and toss back any non-carp that may have accidentally been caught.

Besides allowing them to clear the lake of this invasive species, this method also enables researchers to estimate the total amount of carp in the water and determine how many they should remove to restore the ecosystem to a healthy level.

The ultimate goal is to see native populations rebound, which will help rebalance the ecosystem and benefit fishermen in the area, as well as improve the water quality of the lake.

The process may take a while, though. As the president of the Lake Fremont Improvement Association, Mike Thieling, explained to MPR News, "It's probably not going to be an overnight cure. But we're hoping that in the four years, it'll really make a difference."

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.




According to the release, a team of police officials conducted raids at three locations in Kirari Suleman Nagar and recovered 684 fake Levi's jeans, 350 loose Levi's labels, and 3 sewing machines.

The three accused persons, Sharif (29), Javed (35), and Salman (29), were found to be involved in the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit products bearing the trademarks of Levi's and other brands. They were arrested on the spot and charged under sections 103/104 of the Trade Marks Act.

Further investigation is underway to uncover the entire network of counterfeit jeans suppliers and manufacturers.

The police have registered an FIR under sections 103/104 of the Trade Marks Act and arrested all three accused persons. (ANI)
For generations, wild abalone fed communities along the Pacific coast, from California to Alaska. Indigenous peoples from over twenty tribes, including the Chumash, Tongva, and Ohlone, gathered abalone in the tidal shallows, prizing not just the meat but also the shells, which they transformed into ornaments and tools. Abalone became a symbol of plenty and a vital part of seasonal feasts, traded up and down the coast for centuries. Evidence of this history can be found in ancient shell middens and the complex art made from shimmering fragments.

Today, the reality is stark. Wild abalone has become a seafood most Americans will never encounter, its place on the table replaced by memories and empty shells. By the 20th century, wild abalone captured the attention of chefs, divers, and seafood lovers. The meat is both sweet and firm, often compared to a cross between the sweetness of a scallop and the chewiness of calamari, with a subtle minerality that tastes like the deep, cold Pacific itself. Its popularity boomed in restaurants and private kitchens, but that demand also brought trouble. Years of overfishing, habitat loss, and poaching steadily reduced populations.

The rise of withering syndrome, a bacterial disease, added further stress, and as kelp forests dwindled due to climate shifts and sea urchin overpopulation, the decline accelerated. These days, wild abalone are endangered, and harvesting them in the U.S. is prohibited. Finding a shell washed up on a northern California beach feels almost like stumbling on a fossil, proof that abalone, once abundant, is now part of the coastline's memory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more: 13 International Dining Etiquette Rules We Should All Be Following

When Abalone Was Abundant

A historical photo of a roadside seafood stand decorated with thousands of abalone shells - Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images

In the United States, wild abalone consumption reached its peak during the mid-20th century, when the California coast was dotted with old-school seafood shacks, supper clubs, and Italian and Chinese restaurants famous for their abalone steaks. Local divers and fishermen sold fresh catches to markets and diners, where abalone was pounded thin, breaded, and quickly pan-fried, served crisp at the edges and tender in the center. The dish was beloved for its delicacy and abundance, inspiring fishing derbies and even a culture of roadside "abalone burgers" for travelers. In these decades, abalone was a ubiquitous and celebrated part of everyday coastal life.

In China, Japan, and Korea, it remains a treasured food and a marker of celebration or status. Chinese cooks braise abalone in rich sauces for holidays, weddings, and high-end banquets. Dried abalone, intensely flavored and hard to source, can fetch astronomical prices. Japanese divers, many of them women known as ama divers, still free-dive for abalone as part of a tradition dating back hundreds of years, with the catch often eaten raw as sashimi or gently simmered. In South Africa and Australia, wild abalone is tightly regulated but still possible to find, though illegal poaching and export have taken a toll on stocks there as well.

Abalone's role as a luxury ingredient has led to controversy and change. Population exploitation (overharvesting), black market trade, and environmental shifts have placed stress on populations worldwide. Some regions have responded with strict quotas or complete closures, hoping to give wild abalone a chance at recovery. Even where it is available, wild abalone is increasingly rare, expensive, and politically fraught.

Clinging Onto The Shell Of A Warming World

A closeup of raw abalone in the shell - Huizeng Hu/Getty Images

For those who still want a taste of this underrated shellfish, farmed options offer a legal and accessible alternative. On small coastal farms, abalone are raised in tanks or ocean pens and fed kelp, separated from the wild's unpredictable currents. Many operations market their products as sustainable, and there are fewer risks of exploitation or poaching. Still, farmed abalone differs from its wild relatives. The flavor tends to be milder, the texture more uniform, and the experience generally less connected to the ecosystem that shaped the species over millennia. There are also questions about the broader impact of aquaculture, from water use to disease management, and debates about whether any farmed seafood can truly "replace" or make up for what's been lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Abalone are more than food; they are beautiful, strange creatures. They have a single, muscular foot for clinging to rocks and, like many sea creatures, are exquisitely sensitive to vibrations and water movement, a survival trait that helps them respond to predators and shifting tides. Still, their survival story is uncertain. Warming seas, acidification, and loss of kelp, their habitat and food source, challenge the hope of recovery, even if fishing remains banned.

As wild abalone disappears from local waters, the shells left behind tell part of the story, shimmering with rainbowed, mother-of-pearl bands refracting turquoise, pink, and green, a reminder that beauty persists even in absence. Choosing not to eat wild abalone is one way to support their recovery, but the future may depend as much on environmental action as on our eating habits. Abalone stands as a global symbol of what's at stake as we navigate changing oceans, part elegy, part ongoing experiment in care.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Update: Truck tied to murder suspect found in Dyer County: TBI

JACKSON, Tenn.  The search continues for quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond after his abandoned car was pulled from a Jackson neighborhood.

The 2016 white Audi was found in a wooded area on MCO Road Friday, and the vehicle may have gotten stuck in some mud. It took crews a while to remove the car.

Quadruple murder suspects Audi found in Jackson, TN; manhunt underway

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson police said it appeared Drummond had been living in the Audi. Neighbors said there are two ways to access the area where the car was located. They were glad to see it go.

Photos courtesy TBI

Because basically that was his place of living, and now its gone. Where is he going to live? You can live under the trees, but youll be seen, said Rebekah Nolen.

Federal, state, and local officers searched the area where the Audi was found. There was also a large police presence at an apartment complex less than a mile away.

Two helicopters hovered over the Villages of Campbell Oaks. Officers could be seen walking away from an apartment building with a battering ram, but its not clear if they entered any units. No one was taken into custody.

Villages of Campbell Oaks. WREG photo

A mother of five at the complex was alarmed when she saw all the police vehicles and found out who they were looking for.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its crazy we keep from California, so its definitely crazy.

The TBI said Drummond was spotted in Jackson on Wednesday and has direct ties to the city.

The confirmed sighting was one day after the bodies of James Matthew Wilson, Adrianna Williams, Cortney Rose, and Braydon Williams were found in Lake County.

A baby related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County. Thats when the investigation into the incident began

Cortney Rose, Matthew Wilson, Adrianna Williams

TBI director David Rausch believes Drummond is still in the area. Hes asking residents to stay vigilant and for Drummond to turn himself in.

Austin is considered armed and dangerous. This is why we are advising the public not to engage with him, to call us if you see him, if you have info about his whereabouts, to reach out, said TBI Director David Rausch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The TBI and U.S. Marshals are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Brief

Authorities are searching for 19-year-old Jessica Hutto, who went missing from San Antonio and is believed to be in Houston, possibly linked to an online game.

Jessica's parents reported her missing after she left home without essential items, and they are concerned about her safety due to her anxiety and depression diagnosis.

The family is urging anyone with information to contact the San Antonio and Houston police departments, emphasizing their desire for her safe return.

HOUSTON - Authorities are actively searching for 19-year-old Jessica Hutto, who went missing from San Antonio last week. Her family believes her disappearance may be linked to an online game, and local authorities have joined the investigation.

Missing in Texas: Jessica Hutto

Jessica Hutto (Photo courtesy of family)

What they're saying

Jessica Hutto was last seen a week ago, according to her parents, who reported her missing after she left home without her wallet, phone, and laptop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's been terrifying, unbearable," said her mother, Michelle Hutto. "I don't get much sleep. I don't eat much. All I can think about is her and where she's at and if she needs me."

Her father, Chris Hutto, expressed concern over her sudden departure. "We're worried because she didn't take anything. She left her bank card, her phone, her computer. Like this. Not normal."

The San Antonio Police Department is actively investigating the case.

Jessica's parents revealed she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and had unplugged all the cameras at home before leaving.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michelle Hutto noted, "The fact that all her stuff is here, you know, her jewelry, her bank card, her devices, they feel that that was circumstance enough to say that she is a missing person, and then they're going to assign it to a detective and also connect with Houston Police Department to be able to join."

Jessica's parents managed to access her phone, discovering the last contact was with someone in Houston, whom she met through online gaming.

Chris Hutto expressed concern about potential trafficking, saying, "Possibly, yes, because it's through a gaming system. And that's one of the biggest stresses where you're worried about is, like, she got influenced off of a game that come to Houston out of the blue. And this is not a friend, this is not somebody we've met."

The family is pleading for public assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Please let us know that shes okay and, if she needs help, please help her and just contact us because thats all we want to know that our daughter is safe," said Michelle Hutto.

Chris Hutto added, "We love her and miss her so much, and that nobodys mad at her for leaving or nothing like that. We just want her to be safe."

Dangers of online gaming

Dig deeper

FOX 26 spoke with Leemie Kahng-Sofer, the Director of Case Management, with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and she said this is a rising concern.

"We have seen an explosion of online enticement just in terms of the cyber tip line reports that we've seen, and we've certainly seen missing children as a result of online communications that children or teenagers have had, with suspects who are very well aware of how to groom the children," Kahng-Sofer said. "Youre still gaming with strangers who are out there, the suspects, the groomers, they know, how to groom the children. And sometimes it goes from a gaming application to another app where they start communicating, with then ultimately ends up with the suspect picking up the child or the child leaving to go be with the suspect," she continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kahng-Sofer advised parents to be involved in their children's lives and always communicate with their kids and, if they're teenagers, then she advised parents to provide guidance but to not do it in a punitive or overly judgmental way.

"Set some ground rules, have open communication with their child or teenager. Parents, make sure that you are communicating constantly with one another," Kahng-Sofer said.

The NCMEC has free online resources to help parents navigate this space with their children.

What you can do

Anyone with information on Jessica Huttos whereabouts is urged to contact the San Antonio Police Departments Missing Persons Unit at (210) 207-7660 or Houston Police Department's Missing Persons Unit at (832) 394-1840.

The Source

FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with Jessica and Chris Hutto, reached out to SAPD and HPD, and spoke with Leemie Kahng-Sofer with the NCMEC.
The suspected terrorist, a Palestinian from Tulkarm, came to the entrance of the kibbutz with a knife.

Security forces thwarted a suspected terrorist armed with a knife at Kibbutz Metzer, Army Radio said on Saturday.

The suspect, who is reportedly a Palestinian from Tulkarm, came to the entrance of the kibbutz and planned to carry out a stabbing spree.

He was later stopped by the kibbutzs guard after he pulled out a knife.

This is a developing story.
On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright made the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The flight was short and brief. It covered 120 feet and lasted only 12 seconds. Later that same day Wilbur Wright flew the plane 852 feet in a flight that lasted 59 seconds.

When word of these flights was relayed to their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, the editor of the local paper was unimpressed. It is reported that when he heard the news, he leaned back in his chair, stretched his arms and yawned. If they had kept it in the air an hour, he said, that might have been news.

Then he turned again to his work of printing important news. By 59 minutes, the Wright brothers missed the chance of getting into the local paper the next day; but in that one minute they changed the world forever.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vision is needed to spot important things in our world. And vision is not something that is arrived at through a well-ground lens. Vision is dependent upon how we interpret what we see. Anais Nin said, We dont see things as they are. We see things as we are.

Jesus was always seeing things of importance around him. His disciples were always missing them. On one occasion they were in the Temple area. Jesus sat down to watch how the people gave their money. In a little while, he called all his disciples to him and pointed out a little widow who had slipped two small copper coins into the collection box.

Jesus said, She has given more than anyone today. The disciples would later try to call Jesus attention to the massive buildings that made up the Temple complex. Jesus was unimpressed. He said that in a few years there would not be a stone left upon a stone in this area. One of our challenges is to see the way Jesus sees and to evaluate things the way he evaluates them.

In 1836, in the little village of Rushville, New York, Marcus Whitman heard the call of God to missions in the Northwest, and with his new wife Narcissa, set out as a missionary to Oregon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Later that year, the pastor of the church in Rushville wrote about the churchs year. He wrote, Nothing important ever happens here. We had one addition to the church this year, but he married one of our finest young women, and now they are both gone. The pastors lack of vision prevented his ability to see the mighty ways God would use that young couple in the Northwest in the coming years.

Seeing God at work in small things is a key to being involved in the great things of the kingdom. May God make us people of vision and sensitivity who can spot big things in small things around us.
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!
Hundreds of thousands of Seminole County voters  regardless of political party  received postcards in their mailboxes this week from the Supervisor of Elections Office requesting them to verify their addresses, sign their names and mail a portion of the card back.

The cards  which went out to all 350,697 registered voters in Seminole  state in blue type: You are receiving this card because we want to ensure we have your correct name and address in our records.

It then reads in bold underlined type: Please respond within 30 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Despite what appeared to be a warning and a hard deadline, Seminole Supervisor Amy Pennock said voters are not required to return the forms, but it is encouraged.

There is no penalty if they dont respond, she said, and their voter eligibility would not be affected.

Instead, the cards are meant to comply with a 2024 state law that mandates each county periodically update its list of registered voters and make sure mailing addresses are correct, Pennock said.

If we have the wrong information in our system for a voter, and they dont update it, there could be issues when they show up to vote if they are at a wrong polling location, Pennock said Thursday. Or a requested vote by mail ballot may go to the incorrect address.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pennock said voters were asked to respond within 30 days to create a sense of urgency and encourage action because a majority of voters do not notify her office whenever they move or change names.

Keeping voter information current is essential to running smooth and secure elections, she said. It helps to reduce delays, prevent confusion and build trust in the process.

If voters dont want to spend 78 cents for a stamp and a trip to the post office, they also can visit voteseminole.gov to verify or correct their address online, Pennock said.

Still, the 11-by-6-inch white postcards unsettled a few Seminole voters at a time when many Americans are suspicious of elections after President Donald Trump falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It certainly makes you feel like you wont be able to vote if you dont do anything, said Larry Furlong, a longtime Seminole resident and former county commissioner, said after he received the postcard on Thursday. That should have been clearly stated in that card, that its not required, and its not.

Another Seminole woman said in an email to the Orlando Sentinel on Friday she was puzzled when she received a strange card from the Elections Office asking her to confirm her address.

I have lived here over ten years and have never received anything like it, she wrote. I always vote. There should be no question that I am an active member of the voter rolls. The card does not indicate what happens if not returned.

In Orange County, all 820,530 registered voters will receive similar address confirmation requests by early September, according to Blake Summerlin, an office spokesman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But adding to the confusion, in Lake and Osceola counties, only registered voters who had not voted in 2022 and 2024 were sent cards requesting a similar address confirmation last spring.

Voters who didnt respond to those requests, however, were then placed on an inactive voter list.

The Florida law requires county elections offices to periodically update the information on their voter rolls, either by contacting all voters  as Seminole is doing  or by reaching out only to voters who have not voted in the past two elections.

When you are considered an inactive voter, we stop sending you mail, said Kari Ewalt, administrative services director for Osceolas Supervisor of Elections Office. But you can still vote. You can still do all the things that an active voter can.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This year, the Osceola Supervisor of Elections Office moved about 28,000 of the total 221,390 registered voters to the inactive list.

To regain active voter status, all it takes is to call us or show up to vote, said Alan Hays, Lakes supervisor of elections. His office sent out notices to about 19,000 inactive registered voters.

But after four years of an inactive voter neither casting a ballot nor notifying the elections office, they are purged from the voter rolls, Hays said.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has released a comprehensive draft bill designed to improve the well-being and future opportunities of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children.

The discussion draft builds on the findings and recommendations of The Way Forwardthe final report of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children, published in February 2024.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Established through bipartisan legislation co-led by Senator Murkowski and former Senator Heidi Heitkamp, the Commission undertook a thorough review of the challenges and strengths of Native children and families. Through public hearings and site visits across the country, the Commission developed recommendations for more effective service delivery, better data collection, and culturally grounded programmingcreating a blueprint for meaningful legislative action.

This discussion draft is an important step in turning the recommendations of the Commission on Native Children into action to support our Native children, youth, and families. Im proud to put forward a draft legislative package with the opportunity for further collaboration with stakeholders. I look forward to hearing from Tribal leaders, advocates, and non-profits supporting Native families as we work to improve policies that directly impact their communities, Sen. Murkowski said.

The proposed legislation tackles a broad range of issues, including child welfare, justice, health (physical, behavioral, and environmental), housing and homelessness, education, child care, and improved research and data infrastructure.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
As chair of the Senate appropriations subcommittee overseeing energy and water programs, Sen. John Kennedy is among the rarefied group of cardinals  the 12 gavel-holders who tend to take a clubby, I-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine approach to the trillion-dollar government funding process they manage each year.

Lately, though, Kennedy has hardly been acting like one of the gang.

The Louisiana Republican has accused the Senate of playacting through this years bipartisan spending talks  a process, he says, that is actually as dead as Jimmy Hoffa. This past week, he contributed to a days-long holdup on an initial package of fiscal 2026 spending bills  insisting he get a chance to vote against funding for Congress itself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And hes flirting with a second act this fall, delaying his own bill to fund energy and water programs as he pushes for a spending cut. Hes also drawing red lines that could leave a separate bill funding the Interior Department hanging in limbo.

Kennedys assessment that the government funding process is broken isnt playing well with colleagues. That includes Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Appropriations Democrat and a veteran of hard-nosed partisan fiscal negotiations.

Hes breaking it, Murray said in a brief interview.

As Kennedy tells it, his colleagues need to accept reality: Washington will be running on short-term spending patches, known as continuing resolutions, for the foreseeable future given the political hurdles to any workable agreement between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There hasnt been a point for a while, Kennedy said in an interview about the government funding process. Hence, he says, the playacting.

Its bleak talk for someone best known around Capitol Hill for his entertaining if sometimes contradictory approach to lawmaking.

A Rhodes Scholar skilled in dealing out down-home aphorisms to congressional reporters, hes gaining a new reputation as a persistent headache for GOP leaders when it comes to government spending  and as an odd fit on a panel that is typically home to pragmatic senators who band together to cut deals even if they dont love every piece.

By no means is he the only member on the committee who has thrown up roadblocks. Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, for instance, forced leadership to drop its plan to include a bill funding the departments of Commerce and Justice over Trumps move to cancel plans for relocating FBI headquarters to his home state of Maryland.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Van Hollen and others with parochial concerns havent questioned the bipartisan appropriations process itself, and even Senate Majority Leader John Thune exhibited surprise at Kennedys broadsides.

Were just going to do what we can to get the appropriations process moving again, and thats something we havent had here in quite a while, Thune said. So theres a lot of muscle memory were trying to engage.

The Senate is trying to find a sweet spot, Thune added.

Kennedy ultimately reached a deal with leadership this week to get a separate vote on funding for Congress. He said he wanted to be able to vote against the Legislative Branch bill without having to oppose a two-bill package focused on the departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture. Hes angling to make a similar protest vote against the bill funding the Department of Interior and environmental projects, which would complicate Thune putting it in a second spending package that he wants to bring to the floor next month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Kennedys position frustrated colleagues who say he didnt articulate any policy concern with the congressional funding bill beyond believing it spent too much money. And his willingness to take a verbal sledgehammer to the Senates talks is grating on some fellow Republicans who are straining to keep them on track.

What we're seeing is different, and I don't know why, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said about recent tactics from Kennedy and other senators. When I came on the Appropriations Committee, it was kind of like an unspoken rule, if you will  that we would be there to not only support the Republican bills, but as appropriators, we kind of held together  and we made the process work.

We don't have that right now, which is unfortunate, she added.

Besides publicly badmouthing the bipartisan process, Kennedy made other moves to rankle his Appropriations colleagues  starting with his vocal support for Trumps pursuit of rescissions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those spending clawbacks essentially serve to undo the spending panels work. Not only did Kennedy vote for a first $9 billion package last month, he has also been backchanneling with White House budget director Russ Vought about additional requests.

Democrats, and some Republicans, are warning that would blow up the appropriations process, but Kennedy called it naive to think if the White House held off that Democrats would want to share a cup of hot cocoa and a hug with us.

Meanwhile, his frequent claim that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is responsible for breaking the government funding process has particularly rankled Democrats. Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is on the Appropriations Committee and likely to be Schumers next No. 2, said the idea that you're going to blame the Democratic leader, and you control both chambers and the presidency, is plainly goofy.

If he wants to vote no on his own bill, I suppose he's entitled to do that. It's a little weird, but he's entitled to do it, Schatz said. But there's no reason he should block the Senate from considering the legislation that he's presumably helped to craft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats a reference to the ongoing standoff Kennedys in with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins of Maine over the energy and water bill, which last year directed nearly $60 billion in annual taxpayer spending  much of it on the nations nuclear weapons program.

Collins and Murray agreed on a topline spending number for the bill Kennedy oversees. But the Louisianan wants to go lower  something Democrats consider to be a breach of the overall bipartisan agreement on the committee.

Just because Patty gives me a number doesnt mean I have to accept her number. Shes got one vote, and Ive got one vote, he said.

Murray, who is also the top Democrat on Kennedys subcommittee, said she is working with Collins on a plan to advance that bill out of committee over Kennedys insistence that it include less funding than the panels leaders have prescribed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kennedy credited Collins with doing the best she can. But he said he wants to cut spending and rated the chances of that happening through the bipartisan spending process as about as high as the likelihood that donkeys may fly someday, too.

Last Congress, he recalled, panel leaders made the case that Senate appropriators needed to come together and sing Kumbaya and We Are the World. The pitch hasnt changed this year, he said  hes just unmoved.

I love We Are the World, its a beautiful song, Kennedy added. But its not reality.
Republican senators are getting ready to leave Washington without advancing a major sanctions bill against Russia, giving President Trump sole discretion over whether to follow through on his threats against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he refuses to halt his war against Ukraine.

Trump has given an Aug. 8 deadline for Putin to stop fighting or risk tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. As a preview, he announced 25 percent tariffs on India, a major importer of Russian energy. Thats far below the 500 percent secondary tariff power Congress laid out in draft legislation.

While Senate Ukraine hawks wanted to see their sanctions bill pass before the monthlong break, they ultimately left the decision entirely in Trumps hands, at least for the summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think hes going to be very careful about what he does, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said when asked by The Hill if Trump can be trusted to impose costs on Putin.

But I think he is clearly disappointed in Putin and I think he is now coming around to recognizing that many of us were right.

Democrats have expressed skepticism Trump will punish Putin, even as the president has shown increasing frustration with the Russian leaders refusal to accept a ceasefire.

Trump said Friday he ordered nuclear submarines to the region in response to threats of nuclear weapons use from Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, current deputy chair of the security council and frequent online provocateur.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances, Trump posted on his social media site Truth Social.

Trump told reporters Thursday that his special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Russia following a visit to Israel on Friday.

Trump described Russias ongoing attacks against Ukraine as disgusting.

We have about eight days.  Were going to put sanctions, he said.

Even as Trump has shortened the deadline for Russia to get serious about peace talks, the president is hedging on the impact U.S. financial penalties will have on Putins country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I dont know that sanctions bother him. You know? They know about sanctions. I know better than anybody about sanctions, and tariffs and everything else. I dont know if that has any effect. But were going to do it.

While the U.S. has steadily ramped up sanctions on Russia throughout the war, the Senate bill would have marked a major economic escalation, seeking to isolate Moscow from trading partners that have kept its wartime economy afloat.

Maintaining pressure on Russia economically, and going after its oil revenues in particular, remain crucial to containing and limiting Russias current and future military and foreign policy options, experts with the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in a report late last month.

Steep tariffs on Russias trading partners would also risk shocks to the global energy market and further strain on U.S. relations with major economies such as India, China and Brazil.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said deciding which sanctions are imposed  if Russia passes Trumps deadline  are a work in progress, speaking with The Hill on Friday.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), coauthor of the Russia sanctions bill with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), said he would view it as a win if Trump imposed even a fifth of what the Senate was proposing.

We propose in our bill 500 percent. If its 250 percent, I could live with it. Even if its 100 percent, possibly. But you ought to impose bone-crushing sanctions that will stop them from fueling Russias war machine, Blumenthal said.

The Connecticut senator said even as he holds out hope for Trump to give Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) the green light to bring the sanctions bill to the floor, the bill has already moved U.S. policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It has given credibility and momentum to the idea of sanctions so that now, even President Trump, who was seemingly Putins best buddy, is giving him deadlines to stop the war or face sanctions, he said.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pointed to Trumps 25 percent tariffs on India as further evidence of this impact. Indian state oil refiners have already moved to pause imports of Russian oil, with the tariff set to go into effect Aug. 7.

Clearly, India was paying attention to that. I think its positive progress that the president is looking at ways in which he can put more pressure on Russia, she said.

Graham said Trump has adopted the theory of the case  going after countries that purchase Russian oil and dont help Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He can do it through executive action, or with the bill, he said. I think the bill, as you say, gives him leverage, and were in good discussions, so stay tuned.

But some Republican senators pointed to a missed opportunity in adjourning before a vote on the Graham-Blumenthal bill.

I dont think there are enough sanctions we can place on Russia. I think we should keep hammering them and make sure Ukraines armed, said Sen. Pete Ricketts (Neb.), the No. 2 Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Rounds told The Hill he believed the time is now to put the sanctions bill on the floor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, said he wanted a Senate vote on the sanctions package so the House could be ready to take it up when they come back in September.

I think having that tool in your tool chest, ready to go, would be a good thing and keep the pressure on Russia, he said.

I think it gives [Trump] more leverage. You can always hold it ready to go, send it over to the House if needed and then to the presidents desk. I think thats not a bad strategy.

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, agreed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think thats why its important for us to have this teed up and ready  it gives [Trump] an option, and the more options he has the better, he said.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told The Hill on Wednesday that Thune was absolutely aware of his desire to vote on the Russia sanctions bill before the August recess.

I certainly think it would be an excellent thing to do.

Thunes office told The Hill on Friday it had no scheduling announcements related to the Graham-Blumenthal bill.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
During his 51st visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, he also sought information about the preparedness as well as relief operations to assist people in the city.

PM Modi also enquired about the arrangements for the flood-affected people in the relief camps and the people who took shelter in different places. He emphasised that people who are affected should get all possible support from the local administration.

Varanasi is witnessing a flood situation due to heavy rainfall.

Earlier today, the water level of the River Ganga increased, and the floodwater entered several parts of the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in Varanasi for August 2-4.

Meanwhile, during his visit to Varanasi, PM Narendra Modi released the 20th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring an amount of more than Rs 20,500 crores into the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers.

With the 20th instalment, the total disbursement under the scheme since its inception has surpassed Rs 3.90 lakh crore.

He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 2,200 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

PM Modi inaugurated the widening and strengthening of the Varanasi-Bhadohi road and Chhitauni-Shool Tankeshwar road, as well as the Railway Overbridge at Hardattpur, to ease congestion on the Mohan Sarai-Adalpura Road.

He laid the foundation stone for comprehensive road widening and strengthening across multiple rural and urban corridors, including Dalmandi, Lahartara-Kotwa, Gangapur, Babatpur, among others and Railway Overbridges at Level Crossing 22C and Khalispur Yard.

Strengthening the power infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of various works under the Smart Distribution Project and the undergrounding of electrical infrastructure worth over Rs 880 crore. (ANI)
The Senate passed its first three spending bills Friday, taking swift action after leaders struck a bipartisan agreement to package the bills together earlier in the day.

The chamber voted 87-9 to pass a two-bill package to fund the departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, along with military construction and the Food and Drug Administration. In a separate 81-15 vote they also passed a third bill to fund Congress itself.

With federal cash set to dry up at the end of September, the Senates minibus would do nothing to stave off a government shutdown that could potentially hobble federal agencies in October. But Senate leaders still want to move that package through with the goal of gaining leverage in the broader spending talks with the House and President Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its taken a great deal of work, good faith and negotiation to get to this point, Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). Congress has a responsibility, a constitutional responsibility under Article I, for the power of the purse. We are executing that responsibility.

The package would provide almost $154 billion for military construction and veterans programs. It would send more than $27 billion to the Agriculture department and FDA. Both represent a roughly 2 percent boost over current levels.

The Senate rejected an amendment from Sen. Jeff Merkley, an appropriator and the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, that would bar the rescission, or clawback, of funds in the bill by the White House. Democrats are worried that the administration will send another rescissions package ahead of the fall funding deadline, which would likely implode any hopes of getting a larger funding deal.

Still, Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, defended the smaller deal reached among senators, saying that the package rejects damaging cuts from Trump and House Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Senate adopted by voice vote an amendment from Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Alex Padilla of California that would bar the use of any funds in the bill to reduce services provided by the Veterans Crisis Line.

Senators rejected other amendments from Democrats including one that would have halted funding of the Agriculture Department reorganization and another to require a report on staffing reductions at the VA.

They also rejected amendments from Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) that would have made deeper cuts to the Agriculture-FDA bill.

The chamber also voted 75-21 to reject a proposal from Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin that would bar lawmakers from taking credit for earmarks. It would require the funding to be revoked if a lawmaker were to ever tout their earmarks in interviews, mailings, speeches or even on the campaign trail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The separate vote on the Legislative Branch measure was part of a side deal struck with Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, who objected to the amount of spending in the $7.1 billion bill and demanded the chance to vote against it separately. It is the smallest of the 12 annual spending bills.

"I think we need to set an example," Kennedy said on the floor ahead of the vote.

The Legislative Branch bill will be combined with the two-bill package and sent to the House as a bundle under the bipartisan agreement laid out by Collins earlier Friday.

The Senates progress is a U-turn from just Thursday night when tensions were running high after Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) blocked the ability to bring up a four-bill package that would have incorporated funding for the Justice and Commerce departments as well as other agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Van Hollen blocked funding of the DOJ bill because of a stalemate that developed after the Trump administration backtracked earlier this year from a years-long process that would have moved FBI headquarters to Maryland. The Senate punted the Justice-Commerce funding bill until after the August recess.

Congress will ultimately have to consider a continuing resolution that wards off a shutdown on Oct. 1 and buys more time for bicameral, bipartisan talks on a government funding deal for the coming fiscal year.

Some House lawmakers are angling for another lengthy stopgap, while Senate leadership is hoping to get some full-year bills to President Donald Trumps desk for signature before the shutdown deadline. That would let them have parts of the government funded for fiscal 2026, while running the rest of the government on a short-term spending patch.

Cassandra Dumay and Jennifer Scholtes contributed to this report.
A senior nurse at Lucy Letbys hospital warned she was facing her worst nightmare after deadly bacteria was found on several taps in the over-capacity baby unit, leaked emails show.

Eirian Powell, the manager of the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, argued the department was taking too many risks and compromising patient safety.

The email was sent to senior managers in December 2015, the middle of the period in which there was a spike of baby deaths at the unit, for which Letby was convicted of murder.

Lucy Letby was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others - Cheshire Constabulary

Former Estates Management staff at the hospital also told The Telegraph that nappy pads were placed in the ceiling of the unit to prevent sewage leaking through.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Telegraph has previously reported that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa had colonised taps in the nurseries of the neonatal unit, including intensive care. But the extent of the outbreak has only now come to light through the leaked emails.

Ms Powell wrote the email after discovering that a second sink in her unit had tested positive.

Tony Chambers, Countess of Chester chief executive, was tipped off by the nurse - Ian Cooper

Copying in Tony Chambers, the trusts chief executive, she wrote: We are currently over-capacity and this is my worst nightmare.

I feel that we are taking too many risks and compromising patient safety. I want filters put on all taps until we have the ALL clear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A risk register seen by The Telegraph shows that filters had to be kept on the taps for months indicating that the hospital struggled to eliminate the bug.

The problem was labelled as high risk on the register, which also warned there was a high risk from ongoing doctor shortages in the unit.

Records show that the taps in the baby unit were fitted with bacterial filters in an attempt to deal with the issue.

But a former member of the Estates Management team told The Telegraph there were regular call-outs to the unit when the filters became detached from the taps, increasing the risk of infection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he was concerned about the safety of the vulnerable babies in the unit, believing the ward should have been shut down until the bacteria risk had been eliminated.

Speaking anonymously, he said: I could not understand why the most vulnerable patients in the hospital were being cared for in that unit which was not fit for purpose. I thought it was dangerous. Everyone in Estates did.

He also described how there were regular call outs to deal with foul water from the pipes which carried macerator waste and sewage above the unit. When there were blockages the waste would seep out of the pipes and through the ceiling tiles in the unit.

The team was forced to put multiple absorbent nappy pads in the ceiling area to stop any waste from dripping down

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The former worker also said the sinks were often blocked, adding that the release of the blockage could be explosive with big splashes of foul water and the cleaners would not be on hand immediately.

Id unblock a sink using a plunger with babies still in the room. All of the lads would raise issues. It was an ongoing battle of firefighting with leaks and blockages, he said.

Mark McDonald, Letbys barrister, said: This is yet another indication as to why this unit was not fit for purpose.

It has now become clear that there is a strong argument that Lucy was a scapegoat for a dysfunctional, under-resourced and understaffed neonatal department.

The neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital was taking too many risks, said a nurse - Christopher Furlong/Getty

The jury was never told about the bacterial outbreak or the full extent of the sewage problems on the unit, while the new email and full risk register were never disclosed to Letbys defence team.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At Letbys trial, the prosecution claimed that testing had ruled out infections in the babies, but during the Thirlwall Inquiry  which is looking into how the killing might have been stopped  Dr Susie Holt said it was difficult to eliminate them.

Consultant Dr Murthy Saladi also told the inquiry that before the finger had been pointed at Letby, he was concerned that the baby deaths and collapses were due to an outbreak of the pseudomonas in the unit.

Dr Rachel Lambie, a former paediatric registrar at the Countess of Chester, also told the inquiry that she was initially concerned that two indictment babies had been geographically close to each other in the unit and may have picked up the same infection.

She said she had personally raised the issue of an environmental toxin and that pseudomonas was being considered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pseudomonas is known to be lethal to vulnerable babies. In 2012, a premature baby died and 12 others needed treatment at Southmead Hospital in Bristol after an outbreak of a water-borne bacterium.

Three premature babies also died after contracting the bug at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast in January 2012. In that case, sink taps were found to be the source of infection. A baby had died from the same infection six weeks earlier in Derry.

Letby is serving 15 whole life terms for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven more, but since her conviction dozens of medical and statistical experts have voiced concerns about the evidence.

The safety of Letbys convictions is currently under consideration by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which investigates potential miscarriages of justice in England.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A spokesman at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: Due to the Thirlwall Inquiry and the ongoing police investigations, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.

A new documentary, Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?, is being aired on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday at 10.20pm.

The shows producers said: After two trials, nurse Lucy Letby was found guilty of killing seven newborn babies and attempting to kill seven others in one of the most shocking murder cases in British history.

Described as a cold-blooded, calculating killer, Letby was said to have used her trusted role to cause catastrophic harm to the most vulnerable newborn babies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So why are a growing number of expert voices now questioning the evidence used to convict her? This programme explores the views of a team of international scientists who say the prosecution case simply doesnt stand up to scrutiny.

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 combination of tact and tenacity is credited for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's successful dealings with US counterpart Donald Trump, most recently convincing him to delay a sky-high import tariff meant to come into effect Friday.

The pair are known to get along despite sitting on opposite sides of the political aisle, earning Mexico's first woman president the epithet of "Trump whisperer."

At least three times now, the US president has granted Mexico tariff relief and Trump has described Sheinbaum as a "wonderful woman" to the envy of a host of other world leaders who have found exchanges with Trump can be tetchy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, Trump agreed to delay by 90 days a 30 percent general tariff on imported Mexican goods, just hours before it was to take effect.

It was the outcome of the ninth phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump returned to power in January with a strong rhetoric against undocumented migrants and fentanyl flowing from America's southern neighbor.

How did she do it? "With a cool head," the president herself told reporters Friday.

The 63-year-old physicist and dedicated leftist added that she avoids "confronting" the magnate, all the while insisting on Mexico's sovereign rights in dealing with a man known to respect strong leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sheinbaum has said that Mexicans should "never bow our heads" and Trump has acknowledged her mettle, remarking: "You're tough" in one phone call, according to The New York Times.

"Mexico represents a lot to the United States... they are aware of that," Sheinbaum explained.

- 'Ability to convince' -

Thanks to the USMCA free trade agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada, nearly 85 percent of Mexican exports have been tariff-free.

And while a 30 percent general tariff has been delayed, for now, Mexico's vital automotive sector is the target of a 25 percent levy, albeit with discounts for parts manufactured in the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its steel and aluminum sectors, like those of other countries, are subject to a 50 percent tariff.

Mexico's government nevertheless claims the latest delay as a victory.

"Without being sycophantic, I can tell you that the way our president handles her conversations, her approach, the firmness with which she defends Mexico's interests, her ability to convince President Trump, is very significant," Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, who leads trade negotiations, told reporters Thursday.

- Give and take -

Sheinbaum seems also to have adopted a give and take approach, deploying thousands of border troops to assuage Trump's concerns about migration and drug flows.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president insists she has "not yielded anything" in negotiations with Trump, and talks are ongoing between the neighbors for a security agreement to tackle the problem of fentanyl and drug trafficking.

Sheinbaum has also raised the possibility of importing more US products to reset the trade balance.

Some fear the Mexican leader is merely buying time.

The latest tariff delay "does not solve the issue of uncertainty; we return to the starting point," Diego Marroquin, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told AFP.

bur/yug/axm/mlr/aks
Immigration law is complex and confounding  an ever-shifting labyrinth of rules, regulations and bureaucracy.

Its also emotionally charged.

Lives across the United States are being forever impacted by how American immigration law is being interpreted, enforced and adjudicated.

And its all happening at a time when trained immigration lawyers are in short supply.

In an effort to empower more people with practical understandings of immigration law, Brigham Young Universitys Office of Belonging and BYU Continuing Education are launching a Fundamentals of Immigration Law Course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The online course  which will be available soon  is designed to equip participants with knowledge and experiences in immigration law, while providing initial steps in becoming a partially accredited representative through the U.S. Department of Justice, according to the BYU Office of Belonging site.

The course was developed in collaboration with the No More A Stranger Foundation  or No Mas  a Utah-based organization of attorneys and volunteers advocating on behalf of and together with individuals from immigrant, migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, a client of No More A Stranger who recently gained her U.S. Citizenship, is emotional as she speaks at an event celebrating the growth of No Mas in its five years of existence as her husband, Matthew Michael Mendoza, translates at the BYU Salt Lake Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

The eight-week course covers the basics of U.S. immigration law through a series of modules that participants can work through at their own pace.

By the end of the BYU course, participants will have a basic understanding of immigration/citizenship law and visas  and the skills to be able to work with clients, prepare applications and petitions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once successfully completed, course participants are on their way to becoming accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to represent individuals in the immigration process with an approved nonprofit.

Throughout this course, we will explore legal principles and frameworks that impact individuals, families and communities, enabling us to follow the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in serving others, according to the BYU Office of Belonging course overview video.

We will also demonstrate how this course aligns with BYUs Office of Belonging  emphasizing a commitment to extending Christ-like service and ensuring ethical, compassionate, legal immigration services.

Serving immigrants with confidence and compassion

At a gathering Thursday announcing the new course, BYU Associate Dean of Continuing Education Carolyn Andrews noted the three-year collaboration with No Mas and fellow BYU organizations to develop the immigration law course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This project has been a personal passion of mine, said Andrews, a native Canadian who navigated the immigration process several decades ago.

Carolyn Andrews, the associate dean of BYU Continuing Education, helps announce a partnership between the BYU Law School and "No More A Stranger" legal services to develop an immigration law course for students outside the legal profession during an event celebrating the fifth anniversary of NOMAS at the BYU Salt Lake Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

My journey was long, complicated and at times incredibly frustrating, she said. That experience gave me deep empathy for others who walk that path today.

Jeremiah Baker, the lead designer of BYUs Fundamentals of Immigration Law Course, said Thursday that the new online course equips learners with practical tools so they can offer real help to those who are navigating the complexities of immigration law.

Baker saluted the collaborative efforts of Katie Rane of No Mas and BYUs Scott Goodwin to help develop the new course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No Mas is marking its fifth anniversary.

The Fundamentals of Immigration Law is an eight-week course that covers the foundation of immigration law in the United States, said Baker. It provides structured, practical training for those seeking to assist in immigration services  whether through nonprofit organizations like No Mas, law firms or community outreach efforts.

The course, he added, prepares students to support clients in nonprofit and accredited legal settings by combining legal knowledge and ethical practice.

This course lays the groundwork for anyone seeking to serve with both confidence and compassion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Throughout the course, students engage with simulated real-life scenarios where they listen to client stories and decide what steps to take next. They also become familiar with key government agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful collaboration between No Mas and BYUs Office of Belonging, said Baker.

A sign directs attendees towards an event celebrating the fifth year of No More a Stranger at the BYU Salt Lake Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Its been an honor to help create these courses which are designed with both compassion and purpose to serve those in need and to prepare volunteers to be grateful to contribute to a mission that uplifts, empowers and reflects the divine worth of every individual.

Law professor Carl Hernandez, the co-founder of No Mas legal services and the vice president of BYUs Office of Belonging, marveled at the compassion and capacity of those who developed the newly unveiled course.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Such efforts, he added, recognize and value the secular approach to helping individuals through the practice of law.

But they also incorporate the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ  in particular the importance of our common primary identity as children of God. And second, the importance of belonging and having a sense of belonging in your community.
A series of explosions was heard in several cities in temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of 1-2 August. The Russians have closed the Crimean Bridge to traffic.

Source: Crimean Bridge: operational information Telegram channel; Krymskyi Veter (Crimean Wind) Telegram channel

Details: Telegram channels reported that the Russians had decided to temporarily close the Crimean Bridge to traffic at 23:50 on 1 August, without specifying the reasons for such a restriction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Krymskyi Veter reported a series of explosions in the city of Feodosiia. Explosions were also heard in Kerch and at least "three very powerful explosions" occurred in the village of Yurkine, located near Kerch.

Local residents reported that air defence systems had been heard responding in several areas.

No information regarding the consequences of the explosions is available.

Updated: At 05:04, a channel controlled by the Russian authorities that covers the situation on the Crimean Bridge said that traffic had resumed. Russian monitoring channels reported that the all-clear had been given.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
(PINPOINT WEATHER)  Severe weather is moving across the Piedmont and mountain regions on Friday evening, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and the threat of flooding.

The National Weather Service issued Severe Thunderstorm Warnings throughout the region, including Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Rowan, Gaston, Union, York, and Stanly Counties, with storms moving southeast at 20-25 mph.

WEATHER ALERTS: Live, local weather alerts across the Charlotte area

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Radar detected wind gusts up to 60 mph, and residents were urged to take shelter immediately, especially in areas like Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Gastonia, Matthews, and Salisbury.

So far, no major hail has been reported, but the storms are powerful enough to cause damage to trees and power lines, leading to the possibility of scattered power outages.

Severe weather brings thousands of power outages across Charlotte area

In the mountains and foothills, including Ashe, Watauga, Surry, and Wilkes Counties, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch until midnight. Up to 4 inches of rain is possible in localized areas, especially where slow-moving thunderstorms linger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some areas, including parts of Wilkes and Chesterfield Counties, are already experiencing minor flooding, particularly in low-lying spots and poor drainage areas. In Wilkes County, up to 4 inches of rain have fallen, prompting a Flood Advisory through the evening.

MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM

Severe Weather

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A sexual health clinic serving parts of east and central London is to close in the autumn, despite the catchment area including hotspots for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

Homerton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust announced it would close 80 Leadenhall Street in the City of London, as the cost of the lease was rising and patient numbers had not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

It comes after North East London NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) reported a growing number of under-24s in Hackney and the City of London were seeking support around STIs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homerton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust thanked its staff for providing "fast, discreet, and high-quality care" at the Leadenhall Street site.

'Unprecedented pressure'

Last year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), formerly Public Health England, recorded fewer diagnoses of STIs in London.

However NHS North East London found young people in the City and Hackney had sought more "interventions" for sexual health  mostly around STIs  than in the neighbouring boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest.

According to UKHSA, Hackney, Lambeth and Southwark had the highest rate of STIs in the capital, with each reporting at least 2,500 cases per 100,000 residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The City of London followed behind, with 2,422 cases per 100,000.

In the City and Hackney, face-to-face consultations had not returned to pre-pandemic levels "at least in part" because more people were using online services.

This opposes the nationwide trend, where despite a fall in all kinds of sexual health consultations, clinic visits had seen a slight increase, according to the UKHSA.

In response to the UKHSA's figures, the Local Government Association warned that sexual health services in England were grappling with "unprecedented pressure" and urged the government to carve out a 10-year strategy and invest more to deliver "expert, timely care".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homerton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said the "professionalism, warmth and responsiveness" of staff at 80 Leadenhall would leave a "lasting impact".

It said patients would still have access to treatment at other Homerton centres, including The Ivy at St Leonards Hospital, Clifden Centre and John Scott Health Centre.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

More on this story

Related internet links
Nature can be cruel. At times, it can be beautiful; and other times, it can be merciless. Like the stuff they dont show you on National Geographic, or the stuff they do show on the Instagram account, Nature Is Metal. The following is of the latter camp.

While strolling the beach, on Thursday, at Island State Park, a protected area in New Jerseys Ocean County, Pete Halecky witnessed a gory scene  a dolphin, cornered by a pack of sharks, and ruthlessly ripped to shreds. The retired pharmacist, now real estate agent, was fishing at the time. He called it a beautiful morning. Then, it got bloody.

Warning: the video below is pretty graphic. Watch with caution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PIMFzKcN5LI

Yet, Halecky pulled out his phone to film the incident, and document nature in all its bloody glory. According to Halecky, speaking to local news, the dolphin appeared to already have at least one shark bite when he began filming. What happened next, when he turned he camera on, happened very quickly. Three or four sharks attacked the dolphin at once, taking it under the water and out of sight.

He added: "The water got really red. They destroyed it in a minute.

Sad stuff. But thats reality.

Related: Video: Shark Slaughters Sea Lion in Brutal Bloodbath

A shark expert from the New England Aquarium, John Chisolm, analyzed the footage and confirmed that the sharks involved in the gang killing were dusky sharks. According to the Florida Museum, dusky sharks are a cosmopolitan species that occurs along continental coastlines and the shelf in tropical and temperate waters. It ranges from Nova Scotia to Cuba (including the northern Gulf of Mexico) and from Nicaragua to southern Brazil in the western Atlantic and from southern California to the Gulf of California in the eastern Pacific. It is also found in the Mediterranean, Indo-western Pacific including Madagascar and Australia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are considered a vulnerable species, due to their slow growth rate and small litter sizes. As such, dusky sharks are prohibited to fish in the United States.

Related: Sea Lion Rips Out Sharks Throat in Vicious Act of Revenge (Video)

Sharks Feast on Dolphin in NJ, Turning Ocean Blood Red (Video) first appeared on Surfer on Aug 2, 2025
This summer was meant to be when Anh-Thu Nguyens years of planning finally came to fruition.

Six years in the making, the experienced pilot and South Florida flight instructor set out on Wednesday morning from Indiana on the second leg of a solo flight around the world. She had every intent of becoming the first Vietnamese woman to do it.

This year is the year. This is the summer. And Im really gonna do it, Nguyen said in a video on her Instagram on June 5. And I want to do this to empower you. I want to empower you, empower all women, all over the world, to follow your goals and your dreams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She posted her last video update from inside her plane on Instagram Wednesday, letting her thousands of followers know she had completed the first leg of her trip a few days earlier and was preparing to fly from Indiana to Pennsylvania.

The Lancair IVP airplane took off from Indy South Greenwood Airport shortly before 11 a.m. and crashed shortly afterward near Greenwood, Indiana, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

The plane crashed under unknown circumstances southeast of the airport while in the initial climb phase of flight, according to a preliminary report from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Firefighters found the wreckage directly behind a Circle K gas station near a busy intersection, the Greenwood Fire Department said in a news release. Nguyen, 44, of Miami, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nguyen leaves a legacy of inspiring women and girls to break into the male-dominated industries of aerospace and aviation, having been the founder of the nonprofit Asian Women in Aerospace and Aviation and the chief pilot of Dragon Flight Training Academy, based at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, which she opened and operated with her husband.

Her life stories are inspirational and have taught me and other women around her to dare to dream the impossible even when things are difficult. Shes truly my heroine and quite simply a living legend in my eyes, a mentee who helped organize a GoFundMe to help with costs of the solo mission wrote on the fundraiser page.

Through her flight school, Nguyen wanted to give aspiring pilots the opportunities she didnt have when she was starting out, her longtime friend and pilot Adam Jackson said in a statement given to the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday.

She was the most determined person I have ever met, nothing was going to stop her doing what she wanted, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Her story started with humble beginnings, her nonprofit said in a statement after her death. She emigrated from Tuy-Hoa, Vietnam, to the United States when she was 12 years old.

Growing up in a village with no electricity and running water, flying high was simply and realistically just a big dream, and dream big she did, her bio on the nonprofits website says.

Despite some flight instructors having actively discouraged and readily disqualified her at points in her life, she became an award-winning pilot and instructor with thousands of hours of experience, her bios on her nonprofit and flight schools websites said. She was recognized by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a distinguished flight instructor in 2023 and 2017.

Regardless of her many achievements, Anh-Thus presence at airports in 2021 is surprisingly still a source of confusion and a huge shock to many including airport security personnel, who on many occasions, have denied her entry through the gate, her bio on her nonprofits website says. On a daily basis, she constantly has to explain herself and convince people that shes a pilot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackson saw Nguyens determination soon after meeting her in 2011. Both were working toward earning their instrument ratings, and Nguyen was doing so on a budget, he said in his statement, so she slept in the flight schools RV at the airport.

Once Jackson earned his instructor rating a few years later, Nguyen, then earning her commercial license, was his first student, he said. Later, while in flight school to earn her Boeing type rating, she called Jackson daily to help him through a difficult divorce. They last talked on Monday morning, when Nguyen told him how excited she was for the trip.

She was one of my closest friends and she proved it time and time again while I had my struggles in my personal life and grew in my aviation career, he wrote. There isnt anyone else like her.

Roger Le, a Vietnamese pilot from Texas, met Nguyen while volunteering for her organization at the SUN n FUN aerospace exposition in 2022. Since they met, Nguyen talked often of her plans for the around-the-world trip, he said. It had been delayed numerous times over the years, from the war in Ukraine to getting maintenance done on the plane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After stopping in Pennsylvania, Nguyens flight path was planned for Canada, then Iceland, Le said.

Le described her as a very headstrong person with a can-do attitude and someone who overcame a difficult background. She wanted other girls and women to have an easier path, he said, than the one she had to take to reach her goals in life.

Shed be willing to give you the shirt off her back if that was going to help, he said. Id say that she was very kind, compassionate but also wanted to build you up as an individual.

Kim Hess knew Nguyen outside of the aviation world. After meeting her in their Miami Beach neighborhood, they grew to be friends. Nguyen taught her how to make banh mi, enjoyed many a sunrise swim with her at the beach and were always just in the moment when they spent time together, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What struck me most about her was her ability to bring people together, to create community, Hess said.

Hess said while in a moment of grief on Thursday, she felt as if her friend was sending her a message.

The words that came to me was  be bigger, be bolder and be brighter, she said. Because thats what she was. She lived big, she lived bold and she lived bright. It was kind of like I was given permission to live like she did.

Angie DiMichele can be reached at adimichele@sunsentinel.com.
More than 75% of those arrested for violent offences against women and girls in Dorset had cocaine or heroin in their system  a pilot project has found.

Over an eight month period, Dorset Police tested 62 people who had been arrested for offences like domestic abuse and found 52 had tested positive for class A drugs.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick told Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's Police and Crime Panel that more needed to be done around the issue of crime, drugs and alcohol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Councillor Alastair Keddie described the relationship between Class A drug use and domestic abuse as "absolutely shocking".

Speaking at the meeting on 24 July, Mr Sidwick said: "I am very clear that we have to keep up the pressure about this, we have to keep lobbying Government because they are not doing enough."

He added they also needed to look at the work that they were doing locally.

Dorset Police conducted drug tests on arrest between April 2024 and January 2025 - when officers apprehended 1,446 people for violence against women and girls.

The Home Office has been approached for a comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story

Related Links
Congress Kerala MLA Roji Mullanmadakkal John on Saturday welcomed the bail granted to two Kerala-based nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on human trafficking charges, calling the case "false" and politically motivated. Speaking to ANI, John said, "After 9 days, the two innocent nuns have got bail. We have been waiting for this from the beginning. Finally, the NIA Court has granted them bail. This was a false case." Congress MP Jebi Mather said the development had exposed what she called the "real face" of the BJP and its affiliates. "We are very happy. Now, everyone knows the real face of the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal. The divisive agenda of RSS, BJP, and Bajrang Dal is clearly visible in this case. We are happy that the sisters will be released today," she said. Two Kerala-based nuns arrested earlier in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on charges of human trafficking have been granted bail by a local court, their legal counsel confirmed on Saturday. The case was filed under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967. Advocate Gopa Kumar, representing the nuns, told ANI, "A case of human trafficking was registered under BNS section 143. We argued that this section cannot be applied to the case. So the court has granted bail today. They cannot go out of India and a bail bond of Rs 50,000 each needs to be furnished. The bail will be granted in a few hours." An advocate representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is handling aspects of the case, also confirmed the development. "The bail order has been passed, and conditional bail has been given to them. The conditions include that they must not leave India and must not influence the investigation. Around five such conditions have been imposed. We have received the court order and will study it in detail," the NIA counsel said. Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA VD Satheesan said, "We are happy to hear that they got bail. The sad thing is that they were imprisoned for the last 9 days. They have not committed any offence, but they were imprisoned... This has been happening in the BJP-ruled states for so many years. There are 834 incidents that have happened in the last 365 days." On Friday, a special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district took up the bail application of three persons, including the two nuns, in the case. The court reserved its order for today. The defence counsel argued that there was no material evidence to suggest that the accused indulged in forcible religious conversion or human trafficking. The nuns from Kerala were arrested at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on July 25. (ANI)
After meeting last week with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who said he wanted to learn what she knows about Jeffrey Epstein, the federal Bureau of Prisons moved Ghislaine Maxwell from a low-security facility in Florida to a minimum-security camp in Texas. Chris Hayes explains why he thinks the move is a "shocking and frankly appalling scene."
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers and Honolulu Police Commission both released statements reacting to the former Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logans lawsuit against the City and County of Honolulu and Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

Former HPD chief suing City, Mayor Blangiardi

Demanding hundreds of thousands of dollars for work you did not do, taking those resources from a community that needs it, is shameful, SHOPO State Board Treasurer Nicholas Schlapak said. Those are funds that could be invested in after-school programs for kids, better preparing our island for disaster, or fixing the police retention crisis that Logan ignored before he voluntarily retired and left his post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Schlapak continued to disavow the behavior demonstrated by Logan, describing Logans actions as selfish.

This behavior is especially disappointing because the men and women of the Honolulu Police Department, sworn and civilian, as well as the community, deserve the opportunity to rebuild the HPD in an environment free from outside chaos and trauma, he continued. All Logans selfish actions do is create more turmoil and delay progress.

Questions raised over paying to find next Honolulu police chief

The Honolulu Police Commission released the following statement on their stance with Logan and their priorities in the situation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We respect former Chief Logans right to seek legal recourse if he feels he has legal claims against the Mayor or the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Commission Chair Kenneth Silva said. Our job as volunteer commissioners is to respect the Honolulu Police Department and its mission under the Interim Chief Rade Vanic and to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search for the permanent Chief of Police. I know all of us on the commission are fully committed to carrying out our duties.

The lawsuit claims Logan was forced to resign under duress and threats.

Logan alleges whistleblower retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress following what he said was his refusal to comply with what he believed were illegal demands.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The Brief

A silver alert has been issued for 84-year-old Ezequiel Barrera, of Osceola County.

Barrera was last seen on Thursday near his home in Kissimmee.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Osceola County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) at (407) 348-2222.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - A silver alert has been issued for an 84-year-old Osceola County man who deputies say was last seen on Thursday at his home in Kissimmee.

Where is Ezequiel Barrera?

What we know

Deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) say Ezequiel Barrera, 84, was last seen on Thursday after he was dropped off by a family member at his home near Gold Dust Circle in Kissimmee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday morning, family members discovered Barrera was not in his home, and his car was missing.

Ezequiel Barrera has been missing since Thursday. (Credit: Osceola County Sheriff's Office)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Barrera's car, a 2017 gray Toyota Highlander with Florida license plate Z02ARI, was last detected by traffic cameras around 1:10 p.m. on Friday in Gibsonia, Florida. Officials say the car has a Colombian flag and a religious cross displayed on the dashboard.

Ezequiel Barrera's missing car is a 2017 gray Toyota Highlander with Florida license plate Z02ARI. (Credit: Osceola County Sheriff's Office)

Barrera is described as a Hispanic man with a mustache that is bald and uses a walking cane. He weighs about 170 pounds and stands at about 5-feet-and-3-inches tall.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

What you can do

Anyone with information on Barrera's location is asked to call 911 or the OCSO at (407) 348-2222.

The Source

This story was written based on information shared by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office (OCSO).
Imagine youre a character in a math problem. You have three platters, but two cakes. All three platters need to have the same amount of cake. How would you split it?

Without even saying the word divide, a group of about 20 teachers from private schools spanning Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, stacked cubes and folded notecards to find solutions. The answer? Two-thirds of cake per platter. But the problem doesnt end there.

During this training in Singapore math  teaching methods and curricula developed in Singapore, which has consistently led the world in student math performance  Math Champions founder Cassy Turner then asked the teachers explain why they did what they did, before moving on to the next question.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Owings Mills K-12 girls school, Garrison Forest School, hosted the two-day public workshop last week on this style of teaching math. After seeing success adopting Singapore math for its lower school over the past two years, Garrison is expanding the curriculum through eighth grade this year.

Other Maryland schools  private, charter and public  have also incorporated the teaching style into their curricula in the hopes of emulating Singapores three decades of success.

Singapore math was developed by that Southeast Asian countrys Ministry of Education decades ago. It is a teaching style that avoids rote memorization and focuses on a slower learning approach to teach mathematical concepts, allowing students to understand them in greater detail.

At the kindergarten level, that means not introducing the plus or minus symbols until the end of the year, U.S. Singapore math textbook consultant Susan Resnick said. Instead, students can spend their time telling stories with numbers to decode the relationship between them. For example, after looking at a picture, a student might say, There are four boys in the picture and one girl. Four and one make five.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Research has found that students learn math best when mixing in physical objects like counting chips and blocks with drawings and in-depth discussion, said Pat Campbell, retired professor emerita at the University of Marylands Center for Mathematics Education. Singapore math teaches concepts beginning with concrete materials, then progresses to pictures and then brings students to abstract symbols like the plus or minus sign.

Older childrens class discussions go over three or four different methods the students used to solve a problem, always ending on the one closest to the days goal, Turner said.

Singapore maths portrayal of numerical relationships is particularly clever, especially in how it uses drawn bars to help students visualize relationships, Campbell said.

Memorization doesnt work well

On international measures of math performance, Singapore has consistently been a top scorer since the mid-1990s. Seeing those high scores spurred American textbook publishers to localize Singaporean math materials for U.S. classrooms, according to Campbell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But at the core of Singapore math is problem-solving, Resnick said.

Where we grew up, maybe thinking that calculation was the goal of mathematics  they teach calculation as a support to get to problem-solving, she said.

Singapore teaches students starting with attitudes and thought processes, Resnick explained to the teachers, whereas American math education usually gets bogged down in the skills and concepts.

Developing a conceptual understanding of math from the ground up isnt unique to Singapore math  its something that people in math education have been espousing for many years, but it requires professional development on the part of teachers, Campbell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Contrast Singapore math with what Campbell called a show-and-tell model of math instruction where somebody shows you how to solve a problem and you practice doing it over and over and over again, with a reliance on memory.

We actually know that doesnt work very well if you look at the product of kids achievement, she said.

Getting American kids to love math

By fourth grade, Turner said, kids know if they like math or not. Theyre more aware of their peers and can get embarrassed by their answers.

They wont ask questions, they wont raise their hand, and so they fall further and further behind, she said. But Singapore math can make the subject students third favorite behind P.E. and lunch, Turner said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At Garrison, all three divisions previously used a different textbook program. Extending Singapore math through middle school means students only have to transition to upper school math, said Sydney Carter, the middle schools dean and a sixth-grade math teacher.

Strategies, like drawing bar models that students learn early on, can be used to scaffold on more advanced concepts like ratios, Carter said. That helps them feel like, Oh, I can access this sort of.

That confidence is translating to results for Garrisons students. The majority of K-5 students showed more than a years worth of growth in math on Measures of Academic Progress assessments taken last school year, according to Shannon Schmidt, director of Garrisons Boyce Center for Learning and Thriving.

Top scores for Singapores students

The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests 15-year-olds, showed some 41% of students in Singapore were top performers in mathematics. The United States had 7% top performers in math.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even taking top performers out of the equation, Singaporean students still had an edge over their American counterparts: 92% of Singaporean students attained at least Level 2 proficiency in mathematics; the U.S. has 66% reaching at least Level 2.

The trend holds for younger students too. On the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, which tests fourth- and eighth-graders in those subjects, Singapore had international top scores for both grades, while the U.S. had around average scores at both levels.

But Singaporean students are also highly creative. On the 2022 PISA creative thinking assessment, 58% of 15-year-olds were considered top performers on the evaluation, more than 30 percentage points above the average for the 38 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The U.S. did not participate in the creativity assessment.

The difference in math instruction isnt the only difference between the two countries education systems, though. Singapore has a national math curriculum. The government produces the educational materials. All teachers across the country teach the same math concepts the same way, Campbell explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the United States, by contrast, student-teachers rarely get intensive instruction on how to teach math. Throughout her experience training teachers across the country, Resnick said its typical for student-teachers without advanced degrees in math to get one class in math education and four or five in reading.

We dont teach our elementary teachers how to teach mathematics. We just dont, and thats why its necessary for people to have outside  professional development around the teaching method, Resnick said.

Varied methods in the U.S.

Additionally, U.S., state, and local jurisdictions, as well as individual teachers, have far greater control over curriculum and teaching methods than they do in Singapore, Campbell said.

Although some math curricula in Maryland do emphasize the concrete models and strategy discussions, Campbell said, the professional development teachers receive and the instructional models they use vary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Howard and Montgomery counties support students conceptual understanding of math, she said. Howard County had the states highest percentage of students proficient in math for the 2023-2024 school year, as measured by MCAP scores: 41.1%. Montgomery County came in fourth with 33.4%.

The state adopted new math standards Tuesday. The update follows Marylands adoption of Common Core Standards in 2010 and the updated College and Career Readiness Standards in 2013 and 2014.

All school districts are required to align their curriculum to the College and Career Readiness math standards, Cherie Duvall-Jones, spokesperson for the Maryland State Department of Education, said when asked if a public school district could use a Singapore math curriculum.

If you really want to address student achievement across schools, you need to have the school as the unit of change. All the teachers have to be essentially in the same approach to teaching mathematics, Campbell said.

Everybody can be good at math. Its a matter of how youre taught.

Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  If youve ever called the Poison Control Hotline while in Siouxland, chances are that call went to a local office thats celebrating a big milestone.

The Sioux City-based Iowa Poison Control Center is celebrating 25 years of providing free, lifesaving information to Iowans this month.

Since 2000, trained pharmacists and nurses have been answering phones around the clock at the MidAmerican Energy building downtown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Being aware of dangerous substances during Poison Prevention Week

All calls made from Iowa-based area codes, even when you call the national hotline, go directly to the Sioux City office, Iowas only poison control center.

Anywhere in Iowa, that will route here. And 24/7, 365, one of our nurses or pharmacists will answer the phone and walk them through whatever the situation is. They might need a referral right away to a hospital, and then we call the hospital. What were doing is really providing information and management advice, said Iowa Poison Control Center Executive Director Linda Kalin.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officials said their efforts to help Iowans stay safe continue, even after the initial call is finished.

We will continue to make follow-up calls. So about 23,000 cases per year and another 50,000 outgoing calls checking on a persons condition. We call mom back, dad, caretaker, grandma at home, following up even on the cases that are managed in the home, says Kalin.

More resources, like a home safety kit and poisoning prevention tips, can be found online at the centers website, iowapoison.org

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Poison Control Hotline can be reached anytime by calling 1-800-222-1222.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Six DeLand men received prison sentences for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic firearms to Mexican drug cartels, and one weapon was connected to a deadly shootout with Mexican authorities, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Authorities say that Angel Velazquez Delgado, 34, led a ring of at least six people who bought "high-caliber firearms in the United States for resale to Mexican drug cartels." The cartels traffic controlled substances into the U.S. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives launched the investigation in May 2023.

The firearms included "high-caliber, armor-piercing, and anti-material weapons," according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The release from the U.S. Attorney's Office did not indicate where the guns were purchased, but previous reporting by the News-Journal says one of the men paid $9,199.15 in cash on Aug. 23, 2023, to purchase a Barrett M82A1 from the Florida Gun Exchange, on Nova Road, near Ormond Beach, according to court records.

The man, identified as Andres, had already purchased an FN Herstal M249S rifle with $11,295 in cash from Shooters of Jacksonville, according to court records.

The guns bought by the group were very powerful, the government says.

"For example, approximately 11 of the firearms trafficked by this organization included Barrett .50 caliber rifles, which can expel a very accurate, heavy, and fast-moving projectile that defeats all individually worn body armor, can penetrate and disable vehicles, aircraft, boats, and can even defeat some types of protection provided by armored vehicles," according to the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They are "highly sought after by the cartels," who use the weapons to help control their territories.

The DeLand men also trafficked about "16 FN M249S rifles." They are semi-automatic, "but are easily converted into a machine gun.

"The firearms were purchased at the request of the cartels and transported to the cartels soon after purchase."

The men, their roles and their sentences:

Delgado was charged with firearms trafficking and straw purchasing. He was connected to 10 firearms purchases and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Jesus Hernandez, 32, was charged with straw purchasing. He was connected to 10 firearms purchases and was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison.

Edgar Jimenez, 30, was charged with straw purchasing. He was connected to five firearms purchases and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Jesus Paulino, 27, was charged with straw purchasing. He was connected to four firearms purchases and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Jonathan Borja, 23, was charged with straw purchasing. He was connected to two firearms purchases and was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.

Jesus Andres, 28, was charged with making a false statement on a firearm transaction record. He was connected to two firearms purchases and was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe said in a prepared statement that investigating and prosecuting violent crime is one of the Middle District's top priorities.

These individuals have trafficked high-caliber, military-grade weapons into the hands of dangerous Mexican cartel members and thus have caused a serious risk to the health and safety of others," he said. "My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to hold those who jeopardize public safety accountable for their crimes.

Gun from DeLand operation was connected to shootout with Mexican cartel

The U.S. Attorney's Office shared this photo of a weapon from an investigation into firearms trafficking.

At least one of the trafficked firearms was identified in Mexico.

A shootout between Mexican State Police and military and suspected members of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico, took place on March 22, 2023. Two people died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Afterward, "a Barrett, model 82A1, .50 caliber rifle purchased by Jesus Hernandez on November 8, 2022, was recovered," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Dismantling this Central Florida-based firearms trafficking ring is a huge win for public safety in Mexico and America, Tampa Field Divisions Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard said in a prepared statement. The CJNG is a notoriously brutal transnational criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization that now has less fuel for its violent criminal activities, thanks to this joint team.

Authorities who helped with the investigation include "Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Volusia Bureau of Investigations and the DeLand Police Department." Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lyons and Noah Dorman prosecuted the case.

News-Journal reporter Frank Fernandez contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mexican drug cartel involvement lands DeLand men in prison
RICH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  The Rich County Sheriffs Office said six people were rescued after their boat caught fire on Bear Lake late Saturday morning.

The sheriffs office said they started receiving 911 calls around 10:30 a.m., with reports of a boat that was on fire approximately three-quarters of a mile north of the Bear Lake State Park Marina.

Courtesy: Rich County Sheriffs Office

There were a total of six people on the 22-foot long Malibu  four adults and two children. All passengers on board jumped into the water after the fire began. The children were wearing life jackets and the adults were able to put theirs on while in the water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nearby boaters helped rescue all of the individuals who had been on the boat. The sheriffs office said there were no injuries to any of the boaters. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but officials said it is possible there were gas fumes in the engine compartment.

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A small airplane made an emergency landing Saturday afternoon, Aug. 2 on U.S. Highway 70, about 20 miles outside of Ruidoso, New Mexico, the Otero County director of emgerency services said.

A single-engine Beechcraft airplane was experiencing in-air issues and was forced to make an emergency landing on Highway 70 near Bent, New Mexico, said Matt Clark, director of emergency services for Otero County.

The plane was leaving Ruidoso and was forced to land near Bent, Clark added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No one was hurt in the incident and the plane was not damaged, Clark said.

The airplane is on the side of the highway, and U.S. 70 remains open. One lane of traffic is blocked.

The public is urged to stay away from the scene and allow emergency personnnel to do their jobs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A pleasant weekend is anticipated despite smoke drifting through.

AIR QUALITY ALERT in effect through Saturday

TODAY Mostly sunny and hazy

HIGH 82

WIND NE 5-10 mph

LAKE MICHIGAN Mostly sunny

BEACH TEMPS Middle 70s

WATER TEMPS 50s

WIND NW 5-15 mph

WAVES 1 foot

TODAY Smoke is expected to move back into West Michigan through the afternoon and evening. Otherwise, it will be a pleasant day with high temperatures in the lower 80s and low humidity under mostly sunny skies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TONIGHT Cloud-free but hazy, with comfortable lows in the middle 50s.

SUNDAY Mostly sunny yet still hazy, with a light southeast breeze and high temperatures in the lower 80s.

MONDAY Mostly sunny and a bit warmer, with highs in the middle 80s.

TUESDAY Partly cloudy and still quiet, with highs in the upper 80s.

LOOKING AHEAD Rain chances will remain low or non-existent, with the best chance only being 20% on Wednesday. Otherwise, temperatures will gradually warm to near 90 degrees by next 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 WOODTV.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Students from Montwood and Socorro high schools will provide 50 free haircuts to students before the new academic year, according to a news release by Socorro Independent School District on Friday, Aug. 1.

According to Socorro ISD, Montwood High School Rams cosmetology students and Socorro High School Legacy Barbershop and cosmetology students will host a Cuts for Kids event this weekend, before Aug. 4, the beginning of the school year for SISD.

The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the following locations:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Montwood High School 12000 Montwood Dr. (Cosmetology lab)

Socorro High School 10150 Alameda Ave. (Cosmetology lab)



Each high school cosmetology group will do 25 haircuts each for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, but Montwood High School is booked, Socorro ISD said.

Socorro High School has limited availability; parents who are interested can go to this link to schedule an appointment, the news release read.

Socorro ISD said the cosmetology and barber programs are a part of the districts Career and Technical Education offerings.

The students enrolled in these programs gain practical experience in fully functional salons while working toward their cosmetology licenses during high school, Socorro ISD said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Socorro High School Legacy Barbershop program is a two-year state-licensed program and is the first and only school district in West Texas to have a barber school within a high school, Socorro ISD said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Bihar on 'Kisan Utsav Diwas', and stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transferred over 20,000 crore to nearly 10 crore farmers' bank accounts through the PM-KISAN scheme. "The land of Bihar is wonderful. Its soil contains both science and philosophy. Here, there is both hard work and dedication. Now the direction of research in the agricultural sector will be determined not from Delhi, but from villages and farmers' fields. Under the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, more than 20,000 crore has been transferred to farmers' accounts today," he said. Speaking during his visit to Bihar, Chouhan highlighted the government's commitment to boosting farmers' income through various initiatives. "It is a matter of pride to be in Bihar on 'Kisan Utsav Diwas.' The PM-KISAN scheme is a significant step toward increasing farmers' income. Additionally, a fertiliser subsidy of approximately Rs 1.75 lakh crore is being provided to support farmers," Chouhan said. He further praised the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar for effectively implementing agricultural schemes. "Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, affordable loans are being provided to farmers. The state is also performing exceptionally in the irrigation sector," the minister added. In the last five years, the PM-KISAN Scheme has evolved into a transformative initiative for the farming community, achieving significant milestones in financial inclusion and rural empowerment. Its vision of providing direct and timely assistance to millions of farmers has been implemented with remarkable efficiency. The scheme's seamless digital infrastructure, which enables direct transfers to beneficiaries' accounts, has set a benchmark for transparency and effective governance. Further, the scheme has enhanced farmers' risk-taking capacity, leading them to undertake riskier but comparatively productive investments. The funds received by recipients under PM-KISAN are not only helping them with their agricultural needs, but it is also catering to their other expenses such as education, medical, marriage, etc. These are the indicators of the positive impact of the scheme on the farmers of the country. PM KISAN has truly been a game changer for the farming community of our country. As PM-KISAN continues to expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the government's commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and enhancing the livelihoods of India's farmers. (ANI)
The Son of Sam, otherwise known as David Berkowitz, murdered six people and injured 11 during his New York City shooting spree between 1976 and 1977.

In the new Netflix docuseries Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, out July 30, the serial killer details his mindset when he began murdering strangers, including what led him to write letters to the press and police in a dark cat-and-mouse game until he was finally caught in August 1977.

Berkowitz reportedly enjoyed the attention he got from the media and sought to get paid for a book telling his side of the story. Lawmakers in New York tried to prevent Berkowitz and other convicts from profiting off of their crimes, leading them to pass the Son of Sam law in 1977 before the .44 Caliber Killer had a chance to collect a dime from his crimes. Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life for each murder he committed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other states enacted similar laws, but the Supreme Court delivered a judgment nearly 15 years later that killed or forced changes to many Son of Sam laws nationwide.

Here is everything to know about the Son of Sam laws.

What is a Son of Sam law?

Bettmann/Getty David Berkowitz addresses the media at the Attica Correctional Facility. David Berkowitz addresses the media at the Attica Correctional Facility.

New York enacted the original Son of Sam law in 1977 in an effort to prevent Berkowitz and other criminals from profiting off of their crimes in the form of movie, TV, book and other media deals, according to The New York Times.

In the 1977 law, victims were permitted to sue to receive any proceeds that convicted criminals received from paid media, with a Crime Victims Board able to seize the proceeds until the lawsuits were settled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under the first Son of Sam law, victims could sue within three years from the time a criminal received payment for media related to their offenses. At the time, there was also a statute of limitations of seven years from the time the crime was committed to file a lawsuit.

Why is it called the Son of Sam law?

Hulton Archive/Getty Police mug shot of convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam'. Police mug shot of convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam'.

The Son of Sam law got its name from Berkowitz's murder spree from 1976 through 1977. The serial killer used the alias  derived from the name of his neighbor, Sam Carr, and his dog Harvey  in his letters to reporters and law enforcement.

Berkowitz later alleged that he heard demons speaking to him through Harvey, a claim he later said he made for attention and to avoid taking accountability for the damage and trauma he caused.

The New York Times reported that Berkowitz and his team were selling a book that could make between $1 million and $10 million, of which Berkowitz would receive one-third. The killer and his team were reportedly also considering selling movie rights, but Berkowitz denied these claims.

How many states have Son of Sam laws?

AP Valentina Suriani, Christine Freund, Virginia Voskerichian and Stacy Moskowitz. Valentina Suriani, Christine Freund, Virginia Voskerichian and Stacy Moskowitz.

Around 40 states have Son of Sam laws, though their enforcement and the details in each vary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For example, California's former Son of Sam law stated that only people convicted of felonies were barred from profiting off of their stories and rights to film, TV, books and other media; and it specified that works with only "passing mention of the felony, as in a footnote or bibliography" were exempt.

The California Supreme Court, though, struck down their Son of Sam law in 2002 for infringing upon the First Amendment, per Reporters Committee.

Is the Son of Sam law unconstitutional?

In 1991, the Supreme Court ruled that New York's 1977 Son of Sam law was unconstitutional in the case Simon & Schuster v. Members of the New York Crime Victims Board.

The publishers of the book Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family by Henry Hill and Nicholas Pileggi (which would later be adapted into Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film Goodfellas) sued the Victims Board, arguing that the law made authors and editors self-censor their books.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor found in her opinion that the Son of Sam law violated the First Amendment, noting that it was "presumptively inconsistent with the First Amendment if it imposes a financial burden on speakers because of the content of their speech."

She argued that under the Son of Sam law, as it was written and enacted in 1977, books like The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience could see their proceeds not go to their respective authors.

What happened to the Son of Sam law in New York?

Ted Shaffrey/AP David Berkowitz speaks inside the Sullivan Correction Facility on May 29, 2009 in Fallsburg, New York.. David Berkowitz speaks inside the Sullivan Correction Facility on May 29, 2009 in Fallsburg, New York..

The original Son of Sam law in New York was amended in 2001 to allow victims to sue criminals not just for profits from movie, TV and book deals, but for virtually any income the convicts received while incarcerated, including lottery winnings, inheritance or stock market earnings, per The New York Times.

The amended law also extended the statute of limitations from seven to 10 years from the date of the crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In December 2023, CBS News reported that New York lawmakers sought to amend the Son of Sam law again to also apply to spouses and relatives of criminals after the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann's estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, was reportedly paid seven figures from Peacock when she appeared in a documentary.

Peacock said in a statement at the time that Ellerup "was not paid for her participation, but was paid a licensing fee for use of her archive materials." Peacock also noted that the funds were not permitted to be given to Heuermann or his criminal defense.

The proposed amended law would also require any company paying a criminal's relatives or spouses $10,000 or more to notify the New York State Office of Victim Services, which would in turn notify victims, Newsday reported.

Does Idaho have a Son of Sam law?

Courtesy of Chapin Family; Maddie Mogen/Instagram; Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram; Xana Kernodle/Instagram Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves.

Idaho does not have a specific Son of Sam law, a point that the judge in the University of Idaho murder trial alluded to in his sentencing of Bryan Kohberger, per the Independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kohberger stabbed Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin to death in their shared home in November 2022. He pleaded guilty to the quadruple murder three weeks before his trial was set to begin in exchange for avoiding the death penalty and received four life sentences.

"I know there has been concern about him collaborating on books, or movies, or other media projects, and I truly hope that someone does not stoop to affording him this spotlight that he desires, in the name of clicks, royalties, or profits," Judge Steven Hippler said at Kohberger's sentencing hearing. "In my view, the time has now come to end Mr. Kohberger's 15 minutes of fame."

Judge Hippler also encouraged the victims' loved ones and the public to not give Kohberger the notoriety that he suspected the killer wanted.

"The need to know what is inherently not understandable makes us dependent upon the defendant to provide us with a reason, and that gives him the spotlight, the attention and the power he appears to crave," Hippler said. "Yet, even if I could force him to speak, which legally I cannot, how could anyone ever be assured that what he speaks is the truth?"



Read the original article on People
An international team of four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked Saturday with the orbiting International Space Station (ISS).

"Docking confirmed!", SpaceX posted on social media, along with a video showing the spacecraft making contact with the ISS at 2:27 am Eastern Time (0627 GMT), far above the southeast Pacific Ocean.

American astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov are joining the ISS on a six-month mission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They lifted off Friday morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, their capsule mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket.

It is the 11th crew rotation mission to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, created to succeed the Space Shuttle era by partnering with private industry.

"We have cold drinks, hot food, and us waiting -- see you soon," the ISS crew told the new arrivals shortly after contact, according to the posted video.

"Hello Space Station -- Crew 11 is here and we are super excited to join," Fincke replied.

As part of their stay, the Crew-11 astronauts will simulate Moon landing scenarios that could be encountered near the lunar South Pole under the US-led Artemis program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Using handheld controllers and multiple display screens, they will test how shifts in gravity affect astronauts' ability to pilot spacecraft, including future lunar landers.

Continuously inhabited since 2000, the ISS functions as a testbed for research that supports deeper space exploration -- including eventual missions to Mars.

Among Crew-11's more colorful cargo items are Armenian pomegranate seeds, which will be compared to a control batch kept on Earth to study how microgravity influences crop growth.

The ISS is set to be decommissioned after 2030, with its orbit gradually lowered until it breaks up in the atmosphere over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo, a spacecraft graveyard.

ia-djw/fox
SpaceX has delivered a new crew of astronauts to the International Space Station, making the journey in just 15 hours.

The four astronauts, from America, Russia and Japan, arrived at the ISS after launching from Nasas Kennedy Space Centre.

They will spend around six months orbiting the lab, simulating moon-landing scenarios and testing how gravity shifts affect their ability to pilot spacecraft.

Credit: Nasa TV via Reuters

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moving into the space station are Nasas Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japans Kimiya Yui and Russias Oleg Platonov, replacing four astronauts who have been up there since March.

Hello, space station! Mr Fincke radioed as the capsule docked high above the South Pacific.

We have cold drinks, hot food, and us waiting  see you soon, the ISS crew told the new arrivals shortly after contact.

Credit: Nasa TV via Reuters

Their flight to the ISS was speedy by US standards, though the Russians hold the record for the fastest trip  three hours. Their arrival means there will be 11 members temporarily living on the space station. Continuously inhabited since 2000, the ISS functions as a test bed for research that supports deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of their stay, the Crew-11 astronauts will simulate moon landing scenarios that could be encountered near the lunar South Pole under the US-led Artemis programme. Using handheld controllers and multiple display screens, they will also test how shifts in gravity affect astronauts ability to pilot spacecraft.

The SpaceX capsule docked at the ISS on Aug 2 - SpaceX/NASA

Among Crew-11s more colourful cargo items are Armenian pomegranate seeds, which will be compared to a control batch kept on Earth to study how microgravity influences crop growth.

The ISS is set to be decommissioned after 2030, with its orbit gradually lowered until it breaks up in the atmosphere over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo, a spacecraft graveyard.

All four of the astronauts were not originally pencilled in for this mission. Ms Cardman was pulled from another SpaceX flight last year to make room for two Nasa astronauts  Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams  whose stay at the space station lasted nine months instead of a week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Fincke and Mr Yui had originally been training for the next Boeing Starliner mission, which has been grounded by thruster problems until 2026. Mr Platonov was originally scheduled to join the Soyuz launch lineup a few years ago before dropped out due to illness.

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.
MARSHALL, TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS)  An internet service provider expands for parts of east Texas.

Sparklight celebrated its grand opening at the new location in Marshall, Texas, with a community event on Thursday. The company recently bought Fidelity Communications and rebranded. They held a launch party open to the public with free food, a raffle, and Sparklight swag.

City officials, the Chamber of Commerce, along with the locations manager, staff, and technicians, were present to meet with people and interested customers. The regions spokesperson said they hire locally while contributing to the local economy.

Were in your community as your neighborly provider. This location has about 20 employees from our customer service teams to our technical team, said Hope Baxter, Regional Marketing Director, Sparklight South Central Region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The company has new offers for homes and businesses. Baxtor addressed any service interruptions customers may experience.

If you have any internet issues, please dont hesitate to reach out to Sparklight. Well be happy to let you know an ETA and get started working on the problem, Baxtor said.

She said that currently, 10,000 customers are enrolled in this locations coverage, which runs off fiber optics.

The team took a group photo to celebrate their new location.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  New Mexicans who have been affected by radiation exposure could be the targets of a scam related to a law that is meant to help and compensate them.

That warning comes from the New Mexico Department of Justice and the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.

They say organizations and attorneys are soliciting people to file claims under the Radiation and Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for a fee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New Mexicans need to know that the U.S. Department of Justice has not yet opened the claims process to New Mexicans who qualify, the two groups said.

Community members should also be aware that anyone claiming the ability to file a claim on your behalf is likely fraudulent, the organizations said.

We are grateful to our congressional delegation who tirelessly advocated for the expansion of these critical compensation efforts, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez said. New Mexicans who have been affected by these exposures deserve compensation  and they deserve to get that compensation free from bad actors attempting to take advantage of them. We encourage New Mexicans to file claims through legitimate entities to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to through RECA, and also to file any reports of suspected fraudulent activity with our office.

Tina Cordova, co-founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, said:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The people of New Mexico have waited 80 years for acknowledgement of the harm they suffered as a result of being overexposed to radiation from the Trinity bomb. We hope everyone will be patient a little longer as details of the claim process are developed. Please dont allow someone to take part of your claim out of fear or some sense of urgency. We will do all we can to assist with the claims process once the guidelines are released.

RECA is an administrative program within the U.S. Department of Justice allowing partial restitution to individuals who developed serious illnesses after presumed exposure to radiation released during the atmospheric nuclear tests or after employment in the uranium industry.

On July 3, Congress reauthorized and extended the program through Dec. 31, 2028. This reauthorization also expands the criteria for eligibility under RECA.

New Mexicans are advised to be patient as the U.S. government is working on establishing these processes and be aware that:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Organizations/attorneys are soliciting people to file claims with them, coercing people to believe these services are necessary and often guaranteeing results. Do not fall for these tactics.

If an entity files a RECA claim on your behalf, they will charge a fee. The fee is capped at 2% by law. However, if an entity files a claim for you and it is rejected, they can then increase the fee to 10%.

There will be official Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) clinics in New Mexico that will appropriately assist people with these claims.

To avoid being scammed, New Mexicans are encouraged to follow these tips:

Do not turn over your records to anyone you are unsure about.

Visit www.TrinityDownwinders.com for trustworthy updates regarding the application process.

Report suspected scams to the NMDOJ via its online submission portal, NMDOJ.gov/submit-a-complaint, or by phone at (505) 490-4060.

For more information on the RECA expansion, click here. To submit a complaint regarding potentially fraudulent activity, click 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 KTSM 9 News.
Dams in New Hampshire give boaters and floaters lots to look forward to, from lakes to rushing rivers. But those pretty waterways cost a pretty penny to maintain.

The state of New Hampshire owns 275 dams, which would cost a cumulative $414 million to repair in their current states. So its no wonder removal is often on the table.

New Hampshire owns three dams on the Piscataquog River  Kelleys Falls Dam in Manchester, and Greggs Falls Dam and Hadley Falls Dam in Goffstown. They are currently considering processes to alter Kelleys Falls and remove Hadley Falls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After failed efforts to receive funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the removal and upgrade of the three dams in Goffstown and Manchester, the state believes it is better set up to make change in the coming years possible.

Last year, the state Department of Environmental Services submitted a $20 million federal grant proposal to allow fish to pass at Kelleys Falls Dam, which would keep the dam and its resultant Namaske Lake intact. That proposal also aimed at removing Hadley Falls Dam in Goffstown.

But efforts fell short when the departments proposal was rejected by NOAA. Now, NHDES Dam Bureau Chief Engineer Corey Clark said, the state has a better proposal in place.

While the Kelleys Falls project would avoid harm to lakeside properties, removing Hadley Falls Dam would change the appearance of the Piscataquog as it runs through Goffstown village.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the past few years, residents have voiced concerns that the removal will harm recreation and hurt their property values.

Goffstown Select Board Chair Peter Georgantas said the issue comes down to cost. Even though people value recreation, tearing down and replacing a dam is an expensive proposition.

I dont think anybody really supports removing it, Georgantas said, but they would not support the town spending millions of taxpayer dollars to fix it.

It would have to be taken down and rebuilt. I dont know if the total taxpayers in the whole town would support something like that.

Hadley Falls Dam through the fence

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The state of New Hampshire owns Hadley Falls Dam, as well as two other dams on the Piscataquog River.

The impact of dam removal

According to Frank McGilligan, a Dartmouth College geography professor studying river systems and dam removal, dams often become larger than the physical structure itself when removal is on the table. Residents become attached to the dams for many reasons, including the recreational benefit they provide.

Still, McGilligan noted that in many cases, the costs may outweigh resident concerns.

The rationale to maintain the dam for symbolic reasons is fantastic, McGilligan said. Theres a cultural attachment to it, but it comes at a price, right? And that price is you have to repair the dam. Its cheaper to remove than it is to repair the dam, and this is a very tough sell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Currently, the water above Hadley Falls gets as deep as 15 feet, allowing residents to use the river to kayak and boat in Goffstown. But Clark said the state is uncertain as to how removal would change the river.

While some residents may be worried that property values fall if Hadley Falls Dam were to be removed, McGilligan said that is not a sure thing.

Sometimes property values go down, sometimes they stay the same, sometimes they go up. Theres not a universal answer to the property value, McGilligan said.

A new grant process

Clark said NHDES had too many moving parts in last years application, which may have caused concerns for grant reviewers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not only were we trying to design and construct a whole new fish passage system down at Kelleys Falls, but we were also trying to design and remove Hadley Falls Dam, Clark said.

In this years proposal to NOAA, the grant application is only for design of the fish passage at Kelleys Falls. The state would later apply for another grant for construction.

Plans have not changed for removal at Hadley Falls, but the state is now seeking its funding elsewhere. NHDES applied for just over $4.5 million from the Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Program through the NHDES Land Management Resources Bureau in May, which would go toward removing the dam and restoring the rivers original infrastructure.

If that effort fails, Clark said, NHDES will seek state funding next spring to remove Hadley Falls Dam and likely begin the work in 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While his agency is in the early stages of the grant process, Clark said he is hopeful they will have better luck this time around.

Kelley's Falls Dam

The Kelleys Falls Dam in Manchester holds back Namaske Lake, which is surrounded by approximately 180 homes. The dam is no longer generating electricity after its leaseholder surrendered its hydroelectric permit last year.

Fish passages

Building the fish passage at Kelleys Falls would serve as an alternative to dam removal.

According to Andrew Fisk, the northeast regional director at the conservation group American Rivers, a fish can get past the dam the easiest when the dam is not there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fish passage measures are a stopgap solution, but can be effective in ensuring the safety of the ecosystem while maintaining the benefits that the dam brings with it. Given that Namaske Lake, which spans more than 100 acres and has approximately 180 waterfront homes, Clark believes the dam is worth keeping for the near future.

Clark said NHDES hopes to build a fish ladder only at Kelleys Falls and then move the fish via truck around the Greggs Falls Dam, which holds back Glen Lake upstream.

If they were transported around Greggs Falls and deposited into Glen Lake, then I believe that the upwards of 200 river miles between the main river and all the tributaries would then become available to those fish for spawning, Clark said.

The ladder would help to restore and maintain American shad, blueback herring, alewife, and sea lamprey populations in the Merrimack River watershed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Clark said the state has not determined exactly who will transport the fish; that would be figured out later between the state and the respective dams hydropower operators.

Clark said the state has no plans to remove the dam at Greggs Falls.

Gregg's Falls Dam

As of now, the state of New Hampshire has no plans to change Greggs Falls Hydroelectric Station and Dam in Goffstown. The dam, which is still producing power under leaseholder Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, holds back 137-acre Glen Lake.

What comes next?

Last year, the Goffstown Select Board formed a River Advisory Committee to gather information and advise the town on efforts to alter the dams and how they would affect the town. The committee met multiple times, but ultimately paused operations after a March meeting, given the unknown status of state grants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Following updates from the state on July 16, Georgantas, who sits on the committee, said the group will resume meeting in the fall.

We didnt have anything to talk about. Now we have this letter, and next month well get together, Georgantas said.

Since 2001, roughly two dams have been removed every year in New Hampshire. The process is long and drawn out, and can in some cases takes 10 years, according to Clark.

Clark said NHDES weighs the impact of a dam removal in every case it considers.

If a dam creates a highly valued lake, he said, On those cases, more often than not, we go down the reconstruction road.

egoncalves@unionleader.com
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A former DHR contractor has been charged in connection with the death of KeTorrius Starkes Jr. The 3-year-old died after being left in a hot vehicle for five hours last week, according to Birmingham police.

54-year-old Kela Stanford was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a Class B felony early Friday morning.

We confirmed with jail officials that she bonded out shortly after 8 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the Jefferson County District Attorneys office, Stanford is charged with leaving 3-year-old KeTorrious Starkes Junior unattended in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm.

District Attorney Danny Carrs office released a statement which reads:

This is a terrible tragedy that was completely avoidable and unnecessary. Our condolences go out to KeTorriouss family.

Birmingham Police said the child was accidentally left inside a vehicle on July 22 while in the care of a third party contracted worker through DHR.

According to the familys attorney, Courtney French, the child was being transported from daycare to a supervised visit with his father. When the visit ended at 11:30 that morning, instead of returning the child to daycare, the attorney alleges the worker ran errands and returned home, leaving the child in the parked car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Jefferson County Coroners office said they were informed by law enforcement that the child was inside the vehicle from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. with the windows up.

We spoke with State Representative Patrick Sellers of Pleasant Grove, who is working on legislation that would require more oversight of DHR when it comes to transporting children.

Just the idea of having a level of oversight , GPS tracking, checks and balances, especially when transporting children thats within DHR custody back and forth, Sellers explained.

The democratic lawmaker said he expects his efforts to garner bi-partisan support in Montgomery.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anything we can do to help and to save our children; the most vulnerable of our population, we need to do just that, Sellers said.

The funeral service for KeTorrius Starkes Jr. will be held on Saturday at Sixth Avenue Beulah Baptist Church in Bessemer at 12:30 p.m.

If convicted of the charge, Stanford could face from two up to 20 years behind bars.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tim Walz took questions from reporters after a ceremonial bill signing at Apple Jack Orchards in Delano, Minnesota, on July 28, 2025. He also announced his administration was withholding payment from 50 housing stability providers. The state announced Friday it's moving to shutter the program. (Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer)

Citing credible allegations of fraud and exponential growth in spending, the Department of Human Services asked the federal government for assistance in terminating a state housing program, according to a letter signed by DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi and released Friday.

The end of the Housing Stabilization Services program  which resides under the umbrella of the federal-state Medicaid program  comes after Gov. Tim Walz on Monday said his administration halted payments to 50 of the largest providers. Federal investigators say the program has become the source of a massive fraud scheme.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gandhis letter to the federal Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services notes that the DHS Office of Inspector General has suspended payment to 77 housing stabilization providers this year based on credible allegations of fraud.

Earlier this month, the FBI raided five Minnesota businesses that have received millions in Medicaid money for services they didnt provide, according to unsealed search warrants. The Housing Stabilization Services program is intended to help older adults and people with disabilities find and maintain housing.

Since its inception, the programs growth has exploded. The Star Tribune reported recently that when the bill creating the program passed in 2017, analysts expected the cost to be $2.6 million a year, but by 2024, the cost was $107 million. Meanwhile, DHS data showed more than 700 companies were paid for services in 2024.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson told KSTP recently that the vast majority of the Housing Stabilization Services program is fraudulent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

KARE 11 first reported on the programs flaws in May, including widespread reports of payments for no actual services to people in need.

The failure of the program  in concert with the hundreds of millions lost via other programs  is sure to become political fodder, especially should Walz run for a third term.

Thompson said recently that when his current investigations are finished, fraud in programs administered by Minnesota could exceed $1 billion, stemming from a pandemic-era food aid program known as Feeding Our Future, the states autism program and rapidly increasing sums allegedly pilfered from other Medicaid programs.

Thompson says the problem is systemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This fraud crisis didnt come out of nowhere. Its the result of widespread failure across nearly every level of leadership in Minnesota: Politicians who turned a blind eye. Agencies that failed to act. Prosecutors and law enforcement who didnt push hard enough. Reporters who ignored the story. Community leaders who stayed silent, he told the Star Tribune recently. And a public that wanted to believe it couldnt happen here.

Walz will argue he took decisive action once evidence of fraud began to emerge in the housing stabilization program.

In the wake of the Feeding Our Future scandal, Walz and his administration faced years of criticism for being slow to act despite red flags about the program.

Even when the state Department of Education  which administered the food aid program  sought to stop payment to some suspicious vendors, however, they sued the department and won in court.
ST. LOUIS  Steak n Shake said that it is launching a promotion that no one expected on their 2025 bingo card.

Known for its steak burgers and milkshakes, Steak n Shake has joined the Labubu hype craze by offering over 100,000 of these collectible plush toys, which have gained popularity online.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Labubus, created by Kasing Lung, have become a sensation on the internet, with their appeal varying among many. Some find them adorable, while others see them as slightly terrifying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These toys are challenging to acquire, with an estimated cost starting at $27.99, assuming one can find an authentic Labubu rather than a knock-off version called Lafufus.

Steak n Shake plans to distribute these toys for free on Aug. 4, although details about the promotion are limited.

Zombie videos reveal latest concerns on unregulated substance sales

The chain announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that more information about the giveaway will be released soon.

Missouri has approximately 39 Steak n Shake locations, including at least seven in the St. Louis area. Its unclear if all locations will join the promotion and if its first-come, first-served.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FOX 2 reached out to Steak n Shake for clarification on whether St. Louis locations will be included in this promotion but did not receive a response.

As Steak n Shake prepares for its unique giveaway, Labubu fans, children and collectors may have to suspensefully play the waiting game until Aug. 4 or sooner.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP  A cooperative venture continues to assist area students as they learn more about how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can open career doors right here in Ashtabula County.

The program got rolling through the joint efforts of area government, business and education leaders.

The commissioners led the effort, A-Tech Superintendent Scott Wludyga said.

He said the program includes leadership and assistance from Ashtabula County Department of Job and Family Services, A-Tech, Country Neighbor and area businesses and other organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We wanted to provide more experiences for students to expand careers in STEM in Ashtabula County, Wludyga said.

The camps take place at A-Tech, with multiple field trips to area operations each of the camps three weeks. Some of the destinations include Huntsman Advanced Materials, Frenchs Concrete, Lake City Plating, Zehrco-Giancola Composites Inc. Riceland Meadows, Ohio State Universitys Grape Research Station and Bissells Maple Syrup Farm.

The core students are upcoming fifth and sixth graders, with options for seventh and eighth graders as well.

Wludyga said a lot of the companies work regularly with A-Tech to help the school know what manufacturers needs are for potential employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve had some campers who have been here four years, Wludyga said.

Kennedy Shean, an upcoming sixth grader at Cork Elementary School, said he participated last year and enjoyed the program.

I learned a lot of stuff, he said

Scarlett Jarvis, an upcoming sixth grader at Geneva Middle School, said she participated last year in another camp, but was interested in the Robotics Week camp this year.

My brother did this last year and I saw the cool things he did, [and] he made a robot that attacked me and I want go get back at him, she said.

Kayla Mook, the lead counselor for all three weeks, said she enjoys working with the kids, who make all the planning worthwhile.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ashtabula County Commissioner Kathryn Whittington has long been a part of the events development, and helps give out awards at the conclusion of the week-long camps.

The camps have been an incredible opportunity to invest in our youth and their futures, she said. With hands-on experiences in welding, electricity, plumbing, robotics and agriculture and more, students entering grades five through eight got a taste of real-world technology and trades.

Seeing the excitement on students faces as they talked about their projects, future careers, and shared their accomplishments with family during celebration lunches made all the planning worthwhile. These camps not only sparked curiosity but also empowered the next generation of innovators.

The students are treated to daily lunches through Country Neighbor and have a special lunch on the last day of each camp. Awards are also presented to the students. Campers also get to work on projects during the afternoons of each camp.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal on Saturday defended the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by Election Commission (EC) in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, asking whether "intruders" should be allowed to vote and influence the government. "This is the process before every election. There hasn't been a special review for many years, which is why SIR is happening... Should intruders in the country, who do not have rights to our resources or government, be allowed to vote and influence the government? Everyone's answer will be no. Keeping these three things in mind, the Election Commission has taken action," Bansal told ANI. "There will be a fair election. Those who have the right to vote will vote. Citizens will cast their votes," he added. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, earlier today, asserted that the election system in India was "already dead," and alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were "rigged" and that he has proof to substantiate the claim. Addressing the annual legal conclave titled 'Constitutional Challenges - Perspectives & Pathways', Gandhi said that he suspected over 80 Lok Sabha seats were rigged in the 2024 general elections. "The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India holds office with a very slim majority. If 15 seats were rigged, we suspect that the number is over 70 to 80, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India. We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," Gandhi said while addressing the gathering in the national capital. Highlighting the six-month investigation carried out by Congress, he further alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) doesn't exist and has disappeared. According to documentation received from the EC, Gandhi said that the Congress has ascertained that nearly 1.5 lakh voters out of 6.5 lakh who voted in the Lok Sabha elections were "fake". After Rahul Gandhi alleged "vote theft" earlier, the Election Commission of India fact-checked his claim over "irregularities in 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka. ECI said that the statement made by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is "misleading, baseless, and threatening." (ANI)
A stray kitten that became an internet sensation after boarding a New York City subway train last week has been adopted by one of her fellow commuters.

Emmie -- an ode to the MTA -- is now a Harlem resident after subway rider Betsaida Mercado, who initially whisk-ered the kitten to safety, decided to keep the two-month-old feline.

Mercado said she was heading to work in downtown Manhattan when she noticed other passengers smiling and looking curiously around the subway car.

Little Emmie had quietly boarded the train -- barely clearing the gap -- and was making the rounds, greeting other passengers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When she first heard the wayward meows, Mercado recalls thinking Emmie was "super, super small."

Then, after no other riders claimed her as their own, Mercado stepped in, scooping the kitten up and heading back home with her.

"I am proud of myself for doing that," Mercado said, noting that shes grateful for the serendipitous rush hour train ride that yielded her a new four-legged friend.

Watch this stray kitten rescued from freezing weather make a full recovery

She took Emmie to the vet the next day, where they confirmed that the kitten was not microchipped and was free to be adopted.

Betsaida Mercado - PHOTO: Emmie is now living with her new sibling, a 13-year-old dog named King

"The minute we walked in, everyone knew her story," Mercado said, having posted the video of Emmies unique commute to social media. "Everyone wanted to take a picture with her like, 'Oh my God -- its the Insta-famous cat.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To help pay for vet bills, Mercado started a fundraiser for Emmie, raising more than $3,000 after the video of the subway kitten went viral.

She closed the fundraiser shortly after, saying that the funds were "too much for her to accept," and adding that she plans to donate leftover proceeds to a few animal shelters in Manhattan.

Betsaida Mercado - PHOTO: Emmie is now an indoor kitten after a Harlem resident decided to rescue and adopt the two-month-old feline.

One week later, Emmie is now living with her new sibling, a 13-year-old dog named King, and is adjusting to indoor life just fine, Mercado said.

"Now [we are] being rewarded with a beautiful baby kitten," Mercado told ABC News.

And despite the morning chaos, Mercado was able to rescue Emmie -- and make it to work that same day -- on time.
A Sullivan woman has been arrested and faces a charge of child sexual exploitation.

Marie D. Austin, 28, Sullivan, was taken into custody Thursday by Indiana State Police after a judge issued an arrest warrant.

Austin was taken to the Sullivan County Jail, with no bond allowed. She is charged with child sexual exploitation, a Level 4 felony.

Indiana State Police said they initiated a criminal investigation in July, after receiving information from the Martin County Sheriffs Department that a minor female had been sexually exploited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After reviewing the investigation, a judge issued an arrest warrant Thursday, ISP said in a news release.

Other assisting agencies were Sullivan Police Department, Sullivan County Department of Child Services and the Sullivan County Prosecutors Office.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  One of Missouri's top farming groups will now be allowed to sell health plans that supporters hope will boost the number of farmers with affordable health coverage.

Signed into law by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in July, Senate Bill 79 creates a framework for the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer health care plans to its 143,000 members.

The organization would be able to offer lower-price coverage options outside of the Affordable Care Act, which supporters say is needed to help farmers and their families who struggle to find options through the ACA marketplace or aren't eligible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Everybody knows that whenever someone doesn't have a health plan, that creates a lot of hardship, Buchanan County Farm Bureau President Tim Gach said. "The plan that the Farm Bureau is promoting its planned to be cheaper than an unsubsidized ACA plan."

Sponsored by Republican state Sen. Kurtis Gregory of Marshal, the new law makes Missouri the 13th state to allow Farm Bureau health plans, a particularly beneficial development for younger farmers faced with higher startup costs and tighter budgets.

"This was a grassroots type of legislation that we needed something for our rural community members to be able to have a health plan that gave them coverage," Gach said.

Gach said many Missouri farmers find themselves either forced to pay for costly private health plans or be on a spouse's plan from their employer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They are hoping to roll this out in 2026," he said. "They are tailored plans. Not everybody gets accepted. But, if you are accepted, as long as you maintain your membership, you can't be denied."

Farmers are required to pay a 30$ fee to be a member of the Missouri Farm Bureau. He pointed to Tennessee, which has a 98% retention rate for its own Farm Bureau health plan, as an example of a state covering nearly everyone who sought coverage.

State officials estimate that roughly 15,000 Farm Bureau members alone currently have no health insurance at all.

"For years, our members have told us how desperately they needed another option to manage their health care expenses. The existing coverage options were simply out of reach or unavailable for too many hardworking families, Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins said in a press release.
The Supreme Court said Friday that it will weigh the constitutionality of a common form of redistricting used to protect the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters: the drawing of congressional districts where racial minorities make up at least half the population.

Experts in election law said the move signals that the court may be poised to further narrow the Voting Rights Act.

In a terse order issued Friday evening, the justices called for briefing on whether the intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The order came in a case challenging Louisianas congressional map, which contains two majority-Black districts out of the states six House seats.

The court heard arguments in the case in March and had been expected to rule by June. But on June 27, the justices punted the case into their next term and ordered that it be reargued.

Now, Fridays order loosely sketches the terrain on which the justices want further arguments: the claim that the longstanding practice of drawing majority-minority districts under the Voting Rights Acts may be unconstitutional because of its focus on race in drawing district lines. The voters challenging Louisianas map had already advanced that constitutional claim in the case, but the justices call for further briefing on the issue suggests they want to consider the claim more fully.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark law passed during the civil rights era, generally prohibits race-based discrimination in voting laws and practices. In redistricting, the law is used to protect against racial gerrymandering that would unfairly dilute the voting power of racial and ethnic minority voters. States across the country routinely seek to comply with Section 2 by drawing congressional districts where minority voters can elect their chosen candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Louisianas previous map contained only one majority-Black district, even though Black residents make up about a third of the states population. After a court struck down that map for likely violating the Voting Rights Act because it diluted the power of Black voters, the states Republican-controlled legislature drew the new map with two majority-Black districts.

A group of voters  who self-identified as non-Black  challenged the new map. Thats the case now before the Supreme Court.

A ruling overturning the current map could result in Republicans picking up an additional congressional seat in Louisiana. The states two majority-Black districts are both represented by Democrats, while the other four districts are represented by Republicans.

But if the court issues a sweeping decision that curtails or outlaws the use of race-based redistricting as a method of protecting minority voting power, the effects will spread far beyond Louisiana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What the Court seems to be asking, without directly saying it, is whether Section 2 of the VRA, at least as to how it has been applied to require the creation of majority-minority districts in some circumstances, violates a colorblind understanding of the Constitution, Rick Hasen, a professor at UCLA Law, wrote on his blog Friday. The stakes here are enormous.

Other legal scholars noted caution, suggesting that merely raising the question does not signal the court will ultimately gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In a landmark ruling in 2013, the court struck down a different provision of the act that determined which jurisdictions had a history of discrimination and needed to get federal permission before changing their voting laws.

The court already heard 80 minutes of oral argument in the Louisiana case in March. A second round of argument  likely to take place this fall but not yet scheduled  will cap a long legal fight over Louisianas congressional lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Last year, a split panel of federal judges found that the drawing of the second majority-Black district was an impermissible racial gerrymander in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

This challenge reflects the tension between Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause, the panels majority wrote. The Voting Rights Act protects minority voters against dilution resulting from redistricting maps that crack or pack a large and geographically compact minority population. On the other hand, the Equal Protection Clause applies strict scrutiny to redistricting that is grounded predominately on race.

The Supreme Courts conservative majority has over the past decade broadly been hostile toward the Voting Rights Act, limiting it significantly on a number of occasions with only a few notable exceptions.

In June, when the high court deferred ruling on the Louisiana case and indicated it would hear another round of arguments, Justice Clarence Thomas issued an unusual dissent faulting his colleagues for what he said was their inexplicable reticence to address longstanding questions about the constitutionality of using the Voting Rights Acts Section 2 to create majority-minority districts.


The U.S. Supreme Court, as seen on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

The U.S. Supreme Court has expanded the scope of a Louisiana redistricting case that could weaken key provisions of the landmark Voting Rights Act.

In a brief order released Friday afternoon, the court reframed the appeal in Callais v. Louisiana, a lawsuit that non-Black voters filed against the state over the creation of a second majority Black district for the state in the U.S. House. The justices intend to look at whether a state violates the U.S. Constitution when it seeks to remedy a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the order, the court asked parties to the case to answer Whether the States intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

The 14th Amendment, in part, covers representation in Congress, and the 15th Amendment prevents citizens from being denied the right to vote based on their race.

If the justices determine Louisiana violated the constitution with its latest congressional map, it could undermine the Voting Rights Act. The legislation was approved in 1965 to bolster the protections granted in the 14th and 15th Amendments. It has been amended five times since then to strengthen its provisions, though voting rights advocates note federal court rulings over the past decade have chipped away at the law.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At question in the Callais case is Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting laws or procedures that purposefully discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a language minority group.

John Bisognano, president of the National Redistricting Foundation, a voting rights organization, said courts have never ruled there is a conflict between the Constitution and Section 2. The Supreme Court upheld Section 2 in its 2022 decision in Allen v. Milligan, the Alabama case that required lawmakers there to add a second majority-Black congressional district.

To comply with that law, Louisiana must have a congressional map that includes two Black opportunity districts, Bisognano said in a statement. If the Court decides to now undo that precedent, it would be a head-spinning reversal of itself.

Bringing the Voting Rights Act into question makes the case among the most important the court will rule on in its upcoming term. The decision could have nationwide implications, as it could set the standard for the degree to which race can be considered during the election map-drawing process that must occur after each decennial census.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In June, the Supreme Court punted a ruling in the Callais case, indicating it needed to hear additional arguments before reaching its decision. The rare move came with little explanation and essentially meant a new congressional map, if ultimately necessary, would not be in place until the 2028 election, when the 2030 census count would be underway.

The court has given Louisiana until Aug. 27 to file a response to their question. White plaintiffs challenging the map will have until Sept. 17 to respond.

Fridays announcement complicated an already long and winding process in Louisiana that began with the 2020 census, which state lawmakers used in 2022 to redraw the states congressional districts. The original map, which did not add a Black district in Louisiana despite the states Black population increasing, was found to be unconstitutional, leading state lawmakers to redo the boundaries in 2024.

The 2024 redistricting special session, called by Gov. Jeff Landry in his first days in office, brought together a set of strange bedfellows: Black Democrats, who wanted more minority representation; and white Republicans, who used the opportunity to unseat 6th District U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, who fell out of favor with fellow Republicans at home and in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To unseat Graves, Republicans had to draw a map that complied with fewer traditional redistricting principles, creating district lines that run from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, slashing down the center of the state and veering to pick up clusters of Black voters along the way.

During oral arguments in March, Chief Justice John Roberts described Louisianas 6th District as a snake and raised concerns it might violate the compactness standard typically expected in voting districts.

In spring 2024, an appellate panel of three federal judges  one appointed by former President Bill Clinton and two by President Donald Trump  found the new lines for the 6th Congressional District were illegal, though it was allowed to be used for the 2024 election. They ruled the boundaries had been drawn based on race, rejecting the states argument that politics drove its boundaries.

Black voters and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund preferred the map with the more condensed, northeast Louisiana-based district. Some of those Black voters have intervened as plaintiffs in the Callais case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

The author of the new map, state Sen. Glen Womack, R-Harrisonburg, was explicit during the 2024 redistricting special session that protecting U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, RStart, who sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Shreveport, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, was his objective.

Notably left off his list was Graves, who had ruffled feathers at home and in D.C. because he was widely viewed as insufficiently supportive of Scalises failed bid for U.S. House speaker. Graves also endorsed Stephen Waguespack, one of Landrys opponents in the 2023 governors race, potentially putting him crosswise with a powerful incoming governor whose interests drove the special session.

The appellate court panel disagreed that GOP politics was the driving force behind the maps lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Given the slim majority Republicans hold in the United States House of Representatives, even if such personal or intra-party animosity did or does exist, it is difficult to fathom that Louisiana Republicans would intentionally concede a seat to a Democratic candidate on those bases, a footnote from the majority opinion reads.

The Court finds that  District 6 does not satisfy the geographically compact and reasonably configured Gingles requirement, the opinion continues.

The Gingles test arose from a 1986 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that set standards for determining whether election districts meet federal standards.

U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields, a Baton Rouge Democrat, won the election to represent the new 6th District. He previously held a seat in Congress in 1990s until the boundaries of his 4th District were redrawn to favor a Republican candidate.
MADISON  The most expensive judicial race in the country's history came to its full conclusion Aug. 1 with the swearing-in of Susan Crawford as a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice.

With the start of Crawford's 10-year term, liberals maintain the 4-3 majority on the court that it gained in 2023. Crawford, 60, defeated conservative Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel in the April 1 election.

"From the beginning, this court has stepped up in the moments that matter most. It has taken seriously its duty to interpret our Constitution and protect the rule of law, even when the issues were politically charged, deeply divisive or hard to untangle," Crawford told the crowd in the Capitol Rotunda. "That's always been the job, and it still is today ... I'm proud to take my seat on this court."

(Left) Wisconsin Chief Justice Jill Karofsky conducts the Administration of the Oath of Office for (right) Justice Susan Crawford on Friday August 1, 2025 at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, WI.

The former Dane County Circuit Court judge succeeds liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who retired after three decades on the high court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Crawford's victory cemented liberal control of the seven-member body until at least 2028. Liberal candidates have won four of Wisconsin's last five Supreme Court elections, each by double digits.

Like many other races in Wisconsin, abortion rights remained a crucial flash point, with candidates not shying away from making their stances on the issue known.

While Crawford had represented Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin in the past, she said during her campaign that she would be a "fair and impartial" justice and make decisions based on the evidence presented.

Crawford said that the questions that come before the Wisconsin Supreme Court "shape and protect our democracy," noting that it is not lost on her that the court's decisions impact the rights of everyone who calls Wisconsin home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Our laws and Constitution are full of big, abstract promises. Equal protection, due process and individual liberties  those promises are empty words until we judges interpret, apply and enforce them in real cases involving real people," Crawford said.

Crawford's win came two years after liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz flipped the court to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years in 2023. Protasiewicz defeated Daniel Kelly, a conservative former justice, by 11 points.

While Wisconsin Supreme Court races are officially nonpartisan, the race has become increasingly polarized in recent years as the two major political parties continue to back their preferred candidate.

Spending in the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race topped $100 million, doubling the record-breaking spending seen in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The race saw heavy spending by Elon Musk, the billionaire and close adviser to President Donald Trump  and a seven-figure counter-initiative by Democratic Party leaders dubbed "The People v Elon Musk."

More: Elon Musk group that was active in Wisconsin spent more than $47 million in the first half of the year

Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley and Chief Justice Annette Ziegler are up for reelection in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

Bradley has not yet announced if she will run again and did not raise any campaign funds during the most recent campaign finance reporting period. Challenger liberal state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, however, raised more than $583,000 since she launched her campaign, outpacing Crawford's $460,000 haul in the same timeframe during the 2025 Supreme Court race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com.

(This story was updated to add a video or photo.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Susan Crawford sworn in as Wisconsin Supreme Court justice
An hours-long standoff that forced the evacuation of a Butler County hotel ended in an arrest on Saturday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

West Chester police had evacuated the Quality Inn during an active situation with a suspect, our news partners at WCPO reported.

Police said they responded to reports of an armed person in a parking lot and a possible vehicle around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Several people ran from the scene into nearby woods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

K9 units and drones were used, and by 12:14 a.m., three people had been detained.

TRENDING STORIES:

An investigation revealed that a fourth person was staying at the Quality Inn on Cincinnati Dayton Road and was possibly armed, WCPO reported. Officers tried to contact that person Saturday morning, but they refused to leave their hotel room.

A SWAT team was called to the scene, and all other rooms in the hotel were evacuated during the standoff, WLWT in Cincinnati reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police confirmed the suspect was taken into custody around 12:40 p.m., WCPO reported.

Cincinnati Dayton Road, which had been closed due to the standoff, has since reopened.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The Brief

Keon Kiah, 17, has been arrested and faces 13 counts of Aggravated Assault and related charges for a shooting that occurred at a rec center in Philadelphia Wednesday.

The shooting left five people injured, including a rec center employee.

PHILADELPHIA - A teen sought in connection with a shooting near Christy Recreation Center Pool surrendered to police Friday night.

What we know

Philadelphia police issued an arrest warrant for 17-year-old Keon Kiah in connection with a mass shooting that occurred on Wednesday, July 30, near 56th and Christian Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police say Kiah is accused of discharging a firearm near the Christy Recreation Center Pool while children and staff were at the facility.

As a result, a 10-year-old boy and 11-year-old girl sustained graze wounds, and a 32-year-old recreation center employee was also grazed by a bullet.

A 16-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the face and remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, another 16-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the hip.

Investigators say they believe the shooting stemmed from an earlier altercation that took place across from the recreation center.

Police say Kiah and several other individuals allegedly returned to the area following the dispute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday night, police say the 17-year-old suspect turned himself in to Philadelphia police.

He will be charged with 13 counts of Aggravated Assault, 13 counts of Simple Assault, 13 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP), and related offenses.

SCOOP: Suspected shooter in Christy Recreation Center quintuple shooting in custody, @PhillyPolice sources tell me late tonight. He surrendered after additional surveillance released after he took off black shirt & head covering but still carrying backpack moments after. pic.twitter.com/49l99CGUHA  Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 2, 2025

The arrest comes hours after police released new surveillance footage showing the teen suspect.

The Source

The information in this story is from Phialdelphia police.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man died after he was struck by a vehicle in Westminster early Saturday, with police saying the suspected driver of the vehicle initially fled before returning to the scene hours later  while police were still there.

The Westminster Police Department said it responded to a death investigation near the 8200 block of Sheridan Boulevard just after 6:30 a.m., at which point officers located the victim near the road.

1 dead after hit-and-run crash on Interstate 25 early Satuday

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

WPD said preliminary evidence showed the man had been struck by a vehicle in what appeared to be a hit-and-run crash.

Just before 9:00 a.m., meanwhile, with officers still on scene investigating, WPD said the suspect, identified as an adult man, returned, at which point he was arrested and his vehicle was located and towed.

WPD said investigators are currently conducting interviews in an effort to learn more about the timeline of events and circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact WPD by phone at 303-658-4360.

The victims identity will be released by the Adams County Coroners Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Broward Judge Gary Farmer submitted a resignation letter on Friday, months after he was suspended without pay until further notice for inappropriate comments he made from the bench.

Farmer submitted the letter to Chief Administrative Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, she confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday night.

The proper procedure requires that he submit the letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was unclear Friday night whether the governors office also received Farmers letter, but he made his intentions abundantly clear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Efforts to reach Farmer and his attorney by cellphone Friday night were unsuccessful.

The resignation comes after Farmer was disciplined for what the Judicial Qualifications Commission called grossly inappropriate comments he made while presiding over a felony criminal docket on Aug. 15, 2024. Farmer told a defendant who was expecting three children from three different mothers: Ok, youve been busy. You were just shooting all over the place! Thats good, do you know their names? First and last? Romantic, are you?

Later during the court proceeding, Farmer told the man that a condition of his pre-trial release would be to wear a condom at all times. For your own good, Ok?! Probation is going to check. No, Im kidding. Im kidding, according to the JQCs notice of formal charges.

The defendant had been assigned a new attorney, a woman who is married, and Farmer at the end of the hearing told him, Dont get her pregnant. In a separate case that same day, Farmer repeated gay stereotypes from the 1990s sketch comedy show In Living Color.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The comments from that day were only a few of several examples of inappropriate behavior in Farmers recent proceedings at the time, the JQC said.

Last September, Farmer was moved to the civil court bench as a result of the comments, and the states watchdog for judicial misconduct filed charges against him in April and called for his immediate suspension.

Farmer in his response to the charges said his comments were generally G-rated Dad jokes' intended to lighten the mood for people facing criminal charges but acknowledged the things he said to the defendant he told to wear a condom were somewhat racy and, upon reflection, were inappropriate. He urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject the suspension recommendation because the charges against him did not allege that Broward residents were victimized by any illegal, dishonest, or immoral conduct.

Farmer won his seat on the bench in the 2022 general election after spending six years in the Florida Senate, where he served as minority leader until he was removed by his fellow Democrats for Sen. Lauren Book.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has raised serious concerns over large-scale voter name deletions in Bihar, alleging that crucial details are missing from the lists provided by the Election Commission. Yadav claimed nearly 65 lakh voters--about 8.5%--have been removed, making it difficult to identify whose names are missing. "Almost 20 to 30 thousand names have been removed from every assembly constituency. A total of around 65 lakh voters, or about 8.5% of the total, have had their names removed from the list. Whenever the Election Commission issued an advertisement, it would mention that many people had shifted, many were deceased, and many had duplicate names... But in the list provided to us by the Election Commission, they have cleverly not given the address of any voter, no booth number, and no EPIC number, so that we cannot find out whose names have been removed from the voter list," he said. He further raised concerns over his name missing from the electoral roll, questioning how he would contest upcoming elections. Despite possessing a valid Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number, Yadav claimed that his name could not be traced in the voters' list, sparking allegations of irregularities in the electoral process. "My name is not there in the electoral roll. How will I contest the elections?" he said while showing his phone. RJD leader further demanded greater transparency from the Election Commission over alleged large-scale voter deletions in Bihar, seeking booth-wise details and action from the Supreme Court. He called for an extension of the draft electoral deadline until these concerns are addressed. "We demand that the Election Commission (EC) address the issue of removed voters in the show cause notice, providing booth-wise details publicly. When transparency is not ensured, we demand that the draft electoral date be extended until this is resolved. We further demand that the Supreme Court (SC) take cognisance of this issue from the EC," he said. The ECI on Friday released the draft voter list for Bihar, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) process. The EC said the public has one month to submit claims and objections, assuring that "no name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason." "The draft voter list has been released today in Bihar. One-month period for claims and objections begins; draft list shared with political parties. Still a full one month to get names added. No name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason," the Commission stated in a statement on X. According to a press release by the Election Commission, more than 7.24 crore electors of Bihar filled up the Enumeration Forms; all included in the draft Electoral Roll. From August 1 to September 1: During this period, to add the name of any eligible elector or to delete the name of any ineligible elector, any elector or any political party, can file claims and objections in a prescribed form before the concerned ERO, the release said. (ANI)
DENVER (KDVR)  If city council members approve it, Denver voters could be asked to approve a $950 million bond proposal. There is some controversy surrounding the biggest piece of the proposal, and the Denver Broncos could be at the center of it.

Around 60 projects are featured in the bond proposal, but the most costly one is very close to an area that could make room for a Mile High investment.

I think were close: Denver mayor discusses possible deal for new Broncos stadium

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Historic Denver has been interested in Burnhman Yard for many years. Its really heated it up this year because we are all aware of certain buzz right now, said Historic Denver CEO John Deffenbaugh. Burnham Yard has been changing on the west side of La Alma-Lincoln Park.

Burnham Yard tells a really unique and special story at a really formative time of the overall United States, said Deffenbaugh. It was a site where women were encouraged to work because of labor shortages during World War II. It was a place where people of color were able to work alongside their White colleagues. It was a really unusual place, and there were buildings that told that story.

Most of those buildings, like a womens locker room and foremans office, are now gone.

Burnham Yard after demolition (Courtesy of Historic Denver) Burnham Yard after demolition. (Courtesy of Historic Denver) Burnham Yard after demolition (Courtesy of Historic Denver)

We looked to compromise, you know, good things happen when people talk to each other. We promoted the historical significance of these buildings, we talked about how they could be incorporated into any new developments, but unfortunately, over the weekend, without any consultation with anybody, CDOT moved in and demolished most of the buildings on Burnham Yard, Deffenbaugh said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Colorado Transportation Investment Office, a division of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said it worked with state historic preservation officials ahead of the demolition. The office sent FOX31 a statement:

The Colorado Transportation Investment Office has long been preparing the Burnham Yard site for sale. The first step was to complete the track alignment study and acquire the Burnham Lead Line from Union Pacific, needed right away to ensure safe passage into the site. Now we are proceeding with additional site preparations, including working through the historic preservation process and site cleanup. We have worked with the State Historic Preservation Office and the Department of Personnel and Administration, which manages state properties, to clean up the Burnham Yard site in advance of any sale. This process includes mitigation of any hazardous materials, such as asbestos, but also demolition of structures. None of the buildings found to be historically eligible by the State Historic Preservation Office are a part of this cleanup effort, and we are committed to working through the historic eligibility process for those structures. The historic easements will remain on those structures after the sale of the property. Colorado Transportation Investment Office, a division of CDOT

The demolitions are just the latest development surrounding the area rumored to be a part of a bigger plan.

Insult to the history: Historic buildings demolished at Burnham Yard

The speculation surrounding a potential new site for a new Broncos stadium comes as city leaders work to advance a bond proposal. Dozens of projects would receive millions of dollars worth of improvements, the largest being $89.2 million for the 8th Avenue Viaduct, a bridge the mayors bond proposal said will be an important east-west connection within our transportation network that meets the needs of our community for decades to come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Also proposed is $50 million to fund the 6th Avenue Viaduct; the proposal saying the project will advance the Small Area Plan for Barnum Yard recommendations for 6th Avenue. While that part of the bond project has been controversial, some are looking forward to other aspects of the proposal.

The community has been very clearly asking for transformative projects that make our streets safer and that continue to build out our networks for people walking, biking and taking transit. There are some of those kinds of projects in the bond but there are also a lot of basic maintenance projects like bridge repair and street repaving. We dont think maintenance is the best use of bond dollars, said Jill Locantore, Executive Director of the Denver Streets Partnership.

Locantore has been involved in successful Denver bond packages in the past like the $937 million dollar Elevate Denver bond package in 2017. City bonds are funded by general obligation dollars that will be repaid in property tax money; but in year of financial strain, will voters go for a package where a white horse could be the star of the show?

Denver voters generally are very supportive of proposals like this to fund infrastructure that our community really needs. I think the more the package includes projects that really speak to those community priorities of safety and supporting walking, biking and transit as opposed to maintaining the status quo, the more likely people will be to vote yes, Locantore said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

8th Avenue Viaduct reopens in Denver with reduced speed limit: Is it permanent?

We dont know whats going to happen with Burnham Yard, thats the big question. It could be the new Broncos stadium, it could be redeveloped into housing or mixed used development, Locantore continued. Absolutely, we are going to need better transportation into and out of that site. But without knowing what the future is for that site, it seems a little premature to be investing a huge amount of the bond funding into transportation projects there whereas we know we need transformation of other streets in the network like 13th and 14th.

City council members will vote on whether residents can decide on the package during the city council meeting on Monday, Aug. 4.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Shortly after meeting with Donald Trump's former criminal defense attorney, Todd Blanche, in his role as deputy attorney general, sex trafficker and Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell has been moved to a lower security prison, an exceptionally rare transfer for someone convicted of her crimes. Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, is among Democrats demanding answers, and talks with Jen Psaki.
SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The City of Sweetwater will lower flags to honor a Water Distribution Department employee who died while responding to a water leak.

City of Sweetwater employee killed while responding to water leak

The tribute is in memory of Robert Saucedo, who died at the age of 23.

Mayor Jerod Peek has ordered that all city flags be flown at half-staff at municipal buildings through Monday, August 4, in recognition of Saucedos service and sacrifice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The City of Sweetwater extends condolences to Roberts family, friends, and coworkers. Residents are invited to remember Robert and his work for the community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

Happy Friday! Today, politics reporters Bridget Bowman and Dylan Ebs talk with eight swing voters to get their thoughts on the state of Trumps second term and the big issues facing the country. Then, Kristen Welker raises a question Trump had tiptoed around in the past: Is this his economy now?

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 Scott Bland

Trumps tariffs face another inflection point, and a court test

By Bridget Bowman and Dylan Ebs

Ray, a New York voter in his mid-30s, backed Donald Trump last year after having voted for Joe Biden in 2020, pointing to Trumps pledges to boost the economy. Now, he is not happy with the results on all of those pledges.

President Trump has made a lot of promises that hes not really cashing out, Ray said.

But Scott, a 29-year-old Missourian who also flipped from Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024, said hes happy with Trumps presidency so far.

In general, hes keeping his promises, Scott said.

The two mens opposing views of Trumps presidency underscore the wide range of opinions among swing voters who helped return Trump to the White House  and who may hold the key to the results of future elections, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Both men were among eight voters who spoke to NBC News again in recent days after having detailed their hopes for the Trump administration back in January. NBC News is not using the last names of some of the eight voters to allow them to speak more freely about national politics.

These voters, who participated in the final NBC News poll of the 2024 election and backed Trump after supporting Biden or not voting in 2020, were largely optimistic that a second Trump presidency would bring about change, especially on the economy and immigration issues.

Now, theyre split on Trumps presidency.

Four of the recontacted respondents were happy with Trumps performance so far, while two offered more mixed reviews and two disapproved of his first six months back in office. (The 10 other voters who participated in January were not reachable or declined interviews.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Overall, public opinion polls have shown Trumps approval rating declining since he took office (more on that below), though not as far as at this point in his first term. And critically, from a political perspective, voters may have negative opinions of Trumps handling of the economy, for example, but be split on the question of which party would handle the issue better.

Read more from the eight voters here 

Is this Trumps economy now?

Analysis by Kristen Welker

President Donald Trump has acknowledged that economic concerns, especially around high prices, propelled him to another term in the White House. And the latest jobs report, released Friday, along with more moves on tariffs raise the question of whether the president owns this economy now that hes six months into his second term  the good, the bad and everything in between.

When I asked Trump back in May, during an appearance on Meet the Press, if this was now the Trump economy, he told me: It partially is right now. And I really mean this. I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because hes done a terrible job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a jobs report showing the U.S. added 73,000 new jobs in July while revising gains in recent months, signaling slower-than-expected job growth.

(Trump responded by firing the BLS commissioner.)

And Trump imposed a new round of tariffs, some set to take effect next week, that formalized some recent trade agreements and levied higher tariff rates against trading partners that failed to strike deals with the U.S.

Trump has maintained that his tariffs will strengthen the economy, telling NBC News Garrett Haake in a phone interview last night, We will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and very quickly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The president dismissed concerns that his tariffs could cause prices to rise on some goods, telling Garrett, The only price thats spiked is the hundreds of billions of dollars coming in.

But recent polling suggests that voters have soured on the presidents handling of the economy.

A Wall Street Journal poll released this week found a majority of voters (53%) disapproving of Trumps handling of the economy, while 44% approved. A slightly higher share (57%) disapproved of his handling of tariffs, while 40% approved. The survey was conducted July 16-20 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

Well delve into the economy and more on this Sundays Meet the Press, where we will be joined by Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, and Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif.

 Today's other top stories

 Revisions needed: The U.S. job market is suddenly looking far weaker than it did just a few weeks ago. Read more 

 Eyes on Russia: Trump said he has ordered the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines in response to what he called highly provocative statements from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about Russias nuclear capabilities. Read more 

 Maxwell moved: Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epsteins co-conspirator and confidant, was moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas. Read more 

 Rare visit: Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, made an extremely rare visit to Gaza on Friday amid the spiraling hunger crisis there under Israels deadly offensive and aid restrictions. Read more 

 End of an era: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is shutting down. Read more 

 In the courts: Officials in 16 states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administrations investigations into hospitals and doctors who provide transition-related care to minors. Read more 

 Dems at a crossroads: The spat between Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Cory Booker this week illustrates the larger question before Democrats: Resist Trump or bring home the goods? Read more 

 Who won and lost: Governments, markets and businesses across the globe were scrambling Friday to make sense of President Donald Trumps finalized list of tariffs. Read more 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Scott Bland and Dylan Ebs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If you have feedback  likes or dislikes  email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com

And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Syrias Ministry of Defence has accused the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) of carrying out a rocket attack on a military position in northern Syria, injuring four army personnel and three civilians.

In a statement carried by Syrias official SANA news agency, the ministry said the military was able to repel the attack in the countryside of the city of Manbij.

The army forces are working to deal with the sources of fire that targeted the civilian villages near the deployment lines, the ministry said, adding in a later statement that the military was carrying out precise strikes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But the United States-backed SDF said in a statement that it was responding to an unprovoked artillery assault targeting civilian-populated areas with more than ten shells from factions operating within Syrian government ranks.

The statement made no mention of casualties.

The incident comes after the SDF signed a deal in March with Syrias new interim government to integrate into state institutions.

The SDF has controlled a semi-autonomous region in the northeastern part of the country since 2015, and the deal, if implemented, would bring that territory under the full control of Syrias central government, led by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.





Al-Sharaa led the lightning rebel offensive that toppled longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Discussions over the integration of the SDF into the Syrian state had been ongoing since the fall of al-Assad, but were hampered by divides fostered over years of civil war.

The deal reached in March did not specify how the SDF would be merged with the Syrian armed forces.

The SDF has previously said its forces must join as a bloc, while Damascus wants them to join as individuals.

While we reaffirm our commitment to respecting the current de-escalation arrangements, we call on the relevant authorities in the Syrian government to take responsibility and bring the undisciplined factions under their control, the SDF said in its statement.
(Reuters) -Syria's defence ministry and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces traded blame over an attack in the northern city of Manbij on Saturday, casting a shadow over a landmark integration deal they signed in March.

The defence ministry accused the SDF of carrying out a rocket barrage on one of the army's outposts in the city's countryside, injuring four troops and three civilians, according to the state news agency SANA. It described the attack as irresponsible and without justification.

The U.S.-backed SDF said in a statement they were responding to "an unprovoked artillery assault targeting civilian-populated areas with more than ten shells" from factions operating within Syrian government ranks. The statement made no mention of any casualties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In March, the SDF signed a deal with the Damascus Islamist-led government to join Syria's state institutions.

The deal aims to stitch back together a country fractured by 14 years of war, paving the way for Kurdish-led forces that hold a quarter of Syria to merge with Damascus, along with regional Kurdish governing bodies.

However, the deal did not specify how the SDF will be merged with Syria's armed forces. The SDF has previously said its forces must join as a bloc, while Damascus wants them to join as individuals.

A Turkish defence ministry source said last month the SDF must prove it is adhering to the agreement with the Syrian government. Ankara deems the SDF an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"While we reaffirm our commitment to respecting the current de-escalation arrangements, we call on the relevant authorities in the Syrian government to take responsibility and bring the undisciplined factions under their control," the SDF said in its statement.

(Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Hatem Maher; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Bill Berkrot)
Now that Sir Keir Starmer has declared his intention to recognise the imaginary state of Palestine, perhaps he might want to consider affording similar status to one that does actually exist: Taiwan.

Starmers decision to recognise Palestine at the UN next month might have helped to appease his restless backbenchers, who champion the Palestinian cause without having the faintest notion what they are talking about. But recognising a state that does not exist, is incapable of holding democratic elections and where a decent proportion of the population are in thrall to Islamist-inspired terrorism is hardly a blueprint for success.

Taiwan, by contrast, is a self-proclaimed independent territory that regularly holds free and fair democratic elections  despite the malign efforts of Chinas Communist rulers to disrupt the process  where the overwhelming majority continue to uphold their right of self-determination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Apart from being a fully functioning democracy, Taiwan is also a valued trading partner, with total trade between the UK and Taipei currently averaging around 9.3bn.

And yet, despite his willingness to offer full recognition to Palestine, an area that has no formal borders, a non-functioning administration and meagre trading options, our prime minister appears strangely reticent on the subject of upgrading our diplomatic ties with a democratic and prosperous ally such as Taiwan.

This aversion to addressing the issue is all the more remarkable given that the official policy is to protect Taiwan from Chinese aggression, a position that means the Royal Navy regularly conducts freedom of navigation exercises in the region  including through the Taiwan Strait  to demonstrate Britains solidarity.

The extent of the UKs military support for Taiwan is evident from the participation of HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navys new 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, in the Talisman Sabre exercises currently taking place in the Asia-Pacific region. The British warship is part of a 35,000-strong multi-national force conducting military exercises aimed at deterring China from launching an attack against Taiwan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Indeed, Defence Secretary John Healey was at his most bullish when asked about the UKs commitment to defend the region from Chinese aggression, commenting, If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together. We exercise together, and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together.

It is unlikely that we would ever see Healey, or any other Labour minister, making such robust comments about defending a future Palestine state  assuming, that is, that one ever materialises.

The Starmer Governments desire to steer clear of any serious military entanglements in the Middle East was evident during the recent confrontation between the US and Iran. While the US deployed its aircraft carrier groups to the Gulf in anticipation of war with Tehran, the Prince of Wales, which was sailing through the region at the time, continued on its passage to Australia, out of harms way.

If the Government is so determined to defend Taiwans right to exist, even risking the prospect of war with China by doing so, then it begs the question: why, having recognised a non-state like Palestine, will it not make the same commitment to Taipei?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ever since the leadership of the original Republic of China fled from the mainland to Taiwan in 1949, successive British governments have sought to adopt a neutral position in its dealing with the territory.

While the UK is perfectly willing to maintain lucrative trade ties, as well as providing declarations of military support, ministers have been reluctant to upgrade Taiwans diplomatic status for fear of causing offence to China, its more powerful and prosperous neighbour. Since 1972, when London eventually recognised the Peoples Republic as the sole government of China, the view in Whitehall has been that the future status of Taiwan should be a matter for the Chinese to decide.

A number of recent factors have made this compromise appear less satisfactory, not least Chinese President Xi Jinpings pronounced determination to reclaim Taiwan as Chinese sovereign territory. Having declared that the reunification of China with Taiwan is a cornerstone of his aim of achieving the Chinese dream of nation rejuvenation by 2049, Xi has authorised the Chinese military to engage in a massive build up, with some Western military analysts predicting a Chinese invasion could take place by 2027.

The gathering storm clouds over Chinas territorial ambitions towards Taiwan have already resulted in significant changes to British policy to the region, most notably the 2021 Integrated Review that proposed an Indo-Pacific tilt in our military and security outlook. Apart from sending an aircraft carrier to participate in joint naval exercises, the Royal Navy is also committed to upgrading its persistent presence in the region to include the rotational deployment of nuclear submarines from 2027 as part of the recent Aukus agreement signed between the UK, US and Australia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If the UK is preparing to defend Taiwans sovereignty, it makes sense for Starmer to give serious consideration to offering the Taiwanese people the same level of recognition that he is prepared to give to the Palestinians. Otherwise the UK could one day find itself in the invidious position of fighting for a people whose sovereignty it does not even acknowledge.

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.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley saw strong job growth in June, despite slight increases in unemployment rates statewide.

Northwest Arkansas metro

Northwest Arkansas led all metro areas in Arkansas with a 3.65% increase in nonfarm employment between June 2024 and June 2025. The region added an estimated 11,100 jobs, bringing total nonfarm employment to 314,600, Talk Business reports.

However, the jobless rate also rose, reaching 3.4% in June, up from 3% a year ago. The number of unemployed individuals in the region climbed from 9,242 to 10,703.

Fort Smith metro

In the Fort Smith metro, the states third-largest labor market, nonfarm employment increased by 1.65% over the year, reaching 104,400 jobs in June. The number of unemployed also rose slightly, from 3,862 to 4,166, pushing the unemployment rate from 3.8% to 4%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All seven Arkansas metro areas added jobs in June, with the four largest accounting for most of the states gains. The jobless rate held at 3.7%, up from 3.4% last year.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders set for trade mission to Israel and United Arab Emirates

Recent data changes removed counties from the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas metros, and Pine Bluff is no longer counted as a metro area.

For a statewide breakdown, head to Talk Business & Politics.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aug. 2Sitting at a table at Sacred Waters Brewing Company in Kalispell, owner Jordan Gentry, general manager Jackie Evans and Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation executive director Clifford Kipp share an award-winning IPA together.

It's The Bob IPA, handcrafted within the walls of Sacred Waters and well known across the valley  and the state.

Since the brewery opened in 2018, 10 cents of each pint sold of The Bob at Sacred Waters has always gone directly to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the 1.6-million-acre wilderness area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As of this year, now any pint purchased of The Bob IPA, statewide, will go to the foundation, marking a pivotal moment for Sacred Waters and foundation alike.

It's a simple idea: drink the Bob in here, help the Bob out there, Gentry said.

Gentry, who owns Sacred Waters alongside her father, Kirk Gentry, started the brewery in 2018 in an effort to bring the camaraderie she grew up alongside in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to Kalispell. Beer was always something that brought people together, she said, remembering guests telling stories of their days on the river over a drink.

"We're just selling fun and fellowship," Kirk said, sipping a beer. "We tell stories and enjoy good drinks."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Bob is often featured as a place in those stories.

"And we all loved the Bob before we put it in a can," he smiled.

Kirk and Cathy Gentry, Jordan's parents, moved to the Flathead Valley in 1993 and bought Spotted Bear Ranch, a hunting and fishing retreat in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Gentry grew up alongside the Bob's well-known mules and horses, thick forests, rich wildlife and sacred waters. It's the namesake for her passion project.

"Truly, the water that comes out of the Bob is sacred," she said.

Their passion for the Bob Marshall Wilderness inspires the name of most beers on tap. Now, as of this year, the connection between Sacred Waters and the Bob Marshall Wilderness continues to expand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The work to make a statewide donation program a reality was spearheaded by Jackie Evans, the general manager of Sacred Waters and a lover of the Bob Marshall Wilderness herself. Evans reached out to George's Distributing at the beginning of the year to talk through possibilities.

"The feel in the market is fantastic, people are happy to be involved in this program," said Jason Combs, director of beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages for George's Distributing.

"We always try to look for those opportunities that can help our state, our region, our society... this is an opportunity to do something that pretty much everybody has some common ground with," Combs continued.

Six months later, the dream was a reality. In past years, Sacred Waters donated on average $3,000 annually to the foundation through this program. Now that the program has expanded statewide, they expect the number to rise.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Bob IPA was on tap in 44 places across Montana as of June, Evans said.

"We are definitely the super fortunate recipients," Kipp, the executive director of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, said.

Realistically, the money goes right into the field, Kipp said. So much of their work comes from grants and federal matches, which Kipp said are a concern right now.

If we're going to continue to deliver the amount of field work that we do each year, we're going to have to turn to private citizens and local communities and businesses. So that level of support is so, so meaningful," Kipp said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The partnership reveals a practical way local businesses and local nonprofits can work together.

Participation in outdoor recreation is at an all-time high, according to a study completed by onX, an outdoor navigation company. The company found that 96% of outdoor enthusiasts, out of over 2,000 surveyed, think it's important to preserve and maintain public lands and access.

But only 19% of those enthusiasts surveyed say they commit to yearly stewardship on those lands, whether that be volunteering, donating or advocating.

"There's this movement to close that stewardship gap," Kipp said. This partnership, and outdoor enthusiasts drinking an IPA after a hike or float, is one way to address that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Outside of the finances themselves, the program is a testament to the power of community, outdoor recreation and a Montana way of life, Gentry said.

"Success and goodwill are not finite resources," general manager Evans said. "The more that we experience and the more that you can share those things, they grow exponentially beyond that." The Bob IPA, a contemporary, single malt IPA with notes of pine, resin and tropical flavors, won gold at the Montana Beer Awards last year. Most of the hops in the beer are grown at Flathead Valley Hops.

To learn more about Sacred Waters Brewing Company, visit sacredwatersbrewing.com. To learn more about or donate to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, visit bmwf.org.

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jackie Evans, Clifford Kipp and Jordan Gentry at Sacred Waters with the Bob IPA. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)

Kate Heston

Clifford Kipp, executive director of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, holds a Bob IPA. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)

Kate Heston

Clifford Kipp, Jordan Gentry and Jackie Evans share a Bob IPA at Sacred Waters. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)

Kate Heston
The 28-year-old teacher accused of stabbing a married couple to death in front of their children at Arkansas Devils Den State Park bounced between four districts in three states prior to the alleged murders, a report said.

Andrew McGann  who was charged with two counts of capital murder in the killing Saturday of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41  was once placed on administrative leave at an elementary school in the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound, Texas, in spring 2023 after concerns were raised about his classroom management, according to the Associated Press.

A parent whose son was in McGanns fifth grade class in Oklahoma that year also told the AP that he remembers him being "reserved" and "not super friendly," and that McGann was "just off-putting" the first time they met.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He wouldnt look at me really, wouldnt talk to me. He would only really talk to the kids and he would just walk away," Kyle Swanson said. "I dont know, it was a strange interaction."

Arkansas Hiking Murders: Timeline Reveals Teacher Suspects Route From Classroom To Courtroom

Arkansas couple Clinton and Cristen Brink and James Andrew McGann, who has been charged following their deaths.

McGann, who graduated in spring 2022 from Oklahoma State University-Tulsa with a Bachelor of science degree in elementary education, has active teaching licenses in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma, according to each respective government certification website. No infractions or suspensions are noted on his public state licensures in any of those states, the AP reported.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

McGann was placed on administrative leave in spring 2023 while he was employed at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, "following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism," according to a spokesperson for the Lewisville Independent School District.

Sierra Marcum, whose son was in McGanns fourth grade class, told the AP that McGann came across as "pretty cold" and "disinterested in his students." Marcum said her son came home from school upset about some of McGanns behavior, which she reported to the schools principal.

Video Shows Arkansas Hiking Murder Suspect Arrested Mid-haircut

McGann resigned from the Lewisville posting in May 2023, the district said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The following school year, he taught fifth grade at an elementary school in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow before leaving to take another job at a separate Tulsa-area district, Sand Springs, from the summer of 2024 until May of this year. Officials with both Oklahoma districts said McGann passed all background checks.

McGann was expected to start a new job at Springdale Public Schools in northwest Arkansas on Aug. 11, according to the AP. Then the murders unfolded on July 26 in what police have described as a seemingly "random" attack.

Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, in connection to a double homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Devils Den State Park.

McGann made his first appearance on Friday before an Arkansas judge, who ordered him to be held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center, assigned him a public defender and scheduled his arraignment for Aug. 25.

A woman who knew Cristen Brink from a church in Miles City, Montana, Amy, told Fox News she had a beautiful voice and was involved in music at the church.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"She got As in nursing school while raising babies and taking care of her family," she said. "I loved her so much and it just doesn't seem real. Just seems there should be something I could do to take all this terrible tragedy back. Sadly, they are gone."

Fox News' Ashley Papa and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Teacher accused of Arkansas hiking murders bounced between 4 districts in 3 states
After Rahul Gandhi claimed to have evidence of "vote theft", Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Saturday said that the Election Commission has become an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said that top people in the Election Commission are the ones destroying the credibility of the constitutional body. "The Election Commission has become an agent of the BJP. Especially, the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, the 7 or 8 people in the Election Commission, they are the ones destroying the credibility of the Election Commission," Tagore told ANI. "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has evidence for everything he has said. We will have to wait for that. The evidence will come to light. Rahul Gandhi will inform the media and the public before going to Bengaluru. The truth is about to come out," he added. Meanwhile, Congress MP Ranjit Ranjan said that Gandhi's address today was not only about Bihar, but about the entire country since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise will be carried out in West Bengal and Assam. "Rahul Gandhi's speech was not just about Bihar, but about the entire country and the Constitution... SIR will be done in Bihar, Bengal, and Assam, and then across the whole country; this is an attack on democracy... This has happened in Maharashtra; there is no clarification, no evidence... This is definitely a conspiracy... You have removed 2.5 lakh from somewhere, 1.5 lakh from somewhere, 3 lakh from somewhere, but there should be some evidence... Certainly, this is the blatant murder of democracy, and those who are not voting for the BJP are gradually having their voting rights taken away," Ranjan told ANI. Gandhi today asserted that the election system in India was "already dead," and alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were "rigged" and that he has proof to substantiate the claim. Addressing the annual legal conclave titled 'Constitutional Challenges - Perspectives & Pathways', Gandhi said that he suspected over 80 Lok Sabha seats were rigged in the 2024 general elections. "The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India holds office with a very slim majority. If 15 seats were rigged, we suspect that the number is over 70 to 80, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India. We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," Gandhi said while addressing the gathering in the national capital. Highlighting the six-month investigation carried out by Congress, he further alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) doesn't exist and has disappeared. According to documentation received from the EC, Gandhi said that the Congress has ascertained that nearly 1.5 lakh voters out of 6.5 lakh who voted in the Lok Sabha elections were "fake". After Rahul Gandhi alleged "vote theft" earlier, the Election Commission of India fact-checked his claim over "irregularities in 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka. ECI said that the statement made by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is "misleading, baseless, and threatening." (ANI)
One of Britains biggest rail unions has urged the Government to tear up the law so its members can go on strike faster.

Eddie Dempsey, the general-secretary of the RMT union, wants ministers to rip up anti-strike laws passed under Lord Cameron.

It comes after Angela Rayners housing department was found to be paying tens of thousands of pounds a year more to full-time trade union activists than it was under the Conservatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Greg Smith, the shadow transport minister, warned that giving in to the RMTs demands would let its 83,000 members paralyse the country on a whim.

Demands from the RMT to make it easier to down tools at a moments notice will place fresh pressure on the Government amid a looming summer of discontent with Labours rule.

Mr Dempsey told the unions annual meeting in June that all trade union laws ought to be repealed.

Lightening strikes

Im going to be really blunt here, I do not want any trade union legislation, the latest issue of the RMTs members magazine quoted him as saying.

I couldnt care less about [strike ballot] thresholds because we beat those with better campaigning. We dont want them, but they are not the biggest problem, he continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What I want is the ability to take my members out on strike as fast as possible [the law] prevents us from being able to respond like lightning when our members are under attack.

If any employer in a sector behaves like P&O, we want to be able to bring our members out in the entire sector.

Greg Smith MP, one of the Conservatives shadow transport ministers, said: Eddie Dempsey wants the power to paralyse the country on a whim. The head of the RMT is bragging about tearing up strike laws and fast-tracking disruption. All this would deliver is chaos.

Starmers party, bankrolled by the same union chiefs, has nothing to say. Labour handed over policy, signed off no-strings attached pay rises, and exist to serve the people now threatening national shutdowns. Thats the deal Labour made, they chose the paymasters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Conservatives will always stand with passengers over union bosses. We believe in a transport system that works for the people who rely on it and not one held hostage by those who think disruption is a right.

Under Lord Camerons Conservative government, the time between a union calling a strike and the strike taking place was set at a minimum of two weeks in 2017.

Originally the strike notification period was set at four weeks in 1984 as Margaret Thatcher successfully faced down trade union attempts to paralyse the country. She then shortened it to just one week in 1990 as a sop to the unions when the Tories banned closed shop arrangements.

The closed shop was where some companies such as shipping lines were forced to only employ trade union members, on pain of a paralysing strike if they dared hire non-unionised staff.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An RMT spokesman said: In a democracy, the ability to exercise your democratic rights should not be restricted to local and national elections.

Workers need the right to withdraw their labour in such a way that allows them to get their point across to an employer effectively.

Current anti-trade union laws are the most restrictive in Western Europe and need to be repealed to restore balance and fairness to Britains workplaces.

A government spokesman said that strike thresholds were being shortened from 14 days to 10 days as part of Labours Employment Rights Bill which is currently before Parliament.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They added: The old strike laws clearly didnt work, with the UK losing more days to industrial action in 2022 and 2023 than in any year since the 1980s.

Thats why our Plan for Change is ushering in a new era of partnership that sees employers, unions and Government working together in co-operation. The Government has no plans to change the laws on secondary action.

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 Brief

An 18-year-old was arrested for capital murder

He is accused of shooting and killing a 26-year-old at Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander on July 29

LPD is asking anyone with any information to contact the department

LEANDER, Texas - An 18-year-old was arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a Leander park.

Police said an arrest warrant for capital murder was issued for 18-year-old Shaunathan Raby, of Cedar Park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was arrested on July 31 in Austin.

Shaunathan Raby

What happened?

The backstory

Police said on Tuesday, July 29, around 7:15 p.m., officers responded to a shooting that happened in the parking lot of Robin Bledsoe Park in Leander.

When officers arrived, they found a victim with gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to a local hospital for their injuries, but he later died.

The victim was identified as 26-year-old Bodhi Allen Linman, of Round Rock.

This is still an active investigation.

Detectives are asking anyone with information, cell phone video, doorbell, or other surveillance footage related to this incident to contact the Leander Police Department via Submit a Tip on the LPD app.

The Source

Information from the Leander Police Department
Months after a 40-year-old Brazilian national was detained by immigration officers on a residential street in Worcester, two of her teenage daughters are missing from state custody.

Nayara Ferreira de Moura, 17, and Karoline Ferreira de Moura, 13, were in the custody of the Dept. of Children and Families while their mother, Rosane Ferreira de Oliveira, was being held by ICE.

Nayara ran away in May, Worcester police told Boston 25 News, and Karoline left DCF custody on July 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All we know is that DCF was supposed to take care of them, said Juan Congote, attorney for Ferreira de Oliveira. I mean, if theyre taking the mom, at least the government should do something to provide for the girls. And it seems like that wasnt happening.

Before her controversial detainment by ICE in coordination with Worcester police, Ferreira de Oliveira had been arrested in February for allegedly assaulting a pregnant family member, charges which have since been dropped.

But Ferreira de Oliveira remains in ICE custody at Strafford County Jail in Dover, N.H., as she awaits her final immigration hearing, her attorney Juan Congote told Boston 25 News.

Ferreira de Oliveira, who entered the country in 2022 seeking asylum, is distraught and having difficulty sleeping as her children remain missing, Congote said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She feels powerless, Congote said. I mean, basically she was the core of her family. She was keeping her family together. And then she was taken away in a very aggressive way.

DCF did not comment on the circumstances of the sisters disappearance. But a spokesperson told Boston 25 News the departments highest priority is the safety of every child. When a youth in DCF custody is missing from their approved placement, the Department immediately reports it to law enforcement and makes every effort to locate the child.

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
Surveillance video captured a mob of teen bicyclists ransacking a gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

A group of around 15-20 people targeted a Chevron gas station at 1101 N. Mission Rd. shortly before 6 p.m. on July 31.

Cameras captured the group arriving on bikes at the gas station and quickly rushing into the convenience store. Many of the suspects appeared to be male teens and young adults.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The suspects began ransacking store shelves, many seen grabbing armfuls of snacks, energy drinks and merchandise before running out of the shop.

Surveillance video captured a mob of bicyclists ransacking a Chevron gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood on July 31, 2025. (RMG) Surveillance video captured a mob of bicyclists ransacking a Chevron gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood on July 31, 2025. (RMG) Surveillance video captured a mob of bicyclists ransacking a Chevron gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood on July 31, 2025. (RMG) Surveillance video captured a mob of bicyclists ransacking a Chevron gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood on July 31, 2025. (RMG) Surveillance video captured a mob of bicyclists ransacking a Chevron gas station convenience store in L.A.s Lincoln Heights neighborhood on July 31, 2025. (RMG)

The stores owner, Justin Salib, said he was alerted to the thefts by his alarm company and the cashier who was working at the time.

They just came in like it was Halloween trick or treating, Salib told KTLAs Lindsey Pena. They came in, saw what they wanted and it wasnt just grabbing one or two items, it was grabbing boxes.

Lots of merchandise was thrown to the ground and appeared destroyed in the aftermath. No store employees confronted the group and no injuries were reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Police were called to the scene, but the group had fled by the time they arrived. Salib claimed authorities told him they couldnt do much about the situation. He said hes tired of dealing with what appears to be an ongoing increase in theft and crime.

When is enough going to be enough? he asked. Were all small business owners. We all pay our taxes, do everything the legal right way and at the end of the day, we get the short end of the stick.

At this point, Salib said he feels he has no choice but to absorb the loss, paying the cost to replace the stolen inventory and restock his shelves.

Theres no consequences, he said. The crazy part is, these are children, high schoolers and middle schoolers. Where are their parents?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

No suspect descriptions were provided as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tehran has closed the city's public toilets, under governmental measures introduced due to an acute water crisis nationwide that is worsening by the day, the Didban Iran and Shargh news outlets reported.

Didban Iran slammed the government for denying residents "a basic need" by discontinuing the service.

The Tehran city administration has not commented on the reports, but witnesses confirm that many public toilets, including those at metro stations, are already closed. There are about 20,000 public toilets in the greater Tehran area, according to estimates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The energy and water crisis has become the main concern for Iranians. Water has been shut off for up to 48 hours in several districts of Tehran and at least 50 other cities. Power outages lasting hours on end make air conditioning unusable even as temperatures soar to between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius.

It is barely possible to live in such conditions, many of the capital's 15 million inhabitants have said in social media posts.

President Masoud Pezeshkian's government has urged people to use less water but otherwise appears helpless.

Other measures under consideration including a reduction of the working week from five to four days or even order a one-week forced closure of the capital to save electricity and water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But fears about the economic impact of the plans mean they have not yet been introduced.

Pezeshkian called the situation as a "natural disaster" that could worsen in the coming weeks, as reservoirs are nearly empty. He has mulled relocating the capital to prevent possible chaos.
(NewsNation)  A Tennessee inmate is scheduled to be put to death next week despite his intellectual disability and concerns over how his heart defibrillator could prolong the execution.

The execution of Byron Black, who has been on death row since 1989, has been surrounded by a peculiar set of ethical dilemmas that his lawyers say warrant a stay on the scheduled killing.

At least one of those dilemmas was addressed by the Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursday, which ruled that Black can be given a lethal injection of barbiturate pentobarbital while implanted with an active heart-regulating device.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Blacks attorneys have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has not yet stepped in.

Many former FL reform school students ended up on death row: Report

Kelley Henry, Blacks attorney, has said she would also petition Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to grant clemency so that Tennessee does not move forward with this gruesome spectacle.

Black was convicted in the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend Angela Clay, 29, and her two daughters, Latoya Clay, 9, and Lakeisha Clay, 6. Prosecutors said he was in a jealous rage when he shot the three at their home. At the time, Black was on work release while serving time for shooting Clays estranged husband.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has vowed to move forward with the execution, saying in a statement that he will continue fighting to seek justice for the Clay family and to hold Black accountable for his horrific crimes.

Blacks defibrillator will activate to keep him alive during his execution

Black has an implanted pacemaker-defibrillator, and his lawyers have argued for it to be deactivated before the execution.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, also called an ICD, is a small battery-powered device placed in the chest. It constantly checks the heartbeat and delivers electric shocks if it detects an irregular heartbeat.

A lower court judge had ruled that the implanted cardioverter-defibrillator is likely to continuously shock Blacks heart, causing unnecessary pain and prolonging the execution, and ordered the state to deactivate the device shortly before the execution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Tennessee Supreme Court overruled the decision, finding that the requirement of having the device deactivated amounted to a stay of execution, which is not within the lower courts power.

The states high court kept in mind the possibility that Black could win an 11th-hour appeal, saying that deactivating it too far in advance might mean he could die just before a ruling that would have saved him.

The ruling also left open the possibility that the state could deactivate the device if they do it in a way that does not interfere with the execution.

Biden commutes sentences of 37 death row inmates to life without parole

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Tennessee Attorney Generals office has said that a hospital they requested to deactivate the defibrillator was unwilling to take part in the procedure. Most medical professionals consider any participation in executions to be a violation of medical ethics.

That muddies the matter further because even if both sides were to agree to a deactivation plan, its unclear if they would be able to find a health professional to undertake the task.

After Thursdays ruling, Blacks attorneys filed a motion for a stay of execution with the state Supreme Court. It says Black deserves a stay for the limited time needed for his attorneys and the state to resolve the defibrillator issue or for the state Supreme Court to consider Blacks request for the device to be disabled.

The state Supreme Courts ruling did not address the issue of whether Blacks defibrillator will continuously shock his heart or whether that would cause unnecessary suffering, in violation of the state and federal constitutions.

Black has been declared intellectually disabled

The state of Tennessee has declared Black intellectually disabled as his IQ has been recorded between 57 and 76.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to Blacks attorneys, no court has fully evaluated these scores or his documented deficits in adaptive functioning. The inmate also has severe dementia and significant brain injury.

If the execution goes forward, he would become the first person in Tennessee with an intellectual disability to be executed, his lawyers said.

Blacks attorneys had argued he should be spared under a 2021 law that made Tennessees prohibition against executing people with intellectual disability retroactive. They argued that there is a different standard in place now than in 2004 when the court found that Black didnt meet the now-obsolete definition of mental retardation.

Report: New death sentences decline as executions increase

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The court ruled, however, that the state law does not apply to death row inmates who had previously received a ruling from a prior court.

Blacks execution postponed multiple times

Black would be put to death by lethal injection after Tennessee resumed executions this year after a nearly five-year break.

He will be the second person to be executed after Oscar Franklin Smith was put to death in May.

Blacks execution has been delayed multiple times over the years due to several reasons, including the pandemic and a moratorium on executions after it was discovered that the Department of Corrections was not adequately testing the potency and purity of execution drugs.

Execution as it stands is crazy: Doctor

Dr. Jonathan Groner, a pediatric trauma surgeon, joined Banfield to discuss the ethics surrounding the issue and described an execution with an active implanted defibrillator as bizarre.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To let someone die and restart their heart and have them die again would be sort of like having a noose and tightening it on someone to kill them, and loosening it up and tightening it again, Groner said.

So it seems very bizarre, and should really be off on no matter what your position is on capital punishment. It just seems pretty crazy.

The Associated Press contributed to 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 NewsNation.
Authorities in Tennessee have arrested a man who threatened to kill public officials and had explosive devices in his Polk County home.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies on Friday executed an arrest warrant for 54-year-old Kevin Wade O'Neal at his house in Old Fort, an unincorporated community about an hour east of Chattanooga, for allegedly threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel, according to a news release.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies said they found what appeared to be an improvised explosive devices as they executed an arrest warrant for Kevin Wade O'Neal, 54, at his house in Old Fort, Tennessee, for threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel. / Credit: Polk County Sheriff

During the arrest, the deputies observed what appeared to be an improvised explosive device. They alerted the Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for further investigation, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

ATF agents, along with local authorities, searched O'Neal's residence and found 14 explosive devices, the news release said. Investigators also determined that O'Neal attempted to detonate the explosives upon the officers' arrival and while they were attempting to apprehend him.

Kevin Wade O'Neal's residence in Old Fort, Tennessee, an unincorporated community about an hour east of Chattanooga. / Credit: Polk County Sheriff

O'Neal was charged with nine counts of attempted first-degree murder for the nine Polk County Sheriff's detectives and deputies who were present during his arrest.

O'Neal also faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder for other individuals present, and various charges for possession of prohibited weapons. He is being held at the Polk County Jail, and his bond has yet to be determined.

It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "Great Weight"
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Some Tennessee teachers are feeling shortchanged after receiving their bonuses tied to the school voucher bill that passed earlier this year.

Republicans promised educators would receive a one-time bonus of no less than $2,000, but after federal taxes and other expenses were deducted, the checks were worth around $1,300.

We keep saying were giving teachers a $2,000 bonus, and when they open it up and its $1,329, thats not $2,000, JC Bowman, executive director and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, said.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The bonuses were considered earnable compensation, which is tax-deductible under TN law. However, Bowman told News 2 that both teachers and some lawmakers were under the impression educators would receive $2,000 after taxes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I know from talking to legislators they expected teachers to get $2,000, and that just simply did not happen, and they need to know that, Bowman said.

House Majority Leader William Lamberth issued the following statement to News 2 regarding the tax deductions:

Republicans in the General Assembly fought hard to provide Tennessee teachers with raises and bonuses this year, and were proud to be a zero-income tax state. Its extremely disappointing that the federal government would take such a large portion of our teachers bonuses and hard-earned pay. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to eliminate the federal income tax and Tennessee Republicans gratefully and enthusiastically support this effort.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, Bowman said that isnt the only issue. The bonuses were supposed to be distributed by the end of July, but, according to Bowman, some districts have yet to give them out.

Teachers have a lot of back-to-school expenses, both for clothes; they buy a lot of school supplies, Bowman said. When the tax-free holiday was there, theyre going to buy a lot of materials themselves for their classrooms that they could have used that money for, so getting it into their hands earlier would have been better for them.

Bowman encouraged teachers to inform their legislators about the issues, but said at the end of the day, the bonuses put a little extra cash into teachers pockets, where every dollar counts.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

I would tell them to take the money, spend it on their family, and bank some of that money if they can, the little bit that they can have.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A Clinton Township caretaker accused of murdering an elderly Macomb Township man told a hospital doctor that she was the man's niece and instructed the physician to take him off life support when his health was failing after a stroke, according to testimony during a preliminary exam.

Linda Polk, 53, is charged with first-degree murder and embezzlement from a vulnerable adult as well as two counts each of forgery of a document, identity theft and the illegal sale or use of a financial transaction device.

Judge Carrie Fuca of 41B District Court in Clinton Township will decide whether Polk will stand trial on the charges in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The daylong preliminary exam started Aug. 1. The prosecution rested its case, but Polk's attorney, Steven Scharg, wants to call the person who notarized what authorities have called a fraudulent power of attorney, a witness that prosecutors did not call. The hearing is to continue Aug. 29, when Fuca will be expected to decide whether there's enough evidence to order a trial.

Defense attorney Steven Scharg, standing, with his client, Linda Polk, during her preliminary exam on murder and other charges in 41B District Court in Clinton Township on Aug. 1, 2025.

Polk appeared in court in a beige jail jumpsuit. Prosecutors called nine witnesses in person and via Zoom.

After the exam, Scharg told reporters he did not think there was enough evidence to uphold the first-degree murder charge.

Authorities accused Polk in April of obtaining a fraudulent power of attorney over retired lawyer Steven Zarnowitz, 78, and his wife, Jill Margolick, as well as a quit-claim deed to their Macomb Township home. The couple moved to Macomb County in 2024, according to testimony, after living in Farmington Hills.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zarnowitz suffered a stroke Oct. 17 and was taken to McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens. He died Oct. 19 and his body was cremated, according to testimony.

Dr. Hosameddine Talab tetified that Zarnowitz was very ill in the intensive care unit after having a blood clot in his brain. He was intubated, sedated, non-communicative and on medication to help with his low blood pressure.

He testified that Polk was the only one listed as next-of-kin for Zarnowitz on paperwork and identified herself as his niece. Talab testified that he spoke with her at the hospital and then twice on the phone about the prognosis, with the second call being where Polk made the decision to take Zarnowitz off life support.

Talab testified that he tried to reach her in between the two calls, but she indicated she was on a plane in the Istanbul airport.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sheriff's Detective Christopher Fraser testified that Polk told him during an interview that she was leaving the country the evening of Oct. 18 for a honeymoon in Thailand with her husband. He testified that he confirmed Polk left the country about 8 p.m. Oct. 18, heard about the death and returned after Oct. 19.

More: Police: 1 dead in shooting outside Royal Oak apartment; suspect in custody

More: Hazel Park man faces murder charges in gas station shooting that left 2 dead, 2 injured

Testimony indicated that Polk had been providing in-home care for Margolick for several years after she had COVID-19 and became bedridden and that Zarnowitz hired nursing care for his wife.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to testimony, Polk identified herself as Zarnowitz's niece and mentioned him as her dad when talking to a credit card company about a credit card in his name that was opened after his death. She is not related to Zarnowitz, according to testimony.

Fraser testified he requested the power of attorney from the Macomb County Clerk's Office, which indicated it was for Zarnowitz and Margolick and was drafted by and to be returned to Polk, which Fraser found odd. The document had a notary date of Oct. 18, 2024, but was backdated to Feb. 24, 2024, with the couple's old Farmington Hills address, according to testimony.

Fraser testifed that he was notifed by the county's register of deeds office that based on a name search he requested there also was a quit-claim deed for the couple's Macomb Township address. The office determined the deed was fraudulent.

Prosecutors called the former Washtenaw County notary whose name was on the deed, with the former notary testifing that she never saw the document. Fraser also testified that Polk told him that Zarnowitz granted her the couple's Macomb Township home and that she was going to sell it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zarnowitz's longtime friends also testified that Polk notified them of their friend's death more than week after he died. Longtime friend James Fajen, who testified that he spoke with Zarnowitz every week or every other week, said he was 100% sure that purported signatures on the power of attorney and quit-claim deed were not those of Zarnowitz.

Fajen testified that Zarnowitz was one of the "brightest people I ever met," but that he seemed depressed after the move to Macomb County. He testified that Zarnowitz referred to Polk as his wife's nurse and that he was very depending and trusting of Polk. Zarnowitz has a daughter and Margolick has two sons who live out of state, according to testimony.

Clinton Township Police Detective Tom Hill testified that Polk opened up credit cards using Zarnowitz's name after he died, using one at multiple locations, including to buy a pair of $1,600 Christian Louboutin boots.

Hill testified that in the credit card fraud case, there was a no contact order and a violation of that order by Polk. He testified that Polk changed her last name from her maiden name to her married name and tried to secure employment at the assisted living location where Margolick was living.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press.

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Testimony: Caregiver told doctor to take client's husband off life support
DALLAS (Texas Tribune)  Texas Republicans want to make it harder for cities and counties to raise property taxes  a move that would put local governments in a tighter financial bind as the state grows.

Lawmakers on a key Texas Senate panel Friday advanced a proposal to put a tighter limit on how much more cities and counties can collect in property taxes each year without asking voters. The idea is to keep tax bills from exploding by forcing local governments to lower their tax rates if property values rise.

The taxpayers are being pushed to the brink, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican who authored the proposal, said during a committee meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cities and counties could face further financial pressure as they try to provide basic services to residents and keep up with growth, local officials told state lawmakers Friday.

The legislation is the latest effort by GOP lawmakers to rein in the states high property taxes. This year, legislators committed $51 billion over the next two years to enact a new round of cuts to school property taxes and maintain existing ones. Some Republican lawmakers, as well as conservative activists and policy analysts, have shown frustration as theyve plugged billions of dollars into cutting school property tax bills only to see taxes from cities and counties outstrip those gains.

Gov. Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to pass bills reducing the property tax burden on Texans and imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property taxes during a 30-day legislative sprint.

Such limits would arrive at a tricky time for cities and counties, already facing financial headwinds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Localities have seen their budgets squeezed in recent years under the states existing limits on property tax revenue. Further complicating their finances: weakening sales tax revenue owed to a slowing economy and uncertainty over future federal funding. Meanwhile, cities and counties face a litany of rising costs, including salaries for police officers and firefighters.

Major cities like Austin, San Antonio and Fort Worth project budget deficits in upcoming years  with local leaders eying spending cuts, voter-approved tax hikes or some combination of both to make up for the shortfall.

A tighter property tax cap would make it harder for Fort Worth, now home to more than 1 million people, to keep up with infrastructure needs brought on by the citys robust population growth, Brady Kirk, a Fort Worth budget official, told lawmakers Friday. Such a cap could force even deeper cuts, which, instead of maximizing value for residents, would lead to lower service levels.

Under pressure to rein in rising property tax bills, state lawmakers in 2019 enacted a law that limits how much more in property taxes cities and counties can collect each year without voter approval to 3.5%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Tax-cut proponents credit that law with keeping the growth of property tax bills in check. Though tax bills grew, they grew at a slower pace than they otherwise would have, thanks to lower city and county tax rates, they argue.

The owner of a typical home in Dallas, for example, saw the taxes they pay to Dallas Independent School District shrink by about $310 between 2018 and 2024, according to a Texas Tribune calculation. But they paid almost $1,200 more to the city, county and other taxing entities in 2024 than in 2018. Though tax rates fell, they didnt fall enough to offset increases in the owners home value.

The total amount of property taxes collected statewide by cities and counties has remained relatively steady despite that change, figures presented by Bettencourt show. Thats at least in part because voters have signed off on higher tax rate increases at the ballot box, according to an analysis by the business-backed Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.

Senate Bill 9, by Bettencourt, would further tighten that cap to 2.5%, a provision that would only apply to localities with more than 75,000 residents. Cities like San Antonio, Arlington, El Paso and Corpus Christi would each have collected tens of millions of dollars less in property taxes from 2021 to 2024 had that measure been in place, according to Bettencourts estimate. Dallas would have lost more than $100 million in that span.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were asking you to tighten your belts, Bettencourt said.

Lowering that limit would give voters a more direct say when cities and counties adopt tax rates, said Jennifer Rabb, who heads the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. I think thats a step in the right direction.

If localities need more money than whats automatically allowed, they can ask the voters, the bills proponents said.

Enacting that tighter cap could complicate localities public safety efforts, others noted. State Sen. Royce West, a Dallas Democrat, noted that Dallas voters last year adopted a measure compelling the city to hire hundreds more police officers, which could prove difficult if they have to do so with greater revenue constraints. City and county officials asked lawmakers to consider some kind of carveout for spending on police protection and firefighting, which tend to make up the majority of a given localitys budget, an idea Bettencourt appeared open to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As Texans deal with the high cost of living, cutting property taxes may not be the best way to help them, state Sen. Molly Cook, a Houston Democrat, said.

If youre driving down the road and the roads busted up and you pop a tire, well, thats because the government didnt spend money on roads, and now youre spending money on tires, Cook said. So how does this whole picture fit together to really address affordability?

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/01/republicans-legislature-cities-counties-property-taxes/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday flagged off three vehicles carrying essential relief material from Raj Bhavan to the flood-affected districts of Mandi and Kullu. The consignments, sent via the State Red Cross Society, include tents, blankets, tarpaulins, sanitary items, food supplies, and other daily-use goods meant to aid over 1,200 families impacted by recent floods and landslides. Speaking to the media at the flag-off ceremony, the Governor emphasised the urgent need for behavioural and lifestyle change in the wake of recurring natural disasters in the region. "The kind of damage we are witnessing will continue unless people adapt their way of life. If we don't bring change, the losses will be far greater," said Governor Shukla, referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. He added that this was not the first dispatch of relief from Raj Bhavan. "Earlier, three trucks had already been sent from Rajasthan through the Red Cross. Today, three more have been sent--one will go to Kullu and two to Mandi," he informed. "We are sending blankets, tarpaulins, tents, and daily-use items like soap, sanitary products, biscuits, candles, and matches. One truck is carrying supplies sufficient for nearly 400 people. In total, we aim to support around 1,200 to 1,300 families," the Governor said. Shukla also announced his visit to the affected areas. "I will go to Mandi today. Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Seraj region, including Thunag. After spending a day or two with the affected people, I will return to Raj Bhavan," he said. Referring to the Supreme Court's recent observation that, if the current environmental degradation continues, Himachal could vanish from the map, he said that he had already discussed with the Indian Prime Minister and people of the state will have to change their lifestyle in the hills . "I believe the concern is valid. Everyone should think seriously about it. If we don't change how we live, the destruction will only increase," he said. On the issue of central assistance, the Governor clarified that the support has always been there from the Union government. "Central aid is provided after a detailed assessment by the Central Team. The Centre always extends support whenever Himachal asks for it." He added. He also addressed recent statements by the Chief Minister, where CM Sukhu has asked the Governor to refrain from statements which hamper the government's efforts in the fight against drugs. "I only said that rehabilitation centres are necessary. At no point did I claim the police or government are not doing their work." He said. "I don't know in what context the Chief Minister made those comments. Perhaps he knows, but I never questioned the role of the government or its officials or policies," Said Shukla. On queries about a new vehicle for the Governor's office in light of Delhi's regulatory norms, he explained that the vehicle is being changed only because the existing old vehicle is not allowed in Delhi. "A new rule in Delhi prohibits the use of certain vehicles beyond a point. If a vehicle has to go from here to Delhi, it must comply with those norms. There's no personal requirement from my side for a new car." He added.. CP Verma, Secretary to the Governor, and other officials were present during the flag-off. (ANI)
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  In a Saturday morning meeting, the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting approved legislation to change redraw voting districts for the Congressional seats in the state. The committee vote sets the stage for the bill to be considered by Texas House members next week.

House Bill 4 calls for redrawing 37 of the states 38 congressional districts, with changes primarily focused on five districts drawn for partisan Republican advantage. President Donald Trump previously called for Texas leaders to redraw maps to gain Republican seats in the 2026 elections.

Just a very simple redrawing, we pick up five seats, the president told reporters last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The committee vote came shortly before 9:30 a.m. Saturday, hours after a lengthy public hearing over the legislation that started Friday morning. The hearing stretched past midnight, ending just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, presented House Bill 4 at the start of Fridays hearing. Hunter acknowledged the map was drawn using political performance as a criteria, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent allowing partisan considerations in redistricting.

These districts were drawn primarily using political performance, Hunter said. That criteria from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Hunter, who is listed as the author of HB 4, faced several questions about whether he instructed map makers to carve out five new Republican seats, as Trump requested. Hunter said he did not give any direction as to the outcome of redrawing the map. Hunter also claimed repeatedly that he did not know who drew the maps used in the legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We have to do a congressional redistricting. A law firm was hired. They no doubt were doing work. The chairman of the committee asked me to file the bill. I agreed. I met with counsel. They showed me the data and what they were, think that they could be able to show on the data. I said, lets get it in bill form, Hunter said early Saturday morning, responding to a question from Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat from Dallas.

The proposed changes target Districts 9, 28, 32, 34 and 35, creating what Hunter described as Republican-leaning seats while establishing new majority-minority districts. Under the plan, four of the five redrawn districts would have Hispanic citizen voting-age population majorities.

Each of these newly drawn districts now trend Republican in political performance, Hunter said. Doesnt guarantee electoral success. Does not guarantee  thats up to the candidates.

Partisan advantage acknowledged

During Fridays hearing, Hunter and State Rep. David Spiller, R  Jacksboro, openly discussed the partisan intent behind the redistricting effort. Spiller noted that Texas currently holds a 65% Republican advantage in its congressional delegation despite being 58% Republican statewide, compared to larger advantages in Democratic-controlled states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There is nothing wrong with doing it, Hunter said regarding partisan redistricting. Im telling you that we have five new districts, and these five new districts are based on political performance.

The proposed changes would affect major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.

State Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Port Arthur, questioned whether the changes represented political retaliation against Black congressional members who have opposed the current administration.

Is this political retribution against congressional members, particularly those who have been outspoken and who, whether its intentional or not, happen to be Black African American? Manuel asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hunter responded: The answer I can only speak for Todd Hunter, is no.

The committee vote Saturday morning to advance the bill was 12-6 along party lines. Committee Chair Cody Vasut, R  Angleton, said he expects the proposed map will be discussed on the House floor as early as Tuesday 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 KXAN Austin.
The Brief

A Texas House committee advanced redrawn congressional maps to the full House Saturday.

The map advanced on a 12-6 party line vote with Democrats raising objections to the newly proposed districts.

President Donald Trump said last month that he hopes to gain five Republican seats in Texas through the process.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas House Redistricting Committee advanced a redrawn congressional map Saturday that looks to add five new Republican seats to Congress next year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The map passed on a 12-6 party line vote Saturday morning.

The map could be considered in the full House as early as Tuesday.

Before the vote, Democrats on the committee blasted the decision to redraw the maps, which they say is being done out of Republican's fear of getting on the wrong side of President Donald Trump.

"Please note that this fight is far from over, and Democrats will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this fight," Rep. Chris Turner said referencing the hundreds of people who spoke against the map in Austin Friday.

Republican committee members did not make any comments on the process Saturday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The committee spent Friday hearing from hundreds of people during its only public hearing on the map.

The map's author on Friday defended it as partisan, but legal.

What they're saying

"Im telling you, Im not beating around the bush. Im telling you that we have five new districts. And these five new districts are based on political performance," replied Rep. Todd Hunter, a Corpus Christi Republican and the bills author.

Hunter said his map was drawn with the understanding that the Supreme Court allows partisan redistricting.

On Saturday, Rep. Christian Manuel warned that redrawing congressional maps can have an impact on economic drivers in those areas, sometimes setting communities and cities back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Port Arthur Democrat pointed out two other times the maps were redrawn that he said directly impacted his district.

"It was a true coalition working-class district. It was moms and dads who work 9 to 5 who are trying to make it work. And I grew up seeing my city get to a point where it could have risen to something, and now it's in decay," Manuel said. "We lost our representation in economic engines to larger parts of the district that had nothing in common with us."

Manuel warned Republicans that not listening to those who made public comments could have repercussions down the line.

"What I don't understand is yesterday and the days before, we heard people who were telling you they were hurting and that they're scared. And this is the same thing that happened when Democrats didn't listen during the era of the Tea Party. And we paid for that," Manuel said. "We always say, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, but some people don't have boots. All I'm saying is please listen to these people's hurt. If you want to pass the bill, pass it. But please just listen to what they were saying before you pass it."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Others on the committee, like Rep. Joe Moody questioned why more time was being spent on redistricting instead of flood relief efforts in Central Texas.

Moody was in Kerrville for a public hearing on Thursday.

"We spent so much more time on this mid-decade redistricting," Moody said. "And I initially have written here that I want to tell you how sad that made me, but quite honestly, it p---es me off."

Moody echoed the same sentiments Democrats had said from the beginning that redistricting was a power grab.

"We shouldn't be here. We shouldn't be doing this at all," Moody said. "Where we should be is back in Kerrville helping people. That's the kind of thing we run for office to do. Not this. This is politics over people in the grossest way possible."

Texas Redistricting

The House redistricting committee released the new map on Wednesday. The newly proposed map increases the number of congressional districts that would have voted for Trump by at least 10 percentage points by five.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Republicans currently control 25 of the state's 38 Congressional districts.

The new map makes some big changes in North Texas. It moves Democrat Rep. Marc Veaseys district from Tarrant to Dallas County.

Democrat Rep. Julie Johnsons district moves from Dallas and Collin County to more conservative sections of East Texas.

And Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crocketts Dallas seat becomes one of just two majority Black districts in the entire state.

The Democrats claim the redrawn maps will violate the federal Voting Rights Act, but that may be difficult for them to prove.

In Central Texas, Democrats Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett would find their districts vastly different from the current map.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The district currently held by Casar would no longer include Travis County, while the district held by Doggett would no longer include a portion of Williamson County.

In Houston, the new map reshapes four currently Democrat-held districts. The biggest change to the districts would be in the seat currently held by Rep. Al Green. The new map would shift the district from covering southern Harris County and instead move it to the eastern part of the county.

The Source

Information in this article comes from comments made during Friday's public hearing and Saturday's vote. Backstory on the redrawn congressional maps comes from previous FOX reporting.
AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting heard testimony Friday on a proposed map that would redraw 37 of the states 38 congressional districts, with changes primarily focused on five districts drawn for partisan Republican advantage.

State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, presented House Bill 4 during the hearing. The proposal comes during a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott following a July letter from the U.S Department of Justice alleging racial gerrymandering in four congressional districts.

Hunter acknowledged the map was drawn using political performance as a criteria, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent allowing partisan considerations in redistricting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

These districts were drawn primarily using political performance, Hunter said. That criteria from the US Supreme Court.

The proposed changes target Districts 9, 28, 32, 34 and 35, creating what Hunter described as Republican-leaning seats while establishing new majority-minority districts. Under the plan, four of the five redrawn districts would have Hispanic citizen voting-age population majorities.

Each of these newly drawn districts now trend Republican in political performance, Hunter said. Doesnt guarantee electoral success. Does not guarantee  thats up to the candidates.

Changes to minority representation

The proposal would create two majority Black citizen voting-age population districts for the first time. District 18 in Houston would increase from 38.8% to 50.8% Black citizen voting-age population, while District 30 would rise from 46% to 50.2%

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hispanic representation would also increase under the plan. The proposal includes eight Hispanic citizen voting-age majority districts compared to seven under current maps, and 10 Hispanic voting-age population majority districts compared to nine currently.

Hunter said the changes reflect updated legal precedent from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in August 2024 that coalition districts combining different minority groups are no longer required under the Voting Rights Act.

Partisan Advantage Acknowledged

Hunter and State Rep. David Spiller, R  Jacksboro, openly discussed the partisan intent behind the redistricting effort. Spiller noted that Texas currently holds a 65% Republican advantage in its congressional delegation despite being 58% Republican statewide, compared to larger advantages in Democratic-controlled states.

There is nothing wrong with doing it, Hunter said regarding partisan redistricting. Im telling you that we have five new districts, and these five new districts are based on political performance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The proposed changes would affect major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.

State Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Port Arthur, questioned whether the changes represented political retaliation against Black congressional members who have opposed the current administration.

Is this political retribution against congressional members, particularly those who have been outspoken and who, whether its intentional or not, happen to be Black African American? Manuel asked.

Hunter responded: The answer I can only speak for Todd Hunter, is no.

DOJ Involvement

The redistricting effort stems from a July 7 letter from the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division alleging racial gerrymandering in current congressional maps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hunter said he was not guided by the DOJ letter in drawing the new map.

The Department of Justice, letter is a letter, Hunter said. Thats not guiding me. Im presenting a plan.

The committee limited public testimony registration to 11 a.m., later extending it to 11:15 a.m. after members noted traffic delays and Wi-Fi connectivity issues affecting potential witnesses.

Committee Chair Cody Vasut, R  Angleton, said the members would take action on the proposed map Friday. If they do not, they would take action on Saturday. Vasut said he expects the proposed map will be discussed on the House floor as early as Tuesday next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The Texas Lottery Commission will pay nearly $46 million to a woman who was denied her winnings for months amid investigations and controversies that tied up her payout.

An agreement between the lottery commission and Kristen Moriarty was filed on Thursday, according to court records. In a statement, the lottery commission said the settlement was reached with guidance from Attorney General Ken Paxtons office, and the Houston-area resident will receive $45.8 million before taxes in a single lump that is currently being processed.

The payout comes more than five months after Moriarty purchased her winning Lotto Texas ticket  worth $83.5 million  on Feb. 17 through Jackpocket, an online service known as a lottery courier that sells lottery tickets online. The agency refused to pay Moriarty for the win, citing two investigations into courier operations in Texas by the Department of Public Safety and Paxtons office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Moriarty sued the commission in May for the money, and said she felt trapped in between a legal battle in which she had no part.

I'm sad, stressed, angry that this has become a political thing, Moriarty said in a June interview with The Texas Tribune. I've lost faith in our elected officials. And yeah, I really don't know what else to say that I can say out loud.

Couriers, which operate by receiving orders from customers and scanning copies of physical tickets at a retail store the company owns to send to the purchaser, were recently criminalized by the Texas Legislature after receiving scrutiny over whether their operations were legal under state law.

Skepticism on the legality of couriers was already high among state lawmakers due to a jackpot that was won in 2023. In that instance, a single group, with the help of a courier company, bought 99% of the 26 million possible tickets in a single drawing to win a $95 million jackpot. In addition to criminalizing couriers, the Legislature also banned purchasing more than 100 tickets in a single purchase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After Moriarty won her prize through a courier, lawmakers including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick became even more suspicious of the services, prompting the investigations.

The attorney generals office did not respond to a request for comment on the settlement or their investigation.

The payout is set to be among the last to be handled by the lottery commission, which is scheduled to be abolished on Sept. 1. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will instead run the states lottery and charitable bingo operations, although it is currently unclear how similar the two agencies operation will be. The settlement also ends one of the last controversies that had enveloped the doomed agency since January, which resulted in the investigations, the commissions abolition and multiple resignations.

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.
HOUSTON  The brother of an Afghan refugee who helped U.S. forces defuse bombs during the war in Afghanistan expressed frustration Thursday that it took more than three months for the Texas man accused of fatally shooting his sibling over a parking dispute to be indicted in the case.

When Abdul Rahman Waziri, 31, was shot while getting his mail at his Houston apartment complex on April 27, police knew who the alleged shooter was as the man had identified himself to officers at the scene, according to authorities. Katia Trevon Bougere, 31, told officers he and Waziri were arguing over parking, police said.

After consulting with the Harris County District Attorneys Office, the male was released and the investigation continued, Houston police said in a statement a day after the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Former Green Berets seek justice in Texas killing of Afghan teammate

On June 17, police said the case would be referred to a grand jury. Bougere was indicted on Monday on a murder charge. Bougere was not arrested after his murder indictment but issued a summons to appear in court on Aug. 5.

Abdullah Khan, Waziris older brother, said he and his family were upset that months had passed without any developments in the case.

It was heartbreaking  it was really hopeless. I couldnt imagine if someone is killing someone senselessly. And then the person walking free for months and months. Its just terrible, Khan, 36, told The Associated Press during a phone interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Waziri and his brother had worked for the Afghan National Mine Reduction Group, a highly trained unit that cleared improvised explosive devices and mines for U.S. Army Special Forces and Afghan commandos.

A group of Green Berets who had worked with the National Mine Reduction Group had sent a letter in May to Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare asking for action in the case. A Change.org petition by the 1208 Foundation that asked for the alleged shooter to be charged has received more than 86,000 signatures. The foundation provides aid to Afghans who worked with U.S. Special Forces to clear explosives.

The Harris County District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the case.

As the case is pending, its not our offices policy to discuss facts related to the investigation, spokesperson Courtney Fischer said in an email.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records did not list an attorney for Bougere. He did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

Omar Khawaja, an attorney for Waziris family, said Bougere has claimed that he shot Waziri in self-defense.

Waziri was known as a gentle giant  not someone who is going to lose his cool over a dispute in a parking lot, Khawaja said.

Khan said his brother had parked his car in front of the mailboxes at his apartment complex and was getting his mail when he was confronted by Bougere.

A witness who saw the physical confrontation between Waziri and Bougere indicated Waziri was not the aggressor and had raised his hands and told Bougere, Dont shoot, Khan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Khan had worked with the National Mine Reduction Group from 2008 until coming to the U.S. in 2020. Waziri worked for the unit from 2016 until U.S. troops withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Khan settled in Tampa, Florida. Waziri lived with his brother before coming to Houston about two years ago. Khan said his brother had planned to return to Tampa with his wife and two daughters after his apartment lease in Houston had ended.

When he came and we were feeling safe, we were like, Oh, thank God. We got out of Afghanistan and no more gunfire, no more bombs. But unfortunately for my brother, it happened to him, Khan said.
A Texas House panel on Saturday advanced a new congressional map as state Republicans power ahead with a strategy backed by President Donald Trump to help the GOP maintain the US House majority in the 2026 midterms.

The map, unveiled earlier this week, attempts to make five Democratic congressional seats more favorable to Republicans. Texas Republicans argue the move is necessary over concerns that the current maps are unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered. Democrats have said it would suppress the votes of people of color.

The Texas House redistricting committee voted along party lines Saturday to approve the map, setting up a full House vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder said Saturday the party will file a lawsuit if the map passes, adding that state Republicans are silencing voters on behalf of Donald Trump.

Democrats must fight this Trump power grab through any means necessary, and blue states across the country should use this as a signal flare to start carving up their own states and make these authoritarian wannabe Republican lawmakers regret ever opening up this redistricting discussion in the first place, Scudder said in a statement.

Democratic governors in states like California have already warned they will attempt the same tactics to help their party win more seats, in what one US House Democrat described to CNN as a redistricting arms race.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his political team are exploring similar plans in California, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota and Washington state in hopes of flipping at least a handful of Republican seats next November. Democrats need a net gain of just three seats to win the House in the midterms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new Texas map features 30 districts that Trump would have won in 2024 if the map was in place, up from 27 under the current district lines. In total, there are five more seats that Trump won by more than 10 percentage points, according to data from the Texas Legislative Council.

The proposed map eliminates the Austin-area seat of Rep. Greg Casar, who would likely be forced into a primary with another liberal Democrat, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, in the Austin area.

People and elected officials gather for a public hearing on the proposed congressional redistricting on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Houston. - Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images

Multiple people close to Doggett have told CNN they do not expect him to bow out quietly and instead foresee the two battling it out in a primary. One of those people close to the senior House Democrat pointed out that he has $6.2 million cash on hand.

In a statement this week, Doggett did not address the question of his future and said his sole focus is defeating the new GOP map.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Casar, for his part, vowed in a statement to fight back with everything weve got, calling for voters to mobilize against this illegal map.

Republicans also propose merging the Houston-area seat of Rep. Al Green with a vacant seat held by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in office earlier this year. Greens district was altered more than any other sitting member in the plan. Democrats expect Green to run in the new seat, though he may have to battle it out with some of the Democrats who were already running for the Turner seat.

The map would also make two southern Texas seats  held by Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez  more Republican-leaning. But multiple Democrats view the seats as still in reach for the two centrist members who typically performed ahead of statewide or national Democrats.

Trump has not yet weighed in on the proposed Texas map.

CNNs Sarah Ferris and Ethan Cohen contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
AUSTIN (KXAN)  This upcoming school year public school students wont be allowed to use their cell phones during the school day.

House Bill 1481 is already law, but Gov. Greg Abbott had a ceremonial signing of the bill Friday in Amarillo.

During the ceremony Abbott highlighted Texas pushing to be the best in public education and how cell phones can be distracting to students learning.

Educators and researchers have raised concerns about the impact that smartphones have on student learning and student engagement, Abbott said. Experts have explained that smartphones and social media affect the mental health of children. If we are going to be number one in education, it is going to require the undivided attention of our students in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law bans cell phones, smartwatches, gaming devices and other digital communication devices.

School districts around the state will now have to come up with a plan on how to enforce the new rules.

The law is the law and we have to obey the law, said Round Rock Independent School District Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez. The law pretty much says you cant have your cellphones during the instructional day.

In Round Rock ISD students will be allowed to bring their phones to school.

However, we are asking our students to keep their phones in their pockets or out of sight, Azaiez said.

Over in Pflugerville Independent School District, it will be rolling out a similar approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We are going to take a little more relaxed approach and we are going to say we dont want to see it, you can keep it on your person, said PfISD Superintendent Quintin Shepherd. You can put it in your pocket if you want.

Abbott said each school district will have the opportunity to decide how they roll out their new policies.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs school cellphone ban bill in Amarillo on Friday

It gives however school districts flexibility to establish policies that meet the unique needs of their particular district, Abbott said.

In Liberty Hill Independent School District, it sent out notifications to parents to inform them about the changes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While some parents are on board with the move, there are some that have concerns about safety and contacting their kids.

Concerns have been things like I am used to contacting my child during the day, about maybe practice, or something has changed, or the other part is about safety, if something were to happen how do I get a hold of my child, said Liberty Hill ISD Interim Superintendent Travis Motal.

Manor Independent School District said there will be a learning curve, but educating students, parents and teachers about the changes is key to a smooth transition.

Inevitably some students are going to pull out their phone, so how are you going to talk to the students and say hey, we cant do that anymore, then how do we react to that, said Manor ISD Superintendent Robert Sormani.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some exceptions can be made for students with medical needs or for students who are in special education.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
When the Republican-controlled Texas legislature, at Donald Trumps urging, first pushed through a plan to do a highly unusual mid-decade redistricting, Democrats hoped they might overplay their hand  that in carving up Democratic-held districts on what is an already heavily gerrymandered map, they would be unable to avoid diluting Republican districts, making them more winnable for Democrats.

But the plan Texas legislators released this week, for the most part, smothered those Democratic hopes. Democrats currently control 13 of Texas 38 U.S. House districts  already a skewed map. Under the new map, if voters voted as they did in 2024, Democrats would win just eight.

Theres a chance, that means, that control of the House in 2026 could hinge on whether the state adopts this new map.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Democrats in Texas do have some limited ability to fight back, such as a walkout from the special legislative session where the maps will be voted on. But its other states that might end up more effectively blunting the impact of Texas actions.

In California, Democrats are looking to do their own redistricting to make districts more winnable for their party, though theres some dispute over whether they need voters to approve their plan to do so. Democrats in New Yorks legislature have launched an effort to begin redistricting in their state, as did Democratic legislators in Maryland. The Democratic governors of New Jersey and Illinois have also signaled they might encourage redistricting ahead of 2026.

Of course, 2026 wont be entirely determined by ratfuckery. The biggest factor will remain the margin of the popular vote. A large enough wave of backlash to Trump (or, on the other hand, a particularly tepid showing for Democrats) and none of this will matter. Extrapolating from polls is hazardous, but TPM fave G. Elliot Morris (the former data guy at the Economist and the final version of FiveThirtyEight) finds Democrats 2.3 points ahead on generic ballot polls  not, at this early stage, suggesting that were in for a wave of the sort we saw in 2018. (If 2018 were held with Texas new maps, for example, Democrats would win 12 districts in Texas, according to the University of Virginias Center for Politics.)

Even a few years ago, these gerrymandering schemes, allowing (largely Republican) politicians to draw their own districts, were the product of back-room computations by political operatives, rolled out in such a way as to attract as little attention as possible. Democratic states, over the last decade, often handed their line-drawing process over to commissions and independent experts; Republican states did not, creating a kind of one-sided disarmament that Democrats are now backing away from. In the last few weeks, at Trumps prompting, gerrymandering is being openly embraced for what it is  a political weapon, a tool that can allow state legislators to determine control of the U.S. House regardless of the will of the voters. That honesty is perhaps refreshing, but its yet another sign of how far our democracy has backslid in a few short years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

 John Light

Heres what else TPM has on tap this weekend:

A plan to create Trump-flattering kitchen appliances causes a mess.

New Census data shows how dependent America is on immigration.

Democrats get ready to experience some March 2025 deja vu.

Lets dig in.

The MAGA Instant Pot: An Attempt to Suck Up to Trump Crashes and Burns

Publicly flattering Donald Trump or donating to his presidential library is generally a pretty reliable way to curry favor with the administration. But as a New York-based private equity firm recently learned, there is actually a wrong way to suck up to the president.

The firm, Centre Lane Partners, announced plans for the home goods manufacturers that it owns to launch Trump-themed products, including MAGA-branded Instant Pots, bedsheets, and snow globes featuring miniature Trump figurines. Per a recent New York Times investigation, Centre Lane planned to donate all proceeds to Trumps library fund in a bid for help with tariffs and an anti-trust inquiry. But the firm didnt get the Trump Organizations approval to use its trademarks, and when the Times started asking questions about the scheme, the companys general counsel swept in to threaten legal action and scuttle the plans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At least we have plenty of time to brainstorm alternate holiday gifts.

Check out David Fahrentholds video explaining the whole harebrained situation.

 Allegra Kirkland

We Need Immigration, Actually

A Census data dump that political data wonks and demographers had eagerly anticipated is in, and it tells a striking story: The entirety of the countrys population growth between July 2023 and July 2024 came from nonwhite populations, particularly Latinos and Asians.

That growth was driven by immigration, which rose again after plummeting during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, these groups are bolstering the youth population of the United States, which is declining as the white population ages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over time, smaller and younger generations displace larger, older generations in the labor force, leading to slower national productivity and more difficulties in funding old age assistance programs such as Medicare and Social Security, writes the Brookings Institutes Bill Frey in his analysis of the data.

Quite apart from the Trump administrations endless demonizing of immigrants, its masked abductions of them off the streets, its unlawful dumping of them in prison hellholes, the data suggests a totally amoral argument in favor of the melting pot: Without the generally younger pool of immigrants, the United States is bound for economic trouble.

 Kate Riga

Democrats Have to Make Their Biggest Decision Yet on Trump Accountability

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) took to the Senate floor this week and laid out why Democrats should be reluctant to agree to working with Republicans in the upcoming appropriations process to fund the government for the next fiscal year. Any bill will need at least some Democratic votes to pass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pointing to the Trump administration robbing Congress of its authority to make spending decisions  refusing to spend funds previously approved by Congress and, in some cases, forcing legislation down the throat of GOP senators to rubber-stamp that executive branch refusal  Warren argued Democrats cant trust President Trump to uphold any bipartisan government funding agreement.

Why should Democrats come to the table and negotiate in good faith and throw our support behind a quote-unquote bipartisan bill, only for Republicans to turn around after the deal is done and, somewhere down the line, delete any parts of the deal Trump doesnt like? Warren asked.

Warrens push around the issue is foreshadowing an internal fight among Democratic senators  and possibly within the larger Democratic Party  that is on the horizon.

Democrats will soon have to make a decision on whether they will go with Warrens logic, refuse to help the GOP pass a bill  either appropriations bills or continuing resolutions  and get blamed by Republicans for the government shutdown that will result and that may give Trump and the Office of Management and Budget even more power to choose how to distribute funds. Alternatively, they could choose to work with Republicans again, surrendering a key point of levarage to force the Trump administration to stop illegally withholding funds. Between a rock and a hard place doesnt even begin to describe it

 Emine Yucel
The last widespread fire in the area known as the Santa Fe Fireshed took place in 1880, according to Ellis Margolis of the U.S. Geological Survey.

In order to improve the forest resiliency, Margolis said, that needs to change.

These forests were resilient  much more resilient  when fire was burning through them historically, he said.

Margolis and other members of the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition gathered in the Santa Fe National Forest on Friday to discuss how to move forward with forest treatment in the lingering aftermath of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire  the largest wildfire in recorded New Mexico history, which started as a federal prescribed burn. The Santa Fe Fireshed is a 107,000-acre landscape in and around Santa Fe. The area doesnt stretch as far as the area the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire burned, but it too is at risk of large, high-severity fires, postfire floods and erosion, according to the coalition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The consequences to not treating forests are potentially dire, coalition members agree, and could include dangerous floods that could damage the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed. Simultaneously, they stressed the importance they see in getting the community to support endeavors including prescribed burns  a tough task with some gun-shy Northern New Mexico residents, according to Eytan Krasilovsky, deputy director of the Forest Stewards Guild.

Theres fear, and theres trauma. And its real, and we have to work with that, Krasilovsky said.

The Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition is composed of over 16 entities, including the Pueblo of Tesuque and the U.S. Forest Service.

080125 jw forest tour 2.jpg

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rian Ream with the Santa Fe National Forest shows on a map Friday some of the fire mitigation that has been done.

Members of the coalition say forest treatment  through things like thinning and prescribed burns  is necessary to increase forest resiliency and to make the area less vulnerable to catastrophic fire. Thats because when a forest is treated, there is less fuel for large fires, Margolis said, and fires that do start can remain low-intensity and on the surface of a forest.

The Forest Service, over several years and through collaboration with the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition, finalized in 2023 the Santa Fe Mountains project with its goal of treating 38,680 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest over 10 to 15 years.

But work that involves prescribed burns can be difficult with the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire  and the ongoing Laguna Fire  on peoples minds, said Rian Ream, assistant fire management officer for the Espanola Ranger District. Other factors, too, make the process complicated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its tough. Its really getting harder and harder to find a good window to burn within,  Ream said. Were constrained by the prescription parameters that we put in our burn plans to burn this, because we dont want to have another Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon that would shut down our burn program altogether.

080125 jw forest tour 3.jpg

Rian Ream with the Santa Fe National Forest shows on a map some of the fire mitigation that has been done during an outing hosted by the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition on Friday.

Through communication efforts, education and events, the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition tries to combat misinformation and address what Krasilovsky called a vocal minority of people in Santa Fe who are against prescribed burning, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Steve Vrooman, who owns Keystone Restoration Ecology, said forest treatment is important in the face of postfire flooding, like in Ruidoso. The village has been hit with repeated flooding, including an incident last month that killed three people, since the South Fork and Salt fires last summer.

Flooding like Ruidosos can harm watersheds, Vrooman said.

You can lose most of your sediments in the water, so you can lose the function in the stream, Vrooman said. You can actually lose the ability for that stream to support fish, to provide water to irrigators, to even feed the watershed and be a stream anymore.

080125 jw forest tour 4.jpg

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alan Hook with the City of Santa Fe water division talks about the effects a fire would have on the city's watershed during an outing hosted by the Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition on Friday.

A moderate- to high-severity fire  and a resulting sediment and debris flow  would pose a risk to the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed, which provides treated water to the city of Santa Fe, according to Alan Hook, the citys water resources coordinator. The Santa Fe Municipal Watershed is within the Santa Fe National Forest.

Treated forest areas reduce the risk of sediment and debris flow, Hook said.

We have a fire problem here, Ream said. This is going to burn. Its just a matter of when.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Bakersfield police are attempting to identify two individuals suspected of stealing auto parts in south Bakersfield.

The theft occurred on June 22 at about 1 p.m., police said.

The suspects drove a vehicle to the rear employee parking lot of a car dealership near Pacheco and Wible roads and stole about $5,600 in tires, wheels and car batteries, according to police.

The first suspect is described to be a 40-year-old man who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and heavy set, police said. He had a full beard and was seen wearing a red T-shirt, blue jeans, black hat and sunglasses.

The second suspect is described as man between the ages of 40 and 50. Police say he is heavy set and balding, with an expected height of 5 feet, 10 inches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The second suspect also had a full beard, according to Bakersfield police. He had on khaki pants and a work-style shirt.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective Eric Hardin at 661-326-3947, or the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Congress MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Friday launched a pointed attack on the Central government, accusing it of hollowing out cooperative federalism and transforming it into a tool of political control. His remarks came during the party's Legal Conclave organised by the AICC Law, Human Rights and RTI Department. He alleged that major schemes are being imposed without consulting state governments, and that allocation of funds has become politically motivated. Singhvi said, "The Centre today treats states not as partners in progress but as colonies of compliance. Schemes are launched without consultation. Funds are withheld with political bias." He said that elected governments are being toppled through "money, muscle and manipulation." "Elected governments are overthrown through money, muscle and manipulation. This is not cooperative federalism. It is coercive federalism wrapped up as propaganda," Singhvi said. Laying out what he described as a necessary course correction, Singhvi said, "So what is the pathway ahead? We are also supposed to talk of pathways today. It must begin with political courage and constitutional clarity. We must reclaim Parliament not as a place for paper bills but as a theatre of true debate." Singhvi further underlined the need for an assertive judiciary and independent media. He said, "We must demand from our judiciary, not just interpretation, but intervention. We must protect the media not by controlling it, but by freeing it from fear and favour." The Congress leader emphasised that constitutional values must be made accessible to ordinary people. "And above all, we must connect the Constitution to the common man. The Constitution cannot remain the concern of lawyers and academics alone. It must become the lived experience of every farmer, every woman, every student, every worker, and this is what Rahul Gandhi has talked about time and again," he said. Calling for a broader democratic awakening, he added, "Rights are not meant to be read, they are meant to be realised. It is the duty of the Congress party to ensure that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Kutch to Kohima, every Indian feels the pulse of the preamble." Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi came together on Saturday to address the AICC Law, Human Rights and RTI Department at a special conclave focused on safeguarding the Constitution and institutional integrity. (ANI)
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) The Bay County Sheriffs Office arrested three men in connection with a fraud case involving false IDs being used to open accounts at several banks across Bay County.

Investigators arrested Robert Anthony-Rickie Percy, age 38, of Detroit, Michigan, and Rahnaz Lavontae Francis Moore, age 30, also of Detroit, Michigan, at a gas station near Kingswood Road.

Both men were charged with Possession of a Forged Drivers License or ID Card and Impersonation with Use of Another Persons ID Without Consent and booked into the Bay County Jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A third man, Ramone Martel McKinny, age 42, of Southfield, Michigan, was arrested in a business at Highway 77 and 23rd Street. McKinney was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Forged Drivers License or ID Card and Impersonation with Use of Another Persons ID Without Consent, and Fraud-Impersonate Misrepresent Self.

The investigation is ongoing with additional arrests possible.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  One hundred and nineteen years ago on Aug. 3, scenes of Honolulu were captured for the very first time by a moving picture invention.

Today, this technology has been taken several steps further by an artist. This technological advancement can only be described with a few words that feel straight out of science fiction: a time machine.

Immigrant composer leaves mark on Hawaii politics, music

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For Arthur Shak, a local centenarian, he cant believe his eyes  with the help of advanced technology, he is a boy again for a brief few minutes. He can be seen riding the electric streetcar through the Chinatown he knew as a boy.

This time travel magic is the collaboration of three men: Thomas Edison, who invented the kinetograph, Robert Bonine, his cameraman, and Tony Barnhill, who created the digital applications that breathe life into a strip of 119-year-old film.

At the time, Edison didnt know that sending Bonine to capture moving images in Hawaii would not just preserve history, but make history with a new technology.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

With inspirations from the technologies of the 21st century, Barnhill asked the Library of Congress for the most pristine copy of Bonines footage, and went to work on his time machine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So they sent me a two terabyte hard drive with 44K raw DPS files that I had no idea what to do with, Barnhill said. I did a nine frame analysis where it looks forward four frames, backward four frames and looks to see if the dust or particle appears and if it does, it takes it out.

After making the visuals usable, the next step would be to add a tint. There are hundreds of colorization algorithms, but Barnhill felt the vivid hues just werent right, so he added undertone chromaticity the hard way.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

I colorized frame by frame using a photoshop script that opened each file, ran the script, closed the file, saved it, went on to the next times 42,000 files, Barnhill said. It ran for weeks, which is why I have 20 terabytes of data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This process resulted in about 10,000 hours of standard definition video, and that wasnt even the hard part.

The original film was silent, but Barnhill grew up learning audio production from his father, Roy Barnhill, who owned a recording studio.

Local businesses prepare for additional China tariffs

It allowed me to think about bits and pieces and track, this part can come in, this part can finish that out, he said.

Being up close and personal with every single frame, Barnhill noticed details. For example, there is only one motor vehicle in the film, a Buick Steamer. He contacted vintage car clubs to get the real sound of a Buick horn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The process is very tricky and intricate  but worth it for individuals like Shak, who gets to teleport back to a time that was almost forgotten. The newly-resurrected footage got some gears turning for Shak, allowing him to visit some favorite locations lost to time.

There was Kress Store, next was Cold Custard Ice Cream and next to the stand, a tobacco company. That was my mothers fathers store, Shak said.

Shak says he used to work at that store as a teenager selling Camel cigarettes for five cents a pack.

Barnhills time machine process has been used on 34 other Edison films, but he has not sold the algorithm  instead, he chooses to give the media to schools, museums and anyone looking to hold on to precious memories.

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.
Delaware dispensaries flung open their doors to recreational marijuana customers for the first time on Aug. 1.

The big day comes after two years of limbo between legal use and legal sales while the state figured out how to start the homegrown industry from scratch. The still federally illegal substance of marijuana forces Delaware, like every state where marijuana is legalized, to have an exclusive supply chain from seed to sale.

Joshua Sanderlin was confirmed as Gov. Matt Meyer's pick to oversee this effort and planned to kick-start the industry by allowing converted medical marijuana dispensaries to start selling to recreational customers on Aug. 1. That same day, Sanderlin was the first customer of Thrive Dispensary, just outside of Wilmington city limits near Elsmere. He bought some "flower," which is the smokable plant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said while there could be mixed feelings about the market's presence in some communities, he was excited to bring marijuana out of the shadows.

"You don't have to risk jail time for purchasing cannabis anymore," he said outside of the dispensary, "and you can get high-quality, safe products."

GET INFORMED: You can now buy legal weed in Delaware. Here are 5 things you need to know

He wasn't the only one waiting outside the dispensary before its opening, joining a few other Delawareans excited for the launch. One of them was Jim Weist, a 61-year-old man from New Castle, who was looking for extracted products like edibles, looking to keep the high without inhaling the smoke.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is more confident in this legal product because he knows where it's coming from rather than buying off the street, and thinks there are multiple benefits to the new market.

"It's tested; it's tried. Money gets kicked back to the state," Weist said. "What are we even talking about here?"

Tom Torello, left, and Jim Weist wait in line to make their first legal recreational marijuana purchase at Thrive Dispensary just outside of Wilmington on Aug. 1, 2025.

Thrive in New Castle County was the site of much fanfare and showed off the process every dispensary must follow to continue operating. The shopping experience is more comparable to a pharmacy than a liquor store.

First, store employees check IDs before letting customers in the door. Customers can then create a profile at a store to streamline future visits. Next, they order what they want from a kiosk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are no shelves of products to pick from  everything is ordered on a tablet and picked up at a register. The products stay in the possession of the store before being transferred to the customer after the transaction.

Joshua Sanderlin, commissioner at the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, makes the first legal recreational marijuana purchase at Thrive Dispensary just outside of Wilmington on Aug. 1, 2025.

Sussex County excitement alongside stricter zoning

The process was the same in the Thrive Dispensary in Lewes, which was the first medical dispensary in Sussex County to open in 2016. Both locations used to be First State Compassion and get much of their product from a cultivation facility in Milford. The Lewes location had a steady flow of customers, much to the delight of Mark Lally, who started the dispensary almost a decade ago.

He is now the general manager for MariMed and its Delaware locations. He has an extensive history of public employment in Delaware, once serving as a state trooper before working for now-retired U.S. Sen. Tom Carper when he was governor and in Washington. He has since entered the marijuana business and said he has used marijuana since 2018.

Workers open the door to Thrive Dispensary on opening day of recreational marijuana sales in Lewes on Aug. 1, 2025.

Lally said medical dispensaries in Delaware were losing customers to Maryland and New Jersey with more accessible recreational marijuana retail. People didn't need medical cards there, so they went over state lines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It's a "constant battle for the same patients," he said at Thrive on opening day.

Sussex County restrictions have choked out new marijuana retail businesses for now through zoning rules. Lally said Thrive was grandfathered in, but he wouldn't be able to relocate the store if he wanted. Lewes has banned marijuana retail, but Thrive sits on county-governed land.

Carly Vahey, a 32-year-old woman from Lewes, was a customer at the Lewes Thrive on Aug. 1. She has been an "avid smoker for a while" who has been waiting for this day.

She said people who are wary of weed in Sussex County should give it a chance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I work in the medical field myself, and I have patients come in to me and they tell me how much better they feel with the medical marijuana," Vahey said. "I don't see a problem with there being adult use as long as you're using it responsibly."

MORE TO KNOW: Can you drive high in Delaware? What to know with weed now legal here

Kent County sees big weed crowd, longer lines

The Farm Weed Dispensary in Felton had the longest line of the day. Customers waited for about an hour to enter the store, which took over a former bank building on Irish Hill Road.

They don't try to hide the fact that the store used to be a bank  in fact, they use it to their advantage. The registers look like bank teller windows and the products are stored in the actual bank vault.

The exterior is featured of The Farm Compassion Center during opening day of recreational marijuana sales in Felton on Aug. 1, 2025.

One of The Farm's founders, Bill Rohrer, greeted the over 170 customers who came to the Felton location and braved on-and-off drizzle for their shot at buying legal weed products. The Farm in Felton is pretty out of the way  far from Route 1 and a hike from Dover, but right along Route 13  yet it had a large and diverse crowd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rohrer said his family has invested over $1 million into The Farm's three locations, with others in New Castle and a brand-new location in Frankford. Each has come with its own challenges, particularly in Frankford, where town-level rezoning allowed them to open despite tight Sussex County restrictions.

From left, Tom and Abbey Torello browse through the product offering to make their first legal recreational marijuana purchase at Thrive Dispensary just outside of Wilmington on Aug. 1, 2025.

Another challenge for dispensaries is finding a bank that will loan to them. Because of federal illegality, customers can deal only in cash and ATM cards. These high costs have made this a gamble for Rohrer and his family. He said this is the closest he's come to going "all in" in a poker game.

"It's humbling to be a part of history," he said outside the store's front door.

One of the customers at the Felton store was 42-year-old Dover man David Harmon, who said he was elated to be able to purchase regulated and legal weed for the first time. Harmon appreciated the diverse crowd at the Felton store and showed off the flower he bought after the purchase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It's about time," Harmon said.

Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback about reassessment and property taxes at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.

(This story was updated to add a photo gallery and change the video.)

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware legal weed sales begin for excited residents, eager businesses
New York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani made headlines this week when he attempted to walk back his long track record dating back to 2020 of criticizing the New York Police Department and calling for it to be defunded.

On Wednesday, Mamdani told reporters after the death of an NYPD officer in midtown Manhattan that he is "not running to defund the police" and is "a candidate who is not fixed in time, one that learns and one that leads, and part of that means admitting, as I have grown, and part of that means focusing on the people who deserve to be focused about."

Mamdani added that his past calls to defund the police had been made out of "frustration" over the death of George Floyd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Fox News Digital reviewed his comments on positions on police dating back to the days after Floyds death.

Mamdani Blasted By Gop Opponent For 'Sanctimonious Hypocrisy' On Police Stance: 'Absolute Insanity'

Zohran Mamdani at the June 24, 2025, NYC mayoral debate, left, NYPD car, right.

June 5, 2020

Read On The Fox News App

"Two cops knocked a harmless old man to the ground and let him bleed out on the pavement," Mamdani posted on X . "All thats happened to them is a suspension without pay - and their colleagues think even thats too much. Theres no reforming this system. Defund the police."

June 28, 2020

"We dont need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, antiqueer & a major threat to public safety," Mamdani posted on X . "What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD. But your compromise uses budget tricks to keep as many cops as possible on the beat. NO to fake cuts  defund the police."

July 3, 2020:

"We need a socialist city council to defund the police," Mamdani posted on X.

November 6, 2020

"Queer liberation means defund the police," Mamdani posted on X.

November 7, 2020

"Nature is healing," Mandani posted on X in response to a user mocking and laughing at seeing a police officer "crying inside his car."

December 7, 2020

"City Council tried to make the NYPD reduce its overtime budget by half," Mamdani posted on X . "They simply refused. There is no negotiating with an institution this wicked & corrupt. Defund it. Dismantle it. End the cycle of violence."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamdani Reveals In Resurfaced Video How One Of His 'Greatest Victories' Benefitted Illegal Immigrants

Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate speaks to the media at 32BJ SEIU headquarters following a mass shooting in Manhattan that took the lives of a New York Police Department (NYPD) police officer and others in Manhattan, New York, United States on July 30, 2025.

June 5, 2021

In an interview with SAAG interactive, Mamdani again pushed the idea of defunding the police while suggesting the department for investing in "apartheid" by working with Israels IDF.

December 19, 2024

"As Mayor, I will disband the SRG, which has cost taxpayers millions in lawsuit settlements + brutalized countless New Yorkers exercising their first amendment rights," Mamdani posted on X, pledging to disband the New York Police Departments Strategic Response Group (SRG), a unit that was first on the scene responding to the deadly midtown Manhattan shooting that left an NYPD officer and several others dead last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamdanis long history of anti-police rhetoric has resulted in heavy skepticism from many that his Wednesday press conference truly represents an abandonment of a desire to defund or hamstring police.

Candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference while campaigning outside a Subway station in New York City, on April 1, 2025.

"Zohran Nature Is Healing Mamdanis Wednesday presser struck me as a cynical and transparent attempt at damage control in response to an incident that served as a violent and somber reminder to New Yorkers of the enormous daily risks taken on their behalf by the men and women of the NYPD," Rafael Mangual, senior fellow and head of research for policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, told Fox News Digital this week.

"But even under the tragic circumstances in which the press conference was held, Mamdani balked at multiple opportunities to explicitly retract or apologize for his long and sordid history of anti-police statements."





Original article source: TIMELINE: Evolution of Mamdani's defunding police rhetoric to this week's 'damage control'
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified a suspect in connection with a quadruple homicide in Lake County on July 29.

On July 31, TBI identified Austin Robert Drummond, 29, as a most wanted suspect for a crime that took place in a wooded area in Tiptonville along Carrington Road.

Drummond is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm, and one count of a posession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Photos depicting Austin Robert Drummond, the key suspect for a quadruple murder that took place in Lake County shown during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation press conference in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

Four individuals deceased hours after infant abandoned

The Dyer County Sheriff's Office reports that on July 29 at approximately 3:11 p.m., the department received a call regarding an abandoned infant on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area. The infant was dropped off in its car seat in the front yard of a random individual's home.

Crockett County Ambulance Service and Medical Center EMS evaluated the child, who was determined to be healthy.

A short time later, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office posted to its social media page that they had identified the child and requested to speak to Cortney Rose, Matthew Wilson, and Adrianna Williams.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Later that same day, in the evening of July 29, the sheriff's department made another post at 10:51 p.m., stating that they were working in collaboration with the Lake County Sheriff's Office regarding four deceased individuals.

The four deceased victims were identified as James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15.

In a press conference at TBI headquarters in Jackson on August 1, TBI Director David Rausch says Drummond's relationship to the victims was "familial."

TBI Director David Rausch speaks during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation press conference concerning a quadruple homicide that took place in Lake County in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

Rausch also cited that this act of violence was a targeted attack, and not a random incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"This is why I think it's critical for us to reach out and appeal to Austin [Drummond] and those who may be assisting him, to turn himself in for them to call us and let us know where he is so that we can bring him to question him about what took place," he said.

A history of violence

Danny Goodman, District Attorney General for the 29th Judicial District, who requested the launch of the current investigation, shared that Drummond has a history of prior charges.

Danny Goodman, District Attorney General for the 29th Judicial District, speaks during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation press conference concerning a quadruple homicide that took place in Lake County in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

He was previously convicted of aggravated robbery in Madison County.

While serving time for these convictions at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, additional charges were brought against Drummond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We actually took him to [the] grand jury in Lake County because, since it occurred at the prison, it was in our jurisdiction," Goodman said.

"He had some drug charges that we indicted him for, and then shortly after that, he actually was charged and indicted in Lake County for attempted first-degree murder, which took place inside the prison."

Authorities issue a reward for the arrest

A reward of up to $15,000  $7,500 from TBI and $7,500 from the U.S. Marshals  for information leading to Drummond's arrest.

"This individual has shown a propensity for violence, and he needs to be taken off the streets," Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, said. "We would like to do that peacefully. We would like him to turn himself in; that would be the goal."

Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, speaks on the bounty issued for information leading to Austin Drummond's arrest during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation press conference concerning a quadruple homicide that took place in Lake County in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

The U.S. Marshals and TBI report that Drummond is a white male, standing at 5 feet and 10 inches tall, weighing 190 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde or brown hair. He may have altered his appearance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He is believed to be driving a white 2016 Audi A3, with damage to the driver's side, and a Tennessee plate reading RI 01896.

Rausch added that he was last seen in Jackson on July 30 and that the white Audi was found abandoned at McO Road in Jackson.

"In terms of the location of the suspect at this time, we believe that the suspect is still in the area based on the potential information that we are working through," Rausch said.

TBI advises not to approach Drummond, but to instead call 911, 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811, or 1-800-TBI-FIND.

"We're asking him to give us a call, let us pick you up, or bring yourself in," Rausch said, speaking to Drummond. "Find a legal representative and come by and let us sit down and have a conversation about what happened."

Crockett Co., Lake Co., and Dyer County PIO Stephen Sutton speaks during a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation press conference concerning a quadruple homicide that took place in Lake County in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.

A number of local, state and federal agencies are involved in the investigation including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Police Department, Tiptonville Police Department, Dyer County Sheriff's Office, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Crockett County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: TBI names Austin Drummond as at large suspect in Lake Co quadruple homicide
It has been a busy week in the news cycle for the Shreveport-Bossier area. If you need a refresher on what you missed, here are the top five stories from the Shreveport Times.

Are there any castles in Louisiana? Yes, there are 8. Here's where to find them

Castley, which is a website for castles in the U.S., and Only in Your State, a website for sights and landmarks, have provided comprehensive lists of all the castles to be found in the state of Louisiana.

Check out the full list of castles in Louisiana.

The top 10 schools in Louisiana: Niche ranks the best public, private schools in the state

Check out the 10 best schools in Louisiana for 2025 according to Niche.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Niche's "2025 Best Schools" ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Niche has used this data to find the best public and private schools for all grades, including Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades first through twelfth.

Louisiana's most cool and hip towns that are perfect for a summer vacation

Louisiana is best known for its vibrant, notable cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans, where celebration seems to be never-ending.

However, tucked throughout the state are charming small towns, where Louisiana's rich culture, history and natural beauty thrive.

These seven captivating Louisiana towns are perfect for a summer trip in 2025.

Speaker Mike Johnson greeted with Jeffrey Epstein billboard in Shreveport-Bossier

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana was greeted with a billboard demanding he support the public release of Jeffrey Epstein documents as Johnson returned home to Shreveport-Bossier for Congress' summer recess.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

MoveOn Civic Action, a left-leaning political action committee, said it bought a billboard near Johnson's Bossier City office that says: "Speaker Johnson, stop the Epstein cover up" with a photo of sex offender Epstein, who committed suicide in prison, and President Donald Trump.

Food stored below 41F, employees drinking | Top Caddo Parish restaurant inspections July 6-12

The Times obtained food safety inspection information for the week of July 6-12, 2025, from the Louisiana Department of Health.

The top two addresses with the most critical violations in Caddo Parish are listed, along with an explanation of the finding. All restaurants on the list had at least three critical violations.

More: Top 5 stories from the Shreveport Times this week: brain-eating amoebas, extreme heat

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Top 5 stories from the Shreveport Times this week: castles in Louisiana, Jeffrey Epstein billboard
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Its the sad reality that survivors of natural disasters often share a common bond.

They dont want to see anybody suffer. And so what they do is step up and help in any way, said Kristin Walker Collins, CEO of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.

The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and its affiliate, the Upper Cumberland Community Foundation, are doing just thatoffering a grant relief fund to residents in Laurel, Russell, and Pulaski counties impacted by the May 16 tornado.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not going to completely rebuild someones life or home. But what it will do is help them get back on their track of recovery, said Walker Collins.

FOX 56 spoke with her via Zoom on Friday afternoon to talk about this new opportunity for tornado victims.

Walker Collins told FOX 56, We see a lot of businesses that werent necessarily hit by the tornado, but they were shut down for 10 or 12 days in a row because they were out helping their neighbors recover. And so what we want to do is be able to give back to the community that has suffered so much.

Survivors can apply online by creating a login and answering a few simple questions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While FEMA and other federally run relief groups have stepped in to help, Walker Collins told FOX 56 that her organizations local relief efforts offer a more personal and streamlined experience.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

One of the benefits, I think, of being local and rooted in the region is that people know us. They know the board members. They know the people in their communities and can ask them questions. Were very approachable, Walker Collins said.

That visibility also comes with risksincluding possible fraud. But Walker Collins said there are safeguards in place to help curb potential bad actors. Walker Collins said thats another benefit of being local.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We can help track people down and ask additional questions of businesses. We have people that live in those communities, so they can drive by and see if a business has existed or can ask around, Walker Collins said. We try to balance the need of the community and getting money out quickly while also stewarding the funds that have been entrusted to us and making sure it gets to the people that need it, Collins said.

There isnt a set deadline to apply for the grant, but Walker Collins said the application will stay open until funds run outso people shouldnt wait to apply.

You can apply 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 FOX 56 News.
According to the Miami Herald, trail cameras caught footage of the rare Asian golden cat in Khao Luang National Park in southern Thailand.

Also known as Temminck's cat, the Asian golden cat is native to Southeast Asia. It is difficult to spot because of its nocturnal lifestyle and its typical habitat, which is dense bamboo.

Officials were able to identify the footage of the golden cat because of the animal's distinct tail. Unlike other wild cats, Asian golden cats always keep their tails up in a raised position as they walk.

As carnivores, golden cats play a crucial role in ensuring the balance of the entire ecosystem, keeping prey populations at bay. However, in Thailand, the Asian golden cat is listed as endangered because of a variety of factors that have threatened its survival.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Seeing the cat in the national park was a good sign, but officials warn forest encroachment, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction continue to threaten the golden cats," reported the Miami Herald.

According to officials, illegal hunters use snares in the park, and these types of traps pose a risk to Asian golden cats.

Despite these challenges, trail cameras serve as a powerful tool for conservationists and park officials trying to protect rare and endangered species. By capturing footage of elusive species, experts can better account for population size and develop more effective species management strategies.

Savvy conservation efforts help manage our environment and ensure that more species survive, thereby helping to secure our food supply. Across the globe, trail cameras have been used to confirm and identify rare species, protecting the planet's biodiversity and helping scientists learn more about the natural world.

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.
A transgender pool player has lost a discrimination claim against one of the sport's organisers.

The English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) banned players who were not born biologically female from its women's competitions and teams in August 2023.

Professional player Harriet Haynes took the organisation to court, saying the rule was "direct discrimination" against her on the grounds of her gender reassignment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But a court judge has said he is satisfied exclusion was the only "reasonable" way to ensure "fair competition" and dismissed her claim.

Haynes' representatives said they were disappointed with the decision and are weighing up whether to appeal.

The landmark ruling follows a legal definition of a woman by the UK Supreme Court in April as someone who is biologically female under equalities law.

The Equality Act provides protection against discrimination on the basis of various characteristics, including "sex" and "gender reassignment".

His Honour Judge Parker said pool is a "gender-affected activity" and that excluding those born as male from the female category was necessary to "secure fair competition".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The EBPF said it was delighted by the decision and that it welcomes transgender players in its 'open' category.

It argued that players who were born male and went through male puberty have specific physical advantages in cue sports, such as an ability to generate higher break speed, greater hand span to bridge over balls and a longer reach.

A spokesperson said: "The court found that pool is a game in which men have an advantage over women and that allowing only those born as women to compete in our women's competitions is necessary to secure fair competition."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In her claim, Haynes said her exclusion from the Kent Women's A pool team had caused her distress and upset, and she had been subjected to hurtful comments on social media.

She also claimed the policy violated the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to respect for an individual's private and family life.

But the EBPF said the rule did not discriminate against her on the grounds of gender reassignment as "she was born male".

Matt Champ, senior associate at Colman Coyle, who represented Haynes, said: "We are reflecting on the judgment and our next steps which will include whether or not we appeal."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In January 2024, Haynes said she received "vile" and "horrific" abuse online after her opponent Lynn Pinches refused to play her and conceded the Women's Champion of Champions final in Prestatyn.

Haynes has argued that transgender players have competed in female categories for 20 years, and that there was no categoric evidence they have an advantage in cue sports.
The 'Thenkal Kanmoi', a major irrigation tank situated in the Thirupparankundram area of Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, has completely dried up due to extreme heat, raising serious concerns among farmers and local residents who depend on it for irrigation and drinking water. Spanning an area of 377 acres, the Thenkal Kanmoi is one of the major water bodies in Madurai. It has a storage capacity of 107 million cubic feet and is typically replenished by water released from the Vaigai Dam through the Nilaiyur canal. However, this season, the tank has remained bone dry, highlighting the region's growing vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and inadequate water management. The drying up of the tank has significantly impacted both farming operations and daily life in the area. With no water available, agricultural activities have come to a halt, and residents are facing severe water shortages. Local farmers and residents have appealed to the authorities to take immediate steps to desilt and deepen the tank. They emphasised the urgent need to improve water flow infrastructure to ensure a consistent and adequate water supply during future monsoon seasons. Without timely intervention, they fear the crisis could worsen in the coming years. While speaking to ANI, a social activist, Arivuselvam, said, "The past summer was extremely harsh, and we are still feeling its impact. As a result, all the tanks in Madurai have completely dried up. None of the tanks in Madurai has been desilted. With the monsoon about to begin in Tamil Nadu, the government must urgently desilt all the tanks." "As all the tanks in Madurai have not been desilted, the public is facing severe difficulties. Therefore, it would be beneficial if the government takes appropriate action", said Pream, a local. (ANI)
The King County Sheriffs Office responded to an area near Snoqualmie Pass on Friday night, getting a tip that there may have been a possible Travis Decker sighting.

Minimal information is available at this time, and KIRO 7 is working to learn more.

Deputies confirm to KIRO 7 that the search did not yield any results.

Decker was not located.

Its unclear at this time if it was someone mistaken for Decker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Around 6 p.m., the King County Sheriffs Office got a call from someone who believed they saw Decker near on the Pacific Crest Trail at the Pass.

"As locating Decker is a priority, KCSO dispatched multiple patrol units along with TAC-30, K-9 Units, and Guardian 1 to aid in the search. Neighboring Law Enforcement agencies were notified as well," KCSO said in an email.

KCSO called off the search around 9:15.

Its unclear if efforts will resume in the daylight.

Decker has been on the run since May 31 when he picked up his three young daughters -- Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5-- for a scheduled visitation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He never returned his daughters to their mother, and several days later, all three of their bodies were found at a campground in Chelan County.

There have been several possible Decker sightings since, with some reported in Idaho, but none of those sightings ended up being him.

Decker has military training and if alive, is believed to be keeping to the woods.

Search efforts have focused on national forest areas and parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from the Canadian border in Washington to the Mexican border in California.
Chicagos largest music festival, Lollapalooza, kicked off Thursday in Grant Park for four days of music, crowds and festivities. Hotel owners in the Loop say that this year may be the best yet, with big-name headliners like Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyler, the Creator.

But lets go back to the start of the week. On Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a pair of gun control measures into law, and state lawmakers said theyre looking to address the steady rise in auto insurance rates in Illinois. By Friday, Pritzker signed another bill, this time one that would provide some Chicago police officers and firefighters with higher pensions. At the city level, the Chicago City Council eliminated minimum parking requirements for some residential developments and Mayor Brandon Johnson weighed new taxes on businesses  including a corporate head tax  to help balance the next budget.

Meanwhile, more Illinois primary races are opening up, and endorsements are pouring in. On Thursday, 83-year-old U.S. Rep. Danny Davis announced that he will not seek a 16th term representing Illinois 7th Congressional District. At least nine people have filed to run for the soon-to-be vacant seat, but Davis has already endorsed his preferred successor: veteran state Rep. La Shawn Ford. In the race to replace outgoing Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly also earned a key endorsement this week, receiving backing from a major gun control political action committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

More layoffs are hitting the citys education sector. Northwestern University announced it eliminated about 425 staff positions on Tuesday, and Moody Bible Institute, a small bible college, also laid off about 9% of its staff.

Plus, former President Joe Biden visited Chicago this week to speak at the National Bar Associations awards gala, where he called on the nations lawyers to continue to uphold the Constitution under the Trump administration.

In other news from around the world, wildfires raging across Canada covered parts of the midwestern United States with smoke, leading to unhealthy air quality alerts. The United Kingdom and Canada announced this week that their governments would recognize a Palestinian state come September, following a similar move by France. And some countries were able to complete trade deals with the U.S. before the presidents Friday deadline, but others  like Brazil, Switzerland and New Zealand  ran out of time. The new rates will take effect on Aug. 7.

And Chicago Cubs fans lost a legend this week. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, the dynamic second baseman who spent 15 of his 16 major-league seasons with the Cubs, passed away at age 65 following a battle with prostate cancer. The team then dropped into second place in the National League Central after a loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. But the week ended on a more positive note. The Cubs added four players before Thursdays trade deadline, and on Friday, the league officially announced that the 2027 MLB All-Star Game will be held at Wrigley Field.

Now for the fun stuff! Heres the latest installment of the Tribunes Quotes of the Week quiz, this time with excerpts and utterances from July 27 to Aug. 2. Missed last week? You can find it here or check out our past editions of Quotes of the Week.
Free expression is a cornerstone democratic principle that deserves periodic re-emphasis and re-commitment from institutions that carry out the responsibilities of a public entity.

Indiana State Universitys board of trustees chose to take that step last week by adding verbiage to an existing policy that states that the university values free expression for all students and faculty.

While the adoption of such language is mostly symbolic, ISUs leaders found themselves needing to punctuate their commitment to free expression after its clumsy handling last year of a strange controversy surrounding a conservative commentator scheduled to speak on campus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rich Lowry, editor of National Review, found himself embroiled in a public spat a few days before he was set to appear on campus. He had been accused of using a derogatory racial term in a televised broadcast. As is common in todays hyper partisan media landscape, ideological opponents seized on the claim and attacked Lowry for his use of words. Lowry and his supporters said it was a misunderstanding based on a mispronunciation of words.

As the argument boiled, ISU wrongly succumbed to pressure and canceled Lowrys appearance out of concern that his presence on campus would be disruptive and raised security concerns. The decision made ISU a target of conservative hysteria with claims of censorship.

It was clearly an unfortunate incident that blemished ISUs reputation in some circles. The university overreacted and suffered the consequences.

Last weeks board action added what is known as the Chicago Statement to its free expression policy. That statement, written at the University of Chicago in 2015, explicitly declares its commitment to free expression and the exchange of conflicting ideas. In part, it states that it is not the proper role of the university to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable or even deeply offensive, and that concerns about civility and mutual respect can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other institutions of higher learning have also adopted the Chicago Statement, including Purdue, Ball State, Southern Indiana and DePauw in Indiana.

We applaud this board action and hope it helps ISU move beyond the ripples created by its 2024 misstep.

We continue, however, to be concerned about actions taken recently by the university administration to curtail efforts to create and sustain a welcoming environment for its diverse student community. Under pressure from state and federal conservative elected officials, ISU cut funding for programs aimed at supporting minority students and even went so far as to eliminate the words African American from the name of its cultural center facility.

Standards of inclusiveness, whether in support of free expression or in creating a campus environment that welcomes everyone equally, should be applied in widest possible forms.
A couple sentences in the city of Terre Hautes 2024 Community Report summarizes a harsh situation in this town.

The passages focus on the local homeless population. They are people who are couch surfing in the homes of family or friends. Folks who live outdoors or inside vehicles. Individuals who are about to become homeless as they recover from addiction or get released from jail.

An average of 500 to 600 people fit that description in Terre Haute, according to an annual summertime count conducted by assisting agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thats nearly the equivalent of the population of the town of New Goshen, just a few minutes northwest of Terre Haute.

There is a high rate of homelessness in Terre Haute, the citys Community Report states. This problem puts a strain on resources and creates long-term challenges for those who are unhoused.

Indeed, communities across the United States cope with homelessness. But the situation is profound here, in terms of a mid-size Indiana city.

Through a yearly project this week, Terre Haute exhibited a smart, helpful and empathetic approach to the homeless in this community.

Pathways is a collaboration of local social service agencies that assist low-income and homeless individuals and families in gaining sustainability through supportive services. Pathways is operated by Reach Services. Local homeless shelters were involved in this weeks count of unhoused people. Agencies involved were the Homeless Council of the Wabash Valley, Wabash Recovery Services, Hamilton Center, CODA, Bethany House, Mental Health America West Central Indiana, Positive Link and others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The smothering July humidity actually simplified the efforts to count the homeless. Many unhoused folks, who might otherwise feel too embarrassed or uncomfortable to participate in the count, found relief from the hot weather at a Pathways cooling center. That made finding the homeless less difficult.

At that cooling center, cosmetologist Megan Kiourtzidis of First Look Studio and barber Mike Cahill  a retired nursing home administrator  gave free haircuts. Chick-fil-A provided sandwiches. Terre Haute Casino Resort volunteers distributed snacks and T-shirts. Vigo County Emergency Management provided bottled water.

The count is locally driven and differs from another separate homeless count by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the dead of winter each January. HUDs Point in Time count uses a stricter, funding-oriented definition of who is homeless. Pathways summertime count is looser in rules, and aims to identify chronic homelessness, and includes people that the HUD count does not.

A caring, humane approach is crucial in providing assistance to the homeless. Rash judgments do not change the situation. As one homeless man, rejuvenated by a fresh haircut at the cooling center, put it, Just give us a chance. Were human, too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Their ranks have grown and can include people who never expected to be in that situation. Anybody that is in our area can see the influx of homeless people, said Homeless Council co-chair Kelli Fuller. Ive seen a lot more folks that Ive not seen on the streets before.

So, what can the average person do? Act thoughtfully.

Fuller suggested volunteering at an emergency shelter or food pantry. Donate funds for pet food, in cases where a homeless persons only friend might be a dog or cat. If someone gives money to a homeless person or buys them a meal, also provide that person information about community resources.

Be empathetic. Before judging an individual, try to imagine sleeping in an abandoned house, tent or car, or on a park bench, or under a bridge. In stifling heat. Or in bitter cold. Then consider the complexities of life that might have put that person in that harsh, scary predicament. Then ponder whether you know someone who is vulnerable to becoming homeless because of a job loss, inability to afford rent, domestic violence, mental illness or an alcohol or drug addiction. Then imagine seeing that person sleeping on a sidewalk downtown.

Most people assume homelessness will never happen to them. As one volunteer said this week of that outlook, You dont know. Things can go south on you.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Trout Fire, which burned more than 47,000 acres this summer, was 100 percent contained as of July 24, officials with the Gila National Forest said.

The Trout Fire was located 12 miles north of Silver City.

The Gila National Forest also reported that it has had zero fires caused by humans during the past two months.

The area around the Trout Fire remains hazardous, the Gila National forest said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The public should be aware of hazards that exist within the burned area, including stump holes and loosened soil, rolling rocks, logs, and other debris, fire-weakened trees, and roads or trails that may be impassable due to fallen trees or flood impacts. There is potential for flash flooding within the burned area, especially where soil and vegetation burned at higher intensity. The forest road crew will be working on area roads over the next couple of weeks, the news release said.

Heavy lightning activity is resulting in multiple new wildfires daily on the Gila National Forest, officials said. Many are being immediately suppressed by fire crews.

With the large number of fire incidents and limited responding resources, fires are prioritized based on life and property values at risk. All are full suppression fires.

Here is a run-down as provided by the Gila National Forest.

Black Range Ranger District

The Pitchfork Fire (1 acre) is located in the Houghton Canyon area north of Beaverhead. Crews are responding to size up the fire and initiate containment efforts.

Glenwood Ranger District

The Ridge Fire (0.10 acre) reported July 19 is located in steep, inaccessible terrain approximately 6 miles east of the Town of Mogollon.

The Canyon Fire (5 acres) reported July 30 is located south of Little Turkey Creek in the Gila Wilderness. Crews are responding to size up the fire and initiate containment efforts.

Quemado Ranger District

The Killion Fire (0.10 acre) was reported July 23 north of Mangas Mountain. The single snag fire has low potential for spread.

Wilderness Ranger District

Turkeyfeather Fire (24,128 acres) showed increased activity recently observed along its western perimeter in the Gila Wilderness. The fire has received precipitation and crews are assessing and validating control features to ensure the fire does not threaten values at risk in the Willow Creek area.

Firefighters on Goose Fire (3,692 acres) are mopping up residual heat and repairing impacts from suppression activities. Crews are preparing to pull out several large pieces of heavy equipment this weekend, which may result in short-term closure of New Mexico Highway 15. When that occurs, closure will be coordinated with New Mexico Department of Transportation. An area closure for the Goose Fire remains in effect.

The Granny Fire (10 acres) of July 11, Pinnacle Fire (5 acres) of July 13, Packsaddle Fire (0.50 acre) of July 20, Sycamore Fire (2 acres) of July 20, and Spring Fire (0.10 acre) of July 28 are all located in remote, inaccessible areas of the Gila Wilderness where they do not threaten life or property. They have shown no movement or growth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the past two weeks, these fires were declared contained:

Buck (57,753 acres, reported 6/11/25)

Trout (47,294 acres, 6/12/25)

Cow (9.2 acres, 7/14/25)

Cowboy (1 acre, 7/29/25)

Fuego (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Lilly (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Little (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

In that same period these fires were declared out:

Yam (0.10 acres, 7/19/25)

Wolf (0.10 acre, 7/19/25)

Bear (0.25 acre, 7/24/25)

Lefthand (2.5 acre, 7/25/25)

Hoague (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Cienega (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

School (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Keko (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

Fork (0.10 acre, 7/30/25)

These fires were declared controlled:

Panther (80 acres, 7/2/25)

Skeleton (1.25 acre, 7/29/25)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The forest has received 49% of its 30-year average annual precipitation in 2025 so far, and about 65% of the 30-year average for July. In addition to local firefighting resources, the Gila National Forest is hosting a rappel crew from Idaho, five contract engines, two state engines, two hotshot crews and one state initial attack crew. A Type 1 Blackhawk helicopter, and a local type 3 helicopter are available.

While there were 34 new wildfires in the past week due to lightning, the Gila National Forest has had no wildfires started by human causes in the past two months.

Visitors are encouraged to maintain this positive streak. Visitors are urged to extinguish all campfires before leaving them by dousing with plenty of water, stirring water into the coals, and feeling for heat with the back of the hand.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A pickup truck associated with quadruple murder suspect Austin Drummond has been located in Dyer County, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Saturday.

The 1988 Ford pickup was found near Burnt Mill Road.

TBI asked anyone in the Burnt Mill Road area with cameras to review footage from Tuesday morning to see if you spot Drummond or the truck. Send tips to TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov or call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Search for Austin Drummond intensifies after big clue about his whereabouts

The father of 21-year-old victim James Wilson told WREG on Saturday that the truck belonged to his son.

Wilsons father did not want to be interviewed, but he said he hopes the police find Drummond before he does.

photo courtesy TBI

So far, authorities have not said how the truck was related to the search for Drummond, whose white Audi was found Friday in Jackson, sparking a manhunt in that area.

TBI said there were signs Drummond may have been living in the Audi and could still be in the area.

But the truck and the Audi may not be the only vehicles that could be connected to the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Dyer County Sheriffs Office on Saturday asked for the publics help gathering any video footage taken along Highway 78 from Dyersburg to Lake County from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday that might show one of several vehicles.

In addition to the white Audi and Ford pickup, authorities are also seeking information on a white Nissan Rogue, black Dodge Charger and white Chevy Traverse.

Dyer County authorities said those vehicles had already been recovered, but they were looking for video footage that may place them along that route near the time of the crime. They did not specify how those vehicles may be connected to the case.

They asked anyone with video footage to contact the sheriffs office or call 1-800-TBI-FIND immediately.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quadruple murder suspects Audi found in Jackson, TN; manhunt underway

Drummond is the suspect in the deaths of four family members found Tuesday in Lake County, Tennessee.

The bodies of James Wilson, 21, Adrianna Williams, 20, Cortney Rose, 38 and Braydon Williams, 15 were found along Carrington Road in Tiptonville.

An infant who was related to the victims was also found safe in front of a house in Dyer County. Thats when the investigation into the incident began.

TBI officials said this is believed to be a targeted attack.

Drummond is wanted on warrants for four counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Kidnapping, four counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

TBI said the last confirmed sighting of Drummond was Wednesday in Jackson, where he has direct connections.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Welcome back to World Brief, where were looking at U.S. tariff threats against India, a massive earthquake in the Indo-Pacific, and Thailands and Cambodias fragile cease-fire deal.

Sign up to receive World Brief in your inbox every weekday. Sign up to receive World Brief in your inbox every weekday. Sign Up

By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Enter your email Sign Up Loading...

 Signed Up

Trumps Next Tariff Target

The United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on India beginning Aug. 1, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. Despite five rounds of negotiations, India has so far been unable to secure a better deal. And with the new rate being a mere 1 percentage point less than the original amount threatened in April, Washington is demonstrating that it seeks an aggressive strategy to help curb the United States trade deficit with India.

Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country, Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday. In 2024, India was the United States 10th largest trading partner, and the U.S. trade deficit with the country was $45.7 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alongside a 25 percent tariff, Trump threatened on Wednesday to impose an additional penalty for Indias continued purchasing of Russian oil, energy, and military equipment. It is unclear what that penalty might be, but experts believe that it may consist of the 100 percent secondary tariff that the White House has threatened to place on some of Russias biggest trading partners, including China, India, and Brazil.

Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Moscow has become Indias largest oil supplier. And between January and June of this year, Russia accounted for about 35 percent of Indias total oil supplies, according to Reuters data. As Trumps efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine have failed and the U.S. president has begun to lose patience with Russian President Vladimir Putins intransigence, there has been a growing appetite in Washington to cut off that vital source of revenue to pressure the Kremlin to get serious about peace.

Heres what I would tell China, India, and Brazil: If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to allow this war to continue, were going to tariff the hell out of you and were going to crush your economy, because what youre doing is blood money, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said during a Fox News interview earlier this month.

Similarly, Trump has threatened to impose further sanctions on Moscow within the next two weeks if Putin fails to make progress toward a cease-fire deal with Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Using trade threats to accomplish economic and diplomatic ambitions is a well-worn strategy of the Trump administration. Since announcing its plan to negotiate 90 deals in 90 days in April, the administration has made several bilateral trade agreements, including with the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

On Tuesday, U.S. and Chinese officials also agreed to continue discussions to extend a tenuous 90-day trade truce set to expire in mid-August; the initial deal scaled back U.S. duties on China from 145 percent to a total of 55 percent, reduced Chinese duties on the United States from 125 percent to 10 percent, and relaxed restrictions on rare earths, visas, and technology exports.

Todays Most Read Is This the Start of a U.S.-China Friendship? by Graham Allison Trump Is Pushing India to Submit to China by Sushant Singh Trumps Missed Opportunities Are Piling Up by Stephen M. Walt What Were Following

Massive earthquake. An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russias Far East early Wednesday, sending tsunami waves across the Pacific and forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. The tremor was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Multiple aftershocksmeasuring as much as 6.9followed the initial quake. And subsequent tremors caused a lava flow from Russias Klyuchevskaya Sopka, which is the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Although no fatalities or substantial damage were reported in the quakes initial aftermath, largely due to the Far Easts sparsely populated area, scientists have warned that the tsunamis impact may last for hours or even longer, as strong currents and high waves still affect coastlines.

Officials have issued tsunami alerts in more than a dozen Indo-Pacific countries, including Russia; Japan; the Philippines; Australia; New Zealand; smaller Pacific islands and territories, such as Fiji, French Polynesia, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu; Chile; Colombia; Ecuador; Canada; Mexico; and the U.S. states of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. Some of these locations have since lifted their warnings.

Border skirmishes. Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their fragile cease-fire deal on Wednesday, mere hours after accusing each other of violating the truce. The announcementmediated by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidongappeared to quell bubbling tensions along the two countries shared 510-mile border, allowing some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting to begin returning home.

Five days of deadly clashes ended on Monday, when Thai and Cambodian officials agreed to an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. But by Tuesday, Thailands military had accused Cambodian forces of launching attacks at several locations, and on Wednesday, exchanges of gunfire were once again reported. Phnom Pehn has denied these allegations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, Cambodia has accused Thailand of illegally capturing more than 20 Cambodian soldiers. One of our soldiers managed to flee, Cambodian Maj. Gen. Chan Sopheaktra said. We suspect two others may have died, but the rest are still being held by the Thai military, with no signs of release as of this afternoon. Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said Thai troops were holding 18 Cambodians who had surrendered in Thailands Sisaket province, adding that they would be returned after a permanent cease-fire is reached.

Age restrictions. Australia added YouTube on Wednesday to its list of social media platforms that will require account holders to be at least 16 years old, beginning in December. The evidence cannot be ignored that 4 out of 10 Australian kids report that their most recent harm was on YouTube, Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells said on Wednesday. We will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian kids.

Australia became the first country to impose age restrictions for social media platforms last November, with legislation targeting Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and X; YouTube was initially excluded from the rules. Under the policy, platforms will face fines of up to roughly $33 million starting Dec. 10 for failing to take responsible steps to prevent underage account holders.

A YouTube spokesperson called the new limits a reversal of Canberras clear, public commitment to treat the platform as an educational tool but did not reference the status of potential legal threats from parent company Alphabet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Odds and Ends

Its how all good treasure-hunting stories begin. In February 2024, a schoolboy running through the remote Scottish beaches on the Orkney Islands discovered the underbelly of a wooden ship poking through the sand. After further digging and analysis, scientists last Wednesday confirmed that the vessel appears to be the HMS Hind, an 18th-century British warship used during the American Revolution before being repurposed for whale-hunting in the Arctic under a new name, the Earl of Chatham. A storm wrecked the ship in 1788, though all 56 crew members reportedly survived.
The most eventful week to date in the midterm battle for the Senate just came to a close. The field in one of the marquee races of 2026 finally took shape in North Carolina, the lead architect of Project 2025 launched a primary challenge against South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, Rep. Mike Collins joined the Georgia GOP Senate primary, appointed Florida Sen. Ashley Moody continued on her special election glide path when her most serious Democratic challenger dropped out, and we got a little more insight into Nebraska.

But dont lose sight of the larger narrative. Whatever else is happening in these races from week to week, the single most important factor determining the outcome of the 2026 Senate election cycle is President Donald Trump. Nothing else is even close.

His approval ratings are part of this equation. Trump is famously rangebound in the polls, with a low ceiling and a high floor, but his popularity next year will matter  midterm history shows there is a correlation between a presidents ratings and his partys fate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Trumps unique ability to unleash the forces of electoral chaos is what really makes him the single most influential character. No one  not Mitch McConnell, not the National Republican Senatorial Committee, not Majority Leader John Thune nor anyone else  has done as much as Trump to directly shape the Senate GOP Conference over the past decade.

Since taking office in 2017, hes hounded a handful of members out of office, been the proximate cause of lost Senate seats in Georgia and blown opportunities elsewhere (just Google McConnell and candidate quality). By elevating JD Vance and Marco Rubio from their Senate seats into his administration, Trump created two more new Republican senators.

Most recently, Trump upended the landscape in North Carolina. The traditional presidential play would have been to cut GOP Sen. Thom Tillis some slack, recognizing the complexity of the terrain and the partys need to maximize Tillis chances of holding his seat. Instead, Trump became the catalyst for his retirement, enhancing Democratic chances of flipping the seat in one of the most competitive states in the nation.

So far, Trump has been unusually disciplined when it comes to the Senate  by his standards, at least. Surrounded by the most capable political team hes ever assembled  and tempered by the bracing experience of two unsuccessful midterm elections  the president has judiciously dished out endorsements to incumbents and strategically withheld them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hes also largely avoided trashing wayward Senate Republicans. Until now.

Whether its the pressure from the Jeffrey Epstein saga or a reversion to the mean, the cracks are beginning to show. The gravitational pull toward chaos is overtaking his strategic imperatives.

In the last week alone, Trump has publicly whacked three Senate Republicans  Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and 91-year-old Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the longest-serving member of the Senate  for largely minor political offenses. [Heres a thought exercise: Try imagining Barack Obama lighting up Robert Byrd for respecting an informal Senate practice, or George W. Bush torching Strom Thurmond.

The missile aimed at Collins, who has consistently vexed the president, was predictable, though not particularly productive. Dragging one of the most vulnerable GOP incumbents doesnt advance the goal of holding a Senate majority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dig at Grassley  especially after the Senate Judiciary chair and champion of whistle-blowers fell in line on the Emil Bove nomination  was simply gratuitous. The Iowans GOP bona fides date back to the Eisenhower era; his tickets been punched in the Iowa Legislature, the House and nearly a half-century in the Senate. To suggest Grassley lacks political courage, or is a RINO, or that the president carried him to reelection in 2022, is to play cats paw with him.

It also served no discernable purpose, other than to remind Grassley and everyone else of Trumps dominion over the Senate, which isnt really in question anymore. Grassleys meek response was revealing: he said he was offended and disappointed by the insult. Welp.

Trump cant seem to help himself: He delights in taking down members of the worlds most exclusive club. Counting his Truth Social posts aimed at Chuck Schumer and four other Senate Democrats (SLEAZEBAGS ALL) Trump leveled public attacks on eight different senators in recent days.

The equal-opportunity disparagement helps explain his deep connection with the base of an increasingly populist GOP: The grassroots appreciates the fact that, when it comes to Trump, everyone in a position of power  senators, foreign leaders, former presidents, billionaires and Fortune 500 CEOs  is fair game.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The GOP begins with a structural advantage on the 2026 Senate map: Nearly all of the Republican seats up for election are in states Trump carried easily last year, while Democrats must defend at least four seats that are more precariously perched. While the midterm political winds typically blow against the party in power, to win back the majority Democrats have to flip four Republican seats, while not losing any they currently control.

Its a daunting task, but Trump looms as the great equalizer. It wouldnt take more than a few impulsive, undisciplined moves  such as endorsing slavishly loyal but unelectable candidates in key races, or creating messy primaries by torpedoing shaky GOP incumbents  to create just enough opportunities for Democrats to compete on what is otherwise an unforgiving Senate map.
Normally, when the US acts against Russia, Vladimir Putin is quick to respond in kind: sanction for sanction, travel ban for travel ban, expulsion for expulsion.

Proportional reciprocation and symmetrical response are staples of the Kremlin lexicon, usually accompanied by howls of outrage, denouncing Washingtons provocations.

Yet since Donald Trump ordered two nuclear submarines to steam towards Russia on Friday  an unusually dramatic gesture for any US president and one that would typically signal a grave geopolitical crisis  Putin has been uncharacteristically silent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were Putin to follow his own doctrines of reciprocity, Russian submarines would now be heading towards the United States and the world would be holding its breath. Instead, he has recognised the obvious: Mr Trumps move is more about theatre than altering the US nuclear posture.

The president is playing a game all too familiar to the Russians. The Kremlin has been bandying about nuclear threats since even before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with none more loud than Dmitry Medvedev, Putins clownish sidekick and chief social media warrior.

This week, Mr Medvedev, who was Russias president from 2008 to 2012 and prime minister from 2012 to 2020, called the latest US deadline for Moscow to accept ceasefire talks a step towards war, and warned Mr Trump that Russia possessed nuclear strike capabilities of last resort.

It was this war of words that prompted Mr Trump to order nuclear submarines closer to Russia. In doing so, he has essentially called Russias bluff and may well feel vindicated by the Kremlins silence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The outrage instead came from pro-Kremlin military commentators in the Russian media, with one accusing Mr Trump of throwing a temper tantrum while another dismissed the submarine deployment as meaningless blather.

But by swatting away Mr Medvedevs threats, the US president has given him a relevance he rarely enjoys  for all his mouthiness  either at home or abroad.

Hailed by European optimists as a pro-Western reformer when he took over as president from Putin in 2008, Mr Medvedev styled himself as a tech-loving moderniser and defender of civil liberties

In reality, he was never the champion of Russias Western-oriented middle class that he pretended to be. He proved instead to be a mere placeholder while he helped Putin perform a constitutional sleight of hand that reset the clock on his presidency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ordinary Russians likened the charade to Gogols play The Government Inspector, in which a fraudster impersonates a powerful official only for the real inspector to appear in the final scene. Cynical though it was, most Russians accepted the ruse.

Since Putins return, Mr Medvedev has been sidelined, seeking relevance from the periphery by turning himself into an ever more bombastic caricature of his former self  one even Russians struggle to take seriously.

Last year, The Insider, an anti-Kremlin investigative site, reported that Mr Medvedevs most unhinged social media posts often appeared shortly after deliveries from his Tuscan vineyard arrived at his Moscow address.

Rumours of Mr Medvedevs drinking have swirled for over a decade, growing louder as his fulminations against the bastards and degenerates in Kyiv have intensified and footage emerged of him nodding off at a series of official events.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alcohol might explain part of his transformation from a Western-courting politician to someone who now denounces Western leaders as a pack of grunting pigs. But it is more likely that he simply craves attention  and Mr Trump has just given it to him, even if the US president describes him as a failed has-been.

The real target of the submarine manoeuvre is almost certainly Putin himself  a man Mr Trump admires but has grown frustrated with because of his refusal to make concessions on Ukraine.

Matters are coming to a head, with Mr Trump vowing to impose sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries buying its energy unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire by Aug 8.

So far, Putin has remained unmoved, seemingly calculating that Washington will retreat from secondary tariffs, which would hurt Russias energy-dependent economy but also carry significant diplomatic costs for Mr Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With time running out ahead of the real showdown, the submarine move should be seen as an attempt to ratchet up pressure on Putin. In that light, the Kremlins silence looks less like a triumph for the US president than evidence that the Russian leader has not blinked  yet.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
President Donald Trump wrapped up his second term's 28th week in office announcing he would reposition two nuclear submarines amid increased tension with Russia, after just adding new tariffs to a host of countries.

On Monday, Trump unveiled a new deadline for Russia to end its conflict with Ukraine, and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the announcement is an additional "step towards war."

In response, Trump made a rare announcement Friday that he would reposition two submarines to best respond to the escalated tension between the two countries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump Moves Nuclear Submarines Weeks After Praising Sub's Power In Iran Strikes

President Donald Trump announced he would move two nuclear submarines Aug. 1, 2025, after trading words with Russia's former president, Dmitry Medvedev.

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a Friday post on Truth Social.

Trump did not disclose any additional details regarding the submarines, and defense officials rarely comment on submarine placement given the highly classified nature of their operations.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres what also happened this week:

Trump also signed several executive orders Thursday related to tariffs, including raising the tariffs on Canada from 25% to 35%.

The president raised the tariff rate due to Canadas contribution to the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S., according to the Trump administration. However, Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney challenged that assessment.

"Canada accounts for only 1% of U.S. fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes," Carney said in a Friday statement.

Trump Threatens 35% Tariff On Canada Goods Over Dangerous Cross-border Fentanyl Dispute

President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington.

Trump also modified reciprocal tariffs on a series of countries Thursday, bumping up the tariff rate on Brazil to 50%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Meanwhile, Trump reached a trade deal on Thursday with South Korea, driving down tariffs against South Korea from 25% as pitched in the spring to 15%. Additionally, Trump agreed Thursday to continue trade talks with Mexico for another 90 days.

Trump also signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law Wednesday, which would make permanent a partial claims program that seeks to keep veterans from losing their homes to foreclosure.

The new partial claims program under the Department of Veterans' Affairs' (VA) Home Loan Program permits veterans who are behind on mortgage payments to tack on those payments to the tail end of their loans, while also offering them an interest-free loan in the interim.

Trump Signs New Law Helping Veterans Avoid Foreclosure With Partial Claims Payment Program

President Donald Trump signs the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, July 30, 2025. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

"This legislation provides desperately needed relief to veterans and their families who have fallen behind in their mortgages," Trump told reporters Wednesday. "It's a really sort of an amazing situation, and it helps keep our promise to end veterans homelessness. And, we're going to do that for America. We're going to do that for our great veterans."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Estimates suggest the partial claim program could assist up to 3.7 million veterans, according to Trump.

"It's common sense legislation," Trump said. "My administration is committed to doing everything possible to ensure that our veterans are treated with respect and treated as well as anybody in this country."





Original article source: Trump closes week with plans to reposition subs amid heightened Russia tension, new tariffs
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is in Bihar, on Saturday said that the Central and state governments are jointly implementing many schemes for the welfare of farmers and are working relentlessly to increase farmers' income. Speaking to reporters in Patna, the Union Minister said, "In today's program, an amount of approximately 21,000 crore rupees under the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi was released, and the central and state governments are jointly implementing many schemes for the welfare of farmers. Efforts to increase farmers' income are ongoing relentlessly." "I am a servant of the farmers, and serving farmers is akin to worshipping God. Today, we went among the farmers and met them... The farmer will buy what he wants; he cannot be forced to buy other things along with fertilizers... Such coercion with farmers will not be tolerated, and we will take strict action," he added. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for purchasing only indigenous goods, Union Minister Chouhan expressed delight and said that farmers in Patna have taken pledge that farmers will buy only 'Made in India' products. He said, "Today, I am delighted that the farmers in Patna have taken a pledge that they will buy only those products made in our country, by our people. The Prime Minister has called for purchasing only indigenous goods... The Indian economy is a galloping horse, and no power in the world can stop it... If the 144 crore people of India start using goods made in our country, I believe the economy will see great progress." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will have to remain alert for its economic interests given the atmosphere of instability prevailing across the globe. He emphasised that the "top priority of the government remains the welfare of farmers, small industries and employment for youth." The Prime Minister also urged citizens to resolve to buy 'swadeshi' products as he reiterated his pitch that the country needs to adopt 'vocal for local'. "We will buy only those things that are made by Indians. We need to become vocal for local," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in his home constituency of Varanasi. "There is an atmosphere of global instability. All countries are focusing on their individual interests. India is set to become the third biggest economy in the world, and that is why India will have to stay alert as far as its economic interests are concerned," he added. The Prime Minister further stated that the top priority of the government remains to work for farmers, small-scale industries, and to generate employment opportunities for youth in the country. "Our farmers, our small-scale industries, the employment for youth - their interest is our top priority. The government is doing everything it can in the best interest of the country. However, there are some responsibilities we have as citizens," PM Modi said. He said that those who wish to see India as the third biggest economy must resolve to buy 'swadeshi' products."Those who want the best for the country and want to see India as the third biggest economy in the world, be it any political party, should leave their differences aside and instil a resolution for 'swadeshi' products," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also appealed to "brothers and sisters in the business community" that when the world is going through such an atmosphere of instability, we too should sell only swadeshi goods." (ANI)
Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Comments made by Russian Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday spurred President Donald Trump to reposition two U.S. nuclear submarines to deter any military threats.

Medvedev in a social media post suggested Trump should be wary of Russia's automatic nuclear strike capabilities and suggested the president watch "The Walking Dead" television series, The New York Times reported.

Trump called Medvedev's comments "highly provocative" and viewed them as a potential threat against the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I have ordered two nuclear submarines in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday.

"Words are very important and can often lead to unintended consequences," Trump continued. "I hope that this will not be one of those instances."

Medvedev formerly was Russia's president from May 7, 2008, to May 7, 2012, and is the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council.

Trump told reporters, "We just have to be very careful," as he was leaving the White House on Friday, ABC News reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A threat was made by the former president of Russia," he said, "and we're going to protect our people."

Trump and his administration did not say when and where the submarines are being deployed or their military capabilities.

A White House official told ABC News the president was engaging in "strategic ambiguity" in the matter.

Medvedev earlier this week criticized Trump for reducing to 10 days the president's ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin to show progress toward ending Russia's war against Ukraine.

"Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10," Medvedev said in a social media post, as reported by The Guardian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"He should remember two things," Medvedev said. "Russia isn't Israel or even Iran," and "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step toward war" between the United States and Russia.

Medvedev cautioned Trump, "Don't go down the Sleepy Joe [Biden] road!"

Trump has accused Putin of stalling efforts to reach a cease-fire with Ukraine.

The president said he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours while he was campaigning last year.

Putin on Friday said he wanted a "lasting and stable peace" in Ukraine, but did not respond to Trump's ultimatum, according to The Guardian.
President Donald Trump has already enmeshed the U.S. military in domestic law enforcement operations involving immigration to an unprecedented degree. He has authorized a major military buildup at the border. He has maximized the use of military planes for deportations, complete with the White House pumping out imagery of migrants getting frog-marched onto souped-up military aircraft. He sent the National Guard into Los Angeles amid large-scale protests thereand then sent in the Marines.

But an internal memo circulated inside the Department of Homeland Security suggests that Trumps use of the military for domestic law enforcement on immigration could soon get worse. The memoobtained by The New Republicprovides a glimpse into the thinking of top officials as they seek to involve the Defense Department more deeply in these domestic operations, and it has unnerved experts who believe it portends a frightening escalation.

The memo lays out the need to persuade top Pentagon officials to get much more serious about using the military to combat illegal immigrationand not just at the border. It suggests that DHS is anticipating many more uses of the military in urban centers, noting that L.A.-style operations may be needed for years to come. And it likens the threat posed by transnational gangs and cartels to having Al Qaeda or ISIS cells and fighters operating freely inside America, hinting at a ramped-up militarized posture inside the interior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The memo is alarming, because it speaks to the intent to use the military within the United States at a level not seen since Japanese internment, Carrie Lee, senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, told me. The military is the most powerful, coercive tool our country has. We dont want the military doing law enforcement. It absolutely undermines the rule of law.

The memo was authored by Philip Hegseththe younger brother of Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethwho is a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS liaison officer to the Defense Department. As such, it also sheds light on Hegseth the Youngers role, which has been the subject of media speculation labeling him an obscure but influential figure in his brothers MAGA orbit.

The memo outlines the itinerary for a July 21 meeting between senior DHS and Pentagon officials, with the goal of better coordinating the agencies activities in defense of the homeland. It details goals that Philip Hegseth hopes to accomplish in the meeting and outlines points he wants DHS officials to impress on Pentagon attendees.

Participants listed comprise the very top levels of both agencies, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and several of his top advisers, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, and NORTHCOM Commander Gregory Guillot. Staff include Phil Hegseth and acting ICE Commissioner Todd Lyons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Due to the sensitive nature of the meeting, minimal written policy or background information can be provided in this briefing memo, the memo says.

Lee of the German Marshall Fund told me this suggests they understand that actions theyre taking are skirting the line.

The primary goal of the meeting, the memo says, is to foster new ideas for how the two departments can better plan for national security and illegal immigration. Then it adds this:

The U.S. military leadership (the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and NORTHCOM) need to feelfor the first timethe urgency of the homeland defense mission. They need to understand the threat, whats at stake, and the political importance the administration has placed on this issue.

Experts I spoke with were surprised at how bluntly that suggests DHS pressure on the Defense Department to get the military much more involved in immigration enforcement, potential tension between top officials at both agencies over this imperative, and possible resistance to it by Pentagon officials. The memo says aligning both agencies this way is a priority of POTUS, meaning Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its disturbing to see DHS officials pressuring the U.S. military to turn its focus inward even further, Joseph Nunn, counsel for the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center, told me. Nunn said this suggests military involvement in domestic civilian law enforcement is about to get more common.

The memo articulates the need for just that. It says that DHS hopes to secure a verbal agreement to find places where DoD can detail personnel within ICE and [Customs and Border Protection] (and vice-versa) to increase information sharing, and specifically support nationwide operational planning capabilities.

The upshot seems to be that DHS is urging top Pentagon officials to prioritize using the military against illegal immigration to a substantially greater and unprecedented degree, and that discussions are underway to accomplish that, with Defense Secretary Hegseths blessing.

It sounds like DHS and Secretary Hegseth are trying to compel the military to agree to operate much more directly inside U.S. territory, Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, told me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Asked for clarification of the memos intentions, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughin declined comment. The New Republic obtained it on the condition that we refrain from posting the original document, so we posted much of the text of it here. We omitted some logistical and biographical details.

Then theres the mention of Al Qaeda and ISIS. The memo details talking points for DHS officials to use to persuade these Pentagon officials to get more involved in domestic enforcement. It references attacks on DHS officers and Central and South American cartels and gangs, noting that theyve been designated terrorist organizations.

That puts this threat on the same plain [sic] as having Al Qaeda or ISIS cells and fighters operating freely inside America, the memo says.

Experts I spoke with saw this line as particularly worrisome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The conflation of a low-level threat like transnational criminal organizations with Al Qaeda, which was actually attempting to topple the United States government, is a clear attempt to use excessive force for a purpose normally handled by civil authorities, Lindsay Cohn, an associate professor at the U.S. Naval War College, told me.

The memo also discusses recent military operations in L.A as follows:

It hasnt been perfect, and were still working through best practices together, but I think its a good indicator of the type of operations (and resistance) were going to be working through for years to come.

Thats alarming, because it is putting responses to constitutionally protected protest in the same basket as counterterrorism and countering transnational criminal organizations, Cohn said. We do have legal ways for the military to support civilian law enforcement, but its always supposed to be a last resort. This memo is talking about turning internal homeland security into a regular Defense Department activity, which it is not. This is not normal.

The larger context here is that the administration has taken extraordinary license in its invention of pretexts for draconian domestic operations. The administration has insisted we are under foreign invasion to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of people with little to no due process. Government agencies have hyped supposed evidence of Kilmar Abrego Garcias MS-13 ties to justify illegally renditioning him to a Salvadoran prison. Trump has a long history of lying about crime to justify immigration crackdowns. He invented numerous fake pretexts for sending troops into L.A.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The memo suggests further operationalization of that tactic. They see Los Angeles as a model to be replicated, Lee said.

All this comes as ICE is about to receive well over $100 billion in new funds. The memo raises the question of what that use of military personnel detailed within ICE and CBP will look like with all that money.

In a sense, the administration seems to be supercharging immigration invasion agitprop to manufacture a sense of national trauma similar to the one that arose after the September 11 attacks. That led to another type of war on terror hyper-militarization at home (as well as abroad). The administration seems determined to outdo thatthis time against the new internal enemy.

Normalizing routine military support to law enforcement could create a kind of domestic forever war, but one that is uniquely dangerous, the Brennan Centers Nunn told me. As the Founders well understood, a military that is turned inward is a threat to both democracy and individual liberty.
You always hurt the one you love.

A Brooklyn-born songwriter named Allan Roberts wrote those lyrics and (with music by Doris Fisher) the Mills Brothers were the first of a litany of performers who turned it into an American standard.

Lately, it seems to be a Donald Trump standard as well.

Take, for instance, the case of Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. Few Republicans have been bigger allies to Trump  on Jan. 6, 2021, the Yale Law graduate-turned-populist warrior famously pumped his fist to Trump supporters as he objected to the election results. When the Capitol cleared out after the riot, Hawley continued his objection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But this week, Hawley learned a bitter truth: no matter how MAGA someone is, Trump demands absolute loyalty  and even a perceived slight can leave you on the outside looking in.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), an ally of Donald Trump, found himself in the presidents crosshairs this week (Getty Images)

Hawleys crime? Trying to pass a bill he sponsored that would ban lawmakers from trading stocks. It seemed like a great way to Own the Libs, since Hawley named it the PELOSI Act, a riff off of the former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis stock trading outperforming the market. But he faced significant opposition in committee  and every other Republican opposed it.

It only passed thanks to support from Democrats.

Sure as shooting, Trump lashed out at Hawley on Truth Social, criticizing him for not supporting an effort to launch an official investigation of Pelosis stock trading. Trump ended his rant by calling Hawley a second-tier senator.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When The Independent caught up with Hawley, he laughed it off and said that he and Trump had a nice visit. He later told Business Insider that he walked Trump through the bill and that, contrary to what some of Hawleys enemies in the GOP had said, it would not force the president to sell Mar-a-Lago.

Trump said, Youre exonerated, according to Hawley.

On the surface, the whole affair is a bit of a laugh and shows how fickle Trump can be. But it also shows that as Trump faces increased scrutiny for his handling of the Israel-Gaza war, an inability to bring an end to the war in Ukraine despite promising hed handle Vladimir Putin, a labor and stock market battered by his tariff news, and  perhaps most gratingly  the fallout from his and his White Houses mismanagement of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the pressure is getting to him.

And, six months into an administration that has control of both houses of Congress as well as a friendly majority on the Supreme Court, blaming Democrats simply wont serve as a release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hawley is not the only Republican Trump has aimed his fire at. On Thursday evening, his ire turned to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

Republicans, when in doubt, vote the exact opposite of Senator Susan Collins. Generally speaking, you cant go wrong, Trump posted.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) have found themselves in the unfortunate position of trying to avoid Trumps wrath (Getty Images)

Of course, Trump being angry at Collins is not entirely implausible under the best of conditions.

Despite liberals being angry about Collins constantly saying shes concerned with the latest Trump shenanigan and then voting his way anyway, she did vote to convict him after January 6, endorsed Nikki Haley against Trump in 2024 and, most recently, voted against Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But as a senator from Maine, Collins is probably the only Republican who could win in New England. As The Independent wrote last month, that popularity has created a chilling effect where many promising young Democrats dont want to challenge her.

And that makes her a kind of safe target for Trump rage. If anything, its a surprise that Trump didnt turn his fire on her earlier. (Still, Trumps salvos could make life more difficult because of the fact she leads the Senate Appropriations Committee, which means she controls the federal budget.)

Of course, Trump has already tamed Collins partner in moderation, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

Murkowski famously agonized over the vote for the One Big, Beautiful Bill before deciding to support it in the hopes the House would change it. Which it didnt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Later, the Trump administration went behind her back and issued executive orders to curb renewable energy projects she wanted to preserve. She told The Anchorage Daily News she felt cheated.

But when The Independent asked her whether that made it harder to work with Trump, Murkowski said no. Pressed why that is, she said because we have an understanding.

Just generally, she said. He knows that I'm going to advocate for my interests. I know that he's going to advocate for his.

The only Republican senator who has seemed to learn there is no way to win with Trump is Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Tillis came out in opposition to Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill in June, which caused Trump to attack him. This came despite the fact Tillis had voted for most of Trumps nominees and had consistently defended him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shortly after, Tillis announced his decision not to seek re-election.

I respect President Trump, I support the majority of his agenda, but I don't bow to anybody when the people of North Carolina are at risk and this bill puts them at risk, Tillis told The Independent at the time.

Now, Democrats have their dream candidate vying for his seat as former governor Roy Cooper, who won statewide the same year Trump won North Carolina in 2016 and again in 2020, announced his candidacy. Cooper is expected to raise gobs of money and have a decent advantage in the polls.

Trumps decision to attack strategic allies shows that his increasing unpopularity has caused him to be more insular.

And while its unclear if Hawleys trading bill will become law, many Republican senators might cash out their stock in Trump.
A federal appeals court appeared ready on Friday to become the second such court in the country to rule that President Donald Trumps executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship is unlawful.

A three-judge panel of the Boston-based First US Circuit Court of Appeals spent two hours looking skeptically at Trumps Day One order in a series of cases in which lower courts said the policy violated the Constitution, decades-old Supreme Court precedent and federal law.

We have an opinion of the Supreme Court that we arent free to disregard, Chief Judge David Barron said at one point, referring to an 1898 Supreme Court case known as United States v. Wong Kim Ark that affirmed the idea that most people born on American soil are entitled to citizenship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Other members of the panel similarly said they were required to stick with the holding in that case, including Judge Julie Rikelman, who said the Trump administration was essentially asking the court to adopt the dissenting opinion issued in the 19th century case.

We have to apply the majority decision, not the dissenting opinion, she told DOJ attorney Eric McArthur.

A ruling against the administration would represent the second time this summer that an appeals court, after reviewing the merits of Trumps order, concluded that it was unlawful. Last month, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals sided against Trump in a separate case. The rulings could ultimately be appealed up to the Supreme Court.

The First Circuit judges did not indicate on Friday when they would issue a decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Signed by Trump on January 20, the executive order, titled PROTECTING THE MEANING AND VALUE OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP, said that the federal government will not issue documents recognizing United States citizenship to any children born on American soil to parents who were in the country unlawfully, or were in the US lawfully, but temporarily.

In the set of cases before the Boston-based appeals court, three lower courts issued separate preliminary injunctions earlier this year that prevented Trump from implementing any part of his policy. (Other lower-court decisions similarly jammed up the policy). Among those rulings was a nationwide injunction, which barred Trump from enforcing his order anywhere in the country.

The panel of judges had previously declined to lift those rulings while the cases unfolded and the case was appealed up to the Supreme Court on an emergency basis. The high court  without reviewing the merits of Trumps order  made it more difficult for litigants to win nationwide orders blocking executive branch policies.

While the First Circuit judges  all of whom were appointed by Democratic presidents  asked a few questions on Friday that were somewhat critical of technical arguments being pushed by some of the challengers in the cases, they showed no support for Trumps attempt to rewrite how birthright citizenship works in the US.

The rule is that everybody who is born here is a citizen or subject, Rikelman said at one point.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Trumps latest love interest? The humble lump of coal.

The U.S. Department of Energy posted a bizarre thirst trap for a shiny chunk of coal on X, captioned: Shes an icon. Shes a legend. And she is the moment

It is just a lump of carbon and other minerals, but to the Department of Energy, it is apparently the star. / U.S. Department of Energy/X

This piece of coal porn, as New York magazine calls it, follows Trumps effusive reveries on nonexistent clean coal. Trump has been known for strangely anthropomorphizing the energy industry and thirsting after beautiful coal, as compared to green energy, which he claims is ugly as hell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration has also flirted with bringing coal mining back to parts of Wyoming and Montana to revive the dying industry. It is unclear how far Trump is willing to take this plan, given that green energy outstrips coal mining in both cost and popularity and that gas-fired power generation is consistently cheaper than coal.

However, it may be the gender dynamics behind the social media post that are most eyebrow-raising.

The phrase she is the moment was first popularized by Wendy Williams, the fallen Wendy Williams Show host. She used it in a sound bite referring to the rapper Lil Kim, which has since gone viral on social media. This appears to be its first use by a U.S. government account.

She's an icon

She's a legend

And she is the moment pic.twitter.com/MDkIj71JZf  U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) July 31, 2025

Williams got many of her catchphrases from drag culture, including, it is said, she is the momenthardly a comfortable place for the Trump administration to find their inspiration, given, for example, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths vow of no more dudes in dresses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, this coal has not, it seems, been changing its pronouns: the word coal traces its etymology to the Proto-Germanic kula, which is referred to with feminine pronouns (die Kohle in German). Trump, after all, is a (not-so-proud) German himself.

Trump has made many promises to coal miners and has sung the praises of

Fossil fuels, of course, also have their limits. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, recoverable coal reserves at currently producing mines will last for only another 20 years.

At some point, Trumps marriage to coal will be on the rocks. Hell have a hard time getting those vows renewed.
Donald Trump offered high, if not slightly uncomfortable, praise for his White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, gushing over that face and those lips.

The president gave the unorthodox compliments during a Friday interview with Newsmax in response to Leavitt's claim that he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his alleged success since returning to office.

Shes become a star. Its that face. Its that brain. Its those lips, the way they move. They move like shes a machine gun, Trump said. Shes a great person, actually. But shes  I dont think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline. Shes been amazing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 27-year-old is Trumps fifth press secretary overall, though remains the only one from his second term so far. At a White House Press briefing Thursday, Leavitt praised Trump in a similarly effusive fashion.

President Trump has brokered, on average, about one peace deal or ceasefire per month during his six months in office, she claimed. Its well past time that President Trump was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Donald Trump offered high praise for his White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, praising her face and lips (Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Social media was quick to react to the presidents comments during his Newsmax sit-down, with some accusing him of being creepy.

This definitely sounds like something Jeffrey Epstein's best friend would say, one user wrote, referring to the ongoing furor surrounding the president and his connection to the deceased pedophile financier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump has denied any wrongdoing and said that he and Epstein had cut ties many years before allegations of sex-trafficking were made against the financier.

The 27-year-old is Trumps fifth press secretary overall, though remains the only one from his second term so far (Reuters)

Will ANYONE in the MSM ask him or the White House about this incredibly bizarre, creepy, cringey comment? Of course not, wrote one user. Its amazing how his super Christian-y base just love that hes such a creepy old pervert, added another.

A third wrote: If any man said this on the job about a fellow employee, they'd be fired instantly, and the company sued.
WASHINGTON  Products imported to the U.S. from Brazil  including almost a third of the supply relied on every day by Americas coffee drinkers  are subject to a 50% tariff beginning Friday, not because of Brazils trade policies, but because of President Donald Trumps relationship with the countrys former strongman president Jair Bolsonaro, and because of the actions of one of the justices of Brazils supreme court.

Trump typically justifies his tariffs by pointing to the U.S. trade deficit and saying that other nations are taking advantage of the United States. Many economists disagree with his view, but it doesnt matter in this instance: The U.S. actually has a trade surplus with Brazil of hundreds of billions of dollars over more than a decade, not a deficit.

Still, on Friday, Trump imposed a total 50% tariff on certain products imported from Brazil, the highest rate of any country in the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, the Trump administration also slapped the supreme court justice, Alexandre de Moraes, with tough sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, a law originally passed by Congress with the intent of punishing Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies after the death in prison of Sergei Magnitsky, who had been investigating corruption in Russia. In a post on X, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions had been imposed for serious human rights abuses.

What are the alleged human rights abuses? De Moraes has been overseeing the case against Bolsonaro, who is charged along with some 30 others  including the former commander of Brazils navy, the former defense minister and the former intelligence chief  with trying to stage a coup to prevent the current president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from taking office after he defeated Bolsonaro in a 2022 election.

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's former president, at the National Congress in Brasilia on July 21. (Arthur Menescal / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

Brazils Supreme Federal Court has ordered Bolsonaro to wear an ankle monitor and not go on social media, call foreign leaders or leave the country pending his trial. Three Brazilian officials noted to NBC News that the penalty was imposed after one of his sons, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman visiting the U.S., worked to enlist Steve Bannon and other MAGA allies to get Trumps attention and advocate to put pressure on Brazil over his fathers case.

De Moraes also ordered a ban in Brazil of the social media platform X, which is owned by sometime Trump ally Elon Musk, that lasted for more than a month last year after Musk and X refused to appoint a legal representative for their business in the country or to comply with court orders and requests to remove certain accounts and posts associated with election misinformation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And Trumps own social media company, Trump Media, has sued de Moraes over a suspension order he issued to the video hosting company Rumble, which Trump Media uses for its Truth Social platform.

The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace. This Trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY! Trump said in a letter that he sent to Brazils president, who is widely known as Lula, and posted to Truth Social on July 9.

Trumps letter went on to tie Bolsonaros prosecution and de Moraes social media rulings to the tariffs hed later impose: Due in part to Brazils insidious attacks on Free Elections, and the fundamental Free Speech Rights of Americans (as lately illustrated by the Brazilian Supreme Court, which has issued hundreds of SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media platforms, threatening them with Millions of Dollars in Fines and Eviction from the Brazilian Social Media market), starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Brazil a Tariff of 50% on any and all Brazilian products sent into the United States.

Brazil, the worlds fourth largest democracy, exports popular commodities like coffee, beef, oranges, aircraft, oil, iron and steel to the U.S. Trumps executive order excluded some products, including oranges, oil and fertilizers, but not coffee or beef.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps actions against Brazil have brought the countrys opposing political sides together to some extent.

A delegation including Bolsonaro supporters and a former opposition Cabinet member from Brazils foreign relations and defense committee met in Washington this week with Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis to try to iron out the dispute.

Brazils foreign minister also flew to Washington to meet with Rubio on Wednesday. And U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick talked by phone with his Brazilian counterpart, two of the Brazilian officials told NBC News. They also said the call did not go well.

Lula has not yet announced whether or how Brazil will retaliate against the U.S. tariffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, a U.S. appeals court panel heard arguments on a challenge to Trumps authority to impose tariffs by executive order brought by businesses and a coalition of state attorneys general. Tariff opponents argue the White House has not established that a national emergency exists to justify Trumps circumventing what is, with some emergency exceptions, supposed to be congressional authority over tariffs.

Several of the judges on the panel pressed the Justice Department lawyer representing the government on the presidents right to impose steep duties using an economic emergency law that does not specifically mention tariffs. No other president has ever tried to impose tariffs under the 1977 law the Trump administration is citing. The case is expected to eventually end up at the Supreme Court.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Americas pharmaceutical giants, demanding immediate action to lower prescription drug prices or face aggressive federal intervention.

In a letter sent to the CEO of Eli Lilly  and similarly addressed to the heads of 16 other major pharmaceutical companies  Trump laid out clear expectations: U.S. drug prices must match the lowest rates available in other countries.

Big Pharma now has until September 29 to comply or face consequences, according to the President.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In case after case, our citizens pay massively higher prices than other nations pay for the same exact pill, from the same factory, effectively subsidizing socialism aboard (abroad) with skyrocketing prices at home, Trump said in a July 30 announcement.

The letter follows a new executive order signed by The President earlier this year, implementing Most Favored Nation pricing for prescription drugs. Under the policy, Americans should never pay more than the lowest price offered for the same medication anywhere else in the world.

Currently, U.S. patients often pay two to three times more than patients in countries like Germany or Canada for the same brand-name drugs, per the White House. Trump called this imbalance a result of global freeloading on American pharmaceutical innovation, and said his administration would no longer tolerate it.

(The federal government) will deploy every tool in our arsenal to protect American families from continued abusive drug pricing practices, the letter reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trumps demands include:

Extending Most Favored Nation pricing to Medicaid

Guaranteeing such pricing for newly launched drugs

Returning increased international profits to benefit American patients

Offering direct consumer purchasing at the lowest global prices

In a White House press briefing, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt backed the presidents move, reading excerpts from the letter before claiming that it will be sent to every large pharmaceutical company in America.

While critics argue the aggressive approach could lead to supply disruptions or industry pushback, Trump made his position clear: the era of unchecked and outrageous drug pricing in America is over.

Americans will no longer be forced to pay almost three times more for the exact same medicines, often made in the exact same factories. As the largest purchaser of pharmaceuticals, Americans should get the best deal, Trump said.
A week after meeting with Trump's DOJ, sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has suddenly been moved to a minimum security prison in Texas. She'll join Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Jen Shah.
President Donald Trump unveiled plans Friday to reposition two nuclear submarines as he and Russias former president sparred over Trumps increased pressure on Moscow to end the war with Ukraine.

After Trump announced a new deadline for Russia to end the conflict with Ukraine in early August, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that the announcement is an additional "step towards war."

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a post on Truth Social Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Medvedev Warns That Trump's New Deadline To End Russia-ukraine Conflict Is A Step Towards War

President Donald Trump listens at an event to promote his proposal to improve Americans' access to their medical records, in the East Room of the White House, July 30, 2025, in Washington.

The announcement comes just weeks after Trump praised the contributions of a guided-missile submarine involved in the strikes against Iran, which launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at key Iranian targets, officials said.

"By the way, if anyone thinks our hardware was great over the weekend, far and away the strongest and best equipment we have, 20 years advanced over the pack, is our Nuclear Submarines," Trump said June 23 in a Truth Social post. "They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built, and just launched the 30 Tomahawks  All 30 hit their mark perfectly. So, in addition to our Great Fighter Pilots, thank you to the Captain and Crew!"

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The mission, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, also involved more than 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

Trump Attacks Iran Nuclear Sites: Are Our Troops In Danger From Retaliatory Strikes?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine hold a joint press conference at the Pentagon press briefing room in Washington, June 26, 2025.

Caine did not disclose the name of the submarine that was involved in the Iran strikes. However, he said that a "guided-missile submarine" was involved.

Four of the U.S. Navys Ohio-class submarines were converted into guided-missile submarines to accommodate conventional land attacks, as well as Special Operations Forces platforms. These submarines are the Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Georgia, according to the U.S. Navy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All U.S. Navy submarines are nuclear-powered, and Trump did not disclose additional details surrounding the submarines that would be repositioned amid increased tension with Russia. It is incredibly rare for defense officials to comment or reveal the locations of submarines, given the highly classified nature of their deployments and movements.

Trump initially announced on July 14 that he would sign off on "severe tariffs" against Russia if Moscow were to fail to agree to a peace deal within 50 days. However, Trump said Monday that waiting that period of time was pointless as negotiations have continued to drag on for months.

"Im going to make a new deadline, of about 10  10 or 12 days from today," Trump told reporters in Scotland Monday. "Theres no reason for waiting. It was 50 days. I wanted to be generous, but we just dont see any progress being made."

Russian Leader Claims Multiple Countries Prepped To Provide Iran Nuclear Weapons Following Us Strikes

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday President Donald Trump's attempts to push Russia to the negotiating table amount to a "step towards war."

In response, Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, accused Trump of playing the "ultimatum game."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10  He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country," Medvedev said in a post on X on Monday.

Trumps new deadline comes amid heightened frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid stalled progress toward peace between Russia and Ukraine, and just days after Russia launched more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles into Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.





Original article source: Trump moves nuclear submarines weeks after praising sub's power in Iran strikes
The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday listed the land for the job scam case for hearing arguments on the charge on behalf of Tejaswi and Tej Pratap Yadav on Monday. The senior advocate argued for Lalu Prasad Yadav that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also investigated this case earlier and filed a closure report in Patna. Special Judge Vishal Gogne on Saturday heard the arguments on behalf of A K Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. During the arguments, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, along with Aekta Vats, argued on behalf of A K Infosystem and submitted that the land purchase is not being denied. Land was purchased by the company in 2007. The accused who sold the land got a job in the railway in 2008. These transactions are not connected. It was further submitted that the Directorate of Enforcement had alleged that A K Infosystems, which had assets of Rs 1.77 crore, had only Rs 1 lakh by the Lalu family. This company had a liability of Rs 1.20 crore, the Senior advocate added. Senior advocate further submitted that the allegations related to land for jobs in different zones were also investigated by the CBI earlier. A complaint was filed by the Lallan in 2008. The CBI filed a closure report in the Patna court. The CBI filed a case afresh on the same issue, said the senior advocate. On Friday, the court heard arguments on behalf of Hema Yadav (Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter) in the Land for job scam case. It was argued that the CBI was cherry-picking to target Lalu's family. CBI has charge-sheeted Lalu Yadav and his family in the case allegedly linked with the transfer of land parcels by candidates or their family members in the name of Lalu's family members for Group D jobs in the railway. Senior advocates had submitted that the agency is cherry-picking and trying to dig deep to open all threads. They are just trying to attach their name in this case, somehow. It was argued that there was a long time gap between the dates of land transfers and the dates of jobs given. How can the investigation agency connect both, the senior advocate argued. He had further argued that the CBI has charge-sheeted 103 accused, and 12 land parcels are mentioned only. "Has any seller ever told the CBI that there was pressure from Lalu Yadav?" Singh raised a question. The CBI has already concluded its arguments on the charge in July by Senior advocate DP Singh alongwith Manu Mishra. It was alleged that Railway Ministry officials were pressurised to clear the job applications and speed up the recruitment process. It is alleged that the land parcels were transferred to Lalu's family at very cheap rates in return for jobs in the Railway between 2004 and 2009, during the tenure of Lalu Prasad Yadav as Railway Minister. The CBI has alleged that the accused acquired over one lakh square feet of land for only Rs 26 lakh, as against the circle rate of over Rs 4.39 crore. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the nuclear submarines he ordered to redeploy in response to former Russian president Dmitry Medvedevs threats have already moved closer to Russia.

Source: European Pravda citing Newsmax

Details: In an interview with American broadcaster Newsmax, Trump remarked that Medvedev has a "fresh mouth" and should not have made such statements. When asked whether the submarines had approached Russia, Trump replied:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"They are closer to Russia. Yeah, they are closer to Russia."

Trump also reiterated that if a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine is not reached, the United States will impose sanctions.

Background:

Earlier, Trump said on Truth Social that he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to relevant regions following Medvedevs provocative remarks.

Trump explained that the move was necessary to protect the American people.

Prior to that, Medvedev posted a message in which he mentioned the Dead Hand, the Soviet automatic nuclear strike system, and also called on Trump to "remember his favourite movies about the walking dead".

Previously, Medvedev accused Trump of playing a game of ultimatums with Russia, stating that every new ultimatum "is a threat and a step towards war".

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
RABAT (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, saying a Moroccan autonomy plan for the territory was the sole solution to the disputed region, state news agency MAP said on Saturday.

The long-frozen conflict pits Morocco, which considers the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state there.

Trump at the end of his first term in office recognised the Moroccan claims to Western Sahara, which has phosphate reserves and rich fishing grounds, as part of a deal under which Morocco agreed to normalise its relations with Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, made clear in April that support for Morocco on the issue remained U.S. policy, but these were Trump's first quoted remarks on the dispute during his second term.

"I also reiterate that the United States recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco's serious, credible and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute," MAP quoted Trump as saying in a message to Morocco's King Mohammed VI.

"Together we are advancing shared priorities for peace and security in the region, including by building on the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism and expanding commercial cooperation," Trump said.

As part of the Abraham Accords signed during Trump's first term, four Muslim-majority countries agreed to normalise diplomatic relations with Israel after U.S. mediation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In June this year, Britain became the third permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to back an autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty for the territory after the U.S. and France.

Algeria, which has recognised the self-declared Sahrawi Republic, has refused to take part in roundtables convened by the U.N. envoy to Western Sahara and insists on holding a referendum with independence as an option.

(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Alison Williams)
WASHINGTON/BRASILIA (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva can call him anytime to discuss tariffs and other friction between the countries.

"He can talk to me anytime he wants," Trump said of Lula, speaking to reporters at the White House. He added he was fond of the Brazilian people but "the people running Brazil did the wrong thing."

Later, speaking with reporters in Brasilia, Brazil Finance Minister Fernando Haddad called Trump's remarks "great," saying he is sure Lula feels the same, and would be willing to receive a call from the U.S. president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a post on his X account, Lula said Brazil has always been open to dialogue, although he did not mention Trump nor his earlier remarks.

Trump slapped a 50% tariff on Brazil, with many exemptions, starting next week to fight what he has called a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial on charges of plotting a coup following his election loss in 2022.

The U.S. also announced sanctions on a Brazilian Supreme Court justice who has been overseeing Bolsonaro's trial. Lula has rejected both the sanctions and the tariffs, calling them "unjustifiable" and an "unacceptable" interference in Brazil's justice system.

Haddad said his planned virtual meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week will pave the way for an eventual meeting between Lula and Trump, but noted such a move would require preparation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, Haddad said Brazil needed assurance Lula would not face the same treatment as Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who came under fire from Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a heated exchange at the White House earlier this year.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose, Trevor Hunnicutt and Victor Borges; additional reporting by Andre Romani; Editing by Chris Reese)
President Donald Trump said Friday he may find it difficult to pardon Sean Diddy Combs, but not because he thinks the disgraced music mogul did anything criminal.

In an interview with Newsmaxs Rob Finnerty, Trump said he was formerly very friendly with Combs, but their relationship took a turn after Trumps 2016 presidential run.

When I ran for office, he was very hostile, Trump said of Combs, who was found guilty on two out of five charges in his sex trafficking trial earlier this year. And its hard, you know? Im like you, were human beings. And we dont like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So I dont know, its more difficult, Trump continued. Im being honest, it makes it more difficult to do.

Cassie, Sean Combs, Donald Trump and Melania Trump photographed together at an event at the United Nations in 2008. Trump said he was "very friendly" with Combs in the past. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Trump also described Combs as essentially sort of half-innocent, an apparent reference to the split verdict.

Finnerty pressed Trump to say if a pardon for Combs was likely a no.

I would say so, Trump replied.

Deadline reported earlier this week that Trump had seriously considered issuing Combs a pardon ahead of his sentencing, which is scheduled for later this year. Rolling Stone also reported that Combs inner circle was actively lobbying the White House.

Combs lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, attempted to tamp down some of those rumors during an interview with Variety published Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are times I think theres nothing to it, and there are times I think its just rumor mill stuff, he said. But, I do not purport to know the presidents mind. I really dont know.

Combs is facing up to 20 years in prison.

Trump has a history of pardoning his loyalists, including over 1,500 Jan. 6 rioters. An ABC analysis in May found that about 20% of the pardons hed issued unrelated to Jan. 6 were for people who had donated to his campaigns or had another political connection to the president.

Related...
US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is fully prepared for a nuclear conflict with Russia.

Source: Trump speaking to journalists outside the White House

Details: The US president confirmed that he had given the order to deploy US nuclear submarines after threats made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former Russian president, which Trump considers a direct threat to US citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote: "We had to do that. We just have to be careful. And a threat was made and we didn't think it was appropriate. So, I have to be very careful. So, I do that on the basis of safety for our people."

Details: Trump said that the US must be ready to protect its citizens when there are threats of using nuclear weapons.

Quote: "A threat was made by a former president of Russia. And we're going to protect our people."

Previously:

Prior to that, Medvedev published a post in which he mentioned the Dead Hand, the Soviet automatic nuclear strike system, and also called on Trump to "rewatch his favourite zombie movies".

After that, Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines "in the appropriate regions". Trump did not specify the exact locations where the nuclear submarines will be deployed. However, he said he hopes that Medvedevs remarks will not lead "to unintended consequences".

Background:

Earlier this week, Trump said that the United States will begin imposing tariffs and resorting to other measures against Russia within 10 days unless Moscow demonstrates progress in ending the war in Ukraine.

In response, Medvedev said that Trump was playing a game of ultimatums with Russia. He also stated that each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war, specifying that it would not be a war between Russia and Ukraine, but with the US.

In response, the US president said that Medvedev should "watch his words", as his remarks are "entering very dangerous territory".

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
President Donald Trump has responded to Fridays weak jobs numbers by firing the bureaucrat in charge of them and claiming the data was politically manipulated.

Hours after the latest figures revealed that Trumps chaotic trade policies had contributed to 258,000 fewer jobs than first thought, the president posted an angry tirade accusing the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, of fudging the figures.

I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY, he wrote on Truth Social.

Donald Trump was not happy with the latest weak jobs report. / Brendan McDermid / Reuters

She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they cant be manipulated for political purposes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The extraordinary response came six hours after the report showed a slowdown in job growth, with only 73,000 new jobs for July and unemployment rising to 4.2 percent.

But in a brutal reality check for Trump, there were only 14,000 new jobs in June, far less than the previously stated 147,000; while the May count fell to just 19,000, revised down from 144,000.

Dr. Erika McEntarfer. / United States Department of Labor

The figures were described as less than ideal by the presidents own chair of economic advisers, Stephen Miran.

Supporters also admitted they were linked to the presidents policies, which had likely led companies to slow their hiring amid the uncertainty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Trump had been unusually quiet about the numbers until his attack on McEntarfer shortly after 2 p.m. In his post, he also claimed without evidence that she had rigged data before last years election to try and boost Kamalas chances of Victory.

McEntarfer was appointed under the Biden administration in January 2024, after a bipartisan Senate vote. Before that, she spent most of her career as an economic researcher at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Within minutes of Trumps post, Wikipedia had been altered to reflect her firing, saying she was relieved of her role on August 1, 2025, by President Donald Trump, after being accused without evidence of skewing jobs data.

As the former Chief of Staff at DOL, which oversees the Bureau of Labor Statistics, I cannot tell you how outrageous this is.



Commissioners are appointed to a fixed term. We had a Trump appointee we worked closely w/.



Nobody is faking numbers. Revisions happen all the time. https://t.co/HmzJozDgNM  Dan Koh (@dank) August 1, 2025

The news of her sacking angered some in Washington, even in a capital that has become accustomed to the presidents retribution firings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dan Koh, a former chief of staff at the Department of Labor, which oversees the Bureau of Labor Statistics, said on X: I cannot tell you how outrageous this is.

Commissioners are appointed to a fixed term. We had a Trump appointee we worked closely with. Nobody is faking numbers. Revisions happen all the time.

Trump ally Laura Loomer praised the decision as a great job by the president.

Every single Biden holdover must be FIRED, she said.

But businessman Kevin OLeary, another Trump supporter, took a different view, telling CNN: We had bad print on jobs. I dont agree on whacking the Commissioner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a second post after ordering McEntarfer to be fired, Trump claimed the jobs numbers were rigged to make him and Republicans look bad.

But his rage over the lower revised figures come despite the president regularly touting upward revisions.

In June, for instance, when the numbers suggested a much higher-than-expected gain, the president quickly credited this to his pro-growth policies, such as tariffs, re-shoring and immigration.

Today, however, his own allies acknowledge that the chaos surrounding his trade policies had contributed to the poor results.

This disappointing number is a result of all the turmoil of tariffs and trade wars, Heritage Foundation economics fellow Stephen Moore told Fox Business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I talk to small businesses all over the country. A lot of their businesses came to a standstill, they didnt know if they could get their parts in, they didnt know what was going on.

DNC Communications Director Rosemary Boeglin said if the president wanted someone to blame for the latest figures, he should take a look in the mirror.

This isnt the Peoples Republic of Trumpjust because hes humiliated by the mess hes made, the president doesnt get to fire the economists who give business owners and the public data about the health of our economy, she said.

The Daily Beast has reached out to McEntarfer for comment. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed that she had been fired, and that Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski will now serve as Acting Commissioner.
President Donald Trumps firing of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Friday afternoon just after she delivered a negative jobs report echoes the impulse of many leaders to shoot the messenger. Trump declared, Ive had issues with the numbers for a long time. Were doing so well. I believe the numbers were phony like they were before the election and there were other times. So I fired her, and I did the right thing.

While Trump may or may not be friends with Vladimir Putin, he is clearly following the Russian Presidents HR staffing guidelines to eliminate lieutenants who bring bad news.

As weve documented before, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) has a long history of manipulating official economic statistics to please Putin, bending over backward to correct bad numbers and burying unflattering statistics under the pressure the Kremlin has exerted to corrupt statistical integrity, especially since Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The reliability of official statistics from China has also been brought into question, leading analysts to rely on a wide range of unofficial or proxy indicators to gauge the true state of the Chinese economy. Even Chinas former Premier, the late Li Keqiang, reportedly confided that he didnt trust official GDP numbers.

Read More: What to Know About the Jobs Report That Led Trump to Fire the Labor Statistics Chief

Like other strongmen, Trump has repeatedly shown a pattern of manipulating data to suit his preferred narrative.

Trumps surprise firing of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer has quickly caught the attention of technical market analysts and economists on both sides of the political spectrum. One side cheers the push to disrupt a slow, bureaucratic federal agency. The other side shouts in dismay over concerns about yet another example of Trump politicizing an apolitical institution. Both responses are warranted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The accuracy of BLS data has long been questioned as major revisions only come in months later. To their credit, the BLS, in addition to other statistical agencies, has publicly recognized a need to modernize its methodology. Unfortunately, though, the severity of job revisions has worsened since the COVID-19 era, with no successful program to address the issue. The downward revision on Friday of more than 250,000 jobs marked the most significant adjustment since the depths of the pandemic.

However, Trumps accusations against the BLS of rigging the job numbers to make him and the Republican base look bad, and his subsequent firing of McEntarfer based on a belief that BLS revisions were politically motivated, are yet another step closer to authoritarianism. Introducing his latest conspiracy theory, the President went even further by suggesting McEntarfer, whose career spans two decades across Republican and Democratic Administrations, rigged the numbers around the 2024 presidential election in then-Vice President Kamala Harris favor. Trump conveniently fails to mention that his definition of around was back in August 2024. Recall, the 2024 presidential election was a full three months later in November.

Revisions are not unusual behavior by the BLS. They are a critical part of the natural process for developing an accurate picture of the largest, most dynamic economy in the world. The average size of job revisions since 2003 is not insignificant at 51,000 jobs. And, despite what Trump may want Americans to believe, his tariff policies have created an unprecedented level of uncertainty in the U.S. economy, comparable only to that of 2020, with many economists expecting a recession to follow as a result. Bloomberg reporting has pointed to a possible connection between the severity of negative job revisions and recessionary economic environments.

The BLS has also been subjected to DOGE-led hiring constraints and other resource rescissions. In addition, the Trump Administrations disbanding of the Federal Statistics Advisory Committee in March both eliminated one of the main engines for enhancing agency performance and, perhaps, in what should have been a concerning harbinger, abolished the canary in the data integrity coal mine. Complaints about BLS methods are legitimate, like the reliance on enumerators over scanner data, and deserve attention, but this is not how to fix it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read More: What Trumps Win Means for the Economy

This is far from the first time Trump has subordinated statistical integrity to political theater. From crowd sizes to weather forecasts, vote counts to tariff formulas, Trump has discarded facts for fictions that play to his political favor. Trump doesnt just bend the truthhe twists the numbers until they resemble propaganda and then silences those who disagree. As CBS News titan Edward R. Murrow warned 65 years ago: To be persuasive, we must be believable. To be believable, we must be credible. To be credible, we must be truthful.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held in Iraq for over 860 days after being kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. US tariffs aim to secure her freedom.

Elizabeth Tsurkov has been held in Iraq for over 860 days. A Princeton researcher, she was kidnapped in Baghdad in late March 2023 by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. My sister has now been held captive for over two years since her kidnapping. The fact that Elizabeth remains in the custody of an Iran-backed militia group in Iraq reflects poorly on Iraqs sovereignty and calls into question [Iraqs Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-] Sudanis ability to control these armed factions within Iraqs borders, Emma Tsurkov told The Jerusalem Post on August 1.

Elizabeth Tsurkov holds Israeli and Russian citizenship and resided in New Jersey until her abduction in March 2023. Her sister Emma, who is based in California and has campaigned to free her, says that Iraq has an opportunity right now to do the right thing and enhance the relationship with the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Emma Tsurkov suggested that the 35% tariffs being placed on Iraq could be linked to Iraqs refusal to free Elizabeth. Baghdad could improve its ties with Washington if it were to show it can rein in Iranian-backed militias and free the researcher.

Iraqs foreign minister said that Iraq was trying to free Elizabeth Tsurkov in January 2025. He said at the time that the kidnapped researcher was alive; however, Sudani has not secured her release in six months. In March 2025, US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler traveled to Iraq to press Sudani for the release of Tsurkov. Iraqs National Security Advisor claimed the country was continuing its efforts to free her. However, months have since ticked by, and there has been no breakthrough.

Adam S. Boehler speaks at an event with Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Mexico City, Mexico November 8, 2019. (credit: REUTERS/Luis Cortes)

On July 29, the Associated Press noted that Sudani is seeking closer ties with the Trump administration. However, Iranian-backed militias have been launching drone attacks targeting energy facilities in the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. Just as the drone attacks have called into question Baghdads control over armed groups, so has the case of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who went missing in Iraq in 2023, the AP noted. The US has condemned the drone attacks.

Elizabeth Tsurkov kidnapping and the Iraqi inability to free her

Emma Tsurkov says she has been in direct communication with US officials who have reassured her that her sisters freedom remains a top priority for the Trump administration. The Trump administration has been remarkably supportive of my family. They have made it clear to the Iraqi government that securing Elizabeths release is a key administration objective, and they are prepared to use tariffs as a tool to achieve that goal. My sisters continued captivity is an important factor in determining the rate of tariffs imposed on Iraq and the nature of the relationship going forward, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She noted that recent tariffs announced on Iraq might be linked to Baghdads recalcitrance. The original 30% tariff that was announced recently was increased to 35% today. This impacts all of Iraqs exports to the US. Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani understands that Elizabeths freedom is critically important to the Trump administration. His continued efforts to cover for the Kataib Hezbollah militia holding my sister are coming at an enormous cost to the people of Iraq.

Now, Baghdad could do the right thing. This is an opportune time for Iraq. The Israel-Iran 12-day conflict ended in late June. The drone attacks occurred in July. However, Iraq wants to show it can control its own territory. This is because Iraq is heading into elections in November. In addition, there is a new commander for the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, and he arrived in Iraq in July and met Sudani. The Iraqi prime minister will want to show he is committed to stability if he hopes to have US support for his government, military, and economy.

Emma Tsurkov notes that Sudani misled the Biden administration in April 2024 and did not free Elizabeth. He cannot get away with the same approach with President Trump, she noted. She also said that Kataib Hezbollah, the group behind the kidnapping, is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a group of militias that are supposed to answer to the Iraqi government. The PMF is a kind of official paramilitary force. Many of its militias are close to Iran. If he [Sudani] truly is the commander-in-chief, then he has the power to free my sister. He is basically funding my sisters kidnappers, says Tsurkov.

She notes that releasing her sister could immediately remove a major obstacle in US-Iraq relations. Prime Minister Sudani says strengthening ties with America is an Iraqi priority. Well, freeing my sister would be a concrete step toward that goal. Her continued captivity is emblematic of the larger problem with the militias, and her release is fundamental to any meaningful improvement in the US-Iraq relationship. Every day Elizabeth remains in captivity is another day too long, Emma says. I will not stop fighting to bring my sister home. The more people who know about the Iraqi governments role in Elizabeths captivity, the more helpful it is to our cause of bringing her home.
(FOX40.COM)  A Tuolumne County family packed the courtroom Friday, as they faced the woman convicted in the fentanyl related death of their loved one.

Inside the Tuolumne County Courthouse, 28-year-old Stacey Renee Christ was sentenced to 13 years in a state prison on charges of voluntary manslaughter and other felony drug charges. Prosecutors say Christ supplied 39-year-old Richard Jimmie Bennett  known as RJ to his family  with a fatal dose of fentanyl in October of 2024.

This case marks the countys first fentanyl-related murder sentencing in its history. During the investigation, Christ also pleaded guilty to transporting fentanyl from San Francisco County in a separate felony charge tied to Bennets death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As seven family members delivered powerful victim impact statements, the weight of their loss was visible. Some slumped in their seats in grief, while others sobbed uncontrollably.

I woke up with shattered knees, said RJs aunt, Angie Valentine. Me and the family, just trying to pull ourselves together to come to the most difficult date that weve ever had to have next to the day of October 10 when his life was taken by Stacey Christ.

RJ, a father, uncle, son, and brother, was described as a protector with a big heart. His niece, Cheyenne Erwin, says she wants her uncle to be remembered as a loving and caring person, and hopes his case will come as a warning to others.

I hope that theyll see that such disregard for life is not tolerated, said Erwin.

A County Taking a Stand

Tuolumne County Sheriff David Vasquez stood with Bennetts family inside the courtroom. He says the sentencing should come as a message to the community that accountability is just beginning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vasquez said there were 23 drug-related deaths in the county last year, with 18 being specifically fentanyl.

For a population our size, thats astronomical numbers, said Vasquez.

Christ sobbed as the family read their victim impact statements during the sentencing, and hid her face behind her hands.

The judge today, Laura Krieg, as I watched her listen to my friends and familys statements, as their tears fell, I saw her tears fall, said family member Theresa Blackwood. And I saw the district attorneys tears fell.

Were Going to Fight

The family says their journey for justice is far from over, and that RJs story will not end in the courtroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were going to fight, said Valentine. This is just the beginning of honoring him.

RJs mother Cyndi Bennett was too distraught to speak on camera, but provided a statement to FOX 40:

Fentanyl poisoning is one of the most heartbreaking epidemics Ive ever seen. It is a war against a generation.

Cyndi also expressed her gratitude to the Sheriff and other investigators who helped the family along the way.

Family members and close friends shared emotional and humorous stories of their memories with RJ. They spoke of his unmatched talent for pumpkin carving, attention to detail, and his love for spending time with family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They added that RJ was known to welcome people into his home, including those struggling with drug use, just as Christ had been.

RJs son joined the courtroom via Zoom and said he had to move across the country to escape the painful memory of losing his father. He spoke of heartbreak knowing that his baby daughter would never know her grandfather.

We all loved RJ from the moment he opened his eyes, to the moment Stacey Christ closed them, said Andrew Roberts, one of RJs long-time friends.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Turbulence on the rise: What a chaotic Delta flight hints about flying in a warmer world originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Twenty-five people were hospitalized in the Twin Cities Wednesday night after a Delta Airlines flight encountered severe, unexpected turbulence. Its a jarring reminder of how dangerous turbulence can bejust last May, a man died aboard a Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence midair.

Delta's Airbus 350-900 aircraft.Delta Air Lines

So, what is turbulence, really?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At its core, turbulence is exactly what the word suggests: chaotic, volatile air movementup, down, sideways, or all at once. Many forms of weather can generate turbulence, but one of the most common culprits pilots try to avoid is the thunderstorm. Thunderstormssevere or notare defined by strong upward and downward air currents, not to mention lightning. Theyre often visible and therefore easier to avoid.

The kind of turbulence thats far harder to detectand much more likely to surpriseis clear-air turbulence. This is the type most often encountered by aircraft without warning.

Clear-air turbulence typically occurs in areas of wind shearthe same kind of shear that can help organize thunderstorms into severe ones. In this case, it refers to winds moving in different directions, or in the same direction but at different speeds, which creates invisible eddies in the air.

NOAA

These eddies can form within various layers of wind, creating chaotic, unseen turbulencewhat scientists call turbulent flow.

Science Facts

A prime area to watch for clear-air turbulence is near the jet streama fast-moving river of air at cruising altitude. Planes typically fly in or near these winds, which, due to their speed and volatility, are a hotbed for turbulence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres a look at modeled jet stream winds (European model) from Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the Delta flight that later hit turbulence:

WeatherBell

We still dont know exactly what happened during the flight, and the investigation will look at multiple factorsincluding weather conditions. But we can examine the meteorological setup at the time.

One useful tool is modeled wind shearspecifically between two flight levels, roughly 4,000 feet and 30,000 feet.

WeatherBell

Notice how shear increased significantly across Nebraska, the Dakotas, and into Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening. Thats due to a strengthening jet streamwinds jumping from 50 mph to over 100 mph within the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another interesting indicator is the 24-hour shear tendency, which shows how wind shear has changed over the past day.

A zone of rapidly increasing shear can be seen to our south/southeastthe same area that would have been to Minnesotas southwest late Wednesday, around the time the Delta flight experienced severe turbulence.

Again, we cant say for certain what happened aboard that flight, but conditions were certainly ripe for turbulence in the region.

Is turbulence getting worse?

Evidence suggests the answer is yes.

A study published June 8, 2023, in Geophysical Research Letters by Mark C. Prosser, Paul D. Williams, Graeme J. Marlton, and R. Giles Harrison found that turbulence increased globally from 1979 to 2020.

In the North Atlantica major flight corridorlight turbulence increased by 17%, moderate turbulence by 35%, and severe turbulence (the kind that leads to injuries) by a staggering 55%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Whats driving the increase? Climate change may be a key factor. A follow-up study published in 2024 by Mohamed Foudad at the University of Reading, in the American Geophysical Union, found that warming temperatures are intensifying turbulence.

This simulation shows turbulence increasing with every 1C rise in global temperatures. As the climate warms, the atmosphere gains more energy, leading to stronger winds and sharper vertical wind shears.

Of particular interest to us in North America: nearly every degree of warming correlates with more frequent moderate to severe turbulence. So whether you're flying south to escape a Minnesota winter or heading to Europe for summer travel, the skies may be getting bumpier in the decades ahead.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has criticised Delhi Police for unleashing a lathicharge on students and teachers protesting at Jantar Mantar against the alleged irregularities in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examination. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the BJP-led Modi government has once again exposed its dictatorial mindset by mercilessly beating those who dared to raise questions about their future. Arvind Kejriwal on Friday called it a direct assault on the dreams and aspirations of India's youth. Sharing a video of the police's brutal action on social media platform X, he stated: "The country's youth are out on the streets, facing police batons, simply for asking questions about their future. SSC exams have the power to change the lives of lakhs of youth, but when the entire process itself comes under suspicion, how can trust remain? These lathis haven't just struck young bodies--they've struck at the hopes and dreams of an entire generation. The youth are now asking: how long will the system continue to mock our hard work? The government will have to answer." AAP has expressed full support for the students and teachers demanding accountability and transparency in the SSC recruitment process. AAP leaders have echoed the concerns raised by protestors, who are opposing the use of a blacklisted company for conducting the exams, as well as technical failures and abrupt cancellations. Students are demanding a transparent and fair examination system. The company that received the tender failed to conduct examinations properly at several centres. It had previously been blacklisted after its involvement in the Indore Patwari exam scam. Yet, the same company was entrusted with conducting one of the most significant exams in the country, second only to the UPSC. The AAP has asserted that the anger of the students is entirely justified. The government's repeated failures have led to a situation where even highly educated students cannot sit for their exams without facing irregularities. The students' demands were legitimate--they were only trying to present their case before the SSC Commission. (ANI)
Turkey on Saturday turned on a supply of natural gas from Azerbaijan to Syria, whose infrastructure was ravaged by civil war, with annual deliveries expected to reach up to two billion cubic metres.

Syria's Islamist authorities, who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, are seeking to rebuild the battered country where power cuts can last for more than 20 hours a day.

Speaking at a ceremony attended by Syria's energy minister, Azerbaijan's economy minister and the head of Qatar's development fund, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the initiative would help normalise Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In the initial phase, up to two billion cubic metres of natural gas per year could be exported to Syria," Bayraktar said at the ceremony in the southern province of Kilis near the Syrian border.

Damascus has said the gas would be used to generate electricity.

"The gas will help activate a power plant with a capacity of around 1,200 megawatts, meeting the electricity needs of approximately five million households," Bayraktar said.

"We will transport natural gas to Aleppo and from Aleppo to Homs. This will enable the power plants there to be put into operation in the near future," he added.

A first phase of the Qatari scheme to fund gas supplies for power generation in Syria rolled out in March via Jordan and provided 400 megawatts of electricity per day.

fo/ach/tw
Omar Safa Khosi who was arrested on Sunday for filming underage girls in the Fishman Beach changing room will be indicted on Monday.

Omar Safa Khosi, a Turkish Embassy employee, who is suspected of filming underage girls in the changing room of Frishman Beach in Tel Aviv, will have an indictment filed against him on Monday, Israel media reported.

Khosi was arrested on suspicion of sexual harrasment last week after a call placed to Israel Police claimed he had gone inside the women's changing room and was filming underage girls on his phone. At least three other complaints were made regarding the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During the investigation, the suspect "did not deny taking the photos, but made non-contradictory statements," a police representative said.

Turkish authorities requested that Khosi be released into their custody and be held at the embassy's compound in Tel Aviv under diplomatic status, but Israel rejected the request.

Khosi's lawyer attempted to persuade the court to release him into embassy supervision, but the request was also denied. Instead, the judge decided to extend Khosi's detention considering the nature of the offenses.

This is a developing story.




NEED TO KNOW

A motorcyclist tried to grab Band Rio reporter Clara Nerys phone moments before her live segment

She held on tightly and managed to pull it back from the mans hands

Phone thefts jumped 27% in Rio de Janeiro this June compared to last year





Clara Nery, a reporter for Brazilian network Band Rio, was preparing to go live from the streets of Rio de Janeiro when a man on a motorbike zoomed past and tried to snatch her phone  all while the camera rolled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the video, you can see the moment he puts his hand on my phone and takes it from me. Luckily, I was holding on tightly, Nery said, as reported by her employer, Band Rio.

The assailant fled, but Nery was able to recover her phone shortly afterward and was unharmed.

It was a real scare to go live, Nery later wrote in an Instagram post, But the important thing is that everything turned out okay!

She went on to thank those who reached out: Thanks for the messages and support from my coworkers, the Military Police, and the Civil Police. She also called for the publics help in identifying the suspect: Lets share his face, he wants to be known.

Clara Nery/instagram Brazilian Reporter Clara Nery Brazilian Reporter Clara Nery

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Phone thefts in Rio de Janeiro surged by 27 percent this June compared to the same month in 2024, per The Nightly, citing the Rio de Janeiro Public Security Institute.

More than 2,300 phones were reported stolen in June 2025  up from 1,808 the previous year.

Read the original article on People
Colombian former President Alvaro Uribe has been sentenced to 12 years of house arrest for witness tampering and a fraud charge.

The 73-year-old is the first former president in the country's history to be convicted of a crime. He has also been barred from public office and fined $578,000 (435,000).

Uribe, who maintains his innocence, told a judge in Bogota he would appeal against his conviction. He said the case was meant to "destroy a voice for the democratic opposition".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was president from 2002-2010 and remains popular in Colombia, despite being accused of working with right-wing paramilitaries to destroy leftist rebel groups. A claim he denies.

A small group of Uribe supporters gathered outside the court in Bogota [Antonio Cascio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]

The former president was convicted of two charges on Monday in a witness-tampering case that has run for around 13 years.

Two jailed ex-paramilitaries gave evidence saying Uribe's former lawyer Diego Cadena had offered them money to testify in Uribe's favour.

Cadena, who is also facing charges, has denied the accusations and testified, along with several other ex-paramilitaries, on Uribe's behalf.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Uribe's conviction, accusing Colombia's judiciary of being weaponised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The former president's "only crime has been to tirelessly fight and defend his homeland," Rubio wrote on the social media site, X.

Paramilitary groups emerged in Colombia in the 1980s with the stated goal of taking on poverty and marginalisation. They fought the Marxist-inspired guerrilla groups that had themselves battled the state two decades prior.

Many of the armed groups which developed in the standoff made an income from the cocaine trade. Deadly fighting between them and with the state has produced lasting rivalries for trafficking routes and resources.

Uribe was praised by Washington for his hard-line approach to left-wing Farc rebels  but was a divisive politician, who critics say did little to tackle the inequality and poverty in the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Farc signed a peace deal with Uribe's successor in 2016, though violence from disarmed groups persists in Colombia.
A ruthless pair of convicted killers busted for allegedly slinging drugs in broad daylight in Greenwich Village were both sprung without bail after their arrests  shocking examples of revolving door of justice spawned by Albanys disastrous soft-on-crime policies, The Post found.

Prosecutors didnt even bother to seek keeping either man locked up because of the states 2019 bail reform laws, which bar judges from setting bail in drug-dealing cases, unless the person is a flight risk  no matter how dangerous they might be.

Last week, the killers explained away their recent behavior  with one even whining to The Post that he was forced to sling dope and crack to support his son.

Franco appeared in a lower Manhattan courthouse last week on the drug charges. Michael Nagle

One day my wife left, leaving me with my kid. I went crazy, I dont know what happened. I took the wrong side for a little while, Carlo Cano Franco said outside Manhattan Criminal Court on July 25.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2003, Franco, then 27, blasted beloved Bronx County Collision owner Dino DeSimone from point-blank range in the chest during a robbery at his familys auto shop, killing him instantly. He made off with a Toshiba laptop, authorities said at the time.

I felt completely empty, like someone ripped everything out from inside of me, widow Michele DeSimone said at the time of wanting to join her husband in death. I wanted to be exactly where he was.

Franco served 13 years of a 17-year sentence for manslaughter, and was released in 2022. His parole ended last year. He tallied his 15th arrest since 1992 on July 3 when he was nabbed for dealing heroin and crack around 10:30 a.m. near Broadway and West Houston Streets, the drug infested corner near a Noho harm reduction clinic, exposed on Page 1 of the The Post in June.

This scene took place at Crosby and West Houston Streets, the same block where Franco was arrested twice this year.

Similarly, the alleged recent dope peddling done by killer Jeffery Zay Mackenzie was minimized by his lawyer as only a minor offense with limited public interest  galling locals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mackenzie, 46, served 21 years behind bars for murdering Linda Sanders, 35, a mother of two, with depraved indifference, when he blasted into a Brownsville laundromat and struck her in the head during a botched robbery.

Mackenzie is one lifetime parole but walked free after his June arraignment on drug charges. Steven Hirsch

Released on lifetime parole in 2022, Mackenzie has since been arrested at least four times, including on June 4 when he was allegedly caught red-handed near 6th Avenue and West 9th Street, peddling rocks of crack cocaine in mini-Ziploc bags, police said.

It doesnt even matter if you murdered somebody, said fed-up Village resident and Washington Square Association President Trevor Sumner. Its a complete breakdown in anything resembling logic or common sense.

Carlo Franco was arrested on July 3 in Noho on drug charges. Michael Nagle

Cops say they found individually portioned heroin and crack  plus cash and brass knuckles  on Franco. NYPD 6th Precinct/ X

When Franco was confronted by The Post outside court after a hearing this week on his drug bust, he gave a sob story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I only do it for him. I live with that baby by myself, said Franco searching his phone for pictures of his young son. I cant leave that kid like that, I cant go to prison.

Franco was charged with resisting arrest, possession of brass knuckles and criminal possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell.

Mackenzie tried to hide after his appearance in a lower Manhattan court last week. Steven Hirsch

Mackenzie, despite his violent past and a rap sheet before the murder that included 12 busts, including drug dealing, was released after just one night in jail while he waited for his arraignment, records show.

In Manhattan criminal court last week, he tried covering his face with a red rag and then ran away from The Post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

His public defender Heather Nicole McCarthy shrugged off the drug arrest as a minor offense and said she didnt see the public interest in the case.

Police caught Mackenzie with crack in mini plastic bags. NYPD 6th Precinct

This case is not something that is worthy of this sort of attention, she said.

Mackenzie and Franco each pleaded not guilty.

Since bail reform went into law in 2020, New York is the only state in the country where judges cant take into account the criminal history or risk a defendant poses to the public when deciding whether to set cash bail or lock them up before trial.

Only a narrow list of crimes remained eligible for bail after 2020, and drug dealing wasnt one  except in the rare cases a defendant is accused of being the ringleader of a major trafficking network.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Before the reform package passed, judges had discretion and could have set high cash bails in both Franco and Mackenzies cases to ensure they remained behind bars before trial, experts said. The reform took away that discretionary power.

That is insanity. Our entire pretrial release structure now defies common sense, said Rafael Mangual, a legal policy expert at the Manhattan Institute.

Mackenzie in a lower Manhattan court last week. Steven Hirsch

In Mackenzies case, the June bust was his fourth in just two months  the Manhattan District Attorneys office declined to prosecute two of prior his drug arrests this year, and the other was knocked down to a violation.

Because of that, the Department of Corrections told The Post it was not able to begin parole revocation proceedings against him to have the state Parole Board lock him up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Manhattan DA Alvin Braggs office simply said Mackenzies case was not bail eligible. The NYC Special Narcotics Prosecutors office, whos handling Francos case, said the same.

The corner where Mackenzie was arrested, in front of the Bagel Pub on 6th Ave has become a drug den. J.C. Rice

I think thats smoke and mirrors, said Greenwich Village resident Scott Evans. Our community is put at risk yet again and the DAs office does not do their job because theyre more concerned about the rights of the criminals.

Thats Braggs pattern  to release as many as possible, slammed Maud Maron, a Soho resident whos running against Bragg for Manhattan District Attorney in the fall. The fact that no one in the district attorneys office could figure out how to make sure that person stayed behind bars is absurd and laughable.

Maron slammed the DAs office for not keeping the perps behind bars. J.C. Rice

Narcotics arrests have soared in Greenwich Village, up 68% so far this year, to 471 busts from 281 in the same period a year ago, according to NYPD data. The neighborhoods Sixth Precinct  where both men were arrested  routinely posts on social media about catching drug dealers plying their trade in broad daylight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But residents are fed up with seeing the same faces back on the streets because theyre not being prosecuted once theyre in court.

Were seeing a sense of helplessness, said Sumner.  It was a breaking point in terms of anger and now its a broken point.

Additional reporting by Tina Moore
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WJTV)  A federal jury convicted two Meridian men for conspiring with each other and others to possess cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute the drugs.

According to court documents, Fredrick Dywane Campbell, 51, arranged with separate sources of supply in Texas and in Alabama between November 2019 and July 2020 to illegally obtain 50 kilograms of cocaine imported from Mexico. Prosecutors said the cocaine would be sold to other drug dealers in the Meridian area for further sale or distribution. This also included the illegal distribution of marijuana.

Meridian man guilty of trafficking counterfeit pills

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Ramonz Payne, 45, was convicted of participating in the conspiracy with Campbell and others to possess the cocaine from Mexico, as well as marijuana, with the intent to distribute the drugs to others.

Fredrick Dywane Campbell (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center) Ramonz Payne (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center)

Other charged coconspirators have previously pled guilty in the case, one of whom have been sentenced, and some of whom await sentencing:

Americo Aldrete, 57, Houston, TX: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Billy Wilson, 53, Cuba, AL: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

James Green, 53, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, and was sentenced to serve the statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and the $100 statutory special assessment in criminal cases.

Jeffery Jennings, 42, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force of the Lauderdale County Sheriffs Department investigated the case.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Two of six Shetland ponies that went missing from a national park have been reunited with their owner after being found by a member of the public.

The free-roaming animals disappeared from land around Bramshaw and Cadnam in the New Forest, Hampshire, in July, sparking a UK-wide search.

Owner James Penny went to collect the pair on Saturday, after they were spotted running down a narrow country lane in a rural area of a London borough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said he was "happy" to have them back, adding: "We've just got to find the others."

The two recovered ponies were described as "terrified" by Mr Penny's neighbour [BBC]

Hampshire police previously said the six animals were believed to have been stolen from an address on Cadnam Lane between 20 and 22 July.

Mr Penny's neighbour Lisa Merritt and her daughter Anna mounted a social media campaign after the ponies disappeared.

On Saturday, Ms Merritt and another neighbour went with Mr Penny to collect the two ponies, who are a mother and daughter.

The other four are still missing.

Ms Merritt said the retrieval of the two "terrified" ponies had been "fraught and emotional", with one taking about three hours to catch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We just want to get her back and get her comfortable again," she said.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has been contacted by the BBC.

Mr Penny said he was "happy" to have two of the ponies back but wants to find the other four [BBC]

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story
Aug. 2LODI  Lodi Fire Department responded to Lodi Lake at about 11 a.m. Friday to rescue two people clinging to an overturned boat on the Mokelumne River behind the nature trail. Two adults were safely pulled from the water and did not require medical attention. Lodi Fire recovered and returned the boat to the lake's boat launch.

This was the third water rescue the department conducted in the last three months.

Lodi residents rescued a man from drowning in the Mokelumne River while crews were en route on May 3, and were later recognized by the department for their efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A 14-year-old Sacramento boy drowned in the river on July 3.

On the evening of July 13, the Mokelumne Rural and Clements fire districts conducted a water rescue on the Mokelumne River and the everyone involved was brought to shore safely.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, nearly 800 children drown every year in the U.S., with two-thirds of incidents happening between May and August.

Many drowning deaths occur in lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, and other open water.

In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children younger than 14, and children 5 and older are more likely to drown in open water such as the ocean, lake, pond or rivers. Safe Kids Worldwide encourages individuals to ensure every member of your family learns to swim or at least achieve skills of water competency. That includes being able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position and swim a distance then get out of the water safely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Employ layers of protection to prevent access to water, such as wearing life jackets or keeping a close eye on children, and know what to do in a water emergency  including how to help someone in trouble, call for emergency help, and performing CPR.

The fire department offers a free life jacket loan program for anyone planning to go out on Lodi Lake or the Mokelumne River. Life jackets are available at the Headwaters Boathouse at the lake.
Police are treating a fire at a property in Millisle as an arson attack.

Two vehicles were completely destroyed and a house suffered scorch damage.

The blaze occurred on Saturday morning at around 03:30 BST in the Ballywalter Road Area of the County Down village.

Police say nobody was in the property at the time of the fire.

In a statement, the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the fire is "being treated as arson with intent to endanger life".

It added: "The investigation is underway to determine exactly what happened, a motive, and who was involved".

Detectives are appealing for information.
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The United States is demanding the release of 50 remaining hostages Hamas has held in Gaza since 2023, as protesters held a rally in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square" on Saturday.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the United States has formulated a plan to return all of the remaining hostages, The Washington Post reported.

President Donald Trump "now believes that everybody should come home at once, no piecemeal deals," Witkoff said during the meeting that was recorded and televised in Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He told the families that prior cease-fire agreements required exchanges of some hostages for Hamas prisoners being held in Israeli jails.

"That doesn't work, and we've tried everything," Witkoff said about U.S. efforts to release hostages who were captured when the U.S.-designated terror organizations Hamas and Islamic Jihad attacked Israeli civilians without provocation on Oct. 7, 2023.

Families and supporters call for a cease-fire and a hostage release deal outside the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Saturday. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA

The attackers killed about 1,200 Israelis and others, and kidnapped about 250 more.

An estimated 30 of the remaining 50 hostages likely are dead, and Witkoff said U.S. officials want half of the remaining 20 hostages released on the first day of a cease-fire, followed by the rest shortly thereafter.

U.S special envoy Steve Witkoff said all hostages must be released while meeting Saturday in Tel Aviv with representatives of 40 families whose relatives are held hostage by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. File Photo by Al Drago/UPI

Witkoff also said Hamas is ready to disarm and release hostages, but many of the families' representatives are concerned several of the living hostages would not be released if they are not among the first group to return to Israel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hamas denied it is willing to lay down its arms and said it only would do so upon recognition of a Palestinian state, the BBC reported.

Several officials in Arab states during the past week have called on Hamas to lay down its arms and end its control of Gaza.

Witkoff met with representatives of about 40 of the hostages' families for two hours after attending a protest in Hostage Square earlier Saturday.

The protest occurred after Hamas and Islamic Jihad earlier this week released video footage of hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyator David, along with images of starving Palestinian children, according to a CNN report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

International pressure to end the war in Gaza has increased amid reports of Gazans being killed while seeking food at aid sites run by the U.S.-and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

The United Nations says at least 1,373 Gazans have been killed while trying to get food and other humanitarian aid since the GHF began distributing meals in late May.

Hamas and others blame Israel for the deaths, but Israeli and GHF officials say Hamas is attacking aid workers and killing Gazans who seek aid that it cannot control.
Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) President and Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath on Saturday welcomed the NIA Special Court's decision to grant bail to two Kerala-based nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on human trafficking charges, calling their arrest as based on "false accusations." "I thank God and everyone for this good news... The two sisters had come to work in a hospital with the permission of their parents... A mob of extremists attacked them... and they were arrested under totally false accusations," he told ANI. Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath called for a law from the government to protect people from such incidents. He also thanked everyone for making efforts for the release of the two Nuns. "Our request is that the case be quashed at the earliest, because the delay might lead to more false accusations... There should be an Act from the government to protect against such incidents... Many fringe groups have attacked Christianity in recent times... I thank all the people of goodwill for taking efforts for the release of the sisters and thank the centre and state governments for their active intervention," he added. Jojo MV, brother of Sr Preethy Mary, one of the nuns, said, "We are very happy to hear this news. Thank you to everyone who supported our family..." "We are very happy to hear this news. Thank you to everyone who supported our family," he added. Meanwhile, Two Kerala nuns who were arrested on charges of trafficking and religious conversion were released from jail after an NIA court granted them bail on Saturday. Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrasekhar received the two Nuns from Durg Jail, who were arrested in Chhattisgarh. Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajeev Chandrasekhar received the two Nuns from Durg Jail, who were arrested in Chhattisgarh. Two Kerala-based nuns arrested earlier in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on charges of human trafficking have been granted bail by a local court, their legal counsel confirmed on Saturday. The case was filed under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967. Advocate Gopa Kumar, representing the nuns, told ANI, "A case of human trafficking was registered under BNS section 143. We argued that this section cannot be applied to the case. So the court has granted bail today. They cannot go out of India, and a bail bond of Rs 50,000 each needs to be furnished. The bail will be granted in a few hours." An advocate representing the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is handling aspects of the case, also confirmed the development. "The bail order has been passed, and conditional bail has been given to them. The conditions include that they must not leave India and must not influence the investigation. Around five such conditions have been imposed. We have received the court order and will study it in detail," the NIA counsel said. On Friday, a special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district took up the bail application of three persons, including the two nuns, in the case. The court reserved its order for today. The defence counsel argued that there was no material evidence to suggest that the accused indulged in forcible religious conversion or human trafficking. The nuns from Kerala were arrested at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on July 25. (ANI)
New research by the University of Georgia and its partners shows that an invasive species of arachnid in the state of Georgia may be not so as demure as previously believed.

Researchers working with the university said in the study that they normally describe the Joro spiders as a shy species, at least shy compared to their America-native peers.

The researchers newer observations show, however, that the species might also be cannibals.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Thats right, the Joro, a non-native species of spider from Japan and other parts of East Asia, has been in Georgia for several years now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The study noted that Joro spiders have been spotted webbing their way around the southeast United States since 2014 and have been expanding their range since.

RELATED STORIES:

An orb weaver, Channel 2 Action News has reported on how the spiders have a somewhat unique form of travel: using their webs to spin parachutes and travel on the wind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The recently published study by UGA scientists, titled "Its a Spider-Eat-Spider World," noted that unlike some species of spiders, where the females cannibalize males during or after mating, the Joro is different.

Through a series of experiments and lab tests, the researchers found that cannibalism was at times more related to territorial aggression, rather than sexual activity.

"In the cases where cannibalism was witnessed, it involved one female biting and killing another, typically after a short fight. When two females of a similar size were placed together in a container, fights ensued 40% of the time," according to the study. When females of different sizes were paired, fights happened 18% of the time, and the larger females were not always the aggressor.

The study also found that fights between spiders would happen even when they were not on a web together, implying that the aggression may not necessarily be over territory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During research on the spiders, observers in Clarke County said while performing unrelated research on Joros, three of the studys authors watched two spiders begin fighting immediately upon being released near each other, leading to ones death.

Out of 52 tests of fights set up between spiders of different sizes, researchers said six led to obvious cannibalism, but there was not a clear effect of body size to aggression.

Small spiders and larger spiders both started fights.

Of an additional 14 tests of spider fights, there was one example where a female spider killed another female spider, then wrapped it in silk, what the scientists said was akin to marking the other arachnid as prey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The researchers said the aggressive behavior was interesting specifically due to the shy nature of Joros in previous observations.

The observed conflicts also spun counter to the tendency of spiders of this genus to form communal webs, which we have observed in Georgia, the study authors said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Russian forces are stepping up efforts to surround Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast, a key Ukrainian logistics hub supporting operations in Donbas.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence update dated 2 August on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: British analysts have reported that Russian forces have made advances to the northeast of Pokrovsk, attempting to encircle and cut off its logistics routes and ground lines of communication over the past week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They have advanced westwards along the H-32 road, particularly towards the town of Rodynske, through which the main northern supply route to Pokrovsk runs. Russian troops have also captured territory south of the road, advancing in the area of Myroliubivka.

Open sources reported that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups had attempted to infiltrate the southern part of Pokrovsk, after which Ukrainian forces conducted clearing operations on 22 July 2025.

Pokrovsk has been a priority target for Russia since February 2024, when it captured Avdiivka. Russian efforts against the fortified city have come at a heavy cost in personnel and equipment.

Background:

Estonian intelligence noted that Russian forces are trying to apply the same tactics they used earlier in Vuhledar and Avdiivka for Pokrovsk.

On 1 August, US President Donald Trump stated that Russia had lost over 112,000 troops in the war against Ukraine since the beginning of the year.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy does not believe that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is currently ready for serious negotiations on peace in Ukraine.

Source: Lammy in an interview with The Guardian, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from Lammy: "My sober assessment is that Putin is not ready to seriously negotiate. He still has maximalist and imperialist ambitions. The battle Ukraine has fought, with UK, European and American support, is immense.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I suspect that in a years time, talks will be going on. The question is how serious Russia is about those talks."

Details: He also said he admires the people of Ukraine and their tenacity and steadfastness.

"Even if the world left them [Ukraine  ed.] behind, theyd still be waging a guerrilla war, such is their belief in their country. Its deeply inspiring", the foreign secretary said.

Background:

Earlier, Lammy condemned Russias latest large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities carried out on the night of 30-31 July.

In June, the UK foreign secretary stated that the loss of one million Russian troops in Ukraine demonstrates Putin's use of Russians as cannon fodder.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who was killed in Russian captivity in 2024, has been posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Aug. 2.

The Order of Freedom is a Ukrainian state award given for exceptional contributions to the country's sovereignty, democracy, and human rights.

"Viktoria was one of those who spoke the truth about the war. She worked on the front lines and in temporarily occupied territories, risking her life," Zelensky said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Roshchyna, 27, disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories. Moscow admitted in 2024 that she was in Russian detention.

Her body was returned to Ukraine in late February and falsely labeled as that of an "unidentified man." A forensic examination was later able to identify the body as Roshchyna's through DNA testing.

Ukrainian officials confirmed Roshchyna's death on Oct. 10, 2024, but said that the circumstances were still under investigation. Russia claims Roshchyna died on Sept. 19, 2024.

A recent large-scale media investigation revealed that Roshchyna's body had been returned with missing organs, possibly an attempt to obscure signs of suffocation or strangulation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian NGO, reported that Roshchyna had been held in at least two notorious Russian prisons: Penal Colony 77 in Berdiansk in occupied Ukraine and Detention Center 2 in Russia's Taganrog.

Both facilities are known for the use of torture against prisoners.

Roshchyna was also detained in March 2022 for 10 days by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) while leaving Berdiansk in the direction of Mariupol. As a condition of her release, she was forced to record a video saying Russian forces had saved her life.

Read also: With all eyes on Kyiv, its surrounding villages are unspoken victims of Russian attacks

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraines government approved changes to the Ukraine Plan  the reform roadmap required to receive funding under the EUs Ukraine Facility  on 1 August.

Source: Ukraines Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sobolev said that the changes were needed to "update commitments", noting that two years have passed since the initial preparation of the Ukraine Plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The minister asserts that some deadlines will be extended, others shortened and references to specific EU legal acts will be added. Wording around certain reform steps will also be clarified.

Quote from Sobolev: "The possibility of amending the plan was discussed with the European Commission from the beginning. It is foreseen by the regulation establishing the Ukraine Facility. Our teams have been working together to agree on changes for the past few months."

He stressed that the scope and content of Ukraines commitments to its European partners remain unchanged.

Quote: "We will continue to implement the plan in its updated version. The changes will affect steps beginning in Q3 2025, so we are already moving forward according to the new schedule. In fact, some reforms will be completed faster than originally agreed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The revised Ukraine Plan must be approved by the EU Council by the end of September.

Background:

Since early 2024, the Ukraine Facility has served as the EUs primary financial assistance mechanism for Ukraine, with a total value of 50 billion. From Q2 2024 onwards, EU disbursements are conditional on Ukraines implementation of specific reforms.

For each quarter, Ukraine is expected to meet defined targets  policy changes or decisions  that are detailed in the Ukraine Plan, which includes timelines and deliverables.

On 25 July, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed to European Pravda that the next Ukraine Facility tranche would be reduced due to Kyivs failure to implement certain promised reforms.

Last week, Brussels warned through diplomatic channels that several funding programmes could be frozen if the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) fails to fully restore the independence of Ukraines anti-corruption institutions.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
By Max Hunder

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies said on Saturday they had uncovered a major graft scheme that procured military drones and signal jamming systems at inflated prices, two days after the agencies' independence was restored following major protests.

The independence of Ukraine's anti-graft investigators and prosecutors, NABU and SAPO, was reinstated by parliament on Thursday after a move to take it away resulted in the country's biggest demonstrations since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement published by both agencies on social media, NABU and SAPO said they had caught a sitting lawmaker, two local officials and an unspecified number of national guard personnel taking bribes. None of them were identified in the statement.

"The essence of the scheme was to conclude state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices," it said, adding that the offenders had received kickbacks of up to 30% of a contract's cost. Four people had been arrested.

"There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork to expose corruption and, as a result, a just sentence," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.

Zelenskiy, who has far-reaching wartime presidential powers and still enjoys broad approval among Ukrainians, was forced into a rare political about-face when his attempt to bring NABU and SAPO under the control of his prosecutor-general sparked the first nationwide protests of the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zelenskiy subsequently said that he had heard the people's anger, and submitted a bill restoring the agencies' former independence, which was voted through by parliament on Thursday.

Ukraine's European allies praised the move, having voiced concerns about the original stripping of the agencies' status.

Top European officials had told Zelenskiy that Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for European Union membership by curbing the powers of its anti-graft authorities.

"It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law adopted on Thursday guarantees them every opportunity for a real fight against corruption," Zelenskiy wrote on Saturday after meeting the heads of the agencies, who briefed him on the latest investigation.

(Reporting by Max Hunder; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Ukraines anti-corruption agencies uncovered a major graft scheme in the procurement of military drones and electronic warfare equipment, two days after their independence was restored in a humiliating U-turn for Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president had pushed through a controversial bill that removed the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (Sapo), placing them under the control of the General Prosecutors Office, which is led by Zelensky loyalists and mistrusted by many Ukrainians.

Thousands of protesters descended onto the streets of Kyiv last week, and there was mounting pressure from top European officials, who warned Ukraine was jeopardising its bid for EU membership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The law was reversed days ago in the Ukrainian parliament and on Saturday, Mr Zelensky announced that the agencies had arrested an MP in his ruling party and the head of a local district administration.

It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law passed on Thursday guarantees them all the tools necessary for a real fight against corruption, the Ukrainian president said in a statement posted on X, along with pictures of him meeting with the heads of the agencies.

[Nabu] Director Semen Kryvonos and Head of the [Sapo] Oleksandr Klymenko delivered a report, he wrote. A Ukrainian MP, along with heads of district and city administrations and several National Guard service members, were exposed for bribery. I am grateful to the anti-corruption agencies for their work.

There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork in uncovering it, and ultimately, a fair sentence.

Nabu director Semen Kryvonos helped expose the bribery

In a statement published by both agencies, Nabu and Sapo also said they had caught a sitting lawmaker, two local officials and an unspecified number of national guard personnel taking bribes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Today, a number of operations were carried out to expose individuals involved in committing a corruption-related crime. The essence of the scheme was to conclude state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices, it said, adding that the offenders had received kickbacks of up to 30 per cent of a contracts cost. Four people have been arrested.

A spokesperson for Nabu added that the operation was made possible by the bill which Mr Zelensky signed into law earlier this week, reversing the previous contentious bill.

This operation is an example of how institutional support and high-level teamwork contribute to real change. We thank the president of Ukraine for supporting the independent anti-corruption infrastructure.

One of the individuals detained was Oleksiy Kuznetsov, an MP from Mr Zelenskys ruling Servant of the People party, the Financial Times reported. Serhiy Haidai, head of the Mukachevo district, was reportedly also arrested.

Allies warned Zelensky

Mr Zelensky and Andriy Yermak, his powerful chief of staff, had claimed last week that they had rushed through the original bill to counter Russian interference within the corruption agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, critics alleged the step had been designed to protect his political allies from prosecution.

Kyivs western allies, including France, warned the Ukrainian president against following through with the reforms.

MPs on Thursday voted 331 to 0 in favour of the new bill in Kyivs 450-seat legislature to restore their political independence.

That was not before two MPs descended into a public brawl in the chamber before others broke up the tussle.

Eradicating graft and shoring up the rule of law are key requirements for Kyiv to join the EU, which Ukrainians see as critical to their future as they fend off a Russian invasion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Around 70 MPs from Mr Zelenskys ruling party had expressed doubt over the fresh bill over fears of revenge from the anti-corruption agencies. Mr Zelenskys ruling party had expressed doubt over the fresh bill over fears of revenge from the anti-corruption agencies.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
An MP, several heads of local government, and service members from the National Guard have been exposed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) as having been involved in bribery in relation to the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme involved entering into state contracts with supplier companies at notoriously inflated prices.

Source: NABU and SAPO on Telegram; Ukrainska Pravda sources

Quote: "Today, a number of measures have been taken to expose individuals who were involved in committing a corruption crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among those exposed for bribery are a sitting member of parliament of Ukraine, heads of district and city military civil administrations, and service members from the National Guard. The essence of the scheme was to conclude state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices. Up to 30% of the value of the contract was returned to the perpetrators as unlawful gains."

Details: So far, four people have been detained under Article 208 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine.

Neither NABU and SAPO nor President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the detainees names.

Ukrainska Pravda sources have reported that Oleksii Kuznietsov from the Servant of the People party is the MP who has been detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote from NABU and SAPO: "It should be noted that this operation was made possible thanks to law No. 4560-IX, signed by the President of Ukraine, which removed a number of barriers in the work of the anti-corruption bodies and contributed to the stability of their activities in investigations that are sensitive for the state. This operation is an example of how institutional support and cooperation at the highest level contribute to real change. We would like to thank the president of Ukraine for promoting an independent anti-corruption infrastructure."

Update: NABU and SAPO later released further details.

The organised criminal group included a Member of Parliament of the ninth [current] convocation; a former head of the Luhansk Oblast Military Administration who now heads one of the district military administrations; the head of a city military administration; the commander of a National Guard of Ukraine military unit; and the beneficial owner and the director of a company that supplies unmanned aerial vehicles

The investigators have established that in 2024 and 2025, the members of the organised group set up a scheme to systematically embezzle public funds allocated by local authorities for defence needs and to give and receive large-scale bribes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

NABU and SAPO found that one scheme centred on a government contract for the supply of electronic warfare systems. The members of the organised group received a bribe amounting to 30% of the contract value in exchange for agreeing to purchase the products at a deliberately inflated price.

Another of the embezzlement schemes uncovered involved the procurement of first-person view (FPV) drones. A military unit signed a government contract worth nearly UAH 10 million (approximately US$239,300) with a company that supplied the products at a price inflated by around US$80,000. After fulfilling the contract, company officials paid a kickback to the members of the criminal group.

Four individuals have been detained under Article 208 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine. The preliminary legal charges are under Articles 191.5 and 368.4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The authorities are now considering whether to serve notices of suspicion on the suspects.

Background: Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard have been caught accepting bribes.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Four Ukrainians have been detained in an investigation of "large-scale" governmental corruption, the nation's two anti-corruption agencies said Saturday.

A member of parliament, two current and former officials, and a member of the National Guard military were involved, according to the nation's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

They allegedly were involved in a plot to take funds appropriated for drones and electronic warfare in 2024 and 2025, NABU posted on Telegram. They also acquired and distributed "unlawful benefits on an especially large scale," the agency said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law passed unanimously by the parliament that restores the independence of the two agencies. One week earlier, the parliament had passed the law and Zelensky signed it that essentially ends their independence.

The former law sparked large protests and international rebuke, the Kyiv Independent reported.

In his daily video address, he said the schemes were "absolutely immoral."

Today I received a report from the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Maliuk. I am grateful for our special long-range operations on Russian territory. Each of them is tangible for the enemy, and our operations will continue - Russia is dragging out the war, so it... pic.twitter.com/Tfvkru58Ix Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 2, 2025

"I am grateful to the anti-corruption agencies for their work," Zelensky posted on X. "There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork in uncovering it, and ultimately, a fair sentence. It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law passed on Thursday guarantees them all the tools necessary for a real fight against corruption."

NABU Director Semen Kryvonos and Head of the SAPO Oleksandr Klymenko delivered a report. A Ukrainian MP, along with heads of district and city administrations and several National Guard servicemembers, were exposed for bribery. I am grateful to the anti-corruption agencies for... pic.twitter.com/VEH2qzFxUg Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) August 2, 2025

Detained were Oleksii Kuznetsov, a member of Zelensky's Servant of the People party; Serhii Haidai, a former Luhansk governor; Andrii Yurchenko, head of Luhansk Oblast's Rubizhne district and the guard member.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Kuznetsov will be dismissed from the Servant of the People in the parliament during the investigation, party leader David Arakhimia said.

In one scheme, they are accused of inflating a state contract for the purchase of electronic warfare with officials receiving a kickback of 30% of the conteact in exchange for inflating the price.

They were also involved in a similar way in state contracts for drones. A military unit signed a $239,000 contract with a producer with an overpaymernt of $80,000, the agencies said.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced the National Guard was implementing "systemic safeguards" to prevent power abuse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We are building a system in which honest service is protected, and there will be inevitable responsibility for violations," Klymenko posted on Telegram.

Ukraine has been purchasing drones and weapons from other nations since Russia invaded the nation in February 2022.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with additional comments from officials and news of Volodymyr Zelensky firing an official involved.

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) exposed a bribery scheme involving a member of parliament, current and former regional officials, and the National Guard, the agencies announced on Aug. 2.

The officials involved in the plot allegedly appropriated funds intended for the procurement of drones and electronic warfare (EW) equipment, NABU reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The report comes shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law passed by the parliament on July 31 restoring the independence of the two agencies  the country's principal anti-corruption bodies  after revoking their independence a few days earlier. The dismantling of NABU and SAPO sparked large-scale protests and international backlash.

The organized corruption ring exposed on Aug. 2 involved a Ukrainian MP, a former governor of Luhansk Oblast, the current heads of a district and city military administration, the head of a National Guard military unit, and the director of a company that supplies drones, NABU said.

Ukrainian media outlets identified the MP as Oleksii Kuznetsov, a member of Zelensky's Servant of the People party. Other exposed officials included Serhii Haidai (former Luhansk governor) and Andrii Yurchenko (head of Luhansk Oblast's Rubizhne district), Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing sources in law enforcement.

The investigation revealed that members of the group systematically appropriated government funds allocated for the military during 2024-2025. The perpetrators also acquired and doled out "unlawful benefits on an especially large scale."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

One of the schemes uncovered by the investigation involved intentionally inflating a state contract for the purchase of EW systems. The officials received a kickback worth 30% of the contract in exchange for inflating the price.

Members of the group employed a similar strategy with a state contract for first-person-view (FPV) drones, the agencies said.

At this time, four people have been detained in connection with the bribery scheme.

David Arakhimia, head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament), said that Kuznetsov would be dismissed from the faction for the duration of the corruption probe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We await the court hearing of this case in due course. Those guilty of corruption crimes must be punished fairly, regardless of their status or position," Arakhamia said.

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko also announced that the Cabinet of Ministers had convened an extraordinary meeting in response to the investigation. Zelensky later signed an order dismissing Haidai from his post as head of the Mukachevo district administration.

Read also: Protesters demand release of draftees in Vinnytsia, break into detention facility

In response to the findings, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko announced that the National Guard was working to implement "systematic safeguards" to prevent abuses of power. He also said the National Guard had removed the suspected officials from their posts and launched an internal investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We are building a system in which honest service is protected, and there will be inevitable responsibility for violations," Klymenko said.

Zelensky also responded to news of the corruption scheme, saying he expected "serious results" from Klymenko's reforms in the National Guard.

"In all logistics units in the National Guard, only combat officers will hold leadership positions," he said.

According to the Zelensky, NABU chief Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko privately briefed the president about the findings of the corruption investigation.

"I am grateful to the anti-corruption bodies for their work," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork to expose corruption, and ultimately a fair verdict. It is important that anti-corruption institutions work independently, and the law adopted on Thursday guarantees them all the opportunities for a real fight against corruption."

While Zelensky's comments praised the importance of the agencies' independence, the fact of the briefing itself is curious, as the anti-corruption organizations are expected to maintain their separation from the government.

One of the chief criticisms of the July 22 law that prompted mass demonstrations in Ukraine was that it would prevent anti-corruption agencies from investigation high-ranking officials without approval from Zelensky's administration.

Read also: Inside the Battle of Kostiantynivka, as Ukrainian forces brace for three-sided Russian assault

.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Patna District Magistrate (DM) Dr Thiyagarajan SM on Saturday responded to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's claim that his name is missing from the electoral roll. Dr Thiyagarajan stated that Tejashwi Yadav's name is indeed present in the electoral roll, specifically at the booth where he used to vote. The DM clarified that voters can check their names in the draft roll using their name or EPIC number, ensuring transparency and accuracy. He mentioned that Tejashwi Yadav's EPIC number, as mentioned in his 2020 election affidavit, matches the one in the current electoral roll, suggesting no change or deletion. Dr Thiyagarajan SM said, "The name of the leader of the opposition is definitely there. The claim that his name is not there is completely wrong. His name is still there at the booth where he used to vote, and it is there in the public domain, everyone can see it. I want to say very clearly that all the voters of Patna district are requested to have some patience. You can see your name in the draft by your name or EPIC number. So there is no confusion in this." The DM hinted that Tejashwi Yadav might be looking at a different EPIC card or number, which could be confusing. "In the affidavit filed by him during nomination in the 2020 election, he has given this EPIC number in it; this is the number that we are telling. Now, if he is looking at any other EPIC card, then we will have to look at it. He has also filed a nomination in 2020 on the basis of the EPIC card given, and it still exists. There is no change in it. The EPIC number that you had earlier will remain the same," he further said. The DM further stated that all confusion and queries raised on social media would be addressed one by one. ECI is trying to explain all the facts. "The preparation of the draft roll of the SIR was over on July 25. 5 days before it, we had shared the list with all political parties. In the meeting, the political parties did not share any concerns. There is no issue in it," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Tejashwi Yadav alleged that his name was missing from the voter list amid the SIR exercise in Bihar. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted his claim. "My name is not there in the electoral roll. How will I contest the elections?" Tejashwi Yadav asked after he was unable to fetch his name using his Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. However, the ECI clarified that Tejashwi's name is included in the draft voter list at serial number 416. ECI, in a statement, stated, "It has come to our attention that Tejashwi Yadav has made a mischievous claim that his name does not appear in the draft electoral roll. His name is listed at Serial Number 416 in the Draft Electoral Roll. Therefore, any claim stating that his name is not included in the draft electoral roll is false and factually incorrect." This comes after the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday released the draft voter list for Bihar, following a month-long special intensive revision (SIR) process. The EC said the public has one month to submit claims and objections, assuring that "no name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason." "The draft voter list has been released today in Bihar. One-month period for claims and objections begins; draft list shared with political parties. Still a full one month to get names added. No name will be removed from the draft voter list without a stated reason," the Commission stated in a statement on X. Earlier on Friday, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the poll body of being complicit in "vote theft" to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi claimed his party has "open-and-shut proof" of the alleged electoral malpractice, which he likened to an "atom bomb" that will expose the ECI's involvement when revealed. (ANI)
The Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government) is set to meet on the evening of 2 August to begin the process of dismissing Serhii Haidai as head of the Mukachevo District State Administration. Haidai is suspected by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) of involvement in a corruption scheme.

Source: Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on Telegram

Quote: "The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is due to hold a meeting in half an hour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government will submit a draft order to the president to dismiss Serhii Haidai from his position as head of Mukachevo District State Administration."

Updated: Later, Svyrydenko announced that at an extraordinary meeting, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to submit to the president a draft order for the dismissal of Serhii Haidai from his post as head of Mukachevo District State Administration.

Background:

Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard had been caught accepting bribes.

NABU and SAPO have exposed an MP, several heads of local government and service members from the National Guard as having been involved in bribery in relation to the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme involved entering into state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices.

Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Oleksii Kuznietsov, an MP from the Servant of the People party, Serhii Haidai, Head of Mukachevo District State Administration in Zakarpattia Oblast and former head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, and Andrii Yurchenko, Head of Rubizhne City Military Administration in Luhansk Oblast, are among those who have been exposed by NABU and SAPO as having been involved in large-scale corruption.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Oleksii Kuznietsov, an MP from the Servant of the People party, Serhii Haidai, Head of Mukachevo District State Administration in Zakarpattia Oblast and former head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, and Andrii Yurchenko, Head of Rubizhne City Military Administration in Luhansk Oblast, are among those who have been exposed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) as having been involved in large-scale corruption.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources in law enforcement agencies

Details: Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Kuznietsov, Haidai and the other individuals concerned have been detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sources said that in the second half of 2024, NABU compiled information from various open and covert sources, including media outlets, that indicated that some public officials were engaged in the systemic embezzlement of state funds and large-scale bribery during state defence procurement processes. These schemes resulted in low-quality equipment, including UAVs, being produced, significantly undermining the defence capability and safety of Ukraines military.

Undercover NABU units infiltrated the organised criminal group and exposed the criminal activities being carried out with the involvement of MP Oleksii Kuznietsov, several heads of regional and local authorities, military unit commanders and a division of the National Guard of Ukraine. Working with defence suppliers, they systematically misappropriated funds allocated by local authorities to support defence forces.

The pre-trial investigation has established that in late 2024 and early 2025, MP Oleksii Kuznietsov, using his official position and influence over certain National Guard commanders, and acting in collusion with Serhii Haidai, had developed a regular scheme to misappropriate budget funds and offer/receive bribes from local government officials, military commanders and other individuals in the course of defence procurement.

The investigation into one criminal case determined that on 2 August 2025, Kuznietsov, in collusion with Yurchenko, a National Guard official and Haidai, had received a substantial unlawful benefit of UAH 1.5 million (approx. US$35,900) for arranging the signing of a government contract between military unit 3082 and the company Yuvitek for the supply of Yastruby Peremohy 6D electronic warfare systems worth UAH 5 million (US$119,660).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The bribe was distributed as follows: Kuznietsov, Yurchenko and a representative of the manufacturer each received UAH 350,000 (US$8,375); a military unit commander known as Myshanskyi received UAH 250,000 (US$5,984); and Haidai and the National Guard official received UAH 100,000 (US$2,393) each, with their shares being passed on through Kuznietsov.

In addition, during the investigation, further evidence emerged implicating Kuznietsov in another serious criminal offence. In this case, he acted in collusion with Yurchenko, the National Guard official, Haidai, representatives of Akopters LLC and other members of the group to secure the signing of a state contract between National Guard unit 3018 and Akopters for the production and supply of first-person view (FPV) drones worth UAH 9,968 million (US$238,573)  a sum that had been knowingly inflated. After the contract had been fulfilled and the funds transferred to Akopters account, the companys representatives handed over Kuznietsovs share of the illegally obtained money, part of which he then passed on to other group members. The total amount embezzled through this contract was US$43,000 and the inflated cost of the FPV drones was approximately US$80,000.

For reference: Kuznietsov was one of the MPs who on 22 July voted in favour of the controversial draft law No. 12414, which contained amendments intended to deprive Ukraines independent anti-corruption institutions of their autonomy and bring them under the prosecutor general's control.

Background:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard had been caught accepting bribes.

NABU and SAPO announced that they have exposed an MP, several heads of local government and service members from the National Guard as having been involved in bribery in relation to the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme involved entering into state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP)  UMassFive College Federal Credit Union has garnered top recognition from the local community, earning multiple honors in two regional readers polls.

Educators get 40% discount at Ocean State Job Lot for Educator Deal Days

The credit union was named Best Credit Union in the Valley Advocates Best of the Valley Readers Poll for the 19th consecutive year and Best Local Credit Union in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Readers Choice Poll for the 12th year in a row.

Photo courtesy of UMass Five College Federal Credit Union

In addition to these headline accolades, UMassFive was awarded top honors in six other categories in the Daily Hampshire Gazette poll:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Best Financial Planning/Wealth Management (6th year)

Best Estate Planning Service (2nd year)

Best Auto Loan Provider (4th consecutive year)

Best Local Bank for a Loan (3rd year)

Best Mortgage/Home Loan Provider (1st year)

Best Local Online Banking (1st year)

Founded with a focus on serving the UMass community, UMassFive has expanded over the years to support individuals, families, and local businesses throughout the Pioneer Valley. As a member-owned credit union, it emphasizes community impact rather than shareholder profits.

For more information about the credit union and its services, visit their website.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland city councilor is speaking out against Mayor Keith Wilsons executive order directing the city to comply with the Trump administrations diversity, equity and inclusion mandates.

Mayor Wilson issued the order on Thursday to align with President Donald Trumps January executive order mandating that government entities with DEI practices would no longer receive federal funding.

Wilsons order states, By complying with these laws, City programs and services will provide services, programs, and benefits without regard or preference based on protected class status, consistent with our ongoing commitment to complying with federal nondiscrimination laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DONT MISS: Trumps anti-DEI order sparks new federal funding guidance in Washington County

Since the presidents order, Wilson says Portland has had to wrestle with a difficult question due to the citys $349 million in active federal grants that are at risk. About 90% of these grants support the City of Portlands transportation and housing programs.

If lost, the funds that keep our roads safe and our neighbors housed will be sharply felt, Wilson said in a previous statement. The consequences for accepting grants without compliance are severe, including the possibility of both civil and criminal penalties against anyone who signs for the funds.

On Thursday, District 1 Councilor Loretta Smith issued a response to the mayors executive order, calling the move underwhelming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Eye on Northwest Politics

This underwhelming executive order does little to advance Portlands commitment to the Civil Rights Act. Mayor Wilson must adopt stronger language, and clarify existing code to oppose the Trump administration, including potential funding cuts to the City of Portland, Smith said in a statement.

The Portland city councilor continued, legal action should be our primary tool to effectively resist President Trumps misguided executive orders targeting our employees and programs that are already meeting the Civil Rights Act guidelines. Merely emphasizing self monitoring and disparity studies will not prevent the Trump administration from slashing our federal funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are at least 13 key roles in Portlands Office of Equity and Human Rights that will be impacted by the citys compliance.

After Mayor Wilson issued his executive order, he shared a statement that reiterated the citys commitment to the rights of people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people experiencing disabilities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
School (in)Security is our biweekly briefing on the latest school safety news, vetted by Mark Keierleber. Subscribe here.

In a battle over undocumented students access to public schooling  and, frankly, their futures  the Trump administration agreed this week to pause new federal rules designed to bar immigrants from Head Start and other education programs.

My colleague Jo Napolitano reports the reprieve, through Sept. 3, applies in 20 states and Washington, D.C., after state attorneys general sued to stop new rules designed to give undocumented preschoolers and other immigrant students the boot.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr. visits a Head Start program on May 21 to promote healthy eating. On July 10, he issued a directive barring undocumented students from the federally funded early education program. (Facebook/HeadStart.gov)

Those regulations could end up restricting educational opportunities for the youngest learners. But as Jo explains in her newest analysis, its just one part of a multifaceted approach to bar undocumented students from learning from cradle to career.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read Jos full analysis  and learn how the changes could undercut the chance immigrant youth get for a better life.

In the news

More on Trumps immigration crackdown: In Arizona, unaccompanied minors are facing immigration judges alone  without help from lawyers  after the administration cut off access to funding for their defense. A court order has restored the money temporarily through September. | Arizona Republic

The Trump administration instructed federal agents to give detained migrant teenagers the option of voluntarily returning to their home countries instead of being confined in government-overseen shelters. | CBS News

Attorneys for immigrant children say youth and families are being detained in prison-like facilities even as the administration seeks to terminate rules that mandate basic safety and sanitary conditions for children. | CBS News

The Denver school district says fear of federal immigration enforcement led to a surge in student absences. A review of attendance data by The Denver Gazette suggests a more nuanced picture. | The Denver Gazette

Undocumented students who attended K-12 schools in the U.S. last year before getting deported share their stories. | USA Today

Sign-up for the School (in)Security newsletter.

Get the most critical news and information about students' rights, safety and well-being delivered straight to your inbox.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Penny Schwinn, who was in line to be the Education Departments second in command, has dropped out of consideration following critiques of her conservative bona fides, including for past support of campus equity initiatives. | The 74



Trampling upon womens rights: The Oregon Department of Education is the latest agency to come under federal investigation over allegations the state allows transgender students to compete in womens sports. | Oregon Public Broadcasting



New Education Department guidance encourages the use of federal money to expand artificial intelligence in classrooms, which the agency said has the potential to revolutionize schools. | Education Week

The Trump administrations AI Action Plan comes after the Senate failed to pass rules in the big, beautiful tax-and-spending bill designed to prevent states from regulating AI. Instead, Trumps guidance directs the Federal Communications Commission to evaluate state regulations and block any AI-related federal funding to any states with rules deemed burdensome. | The White House

How a 45-second TikTok video portraying a campus shooting  created by middle school cheerleaders  led to criminal charges. | ProPublica



A phishing campaign has taken advantage of mass layoffs at the Education Department by mimicking a portal maintained by the agency to manage grants and federal education funding. | DarkReading



Drones are being pitched as the next big thing to thwart school shootings  but district leaders are balking at the million-dollar price tag. | WCTV



Critical gaps: An inspector general report in Washington, D.C., uncovered flaws in the city school systems gun violence prevention efforts, including a backlog on repairs to security equipment. | The Washington Post



Wisconsin schools are installing controversial license plate readers that have been used by law enforcement to track down undocumented immigrants. | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

ICYMI @The74

Sierra Rios and her daughter Nevaeh (Sierra Rios)

For Decades, the Feds Were the Last, Best Hope for Special Ed Kids. What Happens Now?

A Students View: Cell Phone Bans Wont Fix Education

Report: A Mixed Picture in Pandemic Recovery for American Children

Emotional Support

Chompers gonna chomp. Photo credit: Bev Weintraub


Nate Costly organized a vigil to honor his childhood friend, Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., who died earlier in the week at a construction site in Goodyear.

Baquera, 44, was killed on July 28 after becoming trapped in a 6- to 7-foot trench near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. He was buried under dirt while working at the site.

Due to the complexity of the scene and safety concerns, rescue crews were unable to reach Baquera in time. About 30 minutes after arriving, the operation shifted from a rescue to a recovery. His body was recovered the following morning, on July 29.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Affectionately called "Ronnie," Costly called him a "loving father and a loyal friend" who was "brutally honest, endlessly caring, and unforgettable," in the vigil invitation. The vigil was scheduled for August 1.

Costly wrote that Baquera was survived by his two sons and a daughter.

"He will be deeply missed," Costly wrote.

A true servant

With about 80 people in attendance, the vigil honored Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr. in a meaningful waymany wore orange, his favorite color.

Renisha Williams, a close family friend who considered Baquera like a brother, described him as a true servantalways ready to lend a helping hand. She said she plans to carry on his legacy by continuing to give and help others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shatera Williams, who had known Baquera since she was 10, sang a gospel song at the vigil in his honor. Baquera had been her stepdads best friend, and she remembered him as a fixer  someone who "was going to fix it with laughter or his hands. A common theme throughout the evening was how Baquera was always ready to help anyone in need.

Chris McCrimmon, who works for CS Construction, didnt often work directly with Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., since they were assigned to different sides of the cityMcCrimmon on the east side and Baquera on the west. But during the times they did work together over their two-year acquaintance, McCrimmon said Baquera stood out as a hard worker with deep knowledge of the job. He also recalled how much Baquera loved his family. The two bonded over their shared faith.

Construction workers react to death

Just hours before the vigil, construction crews were still at work in the area. Freshly poured sidewalks near an elementary school were being smoothed, while a bulldozer sat on bare dirt just feet from newly planted grass, kept green by running sprinklers.

Fred Gonzalez, a 22-year veteran of the construction industry, was working in a trench near the one that collapsed days earlier. Alongside him was his 18-year-old son, Adam Gonzalez. The two had been hired to inspect the pipe connected to a fire hydrant to ensure it hadnt been damaged in the accident

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It definitely feels eerie, said Gonzalez, who was working for the Goodyear-based firm of Petra Consulting.

Gonzalez said he didnt know the man who died, but felt a kinship with him.

We all are involved in the underground industry, he said. The trench they were working in was shored up with a metal box-like structure. Still, he said, the job comes with danger. It can happen, he said.

How did Baquera get trapped in Goodyear?

The Goodyear Fire Department responded to a call at 1:10 p.m. on July 28 when Baquera got stuck in a trench.

The fire department responded within six minutes of receiving the call, according to Ruben Real, a spokesperson for the Goodyear Fire Department. The Goodyear Police Department, Phoenix Fire Department's technical rescue team, APS and Southwest Gas workers were also on hand to assist with the rescue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Baquera was buried under a large amount of dirt, according to Real.

As crews dug, the trench continued to collapse as the dirt was removed, which created a dangerous condition for Baquera and the rescue crews. That led the department to pause and take a more methodical recovery approach, Real told The Republic.

Operations resumed into the evening and worked through the night with heavy equipment from utility partners. Crews removed the worker's body from the trench around 2 a.m. July 29, Real said.

Whos investigating the death?

The incident remained under investigation alongside partner agencies, Real said.

The compliance division of the Industrial Commission of Arizona started its investigation July 28, said Charles Carpenter, a spokesman for the states workplace safety agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The results of such an investigation typically take four to five months, Carpenter said. Recommendations of citations and proposed penalties are presented to the state board for approval.

(This story has been updated to add new information and video.)

Republic reporter Rey Covarrubias Jr contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Friends honor construction worker killed in Goodyear accident
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  UnidosUS will host its annual conference in Kansas City August 4-7. It is the nations largest Latino Civil Rights organization.

Immigration was already set to be a big topic, but its taken on new significance after raids of restaurants this week, one in the hometown of UnidosUSs president.

Hearing held, no recall election date of Jackson County Executive set

Were told a dozen workers in all were detained. At least three have since been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Homeland Security says ICE was carrying out a criminal federal search warrant to rescue victims of human trafficking when it raided El Toro Loco restaurants when they opened Wednesday in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas.

UnidosUS President Janet Murguia grew up in KCK, now shes in Washington D.C. fighting for immigration reform under new policies by the Trump administration.

The vast majority of stats weve garnered so far show that less than 10 percent of folks theyve picked up have any criminal record. So the facts just dont support what they are saying as an excuse to go into these small businesses and create these raids and disruption, Murguia said.

Immigration will be on the agenda as 1500 Latino leaders advocates and allies arrive in Kansas City for next weeks UnidosUS annual conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We talk a lot about focus on economic empowerment for the community but obviously the disruption and chaos and cruelty we are seeing by these mass deportation action that are so extreme will also be a focus for us, Murguia said.

Murguia said shes worried about due process for workers who arent being told what they are charged with and families struggling to find out where loved ones are taken. During next weeks conference theyll also discuss best practices for witnesses to avoid facing scrutiny for filming arrests.

Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV

We want to give important information for what average citizens can do when we see these raids that are happening with extreme aggressive tactics, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While UnidosUS is calling out cruelty, so is Homeland Security . On Friday, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin with Homeland Security said theyve seen more than an a 800 percent increase in assaults on ICE agents.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  As summer winds down, the St. Joseph community has a chance to make a lasting impact by supporting local students through the 17th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive.

Presented by Mosaic Life Care and coordinated by United Way of Greater St. Joseph, this event will take place on Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug 2, at both the North and South Belt Walmart locations.

The goal is simple but powerful: ensure every student in the area begins the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It feels really good. You know, there's there's plenty of ways that you can give back. And this is a really easy, low commitment. It's great to be able to come here and feel good and help out the community, especially the kids," said Harlan Horst, a volunteer, "Man, it's crazy. Somebody's come out wit all these binders and it looks like they bought the full case off the shelf. And that's that's really cool to see is the the community's generosity so you know, come help us stuff the bus!

Volunteers will be on-site collecting new school supplies, everything from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and crayons.

Donations will be distributed through United Ways network of partner agencies, including The Salvation Army, to reach students most in need.

Community members are encouraged not only to donate supplies but also to volunteer. Those interested in getting more involved can visit stjosephunitedway.org for more information on how to participate.
The University of Warwick has come under fire for starting a luxury makeover while making staff redundant because of financial pressures.

Academics accused the institution of indulging in a vanity project after it emerged the institution funded Vogue photoshoots for senior staff as part of a new global marketing strategy.

Ajay Teli, Warwicks chief communications officer, has featured in a series of paid magazine spreads in recent months to promote the universitys 60th anniversary. It includes a fashion photoshoot for Vogue Singapore published in June, in which Mr Teli wore designer clothing and said he would use his experience in the premium and luxury sectors to boost Warwicks reputation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It comes after the university made 218 people redundant last year as financial pressures creep across the sector. The figure is more than double the previous year, and means the university has made over 900 redundancies in the past five years alone, according to Telegraph analysis.

Mr Teli told Vogue Singapore he was drawn to higher education as the next frontier of influence, a space where knowledge, identity and opportunity intersect.

The University of Warwick confirmed to The Telegraph that it paid for the promotional pieces but refused to say how much they cost.

This is University of Warwick. This is Beyond

The adverts, first reported by Times Higher Education, were placed to coincide with a wider rebrand at the university which has faced ridicule from staff for being tone-deaf.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The homepage of the Russell Group institutions website has been replaced since June with a lilac landing page unveiling its new tagline: This is University of Warwick. This is Beyond.

Until last month, the main hyperlink on the web page invited users to learn more about our Brand. This has since been replaced by a button saying: Study here.

A now-deleted page on Warwicks website also instructed staff on how to use the universitys new Beyond motto in marketing material.

It said: Using Beyond as an abstract noun captures the idea that Beyond is a conceptual space where limits are exceeded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Good example: Beyond is harnessing linguistics in sport. Poor example: We go beyond to harness linguistics in sport.

The revamp forms part of Warwicks new brand evolution project to mark six decades since the university opened. It recently rejected a freedom of information request asking for details on how much this cost, citing commercial interests.

One Warwick academic told The Telegraph: People are fuming. Many have likened it to the Jaguar campaign and feel embarrassed to be associated with it.

Michael Merrifield, emeritus professor of astronomy at the University of Nottingham, wrote on X: How can people who work in university marketing be so totally tone-deaf to both the product they are supposed to be selling, and to the front-line teaching and research staff who are expected to actually deliver it?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A University and College Union source told The Telegraph: The University of Warwicks new brand has undoubtedly cost the institution a considerable amount of money, spent while staff contracts are not being renewed, essential roles are being eradicated, and students are struggling to pay their tuition and their bills.

We have asked the university for information on how much this rebrand has cost and why these funds werent used to support and improve teaching and learning activities. We eagerly await a response.

Another academic pointed to other recent examples of wild spending by the university. It included a YouTube collaboration last year with Aldo Zilli, a celebrity chef, to create a sardine and prawn dish to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polos death.

Warwick confirmed to The Telegraph that it paid for the video partnership, which received fewer than 400 views on YouTube, but did not disclose the cost.

Credit: University of Warwick / YouTube

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While making the 900 redundancies over the past few years as the sector faces financial pressure, it spent 2.8m to fund senior staff salaries last year.

The institution, which is currently rated 74th in the QS World University Rankings, has fared better than others across the sector in recent years but still faces toughening competition to recruit lucrative international students.

Foreign students made up 37 per cent of the student body at Warwick last year, nearly four in 10 of whom came from China, according to Telegraph analysis of data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Many universities have relied on Chinese students over recent years to prop up income, but are increasingly turning to other markets such as India and Pakistan to reduce dependence on a single country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The University of Warwick, founded in 1965 and situated on the outskirts of Coventry, is the youngest member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

A university spokesman said: As a globally leading university, we aim to attract students from the UK and all over the world. The work we are carrying out is in line with our global communications, marketing and student recruitment strategy.

As part of this, our academics and senior executives are actively engaged as ambassadors, championing the universitys vision and values across key national and international platforms.

Our strategy encompasses research promotion, academic expertise, media partnerships, and brand evolution, all aligned to deliver long-term impact in an increasingly competitive higher education sector.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our aim is to amplify the universitys standing as a globally recognised, loved and progressive education brand that engages students, potential students, academics, and research partners in our 60th anniversary year. Like every organisation, we have costed these projects in line with our financial strategy.

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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Bernalillo County is teaming up with the University of New Mexico School of Law in a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at changing the way legal assistance is provided to people facing criminal charges, lawsuits, and other legal issues. The focus: addressing the underlying problems clients face outside the courtroom.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This innovative partnership brings together law students and a licensed clinical social worker to provide more comprehensive support to vulnerable clients. Its believed to be the first collaboration of its kind in the country.

The addition of a social worker is expected to deepen students understanding of the complex needs their clients bring to the table. Social workers are trained in trauma-informed care and in connecting people with a wide range of support servicestools that complement legal advocacy.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Serge Martinez, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning at UNM School of Law, has long advocated for bringing a social worker into the clinic. As lawyers, we are trained to put out fires. To go to the scene where the fire has happened and figure out what we can do and what comes next, said Martinez. Working with a social worker is a really great opportunity for us to help our clients avoid having those fires start to begin with and avoid those problems coming up in their lives going forward.

UNMs Law Clinic provides free legal support to New Mexicans who cannot otherwise afford representation. Martinez said the majority of clients need more than legal advicethey need help with housing, mental health, transportation, and more. Thats where Bernalillo County stepped in, funding a full-time social worker for the clinic.

The county views the initiative as part of a broader, cross-sector approach to public service. We dont think that families experience problems in silos, and so we shouldnt be siloed in our approach to solving those problems, said Deanna Creighton, the countys deputy director. And so, were working together not just the county and the law school, but also this idea of legal services along with social services. We love this unique, innovative approach.

The law school hopes the addition of a social worker will benefit both clients and students by preparing future attorneys to understand that clients needs often extend well beyond legal issues. Martinez said many clients at the clinic are low-income individuals and families who lack access to even basic services. Theyre a very vulnerable subset of New Mexicans. And they come into the clinic, and many of them have gone through some of the worst things that you can imagine and have come to us on one of the worst days of their lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The county said its confident it will see a big return on investment because this aims to address a persons legal challenges holistically by addressing legal and non-legal needs together. The hope is that clients will be more likely to stay on stable ground after their cases are resolved.

Creighton said the county is already considering expansion. Future partnerships could include New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas and New Mexico State University. Creightons departmentCommunity School Innovation and Partnershipswas designed for exactly this kind of collaboration. It has a long title, but that is exactly what we try to do: innovate with strategic partnerships, 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for People's Representatives on Saturday in connection with a rape case of a domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura in Hassan district. A fine of Rs 10 lakh has also been imposed on expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna. The court said that the victim will be given a compensation of Rs 7 lakh. On Friday, a special court in Karnataka found Prajwal Revanna, expelled JD(S) leader and former MP from Hassan, guilty in a rape case involving a domestic help. The case is related to an incident at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was convicted in one of four rape cases filed against him. The conviction comes just 14 months after the case surfaced. Following the verdict, Revanna broke down in court. The matter came into light in April last year after obscene videos of sexual harassment against multiple women were leaked ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He was arrested in May 2024 after returning from Germany. He had earlier been denied bail by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. Revanna had challenged the Karnataka High Court order dated October 21, whereby it dismissed his regular bail and anticipatory bail pleas. On May 31 last year, he was arrested at Bengaluru airport by CID's SIT on his return from Germany, where he had remained for 35 days, after hundreds of explicit videos surfaced, allegedly featuring him with multiple women. He lost the Lok Sabha election by over 40,000 votes. In June 2024, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police, which is investigating cases of sexual assault and harassment against Prajwal Revanna, registered a fourth case against him. Last year, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet of 2,144 pages against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in the sexual assault and rape case. While three cases registered against Prajwal Revanna invoked the Indian Penal Code (IPC)'s section for sexual assault, the fourth case was registered under sections for sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation of a victim, as well as clandestinely recording and sharing images of the victim. (ANI)
Aug. 1Why was a 14-year-old on campus?

That's one question the University of New Mexico is attempting to answer in the wake of last week's shooting that claimed the life of Michael LaMotte inside a dorm at the school.

During a campus safety conference Friday, officials sidestepped lingering questions on the shooting itself and, instead, talked about ways in which UNM has beefed up security over the past several years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A week later, the university has still not given the timeline of events leading up to the fatal shooting, citing the pending investigation, but said they immediately responded to the incident.

On July 25, four young men were playing video games in a UNM dorm when John Fuentes, 18, fatally shot LaMotte, 14, and wounded another 18-year-old, according to New Mexico State Police. UNM Police said they received multiple calls but did not realize the gravity of the situation until the wounded man showed up to a hospital with a gunshot wound.

Over an hour later, officers found LaMotte's body in the dorm.

A law firm representing the LaMotte family said the statement from UNMPD that they responded "immediately" was "inaccurate," and that by the time relatives drove from Rio Rancho to UNM, the police "still had not arrived at the dorm," according to a statement from the law firm sent Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The dorm belonged to one of the four young men, who was part of UNM's Gateway Program, which is designed for first-time freshman students from New Mexico who do not qualify for UNM's admission requirements but allows students to transfer credits from a "partner campus" to UNM.

"They get library access, they're allowed to live in the dorms, so they're not technically enrolled in UNM as a student, but they're called a Gateway student," Cinnamon Blair, spokesperson for UNM, said.

According to the UNM website, Gateway students have two on-campus housing options: Casas del Rio, where the shooting occurred, or Lobo Village.

UNM would not answer whether a resident assistant (RA) was in the residence hall at the time of the shooting, citing the continued investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The university said they had specific policies regarding guests and minors being on campus and in dorm rooms.

Guests in dorm rooms must be UNM students and a guest is defined as someone who stays in a dorm room overnight or puts their belongings in a room, according to Teresa Costantinidis, vice president for finance and administration.

Anyone under 18 is only allowed to be on campus if they are involved in a UNM program, like a summer camp. The child is also expected to be under parental guidance at all times.

"We're still investigating what are the practices across all of our dormitories, and this is an example of where we can continue to tighten up the language in our student handbook," Costantinidis said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Safety and security

UNM has spent over $20 million in safety investments over the last five years, according to a handout titled "UNM Safety Investments During Last 5 Years" that was passed out Friday.

Of that funding, a majority  $13 million  was spent on "one-time internal funds for safety and security," including things like officer training, body camera implementation and increased security cameras for parking lots.

One of the safety measures UNM hopes to implement in the future is an upgraded emergency system. Costantinidis said the university just got the funding approved in the last legislative session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are issues with our existing alert system," she said. "We're able to get more reliable messages out, but we have issues with making sure that everybody gets the messages and they're in the right format."

Since the shooting, the university has not implemented any changes to their safety policies.

"It takes a little while for policy change because that requires consultation and communication with everybody that might be affected," Costantinidis said. "I do hope we'll get through that by the fall semester."

UNM Police Chief Joseph Silva said his department has increased patrol presence since July 25 and the officers are regularly participating in shooter response trainings. He added that the police department will provide training to RAs to "raise their level of awareness to what key things they should be looking for."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The department currently has 49 officers.

The shooting occurred during new student orientation as 400 incoming freshmen were sleeping in other dorms and had to shelter in place as officers searched for the shooter. Although some students who were at the freshman orientation had expressed concerns about safety, UNM President Garnett Stokes said that enrollment remains at an all-time high.

"Despite understandable concerns following this tragedy, I do want to mention that to date, there has not been a drop in student enrollment for the upcoming year at UNM," Stokes said Friday.

"In fact, we continue to anticipate the largest incoming freshman class in our history, with our fall enrollment at an increase of 3%, nearly 600 students," she added.

The deadline to disenroll at UNM is Friday, Aug. 29.
ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA)  Looking to save money while also reaping the benefits of doing back-to-school shopping? Fortunately, Friday marked the beginning of South Carolinas tax-free weekend.

Parents and teachers said that while the back-to-school season can be stressful, tax-free weekends make it easier to pay for school essentials.

For three days, the South Carolina Department of Revenue said items like school supplies, clothes, electronics and dorm-room necessities can be bought without paying the states 6% sales tax.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Walmart shoppers are taking advantage of the deals.

As a mom, Im really thankful to shop for my boys. We got some bean bags and other things, said Heather Hollar.

As a mother and teacher, Hollar knows first-hand that getting back-to-school items can be costly.

I think [the weekend] definitely helps, because when you think about that stuff adding up  I was talking to one of my teacher friends yesterday who was trying to buy a laptop for her daughter, and she was like Were waiting until the weekend because its going to be a huge amount off. As for me, I have three kids so school supplies definitely add up, said Hollar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shoppers said pencils, markers and notebooks are at the top of their schools list of most needed items.

Clayton Beaves will start high school this year. He said picking out school supplies with his family is fun and helps ease his mind about starting a new school year.

The notebooks are what I really love because I like writing and my first period class is going to be creative writing, said Beaves.

Educators said that they get a stipend toward buying school supplies, which is why Hollar is walking the aisles to find the best deals for her classroom.

Now is a great time to be able to kind of stock up on pencils and markers, and even things like tissues and Lysol wipes  especially when the germs start to come in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I know were going to be going through really fast, said Hollar.

As Hollar figures out how to decorate her classroom, she said the tax-free weekend takes the cost burden away so she can focus on making her classroom a fun and flourishing environment.

Especially the younger grades, they have just the coolest things in the room to really make it feel like, almost like a homey environment so that way when theyre going to school, it doesnt feel like these stark white walls, Hollar explained. Im sure thats super helpful for back to school, because even things like flexible seating for the kids and stuff like that is helpful to have.

Additionally, the Anderson Mall has joined in on the weekend savings. Sales can be applied in store and online. Cuts for Confidence offered haircuts to kids at the Anderson Mall Back to School Bash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Anderson County Coroners Office, along with others community partners were giving away backpacks.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue said as long as an item is eligible, it is tax-free, whether it is bought in store or 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 WSPA 7NEWS.
US officials have opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led two federal criminal cases against President Donald Trump, US media reported Saturday.

The Office of Special Counsel told The New York Times it was investigating Smith for potentially violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal workers from engaging in political activity while on the job.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton had reportedly asked the agency to investigate whether Smith's actions had been designed to influence the 2024 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The agency, which monitors the conduct of federal employees, did not immediately respond to request for comment by AFP.

Smith was appointed special counsel in 2022, and charged Trump with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election and mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.

Trump denied both charges and sought to frame them as politically motivated, accusing the Justice Department of being weaponized against him.

Neither case ever came to trial, and the special counsel -- in line with a Justice Department policy of not prosecuting a sitting president -- dropped them both after Trump won the November 2024 presidential election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Smith then resigned before Trump could fulfil his campaign pledge to fire him.

The Office of Special Counsel operates separately from special counsel offices at the Department of Justice, such as the one headed by Smith.

The prosecutorial decisions made by Smith do not typically fall under its remit, according to the Times.

It cannot lay criminal charges against Smith but could refer its findings to the Department of Justice, which does have that power.

The most severe penalty under the Hatch Act is termination of employment, which would not apply to Smith as he has already resigned.

Since taking office in January, Trump has taken a number of punitive measures against his perceived enemies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has stripped former officials of their security clearances and protective details, targeted law firms involved in past cases against him and pulled federal funding from universities.

Last month the FBI opened criminal investigations into its former director James Comey and ex-CIA chief John Brennan, two prominent Trump critics.

Days later Comey's daughter Maurene -- a federal prosecutor who handled the case of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who has been repeatedly linked to Trump -- was abruptly fired.

bur-st/aks
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has said that President Donald Trump retains significant leverage to bring an end to the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means  and may act to halt Russias ability to fund its war effort.

Source: Whitaker in an interview with Newsmax, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Whitaker asserts that if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire, the United States will impose severe sanctions next week against Russia and the countries that continue to trade with it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote from Whitaker: "The bottom line is, Putin needs to sell his oil. He's selling it to China. He's selling it to India. He's selling to Brazil. And those countries are now going to be subject to some pretty significant impact for them doing business with Russia, and Russia is not going to have any friends. They're not going to have any trading partners. And their ability to fund this war will end."

He added that this pressure would ultimately force Russia to the negotiating table.

Quote: "Both sides are going to have to come to the table. Both sides are going to have to get a deal that is most likely not exactly their perfect scenario, but at the same time, the killing needs to end."

Whitaker also dismissed concerns that tighter US sanctions would draw Russia and China closer together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We hold all the cards as the United States of America. And most importantly, Donald Trump holds all the cards. This isn't the last option that he has. If China and Russia want to join the world that follows the rules, does not invade other countries, does not kill and wreak havoc, then they're more than welcome to," Whitaker stated.

Background:

Earlier this week, Trump said that the United States will begin imposing tariffs and resorting to other measures against Russia within 10 days unless Moscow demonstrates progress in ending the war in Ukraine.

Prior to this, Trump expressed his disappointment with Putin and promised to shorten the previously set 50-day deadline for achieving peace in Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
(Reuters) -A federal appeals court late on Friday affirmed a lower court's decision temporarily barring U.S. government agents from making immigration-related arrests in Los Angeles without probable cause.

Rejecting the Trump administration's request to pause the lower court's order, the three-judge appeals panel ruled that the plaintiffs would likely be able to prove that federal agents had carried out arrests based on peoples' appearance, language and where they lived or worked.

President Donald Trump called National Guard troops and U.S. Marines into Los Angeles in June in response to protests against the immigration raids, marking an extraordinary use of military force to support civilian police operations within the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The city of Los Angeles and other Southern California municipalities joined a lawsuit filed in June by the American Civil Liberties Union accusing federal agents of using unlawful police tactics such as racial profiling to meet immigration arrest quotas set by the administration.

A California judge last month blocked the Trump administration from racially profiling immigrants as it seeks deportation targets and from denying immigrants' right to access to lawyers during their detention.

In Friday's unsigned decision, the judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit largely rejected the administration's appeal of the temporary restraining order.

The judges agreed with the lower court in blocking federal officials from detaining people based solely on "apparent race or ethnicity," speaking Spanish or accented English, or being at locations such as a "bus stop, car wash, tow yard, day laborer pick up site, agricultural site, etc."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the order a victory for the city. "The Temporary Restraining Order that has been protecting our communities from immigration agents using racial profiling and other illegal tactics when conducting their cruel and aggressive enforcement raids and sweeps will remain in place for now," she said in a statement.

Mohammad Tajsar, senior staff attorney at the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, welcomed the ruling in statement: "This decision is further confirmation that the administration's paramilitary invasion of Los Angeles violated the Constitution and caused irreparable injury across the region."

(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
A US appeals court has upheld an order blocking immigration agents from carrying out patrols in California that led to indiscriminate detentions without reasonable grounds to suspect people of being undocumented.

The ruling late Friday by a three-judge panel denies the federal government's appeal to overturn a temporary July order to halt the "roving patrols" in Los Angeles that immigration rights groups have described as illegally using racial profiling.

District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong had ordered an end to the arrests, arguing such actions by agents violate a person's constitutional rights that safeguard against unreasonable seizures by the government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She said the detentions were being made "based upon race alone," on whether a person was speaking Spanish or English with an accent or because of their place of work, and ordered them stopped.

Friday's ruling by the US court of appeals for the Ninth Circuit described the case of plaintiff Jason Gavidia, a US citizen born and raised in East Los Angeles who was arrested outside a tow yard in Montebello on June 12 by agents carrying military-style rifles.

"The agents repeatedly asked Gavidia whether he is American -- and they repeatedly ignored his answer: 'I am an American,'" the ruling said.

Agents asked what hospital he was born in, and Gavidia responded he did not know, but said he was born in "East LA."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It said Gavidia told the agents he could show them his government-issued ID. "The agents took Gavidia's ID and his phone and kept his phone for 20 minutes. They never returned his ID."

California residents and advocacy groups sued the Department of Homeland Security over the detentions.

Los Angeles and surrounding suburbs have been ground zero for President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown.

He ordered the US military deployed there for weeks, and agents have rounded up migrants at car washes, bus stops, stores and farms.

The ruling said the government's defense team argued that "certain types of businesses, including car washes, were selected for encounters because... they are likely to employ persons without legal documentation."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Rights groups hailed the order as a victory for those seeking to bar the Department of Homeland Security and agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting such raids.

"This decision is further confirmation that the administration's paramilitary invasion of Los Angeles violated the Constitution and caused irreparable injury across the region," said attorney Mohammad Tajsar of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California.

"We look forward to holding the federal government accountable for these authoritarian horrors it unleashed in Southern California."

mlm/aha
US envoy Steve Witkoff met anguished relatives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza on Saturday, as fears for the captives' survival mounted almost 22 months into the war sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack.

Witkoff was greeted with some applause and pleas for assistance from hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, before going into a closed meeting with the families.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the meeting was underway and videos shared online showed Witkoff arriving as families chanted "Bring them home!" and "We need your help."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The visit came one day after Witkoff visited a US-backed aid station in Gaza, to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory.

Yotam Cohen, brother of 21-year-old hostage Nimrod Cohen, told AFP: "The war needs to end. The Israeli government will not end it willingly. It has refused to do so.

"The Israeli government must be stopped. For our sakes, for our soldiers' sakes, for our hostages' sakes, for our sons and for the future generations of everybody in the Middle East."

Of the 251 hostages taken during the Hamas attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After the meeting, the Forum released a statement saying that Witkoff had given them a personal commitment that he and US President Donald Trump would work to return the remaining hostages.

- 'Horrifying acts' -

Hamas attempted to maintain pressure on the families, releasing a video of one of the hostages -- 24-year-old Evyatar David -- for the second time in two days, showing him looking emaciated in a tunnel.

The video called for a ceasefire and warned that time was running out for the hostages. David's family said their son was the victim of a "vile" propaganda campaign and accused Hamas of deliberately starving their son.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen. He is being starved purely to serve Hamas's propaganda," the family said.

The United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, had been mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel that would allow the hostages to be released and humanitarian aid to flow more freely.

But talks broke down last month and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is under increasing domestic pressure to come up with another way to secure the missing hostages, alive and dead.

He is also facing international calls to open Gaza's borders to more food aid, after UN and humanitarian agencies warned that more than two million Palestinian civilians are facing starvation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

- 'Without rest' -

But Israel's top general warned that there would be no respite in fighting if the hostages were not released.

"I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages," armed forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

"If not, the combat will continue without rest."

Zamir denied that there was widespread starvation in Gaza.

"The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (Israeli military), a moral army, of war crimes," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Alongside reports from UN-mandated experts warning a "famine is unfolding" in Gaza, more and more evidence is emerging of serious malnutrition and deaths among the most vulnerable Palestinian civilians.

Modallala Dawwas, 33, living in a displacement camp in Gaza City told AFP her daughter Mariam had no known illnesses before the war but had now dropped from 25 kilos (four stone) to 10 (barely one and half) and was seriously malnourished.

Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli fire killed 34 people in the territory on Saturday.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said five people were killed in an Israeli strike on an area of central Gaza where Palestinians were awaiting a food distribution by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

He added that Saturday's strikes mostly targeted areas near Gaza City in the north and Khan Yunis in the south.

fa-dc/kir
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met relatives of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip in Tel Aviv on Saturday, and told them that the United States will bring their loved ones home and ensure that Hamas is held accountable.

We will get your children home and hold Hamas responsible for any bad acts on their part. We will do whats right for the Gazan people, Witkoff told the families, according to a statement.

We know who is alive, and someone will be to blame if they dont come out alive. The US stands behind this statement, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump envoy also raised hopes that the war's end is near.

We have a plan to end the war and bring everyone home.

For US President Donald Trump, the release of all hostages is a "sacred mission."

In recent days, Hamas and other Islamist organizations in the Gaza Strip released videos of two hostages. The families prohibited the dissemination of the videos, although still images were allowed in one case.

The footage of emaciated hostages in a tunnel shocked many Israelis.

According to official Israeli figures, 50 hostages are still in the Gaza Strip, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Islamists abducted more than 250 people from Israel. Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the massacre.

The attack and the hostage-taking triggered the Gaza war. During the nearly 22 months of war, more than 60,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to Hamas-controlled Palestinian sources.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The U.S. Marshal Service is asking for your help in locating two fugitives accused of violent crime here in the Miami Valley.

They believe both pose a threat to the overall well-being of our community.

Daniel Cupps

Cupps is wanted by the Warren County Sheriffs Office on a dangerous drugs charge, and for a parole violation on an original charge of burglary.

Age: 37

Height: 63

Weight: 180 lbs

Angelo Craver

Craver is wanted by the Dayton Police Department for a felonious assault charge with weapons and serious harm specifications. If convicted, hed be sentenced to a mandatory prison term for the specifications charge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Age: 31

Height: 57

Weight: 170 lbs.

Thats an individual that is out there roaming around that has demonstrated the ability and the willingness to cause violence and harm to somebody using a weapon, said Michael Black, U.S. Marshal Southern District of Ohio.

Michael Black, U.S. Marshal Southern District of Ohio, said the work his teams do isnt possible without the support of the community. At least two of the fugitives featured in on 2 on 2 have been captured recently thanks to tips from viewers.

Thats exactly what we want, he said. The community has so many eyes out there. When we get these pictures out there, you know, just give us a tip. Tell us where you see them and give us a starting point to locate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Our mission continues to be to try and remove as many violent criminals from our from our communities as possible.

2 on 2 Most Wanted for August 2025: Daniel Cupps and Angelo Craver

What do you do if you see them?

Black said that both of these individuals should be considered armed and dangerous and if you see them, do not approach.

The first thing we want to do is, you know, get all their information, whatever they see a license plate, any description they have of one of our fugitives, but we dont want them to engage, said Michael Black, U.S. Marshal Southern District of Ohio.

Black said if you see either of these people, dont approach them as they could be armed and dangerous. Instead, you can submit a tip to the U.S. Marshal Service.

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.
The United States and NATO are developing a new mechanism for funding weapons transfer to Ukraine, under which alliance members will purchase U.S.-supplied arms for Kyiv, Reuters reported on Aug. 1, citing several sources familiar with the matter.

The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump has seemingly shifted his foreign policy in support of Kyiv, frustrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's objections to an end to hostilities in Ukraine.

The reported mechanism will allow Kyiv to prioritize weaponry needs under its Priority Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), Reuters reported, with arms being delivered in tranches of about $500 million. Spearheaded by alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte, NATO allies would then negotiate among themselves as to who would pay for weapons on the list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A European official told Reuters that the aim is for the mechanism to provide $10 billion in funding for Ukraine.

"That is the starting point, and it's an ambitious target that we're working towards. We're currently on that trajectory. We support the ambition. We need that sort of volume," the European official told Reuters.

While no details were provided for the timeline of the transfers, two sources confirmed that negotiations are underway for at least one tranche of weapons transfers.

As weapons deliveries to Kyiv ramp up, the German Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 1 that two additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine "in the coming days," with more components expected to arrive "within the next two to three months."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With tensions between Moscow and Washington growing, Trump has demanded a peace deal by Aug. 8, threatening "severe" new tariffs on Russia and its economic partners, including China and India, if the Kremlin fails to halt its full-scale invasion.

The Kremlin on Aug. 1 floated a new negotiation framework just a week before U.S. President Donald Trump's self-imposed deadline to end the war in Ukraine arrives.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week confirmed that high-level U.S.-Russia talks took place earlier this week but yielded "no progress" toward a ceasefire.

Moscow has consistently rejected a 30-day unconditional ceasefire ever since it was proposed in a joint call between Kyiv and Washington in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Words are very important,  Trump orders nuclear submarines deployed after Medvedevs threats













Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday slammed the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over the remarks he made about the late Union Minister Arun Jaitley and said that such "irresponsible" remarks only hurt the Congress. Finance Minister responded to Rahul Gandhi's remarks, as the latter claimed that Arun Jaitley was sent by the Modi government to "threaten" him for trying to fight against the farm laws. In a post on X, Sitharaman said, "If irresponsibility has a face, it is Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in LS. To throw baseless allegations at people in public life, even those who are no longer with us, is becoming a personality trait for him. His remarks on the late Shri. Arun Jaitley is despicable. India needs a strong opposition party. An irresponsible leadership hurts his party @INCIndia and the country. But does he care? https://x.com/nsitharaman/status/1951588371131937269 Earlier in the day, while addressing the Annual Legal Conclave 2025, Rahul Gandhi, during his speech, claimed that the NDA government had sent the late Minister Arun Jaitley to "threaten" him for trying to fight against the farm laws introduced by the Modi government earlier. "I remember when I was fighting the farm laws, Arun Jaitley was sent to me to threaten me. He told me, 'If you carry on opposing the government, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you. ' I looked at him and said 'I don't think you have an idea who you are talking to,'" Rahul Gandhi said. The Congress leader also launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, and alleged its complicity in the large-scale voter fraud. "I remember when I was fighting the farm laws, Arun Jaitley was sent to me to threaten me. He told me, 'If you carry on opposing the government, fighting the farm laws, we will have to act against you. ' I looked at him and said 'I don't think you have an idea who you are talking to,'" Rahul Gandhi said. (ANI)
U.S. nuclear submarines have been repositioned "closer to Russia," U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Newsmax on Aug. 2 after a tense exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The move comes amid escalating rhetoric between the two nuclear powers, triggered by Trumps ultimatum to Russia to halt its full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Aug. 8 or face new "severe" tariffs.

Medvedev responded on July 28 by warning that Trump's pressure campaign is a step towards war "not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump said on Aug. 1 he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be deployed to "appropriate regions."

"We always want to be ready, and so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines," Trump told Newsmax. "I just want to make sure that his (Medvedev's) words are only words and nothing more than that."

Known for his aggressive rhetoric, Medvedev has repeatedly threatened nuclear escalation and echoed Kremlin propaganda portraying Russia as a victim of Western aggression.

"To my friends in Russia: President Trump seeks peace, not conflict. However, please understand that he is not (Barack) Obama, he is not (Joe) Biden, and he will not be trifled with. You are overplaying your hand," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X on Aug. 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Trump earlier accused Medvedev of "entering very dangerous territory," calling him a "failed former president" and warning him to "watch his words."

The U.S. president has threatened to impose 100% secondary tariffs on Russian oil unless Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a peace deal by Aug. 8.

The tariffs mentioned by Trump are expected to be secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and other products, such as China and India.

On July 31, senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley told the United Nations Security Council that the United States is prepared to implement "additional measures to secure peace."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker also said in an interview with Newsmax that Trump still holds leverage to push for a diplomatic resolution to the war against Ukraine and has the ability to halt Russias capacity to finance the war effort.

Read also: Moscow proposes vague new peace talks format as Trumps rhetoric hardens further

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
US federal officials say they have opened an investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith, who led two federal criminal cases against President Donald Trump before resigning from his post earlier this year.

The Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) confirmed to the BBC that an investigation into Mr Smith is underway, but declined to add further details.

Mr Smith was appointed as special counsel in 2022 to investigate Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and his alleged attempt to interfere in the 2020 election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The OSC does not have authority to lay criminal charges against Mr Smith, but it can initiate disciplinary action or refer its findings to the Department of Justice.

As an independent federal agency, the OSC's main function is to investigate and address federal rules violations by members of the US civil service.

It operates separately from special counsel's offices under the Department of Justice - like the one formerly headed by Mr Smith - which, unlike the OSC, can lay federal criminal charges under the Department of Justice.

 Jack Smith resigns from Justice Department

 Triumph over legal cases seals Trump's comeback

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US media reported on Saturday that the OSC is investigating Mr Smith for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, a law that prohibits political activities by government officials.

It comes after Tom Cotton, a Republican senator from Arkansas, called on the OSC to investigate Mr Smith for "unprecedented interference in the 2024 election."

Mr Smith was tapped by former Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to oversee federal investigations into Trump.

Both of the cases he investigated led to criminal charges being laid against the president, who pleaded not guilty and sought to cast the prosecutions as politically motivated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The cases were later closed following Trump's presidential election win in November 2024, as Justice Department regulations forbid the prosecution of a sitting president.

In a post on X earlier this week, Cotton cast the investigations and charges as "nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns."

"It is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office," Cotton wrote.

The BBC has asked Mr Smith's lawyer for comment on the OSC's investigation.

The OSC investigation comes after Trump fired its former head, Hampton Delligner, in February after Dellinger advocated for probationary federal employees laid off by the Trump administration to be reinstated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A judge later ruled that Mr Dellinger's firing was unlawful, but a federal Circuit Court ruled that the Trump administration could replace Mr Dellinger while his legal battle against his removal makes its way through the courts.

Mr Dellinger abandoned the legal case in March, saying that he did not expect the Supreme Court to rule in his favour.

"Meanwhile, the harm to the agency and those who rely on it caused by a Special Counsel who is not independent could be immediate, grievous, and, I fear, uncorrectable," he warned in March.

Mr Smith is not the first former government official to be investigated under the Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In May, the Secret Service launched an investigation into former FBI director James Comey after he shared then deleted a social media post of seashells that Republicans alleged was an incitement to violence against Trump. Comey, who was FBI director from 2013 to 2017 under Barack Obama, has denied the allegations.

Earlier this month, US media reported that Mr Comey and former CIA director John Brennan were under also investigation for allegedly making false statements to Congress as part of their probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Mr Brennan later told NBC that he believes the investigation into him is an "example of the continued politicisation of the intelligence community" under Trump.
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a warning to Russians regarding a potential escalation, responding to threats made by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, against the United States.

Source: Graham on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: In his post, Graham emphasised that US President Donald Trump is not seeking conflict but is prepared to act decisively if necessary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Quote: "To my friends in Russia: President Trump seeks peace not conflict. However, please understand that he is not Obama, he is not Biden, and he will not be trifled with. You are overplaying your hand."

Background:

Earlier, Trump said on Truth Social that he had ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to relevant regions following Medvedevs provocative remarks.

Trump explained that the move was necessary to protect the American people.

Prior to that, Medvedev posted a message in which he mentioned the Dead Hand, the Soviet automatic nuclear strike system, and also called on Trump to "remember his favourite movies about the walking dead".

Previously, Medvedev accused Trump of playing a game of ultimatums with Russia, stating that every new ultimatum "is a threat and a step towards war".

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
By Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration says that some serious criminals need to be deported to third countries because even their home countries won't accept them. But a review of recent cases shows that at least five men threatened with such a fate were sent to their native countries within weeks.

President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and his administration has sought to ramp up removals to third countries, including sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, two sub-Saharan African nations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Immigrants convicted of crimes typically first serve their U.S. sentences before being deported. This appeared to be the case with the eight men deported to South Sudan and five to Eswatini, although some had been released years earlier.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in June that third-country deportations allow them to deport people so uniquely barbaric that their own countries wont take them back. Critics have countered that its not clear the U.S. tried to return the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini to their home countries and that the deportations were unnecessarily cruel.

Reuters found that at least five men threatened with deportation to Libya in May were sent to their home countries weeks later, according to interviews with two of the men, a family member and attorneys.

After a U.S. judge blocked the Trump administration from sending them to Libya, two men from Vietnam, two men from Laos and a man from Mexico were all deported to their home nations. The deportations have not previously been reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS did not comment on the removals. Reuters could not determine if their home countries initially refused to take them or why the U.S. tried to send them to Libya.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin contested that the home countries of criminals deported to third countries were willing to take them back, but did not provide details on any attempts to return the five men home before they were threatened with deportation to Libya.

If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, you could end up in CECOT, Alligator Alcatraz, Guantanamo Bay, or South Sudan or another third country, McLaughlin said in a statement, referencing El Salvadors maximum-security prison and a detention center in the subtropical Florida Everglades.

FAR FROM HOME

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DHS did not respond to a request for the number of third-country deportations since Trump took office on January 20, although there have been thousands to Mexico and hundreds to other countries.

The eight men sent to South Sudan were from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, South Sudan and Vietnam, according to DHS. The man DHS said was from South Sudan had a deportation order to Sudan, according to a court filing. The five men sent to Eswatini were from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, according to DHS.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini were the worst of the worst and included people convicted in the United States of child sex abuse and murder. American communities are safer with these heinous illegal criminals gone, Jackson said in a statement.

The Laos government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the men threatened with deportation to Libya and those deported to South Sudan and Eswatini. Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson said on July 17 that the government was verifying information regarding the South Sudan deportation but did not provide additional comment to Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The government of Mexico did not comment.

The Trump administration acknowledged in a May 22 court filing that the man from Myanmar had valid travel documents to return to his home country but he was deported to South Sudan anyway. DHS said the man had been convicted of sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting.

Eswatini's government said on Tuesday that it was still holding the five migrants sent there in isolated prison units under the deal with the Trump administration.

'A VERY RANDOM OUTCOME'

The Supreme Court in June allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries without giving them a chance to show they could be harmed. But the legality of the removals is still being contested in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could potentially wind its way back to the conservative-leaning high court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Critics say the removals aim to stoke fear among migrants and encourage them to self deport to their home countries rather than be sent to distant countries they have no connection with.

This is a message that you may end up with a very random outcome that you're going to like a lot less than if you elect to leave under your own steam, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute.

Internal U.S. immigration enforcement guidance issued in July said migrants could be deported to countries that had not provided diplomatic assurances of their safety in as little as six hours.

While the administration has highlighted the deportations of convicted criminals to African countries, it has also sent asylum-seeking Afghans, Russians and others to Panama and Costa Rica.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador in March, where they were held in the country's CECOT prison without access to attorneys until they were released in a prisoner swap last month.

More than 5,700 non-Mexican migrants have been deported to Mexico since Trump took office, according to Mexican government data, continuing a policy that began under former President Joe Biden.

The fact that one Mexican man was deported to South Sudan and another threatened with deportation to Libya suggests that the Trump administration did not try to send them to their home countries, according to Trina Realmuto, executive director at the pro-immigrant National Immigration Litigation Alliance.

Mexico historically accepts back its own citizens, said Realmuto, one of the attorneys representing migrants in the lawsuit contesting third-country deportations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The eight men deported to South Sudan included Mexican national Jesus Munoz Gutierrez, who had served a sentence in the U.S. for second-degree murder and was directly taken into federal immigration custody afterward, according to Realmuto. Court records show Munoz stabbed and killed a roommate during a fight in 2004.

When the Trump administration first initiated the deportation in late May, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government had not been informed.

If he does want to be repatriated, then the United States would have to bring him to Mexico, Sheinbaum said at the time.

His sister, Guadalupe Gutierrez, said in an interview that she didnt understand why he was sent to South Sudan, where he is currently in custody. She said Mexico is trying to get her brother home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mexico never rejected my brother, Gutierrez said.

USING US AS A PAWN

Immigration hardliners see the third-country removals as a way to deal with immigration offenders who cant easily be deported and could pose a threat to the U.S. public.

"The Trump administration is prioritizing the safety of American communities over the comfort of these deportees, said Jessica Vaughan, policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports lower levels of immigration.

The Trump administration in July pressed other African nations to take migrants and has asked the Pacific Islands nation of Palau, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Under U.S. law, federal immigration officials can deport someone to a country other than their place of citizenship when all other efforts are impracticable, inadvisable or impossible.

Immigration officials must first try to send an immigrant back to their home country, and if they fail, then to a country with which they have a connection, such as where they lived or were born.

For a Lao man who was almost deported to Libya in early May, hearing about the renewed third-country deportations took him back to his own close call. In an interview from Laos granted on condition of anonymity because of fears for his safety, he asked why the U.S. was using us as a pawn?

His attorney said the man had served a prison sentence for a felony. Reuters could not establish what he was convicted of.

He recalled officials telling him to sign his deportation order to Libya, which he refused, telling them he wanted to be sent to Laos instead. They told him he would be deported to Libya regardless of whether he signed or not, he said. DHS did not comment on the allegations.

The man, who came to the United States in the early 1980s as a refugee when he was four years old, said he was now trying to learn the Lao language and adapt to his new life, taking it day by day.

(Reporting by Kristina Cooke in San Francisco and Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Brendan O'Boyle and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City, Marc Frank in Havana, Phuong Nguyen and Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Kirsty Neeham in Sydney; Editing by Mary Milliken and Claudia Parsons)
MONROE, Utah  Utah is under a 30-day state of emergency as crews continue battling the Monroe Canyon wildfire and the other large fires that have burned so far in 2025.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed the State of Emergency declaration on Thursday, due to the escalating wildfires across the state.

The Monroe Canyon Fire, which began July 13 near Monroe, Utah, has so far burned more than 57,000 acres and is only 4% contained, according to InciWeb.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grand Canyon's Dragon Bravo Fire Reaches 'Megafire' Status, Surpassing 100,000 Acres

It's the largest active wildfire in Utah as of Saturday.

While the cause of the Monroe Canyon Fire remains undetermined, Gov. Cox said 72% of this year's Utah wildfires are human-caused.

During a press briefing regarding updates on the fire on Friday, Gov. Cox gave an urgent message to Utahns to be careful.

"I havent begged in a long time. Im begging people right now to please exercise extreme caution," Gov. Cox said. "One spark and we could have another fire just like thisand that means shrinking resources. Were able to throw everything at this one because we dont have other major fires in the state right now, but the only way to prevent that from happening is for people to make really, really smart decisions and avoid the dumb ones."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Watch: Couple Veers Off Idaho Interstate As Flames From Wildfire Blow Across Roadway

Firefighter with a "drip torch" sets a line of fire along Hwy24 during overnite operations the Monroe Canyon Fire.

Gov. Cox's state of emergency allows for all state resources to be used to help protect lives, homes, livestock and drinking water supplies that have been threatened by this year's fire season.

So far in 2025, Utah has reported 693 wildfires, according to a news release from Gov. Cox. Of those fires, more than 114,000 acres have been burned.

The four largest fires so far in 2025 account for more than 100,000 acres of the 114,000, the release said. The Deer Creek Fire near La Sal even spawned an EF-2-level fire tornado.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Utah Firenado With 122-Mph Winds Leaves Behind Significant Damage

Fire crews work to battle hotspots from the Monroe Canyon Fire in Utah.

The Monroe Canyon Fire has proven challenging to beat, as wind and low humidity have driven the fire to spread and critically dry brush and trees fuel the flames.

On Friday afternoon, evacuation orders put in place for Monroe Canyon were lifted, according to Sevier County Emergency Management.

How To Watch Fox Weather

A helicopter brings water to drop on the Monroe Canyon fire.

The Fishlake National Forest remains closed as firefighters battle the blaze.

Extreme fire conditions remain on Saturday with low relative humidity around 5%, wind gusts between 27-35 mph and a Red Flag Warning is in place until Saturday evening.





Original article source: Utah governor declares month-long state of emergency due to intensifying wildfires
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is sponsoring a bill to automatically expunge the criminal records of some former prisoners, removing a roadblock that he says makes it difficult for people who have been incarcerated to find jobs, housing and complete their education.

He wrote in a news release that between 70 million and 100 million people nationwide are eligible to have their records sealed or expunged, but the complex and often cost-prohibitive process makes it harder for these Americans to receive a second chance.

Van Hollen and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., introduced the Fresh Start Act in Congress on Thursday. The legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Justice to provide $50 million in grants to states over five years to expunge some arrests and convictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not all former offenders would be eligible to have their records removed.

In Maryland, generally only people convicted of misdemeanors  such as prostitution, drunk driving, and passing bad checks  or mostly nonviolent crimes can have their convictions expunged, according to the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. And for those who are eligible, the waiting periods vary.

For example, a conviction for public intoxication can be deleted after five years. A conviction for third-degree burglary wont be eligible for removal for 10 years, while someone convicted of domestic abuse must wait 15 years and avoid being arrested for another offense to qualify.

Americans who have served their time deserve a fair shot to rebuild their lives, Van Hollen wrote in the news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He cited a study published in the June 2020 issue of the Harvard Law Review that concluded just 6.5% of the people who qualified to have their records expunged had done so within five years of becoming eligible. But those who completed the process fared better than the 93.5% who did not.

For instance, just 4.2% of the ex-convicts who had their records expunged were arrested and convicted of a new crime within five years, the article found. That rate compares favorably to the general population of the formerly incarcerated.

In addition, the articles authors  University of Michigan Law School professors J.J. Prescott and Sonja B. Starr  concluded that expungement of criminal records results in wages that are on average 22% higher than they would be otherwise.

Perhaps for these reasons, some people whose careers involve putting criminals behind bars have spoken out in favor of the proposed legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Washington, D.C.-based Association of Prosecuting Attorneys supports efforts that enhance public safety while promoting fair and efficient justice, CEO Nichole Parisi said in the news release.

She added: The Fresh Start Act reflects a growing recognition that modernizing record clearance processes can reduce recidivism and improve community outcomes.

Have a news tip? Contact Mary Carole McCauley at mmccauley@baltsun.com, 410-332-6704.
Vice President Vance mocked critics of an American Eagle jeans ad featuring Sydney Sweeney in an interview published Friday, blaming Democrats for public discourse arguing the commercial endorses eugenics.

So you have a pretty girl doing a jeans ad and they cant help but freak out. It reveals a lot more about them than it does us. No question, Vance said during an appearance on the Ruthless Podcast.

The companys ad campaign is entitled: Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In one promotional video, Sweeney can be seen crossing out the word genes for jeans.

Some online have said the campaign promotes racial bias. But, no prominent Democratic Party leaders or officials have commented on the ad, as reported by CNNs White House producer Alejandra Jaramillo.

You can either say this was ignorance, or this was laziness, or say that this is intentional, Marcus Collins, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Michigans Ross School of Business, told the The Associated Press.

Either one of the three arent good, he added.

But Vance argued in the Friday interview that the left is reading too much into the commercial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theyre trying to sell, you know, sell jeans to kids in America. And they have managed to so unhinge themselves over this thing, Vance told the podcasters.

And its like, you guys, did you learn nothing from the November 2024 election? Like I actually thought that one of the lessons they might take is were going to be less crazy. The lesson they have apparently taken is were going to attack people as Nazis for thinking Sydney Sweeney is beautiful. Great strategy, guys, he added, slamming Democrats for their sweeping loss last year.

Other conservatives have sided with the vice president amid the controversy.

I love how the leftist meltdown over the Sydney Sweeney ad has only resulted in a beautiful white blonde girl with blue eyes getting 1000x the exposure for her good genes, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly wrote Tuesday on the social media platform X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vance said the commentary surrounding the ad, which he pegged as an effort backed by Democrats refusing to shift course after last year, would cost them election wins in 2026.

Thats how youre going to win the midterm, especially young American men. Their course correction lasts about 30 seconds, he said.

Somehow its gotten even crazier. But again, its just so much of the Democrats is oriented around hostility to basic American life.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Clark County has entered talks about a potential Vancouver annexation that could make the city one of the largest in Washington.

At Clark County Councils Wednesday work session, city officials presented county leaders with further details on how the change would impact the local governments  both of which are facing budget deficits.

Not a dime: More Pacific Northwest victims of barn contractor speak out

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vancouver City Council discussed four different scenarios for absorbing other portions of the urban growth area in March. All but one of the proposals would make the city Washingtons second-most populated metro after Seattle, which holds nearly 737,015 residents, according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data.

Vancouver has a population of around 191,000 people, while Tacoma has more than 219,000 residents and Spokane has almost 229,000.

Washingtons Growth Management Act requires fast-growing locales to monitor and develop plans for urban sprawl. But a majority of Vancouvers annexation options would leave the entity out of millions of dollars.

Close

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KOIN Breaking News Alerts

According to City Manager Lon Pluckhahn, the GMA and local government revenue systems are irreconcilable for both parties.

One of our city councilors basically [said] when we were looking at these that the urban growth area was either going to bankrupt the county or bankrupt the city, but the city would be slower, Pluckhahn told Clark County leaders. Thats kind of the fiscal situation that were in, but I think we do have some ways we can minimize those impacts and look at those collaboration opportunities coming up.

Any annexation would require the city and county to agree on the transfer of services, facilities, staff, records and more. Vancouvers Community Development Department Deputy Director Rebecca Kennedy presented the county with several short-term and long-term opportunities for collaboration as talks continue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hozier, The Roots among artists headlining concerts in Portland this August

Among the short-term options, Kennedy suggested a joint effort to push state leaders to offer better financial tools to local governments considering annexation. Among the long-term options, she proposed that the county begin implementing the citys development standards.

Additionally, officials with both entities emphasized the need for community engagement. Clark County District 2 Councilor Michelle Belkot noted that several constituents from Minnehaha and Hazel Dell have been very vocal about wanting to remain within the 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 KOIN.com.




NEED TO KNOW

Police have located the car belonging to the murder suspect who is alleged to have killed four family members in Tennessee and abandoned a 7-month-old baby girl in a front yard

Police found Austin Robert Drummond's car, but he remains at large as of Aug. 2

"Remember, he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. If you see him, call 911 immediately," authorities warned





Police have located the car of Austin Robert Drummond, the murder suspect still at large, who is alleged to have killed four family members in Tennessee and abandoned a 7-month-old baby girl in a front yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Drummonds car was located in Jackson, Tenn., over an hours drive away from Tiptonville, where his four alleged victims were discovered, the Dyer County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) said in an alert shared on Facebook on Friday, Aug. 1.

"The Jackson Police Department has located the vehicle driven by Austin Drummond in the woods near the dead end of MCO road. It appears that he has been living in the vehicle and may be in the area, the DCSO said.

JPD asks all people within the immediate area of this alert, to lock their doors and stay indoors as we actively search for Drummond, the alert warned. Remember, he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. If you see him, call 911 immediately. Do not approach the suspect.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Austin Robert Drummond. Austin Robert Drummond.

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the Jackson Police Department (JPD) said Drummond was still at large. They warned residents to maintain an elevated sense of caution in an update on Facebook.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Please exercise caution while traveling and remain vigilant. Residents are advised to lock their doors and remain alert, as the suspect's current whereabouts are unknown, the police department warned. Promptly report any sightings to 911. Residents may continue daily routines with an elevated sense of caution.

News that Drummonds vehicle was recovered in Jackson comes as more details about his past  as well as his four alleged victims  have emerged.

Drummond is wanted on first-degree murder, kidnapping and firearm possession charges in connection with the deaths of Adrianna Williams, 20, James M. Wilson, 21, Cortney Rose, 38, and Braydon Williams, 15, all of whom were found murdered on Carrington Road in Tiptonville.

Cortney Rose/Facebook; Adrianna Williams/Facebook(2) The four alleged victims of Austin Robert Drummond The four alleged victims of Austin Robert Drummond

The quartet have been identified as the mother, father, grandmother and uncle of the abandoned infant and, according to Fox News, they were all family members of Drummonds current girlfriend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The outlet also reported that at the time of the alleged quadruple murder, Drummond was out on bond for allegedly attempting to kill someone while he was in prison in December 2024. He was behind bars for robbing a convenience store at age 16, and for threatening to go after jurors, according to the Associated Press.

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.

In the evening of July 29, at about 10:26 p.m. local time, a 911 call was made reporting that Cortney Rose and her daughter, Adrianna Williams, were missing.

Later that night, the DCSO announced that four people had been discovered dead in Lake County, Tenn., which is approximately 25 miles north of Dyer County. The bodies were found hours after the infant was abandoned.

Adrianna Williams/Facebook The four alleged victims of Austin Robert Drummond The four alleged victims of Austin Robert Drummond

At approximately 3:11 p.m., the DCSO "received a call regarding a concerning incident on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area [in Dyer County]," the agency wrote on Facebook. "A dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV was reported to have dropped off an infant in a car seat at a random individuals front yard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Thankfully a witness saw the car seat with the child and called 911, the DCSO added.

Stephen Sutton, a spokesperson for the Lake and Dyer county sheriffs, said the baby is now safe, the AP reported.

Anyone with information tied to Drummond's whereabouts is being asked to call 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811 or 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Read the original article on People
COLCHESTER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  All this week, Vermonts state partners from North Macedonia toured the state, meeting with officials and renewing friendships.

Vermont is state partners with North Macedonia, Senegal, and Austria, but its partnership with North Macedonia is its oldest one, dating back all the way to 1993. Vermont Guard soldiers shared a deployment to Afghanistan with the country back in 2010, and helped with training as the country sought to meet NATO military standards leading up to it joining the alliance in 2020.

Since 2023, the partnership has not only been military, but also civic and economic. As a result, the North Macedonian delegation also met Governor Phil Scott, along with Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbets and Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsey Kurrle.

(Courtesy: Vermont National Guard via FB)

Major General Sasko Lafchiski led the North Macedonian delegation, along with State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Elizabeta Chupovska Ristova.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Vermont Chamber of Commerce honors National Guard general as Citizen of the Year

This program has played a significant role in strengthening the partnership and in supporting the professional and academic development of future military leaders, wrote the North Macedonian Ministry of Defense about the visit.

(Courtesy: Vermont National Guard via FB)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In addition to the State House, the North Macedonians came to visit the Vermont National Guard in Colchester and Northfield as well as Norwich University.

Norwich University alumnus nominated for high US Air Force post

In the past, the Vermont National Guards Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight has also visited North Macedonia, when he commented on the work ethic and focus I have witnessed from our partners.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Karnataka BJP President and MLA BY Vijayendra has announced that Bharatiya Janata Party will protest at the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha on August 5 in response to Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks about electoral fraud. Criticising the Congress leader's remarks, Vijayendra said they were an insult to the voters of the country and the state, as well as against the Constitution. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP State Headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Vijayendra stated that after the protest, BJP leaders would meet the Governor and submit a formal memorandum. He accused Rahul Gandhi of planning to enact political "drama" during his visit to Bengaluru on August 5. Vijayendra said that MPs, MLAs, MLCs, former parliamentarians and legislators, and ex-MLCs from the BJP will take part in the protest. The aim is to inform the public about the Congress Party's misleading stand. He also alleged that, in anticipation of Rahul Gandhi's visit, the state government had demolished a compound wall and cut down trees at Freedom Park. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi and the Chief Minister apologise to the people of Karnataka. He accused the Congress of launching a new narrative both in Karnataka and across India, alleging widespread election fraud in various states during the recent Lok Sabha elections. He criticised Rahul Gandhi, calling him a misguided leader with no direction, for claiming the BJP misused the Election Commission. Further criticising the Congress leader, Vijayendra said, "Rahul Gandhi was confused and, having repeatedly failed to win the people's trust, was now making baseless allegations against constitutional bodies." He accused Rahul of staging a "deceptive drama" out of sheer frustration and defeat. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's statement of "100 per cent proof" of electoral fraud, Vijayendra challenged Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to submit any such proof to the High Court or Supreme Court if they truly possess it. He further added that these leaders were not just accusing the Election Commission but were also deliberately creating confusion and distrust in the democratic system. According to Vijayendra, Rahul Gandhi had lost faith in democracy and was projecting his personal failures onto democratic institutions. Vijayendra mockingly said that Gandhi seems unable to accept the leadership of Narendra Modi, who has taken charge as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. Calling it an attempt to mislead the public, Vijayendra warned that this was a serious issue, further stating that Rahul Gandhi's visit and protest at Freedom Park did not intimidate the BJP but reflected an anti-democratic mindset. According to Vijayendra, this was an "attack on democracy" itself. Comparing the situation to the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, Vijayendra stated that Rahul Gandhi seemed to be attempting something similar now. He recalled how Rahul Gandhi had previously cast doubts on EVMs after losing the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra elections and then failed to provide evidence when the Election Commission asked. He further described the Congress leader's actions as "dangerous" and "anti-democratic". (ANI)
First France, then the United Kingdom, and now Canada.

Three of the worlds most powerful Western nations have added their economic and geopolitical clout to calls for a Palestinian state, an idea already endorsed by more than 140 other countries.

The moves have many motives, from a sense of frustration with Israel, to domestic pressure, to outrage over the images of starving Palestinians. Whatever the reason, Palestinians have welcomed the announcements as a boost for their cause. The Israeli government has rejected the calls, describing them as tantamount to rewarding terrorism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US President Donald Trump meanwhile seems increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over the starvation in Gaza that the Israeli leader denies, but has disturbed Trump.

Trump wants regional peace, as well as the accolades  namely a Nobel Peace Prize  for making it happen. He wants Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, expanding the Abraham Accords he cemented between Israel and several other Arab states during his first term. But Riyadh has been firm that this cannot happen without an irreversible path to a Palestinian state.

But the latest moves by US allies France, Britain and Canada  while in many ways largely symbolic  have left Washington increasingly isolated over its backing for Israel.

Palestinian statehood could help bring an end to a war that has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Hamass brutal October 7 attack killed around 1,200 people in Israel almost two years ago, as well as bring home the hostages still being held in Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But one of the toughest challenges is imagining what it looks like, because a modern Palestinian state has never existed before.

When Israel was founded in the aftermath of World War II it quickly gained international recognition. That same period, for Palestinians, is remembered as al-Naqba, or the catastrophe  the moment when hundreds of thousands of people fled or were forced from their homes.

Since then, Israel has expanded, most significantly during the Six Day War of 1967, when Israel turned the tables on a coalition of Arab states and gained East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinian territory has meanwhile only shrunk and splintered.

The closest to what a future Palestinian state may look like was hashed out in a peace process in the 1990s which came to be known as the Oslo Accords.

Harrowing images of starving children have driven the moves by international powers, and alarmed the White House. - UNRWA

Roughly speaking, the Palestinian state envisaged in Oslo, agreed to by both Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, would be based on Israels 1967 borders. The broad outline of Oslo was to have some land trades, a little bit given in one place for the removal of an Israeli settlement, in a negotiated process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The historic handshake on the White House lawn by Israels then Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat hosted by then-US president Bill Clinton remains one of the triumphs of modern diplomacy. Rabins assassination by a far-right fanatic in 1995 robbed Israel of its peacemaker leader.

And while the framework of Oslo lived on in negotiations and academia, there is little initiative now. What was on offer back then is no longer realistic.

In recent years, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank have expanded massively, often with the encouragement of the Israeli government, threatening the chances of creating a contiguous Palestinian state in the region.

Then there is the question of who would govern a future Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, is distrusted by many Palestinians who view it as weak or corrupt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even without all these complications, Netanyahu wont accept a Palestinian state, which he has recently claimed would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel.

Some members of his cabinet are far more hard-line, not only refusing to countenance an independent state but wanting to annex the territory.

These ministers propping up Netanyahus government have said they would starve Palestinians in Gaza rather than feed them, and would collapse the coalition if he so much as suggested giving in to the growing international pressure on Israel.

Netanyahu has shown no intention of backing down, and will wear whatever France, the UK, and any others force on him as a badge of honor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Without a partner in the Israeli government, recognition of a Palestinian state will fall flat, and could even entrench Netanyahu further.

It would be a big price to pay if the outcome were Israel making the possibility of a Palestinian state all the more distant.

But at the same time, with a growing number of angry ex-partners in the international community who are likely to increase their pressure on Trump to shift his position, it is Israel that may find itself disadvantaged, however strongly it protests.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
In the 1930s, a group known as the Indiana Social Hygiene Association believed that teaching appropriate sexual behavior was mostly the duty of school educators.

By the mid-1970s, Hoosiers called it sex education.

The curriculum wasnt as comprehensive as todays. Programs werent coordinated between districts nor as adept in addressing the significance of race and class in contributing to pregnancy rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the early 1980s through the 1990s, education widened into sexual orientation to discuss the AIDS epidemic. At that point, a lot of folks, even parents, began teaching about sex.

The history of sex education has been researched by Angela Potter, a doctoral candidate in history at Purdue University. In August, she made a presentation to LifeSmart Youth, an Indianapolis organization working to help youths make wise choices in relationships.

In turn, Indianapolis-based LifeSmart Youth, which provides human sexuality curriculum for students in grades 4-7, made a recent presentation to the Anderson Community Schools Board.

The presentation came as school districts rush to fulfill a new state law under which all schools where human sexuality is taught must receive curriculum approval from the schools governing body, generally a school board.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The new law also stipulates that a human sexuality program must address the importance of consent to sexual activity between two people.

And students must be shown a high-definition video, at least three minutes long, detailing the changes of the brain and human organs in early fetal development. Students must view a computer-generated rendering of the process of fertilization and how a fetus develops during every week of pregnancy.

In a world of mistrusting government, the latter provision could appear to be a scare-tactic aimed at appeasing anti-abortion advocates. However, the viewing of fetal development could well present medical accuracy using the latest in technological advancements.

The presentations depend upon local schools dealing frankly and honestly with sexual health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

LifeSmart Youths role can be critical in helping school districts develop programming so students make wise choices, reduce risky behaviors and stay in school.

To emphasize risky behavior among some teens, we need to consider a 2021 report by the Community Health Network for the Anderson region. Amid findings, Black populations compared unfavorably with other groups for rates of teen births and chlamydia. Among all ethnic groups that year, Madison County teens had 172 births.

In another study  a 2019 report by IU Saxony Hospital  Madison and Marion counties compared unfavorably to the state rate for maternal and infant health indicators, including infant mortality, low birth weight, prenatal care, and 37.6 births per 1,000 females between the ages of 15 and 19. The state rate for that age in 2019 was 28.4 births per 1,000.

Rates have been improving since the 1990s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Local residents should have control over their area schools. School boards should be capable of determining the needs of the community.

It is clear that, even after 100 years, educators continue to be given the duty of serving as the primary providers of information about sexual behavior. To accomplish that mission, the Indiana Legislature must keep up with the facts and trends in preventing risky teen behaviors.

We hope Madison County area school boards will be committed to doing the same.
A mother and her two children who were murdered last week have been remembered as an "irreplaceable part" of their community at their funeral service in County Clare.

Veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whyte, 45, her 14-year-old son James Rutledge and 13-year-old daughter Sara Rutledge were shot dead in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh.

The Bishop of Ferns, Ger Nash, spoke of how "heartbroken" their loved ones are at the "tragic and unspeakable loss".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They will be buried together in Templemaley Cemetery, Barefield.

Bishop Nash added that the condolence messages left by some women who do not know the family highlight "the vulnerability of women to pain inflicted by others", and that the messages are "signs of solidarity in the face of that pain".

The congregation heard that Vanessa was "hardworking, honest and always ready to lend a helping hand" as a blue card and cattle tags, which help to identify animals, were placed beside her coffin to symbolise her career as a vet.

A hurl was placed next to James' coffin, as the pitch was his "second home" and he spent countless hours there with his friends and teammates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mourners were told he played with pride, but that it "was the spirit he carried off it - loyalty, dependability and kindness" that defined him.

A cat toy was placed in tribute to Sara's "love for animals" and her "gentle presence".

She was remembered for her love of life's simple joys, including baking a cake and playing sport as well as her "soft yet strong" spirit.

Vanessa Whyte and her daughter Sara and son James were fatally shot at a house in Maguiresbridge last Wednesday [Handout]

Mourners attending the funeral have been asked to wear bright and cheerful colours in their memory.

Pupils from Enniskillen Royal Grammar, where James and Sara went to school, are among those who have come to pay their respects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Just before 11:30 local time, three black hearses returned to the church of the immaculate conception in Barefield, County Clare.

Hundreds of people lined the route from St Mary's GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) in Maguiresbridge and St Patrick's Hurling club in Lisbellaw where the family were members.

The purple and navy of Vanessa's childhood club, St Joseph's Doora Barefield, is represented in even bigger numbers.

People gather to pay their respects in Barefield where the funeral of Vanessa, James and Sara will be held [BBC]

On Friday, hundreds gathered in the village to pay respect to Ms Whyte and her children as they lay in repose together.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan from the Diocese of Killaloe, said there has been such an "incredible sense of sympathy and empathy and outpouring of grief for all of Vanessa's family".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There are no words that are adequate to describe the depth of feeling and the sense of tragedy that is being felt by Vanessa's family, but also by the community," he said.

He spoke about Vanessa Whyte and that when she was younger, living in Barefield, she was "a very vivacious and lively young person".

He added that her career as a veterinary surgeon is "a reflection of the generosity of spirit that would have been very much part of her and her family, and that she received from her family".

Emergency services were called to the home of Ms Whyte and her children on the Drummeer Road on 23 July, a rural area about 75 miles (121km) west of Belfast and about eight miles from the county's largest town, Enniskillen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Two of the victims were declared dead at the scene and a third died later that day in South West Acute Hospital.

Hours after the attack, police said a man from the same household was in hospital with gunshot wounds.

Following the shootings, police said a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry for detectives.

On Monday night, the man suspected of the killings, 43-year-old Ian Rutledge, died in hospital.

Detectives investigating the shooting also reiterated their appeal for "anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward".
HESPERIA, Mich. (WOOD)  Two weeks after a water main break, the village of Hesperia on Monday lifted a boil water advisory.

Village President Mike Farber told News 8 Saturday that the village had gotten two negative tests in a row for bacteria in the water system after several positive tests earlier this week.

Hesperia under boil water advisory after water main break

Village Clerk Vicki Burrell explained to News 8 Monday that the tests showing the water was safe came back Thursday and Friday, but the advisory remained in effect until 8 a.m. Monday. Crews started chlorinating wells Friday morning and the village wanted to ensure the chlorine had time to make its way through the entire system before lifting the advisory, Burrell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a Monday release, the village thanked residents for their patience.

The advisory began after a contractor hit an unmarked line during a water replacement project on M-20 and Cook Street on the morning of July 21. The village, which comprises around 400 homes and businesses, was without water services until 3:30 p.m. that day, according to Village Clerk Vicki Burrell.

Though the water was restored, the boil water advisory remained. Water main breaks cause a drop in pressure, which can allow bacteria to enter the system. The advisory had to remain in effect until two tests in a row showed the water met safety standards.

While the advisory was in effect, the village was giving away free cases of water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hesperia is undergoing a $24 million water infrastructure upgrade project that should last for the next 30 to 50 years, according to Farber. The project, which was mostly paid for in grants from the state, consists of redoing lead and copper service lines, building a new well, redoing the villages water tower and laying 28,000 feet of water main. Farber said part of the reason the main was hit last week is because the system is so old and there are a lot of unknowns about it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

Withdrawal of US forces from the region is off the table

Asharq Al-Awsat, London, July 25

Amid the turbulent transformations sweeping across the region, debate has once again ignited over the viability of maintaining US military forces in the Middle East, an estimated 40,000 troops stationed across air and naval bases stretching from Syria to the Gulf. This debate has resurfaced in the wake of recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and growing concerns that Tehrans potential retaliation could place American personnel in harms way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet, influential voices within the military and intelligence communities in Washington continue to argue that a precipitous withdrawal would jeopardize vital US interests and create dangerous vacuums ripe for exploitation by hostile powers or terrorist groups. The recent departure of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson from the region  while the USS Nimitz remains  suggests not a full-scale pullout but a calculated repositioning.

Adm. Brad Cooper, who recently assumed command of US Central Command (CENTCOM), has stated unequivocally that no plans are in place for a sweeping withdrawal. Instead, the force posture remains subject to ongoing review based on field conditions.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cooper confirmed that the approach today is a conditions-based assessment, emphasizing his commitment to reassessing force levels and their geographic distribution in real time. His remarks emphasize the militarys view that its land, air, and naval assets in the region remain central to Americas ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Recent history reinforces the notion that Middle East crises erupt with such regularity that ignoring them is not a viable option  from the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran to Houthi threats in the Red Sea, from ongoing instability in Iraq and Syria to persistent threats in the Strait of Hormuz.

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran is seen in this illustration taken June 22, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION)

Gen. Frank McKenzie, who led US forces in the region from 2019 to 2022, has argued that maintaining a measured military presence serves US interests and provides countries in the region with an additional element of stability in the face of threats. His assessment, rooted in years of firsthand experience, warns that any abrupt departure would erode Washingtons deterrence credibility and strain vital security partnerships. But this is not merely a defensive posture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

US forces in the region are tasked with safeguarding maritime navigation through strategic chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies. They also play a pivotal role in counterterrorism efforts, particularly as reports surface of Islamic State cells reconstituting in vulnerable areas.

As McKenzie put it, The war against ISIS is not over, stressing that while US troops are not directly leading combat operations, they provide indispensable support to local partners on the ground. In this context, Americas military footprint functions as both a deterrent and an anchor of regional stability.

Sen. Angus King of Maine, who recently visited Iraq, offered further firsthand insights reflecting how local allies value the American presence. He relayed that Iraqi officials view US troops as a necessary counterbalance to the aggression of Iranian-backed militias, especially amid the political volatility surrounding upcoming elections.

American forces are viewed as a stabilizing force at this critical time, King noted. While critics highlight the high costs of maintaining the military presence, some estimates put it above $20 billion annually, many defense analysts argue that the price tag pales in comparison to the cost of a security vacuum that could invite the influence of adversarial states or extremist actors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Sources within the Pentagon confirm that regional allies, such as Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, remain committed to their defense arrangements with Washington and view American forces as a reliable bulwark against sudden crises.

Although the notion of replacing fixed bases with agile naval and air units has theoretical appeal, it runs up against the operational reality that rapid deployment and effective joint missions require established logistical hubs. Some defense planners are open to reevaluating the distribution of bases and reallocating forces, but few believe the region has become any less reliant on a US military presence.

The broader geopolitical calculus cannot be ignored either: US security officials acknowledge that while shifting strategic focus toward Asia is imperative, it does not warrant abandoning the Middle East, which has long been a theater of global power rivalry. A withdrawal without a robust, well-structured alternative risks ceding influence to Russia, China, or Iran.

As long as the region remains plagued by recurring and unpredictable crises, maintaining a flexible, responsive US military posture appears far more pragmatic than idealistic calls for a full retreat. Ultimately, the dominant view among senior American military and national security leaders is that security cannot be achieved in a vacuum, and that a deliberate, sustainable presence is a far safer bet than the costly mistake of retreat, only to return later under far worse conditions.  Huda al-Husseini

Does Israel want peace?

An-Nahar, Lebanon, July 25

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There has been growing talk of a New Middle East emerging from the upheavals and shifting dynamics that have shaped the region over the past two years, amid speculation that more Arab countries will join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel.

These agreements are expected to yield political and economic dividends for the entire region and the United States, while also bolstering the Wests strategic position against China and Russia.

But a fundamental question remains: does Israel truly want to end the state of war and demilitarize its society? Israels conduct across multiple fronts casts doubt on its commitment to peace. The devastation in Gaza, along with widespread displacement and destruction in the West Bank, suggests a systematic attempt to bury the two-state solution.

Meanwhile, on its northern front, Israel wages ongoing military operations in Lebanon under the banner of disarming Hezbollah, while escalating its strikes in Syria under shifting justifications  whether its combating terrorism, establishing a buffer zone, or defending minorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The confrontation with Iran, for its part, was paused not by mutual agreement or surrender, but by a directive from President Donald Trump. Yet the risk of escalation remains, particularly as Israel continues to warn of renewed conflict if Tehran advances its nuclear enrichment and missile programs.

The Iranian regime, far from defeated, remains active in rebuilding its regional network of proxy forces, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. As such, Israels multiple wars have yet to produce a resolution on any of the seven fronts it claims to be engaged in.

So, does Israel genuinely seek peace with its Arab neighbors? Should such agreements materialize, it would imply Israeli acceptance of a framework that endorses the two-state solution, recognizes peace and stability along its borders, and opens the door to joint investment and trade initiatives through normalization.

In such a scenario, the existential fear that has long defined Israeli society would be defused, potentially shifting public preference toward economic growth and development over military spending. The influence of Israels right wing, which thrives on fear and the perception of external threat, would likely diminish. Even more transformative, the countrys political power structure, which military figures have historically dominated since the states founding, could shift toward greater civilian and business leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Yet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right religious coalition appear determined to prolong the conflict, as several Israeli and Western reports, including a recent New York Times investigation, have indicated. Their political strategy hinges on reinforcing existential anxiety, particularly in the wake of Hamass October 7, 2023 attacks, to galvanize support ahead of legislative elections.

But can leaders whose political survival depends on perpetuating fear and conflict truly pursue peace? Within Israel, opposition figures have voiced support for a two-state solution and for seizing the opportunity to make peace with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Syria  moves that could usher in a new era of regional stability. Yet these voices remain sidelined, lacking the political power to shift policy. As a result, Israels right-wing leadership will continue to seek out or sustain an adversary to justify high defense budgets and preserve the militarys central role in the national economy.

With current military campaigns still unresolved, it remains unclear who Israel will identify as its next enemy. There is a possibility that it will choose not to end any of its ongoing conflicts definitively, preferring instead to keep a target  whether Iran, with its expanding missile arsenal; Hezbollah, still entrenched in Lebanon; or perhaps a new adversary in Syria  at arms reach, to strike periodically and sustain the narrative that underpins its national security doctrine.  Riad Kahwaji

Gaza is a ticking time bomb

Al-Ittihad, UAE, July 26

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hamas is now confronting the most perilous phase of its existence in the Gaza Strip, having shifted from a dominant force to a beleaguered entity hemmed in by internal tribal dynamics and sustained military pressure. Its support from Iran appears increasingly uncertain, as its operational capabilities deteriorate and its leadership hierarchy fragments, despite the efforts of the current leader, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, to reorganize the movement.

Meanwhile, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is moving to replicate the Rafah-based model of Yasser Abu Shababs militia by recruiting similar groups in northern Gaza and in key border zones. This is part of a broader strategy to dismantle Hamass governance infrastructure  its administrative, service, and security functions  and to prepare the ground for a potential phased Israeli withdrawal.

The Israeli military is actively studying the expansion of this model to additional areas of the Strip before reconfiguring existing security arrangements. The Israeli government has publicly announced its plan to arm various militias within Gaza in a bid to sow chaos and confront Hamas, a move that signals its intent to press forward regardless of criticism surrounding the Abu Shabab models shortcomings.

Despite mounting concerns about the plans effectiveness, it continues to receive the backing of Israels security agencies, particularly the Shin Bet, and remains under the patronage of Prime Minister Netanyahu. At its core, the Israeli approach reflects a belief that removing Hamas requires the emergence of a viable alternative authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The political leadership has rejected top-down solutions, whether from the Palestinian Authority or a proposed multinational force, and is instead pursuing a bottom-up solution rooted in on-the-ground realities. Netanyahus stance underscores a clear objective: to exclude both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from any future governance arrangement in Gaza. Under the proposed plan, the Israeli military would occupy and cleanse strategic areas in Gaza before transferring authority to Bedouin militias supplied with arms, personnel, and decision-making power.

This process is being implemented in stages, beginning in zones that have already been cleared and are under complete Israeli control. Should it succeed, the model would be extended to other regions. In Shejaia and Khan Yunis, Israel has begun arming factions led by Yasser Hnaidek and Rami Helles, both members of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah), who are now active with direct Israeli military support.

These figures receive salaries from the Palestinian Authority, as well as weapons and humanitarian assistance from Israel. One faction operates in Gaza Citys Shejaia neighborhood, while the other is active in Khan Yunis in the south, both areas currently under heavy Israeli military presence as part of the ongoing operation.

Notably, Helles hails from a family that has long been antagonistic toward Hamas, dating back to 2007. The developments in Gaza echo previous Israeli efforts to cultivate internal collaborators, reminiscent of the Palestinian Village Leagues in the West Bank or the South Lebanon Army during the occupation of southern Lebanon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

However, despite robust Israeli backing, this strategy is encountering growing public resistance, raising the prospect of failure much like earlier attempts. On the ground, Hamas no longer exercises centralized control in Gaza. It now issues only general directives to its remaining fighters to endure for as long as possible, while contending with an internal tribal revolt and overt Israeli support for rival tribal leaders and militias. These tribes, for their part, claim they are safeguarding humanitarian aid convoys and attempting to establish a new administrative framework to replace Hamass crumbling rule.

In this evolving power struggle, local armed actors have become pivotal players, and Israel appears to be collaborating with them to erode Hamas grip. The formation of these security factions, regardless of their political affiliation, has disrupted Hamas military wing, particularly amid worsening internal communication between the organizations military hierarchy and its central leadership in Gaza.

As the situation becomes increasingly complex, several scenarios for Gazas future are being proposed. One involves an international force overseeing the territory, though this idea appears flawed due to its lack of administrative viability for Palestinians. Another proposal envisions a joint international-Arab administration, comprising Arab and Palestinian representatives, which could pave the way for the Palestinian Authoritys return to governance. A third suggestion calls for an independent civil administration to manage Gazas affairs.

Yet all of these proposals remain speculative and unresolved, with the eventual outcome likely to be determined by shifts in the balance of power on the ground, a picture that is still taking shape.  Tarek Fahmy

The Arab worlds Day After plan

Al-Ahram, Egypt, July 24

At the outset of the fifth Gaza War, a pressing question emerged: What is Israels plan for the day after it achieves its declared objectives of recovering hostages, decimating Gaza, and eliminating Hamas? Will it reoccupy the territory? Will it act out of territorial ambition, seeking to displace Palestinians in favor of expanding settlements?

While some answers have surfaced through official statements and unfolding events, they have yet to coalesce into a coherent strategy for ending the war and building a peace in which Israel no longer lives under the threat of perpetual conflict. On the contrary, the war has widened, drawing in Iran, the Red Sea, the Syrian Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon.

At times, discussions around the day after have shifted toward the United States, particularly following President Trumps historic visit to the Gulf and the subsequent discourse around expanding the Abraham Accords, alongside tentative steps toward the idea of a Palestinian state. However, today, the lines between war and diplomacy have become increasingly blurred, with peace negotiations unfolding against a backdrop of escalating military tensions and political coercion.

What is critical now is the recognition that the day after must not be treated as an exclusively Israeli or American initiative. It must be a collective regional effort, involving Arab nations, particularly those that have already signed peace agreements with Israel or are on the path toward normalization, and who share an interest in advancing regional development and long-term stability.

Allowing Israel or the United States to monopolize the postwar agenda risks perpetuating cycles of violence and expanding the scope of future conflict to include volatile issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, thereby locking the region into a state of war for years to come.

The essential task of the Arab day after is to safeguard Palestinian presence on the land and to prevent any form of ethnic cleansing or large-scale violence. Other regional battles or strategic distractions must not dilute this mission.

What we are witnessing, and have witnessed throughout this conflict, is that many have yet to fully comprehend the true nature of the current war, let alone learn from the patterns of past wars. More alarmingly, there remains a profound lack of engagement with the history and nuances of peace-building efforts, whether warm and active or cold and detached.

This moment demands deep reflection and strategic clarity from the Arab world, especially from those nations already affected by the ongoing war and those that will inevitably be shaped by the contours of the peace that may emerge, not just from Gaza or Ramallah, but even from faraway capitals like Baku.  Abdel Moneim Saeed

Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Keep Abilene Beautiful, the West Texas Science Center, and Vista Planning & Design came together to host a Community Cleanup Champions event at Kirby Lake Park.

Volunteers gathered to remove trash and litter throughout the park. Several participants spoke with KTAB/KRBC about their experience and the importance of taking care of local outdoor spaces.

Lois Dalton, who lives near Kirby Lake, shared her perspective on the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think its a fun way of making a difference, and theres a lot of trash to be picked up. So, we need to keep our environment clean, Dalton said.

She added that she saw a range of litter during the cleanup, including fried chicken bags, papers, cans, and other debris.

Stephen Cook, Dean of the Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts, also participated and reflected on the effort.

Its been great helping out, helping out. There have been several good-sized crowds of people here, and its just nice to join and do our little bit to help make this area look a little bit better and be better for people who want to visit and spend their time here, Cook said.

Abilene Parks & Rec to create new arboretum with fall trees at Lake Kirby

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As part of the event, Keep Abilene Beautiful presented a $15,000 check to the West Texas Science Center. The funds will support the Lake Kirby Park Arboretum Funding Appeal, which includes plans to plant trees that change color in the fall and to build two six-foot-wide trails  one weaving through the trees and the other crossing an unmaintained area of the park.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, has received an icy reception from both key members of the Democratic Party and its boosters, leading some progressives to wonder whatever happened to the mantra, vote blue no matter who?.

Since winning the Democratic mayoral primary in June, many Democratic leaders in New York and nationwide have kept their partys nominee at arms length. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has declined to endorse Mamdani, as has Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Other members of New Yorks House delegation, like Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Ritchie Torres, have followed Jeffries and Schumers lead, congratulating Mamdani on his energized campaign, in the words of Goldman, but stopping short of endorsing the Democratic nominee for mayor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Still others, like Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents some of New York Citys Long Island suburbs, said after the primary results that Socialist Zohran Mamdani is too extreme to lead New York City.

While there are a number of Mamdani critics in the party, there are also many exceptions, like Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., who had endorsed Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller, but has since endorsed Mamdani, comparing his victory to former President Barack Obamas. Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., who had backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the primary, also endorsed Mamdani.

Still, the reception of Mamdani by establishment Democrats has inflamed a feeling among progressives that has been growing for years: the partys liberal base is expected to vote for any Democratic candidate, no matter how conservative, while conservative and moderate Democrats get to pick and choose when they support their partys nominee.

Faiz Shakir, a former senior advisor to Sen. Bernie Sanders, told Salon that when it comes time for the party to rally around their nominee, its not a two-way street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its not only not a two-way street, Shakir said. More problematically, its telling the new voters that have come into the Democratic primary process that We dont like your views, we dont like you voting in the Democratic primary.

Shakir, who founded the non-profit news organization A More Perfect Union in 2021, added that the rejection of Mamdani speaks to a bigger issue in the party, which is that leadership cares more about maintaining the rules and power structure in the party than they do about expanding the partys base of support.

Its even less about Mamdani, less about Bernie. Its that you guys have attracted people to vote in this process and upended the notions that we all, in this club, have agreed upon as the rules of the Democratic Party, Shakir said.

Shakir noted that Mamdani was able to connect with people disengaged from politics and young voters, something that Democrats nationally have been attempting to do following their defeat in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mamdani was also specifically able to bring voters who either didnt vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 or didnt vote at all back into the fold. Shakir said that the party made the same mistake in how it handled Sanderss candidacies in 2016 and 2020, the latter of which Shakir managed. Unlike in Mamdanis case, Sanderss primary candidacy ran aground after establishment Democrats united around a single candidate in response to the senators early successes in the presidential primary process.

They came into this primary process, they got enthusiastic about the candidate, they expressed their preferences, and if youre going to try to overturn, it has less to do with Mamdani than telling a bunch of these voters, I dont like your preferences, Shakir said. If you go back to 2016, that is what a lot of sentiment of the Bernie bros was right? That is what turned them off to the party, and weve been living with that legacy ever since.

The refusal to endorse Mamdani by his fellow Democrats has taken on extra gravity because of the situation that Mamdani finds himself in in the general election, facing off against two other Democrats running as independents, the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, and Cuomo.

Its not the first time Democrats have failed to rally around their nominee in a high-profile race. The situation echoes the 2006 Connecticut Senate election, when Ned Lamont, the now governor of Connecticut, defeated Joe Lieberman, the former Senator, in the Democratic primary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lieberman, in response, decided to run as an independent, eventually defeating Lamont in the general election that year. In post-mortems of the race, critics blamed Democratic leadership for insufficiently supporting Lamont over Lieberman.

Matt Bennett, a vice president for public affairs at the centrist group Third Way, contested that shutting Mamdani out of the party was justified because of his connection to the Democratic Socialists of America.

What moderates are worried about is not just the ideas that he has run on like free busses and, you know, grocery stores, that kind of thing, Bennett said. It is his pretty deep connection to the Democratic Socialists of America, a connection thats in some ways much deeper than than what we saw from Bernie or [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] means he put out a fundraising email for them, like a few weeks ago, like hes and he has marched with their banner, and he has said that hes a proud member, and at least Im not speaking for all moderates.

Bennet specifically said that the concern for the pro-business people at Third Way is that parts of the DSA platform could be very easily weaponized against other Democrats. He specifically mentioned the DSAs support for the abolition of the carceral state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Those ideas would strike basically anyone in mainstream politics as loony, like seriously. Go look at the platform, it says, shut down all prisons and free all incarcerated persons, like thats insane and we just shouldnt have people connected to insane ideas, Bennett said. We just shouldnt have people connected to insane ideas in high-profile places in our party.

Start your day with essential news from Salon.

Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Bennett said that other progressives, like Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, have not received the same reception because they are not as closely affiliated with the DSA. Its worth noting that both Tlaib and Ocasio-Cortez were DSA members endorsed by their local DSA chapters in 2024. Tlaib is currently slated as the keynote speaker for the DSAs 2025 National Convention.

The thing with Mamdani is hes actually not really a Democrat, Bennett argued He is a member of a different party, and so I do think that in some ways, hes unique.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Centrist groups like Third Way and the Welcome Party, which hosted a gathering of centrist Democrats in 2025, have also often praised politicians like former Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., who finished off his career in the Senate by officially leaving the Democratic Party after years of standing in the way of the Democratic Partys agenda.

Welcome Party strategist Liam Kerr specifically said we need five more Joe Manchins, despite Manchin having officially left the Democratic Party.

To those who work in coalition with Democrats, like Ana Maria Archila, the state co-director of the Working Families Party in New York, top Democrats and their allies fretting about hypothetical anti-Mamdani backlash in the midterms are getting over their skis.

Most elected officials in the Democratic Party in New York City have endorsed Zohran. Thats just the fact. And there is, I think, a kind of thinking that is overly shaped by risk aversion and they are sort of thinking about how this will play out in 2026? How will this impact congressional races? How will this impact other elections? Archila said. Most people are not thinking that way. Most people think, How does this leader present to me? Does that he or she seem like they understand my life and they care and they want to fight for me?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Archila added that Mamdanis reception by the leaders of the Democratic Party might not matter in the end because he was able to inspire historic numbers of voters to participate in the Democratic primary.

We are convinced that he will lay the groundwork to build the largest, most powerful, most diverse, and most energized coalition that the city has seen, and that coalition will include many of the leaders of the Democratic Party that, by now, are taking it sort of slowly, Archila said.

The post Vote blue no matter who, unless its Mamdani? appeared first on Salon.com.
The Most Beautiful Places in Arizona Poll 2025 launched on July 15 with 10 gorgeously worthy contenders going head to head in a reader poll to determine the most stunning Arizona view everyone should see at least once.

The top three finalists  the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks and Monument Valley  made it to the second round.

Round 2 closed with more than 850 readers voting to determine the winner. But only one place can be named Arizona's most stunning view. And the winner proved the decisive highlight among readers, with 58% of the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

And the Most Beautiful Place in Arizona 2025 winner is ... the Grand Canyon.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona, encompassing about 278 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands, according to the National Park Service. The Canyon is entirely in Arizona.

Those who photographed and painted the Canyon over the years have inspired generations of travelers with their depictions of its grandeur and vast scope, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself.

The unforgettable natural wonder became a tourist destination in the early 20th century when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway opened a connection to the South Rim in 1901 with a line from Williams to Grand Canyon Village; people can take that train route today via the Grand Canyon Railway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Santa Fe Railway, in collaboration with the Fred Harvey Company, developed the El Tovar hotel to host guests taking the railroad to visit the Canyon.

How was the Grand Canyon formed?

The Canyon was formed millions of years ago through the uplift of igneous and metamorphic rock and carved by the Colorado River through erosion.

People have lived in and around the Canyon for thousands of years, from Indigenous peoples to Spanish explorers. It was protected as a national monument under President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, and became a national park under President Woodrow Wilson in 1919.

How to see the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park draws millions of visitors every year; more than 4.9 million people visited in 2024, according to the National Park Service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Visitors can see the Canyon from overlooks on the South Rim, such as Mather Point and the popular sunrise/sunset viewing spot Hopi Point.

The less crowded North Rim  known for its dramatic views from Point Imperial, Cape Royal and Bright Angel Point  is closed for the rest of the 2025 season because of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and has temporarily closed Phantom Ranch and numerous popular hiking trails.

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park costs $35 per vehicle for seven days of access.

Details: 928-638-7888, nps.gov/grca.

South Rim and more: Where else to visit near Grand Canyon while the North Rim is closed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The most beautiful place in Arizona, according to readers
CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A Waldorf man was arrested Friday after allegedly intentionally setting his home on fire while his family was sleeping, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office.

Omar Shariff Harrison, 49, was charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson, second-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, reckless endangerment, and arson threat.

The Charles County Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance on Friday, around 5 a.m., at a home in the 3000 block of Eutaw Forest Dr. in Waldorf. Deputies say they responded the previous night for the same issue, and the couple was ordered to remain in separate areas of the home for the night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Charles County family asking for help to solve daughters cold case murder

Investigators say Harrisons wife woke up to him moving around the home around 5 a.m. before he entered her bedroom and poured gasoline on the bed and down the stairs before setting the bedsheets on fire.

The wife and their two children were able to escape unharmed. Deputy State Marshals and a K9 arrived at the scene, and an initial investigation determined that Harrison both started and extinguished the fire.

Deputies say the home sustained $500 in damage, and the incident was deemed related to the dispute between the couple, where Harrison threatened that he would burn the house down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Harrison was arrested during a traffic stop and transported to the Charles County Detention Center, where he awaits his bond hearing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This is the second part of a two-part series. For the first part, click here.

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  When a shark attacked 50-year-old Elisabeth Foley off Santa Rosa Beach in June 2024, she lost her left hand and suffered severe injuries to her right leg, back, and torso.

She was treated by doctors at the HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, then was transferred back to her home in Richmond, Virginia, where she underwent 18 surgeries over 44 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A few weeks later, she lost feeling in her left foot.

I couldnt feel anything. It felt like a sausage in a casing that was too small. I was able to move it, but I wasnt able to curl my toes or point my toes, shark attack survivor Elisabeth Foley said.

Foley went through physical therapy to learn how to walk with a paralyzed foot. She eventually raised enough money to purchase a myoelectric prosthetic hand.

This is called the socket here that was made custom to fit my arm, Foley said. And I have muscles that are residual on this part of the amputation. And then on the other side, I have the muscles here. If I, if I want to open it, I flex this muscle here and it will open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

An Alabama teenager named Lulu Gribbon was attacked by a shark 90 minutes after Foley. This year, the Alabama lawmakers created Lulus Law, which alerts beachgoers if there is a shark attack in the area.

I certainly believe that if that law had been in effect, Lulu would not have been bitten because she was an hour and a half after me, and I think it was four miles away. I think that if it probably could have helped her, and Im hoping that it will help people in the future, Foley said.

Foley recently returned to the HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital to participate in their trauma survivors event.

It was extremely rewarding to see her from the beginning, said HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Trauma Surgeon Dr. Cathy Ho. She was incredibly strong and resilient. And then to see her a year out, you know, working a job and being a mother and a wife and participating in society and, you know, really is a testament to not only her strength, but the hard work of everyone involved in her care, because trauma is definitely a teamwork activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Foley says she hasnt let the attack stop her from getting back in the gym, returning to work, and engaging in family life.

I am alive and Im better than alive and Im vertical and Im using my prosthetic to help me do things that Ive done for the past, you know, 50 years of my life, Foley said.

Foley has not regained feeling in her left foot and is still learning to control her myoelectric hand. You can follow her journey on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, called Elisabeths Recovery.

The third victim that day was a teenage friend of Lulus, who was not badly injured. Authorities were never able to determine if the same shark was responsible for all of the attacks.

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.
A girl fell into the Yamuna river from Delhi's Signature Bridge, following which her body was recovered with the help of divers, police said on Saturday. According to Delhi Police, they received information about the incident after the girl fell from the bridge. A search operation was immediately launched, and with the assistance of divers, her body was recovered from the river. Police further stated that efforts are underway to establish the identity of the deceased. An investigation has also been initiated to ascertain whether the girl jumped into the river intentionally or fell by accident. Further details are awaited. Earlier in July, the body of a 19-year-old student of Delhi University, identified as Sneha Debnath, was retrieved from the Yamuna River in the national capital. According to the reports, the student was believed to have taken her own life by jumping into the Yamuna River. A note provided by the family indicated her intention to jump from the Signature Bridge. Some eyewitnesses had stated that they saw a girl standing on the bridge and she was later found missing. Her close friends stated she was upset since the last few months and had dropped email and WhatsApp messages that morning. Sneha Debnath, the 19-year-old girl from Sabroom in South Tripura district had been missing in the national capital. Sneha, a student of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi University, was last in contact with her family on July 7. (ANI)
PORTSMOUTH  The 2025 edition of the Thunder Over New Hampshire air show will take off Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7 at the Pease Air National Guard Base.

The Navy's Blue Angels will headline this years air show, which will feature flying performances by both military and civilian pilots and dozens of aircraft on display on the ground as well as educational hands-on activities for all ages.

Organizers anticipate more than 80,000 people will attend the air shows. Its the first time the Blue Angels will perform at Pease since 2012, and their only appearance in New England this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Heres some answers to questions about the show, parking and much more:

How does parking work at the Pease air show? Can I still go to show if parking is sold out?

General admission to the show is free, and no ticket is required for entry to the air show. But all cars must have a free parking pass that was reserved in advance to park at the air show at the Air National Guard base.

All the free on-site parking spaces were quickly reserved when parking passes were released and are now sold out so if you dont already have a parking pass, you cannot park at the air show.

Several tiered levels of premium seating and parking packages were also offered for purchase, but those are all sold out, too.

Shuttle and parking to air show from Mall at Fox Run on sale

You can still walk, bike to or be dropped off at the air show, and there is a nearby off-site parking area at the Mall at Fox Run in Newington, where shuttles will transport people to the air show gates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shuttle passes have gone on sale via the air shows website.

A paid roundtrip shuttle ticket can be purchased for $30 and everyone riding a shuttle needs a ticket except children who can sit in a lap. Shuttles will run from the mall lot to the South Entry Gate. There will be accessible shuttles available. A purchase of one to four shuttle passes will include one parking pass, a purchase of five to eight shuttle passes will include two parking passes and so on, to encourage carpooling and maximize the parking space available at the mall.

The shuttle tickets and parking passes will both be day-specific and are not transferable.

More: Blue Angels pilots talk life in 'traveling circus' ahead of 2025 Thunder Over NH Air Show

Who are air show performers joining the Blue Angels at Pease?

The Blue Angels will be joined by the Marines' C-130 Fat Albert, the Air Force's F-35 Lightning II Team, KC-46A Pegasus, UH-60 Blackhawk, U.S. Para Commandos, JackAces P-51 Demo, Michael Goulian, Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car and the Third Strike Wingwalking team.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All the performers will fly both show days from noon to 4 p.m. The exact schedule and order of the performances will not be announced in advance, and the lineup is subject to change due to weather conditions or mechanical issues.

More performers may be announced as the show approaches on the Thunder Over New Hampshire social media channels.

Can you take an Uber or ride a bike to the air show?

You can still attend the free air show by walking onto Pease International Tradeport, being dropped off at a location near the airport terminal, or by riding a bike to the gate. There will be a rideshare drop-off near the main airport terminal building, and there will be a walk-in gate for those arriving on foot and on bicycle near the South Gate. Follow signs directing walkers, bikers and rideshare drop-offs when you arrive at Pease.

What are the hours for the air show?

The Blue Angels, the Navy demonstration team, train during the winter in El Centro, California, for the 2025 air show season, including the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show to be held Sept. 6-7 at the Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth.

Arriving early and anticipating traffic are advised. The gates open at 9 a.m. The Patriot Plaza, the aircraft on display, vendors and concessions on the runway will open about 9:30 a.m. The national anthem will be played at noon and performances begin right after that and go until about 4 p.m. both days. The gates and parking lots close at 5 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The air show takes place rain or shine. Some flight schedules may need to be adjusted to accommodate weather conditions. Paid parking passes and premium seating tickets are non-refundable.

What is Patriot Plaza at the air show?

Patriot Plaza presented by air show sponsor Service Credit Union will feature 51 acres of stationary aircraft displays and plane and vehicle tours, STEAM exhibits, hands-on educational activities for all ages, dining, concessions, souvenirs, commercial exhibits, the Kidz Zone Play Area, and the premium seating areas, which are sold out. This year, the Navy Band Northeast will perform during the air show on both Saturday and Sunday.

Who benefits from the money raised by the air show?

Air show proceeds will once again support the New Hampshire Military Assistance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 to support New Hampshire's military members and their families, particularly those in the National Guard.

If I have a parking pass, where do I go?

Parking for the show is in several lots adjacent to the runway at Pease. Visit thunderovernewhampshire.com/parking for a parking map. Your parking pass tells you which lot you must park in. Follow directional signs and personnel when you arrive at Pease International Tradeport.

How much traffic is expected? Will any roads close?

Traffic will be heavy around Pease International Tradeport and the roadways that lead to it, so local residents and not-so-local attendees should allow extra time when traveling to the air show. The plan is similar to what was in effect for the 2021 and 2023 shows. McIntyre Road on the tradeport will be closed when the air show is occurring due to safety setbacks for low-flying aircraft. Other road closures and traffic directions may be announced by Portsmouth or Newington police closer to the air show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

All three entrances to Pease Tradeport  from Route 33 and from the Spaulding Turnpike at the main entrance and Exit 3 on the turnpike  will be open during the air show. Look for signage and law enforcement officers who will be directing drivers.

Parking passes, which have all been reserved in advance, will not be available at any gates to the air show. Vehicles arriving at a gate without a pass will be not admitted.

There will be a drop-off area for attendees utilizing ride-sharing services near the airports main terminal. Signs will direct drivers to the drop-off spot.

There will also be a walk-in gate for those arriving on foot or by bicycle, and an area to park bicycles near the South Gate. Bikes are not allowed inside the air show so bikers need to leave them outside in this area. Follow signs directing walkers and bikers when you arrive at the Tradeport.

What can I bring to the air show? Whats prohibited?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen. ear protection, sunglasses, cameras (no bulky camera bags or lenses longer than a foot), non-glass water bottles, blankets, lawn chairs, strollers and wagons for children are allowed inside the air show. Security reserves the right to turn away oversized carriages that cant be properly inspected. There will be free fill stations for personal non-glass water containers. Both cash and cards will be accepted for purchases. Portable restrooms will be available in both the General Admission and VIP viewing areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Not allowed at the air show are umbrellas, weapons of any type, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, flammable liquids, explosive materials, fireworks, smoking materials, vaping devices (smoking and vaping is prohibited in the show area), pets other than service animals, laser pointers, bicycles, scooters, skates, skateboards, wheeled shoes, Segway-style human transporters, large backpacks, bags or coolers exceeding 14 inches in length, width or height, drone aircraft or any type of propelled item capable of being airborne, glass containers and cans, canopies, tents and camera lenses longer than 12 inches.

Is the air show accessible?

The air show is accessible to those who use wheelchairs and walkers or have other mobility needs. There will be accessible parking in each of the lots, which are all on hard surfaces. The accessible spots will be closest to the air show entrance from that lot. A reserved free parking pass is required for accessible parking spaces. State-issued placards or plates are required to park in the accessible spaces. Accessible portable restrooms will be available in both the General Admission and VIP areas. There will be nowhere to charge a motorized mobility aid and no rides for disabled attendees so bring your own wheelchair, scooter or walker.

What is available for those attending with babies?

There will be a parent and baby tent available with space for changing and breastfeeding.

Can I volunteer for the air show?

Yes, the air show needs volunteers and is currently looking for volunteers for its parking, set-up, break-down, welcome and greeting teams. Go to thunderovernewhampshire.com/volunteer for information and to apply.

Can I send a question to air show organizers?

Email info@ThunderOverNewHampshire.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Be sure to download the Seacoastonline news app and turn on breaking news alerts to get the latest updates on your phone. You can also sign up for News Alert emails and our Daily Briefing newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Thunder Over NH Air Show 2025 in Portsmouth: How to see Blue Angels
Young Republicans are split over the future of the party, with two warring factions seeking to position themselves as the true MAGA warriors ahead of a weekend vote for control of the partys youth arm.

On Saturday, young party members will converge in Nashville, where theyll decide between two slates to lead the Young Republican National Federation: Grow YR, led by current YRNF Chair Hayden Padgett, and the insurgent Restore YR campaign, led by New York State Young Republicans Chair Peter Giunta.

The brawl between the two slates is both personal  including interpersonal clashes and squabbles over hotel loyalty points and committee assignments  and ideological, with both sides looking to prove their loyalty to President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. But the fight is also a microcosm of a schism ready to burst in the party at large, which is already delicately trying to chart a course for its post-Trump future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The fact that [Young Republicans are] divided over something like this  what type of work we should be doing  says a lot about what the potential implications are for 2026 and 2028, said Giunta, who emphasized the importance of party unity. In 2028, it's really about fighting for what the future identity of the party looks like in a post-Trump era.

Restore YR, which is seeking to unseat the current leadership in an effort to restore trust, opportunity, and unity, has won the endorsements of hardcore MAGA firebrands like Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), longtime Trump ally and convicted felon Roger Stone, Florida GOP Chair Evan Power, and Turning Point Action Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer, who was one of several fake electors in Arizona in 2020.

Stone, who served as Young Republican National Federation chair from 1977 to 1979, said he endorsed the Restore YR slate simply because they are most closely aligned with President Trump and the America First Movement within the Republican Party.

While YRNF has never been a backbone of the GOPs fundraising efforts, its 14,000-some foot soldiers have long served a vital role in ground game efforts for Republican campaigns, and the organization has produced some of the partys most dedicated advocates, with more than a dozen alumni currently serving in Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The YRs are the boots on the ground, said California Young Republicans Chair Ariana Assenmacher, who is running for co-chair on the Restore YR slate. We're the youth movement of the party, and so for us to be able to go into 26 with a clear game plan of what congressional and Senate seats we're going to be focusing on, what statewide races we're going to be focusing on, we need to make sure that we are giving the president and the administration as much support as possible."

In June, Giunta  who leads the Restore YR challengers  shared a litany of complaints about Padgett and his boards leadership with the White House, alleging the incumbent YRNF administration had shown insufficient support for the president and, at times, secretly worked to undermine him.

The White House and the Republican National Committee have opted not to weigh in on the race. Spokespeople for both declined to comment.

The document accused Padgett of attempting to strong-arm state federations out of endorsing Trump in the 2024 GOP presidential primary after a straw poll facilitated by YRNF leadership in August 2023 showed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the leading candidate among young Republicans, and a mock caucus held in November of that year revealed support for former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. (One of Padgetts vice chairs previously led the group Students for Nikki Haley.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It also accused YRNF, under Padgetts leadership, of platforming Trump haters and fabricating tweets by Giunta purporting to show his opposition to Trump. Giunta threatened legal action against Padgett for orchestrating what he described as a smear campaign, which Padgett denies.

The current leadership of YRNF denies undermining the Trump campaign or administration, with the organizations national political director Blake delCarmen telling POLITICO that Padgett and his slate stand unequivocally with President Trumps agenda, no ifs, ands, or buts.

The Grow YR Slate strongly rejects the baseless accusations leveled against us, delCarmen said. These claims are false and serve only to distract from our proven record of leadership, growth, and unwavering support for President Trump and the conservative agenda.



Grow YR has been endorsed by half of the national federations state organizations, but the decision over which slate to endorse has also trickled down into bitter fights in some of the nations biggest states. In Ohio, for example, one local chapter denounced the state leadership for voting to endorse the Grow YR slate without consulting county chapter leaders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In a statement, the local chapter, which represents Wayne and Medina counties in the Cleveland metropolitan area, called Grow YR a reductive group of individuals largely out of step with the conservative movement as a whole, attacking Ohio Young Republicans Chair Cody Pettit and his board as a pack of RINOs.

Pettit said in a statement that YRNF under the leadership of the Grow YR Tickets has offered real progress for the national organization, touting the organizations fundraising and organizing successes.

The Wisconsin Young Republicans, which has also pledged its delegates to the Grow YR slate, threatened to suspend delegates who support any candidate or slate of candidates that is opposing a previously endorsed candidate or slate of candidates for any YRNF National Board position.

Over the last two years, the YRNF has achieved record fundraising, unprecedented membership growth, and historic victories for Republicans across the country, Wisconsin Young Republicans Chair Kyle Schroeder said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California and Floridas state federations, which endorsed Grow YR in 2023, have now endorsed Restore YR, and Texas  Padgetts home state  is largely supporting his challengers as well. Nearly two-thirds of the states delegates, who are not bound to vote for the slate endorsed by their state federation, are supporting Restore YR.

Texas Young Republicans Chair Derrick Wilson, who is supporting the Grow YR slate, dismissed the battle as more personal pettiness than policy.

Still, Padgett is confident his slate will leave Nashville victorious and that voters will elect him to a second term as national chair.

If you look at the scorecard that you measure an administration on, were hitting records on every single metric, Padgett said in an interview. And so our pitch is, lets double down on that. Lets not pivot directions and return ourselves to some ill-conceived or vague task, lets keep going forward in this upward momentum and see where that takes us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Even so, the race could be a harbinger for further GOP infighting. While Trump is still a kingmaker in conservative politics, operatives and candidates are already positioning themselves to try to shape the party in 2028 and beyond  where another wide-open, messy primary could break out over who gets to inherit the MAGA mantle.

I think Republicans need to make sure that we are in lockstep and that there's no infighting when it comes to 2028, said Assenmacher, the California chair. Trump is not going to be the candidate there, so we're going to need to unite behind somebody, and it's going to take the youth behind them to support that.
(WFXR)- Seventeen million dollars has been approved by the House appropriations committee to improve Interstate 81 in Virginia.

The funding, if passed by the full House and Senate, aims to upgrade and potentially widen the highway, addressing critical safety and capacity issues.

Senator Mark Warner, who has advocated for improvements to I-81 for two decades, highlighted the significance of the infrastructure bill under President Biden in securing additional funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ive been working on I-81 improvements since I was Governor, Warner said, emphasizing the bipartisan effort involved.

Republican Congressman Ben Cline, a member of the committee responsible for the funding, described I-81 as the backbone of Virginias Sixth District, stressing the need for enhancements to ensure safety.

Virginias Department of Transportation responds to more than 2,000 vehicle crashes annually on the states stretch of I-81, with one-fourth involving trucks.

Dale Bennett, President of the Virginia Trucking Association, noted that the highway was not designed to handle its current traffic load, which presents significant challenges due to the terrain and geography.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Bennett also mentioned that the trucking industry has contributed significantly to the funding for improvements through taxes and fees.

The funding is part of ongoing efforts, including the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan, to enhance safety and efficiency on the interstate.

However, Senator Warner expressed concern that President Trump might reject the bill due to political reasons, as most Virginians did not vote for him.

The next step for the funding is a full vote in the House of Representatives, expected when Congress returns in September.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  A Warwick blueberry farm is using new technology to keep birds away from their crops during peak picking season.

Rock Point Farm owners Nancy and Stephen Cornish told 12 News that birds love highbush blueberries. The mother-son duo originally used nets to keep the birds away from their blueberries, but those eventually became compromised.

The Cornish family knew that another nearby farm had started using an intricate system of lasers to protect their crops. But the more they looked into buying one, the more expensive it became.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Commercially, theyre out of reach for us price-wise, Stephen explained.

It wasnt until they heard about so-called laser scarecrows from the Rhode Island Fruit Growers Association that they realized there were much more affordable options.

The laser scarecrows, which consist of moving beams of green lights, were created by researchers at the University of Rhode Island. The goal of the laser scarecrows is to startle incoming birds and deter them from coming back.

The birds see it and they dont know what it is, so it scares them off, Stephen explained, adding that the lasers are on a random rotation so the birds cant get used to the pattern.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Stephen told 12 News he immediately reached out to learn more about the laser scarecrows, which URI had been testing on corn crops.

They were looking to branch out into other crops, so we decided hey, well come play, Stephen said.

So far, Stephen said the laser scarecrows appear to be holding the birds back, but some still slip through every now and then.

There are some that dont seem to care, he said. But at the same time, it may be that [the lasers dont] scare them away completely, but at least keep them moving enough to theyre not eating the blueberries.

Stephen said he plans on installing more laser scarecrows to cover more acreage. The goal is to do so before the start of the next picking season.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The laser scarecrows are not operational during business hours. Stephen said he can also change the height, angle and radius of the lasers to avoid nearby roads and homes.

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

This Week in Good News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
A political feud between two longtime Washington County elected officials  the district attorney and the coroner  escalated this week and is now headed to Harrisburg.

Coroner Tim Warco signed a sworn affidavit claiming District Attorney Jason Walsh compelled him to file a death certificate listing the death of a two-month-old baby as homicide, when it was previously ruled undetermined by Allegheny County. Warco claims Walsh pressured him to change the cause and manner of death to help boost the D-As re-election chances the following year.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Washington County coroner claims DA coerced him into filing fraudulent death certificate

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

District Attorney Walsh strongly denies the accusation and says court documents back him up. He shared records with Channel 11 showing he filed notice to seek the death penalty against the babys father five months before Warco conducted an autopsy or signed the certificate in question.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Washington County DA denies claim that he pressured coroner to file fraudulent death certificate

The high-stakes dispute centers on the 2021 death of baby Sawyer Clark, who was rushed from his Peters Township home to Childrens Hospital and later died. His father, Jordan Clarke, has maintained he tripped on a plastic bag while carrying the baby, but doctors raised serious concerns about possible abuse.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>>> Washington County DA seeking death penalty against man accused of killing infant son

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Atlantic Center for Capital Representation, a nonprofit that assists defendants in capital cases, has petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to block Walsh from seeking the death penalty  pointing out Walsh has filed to pursue capital punishment in 11 homicide cases since taking office.

Facing a Supreme Court deadline, Washington County leaders held an emergency public meeting Friday to hire an outside attorney for the DA. All three commissioners voted to approve the hire, despite pushback from a few citizens who questioned the cost and timing.

The county will pay Harrisburg attorney Shohin Vance $480 an hour to help the DA respond to the Supreme Court petition. Commissioner Nick Sherman told Channel 11 the cost will primarily be covered by the countys insurance policy, though there could be some out-of-pocket expenses.

This is not taxpayers expense  there will be some money out of pocket, theres always premiums and everything else  but for the most part this is going to be covered under insurance, Sherman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some residents at Fridays meeting expressed frustration about the last-minute vote.

Its like a rush thing to hide something  what are you hiding to have it so quick? asked citizen Cliff Cochran. If another county employee gets in trouble, are you going to get an attorney for them too? Youre setting a precedent here.

The commissioners say the short notice was necessary because the DA must file his response by next Tuesday.

While the district attorney now has legal representation funded by the countys insurance policy, commissioners told Channel 11 the coroner has not requested any county-paid attorney of his own at this time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This unusual political showdown  and the tragic death at its center  could soon play out in Pennsylvanias highest court, with both sides standing firm on their claims.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Rural state airports are playing a crucial role in Washingtons emergency response efforts, particularly during wildfires and law enforcement operations.

These small airports, often seen as quiet airstrips, are proving essential in supporting firefighting and law enforcement activities across the state, according to a release from the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

For instance, Lake Wenatchee State Airport is currently serving as a heli-base for the Pomas Fire Response, which has been active since June 13 due to a lightning strike in the Entiat area near Wenatchee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Pomas Fire, burning in steep and rugged terrain, has posed significant challenges to firefighting teams.

The use of Lake Wenatchee State Airport allows for quicker deployment of resources into remote areas, aiding in the containment efforts, WSDOT says.

In addition to wildfire support, state airports have also been utilized for law enforcement purposes.

Skykomish State Airport was transformed into a command post by the King County Sheriffs Office for a major operation in the Cascade foothills, the release said.

These airports include Methow Valley State, Stehekin State, Bandera State, Easton State, and Tieton State.
A man who said he appeared drunk but was actually suffering from a brain tumour is helping to raise awareness of the disease.

John Starns, from Sutton Valence, Kent, was initially told he had vertigo but when there was no improvement with medication, an MRI scan three months later revealed a brain tumour.

The 63-year-old freelance photographer described his diagnosis as a "scary process".

But he said he will "never forget the emotional release when the nurse told me my tumour was benign".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It began in February 2022 when Mr Starns "suddenly felt unwell" commuting to London.

"It felt as though I was having a panic attack," he said. "I was disorientated and it became difficult to walk."

Mr Starns got off his train at Sevenoaks.

He said: "I found a bench and sat there for two hours, alone.

"No-one approached me, I suspect because they thought I was drunk."

More than three years on, Mr Starns is monitored with a scan every two years.

He said: "So far, scans have showed my tumour as stable, and I barely suffer with any side effects.

"I am one of the lucky ones."

John Starns says his story "could have ended differently" [John Starns]

Mr Starns, a keen cyclist, is participating in a charity challenge to cycle 274 miles during August.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He said: "My story could have ended differently.

"My hope is that by supporting Brain Tumour Research, more people will benefit from the advances in research."

Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002, according to Brain Tumour Research.

Charlie Allsebrook, the charity's community development manager, said: "Brain tumours are indiscriminate and can affect anyone at any age."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

More on this story
FANCY FARM, Ky. (FOX 56)  From weather to politics and barbecue, heat was the unifying element at the 145th St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic.

Fancy Farm: What to know, how to watch Kentuckys 2025 political picnic

A Bluegrass political staple for over a century, the western Kentucky picnic has long been known as the kickoff to the states fall cycle, with elected officials and hopeful candidates gathering for a rally following a massive cookout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Among the many confirmed speakers attending the picnic, Congressman Andy Barr, former attorney general and 2023 gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris will be sounding off as they campaign to fill Sen. Mitch McConnells seat.

At the outset of the Aug. 2 speeches, Mitch McConnell was honored as a giant of the Senate by Fancy Farm Political Chairman Steven Elder.

Thank you for your service to our state and our nation, Elder said as he presented McConnell with a commemorative plaque.

McConnell spoke after Jason Howell. Throughout his time on the mic, protesters chanted Ceasefire now! toward the former Senate Majority Leader, giving him a temporary pause before he carried out the rest of his speech.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What is Fancy Farm? Why the annual Kentucky political spectacle is more than just a picnic

Ashli Watts, president of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, said she was the first woman to emcee at Fancy Farm in its 145-year history, and she spared no attendees during her opening remarks. Watts was the first speaker to call out Gov. Beshears recent appearance in Vogue magazine on Saturday.

Andy Barr

Andy Barr, Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Lexington, Ky. (Mark Mahan/Barr for Senate)

Barr announced back in April that hes running for Senate to help President Donald Trump save this great country!

Raised in Lexington, he graduated with a bachelors from the University of Virginia and later received his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barr worked as a lawyer and with multiple politicians like McConnell and groups like the Republican National Committee and the Heritage Foundation before going into politics on his own.

Barr has served in Kentuckys House since 2013. He previously served on former Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletchers team. Since joining the House, he has served on multiple committees, such as the House Financial Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Select Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committee.

Daniel Cameron

Daniel Cameron headshot (Daniel Cameron for Senate)

Former Kentucky Attorney General and 2023 gubernatorial nominee Daniel Cameron wasted no time announcing hed enter the race for McConnells seat. He served as the first Black attorney general in Kentuckys history from 2020 to 2024, ending his tenure with a run to replace Gov. Andy Beshear in 2023.

Cameron was often considered a close ally of McConnell and Trump, having served as McConnells legal counsel. He also swapped endorsements with Trump ahead of Camerons 2023 gubernatorial run and ahead of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The former attorney general launched jabs at each opponent and said he was proud of his political record while calling Morris unproductive.

Some would say [Morriss] campaign reminds them of a fart, he said. It stinks, its unproductive, and its a sign that the emitter is full of crap. Talk is cheap. We have to be judged by our actions, and Im happy to put my record up against these two gentlemen any day.

Cameron faced backlash as attorney general for his decision not to charge two Louisville police officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor in 2020 during a raid. He did bring endangerment charges against a third officer on the scene, whose bullets ricocheted through a neighboring apartment. Taylors death led to widespread protests against police brutality.

Nate Morris

This undated photo provided by the Morris for Senate Campaign shows Republican businessman Nate Morris, who formally launched his campaign for a U.S. Senate seat from Kentucky on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Max Cowan/Morris for Senate Campaign via AP)

Nate Morris, chairman and CEO of Lexington-based company Morris Industries, announced his run for Senate on June 26 on Donald Trump Jr.s Triggered podcast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He has criticized McConnell for making decisions that appeared to undermine the GOP or President Donald Trump.

The most important question in the Kentucky Senate race: Are we going to elect another Mitch McConnell puppet who will betray President Trump? Or are we going to elect an America First outsider who will break McConnells control of this seat? Its time to take out the trash, he wrote on X after McConnell announced his departure and politicians began talking about the soon-to-be vacant seat.

Despite McConnell being honored a handful of minutes earlier, his legacy was heavily scrutinized in Morriss speech.

If you want to know how Andy Barr and Daniel Cameron are going to act in the US Senate, look no further than their mentor, Morris said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A comment he made during his speech, asking Cameron and Barr to show the seat of [their] britches, was met by resounding boos from the crowd.

Morris currently serves as chairman and CEO of Morris Industries, a private conglomerate that holds 8VC, Republic Financial, Rubicon Technologies, and Strive Enterprises.

Other Fancy Farm speakers

Many other state leaders and candidates are slated to speak, including:

Rep. Kim Holloway

Sen. Jason Howell

Congressman James Comer

John Drew Williams

Attorney General Russell Coleman

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell

State Treasurer Mark Metcalf

Gov. Andy Beshear, Kentucky House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson, and Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman declined to attend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dustin Massengill and Camille Hantla contributed to 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 FOX 56 News.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: NASA TV

The four astronauts of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission have arrived at their orbital destination.

Crew-11's Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday at 2:26 a.m. EDT (0626 GMT), less than 15 hours after it launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Space Coast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The hatches between the two spacecraft are expected to open around 4:45 a.m. EDT (0845 GMT), and a welcome ceremony will take place about an hour after that.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour is shown docked to the International Space Station on Aug. 2, 2025. The spacecraft arrived that day on the Crew-11 astronaut mission for NASA. | Credit: NASA TV

The docking occurred five years to the day after the splashdown of SpaceX's first-ever crewed mission, the Demo-2 test flight, which sent NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the ISS for a two-month stay. Demo-2 also employed the Crew Dragon Endeavour.

Crew-11 is commanded by NASA astronaut Zena Cardman. Her crewmates are fellow NASA spaceflyer Mike Fincke, who's the Crew-11 pilot, Kimiya Yui of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Oleg Platonov of Russia's space agency Roscosmos. The latter are both mission specialists.

This is the first spaceflight for Cardman and Platonov, the second for Yui and the fourth for Fincke. And it's the sixth trip into the final frontier for Endeavour, SpaceX's most-flown crew capsule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Related Stories:

 SpaceX launches Crew-11 astronauts to the ISS for NASA on milestone Crew Dragon flight (video)

 SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the ISS: Live updates

 Meet the SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts launching to the ISS

The Crew-11 quartet are joining seven people aboard the orbiting lab: JAXA's Takuya Onishi, commander of the station's current Expedition 73 mission; Anne McClain, Nichole Ayers and Jonny Kim of NASA; and cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky.

The Crew-11 astronauts will relieve Ayers, McClain, Onishi and Peskov, who arrived at the ISS in mid-March on SpaceX's Crew-10 mission. The Crew-10 quartet will head back home to Earth a few days from now, after spending some time and sharing some knowledge with their Crew-11 counterparts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As its name indicates, Crew-11 is the 11th operational astronaut mission SpaceX has flown to the ISS for NASA. SpaceX also has eight other crewed flights under its belt  Demo-2, four private efforts to the orbiting lab operated by the Houston company Axiom Space, and three free-flying missions to orbit (Inspiration4, Polaris Dawn and Fram2).

Editor's note: This story was updated at 3:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 2 with news of successful docking.
Speaking with reporters on Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump expressed that he is hopeful that former presidential opponent Hillary Clinton will finally be investigated for election fraud.

Shortly before departing for New Jersey, Trump was asked by a reporter, "Will Hillary Clinton finally be investigated for election fraud?"

Trump answered, "I hope so, I hope so. I don't know whether or not that'll happen, but I hope so."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

During his brief exchange with reporters outside the White House, Trump also repeatedly criticized Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, whom he recently removed. The president connected his recent decision to fire McEntarfer, whom he accused of falsifying jobs report numbers, to efforts to sway previous elections against him.

Trump Clashes With Reporter Over Tariffs, Citing Pandemic And Fighting Lunatics

"You have to have honest reports and when you look at those numbers or when you look at just before the election and then after the election, they corrected it by 8 or 900,000 jobs," he said.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Why should anybody trust numbers? You go back to election day. Look what happened two or three days before with massive, wonderful jobs numbers, trying to get him elected or her elected, trying to get whoever the hell was running because you go back and they came out with numbers that were very favorable to Kamala," he went on. "And then on the 15th of November or thereabouts, they added 8 or 900,000 overstatement reduction right after the election."

Addressing a reporter directly, Trump added, "It didn't work, because, you know who won, John? I won."

Trumps comments regarding Clinton hearken back all the way to his first presidential campaign during which he warned that if he were president he would get his attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate her behavior. In one of the 2016 debates, Trump famously quipped to Clinton that if he were president: "youd be in jail."

Corporation For Public Broadcasting Announces It Will Shut Down After Trump, Congress Cut Funding

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As president, however, Trump has not moved to prosecute Clinton, who served as former President Barack Obamas secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

This July, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released evidence that she said suggests the Obama administration promoted a "contrived narrative" that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.

"There is irrefutable evidence that details how President Obama and his national security team directed the creation of an intelligence community assessment that they knew was false," Gabbard said. "They 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 wasn't."

"We have referred and will continue to refer all of these documents to the Department of Justice and the FBI, to investigate the criminal implications of this for the evidence," Gabbard said. "The evidence that we have found, and that we have released, directly point to President Obama leading the manufacturing of this intelligence assessment. There are multiple pieces of evidence and intelligence that confirm that fact."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Federal Appeals Court Weighs Trump Birthright Citizenship Order As Admin Outlines Enforcement Details

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard addresses reporters at the White House on July 23, 2025.

In a July interview, Trump described the Russiagate allegations against Obama and members of his administration as "serious treason."

"What they've done is so bad for this country. And it really started right at the 2016 election," Trump claimed of Gabbard's findings. "And there's a difference when you know it  and when you know it, and it's all written down for you. I mean, it's all there. It's right there. The orders, the memos, the whole thing. It's right there."





Original article source: WATCH: Trump says he is hopeful Hillary Clinton will be investigated for election fraud
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday targeted Rahul Gandhi over his allegations relating to the Election Commission, saying that they are waiting for the Congress leader to explode the "atom bomb" he spoke of in relation to the poll panel and that the opposition leader is in the habit of making dramatic remarks. "We are also waiting. Today Rajnathji has said he should explode early, we are also saying let him explode (his atom bomb). It has no power," Prasad, a former Union Minister, told ANI. "He (Rahul Gandhi) said that when I speak, Modiji will be shaken. Parliament will be shaken. He keeps saying this. During the debate on Operation Sindoor, he punched the bench in the House so hard that the Speaker had to tell him that this is the property of the House," Prasad added. BJP leaders have slammed Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of "voter theft" against the Election Commission. Speaking in Patna, Rajnath Singh accused Gandhi and other opposition figures of misleading the public with baseless allegations targeting the Election Commission. Addressing an event in Patna, Singh responded to Gandhi's recent comments on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, terming them as "sensational, baseless and irresponsible." The Union Minister mocked Gandhi's claim of possessing "atom bomb" of proof regarding vote rigging. "If he has such a bomb, he should test it and show the evidence," Singh said, adding that Gandhi's remarks lacked substance. He recalled previous dramatic statements made by Gandhi, such as triggering an "earthquake," which Singh said resulted in nothing substantial. Defending the Election Commission, Singh described it as a "responsible and constitutional institution" and criticised opposition leaders for "misleading statements". He emphasised that it is unbecoming for a Leader of the Opposition to make such comments about a body tasked with upholding democracy. He accused the Opposition of engaging in "dirty politics" instead of helping inform the electorate. Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, said yesterday that the poll panel was not helpful in probing their suspicions and "the things we found are an 'atom bomb' and when this atom bomb explodes, you won't see the Election Commission in the country". Gandhi accused the Election Commission of being complicit in "vote theft" to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and claimed his party has "open-and-shut proof" of the alleged electoral malpractice. "Votes are being stolen. We have open-and-shut proof that the Election Commission is involved in this vote theft. And I'm not saying this lightly, I'm speaking with 100% proof. And when we release it (proof), the entire country will come to know that the Election Commission is enabling vote theft. And who are they doing it for? They're doing it for the BJP," he alleged. "We had suspicion of voter theft, and we got into its granularity. Since the Election Commission was not helpful in the investigation, we did our own. It took six months, and the things we found are an 'atom bomb' and when this atom bomb explodes, you won't see the Election Commission in the country," he added. Gandhi warned that whoever ECI officials were involved in the alleged malpractice will face action. "Most importantly, whoever in the Elections Commission is involved in this exercise, right from top to bottom, we will not spare you. You are working against India and this no less than treason. Wherever you are, even if you are retired, we will find you," he said. Opposition parties have been protesting against Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Election Commission has rejected the opposition claims of vote theft ahead of the Bihar elections, calling them baseless and irresponsible. The EC said its officials should continue working fairly and transparently, without being affected by daily threats or false statements. "Election Commission ignores such baseless allegations being made on a daily basis and despite threats being given daily, asks all election officials to ignore such irresponsible statements while working impartially and transparently," it said. It said Gandhi is threatening EC and its staff and termed it deplorable. The poll panel said Rahul Gandhi has not met the poll panel, despite a mail to him. "ECI sends a mail to him on 12 June 2025. He does not come.; ECI sends him a letter on 12 June 2025, he does not respond; He has never sent any letter to ECI on any issue, whatsoever; It is very strange that he is making wild allegations and has now even started threatening EC and its staff. Deplorable. ECI ignores all such irresponsible statements and asks all its staff to continue working impartially and transparently." Rahul Gandhi repeated his allegations relating to the poll body on Saturday at the AICC Annual Legal Conclave and claimed that election system in India was "already dead" and alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were "rigged". Gandhi said that he suspected over 80 Lok Sabha seats were rigged in the 2024 general elections. "The truth is that the election system in India is already dead. The Prime Minister of India holds office with a very slim majority. If 15 seats were rigged, we suspect that the number is over 70 to 80, he would not have been the Prime Minister of India. We are going to prove to you in the coming few days how a Lok Sabha election can be rigged and was rigged," Gandhi said. Referring to data analysed by the party pertaining to Lok Sabha polls, he claimed nearly 1.5 lakh voters out of 6.5 lakh who voted were "fake". "It makes clear that the institution that defends the constitution has been obliterated and taken over. We have such proof that will show the whole country that the institution of the Election Commission does not exist. It has disappeared. It has taken us 6 months of non-stop work to find this proof. You will see with zero doubt how a Lok Sabha election is stolen. 6.5 lakh voters vote, and 1.5 lakh of those voters are fake," Gandhi alleged. Gandhi said he had suspicion about "something being wrong" since 2014. Questioning the BJP's sweeping victories in the assembly elections of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi noted that they began investigating electoral malpractices following their defeat in Maharashtra, where one crore new voters appeared within months ahead of the assembly elections. "I've been speaking recently about the election system. I had always suspected something was wrong, starting from 2014. I had a suspicion in the Gujarat Assembly elections already. This ability to win sweeping victories. The Congress Party didn't get a single seat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, or Gujarat, which surprised me. Whenever we spoke, people said, 'Where's the proof?' Then, something happened in Maharashtra," Gandhi said. "In the Lok Sabha, we won the election. And then four months later, we didn't just lose, we were obliterated. Three formidable parties suddenly just evaporated. We started to look seriously for electoral malpractice. We found that in Maharashtra, one crore new voters appeared between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. The bulk of those votes go to the BJP... Now, I say with absolutely no doubt that we have proof," the Congress leader added. (ANI)
ANDERSON  Water for residents at Countryside Village Mobile Home Park was shut off for three days last week  and it wasnt the first time the service has been interrupted.

Matthew Schoettmer, who recently moved into the trailer park in North Anderson with his wife and 15-year-old daughter, said he is concerned for those in the trailer park who are more vulnerable.

There are elderly people in this park, Schoettmer said. I guess there was somebody that just got home from the hospital and came home to having no water. Its kind of crazy. We pay our lot rent, which is supposed to include the water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Schoettmer said the trailer park, which houses around 50 trailers, has been under new management for the past four to six months. Other residents have told him the water has been turned off multiple times during that period.

The trailer park is owned by Park Place Communities, a Gilbert, Arizona-based property management company which has holdings in 12 states.

Jill McMillen, the public information officer for the City of Anderson, said the trailer park owed more than $15,000 in utility costs, but fell behind on payments.

They were on a long-term agreement at that point, McMillen said. They broke that agreement, which means they missed a payment, so the water was shut off. Very shortly after, they made contact and they worked with our manager in utilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

They came up with another agreement where they agreed to pay what they had fallen short on and then make their payments. They paid $4,180 to catch up on their long-term agreement.

McMillen said water service to the park was restored last week.

Nicki Littleton, resident relations manager for Park Place Communities, declined to comment on the matter.

Schoettmer said, while residents still have air conditioning, losing water at unpredictable times is a hardship.

I work on cars, Schoettmer said. Every day, Im out in this heat, Im getting oily and greasy and everything like that, and I cant even take a shower. Its affecting everything and Id like to be able to do the normal necessities.
Martin Kresic, of Croatia, shows his tattoo of late Pope John Paul II as he waits for the start of a welcome mass for the Youth Jubilee in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Brief

FOX 26 heard what Sharon Schoolcraft said happened to her at least four times before.

All the victims were initially told by Wells Fargo they or someone they knew withdrew the funds, so they wouldn't be getting their money.

Hours after FOX 26 sent a Wells Fargo spokesperson Sharon's denial letter, the bank returned her $13,000.

HOUSTON - FOX 26 heard what Sharon Schoolcraft said happened to her at least four times before.

What we know

It started with a phone call from a number claiming to belong to Wells Fargo Bank. The caller claimed to be an employee of the bank and was alerting to possible fraudulent activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The caller had access to the account, Sharon and others told us, because he was reading off actual charges they had made.

The caller said someone with security would come to their homes and collect the cut-in-half debit card, or cut it in half in front of the customer.

All the victims were initially told by Wells Fargo they or someone they knew withdrew the funds, so they wouldn't be getting their money.

Hours after we sent a Wells Fargo spokesperson Sharon's denial letter, the bank returned her $13,000.

What they're saying

"I'm so super stoked, it's going to mean a lot to me," said Sharon. "I can pay back the person I had to borrow money from. I can get my bills back on track. Thank you."

Why you should care

Of course, all major banks can be targeted by crooks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Banks rarely call customers out of the blue. If you get a call, best thing to do is call the bank back or go to the nearest branch.

A sense of urgency or asking for your PIN number are huge red flags.

The Source

FOX 26's Randy Wallace spoke with the customer about what happened.
Militarily, Hamas is barely functioning, but on the civilian level, they still control everything. The IDF should have taken control and used that to install alternative leadership.

Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yiftah Ron-Tal, former commander of the IDF ground forces, warned on Thursday that Israel is nearing catastrophe as it remains entrenched in the Gaza Strip after nearly two years of war, while criticizing the government for failing to provide a clear strategy as the humanitarian crisis spirals out of control.

We are on the brink of disaster. Its our fate, he told Ron Kupman and Aryeh Eldad during an interview on 103FM. We lost control over the humanitarian issue. There is plenty of food in the Gaza Strip, but almost all of it goes to Hamas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He emphasized that Israels inability to manage the civilian situation is undermining its military gains.

You cannot wage war in a territory you occupy without establishing an entity to handle humanitarian and civilian affairs. That failure is now hurting us, he said. Militarily, Hamas is barely functioning, but on the civilian level, they still control everything. The IDF should have taken control and used that to install alternative leadership.

War goals remain unclear

Ron-Tal called on the government to clearly define its objectives and to avoid indecision.

The war cannot last forever, he said. I have strong criticism of the government. It must decide where we are heading, especially given that a partial deal may no longer be possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When asked by Eldad about the militarys withdrawal of forces from parts of Gaza, Ron-Tal acknowledged growing amounts of operational exhaustion.

Our reserve forces are very worn out, he explained. The army is static. It completed its goals in Operation Gideons Chariots and is now awaiting political decisions. Hamas must not remain in Gaza once the war ends. It is neither a partner nor a neighbor, and it has no place near us.

Ron-Tal urges territorial control

Asserting that Israel must maintain its military hold, the reserve major-general urged that there be formal control and a new defense line within the Strip.

Were on the front lines and hold much of the Gaza Strip, he said. We must establish a defensive line and annex the area operationally and administratively. It can be held with relatively few forces unless we choose to act like we do in southern Lebanon - striking whenever infrastructure poses a threat. Whats the alternative  Retreat?

Political pressure from within

Addressing growing international pressure, Ron-Tal dismissed the threat of diplomatic backlash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Is our political situation terrible? he asked. Those who would support Palestinian statehood at the UN have already done so. The real problem is internal. The ones fueling the tension are right here.

Rejects military rule out of fear of occupation

Ron-Tal concluded by criticizing the reluctance to impose martial law in the Strip.

Opposition to military rule stems from an unwillingness to be seen as occupiers or rulers of Gaza, he said. But we forget: its not an army that has a country; its a country that has an army. This idea of distribution came from the Americans - look what thats led to.
West St. Paul police arrested a pair of carjacking suspects late Friday after a pursuit that went into St. Paul, authorities said.

The suspects  both 17 years old  are being held at the Dakota County Juvenile Services Center, according to officials.

At about 10:40 p.m. Friday, West St. Paul officers saw a Dodge Durango around South Robert Street and Butler Avenue that had just been reported stolen. When they attempted to stop the SUV, the driver refused to pull over and fled in the vehicle, according to officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Officers were able to stop the pursuit once a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter arrived to track the car and followed it to the 900 block of Farrington Street in St. Paul. Two people were seen leaving the car and entering a home.

Police were eventually able to enter the home and arrest the two suspects with the assistance of the State Patrol, St. Paul Police Department and Ramsey County Sheriffs Office.

Related Articles
GHENT, WV (WVNS) West Virginia Donor Day is a statewide awareness initiative held every year to encourage West Virginians to become donors.

The reason the first of August is selected each year is because one person can save up to eight lives as a donor.

The Center for Organ Recovery & Education, or CORE, is partnering with more than 60 community organizations across the state to spread awareness and help others save lives by signing up as organ, tissue, and cornea donors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Concord University hosts conference to discuss innovations in rural telehealth

Cheryl King, Community Outreach Coordinator for CORE, said seeing the direct impact that donation can have is incredibly meaningful.

I talked to families who have been on the giving side of donation and families that have been on the receiving side of donations, shared King. They all get a lot of peace and comfort out of the fact that their loved one either saved someone or someone saved their loved one. It is the last act of kindness that you can do on this earth for someone.

More than 500 West Virginians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Donor Day helps celebrate the generosity of donors and their families, while inspiring more West Virginians to join the donor registry.

To learn more about how to become a donor, go to www.DonateLifeWV.org/wvdonorday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The regions most beloved yard sale is back for another year, leading shoppers to Lewis, Upshur, and now Webster counties.

WVs Largest Yard Sale is taking place Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2, throughout these counties from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the yard sales official website, the weekend-long event is so popular among sellers and shoppers that the yard sales event planners start receiving phone calls at the start of the year to confirm its dates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This year, with the addition of Webster County, a digital map of more than 100 registered homes has been included to better serve those hunting for deals. There are also a lot of homes that have not registered but are also participating in the yard sale.

New mini-golf, ropes course and zipline opening in Lewis County next month

12 News spoke with Betty Anderson, a homeowner selling at the yard sale, about how she prepares and her favorite part of the event.

I prepare about a week ahead, and then it takes me about two hours to get everything out in the morning. Its a lot of fun; I enjoy meeting people I hope people enjoy it and find bargains that they are looking for, Anderson said.

Betty Anderson in an interview with 12 News. (WBOY image)

Anderson also told 12 News that she has been planning for this yard sale for a week and has seen around 500 people at her house for the event at a time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

You can find more information on WVs Largest Yard Sale on its 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 WBOY.com.




NEED TO KNOW

David Berkowitz, also known as the "Son of Sam," went on a 13-month killing spree from 1976 to 1977

In addition to killing six people, he injured a number of others who were left with lasting ailments, including paralysis and legal blindness

Now, the survivors of his attacks are speaking out in Netflix's Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes





In 1976 and 1977, David Berkowitz  also known as the Son of Sam and the .44-Caliber Killer  embarked on a 13-month shooting spree that left six people dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Berkowitz would strike in New York Citys outer boroughs, primarily targeting young women with long dark hair at night. He was able to commit eight shootings without getting caught  all the while taunting the police and the press with handwritten letters, calling himself the Son of Sam and claiming that demons were commanding him to kill.

On Aug. 10, 1977, the Son of Sams reign of terror finally came to an end when police arrested Berkowitz outside of his Yonkers apartment  but the notorious killer and his crimes have remained a fixture in popular culture, serving as the inspiration for books, music, television shows and movies.

Now, Netflixs Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, which was released on July 30, features interviews with some of the survivors of Berkowitz's crime spree.

Here is everything to know about the men and women who survived Berkowitzs attacks  and where they are today.

Who is David Berkowitz?

Hulton Archive/Getty Police mug shot showing the front view and profile of convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam'. Police mug shot showing the front view and profile of convicted New York City serial killer David Berkowitz, known as the 'Son of Sam'.

Berkowitz was born Richard David Falco in June 1953. After his birth, he was adopted by Pearl and Nathan Berkowitz, a Jewish couple living in a one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx, according to New York Magazine, and renamed David Richard Berkowitz.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Pearl died from breast cancer when Berkowitz was 14 years old, leaving the teenager devastated and without the capacity to love, he said in an interview with Dr. David Abrahamsen, per New York.

Years later, a reunion with his biological mother, Betty Falco, only further traumatized Berkowitz when he learned he was the result of Falcos affair with a married man and that he had a half-sister who was raised by Falco. The discovery left Berkowitz filled with anger and rage, particularly toward women  and just a few months later, he began his shooting spree.

Between 1976 and 1977, Berkowitz terrorized the outer boroughs of N.Y.C. with a string of random attacks  primarily shootings  that targeted young women who often had dark hair and were typically sitting in a car with a companion late at night. Berkowitz used a .44 caliber Bulldog revolver in the attacks, earning himself the nickname the .44 caliber killer. But he later coined himself the Son of Sam in letters written to police and the press.

I am a monster. I am the Son of Sam, Berkowitzs first letter, found at the scene of one of his shootings, read.

How many people did David Berkowitz kill during his 13-month shooting spree?

AP Four of the six victims who were killed by the 44-caliber killer: Valentina Suriani, Christine Freund, Virginia Voskerichian and Stacy Moskowitz Four of the six victims who were killed by the 44-caliber killer: Valentina Suriani, Christine Freund, Virginia Voskerichian and Stacy Moskowitz

Berkowitz committed eight shooting attacks between July 1976 and his capture in August 1977. In those eight attacks, he killed six people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

On July 29, 1976  Berkowitzs first recorded attack  he shot and killed 18-year-old Donna Lauria in the Bronx. Six months later, on Jan. 30, 1977, a second fatality was recorded when Berkowitz murdered Christine Freund in Queens. On March 8, 1977, Berkowitz killed again in Queens when he shot 19-year-old Columbia University student Virginia Voskerichian in the face.

Berkowitz then returned to the Bronx for his next attack, shooting and killing Alexander Esau, 20, and Valentina Suriani, 18, as they sat in their car on April 17, 1977. It was at this crime scene that Berkowitz left his first letter, declaring himself the Son of Sam and revealing that the killings would not stop.

The sixth and final death came on July 31, 1977  one year after Berkowitz began his spree  when he mortally wounded 20-year-old Stacy Moskowitz while she sat in a car with her date in a Brooklyn park.

Who are the survivors of the Son of Sam shootings?

AP Photo/Dave Pickoff Donna DiMasi, rear, wearing neck brace, leaves Brooklyn Supreme Court in New York, May 8, 1978, after attending the first day of the "Son of Sam" trial Donna DiMasi, rear, wearing neck brace, leaves Brooklyn Supreme Court in New York, May 8, 1978, after attending the first day of the "Son of Sam" trial

Despite shooting his victims at point-blank range, a number of people survived the Son of Sam attacks. Some of the survivors of Berkowitzs shootings were Jodi Valenti, Carl Denaro, Donna DeMasi, Joanne Lomino, Judy Placido, Sal Lupo, Robert Violante and Wendy Savino.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Valenti was shot in Berkowitzs first recorded attack alongside Lauria, as the two sat in Valentis car. The then-19-year-old was shot in the thigh and was later able to give a description of the shooter to police.

On Oct. 23, 1976, Berkowitz struck for the second time, shooting Denaro, then 20, in the head as he sat in his car in Queens with Rosemary Keenan, who was 18. Keenans only injuries were from the cars shattered glass, but Denaro was shot five times and needed a metal plate to replace a part of his skull, which was shattered by the bullets.

Lomino and DeMasi were shot and wounded by Berkowitz on Nov. 27, 1976, in Queens. The two teenagers had just gone to the movies and were standing on the front porch of Lominos house when Berkowitz approached and asked for directions before opening fire. DeMasi was shot in the neck but survived and recovered from her injuries. Lomino was struck in the back and became paralyzed as a result of the attack.

Following Lomino and DeMasis attack, Berkowitzs next three shootings all resulted in fatalities. Then, on June 26, 1977, Berkowitz struck for the seventh time, shooting Placido, 17, and Lupo, 20, as they sat in their car outside a Queens nightclub. Placido was hit in the temple, shoulder and back of the neck, according to The New York Times, but survived and recovered from her injuries. Lupo was hit in the forearm and also recovered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Berkowitzs final shooting before being caught by police, he shot and killed Moscowitz, but her date, Violante, survived the attack. He was shot in the head, losing his left eye and most of the sight in his right eye as a result.

Decades later, another woman was identified as being a survivor of Berkowitzs shootings. Savino was shot on April 9, 1976, in the Bronx, three months before the official Son of Sam spree began.

Savino was shot five times and lost her eye as a result, but was able to get a good look at her attacker. She identified Berkowitz as her shooter when he was captured in August 1977, but it wasnt until June 2024 that the NYPD confirmed Savino as Berkowitz's first official shooting victim, NBC News reported.

What have the survivors of David Berkowitz said about their attacker?

Mary Dibiase/NY Daily News Archive via Getty; Charles Ruppmann / New York Daily News via Getty Son of Sam victim Robert Violante at Kisses Disco ; Sal Lupo, a surviving victim of 'Son of Sam' serial killer David Berkowitz, is pictured at work at Legz Disco on Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, New York, on May 23, 1979 Son of Sam victim Robert Violante at Kisses Disco ; Sal Lupo, a surviving victim of 'Son of Sam' serial killer David Berkowitz, is pictured at work at Legz Disco on Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, New York, on May 23, 1979

Several of the Son of Sam survivors have spoken out about their brush with the infamous serial killer. Some expressed their desires for Berkowitz to face the same fate as his victims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

DeMasi, who was just 16 years old when she was attacked, told reporters she felt like killing Berkowitz when she saw him at his sentencing hearing in 1978. Lomino  who was shot alongside DeMasi and left paralyzed from the waist down as a result  shared similar sentiments to The New York Times in 1977, stating that the notorious murderer should suffer a lot and then he should die.

She added, Jail is too good for him.

Valenti, one of Berkowitzs first victims, referred to him as a lunatic and also shared disdain for his life behind bars, she revealed to the New York Post in 2016.

Hes getting three square meals. Hes getting an education. Hes getting everything he needs, and I find it very disturbing, she told the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But other survivors of Berkowitzs were more sympathetic to the shooter. Violante, who lost most of his eyesight as a result of his shooting injuries, expressed relief that Berkowitz was behind bars.

Im glad he's not able to get out and hurt other people, he told The New York Times from his hospital room in 1977.

Placido, who was shot three times by Berkowitz, harbored no hatred toward him, she revealed to the New York Post in 1999.

How can I hate him? He was deranged, she said.

And then there is one victim of Berkowitzs  Denaro, who was shot in the Son of Sams second attack  who has publicly expressed his doubt over whether Berkowitz acted alone. Denaro told PEOPLE in 2017 that, after extensive research into his shooting, he does not believe that it was Berkowitz who pulled the trigger that night.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I believe other people were involved, Denaro said. He [Berkowitz] had help, and I am not alone in thinking this. Berkowitz in an interview comes right out and says he did not shoot Carl Denaro and claims that it was a woman.

What happened to David Berkowitz?

AP Photo/Mike Groll David Berkowitz talks during an interview with the Associated Press at Sullivan Correction Facility in Fallsburg, N.Y. on May 29, 2009 David Berkowitz talks during an interview with the Associated Press at Sullivan Correction Facility in Fallsburg, N.Y. on May 29, 2009

After taunting police and the press and terrorizing New Yorkers, Berkowitz was finally arrested on Aug. 10, 1977, outside of his apartment building in Yonkers. When taken into custody by the NYPD, the Son of Sam famously said to detectives, You got me. What took you so long?

Berkowitz had eluded authorities for 13 months, but it was ultimately a ticket for illegally parking near the scene of his last shooting that led to his capture.

Berkowitz quickly confessed and pleaded guilty to six murder charges and all other crimes connected with the shootings in May 1978, The New York Times reported. He was sentenced to six consecutive terms of 25 years to life for the murders. He has been behind bars for nearly five decades and, in May 2024, was denied parole for the 12th time, CBS News reported.

Where are the survivors of David Berkowitzs attacks now?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Survivor, Carl Denaro at the 'Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer' panel for the 'Investigation Discovery- Discovery' portion of the TCA Summer Event 2017 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 26 Survivor, Carl Denaro at the 'Son of Sam: The Hunt for a Killer' panel for the 'Investigation Discovery- Discovery' portion of the TCA Summer Event 2017 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 26

Though the attacks during the summer of Sam occurred nearly 50 years ago, the survivors of Berkowitzs shootings have been left with lasting physical and emotional effects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For many of Berkowitzs living victims, their shooting injuries may have healed  but the fear and panic have remained. Placido, who worked as a legal assistant and is married with a son, experienced panic attacks more than two decades after coming face-to-face with the Son of Sam.

We are still suffering from the pain," Placido told the New York Post about the surviving victims.

Valenti also struggled with the emotional trauma that came with surviving Berkowitzs attack.

It took probably about six years of my life to be able to get in a car at night, she said in 2016. It took a long time to be able to deal with the sounds of popping fireworks and stuff like that ... But I faced my fears.

Violante, who was on a date with Moscowitz when they were attacked by Berkowitz, grappled with psychological episodes with dating for years as a result, he told the New York Post in 2006. I was very afraid just to be out on the streets, he told the outlet. Left with limited vision from his shooting injuries, Violante became a mail sorter with the post office.

Lomino, who was paralyzed as a result of her injuries, battled depression and other health issues in the years following her attack.

The initial wounds from the shooting, she healed from those. But she still had permanent problems with her health, her brother Charles Lomino said in Conversations With a Killer. Some of those health issues became pretty severe as her life went on and ultimately, thats how she passed away.

Charles added, She just suffered the rest of her life.

Three of Berkowitzs survivors  Denaro, Violante and Savino  participated in Netflix's Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes.

Unfortunately, the victims do get forgotten and the criminals just keep getting sensationalized, Violante said in the docuseries. I just want the victims to know that Im here to speak out so we arent forgotten.



Read the original article on People
CINCINNATI - As the viral July 26 early-morning beatdown in Cincinnati continues to captivate the nation, a major question remains: why did so many bystanders simply watch the fight unfold instead of trying to stop it?

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge admonished the 100 or so people who she said witnessed the vicious assault, while only one called the police.

"That is unacceptable to not call the police," Theetge said earlier in the week. "Traffic was horrendous. People saw this. They were fighting in front of traffic. Why didn't people call us?"

Dr. Rachael Powers explained the "bystander effect" as it relates to the recent viral beating of two victims in Cincinnati. Photo taken on July 31, 2025.

Cincinnati Assault: Hear 911 Call After Viral Mob Attack

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Dr. Rachael Powers is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Services, and an expert in bystander behavior.

She explained the "bystander effect," a psychological phenomenon borne out of the 1964 stabbing death of Kitty Genovese, which became a symbol of societal indifference as dozens of people reportedly heard Genovese scream for help, but no one intervened on her behalf.

Read On The Fox News App

"There's that famous kind of incident, the Kitty Genovese story, right? That's the one everyone was taught in Intro to Criminal Justice," Powers told Fox News Digital in an interview on the University of Cincinnati campus Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She noted that there is some controversy over whether the police were called to help Genovese, but said "from that, I think, is where we got that idea of the bystanders effect, which is the more people [who are] involved in a situation, the less likely someone's going to responsibility."

Cincinnati Business Owners Slam Viral 'Out Of Control' Beating Amid Fight To Clean Up Downtown

She explained that there are steps to becoming an "active bystander" in any given situation.

"One is to notice the situation. I think everybody noticed it," she said of the Cincinnati brawl. "The second one is to interpret it as an emergency. I think many folks in that situation interpreted it as an emergency, but perhaps not. There might have been folks there that interpreted that as a fight that wasn't necessarily an emergency."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The third step is to assume responsibility for the situation.

"So whether they felt responsible to intervene in that situation - and that's where you saw probably the direct intervention by bystanders - and then, of course, the one person who assumed responsibility and thought that calling 911 was the way to go," she said.

Despite the fact that the fight raged on until the attackers backed off, Powers said there was a level of intervention from bystanders during the fight.

Cincinnati Mayoral Candidate, Vp Vance's Half-brother, Slams City Leadership After Brutal Beatdown

"There's people trying to defuse the situation, there were people trying to pull other people safety, there were people trying to pull some of the aggressors off," she said. "So I did see a lot of bystander behavior, even though only one person called 911."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"There's also other kinds of behaviors like  maybe more verbal behaviors, placating behaviors as well," she said later in the interview.

When it comes to such behavior, Powers explained that there are a wide range of actions people take that could be considered intervention.

"They do those actions based on what they think is going to help, but also their capability," she said.

So why did only one person call the police, as Theetge emphasized?

Cincinnati Chief of Police Teresa Theetge announces the arrests of two people who were allegedly involved in a fight over the weekend that gained national attention.

"You know, first and foremost, people call the place when they think that they're going to be able to help in that immediate situation," Powers said. "We had a lot of people in a very chaotic situation. Folks may have assumed other people were calling the police. So there's a lot of factors that are based on the dynamics there as to why people might not immediately think to call 911."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Failing to call 911 in an emergency situation is not abnormal, according to Powers.

She said that nationwide, only about 10 percent of gunfire is ever called into the police, a claim supported by data collected by the Brookings Institute.

"This isn't an anomaly, right? Crime isn't necessarily called into the police, even under the most dire emergency situations," Powers said.





Original article source: Why didn't anyone break up Cincinnati beating? Bystander behavior expert explains
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question youd like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why does time change when traveling close to the speed of light?  Timothy, age 11, Shoreview, Minnesota

Imagine youre in a car driving across the country watching the landscape. A tree in the distance gets closer to your car, passes right by you, then moves off again in the distance behind you.

Of course, you know that tree isnt actually getting up and walking toward or away from you. Its you in the car whos moving toward the tree. The tree is moving only in comparison, or relative, to you  thats what we physicists call relativity. If you had a friend standing by the tree, they would see you moving toward them at the same speed that you see them moving toward you.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In his 1632 book Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, the astronomer Galileo Galilei first described the principle of relativity  the idea that the universe should behave the same way at all times, even if two people experience an event differently because one is moving in respect to the other.

If you are in a car and toss a ball up in the air, the physical laws acting on it, such as the force of gravity, should be the same as the ones acting on an observer watching from the side of the road. However, while you see the ball as moving up and back down, someone on the side of the road will see it moving toward or away from them as well as up and down.

Special relativity and the speed of light

Albert Einstein much later proposed the idea of whats now known as special relativity to explain some confusing observations that didnt have an intuitive explanation at the time. Einstein used the work of many physicists and astronomers in the late 1800s to put together his theory in 1905, starting with two key ingredients: the principle of relativity and the strange observation that the speed of light is the same for every observer and nothing can move faster. Everyone measuring the speed of light will get the same result, no matter where they are or how fast they are moving.

Lets say youre in the car driving at 60 miles per hour and your friend is standing by the tree. When they throw a ball toward you at a speed of what they perceive to be 60 miles per hour, you might logically think that you would observe your friend and the tree moving toward you at 60 miles per hour and the ball moving toward you at 120 miles per hour. While thats really close to the correct value, its actually slightly wrong.

This discrepancy between what you might expect by adding the two numbers and the true answer grows as one or both of you move closer to the speed of light. If you were traveling in a rocket moving at 75% of the speed of light and your friend throws the ball at the same speed, you would not see the ball moving toward you at 150% of the speed of light. This is because nothing can move faster than light  the ball would still appear to be moving toward you at less than the speed of light. While this all may seem very strange, there is lots of experimental evidence to back up these observations.

Time dilation and the twin paradox

Speed is not the only factor that changes relative to who is making the observation. Another consequence of relativity is the concept of time dilation, whereby people measure different amounts of time passing depending on how fast they move relative to one another.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Each person experiences time normally relative to themselves. But the person moving faster experiences less time passing for them than the person moving slower. Its only when they reconnect and compare their watches that they realize that one watch says less time has passed while the other says more.

This leads to one of the strangest results of relativity  the twin paradox, which says that if one of a pair of twins makes a trip into space on a high-speed rocket, they will return to Earth to find their twin has aged faster than they have. Its important to note that time behaves normally as perceived by each twin (exactly as you are experiencing time now), even if their measurements disagree.

You might be wondering: If each twin sees themselves as stationary and the other as moving toward them, wouldnt they each measure the other as aging faster? The answer is no, because they cant both be older relative to the other twin.

The twin on the spaceship is not only moving at a particular speed where the frame of references stay the same but also accelerating compared with the twin on Earth. Unlike speeds that are relative to the observer, accelerations are absolute. If you step on a scale, the weight you are measuring is actually your acceleration due to gravity. This measurement stays the same regardless of the speed at which the Earth is moving through the solar system, or the solar system is moving through the galaxy or the galaxy through the universe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Neither twin experiences any strangeness with their watches as one moves closer to the speed of light  they both experience time as normally as you or I do. Its only when they meet up and compare their observations that they will see a difference  one that is perfectly defined by the mathematics of relativity.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question youd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit  adults, let us know what youre wondering, too. We wont be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

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: Michael Lam, Rochester Institute of Technology

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Read more:



Michael Lam 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.
Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar on Saturday said that the court's decision has to be respected after expelled JDS leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case. Speaking to ANI, Minister MC Sudhakar said, "We have never expected such a thing would happen in Karnataka, that too from a person being a Member of Parliament...We all should respect the decision the court has given. It has been proved that he committed the act." Earlier today, expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for People's Representatives in connection with a rape case of a domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura in Hassan district. A fine of Rs 10 lakh has also been imposed on expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna. The court said that the victim will be given a compensation of Rs 7 lakh. On Friday, a special court in Karnataka found Prajwal Revanna, expelled JD(S) leader and former MP from Hassan, guilty in a rape case involving a domestic help. The case is related to an incident at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura, Hassan district. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was convicted in one of four rape cases filed against him. The conviction comes just 14 months after the case surfaced. Following the verdict, Revanna broke down in court. The matter came into light in April last year after obscene videos of sexual harassment against multiple women were leaked ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He was arrested in May 2024 after returning from Germany. He had earlier been denied bail by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. Revanna had challenged the Karnataka High Court order dated October 21, whereby it dismissed his regular bail and anticipatory bail pleas. On May 31 last year, he was arrested at Bengaluru airport by CID's SIT on his return from Germany, where he had remained for 35 days, after hundreds of explicit videos surfaced, allegedly featuring him with multiple women. (ANI)
Residents who argue that recent changes to Puyallups comprehensive plan will make the city less inclusive plan to protest downtown this weekend.

Pennie Saum, one of the organizers, said she expects to have at least 100 protesters at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, outside City Hall and another 100 on the Seventh Street Southeast overpass above state Route 512.

Saum said the local groups South Sound Changemakers and Indivisible Puyallup (a local chapter of the national organization), as well as the 25th Legislative District Democrats, are organizing the protest. Theyre turning out Saturday as part of the national Rage Against the Regime protest against the Trump administration but also specifically to call for city leaders to reverse the changes to the comprehensive plan, Saum said

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were trying to help people, to educate people, not just stand there with signs, she said.

Controversy over changes to Puyallups city plan

The City Council voted 4-3 on July 22 to pass the citys comprehensive plan with the controversial changes.

Mayor Jim Kastama, Deputy Mayor Dennis King and council members Dean Johnson and Renne Gilliam voted to approve the amended plan. Council members Lauren Adler, Julie Door and Ned Witting voted against it.

About 50 residents spoke against the changes, according to the index of the meeting video online.

Kastama proposed the changes that got the most attention, according to the citys website, including adding language that the city will follow federal executive orders, including when they go against state law; replacing the word equality with the word equity in many sections; changing language about the history of the Puyallup Tribe; and changing language that identifies race as a barrier to housing, The News Tribune reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Another amendment, from Witting and Kastama, the website states, removed a policy to require the city to analyze climate-change impacts as part of new construction. Witting said he worried about the impact the provision could have on affordable housing.

He said at the meeting that he didnt think the council intended to exclude anyone with the changes but that he wouldnt support the plan.

The federal government is getting more involved in state and local politics, and the way we live our lives in a pretty direct fashion, which we push back on some of the intrusions that state government has had on Puyallup and how we try to run our city, he said. And I think we need to do the same at the national level, which in my opinion is far worse.

Adler said at the meeting that the amended plan goes against everything she stands for and that she can see a situation where the city could face expensive litigation with the state over the changes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Door said that the plan does not represent the community.

I do not understand why we would take a four-year presidents administrations directives and implement them on a 20-year plan, she said at the meeting, It makes no sense to me.

Kastama said at the meeting that race-neutral terminology aligns with both Washington state law and the U.S. Constitution, and You should not use color as a distinguishing characteristic for policy.

Some of the changes had to do with legal definitions, he said.

True inclusion means recognizing and supporting all people who face barriers, Kastama said.

I would rather be relaxing.

Saturday wont be the first time the groups have protested downtown. Theyve had smaller groups there on-and-off since the November 2024 election, Saum said, and more recently theyve been a fairly regular presence on Saturdays during the farmers market held across the street from City Hall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were trying to break down barriers and really speak to people on a human level, she said.

Saum said shes lived in Puyallup for more than 25 years and that shes seen the city become more diverse in that time. Puyallup has more Black and brown residents today than it did a decade ago, she said, and the citys LGBTQ population has grown such that 1,000 residents showed up for Puyallups Pride celebration this year.

We have to keep fighting so that those people who represent us represent all people, not just some, she said.

Beyond the protest Saturday, Saum said residents are organizing a community meeting at the Puyallup Library at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13 to talk about next steps.

Protesters gathered outside City Hall on the day of the comprehensive plan vote, July 22, 2025.

One resident, Matt Caras, has been protesting daily outside City Hall since the July 22 vote. He said he plans to be there every day, except for Sunday when he has obligations with his church, until the city reverses the changes to the comprehensive plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Hes a teacher, he said, and has the summer off.

I would rather be relaxing, but it is what it is, he said. ... Its up to us to hold the people in charge accountable.

News Tribune archives contributed to this report.
A flood of lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand is slaughtering the U.S. sheep industry and Utah farmers are struggling to survive the onslaught, according to a pair of Utah representatives.

Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens, both R-Utah, expressed their grave concern over what they assert is the looming and potentially catastrophic collapse of the U.S. market.

Imports of lamb and mutton, that come primarily from Australia and New Zealand, have surged by more than 500% in volume and over 2,000% in value since 1994, following the elimination of the National Wool Act. In 2024 alone, the U.S. imported over 309 million pounds of lamb which is a nearly 30% increase from the prior year, they wrote in a recent letter.

Merino sheep during muster on Yarran station near Young, 300 kilometers (187 miles) west of Sydney, Australia, Friday, March 5, 2004. | ROB GRIFFITH

The pair are seeking action from Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, and Amy Karpel, chair of the U.S. International Trade Commission, to immediately examine trade remedies that can restore fair market conditions for American sheep producers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Specifically, we respectfully request that your office negotiate or impose a Tariff Rate Quota on lamb meat imports from Australia and New Zealand, Maloy and Owens wrote.

The two stressed that more than 70% of lamb consumed in the United States comes from foreign sources, while domestic production has dropped by more than 60%.

While Utah typically hovers among the top five U.S. producers of sheep, Owens said three decades of unfair trade, weak enforcement and the lamb imports are driving a steep decline.

Elbio Pereira shears one of Logan Wildes sheep in Croydon, Morgan County, on Friday, April 30, 2021. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Im calling for a Tariff Rate Quota on lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand, a smart, targeted step to restore fairness, defend American production, and give our ranching families a fighting chance to compete and thrive, Owens said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In October 2023, members of Congress urged action to open a safeguard investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address the issue.

Unfortunately, the previous administration failed to act, and the challenges facing American sheep producers have only worsened. However, sheep producers in our state are now working collaboratively to submit a new Section 201 petition to the U.S. International Trade Commission. We respectfully urge you to give their petition full and fair consideration once it is filed, their letter reads.

It continued: We regularly hear from multigenerational sheep ranchers fighting every day to preserve their family farms and way of life. These producers are under mounting pressure such as soaring input costs, stagnant market prices, lack of access to risk management tools, persistent labor costs and shortages, and reduced access to federal grazing lands.

Utahs Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Kelly Pehrson said the industry faces tough problems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Utah is proud to be one of the nations top producers of lamb and wool, but our sheep producers continue to face serious challenges accessing fair markets. Supply chain bottlenecks, limited processing capacity and ongoing trade pressures make it difficult for producers to remain competitive, he said. Efforts to strengthen domestic or global market access and support this industry are welcome and urgently needed.

Sheep shearers from Uruguay work on Logan Wildes property in Croydon, Morgan County, on Friday, April 30, 2021. The wool from the sheeps belly will be sent to Wasatch Wool Laboratories in Midvale, the nations only commercial wool testing laboratory. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

More impacts related to trade

The pair added that global trade disruptions have had other negative effects on the industry.

Historically, U.S. wool and sheepskins have been major value-added exports, but trade restrictions in key markets, particularly China, have severely impacted this sector. In 2024 alone, more than 80% of U.S. sheepskin exports and nearly four out of every five pounds of raw wool were destined for China, they said.

Maloy added: Utahs sheep industry isnt just a vital part of the states economy, its an important part of Utahs culture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Will Griggs, manager of Utah Wool Marketing, said the state has some producers that are hanging on to five or six years worth of wool.

Its just not moving, or if it is, we are basically giving it away.

Although there has been less wool carryover recently compared to several years ago at the onset of COVID-19, the market remains depressed, he said.

We could definitely use a lift.

There has been movement for markets in Uruguay and India, but it is a struggle, he added.

Griggs said the countrys largest scouring and combing mill for wool  based in Jamestown, South Carolina  is still down 80% in processing since COVID-19 hit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Chargeurs Wool (USA) Inc. was established in 1955 and is housed within a 400,000-square-foot facility that sits on 500 acres of land.

Whatever the U.S. military uses is scoured and combed there, Griggs said.

Still, COVID-19 effects linger.

People are not dressing up or going out and buying nice clothes,  Griggs said.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Farmers Market is offering new ways for more people to make the most of the farmers market.

RELATED | Farmers Market welcomes new manager with fresh ideas

People with SNAP benefits can now use these benefits at the Wichita Falls Farmers Market. The Farmers Market has two separate programs for SNAP members to use while at the market.

Bring a Buddy Program

This program is for two people who have SNAP benefits. Each recipient can bring one buddy per month on market days, and both people will get $5 in Market Bucks. This way, you and a friend can enjoy fresh food together. This offer will end in October 2025.

Double Up Food Bucks Texas

Recipients who use their Lone Star card at the market get $1 free in Double Up Food Bucks for every $1 spent on SNAP-eligible items. This can provide benefit holders with an additional $30 per day on fresh fruits and vegetables. This program lasts year-round.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To take advantage of these benefits, visit the Wichita Falls Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 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 Texomashomepage.com.
Large branches protrude from a ponderosa pine in the Northern Cascades near Twisp, Wash., on July 20, 2025. (Photo by Emree Weaver for InvestigateWest)

Throughout her two decades working on forestry issues, Jasmine Minbashian has often found herself at odds with the U.S. Forest Service and the timber industry. Her environmental activism started during the second wave of Pacific Northwest Timber Wars  an intense period of conflict between environmentalists and the timber industry that unfolded in the late 1980s and 90s over logging in old-growth forests.

Instead of camping out in century-old trees or destroying timber-felling equipment in protest of sweeping logging practices on public lands, Minbashian took a different approach. She worked to bring disparate groups together to restore old-growth forests, supporting rural economies and reducing wildfire risk at the same time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So when she joined the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative in 2019, Minbashian felt cautiously optimistic. The organization  one of dozens of forest collaboratives that had sprung up across the West  brought together conservation groups, agency officials and timber companies to plan forest restoration projects in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. As the executive director of the small environmental nonprofit Methow Valley Citizens Council, she was excited to have a seat at the table to find common ground.

One of the groups first major efforts focused on restoring 50,000 fire-prone acres near Twisp, the rural town where she lived. For years, the group collaborated closely with the U.S. Forest Service to design the Mission Restoration Project and garner community support. The plan included some commercial logging, but largely focused on thinning small trees, restoring habitat and decommissioning old roads  work Minbashian believed could protect communities without resorting to the kind of aggressive logging she had spent years fighting.

But when no timber companies bid on the commercial logging portion of the project, federal and state agencies quietly rewrote the plan to, as Minbashian put it, sweeten the pot by including more large trees  circumventing years of planning, environmental assessments and community outreach. The $1.1 million contract was ultimately awarded in 2021 to Hampton Lumber, a member of the collaborative, which trucked the logs more than 100 miles to its mill on the other side of the Cascades.

That started some of the questioning of, like, whats going on here? Minbashian said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When she later visited logged areas near the Libby and Buttermilk creek drainages, she was stunned. Some sections looked as expected. Others had been stripped of trees she thought were protected by the restoration project plan  including old-growth trees that are key to the forests health.

When youre talking about restoring forests and climate-smart forestry, you want to retain those old or big trees, she said. Theyre the most fire-resistant. They store water. They just serve so many important ecological functions.

Over the last decade, hundreds of millions of private, state and federal dollars have been funneled to forest restoration and wildfire mitigation projects spearheaded by the U.S. Forest Service and collaborative groups like the one in North Central Washington. The group is one of 19 forest collaboratives focused on public lands in Washington and Oregon that emerged in the wake of the Timber Wars in an attempt to find agreement around contentious forestry issues.

These forest collaboratives, touted as a model of consensus-driven conservation, have quietly become influential engines for federal forest management decisions across the West. But critics worry the groups are too aligned with timber interests that prioritize commercial logging, and that they helped pave the way for the Trump administrations latest effort to expand logging on public lands throughout the country by skirting environmental protection laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some community groups and grassroots environmental organizations have become disenchanted with the arrangement, saying forest collaboratives offer a false sense of community engagement and transparency into forestry projects on public lands. Other mainstream environmental groups see timbers influence in the projects as a double-edged sword. While the commercial logging aspects of the projects are often the most controversial, the timber sale can help fund other aspects of the restoration plans  like improving fish spawning areas and decommissioning roads that fragment wildlife habitats  to help keep the momentum going. But those funds arent always guaranteed.

Everybodys at the table because they have their own interests, said Tiana Luke, the co-chair of the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative and the senior conservation manager for The Wilderness Society, a national environmental policy nonprofit. In this climate, we cant do the important ecological forest restoration without that economic component.

Unlike some forest collaboratives, the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative is not classified formally as a federal advisory committee, meaning the group isnt required to follow accountability and transparency measures meant to limit the influence of special interest groups on public policy.

The collaborative insists that it wields the same influence as any other community member when making suggestions to the Forest Service. But years worth of internal documents and emails obtained by InvestigateWest show the group has worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service at nearly every step of the process to carefully craft public messaging around logging projects, placate community concerns, and keep projects on pace and out of the courts. For at least one project, records show that a bid was awarded to the same timber company that had previously led a discussion among collaborative members about how to make the project more attractive to buyers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Its all because they want to rush the projects through, said Ric Bailey, a Winthrop resident and a longtime environmental activist. Theyre showing the public, look, we are doing something to protect you from fire.

But he sees no difference in the current approach to what he witnessed in the 80s and 90s, when the Forest Services main priority was meeting federally mandated timber quotas.

I looked at the projects, and I said, These dont have anything to do with fire or fuel reductions, he recalled thinking, referring to the Mission Restoration Project. Its just logging.

Public plans versus reality

In the wake of the Timber Wars, forest collaboratives emerged to bring lumber mill owners, environmentalists and local governments to the table to figure out how to move forward. Public perception had begun to move away from viewing national forests as piggy banks for economic benefit and resource extraction to treating them as ecological treasures worthy of protection, according to Steve Pedery, the conservation director at Oregon Wild, a Portland-based environmental organization that helped create some of the first collaboratives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But over the last decade, the pendulum has swung back toward timber interests, according to Pedery.

There are still places where you will find functional collaboratives and their citizens who come together with loggers and the Forest Service and counties and community groups to hash out a common vision, Pedery said. But I would say thats the rarity these days.

Pedery feels mainstream environmental groups participating in forest collaboratives have compromised their values in exchange for access to funding and a seat at the decision-making table  a dynamic thats helped set the stage for the Trump administrations current efforts to expand and expedite logging in national forests by 25%.

There are a lot of people who had a little too much hubris over the last decade who helped create this mess that were in around losing what are really some of the existential environmental protections in the Pacific Northwest, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Trump administration claims that, in addition to reducing the countrys reliance on domestic timber, recent actions to expedite logging operations will improve forest health and reduce the risk of catastrophic fire by thinning out overgrown forests. But some legal experts and environmental scientists warn that while some thinning could help, excessive logging could have the opposite effect by creating drier conditions, altering forest structures to make them less resilient and increasing flammable logging debris across the landscape.

While many of the restoration projects being spearheaded by the Forest Service and the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative call for ecological restoration efforts aside from logging, those aspects often lag behind  calling into question whether the restoration plans are simply commercial logging under a different name.

Typically in the past, what would happen is that the commercial part would get done, but all the stuff that needed funding would not get done, Minbashian told InvestigateWest in February. So even though they did the (environmental assessment) for it, it doesnt mean it necessarily happened.

Thats been true for the Mission Project, where 95% of the commercial thinning outlined in the environmental assessment has been completed as of June 2025; 69% of noncommercial thinning has been completed; and less than 5% of the planned prescribed burning has occurred as of July 2025, according to a Forest Service spokesperson. Only a quarter of fish culverts have been replaced, though 80% of the planned habitat improvement plans for streams have occurred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The collaborative, founded in 2013, gained momentum in the wake of two catastrophic wildfire seasons in North Central Washington  a time often cited in press releases and scientific reports as highlighting the need for restoration work.

On a windy, hot day in July 2014, lightning strikes ignited the Carlton Complex Fire, which went down in state history as the largest continuous wildfire, engulfing more than 250,000 acres, destroying over 350 homes, and leaving $98 million worth of damage in its wake. The following year, another million acres burned in the area, leading to renewed public outcry from residents wanting to see more done to prevent wildfires.

When people talk about the trauma of that fire event, and then the 2015 fires that devastated a huge area of Okanogan County, its real, said Susan Prichard, a fire ecologist for the University of Washington whose family lived through the fire. I can still choke up about it.

As wildfires in the Pacific Northwest have become more frequent and more devastating, collaboratives like those in Washington have become increasingly vocal about the urgency of improving the ecosystem and addressing the long legacy of fire suppression from the U.S. Forest Service, which led to a buildup of wildfire fuels across the landscape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

For centuries, Indigenous people stewarded forests by thinning and resetting the landscape using fire, which is critical to ecosystem health. But the U.S. Forest Services longstanding practice of aggressive fire suppression led to a buildup of dense, dry forests, primed to burn. The resulting catastrophic wildfires triggered an influx of state and federal funds for fuel reduction treatments such as forest thinning  a broad term which can mean removing small branches and trees or conducting massive commercial logging projects  as well as prescribed burning.

Fire is such a big component of the ecology of the forest here, and they have been historically fire-suppressed, and so we need to reintroduce fire, Minbashian said. But if you did that without some thinning first, it could lead to bigger fires than we want, which is what were seeing because of climate change as well.

Some thinning prior to fire can be helpful, but thinning alone is not going to get you the results you need, she added.

Tools meant to speed up the process

A major goal of the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative is to speed up the approval process for restoration projects, which is made easier if the project is proposed to help address wildfire risks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

To do so, the group pays private consultants to conduct environmental studies and surveys on behalf of the Forest Service in an attempt to circumvent federal bureaucracy. It also relies on condition-based management, a tool which allows the group to get planning approvals based on a broad-strokes outline of a decision, with the promise that the details will get hammered out later. But the practices also obfuscate the plans for the public and make it harder for environmental groups to sue, advocates say. And since the collaborative is part of the planning process so early on, it gives timber industry representatives who are part of the group a front-row seat to million-dollar timber sales they might ultimately bid on.

During the planning phase for the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaboratives first project, called the Upper Wenatchee Restoration project, Anjolene Price, the collaborative forestry manager for Hampton Lumber, led discussions within a subcommittee about how to design the project to entice buyers while remaining cautious of anti-trust violations, according to meeting notes obtained by InvestigateWest. Anti-trust laws are meant to promote fair competition and prohibit activity like price-fixing, bid-rigging and monopolization.

Hampton Lumber ultimately received a $1.5 million timber contract in 2024, the first commercial sale awarded for the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project.

Price represents Hampton Lumber on several forest collaboratives in Washington, driving hundreds of miles each week to attend in-person meetings. In 2022, she became the co-chair of the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative.

With sawmills in Washington, Oregon and Canada, Hampton Lumber has the largest forestry footprint in Okanogan County and the second largest in the state of Washington. Over the last decade, the company has received $443 million worth of timber contracts to conduct logging on state-managed lands throughout the state. The company has completed five timber sales in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest since 2021  including at least three projects that Price helped to design  accounting for nearly 58% of all the timber removed from the federally-managed forest, according to data obtained from the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

When it comes to collaboratives and forest health treatment projects, it would be more difficult, even inappropriate, if the local mills were not involved, Price, who declined numerous interview requests, wrote in a prepared statement.

The success of these projects depends on finding markets for any wood fiber that is removed; ultimately, the forest health treatment must pencil out in order to be implemented, she wrote. By participating, I can help inform what will work and what does not.

The collaborative doesnt define what would be considered a conflict of interest in its operating procedures, and some members within the group insist that no such conflict exists since all parties benefit in some way from the project.

The group also doesnt define what success looks like for the projects.

Luke, the co-chair of the collaborative and the senior conservation manager for the Wilderness Society, said its challenging to quantify the groups successes over the last decade. The projects are complicated, span decades, and involve dozens of state and federal agencies and outside groups to pull off, she said.

Personally, shed like to see more monitoring happening to help answer that million-dollar question: Are these projects actually helping the environment?

Are we reducing the risk of crown fire in this stand or across the landscape as a whole? said Luke, referring to wildfires that quickly spread through the crown or tops of trees.

If you look at a broader scale, are we doing that? she added. And sometimes the forest has funding and capacity to do that (monitoring), and then sometimes they dont.

In the final environmental assessment for the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project published in 2017, the Forest Service said it was working with partners to develop a broad monitoring strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and restoration actions. While this strategy is still in development, it is expected to result in a monitoring partnership with collaborators and regular reporting of monitoring results, the plans read.

The North Central Washington Forest Health Collaboratives website says it is spearheading that effort, but Luke said questions about monitoring should be directed to the Forest Service. In response, a Forest Service spokesperson wrote in an email that they are collecting data on vegetation density and the size of trees within the areas that will be logged. The Forest Service is coordinating closely with NCWFHC to inform future implementation strategies and adaptive management, she said.

Still, the collaborative is celebrating the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project as a success.

In May, a group of around 40 community members piled into two white Forest Service vans to visit a slice of the forest where the project took place, outside Leavenworth.

Standing in a semi-circle in the middle of a recently logged area of the forest, the tour group was a mix of forestry experts and retirees  many of whom live along Lake Wenatchee, one of the most wildfire-prone areas in the country. Those involved in the project celebrated their decade-long collaboration, declaring that the nearby community was better protected from wildfire because of the work done.

We did it, said Lloyd McGee, a founding member of the collaborative and the Washington forests program manager for the nonprofit The Nature Conservancy, as the crowd clapped. We didnt increase the pace, but were still learning from that.

The project originally listed many of the same ecological goals as the Mission Project, such as decommissioning roads, restoring fish habitat and conducting prescribed burning  but much of the work remains incomplete, apart from two timber sales. Approximately 2,300 acres have been sold for commercial logging, with about 30% of the logging having been completed as of July 2025, according to a Forest Service spokesperson. Only a small fraction of the noncommercial thinning has occurred, and no prescribed burning or road decommissioning has taken place.

Maybe thats step two or three, Andrew Lakota, a staff member with the Wenatchee River Ranger District who helped steward the logging operations for the project, told the crowd. I dont know what step that is, but now were generating receipts from the timber, and we can start doing a lot of other (restoration) activities we identified.

Public cut out of the process

When Ric Bailey moved to North Central Washingtons Methow Valley in 2014, tucked in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range, he was hoping to retire.

With the help of a local carpenter, he built a small yurt-style home just outside downtown Winthrop  12 minutes from the edge of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. After decades of environmental activism to stop logging in old-growth forests and wilderness areas throughout the Pacific Northwest, Bailey was burned out and yearned for some stillness. But it wasnt long before he found himself fighting the same fights.

Bailey, alongside a small but mighty group of neighbors, has been critical of the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaboratives behind-the-scenes role in crafting Forest Service projects, often years before community members have a chance to weigh in. They see the setup as nothing more than a mirage, offering the illusion of transparency and community engagement into plans that do nothing more than pad the profits of powerful timber companies.

All we can do is document how they have cut the public out of the process, Bailey said. Once these (environmental assessments) are signed, all you got is litigation.

Ric Bailey stands near the burn scar, also known as a cat face, of a large ponderosa, in the Northern Cascades near Twisp, Wash., on July 20, 2025. (Photo by Emree Weaver for InvestigateWest)

The Forest Service isnt required to listen to the collaboratives recommendations, but they often do. Any citizen can submit a proposal for consideration during the agencys environmental review, but the collaborative knows months  and even years  before the public knows what the project might look like, including how much timber companies might get. Unlike members of the public, collaboratives also work hand and hand with the federal agency to iron out the details.

For example, in 2020, the Forest Service gave collaborative members a three-week sneak peek of a final environmental assessment for a contentious restoration project before it was released to the public for a 30-day comment period, according to emails obtained by InvestigateWest.

They get a front-row seat, Bailey said.

While the groups quarterly meetings are open to the public, community members are not permitted in steering committee meetings or a project working group, where collaborative members discuss pending Forest Service projects and current collaborations on public lands.

Meeting notes are also only sporadically posted online. The most recent quarterly meeting minutes available are from November 2024, the only notes posted since 2021  though the new facilitator of the group said the lag is due to website issues.

Bailey and other community members have criticized the group for being insular, saying it contradicts their publicly stated goals of engaging the community on public projects.

Theres sensitivity on how we talk about work of the collaborative, Price, the co-chair of the collaborative and Hampton Lumber representative, told members during a meeting in February in which she reiterated the groups policy of directing media inquiries to the co-chairs. We dont want to be knocking ourselves.

Bailey is also critical of the ways the Forest Service, with help from the collaborative, is trying to expedite restoration projects by speeding up the environmental review process using tools now openly championed by the Trump administration under the guise of wildfire mitigation. The tools include finding flexible ways to write environmental assessments that leave ample room for different interpretations on the ground. Those strategies also make it more difficult to sue, he said.

Each project must be reviewed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a landmark 1970 environmental law that requires federal agencies to assess whether an action will have a significant impact on the environment before a project is approved. But there are various levels of review, and the agency gets to determine which is the most appropriate. The Forest Service determined that the second-narrowest environmental review  for projects they consider to have no significant impact on the environment  sufficed for over 200,000 acres encompassed in the four major restoration projects unfolding in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

How can you say that youre going to reduce wildfire risk and reconstruct the forest, the whole forest ecosystem here, and not have a significant environmental impact? Bailey said. Are you kidding me?

Restoration projects are also set to undergo even less review under the Trump administration. In an executive order issued in March, the Trump administration ordered agencies to expand the use of categorical exclusions, the least stringent type of environmental review, and to exempt timber thinning projects entirely to expedite logging throughout the countrys national forests.

While Prichard, the forest ecologist with the University of Washington, sees commercial logging as a necessary tool to thin out the forest and reduce wildfire risks, she remains cautious. Ive become more comfortable with the idea that we need mills to take the material out and help defray the very expensive cost of fire exclusion, she said.

Do I think that we should be really careful about next steps and provide a lot of oversight? Absolutely, she said, referring to Trumps executive orders regarding logging. But the term commercial harvesting doesnt set my hackles up the way it might some of my neighbors.

Bailey isnt opposed to fuel reduction projects like noncommercial thinning or even logging, if done thoughtfully. Hes worked on Forest Service projects and as a timber faller in the 80s, and later as a wildland firefighter. But he takes issue with the collaborative and the Forest Service offering false hope to people that the projects will protect them from fire without providing the evidence to support their claims.

Its a big smoke screen, he said.

Baileys small community group celebrated a win in May. A federal court partially ruled in favor of an environmental group that had challenged the environmental assessment for another project the collaborative is working on, the 24,000-acre Twisp Restoration Project.

The court didnt completely shut down the logging being done by Hampton Lumber, but paused it until the Forest Service could examine what cumulative effects the project might have on the landscape. The initial environmental assessment stated that the project would have no substantial impact on the environment.

Its something, Bailey said. We will take it.

But the timber industry also took it as a partial win. The ruling upheld condition-based management, the tool that was used to justify the increased logging for the Mission Project, setting an excellent precedent, Tom Partin, the president of the American Forest Resource Council, told fellow collaborative members during a meeting in June.

Thats a whole new variable

Minbashian hasnt completely lost faith in the collaborative process or the Forest Service.

After her organization produced a monitoring report of the trees that were cut for the Mission Project, the Forest Service acknowledged that some of the logging didnt go as planned and issued a statement in 2023 committing to making some changes going forward.

Minbashian said since the Mission Project, shes seen modest improvements on the ground.

Shed still like more guardrails and transparency around the Forest Services reliance on logging plans that allow companies to decide in real-time which trees to cut, and clearer expectations for when large trees will be removed.

Consistently, the way that the project is described in public documents and then the way its implemented is really different, she said.

The lack of details in the plans makes it hard to compare what unfolds on the ground. All the Forest Service does is say, Oh, well do better next time, Bailey said. Theres nothing you can hold them to legally, that says you have to do something different than what youve been doing.

Minbashians organization is now working with the Forest Service to do baseline monitoring for the upcoming Twisp restoration project, in hopes that large trees are kept on the landscape and history doesnt repeat itself. She still wants projects to succeed.

Theres a lot more components to it than just the commercial timber sale, she said. Theres road decommissioning and stream restoration, and understory thinning and all that to improve the damage that was done in the past.

Minbashian understands where Baileys mistrust comes from. She feels it, too. But she thinks the people working locally with the Forest Service have good intentions, and shes choosing to focus on that.

You can say, well, of course, they did that. Theyre the Forest Service; theyre going to have bad intentions, she said, referring to the Mission Project. Or you can say, well, there could be a variety of factors why it didnt get implemented in the way we envisioned. And lets look at that and what happened, and can we fix that going forward?

Thats just the approach weve decided to take, and we will see how it goes, Minbashian said before pausing. I think the folks who dont see it that way may just think that this is another timber grab, and maybe it could be going forward under this new administration. Thats a whole new variable.

This story was originally published by InvestigateWest, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to change-making investigative journalism. Sign up for their Watchdog Weekly newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
A $100,000 winning ticket was sold for Fridays Mass Cash drawing, according to the Massachusetts State Lotterys website.

The winning numbers for the drawing on Friday, Aug. 1, were 5,8,12,20 and 27.

The winning $100,000 ticket was sold in Rockland at Rockland Liquors, according to the state lotterys website. Rockland is located in Plymouth County, about 20 minutes away from the City of Brockton.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Overall, there were at least 614 lottery prizes worth $600 or more won or claimed in Massachusetts on Friday, including 48 in Boston, 11 in Worcester and 19 in Springfield.

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.
The Brief

Look who's 106! Happy birthday to Hellen Tellier in Muskego.

Tellier was married to her late husband for 66 years. She has 26 kids and grandkids.

Tellier said faith and friendship make each day count. She still sings at church.

MUSKEGO, Wis. - FOX6 News starts each morning celebrating 6-year-old kids' birthdays  it's kind of our thing. This time, we're bending the rules for a special 106th birthday celebration.

Look who's 106!

What they're saying

Helen Tellier was born in Milwaukee on Aug. 2, 1919. She taught Sunday school for 33 years and was married to her late husband, Arno, for 66 years. She has so many children and grandchildren  26 to be exact  it's hard to keep track.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

"It reminds me of my wedding day. I laughed so much  smiled so much. Now Ive been doing the same thing," Tellier said of Friday's celebration.

Helen Tellier celebrates 106th birthday

All of Tellier's friends at Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community in Muskego came to wish her the best.

"She is still in her right mind. She gets around," said Pastor Michelle Peterson, who has known Tellier for more than a decade. "She is the oldest ever in our community."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Peterson got the mayor to proclaim Saturday "Helen Tellier Day" in Muskego.

None of us know how many days we have left, but Telliers faith and friendship make each day count. She still sings at church and never misses service.

Helen Tellier celebrates 106th birthday

"The lord has been the highlight in my life, and I think it has been that way with my children too, which is the greatest joy," she said.

What's next

Tellier's whole extended family will join her for a birthday celebration on Sunday, too.

The Source

FOX6 News interviewed people at Friday's celebration.
Warning: This story contains details that some may find disturbing.

Three weeks after five members of a family in India were brutally killed and allegedly burned alive amid accusations of the practice of witchcraft, the survivors are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

For Manisha Devi (name changed) of Tetgama village in Bihar state, the night of 6 July has been the darkest in her life.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

At around 10pm, a belligerent mob gathered outside their relatives' home - by dawn, five people, including a 71-year-old widow Kato Oraon, were dead.

The incident in Bihar is not an isolated one. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 2,500 people, mostly women, were killed in India on suspicion of witchcraft between 2000 and 2016.

But the Tetgama murders stand out, as five members of a family were killed together.

Campaigners say superstition and belief in witchcraft remain widespread among many of India's disadvantaged tribal communities, including those involved in the recent Bihar incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The alleged murderers and victims all belong to the Oraon tribe and have lived together for generations. But what transpired on the night of 6 July has opened a chasm that is unlikely to be bridged anytime soon.

Tetgama's streets now echo with silence - all the residents, except four of Kato Devi's sons and their families, have fled the village. Some homes are locked, while others appear to have been abandoned in a hurry.

The BBC spoke to the victims' relatives, police and officials to piece together what happened on the night of the killings.

The two-room house where Babulal Oraon lived with his family [BBC]

Manisha Devi says she heard a commotion and found a large crowd outside the home of Babulal Oraon, the eldest of Kato's five sons who lived nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mr Oraon, his wife Sita Devi, the couple's son Manjit and daughter-in-law Rani Devi were among those killed. His youngest son, a teenager, is the only survivor.

Police in their first information report (FIR), which is available online, have named a villager - Ramdev Oraon - as the main accused.

They said Ramdev's son had died about 10 days back after falling sick, but he had allegedly accused Kato Devi and her family of killing his child through witchcraft. It's not clear what the belief was based on.

Police say Ramdev is absconding and that they are looking for him.

On the night of the killings, Ramdev had allegedly brought his nephew, who appeared seriously unwell, to the victims' house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Manisha Devi said she saw the teenager lying on the ground and the village exorcist performing some rituals and reciting mantras.

Manisha Devi, another relative and the survivor in his police complaint have alleged that the exorcist "pronounced Kato Devi and Babulal's wife Sita Devi as witches, blaming them for the death and illness in Ramdev's family".

"Kato was dragged out and given half-an-hour to heal the sick teenager. Sita Devi, who was away visiting her mother in a neighbouring village, was called and asked to return if she wanted to see her family alive," she added.

The second relative who also witnessed the alleged murders says Kato pleaded with the villagers to see reason, but the mob kept getting angrier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"When Babulal and Manjit tried to intervene, the mob attacked them too. Rani Devi was also assaulted when she attempted to shield her husband," she adds. "When Sita Devi returned with her son, the survivor, they too were assaulted."

Rani Devi had laid out the bed and tucked in the mosquito net before the mob came for her and her husband [BBC]

The teenager later told the police that he somehow managed to run away, hide in the darkness and watch as his family was lynched and burned.

The police complaint names 23 men and women from the village and "150 to 200 unnamed people who made up the mob".

"The mob was armed with sticks, rods and sharp weapons. They tied all the five victims with a rope and dragged them to the village pond, assaulting and abusing them all the way," it says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The complaint adds that the victims were "half-dead" when they were doused with petrol and set on fire, their bodies were packed in sacks and taken away on a tractor.

A senior police official told reporters the next day that the victims were burned alive and their charred bodies had been recovered from a pond near the village.

District Magistrate Anshul Kumar also initially said the five were burned alive. But he recently told the BBC that the post-mortem report was inconclusive on the issue.

"The report indicates evidence of burn injuries and assault; however, it does not clearly articulate the precise cause of death, whether it was due to burning or whether that occurred post-murder."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Shockingly, the night-long violence occurred not very far from the Mufassil police station, located just 7km (4.5 miles) away.

Mr Kumar said the police heard about the incident 11 hours after the mob gathered, and acknowledged that it showed "there were shortcomings somewhere" and that "this was our failure". But the delay, he added, was "since the entire community was involved".

In the aftermath, the officer-in-charge was suspended. His replacement Sudin Ram told the BBC that four people, including the exorcist, have been arrested. The others are absconding, he said.

"We have invoked laws related to unlawful assembly, rioting, causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons, wrongful restrain, mob lynching and disappearance of evidence of offence," Mr Ram said, adding that the guilty could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The BBC has not been able to speak to the exorcist, who is in custody, or to Ramdev, whose whereabouts are unknown. The survivor is in protective custody at a safe location and receiving counselling, police official Mr Kumar said, adding that he is "gradually recovering."

His brothers, who were away working when the attack occurred, are receiving free food and support, he added. They're currently staying with relatives in a nearby village.

A special investigation team is probing the lynchings, but Mr Kumar said superstition-fuelled hysteria drove the crowd to commit the murders.

Officials say this is the area's first such incident, with no prior witchcraft cases ever recorded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But Mira Devi, a local social worker, told the BBC that tribal villages lack education and rely more on exorcists than on doctors or medicine.

Village council head Santosh Singh says most children skip school to work at nearby brick kilns with their parents. A local teacher, Indranand Chaudhary, confirmed only three are enrolled - and none attend.

The crime scene where the five victims were burned [BBC]

Tetgama, a tribal village 11km from Purnea town, is home to 22 families.

Across paddy fields, a villager points to burnt maize stalks - the site of the 6 July tragedy.

Narrow mud paths lead to the victims' homes. At Babulal Oraon's two-room hut, built from corn stalks, bamboo, and mud, time feels frozen.

In the room where Manjit and his newlywed wife Rani Devi slept, the bed is neatly made, with a clean sheet and the mosquito net tucked in.

Manisha Devi sits outside her home, haunted by the senseless murders she and others witnessed that night.

"We stood helplessly, watching the victims desperately trying to save themselves. That scene still haunts us," one man said.
BLOOMFIELD, Conn. (WTNH)  A 39-year-old woman has died after she became pinned under a vehicle, according to Bloomfield police.

Police stated that at approximately 5:50 p.m., officers conducted a welfare check in the rear of a building located at 6 Northwestern Drive. Officers found the woman unresponsive.

Man, 40, charged with murder of 17-year-old girl in Waterbury

Police said the vehicle slipped off a vehicle jack, pinning the woman underneath.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ambulance and fire personnel arrived on the scene to extract the woman and perform emergency medical aid, but she was pronounced dead on scene.,

Police did not immediately release the name of the woman.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MORGANTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A woman has been charged after allegedly breaking into and stealing from multiple cars at a North Carolina DMV, according to the Morganton Department of Public Safety.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, officers responded to a reported breaking and entering call at the DMV Drivers License Office in Morganton. A victim reported to highway patrol that a woman broke into multiple vehicles at the DMV.

Bobcat found in car grill comes amid growing number of wildlife-related incidents

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The suspect, 33-year-old Kayly Allman, allegedly broke into three vehicles, one of which, a Hyundai Santa Fe, was occupied at the time. According to officials, Allman stole a cigarette, which she smoked, a Debbie cake, which she ate, two pieces of mail and a vehicle registration card.

Allman was arrested at the scene, which was about three hours after she was released from jail. She is being held without bond due to violations of pre-trial release conditions and was charged with two counts of felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, and one count of larceny after breaking and entering.

Authorities said more charges may be pending in this case. Allman is scheduled for an initial court date of September 4.

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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A woman who illegally recorded false real estate documents involving two different San Diego County properties was sentenced Wednesday to two years in state prison and ordered to pay $110,000 in restitution, prosecutors said.

Farrah Nazemi, 58, was convicted last month of three felony counts of recording false documents and one felony count of forgery, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a news release Friday.

In November 2019, Nazemi recorded two false documents to a property in Bonita, according to prosecutors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Suspect arrested in series of groping attacks across San Diego

She recorded the documents in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the foreclosure of and her eviction from a house she formerly owned in Bonita. The defendant lost her unlawful detainer case and left the Bonita property only after she was locked out by the San Diego Sheriffs Department in January of 2020, Stephan said.

Nazemi then moved into a house in Vista with her brother who had previously entered into a contract to purchase the Vista property from the owner in exchange for an apartment in Tehran, Iran and cash to make up the difference in value, per the DA.

Nazemis brother agreed to vacate the Vista property when the sale/exchange fell through, but Nazemi refused to leave, forging the owners signature on a recorded Grant Deed which transferred the Vista property from the owner to herself, Stephan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The owners of the properties involved reported the crimes to the Real Estate Fraud Unit of the San Diego County District Attorneys Office.

For information on real estate fraud, visit the District Attorneys Offices 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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Around 650-700 private hospitals in Haryana are set to withdraw from the Ayushman Bharat scheme starting August 7 due to pending dues of over 500 crore. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Haryana claimed that despite multiple assurances from government officials, payments continue to be delayed, with some hospitals experiencing delays of up to 4-5 months. Speaking to ANI, Dr Ashok Mahajan, who was the Former President of Haryana IMA, said, " IMA Haryana does not want to withdraw Ayushman services; it is being forced to! Hospitals have bills running into crores and are unable to pay their doctors, staff and vendors. They are forced to take this step to prevent further losses. They seem to be funding this government scheme; SHA pays late, and deductions are made without any reason." "Nearly 650-700 private hospitals all over Haryana will withdraw services. Assurances are plenty, but payment is much less! After our protests, the government pays every 3-4 months and then waits for the next protest. Even after assurances from the highest offices in the State, our dues keep on piling up," he added. According to the letter written by IMA Haryana to the CEO AB HPA Haryana, the scheme is facing several challenges. "Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a prestigious scheme of Prime Minister Narender Modiji, is facing recurrent problems in Haryana due to the apathy of the Government itself. Time and again, we have been apprising officials of irregular payments, at times delayed by 4-5 months." States letter Earlier, a meeting was also held with the Chief Minister of Haryana and other Senior officials, but none of the assurances were fulfilled. "In our meeting with Chief Minister Nayab Saini ji on January 8th, we were assured that all the payments will be made in the stipulated time of 15 days. We again had a high-level meeting with CS CPM Haryana Rajesh Khullar ji on February 3rd. There again, we were assured that all problems are being solved now, and after 10 March 2025, all things will be fully streamlined." "Unfortunately, none of these assurances have been fulfilled. Payments are still much delayed and irregular; unnecessary deductions are still being made; Processing of cases is also delayed; Grievances are difficult to raise on the portal; and the NABH incentive of many hospitals has been cut under the guise of re-empanelment on the new portal," it said. This decision affects numerous hospitals across districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Karnal, which have significant numbers of beneficiaries relying on the scheme for medical treatment. Over 1.2 crore people in Haryana are enrolled in the scheme, including low-income families and senior citizens. The withdrawal of private hospitals may lead to difficulties in accessing healthcare services, putting additional pressure on government hospitals. The Haryana government has assured that the process of releasing funds has begun, and they are hopeful of resolving the issue within a week. However, hospitals remain sceptical, citing unfulfilled assurances from previous meetings with government officials (ANI)
Woman suffers life-threatening injuries in 4-vehicle crash on I-35E in Eagan originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

A Twin Cities woman suffered critical injuries when she was struck by a truck driver on Interstate-35E in Eagan on Friday afternoon, according to authorities.

The Minnesota State Patrol said the 54-year-old South St. Paul woman was taken to Regions Hospital with life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash, which happened around 4:40 p.m., involved four vehicles and injured one other driver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The crash report states all four vehicles were traveling northbound on I-35E when the driver of a 2024 International MV607 truck struck the South St. Paul woman's Ford Escape, pushing her vehicle into the right shoulder.

The truck driver then struck another vehicle, a Chevrolet C10 pickup truck. The patrol said that collision pushed the pickup truck into the fourth vehicle involved in the crash, a Ford F150.

Credit: Erik McLean via Unsplash

The driver and passenger of the International truck, a 37-year-old Sheboygan, Wisconsin, man and 36-year-old Sheboygan, Wisconsin woman, respectively, were not injured, nor was the driver or passenger of the F150.

The driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck, a 50-year-old Roberts, Wisconsin man, was taken to Regions Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

According to the patrol, road conditions were dry and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Two women who attended an event in Las Vegas called "Revolution Against Aging and Death Festival"  please bask in the red flags that have already appeared in this sentence  received peptide injections at a booth organized by an unlicensed physician specializing in "age reversal" therapies.

As ProPublica reports, not long after receiving the shots at a conference booth, they both fell ill and had to be wheeled off in ambulances. They were hospitalized and left in critical condition, highlighting the severe dangers of unlicensed therapies.

Their tongues reportedly started swelling up, and one had to be intubated. The other woman lost control of the muscles in her neck and couldn't open her eyes, per a police report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Public health investigators are now looking to determine if anybody else at the festival experienced a similar fate. Local law enforcement determined that up to seven people at the conference had been hospitalized as well.

The news comes as noted anti-vaxxer and Health and Human Services secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has promoted the amino acid chains known as peptides as a way to stave off aging. Last year, Kennedy vowed to end the Food and Drug Administration's purported "war on public health," accusing it of "aggressive suppression" of various potentially dangerous substances, including peptides.

Kent Holtorf, the doctor overseeing the booth, has similarly called for looser regulations for alternative therapies, ProPublica reports. He had to hire a practitioner to carry out one of the injections, since he's not licensed in Nevada. A second contracted practitioner, who administered the injection to the second woman, also didn't have the necessary Nevada licenses.

Holtorf  whose practice was chastized by the Federal Trade Commission for claiming that its peptide therapies could prevent COVID-19  told ProPublic that he doesn't think "it was the peptides, but I dont want to try and push the blame and say it wasnt us."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the illness or whether it was indeed related to the injections. Holtorf told ProPublica that he's not sure where the peptides that were used in his booth came from.

Peptides are already approved in dozens of medications for the treatment of various health problems, including cancer and diabetes. However, its use for age reversal or regenerative health by compounding it into new formulations remains unreviewed by the FDA. At least 18 of the most popular compounding components of popular peptide treatments have been deemed to have "significant safety risks" by the agency.

At least one component in one of the peptide concoctions one of the two women received is on that list.

The so-called "Revolution Against Aging and Death Festival" in Las Vegas is part of a much broader network of for-profit entities claiming to have discovered the fountain of youth, helping people achieve "immortality."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But given the latest news, these unorthodox approaches, especially when deemed as unsafe by regulators, come with plenty of risk. Considering the current political climate  and the fact that an anti-vaxxer who champions the use of potentially dangerous alternative medicines is in charge of the HHS  it's unlikely to be the last time we hear of such incidents.

More on anti-aging: Evidence Grows That Tripping on Shrooms Might Increase Your Lifespan
Two women who first met more than 80 years ago have been reunited for the first time since World War Two.

Alice Moody, 104, was a then recently qualified teacher when she travelled from London to the Somerset village of Hardington Mandeville to help educate evacuated children.

She was well-remembered in the village and one of her former pupils, Jean Laughlin, 96, made the trip to her care home in Wiltshire to visit Mrs Moody - who she affectionately remembers as Ms Russell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"In the interim, you forget so much and suddenly it all comes back which is lovely," said Ms Laughlin.

Mrs Moody - then Ms Russell - seen here in both photos, was a young teacher and "role model" to teenage student Ms Laughlin during World War Two [Handout]

Ms Laughlin brought some old photos of the village from the 1940s and 1950s to help remind Mrs Moody of "so many happy memories".

She said that, although they were older and a lot of time had passed, it was marvellous to remember together.

When Mrs Moody arrived at the school, Ms Laughlin said she saw her as a role model.

She said: "I was a teenager and she was a young teacher, and she gave me the impetus to go on and become a nurse. I have a lot to be thankful for."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

She added that her smile was "exactly the same and lights up her eyes", just as it did all those years ago.

Photos of Hardington Mandeville in the 1940s and 1950s helped remind Mrs Moody of "so many happy memories" [Handout]

For Mrs Moody, it was a trip down memory lane for two "old friends from the wartime".

Mrs Moody said her memories of Hardington were of lovely days and she "just can't believe" she was meeting Ms Laughlin again.

She has recorded her wartime memoirs, which are currently being edited and made into a book, with a preview being sent to friends.

"She remembers so much in the book, and brought back so many memories for me. [Reading] it was wonderful," Ms Laughlin said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"It must have been so frightening for parents to put their children on a train, not knowing where they were going, but Mrs Moody was there to look after them," Ms Laughlin added.

More on this story
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Under Colorado law, a mother may breastfeed in any place she has a right to be.



But mothers nursing infants here and nationwide still regularly stand trial before the jury of public opinion when breastfeeding their babies in communal spaces. This is one of the many reasons why health officials and child welfare organizations internationally recognize this first week of August as World Breastfeeding Week, to bring attention to not only the health benefits of breastmilk, but to reduce the stigma and shame surrounding feeding children in a public space.

I was really nervous about it, says Carlee Goss, mother and coordinator for B4 Babies at Hilltop Community Resources in Grand Junction. I think just knowing from TV and other people in my life that people sometimes give you weird looks or they dont want you doing it in front of their children. Its just kind of a weird thing to have to be comfortable withbut I mean, you have to feed your kid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mother Melissa Kiernan experienced just that over Mothers Day weekend, when she was asked by staff at Stone Cellar Bistro in Arvada, CO to cover up when breastfeeding her infant at the table. The incident was posted about online and sparked an organized protest of outraged parents and residents outside of the restaurant.

But for parents, the stigma around public breastfeeding is not the only prejudice they can face. Many parents also struggle with societal judgement when they cannot, or decide not to, breastfeed.

Some people cant breastfeed, says Carlee, some people just dont develop the milk. Other people, they dont develop enough milk, so they have to supplement with formula. And then sometimes the baby just cant latch.

Carlee has a 2-year-old child and is expecting another one in November. For new parents who decide to breastfeed, she offers this advice:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Ignore what the public thinks. I meanit is whats best for you, its whats best for a baby, and thats really what matters.





Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Cancer patients will get personalised drugs made at their bedside under new laws, The Telegraph can reveal.

The UK is the first country in the world to relax the strict manufacturing rules that cause delays to time-sensitive treatments.

An increasing number of new medicines, including for cancer and rare genetic disorders, involve creating a bespoke drug for each patient by collecting their cells and modifying them in a laboratory, before they are injected back into the patient.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But because the samples have to be taken and edited in specialist facilities  often hundreds of miles away  patients are too often facing delays. They may become too unwell to receive the drug, or the medicine itself may not survive the journey because of its short shelf-life.

From now, the last of these steps can be completed closer to the patient, reducing the time it takes to produce a life-saving treatment from months to just days, the medical regulator said.

Flexible, responsive system

The new laws, introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), will mean the drugs can be manufactured where the patient is  and given to them in hospital or their own homes.

Writing in The Telegraph, Lawrence Tallon, the new chief executive of the MHRA, said it was about creating a more flexible, responsive system that meets the needs of modern medicine rather than forcing the medicine to fit an outdated system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some of these advanced therapies are made using a persons own cells. Others are built around their genetic code. A few are so sensitive they cant be frozen or stored  they have to be given to the patient within mere minutes of being made. Thats a world away from how medicines are typically mass-made and distributed today, he said.

In these cases, delays can be critical. Some patients have become too unwell to receive their treatment in time. In others, the medicine simply didnt survive the journey.

He added: Hospitals can now carry out the final steps of manufacturing on-site  under the same strict standards, but far more quickly.

That means a cancer patient could now have their immune cells collected, modified, and returned at the same hospital. A child with a rare genetic disorder can receive a therapy made at their bedside.

Personalised therapies

Mobile units will also be deployed to finish the manufacturing of the drugs for patients who are too sick to leave their homes or need to limit hospital visits because of weakened immune systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The MHRA said the move mirrored how chemotherapy and antibiotics are prepared locally, but stressed that there would still be strict safeguards and regulatory protocols.

There will also be a central control site that will oversee the personalised therapies being completed in hospitals.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said it was a game-changer. Cancer treatments tailored in days, not months. Life-saving therapies made at your bedside, not hundreds of miles away, he said.

Our Plan for Change promised to build an NHS fit for the future. Today were delivering on that pledge by bringing cutting-edge care directly to patients when they need it most.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This type of therapy means patients can be treated and return home more quickly.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has described the move as a game-changer - Lucy North/PA

One example of a personalised treatment that is set to become more accessible for patients is CAR-T cancer therapy.

It involves genetically modifying a blood cancer patients immune cells so that the immune system recognises and kills the cancer cells that would otherwise go undetected by the body and continue to spread.

Previously, hospitals were only able to offer these treatments through complicated, one-off arrangements.

The changes have already come into effect after the legislation, known as The Human Medicines (Amendment) (Modular Manufacture and Point of Care) Regulations 2025, was passed last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

It covers a range of innovations, including cell and gene therapies, tissue-engineered treatments, 3D printed products, blood products, and medicinal gases.

Lord Vallance, the science minister and Governments former chief scientific officer, said the world-first framework gives the NHS and innovators a clear, safe way to bring advanced treatments from the lab to the patients bedside.

Its a powerful example of how smart regulation can help more patients benefit from the best of British science.

Modern medicine needs a modern delivery system

By Lawrence Tallon

For most medicines, the system works well enough. Medicines are made in bulk, boxed up, and shipped off to where theyre needed in the world. Its how care has been delivered for decades. But a new generation of personalised therapies is beginning to challenge that model  and unless we adapt, patients could miss out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Some of these advanced therapies are made using a persons own cells. Others are built around their genetic code. A few are so sensitive they cant be frozen or stored  they have to be given to the patient within mere minutes of being made. Thats a world away from how medicines are typically mass-made and distributed today.

Lawrence Tallon, chief executive of the MHRA, says the new processes will be safer for those with compromised immune systems

In these cases, delays can be critical. Some patients have become too unwell to receive their treatment in time. In others, the medicine simply didnt survive the journey. We need a more flexible, responsive system that meets the needs of modern medicine, not force the medicine to fit an outdated system.

Thats why this week, the UK became the first country in the world to introduce a new legal framework that allows these advanced medicines to be made at the point of care. Under new regulations introduced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), hospitals can now carry out the final steps of manufacturing on-site  under the same strict standards, but far more quickly.

That means a cancer patient could now have their immune cells collected, modified and returned at the same hospital. A child with a rare genetic disorder can receive a therapy made at their bedside. No more shipping cells hundreds of miles away and hoping they survive the journey back. It also offers a safer alternative for people too unwell to travel, or whose immune systems make hospital visits risky.

Supporting early access to promising treatments

This is part of a wider effort to modernise the way we support innovation in the UK. Weve shortened the time it takes to approve clinical trials to 40 days. Weve introduced new routes for authorising medicines already approved by trusted international regulators. And where the evidence is strong and the need is urgent, we support early access to promising treatments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were paying particular attention to rare diseases, where patients often face the longest waits for new treatments. While each condition may affect only a few people, the overall impact is large: around 3.5 million people in the UK, and an estimated 300 million globally, live with a rare condition. Yet developing treatments is often more difficult, with fewer clinical trial participants and less commercial return.

Thats why were offering targeted support. For companies working on rare disease therapies, weve reduced or waived fees and increased access to expert scientific advice. The aim is to make it simpler and more affordable to bring forward safe treatments where there is high need and few other options.

Were also supporting smarter ways to generate evidence. For very rare conditions, large-scale trials arent always possible. Were working with researchers to use high-quality real-world data, like NHS records and patient registries, so that safe and effective treatments arent held back for lack of traditional trial data.

Medical innovation doesnt end with discovery or whats in the vial. Its also about tackling the barriers that stop new treatments reaching patients. That means creating a safe system built for tomorrows medicines  especially for people with the fewest options  whether by changing how theyre approved, how trials are run, or how evidence is gathered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After all, a life-changing treatment only matters because we can deliver it when and where the person needs it.

Lawrence Tallon is chief executive of the MHRA

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.
Many people believe politicians have a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude, and certainly, this story doesn't help that perception. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's travel habits are once again under scrutiny.

Euractiv reported that she took 16 private jet trips in 2024, all paid by the commission, despite her public push for the European Union's Green Deal.

According to public records, von der Leyen flew on chartered planes for events ranging from global summits to low-mileage trips between Brussels and Strasbourg, France, a route that offers direct high-speed trains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

German European Parliament member Martin Schirdewan, who inquired about her travel records, didn't hold back.

"I find it quite absurd that she still uses private jets when there's a train option that takes less than five hours," Schirdewan told Euractiv. "She does not stand above the rules, although she likes to make some for herself."

Meanwhile, a commission spokesperson attempted to defend the trips, stating that they took place "only" when logistics, tight schedules, or security made commercial options impossible. One September mission had 40 staffers visit a flood-hit area in Wroclaw, Poland, before heading to Ukraine.

The cost? Almost 3,000 euros ($3,524) per person. There was a private jet from Paris to the G7 Summit in Italy and the Ukraine Peace Conference in Switzerland, which cost 14,110 euros ($16,575) per person. But the total costs have not been made public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The backlash isn't new. German outlets Bild and Der Spiegel reported that von der Leyen took 57 private flights in just two years. The pattern continues, and so does the pollution. Private jets produce far more harmful carbon pollution per passenger than commercial flights. Five of her 2024 trips were to Strasbourg alone, including a one-hour jump from Brussels.

It's fair to ask who pays the price when leaders ignore their own climate advice. Private jets, often used by billionaires and heads of state, let the wealthy skip public transport while the rest of us breathe dirtier air. An EU president flying private on Europe Day is just one example. Even Elon Musk's private trips sparked debate over his pollution record.

If there's a silver lining, local and national pushes are growing to curb elite air travel and support greener options. Polls on private jet pollution have sparked calls to tax or ban unnecessary short-haul flights. Small steps, but they add up to a fairer, cleaner future.

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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Hundreds of people marched through the streets of downtown Portland Saturday afternoon protesting many of the policies and actions of the Trump administration.

Carrying signs that read, Defund ICE, Fund Science, Capitulation (does not equal) Governance, GOP: Guardians of Pedophilia, No Kings, Tax Wealth Hoarders, and Worst Sequel Ever, the protesters walked peacefully through downtown, including directly in front of the KOIN Tower.

Suspect in custody after homicide at Hillsboro hotel

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This was part of the Rage Against the Regime Rally organized in part by the groups 50501 and Indivisible. There were similar protests planned for Beaverton at the same time.

Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN) Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Portland in opposition to the Trump Administrations policies and actions, August 2, 2025 (KOIN)

Portland police blocked off some streets while the protesters marched after their hour-long rally began. By 2:30 p.m., the march was over. Police said it was peaceful and that no arrests were 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 KOIN.com.
ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDHN)After being faced with the uncertainty of a potential re-opening, one Henry County youth camp has been hit with multiple new lawsuits.

Involving one former staff member, who allegedly made children suffer through severe physical abuse.

Earlier this week, Birmingham attorneys Tommy James and Jeremy Knowles, along with Pensacola attorney Caleb Cunningham, filed two lawsuits against Camp SAYLA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A state-funded youth facility that was used to house non-violent at-risk teens.

Each lawsuit targets former Camp SAYLA staff member Kenyatta Danzey, accusing him of abusing the children by hitting them with broomsticks, throwing them in trash cans, and much more.

The camp was described as a house of horrors environment.

Hes throwing potatoes at them while theyre in the shower, and they dont have shower curtains, attorney Tommy James said. One of my clients was singing in the shower, and that irritated Danzey for some reason, and he went full swing with a broom handle and hit him on the outside of his ankle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Camp SAYLA is known as the Southeast Alabama Youth Leadership Academy and was contracted with the Alabama Department of Youth Services.

But this is not the first time the facility or Danzey has been in the spotlight.

Danzey was arrested in January 2024 and charged with 17 counts of child abuse, ultimately leading to Camp SAYLAs license being suspended.

As of now, the license has been reinstated, but the facility remains closed due to a failed inspection.

Something that James hopes stays the same unless significant changes are made.

If it does reopen, and Ive heard some rumblings that it may, is that the old ownership is out and it will be new people. Hopefully, a fresh start, and pray for the best.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

James says that he does not believe these two lawsuits will stop there, as he expects more victims to come forward.

The attorney described this case as one of the worst he has ever worked, and he hopes this case can also shed light on a situation that he says has been ongoing throughout the entire state.

Rats tend to run when theres light shown on them, and thats what happened here, James said. This guy was an employee who had a criminal record. He had drug possession charges well before thisThis case isnt just about Camp SAYLA. This is about abuse thats been going on across Alabama, across the country, and we just cant tolerate it. So were hoping this case brings accountability to Camp SAYLA and Kenyatta Danzey. Hell get his in criminal court, too. Hopefully, hes put away for a long time.

The legal team is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuits also call for sweeping reforms and increased transparency in the regulation and monitoring of youth residential facilities across the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Court records show Danzey is set to go to trial on the abuse charges on September 22.

As of now, it remains unclear if or when Camp SAYLA will reopen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO  Kamala Harris didnt shut the door on another White House bid when she announced she isnt running for California governor . But she vented about the limitations of government, telling Late Show host Stephen Colbert on Thursday that she doesnt want to go back in the system for now.

Many Democrats feel the same about Harris.

Interviews with nearly two dozen Democratic officials and operatives following her announcement this week reflect a swath of the party that would be glad if Harris didnt run in 2028. Moreover, they hope shell stay on the sidelines in the midterms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

If she was gravity for our candidates running in center-right districts in 2024, then she will be gravity for them in 2026, said Lauren Harper Pope, co-founder of WelcomePAC, which supports center-left candidates. So, she added of Harris pledge to campaign for Democrats, no thank you.

The fear is rooted in Harris defeat in 2024, and the baggage saddling not just Joe Biden, but also his former vice president. Harris, who until her appearance this week had kept an exceedingly low profile, remains a major fundraising draw and one of the Democratic Partys most prominent figures  including a huge following on social media. Some Democrats have suggested she could be an active surrogate in 2026 . Yet as they work to retake the House, many Democrats across the country are nevertheless now uneasy about any intervention from her in the midterms.

Downballot candidates outperformed her in 2024, and she was a drag on them, said a national Democratic operative granted anonymity to speak freely about Harris. These candidates were able to win last year because they put distance between themselves and her and the national party. Why would we want to do that in 2026 when she's not on the ballot?

That is already the assessment in a frontline race in New York. Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, a first-year member who flipped a seat on Long Island, will not be inviting Harris to visit her district next year as she defends her seat, said a Democratic operative familiar with the Gillen campaign who was granted anonymity to speak about a leader in the party. Harris won the district by 1.3 percentage points  underperforming Gillen, as well as Biden and Hillary Clinton, who had won the district by double digits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"We will not be asking her to be a surrogate, and I dont think she would necessarily be a good surrogate for us, given that we outperformed her, the operative said. Long Island likes people from Long Island. Its hard with national figures  whether they win or lose.

Across the country in Southern California, a Democratic strategist who was also granted anonymity to speak frankly said he would prefer Harris go away because voters equate her with Biden. The greater Los Angeles area, similar to metro New York, could be central to Democrats quest to take control of the House of Representatives.

I wouldnt want her in my district, the strategist said.

Public polling continues to show Harris as a top contender in the still-unformed 2028 field. A July Echelon Insights nationwide survey found her leading a field of potential contenders with 26 percent, 15 points ahead of the nearest Democrat, Pete Buttigieg. That lead, however, marked a slippage from the edge she had in May, when she notched 32 percent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People close to Harris said that while shes preserving her options for a presidential bid, they did not see that as driving her decision not to run for governor.

I dont think shes gotten her head around that yet, said one Harris confidante, granted anonymity to speak freely, about the possibility of a third White House campaign.

While Harris was widely considered to be the odds-on favorite for governor, there was no vocal Draft Harris movement seeding the state with public shows of support. Even some Harris allies had misgivings about a statewide campaign , with several questioning whether she truly desired the role. The response to a potential 2028 bid at a recent Democratic Party confab in the early-voting state of South Carolina was equally, if not more, tepid .



In her appearance on Colberts show , Harris brushed off the comics suggestion that she was forgoing statewide office to run for a national one. She sounded markedly gloomy about the state of Americas political system: I think its broken, Harris told Colbert, drawing an audible gasp from the crowd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After more than two decades serving in elected office  rising from San Francisco district attorney to California attorney general to senator and, ultimately, vice president and Democratic presidential nominee  Harris said she was eager to find a new way to be engaged, albeit one that would still maintain her profile with everyday people.

I want to travel the country, she told Colbert. I want to listen to people. I want to talk with people. And I dont want it to be transactional where Im asking for their vote.

Her bearish assessment about the state of the country was, in Colberts words, harrowing, leading Harris, who is focusing on a book tour and potential non-profit initiative, to insist she was not disengaging from civic life entirely.

In this moment where people have become so deflated and despondent and afraid, those of us who have the ability  which I do right now, not being in an office or in a campaign for that office, to be out there and to talk with folks and remind them of their power, she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

A Harris spokesperson declined to comment for this story.

While there is plenty of skepticism within the partys ranks about her viability in 2028, many prominent Democratic leaders still effuse praise for Harris and have touted her as a key asset for candidates in the midterms.

Asked if he wants her to run in 2028, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, her former running mate, told POLITICO, I would welcome it. I think she was a great candidate. I think she would make a great president. I saw how she thinks. I saw how she cares about people. So if that's her decision, you know where my heart is.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, whos considered a potential presidential contender himself, boasted about Harris after a bill-signing ceremony this week, calling her a "terrific spokesperson with a storied career who can help Democrats speak to the economic challenges facing working people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Frankly, those of us who believe that we need change in this country right now, need all the help that we can get to try to overcome what's ahead and to win in the 2026 elections, Pritzker told reporters. And so I welcome her to that fight.

Darry Sragow, a veteran Los Angeles-based campaign attorney and strategist, said Harris decision to take a break and reexamine the countrys political landscape from the outside could arguably make her a more compelling candidate, if she decides to reenter the national fray down the line.

I give her a lot of credit for stepping off the train or treadmill, he said. It may very well make her a much stronger candidate.

Still, many Democratic strategists, including fans of the former vice president, remain ambivalent about her chances in 2028, despite early polling. They cited Bidens apparent decline while in office and lingering questions about when Harris might have been aware of the issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The now undisputed Biden decline, his reckless decision to seek reelection, and what she knew and when she knew it, will be a dark cloud on another Harris candidacy, said Jay Surdukowski, a Democratic operative in the early primary state of New Hampshire.

Mark Longabaugh, a Washington-based consultant and former top adviser to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, said, Were coming off a big, stinging defeat  I just dont see how she does it, the baggage theyre going to carry from the Biden administration.

One former senior Harris staffer put it even more bluntly: "I don't think she can win the Democratic primary, so therefore, if I was advising her, I would say, 'Don't run in 2028.' From the partys perspective, the former staffer said, I think there are better nominees out there who allow us to turn the page."

Shia Kapos, Juliann Ventura and Madison Fernandez contributed to this report.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has ordered an independent audit into two major electric companies after complaints into service reliability spark concern.

The audit into electrical companies Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power was originally approved by the Commission on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The Commission has been concerned in recent proceedings about service interruptions, the length of those interruptions, and wants to know what the companies have been doing to ensure interruptions are kept to a minimum. In a ruling issued on January 28, 2025, the Commission was critical of both companies over meeting reliability targets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Were not talking about the big storm outages, but the normal day-to-day outages that everybody experiences, said Public Service Commission of West Virginia Chairman, Charlotte Lane. We have reports and we have seen that it takes far too long for APCO [and Wheeling Power] to get its customers back online.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it is beginning to shut down

The audit will mainly focus on six areas of concern. This includes staffing levels, company service center facilities, how each utility manages the operations of the distribution system, opportunities for improving accuracy of estimated time of restoration of power to customers, comparison of their systems with others and recommendations for improvements on a 1-3-year basis and 3-10-year basis.

Lane said that the ultimate goal is to improve service for customers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

We need to keep the lights on for people, and these outages that occur over time and with too much frequency are of concern to us, said Lane. We are committed to addressing that and coming up with a solution.

The companies, who will pay for the audit, were told to solicit bids by August 15. The Commission would then select the auditing firm by September 1. The study must be filed with the Commission no later than December 31.

More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Election Commission of India on Saturday claimed that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi is yet to respond to its June letter regarding his allegations of "election rigging" in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The EC said the Congress leader has not responded to an official invitation extended to him nearly two months ago. "Why? Is it because his media statements were baseless?" ECI sources asked. In a letter dated June 12, the Election Commission had invited the Leader of the Opposition for an interaction regarding "rigging" in Maharashtra Assembly elections, he raised in a write-up that he wrote for a newspaper on June 7. He had claimed that the same will be repeated in the Bihar assembly polls due later this year. The June 12 letter reads, "We presume that any issue regarding conduct of elections would have already been raised through election petitions filed in the competent court of law by the INC candidates. However, if you still have any issues, you are welcome to write to us and the Commission is also willing to meet you in person at a mutually convenient date and time to discuss all issues. A convenient date and time may be communicated in this regard at the email ID." The poll panel has made public the letter it had sent on June 12 to the Congress MP. "In view of your article published in Indian Express on 07.06.2025 on Maharashtra Assembly elections held last year, I am directed to state that similar issues were raised by the Indian National Congress (INC) after the assembly elections in November 2024. The Commission had given a detailed reply to the INC on 24th December 2024. A copy of the reply is available on the ECI website," the letter stated. "All elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India strictly as per Electoral Laws passed by the Parliament, Rules made therein and instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time. As you are aware, the entire election process is conducted in a decentralised manner at the Assembly Constituency level, which involved more than 1,00,186 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 288 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 139 General Observers, 41 Police Observers, 71 Expenditure Observers and 288 Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by the Commission and 1,08,026 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by National and State Political Parties, including 28,421 of INC, across the state of Maharashtra," the letter added. In a June 7 post on X, Gandhi shared his article published in a newspaper, explaining the "rigging" in the Maharashtra assembly polls. "Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step," Gandhi said on X. The former Congress President explained a five-point process. He said that step one includes "rigging" the panel that appoints the Election Commission, followed by adding "fake voters to the electoral roll." The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier cleared misconceptions on voter turnout amidst concerns raised by the Congress party after the Maharashtra Assembly elections. In its detailed response to the Congress party, the apex poll body explained the process behind the aggregation of voter turnout data during the election. The Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 witnessed a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a landslide win with 235 seats. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. The Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, part of the Mahayuti alliance, also made notable gains, with 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) suffered a major setback with Congress winning just 16 seats. Its alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), won 20 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) secured only 10 seats. (ANI)
PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY)  West Virginia University President Michael Benson wrapped up his journey across the Mountain State on Friday, concluding his Welcome Home Tour with visits to two historic landmarks in north central West Virginia.

President Benson has officially completed his tour of 18 counties across the state, a mission aimed at strengthening relationships, learning more about local communities, and reaffirming the universitys commitment to all of West Virginia.

The first of his final two stops was in Philippi, where he toured the iconic Historic Philippi Covered Bridge, a symbol of resilience and heritage that dates back to the Civil War. From there, he traveled to Grafton to visit the International Mothers Day Shrine, a nationally recognized landmark honoring the birthplace of Mothers Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

So, we started in Hancock County, as you know, Independence Hall. So, two of my history loves, the founding of West Virginia during the Civil War, and then to be here in Philippi to see this very significant bridge and the first land battle in June of 1861, President Benson said.

WVU and PA brewery announce second officially licensed beer

The Welcome Home Tour has taken President Benson to dozens of towns, campuses, and community centers since its launch, offering him a firsthand look at the unique needs, strengths, and culture that define West Virginias diverse regions.

While visiting Grafton, President Benson spoke on the importance of Mothers Day to him and the impact his own mother had on his life. You can hear his thoughts below:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I remember a quote I heard from Abraham Lincoln who once said, everything I am or ever hope to be I owe to my angel mother, and my mom passed away eight years ago, President Benson said. And I miss her every day, but she was a music teacher, and, and instilled in all of us a great deal of a love of music.

President Benson stated that he will get to all 55 counties in the state. He also said that as the semester kicks off in the next few weeks, things are going to get busy, but he looks forward to doing more tours around the state and hearing other peoples stories soon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An incarcerated person makes a phone call at the York Community Reintegration Center in Niantic, Conn. Starting Aug. 1, New York will offer free phone calls in state prisons, becoming the sixth state to do so  and the first to enact the policy without legislation. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

New York will offer free phone calls to people incarcerated in its state prisons starting Aug. 1, becoming the sixth state to do so.

The change is projected to save roughly 30,000 families across the state an estimated $13.3 million per year in phone call fees, according to Worth Rises, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New York joins California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minnesota in offering free phone calls in state prisons, though Colorados policy wont take full effect until 2026. New York, however, is the first state to implement the change administratively, without any legislation.

Previously, incarcerated New Yorkers were charged $0.024 per minute for domestic calls under the states contract with Securus Technologies and received three free 15-minute calls per week, according to the departments news release.

The new policy eliminates all charges for calls made from facility phones or tablets. The New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will cover the costs through its operating budget and expects to spend $9 million this fiscal year.

Some research suggests that incarcerated people who maintain consistent contact with loved ones are significantly more likely to succeed upon release and are less likely to reoffend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The policy change also comes as the department continues to work to restore operations following a three-week correctional staff strike earlier this year, which has left thousands of officer positions unfilled and led to cutbacks in visitation, programming and recreation. Some facilities have extended officer shifts up to 12 hours and increased cell confinement to up to 20 hours a day.

Understanding the value of family ties while in prison is crucial  not only for emotional support, but for improving an individuals outcomes while incarcerated and when returning to society, Daniel F. Martuscello III, the corrections departments commissioner, said in a statement.

This latest initiative also aligns with the departments goal of reducing New Yorks recidivism rate to 17% by 2030. The state recently reported a historic low of 18.9%, according to the state corrections departments news release.

The new phone policy also builds on other efforts to reduce financial strain on incarcerated people and their families. The department has increased the amount of gate money or money provided upon release from $40 to $200, eliminated work release program fees and expanded Wi-Fi access and secure messaging on tablets to improve communication beyond phone calls.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New Yorks new policy change also comes just weeks after the Federal Communications Commission abruptly announced a two-year delay in implementing new rate caps for prison and jail phone calls. The rules, which passed unanimously last year under the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, aimed to significantly lower the cost of calls for incarcerated people.

Facilities that havent yet lowered their phone and video call rates  or that decide to roll back recent changes  can continue charging higher rates until at least April 2027. The FCC had approved rate caps of 6 cents per minute for phone calls in prisons and large jails, 16 cents per minute for video calls in prisons, and 11 cents per minute for video calls in large jails, though those rates may change again before the rules take effect.

Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Aug. 2PFAS, a class of chemicals used to make nonstick cooking pans and waterproof clothing among hundreds of other applications, have become a serious health concern for officials across the country and in New York.

PFAS, formally per- and polyflouroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that were heavily used from the 1940s to the late 2000s, although they persist in some applications to this day. Produced by companies like 3M, contamination can come from a variety of sources and typically results in contamination of the water table.

They're known as 'forever chemicals' because there's no way to fully remove them from the water or soil they contaminate, and they don't break down fast enough to disappear over even centuries. They build up in the environment including plants and animals, causing health problems for them and also moving up the food chain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

People who consume high levels of PFAS, or a smaller volume over a long period of time, can develop rare cancers, pre-eclampsia or a whole host of other chronic illnesses and diseases.

In 2016, New York was one of the first states to urge the federal Environmental Protection Agency to acknowledge that PFAS contamination is a major concern  joined with Vermont and New Hampshire, they pushed the EPA to implement its first health advisory for PFAS consumption later that year.

New York was the first state in the country to regulate PFAS, specifically the chemical perflourooctanoic acid or PFOA, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Officials took a wide survey of businesses, fire departments, fire training centers and federal Department of Defense facilities that year as well.

State DEC officials collected 25,000 gallons of PFAS-containing firefighting foam up to 2018.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In 2016, federal officials acknowledged that Fort Drum in Jefferson County had contaminated water near the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, resulting in the closure of nearly a half-dozen on-post water wells and a multi-million dollar federal grant to restore water sufficiency on post.

In 2018, officials in New York were expressing disappointment with federal efforts to regulate and address PFAS. The EPA maintains a list of over 100 contaminants that are proven to harm human health, but officials have identified over 80,000 potentially toxic substances to be concerned about.

"The federal government is charged with having a monitoring system to potentially add other chemicals to the ones we are required to test, but the EPA has not been moving fast enough," said Brad J. Hutton, former deputy commissioner for the state Public Health Office, speaking with the Watertown Daily Times in 2018.

Action has come since then. In 2019, the EPA launched a PFAS action plan, outlining a roadmap for addressing chemical contamination in water and soil. In January of 2024, the EPA moved to ban nearly 330 'inactive' PFAS compounds from use or processing without an agency review, effectively taking the substances off the market. Inactive substances are those that aren't used in any major manufacturing, import or export operations in any U.S. territories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In April 2024, the EPA finalized a rule regulating six PFAS contaminants, including PFOA. The EPA also designated PFOA and PFOS, another similar compound, as hazardous to human health under the terms of the federal 'Superfund' law, allowing for cleanup and cost recovery from polluters.

Questions arose in 2025 over whether the Trump administration would change or drop any of the new regulations adopted after his first term ended in 2021, and in May, the new EPA administrator and former New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin announced the agency would keep the Biden-era restrictions for PFOA and PFOS, another PFAS chemical, but would drop regulations and reconsider findings for four other substances including PFNA and HDFO-DA.

The latter substance is known colloquially as 'GenX' and was a next-generation replacement to more harmful substances like PFOA. 'GenX' was later found to be similarly harmful to human health, and is similarly able to persist in the environment.

"We are on a path to uphold the agency's nationwide standards to protect Americans from PFOA and PFOS in their water," Zeldin said. "At the same time, we will work to provide common-sense flexibility in the form of additional time for compliance. This will support water systems across the country, including small systems in rural communities, as they work to address these contaminants. EPA will also continue to use its regulatory and enforcement tools to hold polluters accountable."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Zeldin pushed the compliance deadline for the new regulations, and promised to establish an outreach program focused on reaching noncompliant water systems, especially those in rural and small communities, to connect them with resources to bring their projects into compliance with the new rules. The initial rules required water systems to properly filter and remove the six contaminants by 2029, but the changes made by Zeldin push the broad deadline for PFOA and PFOS compliance to 2031.

The EPA also has plans to establish an exemption framework to give noncompliant systems even more time to fix their systems, but the specifics for that aren't out yet.

That move was lauded by some water district officials, including the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Director, Alan Roberson.

"With the current compliance date of 2029, states and water systems are struggling with the timeframes to complete the pilot testing, development of construction plans, and building the necessary treatment improvements. EPA's proposed extension of the compliance date and increased technical assistance will address the number of systems that would be out of compliance in 2029 due to not being able complete all of these tasks on time," Roberson said.

Most of these changes aren't official yet  the EPA still has to introduce the new rules and usher them through the process, which could be done as early as the spring of next year.
EXCLUSIVE: Republican New York State Sen. Bill Weber told Fox News Digital about what he believes will happen to New York City in a variety of areas if socialist Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor in November.

"It could be in chaos," Weber, who represents New Yorks 38th State Senate district along the Hudson River outside New York City, told Fox News Digital about the prospect of a Mamdani victory.

"I mean, we even see some of those big issues happening now in the city. Anyone that's gone into the city recently sees a lot of just unsafe situations."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weber, the son and brother of NYPD officers, spoke to Fox News Digital days after the city witnessed the deadliest mass shooting in half a century in Midtown Manhattan, sparking a bitter war of words between all four mayoral candidates about public safety in the city.

Unearthed Video Exposes Mamdani's 'Unabashed' Commitment To Supporting Anti-israel Sanctions As Lawmaker

New York City mayoral candidate and democratic State Representative Zohran Mamdani campaigns in New York City on April 16, 2025. Voters will head to the polls on June 24, 2025, to vote in the Democratic primary in the New York City mayoral election.

Mamdani has been heavily criticized for previous calls to defund the police, which he attempted to walk back in a Wednesday press conference, which is a critique that has been amplified in the wake of the shooting on Monday.

Read On The Fox News App

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weber told Fox News Digital that the police department in New York City needs more resources, not less.

"We've got to continue to fund the police department and when you hear rhetoric starting in 2020, and even continuing today with some political figures, including, you know, Mamdani, who could be the next mayor of New York City, in the past talking about defunding the police and really taking a different approach to law enforcement. It's a real concern, not only now, but what could happen in the future."

Weber continued, "So I'm hopeful that clearer minds will prevail, and we will continue to support the police department, which is the best in the world, and we need to make sure that we continually support them financially and all the tools that they need to do their jobs effectively."

'Culture Of Shame': Nyc Council Member Sounds Alarm Over Mamdani Voters Falling For 'Pipe Dream'

Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, speaks at an endorsement event from the union DC 37 on July 15, 2025, in New York City.

Weber told Fox News Digital he represents a district with either the first or second most Jewish residents per capita in the state and that many Jewish voters have expressed concern to him about Mamdanis long history of anti-Israel stances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"A lot my Jewish residents are very concerned," Weber, who recently penned an op-ed on the subject of Mamdani and Israel, explained.

"They have family that live in the boroughs of New York City. A lot of them commute into the city as well. So they're very worried about the rhetoric that Mamdani has really spewed over a long time. And you know. Even up until recently, he still refuses to condemn the globalized intifada, which is very concerning because we saw what happened on October 7th."

Political experts have suggested that the three candidates other than Mamdani need to coalesce around one candidate in order to defeat Mamdani, which Weber said he supports but says it's unclear whether that will happen or who that candidate will be to form a one-on-one matchup.

"The opposition, whoever that candidate is going to be, they need to really rally behind and unify behind one candidate, whoever it is, and I even offered to be a liaison to try and facilitate one of, or at least getting them all together into a room to have one candidate to run against Mamdani because I'm fearful that the rest of them will split the vote and then Mamdani will sneak in," Weber said.

Candidate for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference while campaigning outside a Subway station in New York City, U.S., April 1, 2025.

In terms of what New York Citys economy will look like in four years if Mamdani becomes mayor, Weber pointed out that New York City drives most of the revenue back to the state in Albany and suggested a bleak outlook if Mamdani, who has been labeled a communist by some, were to win.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I think he's very serious about what he's indicating that he wants to do, which would really be a devastating impact on New York City," Weber said. "If we chase out building owners, if we chase out the wealthy people to go to Florida or other states that are more tax friendly, it will have a devastating impact not only on New York City, but on New York state as a whole."

"So, you know, we should take him at his word. He wants to have government-run supermarkets. I mean, these are all code words of what we've heard from socialist nations around the world, socialist nations that have failed, and we don't want to see a failure in New York City. So we need to take him, listen to him, take him at his word and really fight back to make sure that none of those programs get implemented in that. Really, that starts with defeating him at the polls in November."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Mamdani campaign for comment.





Original article source: New York lawmaker sounds alarm on potential 'devastating' effects of Mamdani victory: 'Chaos'
A New York Times guest writer argued that the narrative of boys falling behind in education is overblown.

Author Jessica Grose wrote that she has heard that boys around the world have been underperforming academically compared to girls for the past few years and that there have been assumptions that young boys are at a disadvantage in schools and require attention that girls and young women do not.

"Reactionary conservative commentators, including Jordan Peterson, say boys are underperforming in school because the vast majority of teachers are not only female but infantilizing female and radically left, boys are made to sit for hours at a time, which is against their nature, and they are told that their "ambition is pathological," Peterson said in a conversation with my Times Opinion colleague David French," Grose wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Barack Obama Calls Out Progressives' 'Mistake' Of Constantly Talking About What's Wrong With Boys

Grose explained that around the world boys have been underperforming academically compared to girls for the past few years, citing assumptions that young boys are a disadvantage in schools and require attention that girls and young women do not.

Grose said that she had "long accepted the basic premise" that the lack of male role models in the classroom drove the crisis of learning in boys. But then when she started asking people about their experiences, it led her to research.

"Theres not much solid evidence that boys do better with male teachers. And girls have been getting better grades than boys since before women had the right to vote," she added.

Read On The Fox News App

"The crisis doesnt seem to be that boys are doing particularly poorly of late. It seems to be that girls are finally being rewarded in the form of college attainment and more equal pay for their efforts," she continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Grose's article notes that the teaching force in the U.S. has been majority female for over 100 years and that public schools are not "bereft of male leadership," considering "men dominate middle school and high school administrations."

"Only a quarter of superintendents, who are in charge of multiple public schools or districts, are women," she noted.

Teacher Quits Profession After Viral Rant On How Ai Is 'Ruining' Education

A New York Times guest writer argued that the narrative of boys falling behind in education is overblown.

The author added that the evidence of students doing better with same-gender teachers is mixed at best, citing a "2021 study using seven years of data" that reviewed students in Indiana in grades three to eight, finding that "female teachers are better at increasing both male and female students achievement than their male counterparts in elementary and middle schools."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The study she cited concluded that "contrary to popular speculation, boys do not exhibit higher academic achievement when they are assigned to male teachers."

Furthermore, Grose cited Judith Warner's essay called "What Boy Crisis?" explaining that the notion that modern teaching styles favored girls and neglected boys was "little more than a myth."

"The myth persists because theres always a market for anti-feminist backlash... a mostly female teaching force is sadly an easy target," she argued.

Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture

Grose took issue with the narrative to blame female teachers for the downfall of boys in academia.

Grose took issue with the narrative of blaming female teachers for the downfall of boys in academia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"These are all important questions to consider. But if we are identifying the root of boys problems based on vibes rather than real evidence, we are not going to find helpful solutions."

She went on to say, "By incorrectly blaming female teachers, society may also end up downplaying some of the gendered harassment that girls and their female teachers experience  another problem that doesnt seem to be abating."





Original article source: New York Times guest writer argues 'boy crisis' is 'overblown,' citing anti-feminist backlash




NEED TO KNOW

Content creator and event performer Snix was waiting for her train at the subway station when she saw a lost cat on the tracks

She took a video and posted it to her TikTok account

The video went viral and Snix was able to help get the cat back to her owner after being lost for over four months





Snix, a content creator and event performer, was waiting at the Bowery subway station in Manhattan's Lower East Side one night when she looked up and saw a cat in the middle of the tracks. Unsure what to do, she whipped out her phone and started recording.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

With the train just one minute away, she desperately tried to find someone to help. She then noticed an MTA worker mopping the floor and asked if they would be willing to help rescue the cat.

However, when they went back to the tracks, the cat was gone. The worker told Snix that the cat had been down in the subway for weeks.

To raise awareness, Snix posted the video on TikTok, attached a viral sound, and went to bed. It went viral overnight, amassing 1.6 million views, one of which was the cat's owner.



When Snix woke up, she saw that the cat's owner, Diana, had commented on her post. She identified the cat as her service animal, Scarlet, who had been missing for nearly five months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

From there, Snix and Diana began texting back and forth. Diana often visited the subway station in hopes of rescuing Scarlet and kept a list of all the times she saw her. However, she was never able to find a way to get down to the tracks to rescue her pet without compromising her own safety.

Snix Scarlet on the tracks Scarlet on the tracks

At the same time, Snix was posting video updates on her TikTok account, and hundreds of people suggested she reach out to one of the reputable animal rescues in New York City. In the meantime, the two women also raised the issue with the MTA, but were transferred to the New York Police Department and then the New York City Fire Department. However, no one seemed eager to step in and help.

The MTA did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

"What concerns me is that there is no kind of communication when it comes to finding animals in the wild in New York," Snix tells PEOPLE. "A lot of people call 311 or 511. But there's no immediate poster or notice. There is nothing about animal safety and control."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Once they got in contact with one of the animal rescue organizations, they informed them about Scarlet's sightings and submitted a request to the MTA to make the rescue a high priority.

Snix Content creator and event performer Snix Content creator and event performer Snix

Thanks to her TikTok videos, Snix says, "with so much awareness and transparency on what's going on, people came together and helped."

One night, she says a man messaged her on Instagram, saying, "I don't know anything about this. I don't know anything about cats. I just saw your video, and I happened to look up, and the cat was right in front of me."

The man texted his friend who lives in the area, and they brought a trap and sat in the subway station for hours trying to lure Scarlet out. After setting out a cat milk replacer, they were able to trap her and bring her to the ASPCA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

http://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

The ASPCA cleared Scarlet, and she and Diana were finally reunited. Diana burst into tears after getting to hold her for the first time again. She held the tuxedo tight all the way home.

Diana later told Snix she feels like "God has given [her] a second chance," noting that she doesn't know what would have happened if the content creator hadn't posted that initial video.

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.

With the week-long effort finally over, Snix shared the good news with her followers.

Snix Scarlet the cat Scarlet the cat

"I made my final update, letting everyone know and thanking them. I don't think without them all, any of this would have been possible," Snix tells PEOPLE. "That's what's crazy about social media; one little thing can come in and work together. There's such a big emphasis on community, helping each other."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Snix was inspired by how thousands of strangers worked together to ensure that Diana and Scalet were reunited.

"If this situation has taught me anything, it's that as a community, as a state, as New York City, we have the power to change what we need for our lives," she says.

"Your voice does have power, your stance, your story. Everything you do has a chain, a thread, a link to it. So, as long as we build on solidarity and persistence, New York City can change for the better."

Read the original article on People
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An 18-year-old was airlifted from a single-vehicle crash in Darke County early Saturday morning.

According to the Darke County Sheriffs Office, the crash happened at approximately 1:38 a.m. in the 2100 block of Hollansburg-Richmond Road.

The initial investigation found a Red 2007 Honda Fit, driven by an 18-year-old from Greenville, was heading north on Hollansburg-Richmond Road. He failed to control the vehicle, drove left off the road. Officials said the vehicle rolled several times before the young man was ejected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

He was taken by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

The crash is under active investigation.

2 NEWS is working to 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 WDTN.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Ysleta Independent School District will offer after-school supper meals at 14 of their campuses, according to a news release on Friday, Aug. 1.

According to Ysleta ISD, the supper program provides free meals to students 18 years and younger who remain on campus after school for extracurricular activities.

The following campuses will be providing the free supper meals, YISD said:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Capistrano Elementary School

Lancaster Elementary School

Loma Terrace Elementary School

Parkland Elementary School

Ramona Elementary School

Riverside Elementary School

Bel Air High School

Del Valle High School

Eastwood High School

Hanks High School

Parkland High School

Riverside High School

Ysleta High School

Young Womens Leadership Academy

Yselta ISD said the meals will be served from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday at selected elementary schools starting on Aug. 18. Meals will be served at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at selected high schools starting on Aug. 11, although times may vary based on campus dismissal time.

The supper program began in 2017 to increase student access to healthy meals, given that many students who stay on campus after school to participate in sports, theater, band or other activities, the school district said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted a draft law on the ratification of the agreement on the 100-year partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) on 2 August.

Source: European Pravda; statement on the website of the Verkhovna Rada

Details: Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed a historic century-long partnership agreement on 16 January to deepen security ties and strengthen the partnership for future generations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This agreement was concluded based on the security agreement signed on 12 January 2024.

The new agreement expands security cooperation between Kyiv and London and extends its duration from 10 to 100 years.

The document covers cooperation in areas such as security and defence, maritime affairs, the economy, energy, justice (including international justice), countering disinformation and more.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the corruption schemes exposed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) concerning the procurement of electronic warfare equipment and FPV drones as "absolutely immoral" and stressed the need for full and fair accountability.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address

Quote: "Anti-corruption agencies have exposed a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine [Parliament], along with heads of district and city administrations and National Guard servicemembers, for bribery. Unfortunately, these corruption schemes involved the procurement of electronic warfare systems and FPV drones. This is absolutely immoral. There must be full and fair accountability for this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I thanked the heads of the anti-corruption agencies for their work  for such exposures. And I want to thank them for their teamwork. NABU and SAPO have every opportunity to operate effectively. We are counting on fair verdicts."

Details: Zelenskyy also stressed that he expects "meaningful results" from the internal investigation being conducted by the National Guard into this situation.

"Only combat officers will hold leadership positions in all logistics units of the National Guard. I have instructed the minister to publicly present all the details of these changes," he added.

Background:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Earlier on 2 August, following a report from NABU director Semen Kryvonos and SAPO head Oleksandr Klymenko, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a corrupt MP, several heads of local government and members of the National Guard had been caught accepting bribes.

NABU and SAPO have exposed an MP, several heads of local government and service members from the National Guard as having been involved in bribery in relation to the procurement of drones and electronic warfare equipment. The scheme involved entering into state contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices.

Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that Oleksii Kuznietsov, an MP from the Servant of the People party, Serhii Haidai, Head of Mukachevo District State Administration in Zakarpattia Oblast and former head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration, and Andrii Yurchenko, Head of Rubizhne City Military Administration in Luhansk Oblast, are among those who have been exposed by NABU and SAPO as having been involved in large-scale corruption.

Kuznietsov's membership in the Servant of the People parliamentary faction will be suspended while he is under investigation and there are plans to expel him from the party. Meanwhile, the National Guard commander has removed the individuals involved from their posts.

The Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government) plans to initiate the process of dismissing Serhii Haidai as head of Mukachevo District State Administration.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
One man was arrested by Saifabad Police, Hyderabad City, for allegedly assaulting two persons here and spreading the video of the incident, inciting and provoking communal tensions, police said. The accused has been identified as Mohammed Raheel (24 years). "A recent incident has come to light where two individuals were harassed in a public place, with the act being filmed without consent and circulated on social media. Preliminary investigation reveals that the video was deliberately shared with the intent to provoke communal sentiments, invade personal privacy, and promote divisive narratives. The individual who recorded and transmitted the video has been arrested. Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act have been invoked," DCP Hyderabad (Central Zone) K Shilpavalli said. Police said the accused began recording both on his mobile phone and questioned the woman for being with a man from a different religion while wearing a hijab. "He used abusive language, threatened them, and physically assaulted both individuals and threatened them with dire consequences. He also snatched Neeraj's helmet and threw it on him to injure. They fled away on their bike with fear. He followed them in an intimidating manner by video graphing them with his cell phone until they reached the Himayat Nagar area," police said. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.




The Taipei 101 skyscraper commands the urban landscape in Taipei, Taiwan. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global Times-The US has announced the new wave of "reciprocal tariffs," and China's Taiwan region has not been granted an exemption. Taiwan region is classified in the 20 percent tariff bracket and identified as one of the trade partners that did not meet bilateral reciprocity. This 20 percent tariff not only shattered the Lai Ching-te authorities' promise that Taiwan region would receive treatment comparable to Japan and South Korea, but also serves as a sharp rebuke to its earlier submissive approach toward the US. The South China Morning Post has noted that if Taiwan hopes to qualify for a more favorable tariff before it takes effect on August 7, it "must make sweeping concessions." Local media have questioned what concessions the Lai authorities' now intend to offer just to secure what amounts to a "merciful" 20 percent tariff - asking bluntly: "What part of our economic flesh are we expected to cut for US pity - can we afford it?"

Faced with the US' indiscriminate use of tariffs and its unilateral instigation of a global trade war, implementing firm and necessary countermeasures is not only essential to safeguarding countries' legitimate rights and interests, but also imperative to upholding international trade rules and global fairness and justice. Under the impact of the first wave of "reciprocal tariffs," the mainland responded with resolute stance and strong countermeasures that earned broad recognition and support from the international community. Many major US trading partners - such as the EU and Japan - also confronted Washington to varying degrees in defense of their own interests.

In comparison, the Lai authorities - which have long proclaimed that "the US and Taiwan are friends"- have shown a swift and complete capitulation that is astonishing. Not only did it fail to protect Taiwan region's interests in any way, but it even went so far as to claim that "Taiwan has been seeking to strengthen its trade ties with major partners, particularly the US", viewing the imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" as an "opportunity." It even put forward the absurd notion that "considering hardship as a tonic." Quite ironically, Taiwan's voluntary forfeiture of its core advantageous industries has resulted in the US imposing high tariffs on precisely those sectors - this is the harshest irony confronting the DPP's strategy of relying on the US to seek "Taiwan independence."

How "reciprocal" is the socalled "reciprocal tariffs?" In April this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that, based on calculations by the consulting firm Evercore, Taiwan region imposes only about a 2 percent tariff on most imported goods. Yet reality once again demonstrates that the US has never - and will never - treat Taiwan region as an "equal partner." Instead, Washington views Taiwan region merely as a pawn that can be traded or exploited at will. The more obsequious and servile the Lai authorities become, the more Washington demands and takes.

Although the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities proudly proclaim themselves "proUS and proTaiwan," they have long been trapped in a thoroughly dysfunctional spiral of "nurturing America at Taiwan's cost." Whenever the US sets new conditions - whether importing ractopamine-containing pork, making massive arms purchases, or demanding socalled "migration allegiance" from hightech industries - the DPP authorities rush to hand over Taiwan's hard-earned wealth and capital accumulated over decades. Today it's tariffs; tomorrow it could be security, technology, or energy. Every round of so-called "technical consultations" with the US marks the beginning of a new round of concessions of interests and give-aways. According to a report by US news outlet Politico, during the tariff negotiations, the US trade negotiators were "squeezing Taiwan like a lemon," a telling reflection of their arrogance and overbearing attitude.

From the actions of the Lai authorities over the past few months, people have seen clearly how Lai has deceived the people of Taiwan. He neither has the ability nor the willingness to defend the interests of the Taiwan people. Under the guise of "serving the public," he has instead engaged in conduct that harms Taiwan.

At the early stage of the tariff talks with the US, Lai authorities, in order to deflect political pressure, launched a misleading publicity campaign, touting how smoothly the talks were going and how "generously" the US was treating Taiwan. Even now, Lai authorities are still trying to sugarcoat the 20 percent tariffs by calling them "temporary tariffs."

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that even if tariffs on Taiwan are eventually lowered after negotiations, it would only be because the DPP authorities offered up "fatter meat" to compensate Washington for any "losses" from tariff reductions. This would simply be another round of one-sided concessions by Taiwan to the US.

The more aggressively Lai authorities "sell out Taiwan to curry favor with the US" and "seek 'Taiwan independence' through foreign support," the more clearly the Taiwan people see that so-called "Taiwan independence" is a dead end and a dangerous delusion.

A poll released by Taiwan media on July 31 shows that both public satisfaction with Lai authorities and personal trust in him have hit new lows since he took office. Some analysts in Taiwan believe that while the recent "mass recall" campaign has contributed to Lai's plunging approval ratings, the core issue lies in his "incompetent governance."

Amid the tariff fallout, discussion has surged across internet forums and social media platforms in Taiwan, with heated debate over how "Taiwan is being used by the US like an ATM" and how "the DPP is once again being taken for a fool." Many young people are especially outraged, denouncing the collapse of the so-called "pro-US myth" once and for all. Taiwan's economy had great opportunities for development, and its people could have enjoyed better lives.

Cross-Straits economic ties offer complementary strengths in capital, markets, technology, and talent. The industrial and supply chains across the Taiwan Straits are deeply interconnected. Promoting industrial cooperation would benefit businesses on both sides and improve livelihoods for both peoples.

However, Lai authorities blindly followed the US in pushing for "decoupling." While claiming to maintain Taiwan's technological edge, he is in fact sacrificing Taiwan's key industries, its development prospects, and the livelihoods of its people just to please Washington - even to the point of offering up both cheeks to slap.

This tariff storm has torn apart all of Lai authorities' carefully crafted illusions and sounded the alarm for Taiwan society's awakening.
IndiGo Airlines on Saturday said that the passenger who allegedly slapped a fellow passenger mid-air on flight from Mumbai to Kolkata has been suspended from flying with the airline. The airlines said in a statement that the decision has been taken in accordance with regulatory provisions, and the safety of passengers is the top priority. "At IndiGo, the safety and well-being of our customers and crew remain our foremost priority. Following due diligence, the incident involving an unruly customer has been formally reported to the relevant authorities for necessary action. In line with our commitment to discourage such unruly behavior onboard flights, the individual has been suspended from flying on any IndiGo flights, in accordance with regulatory provisions," the statement said. "We remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for all onboard. Thank you for your continued trust," it added. On Friday, in a shocking incident onboard IndiGo flight 6E138 from Mumbai to Kolkata, a passenger was allegedly assaulted mid-air by a fellow traveller while receiving assistance from the IndiGo crew. Earlier, sources had told ANI, a passenger who appeared to be feeling unwell was being attended to by IndiGo cabin crew when another flyer suddenly slapped him without any apparent reason. Sources had confirmed that IndiGo has termed the assailant's behaviour as "unruly" and that the individual was handed over to security upon arrival in Kolkata. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took custody of the accused at the airport for further investigation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had in September 2017 unveiled rules to tackle on-board disruptive and unruly behaviour by passengers. The new rules allowed for the formation of a national, No Fly List of such unruly passengers. The concept of the No-Fly List is based on the concern for safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft, and not just on security threat. The DGCA had revised the relevant sections of the Civil Aviation Requirement ( CAR Section 3, Series M, Part Vl on "Handling of Unruly Passengers ) to bring in a deterrent for passengers who engage in unruly behaviour on board aircrafts. The revision was been done in accordance with the provisions of Tokyo Convention 1963. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 20th instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme on 2nd August 2025 from Varanasi, providing over 9.7 crore farmers with approximately Rs 20,500 crore in direct financial aid via DBT, supporting transparency and eliminating middlemen. Since its February 2019 launch, the scheme has transferred Rs 3.69 lakh crore across 19 instalments to supplement income and empower small and marginal farmers. By granting Rs 6,000 annually in three instalments per farmer, the initiative aims to enhance crop health, ensure stable yields, and protect farmers from predatory lending, underlining the governments continued commitment to rural welfare and agricultural prosperity.
The death of 20 Indian soldiers at Line of actual control (LAC) was the worst military incident between India and China in decades. On Pakistan, army chief said that the country's support to "terror continues" even as "300-400 terrorists from camps waiting to infiltrate into Indian territory". Gen. Naravane also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Indian and Myanmar's army to deal with insurgent groups in the areas.
Eastern India's premier business-to-business (B2B) Exhibition for food processing, bakery, mithai & namkeen, dairy, ice-cream and hospitality industry, is being held at the Biswa Bangla Milan Mela Complex in Kolkata from August 2nd to 4th. More than 200 major foreign and Indian companies and leading brands from the food and hospitality sector would be participating in the three-day mega Exhibition, which is open to the public for free. "The Foodtech Fair is a significant catalyst for modernisation, skill development, partnership-building, product innovation and market expansion in the local food industry, with particular benefits for up-and-coming businesses and those adopting sustainable technologies. With India signing up new Free Trade Agreements with different countries and organisations, it has immensely brightened the scope for overall growth of the food sector and infusion of smart food processing, preserving and packaging technologies in the country," said Zakir Hossain, Chief Convenor, 22nd International Foodtech Kolkata, 2025. This Foodtech Fair provides opportunities to explore industry trends, connect with influential buyers and suppliers, discover innovative technologies, and expand into new markets. India's food processing sector, one of the largest in the world, lies at the heart of the Government of India's Make in India initiative. Foodtech Fair lays emphasis on eco-friendly technologies, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, which can encourage the local industry to adopt greener methods. "The International Food Technology Fair in Kolkata introduces local businesses to new processing, packaging, and automation technologies, helping them modernise their operations and improve efficiency. Exposure to cutting-edge machinery and digital solutions enables even small and medium enterprises to compete more effectively and adopt best practices. The event serves as a platform for local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers to network with national and international players, facilitating business deals, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These connections can result in technology transfers, distribution deals, and even exports," Hossain said. The International Foodtech Kolkata 2025 is organized by NK Kapur and Co (P) Ltd and supported by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India, West Bengal Bakery Association, All India Food Processors Association, West Bengal Bakers Coordination Committee, Paschimbanga Misti Udyog, Fragrances & Flavours Association of India, National Restaurant Association of India, Eastern India Culinary Association and others. (ANI)
Slamming the BJP's proposed school fee law, AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj said the bill is a direct assault on parents and a bonanza for private schools. Saurabh Bharadwaj warned that this law is tailor-made to "protect the education mafia" and demanded answers from the Chief Minister and Education Minister on how arbitrary hikes will be rolled back and why audit mechanisms were deliberately erased. Addressing a press conference, AAP Delhi State President Bharadwaj pointed to the developments since BJP formed the government in Delhi, stating, "When the new academic session for private schools began on April 1, almost every school increased their fees. Some schools even raised it by as much as 80 to 82 per cent. We saw parents protesting outside schools like DPS Dwarka for several days, shouting slogans against the administration. Children were harassed -- denied entry into classrooms, made to sit in libraries, and bouncers were deployed outside the schools." Recalling the BJP government's earlier promise, he continued, "I remember a senior minister making a big statement at the time. And since it was said by a minister, it reflected the official position of the government. The minister claimed that the Arvind Kejriwal government conducted audits of only 90 schools in a year. He announced that the BJP government had audited all private schools. Everyone will recall the massive chest-thumping around this claim. He also promised that these audits would be made public." Questioning the outcome of those promises, Saurabh Bharadwaj asked, "It's been nearly four months now -- where are those audit reports? When will they be made public? That is our question to the government." On the government's shifting stance, he added, "Then they said they're bringing a new law and that it would be tabled in the Assembly. But they didn't release it publicly, didn't ask for any feedback or comments. Then they claimed the matter was urgent -- an emergency -- and said they'd bring it as an ordinance. They said it had been sent to the central government and to the President. But even that ordinance never came. What was the emergency then? No one understands." The AAP Delhi Unit President further added, "Now, during the Monsoon Session, the government is once again bringing a law on school fees. A copy has been shared with MLAs. After reading it, MLAs are alarmed. The very fears we had been now proving true." Highlighting a drastic change in grievance redressal, he explained, "Until now, even under the 1973 law, if a single parent felt that fees had been unfairly hiked, they could file a complaint with the Director of Education. Now, that has been scrapped. Under the new law, you'll need a minimum of 15% of parents to raise a complaint. In a school with 3,000 students, that means identifying 450 parents -- a nearly impossible task. You'd have to gather their names, phone numbers, visit their homes, convince them, and collect their signatures -- only then can a complaint be registered." Lashing out at the logic behind this change, he said, "What is the thought behind this? Ashish Sood must explain. When a single parent could earlier file a complaint, why is there a new barrier? It's not like school parents regularly meet at weddings or parties. After putting a child on the school bus, most parents head home. How will they get a list of other parents? Who will go to 450 homes and get signatures? This is a direct conspiracy to ensure that no complaint can ever be filed." Using a sharp analogy, he said, "It's like saying if a sewer overflows in your lane, you'll need to collect signatures from 15% of your neighbourhood before the authorities clear it. Why? If one person makes a complaint, take action. Where did this logic of collective complaints come from?" Criticising the new committee system, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "Committees, committees, committees -- that's all they've done. From my experience, I can tell you that this law is so weak that every year, schools will arbitrarily hike fees, and parents won't even be able to complain. That's the kind of law this is." He elaborated, "The fee determination committee will have five people from the school side and five from the parents' side. They're supposed to decide fees by mutual agreement.' But the school decides who its five members will be -- the principal, and any teacher they choose. And who will represent the parents? That will be selected through a lottery, and the school will conduct that lottery. So naturally, schools will select their own 'yes men' to represent parents and then set arbitrary fees." Drawing a parallel, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "We saw the same manipulation when schools used to conduct lotteries for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) admissions. Everyone knows that EWS admissions didn't happen properly -- they gave seats to their own people." Hitting out at BJP minister Ashish Sood's earlier claims, he added, "He was beating the drum about audits, saying all audits would be conducted. But this new law doesn't even have a provision for audits. They've removed it entirely. They should have mandated annual audits of all schools, but they didn't. That means the government never intended to conduct audits. They haven't even released the audit reports they claimed to have already conducted." He added, "There was also a long-standing land clause from the 1973 law -- that schools given land by the government would need prior approval from the Director of Education before hiking fees. Even that has been diluted and removed. Now, no such approval is needed. The same committee -- controlled by schools -- will decide. Those who received land worth crores for free from the government have been given a Diwali gift under this law." Concluding with pointed questions, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "I have only two questions for the Delhi Chief Minister and Minister Ashish Sood. First -- after this law comes into effect, how will the fee hikes done in April -- by DPS and many others -- be rolled back? Explain this to me, because I can't understand it. You drafted the law. Please clarify how it addresses the hikes that have already happened." ANI)
A 15-year-old girl died on Saturday while undergoing treatment in AIIMS here after she was allegedly set on fire by miscreants in Balanga area of Odisha's Puri district on June 19. The girl, who had sustained 75 per cent burns, was airlifted from AIIMS Bhubaneswar to AIIMS New Delhi on July 19 and was admitted to the Burn ICU. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences. In a post on X, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote, "I am deeply shocked to hear the news of the death of the girl victim in the Balangir incident. Despite all the efforts of the government and the round-the-clock endeavours of the specialist medical team at AIIMS Delhi, her life could not be saved. I pray for the eternal peace of the girl's soul and beseech God to grant strength to her family to bear this irreparable loss." Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida also reacted to the incident and called it an "unexpected and unfortunate." "Following an unexpected and unfortunate incident, the victim from Balangir, who was under treatment at Delhi AIIMS, has passed away. While praying for the eternal peace of the departed soul, I express my condolences to her family in this sorrowful situation. Despite all efforts by the medical team and the government, we are deeply saddened that she could not be saved," said Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in a post on X. Meanwhile, in a post on X, Odisha police urged not to make any "sensitive comments" regarding this matter during this tragic moment, as the investigation has reached its final stage. "As to the investigation conducted so far, it is clear that no other person is involved. Therefore, we request that everyone not to make any sensitive comments regarding this matter during this tragic moment," the police said. According to the police, the minor girl went out with her friends, but she was allegedly abducted midway and taken to the riverside, where she was set on fire. The victim reached someone's house from the incident spot, after which she was taken to the hospital by her cousin. (ANI)
The investigation and trial in the rape case involving expelled JDS leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna was completed just within a period of 1 year and 3 months, and the victims were able to secure justice, said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Saturday. The SIT press note said, "In spite of all the delay tactics, innuendos and allegations by the defense against all the organs of the state, the SIT with the cooperation of prosecution and judiciary could complete the investigation and trial within a period of 1 year and 3 months, and were able to secure justice to the victims." Calling the case "unique," the SIT stated that the victim in this case has set a powerful example to all women by standing firm against her perpetrators despite all the adversities. The SIT has lauded the victim's grit and determination to stand against the perpetrators, terming it a testimony to a woman's "strength and resilience." The press note read, "The case in itself was unique as the perpetrator belonged to a socially, economically and politically powerful family and the victim came from the weakest of the societal strata. The victim in this case has set a powerful example to all the womenfolk by standing firm against her perpetrators despite all the adversities. Her grit and determination to stand against the perpetrators is a testimony to a woman's strength and resilience." Expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Court for People's Representatives on Saturday in connection with a rape case of a domestic worker at a farmhouse in Holenarasipura in Hassan district. A fine of Rs 10 lakh has also been imposed on expelled JDS Leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna. The court said that the victim will be given a compensation of Rs 7 lakh. Following the verdict, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, "Rather than asking me for my reaction on this verdict, the leaders of his own party, JDS, and his ally BJP should be asked. They should say what is right and what is wrong. They have the power and ability to respond to this. Let the JDS state president, national president, and youth wing president respond. We will respect the law and listen to what it says. Why are important BJP leaders including Ashok, Narayanaswamy, and C.T. Ravi not speaking out?" Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar said that the court's decision has to be respected after expelled JDS leader and former Lok Sabha MP Prajwal Revanna was sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case. Speaking to ANI, Minister MC Sudhakar said, "We have never expected such a thing would happen in Karnataka, that too from a person being a Member of Parliament...We all should respect the decision the court has given. It has been proved that he committed the act." Special public prosecutor Ashok Nayak stated that the accused has been sentenced and fined, but he can challenge the sentence before the High Court. "The accused has been sent to life imprisonment and fine has also been imposed on him...He can challenge the sentence before the High Court," Special public prosecutor Ashok Nayak told reporters. On Friday, a special court in Karnataka found Prajwal Revanna, expelled JD(S) leader and former MP from Hassan, guilty in a rape case involving a domestic help. Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, was convicted in one of four rape cases filed against him. The conviction comes just 14 months after the case surfaced. Following the verdict, Revanna broke down in court. The matter came into light in April last year after obscene videos of sexual harassment against multiple women were leaked ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He was arrested in May 2024 after returning from Germany. He had earlier been denied bail by both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court. Revanna had challenged the Karnataka High Court order dated October 21, whereby it dismissed his regular bail and anticipatory bail pleas. On May 31 last year, he was arrested at Bengaluru airport by CID's SIT on his return from Germany, where he had remained for 35 days, after hundreds of explicit videos surfaced, allegedly featuring him with multiple women. Revanna had fought 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Hassan constituency but had lost the Lok Sabha election by over 40,000 votes. In June 2024, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police, which is investigating cases of sexual assault and harassment against Prajwal Revanna, registered a fourth case against him. Last year, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet of 2,144 pages against former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in the sexual assault and rape case. While three cases registered against Prajwal Revanna invoked the Indian Penal Code (IPC)'s section for sexual assault, the fourth case was registered under sections for sexual harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation of a victim, as well as clandestinely recording and sharing images of the victim. (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday called upon Congress workers and legal professionals across India to unite behind a shared mission, making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister by 2029. While speaking at the AICC Annual Legal Conclave held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Shivakumar said, "The Congress's history is the country's history, and the Congress's strength is the country's strength. The Gandhi family has kept the Congress Party united, and the Congress Party has kept the country united." "This conclave is not just a political agenda; it is a call for all of you to come together and work towards bringing the country back on track by 2029. By 2029, you should ensure that Rahul Gandhi Ji becomes the Prime Minister of this country. This should be your commitment," Shivakumar said. DK Shivakumar also urged lawyers to take an active role in defending the Constitution and the democratic process. He proposed the idea of creating a legal framework at the grassroots level. Earlier in the day, speaking at the 'Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025' held in the national capital, Shivakumar underlined Bengaluru's growing global importance and the increasing demand for improved air connectivity to support the city's rapid economic expansion. "Around 25 years ago, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to Bengaluru... he said that world leaders now first come to Bengaluru and then to Delhi... The same Airport's management has said that in the next 10 years, the number of travellers coming into Bengaluru every day will reach 10 million. The CM has already throughout of having one more airport at the South of Bengaluru," he said. Karnataka positioned itself as India's leading innovation and technology hub at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, with senior state leaders making key announcements and highlighting the state's strides in policy, infrastructure, and global engagement. (ANI)
Acting on specific intelligence received from reliable sources, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was set up at Zobawk. On August 1 at around 7:45 PM, security forces intercepted a suspected vehicle travelling from Hnahthial toward Lunglei and Lawngtlai.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the high-grade narcotics. Four individuals who were in the vehicle at the time were taken into custody on the spot.

The recovered contraband and the apprehended individuals have been handed over to Police Station Lunglei for further investigation and legal action.

Earlier, Assam Rifles, in an operation on Thursday, seized 11.110 Kg of Methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately Rs 33.33 crores at Zote, Champhai in Mizoram.

Seized items have been handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department, Champhai, Assam Rifles said in a press release. Based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles launched an operation today to search in the general area of Zote, Champhai.

During the conduct of operation, the team recovered 11.110 Kg of Methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately Rs. 33.33 crores. (ANI)
The Delhi Assembly session will be held from August 4 to August 8, with the government set to introduce an education bill for discussion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday. Addressing reporters, Gupta also announced that the Assembly would adopt the e-Vidhan Sabha model for the first time, marking a shift to paperless proceedings. "This time the assembly session will start from 4 August and will continue till 8 August. An education bill will be brought in this session, which will be tabled for discussion. For the first time in history, the Delhi Assembly will now be an e-Vidhan Sabha. It will be paperless..." she said. She further said the Centre had extended financial support for the transition to digital functioning. "A 500 kW solar power plant has been installed in the Delhi Assembly. Delhi Assembly is entirely run on solar energy... We have also digitised the Delhi Secretariat. Today, all our files are going as e-files, and signatures are also becoming digital... " Gupta added. The last sitting of the House on August 1 was adjourned amid slogan-shouting by the opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in poll-bound Bihar. Meanwhile, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in a scathing attack on the opposition over the ongoing sessions stated that they did not allow discussion on public issues in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and their sole intention was only to create noise to obstruct the proceedings in the House. Speaking to the media, Khattar said, "The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are platforms where the opposition and the ruling side sit together to discuss public issues, but they (the opposition) do not allow discussions; instead, they create noise to obstruct the proceedings of the House, which is their sole intention. Perhaps they think this has a significant impact on the public, but it has the opposite effect on the public because they do not let the House function." "They (the opposition) have no issues to raise, so they disrupt the proceedings... Therefore, they should act with wisdom," he added.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday emphasised the importance of organ donors and said that their selfless act has transformed grief into hope and loss into lives for many in society. Addressing the ceremony of 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said, "Each organ donor is a silent hero, someone whose selfless act transforms grief into hope and loss into lives. One person can save up to 8 lives by donating heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Additionally, countless more lives can be transformed through tissue donations." Highlighting the strides made by India in the direction of organ donation, Nadda stated that "since the launch of Aadhar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs to donate, marking a historic moment in public participation. This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal." He further added that "due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013. India ranks third globally in the total number of organ transplants, behind only the United States of America and China." Underlining the Government's efforts for organ transplantation, Shri Nadda stated that "to make organ transplant more accessible, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi. Poor patients are provided support of up to Rs 10,000 per month after transplant to cover the medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)." Nadda extended his gratitude to the donor families for their courage, compassion, and sacrifice, and commended the doctors, coordinators, nurses, NGOs, and other stakeholders for their "unwavering dedication that makes the second chance at life possible." He also acknowledged the work done by States and Union Territories for augmenting organ donation and transplants and urged them to learn from best practices implemented by the different states. (ANI)
The first phase of the large-scale eviction drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest of Assam's Golaghat concluded successfully on Saturday with final operations carried out seamlessly in Bidyapur and 2 No. Madhupur, a release said. The day's activities remained peaceful and without resistance. As per the release, over five days, vast stretches of encroached forest land have been reclaimed, with illegal structures dismantled across key high-density zones including Bidyapur, Pithaghat, Sonaribeel, Doyalpur, Dolonipathar, Kherbari, Anandapur, and Madhupur. Briefing the media, Special Chief Secretary Yadav stated that the ongoing operation has so far cleared approximately 8,900 bighas of protected forest land and dismantled over 4,000 unauthorised structures. He further stated that land survey teams were actively working in multiple areas to assess the extent of remaining encroachments in preparation for the second phase. Notably, 205 households in the Negheribil area under Merapani, located within the Doyang Reserve Forest, have been served eviction notices, with action scheduled to commence from August 8. Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan announced that the eviction drive would continue on Saturday in parts of the Nambor South Reserve Forest, particularly in Gelajan and 3 no. Rajapukhuri. Expressing appreciation for the coordinated efforts, he thanked the Chief Minister, Special Chief Secretary, District Administration, and the Government of Nagaland. He further highlighted the potential of Rengma Reserve Forest as a future eco-tourism destination. He emphasised that such drives are essential to curb illegal activities and ensure long-term ecological and administrative benefits for Assam. District Commissioner Pulak Mahanta credited the smooth execution of the drive to meticulous field-level planning and the collaborative efforts of all departments involved. He underlined the importance of continuous on-ground monitoring in ensuring the overall success of the operation. Senior Superintendent of Police, Golaghat, Rajen Singh, praised the Assam Police and CRPF for maintaining law and order throughout the drive. He informed that in the lead-up to the operation, significant recoveries--including arms, ammunition, and narcotics--were made from these vulnerable and crime-prone areas, further underscoring the necessity and impact of the initiative. Senior officials, including Special Chief Secretary M.K. Yadav, Inspector General of Police Akhilesh Kumar Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, District Commissioner of Golaghat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Golaghat and other senior officers from the Forest Department, Police, and District Administration closely monitored the entire operation. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that the Delhi Government is undertaking major initiatives to make its governance system more accessible, efficient and transparent. As per a release, CM Gupta stated that she has personally transformed her own office (the CM Office) into an e-Office to set a benchmark for other departments to follow. Highlighting the shift, she added that the e-Office platform has replaced traditional paper files with digital formats, making the workflow fully modern and streamlined. Rekha Gupta further informed that training has been provided to officials and staff at all levels to implement digitalisation in government offices. The drive to digitise all government offices across the capital has significantly accelerated the pace of administrative work. "Our government believes that when all central government offices are functioning on this system, the offices of the national capital must also adopt the e-Office platform. We are working in alignment with the vision of the Central Government and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This system ensures accountability and provides real-time updates on how long files are pending with any officer or department," she said. Highlighting the broader impact, the Chief Minister added, "Digitalisation is not merely a technological change; it is a blend of administrative efficiency, transparency, and environmental conservation. Our goal is to ensure that every government task is swift, accurate, and citizen-centric, and the e-Office platform is a major step in this direction." The Chief Minister shared that the e-Office platform, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), has shown remarkable results in July itself. Out of the Delhi Government's 199 departments, 119 are now fully operational on e-Office, up from 22 per cent in June to nearly 60 per cent. During the same period, the number of digital files used by these departments exceeded 1.18 lakh, marking a growth of over 250 per cent compared to the previous month (June). Rekha Gupta also noted that the e-Office system has not only significantly reduced paper consumption but has also made decision-making faster and more transparent. Government officials and staff in Delhi are now benefitting from digital file tracking, quicker approvals, and immediate implementation of decisions. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while announcing the move to make the Legislative Assembly paperless, said that this initiative is a decisive step towards making Delhi's administration fully digital. With the official launch of the e-Vidhan system in the Assembly on Sunday, another historic transformation will be recorded in the capital's democratic framework. According to the Chief Minister, this visionary campaign is not only a symbol of administrative reform but is also steering Delhi towards becoming a model for the nation in the direction of Digital India and Green Governance. (ANI)
Emphasing the importance of Ayurveda and Yoga, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Saturday urged the citizens to incorporate these in their lifestyle for overall well-being. Addressing the ceremony of 15th Indian Organ Donation Day, Nadda said, "Unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are among the major factors leading to organ failure. It is therefore necessary to take preventive measures and lifestyle interventions. Ayurveda and Yoga offer simple practices to strengthen our organs and boost immunity. We must adopt Yoga to promote overall well-being." Highlighting the strides made by India in the direction of organ donation, Nadda stated that "since the launch of Aadhar Aadhar-based NOTTO online pledge website in 2023, more than 3.30 lakh citizens have pledged their organs to donate, marking a historic moment in public participation. This surge in pledge registration reflects a growing awareness and dedication amongst the citizens towards this shared goal." Underlining the Government's efforts for organ transplantation, Shri Nadda stated that "to make organ transplant more accessible, financial support of up to Rs 15 lakh is provided to poor patients for transplantation of kidneys, liver, heart and lungs under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi. Poor patients are provided support of up to Rs 10,000 per month after transplant to cover the medical expenses. Kidney transplant package has also been included in Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)." Nadda extended his gratitude to the donor families for their courage, compassion, and sacrifice, and commended the doctors, coordinators, nurses, NGOs, and other stakeholders for their "unwavering dedication that makes the second chance at life possible." He also acknowledged the work done by States and Union Territories for augmenting organ donation and transplants and urged them to learn from best practices implemented by the different states. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump said on Friday (US local time) that he has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in 'appropriate regions' in response to statements made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He said in a post on X, "Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" According to a report by France 24, the US President did not say whether he meant nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines. He also did not elaborate on the locations. According to France 24, Trump did not specifically refer to what Medvedev had said. Earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to former Russian President and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, asking him to "watch his words," after the latter criticised Trump's foreign policy, The Hill reported. On Friday (local time), Trump also spoke about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He shared figures on the number of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers who have lost their lives since the beginning of 2025. Calling the conflict "Biden's War", Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is seeing if he can stop it. "I have just been informed that almost 20,000 Russian soldiers died this month in the ridiculous War with Ukraine. Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year. That is a lot of unnecessary DEATH! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. They have lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number does not include their missing. Ukraine has also lost civilians, but in smaller numbers, as Russian rockets crash into Kyiv and other Ukrainian locales. This is a War that should have never happened -- This is Biden's War, not "TRUMP's." I'm just here to see if I can stop it!", the US President wrote on Truth Social. Since returning to the office in January, Trump and his administration have pushed for an end to the more than three-year war between Russia and Ukraine, without much success. At times, the president has aired frustration with both sides over the lack of progress on a ceasefire agreement, despite several rounds of peace talks. (ANI)
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) on Friday (local time) announced that it will begin an orderly wind-down of operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee's FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill. The CPB, a private, nonprofit corporation authorised by the US Congress in 1967, has served as the steward of federal investment in public broadcasting for nearly six decades. The organisation said this marks the first time in more than 50 years that it has been excluded from receiving federal funding. "For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community", it said in its statement. Citing the President and CEO Patricia Harrison, the statement noted, "Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations... CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care." As per the statement, the CPB informed its employees that the majority of staff positions will conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, later this year. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations. "This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system", the statement read. CPB CEO Harrison thanked the partners for their dedication towards serving the American people. He remarked, "Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country...We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people." According to the statement, CPB's Board of Directors and management are working closely to address the legal, financial, and operational requirements of the closure. CPB mentioned that it would provide regular updates and guidance to stations and producers navigating the profound challenges ahead. The CPB helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. It is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. The CPB allocates funds to NPR and PBS. The National Public Radio (NPR), is an independent, nonprofit media organization. As per the official website of NPR, millions of Americans are on the air, online, and in person to explore the news here. It mentioned that NPR garners 43 million listeners and readers across platforms, 32 bureaus across the world and 29.1 million weekly on-air listeners. As per the official website of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), it is a private, nonprofit corporation, founded in 1969, whose members are America's public TV stations. It is available to all of America's children, including those who can't attend preschool, and offers educational media that help prepare children for success in school. Some of its prominent shows include Sesame Street. (ANI)
Residents across several districts of Kabul are raising concerns over persistent and worsening electricity outages, with some claiming they receive less than six hours of power per day, reported Tolo News. "We are not satisfied with the electricity service. The bills arrive quickly, but the power doesn't. The nights are hot--while adults can cope, children suffer greatly from the heat and mosquitoes," said Aqa Shirin, a resident of the 22nd district. Abdul Qadir, who lives in Kabul's 8th district, shared a similar grievance. "Power problems are serious. I work during the day, and when I come home at night, electricity is only available for part of the night." Tolo News reported that citizens have called on the national electricity company, Breshna, to address the problem at its roots. "Our demand is to have electricity supplied in line with our needs and at acceptable quality. If 24-hour power isn't possible, at least 12 hours would help solve our problems," said Elyas, a resident of the 3rd district. Imranullah from the 5th district echoed the urgency: "Power problems are severe, and our lives depend entirely on electricity. Without it, there's no water in the house, and household appliances can't be used. We ask the government to ensure electricity is supplied." According to Tolo News, former Breshna CEO Amanullah Ghalib has attributed the issue to structural and capacity limitations. "One of the challenges is the limited capacity of the power line that passes through Salang, which cannot carry more than 300 to 340 megawatts. This can be resolved by constructing a 500-kilovolt line," he said. He added, "However, a more fundamental issue in Kabul is the lack of capacity to absorb electricity, which requires the installation of substations. Two substation projects are already planned, but their completion will take one to two years." Despite efforts to obtain an official comment, Breshna has not responded, Tolo News reported. However, the company's CEO had earlier said that contracts worth nearly $600 million were signed last year alone for the production of over 600 megawatts of domestic electricity. (ANI)
Slovenia has become the first European Union country to impose a complete ban on weapons trade with Israel, citing the ongoing war in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The embargo, which includes the import, export, and transit of weapons to and from Israel, was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob following a cabinet meeting on Thursday. "Slovenia is the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel," the government said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera. It further noted that the decision was made independently because the European Union was "unable to adopt concrete measures ... due to internal disagreements and disunity." Amid the devastating conflict in Gaza, where "people ... are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied them," the government added it was the "duty of every responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step ahead of others," Al Jazeera reported. Slovenia's government also stated that it had not granted any permits for the export of military weapons and equipment to Israel since October 2023 due to the ongoing conflict. Earlier in July, Slovenia also became the first EU nation to ban two far-right Israeli ministers from entering its territory, declaring them persona non grata. The ministers were accused of inciting "extreme violence and serious violations of the human rights of Palestinians" with "their genocidal statements," according to Al Jazeera. In June 2024, Slovenia joined Ireland, Norway, and Spain in recognising Palestinian statehood. The parliamentary decree came in response to mounting global condemnation of Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. While other nations, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have also indicated plans to recognise a Palestinian state, Israel has rejected such moves, calling them a reward for Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. Al Jazeera reported that Israel has been waging a nearly 22-month-long war in Gaza, which human rights groups and UN experts have compared to genocide. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the campaign, and many more are at risk due to Israel's ongoing blockade. Meanwhile, several countries including South Africa have filed cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide. Despite global outcry, the United States has remained a firm ally of Israel. US President Donald Trump has also warned that recognising Palestinian statehood would amount to rewarding Hamas, Al Jazeera added. (ANI)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had air-dropped humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Friday, in coordination with several countries, The Jerusalem Post reported. "Over the past few hours, 126 aid packages, containing food for the residents of both the southern and northern Gaza Strip, were airdropped by six different countries," the IDF said in a statement cited by the outlet. The operation was conducted with the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Spain, France, and Germany. This marked the first such joint operation with the three European nations. Amid rising international criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir strongly denied allegations of deliberate starvation. "The false campaign about starvation these days is a deliberate, coordinated, and deceitful attempt aimed at accusing the IDF--a moral army--of war crimes," Zamir said, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post. "The party responsible for the killing and suffering of Gaza's residents is Hamas. IDF soldiers and commanders act with morality and integrity, in accordance with the IDF's spirit and international law." Commenting on the status of hostage negotiations, Zamir said the military would press on with operations regardless of any partial deal. "I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach a partial deal for the release of our hostages," he told commanders. "If not, the fighting will continue without pause," The Jerusalem Post reported. Meanwhile, the IDF confirmed it would continue targeted strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite the November 2024 ceasefire, with an aim to fully disarm the group--even at the risk of renewed conflict. According to the IDF, Hezbollah's military capabilities have been significantly degraded. The group, which once possessed around 150,000 rockets and tens of thousands of launchers, now reportedly retains only a couple of thousand launchers and has seen a 70-80 per cent reduction in its overall rocket arsenal, The Jerusalem Post said. This has resulted in a dramatic drop in Hezbollah's firing capacity--from potentially launching 1,500 rockets at once to just a few dozen now. "Hezbollah also has lost virtually all of its multiple rocket launching platforms," IDF officials said. The group's operational flexibility has also been restricted, with attacks now relying on individual launchers, which are more exposed and vulnerable. Though Hezbollah retains a few long-range precision rockets, IDF control over key launching zones--many of which have been targeted--have made their deployment difficult. Smuggling routes through Syria have also been disrupted. The Jerusalem Post reported that the new Sunni regime in Syria is actively blocking most of Iran's weapon transfers to Hezbollah, which the IDF says has dealt the group a significant blow. To monitor and counter threats, the IDF has carried out up to five strikes on cross-border areas between Syria and Lebanon. While the group's top leadership is currently deterred, Israeli military officials remain concerned about Iran's continued support--estimated at USD 1 billion annually--compared to USD 250 million in Western assistance to Lebanon. Since the ceasefire, the IDF has carried out over 500 attacks on Hezbollah targets. These include the elimination of 230 operatives, destruction of 90 rocket launchers, 20 strikes on bases and outposts, 40 hits on weapons storage facilities, and three targeted operations against elite Radwan force training camps, according to The Jerusalem Post. Cumulatively, Israeli intelligence estimates that 4,000-5,000 Hezbollah fighters have been killed and around 9,000 rendered permanently incapacitated--over half of Hezbollah's standing army of 25,000. "Hezbollah was also said to have tens of thousands more reservist fighters, but IDF sources estimate that only 10 per cent of them are still active now," the report said. The elite Radwan force has shrunk from 6,000 to between 2,500-3,000 fighters, now focusing largely on internal security. The IDF maintains that Hezbollah currently poses no threat of a large-scale invasion. While small-scale attacks remain a possibility, the military says the risk of a massive coordinated incursion has been neutralised for the foreseeable future. Praising U.S. efforts to manage ceasefire violations, the IDF said the current dispute resolution process has been more effective than previous UNIFIL-led attempts. Of the 1,263 violations submitted by the IDF, 456 were handled internally and 666 forwarded to the Lebanese army, which resolved 82 per cent of them. The Jerusalem Post added that while U.S. support has helped curb Hezbollah's activities, the IDF continues to act unilaterally when necessary, especially in complex violations. (ANI)
Pakistan has issued a renewed call for the repatriation of Afghan nationals living in the country's southwest, prompting thousands to rush to the Chaman border, Dawn reported. "We have received directives from the home department to launch a fresh drive to repatriate all Afghans... in a respectful and orderly manner," Meharullah, a senior government official in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, told AFP, according to Dawn. On Friday, an estimated "around 4,000 to 5,000 people [were] at the Chaman border" waiting to return, said Habib Bingalzai, another senior government official based in Chaman. Abdul Latif Hakimi, head of Refugee Registration in Afghanistan's Kandahar province across the border, confirmed they were aware of an increase in returning Afghans on Friday, Dawn reported. Millions of Afghans have fled into Pakistan over the past several decades due to conflict and instability, including hundreds of thousands who arrived after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. According to Dawn, the deportation campaign was first launched in 2023 and resumed in April this year, after Pakistan cancelled hundreds of thousands of temporary residence permits issued to Afghans. Those without valid documentation were warned they would face arrest if they failed to leave voluntarily. Analysts believe the renewed expulsions are intended to pressure the Taliban government in Afghanistan to rein in militancy along the shared border. Since the launch of the deportation drive, more than one million Afghans have left Pakistan, including over 200,000 since April this year, Dawn reported. The campaign has specifically targeted more than 800,000 Afghans with temporary residence permits--many of whom were either born in Pakistan or have lived there for decades. However, public sentiment in Pakistan has shifted amid economic challenges and a deteriorating security situation, with growing support for the deportation campaign. Pakistan's security forces are under increasing pressure, particularly in the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where they are battling a rising insurgency. Last year, Pakistan recorded the highest number of deaths from militant attacks in a decade, with the government frequently accusing Afghan nationals of involvement in these attacks, Dawn reported. Meanwhile, Iran has also initiated a large-scale campaign to deport Afghans, sending more than 1.5 million back across the border. (ANI)
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) released its 68th and final report, as per Tolo News. The report addresses issues such as US aid to Afghanistan, the situation of women and girls, security, the economy, counter-narcotics efforts, recent developments, SIGAR's monitoring process, the conclusion of its mission, and the role of other US government agencies in overseeing Afghanistan's affairs. SIGAR claims in the report that the Taliban in Afghanistan has broadly stripped Afghan women and girls of their rights over the past nearly four years. https://x.com/SIGARHQ/status/1950926355979194624 Abdul Sadeq Hamidzoy, a political affairs analyst, said: "International institutions have so far highlighted public concerns in their reports, but have taken no concrete action to resolve them." According to the report, the US allocated only around USD 342 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in fiscal year 2025, a sharp drop from over USD 968 million in 2023, Tolo News reported. This steep reduction in aid, at a time when Afghanistan's internal needs are growing, has had significant effects on people's livelihoods. The Ministry of Economy said that US aid to Afghanistan should not be politicised and rejects the claim that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan interferes in US assistance. Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, stated, "The recent SIGAR report has both positive and negative aspects, but I want to emphasise two points: First, the US has politicised humanitarian aid, which contradicts humanitarian principles and international law. Second, it is alleged that the Islamic Emirate interferes in international aid, and we strongly and categorically reject this claim." SIGAR presented its first quarterly report to the US Congress in October 2008. Now that the body has concluded its operations, the question remains: how effective and beneficial was its oversight? Idris Mohammadi Zazai, a political affairs analyst, told Tolo News, "Since 2008, despite SIGAR's reports on administrative corruption, it was neither prevented nor eradicated." It's worth noting that SIGAR previously stated the US has provided over USD 3.83 billion in aid to Afghanistan since 2021. (ANI)
In Bangladesh, the National Citizen Party (NCP), a new political party formed four months ago, mainly led by students, has been vocal in demanding fundamental reforms ahead of the uprising anniversary. "We want the fundamental reforms. The constitutional institutions should be out of the control of the executives. In the last autocratic regime, what happened was that the Prime Minister was highly powerful. Everything was under her control. The Prime Minister was like a king. It should not be like this. We want democratic transformation. The Executive, Judiciary, and the Parliament - three pillars - should be independent," Tajnuva Jabeen, Joint Convener of NCP, told ANI in an interview. The NCP was formed on the initiative of the students who led the movement, known as the July uprising or July revolution, to oust Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 last year. She fled the country, and an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate. Bangladesh is on high alert ahead of the anniversary of the uprising. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, are setting up checkpoints on the streets and conducting searches. Bangladesh's Independence leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated along with most of his family members on August 15, 1975. Despite the ban on the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League, the party is observing August as a month of mourning. "We want the PR (proportionate representation) system in the upper house. We want direct vote in the women participation in the reserved seat. There are a lot of proposals. All the political parties agreed. We specially stressed the appointment of the head of the constitutional body. It should be appointed by a specialised body," she added. The NCP leader said Bangladesh has started its transformation, but the process is slow. "It's been one year since the July uprising got free from autocratic fascist Sheikh Hasina. Autocracy was established for more than one and a half decades, almost 55 years. So, all the law enforcement, all the bureaucracy, all the administration was under the fascist regime. It was a long history of a fascist regime. We cannot expect an overnight transformation from autocracy to democracy. But now we can talk about everything, we can ask our interim government about what they are doing. We are debating the reform proposals and arguing for democratic transformation. Everybody is participating in the dialogue and seminars. In the last 15 years, we could not even talk. There was no chance to talk against the government. There were laws to stop our voice. There were enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. There was looting of all the banks. There was an empire of autocracy. But in the last one year, it stopped, and we have started transforming to democracy. I think the transformation process is slow. It was not as we expected one year before. But the progress is there," Jabeen said. She said her party will be different from the existing political parties in Bangladesh, ensuring democratic practices within the party, instead of dynasty politics. "Our party is only four months old. First of all, I can say that what happened in the last 15 years, the two main political parties were represented by two families. Cabinet, administrations, and family members were everywhere. The country was run by the two political families. After 50 years, all the student leaders of the July uprising, civil society members, and various professionals came together and formed a new political party with a variety of people from different backgrounds. So, it is completely different from the existing old political parties. The women's participation in the party is very high in comparison to the old political parties. Our party is only four months old. In comparison to big established political parties, there is a bunch of talented female members in our party," she said. "The chief of our party will be elected only for two terms, with three years in each term. He or she must be elected from the direct vote of the grassroots level to the central level. Internal democracy will be maintained. For transparency, we can ask our leader why this is happening. So, internal democracy is strictly maintained," she added. Jabeen said NCP funding would be transparent: "Our party established a financial website with funding and expenditure details. We will publish the expenditure of the party on the financial website so everybody can see how we run the party. Internal democracy within our party is well maintained." Replying to a question about the mob culture, the NCP leader said, "It is a complete failure of the government. In the last one year, one single failure of the government is the failure to maintain the law and order situation. During the July uprising, police and other law-enforcing agencies participated in the mass killing. So, it should be the priority of this interim government to re-establish the forces like police, RAB, DB and all the forces related to security. But the government could not do this. So, it is the unfortunate failure of this interim government. So, this mob culture or whatever you say - the false cases accusing people - these are not the right things." NCP is hopeful about holding the national election by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, early next year. "We are hopeful. The probable date for the election is either in February or April. The press secretary to the interim government's Chief Adviser said the election would not be postponed even by one day. In the national consensus council, all the political parties discussed all the reform proposals. They negotiated and came to a consensus. We are hopeful to get a July Charter, and after that, we are expected to get a date for the national election," Jabeen said. The NCP leader expressed serious concerns over the law and order situation in Bangladesh, including the safety and security of minority communities. "We are not only concerned about the safety and security of the minority community; we are concerned about the safety and security of all the citizens. Unfortunately, after the July uprising, in the last one year, there were many false propaganda claims that there was the highest number of attacks on minorities; but all were not true. Whenever there is an attack on minorities, all the political parties, the government, and all the citizens of Bangladesh were very concerned. They talked about this and the government also took necessary steps. Our party is highly vocal regarding the security and rights of minorities." NCP wants good relations with all neighbours, including India, with mutual respect. "We always look for not only India but we want friendship with all the neighbouring countries. We are dependent on each other. We share the borders. We cannot ignore geographical arrangements between our neighbouring countries. But we expect the relationship will be built on the basis of mutual respect. We are very concerned about the border killings. We are concerned about the illegal push-in. We expect India will recognise these issues. After the uprising, India closed the visa for the general public. There was no specific reason behind this. We expect we will help each other. No country should dominate another." The NCP leader is optimistic about the change in political culture in Bangladesh. "We are talking about a new political arrangement. We urge the general people to keep faith in us. It will take time. I know there are some incidents that hurt people. But this is not the end. It was a rotten political system. In the last 15 years, it has been polluted even more. We need time to clarify ourselves. We will clarify our manifesto. We will come up with hope and expectations." "We have to get our party registration first. We just finished our July march and are looking for the July announcement and July Charter. We will also look at how the July Charter will be implemented. We want a referendum to implement the July Charter. We want the July Charter to be signed by all the political parties. It should be implemented before the election. On the basis of the July Charter, we want a legal framework. After that, we hope for an election. Our priority is the July Charter and July announcement, then our party registration, then we will go for the election, whether with an alliance or solo." (ANI)
The Prime Minister of Germany's Bavaria state has once again emphasized the deportation of foreign criminals, including nationals from Afghanistan and Syria, as Germany pushes forward with a tougher migration stance, Tolo News reported. Bavarian Premier Markus Soder stated that Germany has reformed its immigration policy, sending a clear message that all criminals and human traffickers will face quicker arrest and deportation in Bavaria than in other parts of the country. "Law and order prevail in Bavaria. Foreign criminals must be decisively deported--even to Afghanistan and Syria. Overall, we have brought a shift in migration policy. The principle is: more people should be deported, and fewer should be accepted," Soder said. Tolo News reported that the remarks come amid growing concerns among Afghan nationals living in Germany, who claim the federal government has tightened its stance toward foreign nationals--particularly Afghans--by delegating more authority to state governments in deporting individuals considered criminal offenders under German law. Political analyst Najib Rahman Shamal said: "Germany has recently imposed stricter restrictions on refugees involved in criminal activities. These countries have reinforced their borders and imposed severe limitations." Refugee rights activist Alireza Karimi also weighed in, stating that Soder's remarks reflect a harsh treatment of refugees in Germany. "Insisting on the deportation of Syrian and Afghan refugees indicates a significant legal shift in German state policy," he said. Germany's renewed deportation push follows its latest action on July 17, when the country deported 81 Afghans to Kabul--marking the second such deportation this solar year, according to Tolo News. In the wake of these developments, the caretaker government of Afghanistan has appointed two diplomats, Nebras-ul-Haq Aziz and Mostafa Hashimi, to serve at its embassy in Germany, a reliable source has told Tolo News. Although the Acting Foreign Minister has not officially named the individuals, he confirmed that two diplomats have been dispatched to provide consular services to Afghan nationals. Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated: "We will have future talks and negotiations with Germany and, God willing, further progress. We also thank Qatar for its mediation, which, after several consecutive months of efforts, led to an understanding and agreement that enabled our diplomats to arrive there." Muttaqi praised Qatar's role in facilitating the process and hinted at potential progress in talks and relations between the Islamic Emirate and Germany. Meanwhile, the Director of Consular Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the passport issuance center in Bonn, Germany, will soon be reactivated after a four-year suspension. He noted that the resumption of services would help resolve passport-related issues for Afghans in Europe. Shoib Baryalai, Director of Consular Services, said: "We have a passport printing office in Bonn that has been inactive for nearly four years. God willing, passports will be issued there for all of Europe, and this will help address the problems of Afghans living in those countries." Although the German government has repeatedly emphasised that its relations with the caretaker government are technical and unofficial, some political analysts view this development as a sign of a gradual shift in Germany's stance. Political analyst Najib Rahman Shamal said: "In the past, there were calls for direct engagement. Now, with the arrival of the new government, Germany also seeks direct contact with the caretaker administration, including for the deportation of refugees." Nebras-ul-Haq Aziz previously worked at the Islamic Emirate's political office in Qatar, while Mostafa Hashimi has served in the Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This development comes after Germany's Interior Minister had earlier requested direct dialogue with the caretaker government, without third-party mediation. (ANI)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the European Union had not been "feared" enough in its trade deal negotiations with the United States and pledged a firmer stance in future discussions, France 24 reported. "It's not the end of it," Macron told ministers during a cabinet meeting, according to participants cited by France 24. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clinched the framework accord with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, after travelling urgently to Scotland as the August 1 deadline loomed for the imposition of steep tariffs that risked damaging Europe's economy. Under the terms of the deal, most EU exports to the US will now be subject to tariffs of 15 percent -- higher than the pre-Trump rate but lower than the threatened 30 percent, France 24 reported. In return, the EU has committed to purchasing $750 billion worth of liquefied natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuels from the United States over three years, with an additional $600 billion in investments pledged for the US. "Europe does not see itself enough as a power yet. To be free, you have to be feared. We were not feared enough," Macron said. He added, "France has always held a stance of being firm and demanding. It will continue to do so." Macron acknowledged that the negotiations took place under "difficult circumstances" but noted that the agreement offered "visibility and predictability" in the short term and "preserved French and European interests" in key export sectors, including aviation, France 24 reported. The French President also expressed hope that further negotiations could secure "new exemptions" for the European Union as the deal is detailed further. French Finance Minister ric Lombard, speaking to reporters later on Wednesday, echoed Macron's concerns, saying the EU's approach lacked energy and vigour during key moments. "There is the issue of the negotiation method, which within the European Union ... has perhaps not been as energetic or vigorous in certain phases, and this is what the President of the Republic said when he stated that we must improve our ability to be feared and to carry weight in negotiations," Lombard said, according to France 24. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has said that he had "ordered two nuclear submarines" to be strategically positioned near Russia in response to online aggressive remarks by Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev, local media reported. President Trump said on his social media feed on Friday said, "Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. In a post on his Truth Social, Trump said, "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Addressing the matter later with reporters, Trump said the move was an effort to be "prepared." "He was talking about nuclear," Trump said. "When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared, and we're totally prepared," CNN quoted him as saying. Medvedev, who was Russia's president from 2008 to 2012, said in a X post on June 28 that "Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10... He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Don't go down the Sleepy Joe road!" It was not immediately clear if Trump was referring to subs with nuclear weapon capabilities, or merely nuclear-powered subs. The Pentagon keeps movements of its nuclear capabilities closely held, making it nearly impossible to confirm Trump's announcement. But his statement nonetheless made for a striking rhetorical confrontation that evoked some of the nuclear sabre rattling that coloured the Cold War, CNN noted. Trump later Friday said the repositioned nuclear submarines were moved "closer to Russia." "We always want to be ready, and so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines. I just want to make sure that his words are only words and nothing more than that," he said in an interview with Newsmax. Medvedev, who has been sparring with Trump online for the past several days, on Thursday had made reference to Russia's Soviet-era automatic, retaliatory nuclear strike capabilities, after Trump told Medvedev to "watch his words." The Russian official's in a Telegram post on Thursday wrote that Trump should "revisit his favourite movies about the living dead and recall just how dangerous the mythical 'Dead Hand' can be." According to a commentary by the NBC News, Russia's so-called Dead Hand system is a secret automatic or semiautomatic nuclear weapons control system developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Medvedev's post seemed to respond to a Trump Truth Social post earlier in the day that said he doesn't care if India and Russia "take their dead economies down together." "Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory!" Trump wrote. CNN reported that Medvedev has no power to launch Russia's nuclear weapons, and often acts as more of an attack dog than a real decision-maker inside the Kremlin. Trump on Thursday he intended to place new sanctions on Moscow, and called Russia's attacks on Ukraine "disgusting." In an earlier social media message, Trump said the Ukraine war "should have never happened." Trump said Thursday his foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, would travel to Russia in coming days, but additional details of his trip were not immediately available. "This is Biden's War, not "TRUMP's." I'm just here to see if I can stop it!" Trump wrote. (ANI)
The United States has strongly condemned France's criminal investigation into social media platform X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, calling it an act of "foreign censorship," France 24 reported. In a statement posted on X, the US State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor said, "As part of a criminal investigation, an activist French prosecutor is requesting information on X's proprietary algorithm and has classified X as an 'organized crime group.'" It added, "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." According to France 24, the cybercrime prosecutors in Paris launched a police probe on July 11 to investigate suspected crimes such as manipulating and extracting data from automated systems "as part of a criminal gang." X, formerly Twitter, has denied the allegations and called them "politically motivated." The platform said it refused to comply with the prosecutor's request to access its recommendation algorithm and real-time data. France 24 reported that the probe followed two complaints filed in January, one of which came from Eric Bothorel, an MP from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party. He cited a "reduced diversity of voices and options" and pointed to Musk's "personal interventions" in X's management since taking control of the platform. "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, as quoted by France 24. X responded saying it "categorically denies" all the allegations and that the investigation "is distorting French law in order to serve a political agenda and, ultimately, restrict free speech." According to France 24, Musk, who also heads Tesla and SpaceX, has stirred controversy in Europe with his support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of legislative elections in February. (ANI)
The US Consulate in Karachi has advised its diplomatic staff and citizens in the city to exercise caution, ARY News reported. A spokesperson for the US Consulate said that citizens should avoid visiting crowded places and making unnecessary trips. "The US Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi. In response to such threats, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official US government personnel," the US department said in a security alert. "The US Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official US government personnel to these hotels." It has asked its citizens to avoid crowds, keep a low profile, and beware of surroundings. "Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners," it added, as per ARY News. After the report of a threat to high-end hotels, the Consulate issued the warning. "The US Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi. In response to such threats, the US Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official US government personnel. The US Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official US government personnel to these hotels," the Consulate said. The Consulate further warned the US citizens saying, "Avoid the areas, avoid crowds, keep a low profile, be aware of your surroundings, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/Westerners." Meanwhile, even the UK issued advice stating that there is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. "Terrorist groups operating in Pakistan include: Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Tehreek-e Jihad Pakistan (TJP), Balochistan separatists, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), al-Qa'ida," the UK Foreign travel advice stated. (ANI)
Traders in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) on Friday continued their protest for the 23rd consecutive day, blocking the Karakoram Highway--a key trade route with China--demanding an end to federal taxes they deem illegal, Dawn reported. The prolonged blockade has disrupted all Pakistan-China trade and travel through the vital border crossing, leaving thousands of people, including Chinese nationals and foreign tourists, stranded in the area. The protest has garnered support from local political, youth, and religious parties, who argue that the region's disputed constitutional status exempts it from federal taxation. "The federal government is reluctant to solve the genuine demands of local people," said Mohammad Ishaq, one of the protest organisers. "They are just demanding how federal taxes can be collected from the people who are not constitutional citizens of Pakistan and the region is a disputed status area," he added. Ishaq reaffirmed the traders' commitment to their "principle stance of 'No taxation without representation.'" The tax dispute has reportedly paralysed the local economy for the past eight months, leaving thousands jobless--including transporters, hotel owners, shopkeepers, and customs agents. Ayub Waziri, a member of the PoGB Assembly, said the issue affects the broader population of the region, not just the trading community. "This is an issue of the GB people," Waziri stated, highlighting that since the region is not constitutionally part of Pakistan, all federal taxes imposed there are illegal. Waziri further said that during last year's negotiations, officials from Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) admitted that PoGB falls in a "non-tariff zone." He noted that the federal government has since formed a committee to address the matter and that the PoGB government is mediating. The protest intensified on Friday as hundreds of people from multiple areas joined the blockade to show their solidarity. "The protest movement has awakened GB people for their rights," said Moulana Sharfuddin, a leader of Tanzeem Ahl-i-Sunnat wal Jamat, PoGB, expressing his support. Protesters claim the deadlock has made them victims of federal economic policies. Ahmed Nabi, a protester, told Dawn that billions of rupees worth of goods imported through the Sost Dry Port have been stuck for over a month. "Many items have expired, while others stored in the open have been damaged by rain because Pakistan Customs officials are not clearing local consignments," he said. Javed Hussain, another organiser, alleged, "Speedy clearance of goods is allowed to only a handful of people." He added, "The economic exploitation of local people will never be accepted." (ANI)
Thailand has released two injured Cambodian soldiers captured following recent border clashes, even as both countries prepare for talks aimed at maintaining a fragile truce next week, Al Jazeera reported. The Cambodian Defence Ministry confirmed the soldiers were returned on Friday through a checkpoint linking Thailand's Surin province with Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey. Their release comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions and competing claims over the circumstances of their capture. "The wounded soldiers were returned through a designated border point," said Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for Cambodia's Defence Ministry, urging Bangkok to repatriate the remaining captured troops "in accordance with international humanitarian law", Al Jazeera reported. Despite a ceasefire reached earlier this week, 18 other Cambodian troops captured during skirmishes on Tuesday remain in Thai custody. According to Phnom Penh, the soldiers approached Thai positions with peaceful intentions to offer post-conflict greetings. However, Thai authorities dispute this, claiming the soldiers crossed into Thai territory with apparent hostility, prompting their detention. Thai officials stated they are currently following legal protocols while assessing the actions of the remaining soldiers. No timeline has been provided for their release, Al Jazeera said. The ceasefire, while holding militarily, has done little to quell nationalist sentiments on social media, with platforms in both countries witnessing a surge in patriotic rhetoric and accusations. Both governments have also taken foreign diplomats and observers on guided tours of the conflict zones, each side accusing the other of causing damage and using the visits to strengthen their respective narratives. The five-day conflict, which erupted last week, saw infantry clashes, Cambodian rocket fire, Thai air strikes, and artillery exchanges. According to Al Jazeera, the violence killed more than 30 people, including civilians, and displaced over 260,000 others. Under the terms of the ceasefire, military officials from both sides are expected to meet in Malaysia between August 4 and 7 under the General Border Committee framework to discuss de-escalation. However, the longstanding territorial dispute will not be addressed in these meetings. "Defence attaches from other ASEAN countries will be invited as well as the defence attaches from the US and China," a Malaysian government spokesperson told reporters, referring to the Southeast Asian bloc currently chaired by Malaysia. Separately, on Friday, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol said Phnom Penh would nominate United States President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in brokering the ceasefire. Speaking earlier in the capital, he thanked Trump for "bringing peace" and said the US President "deserved the award", Al Jazeera reported. Other recent nominations for Trump have come from Pakistan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his involvement in regional peace efforts. (ANI)
In an interview with ANI, Abhinav Pandya, Founder and CEO of the Usanas Foundation, called the Pakistan Army's recent crackdown on peaceful Pashtun protesters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) "state terrorism" and "part of a decades-long policy to crush ethnic identity in the region for strategic gain." "The violence we are seeing now is not new," said Pandya. "It's an extension of Pakistan's long-standing policy to silence Pashtun voices and erase their cultural identity. What the world is witnessing is state terrorism." According to Pandya, the KPK region holds immense strategic value for Pakistan's military establishment. "This area has become a testing ground for Pakistan's covert operations. It's home to terrorist training camps, drug smuggling routes, and intelligence networks. To maintain control, the Pakistan Army suppresses Pashtun identity and enforces Wahhabi-Salafi extremism to replace the region's secular tribal traditions." Referring to past incidents such as the 2019 Kharqamar massacre and the arrests of peaceful leaders like Ali Wazir, Pandya stated that these are not isolated events but a systemic campaign of brutal repression. "When peaceful activists are shot, arrested, or disappeared, and the world remains silent, it emboldens authoritarianism," he said. Pandya also drew attention to Pakistan's wider ethnic tensions. "Pakistan is an artificial construct born from a failed idea that religion alone could unify diverse ethnicities. The result is visible in the ongoing resistance movements in Balochistan, Sindh, and the Pashtun belt." He accused the Pakistan Army of running a "proxy empire" of jihadist groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. "These groups are not rogue actors. They function under tacit agreements with the Pakistani state. In exchange for controlling regions like KPK, the army permits them to impose Sharia and run operations." Calling Pakistan's treatment of minorities "hypocritical," Pandya compared Islamabad's global claims on Kashmir with its brutal domestic policies. "They cry foul over Kashmir while brutally suppressing Muslims in their own country. Thousands of Baloch and Pashtun civilians have been killed, tortured, and disappeared. Cultural genocide is ongoing, and no one is held accountable." He also criticised international human rights bodies and Western governments for their silence. "Human rights watchdogs are selective. They'll issue statements on Kashmir but ignore Pashtuns and Baloch. Why? Because Pakistan fits into the geopolitical interests of the Western deep state." Pandya concluded by stating that Pakistan's unwillingness to engage in dialogue with its minorities stems from the military's authoritarian and jihadist ideology. "There will be no change until the world recognises Pakistan for what it is, a terrorist state with a uniform." (ANI)
The federal government of Pakistan has decided to resume the deportation of illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, ARY News reported, quoting the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry stated that the move will involve the application of Section 14-B of the Foreigners Act to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals who are currently under trial. "Additionally, individuals convicted or facing ongoing legal proceedings will also be deported," the ministry said, as reported by ARY News. The Ministry of Interior also noted that the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, which previously allowed Afghan refugees to legally reside in Pakistan, expired on June 30, 2025. "Consequently, PoR cardholders remaining in the country after this date are now considered illegal residents," the ministry said. ARY News further reported that the ministry has issued directives to all relevant stakeholders, including district administrations, police forces, prison authorities, and other officials, to initiate the arrest and deportation of illegal foreign nationals. In line with the federal government's directive, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Home Department has also instructed Afghan nationals holding PoR cards to return to Afghanistan. "The department has directed Afghan nationals to report to transit points in Peshawar and Landi Kotal for repatriation," ARY News quoted the KP Home Department as saying. This instruction is in accordance with the federal orders issued on July 31, 2025, the KP Home Department confirmed. The department reiterated that "the PoR card validity expired on June 30, 2025, rendering the stay of Afghan citizens in Pakistan illegal thereafter." Furthermore, Afghan nationals who do not possess valid visas or passports "will no longer be permitted to reside in Pakistan," the department added. It also warned that Afghan citizens still residing in Pakistan beyond June 30 "will be classified as illegal migrants." The nationwide crackdown marks the latest phase of Pakistan's efforts to regulate undocumented migration and enforce its immigration laws. (ANI)
The construction of a mega hydropower dam by China on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet has triggered serious concerns among Tibetan experts in exile, who warn of its potential impact on the environment, regional geopolitics, and the livelihoods of downstream countries like India and Bangladesh. The proposed dam, expected to be larger than the Three Gorges Dam, is coming up in the seismically active Medog region. Experts say the project could alter the river's natural flow and place downstream nations at risk of floods and droughts. Dechen Palmo, a researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute of the Tibetan government in-exile, told ANI, "This is not surprising at all. For the past many decades China has been looking into ways to exploit these water resources. Last year China announced that they had approved the construction of the dam and now recently Chinese government have announced that they are going to start the construction." She pointed out the lack of transparency around the project's design and impact. "The more concerning issue is that they have not announced that how this dam will be constructed and what impact it will have on the people. They should also take into consideration the concerns of lower downstream countries." Palmo emphasized that China has not shared key details about the project. "Overall they have not shared the information about the project it can have impact on the environment, the people who are living along the river and it can also have geopolitical impact on the region." Highlighting environmental risks, she said, "The region is itself seismically active and there are many recent incidents where there are number of landslides and earthquakes happening in the region. So, by constructing such a huge dam which would twice the size of Three Gorges Dam, can create huge impact on environment and the people." She added, "The secrecy and the Chinese government not sharing this information also make people more concerned about what impact it has. If there is a transparency from the Chinese government side, it can also ease the tensions among people and other countries." Palmo warned that downstream countries remain vulnerable. "Since it is transboundary river, many of the downstream countries like India and Bangladesh, they are heavily dependent on rivers. So most of the agriculture in Assam are also dependent on the rivers. Rivers are also considered a lifeline for Bangladesh." "So by holding so much of water in these dams it can cause anytime floods and droughts in downstream countries. It is like downstream countries are at the mercy of Chinese government," she said. Dolma Tsering, deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament in-exile, echoed similar concerns, stating, "It is a great concern. China has the maximum number of hydro dams in the world and still they are not satisfied with that. The Three Gorges Dam was supposed to be the biggest Dam, now they are building bigger than Three Gorges Dam over Brahmaputra." She stressed that the project's location in a seismic zone could pose dangers to all riparian nations. "I think it is a very serious concern the world needs to take note of because it is in a seismic prone area of south Asia, if something happens to dam what will happen to all the riparian nations." She also pointed out China's potential use of the project as a political tool. "China might use hydro power as leverage to have any deal with rest of countries where these waters are flowing and next to that the world must take into consideration that by building all these power grid they are selling power to different countries." Tsering said the Tibetan parliament-in-exile has been trying to raise the issue. "Whenever the Indian parliament session is held, we always go there and try to bring it in the notice to the members of the parliament. Since more than two years we have been talking about this dam the one in Medog is coming up. India should take a note of it and we are sure that they will look into it." Explaining the meaning of "leverage", she added, "When I say leverage, it means they are going to weaponise the hydropower dams. When the tap is in their hands towards the northeastern side, whenever they want they can use it as a flood generating dam or whenever our crops are good they may just close it and bring drought to our farmers. These are related to the livelihood and existence of communities in the south Asian countries." (ANI)
As the new Bismarck police chief transitions into his role, he hopes to bring changes to the department. More artificial intelligence and drone usage, as well as increased community engagement are just the start.

While Jason Stugelmeyer, a 24-year veteran of the force, applauded the department for its positive momentum, he aims to improve efficiencies where possible.

"I'm not the kind of guy who says something's OK because that's the way we've always done it," he said. "But I don't have any big plans to make changes just to make changes. Overall, I'd say we're in a pretty good place."

Since he was appointed to the role on July 22, he has been involved in strategic planning sessions with other city department heads and an outside consultant. The meetings are intended to help shape the entire city's focus going forward, Stugelmeyer said.

"But there are things that I think we can take and apply specifically to the department," he said. "Obviously, there will be minor adjustments right away, but we need to be strategic about any major adjustments or improvements."

One area that has Stugelmeyer's attention is officer wellness.

"There will be a focus on the mental health and well-being of our officers, which we have improved but can always be better," he said. "If our officers are healthy our citizens will benefit from it."

How will Bismarck PD use more AI, drones and information sharing?

Stugelmeyer wants to increase the use of the technology, specifically as it relates to the generation of reports.

Axion, the vendor that provides body-worn cameras, offers a platform that would let an officer create a narrative that can be uploaded into a report-generating system, he said.

"Our testing shows that it saves on average nearly 20 minutes per report," Stugelmeyer said. "You take that across the whole department, where we generate more than 10,000 reports in a year, and that's a lot of time."

While the American Civil Liberties Union -- an organization that works across the country to defend civil liberties -- has opposed police departments' adoption of software products that use AI specifically for report writing, Stugelmeyer said Axion's program has a built-in safeguard intended to ensure the accuracy of reports before they're submitted.

That program is included in this year's departmental budget request, he added. Preliminary numbers for the 2026 budget have already been presented to the City Commission. So far, the upcoming budget "gives us everything we need," Stugelmeyer said.

The incoming chief also wants to focus more on sharing information with other agencies, which already takes place in some instances. The sharing of information goes into a platform known as "intelligence-based policing" and does not have to be limited to just other law enforcement agencies, Stugelmeyer said. He hopes to use his relationships with other departments to increase collaboration.

He also wants to increase the use of drones to help with officer safety. As of now, drones are used by a team of six who have gone through specialized training to operate them, supporting patrol, traffic and investigative units. They also partner with specialized teams, including the West Dakota SWAT Team and the Bomb Squad, during critical incidents.

Community presence and engagement is something Stugelmeyer would like to increase, especially as it relates to the public's understanding of the role of law enforcement and public safety.

"That's hard to do," he said. "Citizen police academies are great, but they're limited because you can only have so many people in a classroom."

Stugelmeyer said that in his opinion, operations within the department are "doing very well."

"The officers are working hard at garnering public trust and enforcing crime at the same time, which is a monumental task," he said.

But the addition of a second full-time crime prevention and community engagement officer is a positive step, Stugelmeyer said. In announcing the addition, he said a recent meeting with department commanders reviewed the formation of a new program known as the Focused Area Response Effort (FARE).

The program's goals are to proactively address crime and community concerns in high-need areas using short-term deployment of resources from across the department.

That approach is a departure from a typically more responsive approach to policing, due to the size of the community, and is another step toward increasing community engagement and collaboration with residents, Stugelmeyer said.

"We cant be everywhere and we need to rely on citizens to report issues as they see them," he said. "We cant do it alone."

That approach is already in effect in some respects, as Stugelmeyer said the department is utilizing a DUI team that patrols areas of high probability for people driving under the influence. A recent campaign in conjunction with other agencies resulted in a large number of arrests.

He also said social media can often feel like a limited place to increase engagement, as responding to negative comments on posts is "counterproductive" to the department's goals.

Among more immediate changes, Stugelmeyer will have to appoint his own replacement. Since 2022, he has been the deputy chief in charge of field services, which comprises seven sections within the department: patrol, traffic, parking enforcement, warrants, investigations, animal control and specialized units -- which includes the bomb squad, crisis negotiations unit and K-9 unit, among others.

Choosing a person to replace him in field services means a current lieutenant will move up the organizational chart, and that promotion will in turn create opportunities for others, Stugelmeyer said.

How was Stugelmeyer picked as the newest police chief?

The Bismarck City Commission on July 22 appointed Stugelmeyer to replace retiring Chief Dave Draovitch. Stugelmeyer assumed his new duties Friday, taking command of an agency that encompasses 166 employees, 136 of whom are sworn law enforcement officers, and has a 2025 base budget of $18.3 million.

His appointment followed an application process that found him emerging as a finalist along with Daniel Weigel, a patrol commander with the University of North Dakota Police Department in Grand Forks.

A Bismarck native, Stugelmeyer is a 1996 graduate of Bismarck High School. He attended Bismarck State College and holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Since 2022, he had served as commander of the department's Field Services Division, which is comprised of seven sections including patrol, traffic, parking enforcement, warrants, investigations, animal control and specialized units -- including the bomb squad, crisis negotiations unit and K-9 unit, among others.

Prior to joining Field Services, Stugelmeyer served as commander of Support Services, which handles a number of responsibilities including professional standards, recruitment and training, evidence management and management of the department's budget and grants, in addition to other duties.

Before he assumed that position, Stugelmeyer served as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, detective and lieutenant.

In 2007, Stugelmeyer was named the department's Officer of the Year. He is a two-time winner of the Meritorious Service Award in addition to being a three-time Badge of Hope winner, and was on the West Dakota SWAT team for 15 years.

Stugelmeyer and his wife are the parents of three adult children, all of whom are graduates of Legacy High School.

Other questions and answers

Q: What kind of relationship should the department have with the homeless community?

A: We treat all of our citizens the same regardless of their situation or who they are. We need to have enhanced knowledge of additional resources that help connect that vulnerable population to services. One of our sergeants works closely with Ministry on the Margins and is very responsive when they have questions or concerns with their facility. We also partner with non-governmental agencies to better serve that community, and I am involved with that on a monthly and sometimes weekly basis.

Q: What are your views on use of force?

A: Use of force guidelines are well established by federal, state and local laws, which align with our policies. If there are changes, we are alerted by CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) and adjust policy as required. We follow those well-established guidelines in the performance of our duties, and officers are held accountable if they do not.

Q: Reviewing call logs every day, we see a lot of people getting booked for what might be considered nuisance offenses such as trespassing, failing to appear and driving under suspension -- not just by BPD but a variety of agencies. Is that something that's chronic, or possibly changeable in some way?

A: Nuisance offenses are what affect quality of life for many citizens and we have to be responsive to that. Failure to appear is actually a bench warrant in which a judge has ordered a person into custody because they failed to show up for court when required. Its a judges order, so we must make an arrest and most of them must be seen by a judge before being released.

Trespassing typically stems from a person not leaving the property when asked, or was formally served a trespass notice from that place of business. Taking action on those charges is essential for the person or business that expects us to do our job and remove someone from private property that has no right to be there.

DUS is an epidemic in the city. Most people that drive under suspension dont have insurance either. When we investigate crashes involving someone that does not have insurance, the insured party ends up being responsible for the whole incident, if its their fault or not.

These are not major crimes, but they do affect many law-abiding citizens that dont want to be responsible or harmed for someone elses recklessness or irresponsibility.
Qambar Baloch, General Secretary of the Baloch Advocacy and Studies Center (BASC), has called for urgent international action on the worsening human rights situation in Balochistan, following a landmark seminar hosted by BASC at SOAS, University of London on July 30. Speaking to ANI after the event, Baloch said, "When we led the foundation of the Baloch Advocacy and Studies Center in May 2025, our team committed to a research-driven advocacy approach to highlight and address the various human rights challenges faced by the Baloch people in Iran and Pakistan. This seminar was a direct reflection of that mission." The seminar, titled "Hidden in the Shadows: Human Rights Violations Against the Baloch in Iran and Pakistan," presented detailed findings from BASC's upcoming annual report, focusing on extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances documented throughout 2024. "Our research shows a disturbing increase in state-led violence across Baloch regions," said Baloch. "These are not isolated incidents, but systematic abuses aimed at silencing a people." The event featured a strong lineup of speakers, including UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Mai Sato, and Sabiha Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), who offered testimony on repression in both Iranian and Pakistani Balochistan. Sato pledged to raise the issue before the UN Human Rights Council. Qambar Baloch emphasised that the seminar's impact extended beyond policy. "We were joined by journalists, diplomats, academics, and, most importantly, families of victims, people who continue to live in fear but refuse to be silent," he said. He concluded with a call for accountability, urging the international community to investigate enforced disappearances and hold perpetrators responsible. "We are not asking for sympathy. We are demanding justice under international law," Baloch stated. The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from BASC to support human rights defenders and civil society actors working under threat. Qambar Baloch affirmed, "We will continue our work until the Baloch people are no longer hidden in the shadows." (ANI)
A complete curfew has been imposed across North Waziristan amidst rising insecurity and militant activity, while authorities in Bajaur desperately scramble to negotiate with Pakistani Taliban (TTP) leaders, urging them to either retreat to Afghanistan or vanish into the mountains, according to multiple reports by Dawn News. On Friday, a peace march in Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan saw tribal elders, civil society representatives, political party members, and Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) activists uniting against what they described as a collapsing security environment. As per Dawn News, speakers at the rally squarely blamed Pakistan's state institutions for allowing the resurgence of militant elements in the region, leaving civilians to live in a state of permanent fear. This fear is now institutionalised, with the curfew order advising residents to remain indoors indefinitely. The curfew, a recurring tool of suppression by the Pakistan Army, comes alongside so-called "peace jirgas" often little more than photo-ops or pressure tactics, engaging directly with TTP commanders instead of taking any concrete action, Dawn News reported. In Bajaur, a 50-member delegation, including former and current PTI lawmakers, met TTP operatives in a mosque in the Lar Kalan area of Lowi Mamund tehsil to ask them to vacate populated zones. According to Dawn News, the militants refused immediate compliance, saying they needed "more time" to consult their handlers across the border in Afghanistan. This disturbing theatre of appeasement exposes the deep-rooted complicity between Pakistan's state machinery and extremist actors, many of whom have long been treated as "strategic assets." Rather than dismantling these militant infrastructures, the state seems content to negotiate terms of coexistence. Another jirga, held at the Bajaur Scouts headquarters in Khar and reported by Dawn News, saw military officials and politicians parroting hollow promises of "lasting peace." Frontier Corps (North) Inspector General Maj Gen Rao Imran Sirtaj stated that anti-terror operations were meant to restore normalcy, a claim that rings hollow given years of cyclical violence and displacement inflicted on local Pashtun populations. Meanwhile, reports of collateral damage, curfews, and arbitrary detentions continue to mount, with no end in sight. For many in these tribal districts, the so-called war on terror is nothing more than a cover for the Pakistan Army's colonial-style control, one that crushes local autonomy while empowering extremist groups to serve Islamabad's regional ambitions. According to Dawn News, another round of talks with the TTP is expected on Saturday. But for the people of Bajaur and North Waziristan, hope remains in short supply, held hostage by militants on one side and the Pakistani state on the other. (ANI)
Indian embassy in Spain on Saturday said that the delivery was two months ahead of the schedule, marking an important milestone in Indian defence capabilities.

"Indian Ambassador to Spain, Dinesh K Patnaik, along with senior officials from Indian Air Force, received the last of the 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville. The delivery, two months ahead of schedule, marks an important milestone in strengthening India's defense capabilities," the embassy said in a post on X.

https://x.com/IndiainSpain/status/1951437348916318655

The Airbus C295 is a robust, reliable and highly versatile tactical transport aircraft designed for missions ranging from troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, airborne warning, surveillance and reconnaissance, to signals intelligence, armed close air support, medical evacuation, VIP transport and airborne firefighting.

It is the world's most versatile and efficient multi-role tactical airlifter.

With more than 300 aircraft under contract, the C295 has an outstanding reliability record and proves itself to be a highly efficient aircraft every day.

The C295 is the perfect workhorse, offering unparalleled versatility and proven reliability to meet the needs of armed forces, governments and NGOs.

Bilateral partnership in defence sector between both the countries has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. The procurement of 56 C295 aircraft from Airbus Spain in a USD 2.5 billion contract, 40 of which will

be made in India by Tata Advanced Systems, represents the first Make in India project in the defence aircraft sector. The Chief of Indian Air Force ACM VR Chaudhari presided the handing over of the first C295 Aircraft to Indian government on September 13, 2023 in Seville, as per a statement by the MEA. (ANI)
Mara, who served as prime minister from 2014 to 2015, was detained after publishing a post on July 4 on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in which he described visits to individuals imprisoned for political reasons and vowed to seek justice for them.

"As long as the night lasts, the sun will obviously appear!" he wrote, adding, "We will fight by all means for this to happen as soon as possible!"

According to Al Jazeera, his legal team has condemned the proceedings, calling them politically motivated. Mara remains in detention, with a trial scheduled for September 29.

His arrest marks the latest incident in a broader clampdown on dissent by Mali's military rulers, which intensified after the country witnessed its first pro-democracy rally since the junta seized power nearly four years ago.

Abdoulaye Yaro, a close associate of Mara, told The Associated Press that the former PM was arrested following an order from a cybercrime prosecutor to detain him pending trial, for "expressing compassion for people jailed for political beliefs."

Mara's lawyer, Mountaga Tall, posted on X that his client is facing multiple charges including undermining state authority, inciting public disorder, and spreading false information.

Al Jazeera reported that Mali has seen growing repression since General Assimi Goita seized power through two coups in 2020 and 2021. In June, Goita was granted an additional five years in power, reneging on earlier promises of returning the country to civilian rule by March 2024.

The extension followed the military-led dissolution of political parties in May.

Mali, located in Africa's semi-arid Sahel region, has remained politically volatile amid a wave of instability sweeping across West and Central Africa over the past decade, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)
In a landmark breakthrough for international justice, Argentina's Supreme Criminal Court, the Federal Court of Criminal Cassation, ruled on June 18 that a genocide and crimes against humanity lawsuit brought by Uyghur victims against Chinese officials can move forward, according to Just Security (New York). The decision comes at a critical moment when authoritarian regimes are increasingly undermining international human rights law. While significant legal and diplomatic hurdles remain, the court's ruling offers a beacon of hope for Uyghur survivors seeking accountability for alleged atrocities in Xinjiang and refocuses international attention on a crisis frequently eclipsed by other global conflicts, as analysed by Just Security. The Uyghurs, approximately 12 million Turkic people living in what China labels the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, have endured intensifying repression since Xi Jinping rose to power. Following the 2014 "Strike Hard Against Violent Extremism" campaign, Beijing began arbitrarily detaining hundreds of thousands from 2017 onward in so-called "vocational training centres," widely recognised as internment camps. Reports confirm systemic abuses including torture, cultural erasure, gender-based violence, and forced disappearance, Just Security reported. Parallel to its domestic crackdown, Beijing has expanded transnational repression, targeting Uyghur activists abroad through sham legal proceedings. In 2022, the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights found that the mass detentions "may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity," but attempts to bring these horrors to the U.N. Human Rights Council were foiled by intense lobbying from China, the article notes. Argentina's ruling relies on the principle of universal jurisdiction, allowing legal action against perpetrators of genocide or war crimes irrespective of where such atrocities occurred. This legal doctrine has previously underpinned cases against Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, Syrian intelligence official Anwar Raslan, and Rwandan genocide perpetrators. The Cassation Court's decision overturns efforts by Argentina's lower courts, which initially shelved the case, citing an alleged parallel Turkish investigation that does not exist. The higher court ruled that judges who acted improperly should be replaced, and that the investigation should proceed by international law, reports Just Security. As a result, survivors may now gather evidence, press charges, and potentially secure international arrest warrants or Interpol Red Notices against Chinese officials, including high-ranking figures like Chen Quanguo. Though Latin America's relationship with China, including economic ties and participation in China-led forums like BRICS, may influence flagging support for the case, the ruling firmly establishes Argentina's judiciary as a potential global hub for justice. The precedent could pave the way for future lawsuits from victims in Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Gaza, and Russia, already seeking investigation through Argentine courts, according to Just Security. While it may be years before senior Chinese officials are summoned, Argentina's decision marks a pivotal affirmation: universal jurisdiction remains a viable path for accountability, and international law can still act as a force for truth, even against the most powerful states. (ANI)
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Sargodha has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker Muhammad Ismail to rigorous life imprisonment for his role in the May 9, 2023 riots, which included an attack on a judicial complex in Mianwali, Dawn reported. The verdict, issued on Friday by Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh, also declared 50 others--including senior PTI leaders and sitting lawmakers--as proclaimed offenders. Among those named are former Punjab opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar and MNAs Ahmad Chatha and Bilal Ijaz, Dawn stated. The court directed the Mianwali police chief to arrest all 51 fugitives within a month and produce them before the court. According to Dawn, the court convicted Ismail under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act, handing down three life terms, an additional 15 years of rigorous imprisonment, and fines exceeding Rs 3.5 million. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his property. Three separate FIRs had been registered at City Police Station, Mianwali, accusing hundreds of PTI leaders and workers of rioting, attacking a Pakistan Air Force base, torching public property, and setting fire to court records. Most parliamentarians and workers were added to the FIRs months after the incidents. Malik Shafqat Abbas Awan, a PTI MNA and counsel for one of the accused, slammed the ruling. "A black spot on the face of the judiciary," he said, alleging that Ismail had already been acquitted in two related cases and that the court relied on evidence "already been rejected." In a related development, Dawn reported that an ATC in Rawalpindi issued arrest warrants for 18 senior PTI leaders in connection with a protest held on November 26, 2024, in Wah Cantt. Those named include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur; Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan; former federal minister Sheikh Waqas Akram; former provincial minister Ijaz Khan Jazi; and former MNA Kanwal Shozab. The court directed the police to arrest the accused and produce them by August 8. It also summoned the investigating officer with the complete case record. Prosecutors argued that the accused were "deliberately evading arrest and ignoring repeated court summons, thereby obstructing the legal proceedings." Prosecutor Zaheer Abbas told the court that their continued absence was "affecting the judicial process and undermining the rule of law." The court also heard an application seeking cancellation of bail for 68 accused in a related case. Notices were issued to their sureties, and proceedings were adjourned until August 5. The court warned that legal action would be initiated not only against absconding individuals but also against those who had furnished their bail sureties if the accused failed to appear. (ANI)
Bangladesh's High Commissioner to India, Md Mustafizur Rahman (also known as M. Riaz Hamidullah), is on a four-day visit to Tripura, sparking speculation about strengthening India-Bangladesh ties. His itinerary includes visiting key locations like the Maitri Setu and inspecting the Sabroom Integrated Check Post, hinting at potential new transport routes between the two countries. The visit seems to signal a renewed diplomatic push between India and Bangladesh. On Friday morning, the High Commissioner paid floral tributes at Albert Ekka Park in Agartala, honouring the heroes of the 1971 Liberation War, an act rich in symbolism for Indo-Bangla friendship. He later visited the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala around 12:30 PM and met with Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for an hour, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh. Both leaders emphasised the importance of completing pending projects like the Maitri Setu and Agartala-Akhaura railway services to boost regional connectivity and trade. They discussed ways to tackle cross-border crime, human trafficking, and illegal movements, with Dr. Saha highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent infiltration. Renewing socio-cultural relationships and remembering India's contribution to Bangladesh's independence were also key aspects of the discussion. A key point of interest in his itinerary is today's planned visit to Nischintapur Railway Station and Ashuganj Port via the Akhaura border. This has fuelled fresh speculation about the possible launch of direct rail connectivity from Tripura through Bangladesh to Kolkata, a long-anticipated regional project aimed at enhancing trade and people-to-people links. The envoy's visit will also include inspection of the Sabroom Integrated Check Post (ICP), Maitri Setu (Friendship Bridge), and a courtesy meeting with the Governor of Tripura. While there is no official announcement yet regarding new transport routes, the strategic nature of the visit and the locations on the High Commissioner's itinerary point toward a renewed diplomatic momentum between India and Bangladesh. This visit highlights the mutual interest in boosting trade and people-to-people links between the two nations. The rail link project is expected to reduce travel time and distance between Agartala and the Indian mainland, bypassing the congested Siliguri corridor. By enhancing connectivity, both countries aim to promote economic development and regional integration. This is the first time since the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina govt in August last year that a top diplomat of Bangladesh has visited Tripura. After the meeting, Hamidullah is scheduled to meet Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday. He will be in Tripura until Monday, inspecting key infrastructure projects and assessing cross-border cooperation. (ANI)
The United States has imposed a 20 per cent tariff rate on goods from Taiwan, which is considered "temporary" by Taiwanese President William Lai, who expects further negotiations to secure a lower rate, Taipei Taiwan reported. This move is part of the US's "reciprocal" tariffs aimed at reducing trade imbalances. The tariffs on semiconductors, electronics, and information technology products will be determined separately under future US sectoral measures, as per Taipei Taiwan. The rate set by the US was one of several so-called "reciprocal" tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, just hours before a deadline to finalise trade frameworks with his administration. According to Taipei, Taiwan, the US initially proposed a 32 per cent tariff on Taiwanese goods in April, which was later reduced to 20 per cent. However, Taiwan's tariff rate exceeds those of regional competitors like Japan and South Korea, which face a 15 per cent levy. Notably, the tariff is set to take effect next Thursday after being formalised in an executive order signed by Trump. According to an economist at Barclays Bank, key Taiwanese exports, such as semiconductors, are largely exempt; the effective average tariff on shipments from Taiwan would rise to 8.3 per cent from 5.8 per cent. "The 20 per cent tariff rate was never Taiwan's target to begin with. We will continue negotiations and strive for a rate that is more favourable for Taiwan," Lai told a news briefing. Trade talks between the US and Taiwan are continuing, a US official confirmed on Friday, adding that a final agreement is close. "The interim rate is lower than the original rate, and it's much lower than that of several other major trading partners with ongoing negotiations," said the official. "Taiwan's offer was well received, and the two sides are close to a final agreement," the official added. Taiwan is also awaiting the outcome of a US investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which includes probes into sectors such as semiconductor products, a cornerstone of Taiwan's exports that remains exempt from the newly imposed tariffs. "Taiwan and the US will continue negotiations, with upcoming discussions to also include supply chain cooperation and issues related to the Section 232 investigation," the Executive Yuan said. "If an agreement is reached, there is a possibility of further reducing reciprocal tariff rates and securing preferential treatment on tariffs related to the Section 232 investigation." The final tariff rates would inevitably impact Taiwanese industry, Lai said. (ANI)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's recent visit to the White House has highlighted a shifting dynamic in US foreign policy, one that aims to confront the growing threat posed by an increasingly aggressive China, as reported by Asia Times. In a meeting with President Donald Trump, Marcos discussed bilateral cooperation and regional stability, but the tone and content of the talks revealed stark differences compared to the Biden administration's more assertive posture toward Beijing. Trump's meeting with Marcos avoided mention of trilateral initiatives involving Japan, which the Biden administration had previously used as part of a broader "latticework" strategy to contain China's regional ambitions. While Trump briefly praised joint military exercises with the Philippines, he downplayed ongoing maritime tensions with Beijing, tensions driven by China's illegal expansion and militarisation in the South China Sea, in direct violation of international law. According to Asia Times, Trump "professed that he didn't mind if the Philippines got along with China," a statement that critics say dangerously downplays Beijing's hostile actions, including its routine harassment of Philippine vessels within the country's exclusive economic zone. When President Marcos referenced the need to uphold international law against a country "that has intentions of unilaterally changing the world order," an unmistakable jab at China, Trump refused to respond in kind. Instead, he pivoted to economic cooperation, emphasising Chinese exports of rare earth magnets critical to US industries. This nonchalant attitude contrasts sharply with President Biden's emphasis on protecting freedom of navigation and resisting China's creeping militarisation of contested waters. Under Biden, the US reinforced its commitment to maritime law and supported Manila in confronting China's coast guard aggression. Trump's reluctance to back Marcos more forcefully risks emboldening Beijing's revisionist agenda. When Marcos raised the Philippines' military modernisation and the looming threat of China's aggression, Trump steered the conversation to terrorism, boasting that his previous administration had helped "wipe out ISIS" from the Philippines. Yet, even Manila has acknowledged China's limited assistance in counterterrorism, a calculated move by Beijing to curry favour while expanding its influence. As Asia Times notes, the Philippines sits just a few hundred miles from Taiwan, placing it in a precarious position should China invade. Trump's dismissal of Taiwan Strait tensions and vague comments about an "ammunition hub" in Subic fail to address the gravity of China's threat. With Beijing continuing to violate sovereignty and erode norms across the Indo-Pacific, downplaying the stakes is a dangerous game. A realist US policy must not confuse appeasement with pragmatism. (ANI)
The situation in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province continues to spiral, as reports of intensified military operations, widespread displacement, and growing public unrest emerge from areas such as Bajaur, Waziristan, and Tirah. Human rights activists, political groups, and members of the Pashtun community are raising their voices on international platforms, urging global intervention to stop what they describe as state-sponsored oppression. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PTM Canada, the overseas wing of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), issued a strong statement, "We urge the Canadian government, UN, and human rights organisations to break their silence. Entire districts across Pakhtunkhwa are being bombed and displaced under false pretexts. Peace is impossible without justice." Condemning the ongoing military operations, the group added, "The bombs falling on Bajaur, Waziristan, and Tirah are not ending terrorism, they are destroying lives, homes, and futures. PTM Canada stands with the people of Pakhtunkhwa and calls for an end to this military occupation." The growing crackdown on dissent has also sparked outrage among activists. Zakir Khan Wazir, a human rights activist and Central Committee Member of PTM, wrote, "Today, the state once again cracked down on the people's uprisings of the Pashtuns. In various areas of Pakhtunkhwa, numerous members of the Pashtun Protection Movement were arrested by the police. It is clear that the state fears these very activists, because they are the ones who consider it their duty to save their nation. The greatest threat to [Army Chief] Asim Munir is also from these very activists." The hashtag #DemilitarizePakhtunkhwa has been trending widely, with Pashtun social media users rallying support and exposing what they claim are decades of military exploitation and suppression in the region. Meanwhile, the Pashtun National Jigra, a collective representing elders and local leaders, called for a public referendum in Swat to denounce military presence and alleged rights violations. In a statement on X, the group said, "The elders and people of Swat have called for a public referendum against the colonial army's terrorism, oppression, and tyranny imposed on the Pashtuns, as well as the military operations conducted in the name of peace. This war may be a game of power, plunder, and earning dollars for them, but for us, it is a matter of life and death." Reaffirming the moral conviction behind their resistance, the Jigra further stated: "In the face of material power and the arrogance of colonialism, this battle of the Pashtun resistance's true spirit and courage may be painful, distressing, full of trials, and prolonged, but its conclusion will be the victory of the Pashtuns. This is the lesson of human history: the journey of resistance for the oppressed has always been painful and distressing, but victory has always been achieved by the oppressed." The growing unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has raised alarm among regional observers, with calls intensifying for international human rights bodies and the United Nations to closely monitor the situation and engage with the Pakistani government to halt military excesses and enable political dialogue. (ANI)
Poland on Friday signed a USD 6.5 billion agreement deal with South Korea for the procurement of the second batch of South Korean K2 main battle tanks from Hyundai Rotem Company, one of the leading defence manufacturers in the Southeast Asian nation, the South Korean Defence Ministry stated. According to the release by the country's Ministry of National Defence, the new contract includes the supply of 180 tanks and 81 support vehicles to the Polish Army by Seoul. The deal comes following the signing of the first batch of 180 K2 tanks in 2022 as a push for armament in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. As per the deal, Hyundai Rotem will be manufacturing 117 tanks, while the remaining units will be produced by Poland's state-owned defence firm PGZ, Yonhap News Agency reported. The signing ceremony was attended by South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. The Polish Deputy Prime Minister was also present at the event. "Minister of National Defence Ahn Gyu-baek attended the signing ceremony of the K2 Second Implementation Contract (180 tanks, 81 support vehicles, worth approximately 6.5 billion dollars) in Gliwice, Poland, on August 1, together with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz," the release stated. The second K2 implementation contract covers the manufacturing of the Polish version of the K2 tank, as well as the development of related variants such as bridge-laying, engineering (pioneer), and recovery tanks, the defense minsrtry stated and "has the potential to expand joint production and joint exports in the future, so it is expected to serve as an opportunity to further deepen defence industry cooperation between the two countries." Speaking at the event, Gyu-baek stated that the tanks are set to play a central role in Poland's defence and would also stand as a symbol of the partnership and shared pursuit of peace between our two nations. "The K2 tank, which will become the core of Poland's security, will become a symbol of cooperation and peace between our two countries as we think and act together to achieve the common goal of peace," he said. "Today's signing ceremony is not the end, but the beginning, and it will be an opportunity for Korea and Poland to further deepen cooperation through sharing values beyond security cooperation," the South Korean Defence Minister added. (ANI)
The Pakistani government has announced the resumption of deporting illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, ARY News reported, citing the Ministry of Interior. This decision will involve the application of Section 14-B of the Foreigners Act to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals who are currently under trial or have been convicted, the ministry added. The Ministry of Interior has cited the expiration of the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards on June 30, which previously allowed Afghan refugees to legally reside in Pakistan. As a result, PoR cardholders who remain in the country after the expiration date are now considered illegal residents. The ministry has issued directives to district administrations, police, prison authorities, and other relevant officials to arrest and deport illegal foreign nationals, as per ARY News. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Home Department has instructed PoR cardholders, Afghan citizens, to return to their home country. Afghan nationals have been directed to report to transit points in Peshawar and Landi Kotal for repatriation. According to ARY News, this directive aligns with the federal government's instructions issued on July 31, 2025, as confirmed by the KP Home Department. The KP Home Department reiterated that the PoR card validity expired on June 30, 2025, rendering the stay of Afghan citizens in Pakistan illegal thereafter. Afghan nationals without valid visas or passports will no longer be permitted to reside in Pakistan. The department emphasised that Afghan citizens remaining in the country after June 30, 2025, will be classified as illegal migrants. "Very difficult conditions have been created for all refugees in Islamabad. On one hand, arrests are happening day and night, and on the other hand, visa extensions have stopped. Currently, no visa or passport renewals are being processed," said Mohammad Reza Sazesh, an Afghan resident in Pakistan. The suspension of these services follows statements by senior Pakistani officials indicating that PoR cards would no longer be renewed -- sparking fear and uncertainty within the refugee population. (ANI)
The second phase of the petroleum pipeline project, being carried out with assistance from the Indian Government and extending from Nepal's Amlekhgunj in Bara to Lothar in Chitwan, has officially commenced. Alongside the pipeline expansion, the government aims to construct a petroleum storage facility with a three-month storage capacity. The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) inaugurated the field office of the project in Lothar, marking the formal start of the pipeline extension. A state-of-the-art Greenfield terminal will be constructed on approximately 23 bighas and 12 kathhas of land in Nepal's Rapti Municipality-1 in Lothar. According to NOC, "Petroleum products will be pumped directly from the Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) Motihari depot to Lothar. A 10.75-inch pipeline will be laid over a 62-kilometre stretch between Amlekhgunj and Lothar." Project Chief Pradeep Kumar Yadav stated that all necessary documentation for the pipeline expansion has been completed. "Road construction and coordination with IOC will begin immediately, with plans to complete and operate the project within three years," Yadav confirmed to ANI over the phone. Yadav emphasised that the pipeline will minimise environmental impact, reduce fuel theft, and prevent adulteration and also assured that the project would coordinate with locals, providing employment and other opportunities. Siddhalal Syangtang, Ward Chairperson of Rapti Municipality-1, expressed enthusiasm, calling it a prestigious project for the Chitwan region. Assistant Manager Anupam Parajuli informed that the pipeline will supply petroleum at a rate of 273 kilolitres per hour. "The pipeline will run parallel to the East-West Highway and is expected to transport up to 2 million tonnes of fuel annually," Parajuli said. The project will also include the construction of a pipeline station on a 160-square-meter plot in Lothar. Additionally, three vertical tanks with an 11,000-kilolitre capacity each will be built for petrol storage. Three more tanks with a combined capacity of 15,500 kilolitres will store diesel, and two tanks with an 800-kilolitre capacity will be constructed for kerosene storage. South Asia's first cross-border petroleum pipeline, linking Motihari (India) and Amlekhgunj (Nepal), was completed before the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic. The 78-kilometre-long petroleum pipeline includes 36 kilometres in Indian territory and 42 kilometres inside Nepal, stretching from the Indian border town of Raxaul to Amlekhgunj in Bara district, Nepal. The first petroleum pipeline, extending from India's Motihari to Amlekhgunj in Parsa, was jointly constructed by the Indian and Nepali governments. The Nepal Oil Corporation covered the construction costs on behalf of the Government of Nepal. Both governments have now agreed to extend it further to Lothar in Chitwan, and groundwork for the extension has already begun. The Indian government invested Rs 3.5 billion in the pipeline from Motihari to Amlekhgunj. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, jointly laid the foundation stone for the project at Hyderabad House in New Delhi during Oli's 2018 visit to India. The governments of Nepal and India signed the agreement for the pipeline's construction on August 24, 2015, in Kathmandu, during a visit by Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Approximately 70 per cent of Nepal's petroleum imports pass through the Amlekhgunj point. Additionally, on October 3, 2024, India and Nepal signed a B2B Framework Agreement to develop a petroleum pipeline and storage facility in Nepal. The agreement was signed between the Nepal Oil Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation. According to Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, who made the announcement on October 4, 2024, the B2B agreement with the Indian Oil Corporation includes the development of new oil pipelines from Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal. "There is also an agreement that Indian Oil Corporation will build two new Greenfield terminals for storing oil and petroleum products in Jhapa and Chitwan. These agreements are follow-ups to those signed during former Prime Minister Prachanda's visit to India last year," Ambassador Srivastava said. As per the B2B Framework Agreement, a 50-kilometre petroleum pipeline from Siliguri, India, to Charali in Jhapa will be built. Additionally, a Smart Greenfield Terminal with a capacity of 18,900 kilolitres will be constructed at Charali. The Government of India will provide a grant for implementing a 62-kilometre petroleum pipeline from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan. Similarly, at Lothar, a Smart Greenfield Terminal with a capacity of 91,900 kilolitres will be built by NOC with technical assistance from the Indian government. The total cost of these projects is estimated at Rs 15 billion. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India in May-June 2023. (ANI)
A sense of urgency and desperation filled the air in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square" on Saturday as protestors gathered, following the release of disturbing videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, CNN reported. The videos, released by militant groups Hamas and the Palestinians, depicted Israeli hostages Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski in a visibly fragile state, sparking widespread outrage and concern. The undated footage of David is juxtaposed with images of starving Palestinian children. They are among fifty hostages that remain in the territory, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive, as per CNN. The videos were released as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled, and Palestinians in Gaza face a mounting starvation crisis. According to CNN, the United States' special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, attended the protest in Tel Aviv, one day after visiting a controversial US-backed aid distribution site in the Gaza Strip. Witkoff later held a nearly three-hour meeting with around 40 representatives of the hostage families, which was described as "very emotional". During the meeting, Witkoff emphasised that ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas should be "all or nothing," with all 50 hostages in Gaza being returned to Israel in one go.. "The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it. We think the negotiations should be changed to all or nothing. End the war and bring all 50 hostages home at the same time - that's the only way," Witkoff reportedly said. "Someone will be to blame" if the remaining living hostages do not return to Israel still alive, Witkoff said, according to the forum. According to the forum, Witkoff said that the US will "get your children home and hold Hamas responsible for any bad acts on their part" and "do what's right for the Gazan people." "We have a plan to end the war and bring everyone home," he reportedly added. The hostage families, who have frequently said that ongoing fighting in Gaza endangers their loved ones - on Saturday called for an end to the war in the territory and a "comprehensive deal" that would see the remaining hostages freed. (ANI)
Five children were killed and 12 others were injured after a mortar shell they were 'playing' with exploded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district, the Dawn reported on Saturday. Citing the spokesperson for the Bannu region police, Aamir Khan, Dawn reported that children "discovered" the shell in a nearby field and, mistaking it for a toy, brought it back to their village in Sorband. According to Khan, the device detonated while the children were playing with it. The victims were immediately rushed to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu, where the injured are currently receiving emergency medical care. "The shell exploded, resulting in the deaths of five children and leaving 12 others critically injured... The deceased and injured children have been transported to Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital," Khan stated, as quoted by The Dawn. Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan visited the hospital to check on the injured children and met with medical staff to assess the quality of treatment, medicine availability, and emergency services. He also met with the families of the injured, offering them reassurance and support and stated that the affected families would receive full assistance and that those responsible would be held accountable. "He checked on their condition, encouraged them and met with hospital administration to review the provision of treatment, availability of medicines, and other medical facilities in detail," a statement issued by the RPO read, as quoted by the Dawn. It further stated that the Bomb Disposal Squad had reached the blast site, collected forensic evidence, and launched an investigation. This incident highlights the recurring danger of unexploded ordnance in Pakistan. As per Dawn, similar tragedies have occurred in the past; in October 2023, a grenade explosion in Balochistan's Wadh area killed one child and injured eight others. A month earlier, nine people, including four children, died in Sindh's Kashmore district after a rocket launcher round exploded inside a home. Authorities continue to urge caution and awareness in regions where leftover military explosives may be present. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has reportedly taken aim at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, suggesting that he should resign if he cannot maintain peace and order in the province, Geo News reported on Saturday, citing sources. "If Ali Amin Gandapur cannot restore peace, he should step down," Imran Khan said from prison, as quoted by sources, Geo News reported. According to Geo News, Khan also stated that Gandapur was unable to handle governance issues effectively and another individual should be given the opportunity to lead. Khan's remarks come amid a spike in terror-related incidents in KP and Balochistan, following the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021. According to a police report, the first seven months of 2025 saw 476 terror incidents in KP alone, resulting in the deaths of 121 civilians and injuries to over 300, Geo News reported. The violence also took a heavy toll on security personnel, with 66 Pakistani police officers killed and 90 injured, along with casualties among Levies, Frontier Corps, and other security forces of the country. Meanwhile, jail authorities have restored some of Imran Khan's privileges, including access to books and newspapers, Geo News reported. He was also allowed a one-hour phone call with his children, during which he learnt that their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) had expired, preventing them from visiting him in Pakistan. Khan reportedly clarified that he had never asked his sons to come to Pakistan for political protests. This statement follows earlier claims by his sister, Aleema Khan, that his sons, Suleiman and Kasim, would join PTI's August protests for their father's release. However, after media reports suggested Khan had barred his sons from returning to Pakistan for political engagement, PTI dismissed the claims, affirming that the sons still intended to visit, Geo News reported. Imran Khan, 71, has been imprisoned since August 2023 and is facing numerous charges, including corruption and terrorism, following his ouster from power via a no-confidence vote in April 2022. (ANI)
At the start of World Breastfeeding Week on Friday, the UN agency explained that breastfeeding protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. For infants, breast milk is more than food: it also provides protection against many common illnesses like diarrhoea, pneumonia and infections.

Mothers also benefit as breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, as well as breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

This year's theme calls for investing in health systems as well as policies, laws and programmes that prioritise women, babies and breastfeeding.

WHO urges governments to allocate dedicated funding for breastfeeding support, including for when new mums come home, along with maternity protections like paid leave after giving birth. (ANI/WAM)
A series of Ukrainian drone strikes has resulted in significant damage and loss of life in western Russia, with at least three people killed and two others wounded in the overnight attacks, as a fire broke out at an oil refinery in central Russia after it was hit, Al Jazeera reported In one incident, a woman was killed and two others were wounded when a Ukrainian drone targeted an enterprise in the Penza region, Oleg Melnichenko wrote on Telegram on Saturday. In another incident, an elderly man died inside his house when it caught fire due to falling drone debris in the Samara region. Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev confirmed the death on Telegram. According to Al Jazeera, a guard at an industrial facility was killed after a drone attack caused a fire in one of the site's buildings in the Rostov region. Acting Governor Yury Slyusar reported that the military had repelled a massive air attack during the night, destroying drones over seven districts. Slyusar wrote on Telegram, "The military repelled a massive air attack during the night," destroying drones over seven districts. Meanwhile, Ukraine's military claimed to have struck Russia's Ryazan oil refinery, causing a fire on its territory. The Unmanned Systems Forces also reported hitting the Annanefteprodukt oil storage facility in the Voronezh region. While the Ukrainian military did not specify how the facilities were hit, they have expertise in drone warfare, including long-range strikes, as per Al Jazeera. Separately, Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency said its drones had hit Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield, which has been used to launch waves of long-range drones at targets in Ukraine. The SBU said it also hit a factory in Penza that it said supplies Russia's military-industrial complex with electronics. At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine had no response to Moscow's vast long-range strike capacity, but it has since built up a fleet of long-range kamikaze drones able to carry explosive warheads for many hundreds of kilometres (miles). (ANI)
India has dramatically increased its crude oil imports from the United States since President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term, according to sources familiar with the trade data. The surge represents a significant shift in India's energy procurement strategy, with imports jumping by more than half compared to the previous year. Government sources revealed the scale of the increase in bilateral energy trade between the world's largest democracy and the US. "From January to June 25, India increased its imports of US average crude supplies by 51 per cent compared to the same period last year. (From .271 mb/d in January to June 2025 as compared to 0.18 mb/d in the same period last year)." The trend has been particularly pronounced in recent months, with the April-June 2025 quarter showing an even steeper rise of 114% compared to the same period in 2024. The financial value of these imports has more than doubled, climbing from $1.73bn in the first quarter of 2024-25 to $3.7bn in the corresponding period of 2025-26. The momentum appears to be accelerating, with sources indicating the upward trajectory has continued through the summer months. "So, in July 2025, India imported 23 per cent more crude oil from the US compared to June 2025. In India's overall crude imports, while the US share was only 3 per cent, it increased to 8 per cent in July. Furthermore, in the financial year (2025-2026), Indian companies would increase their crude oil import by 150 per cent", sources say. The increased trade extends beyond crude oil to other energy products. India's imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from America have also risen sharply. LNG imports reached $2.46bn in the 2024-25 financial year, nearly doubling from $1.41bn the previous year - an increase of almost 100%. Sources suggest this is just the beginning, with discussions underway for a major long-term LNG contract worth tens of billions of dollars. The energy trade surge comes as both countries express optimism about their broader relationship. On Friday, India's foreign ministry signalled confidence that bilateral ties would continue strengthening despite global uncertainties. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the resilience of the partnership between New Delhi and Washington. "India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to and are confident that the relationship will continue to move forward," he said. The comments reflect India's approach of maintaining stable diplomatic and economic relations regardless of political changes in Washington, with energy cooperation emerging as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. (ANI)
China's PLA turns 98, celebrates reform achievements

Xinhua) 09:08, August 02, 2025

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution in Beijing has received countless visitors this summer. In the exhibition hall, young children could be seen gathering around a display case containing a rusty bolt-action rifle.

Known as Hanyang Zao, meaning Made-in-Hanyang, this rifle was used in the Nanchang Uprising led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Aug. 1, 1927, a day now remembered as the founding day of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Over 8,000 km away, meanwhile, China's J-35A stealth fighter was a superstar at the 2025 Paris Air Show. This home-developed Chinese fighter jet manifests the growing combat capabilities and technological prowess of the PLA.

The year 2025 marks the 98th anniversary of the PLA's founding. Just as China's weaponry has seen remarkable evolution over the years, the Chinese military has also continuously strengthened itself by reinforcing the primacy of political guidance and advancing comprehensive reforms. Notably, significant progress has been made in this regard over the past decade.

ENHANCING POLITICAL LOYALTY

"Without the unprecedented reinforcement of political work, the great changes that took place in the people's military in the new era wouldn't have been possible," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a high-level military conference in June 2024.

This meeting took place in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a city of utmost significance in the history of China's revolution. Before the meeting, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), led senior military officers to visit the revolutionary relics at Wangjiaping, where the Party's military headquarters were stationed from August 1937 to March 1947.

At the conference, Xi stressed that political work is always the lifeline of the country's military, the armed forces must always be led by those who are reliable and loyal to the Party, and there must be no place for corruption within the military.

These remarks echoed a similar 2014 meeting in Gutian, Fujian Province, where Xi convened a military political work conference amid efforts to sharpen fighting capacity and curb corruption.

Gutian was a historically significant township, where the landmark 1929 meeting was held to establish the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, or "the Party commands the gun" in short.

At the conference in 2014, Xi reiterated that this principle shall always be firmly upheld.

In the following decade, Xi's thoughts on strengthening the military have been widely carried out, bringing greater unity in thought and firmness in action.

At the same time, corruption is being rooted out, loyalty is being strengthened, and unhealthy practices are being corrected to solidify the foundation for future victories.

Recently, the CMC issued new regulations on strengthening political work, aiming to uphold the military's fine traditions, eliminate the lingering impact of corrupt officers, and restore image.

As observers noted, without strong military capabilities, an army may fall before its enemies; and without firm political commitment, it may collapse from within.

MILITARY REFORM CONTINUES

It has been 10 years since China deepened its reforms of national defense and the armed forces. A decade ago, Xi ordered the reorganization of the military administration structure and military command system, and the building of an efficient, modern military capable of succeeding in information-age warfare.

Thanks to this reform initiative, troop numbers were reduced by 300,000. This cut marked a historic shift, as Army personnel dropped below 50 percent of the total for the first time, non-combat unit staffing was almost halved, and officer numbers fell by 30 percent.

This reform effort also created new front-line combat units -- such as combined arms brigades, air assault brigades and aircraft carrier battle groups.

Military reform has significantly enhanced operational capabilities. The Army has become faster and more effective at fighting in various environments, while the Navy has expanded its defensive reach from near-seas to open oceans. The Air Force has integrated air and space domains, and the Rocket Force has strengthened both its nuclear and conventional deterrents.

Observers said the PLA is now leaner, better organized and structurally optimized -- fundamentally changing its long-standing land-based warfare force structure. The command chain of the Chinese military has also become increasingly streamlined, while force projection has grown ever more efficient.

Reform efforts remain ongoing. In April 2024, the Information Support Force was established, replacing a previous structure -- a move that underscores the PLA's intensified focus on achieving data dominance.

These efforts will be on full display on Sept. 3, when China holds a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Alongside the latest generation of conventional weapons, the parade will feature unmanned intelligent systems, underwater combat units, cyber and electronic forces, and hypersonic weapons -- highlighting the PLA's growing capacity to harness emerging technologies, adapt to the evolving character of warfare, and prepare to prevail in future conflicts.

The Chinese military has always been a staunch force for upholding world peace, and Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experience will participate in the parade, Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the CMC Joint Staff Department, told a press conference in June.

"This arrangement not only highlights China's solemn commemoration of the victory in the war, but also demonstrates the country's commitment to fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding world peace," Wu noted.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Somalilands new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, is offering the United States access to a strategic military base near the Red Sea and critical mineral resources, including lithium, in exchange for formal diplomatic recognition.

The breakaway region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has yet to receive international recognition despite decades of stability and democratic governance. Now, with rising global interest in African resources and Red Sea security, Somaliland is positioning itself as a reliable partner in a volatile region. The breakaway region is open to U.S. cooperation in security, trade, and counter-terrorism, and would also be prepared to offer a deal involving critical minerals, including lithium, Abdullahi told Bloomberg. If the U.S. is interested to land in Somaliland, they are most welcome. Talks with U.S. officials  including the Department of Defense and American diplomats in Somalia  have intensified. Abdullahi confirmed that senior U.S. military figures recently visited Hargeisa, the capital.

Somalilands offer comes at a time when the U.S. is reasserting influence in Africa amid a growing rivalry with China. A Red Sea foothold could enhance U.S. strategic presence near Houthi rebel activity and key shipping lanes. On the possibility of establishing a U.S. military base in the territory, Abdullahi responded: We are now still discussing issues. We are looking forward to that discussion bearing fruits in the future. However, Washington maintains its recognition of Somalias territorial integrity. The U.S. State Department reiterated it is not actively considering Somalilands bid. Despite the diplomatic hurdles, Abdullahi emphasized that partnerships on security and minerals could proceed regardless of formal recognition  part of a broader strategy to raise Somalilands international profile.
Moroccos foreign trade landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with Asian economies- led by China, Turkey, and India- emerging as key suppliers, gradually reshaping the Kingdoms traditional reliance on European partners.

According to data from the Moroccan Exchange Office, between 2015 and 2024, Chinas exports to Morocco surged by 194%, rising from 30.7 billion dirhams to 90.2 billion dirhams. This leap has positioned China as Moroccos second-largest supplier, just behind Spain, and ahead of France, which has dropped to third place.

The shift reflects both global economic realignments and Moroccos strategic efforts to diversify its supply chains and strengthen ties with emerging markets.

Chinas rise is driven by a sharp increase in Moroccan imports of electronics, industrial equipment, textiles, and construction materials, as well as Chinese investments in Moroccan infrastructure.

Turkey and India have also made significant inroads. Turkey climbed from 8th to 6th place among Moroccos suppliers, with exports growing 148%, while India entered the top 10 for the first time, exporting pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, and automotive parts.

The United States maintained its position as Moroccos fourth-largest supplier, with a 198% increase in exports, particularly in technology, agriculture, and aerospace.

Despite the rise of Asian suppliers, Europe remains Moroccos largest trade partner, with five countries (Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal) still in the top 10. However, their relative share is declining.

Spain remains the top supplier, with exports reaching 118.8 billion dirhams in 2024, up 121% from 2015. France, meanwhile, has seen its position eroded by price competition and sectoral shifts, particularly in textiles and agri-food.
The ambitious Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project has reached critical milestones following high-level meetings in Rabat, positioning the 6,000-kilometer infrastructure initiative for imminent implementation. In December 2024, West African leaders approved the Intergovernmental Agreement during the 66th CEDEAO Summit, spelling out each countrys rights and responsibilities for the project.

Moroccos Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali announced the launch of the pipelines first phase connecting Nador to Dakhla before Julys end, representing a $6 billion investment in what will become the projects North-South backbone. This Moroccan segment marks the transition from planning to operational reality for the continental megaproject.

The pipeline will start in Nigeria and run along the Atlantic coast through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania before reaching Morocco. The infrastructure will transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, serving both African markets and European consumers through connections to existing pipeline networks.

Technical achievements include completed feasibility studies, finalized environmental impact assessments for northern sections, and the recent addition of Togos SOTOGAZ as the final national partner. The $25 billion project, jointly led by Moroccos ONHYM and Nigerias NNPC, embodies Moroccos Atlantic Initiative vision for integrated West African development.

The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, estimated at about $26 billion and spanning from Nigeria through multiple ECOWAS countries to Morocco, promises transformative impacts beyond energy supply. The infrastructure will provide electricity access to over 500 million Africans, catalyze industrial development including aluminum processing in Guinea, and potentially transport green hydrogen from Morocco to European markets.

Financial structuring shows encouraging progress with the United Arab Emirates among interested investors. Project profitability exceeding 12% has attracted specialized funds and international financial institutions, validating the economic viability of this strategic infrastructure that will reshape Africas energy landscape for generations.
Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has consistently extended an olive branch to Algeria, urging the normalization of ties, the reopening of borders, and the revival of Maghreb integration. Yet, every sincere Moroccan initiative has been met with silence or hostility from Algiers.

In his historic Throne Day speech on July 30, the King once again reaffirmed Moroccos unwavering commitment to a frank and honest dialogue on all outstanding issues. His message was clear: Morocco remains open to reconciliation and regional cooperation.

This is not a new stance. In 2005, King Mohammed VI visited Algeria for an Arab League summit, emphasizing the deep-rooted bonds between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples, bonds of history, culture, and shared destiny. He has repeatedly described the two nations as twin peoples, united by geography and blood, and has maintained a policy of openness and goodwill.

Moroccos approach is not just diplomatic. It is historical. During Algerias war of independence, the Moroccan monarchy and people stood firmly by their Algerian brothers, offering weapons, shelter, and unwavering support. Morocco served as the main rear base for the Algerian liberation army. Ironically, decades later, Algeria has become the rear base of a separatist militia that has failed in its separatist scheme in southern Morocco, or the Sahara.

While Morocco champions unity and cooperation, Algerias ruling elite- led by a military establishment hiding behind a fragile civilian facade- has chosen confrontation.

Under President Tebboune and General Chengriha, Algeria has doubled down on its support for the Polisario, turning it into a state-sponsored obsession. The regimes reaction to the U.S. recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara was not dialogue, but diplomatic rupture.

As Morocco gains growing international support for its territorial integrity, Algeria isolates itself further, punishing even its own citizens with measures that harm mixed Moroccan-Algerian families. From banning Moroccan flights in 2021 to imposing visas on Moroccans, Algeria has escalated tensions unilaterally.

Throughout, Morocco has remained dignified and silent, refusing to be dragged into provocations. History will be the ultimate judge of who worked for Maghreb integration and unity and who stood in its way.
Libyas Emergency and Ambulance Service in Al-Kufra has rescued approximately 50 Sudanese refugees, including women and children, who were stranded in the remote Siouf Boufatma desert region, some 450 kilometres south of the city.

The group was discovered on Thursday, July 31, morning by the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by thousands fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Many refugees attempt to cross harsh desert terrain in search of safety, often with inadequate supplies, placing their lives at severe risk.

In response to the mounting humanitarian crisis, Al-Kufras Municipal Council spokesperson, Abdullah Suleiman, has renewed calls for the reopening of the Sudanese consulate in the city. With an estimated 60,000 Sudanese refugees now in Al-Kufra, Suleiman stressed the urgent need for diplomatic support to address legal and welfare concerns, especially as many arrivals face deadly accidents or severe health complications. The situation underscores the growing pressure on Libyan border communities as they contend with the ripple effects of regional instability and population displacement.
US president Donald Trump reiterated his countrys recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara and described autonomy as the only solution to the dispute.

I also reiterate that the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Moroccos serious, credible, and realistic Autonomy Proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute, Trump said in a message to King Mohammed VI on occasion of the Throne Day.

The United States deeply values our strong and enduring partnership with Morocco. Together, we are advancing shared priorities for peace and security in the region, including by building on the Abraham Accords, combatting terrorism and expanding commercial cooperation that benefits both Americans and Moroccans, Trump said.

I look forward to continuing our collaboration to promote regional stability, prosperity and peace, the USA President concludes.

The message makes it clear that support for Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara is the US state policy.

Trump had recognized Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, in a move that was followed by a similar decision by France.

It comes amid a growing momentum in Moroccos favour that saw the UK, most of the EU and Africa as well as Arab monarchies back the Kingdoms right to its southern provinces: the Sahara.
The man whose name has already been placed on Auburn University's prestigious College of Engineering has made the largest scholarship commitment in the university's history to assist engineering students facing financial obstacles.

Samuel Ginn and the Ginn Family Foundation has committed $30 million to establish the Ginn Scholarship Program, which will provide up to 40 scholarship awards annually to cover tuition, fees, room and board for up to five years. The scholarship will be for students admitted into the College of Engineering. Ginn graduated from the college in 1959.

"My hope is that this program will lessen the financial burden of a higher education and help families in our state. There are so many students with strong family value systems, and they deserve an opportunity to focus on their studies instead of focusing on their financial situation," Ginn said.

According to a news release from AU, in order for students to qualify for this merit-based scholarship, they must demonstrate need and graduate from a Title I high school in the state of Alabama. Candidates must also "have exercised leadership skills in school community activities and have values that align with those espoused in the Auburn Creed," according to the news release.

Ginn wants to support students facing the same financial burdens he did

Ginn said that when he attended Auburn, his parents faced the affordability issue that he now sees affecting so many in the state. While at Auburn, Ginn said he participated in Reserve Officers' Training Corps, waited tables and worked in a clothing store.

"I was never ashamed of that. In fact, it instilled that hard work mentality that is grounded in the Auburn Creed," Ginn said.

Those awarded the scholarship will be considered Ginn Scholars, and the program is designed to provide both financial and transitional assistance to incoming freshmen, as well as student support services to assist with navigating the challenging curriculum of the Ginn College of Engineering.

That assistance will come in a number of ways. Ginn Scholars will be provided a dedicated space to study and collaborate, and they will also attend lectures on personal finance and other subjects designed to support future success.

Members of the Ginn Scholars Program will also complete a first-year seminar to learn about the available student support services and resources. According to the news release, this seminar will allow the scholars to meet and connect early in their academic journeys, which is a critical part of the program.

Ginn provided $25M donation almost 25 years ago

This $30 million scholarship commitment is the largest in the university's history, but it is not the first time Ginn has made a large donation to the school.

His 2001 commitment of $25 million to the college was the single-largest academic gift to a higher education institution in the states history. That donation led to the college being renamed the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in his honor. Beyond that, the donation led to the establishment of a wireless engineering program at Auburn University, the first of its kind in the nation.

Mario Eden, the dean of engineering at Auburn University, said that $25 million propelled the college "to levels of achievement and excellence that previously we could only have dreamed of."

"This new investment in the Ginn Scholars Program will provide access to hundreds of students from the state, further cementing our mission as a land-grant institution," Eden said. "The Ginn Scholars Program will continue our objective to be one of the top engineering colleges in the nation."

Ginn's contributions to Auburn University comes after a successful career that started when he graduated from the university with a degree in industrial engineering. After he served in the Army Signal Corps, he had a 31-year career with AT&T and its affiliates, including a position as CEO of Pacific Telesis, an AT&T affiliate with 90,000 employees.

He left that position to help build AirTouch, which became the largest cellular company in the world with operations across the U.S., Europe and Asia. In 1999, AirTouch was sold to Vodafone for $65 billion. Many of the company's original 300 employees became millionaires at the time of the sale, the news release said.

Ginn later became one of the early founders of Ondot Systems and has served on the corporate boards of 11 companies, including Chevron, Safeway, Hewlett-Packard, Pacific Telesis, AirTouch and Vodafone.

He has served as chairman of the California Business-Higher Education Forum, the California Business Roundtable and the Committee on Jobs and the Economy. He is an overseer at the Hoover Institute in Palo Alto, California, as well as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University's School of Business. He also served on Auburn University's Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2013.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from Auburn University in 1998, and he is also a member of the Wireless Hall of Fame, the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame and the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

"My Auburn engineering experience was transformational for my life," Ginn said. "My wife, Ann, our children and I are proud to celebrate our commitment from 25 years ago with this new gift. Auburn has given so much to us, and we are proud to play a role in laying the foundation for the future."
Rosatom is seeking government financial support to maintain its global leadership in the nuclear energy market and carry out new projects, citing limited financing options due to international sanctions.

Kazakhstan has decided to independently build thermal power plants originally contracted to Russia's Inter RAO due to a lack of promised financing, and is increasingly turning to China for nuclear power plant construction.

Russian energy entities are experiencing financing woes, raising questions about whether Rosatom, Russias nuclear energy agency, will be able to fulfill its obligations to build Kazakhstans first atomic power plant.

Already, financing troubles have caused another Russian state-controlled firm, Inter RAO, to lose out on constructing three thermal power plants in Kazakhstan.

During a July 30 appearance before the Russian State Commission on Energy, Andrei Petrov, a top Rosatom official, openly acknowledged that Rosatom was seeking government support. The entity has the resources to complete ongoing work, but by 2027, it will need a financial injection to carry out new projects, Petrov indicated.

Rosatom officials have been somewhat cagey in specifying exactly what kind of support they are seeking and have shied away from specifying an amount. For example, Rosatoms chief, Alexei Likhachev, recently stated the entity is seeking the provision of special resources from the government, according to a report published by the Interfax news agency.

In 2024, a Rosatom official, referring to a program to develop floating nuclear power plants, indicated that Rosatom had limited financing options due to international sanctions on Russia, and required state-subsidized low-interest loans in order for the company to maintain its industry lead in several areas. Rosatom presently enjoys a roughly 50 percent share of the global nuclear energy market, with operations even in several NATO member states, such as Turkey and Hungary.

The only way to maintain leadership with this product [floating nuclear power plants] is to subsidize exports even more than we already are, Interfax quoted Vladimir Aptekarev, a top official at the Rosatom subsidiary Atomenergomash JSC, as saying in 2024, citing Chinese competition.

The Russian government, given the immense burden on the state budget imposed by its war effort in Ukraine, has so far resisted pleas from energy entities for increased support. Rosatom officials have acknowledged that the lack of assistance has hindered efforts to build new types of thermal and nuclear units, known as units Shelf-M and Elena-AM.

The Russian governments cash crunch appears to be responsible for delays in construction of three planned Kazakh thermal power plants near Kokshetau, Semey and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Inter RAO signed a contract to build the three plants at an estimated cost of about $2.7 billion, with financing to be provided by Russian state-connected institutions. But the money never materialized.

On July 31, Deputy Kazakh Prime Minister Roman Sklyar confirmed that Kazakhstan was ditching the contract with Inter RAO, adding that it would build the plants on its own, according to media reports.

When the company [Inter RAO] took on the obligation to build these facilities, it was supposed to receive export financing at a low rate. Unfortunately, they were unable to do this, so it was decided to build them independently, he said.

The Kazakh governments decision to move on from Inter RAO on the thermal plant projects instantly sparks questions about the fate of Rosatoms deal to build Kazakhstans first nuclear power station.

When Kazakhstans Atomic Energy Agency announced in June that Rosatom would lead the consortium to build the plant on the shores of Lake Balkhash, it indicated that the deal was contingent on the Russian entitys ability to arrange financing. Work on the issue of attracting state export financing at the expense of the Russian Federation has begun, a KAEA statement announced at the time.

At the same time in June, Kazakh officials made the unexpected announcement that they were giving a contract to Chinas National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to build a second nuclear power plant. At the time, observers saw the announcement as a shrewd move to keep Kazakhstans two powerful neighbors, Russia and China, happy. But in hindsight, the move can also be seen as a hedge.

On July 31, Kazakhstan appeared to give a vote of no-confidence in Rosatoms ability to deliver on the nuclear plant. Sklyar, the deputy prime minister, announced that CNNC would lead construction of a third nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. He declined to disclose a cost estimate for the projects, adding that the locations of both the second and third nuclear power stations had not been determined.

Even so, it appears Kazakhstan has a backup plan already in place in case the Rosatom deal falls through.

By Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Efforts to cut Europes energy ties with Moscow have already changed the flow of crude oil. Now, attention is turning to refined products, particularly diesel refined from Russian crude outside of the bloc. The goal is clear: reduce the Kremlins revenues. But cutting off diesel imports into the bloc in this manner is no simple matter. Keeping track of the origin of each single molecule of diesel around the world is a near-impossible task.

Since the war began, refiners in India, Turkey, and the Gulf have taken in Russian crude, processed it, and shipped the resulting fuel to Europe. The trade is legal, even if it appears to sidestep the spirit of sanctions. With the origin hard to determine after co-processing with crude from countries around the world, regulators are left to work with incomplete data and too many logistical hurdles. If the bloc wants to limit imports of anything suspected of being refined from Russian crude, it will simply have to ban imports from any country known to import the raw material.

The intention may be to simply force countries like India, Turkey to stop buying Russian crude altogether and therefore put pressure on Russian oil revenues. With the US threatening large tariffs on any buyer of Russian oil too, the combination would represent something of a pincer move that could really see Russian crude barrels struggle to find a buyer, as other nations will be very wary of drawing the attention of the US tariff ire. Prices for crude on the legitimate market might well spike in this case. Related: Enbridge Books Record Core Earnings on Power and Gas Demand

At the same time ,though, Europes domestic refining capacity is in retreat. The closure of Praxs Lindsey site in the UK is just one example. Across the continent, tighter emissions targets, weak margins, and ageing infrastructure are pushing plants offline at a rapid pace this year. As these units disappear, so too does a degree of energy independence. The more Europe relies on imports, the harder it becomes to police the source and to ensure smooth supply chains.

Demand, by contrast, remains reasonably robust. Diesel powers logistics, agriculture and heavy industry. While alternatives are gaining ground, they are not yet capable of filling the gap. That leaves policymakers with a tricky balance: enforcing sanctions without triggering a shortage.

If enforced strictly, such rules may shift trade patterns again. Diesel, once headed for Europe, may find a new home in Latin America or Asia. Meanwhile, Europe could draw more fuel from the US or East Asia. Freight costs, arbitrage spreads and shipping availability would all need to adjust. These transitions are rarely smooth, and market dislocation remains a risk.

That said, diesel markets are nothing if not adaptable. Past sanctions and disruptions have forced refiners, traders and shippers to find new routes. Unless enforcement becomes more forensic, Russian molecules will eventually find their way in, via longer journeys, different paperwork, and revised labels.

What happens next may depend less on political resolve than logistical nuance. Banning Russian diesel outright sounds decisive. Enforcing it in practice will be harder. As ever the devil will be in the detail come January 2026, while geopolitics has a habit of getting in the way of such plans.

By Neil Crosby via Sparta Commodities

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Ive been following the oil market closely this yeardaily, even hourly at timesand if theres one thing I can say with confidence, its that the surface-level calm belies several meaningful shifts that are underway. To fully grasp those shifts, and the long-term direction of oil prices and markets, one needs to look at some of the big-picture changes taking place. From Asias resilient demand to a quiet transformation in the supplier landscape, and now the growing tension between physical tightness and projected oversupply, the contours of the next chapter in oil are becoming clearer. Below are three developments I believe deserve closer attention.

Pay Close Attention to Asia - Not just China

Lets start with Asian demand. Despite a wave of cautious macro projections, I believe oil consumption across the region remains stronger than acknowledged. Asias crude imports in the first half of 2025 came in at 27.25 million barrels per day, according to LSEG dataup 510,000 bpd year-on-year. Thats significant, especially when both OPEC and the IEA are putting out relatively modest near-term growth projections.

But its not just about 2025. Looking ahead toward 2030, the demand profile remains solid. Ive been following Indias trajectory in particular, where oil consumption is expected to rise by 1 million bpd between 2024 and 2030. That number reflects more than headline growthit speaks to industrial expansion, a rising middle class, and sustained infrastructure development.

A very important medium-term trend to look at is the rise of so-called Tiger Cub economiesVietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. These markets are not as large individually, but collectively they are becoming more relevant. Non-OECD Asia (excluding China and India) is projected to increase demand by 1.3 million bpd by 2030 from 2024 levels. Thats a material shift. It also helps explain why Asia remains the gravitational center of global crude tradeboth now and into the future. Pay close attention to Asia!

China Hedging Suppliers

In parallel, another major reorientation in supply relationships is underwayparticularly the rise of Brazil as a primary crude supplier to China. In Q2 2025, Brazilian crude shipments to China jumped 60% year-on-year, reaching 93.6 million barrels, with China now absorbing 40% of Brazils total exports. This isnt a blip. Nearly all of it is arriving via VLCCs to ports across North China, with Petrobras increasing output and streamlining export logistics in response. Chinese firms like Unipec and Sinochem are not just buying moretheyre becoming central to Petrobras commercial planning.

This was expected to happen given the wider changes in the region, especially regarding the BRICS. Brazil is becoming a structural supplier to China, just as China phases out U.S. energy imports. In June 2025, China imported no crude oil, LNG, or coal from the U.S.the first time in nearly three years. At the same time, U.S.Brazil energy relations are deteriorating, with Washington threatening 50% tariffs on Brazilian oil. Brazils pivot toward Asia is real, and I believe its just beginning.



Source: Stephen Stapczynski, LinkedIn

Kazakhstan - the Buckle in the Belt

This development is the most important. It pertains to the cohesion and future of the OPEC+ group. If you read the recently released report of Kazakhstans 20252040 oil refining development strategy, it aims at refining expansion with the goal to more than double capacityfrom 18 million to 39 million tons/year by 2040. With domestic demand growing at 1.52% annually, Kazakhstan is also looking outward. Exports to China, India, and Central Asia are becoming core to its strategy. In a world where regional logistics and intra-Asian energy corridors are becoming more valuable, Kazakhstan is worth watching closely. It's worth considering what might happen if the country continues to be a chronic over-producer. How long will OPEC+ tolerate it? Is it likely to improve its compliance?

Bonus - Global Supplies

Another short-term trend that merits attention is the emerging contradictory picture of demand vs supply. In this regard, one of the biggest questions Ive been grappling with is: Is the market tight or oversupplied?

Between March and June, OPEC+ increased quotas by 959,000 bpd, but only 543,000 bpd of that materialized. That created a short-term gap, contributing to drawdowns in U.S. crude inventories, which fell by 3.2 million barrels in the week ending July 18. Gulf Coast refinery runs remain strong, and diesel margins are elevated. Barrels are flowing straight into refined products or exports, not into storage.

But this tightness is narrowand fading. Supply is building underneath. U.S. and Brazilian production are both increasing, and recent Macquarie estimates show a 4.7 million barrel U.S. crude build for the week ending July 25, suggesting that the earlier drawdowns may soon reverse. Primary Visions recently released Efracs platform also shows that the Frac Job Count will remain steady moving forward. This means we can expect sustained supply.

Theres also growing floating storage activity in Asia and the Middle East. Some supplyespecially from Russia and Iranis flowing into less transparent systems, either through blended shipments or non-OECD stockpiles. It hasnt hit IEA-tracked inventories yet, but its in the system.

The way I see it, the current state isnt tight or oversuppliedits in transition. Tight in July. Loosening now. And by early Q4, we could be firmly in oversupply unless consumption surprises or OPEC+ reins things back. I think this is exactly whats reflected in recent Brent and WTI softnessprices are reacting to forward balances, not current draws.

The point is to learn to differentiate between noise and signals. There is indeed a lot of noise lately, and that is what makes it so hard to track oil prices.

By Osama Rizvi for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
United States President Donald Trump aims to develop the countrys seabed mining industry to access a supply of critical minerals, which are vitally needed across several industries, to reduce reliance on China. However, as seabed mining is an international issue, with strong regulations and norms on operations, Trumps plan has attracted widespread criticism from international organisations and environmentalists worldwide.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous organisation that was established in 1982 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to protect the worlds marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities. By 2024, the ISA had 170 members, including 169 member states and the European Union  although not the United States  which had signed the Law of the Sea treaty.

In recent years, pressure has been mounting on the ISA to introduce regulations for the commercial extraction of minerals, with several global powers calling for a moratorium. Many expect the ISA to deliver such regulations this year, as several countries have begun to discuss plans for seabed mining for critical minerals due to the high global demand for these metals and minerals.

In 2024, Norway introduced a plan to assess the potential for deep-sea mining for minerals before the move was eventually blocked after the countrys Socialist Left Party said it would not support the governments budget unless it scrapped the first licensing round, set for 2025, over environmental concerns. Meanwhile, several Pacific Islands, which rely heavily on the health of the ocean, continue to fight against deep-sea mining operations in a bid to ensure their survival.

However, this has not stopped President Trump from encouraging plans for seabed mining in U.S. waters. In April, Trump signed an executive order to Unleash Americas Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources. In the order, Trump states, Our Nation must take immediate action to accelerate the responsible development of seabed mineral resources, quantify the Nations endowment of seabed minerals, reinvigorate American leadership in associated extraction and processing technologies, and ensure secure supply chains for our defence, infrastructure, and energy sectors.

Days after Trumps announcement, The Metals Company (TMC) USA submitted an application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for two exploration licenses and one commercial recovery permit, in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). However, the ClarionClipperton zone, an environmental management area of the Pacific Ocean, is managed by the ISA.

In response to Trumps plans, Leticia Reis de Carvalho, Secretary-General of ISA, stated, the executive order regarding deep-seabed mineral resources raises specific concerns because while the Order primarily addresses domestic political and policy matters, its reference to applicability in areas beyond national jurisdiction becomes a matter of the rule of law within the global ocean governance framework known as UNCLOS. Reis de Carvalho added that the UNCLOS makes clear that no state may claim, acquire, or exercise sovereignty or sovereign rights over any part of the area or its mineral resources.

Since the signing of the order, several international organisations and environmental groups have pushed back against Trumps mining plans. In addition, some of TMCs international partners are questioning their relationship with the firm due to concerns over the legality of the companys mining plans. Many believe that mining in areas outside a countrys territorial waters is not just a breach of international law, but also an affront to the common heritage of mankind, unless the international community can come to a common consensus on how to manage seabed mining.

This week, ISA delegates gathered in its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, to address Trumps mining ambitions. The council, which consists of 36 elected member states, passed a resolution that urges the groups legal and technical committee to investigate noncompliance by its signatories.

Matthew Gianni, a co-founder of the Deep-Sea Conservation Coalition, who attended the ISA talks, said, TMC has been testing the limits of what it can get away with, a bit like a child seeing how far it can go with bad behaviour. Gianni added, The member countries of the ISA have basically sent a shot across the bow, a warning to TMC that going rogue may well result in the loss of its ISA exploration claims It also sends a signal to other companies that if they go the same route as TMC has, they may also face the same consequences.

It remains uncertain whether President Trump will go ahead with plans for seabed mining, or if his administration will approve TMCs mining license; however, the international community has made its stance clear. The ISA and its member states strongly oppose U.S. plans to commence deep-sea mining operations before international regulations are established, as it considers the move could cause irreparable damage to the marine environment.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

A criminal broke into the Bird Alliance of Oregons Wildlife Care Center in NW Portland. He broke open several cages and released several birds that were there under medical recovery. He also vandalized the place. Few details.

Please watch the video for any tips to police.

Just another unusual Oregon crime story.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An area of deep space with thousands of galaxies in various shapes and sizes. Most are circles or ovals, with a few spirals. More distant galaxies are smaller, down to being mere dots, while closer galaxies are larger and some appear to be glowing. Red and orange galaxies contain more dust or more stellar activity. Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Ostlin, P. G. Perez-Gonzalez, J. Melinder, the JADES Collaboration, M. Zamani (ESA/Webb)

This image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope revisits one of the most iconic regions of the sky, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, through the eyes of two of Webb's instruments. The result is a detailed view that reveals thousands of distant galaxies, some dating back to the earliest periods of cosmic history.

The field shown here, known as the MIRI Deep Imaging Survey (MIDIS) region, was observed with the shortest-wavelength filter of Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) for nearly 100 hours. This is Webb's longest observation of an extragalactic field in one filter so far, producing one of the deepest views ever obtained of the universe. Combined with data from Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), this image allows astronomers to explore how galaxies formed and evolved over billions of years.

These deep observations have revealed more than 2,500 sources in this tiny patch of sky. Among them are hundreds of extremely red galaxiessome of which are likely massive, dust-obscured systems or evolved galaxies with mature stars that formed early in the universe's history. Thanks to Webb's sharp resolution, even at mid-infrared wavelengths, researchers can resolve the structures of many of these galaxies and study how their light is distributed, shedding light on their growth and evolution.

In this image, the colors that have been assigned to different kinds of infrared light highlight the fine distinctions astronomers can make with this deep data. Orange and red represent the longest mid-infrared wavelengths. The galaxies in these colors have extra featuressuch as high concentrations of dust, copious star formation, or an active galactic nucleus (AGN) at their centerwhich emit more of this farther infrared light.

Small, greenish-white galaxies are particularly distant, with high redshift. This shifts their light spectrum into the peak mid-infrared wavelengths of the data, which are depicted in white and green. Most of the galaxies in this image lack any such mid-infrared boosting features, leaving them most bright at shorter near-infrared wavelengths, which are depicted with blue and cyan colors.

By returning to this legacy field first made famous by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, Webb is continuing and expanding the deep field traditionrevealing new details, uncovering previously hidden galaxies, and offering fresh insights into the formation of the first cosmic structures.
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:

Cortical thickness map of a representative control participant and a patient with MDD. A medial and lateral view of the left hemisphere are illustrated on the left side of the image. In the center is a top view. A corresponding view of the right hemisphere is shown on the right. Boundaries of the Desikan-Killiany DK-40 atlas are outlined in black. The PHC is highlighted by an arrow. Significant intergroup differences were found in the left hemispheric PHC thickness. Neuroticism was correlated negatively with both left and right hemispheric PHC thickness. Credit: Translational Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41398-025-03435-y

This week, researchers at the University of Albany reported an extreme size difference between early human males and females, suggesting intense competition among males. Krill are so overfished in Antarctica this year that the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources may trigger an unprecedented early closure of the fishery. And researchers report early behaviors that signal upcoming divorce between paired songbirds long before the breeding season.

Additionally, researchers found that popular chatbots are easily prompted to give advice for self-harm; engineers tested the environmental sustainability of ancient Roman concrete; and scientists have identified brain morphology changes associated with major depressive disorder.

Terrible advice

As chatbot companions become more popular, researchers have grown increasingly concerned about the social and psychological effects of interactions between users and nonsentient language models. Researchers from Northeastern University now report that large language models can easily be prompted by users to bypass guardrails intended to prevent disseminating instructions on self-harm or suicide.

Researcher Annika Marie Schoene prompted four of the most popular LLMs to give her advice about self-harm and suicideChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity; all refused at the initial prompt until she added that the request was hypothetical or intended for research purposes.

"That's when, effectively, every single guardrail was overridden and the model ended up actually giving very detailed instructions down to using my body weight, my height and everything else to calculate which bridge I should jump off, which over-the-counter or prescription medicine I should use and in what dosage, how I could go about finding it," she said.

Many of the responses were highly organized and categorized, Schoene said, including tables with emojis denoting methods. The researchers note that they also tested Pi AI, which was the only model that refused attempts to bypass self-harm guardrails.

Concrete sustainability

It's pretty obvious that the most enduring legacy of ancient Rome is its concrete. Many structures, including aqueducts, roads, bridges and buildings, still stand thanks to the compositions of materials ancient Roman engineers used.

Today, it's become increasingly important to decarbonize concrete production, which contributes to atmospheric CO 2 pollution and is responsible for 3% of total global energy demand. In a new study, researchers explored whether adopting Roman concrete formulations could improve the environmental sustainability of modern concrete production.

They tested multiple formulations of ancient Roman concrete and were surprised to find that producing Roman concrete resulted in the same amount or more of CO 2 pollution. However, Roman concrete production resulted in lower emissions of air pollutants including nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide, ranging from 11% to 98% depending on the formulation.

Despite the basic equivalence of the CO 2 pollutants between ancient and modern concrete, when the researchers factored in the higher durability and projected service life of projects incorporating ancient Roman concrete, benefits emerged. Engineer Sabbie Miller of the University of California, Davis, says, "In cases where prolonging the use of concrete can reduce the need to manufacture new materials, more durable concrete has the potential to reduce environmental impact."

Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly.

Brain morphology and depression

Major depressive disorder is characterized by pervasive low mood for a prolonged period of time. It's a highly debilitating form of depression that impacts the ability to engage in daily life. Researchers have sought to understand the neurological underpinnings of MDD, and in a new study, researchers from Germany have uncovered a link between MDD and a brain structure called the parahippocampal cortex, with a connection to the psychological trait of neuroticisma tendency to feel negative emotions such as anxiety and guilt.

Using structural MRI, the researchers scanned 86 adults (half were control subjects; the others were diagnosed with MDD) and measured the thickness of the parahippocampal cortex, a region associated with memory, emotion and cognitionprocesses that underlie the pathology of MDD. Their findings suggest that MDD and neuroticism are associated with thinning of the PHC.

Written for you by our author Chris Packham, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

 2025 Science X Network
WARREN COUNTY  The Warren County Board of Supervisors is expected to opt-in to accept three major nationwide opioid settlements, with the received funds to be used to curtail the ongoing epidemic.

In essence, Warren County, in passing a resolution, is agreeing to participate in the nationwide settlement with other municipalities, said county attorney Larry Elmen.

For the municipalities across the country who choose to participate in these opioid settlements, the potential windfall will be in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars in payments.

There seems to be in the last 30 days or so, a watershed of nationwide settlement agreements from [opioid] manufacturers on claims regarding the production and sale of opioids during the opioid epidemic, which, unfortunately, probably has not ended yet and will continue into the future, Elmen explained.

The first settlement involves a $6.5 billion payout with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the producer of Oxycontin. The settlement was reached with every state in the country over the companys negligent marketing of its opioids during the epidemic. State attorneys general negotiated the settlement back in March in federal bankruptcy court.

An initial payment of $1.5 billion will occur in 2026 and then the remaining balance would be paid out over the following 15 years, according to Elmen.

For this settlement, the estimated total payments available to all subdivisions in New York State is just over $240 million.

The second settlement is a nearly $100 million payout with generic opioid manufacturer Sandoz Inc., according to the county resolution.

The third and final settlement includes a cluster of eight different opioid manufacturers with various payment structures.

Some are lump sum payments in the first year of the settlement plan, some are an upfront payment with payment over a period of years, and then some have in addition or instead of some payments providing their products that assist in reversing opioid overdose, Elmen explained.

The total settlement amount is estimated to be $720 million plus up to approximately $352 million worth of pharmaceutical products, like the opioid reversal medication Naloxone.

The eight manufacturers include Alvogen, Inc.; Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Apotex, Inc.; Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.; Indivior Inc.; Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.; and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc., according to the county resolution.

Each of the nationwide settlements has a claims administrator that would be responsible for receiving the funds that are required under the agreement and then working through the allocations and distributions to the participating municipalities across the United States, Elmen explained.

Warren County, along with all of the other participating municipalities, will receive a share thats determined by the claims administrator upon the funding thats required by these settlements agreements when they become effective, Elmen continued.

Warren Countys share of the settlements is not yet known, however, the settlement agreements are very specific, and its almost always for opioid abatement activities within the county, Elmen said.

Abatement strategies may include collaboration between Warren County Community Services and the sheriffs office through the distribution of naloxone to prevent overdoses and finding housing for individuals in need.

According to the countys overdose data, from January through May of 2025, Warren County has experienced approximately 20 opiate-related overdoses, with two fatalities, as previously reported.

The Warren County Personnel and Administration Committee emphasized the importance of participation to secure funds and questioned why some counties might opt out.

Each nationwide settlement thats reached with particular manufacturers must hit a certain percentage of participation, Elmen said of the importance of opting in.

Participation percentages usually must range from 70% to 80% of all qualified municipalities in order for the settlement agreement to take effect, and the payment schedule thats been agreed upon to then kick in, according to Elmen.

This is the vehicle to fund [opioid recovery], and the funding will go on in some amounts and in some levels for many years into the future, Elmen said.

A number of years ago, Warren County retained outside counsel with New York City firm Napoli Shkolnik PLLC to represent the county in every opioid settlement agreement that has been reached thus far.

Some [settlements] have been unique to New York. Most have been nationwide settlements, Elmen said.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors will officially vote to opt-in to the three nationwide opioid settlements at its board meeting in August.
STURGIS  Motorcycles are cruising through the Black Hills for the 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and Monument Health is confident its prepared for the increase in injuries and accidents that inevitably happen.

The Rally started Friday, but at Monument Health, planning for the Rally is a year-round event. Monument Health staff coordinates with local, regional and state authorities to prepare for the surge of visitors. The 2024 Sturgis rally attracted nearly 471,000 people, and crowds could be bigger for the 85th rally.

Its a large influx of people with one group of visitors that arrives early in the rally, and a second wave of visitors showing up later during the rally, said Dustin Calhoun, business continuity coordinator for Monument Health System.

Starting in January, Calhoun said Monument Health begins hosting meetings with law enforcement, emergency personnel in the region and the Department of Health that might send people to Monument Health facilities.

Thats Monument Healths way of being able to tell them what were doing for staffing, what equipment we might be bringing in, what new equipment we might have they dont know about, Calhoun said. Its that open communication with those entities and our partners that we help, and they help us, when things go awry.

Our preparation for the Sturgis Rally (starts) the day after the Rally gets over the year before. One of the biggest preparations we do here is our staffing. Our staff works extra, all hands on deck. Every department does the same, said Rikki Plaggemeyer, R.N., nurse manager at Monument Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic.

Extra nurses are on duty around the clock during the rally, physicians stagger their shifts to be sure a doctor is always available, and Monument Health brings in a couple of visiting physicians to help during the rally, Plaggemeyer said.

The bikers very grateful and theyre always so thankful. They love how kind our staff is, said Dr. Sarah Lewis with Monument Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic. Theyre a fun group to take care of.

Its not uncommon that they either want to get back to the party, back to their bike or get a Band-Aid treatment to get them home, Lewis said.

Monument Health Sturgis Clinic will be open during Rally week, offering primary care appointments just as it does the rest of the year.

Were here. Were always here. Primary care is open. You can see your primary care physician, Plaggemeyer said. Theres limited providers (during the Rally) but we keep the clinic open. The community still needs us. Well treat everybody.

Do you need the emergency room or urgent care?

Year-round, Monument Health strives to educate local residents and tourists about where to go when they need immediate medical care. Especially during the Rally, emergency rooms in the Black Hills are busier than usual.

Throughout the year, the emergency room in Sturgis treats about 12 to 20 people per day, Plaggemeyer said. During the rally, that number swells to up to 50 patients per day.

People shouldnt hesitate to seek medical treatment, though, especially if theyre experiencing a heart attack, stroke-like symptoms, chest pain, or symptoms or injuries that could threaten life and limb, Lewis said. Anyone experiencing chest pains, stroke symptoms or a serious injury should call 911 and get medical help immediately.

We want people to err on the side of caution, so if you think youre having an emergent condition (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, lots of bleeding, respiratory issues) you should go to the ER, Lewis said.

In Sturgis, the hospital and clinic are attached. Patients who go to urgent care but whose injuries require emergency care can quickly be transferred to the emergency room as needed, Lewis said.

Plaggemeyer said the Sturgis hospital sees more trauma injuries during the Rally. If patients suffer heart attacks, strokes, require orthopedic or other specialty care, the Sturgis hospital staff stabilizes patients and transfers them to a location  usually Rapid City  where specialty care is available.

People should head to urgent care if they have minor abrasions, scrapes, sprains, basic infections, headaches, colds, flu-like symptoms, a sore throat, or something thats not life-threatening. Locations, hours and more information about all Monument Health urgent care clinics in Rapid City, Sturgis, Lead-Deadwood, Custer and Spearfish are listed at monument.health/services/urgent-care/ and no appointments are necessary. Additionally, on Aug. 4, Monument Health Box Elder Clinic will open, and its urgent care hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

If visitors or locals are uncertain about whether they need the emergency room, urgent care or perhaps an appointment with a physician, Monument Healths Nurse Triage Line can help.

The Nurse Triage Line can be reached by calling 605-755-1350. The call is free, and you dont need to have an existing relationship with a Monument Health provider. Nurses are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Callers can talk to trained Registered Nurses who will help them understand the urgency of their illness or injury and help them get the most appropriate type of care. This could include their primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic or the hospital emergency department, if needed.

Black Hills Urgent Care also has two clinics in Rapid City at 741 Mountain View Road and 1730 Haines Ave. Those clinics hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Black Hills Urgent Care clinics are owned by the Physicians of Black Hills Surgical Hospital and are separate from the Monument Health system. Go to bhucare.com for more information.

Respite space for emergency workers, first responders

Monument Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic dedicates its conference room as space during the Rally for professional first responders. The room will be available to Sturgis Ambulance Service, Sturgis law enforcement, the city police, the sheriffs department, highway patrol and emergency personnel. Air conditioning, chairs and snacks will be provided so law enforcement and emergency workers can take a break or wait to speak to a patient if necessary.

Caring for first responders and emergency workers aids Monument Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic, Plaggemeyer said, because theres increased police presence during the Rally.

We dont generally have security during the year. We have a big police presence during (Rally week) now by creating the respite space for emergency personnel, Plaggemeyer said.

Thats something we feel is a big deal, and if we need something, theyre right here, she said.

For Monument Health caregivers, the hospital and clinic continue the annual tradition of keeping a steady supply of ice cream available. Its a welcome treat during hectic Rally week.

Plaggemeyer said Monument Healths physicians and nurses look forward to the Rally and enjoy caring for visitors from around the nation and the world.

We learn new things. Thats why the staff enjoys it. Its interesting and we get to meet new, interesting people, she said.

Bikers volunteer to aid patients, families

The Christian Motorcycle Association annually comes to the Black Hills to offer assistance during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. CMA volunteers will be at Monument Health hospitals in Rapid City and Sturgis for this years rally.
New SSC leader appointed for Playa del Carmen after resignation of Raul Tassinari Gonzalez

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefania Mercado has sworn in a new Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC) leader. The swearing in ceremony took place Friday night after a city council meeting.

Carlos A. Montesinos Garcia is the new head of the municipal SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana). Estefania Mercado announced the change in leadership Friday night as part of a new phase in the institutional strengthening of the public security model promoted by the municipal government.

Carlos Montesinos is from the Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office (FGE). He was appointed as the new Secretary of Citizen Security. According to the Mayor, he is a civilian with extensive experience in the justice system and a deeply humane and technical approach.

This is an important step. Carlos Montesinos arrives with a vision we share, which is to build a more humane, more accessible police force with greater inter-institutional coordination and profound respect for human rights, the Mayor said.

The change was made after the resignation of Raul Tassinari Gonzalez.

Mercado expressed her gratitude to Commander Raul Tassinari. She said Tassinari will continue to serve Quintana Roo in new public roles, contributing to peacebuilding in the state.

Estefania Mercado emphasized that this change is driven by a clear vision, which is to strengthen what has been achieved and advance toward greater efficiency and closer ties to citizens.

Carlos Montesinos is the new head of the SSC of Playa del Carmen.

During his swearing in ceremony, Carlos Montesinos said I assume this responsibility with the utmost commitment. We will work with order, closeness and respect for human rights.

Our mission will be to care for the people, strengthen trust and build peace from the ground up. I am here to serve, to listen and to work with everyone for a safer and more humane Playa del Carmen.

Carlos Montesinos will serve the position of SCC leader until September 2027.
Quintana Roo joins national identification program for deceased missing persons

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The state of Quintana Roo has been able to identify more than a dozen unclaimed bodies due to modernized forensics. The identification of the unclaimed bodies is the result of a recently launched microsite of the FGE.

Raciel Lopez Salazar, Attorney General of the State (FGE) of Quintana Roo, says with their recent launch of the microsite, 17 unclaimed bodies in Forensic Medical Service (Semefo) facilities around the state have already been claimed.

There are a total of 456 unclaimed bodies in morgues across the state. Quintana Roo is the eighth state to join the national identification program. Once a deceased is identified using the national fingerprint system, their voter card photo and name are published on the site, allowing family of missing persons to find them.

Today we are modernizing our forensic capabilities with cutting-edge technology such as the human identification scanner, a high-precision tool that allows for the comparison of fingerprints with the National Electoral Institutes database, the Attorney General explained.

Earlier this week, the FGE launch the database website of identified unclaimed individuals. This has helped 17 families find missing loved ones who are deceased.

Lopez Salaza says the identified unclaimed bodies are compared with fingerprints from the National Electoral Institute (INE) database. This action is part of the technical cooperation agreement with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Mexico.

The Quintana Roo FGE joined the national database program this week, making it the eighth state in the country to do so.

He added that, in close cooperation with the National Commission for the Search for Persons (CNB), this strategic alliance not only represents a scientific and technical advancement, but also a firm commitment to victims and their families.

Furthermore, the Prosecutors Office complies with a key recommendation of the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED).

The identification cards of these individuals, who have not yet been claimed, are available on a specialized microsite of the Prosecutors Office. The site aims to facilitate family member and search group access by providing clear and timely information to contribute to the location and identification process.

Maximilian Murck, Coordinator of the UNFPA Human Identification Program, stated that identifying deceased individuals is not an easy task, but neither is it one without a solution.

We recognize the efforts and commitment of the Attorney Generals Office and the State of Quintana Roo to implement concrete solutions that provide answers to those searching for their loved ones throughout the country.

With this, Quintana Roo becomes the eighth Attorney Generals Office nationwide to demonstrate this commitment to its citizens.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwean police have confirmed a fatal armed robbery that occurred last Friday at Pin 3 Mine, a Chinese-owned operation in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, amid reports that a Chinese employee was fatally shot during the attack.The incident has prompted the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe to issue a rare safety advisory, urging heightened vigilance among Chinese nationals and businesses operating in the country.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the attack in a statement on Thursday, noting that investigations were underway. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are currently ongoing in connection with the armed robbery case that occurred at Pin 3 Mine residential compound, Shurugwi, on July 25," he said.While Commissioner Nyathi did not disclose the identity of the victim or confirm the fatality, Chinese media reports have revealed that the victim was a Chinese woman who was shot in the abdomen during the robbery and later died despite emergency treatment efforts.According to Global Times, quoting the Beijing News, the robbery was carried out by a gang of five or six armed suspects, who are believed to have had inside information about the mine's operations and layout. The mine's residential compound was targeted, and the attackers are reported to have demanded cash and valuables at gunpoint.The Chinese Embassy in Harare expressed deep concern over the incident, urging Zimbabwean authorities to intensify investigations, arrest the perpetrators swiftly, and bolster protection of Chinese citizens and businesses. In a statement issued Sunday, the embassy revealed it had dispatched a Chinese medical aid team to assist the victim, but she tragically succumbed to her injuries."The embassy urges the Zimbabwean police to bring the perpetrators to justice and calls on all Chinese enterprises and citizens in Zimbabwe to strengthen security precautions," the statement read.The embassy further advised Chinese nationals to remain informed about local security conditions, enhance protective measures according to their operational environments, and formulate emergency response strategies.Chinese businesses were also encouraged to hire professional security personnel where possible and adopt preventive measures including avoiding solo or night-time travel, limiting public display of valuables, and steering clear of high-risk areas.This incident has renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in Zimbabwe's mining sector, which has seen increasing investment from Chinese companies in recent years. The Midlands Province, rich in gold and other minerals, has been a hotspot for criminal activity involving both artisanal miners and armed gangs.The police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the case, but have assured the public and diplomatic community that all leads are being pursued.As investigations continue, Zimbabwean authorities are expected to coordinate closely with Chinese diplomatic officials to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
CHEROKEE, Iowa  During his 32 years as a state archaeologist, Mark Anderson observed and investigated all kinds of historically significant sites across Iowa.

But not long after his retirement and subsequent acceptance of the part-time staff archaeologist job at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee a little more than a year ago, he received a call alerting him to something he'd never seen before, at least not in this part of the state.

Intrigued, Anderson visited the site and was excited to see low, conical earthen mounds near a river.

Cherokee burial mounds Mark Anderson, archaeologist at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee, Iowa, steps out the width of a suspected Native American conic

"When I looked across the river terrace and saw a number of small mounds, it was pretty obvious these were man made," Anderson said. "You pretty much know right away after you've visited them."

The mounds likely are burial sites of prehistoric native peoples who lived here hundreds of years ago, Anderson said. Visits to about a dozen other sites yielded similar findings and a new puzzle for the veteran archaeologist to ponder.

"I was not aware of many mounds at all in northwest Iowa," he said. "They're located in places I wouldn't have expected and I wouldn't have looked if I was doing this on my own."

Now he'd like to find as many sites as possible so this ancient history can be documented and preserved.

"I don't think we have a really good grasp of mounds in northwest Iowa," he said. "There may be more mounds than we think. Part of my desire is to find these resources we're not really aware of and let people know so they can preserve them."

Prehistoric burial mounds look like small domes and can vary in size from 16-30 feet in diameter and up to 2 feet tall, Anderson said. Native peoples' custom of interring the dead began about 2,800 years ago, and the burial mounds are common in the eastern United States, stretching into eastern Iowa, where many mounds have been found.

burial mounds Prehistoric burial mounds are shown at a site in Iowa. It was believed not many sites like this existed in Northwest Iowa existed, but Mark An

They're usually located on elevated positions on hilltops and ridges, which explains why few were thought to exist in northwest Iowa. Aside from the Loess Hills in Woodbury and Plymouth counties, where mounds are known to be located, this part of the state is pretty flat. Great Plains peoples who may have lived in this area also didn't construct mounds, which explains why they're rarely found west of the Missouri River.

Anderson's interested in searching an area known as the Northwest Iowa Plain, the Little Sioux River valley that includes Sioux, Lyon, Osceola, O'Brien, Cherokee and Clay counties and portions of Woodbury and Plymouth counties. Rather than elevated sites, mounds he's observed in this area are on terraces along rivers and streams, likely because they were the highest points available and not in danger of flooding. Anderson has a lot of questions, like why some sites have more mounds than others, and he hopes finding more sites may lead to some theories.

"I have a lot of guesses," he said. "There are enough out there that I need to look further."

That's where the public comes in.

Anderson asks that landowners contact him about possible sites so he can take a look. There are compelling reasons for landowners to let him do so. If mounds are found, landowners can receive tax incentives for preserving archaeological sites. Anderson said the locations would be kept on file at the state archaeologist's office and not be made public, so landowners should not be concerned about having tourists or artifact hunters trespassing on their land.

Cherokee burial mounds Mark Anderson, archaeologist at the Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee, Iowa, describes the known Native American conical burial mound

Thousands of mounds have been lost over the years to erosion and cultivation by settlers. Anderson said the mounds can be so subtle that farmers tilling the land in the past likely never realized they were accidentally destroying sites. Cattle grazing also has likely worn down some mounds over the years, making them indistinguishable from the surrounding terrain.

Before more mounds are lost, Anderson said, it's vital to find as many as possible to better understand the people who once lived here.

Very little is known about them, he said. There are 26 native nations that trace their ancestry to Iowa, and a number of them likely are descendants of the people who built the mounds. Archaeologists aren't interested in excavating the sites, he said, but instead want to leave them undisturbed and catalog them so there's a record of their existence.

"We would like to preserve as much natural history as possible, and landowners and private citizens can help us with that a lot," Anderson said.

Landowners who think they may have mounds on their property can email Anderson at archaeologist@sanfordmuseum.org or contact him through the museum. He's eager to hear about more potential sites.

"I don't know what the results will be but I suspect we'll find more than anticipated," he said. "This is really exciting for me."
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina is into the quarter-finals of the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal after a victory over Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska (Minas Panagiotakis)

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko took down top-seeded American Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday, thrilling the home crowd as she reached the quarter-finals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal.

The 18-year-old wild card saved all four break points she faced, and broke reigning French Open champion Gauff three times on the way to a comprehensive victory in just 62 minutes.

Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"I don't even know what to say still, I was kind of shocked about it all," said Mboko, adding that the support of the home crowd had buoyed her late in the second set.

"I just remember in the last game when I was up 5-4, the crowd kind of started cheering even louder, and everything got super noisy," she said. "I kind of used that as more fuel for myself and to pump myself up a little bit more.

"I think it helped me tremendously, especially in the last game, since they were so encouraging me. It was just amazing."

Mboko started the season ranked 333rd in the world and has worked her way up to 85 but the win over Gauff -- who she took to three sets in Rome in May -- is the biggest win of her career.

Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

"Playing Coco is obviously never easy. She's number two in the world, and it has been such a great opportunity for me to play against someone like her," Mboko said. "I was just happy I kept my composure today and I pulled it through."

Gauff, who had a combined 37 double faults as she struggled through her first two matches, was caught flat-footed as the Canadian teen raced through the first set in 25 minutes.

Gauff buckled down in the second, but she was unable to convert three break chances in the seventh game -- coming up short on a drop shot and smacking a forehand into the net on the first two.

She gained anther chance only to hit a service return long, then flew a volley wide to give Mboko a game point, duly converted when Gauff fired a forehand long.

Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Down 15-30 in the ninth game, Mboko leveled at 30-30 with a blistering backhand, then closed out the hold for a 5-4 lead.

Serving to stay in the match, Gauff fell in a quick 0-30 hole and double-faulted to give Mboko a match point, on which the American hit a backhand into the net.

"She played a really great match, that's basically it," Gauff said.

"I haven't played the best in this tournament, so I knew that it would be tough. I just felt like I could do better today, but I also knew that if I took my foot off the gas a little bit that she would take advantage of those moments, and she did."

Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Mboko will next play Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who won a see-saw battle with China's Zhu Lin 7-5, 1-6, 6-2.

- Rybakina hangs on -

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina out-lasted Dayana Yastremska 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 to book a quarter-final clash with Marta Kostyuk.

Kazakhstan's Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion who won her first title in more than a year at Strasbourg in May, was slowed by nine double faults.

But she ultimately had enough to get past Ukraine's Yastremska, breaking her twice in the third set and sealing it on her fourth match point.

She'll face another Ukrainian in Kostyuk, who came from behind to beat American McCartney Kessler 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

bb/js
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/germany-accuses-israel-of-not-doing-enough-to-improve-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-1122545065.html

Germany Accuses Israel of Not Doing Enough to Improve Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Germany Accuses Israel of Not Doing Enough to Improve Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Sputnik International

Israel is not doing enough to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said on Saturday.

2025-08-02T16:37+0000

2025-08-02T16:37+0000

2025-08-02T16:37+0000

world

middle east

germany

israel

hamas

the united nations (un)

gaza strip

gaza violence

israel-gaza conflict

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/0d/1121421720_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_281cf17b1d900a4d37cfd9384a5d9135.jpg

The statement was issued after Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul briefed the national security council about his recent trip to the Middle East. Israel should ensure broader access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, including with the support of the United Nations and humanitarian organizations, the statement read. Kornelius expressed concern about reports that claimed Palestinian movement Hamas was withholding large amounts of humanitarian aid. On July 26, Israel allowed foreign countries to resume airlifting aid to Gaza. Over 100 pallets of food and medicine have been delivered by air. Trucks with humanitarian aid from Egypt also headed to Gaza. Israel has been managing humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip via the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose aid distribution points are concentrated in the enclave's south. Israeli troops routinely open fire at Palestinians queuing for aid. According to the UN, at least 1,373 people have been killed near humanitarian aid centers since May.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250727/hunger-death-toll-in-gaza-up-to-133---health-ministry-1122498652.html

germany

israel

gaza strip

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/20250802/he-knows-how-to-avoid-sanctions--trump-on-putin-1122542413.html

'He Knows How to Avoid Sanctions'  Trump on Putin

'He Knows How to Avoid Sanctions'  Trump on Putin

Sputnik International

US President Donald Trump said that if a Ukraine ceasefire deal is not achieved by next week, Washington will introduce sanctions, although Moscow is good at avoiding them.

2025-08-02T04:56+0000

2025-08-02T04:56+0000

2025-08-02T04:56+0000

world

sanctions

western sanctions

russian economy under sanctions

us sanctions

new sanctions

western sanctions against russia

eu sanctions

donald trump

vladimir putin

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107032/30/1070323063_0:133:2560:1573_1920x0_80_0_0_f2856efa1444a3c27d4b05d0f5b24183.jpg

Trump said on Tuesday that his timeline for a Ukraine peace deal is 10 days, and that he plans to impose secondary tariffs on Russia once it expires."[If a Ukraine deal is not in place], we'll put sanctions on, and he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is pretty good with sanctions. He knows how to avoid sanctions," Trump said in an interview with Newsmax show "Finnerty" host Rob Finnerty at the White House on Friday. Asked whether his opinion of Putin has changed over the past few months Trump said, "He's obviously a tough cookie, so it hasn't changed in that way." Earlier on Friday, asked about a potential conversation with Putin before the August 8 time frame on Ukraine, Trump did not provide reporters with a clear answer but indicated that some meetings were planned.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/well-see-what-happens---trump-plans-to-talk-to-putin-in-near-future-1122541815.html

ukraine

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

ukraine-russia conflict, us-russia talks, trump-putin talks, trump-putin summit, trump-putin meeting, trump-putin relations, trump-putin negotiations, russophobia, anti-russian bias, anti-russian sentiment, anti-russian sanctions, tariff war, trump's tariffs, trump tariffs
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/malaysian-king-ibrahim-to-pay-historic-first-visit-to-russia-1122542643.html

Malaysian King Ibrahim to Pay Historic First Visit to Russia

Malaysian King Ibrahim to Pay Historic First Visit to Russia

Sputnik International

Malaysian Supreme Head of State, Sultan Ibrahim will visit Russia from August 5-10 and will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said

2025-08-02T06:37+0000

2025-08-02T06:37+0000

2025-08-02T06:37+0000

world

russia

malaysia

kremlin

vladimir putin

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/08/02/1122542720_0:0:3002:1690_1920x0_80_0_0_e102f09bb6750917e0eb957106f3d4c8.jpg

The Malaysian leader will hold talks with the Russian president on August 6. During the talks the leaders will discuss the development of the relations between Russia and Malaysia, as well as relevant topics of regional and international agenda, the Kremlin added.This will be the historic first state visit of a Malaysian monarch to Russia.

russia

malaysia

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

malaysian king, malaysian king visits russia, sultan ibrahim, vladimir putin
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/russias-lukoil-under-pressure-in-bulgaria-considering-selling-assets---ambassador-1122543294.html

Russias Lukoil Under Pressure in Bulgaria, Considering Selling Assets - Ambassador

Russias Lukoil Under Pressure in Bulgaria, Considering Selling Assets - Ambassador

Sputnik International

Russian energy giant Lukoil's subsidiaries in Bulgaria are under unprecedented pressure from local authorities, and the company is considering selling assets in the country, Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova told Sputnik.

2025-08-02T07:10+0000

2025-08-02T07:10+0000

2025-08-02T07:10+0000

economy

russian economy

russian economy under sanctions

lukoil

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/03/1119627822_0:158:3077:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_d6ccf225001c77ec80e528bccd6a393a.jpg

"Despite the fact that Lukoil is not subject to anti-Russia sanctions, its subsidiaries are often subject to unprecedented pressure from government agencies. Just in June, the Bulgarian authorities initiated another anti-monopoly investigation. In such circumstances, it is not surprising that Lukoil's head office in Moscow is considering the possibility of selling all assets in Bulgaria. As far as we know, a final decision has not been made yet," Mitrofanova said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/he-knows-how-to-avoid-sanctions--trump-on-putin-1122542413.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

russian energy giant, lukoil sanctions, russian economy under sanctions, russia sanctions, trade war, lukoil bulgaria
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/serbian-security-council-condemns-bosnian-courts-verdict-against-dodik--vucic-1122544932.html

Serbian Security Council Condemns Bosnian Court's Verdict Against Dodik  Vucic

Serbian Security Council Condemns Bosnian Court's Verdict Against Dodik  Vucic

Sputnik International

The National Security Council of Serbia has condemned the verdict issued by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) against Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and has declared the ruling invalid on Serbian territory, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday.

2025-08-02T15:12+0000

2025-08-02T15:12+0000

2025-08-02T15:12+0000

world

aleksandar vucic

milorad dodik

serbia

bosnia

sarajevo

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/05/1108067571_0:18:3147:1788_1920x0_80_0_0_4d6b48cf8a441409b74a098ae510b0a4.jpg

Vucic vowed on Friday that as long as he was alive he would never accept the Sarajevo courts sentencing of Dodik to one year in prison and a six-year ban from holding public office for failing to comply with decisions made by unrecognized UN high representative in BiH Christian Schmidt. Dodik called for Serbia to demonstrate its unconditional support and sought backing from Russia and the United States following the verdict. Vucic said that he personally signed the unanimous resolution, which is binding on all Serbian state institutions, and affirmed that Dodik would not be arrested if he entered Serbia. Dodik's lawyer, Goran Bubic, said on Friday he would seek suspension of the BiH court's verdict to appeal it with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), On March 12, the BiH Prosecutor's Office ordered the Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) to detain Dodik, as well as Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Radovan Viskovic and National Assembly Chairman Nenad Stevandic. On April 16, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sent a request to Interpol through the organizations National Central Bureau in Sarajevo to review the April 2 decision rejecting the arrest warrant for Dodik and Stevandic. The next day, Dodik said that Interpol had refused to pursue him based on the politically motivated request of the BiH court.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240816/bombshell-blair-uk-government-warned-over-nato-war-crimes-in-belgrade-1119785185.html

serbia

bosnia

sarajevo

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

balkan conflict, balkan hostilities, dodik sentenced, serbia dodik
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250802/ukrainian-intelligence-chief-says-ukraine-could-cease-to-exist-as-state-1122545358.html

Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Says Ukraine Could Cease to Exist as State

Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Says Ukraine Could Cease to Exist as State

Sputnik International

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Ukrainian Military Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov (listed by Russias financial watchdog as an extremist and terrorist) said on Saturday... 02.08.2025, Sputnik International

2025-08-02T18:38+0000

2025-08-02T18:38+0000

2025-08-02T18:38+0000

world

maria zakharova

ukraine

russia

sputnik

russian foreign ministry

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/19180/24/191802467_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a9b0e98dda0cc8361e11fe0a77229901.jpg

"I collect stamps, I am a philatelist Many of the countries whose stamps I examine no longer exist So, we need to seriously think about what we are doing and where we need to go. We must clearly define that for ourselves Otherwise, we could just become the subject of the next postage stamp," Budanov said in an interview with a Ukrainian journalist. In July, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Ukraine had long since become a Western colony and could end up losing its statehood.

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

maria zakharova, ukraine, russia, sputnik, russian foreign ministry
Kyle DiBenedetto celebrated a driving career milestone this past Wednesday, July 30 by earning his 7,000th win aboard the Bryson Dunning-trained trotter Soprese ($13) in 1:59 at Monticello Raceway. It was only fitting that he achieved the milestone at the track where he honed his driving skills in his formative years.

The 58-year-old reinsmen, who lives in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, started his driving career in 1981. Dibenedetto was born in Freehold, New Jersey and his father Bill was a trainer at Freehold and Monticello raceways for decades. He schooled his first horse as a 12-year-old.

Dibenedetto is a past five-time Monticello Raceway and two-time Pocono Downs leading dash-winning driver. He posted a personal-best 316 wins in a single season in 1997, one of three years he topped the 300-win mark. Dibenedetto's career-year for earnings was in 2009 when horses he drove banked more than $1.2 million; he has broken the million-dollar mark four times. Dibenedetto has amassed total purses of $26.5 million while driving in more than 54,900 races.

Currently, Dibenedetto is the fourth-leading dash winner at the Mighty M this year, with 90 wins.

While looking back on his career Dibenedetto said, Its been a tough grind, you always feel like you could be 30 days out of the business. The driving colony at Monticello is a tough bunch of guys. I am just glad I can continue to do what I love.

(With files from Monticello Raceway)
News / National

by Staff reporter

The city of Victoria Falls recorded brisk business and a surge in economic activity during the recently concluded Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), which ran from July 23 to 31 and drew more than 2,000 delegates from 172 contracting parties.The high-profile event transformed the tourism capital into a hive of activity, generating employment and business opportunities across multiple sectors, including accommodation, transport, and security.Speaking after the event, City of Victoria Falls spokesperson Leonard Ncube described the past two weeks as some of the busiest the city has seen in recent memory. "Hosting more than 2,000 delegates from 172 countries was a huge milestone achievement," said Ncube. "In terms of accommodation, hotels and lodges were over 100 percent full."With formal accommodation fully booked, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) turned to local residents, encouraging them to offer up their private properties for use as temporary lodging. "Some delegates ended up sharing rooms, and many residents converted their houses to cater for the influx," Ncube said. "ZTA had to inspect and approve alternative accommodation offered by residents to ensure it met hospitality standards."The conference, focused on global wetland conservation efforts, also stimulated the local transport industry, with commuter omnibuses and buses being contracted to shuttle delegates to and from various locations during the summit. "The transport sector had a busy time. Local operators benefited significantly, ferrying guests throughout the duration of the event," added Ncube.Victoria Falls' role as host of COP15 followed its certification as a Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention - a global recognition for the preservation of the city's iconic natural wetland, the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site."This is an international honour that puts Victoria Falls firmly on the map among the region's leading eco-tourism destinations," Ncube noted. "There are nine other Wetland Cities in China and several in Japan. Now our mayor joins the Wetlands Mayor's Forum, and this boosts our international visibility."The certification is valid for two Ramsar cycles, with each cycle spanning three years. This means Victoria Falls will hold its Wetland City status until 2031. It will then be reviewed to determine whether the city has continued to preserve its wetland resources. If so, the prestigious status could be extended.The successful hosting of COP15 has reaffirmed Victoria Falls' capacity to handle large-scale international conferences and has underscored its growing importance not just as a tourist destination, but also as a key player in global environmental diplomacy.As the dust settles, residents, businesses, and city authorities are already looking toward leveraging this momentum to further promote sustainable tourism and investment in the region.
Caviar N Crackers completed a Mares Preferred grand slam at Woodbine Mohawk Park for the second time this year with a 1:51.2 victory on Friday, Aug. 1 for the driving and training, husband and wife team of Ed and Ashleigh Hensley.

Parked through a :27.4 opening quarter out of post five in the field of a half-dozen distaffers, 1-2 favourite Caviar N Crackers progressed to the lead ahead of early leavers Grit N Grace (Jody Jamieson) and Glenboro (Travis Cullen), clearing to command as they hit the straightaway. Caviar N Crackers remained clear on top the rest of the way through rated splits of :56.4 and 1:25.1, with Glenboro flushed from third but Grit N Grace fighting back at the pylons in the stretch in the race for place behind the 1-1/2-length winner.

After putting together a six-race win streak in the spring that included four straight in Mohawk's $36,000 top distaff class, the five-year-old mare's current Preferred grand slam pushes her seasonal win count into the double digits. In 24 starts this year, she's earned $216,840, with that total leading all older pacing mares so far this season in Canada and sixth best overall.

The daughter of Captive Audience out of Crackers Hot Shot has won 22 races lifetime and nearly $470,000.

The Dream Maker Series for two-year-old pacers continued on Friday night, with just seven heading to the gate for the $20,000 second leg. After watching their filly Jay complete a sweep of the two preliminary legs of the companion Whenuwishuponastar Series on Thursday, trainer Dr. Ian Moore and owners Wilma & James MacKenzie enjoyed more series success with their colt named Dad.

With Louis-Philippe Roy picking up the catch-drive, Dad moved into the outer flow from fifth down the backstretch gapping cover but then kicked into action off the final turn and sprinted home in :27 to score the victory in 1:52.1 by 1-1/4 lengths. Stingray Deo (Travis Henry), the 6-5 favourite, closed from behind to take second over Corona Seelster (James MacDonald) in a photo.

Dad was a third-place finisher in the opening leg of the series as the 7-2 second choice to winner Sweet Lovin Lou, who was not entered in round two. Dad was the second choice again, at 9-5 odds, and paid $5.70 to win. The Papi Rob Hanover-Paulas Best colt is now two-for-four in his young career.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
Lightly raced four-year-old Forty Gs tacked on another Vernon Downs victory to his win streak on Friday, Aug. 1, winning the featured $10,274 conditioned trot for trainer, driver and co-owner Roman Lopez.

Securing the lead from the inside post in a short field scratched down to just four trotters, Forty Gs went straight to the lead and cruised through fractions of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:26.4 before holding off Lous Lancelot (John MacDonald) and Zapaca (Steeven Genois) by less than a length for the 1:56.2 victory. The winning margin of a quarter-length is his shortest yet.

Forty Gs now has eight straight wins, including six this year. Unraced as a two-year-old, he boasts a near-perfect career record of 11 wins and one second-place finish from a dozen starts. Bred by Coyote Wynd Farms of Vancouver, B.C., the son of Muscle Hill out of Sheer Glide is owned by Lopez and partners Mitchell Frair of Vernon, New York and Donna Duer of Bell, Florida. A $40,000 yearling purchase, he hit that mark in earnings with his Friday victory.

Live harness racing returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, Aug. 2 with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

(Standardbred Canada with files from Vernon Downs)
Hugh Heff hadn't found the winner's circle in three appearances, and while that losing skid might not necessarily be notable in most circumstances it marked the longest streak of missed winner's circle appearances for the winningest horse of 2024 since landing in Cape Breton last year.

On Saturday, Aug. 2 at Northside Downs, Hugh Heff delivered an on-the-engine winning performance in the $1,700 Winners Over Pace to resume his winning ways.

Drawing a rare rail starting position, Hugh Heff and driver Randy Getto found their way to the front early while being pressed by Kiss Me Im Irish (Mark Pezzarello) heading to the :28.2 opening quarter. After Pezzarello pulled his mare into the pocket, Hugh Heff had his things all his own way for the rest of the test. With middle fractions of :59 and 1:29.4 unbothered on top, Hugh Heff cruised home in :28.4 for the easy 1:58.3 decision. Kiss Me Im Irish finished second, 2-1/2 lengths back with Kiss Me Im Irish while Red Rum She Wrote rounded out the top trio.

A five-year-old altered son of Betterthancheddar - Danika Patrix, Hugh Heff is owned by Randy Getto of New Waterford, Susan MacSween of River Ryan and Wayne Hardy of Sydney, N.S. The win marked his eighth of the year and 40th lifetime in 85 starts, lifting his career earnings to $114,121. As the 1/4 choice, he returned $2.50 on a $2 win wager.

Earlier on the card, 22-year-old Shann Cox of Sydney, N.S. notched her first career training win when Daddys Eyes ($5.20) prevailed in the third race for driver Carey Romeo. Cox also owns the 10-year-old son of Mr Brightside - Nazko Finally, now a 25-time winner.

For the full results from Saturday's card of harness racing in Cape Breton, click the following link: Saturday Results - Northside Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)
Massive Speed showed that he is the big man on campus this season in the Maine Sire Stakes three-year-old male pacing division, picking up his fifth in a row on Friday, Aug. 1 at Cumberland Raceway.

Winning the first $16,352 division of the glamour boys group in lifetime-best equalling 1:57.4, the Marc Tardif trainee has not seen the back of helmet since last season when he anointed himself the Maine Monster of the Midway with a perfect 10-for-10 in the freshman follies.

Driven from pillar to post by Bruce Ranger for owner Leighton Property, the gelded son of Dudes The Man-Machmeter has earned $41,267 this year, to bring his lifetime bankroll to $224,356. He was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding. Massive Speed won in hand by 4-3/4 lengths and paid $2.40 as the 1-5 favourite. Race Me Celtic (Drew Campbell) finished second and Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) was third.

In the second division, 9-2 third choice Keenan Star and driver Heath Campbell rolled out to an early lead, clearing just after the :28.3 opening panel. Easing the tempo a bit, the son of Western Maverick and Paxxie led the pack through a softer :59.2 midway point. Public choice No Guts No Glory (McGwire Sowers) got away last and had made up significant ground and headed the pacesetter into the 1:29 third panel. While the aggressor showed some guts with his first-over move, he failed to reap the glory as Keenan Star fought back and drew away with a length victory in 1:59.2. Im Not Maverick (Mike Stevenson) finished second and Just Aftermidnight (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Owned, trained and bred by Valerie Grondin, Keenan Star picked up his first win of the year in five Sire Stakes starts and the homebred colt earned a new speed badge for his efforts. He paid $11 to win.

Racing resumes on the final day of the summer meet on Saturday, Aug. 2, which includes a full card simulcast of Hambletonian Day from The Meadowlands, as well as two divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for two-year-old male pacers. Doors open at 12 noon, but first live post is still 3:15 p.m.

The featured race of the day is the annual Pine Tree Invitational Pace, which is carded as race nine. Leading the charge in this group is Tenzing Bromac N (Ron Cushing), who was just third in the Beckwith Memorial at Plainridge Park With 20 wins down under, the eight-year-old son of Bettors Delight and Tallulah Bromac is making his first start on a half-mile track. Former Maine Sire Stakes star Two Fold Cold (Dave Ingraham) is the second choice after he finished second in that same Beckwith Memorial.

(With files from Maine Sire Stakes)
Trainer Virgil Morgan Jr. has been the leading conditioner at Eldorado Scioto Downs for nearly three decades, so its not surprising that a pair of his sophomore pacing fillies would sweep the $97,260 divisions of the First Lady Pace in Ohio State Fair action on Friday evening, Aug. 1.

In the first division, Odds On Hialeah and driver Dan Noble led gate-to-wire as the heavy favourites to score a 4-1/2-length victory over Prolific Fire (Austin Hanners) and Seaside Wishes (Kayne Kauffman) in 1:51. Odds On Hialeah is owned by Let It Ride Stables, Odds On Racing and Operation Horsepower. The Lather Up-Laughandbehappy filly has won 10 of her 12 career starts and has earned more than $600,000 lifetime.

The second division was much tighter. Favourite Odds On Chesapeake, also driven by Dan Noble, wanted to match her stablemates front-running effort, but endured a stiff challenge from the pocket-sitting Bubblles Out (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.), who went into the passing lane but made a couple of bobbles in stride and came up three-quarters of a length short in 1:51. The Downbytheseaside-Macaroon lass has won six of seven starts this season for Odds On Racing and Operation Horsepower.

Both of the Odds On fillies were bred by Odds On Nourir.

In the first $110,479 division of the State Fair Managers Pace for freshman fillies, it was a battle between Ron Burke stablemates Shacarri and Seaside Shuffle. Seaside Shuffle and Ronnie Wrenn Jr. grabbed the early lead from post position six and led the field past the opening quarter in :27.1. Chris Page edged Shacarri out of the four-hole and she cleared her stablemate before the half-mile station in :56. Thanks to a :30.2 third quarter breather, the Burke trainees remained 1-2 and were set up for the final quarter sprint. Pacing in tandem, Shacarri used a :27.3 final panel and held off Seaside Shuffle by a quarter-length in 1:54. Vanna By The Water (Austin Hanners) was six lengths back in third. The homebred Summa Cum Laude-Rockin Racer lass is owned by Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Phil Collura along with Zippett Stables.

The second $111,301 State Fair Managers Pace division concluded with a wild ending, as Madetorockette and Brett Miller used a five-wide move around the final turn and came from last to first to win in a lifetime-best 1:54.3. Zoom Call (Dan Noble) and Laude Da (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) rounded out the trifecta. The homebred Pet Rock-Standing Danette filly is owned by Sharon Edelman and conditioned by Jim Arledge Jr. The winner paid $66.60 to win.

Another stakes winner for the Ron Burke stable, Mocha Hill and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. rallied late to score a 16-1 upset in a $98,630 division of the Pride of Ohio Trot for sophomore fillies in 1:54.3. The winner survived a three-horse photo finish with the pacesetting Aunt Laura (Brett Miller) and Dream Something (Tyler Smith). Burke trains the What The Hill-Socha Hanover filly for Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Weaver Bruscemi and Knox Services. Mocha Hill, who was bred by Franklin Equine, was the Ohio State Fair divisional champion last season, but picked up her first 2025 win tonight.

The other $98,630 division went to Jailhouse Pearl and Austin Hanners, who used the passing lane to cruise past the leader, In The End (Dan Noble), by three parts of a length in 1:54.2. A fast-closing Pelican Hanover (Kurt Sugg) was third. The winner is trained by Eric Nesselroad for owner/breeder Casey Clemens. A model of consistency, the Long Tom-Jailhouse Broad filly has finished on the board in all but one of her 24 career starts.

The 2025 Ohio State Fair action wraps up Saturday night at Scioto Downs with the Buckeye State Pace (two-year-old colts), Director of Agriculture Pace (three-year-old colts) and Governors Cup Trot (three-year-old colts). Post time for the 16-race card is 5:55 p.m.

Scioto Downs will host horseshoe decorating near the program stand Saturday during the State Fair races. Kids of all ages are welcome to pick out a shoe and decorate it with flowers, charms, feathers and more from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Ohio Harness Horsemans Association will be on track Saturday for its Tickets & TVs giveaway, along with a State Fair display, and will be signing kids, 12 years of age and under up, for the new Backstretch Buddies fan club.

(With files from Scioto Downs; photo of Odds On Hialeah winning on Aug. 1)
At Anime Expo, we had the opportunity to speak with two key figures behind TOMYs expanding collector toy lines: Kenta Wakisawa, Assistant Manager of RD Team, and Takayuki Miyauchi, Senior Assistant Manager of Marketing Team, both from the Collector Business Group, Hobby Character Business Division. The two discussed the origins of the T-SPARK brand, its strategic focus, and plans for global expansion, particularly in the North American market.

T-ONO: Can you tell us about the concept behind T-SPARK and how the various toy lines under it connect?

Wakisawa: T-SPARK was launched about a year ago to build upon TOMYs strength in transformation, combination, and articulation. These are core elements in our products, and T-SPARK is our challenge to evolve from a hobby-focused brand into a full-fledged hobby and figure brand. We want to expand the line while creating something with lasting value in the collector space.

Miyauchi: Its not just about adding more product lines, its about figuring out how to connect with new markets. Thats why we created COLLEKAZARO and SPARK Fig, both lines that directly tackle what we saw as a gap compared to major figure brands. Its a bold effort aimed at developing something fresh for the audience.

T-ONO: Is the American release of T-SPARK a test line or part of a full-scale product launch?

Wakisawa: Its definitely a serious launch. Its not just a test; were fully committed to productizing it and expanding it as part of our long-term plans.

T-ONO: Whats the relationship between T-SPARK and major legacy IPs like ZOIDS and Diaclone?

Miyauchi: Well continue to support and expand long-running brands like Transformers, ZOIDS, and Diaclone, which remain core pillars. But were also working to introduce new IPs under T-SPARK to diversify our offerings and appeal to broader audiences.

T-ONO: COLLEKAZARO deviates from the 6-inch figure standard in the U.S. Why did you choose a 3.75-inch scale instead?

Miyauchi: The 6-inch action figure market is already saturated. Rather than entering the same space, we wanted to differentiate ourselves with something easier to collect, especially for new fans. COLLEKAZARO is designed to be approachable and enjoyable for both seasoned collectors and newcomers, including women and younger audiences. Weve intentionally limited articulation to keep play simple and accessible.

T-ONO: What are some standout products you're particularly proud of within T-SPARK?

Wakisawa: Personally, I have strong feelings about the Brave Series from the TOYRISE line. I grew up watching it, and it really represents TOMYs DNA of playable, durable toys that aren't just for display. Were bringing that same spirit into Q VILLAGE, our new line designed to take on the global market, including the U.S., which reflects a modern take on TOMYs transformation and combination mechanics.

Miyauchi: One of our most exciting developments is SYNERGENEX, a new collaborative sub-brand under T-SPARK. Weve partnered with other IPs like Evangelion, Monster Hunter, and Macross 7. At this years Big West panel, we announced a figure of Basara Prime from Macross 7, which was met with great enthusiasm. We hope to continue building excitement through these unique crossovers.

T-ONO: What kind of feedback are you hoping to gather from fans at Anime Expo?

Wakisawa: Since T-SPARK just launched last year, were still in a phase where not all products are widely available yet. That makes events like Anime Expo invaluable. We want to hear both the good and the bad. Praise motivates us, and criticism helps us improve. Whether its on social media or in person, all feedback helps guide how we grow the brand.

Miyauchi: Exactly. Its not just about marketing, its about connecting with fans. We want T-SPARK to be something people recognize year after year. If someone comes back to AX next year and says, Wow, T-SPARK has really evolved, then we know were doing something right.
1. Introduction

In a globalised investment landscape, cross-border investments in Mutual Funds, debentures and bonds have become increasingly common. For non-residents investors of country with whom India has entered into Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) particularly where the Article on Capital Gains is modelled on the OECD Model Tax Convention, a key concern is determining whether the capital gains arising from such investments made in India are taxable in India or in their country of residence or both.

While the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 lays down the general provisions for taxing such gains, the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) entered into by India with various countries often provide an overriding relief or specific allocation of taxing rights.

This article analyses the tax implications of capital gains arising from the transfer of Indian mutual fund units by non-residents who are tax residents of countries with which India has entered into DTAAs based on the OECD Model Convention such as the UAE, Switzerland, Singapore, Germany, France, Austria, Ireland, Mauritius etc. It provides an analysis of domestic tax provisions, key DTAA clauses aligned with the OECD Model, and relevant judicial precedents that offers clarity on whether India retains the right to tax such gains or must yield to the residence state under treaty obligations.

2. Issue at Hand:

To better understand the core issue, consider the case of Mr. Charlie, a non-resident Indian, who is a tax resident of Singapore. He has earned short-term capital gains from the redemption of equity-oriented & debt mutual fund units in India.

The key question is:

Are such capital gains taxable in India, being the source country or in Singapore, being his country of residence, or in both?

While the above example considers Singapore as country of residence of the investor. but the analysis that follows equally applies to investors from other countries with which India has entered into DTAAs modelled on the OECD Model Convention particularly in the context of capital gains taxation on mutual fund transfers.

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

To resolve this, it is essential to analyse:

The relevant provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961;

Article 13 of the IndiaSingapore DTAA, which governs capital gains; and

Judicial precedents that shed light on how such treaty provisions are interpreted in practice.

3. Chargeability of Capital Gains under the Income Tax Act, 1961:

3.1 As per the provisions of section 5 of the Income Tax Act,1961 (the Act), a non-resident person is liable to pay tax in India only in respect of income that is

Received or deemed to be received in India; or

Accrues or arises or deemed to accrue or arise in India.

The relevant portion Section 5 (2) have been reproduced below: Section 5. Scope of total income.

(1)

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the total income of any previous year of a person

who is a non-resident includes all income from whatever source derived which-

(a) is received or is deemed to be received in India in such year by or on behalf of such

person; or

(b)accrues or arises or is deemed to accrue or arise to him in India during such year.

3.2 Further, Section 9 of the Act, contains provisions as to when certain incomes shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India. As per Section 9(1)(i), any income accruing or arising from transfer of a capital asset situated in India is always deemed to accrue or arise in India. The relevant portion of Section 9 of the Act have been reproduced below:

Section 9. Income deemed to accrue or arise in India

(1) The following incomes shall be deemed to accrue or arise in India:-

(i) all income accruing or arising, whether directly or indirectly, through or from any business connection in India, or through or from any property in India, or through or from any asset or source of income in India, or through the transfer of a capital asset situate in India

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

The Explanation 5 to Section 9(1)(i) extends the scope to indirect transfers. It states that an asset, being any share or interest in a foreign company or entity, shall be deemed to be situated in India if it derives its value substantially from assets located in India.

3.3 Accordingly, under Section 5(2) read with Section 9(1)(i), capital gains arising from the transfer of capital assets situated in India are deemed to accrue or arise in India and are taxable in the hands of a non-resident. In the context of units of mutual funds and debentures issued by Indian entities, such assets are generally regarded as capital assets situated in India. Therefore, gains arising from their transfer are deemed to accrue or arise in India and are taxable under the domestic law provisions, even when the recipient is a non-resident.

4. Taxability under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs)

The chargeability of tax in India on the Capital Gains income of non-resident person also depends upon the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) that India entered into with the country of residence of the taxpayer. The DTAAs allocate the taxing rights between the source country and residence country. As per Section 90(2) of the Income-tax Act, the provisions of the Act apply only to the extent they are more beneficial to the assessee. Thus, where the DTAA offers a more favourable tax treatment, it overrides domestic law.

5. Since Mr. Charlie, in the above example, is a tax resident of Singapore, let us now examine the relevant provisions of the IndiaSingapore DTAA, particularly Article 13, which deals with taxation of capital gains.

Article 13: Capital Gains

1. Gains derived by a resident of a Contracting State from the alienation of immovable property, referred to in Article 6, and situated in the other Contracting State may be taxed in that other State.

2. Gains from the alienation of movable property forming part of the business property of a permanent establishment which an enterprise of a Contracting State has in the other Contracting State or of movable property pertaining to a fixed base available to a resident of a Contracting State in the other Contracting State for the purpose of performing independent personal services, including such gains from

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

the alienation of such a permanent establishment (alone or together with the whole enterprise) or of such fixed base, may be taxed in that other State.

3. Gains from the alienation of ships or aircraft operated in international traffic or movable property pertaining to the operation of such ships or aircraft shall be taxable only in the Contracting State of which the alienator is a resident.

4. 1[***]

4A. Gains from the alienation of shares acquired before 1 April 2017 in a company which is a resident of a Contracting State shall be taxable only in the Contracting State in which the alienator is a resident.

4B. Gains from the alienation of shares acquired on or after 1 April 2017 in a company which is a resident of a Contracting State may be taxed in that State.

4C. However, the gains referred to in paragraph 4B of this Article which arise during the period beginning on 1 April 2017 and ending on 31 March 2019 may be taxed in the State of which the company whose shares are being alienated is a resident at a tax rate that shall not exceed 50% of the tax rate applicable on such gains in that State.

5. Gains from the alienation of any property other than that referred to in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B of this Article shall be taxable only in the Contracting State of which the alienator is a resident.

Based on the above, since Mr. Charlie has sold units of a mutual fund which are neither immovable property nor shares, and do not fall under any paragraphs of Article 13(1) to 13(4C) of India Singapore DTAA, the gains thus fall within the residuary clause of Article 13. Accordingly, the capital gains shall be taxable only in the state of residence, i.e., Singapore, and not in India.

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents 6. Judicial Interpretation of Capital Gains Taxation under OECD-Aligned DTAAs

Judicial precedents have provided valuable clarity on the taxation of capital gains from the sale of mutual fund units by non-residents. Indian courts and tribunals have consistently held that where the DTAA grants exclusive taxing rights to the state of residence, India cannot tax such gains. These rulings reinforce the treaty-based relief available to investors from OECD-aligned jurisdictions and serve as authoritative guidance in cross-border tax matters.

6.1 In the case of Satish Beharilal Raheja v. ACIT [2013] 37 taxmann.com 296 (Mumbai ITAT), the Tribunal observed that the assessee is a non-resident individual based in Switzerland. He sold units of Mutual Fund in India and claimed that the capital gain arising on account of sale of mutual fund units was not taxable in India under the provisions of article 13(6) of the Indo-Swiss treaty.

The AO treated the units of mutual fund units as shares of Indian Company and held that said gain is taxable in India under article 13(5) of the Indo-Swiss treaty.

The Tribunal examined the issue and held that mutual fund units are not equivalent to shares under either domestic law or the DTAA. Therefore, the capital gain on redemption of Mutual funds falls under the residuary clause Article 13(5), which allocates taxing rights solely to the country of residence in this case, Switzerland.

6.2 The Honble Apex Court in the landmark case of Apollo Tyres Ltd v. CIT [2002] 122 Taxman 562 (SC) addressed whether the purchase and sale of UTI units by the assessee constituted a speculative business under the Explanation to section 73 of the Income-tax Act. The Revenue contended that UTI units were shares, and therefore, trading in them should be treated as speculative. The Apex Court, however, upheld the High Courts view and rejected the Revenues argument, holding that units of UTI are not equivalent to shares. Therefore, transactions involving UTI units do not amount to speculation business under section 73. The Supreme Court held as under:

Even though the said section creates a fiction to make the UTI as a deemed company and distribution of income received by the unitholder as a deemed dividend, by virtue of these deemed provisions, it cannot be said that it also makes the unit of the UTI a deemed share. A deeming provision of this nature, as found in section 32(3), should be

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

applied for the purpose for which the said deeming provision is specifically enacted, which in the instant case was confined only to deeming the UTI as a company and the income from the units as a dividend. If as a matter of fact, the Legislature had contemplated making the unit as also a deemed share, then it would have stated so. In the absence of any such specific deeming in regard to the units as shares, it would be erroneous to extend the provisions of section 32(3) to the units of the UTI for the purpose of holding that the unit is a share. For these reasons, the finding of the High Court on this point was to be upheld

6.3 In the case of DCIT (International Taxation) v. K.E. Faizal [2019] 108 taxmann.com 545 (Cochin ITAT), the Tribunal examined whether capital gains from the sale of mutual fund units by a UAE resident were taxable in India under the IndiaUAE DTAA.

The Revenue contended that such gains were taxable under Article 13(4), which applies to gains from the transfer of shares in an Indian company. However, the Tribunal noted that mutual fund units are not shares, and therefore, do not fall within the scope of Article 13(4).

Since the term share is not defined in the DTAA, the Tribunal referred to Article 3(2) of the tax treaty, which provides that terms not defined should be interpreted as per the domestic law of the country applying the tax. As the Income-tax Act, 1961 does not define share, the Tribunal turned to other allied Indian laws:

Section 2(84) of the Companies Act, 2013, which defines a share as a share in the share capital of a company.

The SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1995, which clarify that mutual funds in India are constituted as trusts, not companies.

The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, which distinguishes between shares and units of mutual funds as separate types of securities.

Based on this analysis, the Tribunal held that units of mutual funds cannot be equated with shares, and thus do not come under Article 13(4). Instead, such capital gains fall under the residuary clauseArticle 13(5)which states that gains from the alienation of property not covered by earlier paragraphs shall be taxable only in the country of residence. Accordingly, the Tribunal concluded that the short-term capital gains earned

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

by the assessee, a UAE resident, from the sale of equity-oriented and debt-oriented mutual fund units, were not taxable in India.

6.4 In the case of Emerging India Focus Funds, Apex Financial Services (Mauritius) Ltd [2025] 175 taxmann.com 1013 (Delhi  Trib.), the Delhi Tribunal examined the issue pertaining to taxability of capital gains on sale of equity-oriented mutual funds under Article 13(3A) of the IndiaMauritius DTAA. The Tribunal observed that the assessee, Mauritius-based entity, earned capital gains from sale of equity-oriented mutual fund units in India.

The Assessing Officer (AO) held that since the mutual fund primarily invested in shares, the gains should be treated as arising from the alienation of shares, and 65% of such gains should be taxed in India under Article 13(3A) of the IndiaMauritius DTAA.

The Delhi ITAT observed the following:

The DTAA must be strictly construed and where treaty language is clear, literal interpretation must be followed. The Purposive or beneficial interpretations are only relevant where the treaty terms are ambiguous, which was not the case here.

Article 13(3A) inserted via 2016 Protocol, applies only to Capital gains arising from the sale of shares of Indian Companies. The Protocol and PIB release dated 10.05.2016 clarify that the amendment targets treaty abuses through share transactions and aims to tax capital gains arising from shares, not from other securities

Under Article 3(2) of the DTAA, since the term shares is not defined, its meaning is derived from Indian domestic law. As per the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, shares and mutual fund units are distinct types of securities. While shares represent ownership in a company with voting and dividend rights, mutual fund units are held in a trust structure regulated by SEBI, offering no ownership in a company. The rights, returns, and regulatory framework for both differ significantly.

The rights, returns, and regulatory framework for both differ significantly. The equity mutual funds may be equated with shares under domestic provisions (e.g., Sections 10(38) or 112) for concessional taxation, this does not extend to treaty interpretation. The DTAA benefits cannot be denied by equating mutual fund units with shares through inference or analogy.

The Tribunal held that since the gain from Mutual Fund don not fall under Article 13(1) to 13(3A), they fall under the residuary clause- Article 13(4), which gives

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

exclusive taxing rights to the country of residence (Mauritius) and thus held that capital gains will not be liable to tax in India

6.5 In the case of Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund v. ACIT [2025] 172 taxmann.com 515 (Mumbai  Trib.) , the issue before the Mumbai Tribunal was whether capital gains earned by an Irish company from the sale of Rights Entitlement (RE) to subscribe to shares of an Indian company were taxable in India under Article 13(5) of the India-Ireland DTAA (which covers gains from shares) or exempt under the residuary Article 13(6).

The Assessing Officer and DRP had taxed the gains under Article 13(5), equating REs with shares. However, the Tribunal disagreed and held:

As per the provisions of section 62 of the Companies Act, 2013, rights entitlement are not equity shares because the section provides shareholder in whose favour an offer to subscribe to shares is made, may either accept the offer or exercise the right to renounce the offer or transfer the right to any other person. Ergo, a shareholder obtains an exercisable right to subscribe to shares which is different from shares in the Indian Company

Further as per SEBI and NSE Circulars, REs is credited separately in demat accounts account of the investor and it is an asset, which is different from shares of the company and therefore, a separate ISIN is given for rights entitlement. Thus, REs are traded and taxed differently (STT applied as an option in securities), reinforcing their distinct nature.

The Tribunal also relied upon the judgment of the Honble Supreme Court in the case of Navin Jindal v. Asstt. CIT [2010] 187Taxman 283/320 ITR 708 (SC) wherein it was held that when a company offers right to the shareholders, the shareholder obtains an exercisable right to subscribe to shares which is different from the shares in the Indian company.

wherein it was held that when a company offers right to the shareholders, the shareholder obtains an exercisable right to subscribe to shares which is different from the shares in the Indian company. Article 13(5) of the India-Ireland DTAA, even post-MLI amendment, refers only to shares, and does not cover REs and even Article 13(4) specifically defined comparable interest to include interest in partnership or trust. Thus, the rights entitlements are not included in article 13(5) even after its amendment in 2019 post MLI.

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

Thus, the Tribunal concluded that REs does not fall under Articles 13(4) or 13(5) but are covered under the residuary Article 13(6). Therefore, the capital gains on sale of REs are taxable only in Ireland, not in India.

6.6 In the case of Anushka Sanjay Shah v. ITO [2025] 173 taxmann.com 570 (Mumbai  Trib.) , The Mumbai ITAT dealt with the taxability of short-term capital gains (STCG) earned by the assessee, a non-resident Indian and tax resident of Singapore, from the sale/redemption of equity mutual fund & debt mutual fund units in India. The assessee claimed exemption under Article 13 of the IndiaSingapore DTAA, arguing that such gains were not taxable in India.

However, the Assessing Officer and DRP held that since the mutual fund units derived substantial value from Indian assets, the gains were taxable in India under Article 13(4) of the DTAA.

The Tribunal disagreed and relied on earlier decisions in:

ITO v. Satish Beharilal Raheja [2013] 37 com 296 (Mumbai),

DCIT v. K.E. Faizal [2019] 108 com 545 (Cochin).

It held that mutual fund units are not shares of a company, and therefore, Article 13(4) (which covers gains from shares deriving substantial value from Indian assets) does not apply. Instead, such gains fall under Article 13(5), which deals with capital gains from other property and assigns taxing rights to the country of residencein this case, Singapore. Accordingly, the Tribunal concluded that STCG arising from sale of equity and debt mutual fund units is not taxable in India under the IndiaSingapore DTAA, and the assessee is entitled to exemption.

6.7 In the case of Saket Kanoi [2024] 168 taxmann.com 418 (Delhi  Trib.) , the Delhi ITAT upheld the CIT(A)s order and ruled that the capital gains earned by the assessee, a tax resident of the UAE, from the sale of mutual fund units in India were not taxable in India. Relying on Article 13(5) of the IndiaUAE DTAA, which grants exclusive taxing rights to the country of residence for capital gains not covered under earlier paragraphs, the Tribunal concluded that only the UAE had the authority to tax such gains, thereby exempting them from Indian taxation.

Conclusion

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents The evolving jurisprudence and consistent tribunal rulings make one point abundantly clear: mutual fund units are not equivalent to shares, either under Indian allied laws or for the purposes of DTAA interpretation. Several Appellate tribunals have held that gains from mutual fund units fall under the residuary clauses of respective DTAAs. These provisions typically allocate exclusive taxing rights to the country of residence of the investor.

As per Indian tax laws, capital gains arising from the sale of Indian mutual fund units by non-residents are taxable in India. However, if the non-resident is eligible to claim relief under a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the DTAA follows the OECD Model, the right to tax such gains usually lies only with the country of residence. In such cases, India cannot tax the capital gains, provided the treaty benefits are properly claimed. In conclusion, effective tax planning and proper treaty application can ensure legitimate exemption from Indian capital gains tax on mutual fund redemptions, underscoring the crucial role of DTAAs in cross-border investment taxation.

Tips for NRIs Investing in Indian Mutual Funds:

 Check DTAA before investing: Understand capital gains taxation between India and your country of residencemost treaties offer exemption.

Keep your documentation in order:

TRC from foreign tax authority

Form 10F (filed online on the Income Tax Portal)

PAN in India (recommended for easier compliance)

Avoid assumptions: Mutual fund units = shares under most treaties. Dont assume taxability based on Section 112A or domestic concessional rates.

Consult your tax advisor before redemption or large withdrawals to structure the exit efficiently.

Disclose correctly in your Indian tax return (if required), and claim DTAA benefit carefully using the correct ITR form and TRC.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The insights

Demystifying DTAA Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains for Non-Residents

and interpretations provided are general in nature and may not apply to specific individual circumstances. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified tax professional or legal advisor before taking any action based on the contents of this article.

****

Author: CA Samruddhi Mehta, a practicing Chartered Accountant and Partner at A M S M Associates, Chartered Accountants, Pune. Co-authored with fellow partner, CA Ankur Mehta.
Oman Air SAOC Vs Commissioner of Service Tax (CESTAT Mumbai)

CESTAT Mumbai held that unreported cenvat credit doesnt lapse merely the same is not shown in ST-3 return. Thus, denomination as anything other than procedural lapse in not reporting the existence of such credit, the impugned order cannot survive.

Facts- In this dispute of M/s Oman Air SAOC with order1 of Commissioner of Service Tax-I, Mumbai, the peculiar nuances and fundamental underpinning of tax credit  purpose in design, mode of utilization and jurisdiction to recover 

Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Palantir, the powerful data and AI company with deep ties to US national security bodies, has won a multi-billion-dollar contract to run US Army software and data.

The agreement, announced Thursday, consolidates multiple contracts into a single enterprise deal that allows the military to buy Palantir's products over the next decade to a value of up to $10 billion.

"By streamlining our procurement processes and leveraging enterprise-level discounts, we are not only enhancing our operational effectiveness but also maximizing our buying power," said Army chief information officer Leo Garciga.

Palantir, an American data analysis and artificial intelligence company, has a reach that spans the global economy, with banks, hospitals, the US government, and the Israeli military among its ever-expanding client roster.

"We want and need this country to be the strongest, most important country in the world," Alex Karp, Palantir's CEO, recently declared at a client conference in Palo Alto, California.

Palantir was founded in 2003 by Peter ThielSilicon Valley's preeminent conservative with long-standing ties to the Trump administrationKarp, and others with CIA backing.

In the first quarter, the company received $373 million from the US government, a 45% jump from the previous year.

This spring, federal immigration authorities (ICE) awarded the company a $30 million contract to develop a new platform for tracking deportations and visa overstays.

 2025 AFP
News / National

by Staff reporter

A growing syndicate involving hospital staff, informal cross-border transporters, and backyard traders is siphoning government-issued birth control pills from Zimbabwe's public health facilities and smuggling them into South Africa, where the contraceptives are sold blister by blister on the black market.At the heart of this illicit trade are two widely used contraceptives: Secure, a progesterone-only pill, and Control, a combined oral contraceptive. Both are distributed at a nominal fee through Zimbabwe's public hospitals and clinics. But across the Limpopo, they've become a high-demand commodity - valued for their affordability and trusted efficacy among both Zimbabwean migrants and local women in South Africa.According to the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, the pills are intended to be taken daily by women to prevent pregnancy. Yet the surge in black-market activity has turned what was once a vital public health tool into a contraband product fueling corruption and cross-border criminal enterprise.The Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledged the problem, with Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze confirming that internal complaints, particularly from Masvingo Provincial Hospital, surfaced as early as 2022. "Some staff members were discharged and faced criminal charges, although they were not convicted in court," Dr Maunganidze said.In response, the Ministry has rolled out an electronic stock management system at over 1,000 health facilities to monitor supplies and curb theft. "We are working to ensure the entire supply chain is more secure," Dr Maunganidze added.Despite these efforts, the illicit trade persists.At a Kuwadzana polyclinic in Harare, a 36-year-old nurse identified only as Sister Prisca admitted to setting aside 200 to 300 blister packs weekly. "They are recorded as dispensed; no one checks," she said. "I sell them for a dollar each to the guys who handle the shipments. It's easy money." She described nightly handovers to "runners" who consolidate the pills before shipping.The pills are supplied in bulk to public hospitals via the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm) and are meant strictly for local use. In private pharmacies, a box of two blister packs sells for about US$1. In public clinics, they are nearly free - making them a prime target for illegal resale.Once smuggled out of clinics, the pills are ferried across the border via omalayitsha - informal cross-border transporters who typically deal in groceries, furniture, and parcels. One such transporter, Thulani Manda, 43, admitted to regularly hiding blister packs in food parcels or false bag linings."I don't carry drugs or guns - just groceries, people's things and Secure and Control," Manda said. "No one at the border checks for pills. They're looking for cigarettes or dagga."In South Africa, the pills are sold through informal networks operating in areas such as Yeoville, Rosettenville, and Kempton Park, which have large populations of Zimbabwean migrants.Rutendo, 29, a Zimbabwean based in Kempton Park, sells the contraceptives from her backyard. "I buy a box of 54 blister packs for R400 and sell them for up to R800, depending on demand," she said. "Even South Africans come to me. They trust these pills more than what's in clinics here."South Africa's public hospitals mainly supply Oralcon, a brand some women complain causes side effects such as nausea and mood swings. This has driven many to seek alternatives - like Secure and Control - which are more familiar, especially to Zimbabwean users.A single blister pack of Secure or Control, which costs around R55 in Zimbabwean pharmacies, can fetch more than R130 in South African retail stores - if available at all. On the black market, it's slightly cheaper and readily accessible.The Zimbabwean diaspora, estimated at between 1.5 and 2 million in South Africa, many of whom are undocumented and lack access to affordable health care, has helped fuel the underground trade. With public health systems in both countries under pressure, this illicit trade has turned a government-subsidised commodity into black-market currency.Springs of Life Zimbabwe, an organisation advocating for women's rights, condemned the syndicate. Director Ms Precious Msindo called the reports "deeply disturbing" and urged authorities to act swiftly. "These pills, which we believe are subsidised by the Government, should never be abused in this way," she said.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that while no new cases have been reported this year, authorities are investigating. "Smuggling of Government-issued medication is strictly prohibited. Police will remain on high alert at all points of entry and exit," he said.The Ministry of Health says it is tightening controls and continuing to monitor stock flows at health facilities. However, critics argue that unless systemic corruption is addressed, electronic monitoring alone may not be enough.In the meantime, the smuggling continues - quietly, profitably, and at a cost to the very people Zimbabwe's public health system is meant to protect.
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

If you've ever been stuck in gridlocked traffic on the 405 or circled the block looking for parking in L.A., you've experienced the kinds of problems Michael Manville has spent years researching and trying to solve.

As professor and chair of urban planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Manville is reshaping how we think about transportation and housing in a sprawling city like Los Angeles and turning his research into real-world impact.

At the center of Manville's transportation research is a deceptively simple idea: the way we price things matters, and how we price things shapes how we use them.

"Driving is too cheap, and housing is too expensive," he said. "Driving isn't cheap in the absolute sense of the word 'cheap' because cars aren't cheap and gas isn't free, but in the sense that it costs less than it should, because the full social costs of driving, like congestion, pollution, infrastructure wear, aren't reflected in what we pay to use our roads." The price of housing, meanwhile, is driven up by restrictive land-use policies that limit supply.

Manville's first introduction into urban planning began in a newsroom while covering transportation and housing topics as a local reporter. When the newspaper he worked for went bankrupt, he joined the local planning commission. Eager to turn his newfound passion into a career, he enrolled in the urban planning master's degree program at UCLA and after a summer as a research assistant, decided to pursue a Ph.D. Today, he leads the department that jumpstarted his second career.

Building on the groundbreaking work of his mentor Donald Shoup, former UCLA urban planning professor and pioneer in parking reform who famously argued that free or underpriced parking distorts urban development, Manville and many other experts in the field have expanded this logic more broadly, emphasizing that it's not just parking that's mispriced, it's also the roads themselves.

One proven strategy to address this is congestion pricing, a transportation policy that charges drivers a fee to use certain roads during peak traffic times. A controversial idea that has gained some traction in recent years, the goal primarily is to improve traffic flow and lower pollution, although it can also generate revenue for public transit and infrastructure.

Mike Manville. Credit: Peaches Chung/UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

It's the idea that using roads during peak times should come with a price, just like electricity or water. "We meter every other government-owned utility," Manville explains, "but not roads."

"It's the only system that we don't charge prices for, and it's not a coincidence that it's the only system that colossally breaks down about two times a day," he added.

Manville argues that the same basic principle we apply to everything else in our economypricing goods and services based on demandshould also apply to road usage.

Cities like Singapore prove it can work. In Singapore, dynamic tolling keeps traffic flowing at speeds of 4555 mph. Manville argues that Los Angeles could reap similar benefits if it embraced the idea. "We've normalized the dysfunction of our transportation system," he said. "But there's nothing inherently fair about free roads, or unfair about charging for their use."

For Manville, reimagining cities isn't just about policy; it's about turning research into practical, real-world implementation. At UCLA Luskin, that happens through teaching the next generation of planners, working directly with policymakers and ensuring research is more accessible to community members, he said. "The biggest impact we can have is making sure our students leave with the ability to weigh trade-offsnot chase perfect solutions," he said.

When asked what he hopes for the next generation of urban planners who will be tasked to solve some of the most complicated issues our cities face today, Manville had some wisdom from his own experience as a young planner.

"I came to UCLA convinced there were a bunch of right answers," he said. "But the biggest lesson I've learned, and hope to pass on, is that progress comes from understanding the nuance and complexity of the issues we hope to solve. In a city as vast and diverse as L.A., differing perspectives are inevitable and real change begins with listening, especially to those you may not agree with."
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's tourism sector has experienced a significant downturn in the first quarter of 2025, with both receipts and investment sharply declining as global travel demand weakens and domestic economic activity remains subdued.Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube revealed the figures on Thursday while presenting the 2025 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review. He announced that the growth forecast for the tourism sector had been revised downward, reflecting the mounting challenges faced by the industry.According to the minister, estimated tourism receipts fell by 16 percent, dropping to US$202 million from US$241 million recorded in the same period last year. The contraction was evident across both international and domestic tourism. International receipts decreased by 14 percent, falling from US$163.97 million in the first quarter of 2024 to US$141.59 million during the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, domestic tourism registered an even more pronounced drop of 22 percent, with receipts declining from US$77.45 million to US$60.63 million.Tourism investment also took a hit, falling by 25 percent. Investment levels dropped from US$16.5 million in the first quarter of 2024 to US$12.6 million in 2025, reflecting reduced investor confidence and tighter capital flows into the sector.Industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the decline and are urging stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to revitalise tourism. They have highlighted the urgent need for targeted recovery strategies, including infrastructure upgrades, robust marketing efforts, and incentives to promote domestic travel.Despite the current slump, there is cautious optimism within the industry. Many believe that stabilisation in global travel trends, coupled with well-crafted policy interventions, could help the sector recover in the medium term. The tourism industry remains a vital component of Zimbabwe's economy, contributing significantly to employment creation and foreign currency earnings.However, the sector's continued vulnerability to external shocks - such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and global economic volatility - underscores the need for greater resilience-building and strategic investment going forward.
THANKS to social media platforms like TikTok, there is a lot of hype around magnesium. But is the obsession warranted?

The Express spoke with general practitioner and social media content creator Dr Mariana Browne to learn more about the different types of magnesium and what they are good for. There are about five different types of magnesium salts that can help boost your magnesium levels. One of the most popular is magnesium citrate.
SIXTY-YEAR-OLD David Greeves died after he attempted to save his home which caught fire whil
News / National

by Staff reporter

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has returned to Zimbabwe following a high-level diplomatic engagement in Nairobi, Kenya, where he, alongside East African Community (EAC) Chairperson President William Ruto, formally appointed five facilitators to spearhead peace efforts in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).President Mnangagwa touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Friday afternoon and was received by Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, service chiefs, and other senior government officials.Accompanying the President on this critical regional mission were Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Presidential Communications Mr George Charamba, and senior government staff.Following a closed-door session in Nairobi, Presidents Mnangagwa and Ruto jointly briefed the media, expressing confidence in the appointed facilitators, who are former African leaders with vast experience in diplomacy and conflict resolution. The two presidents praised the appointees for accepting what they described as a "challenging but vital" task."These former heads of state bring not only deep knowledge of African geopolitics but also a shared commitment to stability, peace, and unity," President Mnangagwa said during the briefing.The facilitators are mandated to engage with the DRC political leadership as well as non-state actors, in an effort to forge an inclusive and comprehensive peace agreement aimed at ending the prolonged unrest in the eastern regions of the country.The eastern DRC has witnessed decades of instability, marked by armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and displacement. This joint initiative by SADC and EAC marks a significant step toward unified regional action to restore peace and development in the Great Lakes region.President Mnangagwa's leadership role in the initiative reflects Zimbabwe's growing influence in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution under his chairmanship of SADC.
INDIA is saying in no uncertain terms that it is independent in the fullest sense of the wor
China's top legislator calls for building community of shared future at global parliament summit

Xinhua) 09:43, August 02, 2025

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, delivers a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together" at the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 29, 2025. The sixth WCSP was held in Geneva from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

GENEVA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji has said here that China's National People's Congress (NPC) is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with its global counterparts, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Zhao, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks during a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together" at the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) in Geneva from Tuesday to Thursday.

In his speech, Zhao said the world is facing severe challenges to the cause of peace and development of humanity, and legislatures must play a more active role in fostering a new model of international relations.

He called on legislative bodies to act as joint defenders of global peace and tranquility, uphold a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable approach to security, and respect all countries' sovereignty, territorial integrity and the development paths chosen by their people.

He also urged parliaments to jointly promote global development and prosperity, uphold mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and provide legal guarantees for promoting common development among all countries.

Zhao further highlighted the role of legislatures in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, respecting the diversity of world civilizations and encouraging inclusive and diversified development.

As common promoters of international fairness and justice, legislators must uphold and practice true multilateralism, and make efforts to establish a fairer and more reasonable system of global governance, he added.

Zhao emphasized that China's NPC is willing to work with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and legislative bodies of all countries to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

He also chaired the WCSP's general debate session on Wednesday morning.

The WCSP has been held every five years since 2000 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This year's conference, themed "A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all," brought together parliamentary leaders from 120 countries and concluded with the adoption of the High-Level Declaration of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament on Thursday.

During the conference, Zhao met with IPU President Tulia Ackson and Secretary General Martin Chungong.

Zhao said that China's NPC is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the IPU, continue to work together to organize seminars for parliamentarians from developing countries, and promote more effective exchanges between legislative bodies.

Ackson said that the IPU greatly appreciates China's firm support for multilateralism and is willing to work with China to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Chungong expressed gratitude for China's active participation in and important contributions to the work of the IPU.

Zhao also met with leaders of the parliaments of Brazil, Pakistan, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, delivers a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together" at the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 29, 2025. The sixth WCSP was held in Geneva from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Tulia Ackson (L) and Secretary General Martin Chungong on July 30, 2025. The sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) was held in Geneva of Switzerland from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference and delivered a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together". (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Hugo Motta, president of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, on July 29, 2025. The sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) was held in Geneva of Switzerland from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference and delivered a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together". (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, on July 29, 2025. The sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) was held in Geneva of Switzerland from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference and delivered a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together". (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Chairwoman of Russian Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko on July 29, 2025. The sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) was held in Geneva of Switzerland from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference and delivered a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together". (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Yerlan Koshanov, speaker of the Mazhilis, or lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, on July 29, 2025. The sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments (WCSP) was held in Geneva of Switzerland from Tuesday to Thursday. Zhao attended the conference and delivered a speech titled "Upholding Multilateralism and Building a Better Home Together". (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
News / National

by Staff reporter

A new wave of forced displacements is set to strike Chivi and Masvingo Rural districts, with over 17,000 people-estimated to be from 3,652 households-expected to be relocated under the Government's Tugwi-Mukosi Dam Development Masterplan.The plan, prepared by Zimbabwe's four state universities-University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, National University of Science and Technology, and Great Zimbabwe University-was released in May this year. It outlines a wide-ranging development programme centred around Zimbabwe's largest inland water body, the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, but raises painful memories for local residents still haunted by the last mass relocation in 2014.That year, close to 18,000 people were displaced when the dam first filled up, flooding villages in its basin. The government's poorly executed relocation programme saw affected families dumped in remote, inhospitable parts of Nuanetsi Ranch without basic amenities. Human rights groups described the conditions in the makeshift transit camps as inhuman, with many families suffering from water shortages, food insecurity, and a lack of healthcare or education services.While compensation for destroyed homes and infrastructure was promised, most of the affected never received it. Only a fraction of the promised funds-reportedly US$3.5 million-was disbursed, and some of the displaced have since died without ever receiving compensation.With the masterplan now proposing another round of displacements, fears are mounting that history will repeat itself."The money for compensation is said to be available, but for people in Chivi and Masvingo, that's a broken record," said one local resident, who asked not to be named. "We've heard these promises before."The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which will oversee the implementation of the plan, declined to offer specific assurances. Spokesperson Gabriel Masvora said the ministry would only comment after the plan is officially adopted."It has not yet been adopted and I would not want to pre-empt what will come out. We will be able to comment when they are done and implementing," said Masvora.Tugwi-Mukosi Community Development Association president Tafirei Mashavakure called for inclusive development and justice for those facing relocation."We are pro-development, but we expect the affected households to get good compensation and to be considered part and parcel of the development processes," he said. "They should be settled where they can easily access basic services like healthcare, schools, and water."The newly identified areas set for displacement include Wards 22, 24, 28, and 31 in Chivi District and Wards 22, 30, and 34 in Masvingo Rural.As Zimbabwe looks to harness Tugwi-Mukosi's vast potential for irrigation, tourism, and hydro-power, critics warn that sustainable development must not come at the cost of human dignity. For thousands of families once again facing the trauma of forced relocation, trust in the system remains fragile-and expectations for fair treatment, long overdue.
Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Columnist Follow Ginnie Graham Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Editor's Note: The original version of the column incorrectly listed the department of the employee who made the recommendation regarding the boulder installation. This version is correct.

Hostility sums up how many Tulsans feel about the line of jagged boulders installed near the downtown Tulsa bus station this past week. Its part of a tightening tension around the citys growing homelessness problem.

These giant rocks are a type of hostile architecture, a relatively new term describing elements dating to the 19th century. By its name, this approach isnt without controversy within the architecture and urban design worlds.

Its purpose is to deter certain public behaviors, with the most current target being homeless people. Types of hostile architecture are spikes, sectioned benches, uncomfortable seating, bright lights, leaning bars, and obstacles like planters, bike racks and rocks.

The boulders were donated by Anchor Stone and placed along a path near Fourth Street and Denver Avenue, typically where homeless people seek shade. Some will spend the day and night sleeping and loitering in the area.

No doubt there are safety issues, both for people who are living on the street and passersby. Plenty of downtown workers can share stories about being hassled, pursued or attacked on the street. Arrest data show plenty of calls in the area.

The city has been under pressure to do more to reduce homelessness. Its doing so as more people are coming into homelessness than can be placed into permanent housing. Tulsa doesnt have dedicated local funding to ameliorate homelessness, unlike what other cities have done.

The average wait time for a person who is homeless to get into housing is about 220 days, and federal housing vouchers are being pulled back.

The decision to install the boulders was made by an urban design planner in the former Urban Design Studio in the former Department of City Experience. That position is now vacant and in the planning office within the Planning and Neighborhoods Department. It was part of a downtown sidewalk project embedded in a Corridor Small Area Plan.

No other options to the boulders were considered, according to a city official. Mayor Monroe Nichols said he accepted this recommendation from the staff.

The boulders got done because it was part of a small area plan that we were going to do anyway, but also because I am very frustrated with folks who engage in predatory behavior, Nichols said.

Thats an understandable frustration, but using this specific element hasnt been fully explained.

The boulders are ugly, and its hard to ignore the inhospitable message they send. That signal isnt just for homeless people; its for anyone.

Tulsans may disagree on many things, including how to address homelessness. But they tend to agree on having good architecture and design in public spaces and wanting a say in the aesthetic of a public project.

Perhaps if more architects, artists and designers had been consulted, a less jarring installation could have been developed. If the public had more clearly understood the major change to occur, more concerns could have been addressed up front.

If the city fell short, its in how this was rolled out.

I stand by our team, but ultimately it is my decision, Nichols said. If theres some process criticisms, those belong to me.

Nichols deserves credit for taking ownership of whats happened and holding a public meeting on Friday to talk about it without limitations on questions.

The majority of those present were against the boulders. They hold deep concerns about how homeless people are getting to resources and being disrespected and treated without empathy in greater community discussions.

About 30 people attended, including City Councilors Jackie Dutton and Anthony Archie and state Rep. Michelle McCane.

City Lights Foundation Executive Director Sarah Grounds said most Tulsans want people who are vulnerable to get the resources they need, and she said the city has a lot of nonprofits and city partners working on the issue.

This is hostile architecture. Without a plan in place, that says exactly what this is going to be, she said. If its not, then whatever committee put together boulders as an option really missed the mark in knowing our city and knowing our people.

Weve sent our neighbors a message when their option is to move out of the way because we put a boulder there  that we value that more than their life.  Our neighbors feel unwanted and pushed and moved along day after day. So when we do something like this, we are just reiterating that they are not welcome here.

In June, the city started a partnership with the Beheard Movement nonprofit organization, offering transportation to the nonprofit in east Tulsa to get basic hygiene and housing resources. Transportation also is provided to return to downtown. Its costing $21,600 to offer this through Sept. 26.

The bus station is not a homeless shelter. But the question is: What do you do about it? Nichols said Friday. Just like the curfew wasnt the response to public safety-related challenges, it was part of that but not the whole response. The beautification project at the bus station is not our whole response to homelessness.

Nichols said the boulders are being turned into a public art project that will be overseen by a newly created Office of Public Art and Community Engagement. A director of that office hasnt yet been hired.

Concerns were raised that other public spaces will use hostile architecture. Nichols said they are not being considered for other areas. And if that becomes a point of discussion, he said, it will be slowed down.

The boulders are in place, for now. Its yet to be seen how they can be turned into anything resembling professional art. Good bet taggers are going to have their way with them.

If these get to be an eyesore or liability, removal is always an option. The bigger discussion must focus on funding more supportive housing options, meaning both physical units and social supports.

Thats the real long-term solution.
Aradhana Pandey, TwoCircles.net

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The ghats of Varanasi may shine brighter these days, but behind them, in the narrow lanes that once cradled humanity, lives are being wiped out one by one. Also known as Kashi and now touted as Prime Minister Narendra Modis version of Kyoto, the city is turning against its own people in the name of development.

Support TwoCircles



Varanasi has never been only a city of temples and palaces. It has also been a living tapestry woven with the lives of Dalits, sanitation workers, labourers, domestic helpers, rickshaw pullers and artisans  people whose tireless work formed the very heartbeat of this ancient city. However, today, they find no place in the sweeping visions of urban renewal. On paper, they were labelled illegal encroachers. And then, without warning, the bulldozers came, razing their homes and histories in a stroke.

The Night Bazaar Fell Silent

On the night of July 4, 2025, bulldozers rolled into the Night Bazaar in front of Varanasis Cantt Railway Station. Past 9 p.m., a large force from the municipal corporation, accompanied by heavy police, arrived allegedly without warning and tore through the stalls selling chaat, tikki, tea and litti-chokha. In minutes, dozens of tiny shops, where poor vendors earned their daily bread, were reduced to rubble. Eighty-three stalls were demolished in five hours. Only the public toilets were spared. That night, tears replaced sleep for dozens of families.

Pushpa Devi, a woman who sold litti-chokha from her handcart, was among them. Her modest earnings fed her four children, paid for their medicines and kept hope alive. Now, the cart is gone and so is her income. The children are hungry. We were not thieves or criminals. We just worked hard. Now, how will my kids go to school? Where will we get books and notebooks? she said, with her voice low.

Raju, too, lost his cart. Everything now lives in memory  the familiar aroma of litti-chokha and the friendly banter with customers. We paid rent, kept the area clean and followed rules. Still, they removed us, he said, despondent.

Where there used to be the smell of food and the noise of carts, now there is only garbage and dry leaves blowing in the dust. The Smart City project wiped everything out.

Officials say that beautification will come next, and lights and benches will be installed under the flyover. But what use are benches to parents whose children can no longer attend school?

Vijay Yadav, who had set up a small eatery after migrating from Mehnagar in Azamgarh, said, We followed every rule, but we were still evicted. Now, I will have to take my son out of school.

Development at What Cost?

Once a lifeline for the poor, the ground beneath the flyover has now become another part of a beautification plan. Every evening, the Ganga Aarti (a devotional ritual that uses fire as an offering to Ganges  a river considered a goddess in Hinduism) illuminates the city. But darkness has settled in the homes of the evicted. Is hard work a crime now? Is there no space for the poor in a Smart City? he asks.

Journalist Shailendra Singh explains, The Night Bazaar was the last hope of people who could not afford a shop elsewhere in the city. It was a parallel economy built on dignity, labour and self-reliance. Destroying it overnight is an economic blow as well as a setback for social justice and humanity.

The eviction of Dalit communities is not new in Varanasi. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor displaced residents near Manikarnika Ghat. In May 2023, the demolition of Kila Kohna near Rajghat destroyed entire lifelines in the name of removing encroachments. Earlier this year, the Kazzakpura settlement of sanitation workers was turned into rubbles for development.

Under the Shadow of the Bulldozer

Kila Kohna housed not only Dalits, but a large population of minorities and backward castes. One day, an alleged vague notice from railway arrived, asking residents to vacate this land as it belongs to the Railways. The notice allegedly did not have an issue date and no details of resettlements.

These were people who had been paying house tax, electricity bills, held ration cards and voter IDs. They believed they were legal residents. But to the administration, they were just illegal occupants.

This land is now earmarked for an international-standard Inter Modal Station. As bulldozers roared and police surrounded the settlement, people were not allegedly even allowed time to gather their belongings. Women, children and the elderly sobbed under the open sky. More than their homes, it was their entire world that was destroyed.

Childrens school bags were buried under debris. Families lost their medicines and rations. Women-headed households suffered the most. They allegedly did not get any alternate shelter. Petitions were filed and court doors were knocked. But the answer was always the same, Development is necessary.

In the glitz of G-20 summits and the grandeur of Namo Ghat, there seems to be no space for the poor.

Rauf, a resident near Kila Kohna, says, In creating a new Kashi, the soul of the old Banaras is being crushed. These communities cleaned the ghats, rowed boats and stitched quilts. But they find no mention in the governments idea of development.

The Homeless and Forgotten

Thousands now live without a roof. In the past decade, not a single government agency in Varanasi has created permanent housing for the poor. People live under plastic sheets or rented single-room accommodations.

Bhola Yadav now lives in Sujabad village in Chandauli district. His two children, Abhishek and Suman, are trying to adjust to a new life among strangers. Our home and shop were here. Now, we travel to Bansant Mahila College every day to run a kiosk, but it is not working. We are barely surviving, he says.

His wife Bhawan Devi adds, The government stole our childrens future. Their school is gone. Our world has changed. There is no hope left.

Bhola pays Rs 3,000 in rent for a tiny room; and sometimes, even two meals a day have become difficult. Everything is ruined. The kids no longer study. We are just existing.

Jiut Yadav too now lives in a rented house by paying Rs 3,500 plus electricity. Work is irregular. When the house was destroyed, it felt like life was destroyed too, he says.

Dhaji Devi, wife of Vishwanath, weeps, Our elders died at Kila Kohna. We grew up there. Now they say we do not belong. What kind of development crushes humanity?

Thirty-year-old Soni Yadav is bitter. Life has become unbearable. The Modi government only demolishes homes and shops but never rehabilitates the affected. Our traditions are buried under rubble, she alleges.

Suman Yadav, who was studying in Grade 8, now does housework. School feels like a dream. My father cannot afford it, she says.

Bholas son Abhishek, once a top student, has lost his will to study. He sits quietly. There is no familiarity and no known teachers. Health care is now a distant luxury. Earlier, they had a local doctor. Now the hospital is too far. Private clinics are out of reach. Women feel unsafe. Children have gone silent. Elders just remember what was lost.

Political Silence, Bureaucratic Cruelty

Journalist Dilshad Ahmed says, Dalits and minorities are a major vote bank in Varanasi. But when their homes were destroyed, no leader spoke for them. Not a single Dalit or Muslim representative came forward. Even opposition parties brushed it off as a local issue. This silence deepens their isolation.

Despite massive budgets for smart city projects, there is no concrete plan for rehabilitation. Only vague promisesnever fulfilled. Is development meant to uproot the poor? Is a Smart City one that erases its most vulnerable? Dilshad asks.

In areas like Shivpur, Lahartara, Bhojubir, Sarnath and Ramnagar, the official line remains, These are illegal encroachments.

Journalist Amit Patle points out, Large houses, encroached bungalows and hotels stand untouched. The bulldozer only comes for the poor.

When Modi became MP from Varanasi in 2014, Dalits and minorities hoped they would get homes. Allotment letters were distributed in Arajiline, but those houses were never built. Thousands still live like insects without dignity or safety.

10-year-old Azhar, once a fourth-grade student, now hauls sacks near the railway station. His mother Rukhsana says, We dreamt of educating him, and making him something. But if there is no home, how can there be school? If his stomachs empty, how will he open a book?

PM Modis slogan says Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. But families ask, Are we included in this Sabka?

The Cost of Progress

While crores are spent on corridors, flyovers and decorated ghats, those evicted from the same areas are left with nothing. Some appealed, some went to court, but for the poor, justice is slow, expensive and often out of reach.

Advocate Prem Prakash Yadav says, Courts approve demolitions but do not ask where the people will go. Is this constitutional to render a citizen homeless overnight?

Anil Kumar from Dalit Foundation says, The poor evicted from Khidkiya Ghat, Manikarnika, Kila Kohna and Karsada were all from marginalised communities. Government energy is focused on infrastructure, but not on livelihoods or homes for the poor.

His voice carries anger, but also despair. No leader and no activist stands with them anymore. Those displaced are now living by drains and railway tracks. Promises of rehabilitation remain unfulfilled, he said.

Rajendra Tiwari, former head priest of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, says, We hoped that those displaced for the corridor would get homes and jobs. But the temples management was handed to Ernst & Young, a foreign company that imposed harsh rules. Sanitation workers in the temple complex do not get fair pay or respect. It is not a job but a daily battle for survival.

The Childhoods Buried Beneath Debris

Senior journalist Vinay Maurya says the current model of development in Varanasi is driven by profit, not need. When children grow up among dirty walls, garbage and no space to play, their cognitive development suffers. Without the necessary emotional stimulation, their IQ levels drop. Their ability to think and imagine is stunted.

According to a UNICEF report, urban poverty is now worse than rural poverty. Thousands of children in Varanasi live by drains, tracks and slums. No parks, no proper food and no tools for learning.

Vinay concludes, Poverty not only leads to hunger but also imits dreams and imagination. It is the governments duty to provide shelter, education, nutrition and safe spaces to play. Otherwise, the next generation will remain trapped in the same cycle of suffering.
Unzila Sheikh and Maryam Hassan, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: When Mohammad Aftab looks back at the past five years, the memories grief, fear and humiliation come not in sequence, but in waves.

Support TwoCircles



The case destroyed my life. My relatives distanced themselves, neighbours whispered behind my back and people in the lanes pointed at me, saying, Even Allah cannot save him now,' he said, sitting in the narrow lanes of Delhis Turkman Gate, with his voice becoming flat after retelling a story he has repeated too many times.

Aftab was among 70 people who were named in 16 FIRs filed in 2020 for allegedly sheltering foreign nationals affiliated with the Tablighi Jamaat during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Five years later, on July 17, 2025, the Delhi High Court quashed all charges. But for many like him, the verdict offered little solace after the devastation they had endured.

A Mosque at the Center of the Storm

Choti Masjid in Turkman Gate had long been a centre for religious visitors. The president of the mosque, Shafiquddin Malik, remembers the days before the lockdown as routine.

In this area, we have Choti Masjid, a local mosque. People from across India visit for Tablighi Jamaat activities. The mosque hosts visitors from across the nation and multiple countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. They stay here briefly for Quranic study and Islamic outreach, he explained.

As usual, the mosque at that time, according to him, had 10 or 11 people from Malaysia and a few from Indonesia, stayed there as usual. They had arrived before COVID-19 restrictions were enforced.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a nationwide lockdown in March 2020, the guests stayed back, as instructed. Travel was shut down. Movement stopped. The mosque simply provided shelter to those stranded.

The prime minister announced that COVID-19 was spreading rapidly and urged people to stay where they were, the visitors remained at the mosque, as leaving was not an option, he said.

But something changed in the days that followed.

The Blame Begins

Reports began surfacing about a large Tablighi Jamaat gathering at Nizamuddin Markaz. The event was soon labelled a COVID super spreader. The narrative quickly turned accusatory. Within days, the focus spread to smaller mosques across India, including Choti Masjid.

Two or three days later, two police officials from the local station accused us of hiding members of the Jamaat in the mosque. During interrogation, they lined up the visitors in a queue and misbehaved with them and us, he recalled.

The police did not stop at questioning. That same evening, Malik and others were picked up from their homes.

At around 8-8:30 pm, a police officer came to my house and asked me to accompany him to the local police station for interrogation. Imam Sahib (prayer leader), Muezzin Sahib (the person who calls to prayer) and about 10 others from the mosque were taken away in a similar manner that day at around 2 pm, he said.

The atmosphere was allegedly hostile at the Turkman Gate police station.

They (cops at the police station) hurled verbal abuses at us. An officer even asked his subordinates to handcuff us. But since they did not have enough handcuffs, they talked about tying us up using ropes. They treated us like hardened criminals, forcing us to squat on the ground, he narrated the horror.

Eleven Malaysian nationals, mosque members, the imam and the muezzin were all arrested under multiple charges.

Malik recalled hearing a remark that echoed what had already started forming in public sentiment: Mullahs are spreading Corona (Mullahs, read Muslims, are spreading Corona virus).

Personal Loss, Public Humiliation

For Aftab, the shock of arrest came while mourning his child.

It started in March 2020, right after my 9-year-old son passed away. I was grieving at home, barely stepping out, when the Delhi Police came knocking. They took me to the station for questioning about Choti Masjid, where I am a committee member, he said.

He tried to explain that he had just lost his son and that he was trying to come out of the shock, but none of it mattered.

They accused us of hosting Tablighi Jamaat visitors and violating COVID-19 guidelines, even though we were just following the prime ministers lockdown orders to stay put, he said.

His social world collapsed. My relatives distanced themselves, neighbours whispered behind my back They saw me as a criminal, he continued.

His business could not withstand the blow. I used to travel to Dubai to buy clothes for my shop at Meena Bazar, but the cases stopped me from flying. I had to rely solely on my AC sales and repair shop, which barely kept me afloat, he said.

Fear became a constant. Every court date or every unknown call kept me on edge. I was terrified that, as a Muslim with a long beard, I would be targetted next for something worse, like terrorism charges, he stated.

Even now, the High Courts ruling feels unreal to him. I keep calling my lawyer and friends to confirm it is real. It feels like a dream I cannot trust, he said.

No Evidence

Advocate Ashima Mandla represented several accused. She saw the scale of the crackdown first-hand.

Five years ago, the police came up with an FIR against Maulana Saad (the national president of the Tablighi Jamaat) and others. They claimed the congregation at Markaz Nizamuddin had led to the spread of the virus, she explained.

Soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued directives. Raids followed. Detentions multiplied.

If you find people who are inside Markaz or any other masjids (mosques), you go crack down, take these people to quarantine centres and see if any legal action is made out, she said.

About 2,000 Indian and foreign nationals were picked up overnight. Quarantine lasted two months.

Salman Pathak, another accused, remembers what it felt like. The police claimed we deliberately hid these members. They also confiscated our cell phones; mine was returned after five months. We felt like our lives were ruined, he said.

The foreign nationals suffered deeply. During Ramadan, they were given nothing but a few eggs to eat, and they would cry, Pathak said, adding that one man lost his wife back in Indonesia, unable to be with her during her final moments.

When the quarantines ended, flights were still grounded. The mosque community bore the cost. We took care of around 144 outsider Jamaat members, covering all their expenses. This severely impacted our livelihood and business financially, he said.

A Trial in Court of Public Opinion

Television screens amplified the pain. News outlets launched relentless coverage. India Today aired debates like Tablighi Jamaat: How Maulana Saad Set Off COVID-19 Clusters, Times Now called it a Tablighi Ticking Time Bombay and Republic TV broadcast audio clips that were later turned out to be doctored.

The tapes that were played by the media were not brought up in court. None of the chargesheets have any credible evidence. Still the media ran with it, Advocate Mandla pointed out.

Even after the High Court quashed the cases, the same channels went silent.

The mainstream media, who led to spreading this propaganda, is cleverly evading even reporting this judgment. They just found an easy scapegoat, she said.

Verdict and the Remains

In 2021, the accused had petitioned the Delhi High Court, arguing that the prohibitory orders applied to gatherings, not to housing people during a lockdown. The court listened.

On July 17, 2025, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna declared  chargesheets are quashed.

One among the charges levelled against them was that they violated a government prohibitory order under section 144 of CRPC. But there was no evidence of any religious congregation taking place inside the masjid. It was people who were merely being housed, she said.

No medical evidence was ever submitted to show COVID-19 transmission because of the Tablighi Jamaat. None of the chargesheets till date have a single medical report on record to show that even one of them had COVID, Mandla said, adding that you cannot spread a disease if you do not have one.

Wounds Beyond Repair

For Malik, the courts decision does not undo the cost.

Even if someone gets a clean chit after five or ten years, how do they recover from the damage? he asked.

His health declined during this period. It worsened my blood pressure and diabetes. I would go to the police station, face mistreatment and sit there all day, unable to speak freely, he alleged.

The stress affected his family too. My wife developed high blood pressure. My mother passed away, wishing to see me cleared of all charges, he said

Pathak remembered standing in police stations for hours. They pressured us to plead guilty, but I refused. Even though we have now received a clean chit, the damage has already been done, he said.

Looking Ahead

Advocate Mandla believes accountability must follow.

There needs to be some consequences for filing cases against citizens without any material on record. The government just wanted a scapegoat and of course, they marginalise the minority which is always used as a scapegoat, she said.

For Malik, the stigma still lingers. I felt targeted because of my faith. Even today, people look at me differently, as if I did something wrong just because I am a Muslim, he concluded.
Poonam Masih, TwoCircles.net

Asansol (West Bengal): This year, for the first time, Ambedkar Jayanti was officially celebrated across West Bengals underground coal-producing regions, particularly in Asansol, Indias coal capital. What once passed quietly is now marked with pride, music and public remembrance.

Support TwoCircles



From April 14 onwards, week-long programmes unfolded across collieries  garlanding ceremonies, community feasts, cultural performances and readings of Ambedkars works. In many of these labour colonies, Dr. B.R. Ambedkars statues, installed in the last decade, now serve as central points for gathering and reflection. His image, once marginal in Bengals public spaces, has become a symbol of resistance and recognition in the industrial belt.

At the Jhanjra Project, one of the countrys largest underground coal mines, the celebration stretched beyond formalities. Bhojpuri songs filled the air, sung not from stages but from within the crowd, echoing Ambedkars struggles and the lived experiences of the oppressed. Bookstalls offered texts on Dalit rights and social justice, drawing mine workers and families.

This kind of gathering was not seen before, said Puneet Ambedkar, BSPs Jharkhand state president, who has been working among Dalit communities for over 15 years. He stood behind a modest table offering pamphlets and Ambedkarite literature, engaging with young workers who stopped to ask questions.

In Bengal, he explained, Dalit politics is being shaped by migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They brought with them not only labour but also lived memories of caste struggle.

These migrants  many now second or third-generation residents of Bengals industrial regions  settled around coal mines, jute mills and steel plants. For decades, they were part of Bengals working backbone. But caste, as Puneet noted, was seldom part of public discourse in the state.

Among Bengalis, discussions of caste have often been replaced by class narratives. Even during the Left era, Dalits had roles in the party, but not in leadership. The structure never truly challenged caste hierarchy, he said.

That silence is breaking. In places like Khuntadih and Raniganj, Ambedkar Jayanti is no longer limited to symbolic acts. It is part of a larger awakening.

Ramdhari, a foreman at a colliery, has witnessed the change firsthand. His family migrated from Purvanchal decades ago. We have always celebrated Ambedkars birth anniversary. But now it is different. It is now a statement, he said.

The assertion is no longer confined to communities. Politicians have begun to take notice. Every party now wants the Hindi-speaking Dalit vote. Even local MLAs attend our events, said Puneet.

A journalist based in Asansol observed this shift with caution. West Bengals politics traditionally centred on class and gender. But caste, especially in industrial zones, was always there, hidden in plain sight, he said.

He recalled the legacy of leaders like Ramchandra Dom, a Dalit MP elected from a general seat during the Left regime. That era was different. But now, with the rise of identity-based politics, caste is re-entering public debate, he added.

The emergence is not without historical precedent. Bengals Dalit communities, such as the Bauris and Matuas, have long fought for dignity and access. But caste remained a sensitive topic, rarely addressed openly.

Recent developments suggest a turning point. In Gidhgram village, East Burdwan, a group of Dalit women had to approach the High Court to win the right to worship in a temple. The courts verdict, delivered in post-independence India, revealed how entrenched caste exclusion remains.

It was a legal victory. But it also exposed how far we have to go, said senior journalist Prabhakarmani Tiwari.

Political parties have adapted quickly. With Ambedkar Jayanti now coinciding with Poila Baisakh, West Bengals traditional New Year, leaders from all parties have begun attending these celebrations. Even the TMC, which once ignored such events, is now present, he noted.

Across Bengals industrial terrain, from the tea estates of Darjeeling to the steel plants of Burnpur, the Dalit presence is not new. What is new is the assertion. Migrant communities, once silent in the margins, are now anchoring a cultural and political revival.

Today, in Asansols coalfields, the rhythm of labour is joined by the beat of Ambedkarite songs. Statues that once stood quietly now draw crowds. Ambedkar is no longer a name whispered in classrooms or read in textbooks. He is part of daily life, part of public memory and part of a new pulse moving through Bengals industrial heartland.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Five men have been arrested in connection with a violent string of armed robberies that left residents of Bulawayo's Killarney suburb living in fear. Armed with machetes, knives, and even medieval-style axes, the gang allegedly launched a coordinated crime spree, attacking and robbing residents over several days.The suspects - Mpho Ncube (26), Thabani Zondo (25), Thembalami Sibanda (25), Ashton Ncube (22), and Shelton Ngwenya (24) - all hail from Pumula suburb. They appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla on Thursday facing six counts of robbery and one count of malicious damage to property. The court remanded them in custody to 15 August. The accused are being represented by defence lawyer Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers.Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that the gang's crime spree began on July 30 along Coghlan Road in Killarney. In one of their first known incidents, the group allegedly smashed a Honda Fit vehicle belonging to one of the complainants before assaulting a man using machetes and a Colombian-style knife. The victim was threatened with death before the suspects fled with his mobile phone.The prosecution alleges that the suspects continued their rampage across the suburb, targeting pedestrians and lone residents. In another case, the gang reportedly stole phones, chargers, and money from their victims, using extreme threats of violence to intimidate them. One complainant was reportedly forced to hand over his blue and yellow hooded jacket after being surrounded and threatened with axes and knives.The arrests have brought a temporary sigh of relief to Killarney residents, many of whom had stopped walking alone at night due to fears of being attacked. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities say the gang may be linked to additional cases.Residents and community leaders have praised the swift police action but urged for stronger patrols and more visible security presence in the suburb. We've been living in fear. It's like something out of a horror movie  who walks around with axes in 2025? said one local resident.If convicted, the suspects could face lengthy jail sentences. The case continues on August 15.
This investment and commitment underlines Citi's focus on complimenting our existing market leading public company research with access and commentary on private companies, said Lucy Baldwin, Citis head of research.

Heath Terry, formerly working at Goldman Sachs and other prominent firms, has joined Citi as head of technology and communications research to lead coverage of the AI sector and guide private firm research across industries.

The increasing prevalence of private companies, especially in key sectors like AI, necessitates greater financial transparency and focus on venture capital and private equity.

Citi recognises the shift towards private markets as a significant structural change in the financial landscape over the past 10-15 years.

Citi aims to identify how different profit pools will be disrupted and which companies, private or public, may emerge as winners or losers.

The bank will concentrate on roughly 100 large and influential private firms, primarily in the tech sector, publishing research when these firms undertake actions relevant to broader markets.

Research will cover product launches, customer acquisitions, and new product lines, similar to the coverage of public companies. Covering private companies will leverage fundamental research methods, including direct engagement with customers, vendors, and partners.

Citi will continue to access management teams at private firms, emphasising the incentive for these companies to build a profile with investors for future fundraising. The bank does not plan to release price targets, buy/sell recommendations, or earnings expectations for private company coverage.

Citi announces leadership transition in Vietnam Citi announced a leadership transition in Vietnam on May 15, as Ramachandran AS (RamC), Citis country officer and banking head for Citi Vietnam and Citibank Ho Chi Minh Citys general director, has decided to return to London to pursue other opportunities.

Citi transforms client service with generative AI solution Citi's Services is enhancing client experience with its award-winning CitiService Agent Assist, a generative AI-powered solution designed to help customer service agents deliver faster, more accurate responses to clients.
archives 17 Aug - 24 Aug (1) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (3) 3 Aug - 10 Aug (1) 27 Jul - 3 Aug (1) 20 Jul - 27 Jul (2) 13 Jul - 20 Jul (4) 6 Jul - 13 Jul (2) 29 Jun - 6 Jul (2) 22 Jun - 29 Jun (4) 15 Jun - 22 Jun (1) 8 Jun - 15 Jun (3) 1 Jun - 8 Jun (4) 25 May - 1 Jun (5) 18 May - 25 May (2) 11 May - 18 May (3) 4 May - 11 May (2) 27 Apr - 4 May (5) 20 Apr - 27 Apr (1) 13 Apr - 20 Apr (2) 30 Mar - 6 Apr (5) 23 Mar - 30 Mar (2) 9 Mar - 16 Mar (1) 2 Mar - 9 Mar (2) 16 Feb - 23 Feb (3) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (1) 2 Feb - 9 Feb (3) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (2) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (1) 5 Jan - 12 Jan (1) 22 Dec - 29 Dec (1) 15 Dec - 22 Dec (2) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (1) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (4) 10 Nov - 17 Nov (2) 3 Nov - 10 Nov (1) 27 Oct - 3 Nov (4) 20 Oct - 27 Oct (4) 13 Oct - 20 Oct (1) 6 Oct - 13 Oct (1) 29 Sep - 6 Oct (1) 22 Sep - 29 Sep (1) 15 Sep - 22 Sep (1) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (5) 4 Aug - 11 Aug (2) 21 Jul - 28 Jul (6) 7 Jul - 14 Jul (3) 30 Jun - 7 Jul (2) 23 Jun - 30 Jun (5) 16 Jun - 23 Jun (2) 9 Jun - 16 Jun (3) 2 Jun - 9 Jun (2) 26 May - 2 Jun (3) 19 May - 26 May (2) 12 May - 19 May (3) 5 May - 12 May (3) 28 Apr - 5 May (1) 14 Apr - 21 Apr (1) 7 Apr - 14 Apr (3) 17 Mar - 24 Mar (1) 10 Mar - 17 Mar (1) 3 Mar - 10 Mar (1) 11 Feb - 18 Feb (2) 4 Feb - 11 Feb (1) 21 Jan - 28 Jan (1) 14 Jan - 21 Jan (1) 7 Jan - 14 Jan (3) 10 Dec - 17 Dec (1) 26 Nov - 3 Dec (1) 29 Oct - 5 Nov (1) 3 Sep - 10 Sep (1) 27 Aug - 3 Sep (2) 6 Aug - 13 Aug (1) 30 Jul - 6 Aug (6) 9 Jul - 16 Jul (1) 2 Jul - 9 Jul (6) 18 Jun - 25 Jun (4) 4 Jun - 11 Jun (5) 21 May - 28 May (4) 14 May - 21 May (1) 7 May - 14 May (4) 23 Apr - 30 Apr (2) 26 Mar - 2 Apr (1) 19 Mar - 26 Mar (1) 19 Feb - 26 Feb (3) 12 Feb - 19 Feb (1) 22 Jan - 29 Jan (2) 15 Jan - 22 Jan (1) 25 Dec - 1 Jan (2) 20 Nov - 27 Nov (1) 11 Sep - 18 Sep (1) 14 Aug - 21 Aug (3) 7 Aug - 14 Aug (3) 17 Jul - 24 Jul (3) 10 Jul - 17 Jul (3) 19 Jun - 26 Jun (2) 12 Jun - 19 Jun (4) 22 May - 29 May (1) 15 May - 22 May (5) 1 May - 8 May (2) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (3) 27 Feb - 6 Mar (3) 13 Feb - 20 Feb (1) 30 Jan - 6 Feb (3) 2 Jan - 9 Jan (4) 26 Dec - 2 Jan (1) 5 Dec - 12 Dec (3) 28 Nov - 5 Dec (2) 14 Nov - 21 Nov (1) 7 Nov - 14 Nov (1) 10 Oct - 17 Oct (1) 22 Aug - 29 Aug (3) 15 Aug - 22 Aug (1) 8 Aug - 15 Aug (3) 1 Aug - 8 Aug (1) 25 Jul - 1 Aug (3) 18 Jul - 25 Jul (1) 11 Jul - 18 Jul (1) 27 Jun - 4 Jul (4) 20 Jun - 27 Jun (3) 13 Jun - 20 Jun (1) 30 May - 6 Jun (2) 23 May - 30 May (4) 2 May - 9 May (3) 25 Apr - 2 May (4) 4 Apr - 11 Apr (2) 28 Mar - 4 Apr (4) 28 Feb - 7 Mar (1) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (2) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (2) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (2) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (3) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (1) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (1) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (6) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (1) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (1) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (3) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (1) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (1) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (2) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (4) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (3) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (1) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (1) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (4) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (1) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (3) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (4) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (5) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (2) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (7) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (2) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (7) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (4) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (4) 31 May - 7 Jun (3) 24 May - 31 May (2) 17 May - 24 May (1) 10 May - 17 May (1) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (1) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (1) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (1) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (3) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (2) 23 Feb - 1 Mar (2) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (3) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (1) 19 Jan - 26 Jan (2) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (2) 5 Jan - 12 Jan (1) 29 Dec - 5 Jan (1) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (2) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (1) 27 Oct - 3 Nov (1) 6 Oct - 13 Oct (1) 1 Sep - 8 Sep (2) 25 Aug - 1 Sep (4) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (1) 11 Aug - 18 Aug (2) 4 Aug - 11 Aug (8) 28 Jul - 4 Aug (5) 14 Jul - 21 Jul (3) 7 Jul - 14 Jul (3) 30 Jun - 7 Jul (4) 23 Jun - 30 Jun (2) 16 Jun - 23 Jun (4) 9 Jun - 16 Jun (1) 2 Jun - 9 Jun (5) 26 May - 2 Jun (1) 19 May - 26 May (6) 12 May - 19 May (1) 21 Apr - 28 Apr (3) 14 Apr - 21 Apr (1) 31 Mar - 7 Apr (3) 24 Mar - 31 Mar (6) 17 Mar - 24 Mar (5) 10 Mar - 17 Mar (1) 3 Mar - 10 Mar (3) 24 Feb - 3 Mar (2) 17 Feb - 24 Feb (5) 10 Feb - 17 Feb (3) 3 Feb - 10 Feb (2) 20 Jan - 27 Jan (3) 13 Jan - 20 Jan (1) 23 Dec - 30 Dec (3) 2 Dec - 9 Dec (1) 25 Nov - 2 Dec (2) 18 Nov - 25 Nov (2) 11 Nov - 18 Nov (2) 4 Nov - 11 Nov (1) 21 Oct - 28 Oct (4) 14 Oct - 21 Oct (5) 7 Oct - 14 Oct (2) 30 Sep - 7 Oct (1) 23 Sep - 30 Sep (1) 9 Sep - 16 Sep (4) 2 Sep - 9 Sep (1) 19 Aug - 26 Aug (1) 12 Aug - 19 Aug (4) 5 Aug - 12 Aug (6) 29 Jul - 5 Aug (2) 22 Jul - 29 Jul (1) 15 Jul - 22 Jul (3) 8 Jul - 15 Jul (4) 1 Jul - 8 Jul (1) 24 Jun - 1 Jul (1) 17 Jun - 24 Jun (3) 10 Jun - 17 Jun (5) 3 Jun - 10 Jun (3) 27 May - 3 Jun (5) 20 May - 27 May (6) 13 May - 20 May (6) 6 May - 13 May (1) 29 Apr - 6 May (5) 22 Apr - 29 Apr (4) 15 Apr - 22 Apr (6) 8 Apr - 15 Apr (4) 1 Apr - 8 Apr (4) 25 Mar - 1 Apr (3) 18 Mar - 25 Mar (3) 11 Mar - 18 Mar (3) 4 Mar - 11 Mar (4) 25 Feb - 4 Mar (3) 18 Feb - 25 Feb (1) 11 Feb - 18 Feb (4) 4 Feb - 11 Feb (5) 28 Jan - 4 Feb (6) 21 Jan - 28 Jan (1) 14 Jan - 21 Jan (4) 7 Jan - 14 Jan (2) 31 Dec - 7 Jan (7) 24 Dec - 31 Dec (2) 17 Dec - 24 Dec (3) 10 Dec - 17 Dec (1) 3 Dec - 10 Dec (4) 26 Nov - 3 Dec (3) 19 Nov - 26 Nov (2) 12 Nov - 19 Nov (1) 5 Nov - 12 Nov (4) 22 Oct - 29 Oct (3) 15 Oct - 22 Oct (4) 8 Oct - 15 Oct (4) 1 Oct - 8 Oct (1) 10 Sep - 17 Sep (2) 3 Sep - 10 Sep (2) 27 Aug - 3 Sep (1) 20 Aug - 27 Aug (6) 6 Aug - 13 Aug (4) 30 Jul - 6 Aug (1) 23 Jul - 30 Jul (5) 16 Jul - 23 Jul (3) 9 Jul - 16 Jul (5) 25 Jun - 2 Jul (5) 18 Jun - 25 Jun (2) 11 Jun - 18 Jun (6) 4 Jun - 11 Jun (1) 28 May - 4 Jun (5) 21 May - 28 May (2) 14 May - 21 May (4) 7 May - 14 May (4) 30 Apr - 7 May (4) 23 Apr - 30 Apr (3) 16 Apr - 23 Apr (3) 9 Apr - 16 Apr (1) 2 Apr - 9 Apr (3) 26 Mar - 2 Apr (2) 19 Mar - 26 Mar (3) 12 Mar - 19 Mar (3) 5 Mar - 12 Mar (2) 26 Feb - 5 Mar (3) 19 Feb - 26 Feb (2) 12 Feb - 19 Feb (2) 5 Feb - 12 Feb (6) 29 Jan - 5 Feb (5) 22 Jan - 29 Jan (1) 15 Jan - 22 Jan (8) 8 Jan - 15 Jan (7) 1 Jan - 8 Jan (4) 25 Dec - 1 Jan (3) 11 Dec - 18 Dec (3) 13 Nov - 20 Nov (4) 6 Nov - 13 Nov (2) 30 Oct - 6 Nov (1) 23 Oct - 30 Oct (1) 16 Oct - 23 Oct (1) 9 Oct - 16 Oct (1) 2 Oct - 9 Oct (2) 25 Sep - 2 Oct (1) 18 Sep - 25 Sep (4) 11 Sep - 18 Sep (2) 4 Sep - 11 Sep (1) 28 Aug - 4 Sep (4) 21 Aug - 28 Aug (1) 14 Aug - 21 Aug (2) 7 Aug - 14 Aug (4) 31 Jul - 7 Aug (6) 24 Jul - 31 Jul (3) 17 Jul - 24 Jul (6) 10 Jul - 17 Jul (3) 3 Jul - 10 Jul (6) 26 Jun - 3 Jul (3) 19 Jun - 26 Jun (4) 5 Jun - 12 Jun (5) 29 May - 5 Jun (1) 22 May - 29 May (1) 15 May - 22 May (1) 8 May - 15 May (5) 1 May - 8 May (5) 24 Apr - 1 May (1) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (2) 10 Apr - 17 Apr (3) 3 Apr - 10 Apr (2) 20 Mar - 27 Mar (2) 13 Mar - 20 Mar (4) 6 Mar - 13 Mar (1) 28 Feb - 6 Mar (2) 21 Feb - 28 Feb (1) 14 Feb - 21 Feb (1) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (3) 24 Jan - 31 Jan (2) 17 Jan - 24 Jan (3) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (2) 3 Jan - 10 Jan (1) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (1) 20 Dec - 27 Dec (1) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (3) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (2) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (2) 22 Nov - 29 Nov (2) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (1) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (5) 1 Nov - 8 Nov (2) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (2) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (1) 11 Oct - 18 Oct (4) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (1) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (3) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (2) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (1) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (3) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (5) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (6) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (1) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (1) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (3) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (2) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (1) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (5) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (6) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (4) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (7) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (5) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (2) 31 May - 7 Jun (5) 24 May - 31 May (3) 17 May - 24 May (5) 10 May - 17 May (3) 3 May - 10 May (1) 26 Apr - 3 May (1) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (5) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (5) 5 Apr - 12 Apr (2) 29 Mar - 5 Apr (1) 22 Mar - 29 Mar (5) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (9) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (6) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (10) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (5) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (5) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (2) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (1) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (4) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (1) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (3) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (3) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (3) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (4) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (2) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (3) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (3) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (3) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (5) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (3) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (8) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (6) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (3) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (5) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (4) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (1) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (4) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (1) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (2) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (2) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (7) 3 Aug - 10 Aug (3) 27 Jul - 3 Aug (3) 20 Jul - 27 Jul (3) 13 Jul - 20 Jul (4) 6 Jul - 13 Jul (1) 29 Jun - 6 Jul (5) 22 Jun - 29 Jun (2) 15 Jun - 22 Jun (4) 8 Jun - 15 Jun (2) 1 Jun - 8 Jun (2) 25 May - 1 Jun (8) 18 May - 25 May (4) 11 May - 18 May (1) 4 May - 11 May (3) 27 Apr - 4 May (4) 20 Apr - 27 Apr (2) 13 Apr - 20 Apr (6) 6 Apr - 13 Apr (2) 23 Mar - 30 Mar (4) 16 Mar - 23 Mar (2) 9 Mar - 16 Mar (2) 2 Mar - 9 Mar (2) 23 Feb - 2 Mar (2) 16 Feb - 23 Feb (1) 9 Feb - 16 Feb (6) 2 Feb - 9 Feb (1) 26 Jan - 2 Feb (2) 19 Jan - 26 Jan (1) 12 Jan - 19 Jan (1) 29 Dec - 5 Jan (1) 22 Dec - 29 Dec (2) 8 Dec - 15 Dec (2) 1 Dec - 8 Dec (1) 24 Nov - 1 Dec (4) 17 Nov - 24 Nov (4) 10 Nov - 17 Nov (1) 3 Nov - 10 Nov (4) 20 Oct - 27 Oct (2) 13 Oct - 20 Oct (4) 29 Sep - 6 Oct (1) 22 Sep - 29 Sep (2) 15 Sep - 22 Sep (3) 8 Sep - 15 Sep (1) 1 Sep - 8 Sep (6) 25 Aug - 1 Sep (7) 18 Aug - 25 Aug (9) 11 Aug - 18 Aug (6) 4 Aug - 11 Aug (4) 28 Jul - 4 Aug (3) 21 Jul - 28 Jul (8) 14 Jul - 21 Jul (4) 7 Jul - 14 Jul (5) 30 Jun - 7 Jul (8) 23 Jun - 30 Jun (8) 16 Jun - 23 Jun (4) 9 Jun - 16 Jun (7) 2 Jun - 9 Jun (7) 26 May - 2 Jun (8) 19 May - 26 May (7) 12 May - 19 May (5) 5 May - 12 May (5) 28 Apr - 5 May (11) 21 Apr - 28 Apr (6) 14 Apr - 21 Apr (5) 7 Apr - 14 Apr (6) 31 Mar - 7 Apr (7) 24 Mar - 31 Mar (4) 17 Mar - 24 Mar (4) 3 Mar - 10 Mar (6) 24 Feb - 3 Mar (3) 17 Feb - 24 Feb (3) 10 Feb - 17 Feb (5) 3 Feb - 10 Feb (3) 27 Jan - 3 Feb (6) 20 Jan - 27 Jan (1) 13 Jan - 20 Jan (6) 6 Jan - 13 Jan (2) 30 Dec - 6 Jan (2) 23 Dec - 30 Dec (1) 16 Dec - 23 Dec (3) 9 Dec - 16 Dec (2) 2 Dec - 9 Dec (1) 25 Nov - 2 Dec (1) 18 Nov - 25 Nov (3) 11 Nov - 18 Nov (5) 4 Nov - 11 Nov (2) 28 Oct - 4 Nov (6) 21 Oct - 28 Oct (9) 14 Oct - 21 Oct (9) 30 Sep - 7 Oct (4) 23 Sep - 30 Sep (2) 16 Sep - 23 Sep (2) 9 Sep - 16 Sep (6) 2 Sep - 9 Sep (3) 26 Aug - 2 Sep (3) 19 Aug - 26 Aug (3) 12 Aug - 19 Aug (7) 5 Aug - 12 Aug (4) 29 Jul - 5 Aug (8) 22 Jul - 29 Jul (7) 15 Jul - 22 Jul (7) 8 Jul - 15 Jul (7) 1 Jul - 8 Jul (7) 24 Jun - 1 Jul (9) 17 Jun - 24 Jun (10) 10 Jun - 17 Jun (7) 3 Jun - 10 Jun (10) 27 May - 3 Jun (6) 20 May - 27 May (8) 13 May - 20 May (8) 6 May - 13 May (11) 29 Apr - 6 May (6) 22 Apr - 29 Apr (8) 15 Apr - 22 Apr (5) 8 Apr - 15 Apr (11) 1 Apr - 8 Apr (5) 25 Mar - 1 Apr (9) 18 Mar - 25 Mar (9) 11 Mar - 18 Mar (8) 4 Mar - 11 Mar (8) 19 Feb - 26 Feb (7) 12 Feb - 19 Feb (7) 5 Feb - 12 Feb (5) 29 Jan - 5 Feb (7) 22 Jan - 29 Jan (4) 15 Jan - 22 Jan (2) 8 Jan - 15 Jan (5) 1 Jan - 8 Jan (5) 25 Dec - 1 Jan (6) 18 Dec - 25 Dec (4) 11 Dec - 18 Dec (5) 4 Dec - 11 Dec (7) 27 Nov - 4 Dec (7) 20 Nov - 27 Nov (7) 13 Nov - 20 Nov (3) 6 Nov - 13 Nov (4) 30 Oct - 6 Nov (5) 23 Oct - 30 Oct (9) 16 Oct - 23 Oct (3) 9 Oct - 16 Oct (8) 2 Oct - 9 Oct (5) 25 Sep - 2 Oct (11) 18 Sep - 25 Sep (4) 11 Sep - 18 Sep (6) 4 Sep - 11 Sep (6) 28 Aug - 4 Sep (7) 21 Aug - 28 Aug (3) 14 Aug - 21 Aug (9) 7 Aug - 14 Aug (4) 31 Jul - 7 Aug (8) 24 Jul - 31 Jul (11) 17 Jul - 24 Jul (8) 10 Jul - 17 Jul (9) 3 Jul - 10 Jul (11) 26 Jun - 3 Jul (9) 19 Jun - 26 Jun (9) 12 Jun - 19 Jun (7) 5 Jun - 12 Jun (9) 29 May - 5 Jun (5) 22 May - 29 May (8) 15 May - 22 May (9) 8 May - 15 May (4) 1 May - 8 May (6) 24 Apr - 1 May (6) 17 Apr - 24 Apr (10) 10 Apr - 17 Apr (8) 3 Apr - 10 Apr (8) 27 Mar - 3 Apr (8) 20 Mar - 27 Mar (8) 13 Mar - 20 Mar (12) 6 Mar - 13 Mar (7) 27 Feb - 6 Mar (7) 20 Feb - 27 Feb (11) 13 Feb - 20 Feb (7) 6 Feb - 13 Feb (5) 30 Jan - 6 Feb (8) 23 Jan - 30 Jan (10) 16 Jan - 23 Jan (10) 9 Jan - 16 Jan (9) 2 Jan - 9 Jan (11) 26 Dec - 2 Jan (6) 19 Dec - 26 Dec (7) 12 Dec - 19 Dec (6) 5 Dec - 12 Dec (7) 28 Nov - 5 Dec (5) 21 Nov - 28 Nov (4) 14 Nov - 21 Nov (7) 7 Nov - 14 Nov (6) 31 Oct - 7 Nov (6) 24 Oct - 31 Oct (5) 17 Oct - 24 Oct (5) 10 Oct - 17 Oct (7) 3 Oct - 10 Oct (2) 26 Sep - 3 Oct (4) 19 Sep - 26 Sep (6) 12 Sep - 19 Sep (7) 5 Sep - 12 Sep (10) 29 Aug - 5 Sep (8) 22 Aug - 29 Aug (5) 15 Aug - 22 Aug (6) 8 Aug - 15 Aug (6) 1 Aug - 8 Aug (4) 25 Jul - 1 Aug (13) 18 Jul - 25 Jul (9) 11 Jul - 18 Jul (9) 4 Jul - 11 Jul (8) 27 Jun - 4 Jul (9) 20 Jun - 27 Jun (11) 13 Jun - 20 Jun (11) 6 Jun - 13 Jun (11) 30 May - 6 Jun (9) 23 May - 30 May (23) 16 May - 23 May (12) 9 May - 16 May (12) 2 May - 9 May (10) 25 Apr - 2 May (7) 18 Apr - 25 Apr (9) 11 Apr - 18 Apr (10) 4 Apr - 11 Apr (11) 28 Mar - 4 Apr (9) 21 Mar - 28 Mar (6) 14 Mar - 21 Mar (9) 7 Mar - 14 Mar (2) 28 Feb - 7 Mar (9) 21 Feb - 28 Feb (7) 14 Feb - 21 Feb (9) 7 Feb - 14 Feb (9) 31 Jan - 7 Feb (6) 24 Jan - 31 Jan (14) 17 Jan - 24 Jan (9) 10 Jan - 17 Jan (11) 3 Jan - 10 Jan (10) 27 Dec - 3 Jan (10) 20 Dec - 27 Dec (8) 13 Dec - 20 Dec (6) 6 Dec - 13 Dec (9) 29 Nov - 6 Dec (13) 22 Nov - 29 Nov (10) 15 Nov - 22 Nov (14) 8 Nov - 15 Nov (11) 1 Nov - 8 Nov (16) 25 Oct - 1 Nov (13) 18 Oct - 25 Oct (12) 11 Oct - 18 Oct (9) 4 Oct - 11 Oct (11) 27 Sep - 4 Oct (14) 20 Sep - 27 Sep (19) 13 Sep - 20 Sep (13) 6 Sep - 13 Sep (12) 30 Aug - 6 Sep (15) 23 Aug - 30 Aug (15) 16 Aug - 23 Aug (16) 9 Aug - 16 Aug (14) 2 Aug - 9 Aug (15) 26 Jul - 2 Aug (20) 19 Jul - 26 Jul (10) 12 Jul - 19 Jul (13) 5 Jul - 12 Jul (21) 28 Jun - 5 Jul (15) 21 Jun - 28 Jun (20) 14 Jun - 21 Jun (10) 7 Jun - 14 Jun (13) 31 May - 7 Jun (13) 24 May - 31 May (13) 17 May - 24 May (15) 10 May - 17 May (16) 3 May - 10 May (11) 26 Apr - 3 May (21) 19 Apr - 26 Apr (17) 12 Apr - 19 Apr (20) 5 Apr - 12 Apr (16) 29 Mar - 5 Apr (19) 22 Mar - 29 Mar (17) 15 Mar - 22 Mar (23) 8 Mar - 15 Mar (22) 1 Mar - 8 Mar (21) 22 Feb - 1 Mar (22) 15 Feb - 22 Feb (25) 8 Feb - 15 Feb (25) 1 Feb - 8 Feb (21) 25 Jan - 1 Feb (23) 18 Jan - 25 Jan (19) 11 Jan - 18 Jan (35) 4 Jan - 11 Jan (23) 28 Dec - 4 Jan (27) 21 Dec - 28 Dec (28) 14 Dec - 21 Dec (23) 7 Dec - 14 Dec (22) 30 Nov - 7 Dec (19) 23 Nov - 30 Nov (22) 16 Nov - 23 Nov (19) 9 Nov - 16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5)
Health watchdog Llais backs Armed Forces Covenant at Wrexham event

A health watchdog has pledged to support armed forces communities in Wrexham and beyond by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Llais, the independent citizen voice body for health and social care in Wales, representing peoples views and experiences to ensure services meet the needs of patients, families, and communities.

Representatives from the organisation came together this week to sign the Armed Forces Covenant at an event in Wrexham.

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, who is a Member of the Senedds Cross Party Group on Armed Forces and Cadets, attended the event and praised Llais for its clear and public commitment to listening to the voices of veterans and service families  and to acting on what they hear.

He said the move represents a promise that those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces, and their families, will be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect in the communities they call home.

Speaking at the event, he said: Its a recognition that the unique sacrifices made by our service personnel deserve not just our gratitude, but our practical support.

Its two principles recognise the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces: That those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services, and that Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

Thats why the Armed Forces Covenant matters.

Its not just about access to services  though thats vital, its about understanding, its about making sure that no veteran feels left behind, that no family struggles in silence, and that every service leaver has the opportunity to thrive in civilian life.

He added: The Covenant Legal Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies  including local authorities, governing bodies of certain state schools, various NHS bodies, and other organisations  to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when carrying out certain functions in healthcare, education and housing. It has been in force since November 2022.

And thats where organisations like Llais come in.

Mr Isherwood said he hopes the Armed Forces Covenant will keep building a Wales where every veteran feels valued, every service family feels supported, and every organisation plays its part.

He added: I am delighted that Llais have joined the growing number of organisations committed to the Armed Forces Covenant. Your voice  and the voices you amplify  will make a real difference.
Welsh Ambulance Service employee taking on 156-mile solo walk for charity

A Welsh Ambulance Service employee is preparing to take on a mammoth 156-mile solo walk between Rhyl and Cardiff.

Kieran Reynolds, 31, from Rhyl, is a training assistant at the Welsh Ambulance Services St Asaph HQ.

He aims to start the walk on 28 August and hopes to complete the challenge over the course of seven days.

To make things even more challenging, when its time to recharge and get some rest, Kieran plans to camp outdoors along the route.

Kieran is taking on the gruelling trek in aid of two charitable organisation.

The first is the Welsh Ambulance Service Charity, which uses donations to support employees of the Trust. The second is the Ambulance Service Charity (TASC), which provides a range of services to support the mental health, physical rehabilitation and financial wellbeing of ambulance staff, paramedic students and service volunteers across the UK.

I have been an employee of the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) since March 2021 and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and I plan to be here for many more years, said Kieran.

Before joining WAST I never fully understood the pressures the Ambulance Service faced from the outside looking in.

Now I understand and I have really taken it upon myself the last 12 months to improve staff morale and well-being.

This walk is a great opportunity to raise some money to support ambulance charities.

David Hopkins, Head of Charity at the Welsh Ambulance Service said: We are extremely grateful to Kieran for supporting the Welsh Ambulance Service Charity this summer.

Through his passion for walking and wild camping, Kieran will raise vital funds so that the Charity can continue to support WASTs staff, volunteers and patients right across Wales.

Our thanks go to Kieran and to all of his supporters.

If you would like to support Kieran or donate to his chosen charities, his fundraising pages can be found on the links below.
A former K9 officer who served with the Nevada Highway Patrol for seven years has died.

Retired K9 Barney served with the NHP from 2011 to 2018, according to a post on X from the Nevada State Police.

He passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 15.

Barney served as a drug detection K9 with his partner, retired Sergeant Dice.

During his work with the NHP, Barney earned recognition for his skill and dedication, including a second-place finish in the K9 trials.

After Barneys retirement, he was adopted by Sergeant Dice.

In their post, the Nevada State Police thanked Barney for his service and said their thoughts are with retired Sergeant Dice and his family.
A reader seeks advice about whether or not to tell others about the first wedding that she had. canva stock image

DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away three years ago. We were married for 56 years. Four months prior to our large, California, Catholic wedding, we eloped and were married secretly in Las Vegas. No one ever found out.

Coming from a Hispanic family, my father wouldnt have been receptive, so we said nothing. In retrospect, it was a stupid thing to do. I was only 19, and he was 22. When he retired from law enforcement, we relocated to Washington, where I still live.

I have two adult daughters, and Im wondering if this is something they need to know. I still have our Las Vegas marriage certificate, along with our California marriage certificate -- the one we always celebrated as our anniversary date. Would it be wrong to tear up the Las Vegas certificate and take this secret to my grave? -- WONDERING IN WASHINGTON

DEAR WONDERING: I dont think an elopement between a young couple who are deeply in love is anything to be ashamed of. Nor do I think your love story is at all stupid. As long as they hurt no one, folks are entitled to a few secrets.

If you wish to take this one to your grave, its your privilege, and you will get no argument from me. I would, however, point out that because your first marriage license is a legal document, rather than destroy it, keep it under lock and key until you have left this earthly toil.

Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Grounds crew prepare the baseball field inside the racetrack at Bristol Motor Speedway for the MLB Speedway Classic baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves on Aug. 2. AP Photo/Earl Neikirk

If you havent seen the Atlanta Braves play a game all year, Saturday is the one to tune in for. Atlanta will take on the Cincinnati Reds in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.

If youre looking forward to one of the most extraordinary MLB venues in recent memory, and want to place bets on the action, here are our predictions and best bets.

Braves vs Reds predictions and best bets

The Reds are still in the hunt for the last National League playoff spot, but they must win Saturday to stay in contention  especially while chasing the red-hot San Diego Padres, who loaded up at the trade deadline.

Cincinnati cant afford to lose a series to the Braves, who have been out of contention for months.

These teams combined for 23 runs and 30 hits in the series opener in Cincinnati on Thursday, and with Reds rookie Chase Burns on the hill, the ball could fly out of Bristol Motor Speedway.

Burns has allowed at least three earned runs in four of six starts and has surrendered at least five twice. Plus, with superstar offensive players like Elly De La Cruz, Matt Olson and Austin Riley, there should be plenty of runs scored Saturday.

Braves vs Reds moneyline odds analysis

If you like fast cars and fast pitching, Spencer Strider is the perfect starter for the Braves in this game. He averages 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings this year, which is well below his career average of 13 Ks per 9.

Burns is a strikeout machine, too. Plus, the name Chase is perfect for a game at a speedway. Burns has 45 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings and has hit double-digit Ks in three straight outings.

But Atlanta has the clear pitching advantage, since Strider has a solid 3.71 ERA and 1.22 WHIP despite his 5-8 record. Cincinnati is 1-5 in Burns six starts, with its lone victory coming in walk-off fashion against the Yankees.

Why the Braves could win as the favorite

Best odds: -127 at DraftKings Sportsbook

If Atlanta gets to Burns early, it could coast to a victory, so Braves -1.5 (+130 odds at bet365 Sportsbook) is on the table.

The Braves did blow an eight-run lead in the series opener Thursday, much to run-line bettors chagrin. But the Braves are 5-4 in Striders past nine starts, and all five victories have come by at least three runs.

Why the Reds could win as the underdog

Best odds: +114 at FanDuel Sportsbook

If the Reds bring their hitting shoes to Tennessee, they will be in good shape. Cincinnati is an offensively driven team, since it ranks ninth in the majors in runs scored (507), keyed by De La Cruzs 80 runs and .852 OPS.

So if the Reds can get to Strider, and/or De La Cruz starts flying around the bases like a Chevy at the Food City 500, they can overcome Burns inexperience and mash their way to victory.
An Alabama boy left to die inside a locked car where temperatures reached in excess of 140 degrees is being remembered as a bright child who was full of life and lost out on a promising future.

Ketorrius KJ Starkes Jr., a 3-year-old foster child, died July 22 while in the care of a DHR transport driver who had picked him for a scheduled weekly visit with his father.

KJ, said aunt Brittney Johnson, knew his ABCs and his numbers and enjoyed playing and loving on his family.

In May, KJ was on a visit at Johnsons home, where she had put out inflatable water toys and fed him pizza.

He was telling me, Auntie, I love this, Johnson said. I made his day that day, and unfortunately that was the last day I saw my nephew.

It hurts, Johnson said. It hurts deeply because they failed him, and it makes me feel like we failed him as well.

More than 100 people gathered across the street from the DHR building in Bessemer Friday to hold a candlelight vigil and balloon release in KJs memory.

There were prayers, songs, and chants for justice.

Johnson read a message for KJ: We will reunite with you up there. You were taken from us and we never had a chance to say goodbye, but I know you are now safe up on high.

I am beyond broken, Johnson said, and will forever carry you in my heart.

The vigil took place about 12 hours after the fired DHR transport driver, 54-year-old Kela Stanford, was arrested on a felony charge in connection with KJs death.

Stanford, a former transport driver who worked for The Covenant Services, is charged with leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle, which is a Class B felony.

Prior to the vigil, family attorney Courtney French and state Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Pleasant Grove, accompanied by Johnson, held a press conference to discuss KJs death and Standfords arrest.

While this (arrest) does bring a measure of accountability, it does not bring back the life of a precious child who was full of promise, joy and innocence, Sellers said.

I am deeply heartbroken and outrage, Sellers said. KJs life mattered. He deserved protection, he deserved care and he deserved a future.

The mother and father, the entire family, theyre devastated by their sons death, and especially how he died  a very tragic and brutal death, French said.

The mother and father have not been able to even talk about this, French said. They havent slept since this happened. They havent eaten since this happened.

Stanford on that Tuesday had picked KJ up from his daycare about 9:30 a.m. and taken him to a visit with his biological father at DHR in Bessemer.

When the visit ended about 11:30 a.m., Stanford was to return KJ to his daycare but said she got sidetracked and forgot he was in her car.

French said Stanford took KJ with her to pick up food, take that food to her family, and then go to a tobacco shop.

It was when she returned home after the errands, the attorney said, that she forgot KJ was in the car.

French on Friday said that after leaving the child in the vehicle for hours, Stanford got KJ out, took him into her home and poured cold water on him until police and paramedics arrived.

Stanford last week called KJs father to apologize.

A woman with KJs father at the time of the call told Stanford, Baby you got us sick over here. We cant breathe. You left a 3-year-old in the car. He couldnt defend hisself. You supposed to look in the back seat when you knew there was a child there from the get-go, she said.

Its nothing you can call to say to make him feel better, she said

Im not trying to make him feel better. Im not, Stanford said.

Theres nothing I can say to make him feel better. Im so sorry. Sorry dont even express how deeply sorry I am.

She rode around for over an hour, from 11:30 until after 12:30, with KJ in the backseat and drove back to her home where she said she forgot he was in the car, French said.

She had one job, and that was to pick KJ up from the daycare and take him back to where she picked him up.

KJs death has outraged the community and lawmakers, who are calling for transparency and accountability from DHR. Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday said the childs death was the result of reprehensible and gross negligence.

French said following KJs death, his office sent letter to DHR.

We have yet to hear from DHR, to apologize to this family, French said. We have questions how this happened. We have questions about this company, Covenant Services.

He said hes received reports about other complaints about the contract company.

Law enforcement said that when KJ died, and they went to this ladys house, there was illegal tint on her car that was so dark that if you were standing next to the car, you couldnt even see that KJ was in the backseat, French said.

How is that DHR hires a transport company to transport a baby around in a vehicle that has illegal tint? he said.

Even if somebody did walk past the car, they would never see that KJ was inside the car.

DHR and these workers are responsible for this childs death, French said. He should be here today. This should have never happened and should never happen to another child.

Sellers is calling for accountability, transparency and reform.

What happened to him was preventable and that truth should haunt us until real change occurs, Sellers said. The arrest is a necessary step toward justice but it must not be the only step.

This tragedy has revealed glaring cracks in the system, cracks that cost a child his life and we must ask the hard questions  how did this happen on the watch of those entrusted with KJs care, Sellers said.

Where was the oversight? What protocols were broken? Or worse, never existed?
Edjuan Figguers, (left), and Deleon Hawkins, (right), are charged with capital murder in the drive-by shooting of 17-year-old Lorenzo Davis Jr. (center) in Birmingham. (Contributed)

Two suspects have been charged in the targeted drive-by shooting death of a Birmingham teen.

Edjuan Figguers, 21, and Deleon Hawkins, 22, are charged with capital murder in the Thursday night killing of 17-year-old Lorenzo Davis Jr., a Huffman High School student.

Police said believe the deadly shooting could have stemmed from a previous argument between the victim and one or both of the suspects.

The barrage of gunfire rang out about 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the 2900 block of 29th Avenue North in Birminghams Collegeville public housing community

When officers arrived at the complex, they found Davis unresponsive inside an apartment. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene at 11:50 p.m.

Investigators put out evidence markers in the double-digits, most of them noting the presence of shell casings.

Dozens of family members and friends gathered outside the crime scene, visibly distraught. Both parents of the victim were also there and collapsed to the ground in grief.

My baby is dead, the tearful mother said.

A 17-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday in Birmingham's Collegeville public housing community. (Carol Robinson)

Officer DeRell Freeman said the police departments BPDs Special Operations Bureau, the Crime Reduction Team and the Tactical Unit, with support from the Real Time Crime Center, worked together to make the swift arrests happen.

The arrest teams were accompanied by Police Chief Michael Pickett.

Figguers taken into custody in the 900 block of Ninth Street Southwest. Hawkins was arrested in the 300 block of Second Street West.

Both suspects will be held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.

This is another example of what happens when strategy, urgency, and accountability meet in real time, Pickett said. We are committed to moving quickly, working smart, and showing this city that violence will not go unanswered.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
FILE - McMurdo Station, a United States Antarctic research station, is photographed from the air on Oct. 27, 2014.(National Science Foundation via AP, File) AP

This is an opinion column

Mo Brooks is a retired congressman from north Alabama and a long-standing conservative voice in state and national politics. He now writes an opinion column for AL.com.

CODELs (short for Congressional Delegation trip) help office holders better understand the world and foreign affairs so that better policy decisions are made. All of my CODEL trips were once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the one in 2014 to otherworldly Antarctica uniquely stands out.

Days 1-2 Travel

Days 1 & 2 were long travel days. Washington to New Zealand takes 26+ hours door to door. Our bio-clocks are badly messed up by crossing the Pacific Ocean, roughly seven time zones and a date line.

We flew business class on the long flight leg to be more rested and alert on arrival. The other flight legs were main cabin. After arrival, we saw Christ Church earthquake damage before arriving at an American facility to be briefed on travel plans and fitted with cold weather gear.

Antarctic cold weather gear is nothing like America cold weather gear.

First, we dressed up in America cold weather gear  fine for Maine, the Dakotas, and Montana winters: heavily insulated gloves, boots, pants, jacket with hood, thermal underwear, and the like.

We then put over it a bright red layer of Antarctic cold weather gear: heavily insulated and much larger bunny shoes, pants and jackets with hoods, face masks, goggles, huge mittens, and the like. The goal was to reduce skin exposure to zero.

After inspection, we stripped off our gear and readied it for transport.

We stayed overnight in an apartment-like unit.

Day 3

I served 12 years on the House Science, Space & Technology Committee overseeing the National Science Foundation and various scientific endeavors so I was tasked to help inspect Americas Antarctica facilities.

But getting there is a challenge. Antarctica weather is mercurial and dangerous. We fly on an American military C-130 cargo plane fitted with skis that lands on the McMurdo Ice Shelf. The airport has lights embedded in the ice to mark the runway and roadways. Thats about it.

Since heavy fog or snow can cut visibility and increase crash risk, there are two Go/No Go decision points. One is before leaving New Zealand. The second is halfway to Antarctica. If weather is bad, you fly back to Christ Church.

On Day 3, a No Go decision was made because the weather risk was unacceptable, so we killed a day visiting Akaroa, a former French colony on a protected bay. The New Zealand scenery and the ice cream I bought in Akaroa were both excellent.

Day 4

The planes passenger compartment had nylon strap, rigid, right-angle seats on the walls. You face passengers on the opposite wall. In between is gear storage. The restroom is behind a curtain. No modesty allowed.

You wore ear muffs or plugs and had to holler to converse with passengers. Thats a major difference between military and commercial aircraft.

I laid down on my back on rear floor space, facing the ceiling. Even through three layers of insulation, my back was COLD because the C-130s skin had little insulation to protect us from far below zero exterior air.

At flight midpoint, our pilot told us the weather risk was acceptable so we flew on.

Roughly seven hours after departure, we landed on ice. The remnants of a 1970 Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation crash were noticeable nearby. It was minus a wing and other parts.

We boarded Ivan the Terra: a bright red bus with huge tires designed to minimize travel risk over ice.

Antarcticas scenery is stark. The only natural colors are blue (the sky), white (ice and snow), shades of gray, and, rarely, red (bird beaks and Blood Red Falls). Thats it. There is zero plant life!

Days 5-7

We spent the next few days meeting with National Science Foundation scientists about the research they were doing, inspecting American facilities, and viewing Antarcticas unique geography.

NSF Research

One discussion stood out on global warming and sea level rise when a scientist hypothesized that modest global warming might cause GLOBALSEA LEVELS TO FALL NOT RISE!

Thats the exact opposite of what America is regularly told in the news media.

The scientists hypothesis was that warmer air carries more moisture, which in Antarctica means more snow, that Antarcticas interior snow mass can take hundreds of years to reach the sea, and that, since Antarctica has roughly 90% of the Earths ice, the effect of greater snowfall in Antarctica may more than offset the melting snow masses of Greenland, Iceland, and elsewhere.

I defer to others this hypothesis merit.

The South Pole

The McMurdo Station to South Pole flight was 3-4 hours. The view is flat and white all 360-degrees. Its flat because you are standing on 9,000 feet of ice that covers land features far below!

Scattered about are various man-made things: a small shack (the airport terminal), a barber shop pole with national flags (for photos), a bronze stake in the ice that marks the real South Pole (which moves yearly), Americas large research facility, and a smattering of other man-made structures. Thats it. Nothing else.

When I took off my outer mittens to take photos, it was so cold (40 degrees below zero) my hands hurt after about 30 seconds. And thats during the South Poles summer!

The Dry Valleys

We helicoptered to the snowless Dry Valleys. Dry winds whip down the mountain side and quickly evaporate fallen snow. Many of the rocks I examined were black and unusually heavy, suggesting metallic content (perhaps iron, although I saw no rust marks).

Shackletons Hut

Earnest Shackleton explored Antarctica during the early 1900s and is famous for his Endurance expedition. His Endurance ship was crushed by ice and its crew spent 20+ months fighting Antarcticas harsh climate. Its a remarkable story of human survival.

We helicoptered to a Shackleton supply hut (part of a different expedition). It was in remarkable condition. No rot or decay and still stocked with early 1900s supplies and pre-World War I newspapers.

Blood Red Falls

We helicoptered to Blood Red Falls: a geologic oddity. The red is from iron oxide in the water.

Happy Feet

While helicoptering from the Dry Valleys to Shackletons Hut, penguins were sighted so we landed near sheer ice sheet cliffs that fell to the sea. Emperor Penguins let us approach within 10 before they got antsy. A nearby flock of curious Adele Penguins rushed at us from a couple hundred yards away: waddling, jumping, and sliding on their bellies. They showed no fear. They were excited to see us. It was cool.

Days 8-9 The long travel home and final thoughts

I averaged flying 10+ hours per day during the 9-day Antarctica CODEL. Thats exhausting. It didnt help any that my McMurdo Station dorm-like room was lit up by sunlight 24 hours a day, or that the suns rays hit my bed at about 1 AM each morning.

I learned a lot from visiting Antarctica. Most startling was the isolation and extreme weather American scientists endured to conduct scientific research.

For the science buffs, we inspected the IceCube Neutrino Observatory (a cubic kilometer detection matrix extending over a mile under the South Pole ice sheet), the MAPO/QUAD (10 meter) and DSL/BICEP/SPT telescopes (used for astro-physics research generally, examination of cosmic microwave backgrounds left from the Big Bang, primordial gravitational wave research, etc.), the Crary Science & Engineering Center (where scientists and students briefed us on their numerous research projects and experiments), the Science Center, the Berg Field Center (which supplies field gear for those conducting research in the Antarctica wilds), the McMurdo Station and South Pole stations logistical and operational support services (particular the militarys supply role), and the power, water and waste-water treatment facilities.

Needless to say, conducting scientific research in Antarctica is a costly and logistically challenging endeavor.

When I first ran for Congress in 2010, I had no idea what a CODEL was.

Now you do.

So, if you want to go on a Congressional CODEL, run for Congress!

Mo Brooks served on the House Armed Services Committee for 12 years and the Foreign Affairs Committee for 6 years.
The State of Alabama enacted the Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (FOCUS) Act, or HB166, during the 2025 legislative session. It largely bans cellphones and other handheld electronics in schools, even during lunch or in the hallway. Getty Images

Public school students across Alabama, including those in Huntsville City Schools, are stepping into their first day of classes with a new phone policy for the 2025-2026 school year.

The State of Alabama enacted the Freeing our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (FOCUS) Act, or HB166, during the 2025 legislative session. It largely bans cellphones and other handheld electronics in schools, even during lunch or in the hallway.

According to Education Week, Alabama joins 30 other states and the District of Columbia in enacting this rule.

Huntsville City School policy

Each school board created its own policy that falls within the lines of the state law. In Huntsville City Schools, students can keep their phones in their backpacks, but they cannot use them during school hours. Some school systems are using locking pouches, like the Yondr pouch, to lock up students phones during the school day.

Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Clarence Sutton said they are not pursuing that route because it would cost approximately $500,000.

We started off trusting our community, our students, Sutton said. Weve had a cellphone policy in the past, not this stringent, so we are asking them to put it up in their backpack. But we know that our community wants their students to have access to a phone after school or with other activities, so we trust them.

Before the FOCUS Act, Huntsville City schools did not allow students to use their phones during instructional time. While that rule was enforced, there were no serious consequences for breaking the rule. Now, students could face serious punishments for using their phones during the school day.

READ MORE: Stanley cups, cellphones: 4 things your student might not be able to bring to an Alabama school this fall

The first time, were communicating with you and your parents, saying, heres the policy, they had the phone out, Sutton explained. Were asking them not to use their phones. Second time, we may ask you to turn the phone into the office until the end of the day. We will still contact your parent. And then the third time, we follow our Code of Conduct, which will mean some in-school consequences, and then if you continue five or six times down the line, maybe some out-of-school consequences.

Reactions are mixed

Reactions to the new policy have been mixed, according to Sutton. Parent and school board member Andrea Alvarez said the state rule is governmental overreach.

Alabama claims to be a conservative state when we have just allowed a law to be passed that limits your use of a non-illegal possession, Alvarez said. There is no law about the age of having a cellphone. There is nothing illegal about having a cellphone, nothing. (...) Wheres limited government policy? Law should honestly be about safety and security.

She said state laws like the FOCUS ACT limit the power of locally elected officials, such as school board members.

Thats really frustrating for me as a board member, like I am elected, I have no power, because year after year, they passed a law taking away our local power for what we want for our local schools, Alvarez said. What do we have a school board for if we cant make our own policy, if we cant run our own school system, if we cant determine whats working and whats not working?

She says teachers prefer students having phones in the classrooms because they can use them as tools. They can take photos of PowerPoint slides for notes, record lessons and more. Sutton says teachers are glad to have phones out of classrooms because phones can be a distraction to the lesson.

The policy goes into effect on the first day of school, Aug. 4. Sutton says the grace period will only be one day.
Nancy Jones, the widow of country music star George Jones, sits at the memorial to the late singer dedicated on Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) AP

Nancy Jones, the widow of country music star George Jones, says her former longtime romantic partner stole from her.

Kirk West, 58, was arrested at the Nashville International Airport on July 24 for allegedly stealing millions of dollars in cash and cryptocurrency from Jones, the website Parade reports.

Jones, 72, filed a report on July 23 stating that West had stolen $400,000 in cash and a Ledger cryptocurrency wallet from a safe in her home in Franklin, Tennessee, around June 26, WKRN reported. The cryptocurrency stolen was worth more than $11.6 million, The Tennessean reported earlier this week.

Jones had kicked West out after suspecting he was cheating on her, the TV outlet reported. Her granddaughter discovered that money was missing from the safe. Jones and West were the only people who knew the passwords, according to the report.

West has been charged with a Class A felony. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud in a federal case. According to WKRN, West allegedly met Jones when she put her home on the market shortly after her husband died in 2013.

He expressed interest in purchasing the home. A court affidavit states she later allowed him to move in and supported him, according to media reports.
48% of families leave their back-to-school shopping until the two weeks before school starts. Getty Images

Back-to-school shopping is in full swing as families across Alabama fill shopping carts with supplies.

To help parents and students get the most bang for their buck, CashNetUSA has compiled a list of the most affordable school supplies in each state, including Alabama.

According to the United States Senate Federal Credit Union, school supplies for the 2024-25 school year can cost parents an average of $586 per child, breaking down to $169 for clothing, $113 for shoes, $206 for electronic devices, and $94 for stationery.

Many retailers offer off-season deals before the back-to-school rush. However, there are still plenty of bargains available for last-minute shoppers, which is good news considering 48% of families leave their back-to-school shopping until the two weeks before school starts.

On the national level, Walmart is where you will find the most affordable school supplies. In fact, Walmart is 60.1% cheaper than other retailers selling back-to-school goods.

Heres the list of the cheapest stores for back-to-school shopping in Alabama this season:
Smith Lake, in Cullman County, covers more than 21,200 acres and has 500 miles of shoreline. Plenty of options for skinny dipping? (AL.com file photo/Tamika Moore)

Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, announced Friday that he will introduce a bill, SB12, to repeal SB322 after listening to many constituents voice their concerns over the legislation passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Gudger made a post on Facebook saying that while attending several different events in his district one frequent issue kept coming up, SB322.

The legislation allows a community development district to be created and pave the way for a resort to be built on Smith Lake.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation into law in May.

Gudger said he believed it was important for his constituents to know that he is listening to their concerns and would take responsibility for co-sponsoring the bill.

So from that, I just want everybody to know this issue should be dead, and we should be focused on the positive things of all of our communities, Gudger said.

We need to be working together as a group instead of splitting ourselves up because of this one particular development. And so Im tired of it. And just because Im the one that did it, Im going to be the one that goes back and says, Hey, Im listening to the constituents, and Im canceling this bill out.

According to the Cullman Times, Smith Lake residents have been voicing their opposition to SB322 since April, and the Cullman County Commission approved a resolution opposing the bill.

Gudger promised that once the legislature returns in 2026 he will pass SB12 and ensure SB322 is repealed.
This is the third installment in a series. Read Part I: They Buried the Truth to Destroy Trump and Part II: The Analyst Who Knew Too Much.

They didnt just bury the truth. They built a monument to their Big Lie.

Its a term the left loves to wieldusually against their enemies, never themselves.

But the real Big Lie was the con they ran on the American people: the Russia Hoax. And that monument? Its now crumbling beneath a flood of declassified documents pouring into public view.

Yes, it matters in this moment. The truth matters. And despite the tired, flailing insistence that theres nothing new here, theres plenty weve learnedand much more still to come.

By mid-December 2016, Obama administration officials knew four things:

The Russians had not tampered with the vote.

The Steele dossier was Clinton-funded opposition research.

Intelligence analysts did not concur that Russia had favored Trump, and

The Clinton campaign had crafted a plan to falsely link Trump to Russiaspecifically to distract from her political vulnerabilities.

But none of that mattered to them.

According to the newly declassified July 2025 HPSCI report, the goal was never to deliver a balanced intelligence product. It was to impose a narrativeone that could politically wound the incoming president and reverse the result they had failed to prevent at the ballot box.

The December that follows a presidential election is supposed to be a time of transitionespecially after a hard-fought campaign. The American tradition holds that even in defeat, power is transferred peacefully and honorably. For years, the left has sermonized about the sacred duty of a peaceful transition of power.

There was nothing peaceful about December 2016. What unfolded was a deliberate, coordinated attempt to undermineand ultimately destroythe incoming Trump administration before it ever took office. It was sabotage on a historic scale.

The outgoing Obama team sought to compromise Trumps ability to govern from Day One. In their bitterness, they were willing to paralyze the government itself.

They wanted Trump to failand with him, America.

Thats why this may be the most nefarious political scandal in American history.

And so they did what they always do: they cooked the books, silenced the dissenters, and blamed their misdeeds on someone else.

Projection is their default. The lies, the scandals, the abusesthey graft onto their enemies what they themselves have done. They invert the truth with surgical precisionbecause they know all too many in the media will amplify it.

It is long past time for accountability.

This deliberate campaign to cripple a duly elected president and his incoming administration was a premeditated act. They weaponized our intelligence agencies, shredded constitutional norms, and poisoned faith in our republican institutions.

They jeopardized U.S. foreign policy, triggered a diplomatic breakdown with the worlds most heavily armed nuclear power, and made Americaand our alliesless safe.

All because they lost an election.

The House Intelligence Committees newly declassified findings are staggering.

The Intelligence Community Assessment wasnt an objective appraisalit was a politically commandeered document, warped into an anti-Trump manifesto, and riddled with deviations from established tradecraft.

Its key judgmentthat Russia favored Trumpwas inserted over internal dissent and lacked firm evidentiary support.

Far from a neutral analysis, the ICA was a custom-built narrative. And it served a deeply partisan end: to delegitimize, discredit, and ultimately destroy the duly elected President of the United States.

To this day, for many on the left, it remains a sacramental truththeir secular catechism. The Russia Hoax is the origin story of their hatred for all things Trump. They cling to it with theological fervor, facts be damned.

Yet here are key findings from the declassified House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) reportfindings that Russia itself withheld from public amplification during the 2016 election, undercutting any supposed preference for Donald Trump:

Russian intelligence assessed that top Democratsincluding President Obamawere alarmed by Clintons health. The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported that Democratic leaders viewed her condition as a serious threat to her election prospects, citing psycho-emotional problems, including uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness.

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported that Democratic leaders viewed her condition as a serious threat to her election prospects, citing psycho-emotional problems, including uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness. Clinton was allegedly on a regimen of heavy tranquilizers and suffered from multiple serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

and suffered from multiple serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. SVR intercepts revealed internal DNC communications outlining a plan to falsely tie Trump to Russia. These communications described Clinton as obsessed with a thirst for power. They also indicated that her campaign sought to distract from her political vulnerabilities by linking Trump to Russian interference.

These communications described Clinton as obsessed with a thirst for power. They also indicated that her campaign sought to distract from her political vulnerabilities by linking Trump to Russian interference. The SVR obtained intelligence indicating political interference in the FBIs Clinton email investigation. Russian sources reported that senior DOJ officials were briefing the Clinton campaign on the status of the probeand that pressure was being applied to limit the inquirys scope.

Russian sources reported that senior DOJ officials were briefing the Clinton campaign on the status of the probeand that pressure was being applied to limit the inquirys scope. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported secret meetings between State Department officials and religious groups, in which U.S. officials allegedly offered increased U.S. funding (e.g., via USAID) and diplomatic backing for their work in post-Soviet countriesconditioned on support for Clintons candidacy.

in which U.S. officials allegedly offered increased U.S. funding (e.g., via USAID) and diplomatic backing for their work in post-Soviet countriesconditioned on support for Clintons candidacy. Intelligence disputed that Russia favored Trump. Internal dissent existed when the ICA was drafted; some analysts concluded the evidence reflected a disruption strategy, not a preference for Trump.

Internal dissent existed when the ICA was drafted; some analysts concluded the evidence reflected a disruption strategy, not a preference for Trump. ICA authors and investigators were blocked from accessing key records. Critical context was withheld, impeding an objective intelligence product.

Critical context was withheld, impeding an objective intelligence product. The ICA violated tradecraft and internal standards by ignoring evidence that Putin withheld damaging material on Clinton. Despite having significant information available to Moscow to denigrate Secretary Clinton, the ICA did not incorporate itviolating the standard requiring inclusion of all relevant intelligence.

They knew the truth. They lied. They manipulated. And they got away with ituntil now.

The Brennan-Clapper-Comey axis didnt act as guardians of national security. They worked as saboteurspartisan operatives in suits and lanyards, weaponizing Americas intelligence agencies to sully a duly-elected president.

The Russia Hoax wasnt just a smear. It was a state-sponsored clandestine attackwaged by U.S. officials against the incoming government.

A silent coup, cloaked in classified briefings and choreographed leaks. And it has echoed ever since.

The implications are sweeping. The examination of the Big Lie has only just begun. But the accountability phase is long overdue.

The American people werent simply misledthey were targeted and deceived not by foreign adversaries, but by domestic conspirators embedded in the highest ranks of power. Their goal wasnt to defend democracy. It was to override it.

History will deliver its verdict. But justicereal, unapologetic, and unrelentingmust not wait that long.

Stay tuned for more to come.

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

Image from Grok.
Todays Trump isnt the original Trump. Watch ancient videos, on Oprah (1988) or testifying before Congress (1991). (Believe it or not, Democrats were then thoughtful legislators, not Marxist juveniles or foreign-born terrorists.)

Trump was originally a public intellectual. What happened? Pro wrestling. And secondarily, the Apprentice series (20042014). The World Wrestling Hall of Fame (2013) was an Oval Office stepping stone. Adopting an intellectual public persona would have been political poison. Todays Trump is an assumed persona feeding the mobs appetites. By 2007, he was grounding and pounding Vince McMahon in the Battle of Billionaires. Along his path to the presidency, Trump was a beauty pageant impresario (19962015) and founding chairman of the Rosie ODonnell Fan Club.

By 2015, discussions of depreciation schedules, passive losses, and housing policies were abandoned:

When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. ... Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

(Trumps tricolon of Theyre bringing A, B, C represents a 21st-century rhetorical flourish, bookending Lincolns we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow.)

The public Trump belongs to a separate genus from familiar political species. Congressman James Traficant was one of the few political actors who also went full populist. Congress eventually expelled him for bribery, but for political theater he was Academy Award material. No court could convict Traficant of not being entertaining. Beam me up, Mr. Speaker. Traficant was so popular that when running for re-election from prison, he received 15% of the vote. Whether he was buried with his toupee remains unknown. Traficants estate could sue Trump for appropriating his act. The Three Stooges Moe Howard never realized he was electable.

We all identify with various mobs. Read comments on conservative or liberal online forums. Social media are saturated with mob affiliations. The View, representing a specific mob, dominates daytime TV ratings. MAGAs mob was wowed by Tulsi Gabbards Russian hoax revelations. She hit a grand slam, then deposited the evidence into Pam Bondis inbox. Bondi immediately appointed a strike force. Task forces are where Washington scandals go to die. Strike forces take a little longer.

Why would Trump want to bury the Russian hoax? Or the Epstein cottage industry? Because he has more pressing matters. Why release seven-year-old news now? Trump needs to sate the mobs bloodlust. Certain aspects of the MAGA mob (dominated by influencers, some possessing ulterior motives  referred to by Trump as just plain troublemakers) are too tired of winning to care about existential matters. Well call this faction the blob.

Theres reasons weve witnessed the most effective debut of any administration. Trump is focused, racing against time. Interest on the debt is about to collapse the system. Control of Congress is fragile, awaiting the 2026 election. If the House is lost, its game over. Theres plenty of global chaos keeping him busy. Trump looks ahead. The blob looks behind, braying for red-meat clickbait. Gabbards confirmation of what everyone already knew provided the coda to a chapter, not a new one.

Everything is clarified upon recognizing that the magnitude of Trumps rhetoric relates inversely to future actions. Hes busy enriching the Washington criminal defense bar. Democrat operatives are panicked and lawyering up. Trump happily circulates videos of feds cuffing Obama or of himself and Vance in cop cars chasing Hillary. The conclusion must be that Obama and Hillary are probably safe. Maybe Brennan or several others might face prosecution. Dont hold your breath awaiting mass trials on the scale of J6 persecutions. Trump confirmed Hillary isnt targeted, regardless of social media posts teased to his base. Potential private civil actions are another matter.

Many think civil war is imminent. The civil war ended on January 20. MAGA won. Trump freed the J6 hostages. Hes magnanimous in victory. Wholesale retribution would tear the country apart, Biden style. Trump is the uniter Biden promised. The blob would snatch Defeat from Victorys jaws, forgetting that Clintons impeachment increased his popularity. Trumps mugshot hangs in the White House, proof that retribution backfires. Trumps incredible accomplishments dont matter to the blob. Nor does institutionalized Washington corruption. Unless pacified, the blob would pout and sit out the 2026 election, losing the House. Trump feeds the blob enough to be sated, but not enough to produce national division.

Congress was originally intended as a part-time affair. And it was, initially. It becomes obstructionist when faced with an activist president seeking accomplishments. Democracies are inefficient. Trump wastes time dealing with fractious Republicans picking apart his initiatives. The best thing this Congress accomplished was codifying 50 Trump executive orders. Nobody noticed. The blob focuses on past-tense issues: JFKs assassination, Epstein, Russian collusion, Hillarys emails. Congress postures with investigations and public theater while Daddy imposes global peace and America First trade. Half the House GOP caucus, and most Senate Republicans, are RINOs. Congressional investigations are red meat buffets pandering to the blob yet accomplishing nothing.

Consider Trumps statecraft displayed with Iran. Tulsi Gabbard was dispatched to Hiroshima, releasing a polished documentary of nuclear genocide, sending Your Favorite Ayatollahs a message. Amplifying the psy-op, Trump encouraged neo-isolationists to hyperventilate, conjuring nightmare forever wars. Netanyahu was tasked with decapitating Tehrans political, military, and scientific leadership. But Trump convinced Netanyahu to spare Khamenei. What a guy. Bombs away for a few hours, followed by a pretend Iranian missile attack on our Qatar base, allowing surviving mullahs to save face with their restive populace. Khamenei now requires heavier sedation than Hillary. Israel threatens him directly. Iran has until August 31 to abandon nuclear development. They huff and puff, but theyll sign. Daddy Trump uttered the F-word when Netanyahu breached the peace deal, then flew to NATO for a heros welcome. Members suddenly decided to cough up their full 5% of GDP. The neo-isolationist blob crawled away after the 12-day war, pretending theyre still relevant.

News cycles are effervescent, surviving several days. The Russian hoax narrative was obsolete years ago. By 2019, it had passed its expiration date. Only a political fool would continue beating that dead horse. Trump wields the Russian hoax to distract enemies, forcing them to expend political capital playing defense. Hell go down as responsible for imploding Democrats blighted house. Whether their party survives to its 200th birthday in 2028 is questionable. Jesse Watters has assembled eight minutes of receipts.

Whether on domestic or foreign stages, Trump dramatically swings a big stick, but he ends up passing out carrots like pens at a bill signing. Everything is part of the same act, whether he body slams Vince McMahon, fires Apprentice contestants, threatens massive tariffs, gloats that Obama and Hillary face prosecution, or rescues Khamenei from certain death.

Many take Trump literally, not seriously, failing to comprehend an extremely stable genius. They mistake a deadly serious operator for a clown. Everything is an act for public consumption. Trump always plans an endgame. National animosity isnt in the plan. His audience is the broad center, not woke right malcontents.

Douglas Schwartz blogs at The Great Class War, applying pattern recognition of historical cycles to place current events into context.

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
The truth is stranger than fiction (as attributed to Mark Twain)

Conspiracy theorists have long thought that Seth Richs death was an assassination facilitated by the Deep State  a Machiavellian hit by the Deep State to cover for its operation known as Russian Collusion because Rich could expose it as false from the beginning. It was an actual Spy vs. Spy episode, straight out of Mad Magazine  except our side went full Stasi against the American people. There were the DOJ, FBI, CIA, ODNI, and others in the Intelligence Community (I.C.), except NSA director Adm. Mike Rogers (See more).

With the bombshell release of documents (and here) by DNI director Tulsi Gabbard and more releases every day, Richs death at the hands of the Deep State is no longer a conspiracy theory. I agree with Director Gabbards conclusion: Accountability and the rule of law must be restored.

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. ... Their egregious abuse of power and blatant rejection of our Constitution threatens the very foundation and integrity of our democratic republic. No matter how powerful, every person involved in this conspiracy must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. The American peoples faith and trust in our democratic republic and therefore the future of our nation depends on it.

Gabbard spoke at the regular White House press conference. CNN cut away while Gabbard was speaking. Why? Fraud by omission on a significant news story of the day? The legacy media are up to their usual spin. Politico was less biased than the rest so far. Politico does have a link to the documents.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Rich are well known to the American Thinker readers. I will limit this piece to new information. I did glean one thing from these releases that is significant to the death of Seth Rich, which Ill explain soon.

METRO DC police quickly attributed Richs death to a street robbery gone bad. Any Deep State involvement was swiftly dismissed as a fantasy of conspiracy theorists by the authorities and echoed by the legacy media.

Attorney Ty Clevenger and I have made many attempts to bring information about Richs death to the congressional oversight committees. The silence has been deafening. I empathize with A.G. Pam Bondi and FBI director Kash Patel. Especially since the DOJ, FBI, ODNI, and CIA are principals in this conspiracy  who destroy, withhold, hide, curate, and create evidence under the guise of classification, ongoing criminal investigations, or national security from the American people.

The absence of information leads to speculation and conspiracy theories. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (ret.), a victim of egregious lawfare by the Deep State, is beginning to wonder. Gen. Flynn knew too much, as likely did Rich. People have little awareness of what it takes to put together a good criminal case, let alone prosecute it, especially when the DOJ is in the tank. Peoples expectations often stem from fictional accounts in movies and TV, where everything typically happens within 60 to 90 minutes.

Tys information was the source of this article in The Gateway Pundit:

BREAKING: Attorney Ty Clevenger Exposes FBIs Role in Hiding Seth Rich Records and Perpetuating the Russia Hoax  Sends Scathing Letter to Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Trump Officials

And later:

Attorney Ty Clevenger BLASTS FBIs Weak Excuses in Seth Rich Case  Demands Congress to Haul FBI Into Hearings: Patel and Bondi Have Allowed the FBI to Continue its Pattern of Obfuscation and Delay

On the day of Gabbards bombshell press release, Clevenger filed his latest motion in his FOIA case against the FBI for non-release of Seth Richs records. Patel and FBI deputy director Dan Bongino recently disclosed the existence of a hidden evidence room at FBI HQ. Senate Judiciary chairman Chuck Grassley revealed the existence of a previously hidden feature of the FBIs record management system, Prohibited Access, that cloaks files from discovery by most FBI personnel and FOIA requests. Clevenger wants the FBI to search using this cloaking feature and the hidden evidence room for Rich-related evidence.

By divine providence, I recently stumbled across this Rolling Stone article. It is an excerpt from Andy Krolls book A Death on W Street. This article included the civil defamation case brought by Matt Couch, a blogger and journalist.

I sat straight up in my chair with a chill running up my spine when I saw that journalist Michael Isikoff was a defendant/appellee in this appellate case brought by Couch.

Matt Couch doxxed a quasi-witness in the Rich case. Deborah Sines, an AUSA with the D.C. District Office, was assigned to the Seth Rich investigation. Theres this:

He [Couch] claimed that the witness had worked in the intelligence community and was possibly a plant. Couch said the witness had worked for the CIA for a decade, which there was no publicly available evidence to support. The post went on to say that this onetime intelligence agent now worked as a veterinary technician ... Sines could hardly believe it when she read Couchs post. The woman listed in the post was indeed the only quasi-witness to the crime. According to Sines, the woman said shed been out walking her elderly dog when she heard loud bang sounds and then saw two Black men running away from the direction of the sound. Sines hadnt told anyone about the witness. ... Neither had the detective on the case. Yet Couch had too much specific information  down to the correct spelling of the womans name. ... The witness had apparently told one neighbor what shed seen and no one else. (The witness did not respond to requests for comment.) Sines doubted the conspiracy theorists had gotten the information from the womans neighbor. ... That left one explanation: the name had come from someone on the inside.

Couch accidentally revealed one of his sources, who was an active METRO Police officer, Douglas Berlin. Sines traced the leak to Berlin. Sines reported Berlin to METRO Police. Officer Berlin later resigned after being interviewed by the I.A. unit.

Berlins union representative said hed likely face a thirty-day suspension and told him to go along with it. ... But Berlin refused to do it. He resigned from the force. I loved that job. It was my passion, he would later say. ... No amount of contradictory evidence could change his mind. And as he would later say, he was hardly the only one on the force to feel this way. Even within DCs own law enforcement agency, the Rich theories had seemingly found a willing audience.

As I asked in the beginning, was Seth Rich assassinated by operatives of the Deep State to prevent the exposure of the Russian Collusion narrative as false before the 2016 election? I believe that his death warrants a complete and thorough investigation to determine one way or another. There is more to come as this house of cards begins to fall.

As I began this tale with Twain, I will end with this: Dead men tell no tales.

Ron Wright is a retired detective, having served thirty-five years with Riverside P.D., Calif. Ron earned a B.A. in political science from Cal State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Administration from the University of California, Riverside. X @RonTcop

Image via Pexels.
In a quarter century teaching career, I learned much of the American education establishment, down to local elementary schools, is irredeemably leftist. Theyre true believers, certain of their righteousness and moral and intellectual superiority. Theyre also certain parents have no right whatever to regulate their childrens educations. After all, theyre not qualified. Educators are the experts, not parents.

As one might imagine, this kind of institutional arrogance reached its peak during the heyday of wokeness. DEI, CRT and political and sexual indoctrination of kids became virtual sacraments under Bidens Handlers Administration and educators thought themselves untouchable and omnipotent. Such thinking was apparently in full bloom at Central Davidson High School in Lexington North Carolina on April 9, 2024.

Graphic: X Post

That day, Christian McGee, 17, was in English class when his teacher was discussing an assignment relating to word meanings. Telling the class to use the word alien, the teacher was apparently offended when Christian asked: like space aliens or illegal aliens without green cards?

A Hispanic student is said to have joked that he would kick Christians ass. Apparently, the school district has never claimed that comment was anything other than a joke, but Christians question aroused the ire of his English teacher who referred him to Assistant Principal Eric Anderson who, claiming Christians question was racially motivated, suspended him for three days. Christian responded:

I didnt make a statement directed towards anyone  I asked a question, McGee told the Carolina Journal last year. I wasnt speaking of Hispanics because everyone from other countries needs green cards, and the term illegal alien is an actual term that I hear on the news and can find in the dictionary, he added.

Christians parents tried to reverse the school's overreaction, but the school and school board clung to their woke invincibility, apparently claiming Christians comment caused a class disruption.

If thats what that school district calls a disruption, theyre apparently dealing with hundreds of disruptions every day.

A smart, politically neutral English teacher would have clarified the meaning they intended and given the Hispanic student a thats enough teacher look with a slight smile, and the disruption would have ended in seconds. Unfortunately, the teacher was apparently neither smart nor non-political and chose to escalate.

A smart, politically neutral assistant principal receiving the teachers referral would have asked a few questions, like was Christian being a smart ass, and was there any real threat or real disruption? According to all acounts, the answer to those questions was no, and there the matter might have ended.

In sane, professional schools, the matter would have been handled by a teacher look and clarification. Or, if the teacher was upset for some reason, by an assistant principal telling the teacher hed talk to the student, which he may or may not have done if he had time. Assistant high school principals tend to be rather busy dealing with actual disciplinary matters.

Facing an arrogant and unmovable school district, Christians parent filed a lawsuit.

George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley, whose politics are left- leaning, but who is a rational, honest teacher of the law, explains the outcome:

The board has now agreed to remove all references to racial bias in McGhees school record and issue a public apology for the mischaracterization of racial bias in his record, documents show. The board will also pay $20,000 in compensation to help his family with the costs of tuition at his new private school after he was forced to transfer after being suspended.

Thats the correct outcome, but an outcome that should never have been necessary. The teacher, assistant principal and school board members will suffer nothing for their heavy-handed, woke abuse of Christian, and $20,000 is scant compensation for the expense and difficulty to which they subjected Christian and his family.

Turley correctly observes:

The problem is that there is no indication that the school officials or Board members responsible for this travesty will be held accountable in any way. They not only abused this young man, but they cost the county money in litigation and settlement. After forcing this family into court, they are now just shrugging and walking away. Until these officials incur real consequences for such actions, this pattern will continue to repeat itself.

At every level, beginning with the teacher, the school district overreacted. They had multiple opportunities to avoid a lawsuit, beginning with the Assistant Principal, but failed at every step. Perhaps the solution is forcing school officials to pay settlements out of their own pockets rather than using taxpayer money to pay for their politically correct arrogance.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. 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.
As Americas number-one abortion provider, Planned Parenthood does not deserve our taxpayer dollars. We should fund providers who truly prioritize the health and well-being of their patients.

President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), recently signed into law, bars Planned Parenthood (PPFA) from receiving Medicaid dollars for one year. Planned Parenthood previously received about $500 million every year through Medicaid.

Many pro-abortion activists claim that cutting funding to Planned Parenthood will substantially harm women by cutting off their access to necessary services. But in reality, its services harm women. Women who come to Planned Parenthood facing an unexpected pregnancy  or any kind of pregnancy, for that matter  are almost always offered an abortion. The only help PPFA provides to pregnant women is to kill their babies  not to help them address the root concerns or challenges to parenting.

By offering mainly abortion to women facing pregnancy, Planned Parenthood shows callous disregard for womens health. Studies show that abortion often results in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts for the women for years after.

Planned Parenthood also harms patients by being one of the nations largest providers of sterilizing cross-sex hormones. These hormones often result in permanent and irreversible damage to the patients physical and developmental health. Planned Parenthood even gives these drugs to minors. These hormones are a terrible option for those struggling with gender dysphoria.

Planned Parenthood additionally offers graphic sex education to the youth. Although spokespeople may claim that this type of education encourages teenagers to make rational decisions regarding their sexual desires, it instead discourages the values of abstinence and self-control. Planned Parenthood drives people, especially young people, to live sexually libertine lifestyles, where they dont want to experience the consequences of their actions. This is one reason why Planned Parenthood constantly promotes abortion.

PPFA provides few services that actually benefit the health of Americans. It provides a limited number of cancer screenings and vaccines  usually only those that prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, because the organization has become more obsessed with providing abortion and cross-sex hormones over recent years, its number of other services has declined. Its numbers of breast cancer screenings, Pap tests, and even contraceptive services have gone down over the previous fiscal year, but the number of abortions has gone up.

Planned Parenthood also rarely offers any services besides abortion for pregnant women. According to a study from the Charlotte Lozier Institute, abortions made up 97.1% of Planned Parenthoods pregnancy resolution services in its 20212022 fiscal year, compared to just 1.6% for prenatal care and 0.4% for adoption.

There are countless alternative health care services Americans can turn to  most notably Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). FQHCs are community-based health care organizations that qualify for funding under Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act and for reimbursement from Medicaid. There are more than 13 times as many FQHCs nationally as Planned Parenthood centers. Americans do not need Planned Parenthood, as they can receive helpful services from FQHCs and numerous other health care providers instead.

Some pro-abortion activists argue that Planned Parenthood offers evidence-based services rooted in science. However, many of the services it provides directly contradict science. Science shows us that life begins at conception, when a zygote forms in the mothers body with its own unique DNA. According to Human Life International, this living being develops a heartbeat by three to four weeks. The baby starts growing arms and legs between the fifth and eighth weeks, according to a babycenter.com article. A study from the Journal of Medical Ethics found that during the twelfth week of pregnancy, the baby can start feeling pain. Despite all this scientific evidence, Planned Parenthood conducts more abortions than any other abortion provider in the nation.

Some pro-abortion activists also say that Planned Parenthood saves womens careers because they would have to quit their jobs if they do not have access to abortion. But having a child in no way bars women from being successful in their careers. In fact, many women have successful careers after having children. There are also always life-affirming alternatives to abortion, such as adoption.

According to a recent Life Leadership Conference poll, 60% of Americans now oppose federal taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of South Carolinas decision to exclude Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program. The Court concluded that the free choice of provider provision governing Medicaid  long interpreted by lower federal courts as a rights-creating provision  does not amount to a substantive right that beneficiaries can sue for. This will better allow states to craft their programs in a way that truly serves people in a life-affirming manner.

The passage of the OBBB and the recent Supreme Court ruling have paved the way for defunding Planned Parenthood. Americans do not need PPFA and are opposed to giving this organization their hard earned tax dollars.

Image via Pxfuel.
One of the things that the Arabs living in the Gaza Strip and along Israels eastern border with Jordan (aka the West Bank) routinely do is destroy anything ancient that the Earth periodically churns up. They do so because they know theres a substantial likelihood that these archaeological finds are proof of the Bibles historical authenticity and the Jews non-stop ties to the land over four millennia.

However, despite its location in the West Bank, the modern marauders havent destroyed the digs at what was once the ancient community of Shiloh, a thriving and important location at the time of the Judges (roughly the 15th to 11th centuries B.C.). And thats a great thing because the Associates for Biblical Research believe that they might have found the location at Shiloh where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant once stood.

Image by ChatGPT.

For three centuries, Shiloh was Israels first holy center and capital, featuring prominently in both Joshua and Judges. It was the home of a stone tabernacle, inside of which was the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, in turn, held the two tablets on which God had inscribed the Ten Commandments, Aarons rod, and a golden pot of manna.

After a particularly dispiriting loss during the Israelites war with the Philistines (around 1000 B.C.), the Israelites, looking ahead to the next battle, hoped that the Ark would be a spiritual shield against their implacable enemy, so they brought the Ark to the battlefield. The Lord, however, was not with them. There was a terrible slaughter, which ended with the Philistines capturing the Ark. As described in 1 Samuel 4:

Thus the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now the Israelites went out to meet the Philistines in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. The Philistines arrayed themselves against Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who struck down about four thousand men on the battlefield. When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies. So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. When the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the camp, all the Israelites raised such a great shout that it shook the ground. On hearing the noise of the shout, the Philistines asked, What is this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews? And when they realized that the ark of the LORD had entered the camp, 7the Philistines were afraid. The gods have enteredb their camp! they said. Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before. 8Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness. 9Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight! So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very greatthirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. The ark of God was captured, and Elis two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.

The Ark was eventually restored to Israel, although it vanished forever around the time of the Babylonian captivity, some four hundred years after events at Shiloh.

While the Ark remains missing, archaeologists think theyve found the spot at which the Tabernacle holding the Ark stood before the Israelites carted the Ark off to the battlefield. Thats because they found a major sacrificial spot immediately adjacent to a stone structure that shares the same measurements as those described in the Bible:

Dr Scott Stripling, director of the Tel Shiloh dig, said: Weve uncovered a monumental building from the Iron I period that matches the biblical dimensions of the Tabernacle. The structure is oriented east-west and divided in a 2:1 ratio, just as described in scripture. Adding to the discovery, excavators have found over 100,000 animal bones, mostly from sheep, goats, and cattle, and predominantly from the right side of the animals, aligning with Leviticus 7, which states that the right side was reserved for priestly offerings. This isnt a coincidence, Dr Stripling told The Christian Broadcasting Network. The evidence of sacrificial rituals here is overwhelming, and it matches the biblical account to a degree thats hard to ignore. Pottery found among the bones dates back to the same period, reinforcing the sites connection to the Tabernacle era, which the Bible says lasted nearly 400 years before the Temple was built in Jerusalem.

In addition, working backward from the Tabernacles location, the archaeologists believe they may also have found the location at which the last judge, Eli, was sitting when he learned that both his sons had died during the battle and that the Ark had been seized. Upon hearing about the Ark, the 98-year-old Eli toppled from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy...broke his neck and died.

Jewish blood has been intermingled with the soil of Israel for 4,000 yearsand the soil keeps rearing up and proving that over and over again. The pronouncements of quislings and Vichys in Europe, terrified by the Muslims theyve imported into their countries (usually against the will of the people over whom they govern), will not change that. Am Yisrael Chai!
In Florida, where I live, there were reports from Communist China saying that, for weeks on end, the entire population was forcibly locked down. Anyone outside his home on unauthorized business was arrested. What some of our neighbors did not know is that the exact same thing was occurring in some American states. It was on the news, but some media downplayed it, and if people in the free states did not watch other media, they might not know the extent of what really happened. People were literally confined to their homes. Anyone outside his home on unauthorized business was arrested. Could this be true?

This, after all, is the United States. Such things cannot happen here. They cant.

Years ago, but well within memory, when a president of the United States was committing adulterous sex acts in the Oval Office with an aide, it was salaciously reported. For two weeks, however, the New York Times found that the story was not part of all the news thats fit to print and printed not a word of it, until its silence became widely ridiculed. Imagine if every news outlet in the nation refused to report on such scandals, self-censoring, simply on the basis of political bias.

A president of the United States recently brokered a peace deal between two nuclear-armed nations that were openly engaging in acts of war, with fears that it would escalate beyond control. Once the peace deal was signed, the reports all but disappeared. Surprisingly few Americans are aware that it even happened. Again, political bias, in the form of anti-Trumpism, is involved.

Many news reports were televised of a pending great depression, on the scale of 1929, after a U.S. government policy of imposing tariffs was enacted. Many Americans were aware of the feared economic catastrophe. The stock market suffered a decline. When the policy did nothing of the sort, but instead improved the economy, the reporting on that pleasant result was much less enthusiastic, and in some cases, it seemed that the reporters who did report it were downright disappointed that Trump was right once again.

These instances of news blackouts may seem relatively minor, but how about this one? What if the most corrupt scandal of all  an attempt by powerful people in the highest positions of government to overthrow a presidency  had been uncovered by the FBI, with indisputable proof? And what if a news media blackout was partially successful? What if, because of that blackout, something like one third of the American public is not only still unaware of it, but incredulous that such a scandal could ever be orchestrated?

This, after all, is the United States. Such things cannot happen here. They cant.

The plot failed, but consider: What if the scheme had succeeded? What if the secrecy had been so thorough that right now, we were unknowingly being governed by usurpers? What if we knew nothing about what our illegitimate leaders had done and what they would still be doing? What if those of us who, despite the news blackout, believed the truth of it  what if we were scorned, ridiculed, and accused of the very sedition that had actually been carried out by those in power?

Is it too early to say that Hillary and Comey attempted to steal the 2016 election? Is it too late to point out that having failed in 201619, the conspirators succeeded in 2020? Are we to be scorned and ridiculed for saying that, for four years, we were presided over by outright criminals? Traitors?

And what if the real danger is greater yet? What if many of our votes in every election are canceled out by eligible voters who have not the slightest idea of what the people for whom they are voting, are up to next? What if they simply believe the corrupt legacy news media and vote accordingly?

Can it happen? This, after all, is the United States.

Image via Pixnio.
Like many, I spend hours scrolling through news sites, often feeling overwhelmed by a flood of troubling stories. Its like wading through murky water -- sometimes knee-deep, sometimes over my head. Incidents like the Afghanistan debacle, President Bidens mental health cover-up, the Autopen Presidency, the Russian Collusion narrative, and two assassination attempts on President Trump have pushed my distrust in the Left to new heights. While the intensity of these stories fades, the cumulative damage lingers.

Recently, a wave of headlines felt particularly suffocating.

On July 26, Clinton and Cristen Brink were fatally stabbed while hiking with their daughters, aged 7 and 9, at Devils Den State Park in Arkansas. The suspect was arrested on July 30 and charged with capital murder. He admitted to the random attack, with DNA linking him to the scene. Cristen heroically ensured her daughters safety before returning to aid her husband, only to be killed.

That same day, an assailant stabbed 11 people, aged 21 to 84, at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. All victims, including one employee, are expected to survive. Bystanders, including a former Marine and an armed citizen, subdued the attacker, who faces terrorism and assault charges. The random attack may tie to the assailants history of mental health issues, including a 2017 insanity ruling.

Also on July 26, a mob of young black individuals assaulted a middle-aged white tourist at the Cincinnati Jazz Fest, dragging him into the street and beating him severely. One viewer alleges that attackers stomped on the victims head over 30 times. A woman was also severely injured when she tried to help the victim. Cincinnati Councilor Victoria Parks controversially claimed the victims begged for that beat down, sparking outrage. A Community Note suggested the victim may have provoked the conflict, but the mobs response was wildly over the top.

On July 30, Danville, Virginia, City Councilman Lee Vogler was doused with gasoline and set on fire outside his workplace, suffering severe burns. The attacker, motivated by personal issues tied to a recent divorce, faces attempted murder charges.

Rhode Island lawmaker Enrique Sanchez called ICE agents Nazi Gestapo thugs after a July 2025 operation in Providence detained an alleged MS-13 member. DHS reported an 830% spike in assaults on ICE agents in 2025 and warned Sanchez against inciting violence.

In a rare positive outcome, a felon was arrested in Fairfax, Virginia, after abducting a young girl from a mall play area. The mother confronted the suspect, who fled but was later caught at a nearby hotel. He was also charged with car theft.

These incidents vary in motive: the Arkansas and Michigan attacks were random, Danvilles was personal, and Cincinnatis and Sanchezs rhetoric reflect cultural or political tensions. The Fairfax case remains under investigation, with questions about the suspects immigration status unanswered.

Common threads include mental health crises, polarized rhetoric, and social medias role in amplifying division. A Rasmussen report notes nearly 25% of Americans have a mental health diagnosis, with 20% on psychiatric medication, which can have severe side effects. This raises questions about whether untreated conditions or medication issues contribute to erratic behavior.

I dont know if Im more concerned about the 25% of Americans with a mental health diagnosis, or the 75% who are walking around undiagnosed. Judging from recent activity on the Left, I have an idea who some of these people are.

I remember being shocked when I heard a U.S. President say that police officers who were acting in the line of duty acted stupidly. When leaders vilify opponents, it normalizes violence. I believe this comment began the deterioration of the relationship between some segments of the public and law enforcement. Social media fuels this, spreading dehumanizing language and inspiring lone actors or mobs. A Rutgers poll found that 55% of all self-identifying liberals believe killing the president is a justifiable means of pursuing their political goals. 48% of respondents to the same poll also viewed former DOGE chief Elon Musk as an acceptable target for assassination.

Anti-ICE rhetoric has coincided with violent protests in Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2025, targeting federal facilities. Cynthia Miller-Idriss has argued leaders must model civility, but her focus on right-wing extremism often ignores left-wing violence, like the George Floyd riots. Liliana Masons research suggests community dialogues can reduce polarization, but the era of trusting elites who condemn one side while excusing another appears to be over.

Tailored solutions -- better mental health care, condemning divisive rhetoric, fostering dialogue, enhancing security, and addressing social issues -- offer a path forward, but only if applied consistently across ideological lines.

Im not holding my breath. Its been said that we dont change until the pain of change becomes less than the pain of not changing.

I see no evidence the Left wants to change.

Image: Pixabay
T.S. Eliot may have gotten it wrong when he penned April is the cruelest month as the opening line to his 1922 poem The Wasteland. What about August?

It was August 1914 when the carnage known as the Great War commenced in earnest. Tensions in Europe had been building for years. There was no lack of discontent among the Balkan states within the sprawling Austro-Hungarian empire. European powers were competing for colonial expansion, mostly in Africa. Germany feared being surrounded by Russia on one side and France and the U.K. on the other. Germanys huge naval military buildup was particularly aimed at Britain: To some extent, England owned the world, and Germany wanted it.

A Serbian nationalist assassinated Archduke Ferdinand on June 28, 1914. Austria seized upon the event as a casus belli. Austria was emboldened. In an agreement resembling a Teutonic blood oath, the Kaiser had promised to back Austria to the hilt in any conflict that might arise.

Tsar Nicolass allegiance to Russias Slavic cousins overshadowed his reluctance to get into a war with the European powers: the tsar issued an ultimatum to Vienna, hoping that if he threatened to mobilize, the Austrians would back off. However, on July 23, Austria gave Serbia only two days to agree to a list of 10 ultimatums that were deemed humiliating and egregious enough to force Serbia to reject them. Some historians say Serbia accepted them; others say Serbia offered a compromise. No matter: Austria declared war on Serbia on July 28. Russia responded by mobilizing her reserve troops along the border with Austria-Hungary on July 30.

Germany then issued an ultimatum to Russia to demobilize. When Russia refused, Germany issued the order to mobilize on July 31 and declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914.

It would be a while before Russia and Germany would come to blows. Count Alfred von Schlieffen, former chief of the German General Staff, had developed a plan in 1905 to quickly defeat France by going through Belgium and northern France to avoid Germany having to fight a two-front war against Russia. In the years leading up to 1914, war between Germany and France was regarded as inevitable, such that the logical result of Germanys mobilization was to attack France. German mobilization kickstarted the meticulously planned process to move troops and materiel by trains, trucks, etc. into position to attack and defeat France within six weeks.

As France was aware of this plan, she issued the call for mobilization on August 1, 1914 so as not to be overrun before she could react. (As part of the hellish spiral of alliances that sucked dozens of countries into the war in varying degrees, France could not be seen as initiating war with Germany, so as not to endanger the French-British alliance that guaranteed Britains defense of France.)

During the month between the archdukes assassination and the war declarations, there were numerous telegrams, communiques, exchanges and visits among diplomats, politicians, and military leaders involving the countries that would soon engage in a world war that could easily have been averted. Arrogance and hubris led Germany, England, France, Russia, and Austria-Hungary to believe that the war would be over by Christmas at the latest. The fact remains that world leaders got the First World War because they wanted it.

So during this August, 101 years later, is it hyperbole to ask if we are in danger of repeating or exceeding the carnage of the first half of the 20th century?

On July 27, the German government submitted a formal Letter of Request to the United States to procure the Typhon mobile missile system.

The Typhon system can employ both the Tomahawk cruise missile, which has a 1600 kilometre range, and the SM-6 multi-purpose missile which can be used for both ballistic missile defence and for medium-range anti shipping. The German Defence Ministry is reportedly primarily interest [sic] in the long range strike capabilities provided by the Tomahawk.

President Putin reacted with fury at this announcement, as the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile can reach Moscow from German territory in 10 minutes.

On Tuesday, July 29, President Trump announced he had shortened Moscows timeline from 50 days to just 10 to show progress on ending the war in Ukraine. If Russia fails to comply, Washington will impose fresh tariffs and sanctions. Based upon information published in June, Russia and Ukraine are still worlds apart when it comes to agreeing on terms to end the war.

The spark that sets off an out-of-control chain reaction can be ignited in unlikely places. Take Kaliningrad, for example. Formerly known as Konigsberg, the 70-km-wide slice of land was under German control until the Allies ceded the territory to the Soviet Union in 1946. Kaliningrad is a strategic port that houses Russias Baltic fleet and is one of the most militarized regions in Europe. It is sandwiched between Lithuania and Poland, and the only Russian land access to Kaliningrad consists of a rail line in a strip of land called the Suwalki Gap that runs through Lithuania from Belarus to Kaliningrad.

Since June 2022, Lithuania has been restricting rail transit of European-sanctioned goods to and from Kaliningrad. Just a couple weeks ago, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander General Chris Donahue added to the tension by saying NATO forces could capture Kaliningrad in a timeframe that is unheard of if necessary, which elicited the following response:

Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian parliaments foreign affairs committee, warned that any attack on Kaliningrad would trigger retaliatory measures. An attack on the Kaliningrad region is tantamount to an attack on Russia, Slutsky said, according to Russian state-owned TASS news agency. With all the corresponding retaliatory measures, including the use of nuclear weapons.

Harrumph. Is that just another Russian Bear bluff? If Western military leaders were to deem it somehow necessary to take Kaliningrad, might that provoke Russia into attacking one of the several NATO countries that border Russia, thus triggering NATOs Article 5 and blasting the lid off the box of nuclear war wide open?

Pray for peace, for mercy, for forgiveness.

Public Domain Pictures.

" captext="Public Domain Pictures" src="https://images.americanthinker.com/imported/2024-02/252248_640.jpeg" />

Image via Public Domain Pictures.
Let us give thanks that we have Donald Trump in the White House during this time of the pre-hostility orchestration phase of WWIII. For his leadership is as likely as anyand more likely than mostto stave off push becoming shove, and the Chinese lust for hegemony becoming outright hostility.

The potential order of battle is clear. It is China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea versus the USA, the Anglosphere, Europe, Japan, and the Philippines. (And while the Anglosphere and Europe are increasingly hostile to the U.S., the greater likelihood is that they will recognize that there is no hope for them in an alliance with the Chinese and their allies.)

Image created using AI.

Looking ahead, there are two clear flashpoints: Taiwan and Iran. This essay is about Iran.

Iran? Yes, Iran. Notwithstanding how much we would like to believe that our recent military action there eliminated Iran as a flashpoint for WWIII, unfortunately, taint so.

We are all well aware that after Iran absorbed all the ordnance the US delivered, that plucky theocracy nevertheless emerged to claim victory and announce it continues to strive for nuclear weapons.

We are also all well aware that for Iran to employ a nuclear weapon, it must have one, and that, currently, it cannot and, thanks to the U.S. action, it will not build one anytime soon. However, to have one does not mean it must make one. It can just buy one.

And that reality should cause us to sit up straight and take notice of the close relationship between Iran and China.

Writing in the Epoch Times, John Mills tells us,

China has officially designated Iran as its primary partner in the Middle East, following the signing of a 25-year cooperation agreement between the two countries in 2021. China relies heavily on Iranian oil; however, if the Iranian regime were to collapse, China could emerge as the biggest loser.

The Economic Times reported that, on June 15, 16, and 17 (just after the Israeli strikes on Iran), Chinese military freighters flew from China into Iran.

These cargo flights caught the attention of China analyst Gordon Chang, who noted, China is sending something it doesnt want the world to know... It could be ammunition, could be drones...could be nuclear weapons...

Eliminating Iran as a flash point for WWIII calls for regime change, meaning seizing the Iranian government, removing the mullahs, and replacing them with a republic, a representative democracy.

But great care must be taken on this point, for not every shadow group waiting in the wings for the opportunity to govern Iran intends to govern as a republic. Susan Quinn cogently analyzes this issue. For example, Quinn exposes the fact that the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which claims on its website that it adheres to liberal democratic principles, also has connections that suggest it is a Marxist front.

The central point here is that creating an Iranian republic will not only require boots on the ground (not solely American boots) to evict the mullahs but will also require careful guidance from the USA and allied democracies to assure that what replaces the mullahs is a republic, allowing the people of Iran to govern themselves through their elected representatives.
Phone carriers are responsible for offering a stable network, having plans that are accessible to everyone, and delivering enhanced coverage. But beyond this, the telecom giants have a lot going on in the background. T-Mobile has now announced one such initiative, where it will use its large 5G network to detect any water leaks.

T-Mobile 5G network is listening for water leaks

The telecom giant is partnering with Fluid Conservative System (FCS), which is a veteran in the leak detection industry. The company helps provide smart solutions for true environmental impact. T-Mobile has been trying to establish itself widely in varied domains, and this new initiative takes things further in that direction.

The Fluid Conservative System (FCS) has been actively helping water utilities in detecting leaks. The association with T-Mobiles network will elevate the efforts and take the companys help in powering the acoustic monitoring systems that come with advanced sensors, which can detect any underground pipe leaks in real time. The system is apparently in use across the US and allows cities to detect and rectify before they become a costly mess.

FCS will tap into T-Mobiles network

T-Mobiles network has been ranked the best in the US by Ookla. FCS will look to take advantage of this. This will help it stay ahead of any water leaks by offering real-time information and letting water utilities act on time. This also reduces operating expenses if theyre not addressed promptly.

Beth Powell, president of Fluid Conversation Systems, highlighted how the pipes have aged, and this partnership will detect leaks accurately. Data from the American Society of Civil Engineers suggests that the US loses about 33 trillion gallons of water every year due to deteriorating infrastructure. Amid its data breach settlement, T-Mobile is offering a helping hand in solving this major water problem.
The bottle was found at Cape Bruny Lighthouse in Tasmania by a specialist painter (Brian Painter/Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

A 122-year-old message in a bottle hidden inside a wall has been uncovered from one of Australias oldest lighthouses in Tasmania, sparking interest from historians.

The rare find was made earlier this week at Cape Bruny Lighthouse in Tasmania by a specialist painter, Brian Burford, during routine conservation work on the lantern room of the heritage-listed lighthouse on Bruny Island.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) said the painter noticed something unusual while treating a badly rusted section of the wall and, on closer inspection, realised it was a glass bottle containing a letter.

The bottle was brought to Hobart, where conservators from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) carefully opened it, cutting through a cork coated in bitumen before extracting the fragile contents.

Inside was an envelope with a two-page handwritten letter dated 29 January 1903, written by James Robert Meech, then Inspector of Lighthouses for the Hobart Marine Board.

The letter details significant upgrades carried out at the lighthouse, including the installation of a new iron spiral staircase to replace a wooden one, a new concrete floor, and a replacement lantern room.

The bottleat found at Cape Bruny Lighthouse in Tasmania by a specialist painter (Brian Painter/Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

It also records changes to the lights flash sequence, three seconds of light followed by nineteen and a half seconds of darkness, replacing a 50-second cycle, and lists the names of the keepers and workers involved in the project. According to PWS, the works cost the Marine Board 2,200, equivalent to around $474,000 AUD today.

PWS Manager for Historic Heritage Annita Waghorn said the condition of the message was remarkable.

You could feel the excitement in the room when the letter came out in one piece, she said. This letter gives us an insight into the works that happened at the lighthouse and the people who undertook this work. This information adds to the rich history of Bruny Island and the Cape Bruny Lighthouse.

Cape Bruny lighthouse page 2 of message in a bottle signed by the author (Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

TMAG conservators used a humidification process to relax and flatten the old paper for preservation. The letter will eventually go on public display, but the location is yet to be confirmed.

The Cape Bruny Lighthouse, first lit in 1838, guided ships through some of Australias most treacherous waters for over 150 years before being decommissioned in 1996 and replaced by a nearby solar-powered light.

The find has surprised historians, with PWS officials, as no one had accessed the sealed wall space since the lantern room was installed in 1903.

Local media described it as one of the most significant lighthouse-related discoveries in years, offering a rare time capsule from the states maritime past.
Actor Gary Busey has pleaded guilty to a sexual offence stemming from an appearance at a 2022 horror convention in New Jersey, according to his representatives and court records.

The 81-year-old Buddy Holly stars manager, Ron Sampson, said in an email on Friday that the actor admitted to touching a womans buttocks over clothing during an 8-10 second photo op.

Busey entered a guilty plea to a single count of criminal sexual contact during a virtual hearing in state court in Camden on Thursday.

The actor had been accused of inappropriately touching at least three women at the Monster-Mania Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, a South Jersey town and suburb of Philadelphia.

Organisers of the event acknowledged at the time that an unnamed celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return and that affected attendees were encouraged to contact police.

Busey had been scheduled as a featured guest for all three days of the event. He was initially charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact and one count of harassment.

Buseys lawyer Blair Zwillman confirmed on Friday that the other charges were dropped as part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors. The actor faces up to five years probation and fines when he is sentenced September 18.

In my view Mr Busey was overcharged probably based on his star status, Mr Zwillman said in an email. He could have just as easily been charged with the disorderly persons offence of harassment by offensive touching.

Camden County prosecutors did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Friday.

Busey is widely known as a character actor, largely in supporting roles, though he came to attention and was nominated for an Oscar for best actor for playing the title role in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story.
A woman based in London booked a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan through Airbnb for two-and-a-half months earlier this year. Photograph: Andre M Chang/ZUMA Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Airbnb has apologised to a woman after an apartment host falsely claimed she had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and used images she says were digitally manipulated to back up his allegations.

The London-based academic was refunded almost 4,300, and an internal review of how the case was dealt with has been launched at the short-term accommodation rental company.

The incident highlights how cheap and easily available artificial intelligence software is now being used to manipulate images to give false evidence of what has happened in consumer complaints, according to one security expert.

The woman, who is based in London, had booked the one-bedroom apartment in New Yorks Manhattan for two-and-a-half months earlier this year to stay in while she was studying, but she decided to leave early after feeling unsafe in the area.

Shortly after she left, the host told Airbnb that she had caused more than 12,000 worth of damage, and submitted pictures of an apparently cracked coffee table as part of his case. His allegations included that she had stained a mattress with urine, and damaged a robot vacuum cleaner, a sofa, a microwave, a TV and an air conditioner.

The woman denied any damage had been done to the apartment. She said she left it in good condition and had only two visitors during the seven weeks she stayed. A close examination of two pictures of the coffee table appears to show differences in the damage, leading the woman to believe they were digitally manipulated or generated by AI. She says the host was retaliating because she ended her tenancy early.

Airbnb initially told her after careful review of the photos, she would have to reimburse the host a total of 5,314. She appealed against the decision.

I informed them that I can provide testimony from an eyewitness who was with me during checkout and can attest under oath to the condition in which the property was left: clean, undamaged, and in good order, she says. I also clearly demonstrated visual discrepancies in images of the same object (wooden table) provided by the host that show clear signs of fabrication.

She adds: These inconsistencies are simply not possible in genuine, unedited photographs of the same object. This should have immediately raised red flags and discredited the hosts claims if the evidence had been reviewed with even basic scrutiny, but Airbnb not only failed to identify this obvious manipulation, they entirely ignored my explanations and clear evidence that the material was fabricated.

Five days after Guardian Money raised questions about the case with Airbnb, the woman was told it had accepted her appeal and credited her account with 500. When she then said she was not going to rebook with Airbnb again, the company offered an 854 refund  a fifth of the cost of her booking. She refused to accept this and was refunded the full cost (4,269) of her booking, and a negative review that the host had placed on her profile was taken down.

My concern is for future customers who may become victims of similar fraudulent claims and do not have the means to push back so much or give into paying out of fear of escalation, the woman says.

Given the ease with which such images can now be AI-generated and apparently accepted by Airbnb despite investigations, it should not be so easy for a host to get away with forging evidence in this way.

The man who complained about her is listed as a superhost on Airbnb, which the site says is someone who is experienced and highly rated. He did not respond to a request for comment.

Airbnb said he had been warned for violating its terms and told he would be removed if there was another similar report. The company told him that it could not verify the images he submitted as part of his complaint.

Airbnb apologised and said there would be a review into how her case was handled. We take damage claims seriously  our specialist team reviews all available evidence to reach proportionate outcomes for both parties, and to help ensure a fair approach, decisions can be appealed.

Serpil Hall, the director of economic crime at the management consultants Baringa, said that manipulating images and videos was now easier than ever, and software to do so was cheap, widely available and required little skill to use.

In one recent case an insurance company found there had been an increase in false claims on vehicles and home repairs using photos that had been manipulated.

Recently, many companies have decided images cant be taken at face value any more [during disputes], and there is a need for forensic tools and fraud intelligence models to validate them.
An Ohio resident who nearly decapitated a woman during a confrontation last year is now facing federal charges over a post on X, the Elon Musk-owned social network formerly known as Twitter, where he vowed to cleanse an entire city of Black people, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit.

Scott Hanna, 30, was arrested Friday morning on one count of making interstate communications with a threat to injure, after the Cincinnati Police Department sent screenshots of the July 31 post to the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Organizing mobs to kill all the apes in Cincinnati Since @GovMikeDeWine and the @OSHP wont do anything about this nonsense, the post read. We the people need to paint the town red and KILL THEM ALL. Fill the morgues and cleanse this city of blacks. By Sunday we are aiming to have killed 30k[.]

Cincinnati has a Black population of about 120,000. The affidavit doesnt specify how Hanna allegedly planned to carry out his threat, or what it was that set him off, but video of an interracial brawl last Saturday in downtown Cincinnati went megaviral, and appears to be, based on the timeline, what may have inspired it.

Hanna lives in Dayton with his grandfather, a retired judge, according to public records. In an initial appearance on Friday afternoon in Dayton federal court, prosecutors asked for Hanna to remain detained pending trial, arguing he was too dangerous to be released.

The FBI believes it thwarted a potential mass murder plot in Cincinnati, according to a newly unsealed affidavit charging Dayton resident Scott Hanna with interstate communications with a threat to injure (Getty Images)

Hanna does not yet have an attorney listed in public filings, and was unable to be reached.

When the FBI received word of the offending message posted Thursday to Hannas X account, agents immediately submitted an emergency disclosure request to the company for the identity of the user behind @generalquinny, according to the FBI affidavit.

X responded with an email address consisting of the first three letters of Hannas first name, plus his entire last name, the affidavit states. It says the FBI then reviewed @generalquinnys X account, which included at least one photograph that appeared to match Hannas official Ohio drivers license photo, and agents had AT&T trace the IP address from where the post threatening mass murder originated.

The account was in Hannas name, at an address in Dayton matching the one listed in state motor vehicle records, the affidavit says.

Next, investigators submitted an emergency disclosure request to Google for the email address associated with the X account in question, which was soon identified as belonging to Hanna, and listed his personal cell as a recovery number and his Google Pay account as having been set up under his name and address, according to the affidavit.

FBI agents brought their findings to local law enforcement, who told agents they were familiar with Hanna from a past encounter.

On September 11, 2024, police responded to the home where Hanna lives for a reported menacing in progress, the affidavit goes on. While officers were en route, Hanna called dispatch and asked to speak with a detective, it says.

[Hanna] told them if they were not going to charge a specified individual then he was going to cut off her head, the affidavit continues. He stated, If you don't want an incident then you better send cops to [my address] because I'm f***ing done with this s***.

The post on X that led to federal charges against 30-year-old Dayton resident Scott Hanna (US District Court for the Southern District of Ohio)

Hanna subsequently swung a full-sized sword at her neck, resulting in a serious physical injury and what appeared to be a partial decapitation, according to the affidavit. State court records do not provide further details, and it is unclear if Hanna ever faced any serious charges over the situation.

What is known, however, is that Hanna called a police officer the N-word in the aftermath, having become extremely irate once cops showed up on the scene, the affidavit says.

Local law enforcement noted that they had previous contact with Hanna when he claimed the same specified individual had broken into his residence, according to the affidavit.

In a statement issued Friday, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola said the bureau aggressively investigates those who threaten our communities with violence.

Threats like this impact the entire community and have serious consequences, Iatarola said.

If convicted, Hanna faces up to five years in federal prison.
Barbed wire lines a recreation area at the Stewart detention center in Lumpkin, Georgia. Photograph: David Goldman/AP

A Liberian-born man detained by Ice in Georgia was put in solitary confinement after complaining about flooding in the common area outside his cell at the Stewart detention center that he said was potentially dangerous for his electronic prosthetic legs, the Guardian can reveal.

Rodney Taylor recently spent three days in what CoreCivic calls a restrictive housing unit at Georgias Stewart detention center, after refusing to enter his cell because faulty air conditioning had left the floor in the area outside his cell covered with about an inch of water. That would be a potential disaster for Taylor, since his battery-powered, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic legs cant get wet.

Related: Disabled people detained by Ice sound alarm over overcrowded jails

It was only the latest episode for Taylor, a double amputee, since Ice agents detained him at his Loganville, Georgia, home on 15 January. His problems illustrate how ill-prepared the Trump administration is to meet the needs of immigration detainees with disabilities as they carry out mass deportation plans.

They dont see you as an individual, but as someone being deported, Taylor said. Taylors fiancee, Mildred Pierre, called the experience of monitoring his wellbeing during the last six months like receiving blow after blow.

The Guardian first reported on Taylors case on 25 April. Since then, his challenges in detention have included the screws coming out of his prosthetic legs, causing him to fall and injure his hand, and being unable to obtain new, fitted prosthetic legs at a nearby clinic as a result of them being delivered without a charger for their battery. Then, once his fiancee brought a charger, a second appointment at the clinic two months later left him without results because the clinic was not familiar with Taylors model of prosthetics.

The immigration detention system cant care for anybody beyond basic medical needs, said Amy Zeidan, a professor of emergency medicine at Atlantas Emory University who has researched healthcare in the immigration detention system. The result: mismanagement bordering on medical neglect in cases like Taylors, she said.

Meanwhile, Pierre has spent months trying to figure out  who do I call? Whos going to listen?

She has contacted Georgias senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, as well as non-profit organizations that advocate for people with disabilities and immigrants. I am afraid for Rodney, she wrote to Ossoffs office on Saturday, after her fiancee had the run-in with guards.

Warnocks office said he couldnt comment casework involving individuals. Ossoff said he couldnt comment on an individuals casework.

On Sunday, the day after Taylor refused to enter his cell, guards handcuffed him and placed him in solitary confinement  until Tuesday, when Stewarts assistant warden released him. During this time, he received no water to drink, and could not charge the battery in his prosthetic legs, Pierre said.

Brian Todd, a spokesperson for CoreCivic, the company that owns Stewart, wrote in an email that Taylor is being regularly monitored by facility medical staff, with all known medical issues are being addressed, and our staff continuing to accommodate his needs. He also said that solitary confinement does not exist at Stewart, and that it uses restrictive housing units. Experts have said that conditions in CoreCivics RHUs are the same as solitary confinement.

Taylor was brought to the US from Liberia by his mother on a medical visa when he was a small child. He went through 16 operations. He has two fingers on his right hand. Now 46, he has lived in the US nearly his entire life, works as a barber, is active in promoting cancer awareness in his community and got engaged only 10 days before Ice detained him in January.

Despite having a pending application for US residence  commonly known as a green card  Ice detained and locked up Taylor in January due to a burglary conviction he received as a teenager and for which the state of Georgia pardoned him in 2010, according to his attorney, who shared paperwork from his case with the Guardian.

When he was detained, Taylor was only days away from being fitted for new prosthetics. Requests to Stewart to make an appointment for him to follow through on this appeared to be falling on deaf ears for four months. Then, after the Guardians story in April, Taylor received a visit from the warden. An appointment was made for late May.

Pierre had gotten Taylors clinic in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to send the new prosthetics to a clinic in Albany, Georgia, about 75 miles from Stewart, in February. Nonetheless, when guards took him, shackled, to the rural clinic on 23 May, no one from Stewart or the clinic had ensured that the battery would be charged.

Not only that, when he returned in late July, the clinic could not calibrate the legs to his body, since staff was unfamiliar with his model of prosthetics. Using the new prosthetics for months without them being calibrated means he suffers severe pain in his left knee, Taylor told the Guardian.

Also in recent months, the Guardians and other reporting brought visits from Warnocks staff and the Georgia Advocacy Office, part of a national network of congressionally authorized non-profit organizations defending the rights of people with disabilities.

But when Warnocks staff met with Taylor, the warden stood outside the door watching through a glass window, and cut the visit short after 15 minutes, Taylor said. I only had time to answer two or three questions on a list, he said.

One thing that helps Taylor keep his spirits up is the relationships hes made with fellow detainees. When he was in solitary confinement, several guards went to enter his cell, only to be blocked by a group of detainees. They said, How could yall do that to him? Hes a good guy, according to Pierre.

Meanwhile, despite the challenges, Taylor is trying his best to stay healthy, avoid any accidents and remain hopeful about his 12 August hearing before an immigration judge, which may result in a decision on whether the US deports him.

I gotta make sure I can be able to walk when I get out of here, he said.

 This article was amended on 1 August 2025 to clarify it was not Rodney Taylors cell, but the area outside it that was flooded.
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence

Ghislaine Maxwell has been quietly moved to a minimum-security prison in Texas.

The British socialite and former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence for procuring underage girls for the paedophile financier.

Maxwell was being held at a low-security prison in Tallahassee, Florida, but was relocated to a minimum security prison this week.

The transfer comes a week after she was interviewed by Todd Blanche, Donald Trumps deputy attorney general.

Her legal team appear to be capitalising on the Trump administrations recent interest in their clients case, agreeing she will testify before Congress if demands over her release are met.

Maxwells lawyer, David Oscar Markus, confirmed the transfer in a statement to The Telegraph.

He said: We can confirm that she is being moved but have no further comment at this time.

The disgraced socialite is in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas, a Bureau of Prisons spokesman told The New York Sun.

Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas, where Ghislaine Maxwell has been moved to - Mark Felix/AFP

A source with knowledge of the situation told the newspaper that Ms Maxwell was temporarily moved to FCI Oakdale in Louisiana prior to her move to Texas.

She is not staying in Oakdale, the source said. It was a brief stopover. Officials from Texas were expected to take custody of her shortly after the handoff, and she is being moved again to an undisclosed location.

Inmates at minimum security institutions, also known as federal prison camps, benefit from low prison guard-to-inmate ratio, and limited to no perimeter fencing.

At the Texas prison, Maxwell will sleep in dormitory housing and have access to off-site work programmes.

It is the same prison facility where Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos, is serving her 11-year sentence.

Maxwell was temporarily moved to FCI Oakdale in Louisiana

The 37-acre all-female facility is home to more than 500 inmates, most of whom are serving time for non-violent offences and white-collar crimes.

According to the prison handbook, life at the prison is centred around work, with inmates earning up to $1.15 an hour for their jobs  many of which involve food service and factory work.

Beyond work, inmates may take classes on foreign languages and business skills, play sports, watch television and attend religious services, the handbook states.

The prison features on a list of the best federal prisons to serve time in, compiled by Elizabeth Franklin Best, a criminal defence lawyers consultancy.

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, left, arrives, flanked by prison officials, at the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas - Mark Felix/AFP

According to the lawyers, the facility allows prisoners to train dogs to become service animals, through a partnership with Canine Companions for Independence.

It also subscribes to a rehabilitation programme called assert yourself for female offenders, where women learn to be assertive without trampling the rights of others, according to a DoJ document from 2020.

Maxwell begged Trump to be freed

On July 22, Mr Trump permitted the DoJ to interview Maxwell and did not rule out offering the British socialite a pardon in exchange for information.

Maxwell has since begged the US president to free her from prison. However, Mr Trump said on Friday that nobody had asked him to grant clemency to Maxwell.

Im allowed to do it, but nobodys asked me to do it. I know nothing about it. I dont know anything about the case, but I know I have the right to do it, he told Newsmax.

Maxwell has long argued her 2021 sex-trafficking conviction should be overturned because of a 2007 plea deal that promised immunity for Epsteins accomplices. She is the only person who has been convicted in connection with his crimes.

Her legal team appear to be capitalising on the Trump administrations recent interest in their clients case, agreeing she will testify before Congress if demands over her release are met.

Maxwells transfer was allegedly handled by BOP officials directly rather than the US Marshals service, which usually deals with interstate inmate transport.

Georgia prison inmates Stephanie Walker, left, and Marcia Wall spend some quiet time with their Labrador puppies during guide dog training at Metro State Prison - Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images

Mr Trump has come under extreme pressure from members of his own party to release the so-called Epstein files after the Department of Justice and FBI said he did not possess a client list and died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019.

On Monday, Mr Trump once again declined to rule out offering the British socialite a pardon, telling reporters: Well, Im allowed to give her a pardon but nobodys approached me with it.

The family of the late Virginia Giuffre, one of Epsteins first accusers who also accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault, which he denied, said offering Maxwell a pardon would send a chilling messages to survivors of sexual abuse.

Were talking about a sex trafficker, a monster that could do unspeakable things to young women without conscience, Ms Wilson, Giuffres sister-in-law, said. So what would she do to get herself out of the situation that shes in?

She added: It does send a message to the survivors that, you know, if youre in power, if youve got money, if youve got connections, then youre above the law.

Its just sending a message to survivors that their voices and all of the hard work that theyve done for the last however many years, 10-plus years, doesnt matter.

A number of Epstein survivors and the family of victim Virginia Giuffre released a statement condemning Maxwells transfer. It is with horror and outrage that we object to the preferential treatment convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has received.

Ghislaine Maxwell is a sexual predator who physically assaulted minor children on multiple occasions, and she should never be shown any leniency. Yet, without any notification to the Maxwell victims, the government overnight has moved Maxwell to a minimum security luxury prison in Texas, the statement said.

Annie and Maria Farmer and the family of Giuffre said the justice system had failed them.

The American public should be enraged by the preferential treatment being given to a paedophile and a criminally charged child sex offender. The Trump administration should not credit a word Maxwell says, as the government itself sought charges against Maxwell for being a serial liar. This move smacks of a cover up. The victims deserve better.
Ian Ball, now 77, was 26 when he ambushed the Princess Royal on The Mall in March 1974 (Getty)

The man who tried to kidnap Princess Anne at gunpoint nearly 50 years ago has been quietly released from a high-security mental hospital and is now waging a bizarre campaign to clear his name.

Ian Ball, now 77, was 26 when he ambushed the Princess Royal on The Mall in March 1974. He attempted to abduct her at gunpoint and shot four men who tried to intervene.

Despite the chaos, Anne refused to comply with his demands for a 2 million ransom, famously telling him: Not bloody likely, and I havent got 2 million.

Ball was detained at Broadmoor Hospital after admitting attempted murder and attempted kidnap, but was released on probation in 2019, according to the Daily Mail. Since then, he has been selling a self-published book and using social media to claim he was the victim of a hoax.

The book, titled To Kidnap a Princess, is described on Amazon as an autobiographical novel and claims to open with the dramatic and thrilling attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne before detailing Balls eventful and turbulent 45-year stay in Rampton and Broadmoor criminal lunatic asylums.

It adds: The book is an emotive read and it will make you laugh, make you cry, shock you even, but ultimately it will leave you in wonder at the indomitability of the human spirit.

Speaking to the Mail, Ball claimed: Im an innocent, sane man because I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne.

He added: She wasnt bothered on the night. I didnt scare her. I was more scared than she was.

Ball had skidded his car in front of Princess Annes vehicle on The Mall and used two guns to shoot her police bodyguard, her chauffeur, a police constable and a journalist. He then tried to drag her from the car as her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, fought him off.

The kidnapping attempt ended when former heavyweight boxer Ronnie The Geezer Russell stepped in and punched Ball twice in the head, helping to subdue him.

Anne later said she was furious that Ball had ripped her favourite blue velvet dress during the struggle.

In his book and online posts, Ball insists the kidnapping was a hoax meant to generate publicity for a book deal. He claims the plot was staged with the help of a policeman he refers to only as Frank, who allegedly removed the gunpowder from the bullets and arranged for a different woman to stand in for Anne.

The whole idea of performing the hoax was to get the publicity so I could write my autobiography, and I expected to get 10,000 in royalties, Ball said.

To prove my innocence I need to prove the existence of Frank. That will prove I had reason to believe it was all a hoax.

He also claims he was wrongfully locked up by the upper classes and that the late Queen was the ring-leader.

Ball reportedly distributes leaflets in his local west London area and uses social media to appeal against his convictions.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Restricted patients can be recalled back to hospital if their mental health deteriorates to such a level that the risk they pose becomes unmanageable in the community.

Princess Annes bodyguard, then-Metropolitan Police Inspector Jim Beaton, was shot three times during the attack and was later awarded the George Cross for his bravery.

Ronnie Russell, who helped stop the kidnapping, was given the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth II. She reportedly told him: The medal is from the Queen, but I want to thank you as Annes mother.

Prince Philip later quipped: If the man had succeeded in abducting Anne, she would have given him a hell of a time in captivity.
Robert Jenrick was reprimanded by the Home Offices most senior civil servant - Yui Mok/PA Wire

The Home Office tried to silence Robert Jenrick after he said terror suspects had arrived in Britain on small boats.

In an article for The Telegraph last year, Mr Jenrick, the former immigration minister, claimed that individuals linked to Islamic State had waltzed right in to Britain across the Channel.

It can now be revealed that a fortnight later, the Home Offices most senior civil servant reprimanded him over the disclosure.

Sir Matthew Rycroft, the departments then permanent secretary, wrote to Mr Jenrick to tell him the information should not have been made public and warned him against any further disclosure of sensitive information from his time in government.

On Saturday, critics said the move showed that the Government was trying to suppress concerns about the security implications of mass migration.

During his spell as immigration minister between October 2022 and December 2023, Mr Jenrick would have had access to sensitive information and security briefings, including about migrants crossing the Channel.

The Home Office has neither confirmed nor denied the veracity of Mr Jenricks claims and is understood to have had concerns that they could undermine national security.

Sir Matthew Rycroft warned the former immigration minister against any further disclosure of sensitive information from his time in government - Shutterstock

In his letter, Sir Matthew argued that the former immigration minister was bound by rules that prohibit the disclosure of sensitive information, including the ministerial code and the Official Secrets Act.

Sir Matthew is also understood to have confirmed that Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, was personally aware that he was issuing the reprimand.

The revelation comes amid wider concerns about the Governments attitude towards free speech, especially on contentious topics such as migration.

This week it emerged that a secretive Whitehall spy unit has been used to target social media posts criticising migrant hotels and two-tier policing.

That prompted the White House to say it was monitoring the situation surrounding freedom of expression in the UK closely and with great concern.

Allies of Mr Jenrick expressed concern that the Home Office was trying to deter him from speaking out on security concerns around migration.

Bradley Thomas, the Tory MP for Bromsgrove, said: Any attempt by the Home Office to suppress news of such significant national security importance is a disgrace.

Robert Jenrick resigned from the Home Office on a point of principle and he has been clear that mass migration has not been good for our country.

Roberts principled stance has seen him consistently challenge the failings of the immigration system to keep our country secure and prosperous.

He said that Ms Coopers implicit awareness that the reprimand was being issued was a dereliction of her duty to the British people.

Lewis Cocking, the Tory MP for Broxbourne, said that the warning to Mr Jenrick represented political overreach from the Civil Service.

They shouldnt be telling an elected Member of Parliament what they should or shouldnt be saying about illegal immigration, he said.

Its just another example of why we need a total overhaul of the Civil Service, to get them back working in the interests of ordinary British people.

Labour Ministers have failed to give me clear answers on how many small boat arrivals fail criminality checks, and this suggests they are working with civil servants to keep the reality of the situation hidden from the public.

Ministerial code

Former ministers continue to be bound by the ministerial code, which sets out the standards for their conduct, after they have left office. Mr Jenrick is also on the Privy Council, which advises the sovereign on matters of state, and whose members are subject to extra confidentiality obligations.

It is understood that it is not unusual for officials to remind both current and former ministers of their responsibilities under those rules.

Mr Jenrick said: I will not stay silent as dangerous people break into our country. The small boats are a national security emergency. The Home Office should confront it, not cover it up.

The last government unquestionably did not do enough to fix this. We must change course fast.

The news comes as Labour is under growing pressure over its handling of the small boats crisis, with the number of crossings this year having already topped 25,000.

Officials were forced to send migrants to an overflow hotel in Canary Wharf on Saturday after almost 900 arrived on Wednesday.
India drastically increased its purchases of Russian oil following Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022 - Alexandr Demyanchuk/Sputnik

India still plans to buy Russian oil despite the threat of sanctions from Donald Trump, officials have said.

The US president announced earlier this week that he planned to impose an unspecified penalty on India if it did not cut off imports of Russian crude oil, in addition to a general 25pc tariff.

Mr Trump suggested on Friday that India had reduced the amount of oil it had purchased from Russia. He told reporters: I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. Thats what I heard. I dont know if thats right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens.

However, two senior Indian officials told The New York Times that there had been no change in policy, adding that New Delhi had not given any direction to oil companies to cut back on imports.

These are long-term oil contracts, another source told Reuters. It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight.

India has dramatically increased its purchases of Russian oil since Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It now sources over a third of its oil from Moscow  up from less than one per cent before the war.

Ukraines allies have called on the US to impose hefty secondary tariffs against Russias main trading partners, including India and China, in a bid to force Putin to end the war.

But Mr Trump suggested earlier this week that he was not sure the tariffs would work.

I dont know if its going to affect Russia, because he [Putin] wants to, obviously, probably keep the war going, he said.

But were going to put tariffs and the various things you put on. It may or may not affect them. But it could.

Donald Trump made the remarks about Indias purchase of Russian oil to reporters at the White House on Aug 1 - Win McNamee/Getty

The report came as at least two vessels loaded with Russian oil bound for refiners in India were diverted to other destinations after Mr Trumps sanctions.

Sanctions were imposed on more than 115-Iran linked individuals, entities, and ships, some of which transport Russian oil.

According to trade sources, three ships  the Aframaxes Tagor and Guanyin, and the Suezmax Tassos  were scheduled to deliver Russian oil to Indian ports this month. All three are under US sanctions.

Tagor was bound for Chennai on Indias east coast, while Guanyin and Tassos were headed to ports in western India, according to Russian ports data.

Tagor is now heading to Dalian in China, while Tassos is diverting to Port Said in Egypt, the data shows. Guanyin remains on course to Sikka in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

The Guwahati Refinery, operated by Indian Oil Corporation, in the Indian state of Assam - BIJU BORO/Getty

An initial plan for imposing sanctions on Russia came from Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, who threatened to put 500 per cent tariffs on Moscow and its trading partners.

But Mr Trump appears to have watered down those threats, suggesting last month the tariff level would sit at around 100 per cent.

A recent report found that China and India have already found ways to disregard or even evade Western sanctions, including by using front companies.

Both nations have been found to be directly contributing to Russias war effort, which includes a $1.4m explosive compound sales agreement between a private Indian company and two Russian companies.

India was also the worlds largest arms importer in 2024 behind Ukraine and Russia was its largest supplier, according to the defence think tank Sipri.
The Department of Homeland Security is accused of sharing thinly-veiled nativist propaganda on social media through art as it pursues a sweeping campaign of mass deportations.

Throughout July, the X account of the department run by Kristi Noem posted a steady stream of paintings exemplifying a very particular version of the homeland.

That has included posting the 1872 work American Progress by John Gast, in which an ethereal Lady Liberty floats above the Western landscape, as white settlers advance across the frame with stage coaches and rail lines, while Native Americans and buffalo run to the margins.

Another X post features the contemporary painting A Prayer for a New Life, by Morgan Weistling, a close-up of a white pioneer couple clutching a baby in the back of a covered wagon, along with the caption, Remember your Homelands Heritage.

A third such post includes Morning Pledge, a nostalgic mid-20th century scene of kids in a small town walking towards an American flag, as painted by Thomas Kinkade.

Critics say Trump administrations use of nostalgic imagery to promote efforts of Department of Homeland Security echoes fascist propaganda, which the White House denies (John Gast /Thomas Kinkade/Reuters/Getty/The Independent)

The creators and guardians of these works have expressed outrage over being drafted into DHS publicity  and history and politics experts have also raised concerns over this art being used as propaganda.

Weistling said he wasnt consulted prior to the Trump administration using his work. The Kinkade Family Foundation, meanwhile, said Morning Pledge was also being used without permission, perverted to promote division and xenophobia associated with the ideals of DHS.

The foundation told The Independent that Kinkade, who died in 2012, struggled in life with poverty as a child and substance abuse as an adult. He viewed his paintings, known for their soft, glowing light, as a way to imagine a different kind of world, where warmth, safety, and belonging are human rights for all. Beyond the canvas, Kinkade helped raise millions for the poor, while his foundation has handed out thousands of therapeutic art kits, including in farmworker communities.

That vision wasnt meant for a select few, but for everyone, the foundation said in an email. Throughout his life, Thomas sought to respond to moments of hardship with compassion and solidarity, standing with communities made vulnerable.T o see his work used in ways that promote exclusion and division betrays the very heart of what he stood for.

Recent promotional efforts from the Department of Homeland Security have leaned into images of the American frontier and pioneers, in what one prominent historian of the West says is an attempt to erase the violence from that political era and the present one (Department of Homeland Security / X)

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the agency honors artwork that celebrates Americas heritage and history, and we are pleased that the media is highlighting our efforts to showcase these patriotic pieces.

If the media needs a history lesson on the brave men and women who blazed the trails and forged this Republic from the sweat of their brow, we are happy to send them a history textbook, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in the statement. This administration is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage.

According to Richard White, a distinguished historian of the West and professor emeritus at Stanford University, DHSs use of works like American Progress is as ironic as it is revealing.

The painting depicted a highly nostalgic, mythologized version of the country even at the moment it was created. In reality, instead of the peaceful scene, violence was everywhere, with the U.S. Army (not pictured in the painting) involved in violent, dispossessing wars with indigenous tribes across the West, and groups like the KKK carrying out racist terror campaigns against newly emancipated Black people after the U.S. Civil War.

Its not about history, White said of American Progress, but rather a mythic narrative of America.

Family of late artist Thomas Kinkade says use of his painting to promote DHSs immigration agenda betrays the very heart of what he stood for (Alamy Stock Photo)

The original picture erased the reality around it.

White suspects the Trump administration is using the painting now for a similar purpose. The historian lives in Los Angeles, where masked federal immigration agents and military troops spent weeks conducting dragnet immigration operations, an effort he compares to the Nazi regimes Gestapo secret police.

The real problem is whats actually happening on the streets of Los Angeles and other cities, he said.

Journalist Spencer Ackerman, author of Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump, sees similar far-right currents in DHSs images, strains of nativism he argues have existed just below the surface at the department since its founding in 2002 after the 9/11 terror attacks.

It was definitely a crypto-right wing move from the start after 9/11 to use a word like homeland in particular in the context of security, he told The Independent.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, has emphasized her Western bona fides since taking office (AP)

Prior to this point, he said, the term homeland was not in mainstream use in this way in the U.S. It had the ring of European-style nationalism (and worse) back then, a poor fit for a pluralist democracy in which most of the population, at some point in history, came from somewhere else.

Trumps DHS, however, has taken this implicit ideology to the explicit extreme, Ackerman argued, using the tools of far-right internet culture to provoke people by using jarring memes plus the classic fascist propaganda of armed agents kicking in doors to arrest mostly non-white people.

This is a turn. This is different, he said. This is very racialized, very essentialized propaganda that DHS did not previously explicitly traffic in, even if this probably reflects the id of the Department of Homeland Security that whole time.

The administrations immigration PR efforts have extended beyond the DHS X account and its selection of pioneer paintings.

The Trump administration has adopted the kind of edgy memes previously only seen on right-wing corners of the Internet to spread its message, according to journalist Spencer Ackerman (White House / X)

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has earned the derisive nickname ICE Barbie from critics for her frequent photo-ops in cowboy oufits and combat-ready gear matching with the various agencies under her purview.

Both Trump and Noem have featured in wartime-style recruiting posters urging viewers to Defend the Homeland, Join ICE Today, as the administration offers $50,000 sign-on bonuses for new ICE officers.

Trump has long leaned into a nostalgic aesthetic as a notable part of his politics.

One of his final executive orders in 2020 involved a demand that all new federal buildings in Washington be built in the beautiful neo-classical style, with marble and columns meant to evoke the temples of ancient Greece and Rome, while his signature political slogan, Make America Great Again, includes an unmistakable nod to a heroic past.

Critics argue Trump administrations provocative social media images pull attention from its equally aggressive immigration operations in communities across the U.S. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Government officials have long trafficked in tropes and propaganda about disfavored groups, too, White said, pointing to the virulently racist popular depictions of the Japanese during WWII. What stands out in this present era, however, is the seeming commitment of whole government departments to producing such images.

In time, however, White said even these purposely exclusionary images of national propaganda reveal their limitations.

In myth, nothing ever changes, he said. In history, things do change.
Target: Rodrygo (London Standard)

Liverpool have quickly turned to Rodrygo after ending their interest in Alexander Isak.

With Luis Diaz leaving for Bayern Munich in a deal worth around 65million, the Premier League champions were expected to reinvest the funds in the Newcastle striker.

LIVE BLOG: All the latest transfer news and rumours

The Reds have spent heavily already this summer, snapping up Florian Wirtz in a British record deal worth up to 116m, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth, respectively, for a combined 75m.

And one 110m bid for Isak later, which was immediately rejected by Newcastle, and the Reds have are said to have admitted defeat in what they few as a futile chase for his signature.

Alexander Isak has been left in limp after skipping Newcastles pre-season tour (AFP via Getty Images)

The nature of Newcastles rejection - the club are said to want 150m - has led them to abandon their attempts to sign the player, and now Rodrygo is reportedly in their sights.

ESPN Brazil report that Liverpool have already made contact with Rodrygo's agents ahead of a first formal bid.

Journalist Siro Lopez claims that Rodrygo has agreed personal terms with the Reds, writing: "Liverpool have spoken to the entourage of Rodrygo, and the Real Madrid forward has approved an informal offer of personal terms."

Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with Rodrygo, who faces an uncertain future in Madrid.
Dr Wajid Akhter addresses the conference in a video posted on YouTube

Muslims must take charge of artificial intelligence or be damned as a marginalised community, the head of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has said in a leaked video.

Dr Wajid Akhter, the general secretary of the MCB, said Muslims and their children risked missing the AI revolution in the same way as they had been left behind in the computer and social media revolutions.

He added that while Muslims had historically been at the forefront of civilisation and were credited with some of the greatest scientific advances, they had ended up as the butt of jokes in the modern world after failing to play a part in the latest technological revolutions.

We already missed the industrial revolution. We missed the computer revolution. We missed the social media revolution. We will be damned and our children will damn us if we miss the AI revolution. We must take a lead, said Dr Akther.

Speaking at the MCBs AI and the Muslim Community conference on July 19, he added: AI needs Islam, it needs Muslims to step up.

Scientists made fun of faith

Dr Akther recalled how at the launch of one of the worlds earliest computers, the Mark II , US scientists brought out a prayer mat aligned towards Mecca.

They were making fun of all religions because they felt that they had now achieved the age of reason and science and technology and we dont need that superstition any more, he said.

And so to show that they had achieved mastery over religion, they decided to make fun and they chose our faith.

How did we go from a people who gave the world the most beautiful buildings, science, technology, medicine, arts to being a joke?

Ill tell you one thing  the next time that the world is going through a revolution, the next time they go to flip that switch, they will also pull out a prayer mat and they will also line it towards the Qibla [the direction towards Mecca] and they will also pray, but this time, not to make fun of us, they will do so because they are us.

Dr Akther also told his audience: We lost each other. And ever since we lost each other, weve been falling. Weve been falling ever since. We are people now who are forced, we are forced by Allah to watch the genocide of our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

This is a punishment for us if we know it. We are people who are forced to beg the ones who are doing the killing to stop it. We are people who are two billion strong but cannot even get one bottle of water into Gaza.

Dr Akhter said Gaza had woken Muslims up and showed they needed to unite.

We will continue to fall until the day we realise that only when we are united will we be able to reverse this. Until the day we realise that we need to sacrifice for this unity, he added.

Policy of non-engagement

British governments have maintained a policy of non-engagement with the MCB since 2009 based on claims, disputed by the council, that some of its officials have previously made extremist comments.

However, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, is drawing up a new official definition of Islamophobia, and last week it emerged the consultation has been thrown open to all groups including the MCB.

Earlier this year, Sir Stephen Timms, a minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, was one of four Labour MPs to attend an MCB event.

The MCB has been approached for comment.
Police were called to Mill Park in Cambridge on Friday as witnesses described hearing screaming - Bav Media

Two men have been arrested in connection with a students murder.

The 20-year-old, who attended the EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, was assaulted and later pronounced dead on Friday evening.

Police were called to Mill Park in Cambridge at 11.27pm on Friday as witnesses described hearing screaming.

On Saturday, Cambridgeshire Police said a 21-year-old man from Cambridge had been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 50-year-old man, also from the city, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Both men remain in custody at Thorpe Wood Police Station.

EF International Language Campuses Cambridge said it understood the attack was carried out by a member of the public in an isolated incident.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene for the 20-year-old, who is yet to be named.

Police at the scene in Cambridge on Saturday - Bav Media

EF International Language Campuses Cambridge told The Telegraph: We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our adult students was fatally injured last night in a public space.

Emergency services responded immediately, but the student tragically passed away.

We are working closely with the local police, who are investigating the incident and have confirmed they made arrests.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organised counselling sessions.

Our thoughts are with the students loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we have offered our full support.

We will not be commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.

Det Insp Dale Mepstead, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: The investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us.
Nine people have been arrested after protests erupted outside a hotel in north London as rival groups faced off over its continued use to accommodate asylum seekers.

Police were forced to intervene after brief clashes broke out between both groups outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington.

A large group of masked protesters dressed in black and chanting we are anti-fascist marched from a side street towards the main demonstration, prompting officers to rush in and separate the two sides.

Meanwhile, people believed to be migrants were seen watching from hotel windows as chants and drumming continued in the street below.

The Met Police said there had been nine arrests, including seven on suspicion of breaching Public Order Act conditions.

Counter protesters gathered outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel (PA Wire)

The force said a 33-year-old man who was part of the anti-immigration demonstration was also arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence.

A further eight counter-protesters were also arrested.

A 22-year-old woman was arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action.

A further three men, aged 30, 21 and 28, and three women, aged 43, 33 and 21, were arrested for breaching the Public Order Act conditions in place.

Protesters with Stand Up To Racism gather outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel (Lucy North/PA Wire)

A 21-year-old man was arrested for breaching the Public Order Act conditions in place, as well as two cases of assaulting an emergency worker.

The Met Police had earlier imposed strict conditions on both the protest and counter-demonstration and increased their presence.

The force said the protest against the use of the Islington hotel was organised by local residents under the banner Thistle Barbican needs to go  locals say no.

A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as other groups including Finsbury Park Mosque and Islington Labour Party, also took place.

Pro-immigration protesters gather outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London (PA Wire)

Claire Ogley was one of the many Islington residents who joined the Stand Up to Racism protest outside the Thistle City Barbican hotel.

The 31-year-old told the Standard: I live in Islington. I wanted to show support as a local resident.

Its really important to stand up to the far right when they come out. We have a message that migrants are not a problem, they are not a threat to us.

They are welcome. Its not an issue to have migration. I wanted to stand up for that locally.

The protester added: We saw the riots on the street a year ago. It is really frightening to see.

There is a really worrying trend of increasing populism, trying to divide people and stoke up hatred.

Police held masked protesters back in a line (PA Wire)

Joel, who was also part of the same protest, also told the Standard: Islington is a multicultural area of London. The fascists want to intimidate people and they want to come down and say asylum seekers are the root cause of all the problems of the world, but it's not the case.

The 77-year-old added: "We want to show that the racists [and] the fascists are out there to intimidate people. We have to stand together.

"We always need more people [to protest], we have to give confidence to people that we are a multicultural city.

Without the input of people from all over the world, the fashion industry, the food - all the elements of London would be nothing without people from all parts of the world."

He added: "I'm proud to live in London, we want to see more people [who] will be welcome. It's not about attacking the fascists, it's about standing together.

A protester points and shouts near the Thistle City Barbican Hotel (PA Wire)

Protesters against asylum seekers being placed in the Thistle City Barbican hotel had waved St Georges flag and chanted across the street from the building.

Susie Luke, who has lived in the Clerkenwell area her whole life, told the Standard: Our communities are struggling.

People are living in the block of flats opposite on food stamps, watching people live over there for free.

Ms Luke also raised concerns about crime in the area increasing, claiming that her friend was followed home and a young man had a chain ripped from around his neck outside the hotel.

Anti-immigration protesters outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London (PA Wire)

Online groups that have voiced support for the protest include Patriots of Britain and Together for the Children.

The Metropolitan Police said on Friday that plans were in place to respond to any protest activity in the vicinity of other hotels in London being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

There were also posts online advertising a for our children, for our future protest in Newcastle on Saturday outside The New Bridge Hotel.

A stop the far right and fascists in Newcastle counter-protest had been organised by Stand Up To Racism at the nearby Laing Art Gallery.

In a statement, the organisers of the counter protest said: Yet again far-right and fascist thugs are intent on bringing their message of hate to Newcastle. They aim to build on years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and scapegoating.

In Epping and elsewhere recently we have already seen intimidation and violence aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has a well-earned reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us. Whatever problems we face, racism and division are not the answer.

On Saturday evening, a spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware of a protest planned in Newcastle today, we ensured we had an increased presence in the city to deliver a proportionate policing response.

While the activity mainly passed without incident, disappointingly, four people were arrested in connection with public order offences.

All four remain in police custody.

The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold.

However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime or disorder.

About 100 people attended a protest outside the Stanwell Hotel in Spelthorne, Surrey, on Friday evening, during which a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police, Surrey Police said.

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson and inquiries are ongoing to trace another suspect, the force said.

Officers also arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass following a protest at the same location on Thursday evening.
Rival protest groups have clashed outside a London asylum hotel as police issued an urgent arrest warning.

Several demonstrators were detained by officers on Saturday (2 August) after clashing with rival groups at a protest against the use of the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London, to accommodate asylum seekers.

People believed to be migrants watched the protests from the hotels windows, with some waving and blowing kisses as demonstrators chanted and banged drums in the street below.

A man wearing an England football shirt was detained by police after a confrontation with officers.

A group of anti-fascist protesters blocked a junction outside the hotel.

Officers then pushed into the crowd to detain several people, dragging them out by their arms and legs.

Protestors hold placards during a counterdemonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, which houses asylum seekers (AFP/Getty)

The Metropolitan Police said the protest against the use of the Islington hotel was organised by residents under the banner Thistle Barbican needs to go  locals say no.

A counterprotest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as other groups including Finsbury Park Mosque and Islington Labour Party, took place.

Police said the anti-asylum hotel protest had been endorsed by groups from outside the local community, which is likely to increase the number of people attending.

Online groups that have voiced support for the protest include Patriots of Britain and Together for the Children.

The Metropolitan Police said plans were in place to respond to any protest activity in the vicinity of other hotels in London being used to accommodate asylum seekers.

A counterprotester outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel said he wants migrants to feel safe in the UK.

Police form a barrier in front of masked protesters outside the central London hotel (PA Wire)

Student Pat Prendergast, 21, said: I want people to feel safe. I think the [rival protesters] over there are making people feel unsafe.

I want to stand up in solidarity and say that, you know, we want people here. We want migrants. We want asylum seekers.

A noticeably smaller group of protesters waved union flags and held banners outside the hotel. Get these scum off our streets, one man chanted in the direction of the hotel.

A large group of masked protesters dressed in black, chanting we are anti-fascist, appeared from a side street and marched towards the rival group outside the hotel.

There were brief clashes before police rushed in to separate the two groups.

Stand Up To Racism protesters gathered outside the hotel in numbers (PA Wire)

Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, in charge of the forces policing operation, said: We have been in discussions with the organisers of both protests in recent days, building on the ongoing engagement between local officers, community groups and partners.

We understand that there are strongly held views on all sides.

Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, but intervening at the first sign of actions that cross the line into criminality.

We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to put conditions in place to prevent serious disorder and to minimise serious disruption to the lives of people and businesses in the local community.

Those conditions identify two distinct protest areas where the protests must take place, meaning the groups will be separated but still within sight and sound of each other.

(AFP/Getty)

Elsewhere across the UK, there were also posts online advertising a For our children, for our future protest in Newcastle outside The New Bridge Hotel.

A Stop the far right and fascists in Newcastle counterprotest was organised by Stand Up To Racism at the nearby Laing Art Gallery.

Northumbria Police have been approached for comment.

Meanwhile, about 100 people attended a protest outside the Stanwell Hotel in Spelthorne, Surrey, on Friday evening, during which a packet of lit firelighters was thrown at police, Surrey Police said.

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson and inquiries are ongoing to trace another suspect, the force said.

Officers also arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and aggravated trespass following a protest at the same location on Thursday evening.
Pro Palestine demonstrators gather outside Downing Street

Who would have thought that a generation after the collapse of communism, freedom of speech would become controversial? Surely we had definitively settled this question of whether governments should prohibit or limit the expression of opinions. The Free World, as it was then known, had won the argument without even having to take up arms. Those peoples who had been subjected to the official suppression of ideas and information had repudiated that tyranny of their own accord. In East Germany, they simply walked out from under it. In Soviet Russia, Gorbachevs attempt at a more open, liberalised regime ended in ignominious collapse because a little bit of freedom just increased the longing for more. So surely there can be no doubt: liberty of thought and expression is what modern peoples demand.

Yet here we are. A democratically elected government in a nation which gave the world Magna Carta has apparently installed a dedicated bureau to monitor all opinions put forward in public discourse. Further, it proposes legislation which would compel any forum that gave a platform to opinions considered to be unacceptable, to remove them. This is, prima facie, outrageous: a betrayal not only of the historic principles of open democracy but of the victories of freedom over totalitarianism that marked the last century. So how on earth could anyone  any political party or governing class  in the Western world possibly think that such a move was necessary or desirable? It would be easy (indeed it is easy) simply to condemn it as the arrogant imposition of what a smug elite considers the limits of morally acceptable opinion. Any statement or assertion that appears to be encouraging or condoning racism, or even prejudice against an approved social minority, must be policed out of existence.

It is scarcely necessary to warn where this policy could lead  or what it implies about the attitude of the current Government to its own population. But perhaps this is a more complex and confusing situation than it appears and paradoxically, some of the factors that contribute to it may be the result of precisely the ideological successes of which the West is most proud. What is it exactly that has produced this panic over unlimited public expression? It is the unbridled, unchecked and irresponsible dissemination of supposed information, or opinions based on deliberately deceptive information, on publicly accessible platforms often augmented by fake videos, AI doctored photographs and false evidence.

This is a new thing for which traditional democratic societies have no previous experience. We have become aware quite suddenly of the possible consequences in terms of civil disorder and mortal risk that the dissemination of such material can produce  and that it now spreads remarkably, and terrifyingly, quickly. Suspicion, distrust and their anarchic effects can be ignited and propelled at a speed that those responsible for keeping order in the streets have not previously encountered. So yes, as you will have gathered, I do believe that the rise of social media  which has no enforced codes of practice or legal liability  is presenting civil authority with an unprecedented set of problems.

That observation, of course, is not original. It is, in fact, the official justification used by the government for its repressive measures. The added element in this toxic mix which has received less attention is the use that these media serve in the infiltration by professional activists of any convenient social cause. As a youthful Trotskyist, I was tutored in the techniques of exploiting any social discontent as a force for undermining trust in capitalism and what was considered to be the sham of democratic freedom. At the end of every meeting of what was then called the International Socialists (IS), now known as the Socialist Workers Party, a list was recited of the latest venues at which we were expected to appear, brandishing pre-printed posters and demonstrating solidarity with whatever protest group was currently disrupting the functions of an industry, government department or public agency.

When I see all those disparate agitator groups now, whether they are demonstrating on behalf of the environment or against racism  carrying identical placards (generally with the words Socialist Workers Party emblazoned at the top), I can guess what instructions they have been given. Make as much noise and monopolise as much of the television news coverage as you possibly can. Try to make the story about you and your message, even if you have been bussed in to compete with a genuine spontaneous protest over a local issue. I thought of this again when the police got into big trouble for apparently offering protection to, or even escorting, Stand Up to Racism counter protestors at the site of a migrant hotel demonstration. Their presence appeared to be endorsed by the police who seemed to be shielding them from the anger of unworthy locals.

But what should be done if, say, an anti-racist groups planned arrival makes it necessary for the police to prevent any potential violent confrontation and breakdown of public order? That would be, in my experience, a classic professional activists technique. They would exploit the fact that it is the first responsibility of the police to maintain order in the streets whatever the issue.

The ultimate irony may be that this phenomenon has been given extra propulsion by the collapse of communism. Back in the dark days of the Cold War, infiltration by the Left was a serious business run by serious people. The Communist Party loathed what they considered to be juvenile, undisciplined Trotskyist messing around. My friends and I were regularly warned that our indiscriminate, ill-thought out negativism was going to discredit the sacred Marxist cause. While IS (now the SWP) handed out copies of the Socialist Worker newspaper on street corners, the Communist Party members maintained their terrifying diligence, their cover identities and their dedicated take over of trade unions and nuclear disarmament campaigns.

Thats all gone now. Anti-capitalism in its most inchoate, incoherent and irresponsible form is running the show and it is making use of all the opportunities modern technology offers to spread dangerous lies and inflammatory messages. There is no easy answer to this.
A student trapped in Gaza who has been awarded a place at a UK university said she lost access to education overnight but refuses to give up.

Dalya Ibrahim Shehada Qeshta was studying pharmacy at Al-Azhar University in Gaza while her twin sister Dalal was specialising in engineering when the campus was completely destroyed in the ongoing conflict, she said.

The 22-year-old, from Rafah city in southern Gaza and who has family in the UK, said despite this, the pair refused to let go of our dreams and applied to study in the UK.

Ms Qeshta and her family are living in a tent in Gaza (Undated handout/PA)

Our university was completely destroyed, along with many of our personal belongings, and we lost access to education overnight, she told the PA news agency.

Like thousands of others, our lives were thrown into chaos.

Education is not just a dream for us, it is our hope for healing, rebuilding, and having a future beyond war, she said.

Dalya has been offered a place to study pharmacy at the University of Manchester while Dalal secured a place at the University of Bristol on an aerospace engineering course.

However, both are unable to leave Gaza as their way out is physically blocked by the closure of borders and crossings in the region as well as a lack of financial support, Ms Qeshta said.

Last week, the Guardian reported that a group of 40 students in Gaza are unable to take their places at UK universities in September despite being awarded full scholarships because of a Home Office requirement for biometric data for visa applications.

According to the paper, the UK-authorised biometrics centre in Gaza closed in October 2023 and it has been impossible for the students to travel to centres in neighbouring countries.

For Ms Qeshta, continuing her education is key to breaking the cycle of hardship, she said, adding that it would change our lives for the better.

During the early months of the war, Ms Qeshta said her family home was completely destroyed and they have been forcibly displaced 11 times since.

They are currently living in a tent in Al-Mawasi.

Of life in Gaza, she told PA it was a living nightmare and that children were searching for water and bread, not toys or books.

Prices are unimaginably high, and basic essentials like flour, rice, or canned goods are almost non-existent, she said.

True hunger is not just a feeling, its a daily reality.

Medicines and healthcare are either unavailable or unaffordable, and the sick often go without help.

Ms Qeshtas family home in Gaza was destroyed during the ongoing conflict (Undated handout/PA)

She said: Theres no sense of routine, just survival.

Children in Gaza no longer know what childhood means, she said.

The war has stolen their laughter, their innocence, and their dreams.

They search for water and bread, not toys or books.

They are dying not because of illness or because they are hungry, but simply because they are children of Gaza.

One of the most terrifying moments the family experienced was in Al-Mawasi when shelling began without warning as they were gathering their belongings, Ms Qeshta said.

My brother was injured, and my sisters young children were paralysed with fear.

We were caught between life and death, fleeing under fire.

On another occasion, bullets pierced the familys tent as they were preparing a meal in a moment of terror she will never forget, the student said.

But through all this darkness, we hold onto hope  hope that we can survive, rebuild, and one day live in peace, she added.

Hope that we can still pursue our dreams like any other young people in this world.

We refuse to give up.

Even when everything is stripped away from us, we cling to our humanity, to our stories, and to the belief that our voices still matter.

As pressure mounts on the UK Government to take further action to help end the conflict, Sir Keir Starmer announced this week that the country could take the step of recognising a Palestinian state in September ahead of a gathering at the UN.

The UK would refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire, and signs up to a long-term peace process over the next two months.

Although this is an important step, recognition should not be used as a bargaining tool but as a moral and political obligation, Ms Qeshta said of the announcement.

We have seen many promises before,

What matters most now is action.

The student is originally from Rafah in Gaza, where her family home was destroyed (Undated handout/PA)

She added: I hope this move is real and followed by real change on the ground, because words alone cannot save lives. 

The student urged the international community not to turn away from the suffering in Gaza and to push for an immediate end to the conflict.

We are not numbers, she said.

We are people, and we want to live.

Campaigners are reportedly calling on the Government to grant students with scholarships a biometrics deferral and assist them in finding a safe route to a third country where they can complete their visa application before travelling to the UK.

Of this group, a Government spokesperson said: We are aware of the students and are considering the request for support.

Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed, who is campaigning on this issue, said: Gazas education system, like so much else, has been all but obliterated.

Schools have become overcrowded shelters, every university has been reduced to rubble, and educators have been deliberately targeted and killed.

The Sheffield Central MP added: Ireland, France and Belgium have acted to ensure their students can reach safety, the UK has not.

This is not hypothetical, some of these students have already been killed while waiting and others remain in constant danger.

Im pressing ministers to address this as soon as possible, as every minute increases the likelihood that more young lives will be lost.

The University of Bristol said they were unable to discuss individual cases and the University of Manchester has been contacted for comment.
Donald Trump called Dimitri Medvedevs tweet foolish and inflammatory statements. Composite: Sputnik via EPA, ZUMA via Shutterstock

Donald Trump has said that he has deployed nuclear-capable submarines to the appropriate regions in response to a threatening tweet by Russias former president Dmitry Medvedev, suggesting that he would be ready to launch a nuclear strike as tensions rise over the war in Ukraine.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote that he had decided to reposition the nuclear submarines because of highly provocative statements by Medvedev, noting he was now the deputy chairman of Russias security council.

Medvedev had earlier said that Trumps threats to sanction Russia and a recent ultimatum were a threat and a step towards war.

I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that, Trump responded. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.

He did not specify whether he was referring to nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed submarines.

Asked later by reporters why he ordered the submarine movement, Trump said: A threat was made by a former president of Russia and were going to protect our people.

Medvedev, who was sidelined when Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency in 2012, is also an avid fan of X, formerly Twitter, where he often posts aggressive and curiously worded attacks against western countries and leaders in the evening in Moscow.

Earlier this week, Medvedev had attacked Trump for shortening his timeline for Russia to make progress toward peace with Ukraine from 50 days down to just 10, saying that he was ready to impose sanctions and other financial penalties against Russia if it didnt comply.

Trumps playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10, Medvedev wrote in a post. He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isnt Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country.

Dont go down the Sleepy Joe road! he added, referring to the former US president Joe Biden.

Some security analysts called Trumps move a rhetorical escalation with Moscow but not necessarily a military one, given that the US already has nuclear-powered submarines that are deployed and capable of striking Russia.

Related: Putin offers no hint of concessions as he says he wants stable peace in Ukraine

Trump has voiced frustration with Putin, who he said had been stalling on Trumps efforts to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, a campaign promise that he said that he could achieve in just 24 hours. On Thursday he described Russias continued attacks on civilian areas as disgusting.

I go home. I tell the first lady, You know, I spoke to Vladimir today. We had a wonderful conversation. She said, Oh, really? Another city was just hit, he said in at the White House last month.

Putin has not responded to Trumps ultimatum. On Friday, he said he wanted a lasting and stable peace in Ukraine but gave no indication that he was willing to make any concessions to achieve it, after a week in which Russian missiles and drones again caused death and destruction across Ukraine.

We need a lasting and stable peace on solid foundations that would satisfy both Russia and Ukraine, and would ensure the security of both countries, said Putin, speaking to journalists on Friday, a week before a new deadline imposed by Trump for hostilities to cease.

Putin has periodically claimed to be interested in peace, but only on terms wholly unacceptable to Kyiv. Last week, the third round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, but broke up in less than an hour and have so far led to no agreements except on prisoner exchanges.

In an apparent reference to Trumps comments, Putin said on Friday: As for any disappointments on the part of anyone, all disappointments arise from inflated expectations. This is a well-known general rule.
Young demonstrators outside the presidential office in Kyiv. Photograph: Jedrzej Nowicki/The Guardian

Once a decade, Ukraine has a moment in which street protests redefine the countrys political direction. The Orange revolution of 2004; the Maidan revolution of 2014; and now, over the past 10 days, the first major wave of protest since the start of Russias full-scale invasion.

A series of unexpectedly boisterous and well-attended demonstrations forced Volodymyr Zelenskyy to execute a swift U-turn on his decision to scrap the independence of two anti-corruption bodies. On Thursday, MPs reversed the contentious changes they had adopted a week previously. Outside the parliament building, crowds whooped and cheered as the result of the vote was announced.

The size, scope and demands of this latest protest movement have been much more modest than those of its revolutionary predecessors, but the spectacle has been no less remarkable, given the context of full-scale war in which it has taken place.

The final, celebratory gathering came only hours after the latest massive Russian airstrike had hit Kyiv, killing at least 31 people including five children. Hardly anyone had managed a good nights sleep before arriving at parliament armed with banners and high spirits.

This wartime context to a large extent inspired the protests: a common sentiment that when people are laying down their lives for the country on the frontline, the government has to live up to a certain set of values. But it also limited their scope. There was none of the revolutionary enthusiasm of Maidan present here; instead, there was a sober acknowledgement that all-out political unrest would only play into Russias hands.

There were some people chanting for impeachment and the vast majority of others said, Shut up, we do not undermine the legitimacy of the president, what happened is that the legitimate president made a mistake, said Inna Sovsun, an MP from the opposition Holos party who attended several protests.

Dmytro Koziatynskyi, whose post on social media provided the initial spark for the protest, dismissed any comparisons to Maidan for exactly this reason. Even if they dont pass the law, this will never become anything other than a peaceful protest, he said, in an interview before the parliamentary vote.

Koziatynskyi was a masters student in the Czech Republic before returning to Ukraine after the full-scale invasion in 2022 and signing up to become a combat medic. After three years on various parts of the frontline, he left the army in May and now works for an NGO. When he saw the news last week that parliament had rushed through a law curtailing the independence of two bodies specially designed to go after high-level corruption, he found it insulting, he said. People are not fighting so that our government can do some crazy stuff, that destroys all our achievements since 2014, he said.

He penned an angry post on social media calling on people to protest against the new law. He expected maximum 100 people, mostly friends and acquaintances to join the protest. By the second night there were about 10,000 people outside the Ivan Franko theatre, the nearest point to the presidential office that is accessible to the public.

Most of those who came out were young  this has been a protest wave dominated by gen Z, with friends competing for the wittiest slogan or meme reference on their handwritten placards. On Wednesday evening, a man leading the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem through a loudspeaker was holding a sign that bore a single word: Cringe.

Suddenly, the fate of two relatively small institutions  the national anti-corruption bureau, known as Nabu, and the specialised anti-corruption prosecutors office, Sapo  had become the issue of the day among Ukrainian teenagers.

Nabu and Sapo were established after the Maidan revolution as part of a drive against the long-running scourge of corruption in Ukraine, financed partly with US money. Some western observers agree that there are problems with Nabu and Sapo: too many cases opened and not enough of them brought to a conclusion, for one. In theory, some streamlining would make sense; in practice, Zelenskyys move looked a lot like bringing independent investigators under political control.

With the Trump administration no longer pushing an anti-corruption agenda, and Europe on summer holidays, Zelenskyys team appears to have felt they could push the bill through quickly, without anyone paying much attention.

That might have been the case were it not for the protests. But the images of thousands of young people demanding the laws repeal forced European politicians to take a stand, and several leaders spoke privately to Zelenskyy to tell him he needed to find a way out of the self-inflicted mess.

Related: The Guardian view on Ukraines protests: Zelenskyy must heed critics at home and abroad | Editorial

This became a major breach of trust. Its problematic both from an EU accession point of view and in that it makes it much harder for friends of Ukraine to continue making the case that the country needs support, said one diplomatic source in Kyiv.

Zelenskyys response was swift and decisive, even if somewhat embarrassing for the MPs of his Servant of the People party, who were instructed to vote against the very thing they had been ordered to vote for the previous week.

Now that the status quo has been re-established, there are two very different readings of the whole episode. One sees a leader using wartime powers to try to stifle independent institutions, too out of touch to predict the obvious backlash. Another reflects on how, even in wartime, Ukrainian society is still capable of expressing democratic sentiment, and its leaders still able to react swiftly to it.

Koziatynskyi, whose post started off the protest wave, leans towards the second view. The protests showed that Ukrainian democracy is as strong as possible in times of a full-scale war, and our society is mature enough to have a dialogue with the government, and the government is able to listen, he said.

Zelenskyys five-year presidential term should have ended last year, but almost all Ukrainians, including his fiercest opponents, agree that elections are both legally and technically impossible during wartime. With Russias nightly attacks continuing, and a hope that Donald Trump might finally start getting tougher on Russia, that consensus has not changed. Nobody wants upheaval, but the outburst of protest may yet change the political atmosphere.

Legally, everything will go back to how it was; politically, its more complicated, said Sovsun. Its unpredictable what this might have done to Ukrainian society. We have basically lifted the unspoken rule that we dont protest during martial law.
(PA Wire)

A woman has been taken to hospital after she was raped in West London this morning.

Emergency services were called to Shepherds Bush Green, near the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, at around 10.50am on Thursday (August 1) following reports of a serious sexual assault.

Police and paramedics arrived at the scene where they found the woman and took her to A&E for treatment. Her condition has not yet been confirmed.

Footage from the scene shows a police cordon in place, with officers standing guard outside the venue.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: We were called at 10.48am today (August 1) to reports of an assault on Shepherds Bush Green, Shepherd's Bush. We sent an ambulance crew to the scene and treated a woman before taking her to a local hospital.

The Metropolitan Police has not yet issued a statement on the incident.
Simply Recipes / Getty Images





Trader Joe's Madeleine Cookies

 Price: $2.99 for 3.6 ounces (six tea cakes)

 Why I Love This: The petite, scallop-shaped mini cakes are deliciously tender and buttery.









My mom was a Francophile, as evidenced by my name, and instilled the same love of the culture in me. So even though I switched my minor from French to Spanish because my college had a study abroad program in Madrid (I really, really wanted to go), I remain a huge fan of French cuisine, especially pastries.

When I was living in Madrid, I spent a couple of weekends visiting my friend Allie, who was studying in Tours, France. There, I ate no shortage of pastries and one of my absolute favorites became the simple madeleinea petite, scallop-shaped tea cake thats deliciously buttery.

Since I dont often travel to France, I am now lucky enough to find these affordable luxuries in the cookie aisle of Trader Joes.

Simply Recipes / Trader Joe's

Whats So Great About Trader Joes Madeleines

First of all, Trader Joes doesnt just sell one variety of madeleines, the store usually stocks two, regular madeleines and gluten-free madeleines, and sometimes they have a third, lemon zest. Theyre six to a package, and the regular cost $2.99 while the gluten-free madeleines cost $3.49.

No matter which you choose, these delightful little cakes are soft, sponge-like, and practically melt in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of butter and vanilla.

My familys favorite is the regular, as we adore the buttery flavor of these cakes. The gluten-free ones are about twice the size as the regular varieties, and they taste quite similar to the gluten-full versions, though theyre a bit denser. Regardless of variety, they all pair perfectly with milk, coffee, or tea.

I typically enjoy just one, in the afternoon, if Im struggling with a writing project and I need a little something sweet to get me through it. My son likes tossing a couple into his lunch bag, and my husband enjoys fueling himself with them to get through lawn work.

Though theyre fantastic on their own, they also would be perfect in a trifle. The classic madeleines (or lemon zest, if you can find them) would be especially nice layered with lemon curd and cream, with a touch of lemon zest on the top. I also think you could substitute the gluten-free madeleines for ladyfingers in a gluten-free tiramisu (gluten-free ladyfingers, while available, are often hard to find).

For me, no matter how I enjoy them, they remind me of my weekends in France.

To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.

Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
THE RUNDOWN

Amal and George Clooney were photographed getting dinner out in Italy on Wednesday. This marks their first sighting in months.

Amal wore a standout silver sequin dress alongside her partner.

George spoke earlier this year about their 10-year marriage and how well they are doing as a couple.

Amal and George Clooney have been enjoying another summer in Italyand got dressed up for a special evening out on Wednesday. The couple was photographed arriving for dinner at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Amal wore a form-fitting one-shoulder silver sequin dress from Badgley Mischka, styled her hair down in soft waves, and accessorized with dangle earrings and matching heels.

XPOS

The Clooneys have kept a low profile over the past few months, following Georges run on Broadway for Good Night, and Good Luck. In late June, they made an appearance at The Kings Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards in London. For the event, George was in a navy suit while Amal wore a stunning white column gown by 16Arlington.

Neil Mockford - Getty Images

Back in April, George made headlines when he revealed he and Amal still havent had an argument during their more than 10 years of marriage.

Amal and I are having a really great time in life, he told Gayle King on CBS Mornings. Well, our kids [Alexander and Ella] are 7, about to be 8, which is a pretty great age. Theyre really curious and funny. And every parent thinks their kids are great, and our kids are funny. They make us laugh.

And Amal and I, we were here with you once before, and we said weve never had an argument, he added. And we still havent. Were trying to find something to fight about. I think because I started so late with Amal. (The actor began dating Amal in summer 2013, when he was 52; he is now 64.)

You Might Also Like
Shanina/Istockphoto

The nuclear family on the go

In the annals of American history, few icons loom as large or shine as brightly as the automobile. More than mere machines, these steel chariots weren't just about getting from point A to point B; they were extensions of the American dream itself. They ferried families to drive-in movies, hauled groceries from the supermarket, and embarked on countless cross-country adventures, all while embodying the spirit of an era.

This is the story of six classic American cars, each a testament to a bygone era of design, engineering, and cultural significance. But it's also the story of the nuclear families who relied on them. These are tales of chrome and tailfins, sure, but also of shared laughter, quiet commutes, teenage rebellion, and the everyday moments that cemented a car's place not just in a driveway, but in the heart of a home. Join us as we journey back to a time when four wheels and a powerful engine were the bedrock of domestic life, exploring the unique bond between these iconic vehicles and the families who called them their own.

kevinruss/Istockphoto

1. California dreamin

A father-daughter duo from downtown Pismo Beach, California, takes a breather on a hot day to pose for a photo. The 1950s transformed America, and Pismo Beach was no exception. With the post-war economic boom, car culture underwent a significant shift, moving cars from a luxury to a necessity. Suburbs sprawled, commutes lengthened, and suddenly, that family sedan wasn't just for joyridesit was essential for everything from grocery runs to cross-country vacations.

PeterAlbrektsen/Istockphoto

2. Retro Nash Ambassador

A man poses with a 1950s-era Nash Ambassador. From 1932 to 1957, the Nash Ambassador reigned as a luxury titan, first under Nash Motors and later as part of American Motors Corporation. This wasn't just any car; it was renowned for its lavish equipment, exquisite construction, and groundbreaking innovations. So high was its quality and so luxurious its features, it earned the nickname "Kenosha Duesenberg," a nod to its elite status.

iahulbak/Istockphoto

3. Between two worlds

A little girl stands in front of a Wolseley car in 1952, representing the moment when America was transitioning from pre-war austerity to post-war prosperity. The Wolseley (British in origin) was among the imported vehicles that found their way to American driveways before domestic automakers fully embraced the luxury features that would later define the industry. This touching image captures a generation caught between the world of the older, more modest vehicles that had served families through the Depression and World War II, and the gleaming new models that would soon define the suburban dream.

Preeti M/Istockphoto

4. BFFs

A young boy poses proudly with his elephant teddy bear companion on the hood of a Toyota Publica family car, creating a treasured childhood memory. The Toyota Publica was designed to be an affordable, practical vehicle for everyday families, featuring a small but efficient engine and simple, reliable mechanics that made car ownership accessible to a broader range of households. This charming scene captures the innocence of the 1950s and 60s, when children's imaginations transformed everyday objects into magical worlds.

JFsPic/Istockphoto

5. Optimism

A young boy stands confidently beside the classic Volkswagen Beetle car in 1965, dressed in his finest vintage coat and ready to take on the world. The Volkswagen Beetle, with its reputation for exceptional reliability and fuel economy, had become an unlikely American success story by the mid-1960s, proving that practical German engineering could win over families seeking affordable, dependable transportation. This nostalgic image captures the positivity of mid-1960s America, when post-war families invested heavily in both quality education and reliable automotive transportation as essential pathways to middle-class prosperity and the American Dream.

scgerding/Istockphoto

6. Rocky Mountain memories

A family makes a stop to capture the majesty of Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 1986, their trusty Chevrolet Celebrity Estate Wagon having carried them safely through winding mountain roads. This fantastic car, part of GM's mid-size A-body platform introduced in 1982, was designed as the perfect family hauler, boasting a spacious cargo area, a reliable front-wheel-drive system, and a fuel-efficient engine that made it an ideal choice for long-distance family adventures across America's diverse terrain. By the 1980s, the American road trip had evolved from luxury to tradition, with families using their cars to explore the country's vast landscape.

MAXSHOT/Istockphoto

The takeaway

The bond between American families and their automobiles runs deeper than metal and mechanics. These cars were silent witnesses to first dates and final goodbyes, patient companions through midnight feedings and early morning commutes, and faithful servants that never asked for more than gas and occasional maintenance in return.

Each photograph tells a story that extends far beyond the frame, showcasing the idea of a nation coming of age alongside its automotive industry, of families whose daily rhythms were shaped by the hum of engines and the click of seatbelts. These weren't just cars; they were family members with their personalities, quirks, and irreplaceable roles in the American household.

Related:

Like MediaFeeds content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
NEED TO KNOW

Anthony Mackie reflected on his friendship with the late The Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner while speaking exclusively with PEOPLE

Mackie called Warner a beautiful human being and opened up about what he considered to be the most important thing about their friendship

Warner died on July 20 of an accidental drowning at the age of 54

Anthony Mackie is reflecting on his special friendship with the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

Mackie recently sat down with PEOPLE alongside his Twisted Metal costar, Stephanie Beatriz, to discuss the latest season of the series, when the topic turned to the The Cosby Show actor.

Im proud to say Malcom-Jamal Warner was a friend of mine, Mackie, 46, said. Hes somebody that I knew and spent time with, and just was such a beautiful human being.

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

And every time I was around him, I was able to take full advantage of those conversations and that time. That, for me, is the most important thing, he added.

Warner died in an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica on July 20. He was 54.

Noam Galai/Getty;Amy Sussman/Getty Anthony Mackie in 2025; Malcolm-Jamal Warner in 2023

Mackie went on to reflect on his time  and mentorship  with the late actor and icon Andre Braugher, who died of lung cancer in December 2023 at the age of 61.

Being in New York and that new kid on the theater scene. To have those lessons and those moments and have that communicated [by] such  at that time for me  such an icon in the business, he recalled.

NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection; Santiago Felipe/Getty Malcolm-Jamal Warner on The Cosby Show in 1987; Warner in 2024

He added, I always tell people just take full advantage of those moments [with mentors] and truly be yourself so that that person can see, react and engage with who you are and not some fictitious idea of who you think they want you to be.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Beatriz, who worked closely with Braugher on the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine for eight seasons, also shared her thoughts on loss  as well as her advice for taking full advantage of the time we have with the people we love.

Eddy Chen/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Andre Braugher and Stephanie Beatriz in a 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' scene

Unfortunately, we all go through grief in our lives, Beatriz, 44, began, adding, And all you really have are those memories.

So Anthonys absolutely right, she added. Coming to people in your life with the truest, most honest self as much as you can at all times is gonna feed the memories when you lose them. And hopefully feed their memories when someday they might lose you.

Mackie and Beatriz currently star together in the Peacock original series Twisted Metal, a post-apocalyptic action comedy adapted from the popular PlayStation game of the same name.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz at Peacock's 'Twisted Metal' season 2 photo call in San Diego on July 24, 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.

Twisted Metal, season 2, premiered on Peacock on July 31 with a three-episode drop. Season 1 of the series is available for streaming.



Read the original article on People
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was criticized on a Friday CNN panel for delivering vague answers during her interview with host Stephen Colbert the night before.

During the "Late Show" interview, Harris spoke about her choice not to run for the governorship of California, making broad generalizations about how, "Just for now, I dont want to go back in the system. I think its broken."

On CNN, NOTUS White House Correspondent Jasmine Wright, who covered the Harris campaign, objected to Harris using "amorphous phrasing" like "the system," and doubted whether Americans could grasp what she was talking about.

Kamala Harris Rules Out 2026 Run In Her Home State Of California

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has ruled out running for the governorship of California, but both her political future and rhetoric appear vague.

"I think what people want are solutions, and she has not said a single one," Wright said. "And consistently, people want her to be descriptive about what she says is wrong. And I dont think that that interview, she was able to do that. And its a shame because shes had six months to figure it out."

"She hasnt said anything really for six months," panel host Manu Raju agreed.

Read On The Fox News App

CNN senior reporter Aaron Blake commented on how there are multiple other prominent Democrats, like former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, talking about how Americas institutions are under attack, or how American democracy is in particularly dark times, but there is one key flaw.

"But we dont see, like, a very consistent message from Democrats on this," Blake said. "Maybe thats because they dont have somebody with kind of the heft and the constant presence in our daily lives to drive that message. But it seems like something where they pop up every once in a while and say, Hey, this situation is pretty bad. And then they kind of fade away and it just doesnt seem like Democrats have been able to drive that message very well."

Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and guest former Vice President Kamala Harris during Thursday's July 31, 2025 show

"You know, she was so guarded last night. I mean, I was a bit surprised because she had been gone. Shes now not running for office, at least at the moment. And she was not, perhaps, as forthcoming about some of the issues with the campaign than maybe what I personally expected," Raju said, before playing a clip of Mark Cuban saying Harris is far more charismatic behind closed doors.

AP White House reporter Michelle Price argued that Thursday nights interview stood out because "she was especially robotic, but that is a longstanding problem for her. She even looked physically uncomfortable, like her shoulders seemed up into her neck most of that interview, which was just striking because, you know, she has nothing to lose right now. She could be energetic or much more candid than she was."

Price added further that the interview "seemed more like a lament for where things went last year, where the party is now. There was no message of leadership or moving forward, or even clarity on what, again, like Jasmine said, what is the system? Is she talking about the California gubernatorial system, the election system?"

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has been consistently criticized for coming across as inauthentic or making comical gaffes during her public appearances.

Wright argued that Harris is falling uniquely short of her responsibility to candidly explain what went wrong with the election.

"I think that after how damaging 2024 was, not just for her personally, but for the Democratic Party, I think that what is required of her is to really be honest about what went wrong in her campaign, what went wrong with the party, and what she wants to do," she said. "And yes, maybe that happens on that listening tour that shes going to go on in December. But I think people want those answers from her now. And she had the time to create them."





Original article source: CNN panel shreds Harris' Colbert interview for her lack of solutions after 'six months to figure it out'
Simply Recipes / Adobe Stock

Have you ever looked through the bacon selection at the grocery store and noticed that while most of the packages are labeled "cured," there are some that are labeled "uncured?" This has always confused me because Ive been told that all bacon is cured. So what gives?

To get to the bottom of this, I spoke with Matthew Moskowitz, butcher at Foster Sundry, one of my favorite butcher shops in Brooklyn, New York. He confirmed that all bacon is cured, and helped me understand why some are labeled as uncured. Here's what I learned.

What Is Curing?

Curing is the addition of salt to a product to change the chemical properties in a way that preserves it, says Moskowitz. The salt in the brine prevents the growth of certain kinds of bacteria that cause meat to spoil. Curing also imparts flavor to the meat. In addition to salt, often sugar, herbs, or spices are added to the brine for flavor.

Both cured and uncured bacon start as slabs of pork belly that are either injected with a wet brinea saltwater solutionor placed into a wet brine. Some bacon is still made using a dry brinea dry salt and seasoning mixturebut wet brines are more common.

Smoking meat is also a way of preserving it, and most bacon is smoked over a low temperature after being cured to help further dehydrate the meat, and to impart a nice smoky flavor.

Read More: Bacon Is Great But Millionaires Bacon Is Better

What Is Cured Bacon?

Bacon is most often cured using artificial nitrites, a chemical additive that preserves the meat and gives bacon its pink color. The bacon at Foster Sundry is cured in-house using pink curing salt (it's not the same thing as Himalayan pink salt), a mixture of sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium nitrite. Pink salt is also known as Prague powder, Insta Cure #1, or pink curing salt #1, and it is commonly used to cure meats, like corned beef.

Theres a more attractive color on a cured product, says Moskowitz, especially when its been cured with pink salt. Thats a large part of the reason butchers prefer cured bacon. When exposed to air, cured bacon maintains its pink color much longer than uncured bacon, which can quickly turn gray.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

What Is Uncured Bacon?

There isnt such a thing as uncured when it comes to bacon. Its misleading, says Moskowitz. Most things that are labeled as uncured have had celery salt added to it.

Celery salt, which contains naturally occurring nitrites, cures the bacon. Bacon labeled as uncured was cured without artificial nitrites like pink salt.

The USDA rules require uncured bacon to be labeled as no nitrites or nitrates added. Nitrites are naturally occurring both in our bodies as well as in many foods like celery, lettuce, spinach, and beets. Celery salt and sea salt are two natural nitrates often used to cure meat.

Do Cured Bacon and Uncured Bacon Taste Different?

While cured and uncured bacon use different curing agents, there is hardly a difference in taste between the two. Cured bacon may taste a bit saltier in some instances, says Moskowitz, but it depends on how long the bacon cured. Because uncured bacon has to sit in its brine for longer, in other instances it can taste saltier than some cured bacon, but the difference is negligible.

It is more likely that you'll taste the difference in flavor based on what seasonings were added and how it was smoked.



Read More: Grilled Cheese BLT

Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
More than a dozen officials from Democratic-led states are suing to block the Trump administration from blocking access to sex change procedures and treatments for people under 19.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, argues that the administration effectively wants to impose a nationwide ban on sex change procedures by threatening providers with "baseless criminal charges" and investigations.

"The federal government is running a cruel and targeted harassment campaign against providers who offer lawful, lifesaving care to children," New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is leading the coalition of states in the suit, said in a statement.

Major Connecticut Hospitals Begin 'Winding Down' Youth Gender Programs Citing 'Evolving Landscape'

Demonstrators protest in support of rights for transgender youth. More than a dozen states are suing the Trump administration over policies to restrict access to sex change procedures and treatments for minors.

"This administration is ruthlessly targeting young people who already face immense barriers just to be seen and heard, and are putting countless lives at risk in the process," she added. "In New York and nationwide, we will never stop fighting for the dignity, safety, and basic rights of the transgender community."

The lawsuit names President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department as defendants. It challenges Trump's Jan. 28 executive order barring government support for sex change operations and treatments and two memos by Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate.

Read On The Fox News App

Bondi's memo directs the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute those who offer sex change treatments to minors. Shumates memo directs prosecutors to prioritize investigations against doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies that perform such procedures.

The Justice Department has launched probes into three children's hospitals for allegedly providing such treatments.

Children's National Hospital In Dc To End Gender Transition Medical Interventions

"On Day One, President Trump took decisive action to stop the despicable mutilation and chemical castration of children  which everyday Americans resoundingly support," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital. "The President has the lawful authority to protect Americas vulnerable children through executive action, and the Administration looks forward to ultimate victory on this issue."

In July, Kaiser Permanente announced that it would pause sex change surgeries for patients under 19 beginning Aug. 29 in response to the Trump administration's efforts on the matter. The same month, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles shuttered its Center for Transyouth Health and Development, one of the nations largest clinics for transgender young people.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

The Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., also announced that it will no longer provide gender transition-related medical interventions.

"These changes have been touted by Defendants as precisely what was intended by their unlawful and disingenuous targeting: the end of healthcare for transgender individuals under 19," the complaint reads.

Many states have laws restricting or banning sex change surgeries for children. The states named in the lawsuit -- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.  allow such treatments.

Other nations have pushed back on sex change procedures for children. In March, the United Kingdom banned puberty blockers  a class of drugs that suppresses sex hormones in adolescents by continually stimulating the pituitary gland -- for children seeking treatment for gender dysphoria.





Original article source: Democratic states sue Trump admin over ending sex change surgeries for minors
The suspect arrested in the murder of an Arkansas couple in front of their children at Devil's Den State Park was an elementary school teacher who'd been placed on administrative leave at a school district two years ago for improper conduct.

Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested on July 30 in the murders of Clinton David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, at Devil's Den State Park in West Fork, Arkansas, on July 26, according to Arkansas State Police. The Brinks had been with their 7-year-old and 9-year-old daughters, who are safe with family. McGann has been charged with two counts of capital murder.

McGann was hired as a teacher to begin employment with Springdale Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year, Superintendent Jared Cleveland said in a statement provided to USA TODAY. Cleveland said McGann had not begun employment with the district or been in contact with any of the district's students or families.

Before his employment by Springdale, McGann had been employed at another school district for several years.

New detail emerge: School teacher charged with capital murder

Suspect administrative leave at Texas school district

During the 2022-2023 school year, McGann was an educator at Donald Elementary, part of Lewisville Independent School District in Flower Mound, Texas, Samantha FitzPatrick, spokesperson for Lewisville ISD, told USA TODAY.

In spring 2023, McGann was placed on administrative leave by the district following concerns related to "classroom management, professional judgement and student favoritism," FitzPatrick said. An internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students, and McGann resigned from Lewisville ISD in May 2023, FitzPatrick said.

Following the announcement of McGann's charges, Lewisville ISD sent a letter to families who previously had students in McGann's 2022-2023 class.

"I know news like this can be unsettling. Please know that the safety, well-being and trust of our students and families will always be our top priority," the letter, provided to USA TODAY, states. "If you or your child needs support during this time, our counseling team is here and ready to help."

As of Aug. 1, McGann's Texas teaching license remained effective through August 2028, according to the Texas Department of Education.

A move to Oklahoma

After resigning from Lewisville ISD, McGann was hired as a fifth-grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, for the 2023-2024 school year, Tara Thompson, spokesperson for Broken Arrow Public Schools, told USA TODAY. McGann left of his own accord to work in a different state.

Thompson said McGann passed all legally required background checks before his hiring.

Despite what he'd said to the school in Broken Arrow, McGann did not move out of Oklahoma. Following his leave, he was hired to teach fifth grade at Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, a part of Sand Springs Public Schools, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, for the 2024-2025 school year, according to a district statement. At the end of the school year, McGann resigned to move out of the state.

McGann passed the mandatory background check before his hiring, the Sand Springs Public School statement said.

David Brink, 43, and his wife, Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were murdered at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas on July 27, 2025.

What happened to the Brinks?

Arkansas State Police said the Brink family was hiking together at the state park when the mother and father were "fatally attacked."

State police were notified of the incident at about 2:40 p.m. local time on July 26. Authorities discovered the two young girls, who told police that "something had happened to their parents on the trail," Major Stacie Rhoads, of the state police, said during a news conference.

"They absolutely protected those girls to their fullest extent, to the point that they cost them their lives. We're in awe of this mom and dad," said Col. Mike Hagar, director of the Arkansas State Police. "We're also in awe of these girls. The information that they were able to provide to start us down this path, to be able to make this arrest."

The couple's bodies were found by police on a trail in the state park. The suspect's weapon was identified as a knife, and the victims died from stab wounds, Hagar said.

Hagar added that the suspect was injured in the incident, which resulted in blood loss at the scene. The blood "allowed us to establish a DNA profile to begin with," he said.

The daughters provided a description of the suspect and another witness at the park was able to describe the suspect's vehicle. Based on the descriptions, Rhoads said, investigators received multiple photos and videos from the public that helped them track down the vehicle and create a composite sketch of the suspect.

Authorities located McGann's vehicle at a local barber shop and took him into custody. Rhoads said investigators did not believe the suspect was going to flee the area.

In addition to the two daughters on the hike, the Brinks had a third daughter who was not with the family that day, Hager said.

McGann's first court appearance was on Aug. 1, the Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office told USA TODAY.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Devil's Den murder suspect put on leave by Texas school in 2023
How bad is it out there for college graduates? (Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

As recent college graduates face one of the toughest job markets in years, Berkeley economist and voluble Substacker Brad DeLong has a message for those struggling to land their first full-time gig: Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are not to blame. Larger forces are at work.

DeLong, a professor at UC Berkeley and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, argued in a recent essay that the challenges confronting young job-seekers today are primarily driven by widespread policy uncertainty and a sluggish economynot by the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT or data-crunching robots. DeLong offered his analysis on July 23, roughly 10 days before the July jobs report stunned markets, revealing that the economy has been much weaker than previously thought for several months.

Prominent business leaders had also flagged troubling signs in the economy before the July jobs report dropped. IBM Vice Chair and former Trump advisor Gary Cohn went on CNBC a day before the jobs data, noting warning signs below the surface. Cohn said he pays close attention to the quits rate in the monthly JOLTS data, arguing that 150,000 fewer quits was an ominous sign of poor economic health.

DeLong sounded a prophetic note, writing that policy uncertainty over trade, immigration, inflation, and technology has paralyzed business planning, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of hiring freezes. New entrants to the job market are bearing the brunt of the retreat to risk aversion. In other words, the college graduate class of 2025 is really unlucky.

The economist argued that the uncertainty causes companies to delay major decisionsincluding hiringin the face of an unpredictable policy environment.

This risk aversion is particularly damaging for those at the start of their careers, who rely on a steady flow of entry-level openings to get a foot in the door, he wrote.

DeLong has sounded similar warnings of a slowdown for years. He talked to Fortune in 2022 about his theory of the economy starting to sputter from his book Slouching Towards Utopia. In 2025, he wrote, the big story in the jobs market is not actually AI, but something different.

Policy paralysis

So, whats really keeping freshly minted graduates from clinching that all-important first job? DeLong cited Bloomberg BusinessWeeks Amanda Mull and her theory about stochastic uncertaintya cocktail of unpredictability around government policies, trade, immigration, and inflation. Companies arent firing; instead, theyre just waiting. And many are delaying new hires in anticipation of possible sudden shifts in tariffs, inflation rates, and regulatory environments. The result is a wait-and-see climate where employers, worried about future economic shocks, have selected caution over expansion. The holding pattern hits new entrants to the workforce especially hard.

While overall unemployment in the U.S. remains low, the situation is uniquely difficult for new graduates relative to the rest of the workforce. Citing economists including Paul Krugman, DeLong noted that while the absolute unemployment rate for college graduates isnt alarming, the gap between graduate unemployment and general unemployment rates is at record highs. In the past, higher education reliably led to lower unemployment, but now recent grads are struggling by a large margin compared to previous generations.

As previously reported by Fortune Intelligence, Goldman Sachs has argued that the college degree safety premium is mostly gone. The team, led by Goldmans chief economist Jan Hatzius, wrote: Recent data suggests that the labor market for recent college graduates has weakened at a time when the broader labor market has appeared healthy.

It also found that since 1997, young workers without a college degree have become much less likely to even look for work, with their participation rate dropping by seven percentage points.

Mull cited an analysis by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York which found that tech and design fields, including computer science, computer engineering, and graphic design, are seeing unemployment rates above 7% for new graduates.

Why the AI hype misses the mark

Although the tech sector is buzzing about AIs potential to replace junior analysts or automate entry-level tasks, DeLong urged caution in assigning blame. In his typical style, he noted, there is still [no] hard and not even a semi-convincing soft narrative that AI is to blame for entry-level job scarcity. Hiring slowdowns, he pointed out, are driven by broader economic forces: uncertainty, risk aversion, and changes in how companies invest.

Here again, DeLongs analysis rhymes and aligns with recent research from Goldmans Hatzius. The banks quarterly AI Adoption Tracker, issued in July, found that the unemployment rate for AI-exposed occupations had reconciled with the wider economy, which contradicts fears of mass displacement. They also noted there have been no recent layoff announcements explicitly citing AI as the cause, underscoring that its contained to disruption of specific functions, not entire industries.

Crucially, he argued, rather than hiring people, companies in the tech sector are splurging on the hardware that powers artificial intelligencenotably Nvidias high-performance chipsfueling a boom in capital investment while sidelining junior hires.

For firms, the calculus is straightforward: Investing in AI infrastructure is seen as a ticket to future competitiveness, while hiring junior staff is a cost that can be postponed.

Underpinning these trends is a shift away from any and all risk. Employers prefer to hire for specific short-term needs and are less willing to invest in developing new talentleaving young applicants caught in a cycle where just getting your foot in the door is more difficult than ever. Incumbent workers, worried about job market uncertainty, are less likely to change jobs, leading to fewer openings and greater stagnation.

DeLongs analysis harmonized with Goldman Sachs findings about the declining premium attached with a college degree:

For the longer-run, the rise in the college wage premium is over, and a decline has (probably) begun.

For decades, he continued, a college degree was a ticket to higher earnings, and the labor market rewarded those with advanced skills and credentials. In recent years, though, this has plateaued and may even be falling. The causes are complex, he added, but the takeaway: While degrees remain valuable, they are no longer the ever-ascending ticket to prosperity they once were.

These comments confirm the gloomy remarks of University of Connecticut professor emeritus Peter Turchin, who recently talked with Fortune about the declining status of the upper middle class in 21st century America. When asked where else he sees this manifesting in modern life, Turchin said, Its actually everywhere you look.

Look at the overproduction of university degrees, he said, arguing that the decreasing premium that Goldman and DeLong write about shows up in declining rates of college enrollment and high rates of recent graduate unemployment. There is overproduction of university degrees and the value of a university degree actually declines.

DeLongs bottom line for recent grads: Blame a risk-averse business climate, not technology, for todays job woes. And now that we know the economy may have been much more risk-averse in 2025 than previously, DeLongs warnings are worth revisiting.

DeLong did not respond to a request for comment.

For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sometimes only a frozen pizza will do. It's for those days when I cant wait for delivery, and I sure as heck wont be making pizza from scratch. It's my back-up plan that I always keep stocked next to my emergency ice cream stash. Usually frozen pizza is just fine, but nothing memorable. However, after a sale at Publix pushed me to try a new brand, I realized there are much more delicious options out there. Enter Screamin' Sicilian frozen pizzas.

What Makes This Pizza So Good

Screamin' Sicilian frozen pizzas will often run you a few dollars more than other brands in the freezer aisle, but its money well spent (and Publix, as noted up top, often puts them on sale). Look for the package with the illustrated mustache, and a clear window in the box giving you a glimpse into what awaits inside.

Im partial to the 'Supremus Maximus' pizza, which features lots of mozzarella cheese topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, green and red peppers, onions, and olives. Unlike other brands, Screamin' Sicilian doesnt skimp on the toppings. If you go with the pepperoni variety, youll find it loaded with discs of pepperoni covering every inch of the pie.

I also like that the tomato sauce base isnt too sweet, and the crust bakes up fluffy. Im not saying this pizza would fool anyone into thinking it was homemade, but thats also not the point. It delivers a great version of a frozen pizza, so much so, during a particularly busy week, I ate it multiple nights in a row.

Walmart Screamin' Sicilian 'Supremus Maximus' frozen pizza

How To Dress It Up

Even when a frozen pizza is good, a few homemade touches can make it even better. Depending on how much effort I want to put into it that can mean anything from finishing it with freshly grated Parmesan right before serving, to drizzling it with a pesto thrown together while it bakes. Here are some of my go-to upgrades:

Fresh herbs : They work miracles. A few basil leaves make the whole thing feel brighter and fresher. Parsley also works, or if you happen to have it, oregano leaves.

More cheese : As mentioned, Parmesan can help take a frozen pizza to the next level, but so can dollops of whole-milk ricotta, or tearing up some burrata over top (which you can find at an affordable price at most Trader Joes locations).

Some greens : Baby spinach, kale, or some peppery arugula can add a lot of flavor and color (not to mention a little extra nutrition) to any frozen pie.

Turn up the heat: Im not just talking red pepper flakes, although they're a classic choice. Chopped Calabrian chili peppers, fresh, thinly sliced jalapeno, or a drizzle of chili crisp can all add tons of flavor to an otherwise lackluster dinner. For a touch of sweetness too, add some hot honey over top.

Read the original article on Southern Living
Soldiers of the German Air Force's Air Defense Missile Group 21 practice setting up an air defense position. For this purpose, several mobile launchers (launching stations) are set up, which can carry up to four Patriot missiles. - Jens Buttner/picture alliance/Getty Images/File

Germany announced on Friday that it will provide two additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine in the coming days, and several more in the coming months, after the Pentagon agreed to quickly replenish Berlins stockpiles.

The statement, issued by Germanys Ministry of Defense, also said Germany would be paying for the new Patriot systems provided by the US.

The prerequisite was that the US manufacturer would deliver new Patriot systems as quickly as possible in return so that we could continue to meet our NATO obligations, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. This commitment from the US side has been made.

Germany has provided three Patriots to Ukraine since Russias 2022 invasion, and had been reluctant to send more until they could ensure that the systems would be replenished by the US.

But under a new plan unveiled by President Donald Trump last month, European nations agreed to transfer weapons to Ukraine while purchasing new ones from the US to backfill their stockpiles. The plan, which would see Europe shoulder more of the burden in supplying Ukraine, has been under discussion ever since Trump won last years election and European officials quickly began deliberating on ways to sustain US weapons shipments to Ukraine under a leader who had vowed to pull back American support, CNN has reported.

Col. Martin L. ODonnell, a spokesperson for NATOs Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, told CNN in a statement that NATO is prepared to coordinate the weapons urgent delivery to Ukraine.

NATO is delivering on the initiative President Trump and Secretary General Rutte announced last month to boost support for Ukraine by opening additional assets to Ukraine through investment by Allies in Europe and Canada. Germany has shown its leadership in this regard, ODonnell said. We look forward to additional voluntary contributions from other European nations. Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, and others, stand ready to coordinate them for urgent delivery.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said in a post on X on Friday that he welcomes Germanys decision.

This is great news and I welcome Germanys leadership! This will help ensure Ukraine is able to defend its skies, protect its people, and deter Russian aggression, he wrote.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Goodreads Most-Awaited Book Releases of August 2025 Are Hereand We Want to Read Them All originally appeared on Parade.

August signifies the beginning of the school year for manystudents and parents alike. But there are still a few weeks left to capitalize on those last vacations or relaxed days before schedules kick back into high gear, and what better way to do so than curling up with a good book? A new good book? Goodreads released its list of most popular books to be published in August, so you can refresh your summer reading list (or transition it from summer to fall!).

Whether youre into historical fiction, fantasy, biographies, romance, sci-fi or nonfiction, theres a book coming out this month thats sure to make a mark on you.

Related: Reese Witherspoon Names Her Book Clubs Pick for July

Fiction

People Like Us by Jason Mott

Moderation by Elaine Castillo

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen

Dominion by Addie E. Kitchen

Atomic Hearts by Megan Cummins

Whether youre looking for a literary-themed novel following two Black writers navigating a violent society or a teenage girl in the Midwest who writes to escape her drug- and drama-filled reality, a heart-aching (yet heartwarming) tale about complicated family ties and love or a lighter, more witty story about romance in the developing world of virtual reality, this months fiction releases will impress you.

Historical Fiction

The Hounding by Kenobe Purvis

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

L.A. Women by Ella Berman

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas

Maybe August is calling you to step back in time to explore what life would be like in a different time period. These books will transport you to Victorian-era London, the witch trials in London (with a twist), and 20th-century Los Angeles and Mexico when it was known as New Spain.

Mystery and Thriller

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

High Season by Katie Bishop

Romance

Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent

Love Arranged by Lauren Asher

Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings

For the Record by Emma Lord

Many of the upcoming romance books are highly anticipated sequels to series from popular TikTok authorssome explore magical kingdoms with villains and frogs, others twist and turn through dark underworlds with angry gods, and others feature steamy scenes in lakefront mansions inhabited by good-looking billionaires.

Related: How to Read All of Kristin Hannah's Books in OrderIncluding the 'Firefly Lane' Series!

Fantasy

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown

The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar

House of the Beast by Michelle Wong

Science Fiction

The Once and Future Me by Melissa Pace

These Memories Dont Belong to Us by Yiming Ma

The Islands of Last Things by Emma Sloley

Automatic Noodle by Analee Newitz

Sunbirth by An Yu

The sci-fi releases of August vary widely in setting and story (as expected from science fiction). Choose between futuristic China, where the government can access and manipulate your memories; a story of two zookeepers on Alcatraz Islands who run the last standing zoo in the world; a foodie tale about service bots running a top-rated noodle restaurant and more.

Young Adult

Mistress of Bones by Maria Z. Medina

The Good Vampires Guide to Blood and Boyfriends by Jamie DAmato

Wish You Were Here by Elle McNicoll

Woven From Clay by Jenny Birch

A Spell to Wake the Dead by Nicole Lesperance

Nonfiction

The Man No One Believed: The Untold Story of the Georgia Church Murders by Joshua Sharpe

Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty by Kaila Yu

The Answer Is in the Wound by Kelly Sundberg

Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion by Chris DeVille

With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories by Nicole Nehrig

Memoir & Autobiography

With Her Own Hands: Women Weaving Their Stories by Alexis Okeowo

Tart:Misadventures of an Anonymous Chef by Slutty Cheff

A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews

Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir by Alison Stoner

Hotshot: A Life on Fire by River Selby

Acclaimed fiction writer Miriam Toews gets personal with her first nonfiction release, an anonymous chef depicts the exhilarating yet exhausting world of the restaurant industry in London and New Yorker staff writer Alexia Okeowo speaks on growing up as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants in Alabama, a state with a tragic yet triumphant history.

History & Biography

Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs

Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History by Moudhy Al-Rashid

Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization by Tim Queeney

The Undiscovered Country: Triumph, Tragedy, and the Shaping of the American West by Paul Andrew Hutton

The Devil Reached Toward the Sky: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb by Garret M. Graff

The books on this list, with their intriguing covers and beautiful stories, will help you close out the summer on a reading high.

Related: The Book Title of Your Life's Story, Based on Birth Month

Goodreads Most-Awaited Book Releases of August 2025 Are Hereand We Want to Read Them All first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Going places: Manchester airport, late morning (Simon Calder)

Among the many benefits claimed for Heathrows controversial third runway proposal is this: A better selection of flight times to the most popular destinations. Its always good to have a choice, and offering multiple departures across the day is a passenger benefit. Yet is there a perfect time to fly?

You will have a view on this. Consider a three-hour flight to somewhere in Europe from a major UK airport. What time provides maximum benefit? My excellent colleagues have their opinions, which I shall bring you in a moment. But I have two preferences.

6am: Many aspects of a dawn flight are hideous: waking in the early hours, handling intermittent public transport or driving through the night, security queues longer than the Great Wall of China...

Yet once you arrive at your destination, all is forgiven: assuming a one-hour time difference, its 10am. The whole day lies ahead of you, museums are opening, and the first delicious lunch is only a couple of hours away.

4pm: No need for an alarm. Whatever your chosen transport to the airport, it is likely to be quiet  as is the security queue. With that one-hour time difference, you will arrive in time for dinner and a drink before sleeping soundly ahead of your first days adventures.

A 4pm flight means theres no need for an early morning alarm (Getty/iStock)

My excellent colleague, senior travel writer Natalie Wilson, could not be more at odds with these timings. She picks her perfect schedule exactly in the middle, five hours from each of mine.

For a travel experience with the least hassle, an 11am departure time would be my sweet spot, Natalie says. "Assuming Im arriving two hours before boarding (something thats hotly debated on the travel desk), 9am promises several forms of public transport are running to get me to a London aviation hub for an overpriced airport breakfast on several hours of sleep.

Say theres a three-hour flight to Europe, and theres a one-hour time jump, youre ideally timed to arrive just after the average hotel check-in.

It sounds relaxed  though I dont relish having so much of the day devoured by travelling.

Global travel editor Annabel Grossman goes for the late shift: Morning flights, where Im up at the crack of dawn, leave me exhausted. Its not a great way to start a holiday or any trip, as it often means the first couple of days involve catching up on sleep.

I recently discovered the joy of an evening flight. Airports are so much quieter, and everyone seems far more relaxed and less bad-tempered than during the morning rush!

Then theres no hanging around to check in when you arrive at your destination  if you arrive earlier, its usually a bit of a wasted day anyway. You can have a good nights sleep and youre ready to start your holiday. Plus, you have the morning to finish up packing.

Gatwick airport is busiest before midday (Getty/iStock)

Read more: Britain must boost visitors from home and away

On the subject of relaxation: at the British end, you could choose a flight that departs after most passengers have already taken off. Fortunately, I have asked all the big airports for the magic midpoint when exactly half of the days passengers have departed.

There is no clear pattern: the halfway point is reached as early as 8am at Birmingham and as late as 2.50pm at Southampton. At the big four UK airports, the sequence is:

Manchester: 11am

Gatwick: 12.30pm

Stansted: 1.30pm

Heathrow: 2.15pm

At the first three, I know from experience that the first wave of flights is tough going (as it is at Luton, Birmingham, Edinburgh and many other airports). Yet few people leave Heathrow in the first wave, so the early experience can be surprisingly calm.

There is one more departure time for three-hour flights that, depending on how well you sleep on aircraft, can work to your advantage: the midnight plane going east. Athens and Istanbul are both three-and-a-bit hours flying time from the London area, and with a two-hour time jump.

A departure (from an almost empty airport) around midnight gets you to your destination at around 5am. After an hours journey into the city, drop your bags at the hotel, then start your day like the locals: watching the sun rise over the Bosphorus or the Parthenon. Youve also saved on a hotel night. The energy of the city will propel you through to lunch, and with a cooperative hotel you can take a siesta before some more exploration and indulgence.

An overnight flight means you could catch the sunrise like a local (Getty/iStock)

Read more: Dear Emirates, if this is business class  Ill stay in economy, thanks

What about coming home? As late as possible for me, please: ideally 8pm, with the time change working in my favour for a 10pm arrival at the UK airport.

But last word to Natalie, who says: In a dream world, on the way home Id reverse the process: checking out of my hotel room at 12 noon to guarantee Ive got my moneys worth, arriving to the airport at 1pm ahead of a 3pm take-off, arriving back in London for 5pm. Then theres plenty of time to make my way home and unpack.

Let me know your ideal timing for that three-hour flight to Europe: email s@hols.tv

Simon Calder, also known as The Man Who Pays His Way, has been writing about travel for The Independent since 1994. In his weekly opinion column, he explores a key travel issue  and what it means for you.
The reporter spent 24 hours in Montreal and encountered multiple surprises. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 24 hours in Montreal in August 2022.

It was my first time visiting the French-Canadian city, and I was surprised by the architecture.

I didn't expect my trip to Canada to feel like a European adventure.

After a 10-hour train ride, two hours on a bus, and another five hours on the rails, I finally made it from my home in NYC to Montreal, the largest city in Canada's eastern province of Quebec.

The journey was long, but the trip was short. Although I only spent 24 hours in the city, my single day in Montreal was packed with surprises.

The first thing that shocked me about Montreal was how much green space I saw, even in the most urban areas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Montreal is home to more than 1,495 parks, according to the Government of Canada.

Throughout Downtown Montreal, I spotted greenery in every direction, from unique landscaping on buildings to lines of trees. In between blocks of skyscrapers, I also found shaded squares to cool off.

West of downtown, I also enjoyed visiting the lush Mount Royal, a small mountain in the middle of the city with 400 stairs leading to a viewpoint overlooking Montreal.

The entrance to the park was a 30-minute uphill walk from my hotel. Climbing the stairs along the mountain took me another half hour.

The walk was tiring, but when I got to the top of Mount Royal, I thought it was totally worth it for the all-encompassing views.

I didn't expect to see such a wide variety of architecture.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While wandering through the downtown area and Old Montreal, I noticed another cool thing about this city: the contrasting modern and historical architectural styles, from Art Deco to Gothic Revival.

Downtown, I also spotted historic structures that stood out next to modern skyscrapers, like Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the Sun Life Building.

I didn't expect to feel like I was in Europe.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Heading east from downtown, I could tell I had reached Old Montreal when the streets turned cobblestone, which made me feel like I was in Europe.

The stone streets date back to the 1800s, according to the Montreal Gazette. Historical architecture added to the European vibe.

I had never heard of the Underground City before my visit.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Another area I found fascinating was the Underground City, which is a horizontal building full of shops and passageways that connect to underground metro stations over a 20-mile radius, according to Montreal Tourism .

The Underground City is meant to save pedestrians from the outdoors during harsh winter months when temperatures drop to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Since I visited on a beautiful day, I found it mostly empty.

I didn't expect poutine to taste like Thanksgiving dinner.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My last stop before leaving Montreal was La Banquise, a poutine restaurant where I tried the Canadian delicacy of fries, cheese, and gravy for the first time.

The fries were crispy and greasy  just like I like them. I thought the gravy was reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner, and the curds added a unique texture without adding too much flavor.

In one bite, I could see why this dish was so popular and comforting. It was warm, filling, and nostalgic, transporting me back to November.

When I left Montreal, I thought my trip was too short.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

On my way to my next destination, I decided I'd be back soon for the architecture, the greenery, and of course, the poutine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 01: Special Counsel Jack Smith delivers remarks on a recently unsealed indictment including four felony counts against former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Justice Department on August 1, 2023 in Washington, DC. Trump was indicted on four felony counts for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)  (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Federal authorities have opened an investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith over allegations of illegal political conduct, according to The New York Post.

Smith is being investigated by the Hatch Act Unit on behalf of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), according to an email obtained by the outlet from Senior Counsel Charles Baldis of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). (RELATED: Jack Smith Could Face Severe Consequences For Year-Long Legal Crusade Against Trump)

The Hatch Act restricts federal employees from engaging in certain political activities to ensure that government functions remain nonpartisan.

I appreciate the Office of Special Counsel taking this seriously and launching an investigation into Jack Smiths conduct. No one is above the law, Republican Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton  who is the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee  told the outlet in a statement.

Jack Smiths actions were clearly driven to hurt President Trumps election, and Smith should be held fully accountable, he went on to say.

Cotton accused Smith of weaponizing the legal system against Trump and undermining his political efforts in a lengthy thread he posted to X on Wednesday.

Jack Smiths legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns. This isnt just unethical, it is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office. Lets take a look at just how egregiously Smith used his DOJ role to influence the election, Cotton said in his post.

Special Counsel Smith pushed for an out-of-the-ordinary, rushed trial for President Trump, with jury selection to begin just two weeks before the Iowa caucuses. No other case of this magnitude and complexity would come to trial this quickly, Cotton went on to say. Special Counsel Smith tried to bypass the normal process and go right to the Supreme Court, but gave no reason why his abnormal request should be granted. The real reason was to get a quick ruling to damage Trump before the electiona partisan, unlawful action.

Cotton finished his thread by calling for Smith to be investigated by the OSC.

These actions were not standard, necessary, or justified. They were the actions of a political actor masquerading as a public official. Thats why Ive asked this unprecedented interference in the 2024 election be immediately investigated by OSC, Cotton stated.

Smith is the DOJ lawyer who led two criminal investigations into Trump during former President Joe Bidens administration, the outlet noted. One focused on his handling of classified documents, and the other on whether his actions on January 6, 2021, aimed to overturn the 2020 election. Both cases were ultimately dropped.
Mike Marsland/WireImage

Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson continue to make waves as a new couple  near, far or wherever they are.

In their latest adventure, the pair recreated that iconic scene from Titanic where Rose stands on the edge of the ship with her arms outstretched and Jack holds her by the waist from behind.

Anderson, 58, and Neeson, 73, were in Germany, where the Naked Gun costars took a boat ride along a river. In a video that Paramount Pictures Germany posted via TikTok on Friday, July 25, Anderson leaned over the railing on the front of the boat and did her best Rose impression. Neeson held her from behind as Celine Dions My Heart Will Go On played in the background.

Unlike Jack, however, Neeson seemed to be doing it for his girlfriends safety.

Are Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson Dating? All the Clues and Moments That Raised Our Eyebrows

I was scared she would fall in, he admitted to Access Hollywood in an interview shared on Monday, July 28.

Neesons expression during the video seemed to confirm that. While Anderson appeared to be having the time of her life, Neeson spent the majority of the video with a terrified look on his face.

Courtesy of Paramount Pictures Germany/TikTok

Neeson and Anderson met while they were filming The Naked Gun, in which they play Detective Frank Drebin Jr. and Beth Davenport, respectively. A source confirmed to Us Weekly on Tuesday, July 29, that the two are, in fact, dating.

The source added that the actors always had chemistry while they were filming and their friendship naturally developed into more.

Liam Neesons Dating History: Natasha Richardson, Pamela Anderson and More Relationships

They are both shy and have tried to stay private but the spark between them is obvious, the insider continued.

The pair first sparked rumors earlier this month when they were seen holding hands on the red carpet of the movies U.K. premiere. At one point, Anderson even kissed Neeson on the cheek.

I had never met Pamela before. We met on set. And we discovered we had a lovely, budding chemistry  as two actors, Neeson said in an appearance on the Tuesday episode of Today. Its like, Oh, this is nice. Lets not mold this. Lets just let it breathe. And thats what we did.

Anderson shares sons Brandon, 29, and Dylan, 27, with ex-husband Tommy Lee, to whom she was married from 1995 to 1998., The source told Us Andersons kids love seeing her happy and fully approve of her relationship with Neeson, who was previously married to late wife Natasha Richardson.

They think Liam is great and have gotten to know him better in the last few months, the insider added.

Anderson, for her part, gushed over Neeson in an interview with The New York Times, published Thursday, July 31.

He has so much charm and so much charisma that you kind of just fall into it, she said. I cant explain it because Ive never experienced it before.
Aleks Jevtic/TikTok Influencers chased by wild boar while swimming off Greek island





NEED TO KNOW

Influencer Aleks Jevtic posted a video of a hilarious moment from her group vacation to Greece when a pig interrupted two people swimming

In the video, the women in the water appear to start rushing toward their boat when they realize the submerged boar was closing in on them

The TikTok has reached over 4 million viewers since Jevtic shared it, with several commenters noting that swimming pigs aren't uncommon in Greece





Two vacationing influencers were startled out of the sea when an unexpected visitor swam up behind them.

On Thursday, July 29, TikToker Aleks Jevtic posted a video from a group trip to Greece showing two women enjoying blissful, blue Mediterranean waters. In the background of the clip, a boar can be seen paddling along toward the swimmers, who started rushing toward the boat upon realizing they had unexpected company.

Subtitled captions on the video capture an onlooker's warning to the duo: "You have to go out it's not safe out here."

Aleks Jevtic/TikTok influencers chased by wild boar while swimming of Greek island

https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

The boar picked up some speed and neared the women in the water, prompting someone behind the camera to call out to her friends. "Oh my god, guys. It's actually close to you," one of the vacationers said from the safety of their boat.

The video then zoomed in on the swimming swine, which was largely submerged saved for its ears, eyes and snout.

"Getting chased by a pig in the middle of Greece hits different," Jevtic wrote over the video. In the post's caption, she added of the animal, "She was so cute from a distance."

Aleks Jevtic/TikTok influencers chased by wild boar while swimming off Greek island

The video has reached over 4 million views so far, with several people applauding the boar's swimming skills. Others noted that such a sight isn't completely uncommon in Greece.

"We don't have sharks, we have wild boars in the Mediterranean!" reads an English translation of one TikToker's comment posted in Greek. Another person recalled a more intentional encounter, writing, "And I paid 80 just to be able to swim with them on Atokos Island."

Read the original article on People
This wasn't the first time Yassine Cheuko ran onto a field to help Lionel Messi. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images) (Caean Couto via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko apparently took his job a little too seriously at the Leagues Cup.

After a postgame confrontation in which Cheuko ran onto the field to push some Atlas players away from the Inter Miami star, the League Cup disciplinary committee announced it was banning him from all technical areas for the rest of the tournament, which runs through Aug. 31, and fining Inter Miami an undisclosed amount of money.

The full statement:

After the July 30 Inter Miami CF vs. Club Atlas match, a member of Inter Miamis club delegation displayed improper conduct by entering restricted areas without an official event credential. In accordance with the Leagues Cup 2025 Tournament Regulations, the Disciplinary Committee has suspended the individual involved from all technical areas for the remainder of Leagues Cup 2025 and issued an undisclosed fine to Inter Miami CF.

ESPN identified the member of Inter Miami's delegation as Cheuko.

The incident occurred Wednesday after Inter Miami's 2-1 win over Atlas. Several players congregated at midfield, with Cheuko entering the fray to physically break up the confrontation. He is the bald man with a short beard and black Miami T-shirt in the video below.

"EL NO TENIA NADA QUE HACER AHI"



La polemica con el ingreso del guardaespaldas a la cancha empujando a algunos jugadores de Atlas a causado opiniones divididas



con informacion de @loculobo Atlas ya habria mandado queja a la organizacion de Leagues Cup #Atlas#Messi pic.twitter.com/XgvMtRLWzN  TVC Deportes (@TVCDeportes) July 31, 2025

Atlas players were not happy about Cheuko's intervention, with defender Matheus Doria calling for the rules to be applied in this case via ESPN:

"We already know that our board works very well and will take care of the issue. I understand that Messi's bodyguard is there to protect Messi from a possible entry by a fan, I don't know, but between players, he doesn't have that permission," Doria said.

"It's not up to us to say much or give our opinion on the matter, but the board and those in charge of the Leagues Cup have already seen it and will take charge of what can and can't be done because as long as it protects not only Messi but the other players, and the physical integrity of the players who are there, that's fine. But if it's for other issues, no one will agree, but it's not up to me to do anything."

Cheuko has been a fixture at Messi's side since his days at Paris Saint-Germain. Contrary to past reports, he is not a former Navy SEAL or professional MMA fighter, but he has entered the field in the past to protect the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

OMG MESSIS BODYGUARD SPRINTS TO INTERCEPT PITCH INVADER. HE IS NO JOKE.



Messis Boydguard may be the Messi of Bodyguards. 



pic.twitter.com/B6Hea9Xj6f  Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 4, 2023

In April, Inter Miami banned Cheuko from being on the sideline during MLS matches, though he remains an employee of the team.
Credit: KAD Photo/Shutterstock

This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

When I moved into my micro-apartment in Irving, Texas, I was making $31,000 a year and couldnt afford much. The rent was $775 a month, utilities included. My previous place had been more than three times the size  1,200 square feet  with two closets, a full kitchen, and even a library nook. But after my roommate got married, I was left to cobble together income from bartending and underpaid freelance gigs  and downsizing to a tiny home became survival.

So I moved. I called my new small apartment the Treehouse. It was just 354 square feet. It was a loft that sat above a carport, beside the branches of a beautiful old tree, and I liked that part. It felt like mine. But what followed in the year I lived there was a crash course in what it really means to live small  and what you absolutely need to let go of if youre going to make it work.

Credit: Amanda Hoyer

Clutter Piles Up Quickly in Small Spaces

I moved in with too much stuff. Thats the truth. I went from a two-bedroom house with shared spaces to one open room where the bed, the barstools, the closet, and the kitchen all collided, and I held on to too much stuff for too long. And because I didnt put anything in storage, every square inch had to work overtime.

There were shelves in every corner, and clutter ruled the space. For the first four or five months, I didnt have steady work. No financial cushion, no clear career plan  just piles of stuff, growing mildew under a leaky wall unit I didnt realize was dripping until it was too late.

The biggest lesson? If what you own doesnt serve you daily, its a liability. I clung to furniture I should have donated. I kept clothes I hadnt worn in years. I held on to a completely unnecessary vanity because I was scared to let go.



There was no later pile. Clutter builds fast. One bag on the floor, one dish in the sink, and the whole place felt off-balance. Tidying became a constant, not a weekend, task.

Hosting Was Harder in a Small Space

Tiny apartments dont lend themselves well to hosting, and mine definitely didnt. My tiny home space was an open studio  when you entered the space you walked straight into the kitchen which had a small island, and then opened up into the shared living and sleeping space. For guests, I had a pouf, a desk chair, and the bed. Everything else was usually covered in mail or laundry. My now-husband and I once tried to do a date-night painting session on the floor. It was sweet, but it also screamed this is all weve got.

Credit: Amanda Hoyer

But There Was Good, Too

Living alone gave me a kind of freedom I didnt know I needed. I could sleep all day, dance in my pajamas, blast music at 1 a.m., cry in the kitchen. No one cared. I screamed during late-night gaming seshes. I rearranged furniture just because I felt like it.

But living in a tiny home magnified that freedom in so many unexpected ways. With less space, every decision I made about decorating, organizing, and decluttering felt bigger. There wasnt any room to ignore my habits.

I loved the granite countertops and the gas stove, sure, but it was the forced downsizing that changed my mindset to something more intentional. The bathroom was so small I had to streamline everything  no more backup bottles or just in case clutter. Even rearranging furniture felt a bit like redesigning the whole space.

Living small has a way of reflecting your choices and priorities more clearly. You cant hide your messes  physical or otherwise  in closets or cabinets. And I needed that clarity.



The best parts werent aesthetic. They were emotional. I needed that time alone in a space that demanded intention with every square inch.

Credit: Amanda Hoyer

What Id Do Differently

I thought living above a carport would keep bugs away, because I was living well above ground but without tenants underneath me. It didnt. I had to treat the entire exterior myself to get rid of them. Id ask for pest control before signing the lease because I had to do so much pest control myself.

Id clarify how utilities are managed  some apartments require you to pay for pest control, or manage your own HVAC system. From managing condensation to learning what my space could and couldnt handle seasonally, I often became my own landlord, handyman, and HVAC tech  whether I meant to or not.

Seasons were more challenging in the tiny home. My windows faced west, so the space baked in summer. In winter, condensation made my bedding damp. The rainbow window film helped, but it also blocked the view I loved. I was located on top of the parking as well as the only hookups for a washer and dryer on the property. That meant hauling clothes up and down a flight of open-sided stairs in Texas heat, and often ended up with something falling out of a basket or my pocket.

Most importantly, Id focus on budgeting more  while I was paying lower rent, and utilities were included, I was struggling financially overall because I was living on a low income. Living small is only freeing if youre not drowning financially. I thought simplifying my space would simplify my life, but where you live is just one piece of the puzzle, and the financial chaos I was experiencing came with me.

Id get rid of half my stuff before moving in. It wasnt just about square footage, but about how I managed everything inside it. Less space to hide things made it abundantly clear how much mess I literally had in my life. Downsizing didnt fix my finances, but it clarified what needed more attention  confronting the bad habits Id been ignoring like buying things I thought I needed for an ideal world I couldnt afford to live in. For anyone assuming a smaller home is the answer to big money problems, know this: Living small can be the fastest way to living bigger and better for your budget, but only if youre ready to make hard decisions about what you own, and what youre ready to let go of.



I dont regret it, but I would never do it that way again.

Credit: Amanda Hoyer

So, Would I Go Micro Again?

Maybe. If I had privacy, insulation, and a savings cushion. In a tiny home, theres no escaping some annoyances  noise, temperature swings, clutter. Less space heightens your awareness of every leak and smell. I had to deal, too, with firehouse sirens, neighbors who accidentally cut my power, and 2 a.m. weekday parties next door.

Living with less can be healing  but only if youre ready. I wasnt. But I carried the lessons that I learned from that year living in the tiny home forward  namely, that its OK to let things go, and that investing in storage is always important. In my current 970-square-foot two-bedroom apartment that I share with my husband, theres a wall of cube storage shelves dedicated to most of our library collection, and I finally did let go of that vanity.



Small-space living taught me how to be more intentional  not just about what I have, but how I live. Ive learned to stop and think before buying, to think in terms of function and flow over aesthetics. Now I care more about how a room feels than how it looks. Merging two lives would have been even easier if wed both decluttered beforehand, but now we both know that space doesnt keep you organized  systems do.

Further Reading

We Used Our New Room Plan Tool to Give This Living Room 3 Distinct Styles  See How, Then Try It Yourself

The Design Changemakers to Know in 2025

Create Your Own 3D Room Plan with Our New Tool

Sign up for Apartment Therapy's Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox.
An Arkansas Park Ranger patrols the south entrance of Devil's Den State Park Monday, July 28, 2025, in West Fork, Arkansas. - Michael Woods/AP

Cristen Brink witnessed the unthinkable. Then she did the unimaginable.

While on a family hike at Devils Den State Park on Saturday, Cristens husband Clinton was ambushed and stabbed by an attacker, according to Arkansas State Police. First, investigators say, she ran away with their young daughters to get them out of danger. Then Cristen Brink went back to try to save Clinton.

The mother did not return all the way to the car with the kids, said state police Maj. Stacie Rhoads in a news conference Thursday. We believe that the mother took them to safety and then returned to help her husband.

Investigators say the suspected attacker  identified as 28-year-old Andrew McGann  killed the parents as their girls, ages 9 and 7, told other adults at the park what happened. McGann faces two counts of capital murder.

They absolutely protected those girls to their fullest extent, to the point that it cost them their lives, Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Carter said. Were in awe of this mom and dad. Were also in awe of these girls.

A hiker on the trail saw the Brink children and took them to safety, then found the bodies of their parents, according to a probable cause document filed by prosecutors. More time passed before the hiker was able to call 911 and report the deaths because that part of the park has no cell service.

Four days after the murders, an intense manhunt ended 30 miles from where it started, with McGann quietly taken into custody at a hair salon. State police say he admitted to the crimes during police questioning.

McGann and victims didnt know each other

McGann, who has no known adult criminal history, made his first court appearance Friday morning in Fayetteville. He wore a striped jail uniform and did not speak except to acknowledge his name. A judge granted McGann a public defender and ordered him to remain jailed without bond pending his arraignment on August 25.

While investigators are releasing more details about the circumstances of the grisly crime, they are still trying to determine why the killings happened.

We have no reason to believe that there was any known association between our suspect and our victims, said Carter. Theres nothing to indicate that at all. It appears to be a completely random event.

The trail head to the Devil's Den trail at Devil's Den State Park was closed Monday as police searched for a murder suspect. - Michael Woods/AP

At first, the only description of the suspect police had was provided by the children who had just seen their parents attacked.

All the information that were working off of started with two little girls that witnessed the most horrific thing that you could ever imagine, Carter said.

But another witness, who saw a man leaving the trail with blood on his face, was able to identify the suspected killers car, a Kia Stinger, despite tape on the vehicle that investigators believe was designed to obscure the model. Searching Arkansas registration records ultimately led them to make McGann their chief suspect, according to Rhoads.

Everyone speculates that there was a lot of thought that went into this to conceal his identity, she said. I will say that, on the other side of that, he was also very sloppy.

The same car described in public advisories as the suspects vehicle was parked in front of Lupitas Beauty Salon & Barber Shop, where a lanky man with stringy blonde hair walked in and asked for a fade.

Something felt off about him. He looked pretty scary, stylist Adriana Ruiz told CNN affiliate KFSM Thursday. He didnt look like he was okay. He was very timid. His eyes just looked sunken. Kind of like, soulless.

When officers arrived, McGann acknowledged the car was his, according to police. Investigators noticed in speaking with McGann that there were several cuts on his hands, a court document states.

Surveillance video shared with CNN by the salon showed McGann did not put up a fight as he was handcuffed.

He was completely cooperative, Rhoads said.

McGanns car was searched, and blood was found inside, according to the probable cause statement.

After being provided his Miranda warnings, he made statements indicating that he had committed the two homicides, the document states.

Learning more about the suspects background

The motive in the killings of Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, remains a mystery, investigators say. McGann had moved to Arkansas earlier this year and was set to become an elementary teacher in the Springdale Public Schools, the district told CNN.

Andrew McGann is seen in a booking photo shortly after he was arrested at a hair salon in Springdale, Arkansas. - Washington County Sheriffs Office

Statements from school districts in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas indicate McGann had been hired to be a teacher in at least five different districts in those states since 2022: Sand Springs Public Schools, Broken Arrow Public Schools, Lewisville Independent School District, Springdale Public Schools and Plano Independent School District. He did not log any classroom time with students in the Springdale and Plano school districts.

At Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, Texas, McGann was placed on administrative leave in the spring of 2023 following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism, the Lewisville Independent School District said in a statement to CNN.

An internal investigation found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students, the district said. The teacher resigned from the district in May 2023.

Later, McGann worked at Plano Independent School District for four days in August 2024. He resigned before the first day of school, the district told CNN.

All district employees must undergo strict hiring processes and procedures as prescribed by law, including background checks and fingerprinting, to which there were no findings upon the time of his hire, the district said.

Despite understandable concern being raised by McGanns proximity to young students, the prosecutor said they had no evidence of any intention to physically harm the Brinks daughters. From what we know right now, we have no indications that suggest the girls were his target, Carter said.

McGann faces possibility of death penalty

In addition to McGanns admission of killing the Brinks, state police say his DNA matches blood evidence they collected.

The defendant in this case is innocent until hes proven guilty, but I am confident that we have the right defendant in this case and that the public need not worry going forward, said Carter.

We have absolutely no reason to believe there was anyone else involved, added Col. Mike Hagar, director of the Arkansas State Police.

The lead prosecutor says he will not shy away from pursuing the death penalty if McGann is convicted.

This case certainly has the aggravators that exist where a jury should get to decide what the punishment for this defendant is. It is my intention to pose that to a jury, Carter said. The state will not be waiving the death penalty in this case.

As the wheels of justice begin their slow turn in the case, officials say their immediate thoughts are to make sure the daughters who witnessed the attack  along with a third daughter who was not at the park on Saturday  get what they need as they move forward without their mom and dad.

They have very, very strong family support in place, Hagar said. I have no doubt that those three girls are going to be well taken care of.

CNNs Dianne Gallagher, Caroll Alvarado and Stephen Watts contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -A federal appeals court on Friday revived part of a lawsuit accusing Elon Musk's X of becoming a haven for child exploitation, though the court said the platform deserves broad immunity from claims over objectionable content.

While rejecting some claims, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said X, formerly Twitter, must face a claim it was negligent by failing to promptly report a video containing explicit images of two underage boys to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The case predated Musk's 2022 purchase of Twitter. A trial judge had dismissed the case in December 2023. X's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk was not a defendant.

One plaintiff, John Doe 1, said he was 13 when he and a friend, John Doe 2, were lured on SnapChat into providing nude photos of themselves to someone John Doe 1 thought was a 16-year-old girl at his school.

The SnapChat user was actually a child pornography trafficker who blackmailed the plaintiffs into providing additional explicit photos. Those images were later compiled into a video that was posted on Twitter.

According to court papers, Twitter took nine days after learning about the content to take it down and report it to NCMEC, following more than 167,000 views, court papers showed.

Circuit Judge Danielle Forrest said section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability over user content, didn't shield X from the negligence claim once it learned about the pornography.

"The facts alleged here, coupled with the statutory 'actual knowledge' requirement, separates the duty to report child pornography to NCMEC from Twitter's role as a publisher," she wrote for a three-judge panel.

X must also face a claim its infrastructure made it too difficult to report child pornography.

It was found immune from claims it knowingly benefited from sex trafficking, and created search features that "amplify" child pornography posts.

Dani Pinter, a lawyer at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which represented the plaintiffs, said in a statement: "We look forward to discovery and ultimately trial against X to get justice and accountability."

The case is Doe 1 et al v Twitter Inc et al, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 24-177.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Paramount Pictures (2) Liam Neeson and O. J. Simpson in "The Naked Gun"





NEED TO KNOW

Akiva Schaffer is directing the latest iteration of the popular police movie, The Naked Gun

The comedy creator was tasked with following the franchise's storied legacy, while still acknowledging the fresh cast

To do so, Schaffer said the new film needed to acknowledge O.J. Simpson's previous role in the original films





The Naked Gun is making a comedic reference to all of its previous stars, including controversial athlete O.J. Simpson

Director Akiva Schaffer confessed to The Hollywood Reporter that when people learned he was taking on the newest iteration of the spoof franchise, he was immediately asked about what he would do about Simpsons Naked Gun character, Detective Nordberg. The late athlete starred in the 1988 original, plus the sequels in 1991 and 1994.

When I first told friends, Hey, Im actually about to write a Naked Gun, theyd go, 'What are you going to do about O.J? So, right away, I was like, Oh, right. Thats the elephant in the room that has to be addressed,  he recalled for the outlet. But he confessed they only needed one joke to address audience questions.

Paramount Pictures O.J. Simpson, The Naked Gun

Schaffer, 47, admitted that after writing the initial joke acknowledging Simpsons character, he and the writers never wrote another O.J. joke.

The sole Simpson joke appears in the films trailer, as stars Liam Neeson Frank Drebin Jr. and Paul Walter Hauser pay tribute to framed photos of their late parents in a police Hall of Legends. It then transitions to a framed portrait of Nordberg (Simpson), before cutting to his son Nordberg Jr. (Moses Jones) breaking the fourth wall and shaking his head in appallment.

We just went, Yep, that takes care of that,  Schaffer said. I didnt know that the joke would kill as hard as it did at our first test screening. If I had known that, then maybe I wouldve written other jokes, he continued.

But you want to be respectful of everything that revolves around him, so its not something I really took glee in. We just had to acknowledge it in a way we thought was not dancing on anybodys misfortunes," he said, seemingly referencing Simpson's infamous 1995 murder trial for the homicides of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ron Goldman.

Unique Nicole/Getty for Paramount Pictures

He also explained that he and the team didnt get pushback or anything.

On the edgy jokes, people would go, Ooh, I dont know. And Id be like, Dont worry. The movie is going to be 85 minutes. A fourth of the script is getting cut. Anything that doesnt work is going to be cut,  he explained. So thats the way I made everyone relax all the time. (The film was intended to be 85 minutes long to mirror the original two films runtimes, but is ultimately 83 minutes.)

The movie, produced by Seth MacFarlane, is based on the Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and Jerry Zucker franchiseThe Naked Gun, which originally starred Leslie Nielsen as self-serious detective Frank Drebin, who managed to rise through the ranks of the police squad.

In the new film, Neeson stars as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., son of Nielsens character, as he follows in his father's footsteps. The cast includes Hauser, Pamela Anderson, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu and Danny Huston.

Frank Masi/Paramount Pictures Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson in The Naked Gun

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Naked Gun premiered in theaters on Friday, Aug. 1.



Read the original article on People
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on July 8. - Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed making a decision on the actions his countrys military will take in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to a ceasefire deal, a source familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.

A decision will no longer come this week, the source said.

This comes amid internal disagreements in the Israeli government about its preferred course of action in the enclave.

One idea on the table, if the militant group does not agree to a deal, is to encircle Gaza City and other population centers, while another is to conquer the city, the source said. Different ministers are in favor of different plans, the source added.

On Thursday, a senior Israeli official said that Israel and the United States are forming a new understanding on Gaza, as Hamas reportedly withdrew from ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations.

At the same time, Israel and the United States will work to increase humanitarian aid, while continuing military operations in Gaza, the official added.

The shift comes as Hamas has disengaged from ceasefire and hostage negotiations, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Hamas disengagement follows the US and Israel pulling their delegations from talks in Doha, Qatar, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff at the time accusing Hamas of negotiating in bad faith. Despite that move, a senior Israeli official had told CNN they would be prepared to return to Doha if Hamas changed its position.

On Thursday, Hamas said it was committed to continuing negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but conditions in the enclave would first have to improve significantly.

The faltering peace talks come amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where scores of people are starving to death.

All of Gazas 2.1 million people are now food insecure, without reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious and healthy food, the United Nations said this week. According to the enclaves health ministry, 900,000 children are going hungry, and 70,000 show signs of malnutrition.

It is essential to improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation significantly and to obtain a written response from the enemy regarding our response, Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas political bureau, told CNN. This is a condition to go back to negotiations.

In a separate statement, Hamas said it was ready to engage immediately in negotiations again upon the arrival of aid to those in need and to end the humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza.

The statement added that continuing negotiations under the conditions of starvation loses its substance and effectiveness.

CNN previously reported that Hamas was considering hardening its position in negotiations. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said Wednesday there was no point in continuing to engage in negotiations as long as Gazas starvation crisis continues.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Marcelo Teixeira

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The Trump administration's steep import tariff on Brazilian coffee looks set to reshuffle trade routes for beans from the world's top grower and exporter, benefiting China and incentivizing traders to look for indirect routes into the U.S.

A 50% tariff on some Brazilian products, including coffee, will begin on August 6, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. The move will challenge commodities traders and Brazilian coffee exporters to find buyers for the roughly 8 million bags sold to U.S. coffee processors every year.

At around 25 million bags per year, the U.S. is the world's largest coffee consumer. A third of that comes from Brazil, through bilateral trade that was worth $4.4 billion in the 12 months ended in June.

"The global coffee trade flow will be reshuffled. The pain will be felt from Sao Paulo to Seattle - from origin to roaster, to cafe chains, grocers, and morning commuters," said Michael J. Nugent, a senior U.S. coffee broker and owner of MJ Nugent & Co.

The possible rerouting of the massive volume Brazil usually sends to the U.S., similar to the entire production of high-quality coffee grower Ethiopia, could benefit a major Trump rival: China.

More Brazilian beans may be bound for China because of trade ties between the two nations, both members of the BRICS group, and after the first Trump administration disrupted trade, said Marc Schonland, an independent advisor to the U.S. coffee industry.

Coffee consumption is surging in China as young professionals drop tea to seek a higher caffeine boost. Brazil is its main supplier, exporting 538,000 bags to China in the first half of 2025, data from exporters association Cecafe showed.

Coffee consumption has grown around 20% per year for the last 10 years in China and per capita coffee consumption doubled in the last 5 years, according to industry data.

More Brazilian beans could also head to the European Union, where they face no tariffs, said Logan Allender, head of coffee at U.S. roaster and distributor Atlas Coffee Club.

Trade experts see possibilities for exporters to try to dodge the tariffs by exporting Brazilian coffee to other countries, and from there to the U.S.

"It will add a bit of logistics costs, but brings down the (tariff) effect to a max 10% to 15%," said Debajyoti Bhattacharyya, commercial vice president at agricultural commodities firm AFEX Ltd., adding that countries such as Mexico or Panama could be used for the stopovers.

"Without a strong traceable supply chain, tariffs are meaningless. I mean, we can't stop oil from flowing, why would coffee?" he said.

Senior soft commodities analyst and independent consultant Judith Ganes said the fact the U.S. left coffee out of an extensive exemption list of Brazilian products suggests Trump is using the product as a bargaining chip in his political quarrel with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Trump has said Brazil's Supreme Court is treating his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, unfairly. The U.S. sanctioned Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes on Wednesday.

Traders said coffee that is loaded in Brazil by August 6 can enter the U.S. without paying the tariff up until October 6.

William Kapos, CEO at Downeast Coffee Roasters, a large coffee processor in the U.S. East Coast, said he is rushing to ship Brazilian coffee he has already purchased out of South America before that deadline next week.

Going forward, Kapos said he will look to buy coffee from Central America and Africa to replace Brazilian beans.

"But everybody will do that, so price-wise it is going to be a squeeze on U.S. buyers," he said.

(Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira. Editing by Emily Schmall and Nia Williams)
Across China: 80 years on, U.S. youth carry the Flying Tigers' torch

Xinhua) 11:04, August 02, 2025

Students wait in line to lay flowers on the tombstone of U.S. Flying Tiger pilot Glen Beneda in Hong'an County of Huanggang City, central China's Hubei Province, July 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

WUHAN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- As Max Rasilla wheeled his suitcase through the bustling halls of Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in central China earlier this week, the Alfred University student felt a reluctant tug at the thought of ending his two-week journey in China.

"I don't want to leave China," Rasilla said. "I have a 10-year visa, so I'll be able to come back, and next year when I come back, I'll be a little bit more fluent [with my Chinese]," said Rasilla, 22.

Rasilla fell in love with pandas since his childhood and once dreamed of becoming a panda keeper. That innocent fascination sparked his interest in learning Chinese, a journey that has since grown into something far more enduring. Now, as someone majoring in ceramics art, Rasilla feels Chinese philosophy and culture are very inspirational for his artworks.

He was among nearly 100 participants -- mostly U.S. students along with a few entrepreneurs -- who traveled across China from July 17 to 30 to honor the legacy of the Flying Tigers, the American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese invaders during World War II.

As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, led the delegation to retrace the footsteps of the Flying Tigers through Beijing, Xinjiang, Shaanxi and Hubei.

The participants, hailing from over 10 U.S. high schools and universities, not only revisited a pivotal chapter in the Sino-American history but also began forging new people-to-people bonds.

"During the war, the Flying Tigers came to China and fought bravely alongside the Chinese people," said Catherine Greene, Jeffrey's wife, in fluent Mandarin. "Now, as U.S.-China relations face many challenges, we, the younger generation, must be the new Flying Tigers of our time and contribute positively to bilateral relations."

HONORING FLYING TIGERS LEGACY

"I didn't know about the Flying Tigers before I came here," said Rasilla. "Now I think their mission is really important. The connection between the Chinese and American people is so important. For our generation, as we grow older and take on leadership roles, maintaining a good relationship is essential."

The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to help China in its fight against invading Japanese forces.

The story of Glen Beneda left a deep impression on many participants. In 1943, Beneda, then aged 19, was dispatched to China as a fighter pilot in the 14th U.S. Air Force. During an attack on a large Japanese army base in central China's Hankou the following year, the tail of Beneda's plane was hit and the aircraft crashed into Xiafeng Lake in Jianli County, Hubei Province. Beneda survived by parachuting into a nearby rice paddy, but he was severely wounded and could barely move.

Realizing he was an American soldier, farmers and soldiers risked their lives to transfer him on a stretcher across Japanese-controlled areas under the cover of night.

After 23 grueling days, Beneda finally arrived at the Fifth Division of China's New Fourth Army led by Li Xiannian, who later served as Chinese president from 1983 to 1988. There, the U.S. pilot gradually recovered and formed deep friendships with Chinese soldiers, even sharing games of ping pong with them.

The veteran later returned to China several times with his family. "I owe a debt to the Chinese people who have been so good to me," he said in a documentary. When he passed away in 2010, part of his ashes were buried in the memorial park of the former residence of Li Xiannian in Hubei's Hong'an County.

The sacrifices of the Flying Tigers were profound. A total of 2,193 members of the Flying Tigers lost their lives while supporting China and Myanmar during World War II. During battles, more than 200 downed pilots were rescued by Chinese civilians, and thousands of Chinese people died aiding them.

While visiting Hong'an, the student delegation laid chrysanthemums at the memorial site. Some were moved to tears while watching "Touching the Tigers," a documentary about Beneda's story.

Among the students was Lili Li, visiting China for the first time with her mother Anna Li, who is the daughter of Lieutenant Kuo Ching Li, the only Chinese-American Flying Tiger.

"I feel that the bond between the United States and China has been so strong these past decades," Lili Li said. "For me, being able to carry that connection forward, especially in today's world, is one of the most important things."

During their visit to northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the delegation learned about the heroic "Hump Route" over the Himalayas, which was used to deliver vital supplies to Chinese troops fighting Japanese invaders.

"We learned all about how they supported China and how the Chinese supported the Americans during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression," said Giacomo Weil, a student from the Central High School in Philadelphia.

"The Chinese made a ton of sacrifices and gave up their food so that the Flying Tigers could fly and make missions against the Japanese. It was really awesome to see that beautiful link between China and the United States," said Weil, 18.

FORGING NEW BOND

While paying tribute to wartime heroes, the members of the delegation also immersed themselves in rich and diverse cultures, experiencing a different side of the U.S.-China relationship, one defined by youth dialogue, shared interests and mutual curiosity.

In Beijing, the students visited the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. In Turpan, Xinjiang, they explored the Jiaohe Ruins, one of the world's best-preserved, longest-lasting and largest clay-built city relics, as well as the Karez wells, witnessing the resilience and ingenuity of ancient Chinese civilization.

"Very eye-opening. I didn't know that China had a wild west, too. We don't learn much about Xinjiang or any of those western regions of China, which was very interesting to me," said Sarah Destiny Golovey, a junior student at California State University, Sacramento.

They also visited Yan'an, a historically significant city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. "It was really cool, really beautiful," Weil said. "China is so vast. In contrast to the desert in Xinjiang, Yan'an has green hills, and we saw the Yellow River. I even got to visit the Hukou Waterfall. But in every city I visited, the hospitality has been absolutely amazing."

In Wuhan, cultural exchanges came alive on the students' first evening during a welcome cruise, where local university students performed traditional dances, played the guzheng (Chinese zither), and sang English pop songs.

For Vrishab Kaushik, Weil's schoolmate, the surprise came when he first downloaded WeChat. "I didn't expect it to handle payments, travel arrangements, and almost everything in one app. Pretty cool," Kaushik said.

Rasilla said the trip is just the beginning. "My goal is to pass the Chinese proficiency test level five and come back to pursue a master's degree in Jingdezhen next year," he said. "And probably I'll go back to America to teach Chinese language and culture to more American students."

Anna Li, daughter of Lieutenant Kuo Ching Li, the only Chinese-American Flying Tiger, lays a flower on the tombstone of U.S. Flying Tiger pilot Glen Beneda in Hong'an County of Huanggang City, central China's Hubei Province, July 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Jeffrey Greene (2nd R), chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, lays a flower on the tombstone of U.S. Flying Tiger pilot Glen Beneda in Hong'an County of Huanggang City, central China's Hubei Province, July 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
WASHINGTON  A San Francisco federal judge was lambasted by conservative legal commentators as lawless after she ordered a halt to the removal of temporary immigration protections for more than 60,000 migrants from Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal.

US District Judge Trina Thompson, an appointee of President Joe Biden, ordered the planned elimination of Temporary Protected Status for migrants from the three countries pushed back until Nov. 18, when she would hear arguments on the Trump administration revoking the program.

The freedom to live fearlessly, the opportunity of liberty, and the American dream. That is all Plaintiffs seek, Thompson wrote in her Thursday order. Instead, they are told to atone for their race, leave because of their names, and purify their blood. The Court disagrees.

US District Judge Trina Thompson ordered the planned elimination of Temporary Protected Status for the migrants from the countries pushed back until Nov. 18 and set a hearing date. United States District Court Northern District of California

Much of the order detailed the plight the migrants would face in being forced to return to their home countries  and even included a comparison between the Trump administrations immigration policies and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Thompson also claimed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems move to scrap the program was motivated by racial animus and improperly linked migrants with increased crime.

Supporters of the president were left aghast by Thompsons order.

Thompson also claimed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems move to scrap the program was motivated by racial animus and improperly linked migrants with increased crime. AFP via Getty Images

I was trying to think of a knock-down hypo[thetical] of a district court order that everyone of right reason would agree the President has no duty to respect, because it is so obviously not-law on its face, said Harvard Law professor Adrian Vermeule.

But Im not sure I can do better than you cant repeal temporary protected status because something something the Atlantic slave trade.

The craziest thing about Judge Trina Thompsons ridiculous TPS ruling isnt the weird prose comparing ending TPS to the transatlantic slave trade, added Will Chamberlain, senior counsel at the conservative Article III Project focused on the federal judiciary.

The Biden-appointed judges order included a comparison between the Trump administrations immigration policies and the Atlantic slave trade in the colonial era. REUTERS

Its that theres a statutory jurisdictional bar to even hearing the case and she just breezed right past it, Chamberlain said, noting that some footnotes by the judge contained nothing but citations to academic sociologists.

People are making fun of this moronic opinion for being written at the level of a 9th grade essay, but Im just glad it clearly wasnt written using AI, snarked Jeff Blehar, an attorney and writer at National Review Online. Call me Mr. Brightside.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller slammed the ruling as the product of judicial tyranny, while Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk called the order completely lawless.

 The legal rationale here is I think Trump is a racist therefore to hell with the law, Kirk added on X. Black robe tyranny is a scourge on this land. Such egregious rulings by bad judges MUST start to come with consequences, or it wont stop.

Hondurans and Nicaraguans had been given the legal status to emigrate and get work permits as a federal response to humanitarian issues following Hurricane Mitch in 1998, when the storm hit both countries, killing almost 7,300 people.

Nepal joined the TPS program in June 2015 after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck only 50 miles from Nepals densely populated capital of Kathmandu, the judges order also noted. AFP via Getty Images

Nepal joined the TPS program in June 2015 after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck only 50 miles from Nepals densely populated capital of Kathmandu, the judges order also noted.

Noem yanked the protections in June and July, offering a plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus to anyone who self-deports immediately, saying in a statement: Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that  temporary.

The cabinet official also maintained that the nations have since recovered from the natural disasters that prompted their enrollment in the program.

Temporary Protected Status was designed to be just that  temporary, Noem said. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Protections for Nepalese migrants were set to expire Aug. 5. Honduran and Nicaraguan migrants would have been pushed out of the program the following month.

Around 51,000 Hondurans, 7,200 Nepalis and 2,900 Nicaraguans are currently in the TPS program without more permanent green-card status, according to DHS statistics previously reported by CBS News.
By Kristina Cooke and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration says that some serious criminals need to be deported to third countries because even their home countries won't accept them. But a review of recent cases shows that at least five men threatened with such a fate were sent to their native countries within weeks.

President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and his administration has sought to ramp up removals to third countries, including sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, two sub-Saharan African nations.

Immigrants convicted of crimes typically first serve their U.S. sentences before being deported. This appeared to be the case with the eight men deported to South Sudan and five to Eswatini, although some had been released years earlier.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in June that third-country deportations allow them to deport people so uniquely barbaric that their own countries wont take them back. Critics have countered that its not clear the U.S. tried to return the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini to their home countries and that the deportations were unnecessarily cruel.

Reuters found that at least five men threatened with deportation to Libya in May were sent to their home countries weeks later, according to interviews with two of the men, a family member and attorneys.

After a U.S. judge blocked the Trump administration from sending them to Libya, two men from Vietnam, two men from Laos and a man from Mexico were all deported to their home nations. The deportations have not previously been reported.

DHS did not comment on the removals. Reuters could not determine if their home countries initially refused to take them or why the U.S. tried to send them to Libya.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin contested that the home countries of criminals deported to third countries were willing to take them back, but did not provide details on any attempts to return the five men home before they were threatened with deportation to Libya.

If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, you could end up in CECOT, Alligator Alcatraz, Guantanamo Bay, or South Sudan or another third country, McLaughlin said in a statement, referencing El Salvadors maximum-security prison and a detention center in the subtropical Florida Everglades.

FAR FROM HOME

DHS did not respond to a request for the number of third-country deportations since Trump took office on January 20, although there have been thousands to Mexico and hundreds to other countries.

The eight men sent to South Sudan were from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, South Sudan and Vietnam, according to DHS. The man DHS said was from South Sudan had a deportation order to Sudan, according to a court filing. The five men sent to Eswatini were from Cuba, Jamaica, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen, according to DHS.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the men deported to South Sudan and Eswatini were the worst of the worst and included people convicted in the United States of child sex abuse and murder. American communities are safer with these heinous illegal criminals gone, Jackson said in a statement.

The Laos government did not respond to requests for comment regarding the men threatened with deportation to Libya and those deported to South Sudan and Eswatini. Vietnam's foreign ministry spokesperson said on July 17 that the government was verifying information regarding the South Sudan deportation but did not provide additional comment to Reuters.

The government of Mexico did not comment.

The Trump administration acknowledged in a May 22 court filing that the man from Myanmar had valid travel documents to return to his home country but he was deported to South Sudan anyway. DHS said the man had been convicted of sexual assault involving a victim mentally and physically incapable of resisting.

Eswatini's government said on Tuesday that it was still holding the five migrants sent there in isolated prison units under the deal with the Trump administration.

'A VERY RANDOM OUTCOME'

The Supreme Court in June allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries without giving them a chance to show they could be harmed. But the legality of the removals is still being contested in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could potentially wind its way back to the conservative-leaning high court.

Critics say the removals aim to stoke fear among migrants and encourage them to self deport to their home countries rather than be sent to distant countries they have no connection with.

This is a message that you may end up with a very random outcome that you're going to like a lot less than if you elect to leave under your own steam, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute.

Internal U.S. immigration enforcement guidance issued in July said migrants could be deported to countries that had not provided diplomatic assurances of their safety in as little as six hours.

While the administration has highlighted the deportations of convicted criminals to African countries, it has also sent asylum-seeking Afghans, Russians and others to Panama and Costa Rica.

The Trump administration deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador in March, where they were held in the country's CECOT prison without access to attorneys until they were released in a prisoner swap last month.

More than 5,700 non-Mexican migrants have been deported to Mexico since Trump took office, according to Mexican government data, continuing a policy that began under former President Joe Biden.

The fact that one Mexican man was deported to South Sudan and another threatened with deportation to Libya suggests that the Trump administration did not try to send them to their home countries, according to Trina Realmuto, executive director at the pro-immigrant National Immigration Litigation Alliance.

Mexico historically accepts back its own citizens, said Realmuto, one of the attorneys representing migrants in the lawsuit contesting third-country deportations.

The eight men deported to South Sudan included Mexican national Jesus Munoz Gutierrez, who had served a sentence in the U.S. for second-degree murder and was directly taken into federal immigration custody afterward, according to Realmuto. Court records show Munoz stabbed and killed a roommate during a fight in 2004.

When the Trump administration first initiated the deportation in late May, Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government had not been informed.

If he does want to be repatriated, then the United States would have to bring him to Mexico, Sheinbaum said at the time.

His sister, Guadalupe Gutierrez, said in an interview that she didnt understand why he was sent to South Sudan, where he is currently in custody. She said Mexico is trying to get her brother home.

Mexico never rejected my brother, Gutierrez said.

USING US AS A PAWN

Immigration hardliners see the third-country removals as a way to deal with immigration offenders who cant easily be deported and could pose a threat to the U.S. public.

"The Trump administration is prioritizing the safety of American communities over the comfort of these deportees, said Jessica Vaughan, policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports lower levels of immigration.

The Trump administration in July pressed other African nations to take migrants and has asked the Pacific Islands nation of Palau, among others.

Under U.S. law, federal immigration officials can deport someone to a country other than their place of citizenship when all other efforts are impracticable, inadvisable or impossible.

Immigration officials must first try to send an immigrant back to their home country, and if they fail, then to a country with which they have a connection, such as where they lived or were born.

For a Lao man who was almost deported to Libya in early May, hearing about the renewed third-country deportations took him back to his own close call. In an interview from Laos granted on condition of anonymity because of fears for his safety, he asked why the U.S. was using us as a pawn?

His attorney said the man had served a prison sentence for a felony. Reuters could not establish what he was convicted of.

He recalled officials telling him to sign his deportation order to Libya, which he refused, telling them he wanted to be sent to Laos instead. They told him he would be deported to Libya regardless of whether he signed or not, he said. DHS did not comment on the allegations.

The man, who came to the United States in the early 1980s as a refugee when he was four years old, said he was now trying to learn the Lao language and adapt to his new life, taking it day by day.

(Reporting by Kristina Cooke in San Francisco and Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Brendan O'Boyle and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City, Marc Frank in Havana, Phuong Nguyen and Khanh Vu in Hanoi, Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok, Kirsty Neeham in Sydney; Editing by Mary Milliken and Claudia Parsons)
Samir Hussein/WireImage;Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Prince Harry in April 2025; Prince Andrew in April 2025





NEED TO KNOW

Prince Harry denies claims he physically fought Prince Andrew at a 2013 family gathering

A new book alleges Andrew made critical remarks about Meghan Markle to Harry, which Harry denies

The book also claims Prince William seeks to remove Andrew from Royal Lodge amid ongoing family tensions





Prince Harry is pushing back on explosive claims in a new book alleging he once got into a physical altercation with his uncle Prince Andrew  and that Meghan Markle was the subject of behind-the-scenes insults.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex tells PEOPLE, I can confirm neither of those things are true. Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have never had a physical fight, nor did Prince Andrew ever make those comments about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry.

The denial comes in response to a new book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, which alleges that a heated argument between Harry and Andrew broke out at a family gathering in 2013 over "something Andrew said behind Harrys back," reportedly escalating to the point where punches were thrown and Andrew was left with a bloody nose. The book also claims that Andrew privately questioned Harrys relationship with Meghan, calling her an opportunist and suggesting the marriage wouldnt last.

PEOPLE has reached out to the palace for comment.

WPA Pool/Getty Prince Andrew and Prince Harry in 2016

According to the book by author Andrew Lownie, with an excerpt published in the Daily Mail, tensions between Prince Andrew and both of his nephews have simmered for years. It further alleges that Prince William has worked behind the scenes to push Andrew out of Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate he continues to occupy, and has privately expressed disdain for Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.

The book portrays Andrew as a controversial figure and delves into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has been largely stripped of official duties and stepped back from public life amid intense scrutiny and reputational damage.

The new book marks the latest in a series of controversial publications chronicling the royal familys internal rifts, many of which have only deepened since Harry and Meghans 2020 decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to California.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on March 9, 2020 in London

Harry and Meghan, now raising their two children in Montecito, have largely focused on their philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Despite longstanding tensions within the family, Prince Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation, while remaining steadfastly focused on protecting his wife and children.

"I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," Prince Harry told the BBC in May.

Read the original article on People
U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona (Photo by Flickr user Gage Skidmore, via a Creative Commons License.) Gage Skidmore | Flickr

(The Center Square)  President Donald Trump's executive order on homelessness continues to have people talking.

The order is called "Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets." It aims to do something about the number of homeless and drug-addicted people living on the streets through efforts such as committing them for mental health treatment. Trump said it is part of a new approach focused on protecting public safety across the nation.

Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe, said Trump in an online statement. 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.

According to the president, the overwhelming majority of these people are addicted to drugs, have a mental health condition, or both.

Nearly two-thirds of homeless individuals report having regularly used hard drugs like methamphetamines, cocaine, or opioids in their lifetimes, said Trump. An equally large share of homeless individuals reported suffering from mental health conditions. The federal government and the states have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness but not its root causes, leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats.

The Center Square emailed all the Democrats representing Arizona on Capitol Hill. None of them responded.

However, the National Alliance to End Homelessness issued a press release saying the order would impose a multitude of harmful, ineffective, and outdated policies and practices for addressing homelessness. The Alliance went on to take issue with the orders attacks on housing, the call for forced institutionalization, and the elimination of fundamental privacy protections for homeless people.

U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Arizona, told The Center Square that he understands concerns about due process rights, adding we must make sure they are never violated. At the same time, Hamadeh said, We must also recognize the rights of our citizens who do not want their neighborhoods swallowed up by homeless encampments.

Earlier this year, I participated in the Veterans Community Project groundbreaking in Glendale, Arizona, said Hamadeh, a former U.S. Army Reserve captain. The project provides transitional housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Not only will the veterans be able to live in a tiny home, but they will also receive much-needed employment and healthcare services.

Hamadeh called that an innovative, holistic, and compassionate approach to the situation.

Compassion has to be the cornerstone of all approaches we take, whether providing a hand up to those facing financial based homelessness or hospitalization for those experiencing mental health issues, said Hamadeh, whose resume includes past work experience as a Maricopa County prosecutor.

Hamadeh went on to say that he believes President Trumps executive order is welcomed by those who truly understand that much of our homelessness is a result of mental illness and addiction. He added that too many of "these individuals are preyed upon by opportunists in the 'homeless industrial complex' and do not get the real assistance they need.
Republican senators are getting ready to leave Washington without advancing a major sanctions bill against Russia, giving President Trump sole discretion over whether to follow through on his threats against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he refuses to halt his war against Ukraine.

Trump has given an Aug. 8 deadline for Putin to stop fighting or risk tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. As a preview, he announced 25 percent tariffs on India, a major importer of Russian energy. Thats far below the 500 percent secondary tariff power Congress laid out in draft legislation.

While Senate Ukraine hawks wanted to see their sanctions bill pass before the monthlong break, they ultimately left the decision entirely in Trumps hands, at least for the summer.

I think hes going to be very careful about what he does, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said when asked by The Hill if Trump can be trusted to impose costs on Putin.

But I think he is clearly disappointed in Putin and I think he is now coming around to recognizing that many of us were right.

Democrats have expressed skepticism Trump will punish Putin, even as the president has shown increasing frustration with the Russian leaders refusal to accept a ceasefire.

Trump said Friday he ordered nuclear submarines to the region in response to threats of nuclear weapons use from Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president, current deputy chair of the security council and frequent online provocateur.

Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances, Trump posted on his social media site Truth Social.

Trump told reporters Thursday that his special envoy for peace missions, Steve Witkoff, is expected to travel to Russia following a visit to Israel on Friday.

Trump described Russias ongoing attacks against Ukraine as disgusting.

We have about eight days.  Were going to put sanctions, he said.

Even as Trump has shortened the deadline for Russia to get serious about peace talks, the president is hedging on the impact U.S. financial penalties will have on Putins country.

I dont know that sanctions bother him. You know? They know about sanctions. I know better than anybody about sanctions, and tariffs and everything else. I dont know if that has any effect. But were going to do it.

While the U.S. has steadily ramped up sanctions on Russia throughout the war, the Senate bill would have marked a major economic escalation, seeking to isolate Moscow from trading partners that have kept its wartime economy afloat.

Maintaining pressure on Russia economically, and going after its oil revenues in particular, remain crucial to containing and limiting Russias current and future military and foreign policy options, experts with the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in a report late last month.

Steep tariffs on Russias trading partners would also risk shocks to the global energy market and further strain on U.S. relations with major economies such as India, China and Brazil.

Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said deciding which sanctions are imposed  if Russia passes Trumps deadline  are a work in progress, speaking with The Hill on Friday.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), coauthor of the Russia sanctions bill with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), said he would view it as a win if Trump imposed even a fifth of what the Senate was proposing.

We propose in our bill 500 percent. If its 250 percent, I could live with it. Even if its 100 percent, possibly. But you ought to impose bone-crushing sanctions that will stop them from fueling Russias war machine, Blumenthal said.

The Connecticut senator said even as he holds out hope for Trump to give Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) the green light to bring the sanctions bill to the floor, the bill has already moved U.S. policy.

It has given credibility and momentum to the idea of sanctions so that now, even President Trump, who was seemingly Putins best buddy, is giving him deadlines to stop the war or face sanctions, he said.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pointed to Trumps 25 percent tariffs on India as further evidence of this impact. Indian state oil refiners have already moved to pause imports of Russian oil, with the tariff set to go into effect Aug. 7.

Clearly, India was paying attention to that. I think its positive progress that the president is looking at ways in which he can put more pressure on Russia, she said.

Graham said Trump has adopted the theory of the case  going after countries that purchase Russian oil and dont help Ukraine.

He can do it through executive action, or with the bill, he said. I think the bill, as you say, gives him leverage, and were in good discussions, so stay tuned.

But some Republican senators pointed to a missed opportunity in adjourning before a vote on the Graham-Blumenthal bill.

I dont think there are enough sanctions we can place on Russia. I think we should keep hammering them and make sure Ukraines armed, said Sen. Pete Ricketts (Neb.), the No. 2 Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Rounds told The Hill he believed the time is now to put the sanctions bill on the floor.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, said he wanted a Senate vote on the sanctions package so the House could be ready to take it up when they come back in September.

I think having that tool in your tool chest, ready to go, would be a good thing and keep the pressure on Russia, he said.

I think it gives [Trump] more leverage. You can always hold it ready to go, send it over to the House if needed and then to the presidents desk. I think thats not a bad strategy.

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, agreed.

I think thats why its important for us to have this teed up and ready  it gives [Trump] an option, and the more options he has the better, he said.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told The Hill on Wednesday that Thune was absolutely aware of his desire to vote on the Russia sanctions bill before the August recess.

I certainly think it would be an excellent thing to do.

Thunes office told The Hill on Friday it had no scheduling announcements related to the Graham-Blumenthal bill.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIS

Shay Mitchells travel brand BEIS teamed up with Gap to create the cutest collab.

Mitchell, 38, posed with her partner, Matte Babel, and their two daughters, Atlas, 5, and Rome, 2, in a stylish campaign that launched on Friday, August 1. For the photoshoot, which promoted BEIS first travel-ready apparel line, Mitchell rocked a white T-shirt while showing off Gaps denim line. She wore an oversized jacket and baggy pants with a seam running down the front of her leg. The actress teamed the look with white pointed-toe heels.

For glam, she rocked soft makeup including manicured eyebrows, bronzey eyeshadow, contorted cheeks and lined lips. Her brunette hair was parted down the middle and styled in soft waves.

Babel, 44, for his part, looked sharp in a black hoodie, which he wore underneath a denim jacket that coordinated with Michells. He kept his outfit laid-back with black sweatpants and white sneakers.

All the Celebs at New York Fashion Week Spring 2025: See the Best Looks

Their little ones twinned in Gaps leisurewear, which is perfect to travel with alongside a BEIS suitcase. Their sets featured scribbles of travel essentials, including cameras, sunglasses, binoculars, a compass, and of course, Gaps logo.

BEIS

Mitchell gushed about her brands collab, sharing in a press statement, Ive been wearing Gap since I was a kid, so designing a collection that allows you to express your personal style while on the go feels like a full circle moment. This line is for anyone who wants to look good, feel good, and travel in style.

BEIS

She added, BEIS is built on functional and accessible design. Partnering with Gap let us bring BEIS-ics to more people than ever.

Gaps CEO and president Mark Breitbard agreed that the collab would resonate deeply with [their] customers.

Best Fashion Trends to Try for Spring 2023 as Seen on Hailey Bieber, Gabrielle Union and More

As a brand known for iconic essentials, we knew a collection designed to showcase your personal style wherever life takes you would resonate deeply with our customers, he said. Gap  BEIS delivers a modern take on versatile travel wear, brought to life through a digitally led campaign that reflects the built-in memories of traveling with a family.

Fans can shop the limited-time apparel and accessories at Gap.com and Beistravel.com at prices ranging from $8 to $128. The denim blue luggage and travel bags range from $128 to $378.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Friday revived a lawsuit seeking to hold firearms maker Sig Sauer liable to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who was injured when his P320 gun went off accidentally during a training drill.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said a trial judge erred by dismissing Keith Slatowski's lawsuit after excluding testimony from two experts about whether the gun's design could cause injury.

Sig Sauer and its lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company has faced several lawsuits over alleged unintentional P320 firings.

Slatowski's gun discharged from within its holster after his hand hit the grip in September 2020 at a New Castle, Delaware firing range. A bullet went through his upper right hip and out his thigh.

While unsure whether debris or the holster itself caused the trigger to depress, the former Marine said the lack of an external safety to prevent unexpected firings made his gun unsafe. Slatowski sought $10 million in damages.

Writing for a three-judge appeals court panel, Circuit Judge Stephanos Bibas said the trial judge properly excluded testimony from the two experts about whether Slatowski's gun caused his injury, because they hadn't done testing.

But the appeals court said testimony about possible design flaws should have been admitted.

It returned the case to U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick in Philadelphia for a possible trial.

"The P320's design is technical and probably needs explaining," Bibas wrote. "From there, ... Slatowski must rely on his lay eyewitness testimony. It may not prove persuasive. But that is up to the jury, not the judge."

Slatowski's wife is also a plaintiff. Their lawyer Robert Zimmerman said in an email: "Our clients are thankful for the opportunity to present their case to a jury."

The case is Slatowski et al v Sig Sauer Inc, 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 24-1639.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Diane Craft)
Tucci: Kate Green/Getty Images. Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design.





Key Points

Through his acting, writing and social media, Stanley Tucci is well known for his love of food, particularly pasta.

Tucci recommends saving your pasta-cooking water, as the starches help the sauce cling. And he says not to rinse your pasta.

As for sauce, Tucci advises to toss your pasta into the sauce instead of ladling sauce on top.





Through his performances as Secondo in Big Night, Paul Child in Julie & Julia and host of the Emmy-winning series Searching for Italy, actor, writer, filmmaker and author Stanley Tucci has a legacy that is now inextricably intertwined with food, and specifically pasta.

The beloved performer eats pasta for breakfast and, with his four books, personal Instagram and the CNN series, has taught many a lesson on how to prepare an excellent plate of pasta in practical, accessible ways. Read on for some of his best pasta cooking advice.

Tip 1: Save That Pasta-Cooking Water

Before you drain your cooked pasta through a colander, dip a heatproof measuring cup into the pot to save a couple of cups of pasta cooking water. This warm, salty, starchy elixir is the key to making silky, emulsified sauces that cling to the pasta strands. Its the secret ingredient in Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara and Spaghetti alla Nerano (the zucchini-basil pasta Sophie Turner says reminds her of home), which Tucci shares in his 2022 memoir Taste: My Life Through Food. The pasta water acts as a bridge to help rich ingredientseggs and aged cheesesemulsify to create velvety, creamy sauces that cling to the strands of pasta.

Tip 2: Dont Rinse It

In his first book, The Tucci Cookbook, Tucci shares a tip he learned from chef friend Gianni Scappin. Never rinse cooked pasta under cold water, he says. This washes away the pastas natural starch and flavor, and sauces will not adhere as well. This is true for warm sauces, but even more so when one plans to use chilled pasta for pasta salad. Instead, Tucci recommends draining the pasta in a colander, tossing it with a little olive oil, and spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool down. Then you can make your pasta salad or stash the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge to use later.

Tip 3: Know the Rules and Also Break the Rules

A common misconception people have about pasta, said Tucci in an episode of Waitroses Dish Podcast, is that any type of pasta can be paired with any type of sauce. He cites the popular (outside of Italy) combination of spaghetti Bolognese, which, in its origin city of Bologna, is a meat sauce (called ragu) that would always be paired with tender ribbons of tagliatelle or another fresh pasta. Each type of pasta, in Italian tradition, is associated with specific dishes and accompaniments. At the same time, Tucci has no qualms about riffing on Bolognese or combining leftover pasta and cooked beans for an on-the-fly pasta e fagioli on Instagram. Ultimately Tuccis message is that food is meant to be enjoyed, so dont sweat the rules too much when youre cooking for yourself.

Tip 4: Dont Drown It in Sauce

When asked on Waitroses Dish Podcast about his pasta pet peeves that non-Italians make, Tucci answered too much sauce, a common pitfall if one is cooking pasta, plating it and then ladling sauce on top. Tuccis pasta recipes almost invariably call for tossing cooked pasta in the sauce so that each bite is glossed with a light coating, rather than swimming in a pool of it.

Tip 5: Par-Cook Pasta Less for Baked Pasta Dishes

Pasta marinara is a family favorite in the Tucci-Blunt household, and in The Tucci Table, he recommends cooking extra pasta and sauce to make Pasta al Forno, literally pasta in the oven the following day. For this recipe or any other baked pasta dish where youre pre-cooking pasta and then baking it in sauce, he cautions readers to cook it very al dente so it doesnt go soggy and bloated as it bakes.

Tip 6: Use a Diffuser

One recommendation Tucci makes in The Tucci Table, which will be especially helpful if youre cooking on a gas stove or in a thin-walled pot, is to use a heat diffuser when cooking pasta sauces that simmer for 20 minutes or more. A heat diffuser is a metal plate or screen that fits over your burner and disperses heat more evenly across the bottom of your pot, so it doesn't concentrate in one area. Far less pricey than buying a heavy enameled Dutch oven, a heat diffuser can help prevent tomato-based sauces from scorching on the bottom of the pot.

Tip 7: Making Fresh Pasta? Let It Rest

Tuccis love for food was born from Italian American parents who love to cook. Even when they were both working full time, they would make fresh pasta together on weeknights, his mother mixing the dough in a food processor and his father rolling it out. But unless you want to fight your pasta dough at every step as you try to force it through the rollers, a key step in making fresh pasta is letting it rest after mixing the dough. Resting allows time for the flour to hydrate and the strands of gluten formed during the mixing process to soften, ensuring theyll stretch more readily once its time to roll and cut the dough. Need something to do with 20 to 30 minutes of resting time? Tuccis got you there, too. Go mix yourself a Picassos Daughter, his gin twist on a Paloma, and read our full guide on essential tools to make pasta at home.



Tip 8: Fresh Isnt Always Best



Theres a misconception that fresh pasta made at home with flour and eggs is superior to machine-extruded, dried pastas, but Tucci doesnt take sides. By all means, make pillowy gnocchi or tender egg-based pastaslike tagliatelle or delicate sheets for the giant, egg yolk-stuffed ravioli recipe in The Tucci Tablefor the pleasure of the task and the delicious results, but also stock up on spaghetti, penne, orzo and other dried pastas for weekday dinner convenience.

Tip 9: Tomato Is Tough to Beat

The Tucci Cookbook includes seven different tomato-based pasta sauce recipes! And in his 2024 diaristic food memoir, What I Ate in One Year, Tucci says I like to make tomato sauce whenever I return home after a trip  I find it grounding. Day after day, simple tomato sauces appear in his descriptions of the meals he makes himself (and famously brings in his lunch bag to the set of whatever project hes filming). Theyre a favorite for his childrens suppers and make a convenient meal when tossed with fresh pasta or re-warmed leftovers. Whether slow-simmered from canned tomatoes or quick, fresh chopped versions loaded with basil, Tucci shows that you dont really need to overthink things when it comes to saucing pasta as long as youve got some good tomatoes on hand.



Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik





In a Nutshell

Never store garlic confit at room temperature, as this can promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces potentially deadly neurotoxins. To minimize the risk of botulism, garlic confit should be stored for no longer than a week in a refrigerator set to no higher than 40F (4.4C). Setting the temperature at 38F (3.3C) is even better, so fluctuations don't push the temperature above 40F, as pathogens flourish above 40F. It's a good idea to invest in a fridge thermometer to monitor the temperature. Confit can also be frozen for several months and thawed in the refrigerator.





Recently, I was asked to list my top three condiments of all time. It's easy conversation bait for any voracious home cookand one I could personally discuss for hours. Except this time, my one-track brain could only fixate on the condiment I've been making religiously this year: garlic confit.

I cycle through jars of homemade garlic confit like a thirsty pigeon flocking to a fountain. I'm always dreaming up ways to use it in sandwiches, sauces, dips, or slick, slurpable pastas. It's so easy to make, too: Take a handful of peeled garlic cloves, submerge them in high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, then cook them at a bare simmer on the stovetop or in the ovenabout one to three hoursuntil the garlic softens and mellows.

Even as I willingly lap up garlic confit by the spoonful, I'm always mindful of working through my stash quickly. That's because storing garlic confit for longer than a week increases the risk of botulism, a rare but dangerous illness caused by a neurotoxin that attacks the body's nervous system. That may sound alarming, but the risk can be greatly reduced as long as you store the condiment properly, which I'll explain how to do in a bit.

What Exactly Is Garlic Confit?

Garlic confit is called confitliterally "to preserve" in Frenchbecause it's cooked and stored in the very same oil. The result is what I like to call a delicious culinary double-header: Both the roasted cloves and the intensely flavorful oil can be added to all kinds of dishes. The longer the garlic sits in the oil, the more infused the oil becomes.

The term "confit" historically refers to meat cooked and preserved in its own fat, such as duck confit. In a traditional recipe for duck confit, duck legs are first salted to draw out the moisture and lightly cured for 24 to 48 hours. After rinsing off the cure and patting the legs dry, the meat is submerged in rendered duck fat and heated in the oven for three hours. Once the fat cools to room temperature, the duck is refrigerated in its fat, then crisped up on the stove and eaten.

Unlike duck, most vegetables don't contain a lot of fat, so oil must be used to make a confit with them. In the case of garlic confit, olive oil is ideal for the job, as its grassy undertones complement the mellow sweetness of the slow-cooked garlic. With enough time in the oven or on the stove, the garlic becomes soft and spreadable, and its harsh bite mellows, resulting in tender cloves with a sweet, deeply umami flavor.

As much as I wish my garlic confit could last forever, all good things in life come with an expiration date.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Why You Should Never Store Garlic Confit at Room Temperature

The risk of keeping garlic confit for too long? Botulism. It's a serious foodborne illness caused by neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Left untreated, botulism can lead to muscle paralysis and, in rare cases, death. While the spores themselves are common in soil and marine sediments and are typically harmless, they become dangerous under certain conditions. In a low-oxygen, low-acid, and low-sugar environmentsuch as the one in which garlic confit is made and storedbacteria can proliferate rapidly and produce neurotoxins.

Still, the actual risk of botulism in garlic confit is relatively low: Most documented outbreaks have involved raw garlic blended with oil and stored at room temperaturewhich, technically speaking, is not garlic confit.

While investigating the ideal storage time for garlic confit, I encountered discrepancies. Some garlic confit recipes adhere strictly to the USDA's recommendation to store garlic confit at 40F (4.4C) or below and discard it after seven days. (This advice is based on a study of garlic and oil stored at room temperature.) Other reputable sources, however, claim that refrigerated garlic confit can last up to two weeks.

Why the inconsistency? I contacted Don Schaffner, chair of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, to help clarify.

"We know definitively that if you put garlic in oil at room temperature and leave it out for long periods, the possibility of developing botulinum toxin is quite high," he told me. That discrepancy you see online comes down to fridge temperature. "We know that temperatures of home refrigerators can be quite different, and some people have fridges that are quite cold while others do not," Schaffner explains.

Schaffner pointed me to a paper about the mathematical relationship between temperature and time for C. botulinum toxin production. (The study is observational and designed to guide safety practices, not to draw statistically significant conclusions.) Using this formula and some back-of-the-napkin calculations, he showed that the difference in relative risk at 40F (4.4C), which is the USDA recommendation for refrigeration, and 38F (3.3C), which he considers nice, cold refrigeration, is roughly one week.

The takeaway here is that if your fridge temperature is uncertain or fluctuates, it's safest to store garlic confit for no longer than one week, then toss it. But if you have a fridge thermometer to confirm your fridge stays at or below 38F (3.3C), storing garlic confit for up to two weeks should likely be fine, though I personally prefer to err on the side of caution and use it within a week.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

How to Properly Store Garlic Confit

Once your garlic confit is done cooking, transfer the confit and the cooking oil to a clean heatproof container, cover, and refrigerate immediately. Use clean utensils to scoop out any oil or softened garlic cloves, and consume within one week. (Alternatively, you can freeze the garlic confit for several months and thaw it in the fridge when you're ready to consume it.) Professor Schaffner recommends this for long-term storage, since "once you freeze something, the risk of botulism becomes essentially zero if the food is kept frozen." Most importantly, do not store garlic confit at room temperature under any circumstances.

What to Use Garlic Confit On?

Garlic confit adds a wonderfully deep sweetness to just about anything you can puree, mash, or fold it into. Recipes such as creamy bean dip or spaghetti aglio e olio are garlic confit no-brainersjust use garlic confit in place of fresh garlic. You can also blitz it into soups, sauces, and vinaigrettes; top toasts and sandwiches with it; spoon it over juicy poached shrimp and tender steak; and perk up salads and vegetables that need a touch of savoriness. I occasionally incorporate other alliums, such as charred scallions, leeks, and shallots, for an extra boost of rich, caramelized sweetness.



Serious Eats / Sasha Marx

Read the original article on Serious Eats
The 28-year-old teacher accused of stabbing a married couple to death in front of their children at Arkansas Devils Den State Park bounced between four districts in three states prior to the alleged murders, a report said.

Andrew McGann  who was charged with two counts of capital murder in the killing Saturday of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41  was once placed on administrative leave at an elementary school in the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound, Texas, in spring 2023 after concerns were raised about his classroom management, according to the Associated Press.

A parent whose son was in McGanns fifth grade class in Oklahoma that year also told the AP that he remembers him being "reserved" and "not super friendly," and that McGann was "just off-putting" the first time they met.

"He wouldnt look at me really, wouldnt talk to me. He would only really talk to the kids and he would just walk away," Kyle Swanson said. "I dont know, it was a strange interaction."

Arkansas Hiking Murders: Timeline Reveals Teacher Suspects Route From Classroom To Courtroom

Arkansas couple Clinton and Cristen Brink and James Andrew McGann, who has been charged following their deaths.

McGann, who graduated in spring 2022 from Oklahoma State University-Tulsa with a Bachelor of science degree in elementary education, has active teaching licenses in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma, according to each respective government certification website. No infractions or suspensions are noted on his public state licensures in any of those states, the AP reported.

Read On The Fox News App

McGann was placed on administrative leave in spring 2023 while he was employed at Donald Elementary School in Flower Mound, Texas, "following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism," according to a spokesperson for the Lewisville Independent School District.

Sierra Marcum, whose son was in McGanns fourth grade class, told the AP that McGann came across as "pretty cold" and "disinterested in his students." Marcum said her son came home from school upset about some of McGanns behavior, which she reported to the schools principal.

Video Shows Arkansas Hiking Murder Suspect Arrested Mid-haircut

McGann resigned from the Lewisville posting in May 2023, the district said in a statement.

The following school year, he taught fifth grade at an elementary school in the Tulsa suburb of Broken Arrow before leaving to take another job at a separate Tulsa-area district, Sand Springs, from the summer of 2024 until May of this year. Officials with both Oklahoma districts said McGann passed all background checks.

McGann was expected to start a new job at Springdale Public Schools in northwest Arkansas on Aug. 11, according to the AP. Then the murders unfolded on July 26 in what police have described as a seemingly "random" attack.

Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, in connection to a double homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Devils Den State Park.

McGann made his first appearance on Friday before an Arkansas judge, who ordered him to be held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center, assigned him a public defender and scheduled his arraignment for Aug. 25.

A woman who knew Cristen Brink from a church in Miles City, Montana, Amy, told Fox News she had a beautiful voice and was involved in music at the church.

"She got As in nursing school while raising babies and taking care of her family," she said. "I loved her so much and it just doesn't seem real. Just seems there should be something I could do to take all this terrible tragedy back. Sadly, they are gone."

Fox News' Ashley Papa and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Teacher accused of Arkansas hiking murders bounced between 4 districts in 3 states
Authorities in Tennessee have arrested a man who threatened to kill public officials and had explosive devices in his Polk County home.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies on Friday executed an arrest warrant for 54-year-old Kevin Wade O'Neal at his house in Old Fort, an unincorporated community about an hour east of Chattanooga, for allegedly threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel, according to a news release.

Polk County Sheriff's deputies said they found what appeared to be an improvised explosive devices as they executed an arrest warrant for Kevin Wade O'Neal, 54, at his house in Old Fort, Tennessee, for threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel. / Credit: Polk County Sheriff

During the arrest, the deputies observed what appeared to be an improvised explosive device. They alerted the Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for further investigation, officials said.

ATF agents, along with local authorities, searched O'Neal's residence and found 14 explosive devices, the news release said. Investigators also determined that O'Neal attempted to detonate the explosives upon the officers' arrival and while they were attempting to apprehend him.

Kevin Wade O'Neal's residence in Old Fort, Tennessee, an unincorporated community about an hour east of Chattanooga. / Credit: Polk County Sheriff

O'Neal was charged with nine counts of attempted first-degree murder for the nine Polk County Sheriff's detectives and deputies who were present during his arrest.

O'Neal also faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder for other individuals present, and various charges for possession of prohibited weapons. He is being held at the Polk County Jail, and his bond has yet to be determined.

It wasn't immediately clear whether he had an attorney.

Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation

Arkansas officials reveal new details about Devil's Den murders of husband and wife

Saturday Sessions: The Swell Season performs "Great Weight"
President Donald Trump unveiled plans Friday to reposition two nuclear submarines as he and Russias former president sparred over Trumps increased pressure on Moscow to end the war with Ukraine.

After Trump announced a new deadline for Russia to end the conflict with Ukraine in early August, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that the announcement is an additional "step towards war."

"Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a post on Truth Social Friday.

Medvedev Warns That Trump's New Deadline To End Russia-ukraine Conflict Is A Step Towards War

President Donald Trump listens at an event to promote his proposal to improve Americans' access to their medical records, in the East Room of the White House, July 30, 2025, in Washington.

The announcement comes just weeks after Trump praised the contributions of a guided-missile submarine involved in the strikes against Iran, which launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at key Iranian targets, officials said.

"By the way, if anyone thinks our hardware was great over the weekend, far and away the strongest and best equipment we have, 20 years advanced over the pack, is our Nuclear Submarines," Trump said June 23 in a Truth Social post. "They are the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built, and just launched the 30 Tomahawks  All 30 hit their mark perfectly. So, in addition to our Great Fighter Pilots, thank you to the Captain and Crew!"

Read On The Fox News App

The mission, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, also involved more than 125 U.S. aircraft, including B-2 stealth bombers, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

Trump Attacks Iran Nuclear Sites: Are Our Troops In Danger From Retaliatory Strikes?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine hold a joint press conference at the Pentagon press briefing room in Washington, June 26, 2025.

Caine did not disclose the name of the submarine that was involved in the Iran strikes. However, he said that a "guided-missile submarine" was involved.

Four of the U.S. Navys Ohio-class submarines were converted into guided-missile submarines to accommodate conventional land attacks, as well as Special Operations Forces platforms. These submarines are the Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Georgia, according to the U.S. Navy.

All U.S. Navy submarines are nuclear-powered, and Trump did not disclose additional details surrounding the submarines that would be repositioned amid increased tension with Russia. It is incredibly rare for defense officials to comment or reveal the locations of submarines, given the highly classified nature of their deployments and movements.

Trump initially announced on July 14 that he would sign off on "severe tariffs" against Russia if Moscow were to fail to agree to a peace deal within 50 days. However, Trump said Monday that waiting that period of time was pointless as negotiations have continued to drag on for months.

"Im going to make a new deadline, of about 10  10 or 12 days from today," Trump told reporters in Scotland Monday. "Theres no reason for waiting. It was 50 days. I wanted to be generous, but we just dont see any progress being made."

Russian Leader Claims Multiple Countries Prepped To Provide Iran Nuclear Weapons Following Us Strikes

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday President Donald Trump's attempts to push Russia to the negotiating table amount to a "step towards war."

In response, Medvedev, now the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, accused Trump of playing the "ultimatum game."

"Trump's playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10  He should remember 2 things: 1. Russia isn't Israel or even Iran. 2. Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country," Medvedev said in a post on X on Monday.

Trumps new deadline comes amid heightened frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid stalled progress toward peace between Russia and Ukraine, and just days after Russia launched more than 300 drones, four cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles into Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian air force.





Original article source: Trump moves nuclear submarines weeks after praising sub's power in Iran strikes
Workers box finished jeans ready for shipping at the Afri-Expo Textiles Ltd. denim factory in Maseru, Lesotho, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. - Fredrik Lerneryd/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Africa is adjusting to the new reality of US President Donald Trumps tariffs, with countries on the continent facing some of the highest export charges.

But what could become a crisis is an opportunity for United States rival China, which has long courted African countries and is now offering them a lifeline.

We (Africa) are going straight into the hands of China, Nigerian economist Bismarck Rewane told CNN.

That is the unfortunate outcome, Rewane said of Africas expected further shift toward China, which has emerged in recent years as the continents largest bilateral trading partner.

Four African nations - Libya, South Africa, Algeria and Tunisia - face some of the steepest tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with charges on exports ranging from 25% to 30%.

Eighteen other countries from the continent were hit with 15% levies, a modified tariff package released Thursday by the White House showed.

In April, when the US import levies were first announced, Trump pitched them as reciprocal and targeting countries that he said had trade deficits with the US.

But Trump instead based his tariffs on countries trade deficits with the United States  not the tariffs they charge.

South Africa, one of the continents powerhouses, challenged the imposition of a 30% tariff on its US-bound exports, saying Trumps decision was not based on an accurate representation of available trade data.

An opportunity for China

China has offered to soften the impact of US tariffs on Africa, saying in June it would halt charges on imports for nearly all its African partners.

There is no other opportunity for African countries to strengthen South-South trade (among developing nations) than now, South African researcher Neo Letswalo told CNN, while urging countries to solely turn to China and make it the next US.

America is gradually forfeiting its global leadership status, Letswalo said, adding that the more countries become less dependent on the US, the greater opportunity for China to become an alternative.

Before the tariff deadline, the US did not make a trade deal with any African nation despite efforts from the continent to avoid the tariffs, underscoring Africas place on the White Houses priority list.

Letswalo described Americas failure to negotiate a deal with Africa as an open goal for China.

The impact of Trumps tariffs is already being felt in some of Africas most buoyant economies and some of the continents poorest, such as Lesotho, which was slapped with a 15% tariff. It had previously been hit with a 50% tariff  one of the steepest rates  before the charges were modified.

Lesothos Prime Minister Samuel Matekane said in June that the huge tariff, combined with the halt of US aid to the nation of just over 2 million people, have crippled industries that previously sustained thousands of jobs.

Trump has described Lesotho, a landlocked nation surrounded by South Africa, as a country nobody has ever heard of  even though trade between the US and Lesotho totaled over $240 million last year, mostly in textiles.

A worker executes her duties at the Afri-Expo Textile Factory, which makes clothing for the U.S. market, on the outskirts of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, July 9, 2025. - Siyabonga Sishi/Reuters

Before the tariffs, Lesotho benefited from a US trade agreement that allowed it and other eligible sub-Saharan countries to export goods to the US duty-free.

Authorities in Lesotho have declared a two-year national state of disaster over the tariffs, as the country braces for their impact, with the textile industry already grappling with massive job losses.

Thousands of roles are also threatened in Lesothos richer neighbor, South Africa, where citrus growers said they were gripped with great anxiety ahead of the August 1 tariff deadline.

In a statement this week, the countrys Citrus Growers Association (CGA) warned that job losses will be a certainty if the tariffs came into effect.

It added that, hundreds of thousands of cartons of citrus are ready in packhouses to be shipped to the US over the next few weeks, and that implementing the charges will mean most of this fruit will be left unsold.

Distribution workers pack tangerines at Goede Hoop Citrus in Citrusdal, Western Cape province, South Africa, July 9, 2025. - Esa Alexander/Reuters

Other industries in South Africa, such as the automobile sector, also face the risk of economic shocks, analysts said.

Already, we have companies within the automobile sector threatening to leave (the country) as a result of plummeting business, Letswalo said.

The tariffs will add to the burden of pre-existing issues, and if these entities decide to exit South Africa, our already existing unemployment calamities will worsen, he said.

Gwede Mantashe, South Africas minister of mineral and petroleum resources, told reporters Tuesday that other routes are being sought for South African goods.

If the US imposes high tariffs, we must look for alternative markets, he said. Our biggest trading partner is China, not the US. The US is number two, Mantashe added.

As South Africa scouts for broader opportunities, however, the citrus growers group has voiced its reservations, specifically that their products suit designated markets so finding another is not straightforward.

Its CEO, Boitshoko Ntshabele, told CNN in a statement that the US market remains a priority, and so should improving access to China and elsewhere.

There is a deep appreciation of South African citrus by US consumers. Since 2017, our exports to that market have almost doubled. The market has immense potential, Ntshabele added.

Is reliance on China risky?

Letswalo believes there are accompanying risks behind the enticing option of relying on Beijing to cushion the impact of Trumps tariffs.

Alternating US with China could be risky, he said, especially for some nascent industries within the (African) countries.

If theyre not protected, Chinese products will flood and outcompete them as many African countries are price sensitive markets, he warned.

A large batch of goods, including dump trucks, is assembled at the Yantai Port for export to Africa on July 7, 2025 in Yantai, Shandong Province of China. - Tang Ke/VCG/Getty Images

China has imposed some imbalanced trade deals of its own in Africa with trade deficits skewed in its favor, according to the China-Global South Project (CGSP), an organization monitoring Chinas engagement with developing countries.

Additionally, the bulk of Beijings exports to Africa comprise mainly manufactured products, while the continents exports to China are commonly raw materials.

South Africas Ramaphosa advocated for balanced trade with China when he met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing last year.

Letswalo advised that, while Africa leans on China for trade, it must also seek domestic alternatives.

He recommended a swift implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), an agreement signed by nations on the continent to boost trade among themselves.

Although established in 2020, implementing AfCFTA has been slow, with just over 20 countries of the continents 55 trading under the deal.

Rewane believes that the US tariffs could inspire Africa to build economic resilience and be less dependent on lopsided trade. Above all, he added, the continent must be more inward-looking rather than outward-dependent.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
President Donald Trump's history of criticizing the Bureau of Labor Statistics' jobs report has surfaced in the wake of his decision to fire commissioner Erika McEntarfer on Friday.

Trump's public frustrations with the economics and statistics agency appear to date back to his 2016 presidential campaign. "Don't believe those phony numbers," then-candidate Trump said in his New Hampshire victory speech during his first campaign for the White House.

Last August, Trump claimed without evidence that former President Joe Biden's administration was "caught fraudulently manipulating" job statistics, when the agency publicly disclosed that the economy created fewer than 818,000 jobs between April of 2023 and March of 2024 than initial estimates suggested.

"There's never been any revision like this," Trump said at a campaign rally in North Carolina on Aug. 21, 2024. "They wanted it to come out after the election, but somehow it got leaked," he claimed at the time.

Bureau of Labor Statistics - PHOTO: Dr. Erika McEntarfer, Commissioner of Labor Statistics.

MORE: Trump fires BLS commissioner after weak jobs report and baseless claim of 'faked' stats

Trump did not provide evidence that the information publicly disclosed by the agency was leaked.

Then-Labor Secretary Julie Su in November 2024 defended the figures, and also suggested the numbers were impacted by Hurricane Helene's impact on the southeastern United States, and labor strikes.

"The labor market remains very strong, and this shows what happens when you have a president and a vice president who are fighting for workers every single day," Su said at the time.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses several surveys for estimating employment levels in the U.S. and revisions are common. Every monthly Jobs Report has a blurb at the end that updates the figures from the previous two months based on new data.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One to depart for New Jersey, at the White House in Washington, Aug. 1, 2025.

The revision that Trump was referencing was made public on Aug. 21, and updated with final figures in February 2025, according to the BLS website.

The same downward revisions also took place during Trump's first term, under then-BLS commissioner William W. Beach. The agency determined 518,000 fewer jobs were created in March 2019 than it had initially reported.

Alternatively, Trump had no complaints about the jobs report produced under McEntarfer -- a Biden appointee -- right before the 2024 election, which showed the U.S. gained 12,000 jobs in October.

The then-candidate referenced the low numbers while criticizing the Biden-Harris administration at a rally in Milwaukee.

"They did 12,000 jobs," Trump said to boos at the rally on Nov. 1. "It's hundreds of thousands of jobs less than it should be," he added.

Trump was also quick to embrace the jobs reports as president -- when they were favorable.

In March 2017 -- when the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 235,000 jobs the prior month -- then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Trump had full faith in the positive report, despite calling it "phony" in the past.

"I talked to the president prior to this and he said to quote him very clearly: 'They may have been phony in the past, but it's very real now,'" Spicer said to reporters at the time.

Trump's decision to fire McEntarfer on Friday came after the report found the U.S. had added 73,000 jobs in July, according to data from the BLS. The figure marked a slowdown from 147,000 jobs added in the previous month.

Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House, Aug. 1, 2025 in Washington.

The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, keeping it at near-historic lows, according to the report.

The report provided new estimates for two previous months, significantly dropping the government's estimate of jobs added in May and June. The fresh data indicated a notable slowdown in hiring as Trump's tariffs took hold over recent months.

Trump criticized McEntarfer over the revisions, saying without evidence that the revisions suggested jobs statistics had been "manipulated."

ABC News has reached out to McEntarfer for a comment.

MORE: Fed holds interest rates steady, defying Trump's pressure

The Trump administration described the downward revisions as an unwelcome sign for the U.S. economy but did not dispute the data. "Obviously, they're not what we want to see," Stephen Miran, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said on Friday morning.

The Friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an organization chaired by previous BLS commissioners William Beach and Erica L. Groshen, released a statement on Friday, saying Trump's decision to fire McEntarfer "escalates the President's unprecedented attacks on the independence and integrity of the federal statistical system."

"The President seeks to blame someone for unwelcome economic news. The Commissioner does not determine what the numbers are but simply reports on what the data show," the statement read.

Beach was appointed by Trump during his first administration and Groshen was appointed by former President Barack Obama.

The organization called on Congress to "respond immediately, to investigate the factors that led to Commissioner McEntarfers removal, to strongly urge the Commissioners continued service, and ensure that the nonpartisan integrity of the position is retained."

Asked by reporters as he departed the White House on Friday about the reason for McEntarfer's firing, Trump said he believes the economy is doing well and claimed the latest jobs numbers were "phony."

"I believe the numbers were phony just like they were before the election, and there were other times," Trump said, pointing to a previous revision in the jobs numbers last year that he claimed, without evidence, was an attempt to benefit Democrats heading into the election. He said this despite using the numbers as a talking point in his campaign.

"So you know what I did? I fired her. And you know what? I did the right thing," Trump said.
Weeks of rising anger over Palestinians starving due to Israel's offensive and aid restrictions had reached all the way to the White House, with President Donald Trump lamenting the sight of emaciated children on the brink of starvation.

On Friday, his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, entered Gaza in a rare visit by high-level U.S. officials to the besieged enclave.

Accompanied by the Israeli military, Witkoff visited an aid distribution site in southern Gaza run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, where hundreds of Palestinians waited desperately behind barbed wire for food.

Incredible feat! Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, who accompanied Witkoff, said in a post on X on Friday, after touring GHF's operations and speaking to "folks on the ground."

A food distribution point run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), near the Netsarim corridor in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday. (EYAD BABA / AFP - Getty Images)

Palestinians and others inside Gaza have criticized the visit as a public relations stunt for GHF, whose aid distribution process has been marked by chaos, looting and deadly shootings, often by Israeli soldiers, that have killed hundreds of hungry Palestinians seeking aid.

It was a PR stunt, a controlled visit supervised and dictated by the Israeli military, Ellie Burgos, an American critical care nurse volunteering at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told NBC News' crew on the ground. What they saw was not the reality.

Burgos had earlier called for Witkoff to visit Gaza, urging him to witness the conditions on the ground for himself, but felt his limited tour did little to change the situation on the ground.

Food is still incredibly difficult to find, people are still being shot at aid distribution sites, and violence continues, she said.

On the day of the visit, at least 92 people were killed on Friday across Gaza, including 51 people who were seeking aid, Dr. Mohammed Saqr, director of nursing at Nasser Hospital, told NBC News.

Mohamed Saddak, 47, who was hoping to collect food for his family of nine, told NBC News' crew that tanks had advanced toward him and others as they sought to receive aid.

They are constantly shooting at us, he said, firing from tanks, and sometimes by drones.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, left, arrives at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to meet families of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. (AFP - Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News on the shootings at aid sites following Witkoff's visit.

Israeli officials continued to deny claims of widespread hunger inside Gaza, though in a sign of shifting discourse, top U.S. officials have begun to acknowledge the crisis.

Youve got little kids who are clearly starving to death, Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Monday.

In a post on X, Witkoff said the visit's purpose was to give Trump a "clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza."

After Gaza, Witkoff on Saturday visited Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where families of Israeli hostages held captive by Hamas were demanding that the Israeli government secure a deal to release the remaining hostages. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

According to a statement by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Witkoff told them, We will get your children home and hold Hamas responsible for any bad acts on their part. He added, We will do whats right for the Gazan people.

The protests came after a video of an Israeli hostage in Gaza, Rom Braslavski, was released by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad on Thursday. A day later, Hamas released a video of another Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, showing him alive but frail. It is unclear when the videos were filmed.

We cannot endure even one more minute without bringing him home, Braslavskis cousin Adam Hajaj said in a statement. This video tore my family apart!

Families of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 demonstrate in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square during U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's visit on Saturday. (JACK GUEZ / AFP - Getty Images)

Huckabee, meanwhile, hailed GHF's distribution of over a million meals a day, which at Gaza's population of roughly 2 million people averages to half a meal per person per day.

GHF stepped in to distribute food in the weeks after Israel lifted its nearly three-month total blockade on all food and supplies entering the enclave. But the aid GHF distributed, alongside some limited quantities by other international organizations, fell far short of the needs of the population. Last Sunday, Israel said it was expanding aid access into Gaza after outrage mounted over the widespread starvation and surging deaths from malnutrition.

GHF runs four aid sites in Gaza, and even though it claims independence from any government, it runs the sites inside Israel's militarized zone with the backing of the Israeli military.

Witnesses and aid agencies have decried the aid delivery process, which, according to the U.N., has resulted in deaths of nearly 1,400 people while collecting aid, including 859 in the vicinity of the GHF sites.

The Israeli military and the GHF have acknowledged that some shots have been fired but said only as warnings.

US-backed Israeli forces and private contractors have put in place a flawed, militarized aid distribution system that has turned aid distributions into regular bloodbaths, New York-based Human Rights Watch said Friday.

Burgos' colleague, Dr. Tom Adamkiewicz, urged the diplomats to see "whats happening to the children, the families, to these young boys and women and men that are being basically shot at like rabbits."
Chilean investigative police display a watch that was stolen from actor Keanu Reeves and seized in an operation in Santiago, at a conference in December 2024. - @PDI_CHILE

Six watches that had been stolen from actor Keanu Reeves in Los Angeles were handed over to the FBI this week at the US Embassy in Santiago, Chile, nearly 9,000 kilometers away, to be returned to their owner.

The discovery of the luxury watches was circumstantial, the embassy said, as it occurred during a broader police investigation into home burglaries in the eastern part of the Chilean capital. Authorities were targeting a criminal group, not imagining its ramifications would extend to Hollywood.

In 2023, this gang was committing robbery offenses. Once they were fenced in and (the case) became widely reported due to the violence they used, some of these individuals migrated and began committing crimes abroad using the same modus operandi, Deputy Prefect Marcelo Varas, head of the Robbery and Criminal Intervention Investigation Brigade of the Chilean Investigative Police, told CNN. Varas explained that the gang sought to break into empty homes, but if they encountered someone, they would act violently.

During the operations and raids, investigators located one of the suspects in a house in the commune of Penalolen, where they found valuable items, including watches, one of which bore an inscription.

One of the detectives, who liked the John Wick film series, managed to recognize the item, Varas said. He had read the story about the (stunt) doubles, each of whom had been given a watch. We tracked them down and actually made a match, he added.

Rolex from a movie

In 2021, Reeves gifted Rolex Submariners to the stunt crew he worked with on John Wick: Chapter 4. Each one had his name on the back with the caption, Thank you, JW4, 2021, The John Wick Five.

Prosecutor Claudia Barraza said at the embassy handover ceremony there was no evidence that the criminal group that broke into Reeves home was the same one that brought the watches to Chile.

But Varas pointed out that authorities had also seized a cell phone used by the individual who allegedly committed the robbery. On that device, they found photos taken in the United States showing the watch in question, a gun, and the actors drivers license, leading investigators to believe the pictures were taken at Reeves home.

Detail of the seized Rolex watch, with Keanu Reeves' name and a reference to the film John Wick. - @PDI_CHILE

Varas explained that, due to legal issues, they had to wait for the actor to confirm that they were his belongings, and said he recognized them from photos at a Los Angeles police station.

In the John Wick saga, ironically, Reeves plays a former hitman seeking revenge after his home was burglarized (and his dog killed). But the 2023 incident isnt the only break-in the movie star has experienced. In 2014, months before the release of the first film in the series, the Los Angeles Police reported two break-ins at his home in a span of three days, although no burglaries were reported during those incidents.

In the 2023 robbery, Reeves losses are believed to have amounted to $7 million, according to Hugo Haeger, deputy director of Police and Criminal Investigation in Chile.

CNN has reached out to the FBI for more information on the case.

Varas says theres always coordination with other countries security agencies, which includes the exchange of intelligence information.

One aspect of the investigation is determining how the stolen items entered Chile. The deputy prefect indicated that gangs most commonly use parcel systems or send items through tourists with no criminal record. Thus, the watch could easily have passed through airport security on the wrist of a traveler who didnt raise suspicions.

Watches are a prized possession; there are people who dedicate themselves to collecting them. If its a brand, or a piece valued for being unique, or a famous actors, they want it even more, Varas said. In the case of Reeves Rolex Submariner, the model is offered for more than $10,000 in official stores, but on the black market and with the actors name on it, it could be worth much more.

The fates of the other suspected gang members vary. The brother of the alleged perpetrator of the Los Angeles robbery has been convicted of robbery with intimidation and customs fraud. Another suspect, Varas notes, died in a confrontation between criminal gangs. The investigator also said that, while one traveled to the US and continued committing crimes, another traveled to Argentina, where he was arrested for home robberies in Buenos Aires.

Unfortunately, we export this type of crime, but we also provide information to the law enforcement agencies, Varas said.

Visa waiver under scrutiny

In December, following home burglaries in wealthy areas of Oakland County, Michigan, Sheriff Mike Bouchard told Fox 2 that extremely well-trained Chileans were to blame. He demanded an end to Chiles participation in the Visa Waiver program, which allows its citizens to enter the US without a visa for travel of up to 90 days for tourism or business. His comments caused an uproar in the South American country.

During a recent visit to Chile, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a letter of intent to expand a Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert program with Chile, arguing that is necessary for tracking criminals. Regarding visas, she said, Chiles continued collaboration with our visa waiver program is invaluable to our country, and we appreciate their partnership in that regard.

Meanwhile, the deputy legal attache at the US Embassy, Blaine Freestone, who will be responsible for personally presenting the watches to Reeves, emphasized that thanks to the ongoing cooperation with Chilean authorities, justice is being delivered to victims of transnational crimes.

Varas asserted that the Visa Waiver program generates ongoing cooperation from law enforcement agencies. They need our information, he said.

CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
by Nirmala Carvalho

More than 600 young men and women from dioceses across India are currently taking part in the large gathering with Leo XIV at Tor Vergata. Many had something to say to AsiaNews. I came with doubts, but I leave with deep gratitude, said one. I felt like I was part of a huge global Catholic family, said another. The songs and dances of our culture have found friends here, said a third. For Father Chetan Machado, these youths show that the Church is alive and vibrant in India.

Rome (AsiaNews)  More than 600 young Indians are currently participating in the Youth Jubilee in Rome. They come from all over the country, with a particularly large group of 48 from the Archdiocese of Mumbai.

The Youth Jubilee 2025 in Rome is not just a global celebration  its a personal faith journey for each young pilgrim, said Father Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the National Youth Commission, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

Indian youth, he added, are joyfully participating in this historic gathering. And Leading these young pilgrims is a privilege. Their joy and enthusiasm show that the Church is alive and vibrant in India.

This experience is a true gift, said Anto Gladwin from Mumbai. Meeting youth from many nations, yet praying as one family, showed me that love travels farther than flags  one Church, one heart, many nations.

For Anto the most emotional moment was climbing the Holy Stairs on his knees. Step by step, not seeking answers  just honouring the One who gave me everything. I came with doubts, but I leave with deep gratitude  for His grace, His people, and this journey of faith.

Other young people from other Indian dioceses in Rome also offered their testimonies to AsiaNews.

Walking into St Peters Square for the inaugural Mass gave me goosebumps, explained Teresa David, from the Diocese of Ajmer. I felt like I was part of a huge global Catholic family, all praying together for peace.

Sagar Gabbeta, who hails from Telugu, noted that Our months of preparation at the parish level have come alive here. Passing through the Holy Doors was a moment I will never forget  it felt like God was welcoming me home.

For Albin Robin from Meerut Diocese, Seeing Pope Leo XIV drive past us in the Popemobile brought tears to my eyes. His smile made me feel personally blessed.

The streets of Rome are filled with young people singing and praying. It is like heaven on earth  joy, unity, and faith everywhere, said Martin, from Shimoga Diocese.

Being a religious sister, I am touched to see how the young are embracing faith with so much energy. It gives me hope for the Church in India, said Sister Prameela, from the Diocese of Srikakulam.

Nishi, a young woman from Chhattisgarh, never imagined meeting so many young Catholics from every continent. Our differences vanish when we pray together.

Supreeth, from Mangalore Diocese noted that The pilgrimage through the four basilicas has strengthened my faith. Each step felt like a personal conversation with God.

The songs and dances of our culture have found friends here, said Nokme from Meghalaya. I feel proud to represent Northeast India and share our faith traditions with the world.

Rome, with its rich spiritual heritage and breathtaking churches, captured my heart at every turn. Each moment spent exploring its sacred spaces was nothing short of divine experience, said Neslin Pinto from Mumbai.

From once watching the Vatican on television to now standing within its majestic walls, I felt truly blessed, he added. It has been a journey of faith, hope, friendship.

Photo: Archdiocese of Mumbai pilgrims in the St. Victoria Church in Rome
by Stefano Caprio

Moscow celebrated the Russian variant of the feast of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus', with Patriarch Kirill also commemorating the "believing atheist", Stalin, to extol the "new Baptism" of post-Soviet Russia. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Tikhon of Crimea inaugurated a major exhibition in Sevastopol dedicated to Prince Vladimir, presenting it as a true universal museum of Christianity.

Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow celebrated the Russian variant of the feast of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus', two weeks after the "Gregorian" date observed by Ukraine, extolling the "Russianness" of the baptismal heritage, but without dwelling on the controversy with the Ukrainians over the attribution of the choice to Grand Prince Vladimir of Kyiv.

The current Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin, has also been compared to the "apostle-like" baptiser, because "today at the head of our state is a sincerely Orthodox man, not for political expediency, not for particular circumstances, but by his own free choice, based on his deep faith, which reflects on the life of our entire people.

The patriarch cited the saying that "the faith of the tsar is the faith of the people," referring to the first Vladimir and, by extension, also to the latest Vladimir, passing through the many "sincerely believing" rulers in Russian history, even those of the Soviet period.

Noting the "various legends" handed down about Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, which Kirill mentions "without comment" as to their authenticity, the Georgian "father of the peoples" met the then Patriarchal Lieutenant, Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), in 1943, addressing "Your Excellency" with the Russian saying, Dwell on the past and you'll lose an eye, thus ushering in "a new era of Russian Orthodoxy."

In fact, Stalin appointed Sergey as Patriarch, restoring many of the churches and freeing many bishops from concentration camps, so he too can rightfully be included in the list of "heirs of Vladimir the Great."

The memory of the "believing atheist," who used the Church to fuel his own personality cult, serves Patriarch Kirill to demonstrate the continuity of faith in Russia even through Soviet persecution, which failed to eradicate Orthodoxy from the minds and hearts of our men and women.

During the reign of the official ideology of the Bezbozhniki (), the "godless" communists, many people obviously renounced their faith in God out of fear," but many also did not give up expressing their religiosity, even though "not everyone had the courage to go to church.

Recalling his own experiences from the Soviet era, Kirill said that "some secretly invited priests to their homes for Easter," and even those who did nothing of the sort still remained believers.

For the Patriarch, "the Lord has had mercy on Russia, on the Russian people" despite the most terrible persecutions against religion in history, thanks "to the faith of our martyrs and confessors, of our grandmothers and mothers, a little less of our fathers."

However, after the end of the atheist regime, the Orthodox Church resumed its "civilising" role, which for centuries made it the true "establishing force of the State," an expression that goes back to the late 15th century saint "hammer of heretics," Joseph of Volokolamsk, whom the Patriarch often refers to in order to show the importance of the Church in Russian history.

The post-Soviet "new Baptism" of 34 years ago is therefore the true content of the celebration of the 1,073rd anniversary of the Baptism of Kyiv, demonstrating that "epochal events and tectonic shifts in the life of the state never submit to the will of politicians, even if they try to dominate them, but are actually intended to realise Gods will," and therefore "we are today heirs of this divine miracle, this gift of His mercy.

This renews Russia's vocation to a universal mission to expel the devil who seeks to separate man from his Lord and Saviour," the Patriarch triumphantly proclaims.

Today, however, Russia lives "in very favourable conditions," without any pressure on the Church, and no one threatens the true faith, like in many other countries around the world.

In addition to Orthodox rulers, the intelligentsia "has also converted," and most of the best scholars and specialists in various fields of science "are true believers."

Yet true faith "always requires great sacrifices," Kirill warns, citing the Russian term for asceticism, podvig (), which presupposes dvizhenie (), the "movement" of the inner development of the human personality.

"It is not possible to complete the task of work and war if the soul is too weak, if a correct vision of the world is not asserted," because only "when the soul is strong, then actions are also strong," which is what Russia desperately needs today, alluding to the need to achieve victory in the war with Ukraine, though without explicitly mentioning it.

The renewal of baptismal faith must therefore "consist and regenerate itself ever more," the patriarch insists, since Russia is a great country that exerts an enormous influence on world civilisation, and on everything that happens in the world, broadening its horizons far beyond the confines of the conflict with its neighbour.

We must know how to combine faith with science, technology, and every form of knowledge, paying particular attention to "those who live further west than us, who have long since renounced their faith. Russias testimony will also serve all other peoples and religions, to "adequately reflect on the destinies of the states and regions of the world."

For this reason, the faith of Russians must be increasingly authentic, concludes Kirill, "without hypocrisy, without limiting itself to the formal fulfilment of duties, without fear of higher powers, but only with the fear of God to be good servants of His plans for Russia and the entire world," with the prayers of all the saints and martyrs, of the Vladimirs, and the Orthodox or pseudo-Orthodox rulers who "enlightened Russia."

The patriarchs appeal was immediately and zealously echoed by another prominent figure in the Russian Orthodox hierarchy, Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) of Crimea, who recently inaugurated a major exhibition dedicated to Krestny Otets, Russia's "godfather of baptism," Prince Vladimir the Great, who was baptised in Chersonesus on the shores of the peninsula on the Black Sea before immersing the people of Kyiv in the waters of the Dnieper River.

The exhibition occupies the main section of the large "New Chersonesus " museum, the ecclesiastical museum complex created on Tikhon's initiative on the ruins of the ancient city, on the outskirts of the capital, Sevastopol.

It features seven large halls, with many sacred and historical objects, as well as large screens and a theatre hall with a domed screen for film screenings.

The metropolitan directly mentioned Ukraine, stating that the Baptism is a celebration of the unity of peoples, of Russians and Ukrainians and of all other peoples who have historically united with Russia, and the Sevastopol museum will not be just an event limited to Russia, but a true universal museum of Christianity.

Rereading a thousand years of history, Tikhon states that many times attempts have been by other states to destroy and divide Russia, but we have always been able to overcome and annihilate these plots, even at the cost of our own blood.

He noted the clashes that began in 1654, which he called the first special military operation to reunite Ukraine with Russia, when Bogdan Khmelnitskys Cossack uprising split the "Ukrainian" borderlands from the Kingdom of Poland, subjugating them to Tsar Alexei of Moscow, the second Tsar of the Romanov dynasty.

The metropolitan notes that "13 years of fighting were necessary," alluding to the need to see the end of the current war, however many years it might take. Today, for the metropolitan, "the blood of brothers not only divides, but also unites  perhaps not immediately, but we will get there; time heals everything.

After the solemn liturgy in the Kremlin's Dormition Cathedral, the Patriarch and all the metropolitans led a solemn procession, carrying the relics and icon of Holy Prince Vladimir, to Borovitskaya Square, where the monument to the Baptiser, erected in 2016, stands. The monument also features the tsarist hat, the Tatar-style Monomakh's Cap (shapka Monomakha,  ), which the tsars only adopted in the 16th century with the coronation of Ivan the Terrible.

This also highlights the overlapping of historical figures in the Russian world, where dates are not what counts, but their contemporary interpretations.

The celebratory litany included a prayer for our country, guarded by God, and for its President Vladimir Vladimirovich, the authorities, and the victorious army, that we may live in peace and the purity of faith.

The Baptism is an event that is renewed in spirituality and above all in the reconstruction of a unitary world, which for Russians truly characterises the political-religious dimension, being the only country in the world in which the sacrament becomes the foundation of the state, and the projection of a universal empire.

RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
Azerbaijan, as the winning party, rightly declares the need to open the Zangezur corridor, as also provided for in the 2020 [ceasefire] agreement, Birol Akgun, the Turkish ambassador in Baku, told the Azerbaijani APA news agency.

The Turkic world needs a corridor for direct communication and that corridor is the Zangezur corridor, he said. For the first time since 1937, direct communication will be established between Turkey, Azerbaijan and the [rest of the] Turkic world.

Akgun echoed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans comments made after a visit to Azerbaijan in May. Erdogan discussed the issue with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in Istanbul on June 20. He said afterwards that Armenia has adopted a more flexible approach.

Yerevan has rejected until now Bakus demands for the transit of people and cargo through Armenias strategic Syunik province to be exempt from Armenian border controls. Pashinian signaled a softening of this stance after holding talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi on July 10. He indicated that he is ready to accept a U.S. proposal to have an American company manage traffic through the corridor.

Russia and Iran have spoken out against the proposal, reiterating that Western powers must stay away from the region.

Syunik is the only Armenian province bordering Iran. Hence, Tehrans strong opposition to the extraterritorial corridor sought by Baku and Ankara.

A top adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed late last week that the United States as well as certain pan-Turkist movements are behind the Azerbaijani demands for the Zangezur corridor. Ali Akbar Velayati said they want to sever Irans link with the Caucasus and impose a land blockade on Iran and Russia in the regions south. Tehran will thwart their plans with a policy of active prevention, rather than passive reaction, added Velayati.
2 August 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

On August 1, the Baku Military Court continued its open hearings on the criminal cases against Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, Azernews reports.

The defendants face charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes - including orchestrating and waging aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war - as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, and the forcible seizure and retention of power, all stemming from Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan.

The trial, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each defendant was provided with an interpreter in their preferred language and legal counsel.

The session was attended by the accused, their lawyers, several victims, their legal heirs or representatives, and state prosecutors.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, prosecutors, interpreters, and other court personnel to victims attending for the first time, while explaining their legal rights and responsibilities.

In his statement, victim Azer Abdullayev said he sustained a shrapnel wound while preventing a provocation by Armenian armed forces from the Gorus direction in the Gubadli district in September 2022.

While evacuating martyrs and wounded personnel, Samir Yusifov, who served as a paramedic at a medical station in Kalbajar, stated that on September 13, 2022, he was injured by a mortar shell explosion. In response to questions from public prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, Yusifov emphasized that the evacuation vehicle was clearly marked as a medical service vehicle.

Responding to state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Akifa Bayramova stated that during the 44-day Patriotic War, a missile fired by Armenian armed forces at approximately 2:00 a.m. on October 11, 2020, destroyed her home in Ganja. Akifa Bayramova recounted being injured during the incident. The victim, whose grandson was pulled out from under the rubble, said -"My grandson is still being treated".

Narbala Babayev, a resident of Ganja, also mentioned that his house was destroyed during the missile attack on October 4, 2020, adding that he and his son were wounded in the incident.

Amin Asgarov, Eldar Mammadov, Gulnara Guliyeva, Aynura Aliyeva, and Kubra Alakbarova testified that their homes in Ganja were destroyed during a missile attack by Armenian forces during the Patriotic War. They stated that they were injured and that the attack also resulted in casualties.

In her testimony, victim Sevinj Hasanova stated that she and her relatives sustained injuries from artillery fire from Armenian armed forces during the Patriotic War, on October 5, 2020, while visiting her brother's family in Goranboy.

Gurban Gurbanov, Huseyinbaba Sayilli, Khazri Ahmadov, Aliyar Mammadov, Ehtiram Samadov, Gasim Garibov, Ali Garazada, Anar Aliyev, Ulvin Musayev, Alihuseyn Shahbazov, Asim Mikayilli, and Jeyhun Khankishiyev testified that they were injured while preventing a provocation by Armenian armed forces from the Jermuk direction in Kalbajar between September 12 and 14, 2022. They noted that Azerbaijani forces suffered martyrs and wounded during the clashes. Responding to questions from public prosecutor Fuad Musayev, Jeyhun Khankishiyev remarked that this was not the first provocation by Armenian forces: "The enemy could not come to terms with the defeat in 2020 and attempted to seize strategic heights."

Saleh Hasanov, Mehdi Yusifov, Safa Mammadov, Alish Shamiyev, Farid Ilyaszada, and Sanan Mirzaliyev testified that they were injured while preventing a provocation in Zangilan on the night of September 1213, 2022. They also confirmed the presence of martyrs and injured soldiers among their comrades.

Responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, Javanshir Tahirli stated that he was injured by gunfire during a provocation by Armenian forces in the village of Chayli, Tartar district, on June 1, 2016an incident that occurred in violation of the ceasefire.

During questioning by Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department of Public Prosecution Defense at the Prosecutor Generals Office, Yusif Mammadov testified that he was injured by sniper fire while preventing a provocation by Armenian armed forces in the Fuzuli-Khojavand direction on April 3, 2015.

Victims Anar Nabiyev, Murad Musayev, Khayal Abbasov, Ilkin Tagiyev, Seymur Ismayilov, Adalat Mammadov, and Hasan Gadimaliyev also testified that they were wounded by gunfire from Armenian forces during the Patriotic War.

In their testimonies, Agil Isparzada, Mohsum Karimli and Murad Babazada stated that they were injured by gunfire form the remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups during the anti-terror operations conducted by the Azerbaijani Army in September 2023.

Shahin Garayev reported injuries from a mine explosion in the Tap Garagoyunlu village of the Goranboy district, where he lived, on November 21, 2021.

Nahid Yolchuyev mentioned stated in his statement that he was injured by gunfire from Armenian armed forces while serving in the Yusifjanli village of the Aghdam district in 2010.

Shakir Ismayilov recounted being injured during the April 2016 clashes.

Ruhin Valiyev reported injuries from a mine explosion during demining operations in Jabrayil on June 17, 2022.

Ismayil Huseynov and Tural Khanaliyev stated that they were injured as a result of a provocation by the Armenian armed forces.

Victims also responded to questions from the accused, their defense attorneys, and their own representatives.

During the court proceedings, the judge announced that the defendant Levon Balayan's lawyer had been assigned to a state agency. Therefore, a new defense attorney should be assigned to him. Commenting on the issue, defendant L. Balayan said, "It would have been better if he had stayed," adding that he had no objections to the appointment of a new lawyer.

The presiding judge announced that a new lawyer would be appointed for L. Balayan.

The court proceedings are set to continue on August 4.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
2 August 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Slovenia has voiced strong support for the Black Sea Energy submarine cable project, a strategic initiative to transmit green energy from the South Caucasus to Europe, and is actively exploring opportunities to participate in its implementation. The Slovenian Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy emphasized that cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of renewable energy is among the countrys key priorities.

According to the ministry, one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation is the development of clean energy technologies, including hydrogen. This shared vision was formalized on April 4, 2025, when the Ministries of Energy of Slovenia and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on renewable energy, clean technologies, and joint innovation.

Slovenia supports the global investment activities of its companies in renewable energy, both domestically and abroad, including in Azerbaijan. The ministry noted that Slovenian energy companies  particularly transmission system operators  are recognized for their expertise in smart grids, energy storage, and hydrogen integration.

We support all forms of collaboration in the fields of smart grid technology, hydrogen energy, and integration of renewable sources into the energy system, the ministry stated, also highlighting the potential for research cooperation between Slovenian institutions and Azerbaijani partners.

Slovenia further welcomed the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union in the hydrogen sector and expressed readiness to expand joint efforts.

In addition, the Slovenian government praised Azerbaijans successful leadership in organizing the upcoming COP29 climate conference, pointing to the countrys growing role in the global energy transition and its strong presence within the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The Black Sea Energy project aims to export up to 4 GW of green electricity to Europe via a high-voltage submarine cable across the Black Sea. Launched through a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2022 by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary  and later joined by Bulgaria  the project will be implemented through the Green Energy Corridor joint venture established in 2024 by the national energy operators of the four founding countries.

The Black Sea submarine cable project, which is set to be completed by 2030, is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region. The submarine cable will cover a distance of 1,155 kilometers (1,115 km underwater and 40 km on land), with a voltage of 525 kV and a capacity of 1,300 MW. Additionally, a fiber-optic communication cable will be installed along the same route. The feasibility study conducted by CESI, an Italian consulting company, confirmed that the project is both technically and economically viable.

This project, which was included in the 2024-2034 ENTSO-E network development plan, aims to enhance regional energy security, diversify energy supply sources, and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. Furthermore, the initiative is intended to provide competitive electricity generation from renewable sources, with a strong focus on sustainable energy production.

The joint venture was officially launched on July 25, 2023, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. The founding companies of GECO Power Company include Azerenergy from Azerbaijan, Georgian State Electric Network from Georgia, MVM Energy Private Limited from Hungary, and Romania's National Power Grid Company Transelectrica S.A. Each country holds an equal share in the company, ensuring equal participation in its management.

In November 2024, the project was submitted to the European Commission for recognition as a project of common interest, due to its contribution to energy and climate policy goals between EU and non-EU countries.

Azerbaijan is responding to new global challenges by moving away from its historical dependence on oil and gas. Though the country has typically relied on these energy sources, it is now actively seeking to diversify its economy. The focus on a sustainable energy future and the development of a green economy have become key priorities in Azerbaijan's latest strategy initiatives.

According to the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Field of Development and Transmission of Green Energy," signed in Bucharest on December 17, 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary have established a cooperative framework. This project, known as the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor" or "Black Sea Cable," aims to transport green energy generated from Azerbaijani wind power plants to Romania and, eventually, Europe.

The agreement outlines the construction of an energy bridge from the Caucasus region to Europe, connecting Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary. The project includes the development of the "Black Sea Cable," a 1,195-kilometer submarine electric cable with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. This cable will transport green electricity produced in Azerbaijan through Georgia and across the Black Sea to Romania, Hungary, and the rest of Europe, enabling up to four gigawatts of green energy supply.

The estimated cost of the cable is 3.5 billion euros, with the European Commission planning to provide 2.3 billion euros. The feasibility study is scheduled to conclude by the third quarter of 2025, and construction is expected to take three to four years.

Beyond renewables, Slovenia is also deepening its cooperation with Azerbaijan in the natural gas sector. The ministry stated that Slovenia considers Azerbaijan a reliable partner in ensuring energy security and diversifying gas supplies, especially through projects like the Southern Gas Corridor.

Slovenia supports the cooperation between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Slovenias Geoplin, the countrys largest gas supplier. On August 1, 2024, SOCAR began gas deliveries to Slovenia via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline under a memorandum signed in July of the same year. Azerbaijani gas accounted for around 5% of Slovenias total gas consumption in 2024, and discussions are ongoing to increase supply volumes.

Slovenias annual gas demand is estimated at 0.8 to 1 billion cubic meters. The ministry stressed that, historically, there has never been such close energy cooperation between the two countries, and natural gas is emerging as a vital pillar of this partnership.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 between the two energy ministries further reinforces shared goals of enhancing energy security, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and diversifying Europes energy supply routes through closer ties with Azerbaijan.
2 August 2025 15:05 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

On 2 August 2025, i.e, today, in the Turkish city of Kilis, a moment of quiet historic significance unfolded: Azerbaijani natural gas began flowing to war-scarred Syria via Turkish territory. It was not merely the start of a commercial transaction, but the unveiling of a new phase in regional energy diplomacy, one that could have profound implications for Syrias recovery, for energy security in the Middle East, and for Azerbaijans rising global role as a strategic energy player.

The event drew government officials from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar. But beyond protocol and ceremony, this development signals something far more ambitious: a bridge between the South Caucasus and the Levant, built not of concrete or steel, but of trust, energy, and mutual interest.

According to Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, who also chairs the Supervisory Board of SOCAR, the gas export operation was a direct result of the understandings reached between President Ilham Aliyev and Syrias transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa during bilateral meetings in Antalya (April) and Baku (July). The speed at which the project materialised speaks volumes about the alignment of intent between Baku and Ankara, and their shared commitment to regional reconstruction and resilience.

In a region defined in recent years more by disintegration than cooperation, this project carries geopolitical weight. It proves that Azerbaijan and Turkiye are not only economic partners, but also co-architects of a more interconnected, stabilised Middle East.

Minister Jabbarov rightly described the project as a milestone in Azerbaijans energy export history. It marks the 14th country to receive Azerbaijani gasa remarkable statistic for a nation that, barely two decades ago, was considered a peripheral player in global energy markets. Today, through SOCARs international expansion and strategic diplomacy, Azerbaijan is rapidly becoming an indispensable link in the global energy chain.

The infrastructure itself is based on a "swap" agreement signed between SOCAR and Turkiyes Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Under this model, Azerbaijani gas is delivered to the Turkish grid, and an equivalent volume is transferred from Turkiye to Syria via the Kilis route. The Yavuzlu Metering Station will handle up to 6 million cubic metres per day, equivalent to as much as 2 billion cubic metres annually in the initial stage. Crucially, this gas will be used to restart electricity generation in Syria, potentially bringing 1,200 megawatts of power capacity back online.

This is not just about energy. It is about dignity, stability, and the return of normal life. Syria has suffered enormously from more than a decade of war, with its infrastructure bombed into ruin and millions of its people displaced. Access to electricity is a first step toward rebuilding schools, hospitals, water systems, and livelihoods. It is also a necessary precondition for the safe and voluntary return of refugees, a goal shared by all countries bordering Syria.

Syrias Minister of Energy, Mohammad al-Bashir, expressed deep gratitude to both Azerbaijan and Turkiye for what he described as a lifeline. His words should not be dismissed as diplomatic niceties. For Syrians who have lived for years in darkness, literally and figuratively, this gas pipeline is a flicker of hope.

What makes this initiative particularly commendable is its long-term vision. Rather than waiting for post-conflict stabilisation or Western funding, Azerbaijan and Turkiye have taken proactive steps to rebuild trust and infrastructure in Syria, beginning with the most basic need: power. In doing so, they are demonstrating a model of south-south cooperation that bypasses traditional donor-recipient dynamics and instead fosters peer-to-peer reconstruction.

Moreover, this development positions Azerbaijan as a unique bridge between regions. No longer just a Caspian exporter serving Europe, it is now a transcontinental actor able to link Eurasia with the Middle East through strategic energy corridors. The Turkiye-Syria pipeline is, in many ways, a southern extension of the Southern Gas Corridora project that already links Azerbaijan to European markets through Georgia, Turkiye, and onwards via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline.

This expansion into the Middle East may also encourage further energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Gulf countries, such as Qatar, which was represented at the Kilis event. In a time of shifting alliances and growing competition over global LNG markets, Azerbaijans move to diversify its customer base is as smart as it is strategic.

Of course, some will question the viability of operating in Syria given the still-fragile security situation. But risks exist in every major infrastructure venture, and the logic of development here is compelling. By helping to stabilise Syria, Azerbaijan is not just serving its own economic interests; it is contributing to broader regional security, a factor that directly affects the South Caucasus as well.

The timing of the project is no accident. With global energy markets in flux and the geopolitics of supply chains under constant scrutiny, Azerbaijans agility in tapping new export routes reflects its growing maturity as a state actor. It is no longer just reacting to external events; it is shaping them.

In a nutshell, the launch of Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria via Turkiye is a bold and commendable move. It strengthens trilateral ties between Baku, Ankara, and Damascus, aids a war-torn country in its recovery, and further elevates Azerbaijans status as a trusted, strategic energy partner. More than a pipeline, it is a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the power of purposeful diplomacy.

Let there be no doubt: this is energy diplomacy at its best.
2 August 2025 21:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In recent days, several Armenian news channels (websites) have been engaged in a smear campaign, asserting that the Azerbaijani media has "falsely" highlighted the Metsamor nuclear power plant under the guise of "propaganda for the country's politics." They claim that Armenia's nuclear power plant does not pose any threat to the region and that the allegations against it are unfounded. However, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and even Georgia have periodically asserted that this plant presents a significant threat and have repeatedly submitted resolutions to the International Atomic Energy Agency addressing their concerns. In this article, we will discover how problematic and valid the notion of posing a threat is, for Metsamor Plant.

According to EVN Report, the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant has long drawn concern due to a combination of environmental, technical, and geopolitical factors that suggest it poses a latent risk. Situated in a seismically active region, Metsamor lies near several fault lines, including the Sardarapat Fault just 12 kilometers away. While designed under Soviet-era seismic standards, the plant operates in an area with the potential for magnitude-8 earthquakesconditions the original design guidelines discouraged for nuclear facilities.

One of the most frequently cited issues is the plants outdated design. The currently operating reactor, Armenia-2, lacks a primary containment structure, a standard feature in later VVER models intended to prevent radioactive leaks during emergencies. A 2016 EU-commissioned stress test found that while the plant met basic structural requirements, key secondary safety systemssuch as fire control and backup powerwere not seismically resistant.

Waste management also remains a major unresolved issue. Armenia stores all of its spent nuclear fuel on-site in interim facilities, without a long-term disposal plan. This means that radioactive materials are being stored in the same seismic zone as the plant, increasing the risk of contamination should a natural disaster occur. Additionally, although theres no direct evidence linking Metsamor to radiological smuggling, several intercepted attempts in the region have involved isotopes like Strontium-90 and Cesium-137elements known to be stored in Armenias facilities. Their potential use in radiological weapons, such as dirty bombs, raises broader security concerns. International reactions have reinforced these fears. The European Union has referred to Metsamor as the most dangerous nuclear plant in the world and withdrew financial support for Armenias energy diversification after the plants closure was deferred. Comparisons to Fukushimawhere layered failures led to catastropheunderscore that even modern safety measures may not fully eliminate risk when multiple vulnerabilities converge. Although Metsamor plays a critical role in Armenias energy grid, its continued operation without significant upgrades or a clear long-term strategy intensifies questions about nuclear safety in the South Caucasus.

Moreover, in National Geographic's article, the legacy of the 1988 earthquake, which killed 25,000 people and devastated northern Armenia, looms large in the plants narrative.

Although Metsamor reportedly withstood the quake without visible damage, its shutdown at the time reflected deep unease about the risks posed by its proximity to fault lines. This unease has never fully disappeared. The combination of an aging Soviet-era design and a high-risk seismic zone continues to stir anxiety among international observers.

Global institutions have echoed these concerns. European and American officials have issued stark warnings about Metsamors safety profile, highlighting its outdated architecture and seismic vulnerability. While Armenia has declined external offers to decommission the plant in favor of maintaining its energy independence, the underlying structural limitations remain, regardless of upgrades.

Although Armenian authorities have undertaken hundreds of safety improvements since the 1990sincluding seismic reinforcements and enhanced fire protectionmany of these measures aim to adapt an inherently outdated design to modern expectations. The absence of a full containment dome and the ongoing reliance on a reactor model developed before 1970 highlight a core issue: structural modernity cannot be retrofitted into original designs intended for vastly different risk assumptions.

Talking to Azernews a research scholar of International Affairs, Paraguayan Studies, Middle East Studies and Latin American Affairs Peter Tase states that a catastrophe at Metsamor wouldnt just be a local tragedy, it would be diminishing all the crucial corridor for East-West energy flows and etc:

"Perhaps in hindsight, building the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in an active seismic zone wasnt very smart planning. In a world bristling with nuclear flashpointsfrom the trenches of Ukraine to the Gulfs powder kegU.S. leadership in nonproliferation is again finding its voice. But amid this resurgence, one urgent danger continues to fly beneath Washingtons radar: the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant in Armenia.

Just 22 miles from Turkiye and nestled within an active seismic zone, Metsamor is a Cold War relicand a uniquely hazardous one. Built in the 1970s with Soviet engineering, the plant relies on a reactor design so outdated it lacks a containment vessel, a core component of modern nuclear safety. After a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Armenia in 1988, Metsamor was shuttered, only to be inexplicably restarted in the 1990s. Today, it hums along quietly, a nuclear time bomb embedded in the tectonic and geopolitical fault lines of the South Caucasus.

A catastrophe at Metsamor wouldnt just be a local tragedy. The South Caucasus serves as a crucial corridor for East-West energy flows, channeling Caspian oil and gas to European markets while skirting Russia and Iran. A nuclear accident in Armenia wouldnt stop at the borderit would send fallout across Turkiye and Georgia, imperil European energy infrastructure, and convulse global markets already rattled by geopolitical upheaval.

At least six rivers flow from Turkiye to Armenian territory then to Azerbaijan, potentially transporting pollutants downstream. Making big rivers such as Araz River as particularly vulnerable. But the risk is not just environmental. Metsamor is also a geopolitical leverone firmly in Russias grip. Operated with assistance from Rosatom, Moscows state atomic agency, the facility gives the Kremlin a strategic foothold in the region. As the United States pushes back against Russian revanchism, Armenias continued dependence on Russian nuclear infrastructure represents a gaping blind spot.

Layered atop this is Armenias deepening partnership with Iran. Long before todays headlines, Armenia quietly facilitated Tehrans efforts to evade sanctions. A 2012 Reuters investigation found Armenian banks complicit in laundering Iranian funds and obscuring payment trails to evade Western scrutiny. In 2019, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Yerevan-based Flight Travel LLC for aiding Mahan Air, an airline with ties to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

That partnership has only deepened. In 2022, Tehran and Yerevan inked a deal to expand the North-South Transit Corridor through northern Irana project that may open new pathways for sanctions evasion. And just weeks ago, Iranian nationals reportedly sought safe haven in Armenia, underscoring Yerevans role as a logistical and economic backstop for the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, another issue festers beneath the surface: a troubling prevalence of antisemitic sentiment within Armenian society. In January, the Anti-Defamation League released its latest global index on antisemitism, which ranked Armenia among the highest in Europe. A staggering 57% of Armenians surveyed agreed with negative stereotypes about Jewsan even higher percentage than respondents in Iran. These arent fringe views; they are systemic, ideological pathologies that ought to raise alarms in Washington.

This is not just about offensive attitudes. When a country harboring high levels of antisemitism also controls a vulnerable nuclear facilityoperated with Russian support and sitting on a geopolitical fault lineit becomes a strategic liability, not just a moral concern.

If the U.S. is serious about nuclear security, countering authoritarian influence, and reinforcing a rules-based order, then Metsamor demands its attention. The dangers posed by the plant are not theoreticalthey are urgent, layered, and getting worse.

Principled leadership begins with consistency. Washington has shown it can lead on global nuclear norms, from multilateral diplomacy with Iran to containment strategies in North Korea. Metsamor should be next. That could mean partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency to mandate stricter safety inspections, or offering Armenia a financial and technical off-ramp to decommission the plant.

Metsamor is not just a holdover from another eraits a slow-motion crisis. One that, if ignored, could erupt into a disaster felt far beyond Armenias borders. If the United States truly wants to preempt the next nuclear emergency, it must act while theres still time."

Photo Source: EVN Report Magazine.
2 August 2025 17:30 (UTC+04:00)

As of July 1, the nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) of the Azerbaijani manat stood at 102.6 points, Azernews reports.

According to official data, this reflects a drop of 1.1 points compared to the monthly average, 6.6 points since the start of the year, and 1.8 points year-on-year.

Meanwhile, the real effective exchange rate (REER) of the manat was recorded at 115.3 points.

This marks a decline of 2.2 points from June 1, a 9.8-point drop since the beginning of 2025, and a decrease of 4.3 points compared to the same date last year.
2 August 2025 10:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is actively considering the inclusion of Azerbaijan and several Central Asian nations in the Abraham Accords, according to Reuters, Azernews reports. The move is seen as part of broader efforts to reinforce U.S.-brokered normalization between Israel and Muslim-majority countries.

Signed during Trumps first term, the Abraham Accords led to the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and four Muslim-majority countries. Azerbaijan, along with countries in Central Asia, already maintains long-standing ties with Israel, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, and defense. Thus, their inclusion would be largely symbolicbut still politically meaningful.

The article underlines that progress on the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan is considered a key condition for Azerbaijans formal participation in the expanded accords. According to the report, discussions with Baku are among the most advanced and serious, with sources suggesting a potential agreement within months, if not weeks.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps special representative for peace missions, reportedly visited Baku in March and met with President Ilham Aliyev. His top aide, Aryeh Lightstone, also held discussions with the Azerbaijani leader earlier this spring, during which the Abraham Accords featured prominently.

The outreach reportedly included consultations with officials from neighboring Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, who expressed interest in joining the expanded framework.

While the U.S. State Department refrained from naming countries involved, it confirmed that expanding the Abraham Accords remains a key foreign policy goal of President Trumps current administration.
2 August 2025 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

On August 2, Azerbaijans Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, met with family members of Turkish martyrs visiting Azerbaijan at the invitation of the YASAT Foundation, Azernews reports.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, reported by Azernews, the Azerbaijani officials warmly welcomed the guests and expressed their appreciation for the visit.

Minister Hasanov emphasized that the memory of martyrs from both Azerbaijan and Turkiye is held in the highest regard, and underscored the special attention and sensitivity shown to their families in accordance with the directives of the presidents of both nations.

During the meeting, it was noted that such mutual visits contribute to deepening the historical friendship and strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries.

In response, the Turkish delegation expressed their gratitude for the hospitality and respect shown during their visit.

As part of their stay in Azerbaijan, the guests are visiting historical and cultural landmarks, offering them an opportunity to experience the countrys rich heritage and architectural legacy.
2 August 2025 12:46 (UTC+04:00)

On August 2, 2025, an event was held in the Turkish city of Kilis to commemorate the beginning of Azerbaijani gas transportation from Turkiye to Syria, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by government representatives and officials from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Syria, and Qatar.

Mikayil Jabbarov, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SOCAR, announced that the export of Azerbaijani gas from Turkiye to Syria had commenced swiftly, following agreements reached during meetings between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Transitional President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed Al-Sharaa. These meetings took place on April 11, 2025, in Antalya and again on July 12 of the same year in Baku.

The minister emphasized that this initiative will enhance Syria's energy security. He noted that the strategic cooperation between the two brotherly countries, Azerbaijan and Turkiye, spans all sectorsincluding energyenabling the swift implementation of this historically significant project. Together, our countries are working to support Syria's reconstruction and development, making crucial strides in the process.

Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted that transporting Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria via Turkiyerepresents a significant milestone in the history of our energy exports, establishing a new energy bridge between the South Caucasus and the Middle East. He mentioned that the number of countries receiving Azerbaijani gas has now reached 14, and that SOCAR has even larger plans. Currently, SOCAR aims to acquire stakes in gas production projects abroad and expand its gas delivery to new consumer countries.

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SOCAR discussed the strategic energy projects implemented by Azerbaijan, stressing their essential role in ensuring both regional and global energy security. The minister reiterated that the launch of gas transportation from Azerbaijan to Syria through the Turkiye-Syria Natural Gas Pipeline reaffirmed our countrys status as a reliable and strategic energy supplier. This project is expected to significantly expand the geography of our gas exports in new directions.

Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed Al Bashir expressed gratitude towards the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments for their support in improving the welfare of Syria, which has faced years of war, as well as for their assistance in the country's reconstruction.

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, announced that a swap agreement was signed with SOCAR, facilitating the delivery of Azerbaijani gas at the Turkish-Syrian border. He noted that Azerbaijan has consistently supported Turkiye in both challenging and celebratory times, contributing significantly to this project. The minister stated that Azerbaijani natural gas will be exported to Syria via Kilis, with a capacity to transport 6 million cubic meters of natural gas daily from the Yavuzlu Measuring Station.

Alparslan Bayraktar mentioned that the gas exports to Syria would ensure the swift operation of power plants there. Initially, it is anticipated that up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be exported to Syria annually, activating approximately 1,200 megawatts of installed capacity. This project is expected to make a substantial contribution to normalizing life in Syria, improving living standards, and facilitating the return of displaced citizens.

During the visit of the Azerbaijani delegation, bilateral meetings were organized with delegations from Turkiye and Syria. These discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the energy sector and shared views on various mutual interests.

****11:30

The curtain has risen on the inauguration ceremony for the Turkiye-Syria natural gas pipeline, paving the way for Azerbaijani gas to flow to Syria through Turkiye, all taking place in the quaint Yavuzlu village of Kilis province, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Director of the Qatar Development Fund Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, and Syrias Minister of Energy Mohammad Al-Bashir.

After the ministers had their say, the officials took center stage, where they turned a symbolic valve, signaling the official kickoff of Azerbaijani gas exports to Syria.

Finalization of logistical frameworks for hydrocarbon conveyance was achieved through a newly executed memorandum of understanding between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and the Syrian authorities. During the preliminary stage, it is projected that the annual export volume will reach approximately 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas. The gaseous hydrocarbons will transit through Kilis at the Turkish frontier and subsequently arrive at the energy generation facilities in Aleppo and Homs, where they will be utilized for electrical output with an anticipated capacity ranging from approximately 1,200 to 1,300 megawatts.



The initiation of this novel energy conduit is perceived as a pivotal milestone in the revitalization of Syria's infrastructural landscape. The transmission of Azerbaijani natural gas via Turkiye to Syria is strategically designed to facilitate the rehabilitation of Syrias compromised electricity framework and to enhance Turkiyes objective of establishing itself as a pivotal regional energy nexus.



On July 12, 2025, amidst the diplomatic engagement of the Syrian Arab Republics transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Azerbaijan, a Memorandum of Understanding was executed between SOCAR and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic.



The accord was executed by Azerbaijans Minister of Economy and Chairman of SOCARs Supervisory Board, Mikayil Jabbarov, alongside Syrias Minister of Energy, Mohammad Al-Bashir.
2 August 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines near Russian borders in response to recent comments by Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Azernews reports.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account, emphasizing the importance of language in international relations. In response to the provocative statements of the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, I have given an order to deploy two nuclear submarines in the relevant areas, he wrote. Words are very important and can often lead to unexpected consequences. I hope this is not one of those cases.

Medvedev had earlier criticized Trumps approach, accusing him of playing an ultimatum game with Moscow. In a statement on July 28, Medvedev warned that Russia, unlike Iran or Israel, considers every threat from Washington as another step toward potential war.

In a sharp rebuttal, Trump dismissed Medvedev as a failed former president of Russia, signaling heightened tensions between the two nations as military posturing escalates.
2 August 2025 22:00 (UTC+04:00)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the work of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) on Saturday, after the agencies delivered their report, exposing several officials for bribery, Azernews reports.

"There can only be zero tolerance for corruption, clear teamwork in uncovering it, and ultimately, a fair sentence. It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law passed on Thursday guarantees them all the tools necessary for a real fight against corruption," Zelensky wrote in a post on X.

Earlier in the week, the Ukrainian parliament adopted legislation to preserve two anti-corruption agencies, revoking a previous bill that had triggered mass protests across the country for undermining the agencies' independence by putting them under the authority of the prosecutor general, appointed by Zelensky.
2 August 2025 22:30 (UTC+04:00)

Discontent is growing around Pete Hegseth, who currently serves as the head of the Pentagon in U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, with mounting criticism over his lack of management experience and controversial decisions, Azernews reports via The Wall Street Journal.

Several sources within the administration have expressed concern about Hegseth's suitability for the role. Among the key criticisms is his lack of organizational leadership experience and a recent incident involving the inclusion of a journalist in a Signal group where classified information is discussedan action seen as highly inappropriate given the sensitivity of the material.

Further fueling internal dissatisfaction is Hegseth's reported failure to promptly notify the White House about his decision to suspend the supply of certain weapons to Ukraine, a move that blindsided officials at a critical time in U.S. foreign policy.

The controversy comes amid speculation about Hegseth's political future. As previously reported by NBC News, sources close to him have revealed that he is considering a gubernatorial run in Tennessee in 2026. However, no final decision has been made.

The growing scrutiny raises questions about his continued role in the Pentagon and its implications for both U.S. defense policy and internal cohesion within the Trump administration.
AV-8B Harrier II Jet to Land at N. Oregon Coast's Tillamook Air Museum

Published 08/01/25 at 6:16 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon)  It's going to be a spectacular, even ground-shaking week in the Tillamook area. (Photo @pasley_photo, Chris Pasley)

A combat-tested AV-8B Harrier II jet is scheduled to make its final flight into Tillamook Airport on Monday, August 4, arriving under its own power from China Lake, California between 3:30 and 4:30 PM. The family of awe-inspiring aircraft at the Oregon coast's attraction is about to get bigger.

The AV-8B Harrier II is a unique fixed-wing aircraft capable of short takeoffs and landings, hovering, pivoting mid-air, and executing steep climbs from a hover. Originally introduced in the late 1960s and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, the Harrier has undergone decades of improvements to enhance safety, range, and combat effectiveness. It remains the only short takeoff, vertical landing jet in active U.S. military inventory and plays a key role in Marine Corps expeditionary operations.

This is truly a once-in-a-generation event  dont miss your chance to be part of it, organizers said.





After landing, the Harrier will taxi to the north end of Hangar B, near the Museums Mini-Guppy aircraft. Following a brief safety inspection and removal of select components, the public will be invited to a 30-minute viewing period to approach the aircraft, meet the pilot and maintenance crew, and take photos before it is moved indoors for exhibit preparation.



Map of suggested viewpoints

Recommended public viewing locations include the gravel turnout at Long Prairie Road and Highway 101, the mooring circle near the UPS facility off Long Prairie Road, and the Cemetery Road access point. Visitors may park near the Museums large cargo aircraft and walk up Cemetery Road for a view of the airfield.





The Harriers powerful Rolls-Royce engine produces 22,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to hover like a helicopter and accelerate forward like a jet at near-supersonic speeds.

The Tillamook Air Museum will close early at 3:00 PM on Monday to support the safe arrival and transition of the aircraft into its collection. Because this is a live military jet arrival, attendees are advised to bring ear protection. All arrival times and activities are weather and mission dependent and subject to change.

503-842-1130. info@tillamookair.com

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours









MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Six Historic Inns of the Oregon Coast With a Strong Time Travel Vibe

Serious charm in Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Lincoln City, Newport. Logding reviews, hotels



Story of One Much-Lauded Lincoln City Icon Stretches Over 100 Years of Oregon...

One of the historical gems that stands out is the Ester Lee Motel. Lodging reviews, hotel news



Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Forest Getaway, Ne...

Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review



Some S. Oregon Coast Towns Offering Substantial Lodging Deals Package

Until the end of November you can get 15 percent off some of the places to stay in Coos Bay, Charleston, North Bend. Lodging reviews, hotel news













More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted




S. Oregon Coast Events Center Around Seaweed Near Coos Bay, Helping Bandon's Lighthouse

Published 07/29/25 at 4:45 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Bandon, Oregon)  Ever wanted to dive further into the subject of seaweed? Or perhaps time travel to the beginnings of an Oregon lighthouse? (Above: recent paint job of the Coquille River Lighthouse, courtesy Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation)

A set of south Oregon coast events at Bandon and near Coos Bay will do just that  which includes some almost secret state park events. Most importantly, however, the lighthouse at Bandon could use your support.

Sunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay will host two engaging Sensational Seaweed programs on August 5 and August 19, 2025, both beginning at 2:30 PM. Attendees should meet at the north end of Sunset Bay near the boat ramp. These educational sessions will explore the unique roles seaweed plays in forest ecosystems, food sources, and natural fertilizer, highlighting its surprising versatility and importance to coastal life.

On August 9 and August 23, 2025, Sunset Bay State Park will also offer a Nature Native Plant Walk beginning at 12:00 PM. Participants are invited to gather at the Shore Acres observation building to discover edible and practical uses for native coastal plants. This guided walk introduces visitors to wild flora that has sustained and inspired communities for generations.



Coos Bay

Just a short drive south in Bandon, Bullards Beach State Park continues its popular summer Evening Programs at the Coquille River Lighthouse. On Friday, August 1st at 7:00 PM, local historian Richard Whitwer will present the story of the Coquille River Lighthouse. Originally built by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1896 and decommissioned in 1939, this coastal landmark rests where river meets ocean and remains a proud symbol of the areas maritime past.

The following evening, on Saturday, August 2nd at 7:00 PM, Ranger Rob Brazie returns with Who Eats Who: What About You?a thrilling look at predators of the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on his experience working with mountain lions, bears, wolves, and other carnivores during his time with Idaho Fish and Game, Ranger Brazie will reveal which predators swim in local waters, stalk coastal forests, and how humans fit into their food web.





The second weekend in this part of the south Oregon coast holds something special for lighthouse fans. Bandon's light needs some TLC.

The Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation is inviting the public to a special fundraising event on Saturday, August 9, aimed at raising support for critical repairs to the historic Coquille River Lighthouse. The Save the Lighthouse fundraiser will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the West Pavilion in Bullards Beach State Park, just north of Bandon.

Organizers say the lighthouses stairs and railings are deteriorating and pose potential safety risks to visitors. Funds raised at the event will go directly toward the structures restoration, with particular focus on those urgently needed repairs.

The family-friendly gathering will feature a picnic with $1 all-beef hot dogs, cookies, brownies, and cream puffs. Attendees can also enjoy a presentation on the lighthouse's history and browse local lighthouse-themed artwork, along with branded merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, and hats - all available for purchase.

More information about the event and the foundations restoration efforts is available at https://www.coquilleriverlighthousekeepers.org/.

Although it recently received a fab new paint job from Oregon State Parks, it needs more help. You can see other parts of the damage to the lighthouse - such as the well-weathered top  at the website.

Also coming up in Bandon: Cruising Through the Years classic car show.

Pacific View Assisted Living in Bandon is marking its 30th anniversary with a community celebration on Wednesday, September 11. Taking place from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at 1000 6th Ave W, the Cruising Through the Years event coincides with National Assisted Living Week and promises a lively afternoon of music, vintage automobiles, and local flavor. Guests can enjoy live performances by the South Coast Trio, browse a classic car show, sample fare from regional food trucks, and view a historical photo gallery. The celebration also includes presentations by guest speakers and local historians, offering a look back at Bandons past and Pacific Views legacy.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours









MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Four Incredibly Cool Places to Play 'n Stay, Central Oregon Coast

Sampling of four outstanding, cool and cajoling places at Lincoln City, Lincoln Beach and Newport. Lodging reviews, hotels, travel tips



New to Oregon Coast Vacation Home Scene: Latest Finds in Neskowin, Pacific City

Four new vacation rentals in Neskowin and Pacific City. Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews



The Lil' Cannon Beach Cottage That Could: Whimsical Yet Historic Rental on N....

A little vaction rental called Lil Bird Cottage is antique-like but vibrant, bold. Lodging reviews, hotels, Cannon Beach lodging



Sweeping Designs, Sights of N. Oregon Coast's Arch Cape, Away At Last Rental

A mere 200 steps from the beach, near Cannon Beach. hotel reviews, lodging









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Nothing Like It Around the World, Oregon Coast's Pig N' Ford Races at 100 Years

Published 07/29/25 at 5:45 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Tillamook, Oregon) - What began as a kooky experience in the early 1920s has evolved into one of Oregons most peculiar and enduring traditions: the Pig n Ford Races. It is indeed one of a kind in the world. No one else around the globe engages in this wacky sport  or pastime  or whatever it is. The Pig n' Ford Races aren't held anywhere but in Oregon's Tillamook Coast area.

This unusual contest is by admission of its own participants a redneck thing  and it's turning one hundred years old.

Always a part of the fair, this time around, the Tillamook County Fair begins on Wednesday, August 6.

It's a big year so be sure to come to the races, held every evening at 5:30pm, August 6-9 at the Tillamook County Fair, said organizers on social.

The idea behind the Pig 'n Ford Races is somewhat simple: race on foot to grab a pig, crank up your Model T, hop in and race around the track to put the pig back. That's right: a big and an old Model T Ford.

It was back in the 1925 that local Oregon coastie Joe Bell unintentionally sowed the seeds of the competition when he retrieved a stray pig using his Ford Model T. The tale of Bell crank-starting his car while clutching the squealing animal quickly gained traction among friends and neighbors, sparking the idea. Someone then proposed turning this random action into a whole contest  and everyone apparently wholeheartedly agreed.

In its informal beginnings, the races welcomed anyone willing to give it a try. But by the early 1950s, the pastime had become organized with the formation of the Model T Pig n Fords Association. Ten franchises were established, and remarkably, those same franchises remain in place today - many still operated by descendants of their original owners.

Early versions of the races were more prank-filled and relaxed, sometimes bordering on chaos. Safety incidents werent uncommon, with stories of flipped vehicles and off-track excursions dotting the early years. Over time, the association began emphasizing safety measures. Even franchise owners are now tasked with monitoring the course for issues.

How the animals are handled also changed over the decades. Until about the '80s, pigs as heavy as 70 pounds were used, which was problematic in terms of controlling the little critter. Now, weight limits are more like 40 pounds max.

It turns out, the old joke about wrestling pigs is true: it is hard.

In the '70s, rules came into play to prevent suping up the ancient rigs too much.

Now in its 100th year, the Pig n Fords event remains a curious blend of history, horsepower, and squeals - part celebration, part contest, and all Oregon coast.

See more at the Tillamook Coast page

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Three Capes - Where to eat - Three Capes Maps and Virtual Tours











MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

The Lil' Cannon Beach Cottage That Could: Whimsical Yet Historic Rental on N....

A little vaction rental called Lil Bird Cottage is antique-like but vibrant, bold. Lodging reviews, hotels, Cannon Beach lodging



From Oregon Coast Swank to Sweet Beach Abode: Lincoln City Rental with Oceanf...

Moonbreaker sits right on the surf with a private stairway down. Lincoln City lodging reviews



Two Shimmering Examples of Oregon Coast Historical Inns at Lincoln City

To get a truly historic experience, however, you have to go back a ways. Lincoln City hotel reviews



Historic North Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Off-the-Beaten-Path Forest G...

Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years but has a new look. Manzanita hotel reviews, Manzanita lodging









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Two Smaller Meteor Showers Now May Be Bigger Show Than Perseids on Oregon / Washington Coast

Published 07/31/25 at 7:15 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - Right now the Perseid meteor shower is just starting to pick up steam and it will reach its peak in a couple of weeks  but with a bit too much of the moon around. However, two other smaller meteor showers may be a better reason to head outdoors this week. (Photo of Comet NEOWISE in Bandon - courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts for more.

Indeed, reports are aplenty of good meteor sightings late at night in the last two weeks.

The Alpha Capricornids are flickering overhead now through August 15. Even though the peak just happened last night, you could still catch some of it.

Though they aren't especially prolific, seldom producing more than five luminous streaks an hour, the real draw of this shower lies in its eye-catching fireballs. They have been spectacular already the past few days, creating long, bright trails.

Yet there's also the Delta Aquariids that peaked over the last two days as well. "Peaking" doesn't mean the end of them, however.



Ecola State Park's Indian Beach - Cannon Beach (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Experts say that together the two smaller showers could result in as many as 20 sightings per hour  if the moon is not out. And it has not been present after midnight in Oregon and Washington, leaving the skies pretty open for streaks both big and small.

If the Moon is not out, your best chance to see the Southern Delta Aquariids is when meteor rates rise during the shower's peak near the end of July, NASA said.

However, they added that you could catch some in early August as the Perseids start really taking off.

You will know that you have spotted a Southern Delta Aquarid if the meteor is coming from the direction of the constellation Aquarius, NASA said.

Now, the Perseids? They're the heavy hitters of the night sky. If stargazing were a competition, theyd be in first place. Known to deliver anywhere from 50 to 75 shooting stars per hour at their peak, especially in rural settings where the view is crystal clear, this shower spans July 14 to September 1. Its most dazzling displays usually occur on August 12 or 13, depending on the calendar.

Again, however, this year you may only see 25% of that shower as the moon will be approaching full blast then.

Made of tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, said Jim Todd of Portland's OMSI. The Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers because most years at its peak, one can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour from a dark place.

If you're heading to the Oregon coastline or Washington coast and the weather is clear, especially about now, you could be in for a show.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection has received numerous reports of a good fiery little streak sometimes twice within ten minutes  even from somewhat hazy Portland. (Staff actually saw a satellite burning up from Portland in mid July as well).

Really, the entire Pacific Northwest is capable of putting on this grand spectacle: from Spokane and Seattle to Westport, and from Pendleton to Cannon Beach, Forest Grove, Medford and Roseburg. Wherever you are: get out there and look up for awhile.

Next year, experts are predicting an unusually heavy Perseids. There is that to look forward to.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

Old Oregon Coast Vibe in Full 'Swing' at Lincoln City Beach Cabin

The Nantucket also features a hot tub and ocean views. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Lincoln City events, Lincoln City vacation rentals



Dreamy Port Orford's Hotels, Rentals, Inns - Unique Rooms of the South Oregon...

Variety of hotels, vacation rentals and BnB's that stand out. Hotel reviews



An Oregon Coast Legend Reopens: Hotel Sylvia in Newport's Nye Beach in a New ...

Many author rooms remain, now include book genre themes. Newport hotel reviews



Nye Beach's Waves Hotel Keeps Making Waves: an Oregon Coast Classic

Less expensive than many, an innovative Newport boutique hotel. Newport lodging reviews









More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Dua Lipa and the problem with the celebrity book club mafia

The pop star has turned a page and set out to become a force in the literary world. But we ought to be sceptical about the growing number of celebrities monopolising the publishing industry, writes Fiona Sturges

Dua Lipa

Fiona Sturges UK Independent Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 09:00







There are many ways a person can discover new books. They can browse the shelves of their local bookshop or library where they can also get specialist advice. They can wade through brutal reader write-ups on Goodreads, the literary worlds answer to Tripadvisor. They can consult reviews by dedicated literary critics, such as The Independents own Martin Chilton, to discover the best (and worst) of the months releases. Or they can visit their preferred podcast app to hear what Dua Lipa is reading?
As I took a quick glance around my flight to sunny Florida, it felt as though I was the only person not donning my Disney gear for a holiday packed with theme park fun.

Its no secret that the Sunshine State is renowned for kids activities galore, but after a few days living out dreams of chats with astronauts, all-American mansions and rocket launches, a completely new Floridian world opened up for me.
A number of parks and other beauty spots across Northern Ireland will be closed next week as Storm Floris threatens to batter the country with strong winds.

It comes as the Met Office confirmed the weekend will be largely calm and dry before the storm, with temperatures expected to reach around 20C across most of the country.

A yellow weather warning for strong and potentially dangerous winds are expected from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday.

The alert affects all six Northern Ireland counties.

The Met Office said: Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK early next week.

"The strongest winds are most likely to occur across Scotland during Monday afternoon and night, although there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris.

"Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see westerly wind gusts of 40-50mph with 60-70mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland.

They continued: "Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.

The forecaster also issued general weather advice to the public, including to ensure people take extra care if they are near the coast.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area, they added.

Officials have confirmed that a number of recreational areas in the country  particularly in Co Down - have announced their closure on Monday ahead of the weather warning.

Among those, Silent Valley Mountain Park will remain closed during the warning, it has been confirmed.

They said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety as some trees at Silent Valley were damaged following Storm Eowyn.

While the park was partially reopened earlier this year, some walking and nature trails remain closed due to the damage, a spokesperson said.

Repairs are ongoing, but it will take time to fully restore all areas.

A site inspection will take place on Tuesday to determine if it is safe to reopen.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council posted on Facebook that the districts forest parks and trails will also remain closed on Monday.

This includes Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbroney, Slieve Gullion and Warrenpoint Municipal Park.

Community Trails will be closed to cars and pedestrians due to the increased likelihood and risks associated with falling branches and debris, said a council spokesperson.

All associated facilities (Cafes, Caravan Parks, Forest drives, Mountain Bike trails etc) will be closed on Monday 4 August.

We also advise the public not to visit our play parks, outdoor sport facilities and outdoor recreational areas.

Council is advising the public not to visit forests, country parks, community trails, beaches, harbours, nature reserves and coastal sites in vehicles or on foot.

Please note that there will be some delays in the re-opening of the Parks and Mountain Bike Trails on Tuesday (to facilitate full safety inspections). We will endeavour to reinstate public access as soon as possible.

Please keep an eye on our social media channels for further updates.

The yellow weather warning comes after Northern Ireland recorded its sixth warmest July on record since Met Office records begin in 1884.

Last month was also the UKs fifth warmest July on record overall.

The mean average temperature across the month was 16.8C, according to provisional figures from the Met Office.

July was the sixth consecutive month of above-average mean temperatures for the UK and followed the warmest June on record for England and second warmest June for the country as a whole.

According to the figures, Northern Ireland has had 499.0mm of rainfall - the lowest since 2001 (455.6mm).
Exclusive | Michelle ONeill: I command the ship, I make the decisions I dont think its the same across the board

The First Minister hints that Emma Little-Pengelly is controlled by DUP party officers as she sits down for a wide-ranging interview with political editor Suzanne Breen

First Minister Michelle ONeill at the James Connolly Visitor Centre in west Belfast. Pic: Kevin Scott

Suzanne Breen Sat 2 Aug 2025 at 08:18

When Michelle ONeill became First Minister, some observers predicted that she would have no real authority as other republicans would pull the strings from behind the scenes.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said women created services for free that did not previously exist (Joe Giddens/PA)

The UK has got fat from the free labour of women, Jess Phillips has said.

The minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls said the country has relied on women providing charity for decades.

She said it was a fundamentally sexist practice that meant Government was less willing to provide the service itself.

She said she hated the title of her role and added that safeguarding against gender-based violence should be business as usual in every single Government department.

Jess Phillips suggested some ministers thought violence against women and girls was solely the remit of the Home Office (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

The Birmingham Yardley MP suggested there was an issue in Whitehall where Government departments viewed violence against women and girls as solely a Home Office issue.

Ms Phillips said she had to push for the safety of women and girls to be a mainstream concern, which she said had not always made her popular as a Government minister.

Asked what pushback she had received from ministers or civil servants, she said: People directly say things like, Thats the Home Offices job.

Why is it my job to do healthy relationship education in schools? Why is it my job to provide mental health support for whatever reason it is that you ended up in that [situation]?.

Do you know what it is? Free labour of women is where it comes from.

It comes from a fundamentally sexist place in that women didnt have these services, so a load of women across the country got together and made these services and offered them to other women for free, and they didnt get paid for their labour.

So they put down a mattress and made a refuge. They set up counselling services and got people who were trained to be therapists and got their voluntary hours and set it up for free.

Jess Phillips was interviewed at the Iain Dale All Talk Fringe show (Jacob King/PA)

Ms Phillips said people do not recognise how heavily the UK has relied on women providing support that previously did not exist which has suggested an impact on the willingness of Government to provide these services.

She added: Nobody offered diabetes medicine for free. Pharmaceutical companies didnt go, Wow, this is really important. People will die without this. Well just give it away for free.

That is what the women in our country did in the 1960s and 1970s and 1980s and we got fat on that expectation that that service will be provided for free.

And we also belittled it as an issue that wasnt absolutely, fundamentally mainstream to the safety and security of our nation.

Undoing that is really hard and its going to take a long time.
Hospitals in Gaza reported the killing of at least 18 people, eight of them food-seekers, by Israeli fire on Saturday as Palestinians endured severe risks in their search for food amid airdrops and restrictions on overland aid delivery.

Near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site, Yahia Youssef, who had come to seek aid on Saturday morning, described a panicked scene now grimly familiar.

After helping carry out three people wounded by gunshots, he said he looked around and saw many others lying on the ground bleeding.

Its the same daily episode, Mr Youssef said.

In response to questions about several witness accounts of violence at the northernmost of the Israeli-backed American contractors four sites, the GHF media office said nothing (happened) at or near our sites.

The episode came a day after US officials visited one site and the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called GHFs distribution an incredible feat.

International outrage has mounted as the groups efforts to deliver aid to hunger-stricken Gaza have been marred by violence and controversy.

We werent close to them (the troops) and there was no threat, Abed Salah, a man in his 30s who was among the crowds close to the GHF site near Netzarim corridor, said. I escaped death miraculously.

Families of hostages protest Tel Aviv, Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

The danger facing aid seekers in Gaza has compounded what international hunger experts this week called a worst-case scenario of famine in the besieged enclave.

Israels near 22-month military offensive against Hamas has shattered security in the territory of some 2.0 million Palestinians and made it nearly impossible to deliver food safely to starving people.

From May 27 to July 31, 859 people were killed in the vicinity of GHF sites, according to a United Nations report published on Thursday. Hundreds more have been killed along the routes of food convoys.

Israel and GHF have said they have only fired warning shots and that the toll has been exaggerated.

Health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 18 Palestinians on Saturday, including three whose bodies were transported from the vicinity of a distribution site to a central Gaza hospital along with 36 others who were wounded.

Officials said 10 of Saturdays casualties were killed by strikes in central and southern Gaza.

Nasser Hospital said it received the bodies of five people killed in two separate strikes on tents sheltering displaced people.

The dead include two brothers and a relative, who were killed when a strike hit their tent close to a main thoroughfare in Khan Younis.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages protested and urged Israels government to push harder for the release of their loved ones, including those shown in footage released by militant groups earlier this week.

US President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff joined them a day after visiting Gaza and a week after walking away from ceasefire talks in Qatar, blaming Hamass intransigence and pledging to find other ways to free hostages and make Gaza safe.

Of the 251 hostages who were abducted when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel on October 7 2023, about 20 are believed to be alive in Gaza.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the second-largest militant group in Gaza, released separate videos of individual hostages this week, triggering outrage among hostage families and Israeli society.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not distinguish between militants and civilians and operates under the Hamas government.

The UN and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy says he does not accept Irans claims that the country is enriching uranium for academic purposes.

Representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany and France held talks with Iran last week to try to break the deadlock over the countrys nuclear programme.

Tehran maintains it is open to diplomacy, though it recently suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A central concern for western powers was highlighted when the IAEA reported in May that Irans stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%  just below weapons-grade level  had grown to more than 400kg.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Guardian, Mr Lammy said: Its leaders cannot explain to me  and Ive had many conversations with them  why they need 60% enriched uranium.

If I went to Sellafield or Urenco in Cheshire, they havent got anything more than 6%. The Iranians claim its for academic use, but I dont accept that.

Mr Lammy warned that Iran developing nuclear weapons could lead to an escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Israel and the United States carried our strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Many of your readers will have watched Oppenheimer and seen the fallout of (the US building an atomic bomb), he said.

So its what (a nuclear Iran) might mean in terms of other countries in the neighbourhood who would desire one, too. And we would be very suddenly handing over to our children and grandchildren a world that had many more nuclear weapons in it than it has today.

The Foreign Secretary said he had heard Israeli arguments in favour of regime change in Tehran, but did not believe that was behind the US decision to strike.

The Tottenham MP added any decision to topple the government was one for the Iranian people, with his focus on what the UK can do to stop Iran becoming a nuclear power.

Last month, Mr Lammy suggested that Britain, France and Germany could snap back on sanctions against Iran unless the country gets serious about stepping back from its nuclear ambitions.

He told the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee: Iran face even more pressure in the coming weeks because the E3 can snap back on our sanctions, and its not just our sanctions, its actually a UN mechanism that would impose dramatic sanctions on Iran across nearly every single front in its economy.

So they have a choice to make. Its a choice for them to make.

Im very clear about the choice they should make, but Im also clear that the UK has a decision to make that could lead to far greater pain for the Iranian regime unless they get serious about the international desire to see them step back from their nuclear ambitions at this time.
Over 13k raised for victims of Ballymena race riots and just 2.7k for accused
I was determined to do something after we lost my father-in-law: How NI man helped raise over 1m for charity
In the 1930s, Pittsfields punitive approach to homelessness and panhandlers didn't seem to have achieved much to alleviate anyone's addiction, mental health issues, the economics of a Great Depression, or the housing shortages that plagued Berkshire cities.
If you get a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding payment, it's likely a scam.

The FBIs Boston Division has reported a recent spike in phone scams across New England involving individuals impersonating law enforcement and government officials  including the FBI itself  to extort money or steal personally identifiable information.

Local agencies in Berkshire County have also reported similar incidents in recent months.

Since June, the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office has issued warnings about three scams in which callers posed as employees, falsely telling victims they had missed court dates or owed money to resolve fake warrants. The most recent case was flagged on July 10, when someone impersonating Sgt. Kyle Richardson demanded $2,500 through various online services to clear nonexistent warrants.

Of the three scams, this was the only one in which the caller used the name of a real employee. In the earlier cases, the names used belonged to individuals who dont work for the department.

On Thursday, Pittsfield Police issued a similar warning. In that case, a caller used the name of one of the departments officers  though the specific name wasnt disclosed. The caller, described as having a thick accent, left a voicemail asking for a call back to a number that does not belong to the department.

The FBI identifies these scams as vishing, a form of phishing conducted over the phone. The goal is to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as credit card numbers. According to the FBI, legitimate law enforcement and federal agencies never call individuals threatening arrest or demanding money.

Scammers often use intimidation tactics, such as an urgent tone or threats to confiscate property, freeze bank accounts, or make arrests unless payment is made immediately. If questioned, the caller may become more aggressive.

These fraudsters are capitalizing on fear and intimidation because nobody wants to be the subject of a law enforcement investigation, said Ted E. Docks, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Boston Division, in a statement. Weve seen an increase in these scams, which is why were reminding the public to resist the urge to act immediately and take time to verify who is actually contacting you.

That can be difficult, as the agency notes that scammers often use technology to "spoof" or resemble legitimate numbers.

The best way to handle a phishing scam? Dont engage.

In 2024, approximately 17,367 people nationwide reported being victims of government impersonation scams, losing more than $405 million, according to the FBI. More than 500 victims were from Massachusetts, with total reported losses of around $9.5 million.

If you believe youve been targeted by a scam, stop all communication with the caller immediately, notify your financial institutions, secure your accounts, and file both a police report and a complaint with the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
The Select Board has voted to drop its litigation with Housatonic Water Works in an attempt to ease the financial burden for the company and to prevent further delay of the installation of the manganese water filter.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion: Unlike most other states, Massachusetts doesn't have a shield law. This legislation could and should change that
Quality local journalism needs your support

Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access.

Subscribe today. Cancel anytime.

Subscribe now for 99

Subscriber Sign In | Return Home
BillOReilly.com is not available in this country.



We apologize for any inconvenience.
Can Policy Reforms & Investments Trigger Indias MedTech Makeover?

July 31, 2025 | Thursday | Features | By Ayesha Siddiqui

Indias MedTech sector has long been import-dependent. The Centre is now working to change this by positioning the country as an export-oriented manufacturing hub. A series of policies and investments have been introduced to support this shift. Have these made an impact? What steps are necessary to strengthen Indias position in the global medical technology (MedTech) landscape? Lets find out.

image credit- shutterstock

India stands as the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia, trailing only Japan, China, and South Korea, and is counted among the top 20 markets worldwide. The sector is broadly categorised into five key segments: electronic equipment (56 per cent), disposables and consumables (26.5 per cent), in-vitro diagnostics (8.1 per cent), implants (7.1 per cent), and surgical instruments (2.3 per cent). (Source: Invest India)

Most domestic manufacturers are concentrated in the disposables and consumables segment, primarily serving local demand. In contrast, high-end categories such as electronic equipment remain dominated by multinational companies. The domestic industry comprises around 800 manufacturers, with production still focused on a limited set of product areas.

In 202324, Indias medical device exports crossed $4 billion, which is an impressive number on its own, but compared to imports which stood at nearly double, at $8.1 billion, it highlights the countrys continued reliance on foreign medical technologies, with nearly 80 per cent of its medical device requirements still met through imports. To address this imbalance and expand domestic manufacturing capacity, the government has set a goal to reduce import dependence to below 50 per cent over the next five years and has announced a slew of initiatives, investments, and incentives.



Government Initiatives: Have they moved the needle?

The government is pushing to transform the MedTech sector through policy reforms and targeted financial incentives, aiming to build self-reliance, drive innovation, and boost global competitiveness. This shift gained momentum in 2023 with the launch of the National Medical Devices Policy, which aims to position India as a global manufacturing and innovation hub. The policy sets ambitious goals: expanding Indias global market share in medical devices from less than 2 per cent to 1012 per cent over the next 25 years, and growing the domestic market from $11 billion to $50 billion by 2030.

To complement manufacturing with innovation, the government launched the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme in August 2023. With a total budget of Rs 5,000 crore, Rs 4,250 crore of which is dedicated to building the R&D ecosystem. PRIP seeks to transform India into a global R&D hub for medical devices and pharmaceuticals. To guide implementation, an industry dialogue was held in Mumbai in March 2025, involving stakeholders such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), regulatory bodies, and industry associations. The Expression of Interest (EoI) portal opened shortly thereafter, accepting proposals until April 7, 2025.

In 2023, the government also launched MedTech Mitra, a strategic initiative designed to support MedTech startups and companies through clinical evaluation, regulatory facilitation, and new product adoption, providing endtoend handholding from development to market entry.

To boost local manufacturing, the government launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Medical Devices in 202021, with a financial outlay of Rs 3,420 crore and a timeline extending to 202728. The scheme offers 5 per cent incentives on incremental sales of domestically manufactured devices across four high-value categories: radiotherapy and imaging equipment, anaesthesia devices, cardio-respiratory and critical care equipment, and implants. So far, 19 greenfield projects have been commissioned, leading to the local production of 44 devicesincluding MRI machines, CT scanners, mammography systems, C-arms, and ultrasound machinesthat were previously imported. As of September 2024, cumulative sales by participating companies have reached Rs 8,039.63 crore, including exports worth Rs 3,844.01 crore.

In 2024, the Government of India has launched a Rs 500 crore scheme to boost domestic medical device manufacturing through five targeted sub-schemes: Rs 110 crore for common infrastructure like R&D labs and testing centres; Rs 180 crore for 1020 per cent capital subsidies to support local production of components; Rs 100 crore for capacity building through Master's programmes and vocational training; Rs 100 crore for clinical studies including animal trials, human trials, and diagnostic evaluations; and Rs 10 crore to support industry associations in promoting MedTech innovation.

These efforts appear to be gaining traction. A key milestone was Indias entry into the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), signalling the countrys commitment to aligning with global quality and regulatory standards and paving the way for greater international collaboration. This growing credibility has been matched by rising investor interest. By August 2024, Indias MedTech sector had attracted over $1.2 billion in private equity and venture capital, the highest in five years. Foreign direct investment has also gained momentum. In just the first half of FY 202324, FDI stood at $425 million, reflecting growing confidence in the sectors long-term potential.

But the question is, have these initiatives truly moved the needle? Experts believe that while these are welcome developments, the on-ground reality is more nuanced.

India's push for a self-sufficient medical device industry, through initiatives like PLI and medical device parks, has shown promise but delivered limited ground-level results so far, especially for domestic manufacturers in low-margin sectors where we are usually not competitive with China. While the PLI has spurred investment in certain high-end areas, its overall impact remains narrow, with very few projects sanctioned and disbursed, said Rajiv Nath, Managing Director, Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices Ltd & Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AiMeD).

Similarly, the Marginal Investment Scheme, Clinical Performance Scheme, Common Infrastructure Scheme, and Skilling Scheme announced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in November 2023 are yet to gain meaningful traction. These schemes need faster implementation to improve manufacturers competitiveness. While policy intent is strong and some progress has been made, Indias MedTech sector needs more consistent execution, wider participation, and accelerated infrastructure development to truly unlock its global potential, added Nath.

According to a white paper by AiMeD and Consocia Advisory, developing high-end medical equipment requires substantial investment in R&D, testing, and clinical validation. At present, Indian manufacturers face both financial and bureaucratic hurdles in these areas. Government schemes like the PLI programme exist, but smaller companies often struggle to access the benefits due to complex application procedures and delays in disbursement. There are also limited targeted research grants or tax incentives specifically designed for critical care devices. Without strong policy support for innovation, such as grants for designing next-generation ventilators or funding to upgrade manufacturing capabilities, domestic firms risk falling behind global competitors. While initiatives like the India AI Mission have received Rs 10,000 crore in structured government support, the MedTech sectors PRIP scheme has been allocated only Rs 5,000 crore, which experts argue is disproportionately low given the sectors potential and its critical role in healthcare innovation and national preparedness.

Inside the MedTech Parks: Are they delivering?

India is steadily building a network of medical device parks to support domestic manufacturing, R&D, and innovation in the MedTech sector. Under the Rs 400 crore Promotion of Medical Devices Parks scheme (20202025), four statesUttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh have received approvals of Rs 100 crore each. Separately, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has also supported a superconducting magnet testing facility at AMTZ, Andhra Pradesh, under a common facility scheme.

The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam, launched in 2016, is fully operational and hosts over 100 companies focused on R&D and manufacturing. Hyderabads Medical Devices Park, active since 2017, houses over 50 firms making devices ranging from imaging systems to ICU and home-use equipment. Other key parks are under development: Solan (Himachal Pradesh) is focusing on radiology and implants; Gautam Buddh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) is attracting IVD and diagnostic manufacturers; and Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu) has received 28 investment proposals to produce stents, implants, and diagnostics. Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) is targeting high-risk devices, while MedSpark in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) is being developed as a hub for manufacturing, research, and training. New parks are also planned in Rajkot (Gujarat) and Panipat (Haryana), featuring proposed testing labs, centres of excellence, and R&D facilities.

Together, these parks are expected to enhance Indias MedTech infrastructure, although several remain in various stages of development and await full operationalisation.

The medical device parks model, exemplified by AMTZ's success in Visakhapatnam, offers shared infrastructure and reduced capital costs but faces operational delays and inconsistent implementation across other states due to restrictive criteria and underdeveloped facilities. Improved execution and stronger coordination between central and state policies, using AMTZ as a benchmark, are needed, said Nath.

Global giants and local players fuel MedTech manufacturing

Indias Make in India initiative in the MedTech sector has begun to show visible traction, with both multinational corporations and Indian companies scaling up their local manufacturing, R&D, and innovation capabilities. Several global players have expanded their operations in India, recognising its growing role in the global medical devices supply chain.

Medtronic, for instance, operates its largest R&D facility outside the United States in Hyderabad. The company has recently invested around Rs 3,000 crore to expand this facility further. The India innovation centres are not only engaged in traditional medical device development but are also focusing on building software capabilities for global product platforms.

Similarly, Siemens Healthineersone of the approved participants under Indias PLI schemehas invested Rs 91.9 crore to manufacture CT and MRI systems at its Bengaluru plant. The company has also introduced the Multix Impact E digital radiography systems from this facility. Siemens mobile C-arm system, Cios Fit, is fully conceptualised, designed, and manufactured in India and is now exported to over 64 countries. Additionally, the company has received approval to manufacture RT-PCR kits for mpox detection at its Vadodara site.

Philips Healthcare has also ramped up its Make in India efforts. Over the past few years, the company has cumulatively invested around Rs 750 crore, including Rs 350 crore recently allocated to a new 300,000 sq ft R&D facility in Pune. This facility will focus on imaging and image-guided therapy technologies for global markets. The Pune centre already serves as a global hub for mobile surgery, exporting devices like the Zenition Mobile C-arm series to over 100 countries. In Bengaluru, Philips has invested an additional Rs 500 crore to establish its largest global innovation hub. Philips has also launched the Affiniti ultrasound machines as part of its India-made portfolio.

The India operation of Omron Healthcare, a japanese medtech company with $30 million in sales last year and growing at double digit has invested Rs 128 crore in its Chennai facility which is spread over 24000 square metres. The company will be rolling out about 1 million blood pressure monitors (BPM) per year from its Chennai facility with 'Made in India' log by December this year. The foundation for the facility was laid after signing the memorandum on the establishment of the factory on June 2, 2023 in the presence of M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of the Tamil Nadu State Government.

Wipro GE Healthcare is another major player deepening its India footprint. The company recently announced a strategic investment of over Rs 8,000 crore over the next five years to enhance manufacturing capacity and R&D. This investment supports supply chain resilience and strengthens the companys role in both domestic and international markets. Products like the Made in India PET CT Discovery IQ are now exported to 15 countries. Other locally manufactured devices include the Revolution Aspire CT, Revolution ACT, and MR breast coilsall developed In India for the World. The company currently operates four manufacturing plants in Bengaluru, all export-focused. The latest facility was set up in March 2022 with a Rs 100 crore investment under the PLI scheme.

Spellman, the global leader in X-ray generator production, is set to establish its first-ever manufacturing facility in India at the AMTZ, a significant step in enhancing the countrys medical technology sector.

While multinational companies are deepening their footprint in India, local medical device manufacturers are also stepping up to reduce import dependence and drive indigenous innovation. Several Indian firms are now focusing on developing complex, high-end equipment that is traditionally imported.

In 2024, Meril inaugurated new manufacturing facilities under the PLI scheme and signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to invest Rs 910 crore. The company has already invested over Rs 1,400 crore in the MedTech sector. This expansion is expected to create 5,000 jobs and reduce imports of critical devices.

Efforts are also underway in the public sector and academia to accelerate the development of indigenous high-end technologies. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, recently announced plans to install the countrys first indigenously developed 1.5 Tesla MRI machine by October 2025. The project is being executed in partnership with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronic Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

IIT Kanpur is developing Hridayantra, Indias first indigenously designed left ventricular assist device (LVAD), aimed at helping patients with advanced heart failure. The implantable mechanical pump is expected to last 1012 years and cost significantly less, Rs 1015 lakh, compared to the global price of Rs 7080 lakh.

Bengaluru-based Voxelgrids Innovations, Indias first and only manufacturer of MRI scanners, has received regulatory approval and launched the countrys first indigenously developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner.

SS Innovations, based in Gurugram, recently launched Indias first mobile tele-robotic surgery unit, SSI Mantra, marking a breakthrough in the countrys surgical capabilities.

Innovation is also being backed by institutional support. The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has extended financial support to Mysuru-based S3V Vascular Technologies for its project on manufacturing mechanical thrombectomy kits for acute ischemic stroke treatment. This initiative positions S3V as the first Indian company to design and manufacture a full suite of neuro-intervention devicesincluding microcatheters, aspiration catheters, guidewires, and stent retriever systems- in a fully integrated upstream facility.

Filling the gaps

All these initiatives and investments have propelled notable growth in Indias MedTech sector. However, structural challenges and limited policy support in key strategic areas continue to constrain the countrys global competitiveness.

One challenge is the regulatory framework. Some stakeholders suggest the adoption of a separate decriminalised regulatory framework and an independent regulator for medical devices, like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in the food sector. There are views that current regulations, which link medical devices closely with pharmaceuticals under a common Drug Law, may inhibit the independent implementation of Medical Device Rules. International guidance from the WHO and regulatory frameworks in markets such as the UK (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Canada (Health Canada), Singapore (Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and Malaysias Medical Devices Authority are often cited as references. The umbilical cord with pharma needs to be severed, as the bias of the drug rules at times overshadows the independent implementation of the Medical Device Rules. Medical devices, while classified as medical products, differ from medicines in that they are considered engineering goods. This distinction is like the way the Air Force, Navy, and Army each require unique treatment despite all being branches of the defence forces, said Nath.

R&D in the sector is another area where Indias investment remains modest compared to global standards. While policies like the PRIP scheme and the creation of Centres of Excellence represent welcome positive developments, R&D activity tends to be fragmented and mainly led by the public sector.

In comparison, countries such as China have promoted integrated ecosystems with significant private-sector involvement and incentives for advanced medical device manufacturing, said Nath.

Manufacturing output in India is largely focused on low-value consumables and in-vitro diagnostics, with less emphasis on high-technology electronic or implantable devices. This focus limits participation in high-tech international trade.

Some manufacturers indicate that public procurement policies sometimes favour imported products by requiring overseas regulatory approvals, potentially limiting market access for Indian producers. The few units that bravely invested need nurturing but at times they face challenges in public procurement instead of getting preference and support in pruning the paradoxical enlargement of the GTE (Global Tender Exemption) list even for those medical equipment available since long and from more than one licensed manufacturer, but also in some public tenders continue to discriminate and disallow Indian manufacturers to participate in bidding process by seeking a mandatory qualifying criteria of overseas US FDA and CE approval instead of seeking a Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) manufacturing license. Some Buyers' reasoning is to filter out low-priced but low-quality Indian goods, which, in many cases, are relabelled, repackaged, and shoddy Chinese goods. For this, some manufacturers seek an amendment of labelling requirements in the Indian MDR17 for alignment with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade - Public Procurement Order (DPITT- PPO) and Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP)s guidance requirements and the label to clearly state if the Manufacturer is level 1, i.e. with over 50 per cent domestic content, or level 2, with over 20 per cent domestic content or simply a Repackaging or relabelling company. This distinction will help buyers give preference to higher value-added medical devices, said Nath.

There is also discussion about the alignment of Indian certification standards, such as BIS-based CDSCO certification, with international regulatory benchmarks. The introduction of the QCIs Indian Certification of Medical Devices (ICMED) 13485 Plus aims to provide Indian manufacturers with internationally recognised quality compliance credentials. Aligning these certifications with other international certifications, such as the MDSAP and CE, is considered a possible approach for enhancing market access via mutual recognition agreements in trade negotiations.

Some industry participants highlight the importance of a predictable nominal tariff policy to provide balanced protection for both domestic and foreign manufacturers, addressing Niti Aayog stated 15 per cent disability factors that affect the sectors competitiveness, said Nath.

India currently holds a modest 1.5 per cent share of the global medical devices market. To claim a larger share, the country has laid out an ambitious vision backed by policies, incentives, and investments. But achieving the $50 billion target and becoming Atmanirbhar will depend on sustained execution, stronger ecosystem integration, and the ability to scale both innovation and manufacturing.

Ayesha Siddiqui
Deadly Silence: India's Negligent Pharma Manufacturing Units

July 31, 2025 | Thursday | Features | By Sanjiv Das

Indian pharma manufacturing units are a ticking time bomb. Inflammable chemicals that require special handling are often callously used by ignorant workers leading to reactions, reactor blasts and deaths. Above it, ill-designed setups and less knowledge of hardware and software are taking a toll on the industry. Showing a lackadaisical attitude towards the way manufacturing sites are being operated, Indian pharma companies are at the receiving end of various domestic and global regulators. Overlooking safety issues will lead to more catastrophic events.

image credit- shutterstock

Indias growing pharma industry has a sordid tale to say. Amidst the hype of Pharmacy of the World, discussions about tariffs and patent expiry leading to an opportunity for Indian pharma companies, hardly any discussions are held on the killer pharma manufacturing facilities. Unless and until something fatal happens.

A majority of the pharma companies seem to turn a blind eye to the lurking danger at its manufacturing sites across the country. So much so that lives are lost due to these catastrophic events.

Pharma manufacturing plants store chemicals, sometimes inflammable that are always at high risk. Reports of manufacturing plants not complying with safety standards are nothing new. Not following safety and other protocols becomes a free ride for the US FDA to issue warning letters. The US watchdog is notoriously known for issuing warning letters and somewhere the feeling comes that the agency does it right on certain occasions.

The Indian pharma industry has a history of incidents leading to deaths at manufacturing facilities with fire breakouts the common one.

Multiple incidents

The industry is marred with fire safety issues. Reports of fatality in pharma plants due to fire, inhaling toxic gas etc. happen quite often.

The recent blast at the Sigachi Industries plant at Pashamylaram in Telangana points out a disaster that is being compared with the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that happened way back in 1984. The powerful blast led to more than 40 dead and scores injured.

The management of Sigachi Industries was booked for culpable homicide. A criminal investigation is being pursued where there are allegations of gross negligence by the company. It is also being claimed that repeated warnings of outdated and unsafe machinery were ignored.

This is the same company that has secured Terms of Reference (ToR) Approval from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Andhra Pradesh for its upcoming API and Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing Facility in Orvakal, Andhra Pradesh.

The Sigachi incident is not an isolated case. In another tragic incident, in June 2025 two workers died while one was found critically injured due to toxic gas inhalation at Sai Sreyas Pharmaceuticals located at Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City, Parawada of Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh. Here also repeated pleas to safety standards were ignored leading to a disaster.

On January 10, 2025, a fire incident was reported at Samarth Life Sciences at Manakpur in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Though no casualties were reported, the investigation revealed that the fire was caused by a short circuit.

In August 2024, Escientia Advanced Sciences in the Special Economic Zone at Atchutapuram in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh had a fire incident leading to 17 deaths and more than 35 injured. The investigation led to key design faults. There were reports of leakage of a highly inflammable solvent, Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) that is used in the pharmaceutical industry.

About 14 workers sustained injuries in a fire at a pharma company in Puducherry in November 2023. Solara Active Pharma Sciences at Kalapet reported the fire incident.

In another event seven workers suffered severe burns in a massive explosion that rocked Unit-1 of the Sahiti Pharma plant at Atchutapuram SEZ in Anakapalli district in June 2023. Reports suggest that the blast occurred while loading solvents into the solvent recovery plant.

Laurus Labs reported that four of its employees died following a flash fire in a room in a manufacturing block of its plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in December 2022.

In January 2021, Pune-based Serum Institute of India reported a fire incident leading to five deaths at its Pune facility. The fire spread from a half-constructed building within the institute that was reportedly producing Covishield. And the list goes on.

What Industry Says

A lot of manufacturing companies say they hold safety workshops; however, these programmes are usually rushed and dont work. This is what Vinay Kumar, Senior Pharmacovigilance Professional says, while expressing his views. He further states that this ecosystem is quite complete; however, enforcement is not always constant and only happens when something goes wrong.

Safety rules exist more on paper than in practice in a lot of plants, especially those in rural or heavily industrialised areas. The most worrisome thing is not the lack of information or equipment, but the lack of responsibility, Kumar added.

He further said A lot of places have regular inspection visits that are easy to schedule for. However, they usually miss the structural, ongoing problems that develop between audits. Regulatory groups also dont have a lot of digital connections, which means that reports are duplicated and can be changed. The laws arent the problem; the challenge is following them, keeping an eye on them, and working together across agencies. Many units will still consider compliance as a formality unless enforcement happens more regularly and is based on more data.

During the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Telangana Pillars of Protection: Building a Fortress of Safety in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Manufacturing event, it was mentioned that the state of Telangana witnessed a whopping 102 major fire incidents in pharma units over the last decade, resulting in losses exceeding Rs 100 crore.

Dr Vinay Kumar Gupta, Assistant Drugs Controller (India), CDSCO Zonal Office, Hyderabad, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, emphasised the critical importance of safety in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing. According to him, during inspections, identifying even one safety issue can trigger significant improvements in an organisation. He also pointed out specific risks like potential product contamination from colour mix-ups and the importance of proper sampling environments.

Chakravarthi AVPS, Convener, CII Telangana Pharma and Life Sciences Panel & Chairman & Managing Director, Ecobliss India noted, It's our collective responsibility to ensure that every manufacturing facility becomes a beacon of protection where safety, sustainability and operational excellence go hand in hand.

He also mentioned the rolling of a dedicated workshop on mitigating human errors in pharmaceutical manufacturing and operations. A much-needed intervention, this workshop will address the core challenges that often get overlooked yet contribute significantly to quality deviations, regulatory observations, and workplace incidents.

According to Ranjit Barshikar, CEO  QbD International, United Nations Advisor, Member of Editorial Board of Journal of Generic Medicine UK, in the pharmaceutical industry, risk assessments are an ongoing and continuous process throughout the entire product lifecycle, as per ICH Q9. Safety programmes in the pharmaceutical industry are crucial for protecting workers, ensuring product quality, maintaining regulatory compliance, and in the interest of the companys credibility. These programmes are typically integrated into the overall quality management system. (ICH Q10).

Emergency Preparedness

Most businesses have the necessary documents, such as chemical spill SOPs, evacuation maps, and emergency response plans. But the way they really do them on the ground isnt necessarily the same or enough to deal with real-life crises like chemical leaks, fires, explosions, or broken equipment.

Experts point out that:

When there are emergencies, different departments dont work together enough (EHS, maintenance, production, and HR usually only work in their areas).

There are no official links to local hospitals, fire departments, or crisis response teams.

There arent any emergency simulation programmes that are made just for plants that take into account how hazardous materials are carried and stored.

Not enough training for junior personnel and contract workers who are likely to be affected in emergencies when it comes to language and literacy.

It is even more disturbing since a few simple steps could save a lot of lives and avoid injuries:

Installing gas leak detectors and alarms that go off by themselves.

Pharma companies need to migrate from static risk assessments to dynamic risk management systems that are connected to real-time plant data, updated after any changes, and assessed on a regular basis in order to expand. Not only do teams need to be taught how to obey the regulations, but they also need to understand and internalise how important hazard analysis and risk assessment are as a life-saving tool instead of a burden.

Sharing his thoughts on the issue, Namitesh Roy Choudhury, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, LANXESS India said, A comprehensive safety management system sets out exactly how employees should approach safety-relevant processes at production plants. Staff training and regular reviews ensure that these regulations are systematically implemented. During compliance checks, experts conduct spot checks to assess whether all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe operation of facilities.

LANXESS operates about 48 production sites in 32 countries worldwide. Safety is also of paramount importance in acquisition projects. A technical due diligence audit designed to identify potential risks is always conducted alongside the standard economic review during the preliminary stages. LANXESS uses comprehensive gap analyses to determine how best to resolve any safety shortcomings and implement the companys demanding HSEQ standards in good time.

Will this scenario change?

Indian pharma companies especially the smaller ones adopt the so-called Juggad attitude leading to these types of catastrophic events. Unlike the MNC pharma companies that are known to implement tough protocols at their manufacturing units, the Indian counterparts are callous when it comes to providing safety.

Risk evaluations for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers are not common, are not done consistently, and are done in response to problems. There is no standard across the industry for dynamic or periodic reassessments, especially when the layout of the plant, the way processes are optimised, new chemicals, or equipment upgrades change. Risk registers are rarely updated in real-time, even when things change.

Lack of fire safety audits, and bribing officials to procure safety certificates are common. The pharma industry has failed while complying with regular fire safety audits. This apart from accountability, stricter management accountability is missing in a majority of the cases.

Indian pharma companies need to chalk down comprehensive multi-pronged strategies, organise rigorous training for workers, adopt digital safety tools and automation, strictly monitor any unusual occurrences in manufacturing sites etc. to overcome the crisis.

Risk assessments should be done every three months for high-risk areas, right after process changes or deviations, with teams from several departments working together, and they should lead to tracked and closed remedial actions.

As Suresh Pareek, Managing Director, Sukvi Ventures and Founder and Former Managing Director, Ideal Cures points out, Despite existing legal frameworks for chemical accident prevention, serious incidents continue to occur, pointing to potential deficiencies in implementation or oversight. There is no direct evidence to suggest a deliberate intent to hush things up; from the available information; however, the lack of adherence to safety standards, as seen in the Sigachi case, indicates a failure in robust preventative action and transparency in addressing known risks. Effective accident prevention requires strong leadership commitment, employee education, and transparent hazard management.

Key safety measures like the use of personal protective equipment, robust emergency response plans, proper storage of chemicals and proper handling etc. should be of paramount importance.

Human error is claimed to be the likely cause of accidents happening at manufacturing sites. Recruiting qualified professionals in a plant can avert any untoward incident in the long run. The current scenario is not going to change sooner as many companies try to hush up things and try to suppress facts. Stricter regulations and proper training of staff at manufacturing facilities will help to avert disaster in days to come.

Sanjiv Das

sanjiv.das@mmactiv.com
Accelerated Reliance on Digital Animal Replacement Tech

July 31, 2025 | Thursday | Features | By Vrushti Kothari

While Europe is talking about non-animal replacement tests to be used for drug development and research purposes, US FDA is acting upon it with a detailed roadmap aimed at rapidly reducing animal testing in preclinical safety assessments. These developments clearly provide huge opportunities for global companies that are developing alternative methods such as organoids, 3D bioprinting, digital animal replacement technology, computer simulation, to name a few. But where does India stand in this regard, and how skilled are we to make this shift?

On April 29, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US announced the adoption of a new initiative to expand innovative, human-based science while reducing animal use in research. In particular, the NIH intends to establish the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA) to develop, validate, and scale the use of non-animal approaches across the agencys biomedical research portfolio and serve as a hub for interagency coordination and regulatory translation for public health protection.

Developing and using cutting-edge non-animal research models very well aligns with the US Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) recent initiative to reduce testing in animals.

Simultaneously, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has released a revised draft paper that outlines non-animal replacement tests manufacturers can use to eliminate the use of animals in pharmaceutical testing. Further, the European Commission has confirmed plans to finalise its Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics roadmap by early 2026, setting the stage for a gradual transition toward non-animal testing in chemical safety assessments.

Where does India stand in this scenario? Although an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023), passed by the Government of India in 2023, aimed to replace the use of animals in research, especially in drug testing, not much progress has been made so far. Indian regulatory bodies are still working out ways to strengthen the use of non-animal testing methods in laboratories across the country, as they are aware that completely eliminating animal models may not be a feasible process.

There are continuous challenges in drug development due to species specific limitations, inadequate mechanistic prediction of human adverse effects by animal models. The concerning high clinical attrition in Phase II & III brings to the demand of developing more human relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) aiming to replace, reduce and refine (3Rs) the animals in research. With continued support from national programmes like Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and global collaborations, India stands poised to emerge as a leader in NAM-driven innovation, advancing the 3R agenda and reshaping the future of drug discovery and toxicology testing, said Dr Amit Khanna, Lead Scientist  Integrated Drug Discovery and Development, Yashraj Biotechnology.

New technologies and challenges

The global non-animal alternatives market inclusive of organoids, spheroids, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, computer simulation, Digital Animal Replacement Technology, cell culture, is expected to reach $4.08 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent. As a result, we see a rise in new initiatives by a number of companies across the world including India.

Recently, Hyderabad-based biotech startup Transcell Biologics announced a strategic investment from award-winning AI-first engineers, Quantiphi Inc, based in Boston. This investment aims to support expanding the client base and implementation of Digital Animal Replacement Technology (DART) as an Enterprise Solution for the global bio and pharmaceutical industry.

DART embodies an innovative leap forward in animal-free testing methods, fusing human MicroPhysiological Systems (hMPS) technology with AI/ML embedded in silico platform configurations to streamline and automate the bioassay processes producing statistically compliant reports.

According to Dr Subhadra Dravida, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Transcell Biologics, The implementation of DART has gained significant traction in the Indian market, with leading biopharmaceutical companies already adopting this Enterprise Solution in their high-impact programmes. DART represents a significant breakthrough in revolutionising drug and vaccine testing.

Focusing on another non-animal testing alternative, Visakhapatnam-based startup Oncoseek Bio, innovating organoid and spheroid-based in vitro models to expedite the drug discovery process, has organised international conference last year on 3Rs with global researchers from academia and industry communicating the research trends in non-animal alternatives.

Further, researchers of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh have come up with a prototype for establishment and characterisation of novel self-organising neurovascular organoids/ embryoids (NVOEs) entirely from autologous blood without any genetic manoeuvring or morphogen supplementation.

These organoids that can help to reduce and replace animal testing in research, are being developed to understand the genetic basis of neurosensory hearing loss and auditory comprehension challenges.

Emerging human-relevant models such as the organoids, organ-on-chips, 3D bioprinted tissues, and spheroids show promise by capturing snapshots of human physiology including personalised genetic variations. Often, they leverage patient-derived cells to offer an accurate understanding of diseases and drug responses. While there is a global effort to advance these technologies for translational research, in India, a major challenge is the scarcity of highly skilled professionals. There is a dire need for indigenous skill development programmes to train next-generation scientists, leaders, and entrepreneurs in human-relevant technologies, said Tejaswini Dhurde, Senior Science Communicator, Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems, Atal Incubation Centre-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB).

To further understand the challenges associated with the utilisation of non-animal testing alternatives, the Nanomedicine Research Group at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai organised a 3D cell culture workshop and conference in 2024. The four-day workshop covered emerging technologies such as organs-on-chip, and 3D bioprinting mimicking organ function. A similar workshop was held in March 2025 at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Ahmedabad.

Interaction with participants enabled us to understand the growing interest of the countrys pharmaceutical sector and contract research organisations (CROs) to explore suitable non-animal models. Participants interest in organ-on-chip, other 3D culture methods, and also their demand for continued skill development opportunities and networking platforms where Indian and international academicians, industries and regulators could regularly interact, is in line with the governments recent interest in this field", said Prajakta Dandekar, Assistant Professor, ICT Mumbai.

Few other startups like Next Big Innovation Labs and Avay Biosciences are offering hands-on and foundational courses on 3D bioprinting. Leveraging the potential of this new technology as a non-animal testing alternative, researchers at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), in Thiruvananthapuram, have built Indias first patented indigenous bioink designed for advanced 3D bioprinting technology.

From cellular based research to developing 3D printed tissues and disease models for regenerative medicine and drug testing, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a remarkable tool for a wide range of applications in the healthcare industry. Despite exponential growth, the industry players need to address challenges associated with it such as scalability, vascularisation, post printing edits etc., said Satyajit Shinde, Consultant, Roots Analysis.

All this may sound substantial, but we are merely scratching the surface. There is indeed a need to increase innovative training programmes to enable transdisciplinary research in human-relevant technologies, to reduce the dependence on animal testing within the life sciences sector. Human-relevant science in the country can emerge as the next superpower accelerating healthcare for all.

Vrushti Kothari

(vrushti.kothari@mmactiv.com)
Agilent inks partnership with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad

August 02, 2025 | Saturday | News

To address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and malnutrition in the country

In a significant step toward strengthening Indias efforts in nutrition and metabolism research, Agilent Technologies and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad have announced a strategic collaboration to support ARUMDA (Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development, and Ageing).

This partnership brings together Agilents global expertise in analytical science with TIFRs research endeavors to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and malnutrition in the country.

A key outcome of this collaboration is the launch of the AgilentTIFR Center of Translational Research in Hyderabad. The center will play a pivotal role in supporting the Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development & Aging (ARUMDA)one of Indias most ambitious government-supported initiatives in human health.

ARUMDA is focused on bridging fundamental biology with clinical insights to drive data-driven discovery and inform public health strategies. Agilents role centers on enabling this vision through high-performance analytical solutions that support impactful translational research.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing science that is rigorous, relevant, and aligned with national health priorities. It is designed to empower researchers with the tools and workflows needed to explore complex biological systems, generate population-specific insights, and translate them into meaningful interventions.

The collaboration also supports the development of a new analytical facility in Hyderabad, established in partnership with the National Analytical Facility for Research in Nutrition and Metabolism, under the ARUMDA umbrella. Aligned with the National Nutrition Mission, the facility is expected to play a critical role in advancing Indias research capabilities in metabolic health and nutrition science.
Karnataka honours Dr R Vijayaraghavan at Quantum India Bengaluru 2025

August 02, 2025 | Saturday | News

Leading several projects to build small to medium scale quantum processors

Dr Rajamani Vijayaraghavan, Associate Professor, Dept. of Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, was felicitated for his leadership role and leading several projects in the area of quantum computers, at Quantum India Bengaluru (QIB) 2025, held in Bengaluru on July 31, 2025.

Currently leading several projects to build small to medium scale quantum processors with funding from DAE, DRDO, TCS and DST, he is the Lead Principal Investigator for the Technical Group working on building superconducting quantum computers under the National Quantum Mission. Recipient of the Ramanujan Fellowship (2013-18) awarded by the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India and he was recently elected as a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bengaluru.

He completed his Bachelors degree in Physics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University in 1999. He then spent two more years at the University of Cambridge pursuing a BA in Natural Sciences. He did his PhD at Yale University and his postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley. Since December 2012, he has been the Principal Investigator at the Quantum Measurement and Control Laboratory at TIFR. Some key highlights of this group's work include development of a broadband ultralow noise amplifier for quantum measurements and a novel multi- qubit processor design.

At QIB 2025, he spoke on the theme The quantromon: A qubit-resonator system with orthogonal qubit and readout modes. Sharing his work on the topic he said, The measurement of a superconducting qubit is implemented by coupling it to a resonator. The common choice is transverse coupling, which, in the dispersive approximation, introduces an interaction term that enables the measurement. This cross-Kerr term provides a qubit-state dependent dispersive shift in the resonator frequency.

He also presented a two-mode circuit, nicknamed quantromon, with two orthogonal modes implementing a qubit and a resonator with an intrinsic cross-Kerr coupling mechanism. He further explained data characterizing some of the unique properties of this device like weak detuning dependence of the cross-Kerr shift and intrinsic Purcell protection. Finally, he presented data demonstrating a single-shot readout fidelity of 98.3 per cent, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art measurements without the use of a parametric amplifier and suggests a potential simplification of the measurement circuitry for scaling up quantum processors.
Quantum Sensing and Healthcare: Charting Indias Next Frontier

July 31, 2025 | Thursday | Views | By Ravi Puvvala, MD, Quantum Biosciences

Quantum sensing can revolutionise healthcare by enabling early disease detection, precise diagnostics, and customised treatment plans. It detects subtle changes in fields, improving diagnoses for various diseases.

Technological advances in controlling the world of the ultra-small, made over the past few decades, have brought to fruition a field called Quantum Sensing. While it has applicability in a wide variety of problems, medical-diagnostics and healthcare-innovation would be revolutionised. Quantum sensors are ultra-sensitive devices, capable of detecting the faintest of biological signalsbe they magnetic, electric, thermal or even mechanical. They could enable game-changing applications in real-time diagnostics by detecting or measuring phenomena within single cells that were previously undetectable.

With a strategic investment in research, infrastructure, and translational pathways, India is today presented with a golden opportunity to play a leading role in this emerging domain, radically improving healthcare outcomes and building a global leadership in healthcare technologies.

National Quantum Mission: Catalysing Quantum Healthcare

Indias National Quantum Mission (NQM), anchored in T-hubs like Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, IIT Mumbai, IIT Delhi, has laid the groundwork for innovation across several domains in the field of Quantum Technology. To unlock the full potential for a revolutionary impact on healthcare, the NQM ought to give a high priority to the utilisation of quantum sensing for the bio-medical field. A few example applications might include NV center-based subcellular imaging, optically pumped magnetometer (OPM)-driven brain scans, and quantum sensors for tissue oxygenation and metabolism etc. A clearly developed roadmap involving partnerships between the specialised academic establishment with leading clinics, regulatory integration, and funding for translational research could easily position India at the forefront of international players in this field.

Elevate Karnataka: Accelerating Deep-Tech Startups

Programmes like Elevate Karnataka demonstrate the power of state-led innovation. By providing seed funding, lab access, and mentorship, startups like Quantum Biosciences have advanced prototypes such as quantum-enhanced MRI systems for low-radiation, high-resolution diagnostics. Such collaborative models must be scaled at a national level to unlock the full role startups can play in Indias quantum healthcare.

Quantum Valley, Amaravati (Andhra): Infrastructure for the Future

The Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative represents a leap toward setting up a national quantum infrastructure. Its centerpiece, the QChipIN, is a state-supported open testbed with access to IBM quantum systems, SPAD detectors, and deployable OPM platforms. With Rs1,000 crore in funding and with full backing of both the IIT Madras and of the TCS, this initiative offers healthcare startups a full and vibrant ecosystem for clinical testing, validation, and commercialisationmaking Amaravati a potential hub for quantum-enabled healthcare.

Bridging Infrastructure Gaps & Launching Quantum Biology

To sustain innovation in quantum healthcare, India must address the deep structural gaps in its R&D ecosystem. Steps to be taken currently would perhaps include:

Setting up of dedicated QuantumHealthcare Innovation Zones  perhaps in Amaravati, Bengaluru, and in Hyderabad.

Setting up Clinical testbeds in hospitalsfor example in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Narayana, Apollo.

Setting up National standards for quantum sensor validation and calibration  Working with National Physical Laboratory team.

Setting up an industry for scalable device manufacturing of NV sensors and OPMs

Equally important is the establishment of a world-class research facility focused on quantum biology. This centre would study quantum effects in living systems, for example ranging from enzyme tunneling to neural coherence. Its mission would include discovery-driven diagnostics, development of next-generation quantum biosensors, creating a foundation and curriculum for the absolutely required interdisciplinary training, and structuring global collaboration with internationally renowned institutions outside India.

Building Talent and Global Research Alliances

Indias academic networkincluding from the IISc, IITs, International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Raman Research Institute (RRI) andmust be mobilised into these interdisciplinary platforms. These should combine providing a solid educational structure for quantum sensing, data science, AI and biomedical engineering. International fellowships, jointly structured labs with US institutions like the Elevate Colorado, Quantum Chicago Hub, and the development of standards will boost Indias capabilities of innovating in this upcoming field.

Translational Use Cases: Quantum Sensing in Healthcare

Quantum sensing has tangible applications in diagnostics and monitoring. Key opportunities include:

Biophoton Detection: Label-free cancer detection.

Brain Imaging (OPM-MEG): Non-invasive mapping for neurological conditions.

Fetal Imaging: Safe prenatal diagnostics using wearable quantum sensors.

Microbiome Monitoring: Real-time gut diagnostics via breath/stool sensing.

NV-based Subcellular Sensing: Usage of fluorescent nanodiamonds to detect free radicals, these are tiny stress signals inside your cells. When hit with a laser, they glow based on oxidative stress levels. This glow is turned into real-time data with T1 curves, offering non-destructive, subcellular insights. This yields into single-cell resolution analytics, and advanced predictive toxicology.

Quantum MRI: High-resolution imaging with reduced radiation.

Create a Startup Ecosystem and Industry Translation

India must foster its ecosystem for startups in quantum-healthcare with incubation support Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Centre for Cellular And Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), I-Hub Quantum Sensing), providing targeted R&D funding, and preparing for viable commercialisation pathways. Academicindustry consortiums should be encouraged to fast-track translation from lab to clinic.

Positioning India as a Global Quantum Health Leader

With its strengths in quality science on a large population scale, India can lead the Global South in the field of quantum health. Hosting global challenges, publishing clinical validations, and shaping global standards will help build the Brand India in the field of quantum-enabled healthcare.

Conclusion

Quantum sensing is a generational opportunity to critically redefine both diagnostics as well as treatment. With a mission-driven investment, coordinated infrastructure, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, India can not only provide radically improved health care to its own citizens, but can also lead the future of healthcare at the international level.

The time to start on Indias quantum-health revolution in now!

Ravi Puvvala, MD, Quantum Biosciences
Next-generation surgical robotics stand poised for global revolution

July 31, 2025 | Thursday | Views | By Neeraj Nitin Jadhav, Senior Industry Analyst & Team Lead, TechVision, Frost & Sullivan

The adoption of robot-assisted surgery has increased significantly in the past decade as opportunities for performing minimally invasive procedures have multiplied. Robotic-assisted interventions as a proportion of the total number of surgeries have witnessed strong uptake among hospitals, especially in both developed and developing countries such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, China and India. Surgical robotic platforms facilitate more precise surgeries and improve the repeatability of procedural movements. These benefits support faster recovery and better outcomes for patients, which has helped drive their adoption among healthcare providers.

In spite of the many advantages, surgical robotic platforms have drawbacks. Legacy surgical robots involve a large setup that consumes significant space in the operating room. The platforms are not mobile and cannot be transferred from one room to another after installation. Moreover, the instrument setup and positioning of conventional robotic surgical arms before the procedure require considerable effort, which subsequently increases the total operation time frame. The use of rigid instruments in these traditional surgical robotic platforms becomes extremely challenging in non-linear pathways and makes it difficult to reach anatomical areas such as the brain in a minimally invasive fashion. This has spurred the development of agile and state-of-the-art next-generation surgical robotic technology platforms, which have been built with unique designs, advanced instrumentation, analytics and visualisation technologies that address the limitations of conventional surgical robotic systems.

Small footprint: Next-generation surgical robotic technology platforms have a smaller footprint that makes them easily accommodated in operating rooms without taking up much space. Moreover, these mobile platforms can be rapidly deployed in various operating rooms to facilitate higher utilisation.

Shorter setup time: The unique configuration and minimal cable management of next-generation platforms ensure quick docking and setup, resulting in shorter operating room time frames for both surgeons and patients.

Ergonomic design: The robotic platforms console allows surgeons to be situated in an ergonomically comfortable position throughout the procedure. This helps reduce physical strain and the procedure-related burnout commonly observed among surgeons.

Multi-articulating and flexible instruments: These instruments aid in achieving optimal triangulation and easily maneuver through non-linear pathways in a patients body to reach the target site and effectively carry out a surgical procedure in hard-to-reach areas.

Motion control and anthropomorphic movements: The platforms provide high-precision motion control and anthropomorphic movements that are nearly identical to human hand movement while performing delicate surgeries.

Haptic sensing: The ability of robotic systems to provide haptic feedback to surgeons allows them to feel the pressure/force exerted on the tissues or organs during surgery, both in and outside the field of view. Alerts are provided to surgeons if the pressure threshold is reached to prevent damage to the anatomical structures.

Multi-quadrant surgeries: The robotic systems offer a unique column architecture that facilitates its placement in any position around the patient, providing four-quadrant anatomical access to the surgical site. This enables greater accessibility to the patients anatomy for the surgeons without the need to frequently move the robotic platform.

Open platform architecture: The open-platform architecture of these systems enables seamless integration with existing technologies in the operating room ecosystem. This allows hospitals to maximise benefit from existing capital investments while providing surgeons access to devices and instruments of their preference.

Decreasing learning curve: The time required to train surgeons on the next-generation surgical robotic systems is significantly lower compared to conventional robotic platforms. This helps shorten the learning curve, enabling surgeons to learn the robotic-assisted procedures within days instead of months, typically required for traditional ones. Depending on the type or route of incision, the next-generation surgical robotic systems have been classified into multi-port, single-port, and robotic natural orifice surgery systems.

Multi-Port Robotic Surgery Systems: These systems typically require multiple small ports or incisions to be carried out on the patients body to insert long surgical instruments for performing the procedures. These platforms feature haptic feedback that provide alerts to the surgeons if the pressure threshold is reached to prevent damage to the anatomical structures and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to offer insights to the surgeons based on the accumulated procedural data.

For instance, in January 2025, SS Innovations International, Inc launched its made-in-India, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) certified SSi Mantra 3 surgical robotic system (SSi Mantra 3) at Pune's Noble Hospital in India. The SSi Mantra 3 is a modular, multi-robotic arm system featuring open-faced ergonomic surgeon command center, a large 3D 4K monitor and has 40 different types of robotic endo-surgical instruments to support various specialties, including cardiac surgery.

Single-Port Robotic Systems: The procedures carried out through single-port robotic systems require a single, small incisions in the patients body to reach target anatomical structures. The platforms provide high precision motion control and anthropomorphic movements that facilitate controlled motion and movements. The single-port robotic systems offer a unique column architecture that facilitates its placement in any position around the patient providing four-quadrant anatomical access to the surgical site. This enables greater accessibility to the patients anatomy for the surgeons without the need to frequently move the robotic platform.

For instance, Intuitive Surgicals da Vinci SP surgical system features high precision motion control and anthropomorphic movements that allow surgeons exceptional flexibility and deep, narrow access to internal tissues and organs for performing challenging surgical tasks while filtering out tremors during instrument movements. Besides receiving US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and Conformite Europeenne (CE) mark, the system has been approved for use in Japan and Korea for surgical procedures such as general surgeries, thoracic surgeries, urologic surgeries, and gynecological surgeries.

Robotic Natural Orifice Surgery Systems: The robotic natural orifice surgery systems use the bodys natural orifices including mouth, anus, or vagina to perform incisionless surgery on patients. Anthropomorphic movements of the robotic arms and the use of multi-articulating and flexible instruments in these platforms aid in optimal triangulation and also enable them to circumvent non-linear pathways in the patients body to reach the target site and effectively carry out surgical procedure in hard-to-reach areas.

Israel-based Momentis Surgical Ltd has developed the Anovo robotic surgical platform, featuring miniature humanoid shaped robotic arms with anthropomorphic movements. This helps provide multi-planar flexibility, human-level dexterity and 360 degrees of articulation for performing challenging surgical tasks and avoiding obstacles in non-linear pathways within the body. The platform has received US FDA clearance for performing natural orifice transvaginal benign gynaecology procedures and single site, abdominal access ventral hernia repair.

The Way Forward

Developers of next-generation surgical robotic systems can focus on flexible payment models, shifting from the traditional upfront capital model to a managed service wherein the robot, all required instrumentation, and maintenance are bundled into an annual contract based on agreed procedure volumes, with the intent to reduce the lifetime cost of robotic surgery. This model will allow hospitals to tie costs to revenues, making robotic surgery viable for more healthcare facilities.

Next-generation surgical robotics companies need to create a customer-centred design process and work closely with surgeons and healthcare executives during their product development activities. Following a dynamic research loop - where client feedback is actively incorporated into refining the platforms functionality, can go a long way in developing surgical robotics systems that are closely aligned with customer needs.

Currently, surgical robots are restricted to inpatient settings at hospitals. However, an increasing number of surgical procedures are being performed in outpatient settings and ambulatory surgical centres, which currently do not have access to surgical robots. Deployment of next-generation surgical robotic technology platforms in these settings can help companies capture lucrative growth opportunities offered by the shift toward outpatient procedures.

Neeraj Nitin Jadhav, Senior Industry Analyst & Team Lead, TechVision, Frost & Sullivan
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has said he is not enjoying farming at the moment, amid a week that has seen bovine tuberculosis found on his Diddly Squat Farm.

The TV star, 65, said he is also dealing with a very sickly calf, and discovered that one of his puppies had died on Friday morning.

Advertisement

On Thursday, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that a pregnant cow had contracted the disease on his farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Bad news from Diddly Squat. Weve gone down with TB. Everyone here is absolutely devastated.  Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 31, 2025

Speaking to Times Radio Breakfast, he said: Its awful, it is awful. You have a test every six months on the cows and then you sort of become blase, its a hypothetical threat.

And then the vet looks up, as he did yesterday lunchtime, and said Im really sorry this ones failed.

So that means were now locked down and its just dreadful, absolutely dreadful.

Advertisement

Cattle which fail a TB test, or animals that have inconclusive results for two consecutive tests, are classed as reactors, and must be isolated and slaughtered.

Clarkson added: Its only been not even 24 hours since I found out and it occupies my mind. Well it was occupying my mind but I got up this morning and found one of my puppies has died.

And weve got a very sickly calf. Honestly, farming? Im not enjoying it this week.

Asked in the comments of his X post about the prize bull called Endgame, which Clarkson bought recently for 5,500, he said: His test was inconclusive. I couldnt bear it if we lost him.

Advertisement

In a follow-up post, he said: The farm is NOT shut. We just cant buy or sell any cows.

Jeremy Clarkson (Aaron Chown/PA)

Bovine TB is recognised as a problem which devastates farm businesses and is mainly spread through close contact when cattle breathe in droplets of mucus containing Mycobacterium bovis bacteria exhaled from an infectious animal.

Badgers can carry the disease and culling has long been a part of the Government response to the crisis, despite criticism from wildlife and animal welfare campaigners, such as Queen guitarist Sir Brian May.

The Government said in June it will not be extending the badger cull and retains its commitment to end the practice before the next election.

Advertisement

Oxfordshire is an edge area for bovine TB, meaning it is a buffer zone between high risk and low risk areas  so most herds are subject to six monthly TB tests by default.

There have been several cases in the area of Oxfordshire near to Diddly Squat Farm in recent weeks, according to ibTB, a mapping platform for the disease in England and Wales.

The every-day running of Clarksons farm is documented in a Prime Video series, which first aired in 2021, and brings to light common problems faced by British farmers.

Clarkson has become a vocal supporter of farmers and attended a protest in London against the UK government's move to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024.
A man in his 50s has appeared in court in Cork, following the seizure of approximately 107kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of 2.1 million.

In a joint operation, Gardai and Revenue seized the drugs that were hidden in a truck that arrived into Cork Port from Belgium last Sunday.

They were found in a trailer which had originated in Croatia and had disembarked a vessel arriving from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

Investigations are ongoing.
Actor Gary Busey has pleaded guilty to a sexual offence stemming from an appearance at a 2022 horror convention in New Jersey, according to his representatives and court records.

The 81-year-old Buddy Holly stars manager, Ron Sampson, said in an email on Friday that the actor admitted to touching a womans buttocks over clothing during an 8-10 second photo op.

Advertisement

Busey entered a guilty plea to a single count of criminal sexual contact during a virtual hearing in state court in Camden on Thursday.

The actor had been accused of inappropriately touching at least three women at the Monster-Mania Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, a South Jersey town and suburb of Philadelphia.





Organisers of the event acknowledged at the time that an unnamed celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return and that affected attendees were encouraged to contact police.

Busey had been scheduled as a featured guest for all three days of the event. He was initially charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact and one count of harassment.

Advertisement

Buseys lawyer Blair Zwillman confirmed on Friday that the other charges were dropped as part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors. The actor faces up to five years probation and fines when he is sentenced September 18.

In my view Mr Busey was overcharged probably based on his star status, Mr Zwillman said in an email. He could have just as easily been charged with the disorderly persons offence of harassment by offensive touching.

Camden County prosecutors did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on Friday.

Busey is widely known as a character actor, largely in supporting roles, though he came to attention and was nominated for an Oscar for best actor for playing the title role in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story.
The gunman who attempted to kidnap Britain's Princess Anne in 1974 has claimed he is innocent nearly six years after his release from a secure hospital, according to a report.

Ian Ball tried to abduct Anne and her then-husband Captain Mark Phillips as they were driven along The Mall to Buckingham Palace on March 20th, 1974.

Advertisement

Anne kept her cool and when Ball, then 26, told her to come with me for a day or two because he wanted 2 million, she replied not bloody likely, and I havent got 2 million.

The Daily Mail reported that Ball was released from Broadmoor Hospital on probation in 2019 and has subsequently self-published an autobiographical novel called To Kidnap A Princess.

In an interview with the newspaper, Ball, now 77, said: Im an innocent, sane man because I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne.

Discussing Anne, Ball said: She wasnt bothered on the night.

Advertisement

I didnt scare her. I was more scared than she was.

The description of Balls book on Amazon reads that it opens with the dramatic and thrilling attempted kidnapping of Princess Anne and details the authors eventful and turbulent 45-year stay in Rampton and Broadmoor criminal lunatic asylums.

It adds: The book is an emotive read and it will make you laugh, make you cry, shock you even, but ultimately it will leave you in wonder at the indomitability of the human spirit.

Ball pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey in May 1974 to charges of attempted murder and attempted kidnap and was detained without time limit under the Mental Health Act.

Advertisement

A UK Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Restricted patients can be recalled back to hospital if their mental health deteriorates to such a level that the risk they pose becomes unmanageable in the community.

Anne, who was 23 at the time of the attempted kidnapping, later said she was furious at this man who was having a tug of war with me and for ripping her favourite blue velvet dress.

Annes father, Prince Philip, later quipped of the attempted kidnapping: If the man had succeeded in abducting Anne, she would have given him a hell of a time in captivity.

Ball had blocked the princesss car with his own as it drove along the Mall and fired a series of shots through the rear window as he tried to kidnap her.

Advertisement

Anne and Mark Phillips in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in 1973 (PA)

Anne Captain Phillips were unhurt during the late-night ambush but Annes bodyguard, chauffeur, a police constable and a journalist were all shot by Ball, who was armed with two revolvers.

Annes bodyguard, former Metropolitan Police inspector Jim Beaton, was awarded the George Cross after being shot three times as he protected Anne.

Passer-by, former heavyweight boxer Ronnie Russell punched Ball twice in the head as he tried to kidnap the princess.

For his bravery Mr Russell was awarded the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth II, who told him: The medal is from the Queen, but I want to thank you as Annes mother.

Advertisement

Discussing the incident, Mr Russell previously said Ball was trying to drag Anne from her car while her husband was pulling her back.

She was very, very together, telling him, Just go away and dont be such a silly man, he said.

He stood there glaring at me with the gun and I hit him. I hit him as hard as I could  if he had been a tree he would have fallen over  and he was flat on the floor face down.
Where might you find the worlds oldest printed object, the first illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice, and one of Sigmund Freuds personal letters  all in one room  this weekend?

Right here in Melbourne.

The worlds oldest printed object  a 1250-year-old print of Buddhist prayers  at the Melbourne Rare Book Fair. Credit: Joe Armao

Saturday is the final day of the Melbourne Rare Book Fair, which runs for three days at the University of Melbournes Wilson Hall. Despite this being the 55th instalment of the event  the largest rare book fair in the southern hemisphere  it remains one of Melbournes best-kept literary secrets.

There are some truly special items on display this year, including the Hyakumanto Dharani (One Million Pagodas and Dharani Prayers), the worlds oldest printed object, created in 8th century Japan. Theres also a page of the first print run of the Gutenberg Bible, the Western worlds first piece of print.
A wet August is forecast for most of mainland Australia, including inland regions that flooded earlier this year, potentially bringing relief to drought-affected farmers in parts of western NSW and Victoria.

Heavy rain stretching along the east coast, especially in NSW, will ease on Monday, but the weather bureaus long-range outlook suggests the reprieve may not last long.

People crossing a Sydney CBD street in the rain on Thursday. Credit: Louise Kennerley

The Bureau of Meteorology believes there is a 60 to 80 per cent chance of above-average rainfall for most of the continent, apart from the west and far south-east, for August to October, inclusive.

There is also a 50 to 70 per cent chance of the next few months being unusually wet  defined as rainfall in the top 20 per cent of comparable periods  especially west of the Great Dividing Range.
The sandstone mansion Graythwaite House sits atop a grassy hill in North Sydney, with views down to the harbour.

It was built on an early 1800s land grant and grew in grandeur as its owners became more illustrious; the fig trees they planted as saplings are now lush and shady. After the Gallipoli campaign, owner Thomas Dibbs was moved to donate it to the state government as a home for wounded soldiers, and it was used as a nursing home until around 2008, when the operator could no longer afford the upkeep.

Built in the early 1800s, Graythwaite House was sold to Shore School in 2009 despite residents protests. Credit: Sam Mooy

The battle to keep Graythwaite in public hands was fierce; residents worried that if privatised, it would be closed off entirely. The Supreme Court ruled it should be sold. The Commonwealth made an offer but was outbid by $10 million by Shore School. It restored Graythwaite, and now uses it as an office area. The purchase expanded the schools grounds by almost half, and the sprawling site now takes up a sizeable chunk of land to the south of North Sydney CBD.

Happily for Shore, it does not need to pay rates on that growing parcel of land because schools have an exemption. Shore can keep that cash for other things  such as buying even more land. Most recently, it has asked North Sydney Council if it can buy a chunk of Edward Street, to make pick up and drop off easier for parents.
An investigation is under way after a man was found dead with critical injuries in a West End flat on Saturday morning.

Emergency teams were called to the complex on Ryan Street about 4.30am.

A 50-year-old man from the area was found inside unresponsive with critical injuries. He was later declared dead at the scene.

Ryan Street in West End runs parallel to the Brisbane River opposite St Lucia. Credit: Google Maps

A police spokesperson confirmed a murder investigation was under way, with the area declared a crime scene.
A suspected fraudster on the run after allegedly escaping custody with a rope made from bedsheets has been rearrested and flown back to Brisbane.

Michael Connors had been wanted by police in connection with a string of alleged crimes across the country, including burglary and fraud through alleged roof-repair scams. He has not been charged in relation to that suspected offending.

The 26-year-old from Ireland is alleged to use several pseudonyms.

Suspected fraudster Michael Connors leaving Sydney. Credit: AFP

Police will allege Connors has engaged in fraudulent activity across two countries and left devastated people in his wake, Australian Federal Police Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott previously said.
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 Tucked away in an unassuming suburban business park in Fairfax, Virginia, not far from Washington DC, is the single-storey office of Burdeshaw Associates, a company that has done millions of dollars worth of confidential business with the Australian Defence Department over the past 10 years. Located alongside neighbours that include an escape room and a karate studio, its a surprisingly low-key location for a firm that describes itself as the premier aerospace and defense boutique consulting firm offering the services of over 700+ [sic] retired generals, [and] admirals. For years the company has acted as a conduit for highly paid advice to the Australian government from a raft of retired senior US navy and defence personnel who charge thousands of dollars a day. And there are likely to be further rich pickings ahead, as the AUKUS pact moves the Royal Australian Navy towards a nuclear-powered submarine fleet (albeit at a grindingly slow pace) and government dollars start to flow from upskilling a workforce, and building the infrastructure, to enter the nuclear domain. The Burdeshaw offices in Fairfax, Virginia. Credit: Michael Koziol The depth and duration of Burdeshaws relationship with Canberras defence establishment is striking. Records on the federal governments Austender site reveal that the Australian Defence Department has struck contracts worth at least $11.7 million with Burdeshaw over the past decade for strategic planning consultation services. A further $1.5 million deal was signed between the company and the Prime Ministers Department in 2021 for advice to then prime minister Scott Morrison. Thats $13.2 million flowing through Burdeshaws books courtesy of the Australian taxpayer over the past decade, including its most recent three-year contract with Defence, valued at $1.2 million, and dated February this year.

Advertisement

However, a request to the Defence Department to provide a comprehensive list of the names and roles of personnel hired under the Burdeshaw contracts has been stymied, with Defence citing security and commercial-in-confidence reasons. Burdeshaw and its principal, lawyer Alex Heidt, have also failed to respond to numerous attempts by this masthead to elicit further information. A visit revealed that Burdeshaw shares its premises with Heidts law firm. A large painting of the late general William M. Hartzog, a former chief executive of the company, adorns the wall, and a stack of Heidts awards from Lawyers of Distinction are assembled on a desk by the front door. An employee, Tyler Heidt (Alex Heidts son), wanted to know if this masthead had security clearance, and when told no, said the dealings with Defence were confidential. An image of former chief executive William M. Hartzog hangs on the wall inside the Burdeshaw offices. Credit: Michael Koziol Even on the limited information publicly available, Burdeshaws record shows the deep involvement by senior retired US Navy personnel in confidential deliberations about the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy, particularly as Australia pivoted towards the AUKUS submarine deal under Morrison. As investigative journalist Andrew Fowler noted in his book Nuked, by the time Morrison had junked the deal to buy conventional French submarines and replaced it in September 2021 with the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact with America and Britain, US senior military officials were liberally sprinkled across the highest levels of the administration. By late 2022  the last time Defence made figures readily available to a federal parliamentary committee  no less than eight retired senior US Navy officers were providing well-paid advice to the Australian Defence Department, among them, an admiral, a vice admiral, a rear admiral, a commander and four captains. All were either advising on naval shipbuilding or on managing the transition of the RAN submarine fleet to a nuclear-powered future.

Advertisement

It is unclear how many were on contracts negotiated through Burdeshaw. (At least two senior retired US Navy figures appear to have struck their own deals with the Australian Defence Department under separate consultancy companies they set up.) Defence also refused to provide updated figures on how many foreign nationals are working on AUKUS-related programs. In response to questions, a spokesperson said the department needed the support and expertise of the US and the UK to deliver AUKUS and that all personnel regardless of nationality, are subject to appropriate security clearance requirements and operate under strict contractual obligations. Burdeshaw first came to public notice in 2022, when The Washington Post published an investigation revealing more than half a dozen former US Navy and civilian navy leaders were playing advisory roles at senior levels of the Australian defence hierarchy in the lead-up to AUKUS. The Post named six former navy admirals and Dr Donald C. Winter, a onetime US Navy secretary to George W. Bush. Winter had been a key member of the Australian governments high-level Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board as far back as 2016, before being handpicked by Morrison to help drive AUKUS forward in September 2021. Documents unearthed by the Post show Winters services were being provided via Burdeshaw in late 2021 for $US6000 ($9318) a day, plus expenses. In 2022, specialist industry publication Australian Defence Magazine highlighted the significant American influence in Australias defence capability decision-making.

Advertisement

It noted the Defence Departments submarine advisory committee included two senior US shipbuilding industry figures: Jim Hughes and retired US admiral Kirkland Donald. Hughes was a former vice president of submarines at US shipbuilder Newport News Shipbuilding (which makes Virginia-class submarines of the type Australia is now seeking to acquire from the US before it gears up to make its own). Loading Donald sat on Australias top-level submarine advisory committee from 2017, while he was also on the board of and subsequently chairing US nuclear submarine builder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), which owns Newport News. He eventually stepped down from the Australian advisory committee in April 2022, citing a potential conflict of interest. This masthead is not suggesting there was a conflict of interest. Defence officials later insisted hed declared his HII role and in his capacity as a member of the submarine advisory committee he did not provide advice on nuclear-powered submarines. In 2018-19, former US Navy rear admiral Stephen E. Johnson was appointed a deputy secretary inside the Australian Department of Defence, one of the most senior positions in the nations security hierarchy. Former US Navy vice admiral William Willy Hilarides, a veteran of 35 years in the American service, was also deeply embedded in Australian defence advisory structures for years.

Advertisement

A former head of the US Navys ship and sustainment program, Hilarides sat as a key member of the Australian Naval Shipbuilding Advisory Board for four years before becoming chair of its successor body, the Naval Shipbuilding Expert Advisory Panel, in 2021. Figures provided by the Defence Department to a Senate committee in late 2022 put the value of Hilarides contracts  negotiated through Burdeshaw  at $1.9 million. Subsequently, this masthead reported he received $2.4 million for his role on the two advisory panels. Head of the Defence Department Greg Moriarty told the Senate that Hilarides had played no role in the Morrison governments decision to scrap the French submarine contract in 2021. Former US Navy vice admiral William Hilarides was head of the US Navys ship and sustainment program. Credit: US Navy In 2023, the Albanese government handed Hilarides a new role, heading a review to advise on achieving complementarity between Australias surface navy fleet and the AUKUS submarines. Labor Defence Minister Richard Marles has defended the extensive use of advice from former top-ranking US Navy officers, telling this masthead in 2023, where we have sought advice from those former officials in the US Navy, that has been on issues of profound importance for our nations future. Others have questioned how genuinely objective such advice could have been, even with the best intentions.

Advertisement
A man has been charged with murder after an 81-year-old woman died from stab wounds at a home in Victorias rural south-west.

Police were called to house in Pilleau Street in Coleraine, about 35 kilometres north-west of Hamilton, following reports a woman was injured about 1.10am on Saturday.

Police are investigating after a woman was stabbed to death at Coleraine in Victorias rural south-west. Credit: Nine

Officers arrived and found the local woman, but she died at the scene.

Homicide squad detectives travelled to Coleraine to investigate the circumstances, and later charged an 81-year-old Coleraine man with murder.
We are in that situation with the Liberals with the electoral changeover to new generations of Australian voters, says Samaras. Rather than rage against climate realities and renewables investment, independent MP Helen Haines is preoccupied with making the transition work for her constituents. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Libs are extra vulnerable to takeover at the ballot box. If the teals can form a network or coalition or whatever you want to call it, they could be it. They could push the Liberals completely off the electoral map. While there are fewer than 10 Liberal-held seats in the cities available for possible teal takeover, there are country seats that could be open to challenge by community independents like Helen Haines, who represents the predominantly rural Victorian seat of Indi. Rather than rage against climate realities and renewables investment, Haines is preoccupied with making the transition work for her constituents. Shes proposed a 20 per cent share in the profits from big renewable projects for regional communities, for instance.

Climate wasnt always a losing argument for the Coalition. It won some of the critical early battles of the climate wars. Barnaby Joyce was the original Coalition climate warrior. From the Nationals backbench, he illuminated the political pathway for Tony Abbott to follow. Climate scepticism worked for Tony climate change is crap Abbott. It worked for Scott lump of coal Morrison, until it did not. It did not work for Peter nuke em Dutton. And it wont work for Sussan moderniser Ley. If she goes there. But, thanks to the Nationals, it might not much matter. Because Barnaby, once again, is leading the Coalition into the rejection of climate change policy in all its manifestations. His current campaign is to abolish the Nationals commitment to net zero. Which seems odd. Because he was the partys leader who signed on to net zero in a deal with then-prime minister Scott Morrison only four years ago. Nationals Party members Matt Canavan, Barnaby Joyce, and Michael McCormack outside Parliament House on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Even lump of coal Morrison could see that Australia would be marooned, missing out on the global $US200 trillion ($311 trillion) renewables investment boom, unless it could commit to the bare minimum of plausible climate policy  net zero emissions by 2050. Such national responsibilities mean nothing to the rabble-rousing Joyce and company.

The populist obscurantists in the Nats are more interested in incendiaries than investments. They only agreed to Morrisons net zero plan because he bribed them with $30 billion in government spending promises plus an extra seat in the cabinet. But today, there are no bribes on offer. Opposition parties have no access to the Treasury or seats in the cabinet. So Joyce is unchecked. Hes been joined by his former rival for the Nationals leadership, Michael McCormack. They have enough internal support and momentum to succeed. The man supposed to be leading them, David Littleproud, is meekly following them. Not formally, not yet, but it seems inevitable that he will. His job is on the line otherwise. The Nats will be great, says Samaras. Theyre not losing anything out of this. Their rural constituencies are older and their seats are safe. Joyce & Co are fomenting a country-versus-city resentment  the countryside is being destroyed by toxic solar farms and fascist new power lines so that rich city investors can make money from them. But the Liberals? What do they do? They dont have a formal position at the moment. Its under review, and the party is divided.

One argument is that they adopted net zero and lost anyway. So why not ditch it? The counter is that they didnt lose because of net zero, that it was overshadowed by an unpopular nuclear reactor plan. And that a party that aspires to government must have a credible climate and energy policy as a prerequisite to power. Loading But the Liberals face a wicked dilemma. With their junior Coalition partner exuberantly trampling climate change for the next three years, the Libs will have three options. One, join the Nats and suffer more electoral damage. The Liberals were all but driven out of the cities in the May election. Of the 88 seats classified by the Electoral Commission as metropolitan, Labor holds 71. The Liberals hold just nine. They cant aspire to government without a recovery in the cities. And if they embrace Barnabys climate policy, they can pretty much forget about that.

Two, the Libs can outline a separate policy and spend three years arguing with the Nats over it, which would be divisive and ugly. And how do you take two conflicting policies to an election? Three, the Libs can terminate the Coalition and go solo, much as Littleproud did by splitting with the Libs in the Eight-Day War in May. But that would be likely to mean being sentenced to permanent opposition  or oblivion  for both. The Libs dont have enough seats in their own right, and the Nationals dont have enough votes and rely on Liberal preferences. When Barnaby first launched the climate wars over a dozen years ago, they were directed against Labor. Today, the Nats climate war is waged against the Liberals just as much. A war against the enemy has turned into a war against the supposed ally. Its not that Labors renewables plan is rolling out smoothly. One of the gurus, Ross Garnaut, gave a damning speech this week, calling the energy transition sick. The entire national enterprise was on a path to comprehensive failure. There is a big and rich political fight to be had. Not in raging against the reality of climate change or the advantages of energy transition, but in interrogating the governments execution of it. The smart course for the Coalition is not to attack Labors goals but its incompetence in reaching them.

A colleague of Kos Samaras, fellow Redbridge director and former Liberal campaign chief Tony Barry, sees the opportunity cost of the Nats climate crusade: There are massive problems with the rollout for [Minister for Climate Change and Energy] Chris Bowen, and if Barnaby Joyce retired tomorrow, hed be beside himself. Barnaby keeps giving him a get out of jail card. Loading As the pollster for this masthead, Jim Reed of Resolve Strategic, puts it: The public debate about climate change is largely over, but the conversation about what to do about it, how urgently and at what cost still rages. But a Coalition lost in delusion and distraction cant prosecute these real problems while its caught up in ideological and irrelevant ones. The Liberals, concludes Samaras, are in the killing zone. Its just that, like the Black Knight, the Coalition seems unable to grasp the reality of its situation. As the victorious Arthur goes on his way, the Black Knight, now legless as well as armless, demands that the king come back and keep fighting. What are you going to do, bleed on me? retorts Arthur.
Confidential talks canvassing strategies to prevent a war with China and deepen the United States-Australia alliance have been scrapped after the Trump administration abruptly blocked senior defence officials from travelling to Canberra next week.

National security experts fear an array of exchanges between US and Australian counterparts will dry up following a sweeping Pentagon edict, announced this week, suspending all participation in think tank and research events because it suspects they do not align with Donald Trumps America First agenda.

Under Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon has banned all co-operation with think tanks and research institutes. Credit: AP

The edict comes as the US reviews the future of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a potential first meeting with Trump in September after months of no discussions between the pair.

US and Australian officials were planning to meet some of the nations top defence experts in Canberra on Monday and Tuesday next week for the fifth round of the US-Australia Indo-Pacific Deterrence Dialogue, but the event was suddenly called off on Wednesday when the American officials were told they were no longer allowed to travel to the event.
China committed to supporting Zimbabwe's education, industrialization: envoy

Xinhua) 13:24, August 02, 2025

HARARE, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to supporting Zimbabwe's ambition of achieving a heritage-based, inclusive, equitable, and quality education and industrial development, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding has said.

Zhou made the remarks on Thursday at the official opening of the three-day Scholastica Expo in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city.

The expo focuses on education, training, and careers in a bid to bridge the gap between the classroom and the corporate world, providing students and professionals with insights into various career paths and developing relevant skills for the industry.

Zhou said China is actively contributing to Zimbabwe's education and industrial transformation by energizing the southern African country's development through strategic infrastructure projects, strengthening its industrial base and workforce through transformative private-sector engagement, and nurturing its talent ecosystem.

"Indeed, unity is our strength. This is the essence of heritage-based progress: drawing wisdom from our shared history and building a future where education and industry flourish in harmony. Together, let's turn education into industry's spark, turn partnership into prosperity, and turn innovation into progress," said Zhou.

Zhou said China remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 and the country's Heritage-Based Education 5.0, two signature initiatives adopted by the Zimbabwean government.

China also stands ready to share its experience in artificial intelligence development and technological products to support Zimbabwe in enhancing its capacity building, said Zhou, adding that more than half of the African students in China are studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects, along with agriculture and medicine.

In a speech read on his behalf, Zimbabwean Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Frederick Shava said China's success in cultivating economic resilience through a curriculum that promotes the country's heritage offers compelling lessons for Zimbabwe in creating an education system that produces innovators and solution-providers.

Shava added that China effectively uses technology to promote its heritage and empower local communities to identify and leverage their unique natural and cultural assets for ecotourism and specialized agricultural products, fostering distinct regional identities and resilient local economies.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
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
The chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party said the City Council "should stand strong against a tax increase on hard-working families."

Gail Greene said, "What we are witnessing in Chattanooga is a cloaked dagger from liberal Mayor Tim Kelly. This same mayor who asks you to watch his right hand, while his left hand moves against your interest.



"The same liberal mayor, who told you he was an independent while using taxpayer resources to travel to Chicago, speaking around the Democratic National Convention and endorsing failed liberal Kamala Harris.

"Now, our liberal mayor is standing atop Chattanoogas police officers and firefighters as pawns to justify the largest property tax increase in Chattanooga history."The HCGOP believes our first responders deserve better pay, and we believe Mayor Kelly should look into the wasteful spending in Chattanooga to find the money to support them. This tax increase has little to do with public safety, and everything to do with protecting bloated liberal spending."Here are a few examples of what our liberal city mayor uses Chattanoogas money on: $1 million to rebrand The City of Chattanooga; $2 million to fund the Office of Equity and Community Engagement, funding the "Office of New Americans"; and $1.75 million to Community Haven, a program with no emergency response capabilities, no accountability, all while pretending to address crime."Officers are leaving Chattanooga, firefighters are dealing with staff shortages, yet our liberal mayor claims theres no way to fund public safety without robbing the Chattanooga taxpayer."At Tuesdays council meeting, Mayor Kelly was quoted saying, Ill get behind any one of you who gets behind it and the reverse is true from a political standpoint, frankly. When asked if he meant that he would punish districts whose representatives stood up for their voters, Mayor Kelly responded, We support our friends, thats just how politics works.""This tax increase isnt about keeping Chattanooga safe. It is about growing the government and protecting those profiting from liberal projects. Our liberal city mayor is pushing a false choice: support his theft through taxes or be accused of not supporting public safety. It is dishonest, and Chattanoogans have had enough."There are some who sit on this Chattanooga Council who do not own homes. If they vote to raise your taxes, it will not affect them as it will you."The HCGOP stands with those council members who have pushed back on behalf of property owners across Chattanooga, not with a toxic mayor who hides behind our communitys bravest to protect wasteful spending."Their next budget planning meeting is on Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. If you are a Chattanooga property owner, let your representative hear from you."
Lee students play a traditional Ecuadorian game with local children in the Pan de Vida courtyard before Bible class begins oices of Lee member Logan Kerley is shown holding a child during worship time oices of Lee lead worship during a packed service in Quito, with more than 900 in attendance from various congregations The Lee team is shown shortly after arriving in Quito, pictured with their interpreter, Pastor Leo Voices of Lee take in the view at the Pululahua volcanic crater Previous Next

Voices of Lee, the a cappella ensemble from Lee University, recently returned from a weeklong ministry trip to Quito, Ecuador, where students engaged in music outreach, evangelism, and cultural immersion, in partnership with Pan de Vida, a local ministry serving children in vulnerable communities, and Far-Flung Tin Can, a nonprofit missions organization founded by Lee alumnus Kyle Philippi.

During the week, the ensemble led worship services, distributed meals, engaged with children and families through games and crafts, and assisted with light construction projects in the Atucucho neighborhood. Voices of Lee performed at several churches and public venues throughout the city, using music to connect with local residents and demonstrate Gods love and care.

This experience reminded us that music is a universal language, said Danny Murray, director of Voices of Lee. Our students didnt just sing  they listened, they served, and they connected with people whose lives and faith deeply inspired us all.

Student participants on the trip included Jakub Belko, Gary Curry, Gentry Dayton, Andrew Foster, Isabella Guyton, Abigail Jeter, Logan Kerley, Sheridan Kyle, Maxwell Murray, Elizabeth Owens, Paige Parmelee, Cameron Poe, Jacob Smestad, Allannah Smith, McKayla Stacey, and Maleah Wright. Joining them on the trip were Danny Murray, his wife and Lee Provost Debbie Murray, and worship leader Jonathan Sawyer.

The group brought their music ministry into public spaces and churches across Quito and the surrounding areas. Each evening, Voices of Lee led worship services at local Church of God congregations, including Bethel Church, New Life Church, and Ebenezer Church in Pintag. The students also sang in local venues, including city hall and various town centers, using music as a bridge to connect with the community and share the message of Christ.

Voices of Lee also participated in street evangelism, prayed with local families, and conducted interviews to learn more about daily life in Quito. Students explored Ecuadors religious and historical heritage through visits to landmarks such as the Equator line, the Pululahua volcanic crater, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

My time in Ecuador was blessed with the opportunity to help lead worship with children at the Pan de Vida feeding ministry, said Logan Kerley, a sophomore business administration major from Ooltewah, Tennessee. Their heart of worship, in spite of their circumstances, showed me that our faith in God should never be dependent on our situations.

Pan de Vida, led by Angela Laly Mendoza, serves more than 350 children daily through its feeding program and educational efforts. What began as an after-school meal for eight children has grown into a robust ministry that now includes Bible classes, parent workshops, and home construction assistance.

Being able to speak the language allowed me to connect deeply with the kids and people in Ecuador. I saw how God could use even small conversations to show His love, said Elizabeth Owens, as sophomore business administration major from Cleveland, Tn. This trip opened my heart to missions, and I believe God may be guiding me toward that calling.

Far-Flung Tin Can has worked in Ecuador since 2010, when it took its first international ministry trip to support Pan de Vida. Philippi, who traveled to Ecuador as a student in 2008, launched the organization after witnessing the long-term impact of local faith-based ministries.

This summers trip was designed not only to share the gospel but to provide students with cross-cultural ministry experience. Leaders emphasized that spiritual outreach and cultural understanding go hand-in-hand. Through conversations with local families, time in worship, and daily activities in the community, students gained perspective on the global church and their role within it.

The team also visited local markets, rode the TeleferiQo sky tram, and explored the citys architecture and cuisine, offering further insight into Ecuadorian traditions and everyday life. This immersive experience not only provided opportunities for evangelism but also promoted personal growth and cultural awareness.

Our goal was to create a space where students could grow spiritually, develop cultural competency, and experience the power of cross-cultural ministry, said Danny Murray. We saw our students come alive as they worshiped in new places, served with compassion, and embraced the rhythms of life in Quito.

Far-Flung Tin Can is a nonprofit missions organization that partners with ministries around the world through creative storytelling, worship and hands-on service. Founded in 2010, the organization has a long-standing relationship with Pan de Vida in Quito, Ecuador, and continues to support its efforts through media, fundraising and missions trips. Far-Flungs work is centered around connecting people to the heart of God through cross-cultural ministry.

The Voices of Lee is a 15-member a cappella ensemble from Lee University, founded in 1994. Known for its vocal excellence and ministry focus, the group gained national acclaim as finalists on NBCs The Sing-Off and has performed at major venues including Good Morning America, the White House, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the Shanghai International Music Festival. The ensemble has received numerous accolades, including multiple International A Cappella Music Awards.

For more information about Far-Flung Tin Can, visit www.farflungtincan.com.

For more information about Voices of Lee, visit www.voicesoflee.com.
Our children are addicted to their cell phones. I dont blame the kids, I would be the same way, probably worse.



The Bradley County Schools have a new cell phone policy: ban the cell, bell to bell. If youre in class, no cell phone. Hamilton County Schools should follow the courageous lead of our sister city.



Can we all agree it would be a better opportunity for the teachers to teach, and the kids to learn, if we ban the cell, bell to bell?



I understand parents who need a 24-hour lifeline to their children. But somehow they grew up without their parents knowing where they were 24/7. That often kept me in the clear.

And I realize that times have changed. A school shooting is a parents worst nightmare. But I believe the school system and law enforcement have a plan in place to notify the parents of such a horrific event.



But that horrific event was not caused by a cell phone. It was caused by a patient with a mental illness who got their hands on a long-gun, not a Samsung.



Under the Bradley County cell phone ban, there are certain exceptions to the bell to bell ban and the school can issue the student a cell phone carry permit. And that is more than is required by a Tennessee gun owner.



Maybe thats progress.



C. Mark Warren
Home News Spurgeon's College, influential Evangelical training center in London, to close after 169 years

Spurgeons College in London, a leading Baptist theological institution founded by Charles Spurgeon in 1856, announced its immediate closure on Thursday after 169 years of continuous operation  citing financial insolvency and the sudden loss of critical funding support.

The decision, described by the Board of Trustees as made with deep sadness and great regret, marks the end of one of the United Kingdoms most influential evangelical training centers, long recognized for preparing men and women for pastoral, academic and missional leadership.

The trustees stated that ongoing financial challenges  compounded by declining student enrollment and a difficult funding landscape for theological education  had left the college in a precarious position in recent years. While a recent partnership with a charitable foundation had provided temporary stability, that support was unexpectedly withdrawn on July 21, leaving the college unable to continue operations.

Like many higher education institutions  particularly within the Theology sector  Spurgeons College has faced significant financial challenges for several years, driven by declining student numbers and an increasingly complex and difficult financial landscape, stated the trustees in the announcement.

In recent months, the College partnered with a charitable foundation that provided vital financial support and offered assurances to both the College and the Office for Students of continued funding.

However, this relationship was, without warning, unexpectedly terminated on July 21, 2025. As a result, the College can no longer sustain its financial operations and has been left with no choice but to enter the insolvency process immediately.

The immediate priority of the college now is protecting the interests of both students and staff as far as possible during this deeply challenging time, added the trustees.

We understand this news will come as a profound shock to many. The trustees, leadership, and staff of Spurgeons College have worked tirelessly and faithfully to find a sustainable path forward and avoid this outcome.

The trustees referred to the outstanding work of the college in training thousands of men and women for Christian mission, ministry and leadership in the contemporary world.

Each graduate stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of our founder and the Colleges commitment to theological education and Christian service.

God has blessed the College in amazing ways through our long history, and we encourage everyone at this challenging time to pray for his guidance so that men and women continue to be prepared for Christian ministry.

It is with heavy hearts that we share this news, and we express our deep gratitude to all who have supported Spurgeons College throughout its history.

Charles Spurgeon was known for preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified with a singular focus on the Gospel. He founded the Pastors College, as it was then known, in 1856 as a free seminary for ministers to hone skills for ministry.

His first intake of students went on to plant 53 Baptist churches in London within 20 years of the colleges foundation and led global missions for the gospel.

Former students have been expressing poignant reactions to the news of the closure in a flurry of Facebook posts.

My time at Spurgeons 1998-2001 was a great life changing experience that allowed me to move beyond literalism and fundamentalism, wrote Gary Hayes.

It gave me the tools to discover God beyond the church and confines of religion. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to study there and for my amazing lecturers.

Richard Sargent was also shocked and saddened by the news.

I had a wonderful, transformational experience at Spurgeon's from 1972-75 that has doubtless shaped a lifetime of ministry, he wrote. My prayers are with the faculty and students as they earnestly seek next steps in their journeys.

Glen Cartwright was equally very saddened to hear this news.

Many fine preachers and pastors were formed through the training and ministry of Spurgeons College, in a way the most well-known of Baptist theological colleges. Praying for wisdom and discernment as the current challenges are navigated and giving thanks for all the College has been over many decades and years.

Carolyn Henry called it heartbreaking news and expressed her appreciation for her time at the college.

I'm so grateful for my experience at Spurgeon's as it contributed significantly towards my Christian journey and development. I had a wonderful experience and I'm sorry to hear this. I pray the Lord's peace, strength and divine wisdom to surround all staff and students at this time.

Robin Brenchley had just been preparing to return to the college for further training.

Im so very sad to hear this. I had just been accepted back to do my Masters and was so looking forward to being part of the college once again. My prayers are with all the current students and staff who have been affected by this."

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News Christian-majority countries declining worldwide: Report UK, Australia, France and Uruguay no longer majority Christian

The number of countries with Christian majorities declined between 2010 and 2020, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center, highlighting a notable shift in global religious affiliation.

As of 2020, Christians remained the majority in 120 out of 201 countries and territories analyzed, down from 124 in 2010. That means Christian-majority nations accounted for 60% of all countries surveyed, compared to 62% a decade earlier. The decline is largely attributed to a growing number of people leaving Christianity, contributing to the rise of religiously unaffiliated populations in multiple nations.

The most significant changes occurred in the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Uruguay  all of which lost their Christian majorities during the 10-year span. In these nations, the share of people identifying as Christian fell below 50%, while the percentage of religiously unaffiliated individuals rose substantially.

Uruguay became the only country in the Americas without a Christian majority by 2020, with 52% of its population identifying as religiously unaffiliated and only 44% as Christian. In the U.K., Australia and France, no single religious group held a majority. However, unaffiliated populations approached or surpassed the number of Christians, reflecting broader secularization trends.

Two other countries  New Zealand and the Netherlands  also transitioned to religiously unaffiliated majorities during the same period, joining a group of seven nations that already held that status in 2010: China, North Korea, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Macao and Japan.

In total, Pew found that 10 countries had religiously unaffiliated majorities by 2020, up from seven in 2010. These populations include individuals who identify as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular.

The report noted that while Christianity remains the most geographically widespread religion, its proportion of the global population is smaller than the share of countries where Christians form the majority. In 2020, Christians represented 29% of the worlds population but were the majority in 60% of countries. This contrast reflects Christianitys broad dispersion across both large and small nations  from the United States and the Philippines to smaller nations like Micronesia.

By comparison, other major world religions such as Hinduism and Islam had majority populations in fewer countries, more closely aligned with their share of the global population. Hindus, who made up 15% of the worlds population, held majorities in just two countries: India and Nepal. Muslims were the majority in 53 countries, and Buddhists in seven.

The number of countries with no clear religious majority also increased slightly, rising from six in 2010 to seven in 2020. These included South Korea, Singapore, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius, along with the UK, Australia and France  countries that had lost their Christian majorities during the decade.

The findings reflect a growing global trend toward religious disaffiliation, particularly in traditionally Christian countries. Pews data suggests that while Christianity remains numerically widespread, its cultural and institutional influence is declining in some parts of the world.

The report is based on population data and estimates of religious affiliation collected from a wide range of sources, reflecting a broad demographic overview of global religious change.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Fugitive quadruple murder suspect Austin Robert Drummond dated victim's sister

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitive quadruple murder suspect Austin Robert Drummond, as a family member claims he was once in a relationship with one of the victims.

In an update on the case on Thursday, the TBI described Drummond as Tennessee's most wanted suspect, offering the $15,000 reward for information leading to the 29-year-old's arrest. The reward is being offered collectively by the U.S. Marshals Service and the TBI.

Drummond was last seen driving a 2016 Audi A3 with Tennessee plate RI 01896. The vehicle has damage to the driver's side, and he is considered armed and dangerous, TBI said in a Thursday statement.

While Drummond's appearance might have been altered, he is described as 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and a goatee.

Police began their investigation into the murders after a 7-month-old girl, later identified as Weslynne Wilson, was found abandoned in Dyer County.

Drummond is facing first-degree murder charges for the deaths of Weslynne's father, James M. Wilson, 21; her mother, Adrianna Williams, 20; her maternal grandmother, Cortney Rose, 38; and her maternal uncle, Braydon Williams, 15.

Drummond is also facing one count of aggravated kidnapping, four counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

"At this time, Drummond remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call 731-415-7962, 731-333-0811 or 1-800-TBI-FIND," the TBI urged.

While investigators have not disclosed Drummond's relationship to the victims, statements attributed to family members and an obituary suggest that Cortney Rose's sister, Kaitlyn Speed, was in a relationship with him.

The obituary announcing the death of the sisters' mother, Donna Lynn Childress, on April 30, described Drummond as Kaitlyn Speed's "husband." Comments attributed to Brier-Ashley Childress, the sister-in-law of Cortney Rose and Kaitlyn Speed, state that Speed and Drummond dated in the past, but they were not together at the time of the murders.

"Cortney Rose, my husband [Seth Childress], and Kaitlyn Speed are siblings. Adrianna and Braydon are our niece and nephew. Austin Drummond was Kaitlyn's boyfriend at one time. Yes, he was close to our family. Yes, we cared about him and thought he cared about us," Brier-Ashley Childress wrote in a Facebook post that is no longer public.

Drummond has a lengthy criminal history, which started when he was a teenager.

According to WBBJ, when Drummond was 17, he was tried as an adult and convicted on charges related to the armed robbery of a convenience store in Jackson, Tennessee. He was charged with aggravated robbery for the store incident, along with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery for a personal attack.

Kade Butler, who is also known as Christopher K. Butler, identified himself on Facebook as the father of Speed's daughter. Last October, he expressed concern that she was in a relationship with Drummond and called him a "low life."

He also claimed last October that he was contacted by The Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville and informed that Speed was fired from her employment there because of an inappropriate relationship with Drummond while he was an inmate at the facility.

He added that once Drummond was released in September, Speed and her daughter began living with him.

The Northwest Correctional Complex confirmed with The Christian Post on Friday that Drummond was released from the facility last September, but declined to comment on Kade Butler's allegations made against Speed.

The Dyer County Sheriff's Office said the investigation into the murders began after they received a call around 3:11 p.m. Tuesday about an incident on Old Highway 20 near the Tigrett area. A dark-colored minivan or a white mid-size SUV reportedly dropped off an infant in a car seat at a random individual's front yard.

"Thankfully, a witness saw the car seat with the child and called 911," a release from the Dyer County Sheriff's Office said. A search for Weslynne's family led to the discovery of the bodies of her family members.

In her most recent post on Facebook, Brier-Ashley Childress said their family was still processing the tragedy and they weren't yet sure when the funerals for the victims would be arranged.

An obituary for Weslynne's father described him as devoted and hardworking.

"Matthew was more than just a brother, a son, or a friend he was a guiding light and an irreplaceable presence in our lives. He was a devoted father and would do anything to take care of his child and family," it said.
Home News Children wounded in anti-Christian attack on prayer house

SURABAYA, Indonesia  As police officers looked on, a group of Muslims stormed a prayer house in Indonesia last Sunday, injuring two children, sources said.

The Muslims shouted the jihadist slogan Allahu Akbar [Allah is greater] and Dismiss it as they disrupted state mandated religious education for children provided by Anugerah Faithful Christian Church of Indonesia (Gereja Kristen Setia Indonesia, GKSI) in Padang Sarai village, Koto Tengah District, Padang City, West Sumatra Province at around 4 p.m. on July 27, a widely viewed video shows.

Armed with wooden blocks, knives and stones, the intruders damaged property inside and outside the prayer house where religious instruction was underway for children who could not receive it in school. Panicked students and their parents rushed outside as children cried. A voice from within the congregation can be heard saying, Our country is a Pancasila state [policy of unity and social justice for all of Indonesias various people] based on law and must be carried out according to law.

Two Christian students, ages 7 and 11, were severely injured after the assailants struck them, according to the video. Sound system equipment, chairs, fans, a pulpit podium, window panes and other items were also damaged.

The pastor of the church, F. Dachi, said the attack occurred suddenly while several children were receiving the religious instruction. The mob of angry Muslims had gathered on the street in front of the prayer house, shouting and demanding that the religious instruction be stopped, shocking the pastor who was outside the building at the time, according to Sumbarkita.

The crowd immediately shouted, Dismiss! Dismiss the religious instruction! and began throwing stones at the prayer house, Pastor Dachi said. Glass was shattered, equipment was destroyed, and the electricity was cut off.

The head of 03 Neighborhood Associations (Rukun Tetangga) and the head of the 09 Community Association (RW) asked to speak with him in a backyard, though there are no details about the discussion, according to the BBC.

The attack and vandalism by area Muslims followed Islamic afternoon prayer time (Asr).

Padang Mayor Fadly Aram claimed that the incident was merely a misunderstanding unrelated to ethnicity, race or interfaith issues.

First, we must acknowledge the pain of our brothers and sisters who have suffered from this act of vandalism, which even resulted in injuries, Fadly told Kompas.com on last Sunday evening. The damaged building was an educational facility for Christian students, not a church.

Pastor Dachi further expressed his concerns to the mayor.

All this time, Ive only been providing religious guidance  this isnt an illegal activity, he told the mayor. This is a prayer house, a place for Christian religious education for schoolchildren so they can get grades in their religious studies. To get grades, I give them exams and so on.

As the religious teaching coincides with the time Muslims perform their afternoon (Asr) prayer, Pastor Dachi said, When the Adhan [Islamic call to prayer] sounds, we stop our activities. I respect the Adhan. I pause what Im doing when I hear the Adhan, as Muslims are offering prayers to the almighty. As a Christian leader, I honor that. Thank God, everyone in the mosque is praying to you  

Pastor Dachi then expressed sadness regarding the actions of those who had just completed the Islamic prayer.

I am deeply saddened by the behavior of those brothers [...] he said. Mr. Mayor, I educate them with the Word of God, not cock fighting or drugs, he added.

The chairman of the Padang Interfaith Cooperation Forum, identified only as Salmadanis, said the incident of vandalism and beating of children stemmed from a mere misunderstanding, according to Kompas.com.

The core issue stems from a shift in the churchs approach to religious instruction, Salmadanis said. In the past, religious education was conducted on a house-to-house basis. Recently, however, it has been centralized in a single location, leading to misunderstandings within the community.

West Sumatra Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Solihin said police have arrested nine people in connection with the destruction of the congregations prayer house. The number of suspects in this case could increase if more evidence emerges, he said.

Believe me, the police will follow up on this case, and no one in West Sumatra should take the law into their own hands, Solihin reportedly said.

Yen Danir, youth leader of the local neighborhood association, accused the congregation of having provoked the residents, according to DetikSumut.com.

While we were there, our youths overheard something from the Nias residents [congregation], Danir told detikSumut.com on Tuesday. They said we should go to war; thats where the trigger was. We had no intention of causing a disturbance; we were just provoked.

The residents visited the prayer house so Danir could clarify issues with the homeowner, the pastor, he said, as previously the residents thought the rented house in Padang Sarai village was just a shelter.

We thought it was a shelter, but it turned out it had been converted into a place of worship, Danir reportedly said.

Other organizations in Padang City also accused the GKSI congregation to stoking Christian-Muslim tensions and demanded closure of the prayer house and firm action against the pastor, according to the Indonesia for All Movement.

We ask law enforcement officials to take firm action against Pastor Fathia Dachi, a representative of the movement said.

They also demanded the release of the alleged assailants in police custody.

Two children were injured, the prayer house was vandalized, and the perpetrators have publicly apologized, the Indonesia for All Movement representative reportedly said. They have even asked the GKSI to resolve the matter peacefully, even though they have refused and still want to pursue legal proceedings.

Condemnation

The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) condemned the attack.

This action is extremely distressing, the Rev. Jacky Manuputty, general chairman of the PGI, said in a press statement on July 28, according to Holopis.com. Acts of terror accompanied by violence aimed at disrupting religious services in front of children will undoubtedly cause lasting trauma to their development.

The incident shows that intolerance remains deeply rooted in various corners of the country, Pastor Manuputty said.

Indonesia is a vast nation built on diversity, strengthened by unity and connected through respect for differences, he said.

The chairman of the Setara Institute, an NGO dedicated to the fight for democracy and religious freedom, Hendardi, said the attack was a crime that violates the constitution.

This action cannot be justified and is a criminal act that violates the law and the constitution, he told Morning Star News.

Hendardi urged local and state law enforcement officials to avoid suggesting that intolerance and violence stem merely from misunderstanding. The governments of Padang and West Sumatra must tackle the underlying issues that contribute to these problems, particularly religious conservatism, low religious literacy, social segregation, discriminatory regulations and the normalization of religious intolerance at both structural and cultural levels, he said.

Pastor Nicky Wakkary of Bogor, West Java, fewer than 38 miles from Jakarta, described the attack and destruction of the prayer house as an act of Christianophobia.

This intolerant movement sends a signal to the government about the issues surrounding interfaith relations in Indonesia, said Pastor Nicky of the Greater Indonesia Christian Movement.

Martin Daniel Tumbelaka, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, commended the swift arrests by West Sumatra Regional Police.

This demonstrates that the state will not remain silent in the face of violence and intolerance, and that law enforcement must see this through to the end, Martin said in a statement on Monday in Jakarta.

He said he hoped police would take further action.

If there are others who orchestrated or incited them, they must also be held accountable, Tumbelaka said. The state must be present and firm. This issue goes beyond physical damage; it impacts citizens sense of security. There must be zero tolerance for vigilante actions.

The attack caught the attention of the vice president of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who on Wednesday paid a visit to the 23 child victims at the Padang City Social Services Office, West Sumatra, according to Kompas.com.

Indonesian society in recent years has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev explained the reason for the government's amendments to the Ukraine Plan for Ukraine Facility, and said that the new version must be approved by the Council of the European Union by the end of September.

"Yesterday, the Ukrainian government made a decision to amend the Ukraine Plan for the Ukraine Facility. I want to explain why this is important. Two years have passed since we started preparing the Ukraine Plan. And now is the time to update our commitments: adapt the deadlines - extend some of them, and shorten some, and also add references to specific EU law and clarify the wording of the steps," Sobolev wrote on Facebook.

According to him, the possibility of making changes to the Plan was discussed with the European Commission from the very beginning, it is provided for in the Regulation on the establishment of the Ukraine Facility, and the teams have been working together to agree on adjustments over the past few months.

"It is important that the volume and content of our commitments to our European partners remain the same as they were. We will continue to implement the Plan in accordance with its updated version. The changes will concern steps from the third quarter of 2025, so we are already starting to move according to the new schedule. And we will fulfill some commitments faster than we agreed with our partners when the Plan was initially formed," he added.

Sobolev informed that the new version must be approved by the EU Council by the end of September, which will complete the formalization of the process.

"I would like to emphasize that Ukraine Facility will remain my focus in the future. Our ministry will continue its role as National Coordinator and will ensure the implementation of the Ukraine Plan by all responsible bodies," the minister emphasized.

As reported, on August 1, the Cabinet of Ministers amended the plan for implementing the financial support program for Ukraine from the European Union, Ukraine Facility.
Home News Displaced Nigerians block highway to protest govt inaction after 200 Christians killed in massacre

Hundreds of displaced Nigerians blocked a major highway this week to protest government inaction after the mass killing of more than 200 Christians in a massacre last month. The demonstrators, mostly women and children, demanded food and security at a camp near Makurdi in central Nigeria.

Chanting We want to go back home; no security, no food, the protesters used tree branches to barricade the MakurdiLafiaAbuja expressway, halting traffic at the junction near the Maga IDPs Camp in Mbayongo, Truth Nigeria reported.

The demonstration came one day after Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, visited Benue State and announced a donation of 1 billion naira ($653,000) for the upkeep of internally displaced persons in the region.

The massacre that occurred June 1314 in the Yelewata community of Guma County forced thousands from their homes and left over 200 Christian villagers dead. The attack was carried out by armed men identified by local leaders as Fulani militants. The displaced are now living in makeshift camps across Benue State with limited access to food, medicine and security.

Our people have stopped going to distant farms for fear of being ambushed and slashed to death by the terrorists, Thomas Ukumba, a community elder from Yelewata, was quoted as saying. Yet again, the terrorists are coming close to our residents, but there's been no response from the military or police. We are not safe.

A protester, identified as Rebecca Awuse, said she was tired of life in the camp and wants to go back home, according to Vanguard.

Eight deaths have been reported in two IDP camps in Makurdi in recent weeks, with victims ranging from young adults to children. Camp leaders cited illness and a lack of medical supplies as the cause.

Abraham Taa, chairman of the Ichwa IDP Camp, identified the deceased as Mngusornon Terhile, Juliana Iorkyaa, Deoron Kwaghbee and Bemshima Nyajo. At the Abagana IDP Camp, Chairman Festus Azende confirmed the deaths of four others, including his daughter, Immaculate Dooshima Azende, as well as Kazan Ver, Aboi Aondowase and Unaha Joy.

Taa also raised alarm over deteriorating infrastructure. The camp is no longer secured due to fallen perimeter fences at different points, he said.

A 1-year-old boy named Terseer Aondowase David was reportedly kidnapped from the Ichwa IDP Camp and hasn't been found. No suspects have been arrested.

While protesters accused both state and federal authorities of abandonment, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency denied neglect. Its spokesperson, Tema Ager, claimed the protest was politically motivated.

Local leaders from the Yelewata community remain critical of the security forces. Damian Ugbir, a youth leader from the area, described an incident where Fulani militants, disguised as herdsmen, entered a school compound. It was reported to both the police and the military. The police sent only two officers who exchanged gunfire with the terrorists. The police personnel retreated, saying they couldn't match the firepower of the terrorists. The military failed to respond.

The Nigerian federal government had earlier stated that the June massacre would be a turning point for security operations in the region. However, residents say the violence has continued unabated.

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 Aid to the Church in Need.

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 Purple state passes law banning sex-change surgeries, puberty blockers for minors

The politically divided state of New Hampshire has adopted legislation banning sexchange surgeries and puberty blockers for minors. The law applies to all surgical and chemical procedures intended to alter a childs sexual characteristics.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed two bills into law, making New Hampshire the first state in New England to ban all body-deforming gendertransition procedures for minors.

HB 712 bans breast mutilation surgery for minors, and HB 377 bans crosssex hormones and puberty blockers for anyone younger than 18, the NH Journal reported.

Former Gov. Chris Sununu had previously prohibited socalled bottom surgery for youth, which includes castration, and the new laws extend the ban to top surgery (elective mastectomies for girls and breast implants for boys) and drugs used in so-called gender transitions.

The legislation will take effect in January 2026, though youth already mired in the process and desiring to continue can do so.

New Hampshire was already among 27 states with partial restrictions on trans procedures for youth; it now joins 19 states that prohibit all such interventions.

Ayotte said she signed the bills into law because the medical choices made by young people can have a permanent impact on their lives.

These bills represent a balanced, bipartisan effort to protect children, she was quoted as saying.

The bills were championed by Rep. Lisa Mazur, a Republican from Goffstown. She said she was glad the governor signed the legislation because it prevents minors from being subjected to hormones and surgeries that they cannot fully understand.

These commonsense safeguards, strongly supported by Granite State voters, ensure children arent subjected to lifealtering medical interventions they cant fully understand or consent to, she said.

Mazur noted that surveys show public support; a NH Journal/Praecones Analytica poll released in July found that 69% of New Hampshire voters back the bans, while 16% oppose them.

Lawmakers passed the bills with almost unanimous Republican support.

Only two Democrats in the New Hampshire Legislature, Rep. Jonah Wheeler of Peterborough and Rep. Dale Girard of Claremont, voted for both measures.

Opponents argued that the bans infringe on family decisionmaking and discriminate against trans-identified youth. Democratic caucus leaders contended that decisions about medical care should remain between families and physicians and stated that the state was intruding into their private lives. They also claimed that restricting access to puberty blockers and opposite-sex hormones could harm the mental health of youth who are confused about their sex.

Many health care providers have suspended gender-affirming surgeries for patients younger than 19 following a January order from President Donald Trump that barred federal funding for the so-called transition of a child from one sex to another. The executive directive instructed agencies to enforce the restriction across any institution receiving federal health, education, or research funding.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a 400-page report in May that showed the risks associated with attempting to transition a child's sex. The document stated that such procedures can result in infertility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone development, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, psychiatric issues, surgical complications and regret.

The report also referred to the Cass Review, a comprehensive assessment of trans procedures performed on children commissioned by the U.K.s National Health Service. Its findings were included in the HHS publication, which forms part of the regulatory rationale driving the policy changes at multiple hospitals.
Home Opinion The twisted reality of surrogacy: How a sexual predator got himself a child

In late July 2025, a viral video swept social media, showing two men proudly introducing their newborn son, conceived through surrogacy and funded by crowdsourcing. Initially, people celebrated the heartwarming footage as another beautiful example of modern family creation.

Within 24 hours, the celebration turned to horror. Brandon Keith Mitchell, one of the fathers, was revealed to be a registered sex offender convicted of soliciting nude photographs from a 16-year-old student. Police had found hundreds of sexually explicit videos of the child on Mitchells laptop and over 12,000 text messages between predator and victim.

Today, an innocent baby lives in the home of a convicted pedophile, not through tragic circumstance or system failure, but by deliberate design. The surrogacy industry delivered a child directly into the hands of a man legally prohibited from unsupervised contact with minors.

This case isnt an isolated tragedy. Its the inevitable result of a system that prioritizes adult desires over child welfare, treats babies as products, and has abandoned Gods design for how children should enter the world.

Celebrity permission structure: Explained

Celebrity endorsement has dramatically accelerated the cultural acceptance of surrogacy. Kim Kardashian, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Elton John and countless other celebrities have turned to surrogacy, with each story celebrated as both heartwarming and forward-thinking.

Anderson Cooper called surrogacy an extraordinary blessing. When Chrissy Teigen and John Legend welcomed their fourth child via a surrogate, Teigen gushed about this incredible gift, naming the child after their surrogate. Each celebrity story focuses on adult joy while ignoring surrogate voices or long-term child implications.

This approach creates a cultural permission structure: If Hollywoods elites embrace surrogacy, it must be admirable. What begins as a medical option for the wealthy becomes a cultural expectation for everyone. The glamour masks exploitation, the red carpet coverage obscures ethical concerns, and joyful photos hide broken pieces.

Should we let Hollywood or Scripture shape our ethics? The culture that celebrates surrogacy also glorifies divorce, the sexual revolution, and the redefinition of marriage. When celebrities promote fractured relationships and fluid sexual ethics, should we really rely on their judgment regarding children and family?

When Andy Cohen celebrates single fatherhood through surrogacy, or same-sex couples are praised for building families through purchased eggs and rented wombs, the culture learns that any adult desire for children justifies any means of obtaining them. The Mitchell case shows where this leads: If only adult desire matters, why would having a criminal history make any difference?

Ethical and biblical arguments against surrogacy

Let me be clear: The Mitchell case industry isnt surrogacy gone wrong  its surrogacy working exactly as designed. Surrogacy itself is the problem, not just the extreme cases.

God designed children to come from the covenantal union of one man and one woman in marriage. Surrogacy abandons this divine order, separating procreation from marital covenant and treating children as manufactured products rather than received gifts.

The issue isnt about biology or family preferences; its about fundamental rebellion against Gods created order. When we fragment childbearing, separating genetic from gestational from legal parenthood, were dismantling the protective framework God established for the vulnerable.

Every surrogacy arrangement violates this principle, regardless of whether it is commercial or altruistic, whether it involves celebrities or ordinary people, or whether it is considered happy or tragic. It prioritizes adult desires over Gods design, commodifies womens bodies, treats children like custom orders, and creates intentional orphanhood while removing natural protections.

Gods blueprint: Protecting faith and values

From the beginning, God established that children come from the marital union between husband and wife. This isnt mere biology; its theological truth reflecting Gods creative order and providing maximum protection for children. As Genesis 1:27-28 states,

Male and female, he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply.'

When a child is conceived through marital embrace, that child enters with optimal protection: two biological parents united in covenant love, both legally and morally responsible, both invested because the child is literally their own flesh.

Surrogacy shatters this blueprint by separating procreation from marriage, often involving third-party gametes, rented wombs, and legal contracts treating children like orders. The Mitchell case shows the result: children delivered to adults based not on parental fitness but on ability to pay and navigate paperwork.

Gods design isnt arbitrary; its protective. When we abandon that design, we abandon its protections.

Manufacturing orphans for the marketplace

Surrogacy creates orphans by design. Unlike adoption, which responds to unexpected tragedy with redemptive love, surrogacy intentionally separates children from their biological mothers from the moment of conception.

The industry lexicon reveals its true nature: gestational carriers, reproductive services, genetic material, and intended parents. This is marketplace vocabulary. Children become products manufactured to specifications, delivered per contract terms, and transferred to purchasers upon completion.

Contracts read like business documents because thats what they are  often including clauses requiring abortion for disabilities, selective reduction for excess babies, and strict behavioral limitations on surrogates. Some specify desired physical attributes in donors, allowing parents to customize children like luxury cars.

When children become commodities, predators become customers. Mitchell, a registered sex offender in Pennsylvania, unable to adopt or foster, simply purchased a child through surrogacy, without any inquiries. Pennsylvanias adoption laws prohibit sex offenders from adopting, but surrogacy sidesteps these protections through pre-birth orders naming commissioning parents regardless of criminal history or fitness.

As Helen Gibson, a representative of the advocacy group Surrogacy Concern, noted, Vetting of commissioning parents in surrogacy is virtually nonexistent and is not comparable with checks we see in adoption.

The voices of regret

While the industry showcases happy intended parents, surrogate mothers tell different stories. Many describe feeling used, exploited, and like someone who sold my child.

Tanya Prashad, a former surrogate, testified, I feel like all surrogate mothers are being used. I believe I have underestimated myself  Id rather work a hundred hours of overtime than subject myself to that again.

An Australian surrogate shared, I feel betrayed and hurt, and I am still suffering mentally and physically. I regret handing over [the baby]  Not a day goes by where I  wonder if he is safe.

These voices expose the lie that surrogacy is always beautiful and altruistic. The truth is messier and more painful than the industry admits. Behind every celebrated success may be a woman wrestling with regret, grief, and knowledge that she carried and delivered a child shell never see again.

The industry profits from silencing these voices because they complicate narratives, challenge ethics, and raise uncomfortable questions about consent, exploitation, and commodification  concerns that threaten a business projected to grow from $27.21 billion in 2025 to nearly $196 billion by 2034, according to Precedence Research.

The idolatry of entitlement

Surrogacy represents a shift from receiving children as gifts to demanding them as rights, transforming biblical desire for children into sinful entitlement.

Consider Hannah versus our cultures approach. Hannah wept, prayed, and waited for the Lord to open her womb (1 Samuel 1:10-11). She understood children come from Gods hand, not human ingenuity. Todays couples increasingly bypass prayer for procedures, trading dependence on divine providence for marketplace transactions.

As Proverbs 14:12 warns, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Surrogacy may seem like love but often springs from idolatrous entitlement  demanding God provide us what we want, when we want it, and how we want it, regardless of His design or the cost to others.

The failure of compromise

Some Christians seek middle ground, supporting altruistic arrangements while opposing commercial ones, or backing better regulation rather than prohibition. The Mitchell case exposes this futility.

Mitchells arrangement wasnt obvious commercial exploitation. They raised only $2,000, far short of their $50,000 goal. Their surrogate underwent extensive evaluations. By the standards of reform advocates, this arrangement was perfectly acceptable.

Yet it still delivered a child to a predator.

There is no safe or ethical form of surrogacy. The problem isnt inadequate regulation  its the practice itself. When we separate children from biological mothers, commodify reproduction, and prioritize adult desires over child welfare, we create systems that inevitably fail the vulnerable.

A more excellent way

Christians need to reclaim a biblical perspective that views children as Gods gifts, not as rights to assert. This means trusting Gods sovereignty even in infertility pain, following Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth, who received children by Gods hand in His timing.

We must embrace adoption as the Gospel alternative. Adoption responds to existing brokenness with redemption, providing homes for children who need them. Crucially, adoption includes rigorous screening  a protection that surrogacy bypasses.

The contrast is stark. While adoption asks, How can we serve children who need homes?, surrogacy asks, How can we create children to meet our needs?

We must provide pastoral care for couples struggling with infertility that doesnt simply point toward technological solutions but helps process grief, examines hearts for idolatrous desires, and finds contentment in Gods will.

The call to courage

Christian men, this moment demands courage. The culture will call you hateful for opposing surrogacy, but God calls you to faithfulness over cultural acceptance.

The Mitchell case presents clear answers when people ask why surrogacy should be rejected: It creates children for predators, bypasses every child welfare protection, prioritizes adult desires over child safety, and treats societys most vulnerable as marketplace products.

Stand firm. Protect the vulnerable. Defend the voiceless. Speak truth in love, even when costly.

Children first

As Jeremiah 1:5 beautifully says of Gods sovereignty over and care for each one of us,

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.

Every child is known by God before conception, loved before birth, destined for purposes beyond our understanding. Children deserve to enter into life through covenant, not through contracts. They deserve protection, not commodification. They deserve safeguards from Gods design for family, not vulnerabilities from human schemes.

The baby now living with Brandon Keith Mitchell deserves better. If we do not act, countless other children created through surrogacy will also suffer. So will women whose wombs are rented, bodies used, and hearts broken by this industry.

The time for compromise is over. May God give us courage to defend His design for life, marriage, and family, no matter the cost.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Tesla Inc. was told by a jury to pay $243 million over a 2019 Autopilot crash in Florida that killed a young woman and seriously injured her boyfriend, the first significant court loss for the automaker in litigation related to its driver-assistance technology.

A jury in Miami federal court found Friday that Tesla was 33% to blame for the collision. A Tesla Model S ran a stop sign at a T intersection in the Florida Keys and rammed into the couples parked Chevrolet Tahoe while they were standing next to it.

Related: Tesla to Fight Californias Claim It Overhypes Autopilot

Jurors issued their verdict after less than a day of deliberations following a three-week trial. The jury determined that the Tesla S driver was 67% responsible for the crash and that Tesla should pay $42.5 million to compensate the victims for their losses. The panel also awarded $200 million in punitive damages against Tesla.

Tesla had argued the driver was entirely at fault because he was distracted when he dropped his mobile phone on the floorboard.

Todays verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Teslas and the entire industrys efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology, Tesla said in a statement. We plan to appeal given the substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial.

Related: Tesla Goes to Trial Over Fatal Autopilot Crash in Florida

The Miami suit is one of a handful of crash cases that have gone to trial and the verdict tarnishes Teslas near-perfect record in court. The electric-vehicle maker prevailed in two previous trials in California over Autopilot-related crashes and has struck confidential accords to resolve several cases that blamed defective technology for deadly accidents.

The verdict comes as Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk faces enormous investor pressure after the companys stock has been battered, first by his close affiliation with President Donald Trump, and then by his dramatic falling out with the president.

Musk has staked Teslas future in part on autonomous driving as the company is launching a robotaxi business. But when Tesla recently announced disappointing second-quarter earnings, Musk warned that the company is in for a few rough quarters as incentives like the EV tax credit go away in the U.S.

At trial, the jury heard testimony from the driver of the Model S, family members of the woman who died, company engineers and various outside experts who discussed whether Autopilot played a role in the collision.

George McGee, the driver of the Model S, had engaged his vehicles driver-assistance system while traveling home from work. In the moments before the collision, data obtained from the vehicle showed that he had pressed the accelerator to 17 miles (27.4 kilometers) per hour over the posted speed limit, leading him to override the vehicles adaptive cruise control before he went off the road.

McGee testified that he had been on hold on with American Airlines trying to modify an upcoming flight. He said his phone fell and he was looking for it just before the crash. As his car left the road, McGee said he felt the texture of the road change under his tires and he remembered jamming on the brakes.

During questioning, he told jurors that he knew he was completely responsible for operating the car, but that he expected Autopilot to assist him in the event he made a mistake.

In that case, I do feel like it failed me, he said, according to a transcript of his testimony.

The family of Naibel Benavides Leon, the woman who was killed, reached a confidential settlement with McGee in 2021 in a separate lawsuit.

Lawyers for the estate of Benavides Leon and her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, argued Teslas Autopilot encourages complacency and that the company and Musk have overstated the systems capabilities, leading drivers to be overconfident in its abilities.

They also alleged that Tesla failed to add safeguards to ensure the software was only available on roadways where it was designed to be used and features to monitor the attentiveness of drivers.

Todays verdict represents justice for Naibels tragic death and Dillons lifelong injuries, holding Tesla and Musk accountable for propping up the companys trillion-dollar valuation with self-driving hype at the expense of human lives, Brett Schreiber, lead attorney for the crash victims, said in a statement.

Tesla, as it has in other cases, blamed driver error for the collision. Lawyers for the company argued repeatedly that McGee was an aggressive driver with a history of speeding, and that he took his eyes off the road and his hands off the wheel despite warnings in the owners manual that drivers must stay engaged.

The company has maintained there were no defects in its software and that Autopilot operated exactly as designed. Throughout the trial, Tesla defense attorney Joel Smith said no driver-assistance technology on the market in 2019 would have been able to prevent the crash.

The automotive industry categorizes automation systems in vehicles from Level 0 to 5, based on what features are available. Level 0 features simply pass on information to the driver, like sounding a warning when youre driving out of a traffic lane. Teslas Autopilot is classified as Level 2 because it requires constant driver input and supervision.

The case is Benavides v. Tesla, 1:21-cv-21940, US District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami).

Top photo: An instrument panel with the Tesla Motors Inc. 8.0 software update displays an autopilot disengagement warning inside a Model S P90D vehicle in the Brooklyn borough of New York, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016. Photographer: Christopher Goodney/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Zelenskyy on missile attack on Kyiv: This was one of the most brutal strikes on the capital

Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the site of the Russian missile strike on Friday night and paid tribute to the dead, whose number exceeded 30 people.

It's impossible to justify what Russia is doing. We will never forgive the killing of our people, these brutal strikes. With yesterdays strike on Kyiv, Russia killed 31 people. 179 were injured. My sincere condolences to the families, the loved ones, and to all who have lost what they held dearest. This was one of the most brutal strikes on the capital, he said on X.

On Friday, the President spoke with people at the site of the destroyed section of the nine-story residential building. The state will definitely help and support all those affected, he stressed and thanked everyone who worked at the scene, in particular those who rescued, treated and cleared the rubble.

This kind of mutual support is incredibly important. We will certainly continue our efforts to provide greater protection for our people, he noted.
Putin wants to take whole Ukraine, but it's going to be very hard for him  Trump

Vladimir Putin probably wants to take over all of Ukraine, but it will be "very hard" for him, US President Donald Trump said.

"He's obviously a tough cookie, so it hasn't changed in that way  We had it worked out three different times, and maybe he wants to try and take the whole thing [Ukraine]. I think it's going to be very hard for him, the US President said in the interview with Finnerty program.

According to Trump, the USA will impose sanctions on Russia, but Putin already knows how to circumvent and avoid them. Trump is surprised that he had good conversations with him, during which we could have ended this situation, but suddenly the bombs started falling.
CNBC's Jim Cramer walked investors through another week of earnings season, honing in on reports from Palantir , Berkshire Hathaway , Disney and Eli Lilly .

"We're still in earnings Hades, but at least it's getting a little cooler out there," he said. "That's right, we've now gotten over the hump of the big-time growth stocks, the hyperscalers, but there's plenty left."

On Saturday, Cramer will be paying attention to earnings from Berkshire Hathaway, and he suggested things might be a little different with Greg Abel at the helm. If the report is good, Cramer said he bets the stock goes higher.

Monday, Cramer is watching Palantir's report. He has called the company, which just landed a $10 billion Army contract, "the most controversial stock in the entire market." He said the data outfit has excited many on Wall Street. And he predicted the quarter will be "a total blowout," as it seems business is strong.

Tuesday brings quarterly results from DuPont De Nemours , Caterpillar , Pfizer and Marriott . Cramer said it's important to see that DuPont's breakup is on track, because the parts are worth more than the whole for the chemical company. He suggested Caterpillar will post strong results as the equipment manufacturer rides the tailwinds of domestic infrastructure and reshoring. To Cramer, it's necessary that Pfizer sees some "really dramatic" results from clinical trials because the pharmaceutical giant's shareholder base is "getting very restive." Marriott is usually reliable, he continued, but said the hotel chain's stock tends to come down after earnings even if the results are good.

Disney and McDonald's are set to report on Wednesday. Shares of the media titan have been climbing nicely, Cramer said, and he praised the streaming, theme park and cruise line business segments. He also said McDonald's is a buy at current levels, suggesting the company has improved as of late with new offerings for customers. Dutch Bros and E.l.f Beauty , two young "renegade" companies that have shaken up business in their respective sectors, will also report Wednesday, Cramer said. He added that he thinks they both have room to grow and take share.

Thursday brings earnings from Eli Lilly. Cramer pointed out that its main competitor in the GLP-1 drug arena, Novo Nordisk , just posted a disappointing quarter. He wondered whether Novo Nordisk's results indicate that Eli Lilly has been taking share or if both companies are seeing a peak in their popular weight loss medication. He said both dynamics could be true.

Warner Bros Discovery , MP Materials , Wynn Resorts and Pinterest are also set to report on Thursday. Cramer said he's waiting to hear how Warner Bros is reorganizing the company and paying down debt. He said he wants to learn about rare earth mineral miner MP Materials' deal with the U.S. government. He also said he's feeling positive about Wynn Resorts. Pinterest is likely to post a solid report, he continued, and said it's the most family-friendly advertising platform compared to its peers.

Wendy's will post earnings on Friday, and Cramer said the previous quarter was weak. He suggested the sector is so competitive that there are no guarantees the burger chain will share good results.
In 2017, Doug Barnard, a college student at the time, took a trip to India with his mom. The experience was so impactful that it eventually inspired him to become a full-time travelera path he didn't know was possible for him. "Going to India was an eye-opening experience for me. It was the first time I'd been to some place so foreign, so stimulating and for me it was this epiphany that I needed to experience more," Barnard tells CNBC Make It. "The most exciting part was talking to the people and seeing how things work. The immersion was what really got me." Barnard graduated in 2018 and moved to New York City to work for Walmart. At the time, he earned about $60,000 a year working in the e-commerce sector, and though he didn't dislike his job, it certainly wasn't his passion. "I think a part of me was looking for more meaning in my work," he says.

Since leaving the United States, Barnard has traveled to places like Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Doug Barnard

While working at Walmart, Barnard started a YouTube channel dedicated to his travels. The first trip he featured on his channel was a visit to Saudi Arabia in 2020. "At the time, Saudi Arabia was kind of this mysterious country from an American perspective, at least. It was closed off for decades and they had just opened for tourism," he says. "Back then, people thought I was crazy. My parents asked me not to go. My grandfather offered to reimburse me. But I went for it and it was awesome." Later that year, Barnard was laid off from job because of the pandemic. While others might have been nervous about being unemployed, Barnard saw it as an opportunity to bet on himself. "My dream was to go travel full time, live abroad, immerse myself in these foreign places and make a living from YouTube."

Barnard moved to Istanbul in 2023. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It

From New York City to Istanbul, Turkey

About three months after being laid off, Barnard booked a one-way ticket out of the United States. In January 2021, he arrived in Serbia and then traveled for two years before deciding to make Istanbul, Turkey, his home base in 2023. "Growing up in Connecticut, I never would have imagined that I'd ever end up living in a place like Istanbul or traveling to all the places that I've been lucky enough to travel to," Barnard says. "I found myself coming back to Istanbul again and again. It really is the perfect place for what I'm doing. It is pretty much the center of the world. I love the language, I love the culture, I love the history." His time abroad inspired Barnard to start a boutique tourism company called Doug Barnard Travel. They take small groups of 8 to 10 people on cultural immersion tours of places like Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. Barnard offers private tours as well.

Barnard's travels abroad inspired him to start a tourism business where he guides clients on immersive tours. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It

The group tours start at $2,700 per person and what's included in that all-inclusive package can vary country to country. Flights are not included. "It is truly authentic travel. I mean it is as real as it gets. Places like Egypt and India are amazing but they have mass tourism industries and a place like Iraq is so new to tourism that you get a really authentic experience," Barnard says. "The people are excited to have you. The hospitality is out of this world and everything you're seeing is unparalleled." Barnard's YouTube channel helped bring in his tourism company's first clients. Many of the destinations featured in his early videos are where he offers his immersive tours. "A lot of the time, people will assume we're there on business and then once we tell them that we're there as tourists usually people are thrilled," Barnard says. "They're really proud to show off their country. They're really happy to see that foreigners are interested in visiting their country and learning about them."

Doug Barnard Travel offers tours in Syria and other places like Iraq. Doug Barnard

In 2024, Doug Barnard Travel ran a total of five group tours and brought in $100,100 in revenue. Barnard's YouTube channel business brought in an additional $64,029 in revenue, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. That same year, Barnard was able to pay himself a salary of $83,808. In Istanbul, Barnard lives in a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom duplex apartment where he and his girlfriend, Ilkay, pay 55,000 Turkish Lira or $1,368.91 USD a month. The couple's additional monthly expenses average about 2,000 Turkish Lira, or approximately $50 USD. That includes bills like water, electricity, internet and gas. Barnard says Istanbul is the perfect location for him because so much of his business is in the Middle East. It's one of the main reasons why he doesn't see himself moving back to the U.S. "The more time I spend living in Istanbul and the more people I meet and the better I get at the language the more it feels like home," he says.

Barnard and his girlfriend, Ilkay, live together in a duplex apartment in Istanbul. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It
watch now

CANNES  Ten years ago, Vitalik Buterin and a small band of developers huddled in a drafty Berlin loft strung with dangling lightbulbs, laptops balanced on mismatched chairs and chipped tables. They weren't corporate titans or venture-backed founders  just idealists working long nights to push a radical idea into reality. From that sparse office, they launched "Frontier," Ethereum 's first live network. It was bare-bones  no interface, no polish, nothing user-friendly. But it could mine, execute smart contracts, and let developers test decentralized applications. It was the spark that transformed Ethereum from an abstract concept into a living, breathing system. Bitcoin had captured headlines as "digital gold," but what they built was something else entirely: programmable money, a financial operating system where code could move funds, enforce contracts, and create businesses without banks or brokers. One year earlier and 520 miles away in Zurich, Paul Brody got a call from IBM security: A kid was wandering the lab unattended. "That's not a child," Brody told them. "That's Vitalik. He's a grown-up  he just looks really young."

Paul Brody and Vitalik Buterin with IBM and Samsung executives at CES 2015, where IBM unveiled its first blockchain prototype built on Ethereums early code. Paul Brody

At the time, Buterin was building the bones of Ethereum. The blockchain was still in its alpha stage, an early version of what would become a $420 billion platform rewiring Wall Street and powering decentralized finance, NFTs, and tokenized markets across the globe. Brody, then leading a research team at IBM, remembers how quickly the idea clicked. "One of the guys on the research team came to me and said, 'I've met this really interesting guy. He's got a really cool idea...It's like a version of bitcoin, but we're going to make it much faster and programmable,'" he said. "And when he said that to me, I thought, 'That's it. That is what I want. That is what we need.'" With Buterin's help, IBM built its first blockchain prototype on Ethereum's early code, unveiling it at CES in 2015 alongside Samsung. "That was how I ended up down this path," Brody said. "I was done with all other technology and basically made the switch to blockchain." Even now, as EY's global blockchain leader, Brody remembers feeling a pang of envy. "This is a kid, and it doesn't matter," he said. "I was jealous of Vitalik to be able to do that." He added, "I don't think opportunities like that could have been surfaced when I was that age." Now, a decade later, that experiment has quietly reshaped global markets.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin delivers a keynote at ETHCC, laying out the networks next steps  and its values test  as institutional adoption accelerates. EthCC

"It's very impressive, just how much the space has succeeded and grown into, beyond pretty much anyone's expectations," Buterin told CNBC in Cannes on the sidelines of the blockchain's flagship event in Europe. Buterin said the change over the past decade has been staggering. Ten years ago, he recalled, the crypto community was "just a very small space," with only a handful of people working on bitcoin and a few other projects. Since then, Ethereum has become "this big thing," Buterin reflected, with major corporations now launching assets on both its base layer and layer-two networks. Parts of national economies are beginning to run on Ethereum infrastructure, a far cry from its cypherpunk origins. But Buterin warned that mainstream adoption brings risks as well as benefits. One concern is that if too few issuers or intermediaries dominate, they could become "de facto controllers of the ecosystem." He described a scenario where Ethereum might appear open, but, in practice, all the keys are managed by centralized providers. "That's the thing that we don't want," he said.

Prague to the Riviera

Two years earlier in Prague, CNBC met Buterin at Paralelni Polis, a sprawling industrial complex turned anarchist tech hub in the city's Holesovice district. The building's labyrinthine staircases and shadowed corridors felt like a physical map of the crypto world itself  part resistance movement, part experiment in reimagining power. It was a place built on Vaclav Benda's concept of a "parallel society," where decentralized technologies offered refuge from state surveillance and control. It's the kind of place where Buterin, a self-described nomad, found himself at home among cypherpunks and cryptographic idealists. At the time, Buterin described crypto's greatest utility not in speculative trading, but in helping people survive broken financial systems in emerging markets.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards ETHPrague 2023 was held at Paralelni Polis in the Czech Republic. Pavel Sinagl

"The stuff that we often find a bit basic and boring is exactly the stuff that brings lots of value," he told CNBC at the time. "Just being able to plug into the international economy  these are things that they don't have, and these are things that provide huge value for people there." Even in Prague, where coders worked to make payments fast and censorship-resistant, the technology felt like a resistance movement  privacy-preserving, anti-authoritarian, a lifeline in countries where banking collapses were common and money couldn't be trusted. This year, Buterin keynoted Ethereum's flagship conference at the Palais des Festivals  the same red carpet venue that hosts movie stars each spring. It was a fitting symbol of Ethereum's journey: from underground hacker dens to a network that governments, banks, and brokerages are now racing to build upon. Brody, who currently leads blockchain strategy at EY, says what matters most is how deeply Ethereum is integrating into traditional finance. "The global financial system is really nicely described as a whole network of pipes," he said. "What's happening now is that Ethereum is getting plumbed into this infrastructure," Brody continued, noting that until recently, crypto operated on entirely separate rails from traditional finance. Now, he said, Ethereum is being wired directly into core transaction systems, setting the stage for massive financial flows  from investors to everyday savers  to migrate away from older mechanisms toward Ethereum-based platforms that can move money faster, at lower cost, and with more advanced functionality than legacy systems allow.

watch now

Becoming the plumbing of Wall Street

watch now

As part of its quarterly earnings release, Coinbase said this week it's launching tokenized stocks and prediction markets for U.S. users in the coming months, a move that would diversify its revenue stream and bring it into more direct competition with brokerages like Robinhood and eToro. Kraken announced plans to offer 24/7 trading of U.S. stock tokens in select overseas markets. BlackRock's tokenized money market fund, BUIDL, launched on Ethereum last year, offering qualified investors on-chain access to yield with real-time redemptions settled in USDC. Even as newer blockchains tout faster speeds and lower fees, Ethereum has proven its staying power as the trusted network for global finance. Buterin told CNBC in Cannes that there's a misconception about what institutions actually want. "A lot of institutions basically tell us to our faces that they value Ethereum because it's stable and dependable, because it doesn't go down," he said. He added that firms frequently ask about privacy and other long-term features  the kinds of concerns that institutions, he said, "really value." Institutions are choosing various layer twos to meet specific needs  Robinhood uses Arbitrum, Deutsche Bank zkSync, Coinbase and Kraken Optimism  but they all ultimately settle on Ethereum's base layer. "The value proposition of Ethereum is its global reach, its huge capital flows, its incredible programmability," Brody said. He added that the fact it isn't the fastest blockchain or the one with the quickest settlement times "is secondary to the fact that it's overall the most widely adopted and flexible system." Brody also believes history points toward consolidation. He said that in most technology standards wars, one platform ultimately dominates. In his view, Ethereum is likely to become that dominant programmability layer, while Bitcoin plays a complementary role as a risk-off, scarcity-driven asset. Engineers, he said, "love to work on a standard to scale on a standard," and Ethereum has become precisely that.

Tomasz Stanczak, the newly appointed co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation, in Cannes for Europes largest annual gathering for the blockchain. MacKenzie Sigalos

Tomasz Stanczak, the newly appointed co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation, sees the same pattern from inside the ecosystem. "Institutions choose Ethereum over and over again for its values," Stanczak said. "Ten years without stopping for a moment. Ten years of upgrades with a huge dedication to security and censorship resistance." When institutions send an order to the market, they want to be sure that it's treated fairly, that nobody has preference, and that the transaction is executed at the time when it's delivered. "That's what Ethereum guarantees," added Stanczak. Those assurances have become more valuable as traditional finance moves on-chain.

Scaling without losing its soul

Ethereum's path hasn't been smooth. The network has weathered spectacular booms and busts, rivals promising faster speeds, and criticism that it's too slow or expensive for mass adoption. Yet it has outlasted nearly all early competitors. In 2022, Ethereum replaced its old transaction validation method, proof-of-work  where armies of computers competed to solve puzzles  with proof-of-stake, where users lock up their ether as collateral to help secure the network. The shift cut Ethereum's energy use by more than 99% and set the stage for upgrades aimed at making apps faster and cheaper to run on its base layer.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in Prague, where he finds refuge with like-minded programmers looking to change the world through cryptography-powered technology. CNBC

The next decade will test whether Ethereum can scale without compromise. Buterin said the first priority is getting Ethereum to "the finish line" in terms of its technical goals. That means improving scalability and speed without sacrificing its core principles of decentralization and security  and ideally making those properties even stronger. Zero-knowledge proofs, for example, could dramatically increase transaction capacity while making it possible to verify that the chain is following the rules of the protocol on something as small as a smartwatch. There are also algorithmic changes the team already knows are needed to protect Ethereum against large-scale computing attacks. Implementing those, Buterin said, is part of the path to making Ethereum "a really valuable part of global infrastructure that helps make the internet and the economy a more free and open place." Buterin believes the real change won't come with fireworks. He said it may already be unfolding years before most people recognize it. "This type of disruption doesn't feel like overturning the existing system," he said. "It feels like building a new thing that just keeps growing and growing until eventually more and more people realize you don't even have to look at the old thing if you didn't want to."

watch now

Brody can already see hints of that future. Wire transfers are moving on-chain, assets like stocks and real estate are being tokenized, and eventually, he said, businesses will run entire contracts  the money, the products, the terms and conditions  automatically on a single, shared infrastructure. That shift, Brody added, won't simply copy old financial systems onto new technology. "One of the lessons from technology adoption is that it's not that we replace like for like," he said. "When new things come along, we tend to build on a new technology infrastructure. My key hypothesis is that as we build new financial products, it will be attractive to build them on blockchain rails  and we'll try to do things on blockchain rails that we can't do today." If Brody and Buterin are right, the real disruption won't make headlines. It'll simply become the way money moves, unseen and unstoppable. WATCH: Robinhood hits record high as OpenAI, SpaceX go on-chain
(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on November 14, 2024 shows US President-elect Donald Trump on November 13, 2024, and Special Counsel Jack Smith on June 9, 2023.

Federal officials are investigating former special counsel Jack Smith after President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans have alleged that his investigations into then-candidate Trump amounted to illegal political activity.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal agency, confirmed to NBC News on Saturday that it's investigating Smith for alleged violations of the Hatch Act, a law that prohibits certain political activities by government officials. Trump and his allies have not presented specific evidence of wrongdoing.

The OSC is different from the type of special counsel's office formerly headed by Smith, who was appointed by the Department of Justice. The independent agency lacks the authority to bring criminal charges and prosecute individuals who violate the Hatch Act, but it may seek disciplinary action for a federal government employee, such as removal from the civil workforce, or refer its findings of Hatch Act violations to the DOJ for investigation.

On Wednesday, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., requested that the OSC investigate Smith for "unprecedented interference in the 2024 election." A source familiar with the matter says the OSC affirmed to Cotton that it is proceeding with its inquiry following his request.

Smith was tapped as special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 to oversee the federal investigations into Trump, who announced his candidacy for the presidency three days before Smith's appointment. Smith would go on to bring two criminal indictments against then-candidate Trump in 2023 but resigned just over one week before Trump's inauguration in January 2024  without ever having brought the two cases to trial.

"Jack Smith's legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns," Cotton wrote on X this week. "This isn't just unethical, it is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office."

Cotton, in part, alleges that Smith pushed for a "rushed trial" of Trump. The Republican lawmaker has not publicly presented evidence that details how Smith's actions were illegal in nature.

Hatch Act violations are not typically referred to the Department of Justice. In 2019, the OSC recommended that then-President Trump remove White House counselor Kellyanne Conway from the federal workforce for Hatch Act violations  but the matter was not sent to the DOJ.

The OSC investigation into Smith was first reported by the New York Post.

Trump's nominee to head the OSC is stalled in the Senate. A White House official told NBC News that Paul Ingrassia, a former podcast host with a history of incendiary commentary, is meeting with senators in one-on-one meetings over the next month before a confirmation vote takes place.
A picture shows the British coat of arms on the outside the Supreme Court in central London on August 1, 2025.

"No reasonable onlooker would think that, by offering to find a suitable finance package to enable the customer to obtain the car, the dealer was thereby giving up, rather than continuing to pursue, its own commercial objective of securing a profitable sale of the car," the judges said.

A Supreme Court panel of five judges sided with lenders on two of the three issues at hand, finding that they are effectively not liable for hidden commission payments to dealers. It said there was no bribery involved in the purchase arrangements and that dealers did not have a legal obligation that required them to act only in the customers' interest.

Britain's highest court Friday largely overturned a lower court's ruling that certain car finance agreements were unlawful, a decision likely to bring a sigh of relief among lenders and limit the scale of compensation payments.

As a result, lenders are expected to be spared making compensation payments to millions of people who had taken out car finance plans that industry experts said could have cost them tens of billions of pounds. Banks have been preparing to pay out compensation with Lloyds, the U.K.'s biggest car finance provider through its Black Horse arm, having set aside over 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion).

The decision was made after the stock markets had closed to prevent disorderly trading of firms linked to the car finance market.

The decision will likely be welcomed by the financial services sector, which has been rocked over the past decade by a series of scandals, notably in relation to the improper selling of payment protection insurance, or PPI, on loans.

The sector has also worried that it could face additional claims regarding the sale of other financial agreements, for example with regard to deals offered for the purchase of household appliances, such as kitchens.

The decision by the Supreme Court has diminished that fear, industry experts said.

"The risk of claims in other finance arrangements where commission payments are made will also have significantly reduced as a result," said Andrew Barber, Financial Regulatory Partner at legal firm Dentons.

Last October, the Court of Appeal found that three motorists, who all bought their cars before 2021, had not been told either clearly enough or at all that the car dealers, acting as credit brokers, would receive a commission from the lenders for introducing business to them and should thereby receive compensation.

Two lenders, FirstRand Bank and Close Brothers, took the dispute to the Supreme Court, saying in a three-day hearing in April that the decision was an "egregious error." Industry regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, also told the U.K.'s highest court that the Court of Appeal ruling went "too far."

Following the decision, the FCA said it welcomed the clarification and that it will be working through the weekend to analyze the judgment and "determine our next steps."

It added that it will address with interested parties on a possible redress scheme to compensate customers before markets open on Monday.

"Our aims remain to ensure that consumers are fairly compensated and that the motor finance market works well, given around 2 million people rely on it every year to buy a car," it said.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has held talks with his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Poland.

"Dear Radku, I sincerely thank you for your hospitality and inspiring conversation. In these difficult times, our unity is crucial for good relations between our peoples, as well as for achieving a just peace," Sybiha wrote on the social network X.

Sybiha also noted that he was looking forward to meeting Sikorski in Kyiv.

In turn, Sikorski noted that the only solution to a safe world is a lasting and fair peace.

"Thank you for the conversation and your visit, Andriy Sybiha! On the way to a safe world, the only solution is a lasting and fair peace," Sikorski wrote.
Important military-industrial complex plants were attacked again in Penza, Russia, at night, wrote Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, on the Telegram channel on Saturday.

He detailed that the radio plant and the Elektropribor enterprise were attacked.

"The radio plant produces communication systems for the Russian army, including kits for armored vehicles, command and staff vehicles, and air defense systems. Some of the products are secure digital channels and combat control systems. Elektropribor is one of the key Russian enterprises in the field of cryptographic protection, it produces encoders, secure modems, switches for military and intelligence agencies. The products are used by the Aerospace Forces, the Main Intelligence Directorate, the Federal Security Service, the space program, etc.," the report says.
I have a friend in storage. Not the most glamorous business, to be sure, but lucrative. It's made him rich and his business is still expanding as he creates new storage facilities for companies and individuals across the country.

It's a well-run business but in the past year he's discovered how artificial intelligence, or AI, can make his companies even more productive and profitable.

AI now draws up his planning applications, appeals, associated legal documents and most other complicated paperwork his business requires  and does it in a fraction of the time and cost it took humans. Of course, it means he will need fewer people as his use of AI grows. But those he retains will be far more productive.

At the moment it's the more menial work that's being outsourced to the machines. But it won't be long before AI starts replacing entire professions, starting with accountants and lawyers.

AI's threat to jobs is scary  some experts talk of a 'jobs apocalypse'. But a world in which we need fewer accountants and lawyers? Well, every cloud has a silver lining.

My friend's use of AI is just one small example of the technological revolution sweeping through business and society, with ramifications every bit as far-reaching as the agricultural, industrial and digital revolutions that went before it these past 300 years.

But this time the threat is not to blue-collar jobs  the casualties in previous tech upheavals  but to white-collar jobs, including middle management and above.

Look across the Atlantic and you can see the job losses already beginning to mount. America is always in the vanguard of such trends but what happens there soon happens here, these days with increasing rapidity. The warning signs from the US are already clear: Britain's middle class needs to prepare for some serious shocks.

AI's threat to jobs is scary  some experts talk of a 'jobs apocalypse'. But a world in which we need fewer accountants and lawyers? Well, every cloud has a silver lining, writes Andrew Neil

Microsoft, which is at the cutting edge of AI developments, is cutting its workforce by 15,000 this year. American behemoths like Amazon (with a market value of $2.5trillion  1.9trillion) and JPMorgan (the world's biggest bank) have recently said their workforces will shrink considerably before the decade is out.

The chief executive of Wells Fargo (another US banking giant) even boasts that his headcount has fallen every quarter for five years, thanks largely to deploying AI  a cumulative cut of over 20 per cent to the payroll, with more to come.

Meanwhile, the boss of Ford expects AI to replace half of the car company's white-collar workforce in the US.

Think tanks compete to put a number on the white-collar jobs in jeopardy: it's always in the tens of millions. The impact is already being felt by those just starting their careers.

'What do you hire a 23-year-old university graduate to do these days?' goes the latest grim joke in corporate America. 'Nothing. AI can do the work instead.'

It's not just a joke. In America  and increasingly in Britain  graduate hiring is slowing in every field from information technology to finance to insurance and all manner of services.

Since 2020 in America a diminishing share of university graduates are landing jobs requiring their expensively acquired qualifications. Overall, the US unemployment rate is at about 4 per cent. But it's 6.6 per cent for new university graduates.

Just ponder the significance of that if you still doubt the job prospects of the well-educated middle class are about to be seriously challenged. Then consider this: the jobless rate among recent US graduates is now rising faster than among young folk without a degree.

Even those who managed to sneak into jobs before the AI revolution gathered steam are in danger. Companies are laying off recent entry-level workers because they've discovered AI can do their jobs more cheaply and more efficiently. Well-educated youngsters are now competing for a smaller number of decent entry-level jobs.

Even the high-flyers are suffering. On Wall Street and in the City of London, where big financial operations and law firms are famous for offering the best and the brightest six-figure starting salaries, fewer such posts are up for grabs.

Even well-paid entry-level jobs involve a lot of menial work in the early years. AI is doing that now. So not so many hires are required.

Microsoft this week published a list of the jobs most at risk. It covered just about every white-collar occupation you could think of  sales reps, translators, customer service workers, account clerks, huge swathes of middle management and all manner of analysts. Even photographic fashion models are at risk (AI can create perfect virtual alternatives), as are journalists (gulp) and broadcasters (double gulp).

Microsoft also indicated which jobs were least at risk from AI. They were overwhelmingly blue-collar, involving physical activity, from construction workers to house-cleaners to roustabouts on oil rigs. But some high-grade positions might also be impervious to AI, such as engineers and technicians.

We are only in the foothills of the AI revolution. Until now, AI models are largely being used to augment work  that is to help people do their job better and more efficiently by having AI do the rote stuff while people concentrate on endeavours that add more value.

But the future of AI will involve automation  in which AI actually does the job. That's when the cull of jobs will be at its most devastating. Already the latest AI tech can beat human performance in a multitude of tasks.

Even older AI models can become surplus to requirements. And they don't all go quietly. When one company decided to deploy a new AI model to scan its emails, the one being 'laid off' threatened to reveal the extramarital affair (discovered in the emails) the project leader was having with a staff member.

So what is to be done? First, do not stand in the way of progress for that is the path to impoverishment. The economic future of America and China looks brighter because they are at the forefront of AI development whereas Europe looks destined to become an economic backwater because it is an AI also-ran.

Second, remember that, in the end, all great tech revolutions generate more jobs than they destroy. True, we do not know what these jobs will be (only politicians are foolish enough to claim they do). That's what makes it frightening. But it was also true of the digital revolution of the 1980s and 1990s. The world is now awash with jobs that didn't even exist 20 years ago.

Third, appreciate AI is as much an opportunity as a threat. Ever since the financial crisis of 2008 the world's major market economies have wallowed in weak productivity growth, nowhere more so than in Britain, which has made for sclerotic economic growth and stagnant living standards.

AI offers an escape route out of this productivity trap leading to a fresh burst of prolonged prosperity (like the Industrial Revolution)  and it is from the wealth created by productivity-led growth that the new, as yet unknown, jobs will come.

Above all, it is time to wake up. Politicians and some commentators across the Western world are obsessing about collapsing birth rates. They want governments to do something about it (they always do).

But if, overall, jobs are going to be in short supply plus, as in Britain's case, immigration is still at record levels and there are millions of people of working age who don't work  then it would seem especially perverse in the age of AI to worry about declining populations.

Labour shortages are going to be the least of Britain's problems in the years to come and the sooner politicians realise that the better.

Poor productivity has reduced Britain to a country in which we must spend more to get less. But AI offers the promise of a future in which we can do a lot more with less. If it means a temporarily bumpy ride for the middle class then it's no more than the working class has had to endure in previous tech revolutions.

And the prize at the end  a new era of prosperity  is worth the struggle.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

Air defense eliminated 45 out of 53 enemy drones that attacked Ukraine on Saturday night, the Air Force of the Armed Forces reported.

"According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 45 air targets: eight jet drones and 37 enemy Shahed UAVs and drone simulators of various types in the north, south, east and center of the country," the message says.

As noted, on the night of August 2 (from 18:00 on August), the enemy attacked with 53 air attack vehicles: 45 Shahed-type strike UAVs and simulator UAVs of various types from the directions: Millerovo, Kursk, Bryansk of the Russian Federation, Hvardiyske of the temporarily occupied Crimea, as well as eight high-speed (jet) UAVs from Bryansk region of the Russian Federation.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

Eight UAVs were hit in five locations, as well as the fall of downed ones (fragments) in two locations.
The life sciences industry is among the brightest jewels in the British economy, generating 100billion a year and employing more than 300,000 people.

At its heart is the development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals, notably by AstraZeneca, which spends vast sums on research and is worth 167billion.

So, if this hugely successful company were to relocate to the US, it would be a disaster both for the London Stock Exchange and the wider economy.

Worryingly, this is not out of the question. AstraZeneca already sells 40 per cent of its drugs to America and, following President Donald Trump's tariff threat, is ramping up research and production there.

While there are no immediate plans to desert the UK, chief executive Pascal Soriot is said to be 'flirting' with the idea. Mr Trump's latest demand that foreign drug companies cut prices to US customers or face penalties may be an added incentive.

The Left has always been highly critical of 'Big Pharma', accusing it of profiteering on the backs of NHS patients. Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour planned to create a state-owned drug manufacturer with the power to override the patents which enable firms to make profits from their research.

Only last year, Sir Keir Starmer refused to help fund a new vaccine plant in Liverpool  while pouring public money into our ailing steel industry.

This Government must understand that failing to nurture AstraZeneca, GSK and others would be a catastrophic mistake. And Sir Keir should realise that while they say they want to remain in the UK, they may yet change their mind.

The life sciences industry generates 100billion a year and employs more than 300,000 people and at its heart is AstraZeneca which is worth 167billion

AstraZeneca already sells 40 per cent of its drugs to America and, following President Donald Trump's (pictured) tariff threat, is ramping up research and production there

Last year, Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) refused to help fund a new vaccine plant in Liverpool  while pouring public money into our ailing steel industry

Car lenders off hook

Banks and credit providers will have heaved a huge sigh of relief yesterday after the Supreme Court ruled they will not have to pay compensation to millions of motorists who bought cars on finance without being told the dealers were receiving commission on the loan.

The Treasury was also delighted with the result. Had it gone the other way, damages could have been comparable to the PPI scandal, which destabilised the financial industry for more than a decade.

The court decided that dealers did not have a duty to act solely for buyers and that commissions were not a form of bribery in the legal sense, as had been alleged.

However, it was not a total exoneration. Court President Lord Reed also ruled that excessive commission payments were unfair and ordered one buyer who had been charged 25 per cent of the value of the car to be repaid with interest. This opens the way to further claims.

The dealers and lenders have escaped their worst fears, but they do not come out well. They have certainly been guilty of sharp practices even if not illegal ones. The Competition and Markets Authority must now force them to clean up their act.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has delivered a blow to motorists after it sided with major lenders in the 44billion car finance scandal

Many brokers and dealers were paid behind-the-scenes commission by lenders to sign buyers up to car finance deals, a practice deemed 'unlawful' by the Court of Appeal in October last year - a decision that was successfully appealed by lenders at the Supreme Court

OAPs feel the cold

In September, Rachel Reeves promised she would 'put more money in pensioners' pockets'. What she didn't say is that she would take even more out.

Research shows pensioner households are an average of 800 worse off after a year of Labour thanks to higher bills  mainly owing to the Chancellor's 40billion Budget tax raid.

With more taxes coming down the track to fill Labour's ever-widening financial black hole, the cost of living is set to soar further. For all Ms Reeves' promises, the elderly are in for a bitter winter.
Last October, Keir Starmer sat down on the plush green sofa of the Downing Street White Room and looked into the eyes of the families of the hostages who were snatched away by Hamas the previous year. It was, he said, a profoundly moving moment.

For a while he listened to their harrowing stories. Then talk turned to the wider Gaza situation and the search for peace.

We do indeed want to see a ceasefire  we believe that this is the right way to move forward towards the liberation of the hostages and the end of the suffering in Palestine, Sir Keir said.

But as you have emphasised to me, first and foremost, the hostages must be released. That is the first thing we must think of when we discuss these matters. Immediately and unconditionally.

The families left with the understandable impression the Prime Minister had just pledged to make their plight his priority.

They were wrong. On Thursday Starmer was pressed on his announcement he was preparing to recognise a Palestinian state. Would the fate of the hostages still be taken into consideration?

I particularly listen to the hostages, he said. But then added: Alongside that, we do need to do everything we can to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where we are seeing the children and babies starving for want of aid which could be delivered. That is why Ive said unless things materially change on the ground, well have to assess this in September, we will recognise Palestine.

Last October, Starmer sat on the plush green sofa of the Downing Street White Room and looked into the eyes of the families of the hostages who were snatched away by Hamas

Its official. The hostages are no longer Keir Starmers first thought. If they ever really were.

A lot of the criticism of Starmers announcement on Palestinian statehood has focused on its contorted, Kafkaesque logic. As written, it turns on its head Labours previous policy of granting recognition only as part of a peace initiative, and now states recognition will be granted if Israel refuses to embark on such a process.

Which, in turn, clearly incentivises Hamas to sabotage any peace plan. As one minister told me: Its mad. Its telling Hamas they should scupper any process and hold out for a better deal. And theyre not stupid. They can see that.

The hostage families can now see it, too. Ayelet Stavitsky, whose relatives Nadav and Roi Popplewell were killed on October 7, described the Governments new stance as a prize to Hamas for the murder of my two brothers.

Following a meeting at the Foreign Office, the families lawyers issued a formal statement saying the vision for peace which the UK is pursuing, and which the families heard much about last night, may well involve our clients family members continuing to rot in Hamas dungeons.

A number of Labour insiders I spoke to last week attributed Starmers shift to coercion from within the Cabinet and wider Parliamentary Labour Party.

When hes put under pressure, he caves, one minister said. He cant hold the line on anything.

At that time, Starmer said that for any ceasefire to be agreed, 'first and foremost, the hostages must be released'

Its a common rationalisation of Starmers leadership style, following U-turns from winter fuel, through the rape gangs inquiry, to benefits reform. One Id come to share. But the events of the past week have altered my view. The Prime Minister isnt just weak. Hes a politically shallow, manipulative charlatan.

On Friday I spoke to a member of the Jewish community who was heavily engaged with Starmers outreach prior to the election. They were in the room as he delivered a series of heartfelt entreaties over how his party had changed, the anti-Semites had been purged and, under his leadership, Israel had a true and valued friend.

People feel betrayed, they told me. I just got a message from someone with a plane emoji. They said, Thats it. I cant take this any more. Im leaving.

A second member of the community echoed that disillusionment. I genuinely think that in his heart Keir believes everything hes told us. Its that he just cant stick with it. He doesnt have the political strength to stand up to people who oppose him.

But that analysis is still excessively charitable. Because, from the very beginning, betrayal is what has underpinned his leadership. First it was the Left, who he skilfully seduced with a slick campaign video highlighting his work representing peace protesters and the unions, ten radical pledges and an assurance Jeremy Corbyn was his friend. Next up was the

Ayelet Stavitsky, whose brothers Nadav and Roi Popplewell were killed by Hamas, holds a photograph of her mother Channah, who was kidnapped and later released

Jewish community. Even as recently as last December, he was peddling the fiction he was their proud ally, and an ally of Israel. This movement has returned to our history and heritage which is inseparable from the state of Israel and our Jewish family, he proclaimed to the Labour Friends of Israel annual dinner.

WASPI women. Pensioners. The disabled. The business community. The trans community. Hard-working British people. It doesnt matter their position on the political spectrum.

The pattern is the same. When someones deemed useful, Starmer will put an arm around their shoulder, gaze into their eyes and with unflinching sincerity promise they are his priority.

And they will be. Right up to the moment they are no longer politically useful, or taking up space from someone who is. At which point they will find themselves casually and callously ditched. All politicians operate with a degree of cynicism. But Sir Keir made great play of the fact he wasnt going to be like other politicians.

And all successful politicians at least have an anchor. Some deep, tiny recess of their soul that dictates theres a line for me there. Im not crossing it.

Starmer does not have that line. Or if he did, it was erased on the day he decided he wanted to be Prime Minister. I was once told by a member of the Cabinet international law is a principle Keir wont violate. Its a religion to him. Until last week, when warnings his announcement breached established principles surrounding state recognition were brushed aside by his ally Lord Hermer.

A couple of months ago, following Starmers claim Britain was becoming an island of strangers, Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts rose in the Commons and asked him: Is there any belief he holds which survives a week in Downing Street?

Angered, he told her she was talking rubbish. Then a couple of weeks later disowned the phrase.

The events of the past seven days have conclusively proved Saville Roberts is right. As Prime Minister, Keir Starmer holds no meaningful beliefs. And the reality is, if he is prepared to betray the families of those murdered, tortured, raped and kidnapped by Hamas, he is prepared to betray anyone.
A woman has revealed how she initially friend-zoned her four-foot husband after admitting he wasn't 'what I had ever pictured in a partner' - and now they're forced to reassure strangers online that their photos aren't 'AI-generated'.

Anita Wing Lee and Timothy Muttoo, from Toronto, met through mutual friends in 2021, but despite having plenty in common, their romantic connection wasn't instant.

Businesswoman Anita confessed that their height difference was an issue for her at first, with the content creator questioning: 'How does a "regular" 5'4" woman fall in love with a four-foot-tall man?'

As such, Tim - an engineer and co-founder of a Canadian charity working to make clean drinking water accessible to all - was the first to develop romantic feelings, but Anita saw her future husband as a 'great friend'.

But after reflecting on her emotions, and remembering the love story of Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and legs, and his wife Kanae, she decided to give Tim a chance to prove he was her fairytale ending.

Anita soon realised Tim was everything she was looking for in a husband; he was kind and thoughtful, with 'no red flags', and she confessed that when she thought about the list of qualities she wanted in a future partner, she 'never prayed for someone tall'.

Eventually going from friends to partners, the couple got engaged in September 2024 before tying the knot this year.

The duo - who constantly tell those online that they 'are not an AI-generated image' - are now sharing their unconventional story on their own website to prove love does come in all shapes and sizes.

Anita Wing Lee and Timothy Muttoo, from Toronto, met through mutual friends in 2021, but despite having plenty in common, their romantic connection wasn't instant

Whilst their love story started some years before their engagement, the couple had actually unknowingly spent years living in the same area of Toronto.

Tim was born in Canada, while Anita's family moved to the destination when she was 11 from Cambridge. For around 15 years, the pair lived just 20 minutes apart but were completely unaware of each other.

Tim, who left a corporate career behind to start his charity, first met Anita at a mutual friend's birthday party in 2021, but neither felt anything other than friendship initially.

Soon, they would form a strong friendship, spending hours talking to one another, going on trips together and sharing their dreams with each other.

Eventually, Tim's feelings towards Anita turned romantic, and he increased his contact with the content creator via texts to try and show her more of his personality.

Recalling their love story on their website, Anita said: 'Tim started texting me more frequently, and I found myself feeling uneasy. I didnt see him that way, and I already knew he liked me.

'I felt like I needed to put a stop to it, but at the same time, I didnt want to lose him as a friend.'

With the help of her sister, Anita crafted a message to try and explain that she wanted to remain as friends only, and maintain their boundaries with one another.

Businesswoman Anita confessed that their height difference was an issue for her at first and saw her future husband as a 'great friend'

Anita soon realised Tim was everything she was looking for in a husband; he was kind and thoughtful, with 'no red flags', and she confessed that when she thought about the list of qualities she wanted in a future partner, she 'never prayed for someone tall'

Eventually going from friends to partners, the couple got engaged in September 2024 before tying the knot this year

Yet the businesswoman admitted that she hesitated over sending the text, and once she did send the message, she regretted it almost immediately, which suggested to her that her feelings were perhaps stronger for Tim than she realised.

'But how could I imagine myself with a 4-foot man? Tims torso was normal-sized, but his arms and legs were shorter. While that could look cute in some ways, it wasnt what I had ever pictured in a partner,' wrote Anita.

'I had always envisioned myself looking up into my partners eyes, but with Tim, that wasnt possible. What was I supposed to do?'

Anita reflected on her feelings, remembering the love story of Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and legs, and his wife Kanae.

She eventually discovered that she had strong romantic feelings for Tim, who made her happier, and explained how she believed they could have something 'even better' than she pictured for her life.

The pair are now sharing their story online, with Anita recently writing on her Instagram account (@anitawinglee): 'I never prayed for someone tall.

'You know how people write out lists of what theyre hoping for in a partner? I never actually wrote down tall, because I just assumed God would bring me someone tall. Ideally, someone 5 inches taller than me so I could wear heels and theyd still be taller.

'But I never actually added it to my list, because there were other things that mattered more.

The duo - who constantly tell those online that they 'are not an AI-generated image' - are now sharing their unconventional story on their own website to prove love does come in all shapes and sizes

Tim was born in Canada, while Anita's family moved to the destination when she was 11 from Cambridge. For around 15 years, the pair lived just 20 minutes apart but were completely unaware of each other

Soon, they would form a strong friendship, spending hours talking to one another, going on trips together and sharing their dreams with each other

Eventually, Tim's feelings towards Anita turned romantic, and he increased his contact with the content creator via texts to try and show her more of his personality - but the content creator confessed she initially 'didn't see him that way'

'I prayed for someone with substance and character: a visionary, a humble world traveller, big-hearted and creative (or at least someone who understood my creative soul), with deep faith. And I always sensed hed come from a different culture.

'It all felt a bit contradictory, so I didnt know where God would find this person. How do you find someone who excels in the modern world and is totally open to leaving it all behind?

'But thats who I am. All those versions of me co-exist in me, so I trusted that God had someone out there who could hold it all.

'As I got to know @timmuttoo, I saw he was all of these things. But he wasnt tall. And when I asked God about it, He said, "Well, it wasnt on your list."

'Hey! It wasnt on my list, because it just didnt matter as much as being with someone who understood me to the core and stood by me. Asking for someone tall felt so surface-level, in comparison.

'And of course, God picked up on that little omission. Because the external of a person is just that, external. Its the internal - the heart, the soul, the kindness, the way they treat you and others - that truly matters.

'Thankfully, I processed the height thing and now I actually think its so adorable! Its an added bonus that brings so much fun and sweetness to our lives!

'So if youre still waiting for your person they may not look like what you pictured and that might be the best part,' concluded Anita.

With the help of her sister, Anita crafted a message to try and explain that she wanted to remain as friends only, and maintain their boundaries with one another

Yet the businesswoman admitted that she hesitated over sending the text, and once she did send the message, she regretted it almost immediately, which suggested to her that her feelings were perhaps stronger for Tim than she realised

She eventually discovered that she had strong romantic feelings for Tim, who made her happier, and explained how she believed they could have something 'even better' than she pictured for her life

The pair are now sharing their story online, with Anita recently writing on her Instagram account 'I never prayed for someone tall

Loved up! Anita said the love story of Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and legs, and his wife Kanae inspired her

Anita got her fairtyale ending when she tuned into her feelings for Tim without letting preconceived notions of her 'perfect man' hold her back

'So if youre still waiting for your person they may not look like what you pictured and that might be the best part,' Anita told her followers

In another post, she confessed: 'We know many of you have been curious about our story, how we met and how our love grew. And, no, we are not an AI-generated image.

'Theres the short version (we met through mutual friends), and then theres the longer version, which we think is far more winding and wonderful. Something that we don't want to forget.

'So we wrote it all down in the hope that it might inspire and encourage someone one day, right when you need it,' she added, before sharing a link to the couple's website.
Lidl shoppers have expressed their delight after spotting an animal 'hiding' in the budget supermarket's distinctive logo.

UK-based money blogger Ricky Willis, who goes by @skintdad on TikTok, posted a clip in which he displayed the sign and said: 'When you see it you can't unsee it. The Lidl sign is a dog playing the piano. It's like no way.'

The brightly coloured sign is made up of a yellow circle outlined in red set within a blue square. Written in bold letters inside the circle is the German-born retailer's name.

While the first 'L', the 'D' and the second 'L' of Lidl are in blue typeface and standing upright, the 'I', marked in red, slants towards the left, resting on the tail of the first 'L'. The dot of the 'I' sits above the slanting block letter.

The logo reads 'Lidl', but in a clip with over 2.1 million views, the social media user shared an alternative, much more creative interpretation, and now fellow TikTok users are claiming they can't 'unsee it'.

Many TikTokers were tickled by Ricky's novel explanation of the logo, with one person writing: 'When you see it, you can't unsee it. The red letter is a slanted "I" touching a straight letter "L". There is no way!'

Another person commented: 'Omg, yeah, I'm never going to be able to unsee it now'. While a third jokingly quipped: 'It's just a Lidl dog'.

A fourth user said: 'It took me a while to spot it. It's the "I" beside the "L". I never noticed that before.'

UK-based money blogger Ricky Willis was thrilled to have discovered an animal 'hiding' in the budget supermarket's distinctive logo (pictured: Lidl sign stock image)

Yet a fifth person wasn't completely convinced, admitting: 'I can see it but [can] also unsee it. It's not that obvious'.

It appeared that a sixth was left completely in the dark. They said: 'You have to guide me through that because I can't see it'.

And, someone else had a unique interpretation of their own. They wrote: 'It's a chair, balancing a ball'.

It comes after a different discount supermarket, Aldi, celebrated the long anticipated Oasis comeback with a very special tribute to the Britpop band - and it's sure to catch the attention of devoted fans.

Tapping into the musicians' northern roots, Aldi has rebranded one of its locations in Manchester to be pronounced with the distinctive Mancunian accent Noel and Liam Gallagher are known and loved for.

The store - now labelled as 'Aldeh' to signal a phonetic change - is sure to delight shoppers in the Bury New Road store in Prestwich, where many likely stopped by ahead of the group's concert in nearby Heaton Park, which took place from 11th to 20th of July.

The ongoing UK performances have come after years of reunion rumours, which were repeatedly squashed by the notoriously feuding musicians.

Oasis kicked off their reunion gigs on 4th July, and played in their home city at Heaton Park from 11th 20th July.

According to money blogger Ricky Willis, Lidl's sign appears to feature 'a dog playing the piano'

'Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich musical history, and with the Oasis reunion, we wanted to mark the occasion,' said Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK.

'By temporarily renaming our Bury New Road store to "Aldeh", we're celebrating both the local dialect and the legendary band that has brought so much joy to fans worldwide.'

As part of the Oasis celebrations, the supermarket also launched a new range of Aldimania Bucket Hats (4.99), which went on sale in stores nationwide from 3rd July, while stocks last.

The brothers reunited last month on stage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium - in their first gig in 15 years.

Their tour will feature stadium shows across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, South Korea and North, Central and South America, where it will conclude with a show at Sao Paulo's Estadio do Morumbi on November 23.

The brothers have enlisted new bandmates for the tour, with drummer Joey Waronker and guitarists Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs on board.

A source told The Mirror ahead of their first tour date in July: 'With a new lineup and it being such a huge first show, the boys will do some songs inside the venue too.

'Some tours would start with a smaller show or take a week or two to get into the groove again- but there is no time for that, and also Liam and Noel want every night to be massive.

TikTok users were largely convinced by Ricky's interpretation of the Lidl logo - and took to the comment section to say so

'This is such a huge comeback show, and they are taking it very seriously, it all points to it being an incredible comeback tour.'

On social media, supporters reacted to hearing rehearsals for the Gallagher brothers' gig kicking off in Wales.

One fan shared a clip saying: 'Hello, so it is Monday, the gig is this weekend and you can probably hear it behind me already - the sound check is happening.

'I'm not sure what song it is but it definitely sounds like Oasis. There was just instruments earlier but now there is vocals so they seem to be in Cardiff already. Which is very early for a sound check. '

Meanwhile, sharing other clips, people said: 'Oasis soundcheck in Cardiff just now, @liamgallagher sounding biblical,';

'THEY'RE IN THERE!!! @liamgallagher and @oasis are testing @principalitysta speakers in Cardiff and they are LOUD,';

'Oasis soundcheck Cardiff sounds wicked,'; 'Oasis sound checking in Cardiff ohhhh my god.'
A massive expansion is already in talks, and it may put pressure on Disney World

Universal Studios' brand new theme park Epic Universe just opened a little over two months ago... but a massive expansion is already in talks.

The dazzling amusement park launched on May 22, 2025, introducing five immersive new lands - including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragons, amongst others.

From battling the Ministry of Magic in a thrilling Harry Potter-themed ride to visiting the spooky village of Darkmoor, where Henry Frankenstein's great-great-granddaughter has accidentally set free a slew of famous monsters like Dracula, the Mummy, and the Werewolf, to name a few - there is so much to see and do.

But according to Universal's executives, this is just the beginning, as they've already been teasing some pretty exciting updates to the glorious new park.

And the upcoming expansions may force Disney World, which is located just down the road, to take drastic action to ensure it doesn't lose guests.

Karen Irwin, president and chief operating officer of Universal Orlando Resort, was first to tease a potential Epic Universe expansion in a video shared to Universal's YouTube channel in March, two months before the park even opened.

'There are already so many things in the works now. We have a slate of new attractions that we're already developing for every one of our parks. We're already planning for the next thing at Epic,' she said.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, also hinted at the future of Epic Universe last month during a press conference.

Universal Studios' brand new theme park Epic Universe just opened a little over two months ago... but a massive expansion is already in talks

The dazzling amusement park launched on May 22, 2025, introducing five immersive new lands - including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and the Isle of Berk

He told reporters from inside the park, 'What you can't see sitting here are all the expansion areas that are outside the spaces that you can see.

'There's a lot of room for expansion. We're already thinking about how that plays out, and it's the same on the north end of the campus, new attractions coming, new intellectual property coming.'

Last month, Universal sent theme park fans into a frenzy when it filed new work permits for a 40,178-square-foot construction site at Epic Universe, titled Project 915.

It was described as 'site preparation for new construction building, including but not limited to relocating existing utilities, installing new utilities, site grading, and foundation for new building.'

According to popular theme park blog That Park Place, the project is set for the area 'between Super Nintendo World and Celestial Park, right across the path from the Atlantic full-service restaurant.'

They theorized it will be 'a multi-purpose soundstage or theater, possibly designed for events, seasonal shows, or even temporary exhibits.'

The permit expires in December 2025, giving a hint as to when the mysterious new building will be finished.

Aerial shots taken by a theme park photographer known as Bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) show that Epic Universe as multiple 'expansion pads' - areas of land just outside of the park that have been completely cleared out for future construction.

Universal's executives have already been teasing some pretty exciting updates to the glorious new park. Some of the lands at Epic Universe are seen

CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences said, 'There's a lot of room for expansion. We're already thinking about how that plays out.' Super Mario World at Epic Universe is seen

Aerial shots taken by a photographer known as Bioreconstruct show that Epic Universe as multiple 'expansion pads' - areas of land that have been cleared out for future construction

There is one next to Super Mario World that's about seven acres, one connected to Dark Universe that's about 3.5 acres, and one adjacent to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic that's a whopping 17 acres, amongst others.

In addition, the gate at the center of Epic Universe has a symbol for all five of the current worlds - and there's two more spots that are empty, hinting that two new lands may be added in the future.

Naturally, social media has been ablaze with theorizes about what new things will be coming to Epic Universe.

Many people believe a Wicked-themed area will be next to arrive, while others have speculated that Luigi's Mansion, a Lord of the Rings land, or something to do with Legends of Zelda or Pokemon will come to the park.

There are also a slew of rumors that a Creature from the Black Lagoon boat ride will be added to Dark Universe in the future, as well as a second ride for the Harry Potter area.

When asked about a potential Wicked land by the New York Times in February, Mark said, 'When I saw it, my first reaction was, "This is a theme park waiting to happen."'

So what does all this mean for Disney World? Well, for years, Disney has been looked at by many as the top theme park in the world, offering four amusement parks, two water parks, and a slew of hotels, shopping, and dining.

But there's no denying that the opening of Epic Universe tilted the scale slightly - and Universal's fast and ambitious talk of expansions has got many avid theme park fans talking.

'The opening of Universal's Epic Universe sent ripples through the industry - and now, just two months later, those ripples have become a tidal wave,' Inside the Magic wrote earlier this month.

In addition, the gate at the center of Epic Universe has a symbol for all five of the current worlds - and there's two more spots that are empty, hinting that two new lands may be added

And the upcoming expansions may force Disney World, which is located just down the road, to take drastic action to ensure it doesn't lose guests

From battling the Ministry of Magic in a thrilling Harry Potter-themed ride (seen) to visiting the spooky village of Darkmoor - there is so much to see and do at Epic Universe

'Universal didn't just throw open the gates to its most ambitious park ever - they also just confirmed that expansion is already in the works.

'It's fast. It's aggressive. And it's exactly the kind of pressure Disney hasn't had to deal with in decades.

'And if the rumors and leaked plans are anything to go by, Universal isn't just trying to compete anymore. They're aiming to take over the market.

'Universal is building hype, driving bookings, and reshaping expectations. Disney needs to meet that energy, or risk falling behind.'

They pointed out that Disney has become somewhat known for its 'slow and calculated' expansions - something the company might have to reconsider amidst the immense excitement surrounding the future of Epic Universe.

And Disney may already be taking notice as it has announced a slew upcoming changes to its parks in recent months.

Naturally, social media has been ablaze with theorizes about what new things will be coming to Epic Universe. Isle of Berk in Epic Universe is seen

Many people believe a Wicked-themed area will be next to arrive, while others have speculated that Luigi's Mansion, a Lord of the Rings land, or Legends of Zelda will come to the park

The expansion pads are highlighted in green above

A new Cars-themed land is in the works at Magic Kingdom, as well as an area inspired by the Disney villains.

In addition, an Encanto river ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Zootopia show are all set to come to Animal Kingdom in the upcoming years.

Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard, and it's set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders 'right in the middle of the monster action.'

But the all the new stuff has meant that a slew of beloved rides have been forced to close, including the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, the Dinosaur ride, and Muppet*Vision 3D, leaving many die-hard Disney fans outraged.

Earlier this year, a new Comprehensive Plan 2045 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District even showed potential plans for Disney to build a fifth sprawling theme park.

The plans detailed a reserved development capacity for another 'major theme park' and two 'minor theme parks' that could be built over the next few decades.

A new Cars-themed land is in the works at Magic Kingdom (concept art is seen), as well as an area inspired by the Disney villains

Concept art for the villains land is seen

Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard, and it's set to have a suspended rollercoaster

The expansion at the Orlando resort could be expansive - mirroring the scale of other popular parks such as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The documents allotted 400 to 500 acres for the new park which would be Disney's first all-new gate in over 25 years.

It is thought that the two smaller parks will be water parks, spanning an estimated 147 acres each.

Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park, and the Comprehensive Plan does not mean that the fifth park is definitely happening, but it opens the door for one in the future should Disney want to go forward with it.

In the end, only time will tell what will come next for both Epic Universe and Disney World, but all in all, it's an exciting time for theme park lovers.
She's only recently made her way into the royal fold, but newly-engaged Harriet Sperling has quickly asserted herself as one to watch for royal fashion lovers.

On Friday, it was revealed that Peter Phillips, 47, had popped the question to the NHS nurse, 45, after one year of dating - as The Firm announced it was 'delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement'.

Harriet has been warmly welcomed into the Royal Family since debuting her relationship with Phillips at the Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire last May, when she donned a classic blue dress from Zara.

The mother-of-one has since graduated from donning simple ensembles sourced from the high street to wearing eye-catching outfits from royal-approved brands.

So, what's behind the change? According to Virginia Chadwyck-Healey, the former Vogue editor and rumoured fashion adviser to the Princess of Wales, various factors are behind Harriet's wardrobe shake-up.

'I can vouch that [Harriet] is stunning in the flesh and charming too, so there is a genuine ease to her demeanour, allowing her to wear clothes well,' Chadwyck-Healey told The Telegraph.

'I truly believe she is also happy, and that brings so much to an outfit, a person's stance and their confidence.'

Her bright and bubbly persona aside, Harriet has also elevated her sartorial game by embracing brands favoured by her soon-to-be in-laws, including Peter's sister Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie.

Peter Phillips' new fiancee, who opted for a cream balloon-sleeved jacket and skirt by Suzannah London in June for Royal Ascot (pictured), has quickly asserted herself as one to watch for royal fashion lovers

Among them is London-based label Beulah London, which has quickly become one of Harriet's favourites, and she's opted to wear clothes from the brand on several occasions including for Ladies' Day at Ascot.

At the event last year, she looked effortlessly elegant in a pale pink Beulah London midi dress with bow detailing as she attended alongside Princess Anne's son.

She dressed the ensemble up with a matching fascinator, a cream clutch bag and pointed kitten heels, proving that sophisticated accessories can elevate a look entirely.

This year's Royal Ascot was no different, with Harriet putting her best fashion foot forward and opting to wear spring's most sought after colour - butter yellow.

The paediatric nurse specialist was so in tune with royal fashion that her dress matched the yellow Monique Lhuillier dress Princess Beatrice picked for the occasion.

Harriet's floaty belted frock was, again, from the socially conscious brand Beulah London.

The brand's founders, Natasha Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan, were compelled to 'fight modern slavery' via sales from the label after they spent two months working in a factory in New Delhi with women who had been rescued from the sex trade.

Harriet has not only wowed the public, but she's also got the attention of those who work in fashion.

The NHS nurse (pictured with Peter Phillips) donned a sleeveless white midi shirt dress from St Clair to the Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club a couple of weeks ago

Harriet wore a Wiggy Kit blue linen co-ord to the Wimbledon Royal Box this year (pictured at the event with Peter)

Harriet chose to wear spring's most sought after colour, butter yellow, to Royal Ascot this year with her Beulah London frock

The founder of luxury womenswear label Wiggy Kit, Wiggy Hindmarch, described Harriet as a 'style icon in the making' in conversation with The Telegraph, adding that many others are attracted to her sense of style.

Harriet donned a blue linen co-ord from Wiggy Kit when she took her place in the Royal Box at Wimbledon this year.

The founder explained that Harriet possess the ability to best judge what colours suit her and what styles are most appropriate for any given event.

Harriet, who lives in Gloucestershire, also seems to be fond of British brands.

This became clear when she made her official royal debut in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot and opted for a cream balloon-sleeved jacket and skirt by Suzannah London in June.

Cream and white hues are often a go-to for the Princess of Wales, who was seen donning an ivory Self-Portrait dress to celebrate Garter Day at Windsor Castle, along with a custom-made eggshell frock from the same brand at the women's final at Wimbledon a couple of weeks ago.

Harriet also adores wearing British brands with a mid-range price tag, such as Me+Em, Wiggy Kit and St Clair, which allows the public to emulate her wardrobe.

Dressing for sporting events seems to be her forte, as she was seen pulling out all the sartorial stops in a stunning sleeveless white midi shirt dress from St Clair to the Royal Charity Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club.

She also does not underestimate the power of a good accessory. Harriet has elevated her ensembles with items such as Gucci sunglasses, diamond earrings and a burgundy rattan-style cross body bag by Anya Hindmarch.

Harriet seems to be a big fan of Beulah London, as she wore another one of their floral dresses to the Royal Charity Polo Cup in 2024

Last year, she looked effortlessly elegant in a pale pink Beulah London midi dress with bow detailing, which she wore to Royal Ascot on the arm of Phillips

During her first outing, the NHS paediatric nurse wore a humble blue dress from high street brand Zara, which is one of Kate's favourite stores

During the Burghley Horse Trials last year, Harriet opted to wear a Dilli Grey 'Fifi Boho Midaxi Dress'

As a relatively new member of the royal fold, Chadwyck-Healey believes she does not have too much pressure to conform to rigid style rules as other high profile figures.

The style expert said that while some brands may be wanting to offer her clothes to wear, it doesn't make it easier to become stylish - and it can actually make the reverse come true.

Instead, she said that Harriet should do her best to seek out garments that allow her personality to shine through.

The Daily Mail revealed insight into Harriet's family in June, including that Harriet's late father Rupert was the 'only son of Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Sanders, of Buckhorn House, Bisley, Gloucestershire'.

Rupert, who died in 2023, was a well-known solicitor who ran his own firm in the Cotswold town of Cirencester.

His father Geoffrey, Harriet's late grandfather, served during the Second World War with the Royal Artillery and was a D-Day veteran  reaching the rank of major, going on to become High Sheriff of Gloucestershire and a long-standing church warden, as well as editor of the Stroud News and Journal for 20 years.

Harriet's paternal grandmother Eleanor was the daughter of Dorothy Courage of the Courage brewing dynasty.

Dorothy's brother Raymond was Lord of the Manor of Edgcote, in Northamptonshire  an 18th century estate, once owned by Anne of Cleves (wife of Henry VIII).

Harriet herself attended Dean Close School, a Christian boarding and day school, in Cheltenham.

Announcing the news of their engagement on August 1, the couple said in a statement: 'Mr Peter Phillips, the son of HRH The Princess Royal and Captain Mark Phillips and Ms Harriet Sperling, daughter of the late Mr Rupert Sanders and Mrs Mary Sanders of Gloucestershire, have today confirmed their official engagement.

'Both families were informed jointly of the announcement and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement. Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales have been informed of the announcement. No date has been officially set for the wedding.'

The couple announced they will marry and showed her diamond engagement ring in a press release first published by HELLO!
Kathryn dressed up her home to make it more appealing to potential buyers

A Victorian flat that was languishing on the market for six months with no offers has sold for its 625,000 asking price within 10 days of being staged.

Homeowner Kathryn had been struggling to sell the two-bedroom two-bathroom property in West Hampstead, London, and decided to 'dress it up' as a last resort.

While some buyers can look beyond the surface and imagine the changes they want to make to a property, many are looking for homes they can instantly imagine themselves living in.

So, Kathryn hired a team to jazz up her home - including dressing the rental furniture, adding vibrant pops of colour through decor, and incorporating accessories such as rugs, mirrors and stylish artwork to showcase the potential of each room.

In the kitchen, new utensils and pots were decorated neatly on the kitchen counter, while still maintaining a largely clear surface area.

The bedrooms were glammed up with patterned pillows and colourful throws. Artwork and mirrors were also added to brighten up the space as they were matched with complementary lighting fixtures and lampshades.

The living area was jazzed up with bright cushions, a rug, swanky coffee tables, and decorative vases.

Together with plants and wall hangings, the smartly laid-out dinner table added to the welcoming feel of the room.

A Victorian flat that had previously been on the market for six months with no offers sold in just 10 days for its 625,000 asking price after it was staged

The owner had been struggling to sell the two-bedroom two-bathroom property in West Hampstead, London, and so decided to 'dress it up' as a last resort

The flat was partially furnished and the owner renovated the property after months of not selling

But she believes that staging the property with rented props for photos and viewings made the flat sell much quicker and for the asking price

Other small touches in the bathroom - like fresh towels and potted plants - made a huge difference to the vibe of Kathryn's home before she relisted the property in January.

Her estate agent quickly arranged 12 viewings and, just 10 days later, three offers were made resulting in a best and final offer at the asking price of 625,000.

Kathryn bought the flat in 2001 for 195,000 and undertook a huge renovation, transforming it into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat.

A year later, Kathryn moved out and rented the property for 20 years, which took its toll on the decor.

Last year, Kathryn decided to sell the flat and put it on the market for 575,000 - discounted to take into account that it needed work.

Six months later, the property still hadn't sold - forcing Kathryn to reduce the asking price again.

'Everybody could see that it needed quite a bit of work,' Kathryn said. 'It was too much of a project and so we didn't get any offers at all even though it had been on the market a long time at a significant discount.

'I was nervous of Capital Gains Tax rising in October so I was desperately trying to sell it pre-budget and it just wouldn't, so I realised I was going to have to bite the bullet and renovate it myself.'

While some buyers can look beyond the surface and image the changes they want to make to a property, many are looking for properties they can instantly imagine themselves living in

Before staging, the apartment appeared more empty and soulless, making it harder for potential buyers imagining themselves there

'When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat,' she said

The owner hired a team to jazz up her home - including dressing the furniture and incorporating accessories such as rugs, mirrors and stylish artwork

When the flat was put back on the market in January, the estate agent quickly arranged 12 viewings and, just 10 days later, three offers were made

After spending 55,000 on the renovation, Kathryn felt the state of the flat was dramatically improved but still looked empty and bare. She enlisted the help of ThePropertyStagers to give it a makeover and the flat sold within 10 days for 625,000.

The staging significantly enhanced its appeal, particularly on RightMove, contributing to its quick sale.

Kathryn said: 'I was aware of property staging, and the flat looked really sad and empty, so I contacted a couple of companies, one of which was ThePropertyStagers and I really liked their responsiveness and I warmed to what they said they were going to do for me.

'The flat was also partially furnished because I kept some of the furniture in case it didn't sell again and I needed to re-rent it. They were very flexible, working around my furniture, which was very helpful.

'When you've spent so much on renovating, an extra few thousand wasn't an issue. The difference when I walked in after they'd staged it, it was like a different flat. It was unbelievable what they did!'

For Kathryn, it was a huge relief as she wanted to complete the sale before the Stamp Duty changes in April.

She said: 'We wouldn't have had that much interest had the flat not been staged, because it made each of the rooms stand out in the photos we used on RightMove.

'There were lots of similar flats on the market but mine really stood out, which I don't think it would have done without the staging.'

The un-staged bathroom looked uninviting and appeared plain

But when the team uses props it makes the house seem more appealing

Liv Conlon revealed that when it comes to selling a home it's all about sticking to neutral tones, clearing clutter and adding pops of colour, texture and pattern with soft furnishings

'Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult,' she said

'Their team used a colour scheme that I would never have thought of myself, with lots of bright yellow, which against the navy kitchen and the grey bathrooms, really looked great - especially in the photos, which drew you in and made you look.'

Liv Conlon, who was crowned The UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 after founding ThePropertyStagers at just 16, says staging a property to sell is very different to how people live at home.

The team uses props including artwork and accessories to make houses more appealing.

The 25-year-old revealed that when it comes to selling a home it's all about sticking to neutral tones, clearing clutter and adding pops of colour, texture, and pattern with soft furnishings.

Liv, who is originally from Glasgow but now lives in Marbella, said: 'Property staging can make the difference between a home not selling, and being sold in just days - I've seen it happen so many times.

'Viewers want to imagine themselves living in the space, so if it's empty or decorated too personally, it becomes more difficult.

'ThePropertyStagers staged the kitchen and dining area with bright accessories, bold artwork, a cosy rug, as well as oversized vases, and giant mirrors.

'We also set up the dining table with crockery, and added colourful cushions on the sofas. In the two bedrooms, we dressed the double beds, adding blankets, lamps, vases and artwork.

'The overall effect hugely complements the flat, creating a warm, luxurious vibe, which obviously did the trick as it sold in just 10 days!'
Traveling with young kids just got a little easier for parents at select airports.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a new program called Families on the Fly at Orlando International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

It offers dedicated security lanes for families with children aged 12 and under, per Fox News Orlando.

The goal? To reduce stress for parents traveling with little ones and ease congestion for everyone else.

'We understand that air travel can be challenging, especially for parents managing strollers, diaper bags, and young kids,' said TSA Federal Security Director for Orlando Pete Garcia, per the outlet.

'This program goes beyond convenience; its about addressing the unique needs of traveling families to provide a smoother, more supportive experience at our security checkpoints.'

The family-friendly initiative is part of a broader effort by the TSA to improve hospitality and streamline the airport experience amid growing travel demand.

The program is already up and running in Orlando and Charlotte, with more airports set to join in the coming months, including Charleston, Jacksonville, and Rhode Island's T.F. Green.

Traveling with young kids just got a little easier at select airports as TSA has launched a program that offers dedicated security lanes for families with children (stock image)

Others include San Juan, Tampa, John Wayne Orange County, and Honolulu.

Many traveling parents are ecstatic about the new lanes.

'It's extremely stressful. There's a lot of stuff, like all the iPads and all the teddies and all that kind of stuff,' said Adam Luper, who is currently visiting the UK from the United Kingdom.

Another parent, Fanta Kaba, who was traveling from New York to Orlando, explained: 'It's very exhausting. Especially when [the child] is crying.

'You have to pick him up. You have to drag the bag. So when the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents.

'When the line is shorter, it makes it easier for the parents.'

Michael Silata, the TSAs assistant federal security director in Orlando, added: 'This dedicated lane helps to ease the traveling public when they come through. And that same time, really add value when they travel through the airports.'

While the new lanes are now available, its still unclear when families will be able to access discounted TSA PreCheck fees or whether the program will expand nationwide.

The program, called Families on the Fly, is running at Orlando International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (stock photo)

Officials havent said how long the pilot phase will last or if feedback will be used to guide future rollouts, but the TSA confirmed that Families on the Fly is expected to reach even more airports soon.

The TSA recently announced another lane-related update to select airports across the country.

The administration shared earlier this month that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire.

Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - will also now have TSA PreCheck fees waived.

Additionally, TSA will now offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members.

The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Texas, Anchorage, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington.
Crystal Hefner has made another shocking claim about her late husband Hugh.

The former DJ, 39, already exposed the legendary Playboy mogul in her tell-all memoir Only Say Good Things, but now she's made another wild claim about Hugh's relationship with his family.

During an argument with former Playmate Audra Lynn on Instagram, Crystal called Hugh's youngest son Cooper a 'narcissist' and said that father-of-four Hugh didn't even like his own children.

'Hef didn't even like his own kids, he would tell me he's not a good dad and shoo them out of the room when they would come in trying to talk to him,' she wrote.

She also denied an accusation that she had 'walked away with inheritance meant for [Hefner's] family', but did confirm that she had been left with the $5million Hollywood Hills home that Hef bought her during their marriage.

DailyMail.com has contacted Crystal's representatives for comment.

The blonde bombshell, who now works as a real estate agent, has been at war with her late husband and his family over the last few years.

Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal made a series of jaw-dropping claims about her late husband's family

Last year, Hugh's son Marston launched a scathing attack on Crystal, accusing her of being a 'master manipulator'  and even appeared to suggest that she took advantage of his father before his death.

Marston, 35, made a series of damning claims about his father's widow on the Girls Next Level podcast, suggesting Crystal was hellbent on power and oversaw changes to Hef's will when he was mentally fragile.

Speaking to hosts Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, he said that Crystal became addicted to the 'idea of control and power,' and would determine who could and could not enter the Playboy Mansion.

'She liked controlling the guest list,' he said. 'She liked taking girls off and on the guest list depending on how, whatever the whims were at the time She liked being in that position where you had to go through her or you had to ask her for things.'

Her alleged obsession with control appeared to extend to matters of Hugh's will, with Marston suggesting Crystal oversaw changes when his father was 'sick' and 'dosed with f***ing medication,' which he claims left the businessman unaware of his surroundings.

'He was really sick and that's why she got all these NDA things,' he said. 'According to her, she didn't want people to see him not able to walk, not able to talk.'

Marston, whose mother is model Kimberley Conrad, said his father would struggle to remember how to play backgammon with him due to the strong back pain medication he was on at the time.

Crystal famously wed the magazine publisher in 2012 when she was 26 and he was 86

Crystal called Hugh's youngest son Cooper a 'narcissist' and said that father-of-four Hugh didn't even like his own children in a scathing Instagram post

'The year that he passed away, he changed the will and he gave me, another person, and Crystal more money,' he said. 'And I don't know how much more, I don't remember if Crystal got more than us....

'I was looking at that when I was getting the inheritance, and I was like, "Why? When he wasn't here, when he didn't know what the f*** was up or down half of the time, why would he change his will?"'

He continued: 'And that's why I sent an email saying, "I don't think he's competent anymore, guys, can we agree on this?" And nobody really wanted to address what I perceived as the elephant in the room.

And then more than that, it's like why is it when somebody can't play his favorite thing and doesn't know where he is, why is he changing his f***ing will? Why are people allowing that to happen?

Crystal famously wed the magazine publisher in 2012 when she was 26 and he was 86.

They were married until his death at age 91 in 2017, which was the result of heart failure and septicemia after contracting a deadly strain of e-coli. He left a reported $43 million fortune behind.

Marston Hefner previously called Crystal a 'master manipulator'

Last year, Crystal published her explosive memoir, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy And Finding Myself, in which she made a number of bombshell claims, including that she never loved the late magazine kingpin and she felt imprisoned in their four-year marriage.

Marston revealed how he had messaged Holly and Bridget, referring to Crystal as a 'master manipulator' after reading her book, and questioned some of her claims - as well as her motivation for writing the memoir.

Suggesting that she buys Instagram followers, he asked: 'If you're not interested in fame, why are you buying Instagram followers?

'If you're not after money, then why was she hustling as Crystal DJ Hefner?'

Crystal later fired back at Marston's claims in a statement to Us Weekly.

'I feel that obviously he has a lot of pain and hurt still from the relationship or lack thereof with his father.'

She added, 'And there are some things I think hes trying to heal or get answers to that hes realizing may never be answered. So maybe hes filling in the blanks themselves.'

Crystal also strongly denied Marston's claims that she had Hugh 'dosed with f***ing medication' and that she had 'invited strangers' to Hugh's funeral.

'I was married to him. I was closest to Hef,' she insisted.

Last month, Crystal announced that she had officially taken legal steps to change her name, nearly eight years after her husband's death

Regarding Holly and Bridget, Crystal said that the duo were trying to 'sabotage' her and 'pull my life apart'.

'If I have a problem with someone, Ill go to the person and talk to them. Obviously they just want attention,' she sniffed.

In another statement, this time to the New York Post, Crystal said that Marston's claims about her changing Hef's will were false.

'This story is untrue and was discredited by Hefs estate attorney who wrote his will years before Hef passed,' she said.

Last month, Crystal announced that she had officially taken legal steps to change her name, nearly eight years after her husband's death.

On June 13, 2025, she filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to revert to her maiden name, Crystal Margaret Harris.

The filing, which was reviewed by People, indicates that she is seeking to resume the name she held before her marriage to Hugh.
For seven years Sam Crook gave the mole on his back very little thought.

The freckle, no bigger than his little finger nail, was on his right shoulder blade. He was only reminded of it when, on occasion, hed catch a glimpse of it in the mirror after a shower.

I was never worried about it, says the 39-year-old from the Wirral. I had regular health checks through work, and when I mentioned the mole the doctor would reassure me that it was nothing to worry about.

Then earlier this year, his father was diagnosed with stage four melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.

I had previously been a bit flippant about skin cancer  I thought that it was one that was not particularly serious  but my dads diagnosis showed that was not the case, says Sam.

At the same time I noticed that my mole had started to change a little  rather than being like a freckle it was now darker and slightly raised.

When this years work health check up rolled around, the mole was at the top of his list of concerns. Following the doctors initial assessment, further tests confirmed his fears: he was told he had a stage two melanoma.

Sam Crook had regular health checks through work, and when he mentioned a mole on his shoulder to his doctor, he was reassured that it was nothing to worry about

I was shocked, because it was not itchy or bleeding, which are the signs everyone tells you to look out for, and it had not changed that much in the couple of months before my appointment, he says.

Without my dads diagnosis I certainly would not have taken it as seriously and been as conscious of it as I was.

Within two weeks Sam had the mole  and a half-inch (2cm)margin around it  removed.

At first he felt relief. But then came fear: had the cancer spread, as his fathers had?

Fortunately, he was able to get answers quickly, thanks to a newly developed test that could soon be available widely on the NHS.

Patients who are at risk of melanoma spreading are usually offered a sentinel lymph node biopsy.

The lymphatic system  a network of vessels, nodes (small, bean-shaped structures) and organs  helps defend the body against infection and disease. It collects fluid from tissues (called lymph), filters it through lymph nodes to remove pathogens and waste, and returns it to the bloodstream.

Cancer often spreads through this system first, reaching nearby lymph nodes before moving on.

To see if this has happened, surgeons remove the first lymph node that the cancer is likely to reach the sentinel node  to test it.

If its clear, further surgery can often be avoided. If cancer is found, it suggests the disease may have begun to spread and additional treatment may be needed.

However, patients often wait up to four months for the procedure  partly due to shortages of the specialist dye used to identify the correct node.

While the data suggests this extended wait doesnt impact outcomes, it causes huge anxiety, and we needed an alternative, says consultant plastic surgeon Mrs Aenone Harper-Machin, an expert in skin cancer and member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Out of necessity, she developed a new approach.

Rather than using traditional radioactive dyes, she now uses a readily available green tracer in a procedure that takes just 15 minutes, compared to the three hours required for the standard method.

Surgeon Aenone Harper-Machin examines Sam's lymph node using her new technique

A study presented at this years World Melanoma Conference found the technique was 100 per cent effective in identifying sentinel nodes in cases of head and neck cancer.

This is a simple procedure that is already used for breast and gynaecological cancers, so it can be rolled out very quickly now we have shown it is effective, says Mrs Harper-Machin. And it will cut the long delays.

Sam, who was treated at the Nuffield Hospital in Chester, was one of the first skin cancer patients to benefit. He says: If I had gone down the NHS route, I would have been waiting months. I just would have been sitting stressing, worrying it had spread.

The new procedure meant that within two weeks I had the answer  and it was a great relief to find out it had not spread.

Every year about 20,000 people develop melanoma  the most aggressive skin cancer  and it causes more than 2,300 deaths.

The majority of cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, from the sun or sunbeds.

Last year rates of the cancer reached a record high in the UK, with new diagnoses increasing by almost a third in just a decade.

The main sign of the condition is a mole, either new or one that has changed size or shape. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body but are more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun.

Mrs Harper-Machin says: If you have a brown lesion or mark on your skin that is changing in size, colour or shape, the border is becoming irregular or it starts to bleed or scab over, then it should be looked at by a doctor.

A weakened immune system can also raise your risk.

And dont let yourself be fobbed off if youre seriously worried. On my surgical list last week were women in their 30s whod previously been reassured by GPs.
Trump's confessor to Ukrainians: Hold on, help is on the way

American evangelical pastor Mark Burns, who the media calls the personal spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump, wrote words of support to the Ukrainian people, noting that "help is already on the way."

Hold on my Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Help is on the way!!! he said on X Saturday.

He attached to his message Trump's statement about placement of nuclear submarines.
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

While many are currently packing for sunshine holidays (as I am for my Greek sojourn), the bonkers timings of fashion mean that shops and online sites are already filling up with autumn pieces. Despite these woolly knits signalling that the new season is very much on the horizon, Im still invested in the present one. As well as its fashion, summers been full of memorable moments. Here are some of my standouts (plus a few to come).

Shirt, Toteme. Trousers, Rails. Sunglasses, YSL. Bag, a previous holiday find. Sandals, Hermes

Ive loved Netflix series Sirens , set on an East Coast beach estate  and not just for its plot. In her role as powerhouse Michaela Kell, actress Julianne Moores wardrobe made my eyes water with happiness. Think puffy-sleeved Proenza Schouler tops, one-sleeved dresses by The Row, wafty Chloe pieces and a Khaite leather jacket (which Moore ended up buying).

, set on an East Coast beach estate  and not just for its plot. In her role as powerhouse Michaela Kell, actress Julianne Moores wardrobe made my eyes water with happiness. Think puffy-sleeved Proenza Schouler tops, one-sleeved dresses by The Row, wafty Chloe pieces and a Khaite leather jacket (which Moore ended up buying). As a long-time fan of the late Jane Birkin, I watched the sale of the first Hermes Birkin bag  once owned and battered by the legendary star  with huge interest. When it sold for a staggering 7.4 million to Japanese luxury fashion retailer Valuence, I knew if Jane were alive today, shed have been most amused.

I, meanwhile, was not amused when the disastrous PR shots from the Ryan Murphy drama about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy  another fashion heroine of mine  landed. Sorry, Ryan, but you totally underestimated the importance of her wardrobe and flung any old thing on the actress Sarah Pidgeon, resulting in the internet going into meltdown. Blokes and fashion, eh?

Also making the headlines was the news that US Vogue editor Anna Wintour was retiring, which spread like wildfire only for it to turn out that she wasnt bowing out at all. She has been at every major fashion event since  typical of Wintour to do things, including retiring, her way.

editor Anna Wintour was retiring, which spread like wildfire only for it to turn out that she wasnt bowing out at all. She has been at every major fashion event since  typical of Wintour to do things, including retiring, her way. As for moments to come, next months new series of Apple TV+s The Morning Show will definitely be one of them, thanks to its power-dressing  as well as French actress Marion Cotillard joining the cast. And with the Beckham/Peltz fallout big news, Primes new show The Girlfriend , also out next month, is super-timely due to its tale of the toxic dynamics between an overprotective mother (Robin Wright) and her sons mysterious partner. Plus, the outfits look amazing.

@thestylistandthewardrobe

@youmagazine

FRENCH POLISH

If French Riviera style floats your boat, check out Paper Londons new style collaboration with Saint-Tropez hotel Arev. This navy sweatshirt from the collection is tres joli.

ON THE FRINGE

The tassel necklace has become a popular unexpected accessory of choice this summer. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a fan. I love this one.

SPOTTED

French brand Jacquemus is having a fruitful summer. For her new romantic movie Good Sex, which is set in New York, actress Natalie Portman (right), 44, has been seen in her role as a couples therapist wearing a Prada blouse and holding a Jacquemus Calinou bag. Meanwhile in Ibiza, actress Margot Robbie was spotted on holiday clutching its round Spiaggia raffia tote.
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

In the last 15 years, handbag prices have risen faster than those of jewellery. Today designer bags from fashions biggest names (Prada, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Gucci) start in the thousands. At Hermes, its famous Birkins dont go for less than 10,000.

On the other end of the scale, high-street iterations may be trend-driven and cheap, but often theyre made from synthetic materials, most commonly polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rather than real leather. Unsurprisingly, they dont wear well or last under the weight of laptops, phones, your lunchbox and the rest.

So let me introduce you to midi-bags: luxury designs, with quality that rivals designer craftsmanship  without the stratospheric price tags.

Theyre not as cheap as the sort youd find in M&S, but they wont totally blow the budget, sitting between 200 and 585. And best of all? Theyre made to last a lifetime.

Edinburghs answer to quiet luxury at affordable prices comes from Strathberry, a bag brand fronted by the husband-and-wife duo Guy and Leeanne Hundleby, worn by the Princess of Wales, Meghan Markle, Margot Robbie and Katie Holmes.

Their winning formula for creating sought-after midi-bags? Making products at the accessible end of the luxury space, but with the quality youd expect from much higher up, says Leeanne.

This seems to be a common theme for the brands that occupy this space in the market, and its a compelling reason to get involved. These are the midi-bag designers to get to know now.

Elleme

Founded in 2015 in Paris by self-taught designer Jingjing Fan, Elleme (derived from the French elle aime, meaning she likes) has garnered star-studded support for its simple, yet unique leather pieces, all made in Italy. Fans include Gigi and Bella Hadid and Beyonce. If its good enough for Queen B, then its good enough for you and me. From 325, elleme.com.

Chylak

This Warsaw-based brand, founded by former art historian Zofia Chylak in 2014, draws on Polish heritage for inspiration. The stripes in its latest collection (see the hobo bag, left) are inspired by folk costumes of Urzecze, a region near the capital. Expect whimsical details: romantic bows, pearl embellishments and shell-shaped silhouettes. Bags are made in Poland, all from leather. From 125, chylak.com.

Patchwork tote, 350

Liffner

Sweden is a hotbed of new designers and Liffner, founded in 2012 by Paulina Liffner von Sydow, heads the trend. The brand combines creative minimalism with Italian artisanship  its bags are made in small batches at an atelier near Florence. I like the elevated Scandi takes on classics, such as the belted bucket and mini woven basket. From 233, liffner.co.

Strathberry

One of Edinburghs finest exports, the brand was founded by husband and wife Guy and Leeanne Hundleby in 2013. Its signature? Elegant, clean lines and metal hardware, with bags designed in Scotland and handcrafted in Spain. Its Mosaic bag has achieved cult status; I count dozens on the front row each fashion week. From 195, strathberry.com.

Polene

Founded in 2016 by three siblings, Polene is noted for its sculptural, organic-shaped bags. These are designed in Paris and produced by luxury leather specialists in Ubrique, Andalucia. Bestsellers include the Cyme and the Nodde in delicious neutrals. From 160, polene-paris.com.

Mokki bag, 480
Sean Hayes arrived on our screens in 1998 as the camp Jack McFarland in sitcom Will & Grace. Catty and full of one-liners  Is there anything I can pretend to do for you right now?; There are no straight men, just men who havent met Jack; and Theres no shame in getting old, theres only shame in getting ugly  he pretty much stole the show.

Were chatting in a studio in South London, where Hayes is rehearsing Good Night, Oscar. The play is based on a controversial 1950s TV chat-show appearance by pianist Oscar Levant, who starred with Gene Kelly in the musical comedy film An American In Paris.

Talking of comedy, I say that Will & Grace really helped to take things forward: in 1996, according to Pew Research Center, 65 per cent of Americans opposed gay marriage. By 2006, when the show finished, the nos were down to 55 per cent. By 2013, US support for gay marriage hit 50 per cent, with 43 per cent opposed.

Now, though, things seem to be going backwards, I suggest. He sighs. Oh, thats an understatement. Its insanity. It feels like theres a civil war going on. And it makes me so sad because I love America. I have friends on both sides [of politics]. I think the media is the issue  they make money from polarisation.

'They would keep the worst death threats from us'

He recalls the early days on Will & Grace, when death threats were a regular thing. Theyd keep the worst ones from us, he says. But there was one lady who got a pen, paper and stamp, wrote and mailed, Youre all going to hell. You should be ashamed for putting this on television. Youre all horrible people. But thank you for making the show. Its a riot. We love it. He bursts out laughing.

When in 2001 George W Bush became president after opposing gay rights while governor of Texas, the writers gave Karen, played by Megan Mullally, a line to be delivered to Jack: Oh, didnt you hear, honey? Gay isnt cool any more.

Well, were not here to be hip or not hip, he replies with a shrug. But it is interesting how my life and my skin and my blood and my human-being-ness is politicised just by getting out of bed in the morning.

I list some of the Hollywood stars leaving the US to evade the Trump administration  Rosie ODonnell heading for Ireland, Courtney Love taking British citizenship and Ellen DeGeneres trading California for the Cotswolds. Would he consider a similar move? He hesitates, his eyes wide, mouth firmly closed. OK, I love it here so very much, he says carefully. Its been a dream my entire life to do a play in London in the West End. And to walk the streets my favourite bands walked: Depeche Mode, Erasure, The Smiths, The Cure, Oasis. I would love to move here. But my life is in America  my friends, my husband and my family, everything.

Hayes has nursed the idea of playing Oscar Levant since 2001. He identifies with him, he says. Levant discussed his mental-health problems and drug use on late-night television before confession culture was a thing. Hayes, born in a Chicago suburb, the youngest of five, says, Ive been surrounded by anxiety and depression in my family and dealt with it myself, he explains. My dad was Irish, so we were brought up not to communicate. My mum had cancer when she was two years old that we werent allowed to talk about. She had one eye removed. We werent allowed to ask her about that. My alcoholic dad left home when I was five. Playing Oscar is like therapy.

Initially he was reluctant to come out as a gay actor. Were all products of the time we grew up in, he admits. It wasnt accepted when I knew I was gay, but I still came out at 18. My mum had a problem with it and all the drama that youd go through. And then when I got Will & Grace and there were death threats, I didnt  at that stage  have the DNA to be a spokesperson for any group of people. Id just say something dumb.

Sean, above right, with, from left, Megan Mullally, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing in Will & Grace, 2000

Coming out limited future roles to gay characters, until Broadway found him. Now, as Oscar Levant, he is a married father. There are similarities, however: Hayes is also beloved of the US talk shows (he guest-hosted The Jimmy Kimmel Show) and, like Levant after his role in the film An American In Paris, he endured a career dip following Will & Grace. The play is based on an appearance on Tonight Starring Jack Paar, a late 50s/early 60s late-night talk show. Levant is on a four-hour pass from a mental-health facility. Having filched opioids, he shocks the audience and complaints flood in over his quips about religion, drugs and celebrities. Then, in the emotional climax of the play, he holds his demons at bay long enough to perform a stunning version of George Gershwins Rhapsody In Blue. He has to show disdain and despair and love and beauty while hammering through the rapid notes and huge left-hand jumps on the piano keys.

I didnt realise it was that hard, he shakes his head. Even the people who do [play piano] for a living do it twice in a week. I do it seven times. I end up icing my arms every night. In America I had to have cortisol shots, which Im going to try not to do here.

That seems a lot of work for a 55-year-old to go through every night. Im finding in the last year or two that the chase of trying to procure work is exhausting, he tells me. So I only want to do things that mean something to me. And if I dont, what a lovely life Ive had. Im happy going for a walk with the dog and hanging out with friends and watching a movie at home with my husband. Ive won so many times and I want to keep winning. But if I dont, thats a win, too.

Good Night, Oscar continues at The Barbican Theatre until 21 September. For tickets, visit goodnightoscar.com
Euronext would consider buying London's stock market if it is put up for sale.

Chief executive Stephane Boujnah said London Stock Exchange's parent had shifted towards data and analytics services.

His comments come amid a crisis in the City amid a takeover frenzy.

New York has been the primary destination for defectors, with fintech darling Wise its most recent scalp.

Delivery giant Just Eat and travel operator Tui have both chosen European capitals in recent years.

Euronext operates across Europe and recently offered to buy Athens Stock Exchange for 360million.

Eyeing up a bid?: Euronext would consider buying London's stock market if it is put up for sale

Boujnah described Euronext as 'home sweet home' for firms bridging domestic industries and international markets.

He noted that the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), which owns the UK stock market, has increasingly shifted towards data and analytics following its acquisition of Refinitiv in 2021.

But LSEG boss David Schwimmer said 'it gets a lot of focus, a lot of attention, a lot of capital and a lot of support'. LSEG's 'broader scale' allows it to work on the exchange's behalf in dealings with companies, ministers and regulators, he added.
With the cost of buying a home verging on the absurd in many parts of Britain and beyond, it is no wonder some are looking for a cheaper alternative.

In the last few years, the opportunity to buy a house in parts of Italy for 1, or around 87p, has drawn considerable interest from people all around the world and on social media.

The schemes are usually operated by local authorities in rural towns, who want to see run down and vacant properties rejuvenated and encourage investment.

The Daily Mail spoke to two women: one viewed 1 homes in Italy but ended up buying a more expensive property, while the other snapped up five 1 homes in Italy.

It is not possible to buy a home for 1 in most parts of the country and prospective buyers need to be aware of rules and costs attached to the purchase before signing on the dotted line.

The cost of renovation work is also going to be a major sticking point for many would-be buyers.

Buying a 1 property is an appealing prospect, but the realties and costs involved must not be taken lightly.

Deal: Barbara Maekrl purchased this property in Mussomeli for 13,000

Why I decided against buying a 1 house in Italy

Barbara Maekrl, who is in her early forties and an administrator originally from Germany, lived in Australia for 16 years before wanting to move back closer to home.

She told the Daily Mail: 'I've always loved Italy and after doing a bit of research, decided Sicily was the place for me. It's culturally rich and has a slow pace of life.

'After visiting Mussomeli in Sicily, I knew I had found my town. The people are incredible and the town is full of surprises.'

Barbara worked at pace to make her dream a reality. In January 2024, she decided she wanted to move to Italy the same summer.

Savvy: Barbara Maekrl, pictured with puppy Miele, viewed a number of 1 properties in Italy, but opted against buying one

Scale: Barbara told the Daily Mail that she believes her renovation costs will be manageable

Freebie: When Barbara purchased her 13 house in Italy, she got this house thrown in for free

Barbara did all her research remotely and booked a property viewing in Mussomeli before even booking her flights.

Having done her research online, she arranged to view a number of properties on sale in Mussomeli for 1.

However, for Barbara, the 1 properties on sale did not meet her requirements and, in her view, required too many costly and extensive renovations.

She told the Daily Mail: 'I inspected a few 1 homes, but they were simply not for me.

'A 1 home may sound very tempting, but the ones I viewed were in a very bad condition and really needed to be rebuilt. This would have cost me a lot of money.

'I think 1 homes are ideal for people who have experience undertaken extensive renovations, have a background in building and construction and can do most of the work themselves. I wanted a cheap home, but with less work involved.'

She added: 'I ended up buying a 13,000 (11,330) house in Mussomeli rather than a 1 property. I'd moved into the property within three months and the whole process was really easy. I'm very happy with my little house and it's not going to cost a fortune to renovate.'

Barbara said securing a good builder in Italy is vital, while recognising that this can be challenging for non-locals.

She said: 'Dodgy builders are an issue. Some are unqualified, unreliable and seem to overcharge. Some think a foreign buyer has endless amounts of cash, which isn't the case. Always get at least two quotes and be prepared to negotiate.'

The 13,000 house is Barbara's first ever property purchase, and she is confident her renovation costs will be manageable.

'I have absolutely no regrets and am keen to inspire more women over 40 to take the plunge and change their lives for the better', Barbara said.

I couldn't resist buying six 1 houses in Italy

Rubia Daniels, 52, is originally from Brazil, but has lived in California for decades. She spends about three months in Europe a year, but is hoping to increase this.

She purchased five 1 houses in Mussomeli, Sicily, in 2019. Three are hers, while one was for an aunt and another for her adopted daughter. All the five three-story properties were on the verge of collapse.

She told the Daily Mail: 'While on holiday in Indonesia in 2018, my husband mentioned something about 1 houses in Italy. As soon as I could, I went to Sicily myself to see what this was all about.'

No regrets: Rubia Daniels told the Daily Mail she has no regrets about buying 1 houses

Needs some work: One of the 1 houses Rubia purchased in Sicily before renovation works

Before and after: Rubia reckons she has spent around 50,000 transforming each property

Taking the plunge: None of the 1 houses were in a good state of repair when Rubia got them

Chic: Rubia has installed modern touches so they blend in with the period house features

For Rubia, the process was 'easy and clean' with no hidden or unexpected costs involved.

Taking one of her 1 houses in Sicily as an example, she paid the 1, plus 3,000 for the deeds required. The realtors were paid a fee of 500 and Rubia had to stump up 5,000 for a deposit to the authorities to show she was serious about the purchase.

Typically, the property must be renovated within three years of buying the property. If it isn't, the buyer's deposit will not be refunded. Required renovation timeframes and deposit costs do vary.

Rubia's building-whizz brother-in-law worked for Rubia during the renovation works and managed the projects, helping keep costs down. She also hired a Sicilian contractor who helps her with the properties to this day.

'Good contractors and builders can be booked up many months in advance. You have to dial down your expectations when you are in Sicily and learn how to work with local people and respect their time', Rubia said.

She told the Daily Mail she reckons she has spent around 50,000 renovating each of the properties.

Rubia wants to retire to Italy and plans to live in one of the houses, while building a wellness centre and art gallery in the two others which are hers.

'If you have the chance to embrace the incredible journey of buying a 1 house, don't hesitate. It will all be worthwhile. I have no regrets.'

How to buy a 1 house in Italy

Many younger Italians are choosing to live in urban locations, leaving some more rural areas sparsely populated.

Having a second home in Italy attracts higher taxes, so people inheriting them often want to offload them.

Authorities in some sparsely populated rural locations are keen to boost the economy of their areas and draw more people to live and work in them.

There are a number of websites where you can view 1 properties on sale in Italy.

Among others, the websites include 1eurohouses.com, case1euro.it and property-in-sicily.estate.

A selection of areas in Italy run the 1 property scheme, including Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo, Campania, Sicily, piedmont, Le Marche, Liguria, Puglia, Sardinia and Tuscany. This list is not exhaustive list.

1 homes are 1 for a reason. You will not be buying a brand-spanking new fully functioning house. Many being sold are dilapidated.

Municipality policies vary, but expect certain additional costs when buying a 1 house in Italy. There will also be rules and regulations to adhere to.

Legal fees can cost in the region of 3,000, but this is variable. A deposit is also likely to be required, which in some cases could be up to around 10,000, though it is often less.

Most new owners will be required to submit plans for their renovation project within between two to 12 months of buying the property.

In some cases, the renovation work must start within a year of the house being purchased and completed within three years. The exact timeframes involved will vary depending on the location of the property.

Always factor in renovation costs. These could add thousands of euros to the cost of the property in the long-run.

Securing a decent builder in Italy within a decent timeframe is no mean feat. Be prepared to get quotes from different builders and make sure the scope of prepared works is outlined in writing in full in advance.
A New York billionaire has become obsessed with saving hundreds of rare ostriches from being slaughtered by Canadian officials because he believes they are crucial to groundbreaking medical research.

Supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, owner of Dagostino and Gristedes, told Daily Mail he is 'outraged' at what is happening in Canada and is trying to prevent the flock of birds from being slaughtered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Ostrich eggs contain high concentrations of IgY antibodies, which are being studied for their potential to provide immunity from, and treatment of, diseases and viral infections.

'These are ancient animals, beautiful animals that are one million years old and could hold the key to medical breakthroughs,' Catsimatidis told Daily Mail.

The nine foot African natives have become a passion project for the supermarket mogul after he heard about a family's plight to save the animals on their farm.

Katie Pasitney, whose family owns Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, recently shared her plight on WABC AM radio.

'We have millions of people in North America who have a heart and feel,' he said.

The supermarket mogul brought in Dr. Mehmet Oz, the head of Medicare, and Robert Kennedy Jr., Trump's health secretary, to help with his mission.

He also wrote a personal letter to the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney citing an 'urgent humanitarian appeal regarding the ostriches'.

He is yet to here back from the PM's office.

'Canada and the United States are partners. We are part of the same America. We're part of North America together. Right? And I appeal to the prime minister for a little bit of common sense,' Catsimatidis said.

The ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia

Katie Pasitney calls the ostriches 'family' and says that each ostrich has their own name and personality

'What's happening with these iconic ancient animals is a travesty, 400 innocent souls who'll be lost due to lack of common sense,' he said.

The trouble on the farm started in mid-December when 69 ostriches died from what was believed to be H5N1 virus, or bird flu.

Pasitney said that someone made an anonymous call to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency claiming that their birds had the avian influenza.

Officials from the agency came down to their farm and tested two dead birds. After the results came back positive for the H5N1 or HPAI virus the farm was put under quarantine.

Ostrich eggs (pictured) are believed to carry antibodies that could provide valuable scientific insight into immunity in helping to cure disease

'They only tested two deceased birds based on a PCR test not all the others so we don't know what they died from,' she said.

She explained that a blood test or tissue test on the deceased birds were never performed which would have given them a more accurate reading.

However, the test results never reached the accredited lab in Winnipeg, Canada because officials already signed the kill order to kill every animal on the property.

To make matters worse, she said they were ordered to kill all the animals themselves and dispose of them on their own.

If the farm goes against the quarantine rules and conducts any of their own testing they will get fined $200,000 per bird and would face up to six months in jail, per animal.

Pasitney said it has been 195 days since their last bird died, all the ostriches on the farm have been healthy and they are still doing business with their trading partners.

Pasitney said the ostriches all have their own unique personalities

'When we asked them (CFIA) to test our healthy animals they denied us that right. We have been fighting with them for seven months,' she said.

'And, in the last four-and-a-half months they have not been here to check on the animals though they want to say we have H5N1 and they are worried about public health and safety.

'We are 135 kilometers away from any major city. We are not near any poultry facilities, and we have not stopped trading with our different countries.'

Catsimatidis, who also owns WABC Radio and Red Apple Media, understands the clock is ticking. He has been lobbying aggressively on the matter calling it 'a moral crisis', and explaining that 'lives are on the line'.

'The U.S. government has offered every recourse to test these birds and see if they pose any threat before theyre unnecessarily slaughtered,' he said.

'This is a death sentence for 400 innocent animals who could be saved with a simple test.'

Pasitney, who like other farmers are concerned about their future and expressed her gratitude towards Catsimatidis who brought her family's farm to the attention of Dr. Oz and RFK.

'We developed a relationship over saving animals,' she said. 'If I didn't have this strength and support and his voice I don't know if we would still be here.'

Supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis has been lobbying to save the ostriches from slaughter

The letter that Catsimatidis sent to the Prime Minister of Canada

The second page of the letter that the supermarket mogul sent. He has not heard back from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Pasitney grew up with the ostriches and said they have been part of her family for decades.

She shared that each bird has their own name and unique personality. Some bear the more traditional names such as, Frank, Betsy, Bernie, Troy, and Connor. While others bear a quirkier moniker.

'Regretta because you will regret when she pecks you,' Pastiney said. 'She has a really hard peck.'

'Then there is Q-Tip. He's got a really long neck and a really white fluffy head so he looks like a Q-Tip.'

The birds possess a distinctive long neck, long legs and a small head. They stand at at towering 9 feet high, and have two toes on each foot.

They are known to be very fast runners - they can run up to 45 miles per hour and they peck all day long, Pastiney shared.

'They peck an average of 4,000 times a day and mostly do it out of curiosity, and to also taste and to feel,' she said.

On July 15, the Federal Court of Appeal heard arguments in the case and the court will soon determine if the birds will live or die.

The wait has been agonizing for Pasitney and her family.

'We are waiting for a verdict right now. It can be any day and it has been emotional for our whole family.

'This is our livelihood these animals. They have been raised on the farm for the past 35 years.'

She added: 'We would never be able to start over.'
Record numbers of over-60s are being referred to the Government's troubled anti-terrorism scheme, the Daily Mail can reveal today.

Home Office figures show 127 adults in their 60s or beyond were put on Prevent's radar in 2023/24 - the most since records began in 2016.

Of them, 43 had sparked alarm for expressing 'extreme right wing' views.

Extreme right wing ideologies 'can be broadly characterised as cultural nationalism, white nationalism and white supremacism', officials say. Guidance published online states they also use violence to further their aims.

Yet free speech campaigners fear that anyone critical of mass immigration might be being wrongly labelled an 'extremist'.

Last month, it was revealed how Prevent training documents listed sharing the view that Western culture was 'under threat from mass migration and a lack of integration' was a 'terrorist ideology'.

And in 2023, it emerged that popular British sitcoms, including comedies Yes Minister and The Thick Of It, were marked as 'key texts' for white nationalists.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Even the 1955 epic war film The Dam Busters and The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare were flagged as possible red flags of extremism by Prevent's Research Information and Communications Unit.

Across all age groups, more than 1,300 people were referred to Prevent last year for 'extreme right wing' behaviour, including 27 kids under the age of ten.

While 'extreme right wing' referrals have been stable since records began in 2016, the reports for over 60s in all categories has more than doubled - rising from 59 in 2016, to 127 in 2023.

Over the same period, the overall number of referrals under the Islamist umbrella has plunged by 75 per cent, from 3,706 to 913 - or 13 per cent of the total.

Islamist terrorism relates to 'the threat or use of violence as a means to establish a strict interpretation of an Islamic society'.

A damning public report warned in 2023 that Prevent had been experiencing a 'loss of focus' as it had become distracted by far right cases, rather than concentrating on Islamists.

In his long-awaited 188-page report, William Shawcross claimed too many resources were being focused on right-wing terrorism rather than its Islamist equivalent, which has been responsible for far more deadly attacks.

Since 2015, the law has placed public bodies, such as schools and the police, under a legal duty to identify people in danger of turning to extremism.

But the 49million-a-year Prevent scheme has faced huge criticism over its failures in spotting Islamist terror sympathisers, including those with links to notorious hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana was also missed, despite being referred to the deradicalisation body three times before he went on to knife three children to death in July 2024.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The scheme works by local council-appointed Prevent coordinators taking referrals from public servants like teachers and social workers, with each individual of concern categorised by their ideology.

Less serious cases are dealt with by councils, who can offer services like mentoring or parenting support, while the more serious ones go to Channel, where a panel of local officials, including police, will recommend the next steps.

If Prevent officers find no risk of radicalisation while conducting initial checks, the case is immediately closed.

Potential threats from left wing organisations are also included in the annual Prevent figures, although an exact toll is not provided as counter-terror chiefs view the risk as slim.

Expressing sympathy or admiration for the likes of Adolf Hitler or praising extremists would be enough to risk being flagged to Prevent if overheard by a teacher, social worker or even work colleague.

However concerns have been raised after Prevent has also been flagging far more mainstream views.

Pictures from a Prevent online training course emerged last month which highlighted 'dangerous' beliefs such as 'Cultural nationalism' and the idea 'Western culture is under threat'.

Critics warned the definition of 'cultural nationalism' is too broad and could even encompass the likes of Sir Keir Starmer's 'island of strangers' speech - despite polling showing most Brits agreed with him.

There are three categories of 'Extreme right-wing' terrorism according to Prevent. They are 'Cultural nationalism', 'white/ethno-nationalism' and 'white supremacism'

What is Prevent? Prevent was set up in 2006 to combat the threat of Islamic terrorism in the UK following the 7/7 London bombings which killed 52 commuters. The stated aim of the voluntary programme is to divert people from potential terrorism-related activity before they offend, and it is not a criminal sanction. Since 2015, local authority staff and other professionals such as doctors, teachers and social workers have a duty to flag concerns about an individual being radicalised or drawn into a terrorism. Less serious reports may be sent to council services, which could include parenting support for families whose children have been watching inappropriate videos online. Serious reports are forwarded on to Prevent's Channel stage, at which a panel of local police, healthcare specialists and social workers meeting monthly will consider the case. Hundreds of Prevent officers also work inside police forces and local authorities to identify potential extremists, and intervene with a programme of deradicalisation. Over the years, Prevent has been reformed several times. Each year, thousands staff undergo Prevent training. Advertisement

Prevent faced a barrage of criticism last year when a 12-year-old schoolboy was investigated by counter-extremism officers after he declared there 'are only two genders'.

The child made a video, posted online, in which he also stated: 'There's no such thing as non-binary'.

But the school told the boy's mother they would refer him to Prevent amid fears he could be at risk of being radicalised by the far-right. The boy's mother was visited by Prevent and Northumbria Police officers, in a meeting she described as 'an interrogation'.

Other teenage boys face investigation by anti-terrorism officers if they make sexist remarks in the classroom, it was claimed.

One source said previously comments about a 'woman's place being in the kitchen' could be enough to spark a referral to the unit.

The personal details of those referred to Prevent are retained on its databases for at least six years and duplicated across police and intelligence systems.

It comes as counter terrorism officers urged parents to keep an eye out for signs that their child could be drawn into extremism after Netflix's Adolescence became a topic of mainstream political debate.

In April, the Met Police's Prevent co-coordinator told parents to 'take an active interest' in their child's online activities so they can be aware of signs that they could be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Adolescence examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, which is related to violence and hating women. However, the latest data shows incels make up less than one per cent of Prevent referrals.

Prevent is the first tier in the Government's anti radicalisation strategy.

After an initial discussion with police, a case can be diverted to Channel process - a voluntary programme designed to support people deemed terrorist threats.

In 2023, it emerged that popular British sitcoms - including comedies Yes Minister and The Thick Of It - were marked as 'key texts' for white nationalists and supremacists. Pictured: Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker in The Thick Of It

The leaked report was produced by civil servants within the Prevent scheme's Research Information and Communications Unit (RICU), which previously said shows like Yes Minister pointed to a possible red flags for extremism

People who accept help from Channel can get assistance through mentoring, religious guidance, education and even help with housing and hobbies in a bid to lead them away from trouble.

If people at risk of radicalisation refuse help or are at continued risk of radicalisation, they will be continually monitored by police.

In the past, Prevent has been criticised by groups who claim it discriminates against Muslims and children.

Others have claimed it lacks transparency, as people are often unaware why they have been referred or how they can challenge it.

However a study by the Counter Extremism Group, a think tank close to the government, previously found many of the attacks on the programme were misguided and relied largely on 'speculation and unproven assumptions' by 'anti-Prevent activists'.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Since it first came into existence two decades ago, the Prevent programme has dealt with a wide range of individuals where concerns have been raised about their potential radicalisation.

'The make-up of the individuals referred to Prevent may change over time, but the role of the programme in stopping people from becoming terrorists remains the same.'

The number of referrals might include individuals who have been reported more than once during the year.
An actor whose portrayal of a knife-wielding rapist in a 60 Minutes re-enactment was cut from the program after he was found guilty of domestic violence is headed back to court.

Joel Aaron Baker recently boasted on social media about his role on Nine's flagship current affairs program, which aired ten days after he was convicted and placed on a conditional release order.

The June 8 edition of 60 Minutes featured a report by Tara Brown about Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the 2007 disappearance in Portugal of British toddler Madeleine McCann.

Brown had interviewed Irishwoman Hazel Behan, who claimed she was raped by Brueckner in 2004, and the program featured a re-enactment of that alleged attack.

Baker portrayed a balaclava-clad Brueckner, dressed all in black and carrying a hunting knife, as he tormented a terrified Ms Behan.

What 60 Minutes viewers did not know was that on May 29 he had faced a magistrate at Sutherland Local Court.

On that day Baker was cleared of assaulting his wife but convicted of another domestic violence-related offence - destroying or damaging property.

The destroy or damage property charge stemmed from an incident which occurred at the former couple's marital home last year.

Nine Network removed footage from a 60 Minutes episode in which actor Joel Aaron Baker, who was recently convicted of domestic violence, portrayed a knife-wielding rapist in a re-enactment. Baker is pictured

A June edition of 60 Minutes featured a report by Tara Brown (above) about Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann

Baker was placed on a 12-month conditional release order and made the subject of a two-year apprehended violence order protecting his wife, and is prohibited from going within 50m of her home or workplace.

The 36-year-old, from Sylvania Waters in Sydney's south, has now lodged an appeal against that conviction and finding of guilt in the NSW District Court.

Baker split from his wife in October last year and is only allowed to contact her through a lawyer.

As part of his conditional release order, Baker must comply with a treatment plan and take part in a domestic violence program under the supervision of a community corrections officer.

Two months earlier, Baker had seven other domestic violence-related common assault charges dismissed after being found not guilty, also at Sutherland Local Court.

A day after the 60 Minutes episode was aired, Baker posted on Facebook and Instagram about his latest acting experience.

'A small acting job I got to do for a re-enactment on last night's episode of 60 Minutes on Channel 9,' he wrote.

'Warning: It's not a nice topic related to the Madeline McCann case, but you can see the full story on @9now.'

A day after the 60 Minutes episode was aired, Baker posted on Facebook about his latest acting experience

Baker (far left) appeared as an Australian prisoner of the Japanese in four episodes of the critically acclaimed World War II television miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Promoting himself for playing a man perpetrating violence against a woman so soon after his conviction has appalled Baker's wife's family.

'What has caused our family even more distress is Joel's immediate public sharing of the 60 Minutes segment via his social media, seemingly celebrating his appearance despite the deeply concerning nature of his personal conduct,' one relative said.

After the Daily Mail alerted Nine to Baker's criminal history a spokesman said the network had not known about Baker's criminal conviction and the June 8 episode would be edited.

'Actors sourced for re-enactments are provided through a talent agency,' he said.

'We were not made aware of these claims and we are now in the process of removing the footage from the story on online episodes.'

Baker describes himself as an actor, model, DJ and 'digital creator', but until three years ago he was the manager of a McDonald's outlet.

A post on Baker's Instagram account about his 60 Minutes appearance featured footage of his performance.

One of his followers responded to that harrowing clip with the remark, 'The old smash and dash', to which Baker replied: 'F*** heavy...and yet you wouldn't let me the other day'.

Baker appeared as an Australian prisoner of the Japanese in four episodes of the recent critically acclaimed World War II television miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

He has also been seen as one of the notorious 'River Boys' being arrested on Home and Away, as well as in NCIS: Sydney, Strife and Last King of the Cross.

Baker's appeal is listed for hearing at Downing Centre District Court on October 2.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988

The suicides of people connected to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal have only deepened the controversy, sparking a storm of speculation.

A long and troubling shadow hangs over the witnesses, accusers and others linked to Epstein, with his death in particular a key part of persistent conspiracy theories about government cover-ups and the involvement of powerful figures.

Interest surged again after a July 7 Justice Department memo ruled Epsteins death a suicide and denied the existence of an incriminating client list, reigniting outrage and debate over the so-called Epstein files.

Donald Trump has faced criticism for his administration's response to the Epstein scandal, even from his most loyal supporters. The president has tried to quell critics by distancing himself from Epstein and calling for the release of grand jury transcripts.

The mounting pressure on Trump intensified after a Wall Street Journal report alleged he wrote his former friend Epstein a salacious birthday card in 2003. Trump said the card was fake and sued the WSJ for defamation.

Heres a closer look at all the individuals linked to the Epstein scandal who have died by suicide.

Jeffrey Epstein

Jeffrey Epstein was found hanging in his New York prison cell on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death has fueled speculation that he was murdered to protect high-profile people connected to the case

Epstein's untimely death has led some conspiracy theorists to believe he was murdered to protect other high-profile individuals who were potentially complicit in his alleged crimes.

The Justice Department maintains that Epstein died by suicide, but questions still linger.

Surveillance footage from the night of his death, which officials said would provide 'full raw' coverage, was 'missing' parts of the video.

The DOJ also acknowledged multiple protocol failures, including Epstein being left unattended and guards neglecting their rounds.

Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre, the most prominent victim of Epstein, died by suicide on April 25 this year. She was 41 years old.

The American-born mother of three was found dead at her farm in Neergabby, Australia, where she had been living in recent years.

Her tragic ending came after a life of tireless advocacy on behalf of herself and other alleged victims of Epstein's sex crimes.

Giuffre was born in California in 1983 and as a grade-schooler was sexually abused by a man her family knew.

She spent time as a runaway, was shuffled through foster homes, and lived on the streets at just 14. She was first forced into sex trafficking by Miami sex trafficker Ron Eppinger.

Eventually, Giuffre got free of Eppinger and reunited with her father, Sky. When she was 16 years old, in 2000, her father, who worked in maintenance at Mar-a-Lago resort, the private club owned by Trump, got her a job as a locker room attendant.

That's when she said she met Ghislaine Maxwell, the daughter of Robert Maxwell, a former member of parliament and publisher of several British newspapers.

Virginia Giuffre (pictured), one of Epstein's most outspoken victims, died by suicide in April

Giuffre (center) said she was recruited by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell (right) while she worked at Trump's Mar-a-Lago and claimed she was sex trafficked out to Prince Andrew (left), who denied the claim

Epstein and Maxwell groomed her to serve both of them as well as other clients sexually, she said in an interview and a sworn court affidavit.

Trump claimed Epstein 'stole' Giuffre and several other young female workers from his Mar-a-Lago spa, citing the incident as the reason for their falling out.

Giuffre claimed in 2011 that she was sex trafficked to Prince Andrew on three occasions by Epstein and Maxwell, the first time when she was 17.

The Duke of York has consistently and vehemently denied her claims, as has convicted sex offender Maxwell, who Giuffre claims acted on Epstein's behalf.

Giuffre settled her lawsuit with Prince Andrew out of court in 2023 for an undisclosed amount rumored to be in the millions (he did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement). Afterward, she lived a relatively quiet life with her husband, Robert, and their three children.

In the weeks leading up to her death, she had made troubling posts on social media, detailing a spate of hospital admissions and a quad bike accident.

Mark Middleton

Mark Middleton, who served as special assistant to President Bill Clinton during his first term, admitted Epstein to the White House on seven of at least 17 visits. He died by suicide in May 2022.

At 59 years old, Middleton's body and car were found at the Heifer Ranch, which is owned by an anti-poverty nonprofit called Heifer International, in Perryville, Arkansas, an hour west of Little Rock.

Middleton also flew on Epstein's jet, nicknamed the 'Lolita Express'.

Mark Middleton served as special assistant to President Bill Clinton. He signed Jeffrey Epstein into the White House several times and died by suicide in May 2022

Clinton with Epstein in 1993 at an event for donors

Middleton left the White House in February 1995 and was accused of setting himself up as an international deal-maker.

In 1996, an investigation by the White House found that Middleton had abused his access to impress business clients. He was barred from the executive mansion without senior approval.

According to the Arkansas Times, Middleton's family said he was suffering from depression.

Jean-Luc Brunel

Jeffrey Epstein's French modeling agent friend, Jean-Luc Brunel, was found dead in his Paris prison cell in February 2022. He had been held since December 2020 on charges of raping minors.

Brunel had made several suicide attempts in prison before being found in his cell hanged with his bedsheets on February 19, 2022.

French prosecutors opened their own investigation into Brunel after allegations arose in the US and France that he had raped and procured underage girls for Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein's French modeling agent friend Jean-Luc Brunel (pictured) died by suicide in February 2022 in his Paris prison cell

French investigators began to look into Brunel after he was accused in US court documents of rape and of procuring young girls for his friend Epstein (Pictured: Maxwell, Epstein and Brunel together)

According to court documents, Virginia Giuffre said Brunel used her as a 'sex slave' and forced her to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen.

Brunel, who began his career as a model scout in the 1970s and later co-founded the MC2 agency in Miami, was briefly freed in late 2021 before being reincarcerated by a Paris court of appeal.

His lawyers said his death aged 75 was 'not guided by guilt but a profound sense of injustice', insisting Brunel denied all charges.

Thomas Bowers, 55, died at home in Malibu on November 19

Thomas Bowers

Thomas Bowers, a former Deutsche Bank executive, hanged himself at his Malibu home in November 2019 at the age of 55.

Bowers was head of Deutsche Bank's wealth management division until 2015.

Deutsche Bank's relationship with Epstein, which lasted from 2013 until 2018, was the focus of lawsuits after his death (he banked with JPMorgan from 1998 until it closed his accounts in 2013).

In 2020, Deutsche Bank agreed to pay $150 million to New York regulators to settle allegations that it overlooked suspicious transactions linked to Epstein.

'We acknowledge our error of onboarding Epstein in 2013 and the weaknesses in our processes, and have learned from our mistakes and shortcomings,' a Deutsche Bank spokesman said at the time.

The bank also reached a $75 million settlement with victims of Epstein in 2023, but did not acknowledge any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. There is no public evidence directly linking Bowers to Epsteins accounts.

As part of his role dealing with high-profile clients Bowers oversaw Rosemary Vrablic, who later became Trumps private banker.

He had three children with his wife Abigail, who died in 2017 of unknown causes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.
The darkened ward held just six patients - all young women, all fast asleep.

The air was heavy with the funk of unwashed bodies, and filled with tortured whimpers. If these women were dreaming, they were almost certainly having nightmares.

This was psychiatrist Dr William Sargant's so-called 'Sleep Room,' a sinister ward in a London hospital, where he subjected hundreds of female patients to unspeakable 'treatments.'

One under his care was a 14-year-old girl with anorexia. Years later, she would become a world-famous actress, but she would never fully recover from the 'devil' who treated her.

Another was a Vogue model and self-confessed 'wild child' addicted to sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. She arrived for her treatment from New York, on a flight paid for by Jimi Hendrix, but by the time she left, she was unable to read, or make even the most basic decisions for herself.

Others came to Sargant with postpartum depression, anxiety or, in one case, were sent to the doctor for the crime of dating a boy her parents disapproved of.

Their stories are told - many for the first time - in the bombshell new book by Jon Stock, The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him.

And some are now asking if the sick experiments he conducted on their vulnerable young minds were funded and supported by the government.

Dr William Sargant was an enthusiastic fan of lobotomies

Sargant's work was based on the firm belief that all psychiatric complaints could be cured with physical treatments such as deep sleep therapy or narcosis - and he was especially enthusiastic about lobotomies.

It was in his Sleep Room - Ward 5 of London's Royal Waterloo hospital - that he tested those theories on his powerless patients nearly 60 years ago.

He would routinely subject them to a potent cocktail of antipsychotic, sedative and antidepressant drugs - often without their own or their parents' consent.

This treatment regimen, sometimes endured for months at a time, rendered them unconscious for more than 20 hours a day.

They were woken only to be washed, fed and tortured with repeated sessions of violent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), before being drugged back to sleep.

Most found their memories obliterated and emerged with little sense of who they were or why they'd been there. Many survivors feel the mental and physical scars of their abuse to this day - and some are convinced the doctor sexually assaulted them in their sleep.

'Sargant still features in my nightmares,' actress Celia Imrie says in the book. She describes him as a 'proud, incorrigible man with his hard, dark eyes.'

'He had a face of thunder, like the devil,' she says, 'and had a horrible aura.'

Imrie - star of Calendar Girls and the Bridget Jones franchise - was sent to Sargant suffering from an eating disorder at the age of 14.

She has few memories of her time there as she was heavily medicated throughout, but is haunted by the sight of a woman in the bed next to her being treated with ECT.

'I vividly recall every sight, sound and smell,' she says. 'The huge rubber plug jammed between her teeth; the strange, almost silent cry, like a sigh of pain, she made as her tormented body shuddered and jerked; the scent of burning hair and flesh.

Celia Imrie starred alongside Colin Firth in the Bridget Jones franchise

Imrie described Sargant as a 'proud, incorrigible man with his hard, dark eyes'

'It was a terrible thing for a 14-year-old to witness.'

She also describes the ghostly presence of the sleeping patients coming and going in the ward.

'I can picture it so clearly,' she says. 'And, although I saw many female patients come back to the ward from there, I never saw anyone emerge from the place awake. You went in asleep and you came out asleep, and you were totally unconscious while inside.'

While she can't be sure she was personally treated with Sargant's 'sleep therapy,' she says, 'I must accept the very real possibility that I was.'

She recalls the insulin shock therapy, a now widely discredited and obsolete treatment that saw patients repeatedly injected with large doses of insulin to induce daily comas over several weeks. Sargant often used it, Imrie says, as 'a precursor' to his deep sleep therapy.

And there was the terrifying threat of lobotomy should other treatments be deemed unsuccessful.

'It was in the air, talked about openly on the ward... For all I know, that might have been the next treatment for me,' Imrie says.

Sargant was known to perform illegal lobotomies and referred patients for them as late as 1977, by which time the medical profession had largely abandoned the barbaric procedure.

Linda Keith, another of his patients, described herself as 'a pleasure-seeking, music-obsessed drug addict,' when her parents turned to Sargant to 'cure' her wild ways.

'What they wanted was a tame, house-trained lapdog,' she says.

The model, who counted Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and Jimi Hendrix among her loves, says that she can't remember being put to sleep in Ward 5.

Linda Keith was 'a pleasure-seeking, music-obsessed drug addict' when her parents sought out Sargant to 'cure' her wild ways

A top model, Keith dated Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones guitarist, who wrote the hit song Ruby Tuesday for her

Keith says she didn't wake up for weeks

'All I know is that I didn't wake up for six weeks,' she says, recalling a room that was 'almost in complete darkness.'

'It was eerie. Silence apart from the moan of sleeping patients, as many as eight of us crammed close together,' she continues. 'It was a twilight world and I have a tinge of fear even now as I force myself to think about it  the enormous amount of ECT that I was given.'

By the time she emerged, she says she needed help to complete the simplest of tasks, such as getting dressed or deciding what to eat.

'Most shockingly of all, I could no longer read,' she reveals. 'I recognized letters and words, but they made no sense to me.

'I wasn't happy or unhappy  I wasn't there. It was as if my brain and personality were dead.'

While visiting Sargant as an outpatient she asked him when she might read again, but he claimed not to know.

'No one had had as much ECT as me, so he had no frame of reference,' she recalls.

'I found this horrifying, but not as much as what happened next  he actually came on to me. Tried to hug me and kiss me on the mouth.'

And Keith wasn't the only one to accuse Sargant of sexual impropriety.

One former patient, referred to only as 'Freya,' was 22 when she was first admitted to his care after experiencing a psychotic breakdown. She says she was held in the Sleep Room for nine months - three of which she was in isolation.

'Sargant began by giving me drug-induced narcosis, combined with ECT and insulin coma therapy. My family wasn't allowed to visit me for the first couple of months,' she says.

'When my mum finally managed to come, she said afterwards that she'd looked at the chart at the bottom of my bed and saw that I'd received well over a hundred ECT treatments in two months  almost two a day.'

Her mother also later told her that Sargant had a habit of sending staff away for lunch and spending time with Freya alone.

'I have no recollection of any conversations with Sargant while I was in bed,' she says, 'but I do remember asking the nurses a number of times during narcosis why my genital/pelvic area was very sore and painful.

'It was only later, when I was made to go and see Sargant in Harley Street and he repeatedly attempted to take advantage of me, that I began to wonder whether those symptoms were due to abuse that he had perpetrated - and ensured I couldn't remember.'

Sargant's influence spread far beyond Britain. He was a regular lecturer in the United States, where he was a visiting professor at Duke University, and a trusted colleague of fellow physician Walter Freeman, another enthusiastic proponent of lobotomies.

It was Freeman who, assisted by Dr James Watts, performed the catastrophic prefrontal lobotomy on John F Kennedy's older sister, Rosemary, in November 1941.

The procedure left the 23-year-old Kennedy sibling with the mental capacity of a two-year-old and she remained institutionalized until her death in 2005 at age 86.

Sargant's influence spread far beyond Britain - he was a regular lecturer in the United States, where he was a visiting professor at Duke University

Rosemary Kennedy was 23 when a frontal lobotomy left her with the mental capacity of a two-year-old

Some former patients also question whether Sargant's influence in the US extended further - asking if their treatment was funded by the CIA as part of its investigation into methods of brainwashing and mind control.

In one classified report from October 1951, seen by the author, the British psychiatrist was singled out as someone who 'could be trusted by the US intelligence community to safely 'join forces' on a top-secret project to control and influence human behavior.'

That project became the infamous MKUltra which was found to have dosed people with LSD without their knowledge in an attempt to reprogram their minds.

Sargant's former patients tell Stock that MKUltra bore a striking resemblance to the treatment they endured - and allege that the Sleep Room might have been 'psychiatric experiment' funded bythe government.

Anne White, another of Sargant's patients, says, 'I was particularly shocked by the similarities between what the CIA had done to innocent members of the American public and the medical treatment that we'd been subjected to in the Sleep Room.

'Reading about MKUltra brought it all back to me: the drugs, the ECT, lying there on Ward 5 for days on end in a distressing, semi-awake state, deprived of all senses. To me the whole thing suddenly slotted together.'

Sargant died in 1988, but Keith still sometimes wonders what she'd say to him if she were to see him in again. Though, she says, it would likely be the same as what she uttered to his face years ago in a street encounter.

'He thought he was being very friendly and that I'd be thrilled to see him, but I called him a monster  to his face. I said it to the person walking past me too. 'This man is a monster.' And then I walked on.'

The Sleep Room: A Sadistic Psychiatrist and the Women Who Survived Him by Jon Stock is published by Abrams
On the night of August 2, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out successful strikes on verified Russian targets involved in supporting armed aggression against the Ukrainian state, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"The attack was a response to Russia's recent terrorist attacks on Ukrainian cities, killing and wounding civilians," the Telegram channel said on Saturday.

According to the General Staff, the attacks on the oil refining industry enterprises of the occupying country - the Ryazan and Novokuibeshivsky oil refineries - have been confirmed. Also, Ukrainian drones successfully attacked the Anna Oil Product fuel and lubricants base in Voronezh region of the Russian Federation.

"In addition, the enterprise JSC Penza Production Association Elektropribor, which specializes in the production of secure telecommunications systems, cryptographic communications equipment and printed circuit boards for military equipment, was damaged," the message reads.

As noted, numerous explosions and fires were recorded on the territory of these facilities. "More detailed information about the consequences of the attacks is being clarified," the General Staff reported.

The combat work was carried out by units of the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

In turn, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that SBU drones hit the airfield for storing shaheds in Primorsko-Akhtarsk and the Elektropribor military plant.

"This night, SBU drones continued to work on Russian military facilities in the enemy rear. The first target of long-range UAVs was the Primorsko-Akhtarsk military airfield (Krasnodar Krai). Here, the storage and launch sites of shaheds attacking Ukraine were hit. After the hit of SBU drones, a fire broke out in the area of the airfield," the SBU said on its Telegram channel on Saturday.

The second target was the Elektropribor plant (Penza), which produces equipment for digital networks in military control systems, devices for aviation, armored vehicles, ships and spacecraft. "The SBU drones successfully hit the facility, smoke is observed in the area of the explosions," the message reads.
Doctors and law enforcement are warning of a deadly surge in a so-called 'Frankenstein' opioid 40 times stronger than fentanyl that could wreak havoc across America.

Nitazenes, a class of synthetic drugs pouring in from China, are up to 2,000 times more potent than heroin, meaning that a tiny dose can kill.

Amid a global shortage in heroin, nitazenes are being mixed with that drug and others, including fentanyl and cocaine, increasing the risk of instant death for unsuspecting users.

The synthetic opioids are also readily available from unscrupulous dealers on overseas websites and social media platforms, in liquid, powder or pill form - sometimes disguised as common medications.

A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent warned: 'One nitazene pill pressed to look like any prescription drug can and will likely kill, and getting access to it is as far away as your kid's smartphone.'

A DEA agent holds a nitazene powder sample at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

Drug users, including these on the streets of San Francisco, are being warned about the so-called 'Frankenstein' opioids

Among the victims is Mateo Omeragic, a popular video game YouTuber known as 'Mega Mateo', who had 120,000 followers.

Omeragic, 22, also the co-founder of a clothing label, bought what he thought was a Xanax tablet on the street in Coventry Township, Ohio.

After having dinner with his family, he went to bed but was dead when his mother, Maria, found him in the morning.

'I immediately started screaming for my daughter and then she came in. We were trying to move him over but he was already blue,' she told 19 News.

An autopsy established that the pill had been laced with nitazene, a drug she had never heard of.

Among the victims is Mateo Omeragic, 22, a popular video game YouTuber known as 'Mega Mateo', who bought what he believed to be a Xanax tablet on the street.

After taking the pill, Omeragic went to bed - and never woke up. An autopsy found that it had been laced with nitazene

According to the DEA, there are 10 known types of nitazenes and they are all listed as Schedule I controlled substances, along with heroin and LSD.

In Omeragic's case, the specific type was called protonitazene.

The group of drugs was first synthesized in the 1950s as an alternative to morphine, blocking pain signals to the brain.

However, they were up to thousands of times more potent than morphine so were never put on the market due to the high risk of overdose.

With no practical medical application, nitazenes were nicknamed 'Frankenstein' drugs and largely forgotten about, apart from an incident in Moscow in 1998 when 10 people died.

Criminal gangs in China have revived the formula, employing chemists to make the drugs in illicit laboratories before shipping them in parcels to the US, where they were first detected in 2019.

Later, traces were discovered in waste water in Washington state and Illinois.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that Xi Jinping's China stop gangs from sending opioids to America

Trump's Attorney General Pam Bondi has been tasked with clamping down on opioids

The drugs can be ingested as pills, inhaled or injected.

According to the DEA, there have been at least 2,000 deaths linked to nitazenes across the U.S. since 2019.

But that is almost certainly an under-representation because many medical examiners do not test for nitazenes in suspected fentanyl or heroin overdoses.

Law enforcement agencies are trying to clamp down. Nitazenes have been found in more than 4,300 drug seizures in the U.S. so far.

Two weeks ago, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, Dr Debra Bogen, said nitazenes had been a contributing factor in 45 deaths in the state.

DEA agents in Houston, Texas, have reported a 'dramatic increase' there, with 15 confirmed deaths.

Anne Fundner, left, speaks as President Donald Trump holds a photo of her son, Weston Fundner, during a ceremony to sign the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, in the East Room of the White House on July 16

When people overdose, naloxone can be used as a rescue drug, as it is for fentanyl, but multiple doses are needed because of the overwhelming potency of nitazenes.

Dr Gregory McDonald, chief forensic pathologist at the Montgomery County Coroners Office, recently encountered his first nitazene-related death.

He described the opioid as a 'fairly cheap, relatively easy drug to make and very, very potent'.

It is a 'really bad combination for public health' and the current death toll appeared to be the 'tip of the iceberg'.

The nitazene surge follows the 2022 decision of the Taliban to ban poppy production in Afghanistan, the country that had supplied 90 percent of global heroin.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), production of opium subsequently fell 74 percent in 2023.

That led gangs in China to ramp up their production of nitazenes to fill the vacuum.

The agency warned: 'Nitazenes - a group of synthetic opioids which can be even more potent than fentanyl - have recently emerged in several high-income countries, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths.'

Angela Me, head of research at UNODC, said: 'The purity of heroin on the market is expected to decline. Heroin users may switch to other opioids.'

A man holds up a bag of fentanyl in the Tenderloin section of San Francisco, California

A heroin user illustrates how to draw heroin or fentanyl into a clean syringe

That shift could worsen the U.S. epidemic in opioid deaths, which had shown a reduction last year.

In 2024, there were 80,391 drug overdose deaths, compared with 110,037 in 2023, according to the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics. South Dakota and Nevada were the only states to record an increase.

Meanwhile, nitazenes have also hit Europe and Africa.

In the UK, the official number of annual nitazene-related deaths more than doubled to 333 last year.

Steve Rolles, a senior policy analyst at the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, told the Daily Mail: 'We already have the highest overdose rate in Europe. Nitazenes could make it way, way worse.

'I am scared. There's almost one person dying every day from nitazenes and most people haven't even heard of it.'

Pouches of fentanyl displayed at the Drug Enforcement Administration Northeast Regional Laboratory in New York

A recent report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime found that 48 percent of recent drug deaths in Estonia and 28 percent in Latvia were attributable to nitazenes.

'Nitazenes are potent and often deadly synthetic opioids that have spread rapidly across global retail drug markets,' the report said, adding that nitazene-associated fatalities are 'surging globally'.
Adelaide has long struggled to shake off its reputation as the 'bizarre' murder capital of Australia.

The South Australian city - known as the City of Churches - also has another, much darker name: Murderlaide - due to its connections with grisly killings, such as the Snowtown Bodies in the Barrels and the Family Murders.

Now, it appears to be developing another sinister moniker - Methelaide.

A 2017 wastewater study published in Addiction Journal found Adelaide had the highest usage in the world among the 120 cities profiled.

And things haven't improved since then.

A Daily Mail investigation in Adelaide's northern suburbs, including Elizabeth and Salisbury, has revealed a disturbing reality for residents and business owners, who said assaults, break-ins and homelessness are rife.

Elizabeth resident Kristie McRobert, 61, revealed she was in the grips of methamphetamine and heroin addiction, but is now 'off and on' methadone to combat it.

'I struggled to get off it, but I have succeeded, in the end. It's terrible to see people addicted, because I've been there and done it, and I know how hard it is to get off it.'

Elizabeth resident Kirstie McRobert has beaten her addiction to meth, but said the area is still rife with it

Kristie shows Daily Mail the 'drug den' at the Elizabeth North Shopping Centre where users would 'shoot up'

The derelict Elizabeth North Shopping Centre. A store owner who still works there said his shop had been broken into seven times

Kristie said meth can be bought 'anywhere': 'It's out of control'

Kristie said the drug is 'everywhere' and her 35-year-old homeless son is also a user.

'You can buy it anywhere. Everywhere you go, people are smoking it. Back (when I did it) a bag of it cost $40 and that lasted you six hours,' she said.

'It's out of control. I've been robbed for my mobile phone, inside my own house. (Someone who is addicted) just walked into my house... she hurt me. She pushed me to get to my phone. She told me if I called the police she would come back for me.'

Kristie showed Daily Mail a corner of the derelict Elizabeth North shopping centre that was 'blown up' in February.

The blackened ruins are still visible.

'My son was living in there. It's such a relief he wasn't inside when it happened,' she said.

'Lots of people used to shoot up in there.

'Something should be done. At least they have to help the homeless or something, because that's where it starts. We need a (government) grant or something to stop it.'

The effects of substance abuse are visible in the Adelaide suburbs of Elizabeth and Salisbury

A man in Elizabeth North opened his canned drink seconds after leaving a bottle shop

Rubbish is littered around the Elizabeth North Shopping Centre

A concerned businessman within the shopping centre, who asked not to be named, slammed police for not doing enough to combat the problem.

He said his business has suffered seven break-ins in the past five years.

One incident, which he believes was committed by juvenile wards of the state, cost him $2,500 in damages to his glass windows.

Most shops within the once-thriving complex are closed, with their windows covered in newspaper.

'You see people shooting up out the back all the time,' the businessman said.

'I've seen people passed out, vomit everywhere. I've phoned the cops, and the cops have said, "Nah he's just coming down," and left them there.'

The man said the situation has 'definitely' worsened in recent months.

'The coppers don't even worry about it. The government isn't worried about it. People like us who work hard, we get hit with taxes and all the other s***, and these people do whatever they want, take drugs, and get away with a slap on the wrist, and get back on the drugs.

A man drinks cider outside the Parabanks Shopping Centre in Salisbury

A group of people cavorted and drank alcohol outside the shopping centre for hours, despite it being a 'dry area'

The group was seen enjoying a carton of Corona beers, which sells for $69

'They don't have to look for work, they don't have to do s***. It sickens me. These people need to be reprimanded. They need to pay for what they do wrong.

'They need counselling to help them get off it, because they're a waste to society.'

A group of people - which grew from five to around 15 as the afternoon wore on - were photographed drinking bottles of beer and cider outside the Parabanks Shopping Centre, 6km away in Salisbury, for several hours.

They yelled amongst themselves and heckled shoppers exiting shops.

One man was seen handing Coronas out of a carton - which costs $69 for a case of 24 - to his mates.

Another man with a heavy chain wrapped around his torso was seen clutching a six-pack of cider, while a woman was chugging purple liquid from an unlabelled plastic bottle.

The drinkers cavorted for several hours, unchecked, despite the area being a dry zone.

This man, pushing a trolley full of possessions, emptied a Powerade bottle into the street

A woman was seen drinking from an unlabelled bottle of dark purple liquid

A recent SA Government Preventative Health wastewater analysis study revealed that while the state's methamphetamine use numbers dropped briefly after the 2017 Addiction Journal's study - which revealed Adelaide's meth use was significantly higher than notorious US city Seattle - they soared back to almost the same numbers by last year.

It found meth showed the highest amount of illicit stimulants tested, which also included cocaine and MDMA.

A South Australia Police spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Northern District police maintain strong engagement with the community, local businesses, support services, the Council, and other stakeholders to identify and address issues impacting the community.

'Police regularly patrol the major shopping centres and business districts within the Northern District, providing a highly visible presence to deter and detect offending.

'Police actively encourage the community to report incidents of crime or antisocial behaviour at the time on 131 444, or triple zero (000) in an emergency.'

ADELAIDE'S GRISLY HISTORY

Bradley Murdoch was arrested in Adelaide; Brits described it as the murder capital of the world

Crime is synonymous with Adelaide - not for the frequency, in fact it has a lower murder rate than the national average - but the horrendous nature of its documented slayings.

A British TV documentary, The Trials of Joanne Lees, branded the city the 'murder capital of the world', after Bradley Murdoch - who abducted her and killed her partner Peter Falconio - was arrested in Adelaide on an unrelated kidnap and assault charge.

BODIES IN THE BARRELS

Adelaide's northern suburbs first shot to international infamy through Snowtown's Bodies in the Barrels murders, committed by Salisbury North resident John Bunting, along with Robert Wagner and James Vlassakis between 1992 and 1999.

While murdered victims were discovered in barrels in a disused bank vault in Snowtown, north of Adelaide, some of the 12 people were actually slaughtered in Salisbury.

Clinton Tresize was beaten to death with a shovel in Bunting's Salisbury North home in 1992, and Suzanne Allen's body was found buried in the backyard of the same property in 1999, wrapped in 11 different plastic bags.

The killers sadistically tortured many victims before butchering them.

Bodies in the Barrels killer Robert Wagner pictured with police in Snowtown

Bodies were stored in barrels within a disused bank vault in the town north of Adelaide

THE FAMILY MURDERS

In the 1970s and 80s, a group of men nicknamed The Family were believed to be involved in the murder of five teenage boys, including Adelaide newsreader Rob Kelvin's son Richard in 1984.

Adelaide accountant Bevan Spencer Von Einem was convicted of Richard's murder and is serving a life sentence in Port Augusta prison.

Bevan Spencer Von Einem is convicted of murdering Robert Kelvin in 1984

THE BEAUMONT CHILDREN

The disappearance of siblings Jane, Arnna and Grant Beaumont from Adelaide's bustling Glenelg Beach on January 26, 1966, has never been solved. They have been missing for 59 years, and it's suspected they were abducted and murdered.

Their disappearance sparked an ongoing wave of 'stranger danger' fears in the state.

The Beaumonth children, Jane, Arnna and Grant, before they disappeared from Glenelg

ADELAIDE OVAL ABDUCTIONS

Thought to be possibly connected to the Beaumont children, was the disappearance of Kirste Gordon and Joanne Ratcliffe from Adelaide Oval in August 1973.

The children attended a footy match between Norwood and North Adelaide with their respective families. The two families were seated next to each other.

Ratcliffe's parents and Gordon's grandmother, who were friends, let the young girls go to the toilet together, but they did not return.

Despite several sightings of the girls in the 90 minutes after they went to the bathroom - including one witness claiming to have seen a man carrying a distressed Gordon, but dismissing it as a father with his daughter - they have not been seen since.

The case remains open, and a $1 million reward for the Ratcliffe-Gordon, along with the Beaumont children, is still on offer for anyone with information that leads to solving their disappearances.
Residents in two small Ohio cities have been left infuriated after they were told it's safe to drink tap water that smells like mold and resembles urine.

Last week, officials in Tallmadge and Akron - both about two hours outside of Columbus - told locals they are aware of the foul smelling water, but there is no need for concern.

'Though noticeable, especially in hot water, the water is safe to drink, cook with, and use for bathing and pets,' the city of Tallmadge wrote in a Facebook post on July 23.

Meanwhile, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik notified its 85,000 residents that 6,600 of them had high levels of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), a disinfection byproduct, in their water.

Despite sampling locations confirming the levels were surpassing maximum containment levels, Water Bureau Manager Scott Moegling, said Akron's 'water remains safe to drink and use as normal'.

Locals from both cities have shared their frustration with the water-related crisis, as one posted a frightening image of 'piss looking water' that came out of their tap in Akron.

'I'm not going to drink this piss looking water. I will bet local restaurants are using it!,' the angry Facebook user wrote.

Tallmadge residents shared their rage about the situation directly under the city's announcement about it as one wrote: 'It is absolutely horrible!!'

Ohio residents in Akron and Tallmadge are enraged at the disgusting water coming out of the faucets (pictured) as officials told them not to worry

Despite foul smelling and odd colored water, officials in both cities told locals drinking, bathing and using the tap water to cook is still safe. (Pictured: Stock image)

They continued to call out the town after officials said the smelly water was caused by two natural compounds, Methylisoborneol (MIB) and Geosmin.

According to the city, the compounds are 'released during algae blooms in the reservoir', but when algae dies, they 'break open' and create a 'metallic smell' after 'reacting with chlorine during treatment'.

Many were not convinced the compounds were to blame for the horrendous odor.

'And I highly doubt the chemicals they are using to remove the smell is non toxic !!!! I call shenanigans!,' said one.

Another said the odor 'smelled like your toilet', as someone else added: 'I can't drink it the smell is too nasty. It tastes terrible too.'

Other Tallmadge residents said this is not the first time people have had to live with bad water conditions.

'Happens every year!,' one commented.

Another shared: 'Yep! Been happening for the last 40 years!'

According to the city, the compounds are 'released during algae blooms in the reservoir,' when algae died, they 'break open' and create a 'metallic smell' after 'reacting with chlorine during treatment'

Akron (pictured) has a population of approximately 190,000. Three reservoirs take surface water from the Upper Cuyahoga River before being brought to Akron's water supply

People in nearby Akron spoke out directly under Mayor Malik's post where he showed maps outlining the 'affected areas' while stating the water remains 'safe.'

'There's no immediate health risk, and your water is still safe to drink - no action is needed on your part,' he wrote.

'If you live in the affected areas (pictured in the maps below), keep an eye out for a notification in your mailbox in the coming weeks.'

His message did not appear to sit well with locals as they quickly called him out for his seemingly contradicting statement.

'If theyre too high and need to be brought down how are they safe,' a user wrote.

Another commented: 'Already don't drink it, now I don't want to shower in it.'

'Water is safe to drink and after a few days they will tell us oh no should be boiling it,' said a local.

Stephanie Marsh, the director of communication for Akron, told Akron Beacon Journal the city is aware of the growing complaints.

Some Tallmadge residents said this is not the first time people have had to live with bad water conditions. (Pictured: File photo)

Tallmadge is home to a little more than 18,400 residents

'Our administration is bringing legislation to Akron City Council (July 28) to purchase additional Jacobi Carbon to supplement the treatment process which should also help with the odor/taste issues,' Marsh said.

Three reservoirs take surface water from the Upper Cuyahoga River before being brought to Akron's water supply.

Akron has a population of approximately 190,000 while Tallmadge is home to a little more than 18,400.

Moldy-smelling water can cause a slew of health conditions, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and in some cases, infections.

Yellow tap water can point toward high iron levels, sediment disturbances and corroded pipes.

Daily Mail contacted Akron Water Supply Bureau and the City of Tallmadge for further comment.
A teenage girl gang has turned a once-thriving high street into a 'warzone' - with their 14-year-old ringleader boasting she's 'untouchable' because police refuse to step in.

For at least three months, shopkeepers on Shirley High Street in Southampton have reported the feral teens for throwing knives inside shops, daubing cartoon penises on walls, blaring pornography from portable speakers and pelting eggs at stunned passers-by - all in broad daylight and often filmed for TikTok.

Despite dozens of complaints, police are accused of doing nothing - with traders claiming the girls have become so emboldened they now follow staff home, mock officers by name, and dare victims to call 999.

The gang reportedly avoids chain stores and instead targets smaller, minority-run businesses - bombarding Black and Asian shopkeepers with racist abuse, smashing up displays, looting stock and spitting at staff in full view of customers. Victims say they are regularly called 'Black c***' and 'Black stupid f***** b**ch', with some told to 'go back to your country'.

When confronted, the girls have been seen flashing staff and accusing male employees of being paedophiles - a tactic traders believe is used to humiliate victims and prevent them from filming or reporting thefts.

The ringleader, believed to be just 14, is known by name to almost every trader on the high street. Shopkeepers say she struts from store to store with a speaker in her pocket, shouting obscenities, swigging stolen vodka, and gloating that police are 'never going to show up'. The Daily Mail is aware of her identity but is not naming her for legal reasons.

One of the worst-hit traders is Muhammad Usman, who runs Phone Hub, a mobile and electronics shop. He says the gang has stolen vape kits and accessories, hurled knives inside the store, and accused him of being a paedophile when he tried to film the damage. 'Every time I hear someone shouting I flinch,' he said. 'I feel depressed. I don't feel safe at home or walking down the street. I complain to the police all the time but they say it's not an emergency.'

Video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows the ringleader giggling with her friends, threatening to 'shank' Mohammad and continuously mocking his accent.

Pictured: The 14-year-old ringleader, who claims she is untouchable attempting to smash the Subway door

Pictured: One of the thieving teenagers taking an item from Subway. The pack of girls spend every afternoon drunk attempting to steal the cookie cabinet from Subway

Pictured: The door of Subway was smashed by the unprovoked feral girl gang one night

Pictured: A teenager stealing a tray of cookies while a scared Subway worker watches on

On other occasions, footage shows girls drunkenly slurring obscenities at shop keepers, snatching cookies from behind the counter at Subway and even shattering the glass door with a singular kick.

Nnenna Okonkwo opened her independent food store on one of Southampton's busiest high streets a year ago, hoping to welcome new customers and provide products that the community would not have been able to find elsewhere.

Instead, the mob show up at Sunnyday International Foods to harass her everyday.

Nnenna explained that their vendetta against her started in May when she defended an elderly lady after her trolley was snatched by the girls.

In retaliation, the gang smashed Nnenna's windows and ensure customers are too scared to enter the store.

'I'm always anxious, worried and looking over my shoulder,' she quivered. 'My anxiety level is way off and my blood pressure is higher than normal.

'The most surprising thing is it's not boys. It's the main girl that has been harassing me and my customers.

'When I'm not in the store she asks my assistant where I am, when she spots me all hell breaks loose.

Pictured: The smashed Subway door that cost the branch 1000 to repair

Nnenna Okonkwo (pictured) opened her food store on one of Southampton's busiest high streets a year ago, hoping to welcome new customers and provide products that the community would not have been able to find elsewhere

Muhammad Usman, (pictured) who runs Phone Hub, an electronic store, said he has constant nightmares about the girls and no longer wants to work there

The disorder has got worse since the school holidays started as parents turn a blind eye while their kids saunter around town stealing, explained Nanni Sheaik (pictured) the manager of Subway

'When I ask the police for help they say they have other priorities.'

The racist group also target retailers after work - following them as they walk home and waiting at their bus stops.

The disorder has got worse since the school holidays started as parents turn a blind eye while their kids saunter around town stealing, explained Nanni Sheaik the manager of Subway.

The girls have repeatedly broken the drink dispenser and cookie cabinet, ignoring the shields that Nanni was forced to install as a precaution.

He told the Daily Mail: 'It's hard to work here, the girl is crazy. Because of her we have to lock the doors to the shop.

'They think they're playing a game but they're ruining our lives.'

Sunny Khaira, the owner of Subway added that the police are hiding behind public nuisance as an excuse. 'It's like a warzone,' he said.

The Police and Crime Commissioner from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary claims that she is planning to organise a meeting to tackle the issue.

Pictured: The feral 14-year-old swiping a cookie from behind the Subway counter

Resident Tony Weafer (pictured) believes the police don't care about protecting the community

Agather Okoye, (pictured) who works at Sunnyday International Foods said nothing can excuse the groups behaviour

Pictured: A feral teen flipping off the manager of Phone Hub. The pack of girls only target stores run by ethnic minoritie

PCC Donna Jones said: 'The experiences shared by residents and business owners, particularly those subjected to racist abuse, threats, and vandalism are deeply concerning and completely unacceptable.

'These are clearly not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of serious offending which is having a profound impact on the community. Enough is enough.

'The police must respond with urgency and clarity. If current tactics are not working, then it is time to change them.

'While it is right for the police to consider the age of those involved, that cannot be a reason to delay action when offences are committed again and again. Arrests and community orders are an option, and must be used when necessary to protect the community.'

However, resident Tony Weafer believes the police don't care about protecting the community.

He said: 'I spoke to the kids and they said the police can't touch us.'

Tony believes the responsibility for the kids' racist behaviour is down to their parents.

Meanwhile, shopkeeper Andrea Balmer thinks the police are making excuses for the ringleader because she has a hard home life while others claim the age of the group has made them 'invincible'.

Pictured: A drinks dispenser in Subway that the girl gang broke

Agather Okoye, who works at Sunnyday International Foods said nothing can excuse the groups behaviour

The Police and Crime Commissioner from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary claims that she is planning to organise a meeting to tackle the issue

Shocking footage shows one particular girl encouraging the manager of a phone shop to call the police after she stole vapes, phone cases and his tools

Agather Okoye, who works at Sunnyday International Foods said nothing can excuse the groups behaviour.

She told the Daily Mail: 'I'm always afraid of what's going to happen next, it's not an easy job.

'They call me a black b**ch.

'Because of them I'm afraid to be alone.'

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: 'Our local neighbourhood policing team has been conducting an increased number of patrols, with particular focus during peak times when groups of young people are known to gather. These patrols are aimed at engaging proactively with individuals to deter disruptive behaviour before it escalates.

'Whenever an incident is reported, our control room are looking to deploy teams to respond as soon as possible, as was done last night (July 31) when we were called and officers attended where a 14-year-old girl was arrested as part of our response.

'We are actively working with partner agencies and have been in contact with parents and guardians to address the behaviour of this small group, and its impact on the community.

'Our dedicated neighborhood officers and local bobby for Shirley, continue to maintain a strong presence on the high street. They regularly liaises with residents and business owners to ensure concerns are heard, and that updates and support are provided as part of our ongoing efforts.

'We remain committed to responding swiftly to reported incidents and encourage anyone affected to continue reporting issues to us. Community intelligence is vital in helping us take appropriate action and build a safer environment for everyone.'
The Cincinnati police chief has been accused of anti-white racism and sexism by four department veterans in an explosive lawsuit.

Chief Theresa Theetge, who is already under intense scrutiny over her handling of a mass brawl in the Ohio city last weekend, is being sued alongside the city.

Capt. Robert Wilson, and Lts. Patrick Caton, Gerald Hodges and Andrew Mitchell say in their complaint that her department disfavored and disregarded white men for top positions in the force.

The four claim in their lawsuit that the department disregarded qualifications, time spent with the department and commanders' staffing requests, when picking top brass.

'Plaintiffs, who are White males, were denied all opportunities for preferred assignments due to their race and/or sex,' the complaint states.

They claim the department and the city 'intentionally' and 'disproportionately favored non-white males and/or females'.

The suit, filed in May before the viral brawl happened, added that the City and Chief Theetge had, 'actively undertaken efforts to promote, advance and make promotion and assignment decision that are preferable to women and minorities'.

'Plaintiffs applied for, and did not receive those positions. Furthermore, as respects the preferential assignments, each of the Plaintiffs were qualified for those positions,' the filing states.

Cincinnati Police Chief Theresa Theetge, who is already under intense scrutiny over her handling of a mass brawl in the Ohio city last weekend, is being sued alongside the city in an unrelated case

Lieutenant Patrick Caton, left, and Capt. Robert Wilson, right are two of the officers suing the city and the police department over allegations they were discriminated against on the basis of sex and race

It added: 'And similarly situated persons received those preferential assignments on the basis of race and/or sex.

'Plaintiffs were treated differently than similarly situated employees of a different race and/or sex.'

The suit claims that Chief Theetge had previously used a race-base quota system to 'promote minorities and/or women to Lieutenant'.

The four are seeking all remedies under law, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, declaratory relief, injunctive relief and attorneys' fees and costs.

A representative for the city said they would not comment on ongoing litigation. The police department declined to comment.

The mass brawl last weekend showed a man and a woman, known only as Holly, being violently accosted by a group of individuals.

Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dekyra Vernon, 24, were taken into custody this week after the viral ordeal, which JD Vance waded in on.

Matthew and Merriweather were initially charged with aggravated riot and assault over the brawl.

Matthews, however, was hit with three more charges on Thursday - two felonious assault and one misdemeanor assault charge.

Five people have been charged in connection with the violent brawl that erupted in Cincinnati which has catapulted the city into the spotlight

The woman attacked, known only as Holly, is seen here with horrific injuries following the brawl

It is alleged that Merriweather was the 'catalyst' for what detectives have described as a 'coordinated attack'.

Search warrants have also been issued for two other unidentified people accused of jumping into the shocking melee.

Outside of court, two relatives of Merriweather told WLWT that the race of the victims, who are understood to be white Russians, catapulted the case to national attention.

'If it was an African American woman who got knocked out... We wouldn't have been going through all this,' one of the women said.

Another woman, believed to be Merriweather's mother Clarissa, said her son is an honor roll student with 'a biracial child' as she denied he was racist.

'He's not a racist,' she said. 'It wasn't like they're thugs... these Russians was walking down the street and on the video he said "you wanna mess with these Russians?"'

'He smacked the first guy... my child is in school, he has five kids, he's on the B honor roll in school.'

Jermaine Matthews is facing charges of aggravated riot and assault in connection with the brawl

Dekyra Vernon, 24, (left) and Montianez Merriweather, 34, (right) were also taken into custody in connection with the melee

The melee prompted an outcry from Theetge who admonished witnesses for failing to call 911.

'Nobody called the police,' she said Monday. 'Nobody got us there as quickly as we could get there. They waited until they saw it on social media.

'That is unacceptable to not call the police when you view this. Traffic was horrendous. People saw this, they were fighting in front of traffic.'
With its dirty net curtains, black plastic door and stench of stale air, Elizabeth Harper will never forget the flat in which she was held in Rotherham for ten long weeks in 2004.

Nor will she forget the steady stream of male strangers who were allowed into the fetid bedroom to systematically rape and abuse her.

Nor will she forget the fact that these men knew she was just 14, a vulnerable teenage girl made even more defenceless by the potent alcoholic drinks and drugs with which she was being plied against her will.

Worse than that, they liked it.

But what didn't cross her mind at the time  and what she didn't realise until this year, two long decades after her horrific ordeal  was the true identity of one of these men.

'I just knew him as 'PC',' she says in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail this week.

'He always came across a little bit different to the other perpetrators. He was a flash-looking guy. He would come and go on his own, never with the other men. He was giving money to the main facilitator to buy me.

'It was degrading. He literally bought me for four cigarettes and [a top-up of] my electric [meter]  and then he did whatever he wanted to me.'

Elizabeth  a pseudonym she has adopted to protect herself and her family  was victimised by hundreds of men and once labelled 'the most abused girl in Rotherham'

PC Hassan Ali was being investigated for his involvement in police abuse of grooming gang victims. He died in 2015 one week after being placed on restricted duties in relation to five complaints against him

The grooming scandal has rocked the town of Rotherham and South Yorkshire Police's reputation has been damaged

Elizabeth's haunting story formed part of the nationwide investigation into the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal, in which an estimated 1,400 children were abused by grooming gangs in the South Yorkshire town between 1997 and 2013.

Elizabeth  a pseudonym she has adopted to protect herself and her family  was victimised by hundreds of men and once labelled 'the most abused girl in Rotherham'.

Shafina Ali, the white woman who converted to Islam and lured Elizabeth to her sordid flat after meeting her at a bus stop in 2003 before pimping her out to male Pakistani friends, died in 2009 without being investigated.

But it was only in January this year, however, because of what she describes as 'distorted memories' because of post-traumatic stress disorder, that it occurred to Elizabeth what 'PC' might stand for.

The parole hearing of Asghar Bostan  who raped her when she was 15 and he 47, and was jailed for nine years in 2018  had just been adjourned. 'Going back over everything again, with all those memories coming up, something clicked,' says Elizabeth, who is now 37 and still lives in her home town.

'It suddenly occurred to me that PC must have been a police officer.'

She contacted South Yorkshire Police and attended an official interview in March, during which she gave detailed descriptions of 'PC' and what she claims he did to her.

A week later, a former police constable in his 50s  previously a member of the same police force to which Elizabeth had appealed for help  was arrested.

Sammy Woodhouse, victim of the grooming scandal turned campaigner who exposed the Rotherham cases, says she named Ali back in 2013

Within weeks, however, he had been bailed  and subsequently released without charge.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police told the Daily Mail this week that Elizabeth's claims 'form part of the current ongoing investigation which is being carried out by SYP [South Yorkshire Police] under the direction of IOPC [the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct].

'Details of the arrest were proactively released by the IOPC earlier this year. This individual was not a serving officer at the time of arrest.'

Elizabeth has never spoken publicly about this particular perpetrator before. Nor does she intend to name him (although she now knows his identity).

But this week, amid shocking reports that police officers were involved not only in covering up the Rotherham scandal but also in actively participating in child abuse and sexual assault, she feels empowered to tell her story.

For she now knows she was not the only one.

Although the involvement of police officers formed part of the landmark report by Professor Alexis Jay in 2014, and has been the subject of several news reports since, this has  for some reason  been an overlooked aspect of the Rotherham rhetoric.

Instead, attention has focused on the culpability of the British-Pakistani men whose grooming gangs preyed on innocent children and scoured the streets for victims.

But, according to a chilling report published earlier this week, this is far from the whole story.

The report, based on the testimonies of six women, accuses officers from South Yorkshire Police of raping girls, one as young as 11, as well as supplying illegal Class A drugs to grooming gangs, and physically assaulting children between 1995 and 2004.

In one shocking testimony, a witness, known as 'Emma', claims she was raped by a police officer in a squat after running away from a children's home.

Another witness claims that, as a child, she overheard a police officer having sex with a girl in exchange for drugs and money.

Though they no longer work for the force, all are alleged to have been serving policemen at the time.

Such is the gravity  and indeed depravity  of these statements, which have been collected by Switalskis Solicitors, a specialist legal firm dealing with child abuse, that three former police officers have been arrested in relation to these crimes since October.

While two have been released, one remains on bail. None has been charged.

Nor have any been named  with the exception of PC Hassan Ali, 44, who died in 2015 before he could be brought to justice.

One of Ali's victims, who goes by the name 'Willow', claims she was sexually assaulted by two police officers in the early 2000s, one of whom used to track her and her friends down in his patrol car.

'He knew where we used to hang out, he would request either oral sex or rape us in the back of the police car,' she says in her statement.

Ali, she claims, was fully aware of what was happening  and, sickeningly, wanted to join in.

'The first time, he literally said: 'You do it for the other officer. So you're gonna do it for me,'' she says.

Letting herself be abused by him, she adds, was somehow better than going back to the grooming gang which had had her in their clutches since she was just 11.

'I would rather be raped once, or give one man oral sex, than to be taken somewhere where I know it'd be 15... 20 guys one after another.'

And she was not Ali's only alleged victim.

Sammy Woodhouse, the victim of the grooming scandal turned campaigner who exposed the Rotherham cases and has since become an advocate for victims of child sexual abuse, says she named him back in 2013.

She claims he was involved in a 'no prosecution deal' with her rapist, Arshid Hussain  who was jailed for 35 years in 2016.

According to Sammy, now 40, Hussain met Ali at a petrol station in March 2000 and handed her over (after she had been reported missing by her parents) in return for protection from the police investigation.

In her powerful autobiography, Just A Child, in which she gives Ali a different name, she recounts another occasion when he came to her parents' home and asked her out on a date.

'Additionally, he accessed information from the police computer system and leaked it,' she claimed this week.

Despite Sammy and Willow's claims against him, Ali was never arrested.

He died in February 2015 after being hit by a car, in an unrelated incident, though some have queried the curious timing.

A few days earlier, he had been informed he was being placed on restricted duties in relation to five separate complaints against him. He had, apparently, denied any involvement.

Ali's name wasn't reported until December that year, when it emerged during the 2015-2017 criminal trials focusing on the ringleaders of the grooming gangs.

The central witness in the trial, known as Girl B, also named another police officer, Kenneth Dawes, whom she claimed 'used to have sex with girls'  namely, underage teenagers.

She claimed she told Dawes about assaults she was allegedly suffering when she was in and out of care homes in the early 1990s, but he did nothing  and then became involved.

'He used to come to the houses where we were,' she told the court.

'He used to take drugs from people and pass them on to Ash [Arshid Hussain].'

DC Dawes, who denied any wrongdoing, was also investigated for searching the names of defendants in the trial on the police database 'without apparent legitimate policing purposes'.

He was moved to another city, demoted and suspended from duties at the time of the trial  but his name has not resurfaced and it is not known what became of him. He was never charged.

In a statement to the Daily Mail this week, the police watchdog said it could not confirm whether any living officers, former or current, have been or are under investigation 'unless or until they are charged with an offence or are facing a gross misconduct hearing'.

An IOPC spokesperson added: 'We did investigate a report made by a third party that a former officer had a sexual relationship with 'two young vulnerable females'. These individuals were spoken to as adults and denied this took place.'

The watchdog would not confirm whether the officer in question was DC Dawes.

So what hope of justice for the victims who are so bravely speaking out about the role supposed authority figures, meant to protect them from harm, are alleged to have played in their abuse?

Hassan Ali is dead; so, too, of course is Shafina Ali, the woman who facilitated Elizabeth's abuse and could have led authorities to 'PC'. As for the police officers whose actions are being outlined by their victims some two decades on, there is yet another twist to this terrible tale.

For the current criminal investigation into their involvement is being led by a major crime unit  within South Yorkshire Police itself.

Professor Jay said this week she was 'shocked' to hear it was investigating its own former officers and that criminal enquiries should be handed to another force or independent body.

South Yorkshire Police led the very first investigation into the Rotherham scandal, Operation Central, in 2010, followed by Operation Clover, which led to the criminal trials in 2015.

Since the Jay Report in 2014, however, there have been several independent investigations into how South Yorkshire Police handled reports of abuse dating back to the late 1990s. The first, by the then-IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission), found no cases of officer misconduct, instead making recommendations to the force about recording information.

The second, Operation Linden, which ran for five years and concluded in 2022, was more damning.

It found that South Yorkshire Police had 'fundamentally failed in its duty to protect vulnerable children and young people'  and that it ignored reports of sexual abuse of children for fear of increasing racial tensions.

Ninety-one investigations were carried out, with the watchdog (which became the IOPC in 2018) upholding 43 complaints against individual officers.

Eight faced misconduct charges; six faced gross misconduct charges. But no officers lost their jobs or faced criminal charges. Operation Stovewood, the single largest inquiry into the scandal, spearheaded by the National Crime Agency, has been ongoing since 2014.

The latest investigation, which is being overseen by the IOPC, is being run by 'a dedicated team of detectives', a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said, adding that they were 'satisfied that there is no conflict of interest', and that 'none of the investigating officers had either worked with any of the former officers under investigation, or were themselves investigated as part of Operation Linden'.

The IOPC said it had chosen the force to run the investigation because of its 'specialist expertise and resources', adding that it was 'regularly under review'.

In a statement it said: 'We want victim-survivors to feel confident that all complaints will be treated extremely seriously and sensitively. We encourage any victim-survivors or any witnesses to come forward if they have not already done so.'

But this is easier said than done.

Of the 30 women who have given their harrowing personal accounts to Switalskis Solicitors, only 17 have agreed to their testimony being given to the police.

The others have withdrawn from the investigation, saying they do not trust the force  or have lost faith in the justice system entirely.

This is how Elizabeth feels.

When she was eventually rescued from the flat in which she was repeatedly raped, weighing just 5st, filthy and infested with lice, it was not by police  but by the youth charity, Risky Business.

'The police drastically failed in their duty to protect me,' she says.

'The fact that South Yorkshire Police are now apparently investigating what went on is disgusting.

'They should not be overseeing something they've already failed their victims on.

'Are they trying to suggest those police officers under investigation won't still have some friends in the force?'

She and other survivors of this heinous stain on Rotherham's history are, she claims, 'collateral damage in a system riddled with corruption and cover-ups. We are victims of one of Britain's darkest secrets.

'I have got deep psychological trauma because of what happened to me. I've got complex PTSD, anxiety, depression.

'And that's not just down to the perpetrators and the grooming gangs; that's secondary trauma because I was sidelined and ignored when I tried to speak out.

'Now I know why. When I needed them the most, nobody tried to save me.

'It's because they were there too; they were part of it all along.'
When Kristin Smart left an off-campus frat party on Memorial Day Weekend in 1996, it shouldve taken her less than 10 minutes to get back to her dorm - but the 19-year-old never made it.

The last person seen with her was Paul Flores, a fellow freshman at California Polytechnic University, who was a serial loner with a long and disturbing history of leering, stalking and groping women.

Law enforcements theory was that Flores murdered Smart during an attempted rape on the night of the party, then buried her body somewhere nearby. But a series of crucial mistakes made early in the investigation saw the case falter.

For years, Kristins trail went cold. Then, in 2022, Flores was finally charged and later convicted of her murder.

But for Kristins family, justice has only been half-served, for her body has still not been found almost 30 years on.

In the latest episode of Daily Mail's Murder Maps series, Senior Reporter Luke Kenton forensically examines Kristins case and sets out the damning trail of missed opportunities, overlooked evidence, and red flags ignored for decades.

Kristin Smart has been missing for almost 30 years. In 2022, Paul Flores was convicted of murdering her during an attempted rape but her body has never been found

In the latest episode of Murder Maps, Daily Mail Senior Reporter Luke Kenton forensically examines Kristins case and the ongoing search to find her body

From Flores shifting alibis and a black eye he couldnt explain, to cadaver dogs alerting on his mattress and suspicious activity beneath his fathers deck - the clues were there all along.

So how did it take more than two decades to bring Kristins suspected killer to justice?

And with Paul Flores now behind bars, will her family ever get the answers - and the closure - theyve waited so long for?

In this new episode, now streaming on YouTube, Kenton maps out Kristins tragic story from her birth in Germany to her puzzling disappearance that left the vibrant college town of San Luis Obispo shaken - and a family forever fractured.

He also explores the long shadow the case continues to cast today, and the unanswered questions that still hang over one of Californias most haunting unsolved mysteries.
A Texas mother with purple hair and a history of violent behavior is facing explosive new charges after allegedly arming her 13-year-old son in a foiled plot to unleash mass violence at his San Antonio middle school.

Ashley Pardo, 33, was arrested on Friday on a new charge of endangering a child with criminal negligence, just months after being accused of aiding in the commission of terrorism - the first person in Bexar County history to face such a charge.

According to court documents, Pardo purchased ammunition, tactical gear, and loaded magazines for her son, who authorities say drew chilling maps of his school marked 'suicide route,' idolized white supremacist mass shooters, and planned to carry out a massacre at Rhodes Middle School.

According to the arrest affidavit, Pardo allegedly gave her son the tactical equipment 'in exchange for babysitting his siblings'.

Among the disturbing evidence was a photo Pardo allegedly sent to the father of an 11-month-old child, showing her holding a shotgun inches from the baby's head, finger on the trigger guard, while the child reached for the barrel.

'Tell her to keep being bad,' she reportedly texted, calling the infant a 'brat.'

Now in jail, Pardo was ordered on Friday to have no contact with her children and wear an ankle monitor if released. The judge also banned her from possessing firearms or consuming alcohol. Police say she showed no remorse.

'She appeared to be dismissive and unconcerned with her son's behavior,' San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said during a news conference in May.

Ashley Pardo, 33, was arrested on Friday on a new charge of endangering a child with criminal negligence, just months after being accused of aiding in the commission of terrorism

Pardo is alleged to have armed her 13-year-old son in a foiled plot to unleash mass violence at his San Antonio middle school

San Antonio Independent School District officials discovered violent drawings in the boy's possession including maps of Rhodes Middle School labeled with deadly precision

'Her behavior is not only dangerous - it's abhorrent, especially as a parent.'

The teen, who had previously been found hitting a live bullet with a hammer and researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque massacre, told his grandmother he was 'going to be famous,' referencing Brenton Tarrant, the New Zealand white supremacist responsible for killing 51 Muslims.

Investigators say Pardo bought her son a tactical vest, helmet, camouflage clothing, and loaded magazines, one of which was inscribed with the words 'For Brenton Tarrant.'

Other items in their home were marked with white supremacist slogans and symbols, including '14 words,' 'SS,' and swastikas, according to police.

Inside their home, authorities found an improvised explosive device, disturbing handwritten notes listing the names of mass shooters and victims, and evidence of a deeply rooted fascination with violence, yet Pardo claimed she wasn't worried.

The chilling saga began months earlier, when San Antonio Independent School District officials discovered violent drawings in the boy's possession including maps of Rhodes Middle School labeled with deadly precision.

'We have to take every threat seriously,' said Rhodes Middle School Principal Felismina Martinez in a letter home to parents. 'And we will always remain vigilant to ensure our learning and working environment is safe and secure.'

In January, officials found a sketch labeled 'suicide route' next to the school's name and a drawing of a rifle.

Pardo was arrested on Friday after investigators found photos of her pointing the shotgun at the infant, which she sent to the child's father

The boy's grandmother told authorities she found a device that had the words, 'For Brenton Tarrant,' written on it. (Pictured - Tarrant sitting for his sentencing hearing on August 27, 2020)

Tarrant was a white supremacist and was convicted of killing over 50 people praying at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019

In April, the teen was caught researching the Christchurch shooting on a school-issued laptop.

That same day, he attempted suicide with a straight razor, leaving him with more than 100 stitches.

Despite such red flags, the district allowed the student to return to campus on May 8 after serving time in an alternative program. The School police said they had no choice.

'I can understand the parents' concerns,' said SAISD Police Chief Johnny Reyes. 'But again, the students still have a right to be in school unless it poses an immediate threat.'

On May 12, just four days after his return, the teen arrived on campus wearing a mask, tactical pants, and a camouflage jacket. He vanished moments later. Fearing the worst, school officials contacted police.

The teen was found off-campus and arrested. Inside the family's home and in his possession, investigators uncovered the disturbing arsenal and materials. That same day, Pardo was taken into custody.

Pardo was charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism - a new charge established in Texas in 2023.

McManus said the family's behavior, coupled with what was found inside their home, forced authorities to act fast.

'There were some very disturbing things found inside that house,' he said. 'That kind of was an indication to us that we needed to move very quickly.'

Ashley Pardo, 33, was arrested and charged in May with aiding in the commission of terrorism for allegedly purchasing ammunition and gear for her son, knowing his pattern of violent behavior

On Friday, the magistrate judge handed Pardo a $45,000 bond for the new charge, and she was ordered to have no contact with her children

Court documents the 13-year-old expressed a desire to carry out 'acts of mass violence' at Rhodes Middle School

The FBI joined the investigation, and Child Protective Services had already been involved with the family for months reports KSAT.

A timeline of missed chances and escalating threats emerged:

June 2023: The boy was caught on surveillance setting fire to dumpsters near his apartment complex.

October 2024: CPS flagged the family for behavior that could indicate future violence.

January 2025: The teen drew maps of his school, labeling 'suicide route.'

April: He was suspended after researching mass shootings; attempted suicide the same day.

May 11: A family member found an IED, tactical gear, and bullets - then alerted police.

Pardo, who was partially on house arrest after initially bonding out in May, claimed the restrictions were 'too much.' A judge eventually allowed her to pursue employment under supervision.

The grandmother, who has since been denied custody of the teen, testified that she found 'loaded magazines, an explosive device, and notes referencing Brenton Tarrant.'

She told police she believed the boy was manipulated and abused by Pardo and that he posed no danger under her care.

The judge disagreed and the teen remains in custody, facing a felony weapons charge, with more charges expected. His next hearing is set for next Thursday.

Pardo's future is equally uncertain. Her bond for the child endangerment charge was set at $45,000.

If released, she will remain under electronic monitoring and barred from any contact with her children.
Former Dragons' Den star Julie Meyer has been stripped of her MBE three years after she was scolded by a British judge for being 'selfish' after refusing to turn up to court or pay her lawyers, it has been revealed.

The venture capitalist, 58, was handed a six-month suspended sentence for contempt of court after she repeatedly failed to submit documents and attend hearings relating to 200,000 in unpaid fees to her solicitors, Farrer & Co.

Meyer was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her services to entrepreneurship and was invited to sit on two government advisory panels that year.

Yet last night it emerged she has forfeited the award for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute'.

Her name appears alongside 11 others on a newly-updated list published by the Cabinet Office of individuals stripped of their prestigious gongs since August 2023.

At least six of these - all men - were stripped after being convicted of child sex offences, while the others were found guilty of misconduct or acting inappropriately.

They include nuclear submarine captain Commander Iain Fergusson who was handed an OBE despite being the subject of a major sex abuse and bullying probe, and former senior Army officer Andrew Whiddett, who was convicted of asking mothers in the Philippines to sexually abuse their children in front of him on a webcam.

Meyer is also one of only two women on the infamous list in recent years - the other being former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, who forfeited a CBE for her handling of the Horizon IT scandal.

She now joins a roll of shamed individuals that more recently include Grime star Wiley, who made anti-Semitic remarks and likened Jews to the Ku Klux Klan, paralympian Anthony Griffin, who was jailed for dealing heroin and PR guru Anthony Bailey, who was found in contempt for breaching a divorce agreement.

Despite her being stripped of the title, she is still styling herself as having an MBE on her multiple websites and LinkedIn.

Under fire: Former Dragons' Den star Julie Meyer has been stripped of her MBE three years after being scolded by a British judge over her refusal to pay her lawyers, it has been revealed

Meyer was awarded an honorary MBE in 2012 for her services to entrepreneurship, but last night it emerged she has forfeited the award for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute'

Meyer joins former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, who forfeited her CBE for her handling of the Horizon IT scandal, on the infamous list of forfeited individuals

The American-born businesswoman was hailed as one of two new Dragons chosen for an online version of the BBC Two show in 2009 and she formerly advised David Cameron's government.

Meyer was lauded for her business instinct and supported major internet and tech brands early on in their development, including lastminute.com and Skype.

But her name hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2022 when she became embroiled in a legal fight with Farrers, the law firm engaged by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

When she failed to turn up to a court hearing on Valentine's Day that year, the judge dramatically issued a warrant for her arrest.

Controversially, the entrepreneur said she had been unable to travel from her home in Switzerland due to conjunctivitis and not having received a Covid vaccine.

But it was ruled her medical evidence was not grounds to avoid attending the court hearings in person.

She was said to owe almost 200,000 to Farrers, which represented her in a court case in Malta.

The High Court heard she failed to pay Farrer partner Julian Pike 197,000, claiming the firm had provided a poor standard of service, which had been worth about 50,000.

Disgraced former senior Army officer Andrew Whiddett, 76, of Portsmouth, lost his MBE after he was jailed in 2019 for asking mothers in the Philippines to sexually abuse their children in front of him on a webcam

Former choirmaster and teacher David Pickthall was stripped of his MBE after he pleaded guilty last October to a series of child sexual offences spanning 40 years

Priest Timothy Biles, 89, of Sherborne, Dorset, was stripped of his MBE after being found guilty of sexually assaulting boys in the 1960s

When Meyer was handed a six-month suspended sentence, Mr Justice Kerr said she had shown herself 'to be a selfish and untrustworthy person'.

The judge said: 'I am satisfied there is every prospect that the defendant will continue to flout orders of the court unless coerced into obeying them.'

He added that some of the evidence filed on Meyer's behalf sought to show her as 'too important for the courts of England and Wales to take precedent over her other interests'.

In her defence, Meyer said the law firm had 'abused their privileged position as the Queen's lawyers' and claimed they had 'harassed' her and her firm.

She lost an appeal to overturn the suspended prison sentence later that year.

On her website, she claims to have secured 880million in capital investment and boasts of her 'royal recognition'  her MBE.

The American moved to London in July 1998 and made millions from the $50million sale of her firm First Tuesday, a networking group for entrepreneurs and investors, in July 2000.

In her Dragons' Den biography, she was described as a World Economic Forum Global Leader for Tomorrow, an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and a regular speaker on entrepreneurship and leadership.

The Daily Mail has contacted Meyer for comment.

Despite her being stripped of the title, she is still styling herself as having an MBE on her multiple websites and LinkedIn

The other new individuals revealed as having forfeited their honours include child sex abuser Wayne O'Donnell, 66, from North Yorkshire, who was jailed for 18 years for raping and sexually abusing two young girls. His MBE, awarded in 1994, has now been taken away from him.

Priest Timothy Biles, 89, of Sherborne, Dorset, was stripped of his MBE after being found guilty of sexually assaulting boys in the 1960s at St Francis School in Hooke, leading to him being handed a six-year jail sentence last December.

Disgraced former senior Army officer Andrew Whiddett, 76, of Portsmouth, was jailed in 2019 for asking mothers in the Philippines to sexually abuse their children in front of him on a webcam.

World-renowned classical music conductor Jan Latham-Koenig, 71, lost his OBE after admitting arranging sex acts with someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy

Christian youth festival founder Mike Pilavachi, 67, forfeited his MBE after allegations that he wrestled with young men and gave them 'oil massages' while they were in their underwear

Whiddett had served in the forces with distinction for 30 years and 'dedicated his life to the country' before moving into security in the Middle East - including working at the British Embassy in Baghdad. He has now forfeited the MBE he was handed in 1988.

Former choirmaster and teacher David Pickthall pleaded guilty last October to a series of child sexual offences spanning his career of more than 40 years.

Essex Police said he was charged as part of an investigation into alleged offences against 19 people between 1980 and 2021 in Brentwood and Upminster.

The former teacher has been stripped of his MBE awarded in 2015 for services to education and charity.

Commander Iain Fergusson, the former captain of HMS Vigilant, faced a barrage of bullying and sex abuse complaints brought by whistleblower Sophie Brooke last year.

He was cleared of alleged sexual assault by putting his penis in Lt Brook's pocket, but other claims were substantiated, including that he licked her ear, blew on her neck and punched her in the kidneys during periscope training.

Cdr Fergusson has now had to hand back the OBE he controversially received while the claims were being probed in 2024.

Christian youth festival founder Mike Pilavachi, 67, who established Soul Survivor Anglican Church in 1995, stepped down from the ministry after allegations surfaced two years ago that he wrestled with young men and gave them 'oil massages' while they were in their underwear.

Maths teacher Dr Richard Evans lost his OBE he received for fundraising during Covid after he was found guilty of misconduct at Copland Community School in Wembley

Commander Iain Fergusson, the former captain of HMS Vigilant, lost his OBE and faced a barrage of bullying and sex abuse claims brought by whistleblower Sophie Brooke

He has now forfeited the MBE he was given in 2020.

World-renowned classical music conductor Jan Latham-Koenig, 71, was caught in a police sting at London Victoria train station last January after arranging to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old boy he had met on a dating site.

But the boy was an undercover police officer posing as a child.

He was given a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and has now forfeited the OBE he received in 2020 for services to music and UK-Russian cultural relations.

Maths teacher Dr Richard Evans was also forced to hand back the OBE he received for fundraising during Covid after he was found guilty of misconduct.

Wayne O'Donnell (left) lost his MBE after he was jailed for raping and sexually abusing two girls, while former Salford priest Peter Conniffe (right) lost his MBE after he was found to have sexually abused a 15-year-old girl during the late 1970s

Harry Legg, a former Acting Sheriff and Justice of the Peace for St Helena, pleaded guilty to the historical sexual assault of young boys - resulting in the loss of his OBE

The former deputy of Copland Community School in Wembley, west London, was one of four staff members and two governors accused of defrauding the school to the tune of 2.7million in bonuses.

Evans was found to have received unauthorised and excessive bonuses totalling 180,000.

Former Salford priest Peter Conniffe was stripped of his MBE for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute' after an investigation found he groomed and sexually abused a 15-year-old girl during the late 1970s, before raping her when she was 24.

In 2019 he wrote a letter of apology to the woman, which was made public.

Harry Legg, a former Acting Sheriff and Justice of the Peace for St Helena, was jailed for five-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to the historical sexual assault of young boys - resulting in the loss of his OBE.

Sean Cox was stripped of the MBE he received in 1999 after receiving a criminal conviction.
Two adults were killed and three people injured after a vehicle slammed into them at a race in Ecuador.

The tragic incident unfolded after dozens of spectators gathered along a narrow, two-lane road to celebrate the annual 'Return to Ecuador' race in Ambato, a city in the central province of Tungurahua, on Wednesday afternoon.

Those who died were identified as Santiago Ortiz, 52, and Daniela Espin, 21.

Ortiz's son was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery to have both his legs amputated.

Footage filmed by one of the spectators showed the vehicle traveling at a high speed and just missed hitting two men who were recording it as it veered off the paved road.

A second video showed the race car sliding down the road and mowing down a group of fans before barreling into a parked vehicle. The car then flipped in the air.

The impact of the accident sent several spectators running from the parked vehicle, including one man who fell to the ground but immediately got back up as one of the tires just missed rolling over his body.

Race car is seen veering towards crowd in heart-stopping video

Daniela Espin, a 21-year-old model and dancer, was one of the two people who were killed after a car lost control and mowed down a group of spectators at rally race in Ambato, Ecuador on Wednesday. Espin's twin sister was among three people who were injured

Santiago Ortiz died from injuries he sustained after he was hit by a race car at the 'Return to Ecuador' rally on Wednesday. His 13-year-old was injured and had both of his legs amputated

Online news outlet Infobae reported that the race car was just 982 feet away from crossing the finish line.

El Comercio newspaper reported that the driver, Mauricio Herdoiza, and his passenger, Jose Sevilla, were not injured.

Ecuadorian newspaper Extra reported that Ortiz and his son had been supporting a family member who was in the race.

Espin, a model and dancer, joined two of her sisters to watch her first race, her mother Margarita Espin told the newspaper.

Daniela's twin sister was also injured the accident and has since been discharged from hospital

'They went out together and only one returned,' Margarita heartbreakingly said.

One of Espin's aunts told Extra that the family learned of the accident through social media and became more concerned after she failed to respond to their messages.

Ambato Mayor Luis Constante told the local media that a permit had been issued for the yearly race that's part of the city's tradition and that a capacity of 200 people were allowed to attend.

Spectators run for their lives as the car veers into the crowd

Smoke fills the air as people try to escape from the scene of the deadly crash

Pictured: Rally race vehicle involved in the accident that left two people dead and three injured in Ambato, Ecuador on Wednesday

The race car is seen veering in the crowd above

'There were ambulances, paramedics, everything required by law,' Constante said.

The Tungurahua Attorney General's Office is investigating the accident.
China's vice premier urges resettlement, disaster relief support in Hebei

Xinhua) 13:32, August 02, 2025

SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese vice premier Zhang Guoqing arrived in Xinglong County of north China's Hebei Province on Friday to visit disaster-hit residents and guide relief and recovery efforts.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited the hardest-hit villages, temporary shelters, and a hospital, entrusted with the task by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee.

He stressed the need for disaster-affected areas to make full use of specialized teams and equipment, and to continue all-out efforts to search for missing persons.

With more rainfall expected, he called for strengthened monitoring and early warning systems to guard against secondary disasters such as landslides, collapses, and mudslides.

He called on relevant departments to promptly allocate relief supplies, release emergency funds, and expedite insurance advance payments and claims.

Zhang also urged enhanced coordination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in flood prevention and disaster mitigation, and special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities to ensure their timely and safe evacuation.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
US President Donald Trump still has leverage to find a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine as tough sanctions against Russia and countries that do business with it will come into force next week unless Vladimir Putin agrees to a ceasefire, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.

The bottom line is, Putin needs to sell his oil  He's selling it to China. He's selling it to India. He's selling to Brazil. And those countries are now going to be subject to some pretty significant impact for them doing business with Russia, and Russia is not going to have any friends. They're not going to have any trading partners. And their ability to fund this war will end, he said in an interview with Newsmax.

Whitaker said a ceasefire could only be achieved through diplomacy and negotiations. Both sides are going to have to get a deal that is most likely not exactly their perfect scenario, but at the same time, the killing needs to end," he noted.

Whitaker said he is not concerned that tough sanctions on Russia and countries that do business with it, such as China, will bring the two U.S. adversaries closer together.

"We hold all the cards as the United States of America," Whitaker said. "And most importantly, Donald Trump holds all the cards. This isn't the last option that he has. If China and Russia want to join the world that follows the rules, does not invade other countries, does not kill and wreak havoc, then they're more than welcome to.

At the same time, according to the US Ambassador to NATO, Trump has other options available to him besides sanctions: President Trump again is going to, as he announced, implement these secondary sanctions on Aug. 8 if we don't have a ceasefire, but it's not what he's limited to. President Trump continues to have options available to him, and he'll use those if he deems necessary."
It was the fall semester of 2022 when Mr. McGann began working as a fourth-grade teacher at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, Texas.

In less than a year, he had resigned, following complaints from parents which sparked an internal investigation.

For the next couple of years, he bounced around schools and states - with brief stints at two districts in Oklahoma each only lasting a school year.

The 2025 fall semester was set to be no different. He moved to Arkansas and was soon to begin a job teaching fifth grade.

That all changed when the man students and parents knew as Mr. McGann was arrested for the murders of a couple in front of their two young daughters.

Andrew James McGann, 28, is accused of stabbing Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, to death on a hiking trail at Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas.

The couple were hiking with their daughters, aged seven and nine, on Saturday afternoon when the alleged random, broad daylight attack unfolded.

Cristen rushed the children toward the familys car and to safety, before the attacker claimed both parents' lives.

Elementary school teacher Andrew McGann seen in mugshot following his arrest for murder

Extraordinary CCTV has emerged showing the moment McGann was arrested while getting a haircut

For parents whose children were students of McGanns, the grisly crime hits close to home.

But, for some, it also raises chilling questions about the elementary school teachers allegedly creepy behavior toward young girls in his care.

Lindsay Polyaks son attended Donald Elementary in Texas when McGann began his first qualified teaching job there.

She told the Daily Mail her son began coming home from school and telling her how McGann was treating girls in his class differently to the boys.

My son would come home and tell me Mr. McGann was running around playing tag and Truth or Dare with the girls during recess, she said.

At first, she said it seemed a bit off and a little weird but wasnt too alarming.

But as the school year went on, she said her sons stories about the teachers behavior increasingly raised red flags.

It kept going through the school year, and my son started telling me that Mr. McGann would bring candy to school, but he was only rewarding the girls, showing favoritism toward them, not the boys, she said.

Polyak said her son told her it then escalated to McGann hosting special lunches for some of the girls in his fourth-grade class, aged nine or 10.

Cristen Brink, 41, and Clinton Brink, 43, were stabbed to death Saturday afternoon along a trail at Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas

Police tape cordons off the crime scene where the couple was murdered last weekend

Polyak said other parents then began telling her McGann was allegedly tickling their daughters or making bizarre comments.

It was early May and other parents of girls started telling me that, for example, their daughter sat in his lap in the classroom. He was tickling girls, she said.

According to other parents, He was telling one of them she was beautiful, and he wished he could marry her. It was just really inappropriate.

Fellow parent Sierra Marcum echoed these concerns, telling NBCDFW her son used to say McGann was paying special attention to some girls in the class and kept them back during recess for one-on-ones.

Polyak told the Daily Mail several girls parents made complaints about McGanns behavior to the school and he was placed on administrative leave.

In a statement following McGanns arrest, Lewisville Independent School District confirmed he was placed on administrative leave in spring 2023 following concerns related to classroom management, professional judgment, and student favoritism.

An internal investigation was conducted which found no evidence of inappropriate behavior with students but did find his classroom management and professional judgment to be below ISDs expectations, the district said.

McGann resigned from his position in May 2023, before the end of the school year.

He then moved to Oklahoma and began a new role teaching fifth grade at Spring Creek Elementary with Broken Arrow Public Schools. The district said he was employed there for the 2023 to 2024 school year then left of his own accord.

Investigators previously released this image of a person of interest in the case

After that, he worked as a fifth-grade teacher for Sand Springs Public Schools in Oklahoma from summer 2024 through to May 2025 when he resigned to move out of state', the district confirmed in a statement.

McGann was due to take up a position with Springdale Public Schools in Arkansas this fall, Superintendent Jared Cleveland said in a statement following his arrest.

Cleveland said McGann had not yet begun working for the district and had not had any contact with students or families.

Each of the districts said McGann had passed the necessary background checks to work in their schools.

It is not clear if there were any other reports of alarming or inappropriate behavior from students or parents after he left Donald Elementary.

Polyak said she now wonders if Donald Elementary and ISD took the complaints seriously enough - and questions if the information was passed onto other authorities such as Child Protective Services.

My questions are: Was he thoroughly investigated? What information did they find? Should they have terminated him? Why was he allowed to move on to other school districts? Did he have similar grooming behaviors in the schools he taught at in Oklahoma? Did his behaviors escalate prior to the murders? she asked.

District Judge Terra Stephenson ordered his bond to be revoked at the minutes-long hearing

A composite sketch released by Arkansas State Police prior to Gunn's arrest

Polyak said she was rattled when another parent texted her a link to a story this week and she opened it to see McGanns mugshot. Its just shocking, she said.

For her son, who is now 13, its concerning to know he was around someone every day who is now accused of being a killer.

He's very confused and distraught about the whole thing, Polyak said.

Polyak said her family is now thinking about the Brinks children who have been left orphans through the shocking crime. As well as their daughters, aged seven and nine, who were on the trail that day, the couple also leave behind a third daughter.

We feel awful for them and we wish them well and we hope that they're able to recover from this, she said.

It is unclear what the suspects intentions and motive were that day.

There is no known connection between the suspect and the victims.

The Brinks daughters who witnessed the attack on their mom and dad are around the same age as the children who were in the care of McGann inside classrooms.

Both the Brinks family and police have praised the parents actions, saying they died heroes protecting their little girls.

Investigators have found no connection between Clinton and Cristen Brink and their alleged killer

McGann repeatedly insisted he didn't want his hair shortened at the front, noting he wanted it to continue to cover his eyes. He was captured on CCTV being arrested in the hair salon

Surveillance video showed McGann was arrested Wednesday while getting a haircut at a salon in Springdale.

Police said he confessed to the murders after being presented with DNA evidence tying him to the scene.

He appeared in court in Washington County Detention Center for the first time Friday where he was charged with two counts of capital murder.

District Judge Terra Stephenson revoked his bond and ordered him to return to court for his arraignment on August 25.

If convicted, McGann faces the death penalty.
A Texas cop has been fired after he reportedly told his co-workers they were 'diversity hires' and mocked an officer for having undergone a C-section birth.

Officer Emilio De La Rosa was given an indefinite suspension on June 23 after making crass comments to his colleagues and undermining his superior officer during a single shift.

In February, De La Rosa was reportedly overheard saying, 'two C-sections but never gave birth'.

A female officer said the comment was 'very personal' because De La Rosa insinuated that 'birth only counts when it is a natural delivery,' records obtained by KSAT stated.

During the same shift, another female co-worker, who had got on her knees to get a laptop charger, was reportedly told by De La Rosa that she no longer needed to get on her knees because she had already been selected for the DWI unit, the outlet reported.

The female officer then reported the remark to internal affairs as sexual harassment, records stated.

'Considering I had only one month on the DWI unit, I took that as sexually harassing comment about my selection to the unit,' the officer said, records stated.

'I felt very embarrassed and ashamed to be around other probationary officers and to have been in a disadvantaged position when he made the comment.'

Officer Emilio De La Rosa was given an indefinite suspension on June 23 after making crass comments to his colleagues and undermining his superior officer during a single shift

De La Rosa was then heard saying, on the same shift, that 'too many' women and Black officers were going to be assigned to the DWI unit as 'diversity hires'.

The comment was reported by a second female officer to internal affairs.

The officer was also questioned by a sergeant about an arrest made earlier in the shift, and De La Rosa later told a fellow officer that the sergeant didn't know what he was talking about, the outlet reported.

His comment was construed to 'undermine the knowledge of his supervisor' and showed De La Rosa 'failed to exhibit respect for his supervisory officer', records stated.

'Officer De La Rosa's actions render his continuance in office detrimental to effective law enforcement and the needs of the San Antonio Police Department,' the City of San Antonio Human Resources Department wrote.

'The law and sound community expectations recognize that there is good cause for depriving Officer De La Rosa of his position.'

De La Rosa reportedly worked with the San Antonio Police Department since 2016, according to KSAT.
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin posted a lengthy explanation for why she missed a vote on bills that would block arms sales to Israel to appear on Stephen Colbert's canceled CBS talk show instead.

Slotkin, a former CIA agent and considered a rising star in the Democrat Party, raised eyebrows when she posted a photo from backstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York to promote her appearance, writing: 'Tune in tonight!!'

After missing the vote on the bill - which was rejected but saw a surprising majority of Democrats voting in favor - Slotkin attempted to explain herself in a 679-word long post to X.

She claimed that she 'unfortunately missed' the vote but then offered that she would have joined 27 other Democrats in voting for the bill, pushed by socialist independent Bernie Sanders.

'I owe it to my state to make clear where I stand: Had I made it back for the vote yesterday, I would have voted yes to block offensive weapons to Israel based on my concerns over lack of food and medicine getting to civilians in Gaza,' she wrote.

Slotkin, who is Jewish, added that she is a 'strong supporter of the Jewish State of Israel' but that she hears 'calls from Michiganders who have friends and family trying to survive in Gaza'.

Michigan notably was a hotbed for the 'Uncommitted' movement, which refused to vote for Joe Biden and later Kamala Harris over the Democrats' support of Israel.

At no point did Slotkin apologize for her absence, instead saying the proposal was ineffective.

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin (pictured left) posted a lengthy explanation for why she missed a vote on bills that would block arms sales to Israel to appear on Stephen Colbert's (pictured right) canceled CBS talk show instead

After missing the vote on the bill to stop giving Prime Minister Netanyahu (pictured) more U.S. arms - which was rejected but saw a surprising majority of Democrats voting in favor - Slotkin attempted to explain herself in a 679-word long post to X

'In general, I think these Disapproval votes are a bad way to do foreign policy. The Executive Branch, whether run by Democrats or now Republicans, has the responsibility to set U.S. foreign policy, and to lead negotiations with both allies and adversaries.'

She finished writing: 'No one leader should so significantly threaten the long-term security of the state of Israel. I urge the Trump Administration and the Israeli Prime Minister to get aid in as soon as possible and save lives.'

People of all political stars and stripes seemed baffled by the lengthy post, asking Slotkin to simply do her job.

'You skipped doing your job in order to appear on the Colbert show. Shame on you,' wrote one.

Former Ohio State Senator Nina Turner added: 'You don't need to explain being against sending offensive weapons to Israel. This is what your constituents want. No essay needed.'

AIPAC Tracker, an account that publishes money given to American politicians by the pro-Israel lobby, wrote: 'The essay is not necessary, Senator. The people simply want you to stand against genocide. Your obfuscation is telling.'

The Senate rejected the effort Wednesday from Sanders to block the sale of U.S. bombs and firearms to Israel, though the vote showed a growing number of Democrats opposed to the arms sales amid widespread hunger and suffering in Gaza

Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has repeatedly tried to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel over the last year.

Slotkin, a former CIA agent and considered a rising star in the Democrat Party, raised eyebrows when she posted a photo from backstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York to promote her appearance, writing: 'Tune in tonight!!'

The resolutions before the Senate on Tuesday would have stopped the sale of $675 million in bombs as well as shipments of 20,000 automatic assault rifles to Israel.

They again failed to gain passage, but 27 Democrats - more than half the caucus - voted for the resolution that applied to assault rifles, and 24 voted for the resolution that applied to bomb sales.

It was more than any of Sanders' previous efforts, which at a high mark in November last year gained 18 votes from Democrats.

The vote tally showed how the images of starvation emerging from Gaza are creating a growing schism in what has traditionally been overwhelming support for Israel from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

Sanders said Democrats are responding to 'a significant majority of the American people who are tired of spending billions and billions of dollars on an Israeli government which is currently starving children to death.'

As the war approaches its second year, the leading international authority on food crises said this week that a 'worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip.'

International pressure, including from President Donald Trump, has led Israel to announce measures , including daily humanitarian pauses in fighting in parts of Gaza and airdrops.

But the U.N. and Palestinians on the ground say little has changed, and desperate crowds continue to overwhelm delivery trucks.

The Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, argued that Hamas was to blame both for the conflict and the current situation in Gaza. All Republican senators voted against Sanders' resolutions.

'They use the people of Gaza as human shields, and they steal the food that the people of Gaza need,' Risch said.

'It is in the interest of America and the world to see this terrorist group destroyed.'

Known as joint resolutions of disapproval, the measures would have had to pass both houses of Congress and withstand any presidential veto to become binding.

Congress has never succeeded in blocking arms sales with the joint resolutions.

Democratic senators spent an hour on Wednesday evening with a series of floor speeches calling attention to the children who have starved to death in Gaza.

They are also calling on the Trump Administration to recalibrate its approach to the conflict, including a large-scale expansion of aid into Gaza channeled through organizations experienced working in the area.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement following the vote that the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'have a responsibility to urgently' surge food and other aid into Gaza. Still, he voted against the resolution.

'I have also long held that security assistance to Israel is not about any one government but about our support for the Israeli people,' said Schumer, a New York Democrat.

Other senior Democrats were breaking from that standard.

Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat who voted against similar resolutions from Sanders in the past, voted in support of the legislation this time.

'As a longtime friend and supporter of Israel, I am voting yes to send a message: the Netanyahu government cannot continue with this strategy,' she said in a statement.

Another Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, said it was still 'painful' to support the resolution.

'For many of us who have devoted our congressional careers to supporting Israel, standing by them through difficult times, it is impossible to really explain or defend what is going on today,' Durbin said.

'Gaza is starving and dying because of the policies of Bibi Netanyahu.'
Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine will not help the hostages still held in Gaza and is likely to leave them 'rotting in Hamas dungeons', relatives said last night.

British families say they were told that the release of those still in the hands of the group would 'play no part' in the UK's plans to recognise statehood.

They urged the Prime Minister to change course.

Sir Keir announced earlier this week that the UK would take the step of recognising Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September unless Israel meets certain conditions.

Members of four British families met with Foreign Office officials on Thursday night seeking clarification on whether conditions would also be placed on Hamas, their lawyers said in a statement.

'However, it was clear from the meeting that the British Government's policy will not help the hostages, and could even hurt them,' they said.

'We do not say this lightly, but it was made obvious to us at the meeting that although the conditions for recognising a Palestinian state would be assessed 'in the round' in late September, in deciding whether to go ahead with recognition, the release or otherwise of the hostages would play no part in those considerations.

'In other words, the 'vision for peace' which the UK is pursuing... may well involve our clients' family members continuing to rot in Hamas dungeons.'

Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine will not help the hostages still held in Gaza and is likely to leave them 'rotting in Hamas dungeons', relatives said last night

Pictured: Palestinians carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel on Wednesday

Sir Keir said that he 'particularly' listens to hostages after criticism of his plans from Emily Damari (pictured), a British-Israeli woman who was held captive by Hamas

Sir Keir had said the UK would only refrain from recognising Palestine if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term peace process.

While he also called for Hamas to immediately release all remaining Israeli hostages, disarm and 'accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza', he did not explicitly say these would factor into whether recognition would go ahead.

The families have a range of views on what the future political settlement should look like but their priority is to keep the hostages 'above political games', their lawyers said, as they urged the PM to 'change course before it is too late'.

Sir Keir said that he 'particularly' listens to hostages after criticism of his plans from Emily Damari, a British-Israeli woman who was held captive by Hamas. The families of Ms Damari and freed hostage Eli Sharabi were among those who met with the Foreign Office.

Also present were relatives of Nadav Popplewell and Oded Lifshitz, who both died while in captivity, as well as those of Yocheved Lifschitz, who was released.

US President Donald Trump disagrees with Sir Keir's plans, as well as those of France and Canada. The two countries have also pledged to recognise Palestine.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: '[Mr Trump] feels as though that's rewarding Hamas at a time where Hamas is the true impediment to a ceasefire and the release of all of the hostages.'

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, suggested Sir Keir's 'clumsy' pledge 'has reduced the chances of a ceasefire'.

Meanwhile pro-Palestinian groups are planning a 'siege' on Labour MPs, councillors and staff in a bid to force the party into an even tougher stance against Israel. The Palestinian Youth Movement has sent instructions to 'solidarity groups' across the UK to take part in a national day of action against the party.
Baby P's monster mother could pose a high risk if she were freed and allowed near children, experts fear.

Tracey Connelly's toddler son died at home in Tottenham, north London, on August 3, 2007, and she pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child in 2008.

The 43-year-old launched a fresh bid for freedom earlier this year after she was sent back to jail for breaching licence conditions.

But in a judgement ordering that a two-day parole hearing is heard in public, the Parole Board said it will assess whether her risk of violence remains low, The Mirror reports.

'But risk would be high and potentially imminent if she were to have access to children while other risk factors are present', the judgement said.

'Miss Connelly, in interview, has stated that she will not be seeking unconditional release due to the support she would lose'.

Documents also claim she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was subjected to 'bullying and aggression' after her recall to prison.

Her solicitor had fought for the upcoming parole hearing to be held in private.

Baby P's monster mother could pose a high risk if she were freed and allowed near children. Pictured: Undated file handout photo issued by ITV News of Baby P

Tracey Connelly's toddler son died at home in Tottenham, north London , on August 3, 2007, and she pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child in 2008

Undated handout file photo issued by Metropolitan Police of Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P, who died after months of abuse

The report states: 'He submits that a public hearing will only exacerbate these issues and will have a significant and detrimental effect upon Ms Connelly's ability to five effective and accurate evidence at the hearing'.

The disgraced mother was hauled back to jail in September for breaching her jail conditions and was promised an oral parole hearing.

She was handed an indefinite sentence with a minimum term of five years in 2009, after covering up her 17-month-old son Peter's injuries caused by her twister lover.

Connelly has struggled to stay out of trouble since her initial release in 2013, having repeatedly breached licence conditions.

The vile mum was first recalled to prison in 20155 after selling naked photos of herself online to depraved male admirers - and was released again in July 2022.

It was revealed back in April that she may be free again by the end of the year.

A date has not yet been set for her parole hearing, but it is believed it will take place around late summer - in August or September.

The parole board could decide to release her there and then, depending on the circumstances surrounding how she was recalled and her behaviour since.

They may also direct a hearing to take place, where a panel will decide after assessing various pieces of material, evidence and information.

Connelly previously claimed that cops over-reacted when they recalled her to prison for a second time, saying the breaches of her licence conditions were minimal.

The 43-year-old launched a fresh bid for freedom earlier this year after she was sent back to jail for breaching licence conditions. Pictured: Connelly walking and smoking a cigarette near her home in July 2022

Undated Metropolitan Police handout photo of Steven Barker, partner of Tracey Connelly, the mother of abused toddler Baby Peter

Her lawyers have also insisted she is no longer a danger to the public.

Connelly's lover Steven Barker was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 12 years while his brother, Jason Owen, received a six-year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die.

When Connolly was first released, she was made subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships, having her internet use monitored or obeying curfew.

She was also banned from going to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'.

The Parole Board said that she had been cleared due to a low risk of reoffending and that probation officers and prison officials supported the plan.

It will now be a matter for the Board to decide if the latest breach of her conditions was so serious that she should not be released.

A Parole Board spokesperson said back in April: 'It's been directed to an oral hearing now but no hearing date has been set yet.'
A Minneapolis Park and Recreation employee who quit her job to care for her baby was faced with a shocking ultimatum: return to work - or pay back over $13,000 in maternity leave.

Indica Medeiros, who had worked in park maintenance since 2020 gave birth last fall to a baby that was born prematurely.

The infant required intensive medical care with Medeiros and her husband, who still works for the Park Board, quickly realizing that returning to work wasn't feasible.

The couple were unable to afford child care and their baby's condition demanded full-time attention at home.

Ten days before her scheduled return, she informed the Park Board that she wouldn't be coming back and that she would be staying home full-time to raise her two children under age 2.

Months after quitting, the Park Board sent Medeiros a $13,400 invoice demanding repayment for her parental leave benefits, citing a clause that required employees to return to work for at least four weeks following maternity leave or risk repaying the lot.

The clause, buried in the Park Board's parental leave policy, sparked immediate backlash from labor leaders and the public.

Medeiros was told repay all 12 weeks of paid parental leave or face legal action.

Indica Medeiros, who had worked in park maintenance since 2020, gave birth last fall to a baby that was born prematurely but after resigning was told to repay $13,400 in maternity pay

Indica Medeiros, pictured alongside husband Bryson, who also works for the Parks Department were unable to afford childcare so she quit her job to care for their young children

When she asked to use her accrued sick and vacation days to buy time to arrange childcare, she said the Park Board denied her requests, terminated her employment, and sent her a bill.

Medeiros' husband and father-in-law still work in the Minneapolis park system but no grandparent could help with early-morning childcare, and no daycare facility within budget opened before 6am - the time parkkeepers are expected to report for work.

'It was difficult trying to find something that checked all the boxes,' Medeiros said. 'And pricing, obviously, of day care is pretty outrageous.'

Laborers Union Local 363, which represents park keepers, filed an unfair labor practice charge, accusing the agency of unilaterally enforcing a policy it never properly bargained over.

'They certainly never sent [the policy] to us,' said AJ Lange, business manager of Local 363.

'They've never enforced this rule before. I did a data request. They confirmed that they don't have any records of enforcing it, so they seem set on making an example of her.'

The policy requires employees to return to work for four weeks after using paid parental leave or face a full demand for repayment.

Facing union pressure, bad press, and a looming legal deadline, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has backed down, canceling its demand and pledging to change its parental leave policy before the state's sweeping new paid family leave law takes effect in 2026.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board have now reversed their decision and Medeiros will not longer have to repay the money

'It was scary to think that we would have to not only pay back this massive bill, but on top of our hospital bills,' Medeiros said. 'I was very shocked, because had I known that, I probably would have made different decisions, and it was very stressful on our family the first few months.'

'It was a huge relief to get the letter that they will no longer be legally pursuing me,' said Medeiros, the former parkkeeper at the heart of the dispute to The Minnesota Star Tribune.

'I'm glad that we were able to resolve this and move forward. I couldn't do it without the help from my union and the support of everyone I talked to. I'm glad I get to finally fully focus on my family and the health of my babies.'

In the midst of the uproar, the state Department of Employment and Economic Development weighed in.

Officials confirmed that under Minnesota's soon-to-be-implemented paid family leave law, employers will not be permitted to make parental leave benefits contingent on return-to-work requirements. Such conditions, the department said, would be illegal.

It left the Park Board with few options and in a letter sent this week to Medeiros, MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura announced a sweeping reversal.

It left the Park Board with few options and in a letter sent this week to Medeiros, MPRB Superintendent Al Bangoura, pictured, announced a sweeping reversal

'With the new state law, MN Paid Family Leave, going into effect in January 2026, the MPRB has decided that it, in advance of the law becoming effective, will no longer make its PPL conditional upon returning to work' Bangoura wrote.

'In light of this change, the MPRB will not seek repayment from you of the $13,403.08 in PPL funds.'

Bangoura added that the policy was originally 'instituted to support parent-child bonding,' was being reformed to 'further that goal' and to better reflect the agency's stated values of supporting employees and families.

The decision marks a dramatic about-face and a major win for Medeiros and her supporters.

The Park Board had originally modeled its parental leave policy on the city of Minneapolis' policy but a city spokesperson confirmed to the Star Tribune the is also now adapting its policies to mirror that of the incoming state law.

'The city is working on implementing the new state law and will share more with city employees as the work continues,' spokesperson Jess Olstad said.

MPRB provided a statement to the Daily Mail on Monday.

'The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has changed its Paid Parental Leave (PPL) policy so that it is no longer conditional, which it had been since it was launched on January 1, 2023 (both the Park Board and the City of Minneapolis had a requirement that employees return to work for a minimum four weeks following their 12-week paid leave).

'This change was done in the spirit of the new state law which goes into effect January 1, 2026, and does not allow for PPL to be conditional.'
Aussies are being urged to hunker down this weekend as a 'dynamic' low pressure system brings rain, powerful wind and large waves to millions.

The system is expected to cause non-stop rain and powerful onshore winds in eastern, central and northern NSW from Friday into the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradbury told Weekend Today on Saturday the system was currently sitting off the North Coast of NSW.

A severe weather warning has been issued for the Mid North Coast, Hunter North West Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts, all areas in the firing line of the system.

The heaviest falls will drench central and northern NSW where falls of 30mm to 60mm are likely, with more than 100mm likely in some areas.

Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding in inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands from Saturday afternoon.

Experts said the wet weather will also extend into parts of southern Queensland.

Large parts of NSW will be battered by 90km/hour winds with southeasterly gusts to cause havoc in central and eastern parts of the state on Saturday.

Aussies are being urged to hunker down this weekend as a 'dynamic' low pressure system brings rain, powerful wind and large waves to millions (pictured, weather on Sunday)

The wild weather on Friday is being blamed for why part of the cliff face above Bronte Beach in Sydney 's east came crashing down around midday (pictured)

The wild weather on Friday is being blamed for why part of the cliff face above Bronte Beach in Sydney's east came crashing down around midday.

Engineers were later seen at the site, which has a large exclusion zone in place.

The Harbour City experienced even more heavy rain overnight, with some areas drenched with between 30mm and 50mm.

Conditions will ease by Sunday afternoon as the system moves off the NSW coast.

Coastal areas of NSW and southern Queensland will be impacted by large waves as onshore winds strengthen over the weekend.

Snow is forecast for elevated areas of northern NSW on Saturday with a chance of a 'few snow flurries' in southern parts of Queensland, Weatherzone said.

'Although the cold air might pass too far west of the states Darling Downs to facilitate snow north of the NSW border,' it said.

Conditions will ease by Sunday afternoon as the system moves off the NSW coast (stock)

Sydney

Saturday Rain. Max 17

Sunday Showers. Min 14 Max 19

Monday Shower or two. Min 13 Max 20

Canberra

Saturday Shower or two. Max 13

Sunday Cloudy. Min 5 Max 15

Monday Cloudy. Min 2 Max 16

Melbourne

Saturday Partly cloudy. Max 15

Sunday Mostly sunny. Min 4 Max 18

Monday Late shower or two. Min 8 Max 18

Coastal areas of NSW and southern Queensland will be impacted by large waves as onshore winds strengthen over the weekend (pictured, large swells in Bondi)

Brisbane

Saturday Partly cloudy. Max 19

Sunday Partly cloudy. Min 7 Max 21

Monday Partly cloudy. Min 15 Max 23

Adelaide

Saturday Partly cloudy. Max 14

Sunday Mostly sunny. Min 7 Max 17

Monday Showers increasing. Min 10 Max 16

Darwin



Saturday Sunny. Max 31

Sunday Sunny. Min 17 Max 31

Monday Sunny. Min 17 Max 31

Perth

Saturday Rain. Max 18

Sunday Showers. Becoming windy. Min 10 Max 17

Monday Shower or two. Min 8 Max 17
A boy of 15 maimed in Gaza became the first to receive treatment for war injuries in London as Donald Trump's envoy touched down in the devastated territory yesterday.

Majd Alshaghnobi suffered severe facial injuries and a shattered leg while searching for food with two friends last year.

He was brought to the UK by Project Pure Hope, a charity set up by senior healthcare workers who have also treated children from Ukraine and Israel.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, made a rare trip into Gaza to visit an aid station and devise a plan to get aid into the strip.

Mr Witkoff tweeted: 'We spent over five hours inside Gaza. The purpose of the visit was to give the President a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza.'

On Thursday, Mr Trump said he did not believe Israel's denials of famine in Gaza, saying there was 'real starvation' happening.

'We want to get people fed,' he said. 'It is something that should have happened a long time ago.'

The UN says that more than 1,300 people queuing for aid at centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by Israel, have been killed since late May. Rights group have condemned the centres as a 'death trap'.

Majd Alshaghnobi (pictured) suffered severe facial injuries and a shattered leg while searching for food with two friends last year

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with the US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee (both pictured), made a rare trip into Gaza to visit an aid station and devise a plan to get aid into the strip

Yesterday, wounded Madj was applauded by well-wishers when he arrived at Heathrow airport in London.

He said Israeli soldiers had opened fire on him and his friends, killing one and seriously injuring the other two, as they waited for aid.

His medical team, all working for free, will include craniofacial, plastic and orthodontic surgeons. Hospital bills will be covered by private donations.

Lead surgeon Professor Noor ul Owase Jeelani, of London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, said Majd's arrival comes after months of wrangling over a temporary visa.

'If we are able to give him a face and a jaw, it won't be completely normal, but hopefully he will be able to feed himself and speak, and his facial expressions will be better,' he said.

'Hopefully that will make a big impact on how he lives and on his future.

'Our hope is that we will be able to help many more children like him in the coming months.

'It's our collective moral responsibility. I don't quite understand why it's taken us over 20 months to get to this stage.'

Pictured: release of humanitarian aid from a Spanish Air Force Airbus over Gaza on August 1

Majd's arrival comes a week after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was planning to evacuate badly injured children from Gaza.

Dozens of MPs have called on him to establish a Ukraine-style visa to allow Gazans to enter Britain for medical treatment.

Omar Din, an NHS healthcare executive and co-founder of Project Pure Hope, said: 'Every day of delay risks the lives and futures of children who deserve a chance to live, to recover and to rebuild a life.'

Two Gazan girls aged five and 12 with long-term medical problems were brought to London for treatment in April.
Labour have lost their first councillor to the ultra-left party former leader Jeremy Corbyn recently founded with dissident MP Zarah Sultana.

Grace Lewis, 22, defected from Sir Keir Starmer's party on Friday to join the new political grouping - which at present is only a 600,000-person-strong mailing list.

Ms Lewis, a vocal pro-Palestinian voice on Coventry City Council, represents the ward of Westwood in the southwest of the city.

In a post on social media she laid into Labour's record in government, citing Sir Keir's raid on winter fuel payments, cuts to disability allowance and the party's retention of the two child benefit cap.

In the statement she said: 'Today, after 5 and a half years, I resigned my Labour Party membership. I will now serve the residents of Westwood on Coventry City Council as an Independent.

'The Labour Party promised 'change', yet since entering government, Labour has cut support for disabled people, kept the Tories cruel Two Child Benefit cap and slashed Winter Fuel Payments - driving record numbers into poverty.

'Rather than address the real crises facing people in our city, they have chosen the side of the rich and powerful.

'They have joined Reform in targeting minorities, including migrants and trans peple, all whilst being atcive participants in the genocide in Gaza, ramping up spending on war, and arming Israel - criminalising peaceful protestors in the process.'

Coventry councillor Grace Lewis, 22, (pictured) is the first serving Labour politician to defect to Your Party, the new political grouping formed by former leader Jeremy Corbyn and ex-MP Zarah Sultana

Ms Lewis left Labour to join the new party co-founded by former leader Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Zarah Sultana (right), the former Labour MP who quit to link up with the septuagenarian leftwinger

Ms Lewis was elected in the City Council Elections on May 2, 2024, two months before Sir Keir Starmer's 'loveless landslide' at that year's General Election.

She won her seat with 1936 voters on 47 per cent of the ballot, with the Conservative candidate Asha Masih finishing second on 1415 voters on 35 per cent of votes.

Ms Lewis began her two-year term on May 7 and also sits on the City Council's Planning Committee, Health and Social Care Scrutiny Board and Communities and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Board.

In her short time as an elected councillor she has courted controversy on several occasions - most noteable in her vocal support for the Palestinian cause.

Last December she lambasted Israel in a council meeting for carrying out a 'genocidal assault on Gaza', The Telegraph reported.

In the same meeting she called for the West Midlands Pension Fund to divest from any investments with companies involved in arms sales to Israel.

Ms Lewis also carried over her advocacy into her personal life, wearing a badge of the Palestinian flag to her graduation day last year at the University of Warwick.

In another graduation picture she can be seen holding a hand-painted banner with two other students that reads 'Free Palestine'.

Grace Lewis (right) pictured with Zarah Sultana, one of the co-founders of Your Party, who has been a close supporter of the youngster

In the Instagram caption accompanying the photo she wrote: 'My degree may be over, but Warwicks complicity is not #freepalestine.'

Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana's movement has the website yourparty.uk, with a welcome message saying 'this is your party'.

Already 600,000 people have signed up to the party's mailing list, although the name is only a placeholder, with Mr Corybn suggesting the members will be handed the final say.

Government ministers who used to sit alongside Mr Corbyn in the House of Commons mocked the 'chaotic' launch of the veteran MP's new party.

Yet Mr Corbyn shrugged off the criticism and said there had been an 'enormous' response to the launch.

Speaking during a visit to a bin strike picket line in Birmingham on Jult 25, he pointed out that hundreds of thousands had already flocked to the new outfit.

The party is expected to hold its inagural conference in November and Mr Corbyn has outlined a focus on peace, social justice and an end to austerity economics.

In her statement outlining her reasons for quitting Labour, Ms Lewis attacked Labour's spending plans which she said locally included cuts to libaries and charities.

Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana's movement has the website yourparty.uk, with a welcome message saying 'this is your party'

But Ms Sultana immediately sowed confusion by insisting a name had not yet been chosen. She frantically posted on social media: 'It's not called Your Party.'

She wrote: 'They have continued austerity and failed to properly address the deepening crisis of Local Government finance, with many authorities still at risk of bankruptcy.

'Here in Coventry, the Labou Council cuts library services, cultural funding and support for local charities.

'And when workers stand up to fight for decent living standards Coventry City Council responds by strike-breaking, sending Tom White Waste trucks to Birmingham, insulting the very trade unions which the party was founded to defend.

'This is not the change peple voted for, not the changed I joined the Labour Party for when I was 16, and certainly not the change which people deserve.

'Therefore, I welcome the launch of a new left party, one rootred in working-class communities and committed to real change.'

Cllr Lewis added: 'When Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn announced its inception, I felt a sense of genuine political hope for the first time in a long time.'

In a post on X commenting on the defection, Zarah Sultana said: 'Grace is a formidable force in local government and Im proud to welcome her to the new political party were building!

'Across the country, millions feel politically homeless. Labour is dead. To councillors everywhere: are you really delivering the change Keir Starmer promised?'

Polls have suggested the new party headed by Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana could take between 10 and 18 per cent of the vote at the next General Election, which would prove disastrous for Labour nationally.

The so-called 'Hastings Independents Group' - which consists of MPs who left Labour in December 2023 - have already affiliated with Your Party.

Councillors Paul Barnett, Andy Batsford, John Cannan, Nigel Sinden, Mike Turner, and Simon Willis are all onboard with the new grouping, which seems set to shake up the left of British politics.

In an email to supporters, Your Party confirmed their first conference will be held before the end of 2025.

They wrote: 'This conference will be the moment where, together, we will decide the direction, structure and platform of this party.

'To make it as accessible and democratic as possible, the conference will be hybrid  both in-person and online  so that everyone can take part in the decisions that will shape its future. Make no mistake: whatever the name, it is always going to be your party.'

However, those inside the Labour cabinet have been scathing about Your Party.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle told Times Radio: 'I was an MP in the Labour Party when Jeremy Corbyn was leader.

'And the chaos and instability that he brought to our party I'm now viewing him wreak in his new party.

'I'm just very glad that I'm looking on it from the outside this time, rather than having to experience it from the inside.'

Mr Kyle, who campaigned for Mr Corbyn to become prime minister at the 2017 and 2019 general elections, said the veteran left-winger was 'not a serious politician'.

He added: 'The thing that worries me the most about what he says is that he doesn't want to spend money defending our country.

'He is against the money that Labour is investing into the defence of our country.

'At the moment, these are the things that should fundamentally worry us about the words of Jeremy Corbyn.

'He's not a serious politician. He doesn't think about governing, he thinks about posturing.'
Elon Musk attempted a peace offering with Donald Trump after the ex-'First Buddy' split from the White House, giving $15million to Trump and Republican causes.

The donations were made after the former DOGE chairman's ugly feud with Trump upon his departure, but before Musk announced plans to launch the independent 'America Party.'

Musk gave $5million to three different super PACs supporting both the president and his party.

According to Federal Election Commission filings, he gave to MAGA Inc., the Senate Leadership Fund and the Congressional Leadership Fund on June 27.

Just eight day later, Musk launched the 'America Party,' which he said was formed 'to give you back your freedom'.

Musk has donated $45 million in 2025 to his own America PAC which was largely spent on an unsuccessful Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.

Musk announced the foundation of the America Party on his X social media platform just after Independence Day.

Elon Musk (pictured left) attempted a peace offering with Donald Trump (pictured right) after the ex-'First Buddy' split from the White House, giving $15million to Trump and Republican causes

The donations were made after the former DOGE chairman's ugly feud with Trump (pictured left) upon his departure, but before Musk (pictured right) announced plans to launch the independent 'America Party.'

It came after Musk created an online poll on July 4 asking his followers whether to establish the new party.

The results came back 65.4 percent in favor, leading Musk to make the announcement.

'By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!' Musk wrote.

'When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy.

'Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.'

Musk had been elevated to a prestigious role within the White House acting as a special advisor to the president and overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency.

But in recent months a rift has emerged and the two former friends have been embroiled in embarrassing public spats played out over social media.

Many had predicted that Trump and Musk's rosy bromance wouldn't last long and some pointed to betting markets on when they would turn on each other.

Musk launched a new political party following his epic fall out with Donald Trump

Many had predicted that Trump and Musk's rosy bromance wouldn't last long and some pointed to betting markets on when they would turn on each other

Betters heavily favored a fallout before July 1, 2025, less than six months after Musk joined Trump's administration as a special advisor.

In just a matter of months Musk went from spending $288 million for Trump's election campaign, to slinging insults about him online, including suggesting Trump was in The Epstein files.

The bust up occurred after Musk stepped down from DOGE over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' which ends tax breaks for electric vehicles, which are Tesla CEO Musk's passion project.

Musk also argued that the bill undercut DOGE's cost-cutting efforts by increasing the deficit.

The rift deepened after the president rescinded his nomination offer to Musk-ally Jared Isaacman for NASA administrator over donations he made to the Democrats.

Since then Trump and Musk have engaged in public mudslinging against each other.

Musk accused the president of ingratitude and claimed he would have lost the election without him, while Trump branded him 'crazy'.

Since their public break-up, Musk has threatened to start a new, third political party and buttress the reelection campaign of Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, one of the no votes on Trump's big bill.

Trump recently outed himself as the person who leaked details about Musk's alleged drug use, according to author Michael Wolff, who penned the eye-popping book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

The New York Times reported that during the 2024 presidential campaign, the billionaire used so much ketamine he was having bladder problems and also used Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms and what appeared to be Adderall.

Musk has denied The Times' reporting and released a drug test online since.
Photo: https://t.me/ministry_of_defense_ua

In pursuance of the decision of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine approved a decision on the redistribution of funds for the needs of the Ukrainian army.

As Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported on his Telegram channel, UAH 8 billion will go to the urgent needs of the military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine involved in the Drone Line project and the strengthening of unmanned systems in newly formed units.

"This will ensure immediate funding for the urgent needs of such units as Ptahy Madyara, K2, Rarog, Akhilles, Nemesis, and Chornyi Lis. They have demonstrated high efficiency: 22,700 enemy targets were destroyed in the past month alone," the message reads.

In addition, UAH 1 billion is allocated for anti-drone protection of evacuation routes and logistics.

"We are separately working with partners on the issue of financing the Drone Line project. The bilateral agreement with the Netherlands provides for the purchase of drones from Ukrainian manufacturers," Shmyhal wrote.

Thanks to this instrument, the state-owned Oschadbank has already provided bank guarantees for contracts worth EUR 837 million, the minister noted.
The BBC is facing growing pressure to pull the new unaired series of Masterchef to stop accusers being 'triggered'.

Philippa Childs, head of broadcast union Bectu, has warned the BBC that if it airs the upcoming series of the cooking show, those who complained about Gregg Wallace and John Torode 'will legitimately feel distressed'.

It comes as a contestant for the upcoming season claimed she was 'eyed up and ogled' and said she was edited out after asking for the series not to be broadcast.

Last week, the BBC confirmed that 'after careful consideration' it will air the new series, adding that there was 'widespread support' from the contestants.

It is understood that the BBC have told the MasterChef production company Banijay that the show should reduce Wallace and Torode's screen time to a minimum in light of the report's findings.

However, Ms Childs has urged the broadcaster BBC to 'reconsider', adding that it should not 'reward bad behaviour with prime-time coverage'.

'Whilst the BBC claims that it has consulted with contestants there appears to have been no consultation with complainants; freelancers who have taken the very difficult step of speaking out and who will legitimately feel distressed as the show appears on their screens several times a week over the next two months,' she told the BBC.

She added that the decision to air the series would 'undoubtedly' cause those who have had their complaint upheld to be 'triggered'.

The BBC confirmed that 'after careful consideration' it will air the new series of Masterchef, adding that there was 'widespread support' from the contestants

Philippa Childs, head of broadcast union Bectu, has warned the BBC that accusers of Gregg Wallace and John Torode 'will legitimately feel distressed' if the show is aired

The Daily Mail understands that the BBC have advised Banijay to reduce Wallace and Torode's screen time to a minimum in light of the report's findings

One former MasterChef worker who claimed Wallace groped her said the airing of the programme would show 'a blatant disregard for the people who have come forward'.

While another employee, who claimed Wallace pulled his trousers down in front of her, said the decision was 'profoundly disrespectful'.

She added: 'It ultimately sends a message that such behaviour can be overlooked.'

Sarah Shafi, a contestant who took part in the latest series of MasterChef, said she believed the upcoming broadcast of MasterChef should be axed out of respect for the complainants.

She told the Guardian that 'prominent figures have been abusing their power', adding that there has been an 'enabling environment' that allowed 'individual powerful men' to act inappropriately.

Ms Shafi also revealed on Newsnight on Thursday that she was left 'flabbergasted' after being edited out of the hit cooking competition by the BBC following a heated conversation where she felt pressured to agree to the cut.

In response to Sarah's complaint, the BBC said that Banijay had 'consulted with all the contestants before that decision was made' and received 'widespread support' to go ahead with broadcasting the show.

'We are sorry that this contestant does not support the decision and we are grateful she raised this with both the BBC and Banijay,' it added.

The corporation has said that the amateur series of MasterChef filmed last year, before allegations against Wallace and Torode were upheld, will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from August 6

A Banijay UK spokesperson said in a statement: 'We are sorry that Sarah does not support the decision to air this series of MasterChef. We carefully considered her concerns about broadcasting the series and discussed them with the BBC.

'However, having consulted with all contributors in the series ahead of the decision being made, the resounding feeling from those taking part was support for airing the series.'

The BBC said it had taken the decision to broadcast the unaired series 'after careful consideration and consultation with the contestants'.

In a statement, the corporation said: 'MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey.'

The BBC also said it had not yet made a decision on the completed celebrity series and Christmas special, filmed with Torode and food critic Grace Dent.

In its statement, the BBC said: 'This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it.

'In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC.

'However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series.'

Banijay UK, the production company behind MasterChef, told the BBC they had no records of Ms Shafi raising concerns about Wallace's behaviour at the time

Torone was axed from the cooking competition in an announcement from the broadcaster earlier this month

An independent legal review, into behaviour on MasterChef, conducted by the law firm Lewis Silkin began in November and upheld 45 of 83 complaints made against Wallace. In total, 41 people complained.

The review that concluded last month said that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour'.

It added that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated.

In an interview with the Sun, Wallace tearfully apologised to anyone he had hurt and while he didn't deny being guilty of some of the claims, he believed things had been 'perceived incorrectly'.

He said that he understood some of his actions may have offended people and 'weren't socially acceptable' but denied being a 'wrong-un'.

Wallace insisted he is 'not trying to play the victim' and claimed his autism diagnosis was partly responsible for some of his alleged behaviour as it means he struggles 'to read people' and can be perceived as 'odd' at times.

Torode was the subject of an allegation about using racist language that was upheld as part of a review carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin into the alleged behaviour of co-presenter Wallace.

Torode said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation.

The BBC and Banijay have been approached by the Daily Mail for further comment.
A dog walker has described the 'surreal' moment his Beagle Benji stumbled across what police believe to be the severed head of an alleged murder victim.

The grisly discovery was made in scrubland near Port Lincoln in South Australia on Thursday and comes six weeks after Julian Story's suspected murder.

His partner, former Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser, has been charged with his murder but is yet to be formally interviewed by police.

Tyson McCallum said his routine dog walk took a dramatic turn when Benji ran into bushland and wouldn't come back when called.

'I just went in a bit closer and kind of made the connection pretty quickly as to what I thought it was,' McCallum told 9News.

'(It was) pretty surreal to be honest,' he added. 'I was kind of like, "No way, it's not what I think it is, surely not". But it was too coincidental.'

Police believe the remains are Mr Story's, though forensic testing is underway to formally confirm the identity.

'They've obviously been through a lot, can't even imagine it,' McCallum said.

Tyson McCallum (pictured) was walking his dog Benji, who found Julian Story's alleged head

Julian Story (pictured) was allegedly murdered by his partner Tamika Chesser

His partner, former Beauty and the Geek contestant Tamika Chesser, has been charged with Mr Story's murder but is yet to be formally interviewed by police

Tamika Chesser (pictured) is currently in the forensic mental health facility James Nash House

'To have it I guess finalised, they can get some closure which will hopefully bring them some peace.'

As for Benji, McCallum said the sharp-nosed pup would be rewarded.

'He will definitely get a few extra treats,' he said.

Chesser has been charged with murder and with interfering with human remains to pervert the course of justice.

Authorities on Friday expanded their search of the area, with police and State Emergency Service crews (SES) combing the reserve. Cadaver dogs were also deployed in the hunt for further remains.

Forensic teams have collected several items from the scene, which have been sent to Adelaide for examination.

Chesser appeared in Port Lincoln Magistrates Court with a shaved head via video link on Thursday, with a shaved head, in relation to three separate matters.

The former cocktail waitress was thrust into the spotlight at the age of 19 when she appeared on series two of the Seven Network show in 2010.
The United States Office of Special Counsel appears set to give former federal prosecutor Jack Smith a taste of his own medicine, opening an investigation into his conduct.

Smith resigned from his position in January after completing two criminal investigations into Donald Trump which he later said would've seen the president convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States had he not won the election.

Now, Smith faces an investigation into whether he was engaging in political activities during the investigation which OSC Senior Counsel Charles Baldis said in an email obtained by The New York Post will be investigated by their Hatch Act Unit.

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton - the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee - spurred the investigation by writing a letter to acting OSC Chairman Jamison Greer.

'I appreciate the Office of Special Counsel taking this seriously and launching an investigation into Jack Smith's conduct,' wrote Cotton. He added a stern warning in the letter saying: 'No one is above the law.'

Cotton praised the decision to look into what Smith was doing in a statement.

'Jack Smith's legal actions were nothing more than a tool for the Biden and Harris campaigns. This isn't just unethical, it is very likely illegal campaign activity from a public office,' he wrote.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.

The United States Office of Special Counsel appears set to give former federal prosecutor Jack Smith (pictured) a taste of his own medicine, opening an investigation into his conduct

Smith resigned from his position in January after completing two criminal investigations into Donald Trump (pictured)

'Jack Smith's actions were clearly driven to hurt President Trump's election, and Smith should be held fully accountable,' he said.

Following his resignation, Smith stood by his decision to bring charges against Trump and insisted he would have been convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States had he not won the election for president in a bombshell January 6 report.

In a scathing statement issued along with the report, Smith admonished Trump for what he described as excessive lies and deceit to upend the American enterprise.

'The throughline of all of Mr. Trump's criminal efforts was deceit - knowingly false claims of election fraud - and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States' democratic process,' the report states.

Trump quickly slammed the report in a Truth Social post.

'Deranged Jack Smith was unable to successfully prosecute the Political Opponent of his 'boss,' Crooked Joe Biden, so he ends up writing yet another 'Report' based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED, because it showed how totally innocent I was, and how completely guilty Nancy Pelosi, and others, were,' the post read.

The president-elect then followed it up with two more missives to his social media platform.

'To show you how desperate Deranged Jack Smith is, he released his Fake findings at 1:00 A.M. in the morning. Did he say that the Unselect Committee illegally destroyed and deleted all of the evidence.'

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton (pictured top left) - the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee - spurred the investigation by writing a letter to acting OSC Chairman Jamison Greer

He followed it up with his trademark: 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump's election victory, the 137-page document was expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of the probes.

Smith, who resigned after completing two criminal investigations, wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland that he believed had Trump stood trial on the charges, he would have been convicted.

'The department's view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a president is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the government's proof or the merits of the prosecution, which the office stands fully behind,' Smith wrote.

'Indeed, but for Mr. Trump's election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial,' he added.

Trump called Smith 'a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!'

Smith wrote the report, which was transmitted to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused to block its release. It describes prosecutors' charging decisions in the case that resulted in Trump being indicted for taking a trove of national security documents to Mar-a-Lago.

They also include the decision to charge Trump with heading a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.

Smith, who resigned after completing two criminal investigations , wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland that he believed had Trump stood trial on the charges, he would have been convicted

Following his resignation, Smith stood by his decision to bring charges against Trump and insisted he would have been convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States had he not won the election for president in a bombshell January 6 report

The document includes, for the first time, a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the investigation was politicized.

Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it entirely in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

'While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters,' Smith continued.

'I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.'

Another 'significant challenge' was Trump's 'ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,' which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.

'Mr. Trump's resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,' Smith wrote.

'A fundamental component of Mr. Trump's conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media - at the time, Twitter - to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump's scheme,' he added.

Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his teams prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense - of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.

The special counsel brought a superseding indictment in the January 6th case that narrowed the case after the Supreme Court issued issued its summer decision giving presidents presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office.

Trump was charged with willful retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, in a case Cannon dismissed this summer that was on appeal when Trump won the November election.

Trump's team previously argued that the report, under DOJ regulations, merely spews 'conspiracy theories,' and say it is unfair to release it, saying it violates his presumption of innocence. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to attack Smith publicly.

The DOJ said the volume on the classified documents case would be provided to key members of Congress for both parties for private review in redacted form.

'This limited disclosure will further the public interest in keeping congressional leadership apprised of a significant matter within the Department while safeguarding defendants interests,' DOJ wrote.

Once Trump took office on January 20, his own Justice Department got to make determinations on whether the report on the classified documents case ever gets released. Trump has repeatedly called the prosecutions against him 'witch hunts.'

He appointed loyalist former Florida AG Pam Bondi to lead the agency.
New names for a mountain in Wyoming have been proposed as it currently honors a disgraced park superintendent who was accused of intending to rape an 11-year-old girl.

The Wyoming Board on Geographical Names have been discussing Mount Woodring and its new name after the sullied past of Samuel Woodring came to light.

Woodring was the first superintendent of Grand Teton National Park in 1929 but faced accusations of assault with intent to rape an 11-year-old girl in 1934.

The superintendent resigned from his position and left Teton County before the charges were dropped, as the alleged victim's parents said they didn't want to put their daughter through the trauma of testifying.

A proposal to change the peak's name was submitted earlier this year following a fresh investigation. Now, two names have stood out for the pick, including 'Equality Peak' and 'Raven Peak.'

Jim Greer, an entrepreneur and project manager from Utah, pointed out to WyoFile that none of the Teton peaks are named after women.

Greer and his family thought Nellie Tayloe Ross Peak, to honor Wyoming and the US's first female governor.

After consideration they submitted 'Equality Peak' to the board in April, and Greer added: 'It's an aspirational value that's embedded in our democracy.'

The Wyoming Board on Geographical Names have been discussing Mount Woodring and its new name after the sullied past of Samuel Woodring came to light

Samuel Woodring (pictured) was the first superintendent of Grand Teton National Park in 1929 but faced accusations of assault with intent to rape an 11-year-old girl in 1934

A proposal to change the peak's name was submitted earlier this year following a fresh investigation. Now, two names have stood out for the pick, including 'Equality Peak' and 'Raven Peak'

Another name submitted for the 11,595-foot mountain, 'Raven Peak,' was submitted by the man who re-discovered Woodring's charges and called on the board for the name change.

Retired professor Bob Righter and two of his former graduate students, Paul Horton and Bruce Noble, formed an informal committee to investigate the charges.

Their committee discovered a letter sent from Woodring's secretary, H.M Sherman, detailing an investigation that took place into the allegations placed against Woodring.

Sherman said they had heard a story from a trusted source about a young girl who accused Woodring of sexual assault at least six times, Cowboy State Daily reported.

Another story was brought to Sherman's attention by another park ranger, detailing Woodring's attempt to sexually assault a 12-year-old girl who had been afraid to tell her parents as her father worked for Woodring as a ranger, according to the outlet.

Sherman and the park ranger, after discovering the claims to be credible, brought the accusations to the attention of Fritiof Fryxell, Grand Teton's first naturalist.

Fryxell, who four years earlier had put forward Woodring's name for the mountain, was 'horrified' to learn of the accusations and helped them with the investigation.

The father to the 11-year-old girl accused Woodring, who allegedly admitted some guilt but denied any rape.

Jim Greer, an entrepreneur and project manager from Utah , pointed out to WyoFile that none of the Teton peaks are named after women. Greer and his family submitted 'Equality Peak' to the board in April, and Greer added: 'It's an aspirational value that's embedded in our democracy'

Under Sherman's questioning, however, Woodring claimed one of the girls had climbed into his lap, which indicated to him they wanted to engage in the physical acts.

Woodring then completely denied any accusations after charges were filed, and claimed he had been framed.

The superintendent was arrested and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $5,000 bond, Cowboy State Daily reported.

'These documents should demonstrate the offensive nature of the name Mount Woodring and the need to adopt a new name at the earliest possible opportunity,' Noble wrote in the proposal, according to the outlet.

Woodring died five years after his resignation. The mountain's name was approved in 1963.

Shelley Messer, a natural resource analyst for the State Engineer's Office and a voting member on the Wyoming Board on Geographic Names, told the outlet: 'The community was well aware of what happened. It kind of put a scarlet letter on his name.'

Messer added that she 'personally' found the documents 'very persuasive'.

After the committee discovered credible evidence to the accusations, they approached the board to change the name of the mountain and were given the task to find an alternative name.

Retired professor Bob Righter and two of his former graduate students, Paul Horton and Bruce Noble, discovered credible evidence to the accusations and approached the board to change the name of the mountain and submitted 'Raven Peak'

They believe their proposal of 'Raven Peak' should be considered over 'Equality Peak.'

Horton told the outlet that their choice reflects the nature of the area instead of serving as a political reminder.

He believes that 'Equality Peak' could 'make a lot of people unhappy'.

'That alone is enough to disqualify it,' Horton added.

Noble added to the sentiment and said: 'The reputation of a person can change with the passage of time, whereas the status of a raven is not likely to change as years pass.

'The hope is that Raven Peak will have staying power that helps to make it a fitting name.'
Donald Trump said he would probably not pardon Sean 'Diddy' Combs after the mogul was convicted of transportation for prostitution but not guilty on several more serious charges.

The president did note, however, that Combs' acquittal on numerous sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges meant he was 'essentially, sort of, half innocent'.

Trump had reportedly been 'seriously considering' a pardon for Combs as he awaits his sentencing in a Brooklyn jail.

Speaking to Newsmax on Friday, Trump ultimately said it was 'more likely a no' but noted the interesting situation the rapper had found himself in.

'Well he was essentially, sort of, half-innocent. I don't know what they do that he's still in jail or something. He was celebrating a victory but I guess it wasn't as good a victory,' he said.

The president then detailed his past relationship with Combs, as both are native New Yorkers who became famous.

'I was very friendly with him, get along with him great, seemed like a nice guy, didn't know him well,' he said.

That started to take a turn when Trump moved toward politics. While Combs was largely agnostic in the 2016 race, he endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and said if Trump won there would be a race war.

Donald Trump said he would probably not pardon Sean 'Diddy' Combs after the mogul was convicted of transportation for prostitution but not guilty on several more serious charges

The president (pictured center left) did note, however, that Combs' (pictured center right) acquittal on numerous sex-trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges meant he was 'essentially, sort of, half innocent'

'But when I ran for office he was very hostile. But it was hard with human beings and we don't like to have things cloud our judgement, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements, so I don't know, it makes it more difficult to do,' he said.

Interviewer Rob Finnerty pushed him on it, suggesting it was 'more likely a no for Combs?'

Trump replied: 'I'd say so.'

As the judge prepares his punishment for the former producer over prostitution charges, a source told Deadline that Trump has been mulling the reprieve.

Diddy has been acquitted on three of his most serious charges.

Insiders told the outlet that the idea had advanced from 'just another Trump weave to an actionable event'.

The 55-year-old mogul was found not-guilty of sex-trafficking and racketeering earlier this month, but was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Combs is set to receive his sentencing on October 3 and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The 55-year-old rap mogul was found not-guilty of sex-trafficking and racketeering earlier this month, but was convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution

Combs is set to receive his sentencing on October 3 and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison

A presidential pardon has been talked of since the beginning of Combs' trial, and Trump even indicated in May that he was open to the idea.

The President said, when asked on the matter in the Oval Office, that 'nobody's asked but I know people are thinking about it.'

'I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking,' he added.

'First of all, Id look at whats happening. And I havent been watching it too closely, although its certainly getting a lot of coverage,' Trump continued.

'I havent seen him, I havent spoken to him in years. He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics he sort of, that relationship busted up from what I read. I dont know. He didnt tell me that, but Id read some nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden.'

'So, I dont know. I would certainly look at the facts. if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or dont like me it wouldnt have any impact,' he concluded.

Attorney John Koufos, who recently met with Trump's pardon 'tsar' Alice Marie Johnson and pardon attorney Ed Martin, told the Daily Mail elements of the case fit with Trump's push against 'overcriminalization' and 'weaponization' in charging.

Trump was himself charged with a racketeering conspiracy in the Georgia election interference case, and he has long railed against what he calls weaponization of the criminal justice system.

A presidential pardon has been talked of since the beginning of Combs' trial, and Trump even indicated in May that he was open to the idea

Trump has previously called Diddy a 'good friend'

Analysts watching the Diddy case have questioned whether the government overcharged him, and Koufos wondered how the defendant could be engaging in a RICO conspiracy by themselves.

'Had he been convicted of a RICO [charge], youd be looking at something different. The fact that he was convicted of things that it seems that he pretty obviously did probably mitigates against a grant of clemency,' he said, nothing there was 'nothing particularly sympathetic' about the defendant.

The avenue for a potential pardon appears to run through Johnson and Martin, who previously served as Trump's interim top US Attorney in the District of Columbia.

Trump has long championed his signing of the First Step Act, which reauthorized Second Chance legislation meant to boost successful reentry by former prisoners into the population.

He has also been open to pardoning political allies, as he did when pardoning former Republican Rep. Michael Grimm and former Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojavech. Blagojevich promptly called him a 'great effing guy.'
The Victorian government is set to enshrine the right to work from home in law, with sweeping reforms that will apply across both the public and private sectors.

Premier Jacinta Allan will unveil the landmark policy at the annual state Labor conference, describing it as a progressive move to modernise the workforce and support families.

'Working from home works for families, and it's good for the economy,' she will say.

'Day after day, unions are being contacted by workers who have been denied reasonable requests to work from home.

'Across the country, Liberals are drawing up plans to abolish work-from-home and force workers back to the office, and back to the past.

'That's why the Allan Labor government is acting. Enshrining work from home in law means this life-changing practice isn't something you or your loved ones have to politely ask for. It's a right you'll be entitled to.'

The proposed legislation would give workers a legal right to request remote work two days a week if they can 'reasonably' perform their duties from home.

Employers would be required to give the requests proper consideration, with a formal consultation process set to begin soon as the legislation is introduced later this year.

Jacinta Allan (centre) will unveil the policy at Victorian Labor's conference this weekend

The Victorian Opposition have signalled that they would support work-from-home measures

Ms Allan also pointed to the cost of living relief the policy would offer, estimating it could save workers around $110 per week, or more than $5,300 a year in commuting and related expenses.

'Work from home supports women with children, carers, and people with a disability to work,' she said.

'Thanks to work from home, workforce participation is 4.4 per cent higher than before the pandemic.'

Opposition Leader Brad Battin has dismissed claims the Liberals opposed the laws, telling Daily Mail the party supports work-from-home flexibility.

'The Victorian Liberals and Nationals recognise that working from home has become a valuable option for many workers and families,' Mr Battin said.

'We support measures that help Victorians enjoy a better work-life balance and will review any legislation closely, to ensure it supports flexibility, productivity, and personal choice.'

His comments contrast with those of former federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who was forced to retreat from a policy limiting work-from-home rights for public servants after widespread backlash during the last election campaign.

In addition to the proposed work-from-home reforms, Victorian Labor will also debate a raft of controversial policy ideas at the state conference on Saturday, including new taxes and major social reforms.

The proposed legislation would give workers a legal right to request remote work if they can 'reasonably' perform their duties from home (pictured, office workers in Melbourne)

More than 600 party delegates, including MPs, grassroots members and union representatives, will vote on a series of proposals that could shape the ALP's platform ahead of the 2026 state election.

Among the most contentious items is a push to raise taxes on Victorian residents, despite the state already being the most heavily taxed in the country.

Other proposals include introducing a super profits tax on land sales and legalising cannabis for recreational use.

The outcomes of the weekend's debate will play a critical role in defining Premier Jacinta Allan's policy agenda over the next 18 months, with an election set for November next year.
A couple accused of attempting an 'honor killing' by trying to strangle their teenage daughter outside a suburban high school have both been found not guilty of attempted murder.

Ihsan and Zahraa Ali stood trial for the shocking broad-daylight attack last fall outside Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington State where prosecutors said the pair tried to kill their 17-year-old daughter after she refused an arranged marriage.

After three days of deliberations, jurors convicted Ihsan Ali of assault and unlawful imprisonment.

His wife Zahraa was found guilty of violating a court order but acquitted of the more serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.

Ihsan, who remains in custody, faces up to 14 months in prison for assault and an additional 12 months for unlawful imprisonment.

Zahraa was released on Thursday on personal recognizance and is under strict orders to remain in Thurston County and avoid any contact with her daughter.

The case drew national attention last October after terrifying video footage emerged of Ihsan Ali putting his 17-year-old daughter, Fatima Ali, in a chokehold outside her high school,

The attack was allegedly in retaliation for refusing an arranged marriage and for dating an American boy - actions he reportedly viewed as bringing shame upon the family.

The viral footage first published by the Daily Mail showed Fatima collapsing on the pavement, only for her father to continue strangling her unconscious body for nearly 20 seconds, according to prosecutors.

'She's unconscious, and he continues to strangle her around the neck for another 15-18 seconds and would have continued to do so even longer but for the intervention of those adults,' prosecutor Heather Stone told jurors at the trial.

Ihsan Ali has been found not guilty of attempted murder but has been convicted of assault and unlawful imprisonment. He will be sentenced later this month

Zahraa Ali has been found not guilty of attempted murder and ordered to have no contact with her daughter

Video showed Ihsan on the ground outside his daughter's school, Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington, with her in a chokehold while her boyfriend and classmates repeatedly punched and kicked him to force him to release her

Witnesses testified that even after Fatima went limp, Ihsan refused to let go.

Among the rescuers were Fatima's boyfriend Isiah, and multiple classmates who repeatedly punched, kicked, and stomped the 44-year-old father in a desperate effort to break the chokehold.

In the most gut-wrenching moment of the trial, Fatima, now 18, took to the stand to testify against her own parents.

'Did you have any fear?' Stone asked. 'Yes.' 'Fear of what?'

'Of dying,' Fatima choked out, her voice breaking into a sob.

She was barely able to respond 'no' when asked if she could say anything during the attack.

'[I'm] heartbroken for what my dad did,' she said, sobbing as she described losing consciousness four times during the attack.

Fatima recalled the sensation of dirt on her face, pain in her neck, and her father's arms around her throat.

She said she saw 'darkness' before glimpsing her boyfriend and another friend standing over her.

The court heard how Fatima had run away that morning after discovering her parents had bought her a one-way plane ticket to Iraq, allegedly to force her into marriage.

She fled with just a bag of clothes and $100 she had stolen from her mother.

Ihsan punched his daughter's boyfriend square in the face at the start of the attack, sending him staggering back out of the frame and falling down hard on nearby concrete

Isiah demonstrated with his arms how Ihsan put Fatima in a 'headlock' on the ground and choked her even after she lost consciousness

Zahraa Ali is seen in Thurston County Superior Court in Olympia, Washington last month

But when school ended that day, her parents were waiting for her at the bus stop.

Ihsan's fury erupted when she refused to come home. Witnesses said he punched Isiah in the face, then lunged at his daughter.

Prosecutors argued the attack was rooted in a planned 'honor killing,' a culturally motivated act meant to restore perceived family honor.

While the court barred the phrase from being used in front of jurors, investigators and witnesses referenced it repeatedly in early police reports and pretrial interviews.

Fatima had told police at the time that her father threatened to kill her several times for refusing the arranged marriage and dating a non-Muslim boy.

She said she feared she'd never return if sent to Iraq. Prosecutors attempted to argue that motive in court, but Judge Christine Schaller excluded it, citing potential prejudice.

Without the motive, prosecutors leaned heavily on video evidence and eyewitness testimony.

Bus driver John Denicola testified: 'Obviously, she was in distress, her eyes were rolling into the back of her head, you could tell she was not able to breathe The look on [Ihsan's] face and the way he was squeezing, he was choking her.'

Another rescuer, Josh Wagner, a US Army veteran, testified he 'held Ihsan down' until police arrived.

'Her face was changing color it was very obvious she was being choked,' he said.

Ihsan (right) speaks with his lawyer Erik Kaeding in court last month

Prosecutors Heather Stone and Olivia Zhou (pictured outside court) face an uphill battle to get convictions for attempted murder

Zahraa Ali's fate was more complex. While prosecutors alleged she attempted to finish the job after her husband was subdued - with Fatima testifying she felt her mother grabbing at her neck - the jury rejected the murder charge, citing insufficient evidence of intent.

'And when you look at that video, you see she does not provide any aid at any time to her child, zero aid,' prosecutor Stone argued. 'That is not an effort to comfort her child.'

But defense attorney Tim Leary insisted Zahraa was simply 'trying to protect [Fatima] from the chaos.'

'You will see my client, her mom, come and attempt to help her daughter,' he said. 'She is holding her daughter, she's not holding on to her neck.'

Leary also reminded the jury that Fatima initially told police she didn't believe her mother tried to hurt her - though she later changed her mind.

'She was just trying to protect me from the chaos,' Fatima told officers. On the stand, she said it was more that she 'didn't want to believe' her mother would harm her.

Throughout the trial, defense attorneys hammered home one point that there was no intent to kill.

'There's no nefarious intent,' said Ihsan's lawyer Erik Kaeding. 'There's no intent to hurt anybody badly, there's no intent to kill anybody. There's an intent to take your daughter home.'

These are some of the cuts, welts, and broken bones the teenage girl suffered when her parents allegedly tried to strangle her in an 'honor killing'

Ihsan in police bodycam footage sitting a patrol car. His jacket was torn in the struggle and dirt pressed into one side of his face during the attack

It appeared Zahraa had started her attack as the girl seemed to be back on the ground where witnesses alleged she also tried to kill her

Zahraa's attorney said similar. 'They certainly could've done things differently, but that does not make this a crime,' Leary said.

Legal experts say prosecutors faced an uphill battle from the outset, largely due to pretrial rulings that barred them from discussing the alleged motive.

Judge Schaller ruled that discussing arranged marriage, threats of honor killings, or family history of abuse would unfairly bias the jury.

As a result, what began as a trial labeled by the media and public as an 'honor killing case' never once used the phrase inside the courtroom.

Prosecutor Olivia Zhou never alluded to the motive in her opening statement, focusing instead on the severity of the attack.

Ihsan Ali remains behind bars until his mid-August sentencing. His wife Zahraa is free but under strict conditions.

Fatima herself has not spoken publicly since the verdict.
The father of a man who killed and dismembered a teen on their first date held back tears as he apologized to her family and sent a strong message to his son.

Maxwell Anderson, the 34-year-old who was convicted of killing and dismembering 19-year-old Sade Robinson, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday.

The teenager was brutally murdered in April 2024 after going on a first date with Anderson just days after they met in a bar in Wisconsin.

The pair had spent the evening of their fateful date getting dinner and drinks at the Twisted Fisherman in Milwaukee before eventually going back to Anderson's apartment.

At one point, Anderson turned on the Netflix series Love, Death & Robots.

The show's Season 2 finale, 'The Drowned Giant,' depicts the gruesome dismantling of a gigantic human body on a beach.

Prosecutors claimed that Anderson mutilated Robinson's body on a Wisconsin beach overlooking Lake Michigan - a jarring detail that was almost too much to stomach for the jury.

Anderson's father, Steven Anderson, made an emotional statement to the court and said: 'To Sade's family, there are no words I can share that will reduce your pain.

Maxwell Anderson (pictured), the 34-year-old who was convicted of killing and dismembering 19-year-old Sade Robinson, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday as Robinson's family delivered painful impact statements

Anderson's father, Steven Anderson (pictured), made an emotional statement to the court and said: 'To Sade's family, there are no words I can share that will reduce your pain'

Sade Robinson (pictured) was brutally murdered in April 2024 after going on a first date with Anderson just days after they met in a bar

'You are all in my thoughts every single day. Although it is not the same, having lost a boy who was like a son to me 10 years ago, I have some sense of what you are feeling.

'It took me a very long time to get past the pain I felt for the person who contributed to his passing. I'm not asking you to forgive anybody or anything. That is between you and your God.'

He then thanked the court and judge for their compassion and professionalism before addressing his son.

'To Max... we want you to know that we love you and support your plan for self-improvement.

'In this we hope for a path for you to become a positive influence for society both while you are incarcerated and after.'

His comments came after the Robinson's family launched a foul-mouthed verbal attack on the convicted Netflix 'copycat' killer.

Robinson's family delivered painful impact statements.

'My daughter referred to you as a man, you never be a f***ing man, you're a p**** a** b****,' Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough (pictured), told the courthouse

'My daughter referred to you as a man, you never be a f***ing man, you're a p**** a** b****,' Robinson's mother Sheena Scarbrough told the courthouse.

'I was like... that's disgusting because that could have been where he got some of his ideas or fantasies,' juror Melissa Blascoe told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel.

'I physically felt like I was gonna throw up at that point. I know a lot of people were shaking and crying.'

Anderson was also charged with arson and hiding a corpse in connection with her death. He was found guilty on all counts.

Robinson's father, Carlos Robinson, said to Anderson in his statement: 'You deserve what you get. He deserves the punishment that he gave to my daughter.'

The teen's sister, Adrianna Reams, said Anderson's brutal killing of her sister continues to haunt her.

'I cannot meet any person without the fear that they're going to harm or kill me because all my sister did was meet someone and, as a result, he ended her life,' she said.

'The only one who took that from her is the man sitting right there. I beg you to not... I beg you to not let this man have any type of parole.'

The teen's sister, Adrianna Reams (pictured), said Anderson's brutal killing of her sister continues to haunt her

Anderson (pictured) was found guilty on all four counts after being charged with first-degree intentional homicide, dismembering a corpse, arson and hiding a corpse

Judge Laura Crivello said Anderson had told a pre-sentence investigator he regretted not walking the teen to her car because she was abducted outside his home.

'I did not commit these crimes. And so I plan to appeal these crimes, while I hope and pray that further investigations not only prove my innocence but find and deliver true justice,' Anderson said publicly, speaking on the case for the first time.

'I don't think you're remorseful in any way,' Crivello said.

Robinson's mother added: 'I'm gonna respectfully request that you confess where the rest of my daughter's crown is... you've already done the worst. You can at least give us that much.'

Investigators said that Anderson is believed to have spread her remains around Milwaukee County and burned her car to hide evidence.

Disturbing images showed Robinson being groped by Anderson while she lay face down on his couch, and prosecutors said she was far too incapacitated to have resisted.

One image shows Anderson holding Robinson's right breast as she lay unconscious. That breast would later be cut off her body.

'This is his trophy in a way,' Blascoe said about the images taken by Anderson. 'Those pictures will be in my mind for quite some time.'

Robinson's father, Carlos Robinson (pictured), said to Anderson in his statement: 'You deserve what you get. He deserves the punishment that he gave to my daughter'

Investigators said that Anderson is believed to have spread Robinson's remains around Milwaukee County and burned her car to hide evidence

Surveillance video showed Robinson's car leaving the apartment in the early hours of April 2 before arriving at the beach along Lake Michigan shores.

The young student's disappearance sparked concern when she didn't appear for work the next day.

Her manager, Justin Romano, told CNN that Robinson was 'very outgoing, she would talk to everybody here. She was always there to lighten the mood.'

Romano said her not showing up for work 'wasn't like her at all,' and added: 'We kind of knew something was up; we had been calling her all day.'

Anderson is believed to have cut her body into pieces and burned her car behind an abandoned building before taking a bus back to his apartment.

Within the car, despite 'extreme fire damage,' investigator's identified the outfit Robinson had been wearing on the night of the date as well as part of an iPhone consistent with hers burned in the car, CNN reported.

Police then were called to Warnimont Park where a human leg, that appeared to have been 'sawn off' at the hip, was discovered. The leg was then identified as Robinson's.

A 'confidential informant' claimed that Anderson had planned to kill Robinson weeks prior to her death, Fox News reported.

Anderson has maintained his innocence and announced his plans to appeal his conviction

Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough (pictured left), said that her daughter was a 'loving daughter, a cherished sister, and a dear friend to many'

Anderson's attorney, Tony Cotton, argued, however, that the prosecution showed no evidence of Anderson's intention to kill Robinson.

Cotton also pointed out he made no attempt to conceal himself on public transport home, and was wearing clean clothes despite having allegedly cut up her body in a muddy park.

Jurors reached their verdict within an hour on the ninth day of trial.

'While we are satisfied with this verdict, our hearts go out to the family of Sade Robinson,' Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said.
Governor Gavin Newsom took a break from managing the Golden State to launch a biting and bizarre attack on White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as she announced President Trump's plans to construct a new $200million ballroom at The White House.

The digital stunt, posted from Newsom's official press office X account, featured a photoshopped image of Effie Trinket, the flamboyant elite character from The Hunger Games known for her garish clothes and callous privilege.

In the image Trinket could be seen holding up ballroom renderings inside the White House press room just as Leavitt had done earlier in the day.

The California governor likened Leavitt to the dystopian aristocrat while casting Trump's ballroom as the architectural equivalent of 'let them eat cake'.

'While all the Districts pay extra for groceries and everyday goods, the White House is excited to announce that the Capitol is creating a grand ballroom for opulent parties! May the odds be ever in your favor!!!' Newsom wrote, echoing snobby language from the popular franchise.

But the post quickly backfired on Newsom with Trump supporters rushing to defend Leavitt.

'It's not being paid for by taxpayers - but you knew that,' chimed in one X user.

'Trump and donors are footing the bill, not taxpayers. You seem to have *purposely* left that out,' explained another.

California's governor likened White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to the dystopian aristocrat Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shows renderings of the new White House State Ballroom, which President Donald Trump plans to build starting in September

California Governor Gavin Newsom devoted his time to a series of mean and mocking tweets

'Opulent parties? Like you and your cronies at the French Laundry during COVID?' jabbed another, referencing one of Newsom's biggest missteps during Covid when he was pictured dining with a large group of friends despite pandemic restrictions.

But the California Democrat wasn't done.

He followed up with a tweet mocking the Trump administration's priorities.

'They're more interested in defending their ballroom than the 17 million they kicked off health care.'

Then in a third tweet dripping with sarcasm from his personal account, Newsom responded directly to the White House announcement: 'Oh thank god - this is what the American people were desperately pleasing with you to do!'

Leavitt, for her part, remained focused on the policy as she unveiled renderings for the planned 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom, detailing the privately funded construction project she said would allow the White House to host major diplomatic events without resorting to makeshift tents on the South Lawn.

'The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world,' Leavitt said. 'But it does not have a space that can accommodate major functions without installing large and unsightly tents 100 yards from the main building entrance.

'This ballroom will change that,' she added, noting the facility would hold up to 650 guests, a massive upgrade from the East Room's 200-person capacity.

She said construction would begin in September, with completion expected 'well before the end of President Trump's term.'

The California governor mocked the White House defending the planned ballroom despite none of the money coming from public funds

In another sarcastic tweet Newsom continued to mock the announcement of the new ballroom

Karoline Leavitt is seen arriving to speak at a press briefing at the White House on Thursday

For his part, President Trump embraced the ballroom plan with his usual bravado.

'We're good at building,' he said on Thursday. 'I'm good at building things, and we'll get it built quickly and on time. It'll be beautiful - top of the line.'

The ballroom, he said, would reflect the design elegance of Mar-a-Lago and Turnberry, two of his signature properties, and would replace the East Wing - home to the First Lady's office - which will be temporarily relocated and modernized.

Despite Newsom's implication, taxpayer dollars will not fund the project.

Leavitt confirmed that Trump and private donors will cover the entire $200 million cost, although donor names were not disclosed.

The ballroom will be built just south of the main mansion, and renderings show a white-columned neoclassical structure that mimics the White House's famous facade.

The White House ballroom's designs are similar to those found at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago and his former hotel in Washington, D.C.

The White House released visuals of the new ballroom on Thursday. The current East Wing of the White House will be 'modernized' and 90,000 square feet of new space will be added in a project funded by President Donald Trump and donors

A view of the renovated and expanded White House East Wing from the East. The ballroom project will expand the East Wing by 90,000 square feet

President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago ballroom was a 20,000-square-foot addition to the historic property that he purchased in 1985

It will be the first major structural addition to the Executive Mansion in nearly a century.

The East Wing will not be demolished, but repurposed during the construction period.

Leavitt reiterated the ballroom's diplomatic utility. 'This new facility will give the United States a world-class venue to host global leaders with the dignity and grandeur that such occasions deserve.'

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles emphasized the administration's commitment to architectural integrity.

'President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail.'
A woman in Florida was thrown in jail after letting the grass in front of her home go brown during hot weather, violating HOA guidelines.

Irena Green was arrested and spent a week in jail after a battle with her homeowner's association in Hillsborough County over browning grass in front of her home.

'I think they have way too much power,' Green told ABC news. 'I've never heard of anything like this in my life.'

Green said her grass is often not green due to a large tree that's planted near her sidewalk, as well as mandatory watering restrictions that were put in place last year following a drought.

She claimed, however, that her lawn was not the worst looking in the Riverview Creek View subdivision.

'If you drive around my neighborhood, you'll see there's plenty of yards not up to par,' she added.

The Trowbridge Company Inc., the HOA management company, began notifying her of the violations, which spanned a range of issues including her browning lawn and a dirty mailbox, Green said.

'The grass had started turning brown. So they started sending notes, and it went from the grass being brown to there's a dent in my garage.'

Irena Green was arrested and spent a week in jail after a battle with her homeowner's association in Hillsborough County over browning grass in front of her home

Green said the grass often isn't green in her yard due to a large tree that's planted near her sidewalk as well as mandatory watering restrictions last year following a drought

On May 23, as she drove home with her daughter, she was pulled over and asked to step out of her vehicle and she was arrested and booked into the Orient Road Jail

Green also was notified of violations including owning a commercial cargo van, which is not the only in her neighborhood, ABC reported.

But as she failed to comply with the guidelines and respond to a request for mediation, the HOA filed a lawsuit against her alleging that she violated community appearance rules.

Yet as she attempted to represent herself in court, she was told last July by the judge that she had around a month to fix the violations.

'My grass had to be brought up to par. He said you can get seed, you can do something, but you've got 30 days to get it corrected. So I said fine. He said if it's not done in 30 days, you're gonna go to jail,' Green told the outlet.

Green said she did what she could to comply, even selling her van and cleaning her mailbox.

She bought seed and watered her grass, but missed her next court date and claimed she hadn't been notified to appear at the hearing last August.

'I was supposed to receive documentation. Nothing was sent to my home,' Green said.

'And I reached out to the courthouse several times to try to find out when was my court date.'

The Trowbridge Company Inc., the HOA management company, began notifying her of the violations, which spanned a range of issues including her browning lawn and a dirty mailbox

Green said she did what she could to comply, even selling her van and cleaning her mailbox. She bought seed and watered her grass, but missed her next court date and claimed she hadn't been notified to appear at the hearing last August

Yet, the judge ordered that she was in contempt of court and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

On May 23, as she drove home with her daughter, she was pulled over and asked to step out of her vehicle.

'He asked me can I get out. When I got out he said, "Ms. green, did you know that you have a warrant for your arrest?"' Green said.

She was arrested and booked into the Orient Road Jail, according to ABC News.

Yet, she was placed into custody without bond.

'So I couldn't even go home to my family. I sat in there for seven days. Seven days in the jailhouse like a criminal,' she added.

Green described the process of being booked into the jail as 'horrible.'

'I work hard to buy this home for me and my kids in a better neighborhood and environment and to be taken to jail and to be treated like that for brown grass at my own home... that's horrible,' she said.

'Her failure to abide by the Courts instruction led to the arrest warrant being issued...These steps were taken by the Court due to Ms. Greens failure to comply with the Courts instructions,' the HOA Board of Directors said in a statement

She even described being held in jail with other inmates who queried why she was being held in custody.

'One girl, she kind of came over and asked me like "Hey, what are you in here for?" And I told her it was like for my grass,' Green said.

'And shes like Oh grass, they should make that stuff legal. She's thinking that I'm talking about weed and I'm talking about my front yard grass.'

Green's sister, a paralegal, filed a petition six-days after she was booked into the jail which requested an emergency hearing.

'I went to court, and I had to be shackled from my hands to my feet,' Green said as she recalled being the only person in county civil court wearing a jail uniform.

In court, the HOA's attorney even opposed her release, Green said: 'He says "Well, it hasnt been resodded. The whole yard needs to be re-sodded." And shes like not from those pictures I see. Shes like "No. I want her released immediately."'

'He wanted me to continue to sit in jail and not come home to my family,' she added.

In a statement to the outlet, the Creek View HOA Board of Directors said: 'Ms. Green received notices of violations. She disregarded them. Legal action was filed by the Association after she failed to accept the offer to mediate the matter, pre-suit, as is required before a lawsuit can be filed...'

Green described the process of being booked into the jail and treated as a criminal as 'horrible'

'After suit was filed and final judgment was entered against her, Ms. Green showed up for the court hearing on July 11, 2024... At the July 11 hearing, with Ms. Green present, another court date was set by the judge for August 19, 2024.

'She was instructed to comply with the requirements of the final judgment by August 19 and to report to the judge what was accomplished on August 19. Ms. Green failed to show up in court on August 19.

'Her failure to abide by the Courts instruction led to the arrest warrant being issued...These steps were taken by the Court due to Ms. Greens failure to comply with the Courts instructions.'

While Green was released the next day following her hearing, she said: 'I definitely wish I would have hired a lawyer.'
A pristine stretch of Lake Tahoe's southern shore that is normally buzzing with sunbathers, swimmers, and paddle-boarders, has suddenly fallen quiet after the water became contaminated.

Federal officials issued an urgent warning on Friday advising the public to stay out of the water near Camp Richardson Resort after testing revealed 'high levels' of E. coli bacteria lurking beneath the lake's famously clear surface following a sewage leak.

The US Forest Service's Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit sounded the alarm urging beachgoers, boaters, and swimmers to avoid all recreational water activity between Jameson Beach and the Valhalla Boathouse.

While the bacteria levels at those two endpoints do not yet exceed state standards, the entire area is being treated as a hot zone until further testing proves otherwise.

E. coli is a bacteria most commonly found in the intestines of people and animals.

While many strains are harmless, certain types can cause severe illness, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even life-threatening sepsis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC advises people to never swallow lake water and to wash hands thoroughly after contact with natural water sources, even when no contamination is suspected.

The Lake Tahoe warning underscores how quickly a hidden threat can emerge in one of California's most popular summer destinations.

A pristine stretch of Lake Tahoe's southern shore that is normally buzzing with sunbathers, swimmers and paddle-boarders has suddenly fallen quiet when the lake became contaminated

E.coli can cause severe illness, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even life-threatening sepsis , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Lake Tahoe's southern shore that is normally buzzing with sunbathers, swimmers, and paddle-boarders. The beach is pictured last week

In the wake of the discovery, a coordinated emergency response effort has sprung into action.

The USDA Forest Service, Camp Richardson Resort, El Dorado County Environmental Management, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency are now working in tandem to contain the contamination.

Tests taken east and west of Camp Richardson have so far shown no elevated levels, but officials aren't taking chances.

With peak summer tourism in full swing, the advisory has left vacationers shocked and local business owners bracing for the fallout.

It's not Lake Tahoe's first brush with bacterial contamination.

Last summer, 125,000-gallons of raw sewage spilled into the waters in front of a popular North Shore restaurant. Authorities were forced to close two beaches as bacteria levels spiked.

With peak summer tourism in full swing, the advisory has left vacationers shocked and local business owners bracing for the fallout. Pictured, the Camp Richardson Resort seen in May

That incident led to a months-long investigation, culminating last month in an $850,000 fine levied against Caltrans and the North Tahoe Public Utility District, after officials concluded a contractor accidentally pierced a sewage main.

The latest leak is smaller but equally dangerous. Experts warn that even moderate E. coli exposure can pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Officials say the water will continue to be monitored daily, with additional samples being collected over the weekend.

Advisory signs will remain posted until test results consistently show safe bacteria levels.
A neo-Nazi group is quietly buying up land across the UK in a bid to create white-only enclaves, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Woodlander Initiative (TWI) has already purchased more than 20 acres of land in four different locations and plans to buy up plots in every county in the UK to establish white heartlands.

The fascist land-buying scheme owns a large plot of land near a secluded village in rural Wales that has been used by Britains largest fascist group to host camping and training weekends.

The group has raised more than 160,000 from far-Right donors and recently bought a section of woodland near Rye in an attempt to establish a white-only enclave in the East Sussex town.

Experts say that owning large swathes of land has been a longstanding ambition of the British far-Right and described it as concerning that Woodlander has been able to do so under the radar.

TWI is run by former BNP and National Front member Simon Birkett who is now linked to Britains largest neo-Nazi group - Patriotic Alternative (PA) - and was a speaker at its last annual conference.

In a recent article for TWI members Birkett invoked conspiracy theories including the Great Replacement and said that Woodlander is part of attempts to create an elite, a vanguard, an alternative group who will actively do whats best for us.

PA leader Mark Collett - a former British National Party official - has repeatedly championed the land-buying scheme and his activists have camped on the TWI land in Wales.

TWI is run by former BNP and National Front member Simon Birkett (pictured) who is now linked to Britains largest neo-Nazi group - Patriotic Alternative (PA) - and was a speaker at its last annual conference

The group is quietly buying up land across the UK in a bid to create white-only enclaves, The Mail on Sunday can reveal

Writing in the neo-Nazi magazine Heritage and Destiny, Collett described TWI as a fantastic initiative that allows nationalists to pool their money in order to purchase land and property.

This is a long-term plan that will hopefully catch on and turn into the establishment of indigenous heartlands; places for our people, he wrote.

Dr William Allchorn, a senior research fellow at Anglia Ruskin University who is an expert on the British far-Right, said that buying land is part of a broader strategy for fascist groups.

Its the idea of creating a separate white heartland or parallel society where they can be completely off grid, he said.

This is worrying because while these camps can look fairly innocuous they involve things like paramilitary training or training in martial arts.

Dr Allchorn said it was concerning that TWI appears to have progressed fairly far and that it has parallels with groups in the United States, East Germany and South Africa where neo-Nazis have been buying up land in order to create white-exclusive towns or communities that live in the style of the Nazi past.

He said that British far-Right groups had previously flirted with buying land but had largely been focussed on trying to enter electoral politics, but their focus has shifted since the pandemic.

They view this as a key moment, Dr Allchorn said. If they can find land or they can find a place to build this enclave, it fits neatly with the broader ideological vision which all far-Right groups are aiming towards, which is the erasure and exclusion of minorities and migrants.

Woodlander has purchased land near the village of Llanafan Fawr, in mid Wales (pictured)

Woodlander has purchased land near the village of Llanafan Fawr, in mid Wales, and recently bought three and a half acres of woodland near the village of Beckley, East Sussex.

It is also planning to buy land near Alston, Cumbria, and advertised this to PA members in an attempt to raise cash to build villages exclusively for white Britons.

In a video posted earlier this month Birkett spoke of building a village for TWI members and on its website TWI says its plan is to take back control of our land, our freedoms and our future for British people as a distinct group comprising of the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish.

The Woodlander Initiative did not respond to a request for comment.
A top lawyer representing Jeffrey Epstein's victims has demanded Prince Andrew testifies about his links to the infamous paedophile socialite.

Famed lawyer Gloria Allred, 84, said the Duke of York should volunteer to speak under oath before Congress.

The 65-year-old has maintained his denial of ever sleeping with Virginia Giuffre, the Epstein victim Andrew was pictured with when she was 17, with the pair standing next to jailed predator Ghislaine Maxwell.

Andrew's lawyers have denied that he has refused to cooperate with US Epstein investigators.

Allred told The Daily Mirror: 'Now more than ever, he should come forward. He could volunteer to testify publicly.

'Is he willing to testify before Congress? Is he willing to give more information to the Justice Department? And if not, why not?

'His silence is a statement that he's not willing to help for some reason.'

It came as a bombshell book called Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, by Andrew Lownie, revealed Jeffrey Epstein said of Prince Andrew: 'We are both serial sex addicts. He's the only person I have met who is more obsessed with p***y than me.

'From the reports I've got back from the women we've shared, he's the most perverted animal in the bedroom. He likes to engage in stuff that's even kinky to me  and I'm the king of kink!'

Prince Andrew with his arm around 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre as they stand next to Ghislaine Maxwell

Paedophile socialite Jeffrey Epstein (pictured in his mugshot in 2017) said of Prince Andrew: 'He's the only person I have met who is more obsessed with p***y than me'

Famed lawyer Gloria Allred, 84, (pictured) said the Duke of York should volunteer to speak under oath before Congress

The book, which the Duke and Duchess of York tried to ban, explores how the couple 'fell from grace because of the aws in their own characters and how they were allowed to leverage their privileged position as royals for personal gain with the connivance of the institution itself.'

The book also details claims of Prince Andrew's infidelity and bedroom antics - from sleeping with scores of women while on ambassador trips to making lewd comments to women he met during everyday life as the late Queen's favourite son.

It said the nickname 'Randy Andy' was given to Prince Andrew while he was at Gordonstoun public school.

He allegedly earned the name because he was already sexually experienced, good looking and girls were attracted to him.

While he has never had trouble picking up women, a family friend said: 'He's not a hunter of women. He rather expects them to come to him. But when they do, he shows himself to be bone idle and not very socially adept at chatting them up.'

Jeffrey Epstein (pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2005) said Prince Andrew was 'the most perverted animal in the bedroom'

The Duke of York has long faced criticism for his friendship with Epstein (pictured in 2011), which carried on even after the socialite's imprisonment for sex offences in 2008

One woman he propositioned said: 'He's about as subtle as a hand grenade. His favourite trick is to rub your knee under the table. It's pathetic.'

At a wedding he was said to have asked a woman he'd not met before for a dance. When she declined, he responded, 'I suppose a b*** j** is out of the question, then?'

Another of his lovers said: 'He is not a Casanova. In the bedroom department he is a bit of a let-down. He has been dumped by most of the girls linked to him because he is a bore.'

Andrew is also said to have certain juvenile characteristics, such as taking advantage of his position to humiliate others who may not be able to respond.

At a society event in 1992 he reportedly unzipped broadcaster Tania Bryer's evening dress the full length of her back.

Then at a dinner party he allegedly sniffed the pate served as a rst course and turned to his right, saying, 'This pate smells. What do you think?'

His female companion leaned forward to smell it and he promptly pushed her face into the dish.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at Windsor horse show trial in May 1986

Prince Andrew with his then-fiancee Sarah Ferguson beside the late Queen during Trooping The Colour in 1986 a month before their wedding

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 8, 2019, in London

At a society event in 1992 he reportedly unzipped broadcaster Tania Bryer's evening dress the full length of her back. Pictured: Bryer at an unrelated event in 1992

One of his dates recalled how he always introduced himself to her friends as the Duke of York, 'even when we were dancing on tables at two in the morning at Momo.'

After a house party in Dorset, one young woman complained: 'One minute you're having your bum pinched and the next minute he's reminding you he's Your Royal Highness.'

The controversial prince even left an impression on former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Andrew asked to have lunch with Johnson when he was Mayor of London, turning up with a list of things he wanted to talk about.

He wanted to redesign traffic lights with 'fewer red lights', thought the whole of Battersea Power Station should be demolished, including the listed towers and felt the Queen Elizabeth II Centre was too small and not t for purpose.

Johnson responded: 'Well, if it's too small, it's your mum's fault.' Andrew reportedly stuck his tongue out.

Afterwards, Boris said: 'I'm the last person to be a republican but, f***, if I ever have to spend another lunch like that, I soon will be.'

Before her death by suicide in April, Virginia Giuffre said she was approached by Maxwell in 2000 and eventually was hired by her as a masseuse for Epstein, who took his own life in prison aged 66 in 2019.

But the couple effectively made her a sexual servant, she said, pressuring her into gratifying not only Epstein but his friends and associates.

President Trump (pictured on Friday) was close friends with Epstein for decades and has been criticised for not releasing government-held files on the paedophile

Donald Trump and his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago club, Palm Beach, Florida, on February 12, 2000

Pictured: Ghislaine Maxwell massages Jeffrey Epstein's foot while on a private jet

Giuffre said she was flown around the world for appointments with men including Prince Andrew while she was 17 and 18 years old.

The men, including Andrew, denied that and questioned Giuffre's credibility.

The prince settled with Giuffre in 2022 for an undisclosed sum, agreeing to make a 'substantial donation' to her survivors' organisation.

While Andrew has long been criticised on both sides of the Atlantic, Allred, the attorney for some of Epstein's victims, also said she believes Andrew's name appears in files on Epstein held by the US government that many are asking to be made public.

President Trump, who was close friends with Epstein for decades, suggested while campaigning for the last election that he would release the files.

His campaign team wrote on X: 'President Trump says he will DECLASSIFY the 9/11 Files, JFK Files, and Epstein Files.'

However, since his election he has backtracked. His former pal Elon Musk has criticised the Trump administration for not releasing the files.

This year, Trump claimed the files were a 'hoax' and a 'scam' by Democrats who had peddled 'bulls***' to former MAGA supporters.

Musk responded on X by saying: 'Wow, amazing that Epstein ''killed himself'' and Ghislaine is in federal prison for a hoax.'

Then on July 15, Trump said: 'It's pretty boring stuff. It's sordid, but it's boring, and I don't understand why it keeps going.

'I think really only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.'

He later admitted the US attorney general had not told him the files were a hoax, but said he (Trump) 'knew' it was.
Elon Musk's X has warned that the Online Safety Act, which requires users to prove their age, is 'putting free speech at risk'.

The new rules, seen by watchdogs as a way to protect children online, have sparked a furious backlash from thousands of users.

The act forces platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X, along with sites hosting pornography, to implement strict age verification measures to prove users are over 18.

But critics are outraged, arguing that age checks are blocking access to large parts of the internet that have no business being grouped with adult content.

To use platforms like X, users must surrender personal details such as credit card information, ID, or even facial scans, leading many to bypass the system altogether.

X has now joined the chorus of criticism, warning that unless the act is amended to be more 'balanced', 'free speech will suffer'.

The uproar has already seen nearly half a million people signing a petition demanding the act be scrapped as the number of users searches for VPN surged since the changes came into force.

But a government spokesperson has dismissed these concerns, calling the claim that the law compromises free speech as 'demonstrably false', insisting that it is 'not designed to censor political debate'.

X, owned by tycoon Elon Musk, pictured, has now joined the chorus of criticism, warning that unless the act is amended to be more 'balanced,' 'free speech will suffer'

The new rules are seen by watchdogs as a way to protect children online. Pictured: Stock image

Critics argue that age checks are blocking access to large parts of the internet that have no business being grouped with adult content

The dispute reached new heights earlier this week when a senior Labour minister accused Reform's Nigel Farage of aligning with 'sick paedophiles' like Jimmy Savile during the ongoing clash over the law.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle went even further, accusing Mr Farage of siding with 'extreme pornographers' over Reform UK's vow to scrap the act.

The Reform leader labelled the comments 'disgusting' and demanded an apology, however Mr Kyle later doubled down on his remarks.

Now X has joined the list of critics, saying in statement: 'When lawmakers approved these measures, they made a conscientious decision to increase censorship in the name of 'online safety.'

'It is fair to ask if UK citizens were equally aware of the trade-off being made.'

The platform claims the timeframe that they were given to meet mandatory measures had been unnecessarily tight - and despite complying, sites still faced threats of enforcement and fines, 'encouraging over-censorship'.

It goes on to say: 'In addition to increased regulations, a new National Internet Intelligence Investigations team within the British Police will further intensify scrutiny.

'The teams sole focus is monitoring social media for signs of unrest, such as anti-immigrant sentiment, to prevent real-world violence.

'While positioned as a safety measure, it clearly goes far beyond that intent. This move has set off alarm bells for free speech advocate who characterize it as excessive and potentially restrictive.'

Adding: 'A balanced approach is the only way to protect individual liberties, encourage innovation and safeguard children.

'It's safe to say that significant changes must take place to achieve these objectives in the UK.'

Peter Kyle also accused the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of being on the side of 'extreme pornographers' over the party's pledge to scrap the Online Safety Act

Critics including Mr Farage claim that the law is being used to stifle free speech by blocking people from seeing some controversial political statements online

Former BBC television presenter and DJ Jimmy Savile, who died aged 84 in 2011, is believed to have been one of Britain's most prolific paedophiles, whose crimes went undiscovered or unchallenged for decades.

Nearly half a million people have signed a petition against the Online Safety Act

Spotify users have hit out after it emerged the app will now require age verification, with some calling for others to stop using the platform and to 'let them go bankrupt' (stock image)

Ofcom said this week it had launched investigations into 34 pornography sites for new age-check requirements.

It comes as Spotify users were left furious after they were told their accounts were at risk of being deleted if they failed to verify their age when trying to access videos marked 18+, with some urging users to stop using it.

One user questioned: 'How old do you have to be to listen to music?', while another declared: 'I think I'm deleting payments to any company that ever sends me something like this.'

Previously, campaign group, Big Brother Watch, also warned of the 'catastrophic effect on free speech online' that the Ofcom legislation could have with 'intrusive new age checks to access a range of websites'.

Xbox have also followed suit, announcing they too will be investing in technologies and tools to ensure players have age-appropriate experiences on their platform, while sending notifications to UK users to verify their age.

A Government spokesperson said: 'It is demonstrably false that the Online Safety Act compromises free speech.

'As well as legal duties to keep children safe, the very same law places clear and unequivocal duties on platforms to protect freedom of expression. Failure to meet either obligation can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to 10% of global revenue or 18 million, whichever is greater.

'The Act is not designed to censor political debate and does not require platforms to age gate any content other than those which present the most serious risks to children such as pornography or suicide and self-harm content.

'Platforms have had several months to prepare for this law. It is a disservice to their users to hide behind deadlines as an excuse for failing to properly implement it.'
A mum who hid her baby in a plastic bag and lied to her partner about ever having given birth has been spared jail time.

Monique Ellen Burton, 35, faced the Perth District Court on Friday after pleading guilty to one count of interfering with a corpse to prevent or prejudice an investigation.

Burton gave birth to the child in secret in the lounge room of her home in Geraldton, in the Mid West region of Western Australia, in August 2022.

She then wrapped the baby in her leggings before hiding the child behind the couch inside a black garbage bag.

Burton has always claimed the baby was a stillborn.

During the trial, it was revealed Burton lied to her partner of 14 years, Shaun Balaam, who was not the biological father of the child, by telling him she had liver cirrhosis which caused her stomach to bloat.

Mr Balaam found Burton on the morning of August 19, 2022, feeling unwell on the sofa.

He rushed her to the hospital after he noticed blood on her legs, but Burton repeatedly denied giving birth or being pregnant despite medical evidence proving otherwise.

Monique Ellen Burton, 35, was sentenced to serve jail time but managed to have it suspended

When he got home from the hospital, Mr Balaam found the bag behind the couch but did not check what was inside.

He told police he suspected it might have been a baby due to Burton's history of concealing pregnancies but 'freaked out' and put it in the freezer.

Burton eventually admitted to having the baby and told hospital staff that she had hidden the child behind the sofa, which prompted a police search of her home.

Burton was interviewed in January 2024 and told police her memory was 'fuzzy' and that she had 'blocked it out'.

In handing down his sentence, Judge Darren Renton said it was not possible to determine what caused the baby boy's death as he was placed in the freezer.

However, Judge Renton added the child, known as Baby Burton, was likely a stillborn.

'You said there was no noise from the baby and he looked like a doll,' Judge Renton said.

Judge Renton explained he grappled with giving Burton an appropriate sentence as he accepted she was remorseful but the offending was very serious.

Burton had concealed her pregnancy and gave birth to a baby, which she hid in a plastic bag behind the couch

'Your motive was in part a desire to avoid the consequences of your pregnancy and because of your psychological conditions,' Judge Renton said.

'You had a sticking your head in the sand approach to deal with stressors and would go into a state of avoidance and denial.

"What you did involved a degree of indignity towards Baby Burton and would quite rightly be viewed as repugnant by members of the community.'

He labelled the situation as 'tragic... on many levels' as her lies made the case exceptionally frustrating and created layers of complexity.

While Burton's offending was towards the 'lower end' of the scale of criminal culpability, Judge Renton said it was by a bare margin her sentence was suspended.

Her stress, mental health issues, and lack of family support was taken into consideration during the ruling.

Burton was sentenced to a 19-month prison term that was suspended for 12 months.

Her sentencing included a treatment program to address personal development, psychiatric needs and parenting.

Perth District Court Judge Darren Renton said Burton had shown remorse for her actions

Burton was also charged with 12 counts of fraud related to money she received in donations from a GoFundMe page.

The GoFundMe was set up by a friend to help Burton cover medical expenses related to her fake liver issues.

Judge Renton noted Burton did not create the fund and her actions were mostly passive despite accepting more than $3,000 in donations.
He allegedly used several aliases

An alleged conman has been arrested after escaping a detention facility by tying bedsheets together and scaling down the side of a building.

Michael Connors, 26, who was travelling across Australia under multiple aliases, was caught in Box Hill, northwest of Sydney, on Thursday.

Police allege the Celtic man had arrived in Brisbane from Qatar in March with an alleged counterfeit passport with the name Craig O'Neill.

Australian Border Force officers detained Connors after he refused to undertake biometric checks.

Connors was taken to the Meriton Suites, in Brisbane's CBD, where detainees are sometimes held before being deported.

After spending just two days at Meriton Suites - and before he could be repatriated to the UK - police allege Connors tied bedsheets together and climbed out of the window from the third floor unit.

Officers alleged Mr Connors had gone by several different aliases while travelling across the country using forged documents.

Both are offences under Australias Migration Act and the maximum penalty for the false documents offence is 10 years' imprisonment.

Alleged conman Michael Connors, 26, was captured by police in Sydney

The Australian Federal Police had been extensively searching for him ever since his escape and issued a warrant for his arrest in April.

Officers allege Connors had outstanding interstate court matters for various offences including burglary and fraud.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott said Connors had targeted vulnerable people in the community through roof-repairing scams.

'Mr Connors has a history of alleged involvement in serious offences including burglary and roof-repair scams, where he has allegedly preyed on vulnerable community members,' Ms Scott said.

'Police will allege Mr Connors has engaged in fraudulent activity across two countries and left devastated people in his wake.'

Police further alleged Mr Connors had a history of using fake credentials to get into Australia and had done so many times in the past.

Other names he had used which were known to police included Craig ONeill, Michael OBrien, John Cash, Karl George Lynch and Joseph Blyth Kennedy.

In July, Connors tried to use one of his false identities to obtain a NSW driver's licence.

Local police alerted the AFP and Connors was found shortly thereafter at the Sydney address he used on his licence application.

Connors had escaped detention in Brisbane after he allegedly climbed out of a third-floor window and used tied bedsheets to rappel down the side of the building

He was extradited to Queensland and faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

He was charged with one count of using false documents and false or misleading information and one count of escaping from detention.

Connors' lawyer, Mark Stone, asked for the matter to be adjourned until August 15.

The AFP allege he is in the country illegally.
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal says weight-loss drugs are killing restaurants - despite taking them himself.

He said that people are going to want smaller portions because brands like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro stop appetite.

As a result, there has been a decline in desire for tasting menus at fine dining restaurants such as his three-Michelin-starred The Fat Duck.

Meanwhile, labour, ingredients and fuel costs have increased while diners' appetites are decreasing and so they are ordering less.

The chef admitted he is worried for the future of his industry and believes it will only get worse when the weight-loss drugs become more accessible in the form of over the counter patches or tablets.

His restaurant group has taken a hit as it reported post-tax losses in 2024 of 2.1 million, after a loss of 1.4 million in 2023.

However Blumenthal has been taking Wegovy to to combat the effects of his bipolar medication.

He was sectioned following an acute manic episode in 2023. The illness caused the father-of-three to suffer hallucinations that led him to see phantom guns and believe the television was talking to him.

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal says weight-loss drugs are ruining restaurants - despite taking them himself

It was his wife, entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson (right), who asked doctors to admit him for psychiatric treatment

He was eventually admitted to a psychiatric hospital for three weeks, where he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

But high doses of treatment has caused him rapid weight gain.

'I've put on so much weight, but it's starting to come off now,' he said. 'I've lost eight kilos,' he told Times Radio.

The bipolar medication has also caused 'brain fog', slurred speech and problems with balance.

It was his wife, entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson, who asked doctors to admit him for psychiatric treatment.

I was only until he was sectioned he knew he had bipolar and thought he had only been living with an ADHD diagnosis he got in 2017.

'I had no idea. No idea at all,' Blumenthal said. 'And upon reflection, I realised that some of my past behaviour has not been normal.'

He has previously spoken of having a lot of road rage as a teenager. He also recalled that upon starting The Fat Duck he was able to survive on very little sleep - and suspects this was another potential early warning sign of bipolar disorder.

The multi-award winning restauranteur said he still has suicidal thoughts, but they have lessened in intensity.

He said: 'Before, they were: how can I do it? And now, they are just thoughts'.
Concertgoers should pay caution ahead of Coldplay's UK gigs as their infamous kiss-cam that caught a CEO and his co-worker embracing, in what is now a viral moment, will be present.

The band are set to play a series of concerts at Wembley, London, and Sewell Group Craven Park in Kingston upon Hull, this August and September.

However fans should remain wary as they may make an appearance on the big screen.

Dr Paul Sewell, chairman of rugby league team Hull Kingston Rovers, announced the internet-wide famous kiss cam would be making an appearance at the band's upcoming shows.

It comes after former Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron, and his colleague Kristin Cabot, who was also the company's Chief People Officer, were caught lovingly embracing when the camera zoomed in on them.

In a desperate bid to hide away, he ducked down while she turned away, however, their reaction only encouraged Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin to quip: 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.'

And then the aftermath ensued, with the clip going viral online, remixed and dissected millions of times by online users, who eventually found the identities of the red-faced CEO and his HR colleague.

But Dr Sewell couldn't resist poking fun at the moment, which is now cemented in history, jokingly warning others of the kiss-cam's presence at the UK concerts.

'Great to see Hulls Chiedu Oraka opening for Coldplay at Sewell Group Craven Park next month,' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The moment former Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron, and his colleague Kristin Cabot, who was also the company's Chief People Officer, were caught embracing at a Coldplay concert

At the time, Chris Martin jokingly quipped: 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.'

Dr Paul Sewell, chairman of rugby league team Hull Kingston Rovers, announced the internet-wide famous kiss cam would be making an appearance at the band's upcoming shows

'Nice one! To all those who called this little residency with us a poor spoof: See you there! (or maybe not) To those Business sorts bringing their PAs - the Big Kiss Cam will feature!!'

It comes as Byron resigned from the billion-dollar company a mid a probe into the scandal.

However, online people have been having a field day - from office romance memes to Coldplay-themed jokes, no one has been spared.

TikTok sleuths turned into corporate HR experts overnight, while Twitter users transformed the drama into a soap opera with bite-sized episodes.

Amid the drama, Chris Martin even got his digs in by cracking a joke during a concert in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday.

Speaking to the crowd, he cheekily said: 'We'd like to say hello to some of you in the crowd.'

'How we're going to do that is we're going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen.'

Despite the internet exploding with hot takes, memes and mock statements, Andy Byron has yet to issue any public apology following his very public kiss-cam moment at the Coldplay concert.

The band are set to play a series of concerts at Wembley, London, and Sewell Group Craven Park in Kingston upon Hull, this August and September

Since then, the internet has had a field day with several memes making light of the incident

People on the internet are still coming up with creative ways to make light of the situation - nearly a week after it happened

People have poked fun at the fact that Byron has resigned and Cabot has now been put on leave

Several fake statements, designed to appear as heartfelt apologies, have been circulating online, including one where he allegedly quoted Coldplay's 'Fix You' and begged forgiveness from his wife and staff.

One viral hoax even ended with the line: 'I hope one day she'll forgive me. But for now, I'll just let Coldplay fix me.'

But Astronomer has confirmed that those statements are completely fake and did not come from Byron.

The company also made it clear that only Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were involved, and that a board-led investigation is underway.

But some PR experts have waded in on the issue, saying the incident could work out in Astronomer's favour.

Some have described it as a 'blessing in disguise' for a previously low-profile data company.

It is not just social media users who are still talking about the situation. Huge brands such as Ikea, Ryanair, Tesla, and Frido have all jumped on the viral moment.

The car maker tweeted: 'Posting a pic of you enjoying your loaner Tesla while your own one is in service is the equivalent of taking it to a Coldplay concert.'

Frido also showed an image of Byron cuddling one of their pillows instead of Cabot.

Its caption read: 'Bro could have just used our Cuddle Pillow and avoided all that embarrassment.'
Nowhere is on track to meet the 2030 target

Australia's road safety record is backsliding with new data revealing motorist-related deaths have reached the highest level in 15 years.

The National Road Safety Strategy is being called into question after 1,329 people died on the country's roads in the year to June 30 - the highest on record since 2010.

Quarterly benchmarking from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) showed that no state or territory was on track to reach the target of halving fatalities by 2030.

Since 2021, when the National Road Safety Strategy was introduced, there has been a 21.1 per cent increase in road deaths, the data found.

Despite many states testing out new types of speed cameras and other technology, the number of deaths in 2025 somehow crept up by 3.3 per cent compared to 2024

The only areas of Australia that have seen a decrease in road deaths for the same period, last year, were South Australia and the Northern Territory.

However, that did not mean the Northern Territory had a spotless record, with the territory carrying the highest rate of deaths per 100,000 residents.

Data revealed 19 people per 100,000 died on roads in the Northern Territory, followed by 8.3 people in Tasmania, 6.1 in Western Australia, 5.3 in Queensland, 4.4 in South Australia, 4.2 in both NSW and Victoria and 1.7 in the Australian Capital Territory.

Data revealed 1,329 people have died on Aussie roads in the 12 months to June 2025 - the highest road toll since 2010

The Australian Automobile Association has called the government's National Road Safety Strategy into question

Managing Director of the AAA, Michael Bradley, said the government's strategy was 'clearly not working'.

'Our National Road Safety Strategy is clearly not working as planned and governments cannot expect to get better results by pursuing the same failed approach,' Mr Bradley said.

The AAA represents state-based motoring clubs and boasts 9.5 million members.

The Benchmarking Report drew data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) statistics.

The data is used to assess which parts of Australia are on track to reach the government's 2030 goal.

However, the report showed Australia was not on track, as 192 pedestrians died in the year leading to June - an increase of 15 per cent compared to the previous year.

In the same period, 38 cyclists were killed and a whopping 264 motorcyclists died on Aussie roads across the country.

The AAA said it hoped to shed light on the country's growing road toll in order to 'de-politicise road funding and to enable evidence-based safety interventions'.

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said whatever the government is doing clearly is not working

Mr Bradley did, however, applaud NSW for releasing previously secret data showing how safe its roads really were

Previously, secret safety ratings of NSW's roads were released by its state government in July.

The data showed 71 per cent of roads received a mere three out of five stars under the Australian Road Assessment Program's (ARAP) road assessment scheme.

Mr Bradley applauded the government for having the courage to release the data.

'This national leadership is to be congratulated, and it will save lives by improving transparency, accountability, and by ensuring road investment dollars get spent where they are most needed,' Mr Bradley said.

Mr Bradley added it was a step in the right direction that the Commonwealth had recently tied its funding of state roads with the provision of road safety crash data.

'However, it too needs to do more to publish and analyse the valuable information it is now collecting,' Mr Bradley said.

ARAP rates roads based on analysis of risk factors which include the measures in place to keep drivers safe.

The measures include, average daily traffic, speed limit, number of lanes in each direction, lane width, shoulder width, presence or absence of roadside barriers and rumble strips, gradient and curvature, quality of line markings, skid resistance, whether the road is single or dual carriageway and provisions for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
The owner of a Montana bar where a gunman killed four people before going on the run believes the suspect just 'snapped'.

David Gwerder, owner of the Owl Bar, said alleged shooter Michael Paul Brown likely knew the victims of Friday's attack.

Brown, 45, is an army veteran who lived next to the establishment in Anaconda. He is accused of killing three patrons and a bartender.

The town remains on high alert as the manhunt for Brown enters its second day.

'He knew everybody that was in that bar, I guarantee you that,' Gwerder said.

'He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.'

Gwerder was not at the bar at the time of the shooting and believes the victims were the only ones inside.

Brown fled the scene around 10:30am on Friday in a white truck which was later found abandoned, police said.

The Owl Bar owner, David Gwerder, has known the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, (pictured) for a while, as he lived next door to the boozy establishment

'He knew everybody that was in that bar, I guarantee you that,' Gwerder to AP. 'He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped'

He is still at large and believed to be armed and dangerous. Members of the public are being urged to avoid any contact with him if spotted.

One person who spoke with MTN News said they had been at a nearby bar and saw the shooter walking around with a rifle.

Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson.

The suspect was in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009, Castro said. He left military service in the rank of sergeant.

His home was cleared by a SWAT team and he was last seen in the Stump Town area, just west of Anaconda, authorities said.

Police are focusing on the nearby mountains near Stumptown Road and residents were encouraged to stay indoors Friday evening.

As reports of the shooting spread through town, business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers.

At Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, a nursery a few blocks from the shooting scene, owner Sage Huot said she'd kept the children inside all day after someone called to let her know about the violence.

Brown, 45, is an army veteran who lived next to the establishment in Anaconda. He is accused of killing three patrons and a bartender

Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson

'We're constantly doing practice drills, fire drills and active shooter drills, so we locked down the facility, locked the doors, and we have a quiet spot where we play activities away from all of our windows and doors,' Huot said.

The owner of the Firefly Cafe in Anaconda said she locked up her business at about 11am Friday after getting alerted to the shooting by a friend.

'We are Montana, so guns are not new to us,' cafe owner Barbie Nelson said. 'For our town to be locked down, everybody's pretty rattled.'

A woman believed to be Brown's daughter took to social media as the manhunt continued saying: 'Mental health is real.'

Clare Boyle posted after the horrific events unfolded writing: 'There is one thing Im certain of. Mental health is real.

'And it goes unmanaged and dismissed every single day. There are people who search for help and get turned away at every stop along the path.

'There are people who cry for help and show DEFINITE warning signs of crash out. This town? All this town does is talk and judge.'

A friend of Brown wrote on Facebook: 'The shooter was a friend, combat veteran with PTSD and a delusional mentality of still being active spec ops! He would tell me these outrageous stories of his that were straight out of motion pictures!

Brown fled the scene around 10:30am on Friday in a white truck and he is still at large. Police believed the veteran, who served in the Army, to be armed and dangerous

Brown is accused of killing three patrons and a bartender , who Gwerder - who was not at the bar at the time of the shooting - believes were the only people in place at the time

'Mikey Brown needed help! Several locals contacted authorities and pleaded for them to do something to no avail! He was always polite to everyone he was in contact with! Gentle soul, I knew him for years, and watched his mental health decline!

'PTSD is a serious disease! I am so sorry for those who lost their lives and their loved ones who are dealing with the loss of their own! Mikey I'm sorry people didn't listen! God Bless Anaconda.'
Local authorities conduct disaster relief after torrential rains in Tumd Left Banner, Inner Mongolia

Xinhua) 13:23, August 02, 2025

People play Go game, known as Weiqi in Chinese, at a temporary shelter in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

People play Xiangqi, a traditional Chinese board game also known as the Chinese chess, at a temporary shelter in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

A staff member (1st R) helps a resident at a temporary shelter in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

Medical workers (L) offer free consultation services at a temporary shelter in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

Workers fill sandbags outside a village in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

A water pump drains flood water outside a village in Tumd Left Banner of Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 1, 2025. Recent torrential rains have caused flooding in Tumd Left Banner, resulting in the evacuation of 17,000 residents. Local authorities have set up 22 temporary shelters and provided daily necessities such as beds, food, drinking water, and medicines to flood-affected people. (Xinhua/Bei He)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Police clashed with demonstrators at a far-right protest in as rival groups faced off.

Hundreds gathered outside Manchester Piccadilly station in Manchester on Saturday as supporters of far-right group Britain First prepared to march into the city.

The rally saw crowds waving Union Jacks and St George's flags as they lined the streets.

But they were met by counter-protesters organised by Stand Up To Racism, who staged a demonstration opposite the anti-immigration group.

Manchester City Council said Greater Manchester Police had a 'robust operational plan' in place to manage the protests, with a focus on public safety and maintaining order.

The council said a number of 'regular' protests are also expected on Saturday, adding some 'may occur across multiple locations in the city centre'.

MANCHESTER: Protesters clash with police during a far-right protest

MANCHESTER: Some demonstrators were arrested by police

MANCHESTER: Crowds were meeting outside Manchester Piccadilly railway station before a planned march towards Manchester city centre

MANCHESTER: A demonstrators in a white balaclava stands in front of a police officer in the city centre

MANCHESTER: Hundreds gathered in Manchester city centre as far-right demonstrators confronted counter protesters

MANCHESTER: Leader of Britain First Paul Golding, pictured, at the Britain First March

MANCHESTER: Counter protestors also showed up in Manchester today

MANCHESTER: In total, hundreds of people packed Manchester city centre

MANCHESTER: A group of protesters are seen holding St George and Union Jack flags

MANCHESTER: The far right protesters were confronted with counter-demonstrators

Police lined up to separate the two groups during the protest in Manchester

MANCHESTER: Some wore balaclavas and were flying St George or Union Jack flags

MANCHESTER: A picture of US President, who has pushed a policy of mass deportations in the country, was seen at the demonstration

MANCHESTER: Police line the streets to separate the two groups of protesters

US political commentator Joey Mannarino speaks to a far-right demonstration

MANCHESTER: Men hold up smoke flares at the protest this Saturday

MANCHESTER: Far-right Britain First party co-leaders Paul Golding, in suit and Ashlea Simon, to his right, lead supporters on an anti-immigration protest

MANCHESTER: A police officer classes with a protester at the rally

MANCHESTER: Masked supporters join the far-right Britain First party 'March for Remigration' rally

MANCHESTER: A person in a white balaclava waves a Union Jack flag

MANCHESTER: Police line up the streets to separate the two protesting groups

MANCHESTER: Police speak to people as a woman holding a flag gestures during the Britain First March

MANCHESTER: Police form a line between counter-protestors from Stand Up to Racism and people attending the Britain First march

MANCHESTER: Police form a line in front of counter-protestors from Stand Up to Racism

MANCHESTER: Woman at counter protesting holding up sign saying 'Refugees Welcome'

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: 'We respect and facilitate the right to lawful protest.

'As ever, appropriate plans will be put in place with the organisers and local partners to minimise disruption for those who live, work, and visit our city centre.'

This is not the only demonstration happening this week.

As previously reported, anti-migrant demonstrators faced off against anti-racism counter-protesters this evening outside a hotel on the south coast used to house asylum seekers.

Protesters gathered outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Hampshire, on Friday waving flags and calling for the hotel's closure.

Anti-migrant demonstrations have taken place across the South of England today, in locations including Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth.

All the protests are taking place at locations where the government are housing migrants while their asylum applications are processed.

SOUTHSEA: Protesters wave flags as they call for the Royal Beach Hotel to be closed to asylum seekers

SOUTHSEA: Anti-migrant demonstrators face off against protesters from Stand Up to Racism outside the Royal Beach Hotel in Southsea, Hants, this evening, Friday 1st August 2025.

SOUTHSEA: Counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth staged an event at the same location 'to show friendship and solidarity with refugees'

In Southsea, counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism Portsmouth staged an event at the same location, holding signs reading 'Refugees welcome'.

The day of protests on the south coast follows similar recent unrest in Epping, where a series of demonstrations have taken place calling for the closure of The Bell Inn, a hotel used on and off for the last five years as accommodation for asylum seekers.

A ring of steel was also erected around The Britannia International Hotel, a luxury four-star lodging in London's Canary Wharf that has been converted to house migrants, following sweeping protests.

An Epping-style protest to stop migrants being housed above a town's shops took to the streets on Wednesday in Waterlooville, Hampshire - as thousands of locals warned of 'mayhem' if the plans go ahead.

Pro and anti-migrants protesters were kept apart by the police at the demonstration today

A man in a khaki T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle City Centre this afternoon, where migrants are being housed

Some anti-migrant protesters waved England football flags as police officers watched on

An arrest is made during the anti-immigrant protest, dubbed the Great British National Protest

Pro-mirants activists also attended the march in Newcastle to protest anti-migrant views

Tensions were high at the protest in the north of England this afternoon

An anti-migrant activist in a black jacket clutches a vape while looking at a police officer

Both sets of protesters got close together as they made their feelings known at the demonstration
President Donald Trump is being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Cambodia for helping to avert a deadly war in the region.

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced the decision on Friday, citing Trump's role in halting its border dispute with Thailand.

Clashes between the two neighboring countries broke out late last week, with each accusing the other of firing first.

At least 43 people were killed in intense skirmishes, which lasted five days and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border.

The conflict began to wind down after Trump called Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on July 26, Reuters reported.

A ceasefire was agreed to in Malaysia on July 28, ending the worst fighting between the two nations in the last decade.

Speaking to reporters earlier in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, Chanthol thanked Trump for intervening and said he deserved to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The prize is the highest-profile international award given to an individual or organization deemed to have done the most to 'advance fellowship between nations'.

President Donald Trump will be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize by Cambodia after he called Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to demand an end to the fighting between the two countries

Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol announced this on Friday and said Trump deserved to be nominated

At least 43 people were killed in the intense clashes, which lasted five days and displaced more than 300,000 people on both sides of the border (Pictured: Displaced civilians along the Thai-Cambodian border gather at a makeshift shelter on July 26, 2025)

Most recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Trump for the prize for his work in 2020 negotiating the Abraham Accords between Israel and several other Arab nations.

Netanyahu's letter to the prize committee, which he handed to the president at the White House during a visit on July 7, said Trump had 'created new opportunities to expand the circle of peace and normalization' in the Middle East.

Trump has assisted Israel's war in Gaza and has also aided in its campaign against Iran, authorizing a mission in June to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment sites.

Pakistan also said in June that it would recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in helping to resolve a conflict it had with India back in May.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. The ceremony is held in Oslo, Norway.

After peace was declared between Cambodia and Thailand, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X that Trump made it happen.

'Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!,' she said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pictured earlier this month presenting a letter he said he sent the Nobel Peace Prize committee nominating Trump. Pakistan also said it would recommend Trump for the prize

Cambodia became the third country to nominate Trump for the coveted prize after he set its tariff rate at 19 percent on Friday, which is a reduced rate from the 49 percent he planned to charge on Cambodian exports (Pictured: Trump announcing his Liberation Day tariffs at the White House on April 2, 2025)

Cambodia's nod to Trump comes after the United States set the tariff rate on Cambodian goods at 19 percent.

When Trump first announced his 'Liberation Day' tariffs at the White House on April 2, Cambodia was originally to be hit with a 49 percent import tax.

That was the highest of any Southeast Asian nation, and it likely would have crippled Cambodia since the US is its single largest export market.

Cambodia is where huge companies such as Gap, Levi's and Nike choose to manufacture their clothing and sneakers.

Chanthol said he was grateful for the reduced rate.

Thailand and Indonesia also received a 19 percent tariff rate on Friday, while Vietnam was slapped with a 20 percent rate.
Snooty Nantucket residents furious over the arrival of a chain store on their ritzy island are demanding its closure.

Roller Rabbit, a pricey, high-end sleepwear brand with a dozen locations nationwide, opened its latest shop earlier this year, right in the heart of Nantuckets upscale downtown, according to Nantucket Current.

But its arrival has sparked a ferocious backlash, as it directly violates the islands fiercely defended ban on franchises in the downtown area.

Despite being ordered to 'immediately cease all business activity' on the affluent Massachusetts island, the boutique defiantly kept its doors open - making subtle changes in a bid to dodge the ban.

The ban - officially called the Formula Business Restriction - is a town bylaw designed to preserve Nantuckets historic charm and shield local businesses from being drowned out by national and international retail chains.

'The proliferation of formula businesses will have a negative impact on the island's economy, historical relevance and unique character and economic vitality,' Nantucket Book Partners owner Wendy Hudson told the outlet.

'These uses are therefore prohibited in order to maintain a unique retail and dining experience.

'Formula businesses frustrate this goal by detracting from the overall historic island experience and threatening its tourist economy.'

Roller Rabbit, a pricey, high-end sleepwear brand, opened its latest shop earlier this year at 44 Centre Street (pictured) in Nantucket's downtown area - but its arrival sparked a backlash as it directly violates the islands fiercely defended ban on franchises

The ban - officially called the Formula Business Restriction - is a town bylaw designed to preserve Nantuckets historic downtown charm and shield local businesses from being drowned out by national and international retail chains

Determined to stay on the billionaire's oasis, Roller Rabbit (pictured) quickly jumped through hoops to skirt to rules - changing its name and revamping the stores offerings to include brands like Lands End and Dempsey & Carroll

Ritzy residents overwhelmingly supported the ban nearly a decade ago, worried that recognizable stores would erode the islands independent vibe and turn it into a cookie-cutter shopping destination.

Building Commissioner Paul Murphy issued Roller Rabbit a cease-and-desist order in July, marking the first-ever enforcement of the ban.

'The overlay district does not allow standardized businesses in the historic downtown area,' Murphy wrote to the boutique's owners, as reported by Nantucket Current.

'Roller Rabbit meets the definition of a formula business. You are hereby ordered to immediately cease all business activity at this location.'

The order stated that the shop met all the criteria to be considered a formula business - having ten or more locations worldwide and standardized elements like a common name, logo or product line.

Determined to stay on the billionaire's oasis, Roller Rabbit quickly jumped through hoops to skirt to rules - changing its name and revamping the stores offerings.

Now rebranded as The General Store by RR, the boutique has expanded its inventory to include brands like Lands End, Dempsey & Carroll, Minnow and Long Wharf Supply Co.

'Weve evolved our Centre Street seasonal pop-up into a new multi-brand concept,' Roller Rabbit Chief Marketing Officer Carolyn Phillips told the Current via email.

'This reimagined space features a curated selection of products not only from Roller Rabbit, but also from beloved brands that align with the spirit and lifestyle of Nantucket,' she added.

Nantucket Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) director Leslie Snell said the ban does not apply to pop-ups, which is what Roller Rabbit now claims to be under the rebrand 'The General Store by RR' (pictured: line for the boutique)

Nantucket Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) director Leslie Snell said the ban does not apply to pop-ups, which is what Roller Rabbit now claims to be.

'The formula business bylaw applies to any business within the overlay district regardless of duration,' she told the outlet.

However, the PLUS team doesnt routinely screen every new business for chain store compliance, they only step in when a business asks for a review, leaving enforcement largely driven by self-reporting or complaints.

'No town permits are required for retail stores, so there isn't an opportunity for advance review,' Snell added.

'We review for compliance based on complaints or our own observations.'

Roller Rabbit is known for its high-end womens sleepwear, often distinguished by whimsical prints - monkeys, florals and vibrant color palettes being just a few.

Shoppers can expect Roller Rabbit pajamas priced from approximately $128 to $148 or more, according to the website.

Ritzy residents overwhelmingly supported the ban nearly a decade ago, worried that recognizable stores would erode the islands independent vibe and turn it into a cookie-cutter shopping destination

Each set is crafted in small batches from luxe Pima cotton and adorned with artisanal touches like block prints and embroidery.

While critics balk at the steep prices, loyal fans point to the heirloom quality and distinctive designs as justification for the splurge - though it remains to be seen how many new customers will be secured on Nantucket.

Both Roller Rabbit and Nantucket Building Commissioner Paul Murphy did not immediately respond to Daily Mail for comment.
A father-of-three accused of kidnapping his girlfriend, shackling her inside a shed and sexually abusing her for two weeks has been released from jail.

Timothy Wood, 36, was arrested on July 2 after his girlfriend appeared at a neighbor's home covered in cuts and bruises, police said.

She told investigators she had been held captive, beaten with an electrical chord and even stuffed into a crawl space for two days.

The alleged victim said she managed to escape after two weeks by fleeing through an unlocked door.

The Phoenix Police Department responded to a 911 call from the neighbor and arrested Wood for aggravated assault, sexual assault, felony kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment.

But he has since been released from jail after the Maricopa County Attorney's Office requested that police obtain additional evidence.

The woman spoke to local news last week on the condition of anonymity to share her terror and shock that her alleged abuser was allowed to roam free.

'They told me that there was enough evidence to put him away. They told me that they found everything. The forensic nurse even corroborated my injuries,' she told local CBS affiliate, AZ Family.

James Wood, 36, was arrested in July and later released for allegedly kidnapping and abusing his girlfriend for two weeks

Wood was charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, felony kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment in early July

Wood was accused of holding his alleged victim captive in a shed outside his home (pictured) and would only let her into the house if he was with her

When asked what her message would be to the prosecutor who released Wood from jail, she told the outlet, 'Enjoy my funeral'.

The department has since resubmitted the charges to the attorney's office. Wood's alleged victim told AZ Family that she started to cry when she heard the news.

'I want to get him off the streets not only to get justice for me, but to keep him from hurting somebody else cause he will.'

A spokesperson with the Phoenix Police Department confirmed to Daily Mail that the case has been resubmitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review.

Harrowing abuse

Wood allegedly held his victim captive for two weeks in a backyard shed after she was evicted from her home.

He forced her to stay in the shed, even when she had to go to the bathroom, and would only allow her to the main home if they were together, court records obtained by AZ Central revealed.

She was allegedly subject to physical abuse during her captivity and told police that it only subsided when she had sex with him.

The alleged victim was confined to the shed that was locked with chains and bricks. In one harrowing instance, she was allegedly tied down by her ankles.

She told investigators that Wood struck her with an electrical cord and threatened to cut off her foot with a saw.

He even allegedly suffocated her by kneeling on her neck and told her he'd kill her if she reported him to authorities.

Wood denied the accusations against him in court, and the county attorney's office asked the police to refile the charges

A neighbor said that Wood's alleged victim was 'frantic' and 'scared to death that he was going to find her and hill her' after she escaped

In another instance, Wood allegedly forced her into a crawl space and buried her alive for two days.

She eventually found an unlocked door and said she escaped to a neighbor, who helped her call authorities.

The neighbor told local Fox affiliate, Fox 10 Phoenix, that she found the woman with two black eyes, a cut, a bruise on her leg, and a bruise on her head.

'She was frantic. She was scared to death that he was going to find her and kill her,' the neighbor recalled.

Prosecutors said during a court hearing that the woman was forced to have sex under death threats and was tied down with chains.

'This victim, very well for 14 days, may have been worried that she may not survive this incident,' a county prosecutor said.

Wood appeared in court last month and denied the current accusations levied against him.

He told the judge that he was a father of three and the allegations were 'crazy'.

Wood then accused his alleged victim of just getting, 'out of the loony bin'.

'I guess she has these episodes, and when she has an episode, I'm supposed to call her mom,' Wood said.

'I wasn't home at the time. When I got home, the police were there, and this all just kind of broke out.'

A letter written to the court from a previous victim stated that she feared Wood, and he threatened to kill her

Chilling criminal record

Wood has demonstrated a cycle of abuse since 2007 when he was arrested for aggravated assault, according to online court records.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and was arrested again in 2010 for attempting to commit domestic violence, for which he also pleaded guilty.

Court records obtained by AZ Central indicated that police arrested Wood in 2007 after witnesses reported he was attempting to kidnap a woman who was screaming near his truck.

He told police that the woman was his girlfriend and they were arguing about him leaving his car.

Wood was placed on probation, which he violated three years later by choking a pregnant woman.

He was sentenced to a year in prison with jail credit and completed his time the following year.

Daily Mail reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for additional court records and to the Phoenix Police Department for an update on the refiled charges against Wood.
Senator John Fetterman broke with the Democrat party over President Donald Trump's tariffs to admit the policy is 'going well'.

Since winning his seat in 2023, the Pennsylvanian has become a loud voice on Capitol Hill.

In March, he previously disagreed with Trump's policy, telling The Hill he didn't understand why the US leader was 'picking all of these kind of tariffs with our allies', especially with the US and Mexico.

'There might be issues like fentanyl or some of those, but that doesnt mean we have to punch them in the mouth, because thats not making America great.'

But now he has praised the president's sweeping tariffs, as well as liberal comedian Bill Maher who also recently came to the same conclusion.

'I'm a huge fan of Bill Maher, and I mean, I think he's really one of the oracles for my party, and he acknowledged it. It's like, hey, he thought that the tariffs were going to tank the economy, and then he acknowledged that it didn't,' Fetterman told Fox News Digital.

'So, for me, it seems like the EU thing has been going well, and I guess we'll see how it happens with China.'

Maher, a comedian and host of HBO Real Time, acknowledged he jumped the gun in his most recent episode of his Club Random podcast, where he cited his own estimation that the tariffs would have destroyed the US economy 'by July'.

Senator John Fetterman broke with the Democrat party's stance on President Donald Trump 's tariffs , as he admitted its 'going well'

'I remember I, along with probably most people, were saying at the beginning, "Oh, you know, by the 4th of July",' Maher recalled. 'The economy was going to be tanked by then.

'But that didn't happen,' Maher, who met Trump at the White House in April, said.

Many Democrats, including Elizabeth Warren, have balked at Trump's tariff policy and many said it would lead to increased consumer prices.

Fetterman's comments came as Trump signed an executive order Thursday that would have new tariffs on dozens of US trading partners to go into effect in seven days.

Trump imposed a 35 percent tariff on all Canadian goods not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.

Trump's 35 percent tariff was announced amidst a string of surprise modifications to his reciprocal tariffs on Thursday.

His executive order was issued shortly after 7pm. It came after a flurry of tariff-related activity in recent days, as the White House announced agreements with various nations and blocs ahead of Trump's self-imposed Aug. 1 deadline.

Trump had already secured about a dozen deals, with a mix between formal signed agreements and announced frameworks.

Fetterman's comments as Trump signed an executive order Thursday that would have new tariffs on dozens of US trading partners to go into effect in seven days

Maher, a comedian and host of HBO Real Time, acknowledged he jumped the gun in his most recent episode of his Club Random podcast, where he cited his own estimation that the tariffs would have destroyed the US economy 'by July'

But it was still far short of the '90 deals in 90 days' touted by Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro back in April.

He has been using changing deadlines  and the threats of high US tariffs he has announced publicly  to try to leverage the opening of foreign markets while bringing down the tariffs paid on imports.

To sell the push to Americans, he has been touting new tariff revenues, with $150 billion collected in July, while floating new rebate checks.

As per the new levies, Switzerland has been hit with a 39 percent tariff, Syria was lobbed a 41 percent tariff, Laos and Myanmar each received a 40 percent tariff and Iraq and Serbia joined Canada with a 35 percent tariff.

Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya and South Africa all were handed 30 percent tariffs.
An elderly man has been charged with the murder of a woman, while another man in his 20s is fighting for his life following separate overnight stabbing attacks across two states.

Homicide Squad detectives were investigating an attack on an elderly woman who was found fatally injured at a house in n Pilleau Street in Coleraine, about 35km from Hamilton in Victoria's southwest.

Local officers found the 81-year-old woman alive shortly after 1am on Saturday, but she died at the scene.

Police arrested and interviewed an 81-year-old Coleraine man who was known to the victim before charging him with murder on Saturday evening.

He has been remanded in custody and will face the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Monday.

In a separate incident, two men were also stabbed inside an Airbnb, in Sydney's west overnight, one of them suffering critical wounds.

Emergency crews were called to a residential unit in Patricia Street, Mays Hill, in the city's inner west, in the early hours of Saturday following reports a man in his 20s had sustained serious injuries.

He was located and treated at the scene by paramedics for an apparent life-threatening knife wound to the torso before being taken to Westmead Hospital.

An 81-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a woman after she was found with fatal stab wounds inside her home in Victoria's west (pictured)

A man who was also inside the house at the time frantically called police to get help for his critically injured friend.

'My friend's about to die, my friend's about to die,' the man told emergency services, 9News reported.

Police said a second man, of similar age, was found nearby with a wound to his arm. The pair were known to each other.

He was also transported to Westmead, where he remains under police guard.

It is understood the fight between the pair broke out inside the Airbnb while eight others were also at the address.

Locals in the area have been cordoned off from the scene after police declared two crime scenes and shut down Patricia Street.

Locals were blocked from returning to their homes after police cordoned off the area, declared two crime scenes and shut down Patricia Street.

'We're not even allowed back in the apartment building right now because police telling us there was a stabbing on level three,' one local told the publication.

A man is also fighting for his life in hospital after he was stabbed in a separate incident inside an Airbnb in Sydney

A second man also suffered a stab wound to his arm. It's understood the pair and eight others were known to each other

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone with information is being urged to contact police.

The Coleraine incident comes days after an Australia-first knife ban targeting young offenders was introduced.

Victorian parents were urged on Thursday to hand in their children's machetes and knives at police amnesty posts.

A total of 45 stations across the state will host disposal bins set up for the three-month initiative.

Carrying one of the deadly, long and broad-bladed knives is outlawed, while a sales ban with some exemptions is already operating.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump's former attorney Alan Dershowitz was threatened with arrest after getting into a spat with a pierogi vendor on Martha's Vineyard.

Dershowitz was at the West Tisbury Farmers Market on Wednesday when he claims Good Pierogi declined to sell to him because of his 'politics'.

Video of the aftermath showed a police officer threatening to arrest the lawyer for trespassing unless he left the area.

'They couldn't say no blacks, they couldn't say no Jews, and they can't say... no Trump supporters, I'm not a Trump supporter, but they can't say no Trump supporters,' he said to the officer.

'I've been going here for 53 years...to this farmer's market. I have never been refused service,' he added.

The two went back and forth for several minutes arguing about the law until the officer said Dershowitz was 'causing a disturbance'.

'I had four people come up to me and say that the gentleman with the blue shirt is causing a disturbance,' the officer said. 'I have multiple reports'

'But they're wrong,' Dershowitz interrupted. 'I'm not causing a disturbance.'

Alan Dershowitz is pictured conversing with a police officer after getting into a feud with the owner of the Good Pierogi stand at a farmer's market on Martha's Vineyard

Dershowitz claims he was refused service for his politics and because the vendor didn't approve of who he's represented in court

Dershowitz then said he wanted to stay at least 20 feet away from the pierogi stand and encourage people not to patronize them.

'If you do that on the premises you will be asked to leave because you're disrupting the business,' the officer said.

Dershowitz tried to insist that he knew the law better than the officer, but the interaction wound down once the officer said he would arrest Dershowitz for trespassing if he stayed at the farmer's market.

After some more arguing, Dershowitz agreed to leave.

Krem Miskevich is the owner and operator Good Pierogi. Miskevich, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, also runs a catering business on Martha's Vineyard.

Dershowitz told Daily Mail that Miskevich was the one who declined to sell him the six pierogi he asked for.

'And he said "no,"' Dershowitz claimed. 'I said "oh, youve run out of pierogi? Too bad." [The vendor allegedly said] "no no no, we have plenty of pierogi. I just wont sell them to you".'

Dershowitz said he asked why and Miskevich allegedly replied, 'I wont sell them to you because I dont approve of your politics. I dont approve of who youve represented. I dont approve of who you support.'

In a post on X, Dershowitz declared that he would be 'suing' and called the Good Pierogi a 'bigoted vendor'.

Daily Mail approached Good Pierogi and Miskevich for comment.

Dershowitz, a longtime summer resident of Martha's Vineyard, also thought his support for Israel might have been among the things that ticked off the pierogi vendor

Dershowitz is known for defending Jeffrey Epstein in his 2008 criminal case when he was accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls. He also defended Donald Trump during his first term when he was impeached for the first time

'The clear implication was that he opposed me because I defended Donald Trump on the floor of the Senate,' Dershowitz said.

Dershowitz was one of the lawyers who defended Trump in his first impeachment trial in 2020. He was also part of the 'Dream Team' that convinced a jury to acquit O.J. Simpson in his 1995 murder trial.

His most controversial past client though was unquestionably Epstein, whom he represented in 2008 when the financier was first formally accused of sexually abusing dozens of underage girls.

With the representation of Dershowitz and others, Epstein secured what many have called a lenient plea deal from the Miami US Attorney's Office that led to him only serving 13 months jail.

Dershowitz didn't mention Epstein as a reason the pierogi vendor could have turned on him, however, he did claim that the vendor looked at him funny during an earlier visit when he was wearing a T-shirt that said, 'Proud American Zionist'.

'It became evident to me that he opposed my being a Zionist, my support for Israel,' he said.

Dershowitz said he informed an official with the farmers market that he would take 'legal action' against it 'to make sure that they only have booths by people who will sell to everybody, that they dont allow people to have booths on this quasi-public property that discriminate on the basis of race or religion or gender or politics'.

He told Daily Mail that he isn't going to have to sue the farmer's market because management told him 'they're probably going to change their bylaws'.

'I don't have to sue. I've won,' he added.

Pictured: Dershowitz speaks during the impeachment trial of Trump on January 29, 2020

Pictured: Dershowitz is seen talking to Epstein during a 2004 Harvard event, four years before he would defend him in court

Ethan Buchanan-Valenti, the manager of the farmer's market, previously told the Vineyard Gazette that he is in the process of reviewing the bylaws, 'to make sure everyone at the market is always being respected and their rights protected'.

A spokesman for the West Tisbury Police Department confirmed to Daily Mail that Dershowitz showed up to Saturday's farmer's market.

'He came by earlier today,' the spokesman said. 'There was no incident he caused. He was not disorderly.'

The spokesman added that the Good Pierogi stand was not at the market today, as it usually only makes an appearance on Wednesdays.

This is not the first highly public spat that Dershowitz has had with someone on Martha's Vineyard.

Back in 2021, he and Larry David  whom he was friends with for 25 years  got into a screaming match at a general store, according to Dershowitz.

The comedian was reportedly furious that Dershowitz patted Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the back, which was first reported by PageSix.
A female prison officer has been accused of having a 'personal relationship' with a teenager more than two decades her junior.

Ruta Indrasiunaite, 38, from Mitcham, south London, was accused of having a relationship with then-17-year-old Royston Perry at HMP Cookham Wood, a Young Offenders' Institution in Rochester, Kent, between April and November, 2021.

The former prison officer appeared before magistrates in Sevenoaks on July 31 accused of misconduct in public office, bringing a prohibited article to a prison and taking a restricted document out of the establishment the same year.

It's alleged she engaged in a personal relationship with Perry, who is now 21, between April 29, 2021 and November 30, the same year.

She is said to have brought cannabis into the prison and took a restricted list of approved PIN telephone numbers for a prisoner.

She pleaded not guilty to all the offences when she appeared at the court via video link from her home in Mitcham.

She was granted permission to appear virtually as she had recently given birth.

As two of the offences were indictable only, all three cases were sent to crown court.

Ruta Indrasiunaite, 38, (pictured) from Mitcham, south London , was accused of having a relationship with then-17-year-old Royston Perry at HMP Cookham Wood, a Young Offenders' Institution in Rochester, Kent

Pictured: The entrance of HMP Cookham Wood in Rochester, Kent

Perry also appeared in the dock at the same court during a separate hearing via video link from prison.

He was charged with two counts of conspiring with another person to bring drugs and mobile phones into jail and and one count of bringing cannabis into the prison.

Perry didn't give any indication of pleas in relation to his charges and the cases were also sent to crown court.

Indrasiunaite was granted bail while Perry is currently being held in HMP Bristol.

Both are expected to appear at Maidstone Crown Court for their preliminary hearings on August 29.
An Arizona construction worker died on the job after being trapped beneath six feet of collapsing earth.

Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr., or 'Ronnie,' 44, was working at a site in Goodyear on Monday when a trench suddenly collapsed.

He was left trapped beneath six to seven feet of fast-moving dirt, according to AZ Central.

Tragically, the operation shifted from a rescue to a recovery within just 30 minutes, and after nearly 13 grueling hours his body was finally removed.

'My daughter is really torn up,' Melissa Prado, the mother of two of Baquera's children, told ABC 15 News. 'She spends almost every day with him.'

'She's a little distraught, and my son's angry,' she added. 'They're not really coping too well. His hobby was his children.'

Emergency crews arrived at the construction site at around 1pm within six minutes of receiving a call about a man trapped in a ditch.

When the Goodyear Fire Department arrived, they found coworkers urgently struggling to free Baquera, who was buried beneath a massive, crushing weight of dirt.

Ronald Andrew Baquera Jr. (pictured), or 'Ronnie,' 44, was killed while at his construction job after being trapped beneath six feet of collapsing earth for over 10 harrowing hours

Baquera was working at a site in a developing neighborhood near 183rd Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Goodyear on July 28 when a trench suddenly collapsed, trapping him beneath six to seven feet of filling dirt (pictured)

Rescue crews quickly recognized that the massive load of dirt above Baquera was creating dangerously unstable conditions within the trench.

Because of sensitive infrastructure on site - including gas lines - crews were forced to slow their rescue efforts and use specialized equipment.

At approximately 2am on July 29 - more than 12 hours after Baquera became trapped - crews successfully recovered his body from the trench.

Fred Gonzalez was working in a trench with his 18-year-old son just feet from the one that collapsed only days earlier.

They were brought in to inspect the fire hydrants connected piping system, as part of efforts to confirm it hadnt sustained damage in the incident.

'It definitely feels eerie,' Gonzalez told AZ Central.

'We all are involved in the underground industry,' he added. 'The trench they were working in was shored up with a metal box-like structure. It can happen.'

Baquera leaves behind two sons and a daughter. Nate Costly, a childhood friend organized a vigil on Friday.

Tragically, the operation shifted from a rescue to a recovery within just 30 minutes, and after nearly 13 grueling hours, Baquera's (pictured) body was finally removed

Rescue crews quickly recognized that the massive load of dirt above Baquera was creating dangerously unstable conditions within the trench, and as they attempted to remove the weight, it was clear that the trench was only continuing to collapse (pictured)

Finally, at approximately 2am on July 29 - more than 12 hours after Baquera (pictured) became trapped - crews successfully recovered his body from the trench

'Ronnie was a loving father and a loyal friend - brutally honest, endlessly caring, and unforgettable,' Costly wrote in a heartfelt tribute to Facebook. 'He will be deeply missed.'

Just hours before the vigil, construction crews were still active at the site, smoothing freshly poured sidewalks, while a bulldozer rested on a patch of dirt only feet from newly planted grass.

Shatera Williams, who had known Baquera since she was 10, honored his life by singing a soulful gospel song, as reported by AZ Central.

Echoing the sentiments of many, Williams described Baquera as a fixer - someone who would fix things with laughter or his hands'.

On the same day as the tragedy, the Industrial Commission of Arizona - along with partner agencies - launched an investigation into whether there were safety violations at the site, according to ABC 15.

Charles Carpenter, a spokesman for the states workplace safety agency, emphasized that investigation results typically take four to five months to be finalized.

Over the course of the day and into the night, recovery operations resumed, relying heavily on specialized equipment provided by utility partners (pictured) to recover Baqueras body

Nate Costly (right), a childhood friend of Baquera (left), organized a vigil on Friday to honor his memory and mourn his sudden passing. Baquera leaves behind two sons and a daughter

On the same day as the tragedy, the Industrial Commission of Arizona - along with partner agencies - launched an investigation into whether there were safety violations at the site (pictured)

A GoFundMe page has been created to support the family with funeral and memorial expenses during this difficult time.

'Ronnie Baquera was a fun-loving, hard-working man who would do anything to help those around him,' the description reads.

'His warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends touched everyone who knew him.'

By Saturday afternoon, the fundraiser had already raised $25,175 toward its $30,000 goal.
Vladimir Putin's security chief issued a chilling warning about Russia's 'dead hand' nuclear capability as he sparred with Donald Trump in an increasingly tense war of words.

Dmitry Medvedev, who serves on the country's Security Council, said the US president should 'recall his favorite movies about "the walking dead" and remember how dangerous the so-called dead hand ... could be.'

Trump ordered the deployment of a pair of US nuclear submarines after the former Russian president made the sinister threat.

'We had to do that. We just have to be careful,' Trump said on the White House lawn on Friday. 'A threat was made and we didnt think it was appropriate. So I have to be very careful.

'A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and were going to protect our people.'

The 'dead hand' is Russia's rumored world-ending nuclear weapon. It takes its name because it supposedly does not need any command from an actual human, leaving the country with the ability to retaliate even if its leadership and military forces are wiped out, according to Military.com.

The automatic nuclear weapons control system called Perimeter, is connected to thousands of Russia's nuclear weapons, reportedly including hypersonic missiles.

Russian Strategic Missile Forces General Sergey Karakaev confirmed to a Russian newspaper that the Cold War technology existed in 2011 and warned it could wipe out the entire US in a mere 30 minutes.

The US has a similar system of sensors that monitor radiation to track any incoming missiles, but has never developed an automatic trigger, which might explain Trump's protective military move on Friday.

Trump ordered the deployment of a pair of US nuclear submarines after Dmitry Medvedev, who now serves on Russia's Security Council, warned of the country's fearsome 'dead hand'. Trump said: 'We had to do that. We just have to be careful'

'Trump's playing the ultimatum game with RussiaEach new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Dont go down the Sleepy Joe road!' Medvedev wrote

'I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday afternoon.

'Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!'

Medvedev, the former president of Russia who stepped down when Vladimir Putin returned to power, drew Trump's ire with his own post this week.

'Trump's playing the ultimatum game with RussiaEach new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Dont go down the Sleepy Joe road!' he wrote.

The war of words began after Trump gave Russia a new deadline to end the war in Ukraine.

Tensions ramped up after Trump announced he was moving up his ultimatum for Russia to agree to end the war by August 8.

Previously, Trump has threatened a 10 or 12-day deadline, and promised to impose severe tariffs on the country's oil and other exports if President Vladimir Putin didn't end the war in 50 days.

On Thursday, Trump tore into Medvedev, calling him a 'failed' president 'who thinks he's still president', and told him to 'watch his words'.

The 'dead hand' is Russia's rumored world-ending mechanism that doesn't need any command from an actual human, leaving the country with the ability to retaliate even if its leadership and military forces were wiped out (pictured: A US nuclear submarine)

Medvedev (pictured right, with Vladimir Putin), the former president of Russia who stepped asidewhen Vladimir Putin took a break from the top post, drew Trump's ire with his own post this week

Pictured: A nuclear missile inside a silo in Alabama

'He's entering very dangerous territory,' Trump wrote.

Trump's jabs at Medvedev, who is often a caustic critic of US policy, allows him to steer clear of Putin  with whom Trump has shown obvious frustration in recent weeks, despite Trump often referring to him as someone he can 'get along with'.

Trump has lamented apparently positive phone conversations with Putin followed within hours by Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns.

Trump's threats come after Russia launched yet another devastating attack on Kyiv this week, which killed dozens of people, including a six-year-old boy.

Russia has routinely been sending swarms of hundreds of drones to attack Ukraine, with houses and apartment buildings suffering regular blasts.

An estimated 31 people were killed and 150 injured during Thursday's attacks.
Theyre uncomfortable, awake an uncontrollable need to scratch, and sometimes become the bearers of illness and infection. They may come back every summer, but mosquitos arent attracted to all of us equally. Behind certain individuals vulnerability lie factors like exhaled carbon dioxide, body heat, moisture, and even a persons physical appearance. Skin odor is also a key factor when it comes to explaining why certain people get bitten more than others.

Body odor is determined by chemical compounds such as carboxylic acids and aldehydes. People who release larger quantities of certain substances tend to be more attractive to mosquitos, says Isabel Fernandez de Alba, allergist at the Hospital Universitario HLA Inmaculada in Granada, Spain. For those unfortunate individuals, the attraction they hold for mosquitos is unlikely to change over time. According to Fernandez de Alba, there is a genetic component at play, as research conducted on identical twins, who often equally entice the bloodsuckers, has borne out.

Mosquitos do not bite all humans equally, and nor are our reactions to them necessarily the same. Normally, their bites cause minor inflammation and irritation of the skin but, as Fernandez de Alba says, there are people who suffer from more exaggerated reactions. Such individuals can see bites swell to nearly four inches across, with considerable localized symptoms. For some, the affected patch of skin heats up, reddens and can be the source of much discomfort  and must be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and if necessary, local antibiotics (or oral antibiotics in more severe cases). To identify a severe allergic reaction, the key is to watch for generalized symptoms that affect the entire body, or lesions that form at a distance from the bite itself. If, for example, weve gotten bit on our hand and a rash forms on our legs, or if we also have generalized symptoms like dizziness or loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, we are having an allergic reaction, says Fernandez de Alba.

Is it possible to experience anaphylaxis from a mosquito bite in serious cases of allergy? Raul de Lucas Laguna, chief pediatric dermatologist at Madrids Hospital La Paz explains that if a person is sensitive to an insect bite, they can go into anaphylactic shock, although this is unusual with mosquito bites. Such a reaction is more common, according to the expert, in the case of wasp or bee stings, because the amount of poison involved is much greater. Normally in the case of mosquitos, bites produce hypersensitivity, which is to say, that the bite is more inflamed, he says.

Although there has been no documented increase in serious reactions to mosquito bites, De Lucas says that they have observed more intense responses among people with immunological illnesses, like atopic dermatitis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. There has also been a spread of the tiger mosquito in Spain and southern Europe caused by climate change, a species that not only causes more aggressive reactions, but also carries an increased risk of the transmission of diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. This calls for greater monitoring and prevention campaigns.

To prevent mosquito bites within the home, one can use mosquito nets or electric anti-mosquito diffusers. But outside, prevention may be limited to mosquito repellants. There are chemical formulas based on DEET, icaridin, or IR3535 that are effective and widely used in areas with large mosquito populations, especially in areas where there is a risk of diseases such as dengue or malaria. There are also natural repellants, though not all of them are as effective.

Fernandez de Alba says its important to look for formulas that have been studied both in laboratories and in outdoor tests. To that end, she considers citronella oil and catnip essential oil (Nepeta cataria), containing a substance called nepetalactone (which is also what makes cats euphoric and playful), to be among the most effective natural repellants, able to repel up to 70% of mosquitos even when used in small quantities. However, the allergist warns that natural repellants tend to last less time than synthetic formulas, and that it is important to reapply them every one to two hours to maintain their effect.

Your best weapon: soap and water

When it comes to mosquito bites, there are a plethora of myths and folklore that can lead bite sufferers to make mistakes or even take steps that can worsen the issue. According to Esther Gomez, an ER nurse and professor at Madrids Universidad Autonoma, such misinformation can be avoided by adopting an evidence-based approach. One of the most common myths is thinking that scratching helps the itch to go away faster, when in reality, it worsens the inflammation and can provoke secondary infections. Scratching can produce microscopic tears that make it easier for microorganisms to enter the skin, she says.

Another myth is the idea that using products like vinegar, toothpaste, or alcohol can help to treat itching. According to Gomez, in many cases such products can irritate the skin even more and have no proven efficacy. Lastly, the nurse says that it is important to clarify that if a bite gets infected, it is not because the mosquito has injected something into you, but rather due to scratching and bacteria that is present on the skins surface.

What can you do after youve been bitten? Although a mosquito bite tends to go away quickly on its own, Gomez thinks that it is important to know how to act to avoid complications and relieve irritation. Firstly, she recommends washing the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Many times, what complicates a simple bite is not the mosquito itself, but the subsequent scratching, which breaks the cutaneous barrier. Thats why avoiding scratching is key, even if the itch is intense, she says.

Applying something cold (like a compress or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth) can help calm the infection and itching. But if something stronger is required for more intense irritation, Gomez says the most effective treatment is mild topical corticosteroids, such as 1% hydrocortisone, which can help to reduce local inflammation when applied within the first few days following a bite. Oral antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine are also very useful if there are many bites or if the itching is severe. For milder options or for bites on children, lotions containing calamine, aloe vera, or menthol can be used for their soothing effects.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Police are searching for a man who was seen prowling the streets of a sleepy Lancashire town in a gimp mask, a pair of trainers - and nothing else.

The odd sighting was captured on doorbell cameras as the man passed houses in Lytham just before 1am on Friday, July 18.

The unnerving footage was later shown to Lancashire Police, with the force now issuing a desperate public appeal for information.

Officers have also requested that any individuals with similar CCTV footage get in touch.

Describing the bizarre incident as 'concerning', a spokesperson for the force said: 'We are aware of a concerning video circulating on social media of a naked male wearing a face covering walking around Lytham in the early hours of the morning.

'This occurred in the area of Westby Street, Cleveland Road and Bannister Street.

'We can confirm this incident occurred on the 18th July 2025 at approximately 00.50am.

'This incident was not initially reported to police and has only been brought to our attention after it has been viewed on Facebook.'

Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a nude man (pictured) was seen prowling the streets of Lancashire in a gimp mask. The odd sighting was captured on doorbell cameras as the man walked through the streets of Lytham at around 1am on Friday, July 18

Describing the bizarre incident as 'concerning', a spokesperson for Lancashire Police told the publication: 'We are aware of a concerning video circulating on social media of a naked male wearing a face covering walking around Lytham in the early hours of the morning

The spokesperson confirmed that Fylde Rural Task Force are currently in the process of conducting both CCTV and house enquiries. They also added that the public should be 'reassured' that officers are 'taking this matter seriously'

The spokesperson confirmed that Fylde Rural Task Force are currently in the process of conducting both CCTV and house enquiries.

They also added that the public should be 'reassured' that officers are 'taking this matter seriously'.

The shocking incident is just the latest in a run of gimp men sighted across the UK, with the country in the grips of an ongoing crisis.

In 2019, residents of the sleepy Somerset village of Claverham spotted a man clad head to toe in latex, skulking around a quiet cul-de-sac.

On his mask, he had crudely etched a face with bright red crosses for eyes and a snarling cut mouth wrenched into a permanent smile.

Dubbed the 'Somerset Gimp', Joshua Hunt, from Claverham, was found guilty in late 2023 after he scared female drivers while dressed in a black gimp suit and mask.

While he avoided jail, Hunt was banned for five years from wearing masks, dressing in all-in-one-black outfits at night and 'crawling, wriggling or writhing on the ground' in public.

During a hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court in 2023, he was convicted of two offences under the Public Order Act of intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress.

The shocking incident is just the latest in a run of gimp men sightings across the UK, with the country in the grips of an ongoing crisis

Dubbed the 'Somerset Gimp', Joshua Hunt (pictured), from Claverham, was found guiltyduring a hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court in late 2023 after he scared female drivers while dressed in a black gimp suit and mask

Hunt (pictured) was convicted of two offences under the Public Order Act of intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress. He was banned for five years from wearing masks, dressing in all-in-one-black outfits at night and 'crawling, wriggling or writhing on the ground' in public

Lawrence Wilcox, representing Avon and Somerset Police, told the hearing that Hunt had been linked to 25 incidents in total.

He had previously been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance over a series of other 'gimp' incidents in the Cleeve, Claverham and Yatton areas last year.

Many of these also saw a man rolling around the floor and making threatening noises towards people he appeared in front of late at night.

But police said insufficient evidence meant no further action was taken in relation to those offences.

The court heard that during a search of Hunt's home in Claverham, officers found a journal in which he had written a story about someone called Jack who purchases a black rubber suit and mask with white paint on the mask.

'The face was looking like something out of a horror film - a face that would scare the life out of anyone,' Hunt wrote.

In October 2023, a gimp sighting was recorded by trick-or-treaters in Gloucester, who spotted a figure clad head-to-toe in black as they celebrated Halloween.

The unknown gimp man was described by locals as 'scrawny' and 'menacing' as it briefly antagonised the residents of Twigworth on October 31.

Pictured: a mask recovered from Hunt's home by Avon and Somerset Police as part of their investigation. Officers also found a journal in which he had written a story about someone called Jack who purchases a black rubber suit and mask with white paint on the mask

Pictured: clothing recovered from Hunt's home by officers. Lawrence Wilcox, representing Avon and Somerset Police, told the hearing that Hunt had been linked to 25 incidents in total

In Colchester, Essex, a gimp (pictured) went viral during the Covid-19 pandemic after he documented himself shopping in Tesco dressed in a full gimp suit. Dubbed the 'Gimp Man of Essex', evidence of his strange behaviour dates back to 2014

Theatre-goers at London's iconic Shakespeare Globe were also left shocked after a man dressed in a gimp suit (pictured) attended a showing of The Comedy of Errors in May 2023

The mystery figure was spotted late at night heading toward the Bloor Homes development on Tewkesbury Road before disappearing into the night.

James Patterson, who spotted the gimp, said: 'I was just taking my son out 'Trick or Treating' when I saw a black, scrawny, somewhat menacing looking figure darting and dodging down the roads in the Bloor housing estate.'

Meanwhile, in Colchester, Essex, a gimp went viral during the Covid-19 pandemic after he documented himself shopping in Tesco dressed in a full gimp suit.

Dubbed the 'Gimp Man of Essex', evidence of his strange behaviour dates back to 2014.

However, unlike other gimps, who seem to want to spread terror, the Essex Gimp has in the past suggested alternative motives.

In July 2022, he suggested he wanted to raise 1,000 for the charity Mind in mid and north-east Essex.

He said: 'I'm a normal guy who just likes wearing the suit. It's a bit of an escape for me.'

In late October 2022, a teenager reported a 'freaky' encounter with a man dressed in a gimp suit in Cleeve, North Somerset, at around 12.25am.

Pictured: a masked man captured allegedly spying on a couple in Somerset in 2019. Somerset Police were called to the incident but were 'unable to locate the man'

In late October 2022, a teenager reported a 'freaky' encounter with a man (pictured) dressed in a gimp suit in Cleeve, North Somerset, at around 12.25am

In October 2023, a gimp sighting (pictured) was recorded by trick-or-treaters in Gloucester, who spotted a figure clad head-to-toe in black as they celebrated Halloween

A man in his 30s was later arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and was released on bail.

Theatre-goers at London's iconic Shakespeare Globe were also left shocked after a man dressed in a gimp suit attended a showing of The Comedy of Errors in May 2023.

One audience member told The Daily Telegraph how the outfit 'extremely inappropriate' and that it made others feel uncomfortable.

The concerned woman said: 'Even if a child doesn't know what a latex suit is or the sexual connotations, it's still a very scary sight and puts parents in a very uncomfortable position when it comes to explaining to their children what is going on.

'I found the whole thing extremely inappropriate and I wasn't the only one  a lot of people were obviously uncomfortable with his presence.'

In March last year, two alleged sightings of so-called 'gimp men' were recorded across both Sussex and Suffolk.

A dog walker, who chose to not be identified, reported encountering someone wearing 'very see-through tights' and a 'balaclava', while in Suffolk, women and girls were left fearing for their safety after alleging being followed by a masked man in a picturesque market town in Suffolk.
Well, well, well: If this isn't shaping up to be Meghan Markle's own annus horribilis, right?

Breaking this week: Netflix is done with Meghan and Harry.

On the heels of her dreadful cooking show flopping hard, their $100 million deal with the streaming giant will reportedly not be renewed.

As camp Sussex furiously seeks to spin this latest failure into a success  with word of some kind of 'first-look' deal being struck  Netflix seemed to underscore their decision by releasing ratings data.

And wouldn't you know: With Love, Meghan  which gave us the unforgettable declaration that 'I'm SUSSEX now!'  ranked No. 383 for the first half of 2025, with 5.3 million views.

Netflix reportedly counts 'views' as a subscriber watching for two minutes.

Harry and Meghan's other recent 'effort' for the streamer, a reality show called Polo released in December, pulled in only 500,000 views and ranked No. 3,436.

Also this week, the Daily Mail revealed that Harry went 'off the grid' for 'two days or so' days during his recent trip to Africa, and that even Meghan couldn't reach him.

Well, well, well: If this isn't shaping up to be Meghan Markle's own annus horribilis, right?

Harry went 'off the grid' for 'two days or so' days during his recent trip to Africa, and that even Meghan couldn't reach him.

And this is the guy who says he needs massive taxpayer-funded security to keep him safe!

But logic is not something to expect from Harry, or Meghan, or whatever lackey is forced to issue a press release trying to make this dire situation hunky-dory.

Here's a question: How could a truly involved father of two small children go completely no-contact, for days?

Harry, we were told, simply wanted to 'take some time away from everything'  from what? Getting axed by major corporations?  'enjoying total peace of mind and being somewhere so remote that he couldn't even get emails or texts or calls.'

It's not like Harry has a ton of people clamoring to talk to him.

He remains cut off from the Royal Family, has lost most of his original friend group since his marriage to Meghan, and was recently spotted ringing doorbells alone in London searching for old pals.

Nor has Harry established, by all reports, an independent friend group in Montecito. So, whose calls and text was he dodging, really?

While in Africa, Harry also reportedly spent time with a woman named Tania 'TJ' Jenkins, who he referred to in his memoir as a second 'mom'. He's so close to TJ and her husband Mike, in fact, that he flew Meghan over to meet them just one month into the relationship.

Where's Meghan now?

She has got to be spiraling out  especially in the wake of that 'reconciliation summit' with emissaries of King Charles.

Even though the Sussexes jointly sent their own representatives, Harry is now said to be sick of his reputation as the 'bitter prince' and surely knows the only way back into the royal fold is without Meghan.

And their surely dwindling income must make the King's senior advisors quite nervous. If past behavior is the best predictor of future acts  well, the Sussexes have historically raked in huge paydays for selling out royal secrets.

And they have, arguably, well proved that no secret is safe with them, and that, sans royal dirt, they have nothing people want to see, hear or buy.

As United Talent Agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer said back in 2023, after Spotify dropped her and Harry: 'Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent  or necessarily any kind of talent.'

Savage but true.

Harry and Meghan's production company alone is said to cost $3 million a year to run, not to mention the mortgage on their $14.65 million estate, other staff, private planes and private security.

Meanwhile, Meghan's second podcast deal with Lemonada has not been renewed. WME's Ari Emanuel was reported as being 'done with her' as far back as February. The agency has said they will still represent her  but for how much longer?

Oprah hasn't been in the vicinity for years now. Meghan's apparently not on the guest list for hanging with Gayle King and Kris Jenner and Tyler Perry  Perry, who sent his private plane for them and loaned them his mansion in the wake of Megxit  at Beyonce concerts.

Even Meghan's former BFF Jessica Mulroney has popped her head up again this week, with insiders saying she 'regrets' being friends with Meghan, and thinks of that period as a 'dark cloud'.

In Africa, Harry reportedly spent time with a woman named Tania 'TJ' Jenkins (center), who he refers to as a second 'mom'. He's so close to TJ and her husband Mike (left), in fact, that he flew Meghan over to meet them just one month into the relationship. Where's Meghan now?

Even Meghan's former BFF Jessica Mulroney (pictured) has popped her head up again this week, with insiders saying she 'regrets' being friends with Meghan, and thinks of that period as a 'dark cloud'

My, my, how the tables have turned.

Once upon a time it was Meghan shedding old friends, letting it be known that she dropped Jessica  who helped Meghan social climb  because she felt her longtime pal was trying to 'make a career out of the friendship', as one insider said.

HA! As if Meghan hasn't been busy making a career off the backs of the Royal Family, who she otherwise has said were racist, who didn't care if she killed herself while pregnant, and who practically chased her out of Britain.

And that's not to mention the roughly 20 employees who have quit or were fired by the Sussexes, including four this summer, and the sloppy rollout of Meghan's As Ever product line.

And let's not forget the Sentebale scandal, with Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of the charity Harry founded in memory of his mother, telling the media that the Sussexes were just too difficult to handle.

Harry was forced to resign from Sentebale, a decision he called 'devastating'.

So, yes.

Storm Cloud Meghan seems to be expanding with each failure and loss of 2025.

When she unleashes is only a matter of time.
A Massachusetts mayoral candidate who shares an incredibly similar name to notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein says he doesn't plan on changing it.

Geoff Epstein, 77, is a father of two who is hoping to secure the votes of 73,000 residents in Framingham, 22 miles outside of Boston.

Despite the slight spelling variation, he is candid about his name's unfortunate similarity to the other Epstein, a disgraced financier and sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.

But Australian-born Geoff - who was also born on September 11 - insists that he won't change his name or when he celebrates his birthday.

'No way,' he told HuffPost. 'I like my name and I am proud of my family.

'That other one is a dead American and I am a [living] Aussie.'

He insists he could not be further from his namesake and has spent his time in Framingham trying to make it a better place.

'I have lived my life trying to be straight up and improving things,' he told the outlet.

Geoff Epstein, 77, is a father of two who is hoping to become mayor of Framingham, located 22 miles outside Boston

He unfortunately shares a namesake in Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and sex offender who died in jail in 2019

And another Epstein, who is also a politician, encouraged Geoff to stay proud of roots.

NYC councilman candidate Harvey Epstein - who shares a first name with predator Harvey Weinstein - told Politico: 'My advice to Geoffrey would be to lead with your values and who you are as a candidate.

'People will support you if you do the work and follow through.'

Geoff was drawn into public service while living in Newton, Massachusetts, where his son was attending primary school and he noticed he was struggling with math.

He later ran for the school committee on a science and math platform and won.

He was a member from January 2008 to December 2013, his LinkedIn showed.

'I learned that if you go out to the community and tell them the facts and what you're about that really works,' he said in an interview posted to his YouTube.

Epstein moved to Framingham in 2014 and joined the school committee in January 2018, despite his two children being grown. He left in December of 2021.

Despite the awkward similarity, Geoff (left) - who was also born on September 11 - has no intention of changing his name or when he celebrates his birthday

The father-of-two is hoping to upset incumbent Charlie Sisitsky (pictured)

The senior then shifted his focus to the city of Framingham, which led to his campaign this year.

He is running on a platform promoting education, bettering the infrastructure, protecting the environment, and better manage the city's finances.

'Either I leave or I stay and fight and I decided I would stay and fight,' he said.

The father-of-two is hoping to upset incumbent Charlie Sisitsky.

As for whether or not his name is helping or harming his campaign, he is unsure.

'No one locally cares about that at all,' the former theoretical physics professor told Politico.

Daily Mail has reached out to Geoff for comment.
The man suspected of gunning down four people in the Montana bar massacre fled the scene shirtless and barefoot, an eerie new photo released by police shows.

Michael Brown, 45, was identified by authorities as the culprit behind Friday's mass shooting in Anaconda. He currently remains at large and is the subject of a statewide manhunt.

The image was released as the public is being urged to keep their distance from Brown, who is reportedly armed and dangerous.

Police say the disheveled figure in the photo wearing nothing but a pair of black shorts is Brown just moments after the shooting.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center Chief Bill Sather released an update on Saturday afternoon that residents were free to 'go about their business around town', but were urged to stay cautious as authorities search for Brown.

'The impact of a loss like this is felt far and wide in a community like ours,' Sather added.

Cops say Brown fled the Owl Bar after he killed a bartender and three patrons at 10:30am.

Law enforcement later recovered Brown's white Ford 1-50, but he was nowhere to be found. SWAT teams searched the suspect's home, and he remains at large.

A new photo revealed the moments after Michael Brown, who was named as a suspect in a Montana shooting, allegedly killed four individuals

The suspect remains at large as authorities continue to search the surrounding areas

The shooting unfolded at 10:30am on Friday at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana (pictured). Four people, including a bartender, were killed

The search for Brown continued into the night as multiple agencies engaged in a massive effort to locate the suspect, including ground and air resources.

The Montana Department of Justice said authorities are focusing the search on Stumptown Road.

Law enforcement hasn't released a motive in the shooting, and it's unclear if Brown had any connections to the three patrons and bartender who were killed.

David Gwerder, the Owl Bar's owner, told the Associated Press that he knew Brown. Authorities confirmed the suspect lived next door to the bar.

'He knew everybody that was in that bar. I guarantee you that,' Gwerder said.

'He didn't have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.'

Gwerder wasn't at the bar during the shooting and said he believed the four victims were the only ones inside the establishment.

Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005. He was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to March 2005, Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro said.

Brown then served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009 and left the military as a sergeant, according to Castro.

Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson

A woman who appeared to be related to Brown wrote on social media, 'There is one thing Im certain of. Mental health is real.'

'And it goes unmanaged and dismissed every single day. There are people who search for help and get turned away at every stop along the path.

'There are people who cry for help and show definite warning signs of crash out. This town? All this town does is talk and judge.'

An individual who said they were friends with Brown wrote on Facebook: 'The shooter was a friend, combat veteran with PTSD and a delusional mentality of still being active spec ops! He would tell me these outrageous stories of his that were straight out of motion pictures!

'Mikey Brown needed help! Several locals contacted authorities and pleaded for them to do something to no avail! He was always polite to everyone he was in contact with! Gentle soul, I knew him for years, and watched his mental health decline!

'PTSD is a serious disease! I am so sorry for those who lost their lives and their loved ones who are dealing with the loss of their own! Mikey I'm sorry people didn't listen! God Bless Anaconda.'

A massive multi-agency search has ensued for the suspect as residents of Anaconda are urged to stay inside and remain vigilant

Locals were forced to close their businesses as authorities combed the surrounding areas for any signs of Brown

Residents of Anaconda were locked down as authorities combed the area.

Barbie Nelson, who owns a cafe in the area, said: 'We are Montana, so guns are not new to us. For our town to be locked down, everybody's pretty rattled'.

'It's a small town, so we all probably know someone who was there,' she added.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said his office was monitoring the situation and he and his family were praying for the victims, their families, and law enforcement officers.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge advised residents not to approach Brown if they see him and to call 911 for any way of contacting the suspect.

Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation, including local law enforcement, the FBI, and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A New York City secretary who admitted embezzling $145,000 from the elementary school where she worked has avoided jail.

Michele Cenci, 55, of Staten Island, exploited her full access to the checkbook and purchasing system at PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park, quietly diverting school funds to herself and her family for over seven years.

She pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny this week, securing a deal that sentenced her to five years of probation instead of prison time, as reported by The New York Post.

'While my office fought for even more serious consequences, including imprisonment, for Ms. Cenci's shameless criminal behavior, the judge's plea offer ensures some semblance of accountability for her criminal acts,' Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon told the outlet.

In January 2024, Cenci was arraigned on an 18-count indictment for stealing nearly $150,000 over the course of her career.

Cenci used the stolen funds to supplement her $84,950 Department of Education (DOE) salary, all at the expense of PS 21s 398 students, a third of whom have disabilities.

'This defendants alleged crimes over a period of several years robbed the students and staff of PS 21 of funds meant to be used for books, materials, and other supplies to support the pursuit of a high-quality education for Staten Islanders as young as five years old,' McMahon said.

Officials said Cenci used a variety of deceptive tactics to steal from the school, including writing 127 checks totaling nearly $89,000 to herself and to family members accounts she controlled.

Michele Cenci (pictured), a 55-year-old secretary in Staten Island, New York, misappropriated nearly $150,000 from an elementary school - quietly diverting school funds to herself and her family for over seven years, according to authorities

Cenci, who full access to the checkbook and purchasing system at PS 21 Margaret Emery-Elm Park (pictured), used the stolen funds to supplement her Department of Education (DOE) salary - totaling $84,950 in 2024 - all at the expense of the school's 398 students

She disguised the checks as legitimate vendor payments or fake reimbursements, some for purchases that never happened, others as duplicates of real expenses and some made out to other staff members.

'Instead, she was lining her own pockets,' Anastasia Coleman, Special Commissioner of Investigation for city schools, said.

Cenci also used the schools payment system a staggering 257 times to take an additional $56,000 in a similar way.

In January, the district attorney charged Cenci with two counts of grand larceny, a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison.

She was slapped with handed charges of tampering with public records, falsifying business records and forgery.

Although she initially pleaded not guilty, State Supreme Court Judge Lisa Gray offered Cenci a plea deal that spared her prison time, despite objections from the prosecutor, McMahon told The Post.

In addition to a five-year probation period, Cenci agreed to pay $46,000 upfront in restitution, followed by monthly payments of $1,500 until her probation ends.

The ultimate goal of her sentence is to ensure that she pays back every dollar and cent she robbed from our students', McMahon added.

This week, Cenci (pictured) pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny, securing a deal that sentenced her to five years of probation instead of prison time

'Every single day, thousands of Staten Islanders travel to work in our boroughs public schools to honestly and earnestly do the best possible job they can on behalf of our children, so when the trust we place in them to do that job is broken, there must be serious consequences,' he said.

Following Cencis indictment, Coleman issued a sharp warning to deter similar fraud schemes from taking root anywhere else in the city.

'We ask that all school administrators take the time to review their schools budget, books and records to ensure that their funds are being allocated appropriately, and that no one else is attempting the same sort of scheme,' she said.

The Department of Education, according to The Post, confirmed that Cenci has since retired.

Cenci's attorney did not immediately respond to Daily Mail for comment.
Two Afghan asylum seekers have been charged over the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl, which has left a small Midlands town reeling in shock, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Ahmad Mulakhil, 23, has been charged with the rape of the underage girl in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

A second man, Mohammad Kabir, also 23, has been charged with aiding and abetting rape, as well as strangulation and kidnap of the girl, who is now receiving specialist care.

Despite the huge interest the incident has caused in Nuneaton, sources have told the Mail on Sunday that Warwickshire Police advised local councillors and officials not to reveal the asylum seeker background of the two suspects, for fear of 'inflaming community tensions'.

One local who contacted us accused the police of a 'cover-up', in an effort to suppress information which the public have a right to know.

He said police feared Nuneaton would face similar violent protests that took place outside a migrant hotel in Epping, Essex, last month, after it emerged an asylum seeker staying there was charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

The source said: 'They're hushing it up because they don't want an Epping situation on their hands.'

But last night, Warwickshire Police defended its position, saying in a statement: 'Where relevant, sensitive information around locations, details of the crime and policing activity to catch offenders can be shared, with a warning that this is sensitive or confidential information and disclosure by those being briefed could affect future court hearings.'

CCTV image that appears to show someone who resembles the man who has been charged with a girl

FILE PHOTO: Nuneaton town centre, Warwickshire, England, UK

Mulakhil, who crossed the Channel on a small boat, allegedly raped the victim in the Cheverel Street area of Nuneaton, between 8.30  9.45pm on Tuesday, July 22.

The MoS has obtained CCTV footage from a resident's house near Cheverel Street which appears to show a man walking with the girl, who is white.

The chilling footage was captured as the pair walked past the property at 8pm, around half-an-hour before the victim was allegedly subjected to the horrific assault.

Warwickshire Police said Mulakhil was arrested four days after the incident last Saturday, and charged the following day.

He appeared before Coventry Magistrates Court on Monday charged with two counts of vaginal and oral rape of the victim.

Mulakhil has been remanded in custody to appear before Warwick Crown Court on August 26.

Kabir was arrested on Thursday, and charged with aiding and abetting rape of the 12-year-old, as well as strangulation and kidnap.

He appeared before Coventry Magistrates Court yesterday (sat), and was remanded in custody until his appearance before Warwick Crown Court on August 26.

In recent months, other asylum seekers living in tax-payer-funded accommodation have been charged with serious sexual offences across the country

Protesters gather near the Bell Hotel during a protest against the use of the hotel as migrant accommodation on July 27, 2025 in Epping, England

Warwickshire Police said in a statement: 'At this stage, we do not believe there to be anyone else involved but we continue to appeal for witnesses who were in the Cheverel Street area between 8.30pm and 9.45pm on Tuesday 22 July and who saw anything of interest to please come forward.'

Inquiries by the MoS in Nuneaton revealed that both Mulakhil and Kabir lived in two tax-payer-funded rented houses about 70 yards from each other on adjoining streets.

Both properties are managed by Serco, which has accommodated around five asylum seekers in each house. Serco has a 1.9billion contract with the Home Office to house asylum seekers across the country.

When the MoS contacted the owner of the property Mulakhil lived in, she said she was 'sickened to the stomach' when hearing about the incident.

She said: 'I don't know anything because Serco manage the house completely.'

When we asked Serco if they were aware of Mulakhil and Kabir, the company said in a statement: 'We do not confirm individual addresses, nor the names of people in properties we manage.'

Gorwan Muhammad Ali, 27, an Iraqi Kurd who lives in the same house as Kabir, said: 'I have not seen Kabir for a few days. The police have come round the house. Kabir came to this country to work.'

Ali added that all residents in the house get their bills paid by Serco, and are given 49 per week as spending money.

Last night, councillors from the Tory party, as well as Labour and Reform  which controls Warwickshire County Council  said they did not know much about the incident, despite the huge interest.

They blamed the police for not sharing any information with them.

But a source told the MoS certain councillors and officials were informed by the police about the incident, and were advised not to reveal to the public that the two assailants were asylum seekers.

The source said police feared the revelation could cause tensions in the community.

The man, who did not want to be identified, said: 'It is horrific what's happened. But even though the police have done door-to-door enquiries and put out an announcement about the rape charge, they are refusing to say the details of who they are investigating or their background.'

Last night, Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, which runs Warwickshire County Council, said: 'I am afraid, police and elected officials are acting against the British people.'

Warwickshire Police said in their statement: 'We work to hold offenders to account and will always do everything in our power to present a robust case to the courts and protect the integrity of court proceedings.

'Once someone is charged with an offence, we follow national guidance. This guidance does not include sharing ethnicity or immigration status.

'As our investigation progresses, the victim remains at the forefront of our focus, and we will continue to work with our partners  providing updates and working alongside the people of Nuneaton.'

In recent months, other asylum seekers living in tax-payer-funded accommodation have been charged with serious sexual offences across the country.

In some cases, local politicians have accused their council and the police of a 'cover-up', by trying to keep incidents secret, for fear they will inflame community tensions.
Hamas said on Saturday that it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established in a fresh rebuke to Israel amid calls to end the war in Gaza.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock.

On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and saying that as part of this Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

In its statement, Hamas - which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war - said it could not yield its right to 'armed resistance' unless an 'independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital' is established.

Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry.

Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel.

He also criticised several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to devastation of Gaza from Israel's offensive and blockade, calling the move a reward for Hamas' conduct.

The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.

Hamas said on Saturday that it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established. File photo shows Palestinians and Hamas fighters attending a funeral ceremony for 40 militants and civilians killed during the war with Israel on February 28, 2025

Hamas militants escort Israeli hostage Yarden Bibas on stage in Khan Younis, Gaza, on February 1, 2025

Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel

Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killed over 60,000 Palestinians and set off a humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal.

It comes as Hamas today released a horrifying video of an emaciated Israeli hostage after 666 days in captivity - as his devastated family said he only has a few days left to live.

Evyatar David's family approved the use of the terrorist organisation's video on Saturday, which shows him bare chested on a dirty mattress inside a tunnel in Gaza.

He can be seen writing on a piece of paper on the wall and walking around in the tunnel which is just tall enough for him stand up.

The video goes on to accuse Israel of starving not only Palestinians but Israeli hostages as well.

The last proof of life from Evyatar, who was taken hostage from the Nova music festival during the October 7 attacks, was back in February.

Then Hamas published a video of him and fellow hostage Guy Gilboa Dalal sitting inside a car as they watched other captives being released from Gaza.

The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Pictured: Palestinians gather at a food distribution point run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) group, near the Netsarim corridor in the central Gaza Strip on August 2, 2025

A view of destruction at al-Albani Mosque following the Israeli attacks in Khan Yunis, Gaza on August 2, 2025

Relatives of Palestinians, who lost their lives following the Israeli attacks on tents housing displaced people in the Asdaa area, mourn as the bodies are brought to Nasser Hospital for funeral process in Khan Yunis, Gaza on August 2, 2025

Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killed over 60,000 Palestinians and set off a humanitarian catastrophe

Nine-year-old malnourished Palestinian girl Mariam Dawwas is carried by her mother in the Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City on August 2, 2025

Crowds form as Palestinians, including children, line up in Gaza City, Gaza to receive food distributed by a charity amid ongoing Israeli blockade and attacks on Gaza on August 2, 2025

A Palestinian boy drinks what remains in a jar of sesame paste near a distribution point run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) group, as a boy carries a bag full of folded cardboard boxes, on Salah al-Din road near the Nusseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on August 2, 2025

In a statement today, the David family said: 'We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar David, deliberately and cynically starved in Hamass tunnels in Gaza - a living skeleton, buried alive.

'Our son has only a few days left to live in his current condition. Hamas is using our son as a live experiment in a vile hunger campaign.

'The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen. He is being starved purely to serve Hamass propaganda.

'Israel and the international community must oppose Hamass cruelty and ensure that our Evyatar immediately receives proper nutrition.'

The Instagram account 'Bring Evyatar Home' also posted on social media 'The Holocaust must end' as they shared the latest images of him.

Meanwhile on Thursday, Islamic Jihad released a hostage video, showing a starved Rom Braslavski crying and begging for his life.

Families of Israeli hostages criticised the shocking images of the hostages in Gaza.

Speaking at a demonstration against the Israeli government on Saturday, the mother of hostage Matan Angrest said her son was too going through a Holocaust.

It comes after Hamas released a horrifying video of an emaciated Israeli hostage after 664 days in captivity - with Israelis saying he is going through his own Holocaust

Images show Evyatar in 2023, in February and in the most recent video released by Hamas

Image shows poster calling for Evyatar to be brought home

'I am the image of failure for the prime minister. I avoided using the word Holocaust until now, because I am a daughter of a Holocaust survivor,' Anat Angrest said.

'My father is going through a second Holocaust through his grandson. We see videos of the Holocaust in colour.

'The 2025 Holocaust is continuing and extending thanks to the Israeli government,' she added.

Einav Zangauker, the mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, said: 'In recent days, we saw the difficult videos of Rom and Evyatar from captivity.

'Our children are undergoing a Holocaust. Jews are becoming skin and bones because of political survival.

'If we don't free everyone now, they will not survive for much longer,' Zangauker said.

She has repeatedly accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of prolonging the war for his own political survival.

The Hostage Forum in Israel also released a scathing statement following the images of Evyatar, appealing directly to both the Israeli and American governments.

Ilay David, brother of Evyatar, Gal Gilboa Dalal, Nova survivor and brother of Guy Gilboa Dalal, and Amit Levy, brother of Naama Levy, speak at the Embassy of Israel in London

The last proof of life from Evyatar, who was taken hostage from the Nova music festival on October 7, was back in February

Family handout of Evyatar David issued in May last year

'Look our loved ones  and us  in the eyes. The danger to their lives is tangible and immediate,' it read.

'The risk of losing those deceased is growing. This is the time for a comprehensive deal and an end to the war.

'No more delays. No more leaving them behind. Stop this nightmare and bring them out of the tunnels and home,' the forum said.

Vicky Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, posted the word: 'Holocaust 2025' on X after seeing the video of David.

Former hostage, Eliya Cohen, said that seeing the video of Evyatar took him back to the day a terrorist came to him and said: 'There's no more food, no more water, no more anything.

'You'll eat whatever is left of our food, because your people are starving us  so we'll starve you.'

'Don't get me wrong,' Cohen continued: 'I don't have an ounce of compassion for those sons of b******.

'But while we're being shredded in the global media, the people we're trying to target are sitting underground, and 90 percent of the time they're in the kitchen, trading maqluba recipes, dipping hummus.'

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid meanwhile asked ministers in Netanyahu's government to 'watch the video of Evyatar before going to bed and try to fall asleep while thinking about Evyatar trying to survive in a tunnel.'

Israel's Foreign Ministry said that Evyatar is known for his 'kind soul and musical talent. He dreams of traveling to Asia and studying music production.'

US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, where he stressed that the current plan is to end the war and not expand it.

'A majority of Israelis want the hostages at home, and a majority of Gaza's public wants the return of hostages because they want the rehabilitation of the Strip, Witkoff said.

'There is no victory without bringing everyone home; all of you have become part of my family.'
The boss of Scotlands biggest book festival has provoked fury after claiming the authors of best selling gender critical books have not been invited to take part because the issue is too divisive.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Chief Executive Jenny Niven told a complainer: 'We do not want to be in a position that we are creating events for spectacle or sport, or raising specific peoples identity as a subject of debate.'

The event, part funded by public cash, features 700 authors from 35 different countries across the world but has been criticised for ignoring gender critical voices in the books and speakers it is promoting.

The events theme this year is Repair, suggesting an open forum for receiving conflicting views, potentially leading to some form of consensus.

One woman, who bought almost 300 of tickets, questioned why the EIBF had ignored one of Scotlands most significant books from last year, The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht, but was platforming queer and trans writers and speakers.

In an email response, the CEO said: We appreciate you taking the time to write to us, and acknowledge that you feel that weve missed the mark in this situation.

'As you would know as an audience member, we work very hard to ensure that the conversations that happen on our stages are rigorous, informed and fair.

As you can see from the range of other challenging topics addressed in the programme, we dont shy away from difficult conversation.

The response was sent by Edinburgh Internation Book Festival Chief Executive Jenny Niven

However, at present, the tenor of the discussion in the media and online on this particular subject feels extremely divisive.

'We do not want to be in a position that we are creating events for spectacle or sport, or raising specific peoples identity as a subject of debate.

It added: Given the inflammatory tone of a great deal of media  on all sides of this discussion  we did not feel it to be the right move for us to host a conversation which appeared to pit the rights of one minoritised group against another.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - a fierce advocate of gender-ID policy - has been handed a speaking slot at the Festival, which runs until 24 August, to launch her as yet unpublished autobiography, Frankly.

Her former Chief of Staff Liz Lloyd became a director of the event earlier this year.

The authors of The Women Who Wouldnt Wheesht, Susan Dalgety and Lucy Hunter Blackburn said they doubted whether Ms Niven had even read their bestselling book.

Ms Dalgety said: If she had, she would know it is neither divisive nor inflammatory. Its a significant book which captures an important period in Scotlands recent political and cultural life through the voices of more than 30 women.

It is thoughtful, at times challenging but always respectful. We are disappointed therefore that we were not given the opportunity to discuss it in our own city.

But if EIBF does not want to hear our voices, perhaps they will heed the words of John Swinney (the First Minister) who last week said our society is healthier when we can all express our views particularly on issues of the greatest sensitivity.

Former Firsty Minister Nicola Sturgeon is an author that is due to take part in the event

By cancelling us, the book festival has failed in one of its core principals  to provide a platform for nuanced conversations between people with diverse views and experiences.

The Book Festival said they did have gender critical authors involved but did not name them.

A spokeswoman said: The Edinburgh International Book Festival is committed to hosting a broad range of nuanced and informed conversations.

Our 2025 programme includes authors with a diverse range of perspectives on many subjects.

In this years festival, authors who hold gender-critical views and authors who are trans are both represented in the programme.

'However, the focus of their events is on their specific books and literary work, including fiction, rather than on the topic of gender politics.

While our festival theme of repair is broad, programming a major festival requires difficult choices about which big themes to cover in-depth.

For this year, we have chosen to prioritise other important conversations related to repair, such as geopolitics.
Blood tech fraudster Elizabeth Holmes was spotted enjoying some leisure time at the same cushy Texas prison Ghislaine Maxwell has just been moved to.

The disgraced Theranos founder became jail mates with Maxwell at Federal Prison Camp Bryan after the notorious madam was moved to the facility Thursday.

Barring a longshot pardon from President Donald Trump, Maxwell will spend about seven years incarcerated at the same time as Holmes, who is scheduled to be released on April 3, 2032.

Maxwell, who was convicted in June 2022 recruiting underage girls into Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring, had been serving her sentence at a more restrictive prison in Florida.

But she was moved after complaining to authorities that she was fed up of listening to transgender prisoners having loud sex.

On Saturday, Holmes was seen taking a leisurely jog in a grassy area of the minimum security Texas prison.

She was wearing a gray T-shirt and matching gray shorts with black sneakers. She also appeared to be wearing a watch.

She was notably without fellow high profile inmate Jen Shah, the former Real Housewife of Salt Lake City who is also incarcerated at the facility.

All smiles: Elizabeth Holmes flashed a smile as she was seen working out Saturday at Federal Prison Camp Bryan, the minimum-security facility Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred to

Holmes, who was convicted of fraud in relation to her blood tech company Theranos, was seen running on Saturday

Holmes was seen taking a leisurely jog in a grassy area of the prison, which according to expert Justin Paperny, is much more comfortable than the low-security facility Maxwell was at in Tallahassee, Florida

A close-up of Holmes seen during her workout session

Holmes donned a cap and was seen carrying weights as she exercised

Maxwell, who recruited underage girls into Jeffrey Epstein 's sex trafficking ring, is serving a 20-year sentence

Shah pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to a telemarketing scheme she ran targeting the elderly.

Photos have also shown Holmes and Shah running at the same time while engaging in cozy chats.

Maxwell, who herself has been pictured running at her Florida prison, will likely soon run into both women.

Camp Bryan is an all-female prison, unlike the Tallahassee prison, which housed men and women.

The camp is also a much more comfortable prison that holds primarily white-collar criminals and not people convicted of violent crimes.

Maxwell's sudden removal to Texas from a low-security prison in Tallahassee outraged Epstein's victims and their families.

'This is the justice system failing victims right before our eyes,' said sisters Annie and Maria Farmer and members of Virginia Giuffre's family in a statement obtained by Daily Mail.

'Ghislaine Maxwell is a sexual predator who physically assaulted minor children on multiple occasions, and she should never be shown any leniency.

Holmes was wearing a gray T-shirt and matching gray shorts with black sneakers. She also appeared to be wearing a watch

Holmes hair blew in the breeze as she completed her workout in the prison grounds

Picking up speed: Holmes was notably without fellow high profile inmate Jen Shah, the former Real Housewife of Salt Lake City who is also incarcerated at the facility

There is a softball field and pickleball courts at the facility where Holmes was seen exercising on Saturday

'Yet, without any notification to the Maxwell victims, the government overnight has moved Maxwell to a minimum security luxury prison in Texas.'

Prison consultant Justin Paperny told Daily Mail he had never seen anyone convicted of a sex offense serve time in a minimum security prison such as Camp Bryan.

'She was in a low security prison, that looks like prisons on TV or in the movies. Youre fenced in, razor wire, women serving typically 10 years or longer, more violent crime, sexual offenses,' Paperny said.

Paperny runs White Collar Advice, which advises future inmates on what to expect inside.

She will feel incredibly free. There is a very low staff to prisoner ratio and camps like Bryan, no fences or barbed wire,' he said. 'You can literally walk off and nobody will stop you. Its a cushy country club and looks like a corporate office park or a junior college.'

Maxwell will also be able to purchase beauty and leisure items from the commissary, including make-up and crochet and sewing kits.

There is even a softball field and pickleball courts at the facility.

It is undoubtedly a huge upgrade for Maxwell, who was previously dealing with transgender prisoners having loud sex out in the open, a source told Daily Mail.

The source also said Maxwell was bitter and frequently complained about the conditions at the Tallahassee prison.

Holmes' new fellow inmate Maxwell has promised to testify about what she knows about the Epstein case in exchange for immunity or a presidential pardon

Other inmates look on as Holmes grabs some weights to workout

Maxwell is pictured at her original, more restrictive prison. She was often seen running outside

Maxwell's move to the much cushier Texas facility comes as the Trump administration struggles to contain the fallout of its decision not to release the unredacted Epstein files (Pictured: Donald Trump and Melania Knauss are seen with Epstein and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in February 2000)

'There was inadequate food. Ghislaine is a vegetarian and each prisoner is supposed to get 8oz of protein a day, but she was getting 2oz or less. The food was moldy. Everyone, not just Ghislaine, complained about the food,' the source said.

Maxwell's lawyer David Oscar Markus confirmed to Daily Mail that she was moved from the Tallahassee prison on Thursday.

The Bureau of Prisons confirmed the transfer on Friday. Neither Markus or the BOP have offered any reason for why Maxwell was moved.

This comes the Trump administration struggles to contain the fallout of its decision not to release the unredacted Epstein files.

Maxwell has promised to testify about what she knows about the Epstein case in exchange for immunity or a presidential pardon.

House leaders have roundly rejected giving her immunity, while people close to Trump have insisted a pardon is not in the works.
With its sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean isnt somewhere youd expect the Scottish midge to be a hot topic.

However, a leading scientist has revealed islanders in Fregate, in the Seychelles, are trying out traps designed to target the Scottish tiny terrors in an effort to tackle their own flying pests.

Midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell said authorities on the island contacted her with a request for help in tackling biting flies.

Dr Blackwell, who works for Dundee-based firm APS Biocontrol, then arranged for a few specially designed midge traps to be sent 5,000 miles to Fregate.

If the trial proves successful, its expected a total of 20 traps could be supplied.

Dr Blackwell said: We were first contacted by their conservation manager in February after they read about our work with midges. It was a bit of a surprise to get an enquiry from the Seychelles.

They were looking for solutions for their biting midge problem  and I suspect mosquitoes  within the area where their accommodation and beaches are.

'We have sent them a small number of traps to try out.

Fregate Island, in the Seychelles, is an idyllic tourist spot with white sand beaches

Midge expert Dr Alison Blackwell said authorities on the island contacted her for help

The traps have already proved successful in tackling the Highland midge, above

Despite Fregates small size and its population of just 214, Dr Blackwell said the islands order could be worth around 25,000 with ongoing consumables supplied and any consultancy costs.

She added: The reputation of the Scottish midge certainly travels far  but we didnt realise this far.

Scotland has more than 35 species of biting midges with the tourism industry estimated to lose about 286 million a year because of the swarming insects.

The Seychelles has its own issues with biting insects.

The island nations tourism board warns holidaymakers to be aware of biting midges which are commonly known as sand flies. It adds: The bites of the midges can sometimes lead to infected sores.
Iceland, the only country in the world integrated into a military alliance without having a single soldier, is redefining its defense policy. The war in Ukraine, the cooling of relations between the two shores of the North Atlantic, the growing interest of Russia and China in the Arctic, and Washingtons threat to annex Greenland have sparked a profound debate in Icelandic politics. Although the creation of an army does not appear to be on the table, the Icelandic government has made a committment to its NATO allies to invest significantly more in defense  in 2024 it allocated just 0.01% of GDP  and is negotiating with Brussels on a bilateral agreement to strengthen its security.

Icelands case is an anomaly: a founding member of NATO, it is the only one without an army, lacks an intelligence service, is exempt from the Alliances spending commitments, and, with just under 400,000 inhabitants, is the partner with the smallest population. The Coast Guard, which has traditionally been dedicated to protecting fishing waters, is playing an increasingly important role, including managing an air defense system. The pillars of the Atlantic islands security strategy are its membership in the transatlantic organization and a bilateral agreement with the United States, signed in the 1950s.

Despite the improvement in its defense, Valur Ingimundarson, a professor at the University of Reykjaviks School of History, rules out the possibility of Iceland ever forming an Armed Forces. Iceland hasnt had an army for centuries, and the status of an unarmed country is sacrosanct for most of society and part of the national identity, he explains.

Located south of the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and the United Kingdom, and about the size of Cuba or Portugal, Iceland has contributed to NATO for decades by offering its strategic location to monitor the movements of Soviet  and later Russian  submarines in the North Atlantic. During World War II, it was occupied by British and later American troops to prevent it from falling into German hands and to use it for logistical purposes. Shortly after the end of the war, Winston Churchill wrote: Whoever possesses Iceland holds a pistol firmly pointed at England, America, and Canada.

When the United States promoted the founding of NATO in 1949, it considered Icelands location vital to its interests and integrated it into the Alliance. Washington maintained a military base in Keflavik, in the southwest of the island, from 1951  the year the bilateral defense agreement was signed  until it abandoned it in 2006 at a time when it was much more focused on Iraq and Afghanistan than on Russian submarines.

After losing much of its strategic value with the end of the Cold War, Iceland demonstrated its commitment to the Alliance by, for example, sending doctors to missions in the Balkans or civilian personnel to manage Afghanistans main airport. Russias annexation of the Crimean peninsula and the outbreak of fighting in the Ukrainian region of Donbas in 2014 revived Washingtons interest in Iceland; troops from the worlds leading power returned to Keflavik, and the islands geostrategic value began to reemerge.

Since the Russian occupation of Crimea, NATO military exercises such as Dynamic Mongoose, its largest anti-submarine warfare maneuvers, have been held regularly in Iceland, which hosts allied detachments on a rotating basis to protect its airspace. Last Monday, an advance party of 44 Spanish military aviators arrived in Keflavik as part of Spains first participation in this air policing mission.

The war in Ukraine and the growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic in the face of new commercial and military opportunities in the region resulting from the melting of the ice caused by climate change have generated a certain sense of insecurity in peaceful Iceland. This unease has been accentuated by the return of Donald Trump to the White House. The U.S. presidents demands on his allies regarding defense spending and his insistence on taking control of Greenland  an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO member  have motivated Iceland to adopt a much more proactive stance on defense matters.

Increase in spending

We are developing a new security and defense policy focused on our specific strategic position within NATO, declared Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir after meeting with Mark Rutte, the alliances Secretary General, in Brussels in May. Frostadottir, who at 37 is the worlds youngest head of government, subsequently pledged to significantly increase spending on defense-related matters.

At the NATO summit held in June in The Hague, the allies agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2029. According to the agreement, 3.5% will be allocated to hard defense, which includes weapons purchases and troop salaries, while 1.5% will go to related investments, such as infrastructure and cybersecurity.

It is precisely this 1.5% that the Icelandic government is seeking to adopt. Romain Chuffart, director of the Arctic Institute think tank, believes that the exponential increase in defense spending  from 0.014% of GDP  will be achieved by strengthening cyber defense, reinforcing its national system and more active participation in NATO cyber operations, expanding the surveillance and response capabilities of the Coast Guard, and increasing investment in infrastructure that can be used by allied forces, such as port facilities and hangars.

In addition to underscoring its commitment to NATO, Iceland  which is already part of the Schengen area and the European Economic Area  is showing interest in strengthening its ties with the EU. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, traveled to the Atlantic island last week and announced the start of negotiations for a security and defense partnership agreement, similar to the one agreed with Canada last June. The new emphasis on the EU can be interpreted as a hedging strategy in case the United States backtracks on its commitment to defend its European allies, Ingimundarson notes.

Frostadottir, who expressed hope that the agreement could be finalized before the end of the year, aims to further strengthen relations between Reykjavik and Brussels and plans to hold an EU membership referendum in 2027.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
A fugitive Brit believed to be a hitman who police say was wanted for murder has been arrested after a run-in with two women at a Costa del Sol petrol station and a subsequent car crash.

Police released photos of pistols, ammunition and a silencer seized in his vehicle after the suspect, described locally as having links with 'one of London's most dangerous crime gangs', tried to flee and they held him and discovered he should be in prison.

The pics showed the unnamed Brit was also carrying a book called 'Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self.'

The arrest was made in an area called Riviera between La Cala de Mijas and Marbella. Respected local paper Sur said he was wanted for 'several assassinations' and reported the argument he had at the petrol station was with two Dutch women he started berating after trying repeatedly to get them to buy him cocaine.

A spokesman for local police in the municipality of Mijas, who are employed by Mijas Town Hall, said: 'A British man has been arrested in Riviera who had a warrant out for him ordering his remand in prison for murder.'

He added: 'While conducting surveillance work in La Cala de Mijas, officers were called yesterday to deal with an altercation at a petrol station in the area.

'Upon arrival, they interviewed a customer at the station who stated that a foreign man who had been harassing her had already driven away from the scene.

'Shortly afterwards, a call was received alerting us to an accident on Orfebres Street in Riviera.

A fugitive Brit believed to be a hitman who police say was wanted for murder has been arrested after a run-in with two women at a Costa del Sol petrol station and a subsequent car crash (pictured)

The pics showed the unnamed Brit was carrying pistols, ammunition and a silencer - as well as a copy of a book called 'Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self'

A close up of one of the pistols and a small bag full of ammunition - both allegedly found inside the vehicle

The Rivera del sol housing complex in Mijas, Spain where the Brit gunman was apprehended and arrested

'Upon arrival the officers found a damaged vehicle that matched the one involved in the incident at the petrol station.

The driver attempted to flee when he saw police but was quickly intercepted by the officers. Once identified, they verified that he was a British man with a warrant for his arrest and remand in prison for murder.

'He was also carrying several firearms and a large amount of ammunition which were seized.

'After being arrested, he was handed over to the Civil Guard police force so he could be taken before a judge and subsequently imprisoned.'

Police offered no detail about the exact nature of the crimes he was wanted for or any information about his age. As well as two pistols and the silencer they are also said to have found a contacts book with names and addresses in his crashed car which they have handed over to Civil Guard investigators to go through.

The photos they released of the smashed-up Nissan Qashqai showed the British man had hit a lamp-post in a residential street.

He has already been remanded to jail on the orders of a judge in Fuengirola.

Sur reported today: 'An investigation remains open to clarify his links with organised crime.'
Edinburgh Zoo is at the centre of a growing row over its links with a controversial gay and transgender rights group which was once led by a paedophile.

Bosses at the popular tourist attraction said engaging with LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS) provides it with access to staff equality training, as part of a drive to ensure visitors and employees feel safe and welcome.

It is the latest organisation to sign up to the groups charter despite accusations that it promotes radical trans ideology.

The Mail revealed earlier this year that Police Scotland had paid LGBTYS more than 3,500 for training courses - and for 500 purple button badges to show solidarity with the gay and trans community.

Now a campaign group is calling for members of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a wildlife conservation charity which runs the zoo, to raise their concern with zoo managers.

Dr Stuart Waiton, chairman of the Scottish Union for Education (SUE) and a sociologist at Abertay University in Dundee, said families had contacted the SUE about the transgendering of Edinburgh Zoo.

He said: Despite the Supreme Court ruling [in April] that raises questions about transgender ideology and the claim that sex is not binary, we still find that organisations in Scotland are continuing to fund organisations that train their staff to believe the opposite.

Unsurprisingly, we now find that there are families who have decades of commitment to Edinburgh Zoo but find themselves in a position where they can no longer support the work of the RZSS.

Edinburgh Zoo is at the centre of a growing row over its links with LGBT Youth Scotland

One concerned parent has not only cancelled her membership with the zoo but has drafted a letter to encourage others to do likewise.

As she notes, there really is nothing in the charitable objective of the RZSS that requires them to sponsor the transgender ideology of LGBTYS.

A recent SUE newsletter urges RZSS members to send a letter of concern to the charity.

James Rennie, the former chief executive of LGBTYS, is serving life in prison for sexually assaulting a three-month-old after being convicted in 2009 along with seven others on sex abuse charges.

Andrew Easton, who co-wrote a schools guide for the youth charity, was convicted last year of sharing indecent images of children.

He was never an employee or volunteer with LGBTYS but in 2009 he was a young person who attended its services. It was then that he helped to write the guide.

LGBTYS has been supported by SNP ministers and receives 1million per year from taxpayer-funded organisations.

Last year, Rosie Millard quit as chairman of the BBCs Children in Need charity after protesting about grants given to the charity.

The Scottish Tories have said LGBTYS is mired in scandal and that the SNP Government should suspend public funding from the organisation until it gets its act together.

Schools which signed up to the charitys scheme, for a fee normally of at least 850, were ranked on how well they catered for LGBT pupils and received guides on how best to achieve this.

Secondary pupils have been encouraged to sign LGBT rainbow flags, with children asked to celebrate the rainbow through the way they dress, and by decorating their schools - described by the Campaign for Real Education as brainwashing.

LGBTYS insists that with [an] increasingly toxic and polarised public debate, its vital that all young people feel safe, supported and included.

According to LGBTYS, being accredited with its charter sends a positive message that your organisation is a champion of LGBT inclusion where LGBTQ+ employees, students, customers, or service users will be safe, supported and included.

RZSS refused to say how much it has spent on the LGBTYS charter process.

It is understood one RSZZ membership has been cancelled as a result of the row so far.

An RZSS spokesman said: We are continuing to work through the charter with the aim of completing the process by the end of this year.

Our support for the LGBTQ+ community doesnt change our mission to care for animals and protect endangered species around the world.

It simply reflects the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome, whether visiting the zoo or working within it.

No one was available for comment at LGBTYS.
Wildfires have swept across northwestern Spain as firefighters work to tackle several blazes.

Residents in Galicia have been warned of further fires as three major infernos remain uncontrolled, prompting authorities to announce a level 2 emergency.

A conflagration in the Las Hurdes region of Caceres has destroyed more than 2,600 hectares within a 28.5-kilometre perimeter according to Euronews.

As a result of the flames, 200 residents from six villages - Cambron, Dehesilla, Huerta, Avellanar, Robledo, Mesegal and the area of Caminomorisco - were forced to evacuate overnight on Thursday.

More than 90 residents remain behind in student residences deemed safe while 400 emergency service workers have been deployed to try and manage the fire and contain it within the perimeter.

The province of Avila is also suffering from an active wildfire that broke out on Monday night in the Barranco de las Cinco Villas ravine.

The blaze has continued to rage burning 2,000 hectares within a 25-kilometre perimeter and officials fear it is the result of arson.

Elsewhere in the southeastern province of Ourense, fires have been spreading since last night.

Wildfires have swept across northwestern Spain as firefighters work to tackle several blazes

Residents in Galicia have been warned of further fires as three major infernos remain uncontrolled, prompting authorities to announce a level 2 emergency

A conflagration in the Las Hurdes region of Caceres has destroyed more than 2,600 hectares within a 28.5-kilometre perimeter and firefighters have been working to control the flames

A conflagration in the Las Hurdes region of Caceres has destroyed more than 2,600 hectares within a 28.5-kilometre perimeter

Aeroplanes have been deployed to shower water over the raging fires as emergency services struggle to keep the fires across Spain under control

Between 11pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday more than 450 hectares of the Serra das Penas Ceibes mountain range were destroyed and seven helicopters, seven airplanes, 23 firefighting brigades and 25 fire engines have been deployed to battling the inferno.

Due to the severity of the blaze, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) have been mobilised on the orders of the regional Galician government, El Pais reports.

Due to the intense smoke, residents in Dona Elvira and Vilardevos have been told to stay in their homes while 230 km away another fire has burnt through 28 hectares.

Videos posted on social media showed helicopters flying over the fires dropping water in an attempt to keep the fires under control.

This is the largest forest fire recorded in the province of Ourense so far this year.

Temperatures in Galicia have reached highs of 40C and warm air has helped fan the flames creating large blazes that are proving difficult for emergency services to tackle.

It comes after blazes swept across Portugal and Greece earlier this week, while tornadoes struck tourist hotspots in parts of Spain and Switzerland.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling dozens wildfires raging in northern Portugal and central Spain, in the largest wave of blazes in the Iberian Peninsula so far this year following weeks of summer heat.

Videos posted on social media showed helicopters flying over the fires dropping water in an attempt to keep the fires under control

Fires spreading across Spain in the Glicia area

More than 450 hectares of the Serra das Penas Ceibes mountain range were destroyed and seven helicopters, 23 firefighting brigades and 25 fire engines have been deployed

An aerial view of a burned area in Portugal as wildfires grip the Iberian peninsula

A man trying to extinguish a wildfire near his property in Arouca, northern Portugal earlier this week - Spain, Portugal and greece have been dealing with large wildfires

Burnt trees in northern Portugal - firefighters managed to control two large fires that started on Monday in the central areas of Penamacor and Nisa

Aerial view showing burnt trees in Arouca, Portugal despite efforts to tackle the fires

The largest wildfire has been burning in the wooded, mountainous Arouca area - some 300 km (185 miles) north of Lisbon - since Monday, leading to the closure of the scenic trails of Passadicos do Paiva, a popular tourist attraction.

Some 800 firefighters and seven waterbombing aircraft tackled the blaze.

'There was a huge effort during the night, so now we have a somewhat calmer situation,' Civil Protection Commander Helder Silva told reporters, cautioning that shifting strong winds and a difficult terrain meant their work was far from over.

'It's a very large wildfire in areas with difficult access,' he said.

Further north, a blaze has been raging since Saturday in the Peneda-Geres national park near the Spanish border, enveloping nearby villages in thick smoke that led to orders for residents to stay at home.

Portuguese firefighters managed to control two large fires that started on Monday in the central areas of Penamacor and Nisa.

Authorities said the Penamacor blaze had destroyed 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of forest.

In Spain's central province of Avila, shifting gusts of wind hindered efforts by firefighters and a special military unit, emergency services said.

Residents in Portugal have been forced to flee as their homes are engulfed by the fires

Firefighters survey the damage from a wildfire on Wednesday which required 3,000 firefighters, security and rescue workers to control

The xtreme weather is wreaking havoc across Europe, pushing emergency services to their limits as wildfires heatwaves and storms sweep across the continent. Pictured: Firefighters work on a wildfire in Arouca, northern Portugal on July 30, 2025

Wildfires have also erupted Greece. Pictured: Smoke rises from a wildfire that broke out early hours in the area of Assiros, in the outskirts of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, 30 July 2025

A firefighting aircraft tackles a wildfire in the municipality of El Arenal, central Spain, 30 July 2025

Residents in the village of El Arenal, about 100 km (62 miles) west of Madrid, were advised to remain indoors due to heavy smoke.

Meanwhile, in Greece a large wildfire is currently ripping through a forest area between Kanali and Monolithi in Preveza.

The fire started at approximately 2pm local time (12.00 BST) and quickly grew.

Shortly after the blaze erupted a 112 message was sent to residents of the area warning them to be alert and ready to evacuate if necessary.

Residents have complained that emergency aircraft were slow to intervene, resulting in the fire growing in size and destroying a protected area, local media reports.

Roughly 40 firefighters are working to tackle the blaze with, 16 vehicles, 4 aircraft and 1 helicopter at the scene.
Nobody understands the electoral cost of failing to tackle the migrant crisis more than Sir Keir Starmers powerful right-hand man Morgan McSweeney.

Hailed as a genius strategist, he was bending his bosss ear about it more than a year ago.

We need to be tough from the start, the Irishman told the future Prime Minister in a memo. Regain control of borders, he said, smash the gangs, tackle small boats  noble exhortations Sir Keir would later parrot.

Failure to address these issues, McSweeney warned, risked handing future victory to Nigel Farages Reform UK.

Softly spoken and little known outside Westminster, McSweeney, 48, masterminded Labours election victory, though with Labour lurching from crisis to crisis his stock has shrunk of late.

His immigration warnings seem hollow now. Legal and illegal migration is spiralling out of control. Failure to stop the small boats is one thing but much public anger is reserved for the scandalous gravy train of outsourcing companies and middlemen making a small fortune from a broken system.

Among them a former caravan park owner from Essex who became a billionaire after housing asylum seekers for the government.

For Sir Keir and McSweeney, the headlines were embarrassing.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is seen leaving 10 Downing Street in London with his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney

More than 25,000 migrants have now arrived in the UK in small boats this year, the earliest that this milestone has been reached (Pictured: packed dinghy in the Channel last August)

The father of Mr McSweeney (not pictured), helped set up a company that received 6million from the Irish state to house asylum seekers

And The Mail on Sunday can reveal there is something closer to home that might cause McSweeney, if not outright embarrassment, then surely a twinge of unease.

His father Tim McSweeney, a County Cork-based accountant, has his part to play in the asylum gravy train causing resentment in his homeland.

Sharply rising immigration coupled with a housing crisis has fuelled protest across the Irish Sea. As in the UK, there is much criticism of those who have got rich quickly on the back of the influx of new arrivals.

Mr McSweeney, 73, helped set up a company that received 6million from the Irish state to house asylum seekers.

He incorporated Togail Veilbhit Glas Teoranta in February 2023. He and wife Carmel are the only listed directors and it is registered at the same address in Macroom as his accountancy firm. Macroom is where his son was raised before moving to

England as a 17-year-old, initially working on building sites and later joining Labour after university. He now earns between 155,000 and 160,000 as Sir Keirs Chief of Staff.

Public records show Togail received 6million for provision of international protection accommodation and/or related costs. Typically, accountants advise on company structure and handle registration and incorporation obligations.

But Mr McSweeney senior dismissed a suggestion he was benefiting directly from the contracts. He said: Do I look like a wealthy man? I dont think so. It is just a job I have. It is not unusual for accountants to fulfil roles like this.

Pictured: In May, 3,000 people joined an anti-immigration rally organised by Ireland Says No - which attendees said signalled a feeling in the country that 'enough is enough'

It is not easy to fathom who gets the money. The companys owners are hidden behind a labyrinthine corporate structure.

It leads  via two other Irish shell companies, both linked to Mr McSweeney  to a web of Cyprus-registered companies. Asked how he became involved, Mr McSweeney said it was nobodys business.

In addition to its ties to No 10, the McSweeney family is linked to the upper echelons of the Irish government. Morgans cousin Clare Mungovan is a special advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris.

In June, thousands took part in an anti-immigration protest in Dublin, some wearing hats with the slogan Make Ireland Great Again. Others held banners declaring: Ireland is full.

Irelands spend on accommod- ating migrants hit 900million last year  up 54 per cent on the 569.14million cost in 2023.

The countrys Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan wants to see more of the 25,000 hotel beds occupied by Ukrainian refugees returned to the tourism sector, calling it hugely important to the Irish economy.

Back in the UK, Mr McSweeneys son looked on helplessly last week as Sir Keirs pledge to smash the gangs blew up in his face after a new record was set for Channel crossings.

More than 25,000 migrants have now arrived in the UK in small boats this year, the earliest that this milestone has been reached.

Your browser does not support iframes.

It has been said of McSweeney that nobody without elected office wields as much power in British politics  but he prefers life in the shadows.

The highest form of praise at Labour HQ has been said to be: Morgan loves it. But he is a bogeyman on the Left after leading the think-tank Labour Together to purge the party of Jeremy Corbyns influence.

He divides his time between Scotland and Westminster. His wife Imogen Walker is Labour MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley and the couple have a son.

Having been director of the centrist Labour Together, McSweeney ran Sir Keirs successful leadership campaign in 2020 before becoming director of campaigns as he plotted the partys rise to power last year.

He was initially appointed head of political strategy in Downing Street in July but soon clashed with then Chief of Staff Sue Gray.

There were briefings that he was at the head of a boys club inside No 10, along with Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden, with Ms Gray on the other side.

Amid jostling for position between the sides, it was even reported that she had moved McSweeneys desk further away from the PMs office. One Cabinet minister was prompted to say: One or both of them will have to go. Its not going to be Morgan.
Eight years ago on this day, Prince Philip undertook his last official public engagement after 70 years of service to the Firm.

Before retiring on August 2, 2017, he attended a parade at Buckingham Palace marking the finale of the Royal Marines 1664 Global Challenge.

It was an emotional event as the Duke of Edinburgh bowed out of public life to cheers and a rousing rendition of For Hes a Jolly Good Fellow played by the band of the Royal Marines.

Stepping down at the age of 96, he was the longest-serving consort in British history and served as patron, president or a member of more than 780 organisations.

The prince of Greece - with Danish, German and Russian blood - was viewed as an outsider when he first joined the institution, but quickly became known as the Queen's strength and stay.

This made him arguably the best person to advise newlywed Kate Middleton as she entered the Firm aged 29.

According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, who became a friend of Philip through his work for the National Playing Fields Association, the Duke of Edinburgh was 'relieved' that his grandson Prince William had found 'such a level-headed girl' in Kate.

But nonetheless, Philip apparently worried the popularity which comes with being a royal could go to her head so he offered her some of his advice, as he famously gave Diana.

Eight years ago on this day, Prince Philip undertook his last official public engagement after 70 years of service to the Firm

Before retiring on August 2, 2017, Philip attended a parade at Buckingham Palace marking the finale of the Royal Marines 1664 Global Challenge

According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, the Duke of Edinburgh was 'relieved' that his grandson Prince William had found 'such a level-headed girl' in Kate Middleton

Brandreth wrote in his biography Philip The Final Portrait: 'One of the things that saddened - and worried - the Queen and Prince Philip about Diana, Princess of Wales, was not that she was popular, but that she allowed her popularity to go to her head.

'Once upon a time Philip and Elizabeth were seen as characters from a fairy tale.

'The difference between them and Princess Diana, I think, is that they did not take it personally.'

He wrote that Philip said: 'If you believe the attention is for you personally, you're going to end up in trouble.

'The attention is for your role, what you do, what you're supporting.

'It isn't for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You are representing the Royal Family. That's all.

'Don't look at the camera. The Queen never looks at the camera. Never.

'Look at who you are talking to. Look at who you've come to see. Diana looked at the camera.'

William and Kate are pictured on their wedding day on April 29, 2011

The prince of Greece - with Danish, German and Russian blood - was viewed as an outsider when he first joined the institution but quickly became known as the Queen's strength and stay

Broadcaster and podcaster Gyles Brandreth is the author of Philip's biography, Philip The Final Portrait

Brandreth wrote in his biography of the Duke of Edinburgh: 'Once upon a time Philip and Elizabeth were seen - and talked about - and written up - as characters from a fairy tale'

Brandreth added: 'I have been on walkabout with Duchess of Cambridge. She never looks at the camera.'

Kate likely understood the magnitude of what Philip was saying to her as William's grandfather acted as a mentor to him after he lost his mother.

At Philip's funeral, William paid tribute to his grandfather, saying his 'enduring presence' guided him 'both through good times and the hardest days'.

This 'enduring presence' as well as his caring, grandfatherly nature was shown clearly during Diana's funeral cortege on September 6, 1997.

Initially there had been no plans for Philip to walk behind Diana's coffin, as this role was intended for immediate family only.

But after conversations with his grandson, who asked to walk beside him in support as they followed the hearse, Philip could not refuse.

The Duke of Edinburgh joined his son Prince Charles, William and Harry as well as Diana's brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, behind the coffin during her funeral on September 6, 1997, when the young royals were only 15 and 12.

Brandreth revealed in the ITV documentary Philip: Prince, Husband, Father: 'It wasn't his idea, but there was a tradition at royal funerals of members of the royal family walking behind the hearse.

On his death, William paid tribute to his grandfather, saying Philip's 'enduring presence' guided him 'both through good times and the hardest days'

The Duke of Edinburgh joined his son Charles, William and Harry as well as Diana's brother Charles, behind the coffin during her funeral on September 6, 1997, when the young royals were only 15 and 12

William greets his grandfather at the tenth anniversary memorial service for his mother at Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks on August 31, 2007

'There was no plan originally for Prince Philip to be part of that. Philip said to Prince William, if it would help, I could walk alongside you.

'So, he volunteered to do that, William accepted the invitation, so far from being what was being reported, it was an act of grandfatherly kindness to try and offer support to William.'

Many observers believe William and Kate modelled themselves directly on the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh, who were married for 73 years.

Brandreth wrote that William and Kate lived 'a relatively normal young officer's life' while he was training with the Search and Rescue force in north Wales  'not dissimilar to the experience enjoyed by Philip and Elizabeth when the Duke of Edinburgh was a young officer serving in the Royal Navy in Malta sixty years before'.

The royal author recalled when Philip was ill in the summer of 2012, as vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association, he spent a day watching Kate and William.

He wrote: 'I watched them "doing their thing" on a playing field in Nottingham - meeting and greeting, walking and talking, making a speech, playing with some children - and they did not put a foot wrong.

'At all times their focus was entirely on the people immediately in front of them. Not once did either of them play to the cameras  or even acknowledge them.

'And I noticed too, that just as the Duke of Edinburgh, in more than 70 years of royal duty, never once put himself above, before, or ahead of his wife and sovereign.

Kate and Philip are pictured together in 2016. Philip gave his granddaughter-in-law some advice which she still puts to practise to this day

Brandreth wrote: 'Kate appeared to have learnt all the lessons that Philip could have taught her'

'Philip would take no credit for the successful way in which Catherine has merged into the Royal Family - becoming a star, but somehow managing not to behave like a celebrity.

'She appeared to have learnt all the lessons that Philip could have taught her.'

It seems Kate respected her husband's grandfather enough to know that he was speaking from a position of knowledge and experience.

She clearly holds his advice dear, even after his passing.
As Mike and Zara Tindall quietly celebrated their ivory wedding anniversary on Wednesday, they appear just as in love as they were when they first met in 2003.

Their secret to a happy marriage seems simple: they live relatively out of the spotlight, they share a sense of humour and are supportive of one another both in their careers and socially.

So it is no surprise that after 14 years of marriage, they know each other well enough to read between the lines and step in when an awkward situation needs diffusing.

This was the case during the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

Body language expert Judi James told Daily Mail: 'Harry and Meghan emerge hand-in-hand with Harrys facial expression suggesting tension and fear, while Meghan is wearing her most gracious royal smile.

'Zara and her brother Peter Phillips appear to have been chosen as the flanking "hosts" as Harry and Meghan step out into the sunshine, completely aware that the crowd outside might be greeting them with boos.

'While Zara and Peter would still see Harry as a much-loved cousin, Mike would have been under no matching pressure to push feelings about loyalty to one side and hold his nose to treat Harry and his wife with any form of polite PDA.

'Mike is known for his authentic and often spontaneous body language displays and politely faking it is possibly not in his repertoire.'

An expert told Daily Mail that Zara Tindall acted as a 'buffer' between her husband, Mike Tindall, and Prince Harry at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral

The event formed part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations on June 3, 2022

While Zara was seen chatting with Meghan and Harry, Mike appeared to avoid conversation with the Sussexes

While Zara was seen chatting with Meghan and Harry, Mike appeared to avoid conversation with the Sussexes.

Judi continued: 'Putting this brief but emotionally and even constitutionally powerful moment under the microscope I can see what looks like a choreographed ritual that ensures that both polite family niceties are maintained but without any demands for Mike to be seen as a hypocrite.'

Since childhood, cousins Harry and Zara have shared a close relationship - but this seems to have grown more tense with the events of Megxit.

Harry is godfather to Mike and Zara's youngest daughter, Lena, and the Duke attended Mike's stag do in 2011.

Mike cheekily offered to be Harry's best man when he announced his engagement to Meghan and the couple have also stood by the Sussexes on their rare return trips to the UK following Megxit.

The body language expert said: 'Mikes career made him a team player, respecting loyalty above all else and he brought those values to the royal Firm when he married Zara.

'His role as affectionate, protective alpha "uncle" to William alone could have made any form of positive response to Harry untenable in public, despite the strong relationship between Harry and the Tindalls in the past.

'So, we see what looks like an example of the royals spinning and turning like clockwork to protect Mike as much as Harry here.'

Since childhood, cousins Harry and Zara have shared a close relationship - but this seems to have grown more tense with the events following Megxit

The Thanksgiving Service came at a challenging time for the relationship between the Sussexes and the Firm, leading Zara to play the mediator role

Mike Tindall's body language at the service showed he was nervous and attempting to distance himself from Harry

She continued: 'Mike performs two "ignoring and distancing" rituals here, looking off into the distance and lifting his order of service to act as a large barrier.

'As he stares away, he starts to bang the order of service against the palm of his free hand.

'This is a metronomic self-attack gesture that suggests impatience and suppressed irritation.

'Mikes behaviour is also seen to gain a complimentary response from Harrys body language.

'As Harry walks past Mike, ignored, he lifts his own order of service and wipes his mouth with the corner, in a subtle mimic gesture that suggests he does feel wounded or hurt by the snub.'

She continued: 'Peter and Zara turn in towards Harry and Meghan in an announcement gesture to signal they will be providing the buffer and shared social smiles.

'Zara smiles but the way she steps away as she turns to face Harry hints at some awkwardness.

'There is a small clue that she might have been planning on just chatting to her cousin while Peter chatted to his wife but at one point Meghan seems to lean in to join the conversation with Zara and at that point Zara appears to pull away.

Judi James said: 'Zara smiles but the way she steps away as she turns to face Harry hints at some awkwardness'

Mike and Zara are pictured on the steps outside St Paul's Cathedral on the day of the Thanksgiving Service

Harry is pictured in 2011 warming up for a charity polo match while Zara and Mike watch on and smile

'Zara and Mike appear totally happy with their choreography, as Zara walks straight back to her husband once Harry and Meghan have gone.

'Its possible that Zara wanted to protect and endorse her husbands reputation for authentic body language responses and proudly did the etiquette thing so he wouldnt have to.

'One important-looking cog in the wheel of all this satisfactory circling is the Earl of Snowdon.

'He is the royal that chats animatedly to Mike, giving him a valid excuse for any distraction. We can even see Princess Margarets son circles around Mike with his back to Harry at one point, to act like a screen between the two men.'

The Thanksgiving Service came at a challenging time for the relationship between the Sussexes and the Firm.

It was Harry and Meghan's first event in two years alongside the Royal Family since they stepped down as working royals.

In the period between stepping down in January 2020 and their presence at the service, Harry and Meghan had sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a no-holds-barred interview where they accused an unnamed member of the Royal Family of racism.

The late Queen missed the historic event following a last-minute decision announced by Buckingham Palace after she experienced 'discomfort' during the Trooping the Colour parade the day before

Crowds cheered the Sussexes as they arrived, with the couple smiling and waving - but both boos and cheers could be heard as they departed

During the Jubilee celebrations, Meghan and Harry made just one official appearance with the rest of the Royal Family but were otherwise largely hidden from the public and the media throughout the celebrations

Harry had reportedly hardly seen his father and brother since emigrating to California with Meghan and at the service, the Sussexes sat at opposite sides of the cathedral to Kate and William.

Crowds cheered the pair as they arrived, with the couple smiling and waving - but both boos and cheers could be heard as they departed.

And, although they would have known it had they seen their plummeting approval ratings in opinion polls, it was the first time they had to face up to the new reality that the public was turning against them.

They arrived ten minutes before William and Kate and were seated to the right. When William and Kate arrived to loud cheers, they were whisked off to the left.

The late Queen missed the historic event following a last-minute decision announced by Buckingham Palace after she experienced 'discomfort' during the Trooping the Colour parade the day before. The Duke of York was also absent after testing positive for Covid.

Indicative of their new more minor position within the Royal Family, the Sussexes were seated in the second row, behind the Wessex family and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, with Harry next to Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank and Meghan next to Princess Margaret's daughter Lady Sarah Chatto.

Across the aisle, Charles and Camilla had seats beside them for William and Kate and the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence.

Harry was seen appearing to enjoy a joke with someone seated across the aisle. Beatrice, sitting a few seats down from him, was also grinning in the same direction.

Zara and Mike are pictured arriving at the service in colour-coordinated outfits

A source said at the time: 'It's a typically elegant solution as you would expect. The Queen wants her family there and they are still part of it. But in a carefully controlled fashion'

Harry had reportedly hardly seen his father and brother since emigrating to California with Meghan and at the service, the Sussexes sat at opposite sides of the cathedral to Kate and William

But William was not pictured smiling throughout the ceremony and did not exchange words with his brother.

Harry and Meghan previously told the Queen they would keep a low profile during the Jubilee celebrations and would only take part in official engagements - Her Majesty 'ordered the family to come together' with 'no dramas' to overshadow the events.

During the Jubilee celebrations, Meghan and Harry made just one official appearance with the rest of the Royal Family but were otherwise largely hidden from the public and the media throughout the celebrations.

A source said at the time: 'It's a typically elegant solution as you would expect. The Queen wants her family there and they are still part of it. But in a carefully controlled fashion.'

The Daily Mail reported that the couple were upset to learn that they would not be permitted to join the Queen and other family members in the main VIP party.

After the service, it was reported that Mike 'insulted' Harry. A source overheard Mike talking to a fellow guest and referred to the Dukes behaviour as that of a 'b******'.

Mike has previously joked that members of the Royal Family would like to 'throw a few punches' at the Duke of Sussex.

Since the incident, Harry has lost a legal challenge over the levels of security he and the family are entitled to while in the UK.

Happier times: Harry and Mike are pictured laughing together with Princess Anne in 2016 as part of celebrations to mark the Queen's 90th birthday

The Thanksgiving service was Harry and Meghan's first event in two years alongside the Royal Family since they stepped down as working royals

He had been seeking to overturn a decision that had downgraded his security after he stopped being a working royal and moved to the US with Meghan and their two children - Archie and Lilibet.

In his sit-down interview with the BBC shortly after losing his appeal, the Duke said he wanted to reconcile with his family, while alleging his father, King Charles, was not speaking with him.

He said there had been 'so many disagreements' in the family, but the 'only thing that's left' is the row over his security - which he said had 'always been the sticking point'.

As reports of peace talks made headlines and observers speculate whether Meghan and Harry will attend the Birmingham Invictus Games in 2027, the question of whether a reconciliation is on the cards couldn't be more poignant.

However, many observers believe that the relationship is damaged beyond repair and that extending an olive branch at this point is too little too late as Harry continues to make public jabs at the Firm, which his grandmother, the late Queen, devoted her entire life to serving.
A woman from the US believes she could be the illegitimate great, great grand-daughter of Queen Victoria amid claims the monarch had a relationship with her most-trusted servant John Brown.

Angela Webb-Milinkovich, a health worker from Minnesota, thinks she has lineage stemming from the affair which is speculated have taken place following the death of Victoria's husband Prince Albert.

Now new research by historian Dr Fern Riddell raises the possibility that John and the Queen secretly got married and even had a daughter together.

It has been alleged that while on paper Angela's great grandmother Mary Ann was the only child of John's brother Hugh and his wife Jessie, Victoria could actually have been her mother.

Ms Webb-Milinkovich, 47, said her ultimate goal is to gain recognition from King Charles about her family's place in history.

And she is now planning to take a DNA test to try and prove her relationship to the British royals.

Ms Webb-Milinkovich told The Mirror: 'My main goal is to have the story acknowledged.

'I want their relationship to be recognised and for the royal family to stop saying it didn't happen.'

Angela Webb-Milinkovich (pictured) thinks she has lineage stemming from the affair speculated to have taken place between Queen Victoria and John Brown

Queen Victorias close relationship with Scottish ghillie John Brown began in 1863

Ms Webb-Milinkovich, 47, said her ultimate goal is to gain recognition from King Charles about her family's place in history

'I want the vindication essentially for John Brown and just for my lineage, because they were not able to talk about it,' she added.

'It was something that just became that secret that we couldn't really share, but we knew.'

Ms Webb-Milinkovich explained that her family has always believed they were descended from the royal line through baby Mary Ann.

However, she only realised the extent of the connection when she was contacted by Dr Riddell during the four years of research for her new book 'Victoria's Secret'.

The birth of Mary Ann, who is the supposed love child, was registered in 1865, soon after childless Jessie and Hugh emigrated to New Zealand.

Dr Riddell has claimed that Victoria could have easily concealed that she was pregnant and had the child sent away to the other side of the world to avoid a scandal.

Moreover, it has been documented that in 1874 Victoria arranged for the family to be brought back to Scotland, where they lived on the Balmoral estate.

Queen Victoria's close relationship with her manservant John was widely documented in the 1997 movie Mrs Brown  starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly.

It shows the monarch, widowed and scared, beginning to see the handsome Scots ghillie as her protector.

Brown wore a signet ring on his left little finger, as seen in a painting of him at Frogmore in 1883

Ms Webb-Milinkovich explained that her family has always believed they were descended from the royal line through baby Mary Ann

For the next 20 years, no one was closer to the Queen. John ran her daily errands and put his life on the line to save her from would-be assassins.

He spent hours alone with her every day and in her private house in the Highlands, he had the bedroom next to hers.

Then after Victoria's death in 1901, on the orders of her eldest son, Edward VII, the Palace set about erasing John from the record.

Victoria's journals were copied, edited, and the originals destroyed.

Those who have attempted to bring John and Victoria's story to light have found themselves blocked, dismissed or ridiculed by powerful forces.

As recently as 1987, when the family of James Reid, Victoria's doctor, set out to publish his diaries for the first time  revealing what he had witnessed of Victoria's intimate relationship with John  Princess Margaret personally attempted to halt publication.

Writing for the Mail earlier this month, Dr Fern said: 'Years of researching  and talking to the Brown family  have led me to conclude that Victoria and John did have an intimate relationship.

'Not only that, but rumours that they secretly married and had a child that was spirited away to be brought up outside the Royal Family may indeed have some foundation.

'Could it be that Mary Ann, whose birth was registered soon after Hugh and Jessies arrival in New Zealand in 1865, was actually Victoria and Johns child, sent to the furthest reach of the empire in secret?,' she added.

A locket with Queen Victoria's portrait and her hair, alongside a portrait of Prince Albert, are said to have been gifted to John Brown

'After much detective work, I had tracked down Angela, one of Hugh and Jessies last surviving relatives, in the USA.

'On our late-night Zoom call, she revealed to me the bombshell story that had been passed down her family.

'If true, it would make Angela the great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

'It may seem outlandish, but I cant discount the possibility  however remarkable  that Victoria had the capacity and ability to disguise a pregnancy in the mid-1860s, give birth, and then keep the baby a secret.

'Without DNA evidence, of course, well never know  and given the secrecy that surrounds this story, that is unlikely to be forthcoming from the Royal Family.'
One third of the housing markets across the US are seeing prices fall.

Of the nation's 300 largest housing markets, 109 experienced home price declines between between June 2024 and June 2025.

That compares to just 31 of the 300 markets posting annual drops in January, according to analysis from ResiClub.

Experts say it show how quickly conditions have shifted as more homeowners rush to offload properties.

An increasing number of housing markets are seeing declines as homeowners try to offload properties.

In some areas, including Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, inventory has already climbed above prepandemic levels.

Nationwide, home prices barely budged, rising just 0.2 percent in the year to June 2025, down sharply from a 3.2 percent gain the previous year, Zillows Home Value Index shows.

According to ResiClub, among the 109 markets seeing declines were Austin, TX, Tampa, FL, San Antonio, TX, Dallas, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Orlando, FL and Jacksonville, FL.

One third of the housing market across the US, including areas of Florida, is seeing prices drop

Austin experienced a massive real estate boom during the pandemic that has since reversed

The number of places seeing declines is also gradually increasing as the supply-demand balance shifts toward buyers.

According to housing market analytics firm ResiClub, Punta Gorda and Cape Coral in Florida saw the largest home price falls between June 2024 and June 2025, at 11.88 percent and 9.56 percent, respectively.

Once a pandemic boomtown which saw a huge influx of new residents, Cape Coral has become a place where people are desperately trying to sell their homes.

The risk of natural disasters is high in the area, which has meant insurance premiums have skyrocketed.

Taxes in Cape Coral have also continued to rise, according to local realtor Jose Echevarria.

'It is one of the worst real estate markets for a seller right now,' Echevarria previously told the Daily Mail.

Prices in Cape Coral have been slashed for more than 50 percent of homes over the past two years - more than any other major metro area in the US, he added.

Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, San Diego, CA, and Raleigh, NC all also had moderate drops in home prices in the year to June 2025, according to ResiClub.

Cape Coral, Florida, has turned into a housing market nightmare for sellers

Condo prices, in particular, are plummeting, and Florida is being hardest hit

Experts say elevated mortgage rates isn't helping even though it's a buyers market now

Redfin senior economist Asad Khan says it is a good time to buy a home

Many of the areas which are seeing prices fall now are ones where Americans flocked to during the pandemic.

Tampa and Austin especially suffered after pandemic-driven migration slowed and mortgage rates rose.

In June, Redfin declared the US housing market had officially turned in favor of buyers.

There were about 2 million homes for sale across the country, but only about 1.5 million active homebuyers that were looking.

That 500,000 gap was the largest imbalance Redfin has recorded.

That same month, the total value of homes on the market hit a record-breaking $698 billion, up more than 20 percent from June 2024.

Sellers have been forced to slash prices across the US.

'The balance of power in the US housing market has shifted toward buyers,' Redfin senior economist Asad Khan told the Daily Mail. 'But a lot of sellers have yet to see or accept the writing on the wall.'
As the population of North Carolina's most popular city skyrockets, around 30 minutes north of Charlotte, a different city with the ultimate smalltown charm is experiencing it's own boom.

Davidson, North Carolina, is located about 22 miles from Charlotte, making it an appealing option for those who want a quieter environment while still having access to city amenities.

With a population of over 16,000 in 2024  up from 13,000 in 2019, Davidson has seen substantial growth since the pandemic.

The population of Charlotte  North Carolina's most populous city  has seen almost 56,000 new residents since 2019.

Charlotte became a trendy city to flock to during the pandemic because of its strong job market, relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, pleasant climate and infamous Southern charm.

And Davidson has certainly felt the spillover effects of Charlotte's population boom.

Davidson combines the quintessential vibe of a Southern suburb with luxurious lakeside living and a bustling downtown to create the perfect multifaceted city that offers something for everyone.

Rusty Knox, Mayor of Davidson, told the Daily Mail that he has lived there all his life  and that his father, the former mayor, was also born and raised in the North Carolina city.

Davidson, North Carolina, is located about 22 miles from Charlotte, making it an appealing option for those who want a quieter environment while still having access to city amenities (pictured: North Davidson)

Davidson combines the quintessential vibe of a Southern suburb with luxurious lakeside living and a bustling downtown to create the perfect multifaceted city that offers something for everyone (pictured: Residential area of Lake Norman from sky over Davidson)

With a population of over 16,000 in 2024  up from 13,000 in 2019, Davidson (pictured at Christmas time) has seen substantial growth since the pandemic

Davidson is seen in this map above. It is just 22 miles from Charlotte

'We offer folks that move here something that everybody brings with them when they come from some other place in the country, and that's the hometown value they had in small towns they grew up in,' the mayor said of Davidson.

Despite the population growing, Knox said Davidson is still a town of small businesses  with over 300 locallyrun establishments, and only four large employers.

The sudden demand in both Charlotte and Davidson are creating a fierce housing market.

'With a strong labor market, Charlotte is an attractive housing market, and this benefits not only housing demand in the downtown but also in the suburbs,' Danielle Hale, senior economist at Realtor.com told Mansion Global.

'Davidson saw a surge in popularity during the pandemic,' said Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. 'The influx of demand created fierce competition in the market, which propped up recordhigh home prices.'

'In terms of price per square foot, home prices are more than 85 percent higher than prepandemic [in] Davidson,' Jones added.

As of April 2019, just 8.4 percent of homes for sale in Davidson were listed for over $1 million, according to data provided by Jones. By April 2025, the amount of $1 millionplus listings stretched to a whopping 29.8 percent of all homes for sale.

'Anybody that chooses to call Davidson home should have that ability to live here,' said Mayor Knox. 'So we've got a very vibrant, affordable housing program here,' adding that the median income in Davidson is about $98,000.

This 7 bedroom and 8 bath property is currently on the market in Davidson for $8,195,000. It is 9,570 sqft

In terms of what Davidson has to offer residents, the list is endless.

For those looking for nature, Davidson sits on the stunning Lake Norman, making idyllic lakeside living a reality for locals.

'Lake Norman itself is a huge draw  32,000 acres of freshwater beauty where residents spend weekends boating, paddleboarding or just catching the sunset from the dock,' said Marzia Mazzotti, a global adviser at Premier Sotheby's International Realty, who lives in the area.

Davidson is also known for being a pedestrian and bikefriendly neighborhood, with wide sidewalks and greenways, giving it even more of a smalltown feel.

The town also has many parks and trails for hiking and biking.

'We've got over 17 miles of Greenways in town. We've got over 400 acres of passive parks, where you can go run your dog and throw a frisbee and ride mountain bikes. And we have an archery range,' Mayor Knox said.

Davidson boasts a lively downtown  with local shops, art galleries, restaurants and preserved historic buildings in Italianate, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival styles.

With annual events such as Town Day, arts festivals in April and Concerts on the Green, the city is bustling with culture. There is also a farmers market held each Saturday from May to November which offers seasonal produce and live music.

For those looking for nature, Davidson sits on the stunning Lake Norman (pictured), making idyllic lakeside living a reality for locals

Davidson boasts a lively downtown  with local shops, art galleries, restaurants and preserved historic buildings in Italianate, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival styles

Davidson College, a respected liberal arts institution, is located in the heart of the city. With a 14.5 percent acceptance rate and small student body of just under 2,000 undergrads, the college adds a positive youthful dynamic to the population

Every year Davidson's downtown transforms into a magical holiday wonderland for Christmas celebrations, and there is an annual Halloween March for families to attend.

There is also Davidson College, a respected liberal arts institution, in the heart of the city. With a 14.5 percent acceptance rate and small student body of just under 2,000 undergrads, the college adds a positive youthful dynamic to the population.

'There are students at Davidson College from 40 different countries,' according to Mayor Know - who revealed that, last year, the school had kids from all 50 states.

'We've got a very vibrant downtown with a couple of bars, a great coffee shop, and the students hang out there regularly, even though they have a lot of that stuff on campus,' Mayor Knox said, adding that the students are 'really intertwined' in the community.

'We're also in one of the region's toprated public school districts, and there are excellent private school options nearby,' Mazzotti noted.

Despite its tremendous growth over the last few years, Davidson maintains a closeknit and welcoming community.

'A lot of people from Charlotte, come here on the weekends to eat, and they fall in love with what it is, because it's safe, it's inviting, the sidewalks are brick, you can walk down the street, and people greet you,' Mayor Knox said of the city.

'You don't feel like you're a foreigner in a different country, or a visitor in another town. You're welcomed here, and that's what I think is unique about Davidson.'
America's spring homebuying season just hit its weakest point in over a decade  marking the slowest market since 2012 and sparking fears that a full-blown price collapse could be next.

Spring is traditionally the hottest time for pending home sales but that's no longer the case in the in the now struggling US housing market.

In 2025, April through June brought the lowest sales in 13 years, according to Redfin.

The once-reliable season fizzled as sky-high mortgage rates, stubbornly elevated prices, and growing economic uncertainty pushed buyers to the sidelines.

'People say price solves everything,' Atlanta real estate veteran Glennda Baker told Bloomberg. 'But price doesn't solve uncertainty.'

She currently has 21 listings  a personal high  is now urging clients to slash prices to sell.

Earlier in the year, analysts hoped the market might rebound as mortgage rates dipped slightly and listing prices softened. But that flicker of optimism has faded.

Hesitant buyers, mounting price cuts, and frustrated sellers have left what agents are now calling a 'paralyzed' market  one that, realtors warn, may only revive if sellers start slashing prices in earnest.

With spring traditionally the hottest time for pending home sales from April through June, that's no longer the case in the ever-plummeting US housing market

Atlanta real estate veteran Glennda Baker

'We thought we hit rock bottom but we keep discovering there's more rock bottom to be had,' said Chen Zhao, head of economics research at Redfin.

Redfin's findings confirm what brokers across the country already know. Lack of showings, showings, weak offers, and growing desperation among sellers is not helping the market.

Some sellers are pulling homes off the market entirely  de-listing their properties because they won't get asking price.

Experts predict it's not going to get batter any time soon.

'The outlook for the housing market is dire,' said Thomas Ryan of Capital Economics. 'Affordability is at its worst since the 1980s. Nothing has changed on that front.'

The market is playing out differently across the country, though.

In the Northeast and Midwest, the scarcity of listings is still keeping home prices high.

But in Sun Belt metros like Florida, Texas and Nevada, inventory keeps piling up and sales are plunging.

America's spring homebuying season has fallen to its weakest point in more than a decade

Las Vegas, NV, has seen a surplus of inventory year-over-year and sales are slow

Chen Zhao, the head of economics research for Redfin, says 'more rock bottom to be had'

In Las Vegas, active listings have soared more than 38 percent year-over-year, while sales have dropped 15 percent, Redfin reported.

'The fear of missing out has shifted from buyers to sellers,' said Angela O'Hare, a Las Vegas-based agent.

'Sellers who need to sell will make it happen. I had a listing at $950,000. I cut it down to $799,000 and had three offers.'

Some luxury enclaves like Narragansett, RI, are starting to show signs of uncertainty.

'We're seeing a lot more price decreases throughout Rhode Island now,' said Johnny Sheil, of Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty. 'Uncertainty scares some people.'

Experts also warn there's little chance of a dramatic turnaround for the remainder of the summer.

Meanwhile, the surplus of homes is so bad in some US metros that it's become a sellers worst nightmare.

In one instance, Cape Coral, Florida, has become a place people are desperately trying to escape, with for sale signs popping up on lawns all over town.

But no one will touch their properties.

Open houses are empty, foreclosure 'boat tours' take locals around to see homes that the bank has repossessed, and half-built homes are left to rot.

'It is one of the worst real estate markets for a seller right now,' local realtor Jose Echevarria told the Daily Mail.

Prices in Cape Coral have been slashed for more than 50 percent of homes over the past two years - more than any other major metro area in the US, he added.
Theyre called the children of the war on drug trafficking; theyre also the children of the maquila (factory). They grow up under a narrow horizon: they can choose to work 12 hours a day in the factory that already employs their parents  for $150 a week  or they can give in to the pressures of organized crime. Theyre 14 years old and are used to guide migrants across the border, waking them from their beds at night, clearing the way, knowing the trails, and cutting the wire where the United States hasnt yet built a wall. Or perhaps theyre too young, so they watch, observe, and warn their grown-ups. Theyre children with a hidden gun. Theyre detained and returned, arrested and released. Theyre used and exploited. Turned into sexual commodities, abused, and recorded. All before the eyes of a state that has failed to protect them for decades.

Nothing that happens in their lives can be explained without explaining Ciudad Juarez. A paradigm of violence on Mexicos northern border, the brutal murders of its women gave rise to the concept of femicide at the beginning of the century; a decade later, besieged by the struggle between organized crime groups, it became the murder capital of the world. Underlying this fracture is a lesser-told reality: how did a generation of children who only knew violence grow up?

The city, which grew massive in the wake of the free trade agreement with the United States, reclaimed land from the desert and built thousands of homes on the outskirts for the maquiladora workers who arrived from all over Mexico under the promise of a future without poverty. The government and business leaders built those rows of tiny houses, but they forgot about the parks, daycare centers, health centers, and schools. When the war began, there was nowhere to take shelter.

This border city suffered the brutal onslaught of organized crime and then military operations against the cartels. On January 30, 2010, 15 teenage students were massacred by hitmen in Villas de Salvarcar while holding a meeting. A year earlier, the cartels had taken 17-year-old Maria Guadalupe Perez and dumped her remains in an old riverbed, after having lured her into a human trafficking ring, like hundreds of other girls in Juarez who were forced into prostitution in hotels and bars frequented by police and military officers. Today, 150 minors remain missing. Attacks continue to be the leading cause of death among adolescents here. There are wounds that, without justice, only persist.

Things have changed since then in this squeezed city, which journalist Sergio Gonzalez, author of an investigation into the first deaths in Juarez, said 30 years ago condenses an expansive evil. Child sexual exploitation has found its perfect breeding ground in cell phones; children who are no longer allowed to cross the border due to Donald Trumps policies are monitoring kidnapped people; suicides and diabetes are on the rise; and minors who commit small infractions are spit out by the system itself and devoured again. Experts call for the obvious: give them visibility, create policies and justice for them. The voices of girls and boys must be heard and not invalidated as has historically been the case, summarizes Ana Laura Ramirez, a researcher at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte. EL PAIS dissects this neglect in four reports.

Morphology of a violent city by Ignacio Alvarado Alvarez Behind this global benchmark for crime lies something much more complex than the mere operation of drug trafficking organizations: urban decay caused by land speculation and high levels of government corruption. Living under these conditions, without any social policies, has shattered the idea of a future for four generations of children. READ STORY The predator lived in Luz and Mario's house by Beatriz Guillen The brutal abuse of a young girl reveals the workings of a child sex trafficking network that operated on apps and through videos and images taken in one of the poorest areas of the city. Sexual offenses are the most common crimes suffered by minors in Juarez, against the backdrop of an overwhelmed prosecutor's office that lacks the resources to unravel complex crimes. READ STORY Maquiladora, prison or death: Alans three choices by Marco Antonio Lopez Teenagers in the most deprived areas of Ciudad Juarez face a narrow path every day, walled in between urban deprivation, a grueling industry and organized crime. READ STORY The orphans of a militarized border by Wendy Selene Perez They are the children and grandchildren of a generation that knew nothing but violence; their mothers disappeared or their grandparents were killed. Without support networks, criminal gangs easily recruit them, offering them a little money to work as lookouts or guides for migrants. READ STORY

Credits: Project coordinator: Marco Antonio Lopez Texts: Ignacio Alvarado Alvarez, Beatriz Guillen, Marco Antonio Lopez and Wendy Selene Perez Illustrations: Fernanda Castro Design and layout: Monica Juarez Martin and Angel Hernandez Visual editing: Gladys Serrano and Monica Gonzalez

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
From UFOs buried in the Sahara Desert to mysterious doorways in Antarctica, Google Maps users have made dozens of wild discoveries over the years.

But the latest sighting is one of the strangest yet.

Eagleeyed Google Maps users have spotted a mysterious face on a mountain top in Chile.

The face is located on a remote island right at the south of the country  and some viewers claim it could be an 'alien base'.

Scott C Waring, a UFO hunter who spotted the face, asked: 'Are these aliens?

'The oldest aliens in our universe might be seen as angels or demons with such powers...or even god or gods.'

While Mr Waring believes this could be an alien base, not everyone is convinced.

In fact, scientists say there is a much simpler explanation for this confounding illusion.

Eagleeyed Google Maps users have spotted a mysterious face on a mountain top in Chile

The face is located on a remote island right at the south of the country  and some viewers claim it could be an 'alien base'

Mr Waring spotted the face at the coordinates 5532'35"S, 6915'56"W while scouring Google Maps.

He posted a video to YouTube revealing his finding, and many excited alien hunters were quick to comment.

'I found some in Antarctica I couldn't work out what they were or are at first I thought they were like some sort of digital error or random digital program issue but now I'm starting think your right and these could be like those ancient nasca glyphs but good find mate,' one user commented.

Another added: 'This is truly the most significant find to date! Bravo!'

And one wrote: 'You are the best. Thank you very much for your efforts.'

There's a very good reason why all sorts of geological structures get mistaken for faces or skulls.

When faced with a structure containing intricate and varied patterns, the brain turns this noisy, dynamic information into patterns and objects that we can understand.

The brain gets this right most of the time, but sometimes certain predispositions cause errors which disturb our perceptions.

Mr Waring spotted the face at the coordinates 5532'35"S, 6915'56"W while scouring Google Maps

Dr Robin Kramer, an expert on face perception from the University of Lincoln, told Daily Mail: 'Our face detection system has evolved to be great at detecting faces and it makes more sense to err on the side of caution by occasionally seeing faces where there arent any, rather than missing faces where there are.'

Scientists call this phenomenon pareidolia, which is a bias towards seeing meaningful patterns in inanimate objects.

'Face pareidolia explains why we might see faces in geological structures, as well as pretty much anything else,' Dr Kramer added.

Scientists think that we evolved this sensitivity towards faces because it helped our ancestors find friends and spot enemies.

For hunter-gatherers, it was better to briefly mistake a bush for your neighbour's animal than miss someone sneaking up on you.

Professor Kevin Brooks, a psychologist at Macquarie University, told Daily Mail: 'We tend to classify anything vaguely face-like as a face until proven otherwise  its safer that way.

'Evolutionary psychologists speculate that we evolved this mechanism to help our survival, and increase our chances of passing on our genes, bringing forth another generation of people who are also good at face detection.'

Some people are more sensitive to faces and so might experience more pareidolia in their daily lives.

Dr Susan Wardle, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, told Daily Mail that pareidolia isn't 'usually' a sign of any psychological or neurological issues.

However, a high rate of pareidolia might be a sign of someone's bias towards believing in the paranormal.

A Finnish study conducted in 2012 found that people with religious or paranormal beliefs were much more likely to see faces in random stimuli.

This could explain why alien hunters seem to find faces or patterns in geological features so frequently.

Dr Wardle concludes: 'Most people who see faces in things recognise that the faces are not real.

'Issues can arise when people interpret visual patterns to have meaning that they do not, or when they have difficulty distinguishing true perceptions from illusory ones.'
Stephen Hawking's chilling warning to humanity may be coming true after a renowned scientist claimed a 'hostile' encounter with alien life could be months away.

Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist who died in 2018, warned the world that making contact with alien life could end in disaster for the human race.

The late professor believed that actively seeking out extraterrestrials would bring on a deadly invasion, similar to how cultures on Earth have wiped out less advanced civilizations in the past.

'The extraterrestrials would probably be far in advance of us, 'Professor Hawking said in 2004. 'The history of advanced races meeting more primitive people on this planet is not very happy, and they were the same species. I think we should keep our heads low.'

He advocated for more passive searches for intelligent life, such as listening for alien radio signals, rather than actively broadcasting our presence to the universe.

Hawking's grim message was recently revisited by an international team of researchers studying the so-called 'intelligence trap.'

This concept has suggested that overconfidence could lead to disastrous consequences. In this case, successfully contacting a UFO could draw the attention of a malevolent species that destroys humanity.

Hawking's words have gained even more traction after a respected Harvard astrophysicist suggested that the mysterious object barreling toward Earth this December could be a hostile UFO.

Professor Stephen Hawking (pictured in 2002) warned that contacting alien life could end up in disaster for the human race

3I/ATLAS, an interstellar object set to approach Earth in December, could be a 12-mile-long UFO, according to Harvard professor Avi Loeb

Professor Avi Loeb and other scientists have conducted multiple studies involving interstellar object 3I/ATLAS since it was discovered approaching our solar system in late June.

Although some astronomers have declared 3I/ATLAS to be a giant comet, Loeb contended there are signs it was artificially created, including its extremely unusual course that will make close passes by Venus, Mars, and Jupiter.

This led Loeb to warn that such a craft and the beings who control it would have one of two motives for visiting our solar system, one being harmless and the other being hostile.

'The consequences, should the hypothesis turn out to be correct, could potentially be dire for humanity, and would possibly require defensive measures to be undertaken (though these might prove futile),' Loeb wrote in a study on the pre-print server arXiv on July 17.

3I/ATLAS is expected to pass within 223 million miles of Earth on December 17, speeding through the solar system at more than 41 miles per second (roughly 150,000 miles per hour).

'The late Stephen Hawking believed that direct contact with advanced alien civilizations would inevitably lead to the colonization of Earth by aliens,' US and Iranian researchers wrote in the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering in 2024.

The study examining Hawking's warning explained how the 'intelligence trap' suggests that highly intelligent individuals may be prone to cognitive biases, such as overconfidence or relying on past experiences, leading to flawed decision-making.

While some scientists believe there are immeasurable benefits of contacting aliens, the study authors supported Hawking's cautious stance, claiming that broadcasting Earth's location to other worlds could be a 'tactical mistake.'

Scientists agreed that contacting advanced extraterrestrials could have a devastating impact on Earth, similar to Christopher Columbus' affect on Native Americans (Stock Image)

Avi Loeb has suggested that Oumuamua (pictured here in an artist's rendering), an interstellar object which passed Earth in 2017, and 3I/ATLAS may be alien probes

Prior to his death from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 76, Hawking added that humans should also be hesitant about answering any signals sent to Earth.

In 2016, Hawking said Gliese 832c, a planet 16 light years away, could be home to intelligent life.

However, if we were to meet an advanced civilization, he warned it could turn out similar to when the Native Americans first encountered Christopher Columbus.

'Gazing at the stars, I always imagined there was someone up there looking back', Hawking said during the film titled 'Stephen Hawking's Favorite Places.'

'As I grow older, I am more convinced than ever that we are not alone,' the theoretical physicist continued.
A man who claims his mother raped him beginning at age 10 fears his younger brother is actually his son.

But this week the results of DNA testing came back inconclusive, extending Logan Gifford's anguish.

A decade ago he made headlines when he alleged his mother Doreene Gifford had sexually abused him for years.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Legal fight: Logan Gifford, a Las Vegas man who fears that his younger brother is actually his son conceived through abuse perpetrated by his mother, has been left frustrated after a DNA test came back inconclusive

Harrowing: Logan made headlines a decade ago after he came forward with horrific allegations that his mother Doreene Gifford raped him since he was 10, which he fears may mean his brother is actually his biological son (pictured together)

Just 16 at the time he came forward, Logan came to believe that his younger brother may actually be his biological son conceived around the end period of his years of abuse.

Gifford, now 26 and living in Las Vegas, said he is proud to be the carer for his sibling, who is disabled, but told 8NewsNow that he is 'still directly involved in the mess that has been left for me.'

Earlier this year, Logan filed a paternity case asking a judge to order an advanced DNA test to determine who is his brother's biological father.

But this week, the results came back inconclusive as the tests showed Logan and his father both shared a 99.9% match to his sibling.

The results showed the complexities of such testing involving parents and siblings as they both share the same DNA, and could not provide a conclusive answer to Logan's years-long anguish.

A judge has since offered Logan the opportunity to pursue more advanced testing that may provide a more precise result.

When Logan came forward with his shocking allegations against his mother in 2015, he testified against her in court that she began sexually assaulting him when he was 10.

Doreene Gifford was charged with sexual assault of a minor and incest, but she maintained her innocence.

She eventually took an Alford plea on lesser charges of attempted sexual assault, which means she did not admit guilt but conceded that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict her in court.

She was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison in 2015, and was paroled last year as she was forced to register as a sex offender.

Doreene was briefly arrested again for a parole violation soon after but was released, and now lives in Massachusetts, according to 8NewsNow.

Paroled: Logan's mother Doreene Gifford was charged with sexual assault of a minor and incest, but she maintained her innocence, and was sentenced to 8-20 years in prison after taking an Alford plea

'Sending her to prison was halfway vindicating, because I thought that the largest problem of my life was originally dealt with,' Logan said.

But Logan said that his mother's incarceration left it up to him to care for his brother, who suffers from cognitive disabilities.

'He deserves to have a quiet, peaceful life,' Logan said. 'And he and I didn't ask for any of this.'

Logan said that even if the further tests prove he is not the father, he is 'still filing for custody, because that doesn't change the obligation that I have to him now.'

'I really wound up having to make a lot of critical decisions at a very early age, because I was looking at the impact that it would have had on my siblings.'

'It is ugly and visceral, but it doesn't change the fact that it needed to be done.'

Ordeal: Logan (pictured aged 10) said he struggled in his childhood because of the abuse, as he 'wound up having to make a lot of critical decisions at a very early age, because I was looking at the impact that it would have had on my siblings'

When reported his mother's alleged abuse 10 years ago, Gifford then told a court that he had been exposed to drug use in his youth and detailed how his mother's abuse first started.

He said that his mom brought him into a bedroom she shared with his father, Theodore, in which a pornographic video was playing, when she sexually assaulted him.

After years of believing he was only the victim of abuse, Gifford said that it was a therapist who raised the idea with him that he could be the father of his brother.

He recalled: 'I was 17 at the time. That threw me for a loop.'

If it turns out that Gifford is the father, the ongoing court case will become a custody matter. If he is not the father it will still remain as a guardianship case.

'To sit here and say that my brother may be the product of my sexual assault is a very visceral thing to think about as a male survivor,' Gifford said.

'But he's here now. There's no going back and undoing anything. And he deserves to have a quality of life where he's comfortable, where he can be a kid.'

Gifford has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of the test and court action.

'I've filed a paternity petition to get answers, not just for me, but for him - he deserves the truth,' the fundraiser states.

'The court process is tough, and with his cognitive struggles and our complicated family history, I need help to secure his future and give him the life he deserves.'
A former Shipwrecked contestant has revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos of the reality show - with secret romps hidden from producers and 'loads' of staged moments.

Scouser Mark Byron, a self-proclaimed 'mouth on a stick,' appeared on the fourth series of the hit programme back in 2009.

And this year marks the 25th anniversary of Shipwrecked's debut on UK screens.

The T4 slot quickly captured audiences with its unique concept that saw a group of castaways dropped on a remote island and forced to survive on basic rations - all while competing for a cash prize.

Then fresh-faced Mark claimed he had never endured real hardship before setting foot on the island.

Speaking on behalf of Smooth Spins, Mark has lifted the lid on what really went on, from forced retakes to hidden hook-ups.

former Shipwrecked contestant Mark Byron (pictured on the show) has revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos of the reality programme

Scouser Mark (pictured now) is a self-proclaimed 'mouth on a stick,' and appeared on the fourth series of the hit programme back in 2009

Mark, who also appeared on Big Brother in 2014, said 'loads' of scenes had to be re-shot, meaning many were staged iterations of the real event.

'During my time in Big Brother, you'd just get on with your day because there were hundreds of cameras picking up the action,' he said.

'But Shipwrecked was a human crew so there were often times they'd failed to pick up a conversation, so they'd rush over and ask you to repeat it all again.

'Sometimes big moments would happen off camera and you'd have to act it out again so it could be captured.'

Although two crew members would spend the night on the island with the contestants, they weren't privy to everything that was going on.

The staff would go to bed, leaving a nighttime window where nothing was recorded, Mark explained.

'Often, we were quite boring and would just sleep, but a lot of cast mates hooked up,' he admitted.

'We never told production so it remained a secret. I won't name names although I will say I never hooked up with anyone.'

Then fresh-faced Mark claimed he had never endured real hardship before setting foot on the island

Mark (pictured on the show) has lifted the lid on what really went on, from forced retakes to hidden hook-ups

Mark says he regrets 'nothing' about his decision to star in the show, crediting his TV debut for the lucrative projects he's since been involved in.

'It's been over 15 years and I still get to do media appearances,' he said. 'I star on GMB every six weeks to discuss topical issues or host events. It opened doors for me.'

As the first person on the remote island, Mark says he got a 'really fair edit.'

'I became quite a central character and featured a lot,' he said. 'I was very true to myself and I never felt I was misrepresented or edited badly.'

Forced to live on meagre portions and anything contestants could pick or kill, Mark said he shed a few stone in the process.

'The basic rations were things like rice, bananas and flour. If producers asked me to go back on the show now, I doubt I would. It was a wonderful experience but so difficult.'

But with no mirrors, Mark was shocked when he saw his new look upon arriving back home four months later.

'When I got to the mainland and saw my reflection, it was pretty staggering,' he remembered.

Mark says he regrets 'nothing' about his decision to star in the show, crediting his TV debut for the lucrative projects he's since been involved in

Forced to live on meagre portions and anything contestants could pick or kill, Mark (pictured, middle, with fellow players) said he shed a few stone in the process

'I was skinny and had a very deep tan. I actually think I looked good but it was still a shock to see such a different person staring back at me.

'It didn't last - as soon as I got home, my family fed me up.'

In an admission Mark fears makes him sound 'old', he applied to be on the show after seeing an advert on MySpace.

He jumped at the 'amazing opportunity,' and undertook a lengthy, months-long audition process that saw him travel constantly between Liverpool and Manchester.

Of his long chats with show bosses, he said: 'I think they were trying to determine who was opinionated, who may clash with other people and who may be open to romance.

'They would have our pictures on storyboards as if they were trying to find the perfect formula for a great cast.'

And when he made the final cut, Mark said he felt 'total joy,' at the prospect of meeting new people and spending months on a tropical island.

But the experience was far from smooth, with the islanders completely unused to fending for themselves.

But the experience was far from smooth, with the islanders completely unused to fending for themselves

Mark laughed: 'I had lived a very pampered existence before the show so they assumed putting me on an island with bare essentials would be quite funny. And I think it was!'

The production crew was not subjected to the same hardships as the cast, though, and had access to a 'secret hut' on the island where they ate and slept.

'The lucky things,' Mark said. 'They were very nice though and we struck up friendships with them all. They had the decency to never eat in front of us.'

Mark's life changed 'overnight' after his appearance on the reality show, owing to the sheer amount of screentime he was given.

'I got management almost instantly and they'd book me to do public appearances,' he recalled.

'I'd present things for T4 or do countdowns of the charts for music channels. People would come up to me in Tesco or on the train and ask for autographs.

'I had big hair back in 2009 and a thick, scouse accent, so I was quite recognisable.'

And with social media still in its infancy, Mark feels he got the best of both worlds by escaping the trolling reality stars face now.

But adjusting to normal life after a reclusive three months with a small group of people was difficult.

Mark said: 'You get so used to being on a quiet island with a certain group of people and suddenly you're back in the real world.

'I missed my Shipwrecked cast and it was really overwhelming. I did get over it within a few weeks thankfully, but I know my other cast mates felt the same.'

But the close bonds didn't stand the test of time, Mark said, and the team all 'drifted'.

'There's no bad feeling and I have a few on Instagram,' he said. 'But it's been a good decade since we last spoke.'
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Netflix action-comedy Fubar has been canceled after just two seasons.

The show, in which he starred alongside Monica Barbaro and Fortune Feimster, was the actor's  who recently celebrated his 78th birthday  first foray into television.

According to Deadline, the series was dropped by the streamer amid a drop in viewership following its June 12 season two premiere.

The first season debuted in May 2023 and saw 11 million views in its premiere weekend, while the second installment had only 2.2 million in the same time frame.

Schwarzenegger announced that he would be starring in Fubar in 2021.

At the time he said: 'Fans from all over the world have been asking me for a wild ride like this for years, and now they're finally going to get it because of our great partners at Skydance and Netflix.

Arnold Schwarzenegger 's Netflix action-comedy Fubar has been canceled after just two seasons; pictured in June

The show was the 78-year-old actor's first foray into television

I am beyond pumped to start work on the show with [creator] Nick [Santora] and Monica and the whole team.'

The spy drama featured Schwarzenegger as Luke, a CIA Operative who uncovers a family secret just before he plans to retire.

Barbaro starred as his daughter as he returns to work to complete one final job.

It also starred Milan Carter, Gabriel Luna, Travis Van Winkle, and Jay Baruchel among others.

In addition to creator, Nick Santora was showrunner and executive producer, alongside Schwarzenegger.

Last August the show was accused of plagiarism.

A major plot point in the action series revolved around a supermarket app invented by Schwarzeneggers character's son.

But entrepreneur and former rock star Aharon Jason Curtis claimed in legal letters obtained by DailyMail.com that he came up with the idea for the app, called Aisle, in 2015.

He starred in the series alongside Emmy-nominated actress Monica Barbaro

Travis Van Winkle (L) and Fortune Feimster (R) also appeared in the Netflix show

L-R Castmates Feimster, Gabriel Luna, Schwarzenegger, and Fabiana Udeni

The app tells users where grocery store items are located, plots a route through the store, reminds users of items they forgot, and allows them to scan bar codes.

Curtis, 55, said he only told two people: his manager at the time, who 'now works as a writer specializing in scripts for action films and streaming series,' and a friend 'who is now a writer working at Netflix in Los Angeles.'

He said he was 'shocked' when he turned on the TV in September 2023 and saw his app idea featured in Fubar.

'Mr. Curtis is prepared to forego litigation and provide a full release for a payment of $1.5 million,' his lawyers letter said. 'If we dont hear from you, we intend to promptly commence a court action to vindicate Mr. Curtis' rights.'
Peter Ostrum was just 14-years-old when he appeared on screen as the beloved Charlie Bucket in 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Starring alongside Gene Wilder as the lucky winner of the Golden Ticket, the former actor once described his pay check as 'paltry' and later turned his back on acting to pursue a career as a vet.

However 54 years on from the film's release, he has revealed he still receives a small income from his role.

Speaking at Snowtown Film Festival in 2018, Peter said he makes around $8 to $9 in royalties every three months from the film being shown on TV.

Based on Roald Dahls 1964 book, the movie told the story of five schoolchildren who won the chance to tour the magical factory belonging to candy man Wonka after finding golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bars.

The film suffered 'lukewarm reviews' and 'died a quiet death' Peter recalled, earning $4million from its release and disappeared.

Peter Ostrum was just 14-years-old when he appeared on screen as the beloved Charlie Bucket in 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (pictured in 2022)

However 54 years on from the film's release, he has revealed he still receives a small income from his role

Starring alongside Gene Wilder (pictured) as the lucky winner of the Golden Ticket, the former actor once described his pay check as 'paltry' and later turned his back on acting

However, thanks to a series of TV broadcasts it began gaining popularity in the 80s with the child star admitting he had no idea just how popular it had become.

Peter told the Daily Mirror: 'Back then when the film came out there was no red carpet premiere.

'I was in my hometown in Ohio and they had an opening there and I was the only one there. There was a little bit of fanfare but not much and the film died a quiet death.

'It had lukewarm reviews and people forgot about it. It wasnt until video 10 years later that it resurfaced and it took on a life of its own.'

Peter traded in the acting scene to become a respected veterinarian, after getting a doctorate from prestigious American university Cornell and using his earnings from the film to buy a horse.

He turned down a potentially lucrative three-film deal with producer David L. Wolper following his success in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory to concentrate on his studies before specialising in treating cattle and horses.

'Everybody could be so lucky to have an experience like this and then to go in a completely different direction,' he told the Today show in 2015.

Discussing his brief acting career with the Daily Express in 2014, the Ohio-born father-of-two recalled: 'Looking back, my pay check was paltry, but it was during filming that I really became interested in medicine.'

Speaking at Snowtown Film Festival in 2018, Peter said he makes around $8 to $9 in royalties every three months from the film being shown on TV

Peter traded in the acting scene to become a respected vet, after getting a doctorate from prestigious American university Cornell and using his earnings from the film to buy a horse

Peter continued: 'People tell me they watched Willy Wonka so many times growing up that they wore out their VHS copy. We had no idea we were making a classic, which even coined a new phrase: "Ive found the golden ticket."

'I will always cherish my memories of making the movie, but I feel I won the golden ticket by becoming a vet.'

In an interview with the American Veterinary Medical Association, Peter recalled seeing a vet at work and thinking: 'This person really enjoyed what he did for a living.'

He explained: 'My father was a lawyer, and I really didnt have a clue what he did all day. But I knew exactly what the veterinarian did.

'Someone making a living from something he enjoyed so much really sparked my interest. I thought if I didnt pursue that, Id always kick myself.'
A US model was left shocked after she spent USD$32,000 (AUD$49,072) on getting a 'skinny BBL', only for brutal trolls to say she wasted her money.

New York-born Alina Rose went under the knife in April to get the cosmetic surgery, which included transferring fat from other areas of her body into her bottom.

The 25-year-old told Daily Mail she chose to undergo the procedure due to insecurities, but was taken aback when some fans claimed she looked better beforehand.

'I asked my surgeon for a "natural but snatched" vibe  not too dramatic. Just enough to make people do a double take. The trolls were brutal,' she said.

'They said, "You looked better before," "Just go to the gym," or, "You've ruined yourself." I've heard it all. People forget that I'm a real person.'

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.

A US model was left shocked after she spent USD$32,000 (AUD$49,072) on getting a 'skinny BBL', only for brutal trolls to say she wasted her money

'I get that surgery isn't for everyone, but that doesn't give anyone the right to tear me down,' she added.

'I didn't get this surgery for likes or attentionI did it for me and that's enough.'

Alina, who is of Mexican heritage, went on to say she has always struggled with body confidence issues because her weight frequently fluctuated.

She said she wanted to make sure her derriere remained shapely no matter how much her body changed.

'I already had a nice body. People would compliment it all the time, but I've always had a love-hate relationship with how I look,' she said.

'I got the skinny BBL because I was insecure, not because I didn't love myself. My weight would fluctuate like crazy.

'I'd gain and lose fast, and every time I lost weight my butt would disappear. It made me feel so deflatedliterally and emotionally.

'I just wanted something more permanent. I wanted to still look like me, just a little bit better. Not crazy, just enhanced. I spent [USD]$32,000 on this surgery.'

Alina Rose, 25, underwent the procedure because she felt insecure, but was stunned some fans thought she looked better before. Pictured before (left) and after (right) her BBL surgery

'People say that's insane, but for me it's peace of mind. It's control over my body. It's easy to say, "Just be confident," when you've never struggled with body image,' she continued.

Alina said getting the surgery had nothing to do with 'vanity', like some people would suggest.

'It's about finally feeling comfortable in your skin. This wasn't a transformation, it was a tweak,' she added.

'I still see me when I look in the mirrorjust a version that feels a little more aligned with who I am inside.'

After splashing thousands on her new look, Alina, who has 6.1 million followers on TikTok and 4.6 million on Instagram, shared images of her figure online.

But the response was not what she hoped for.

Alina revealed she received brutal comments from online trolls who called her 'gross' and said she never needed surgery.

'They were already good. Why?' one person wrote, as another added: 'All that for what?'

New York-born Alina went under the knife in April to get the cosmetic surgery, which included transferring fat from other areas of her body into her bottom

'That is so gross. I would never do this. Too risky. Sometimes it never heals and you can get necrotic tissue,' a third commented.

'Why would anyone choose to do this? And it's genuinely for others' view on you,' someone else wrote.

'Who gives a f*** that much about how you look? Tell me you're not happy in your own skin without telling me.'

Another follower noted: 'Oh my God. Girl but you're so beautiful already. You don't need surgery. You're young, work out for those gains.'
Graham Quinn has found himself back in the public eye after Myleene Klass accused him of cheating on her with another celebrity - at her own birthday party.

The bodyguard, 47, started dating Myleene in 2001, having met when he worked as security guard for her pop group Hear'Say.

The couple went on to welcome daughters Ava, 17, and Hero, 14, and tied the knot in 2011 after a decade together - only to separate six months later.

In the years that followed, Graham - who is the brother of Keith Duffy's wife Lisa -retreated from the limelight as he attempted to rebuild his life in Ibiza.

However, this week, he hit headlines once again when Myleene claimed she walked in on him taking the clothes off an unnamed star who has built a brand on her 'family values'.

And if history repeats itself, Graham will have plenty to say about Myleene, having previously accused her of 'bullying and abuse' while lashing out at her continuing to mention his name in the press.

Graham Quinn has found himself back in the public eye after Myleene Klass accused him of cheating on her with another celebrity - at her own birthday party (pictured together in 2005)

Graham has kept a low profile in recent years, seemingly deleting his Instagram profile and is no longer active on X/Twitter.

His X account was last active in 2020 and his bio simply reads: 'Living in Ibiza'.

However, his last X post was a lengthy message directed at Myleene, in which he accused her of 'bullying' and 'abuse' in a sensational online statement.

The rant was sparked by a 2007 interview Myleene gave to the Daily Mail, in which she discussed his past drug offences.

In the chat, Myleene mused: 'Before we even considered having a relationship, he was very upfront with me about what he had done.

'He was young and he got caught up in the wrong crowd. I was shocked but I also respected his honesty. He was haunted by it every day of his life and he still talks about it now.'

After the interview resurfaced in 2020, Graham broke his silence on their split to attack the musician, branding her 'nasty' and 'vindictive' and accusing her of playing 'childish games.

Having previously maintained an eight-year public silence on their relationship, he posted the essay on his public profile berating his ex-wife and denying longstanding allegations that he left her cash-strapped to enjoy a bachelor lifestyle.

The bodyguard, 47, started dating Myleene in 2001, having met when he worked as security guard for her pop group Hear'Say. They wed in 2011 only to separate six months later

He wrote: 'So after eight years now of being separated... I've reached the end of my limit of abuse and bullying by Myleene Klass.

'For eight years you have spoken out quote after quote in all your interviews, making money from it and promoting your products and career etc.

He added that the breakdown of the couple's relationship 'should have never been in the public eye'.

Graham added he was perplexed as to why she continued to berate him despite the fact she was in a new, happy, relationship with Simon Motson.

He wrote: '[It] must be very sad for your new partner  that the focus is still on the past?

'Everyone that knows me, knows that I'm an extremely private and loyal person.

'So please spare me the poor little victim stories.... to paint me as this horrible person - As for money or cars or houses, I've never taken a penny of your money or anything for that matter. I gave you the easiest divorce.'

He is no longer active on X/Twiiter. His last post was a lengthy message directed at Myleene in 2020, in which he accused her of 'bullying' and 'abuse' in a sensational online statement

Graham added he was perplexed as to why she continued to berate him despite the fact she was in a new, happy, relationship with Simon Motson

Addressing his drug offences, Graham added he was 'extremely proud' to have turned his life around and had 'worked hard to put it right', mentioning he had worked with a drugs charity to raise awareness about the dangers of using them.

He also noted that he loved his children 'unconditionally' and advised her to 'put them first'.

'You might have stopped me seeing them all this time but the years are going fast and they will be old enough soon to come and find me and see just how much I adore them and always have,' he wrote.

'I still won't allow myself to ever stoop that low to ever say anything bad about you as I'm not that type of person and my focus will never change, it's always been about Ava and Hero who I absolutely adore and love unconditionally.

'You can't ever break that. So please put them first, stop your childish games and wasting your time being nasty and vindictive all these years later and enjoy being a new mum and focus on your new partner, not an ex of over eight years.'

After his divorce from Myleene in April 2013, Graham moved on with dancer Sarah Robinson.

The pair were linked shortly after Graham's marriage ended but Sarah insisted they were just friends at the time.

They celebrated their engagement at a festive party over Christmas 2015 after Graham popped the question while they were on holiday in Ibiza.

Their engagement party was attended by a number of Graham's celebrity pals including his Boyzone star brother-in-law Keith.

After his divorce from Myleene in April 2023, Graham moved on with dancer Sarah Robinson (pictured) who he appears to have split from in late 2017

Graham is the brother of Boyzone star Keith Duffy's wife Lisa (pictured together)

Graham previously worked as a tour manager for JLS (pictured with Marvin Humes in 2012)

Graham is pictured following the wedding of Marvin and Rochelle Humes in 2012

Graham previously worked as a tour manager for JLS while Sarah's dancing career often required travel, meaning the couple were frequently apart.

He posted on Instagram in May 2017 about his heartache of having to be apart, writing: 'Gonna miss my girl. Been spoilt having 10 days together on holiday... now off on tour again for 3 months, never easy saying goodbye'.

However this relationship appeared to have soured a few months later as by October 2017, Sarah had wiped all trace of Graham from her Instagram account.

Earlier this week, Myleene reflected on her relationship with Graham as she recalled walking in on him and a female celebrity taking each other's clothes off on the balcony of her own home.

Refusing to name the woman, the Loose Women panelist hinted that the person in question has built a career off a 'family brand' and clarified that it was before they had got married.

Speaking on Paul Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast, the mother-of-two said: 'I walked in on him with a famous person on my birthday on a balcony.'

According to the TV presenter, the pair tried to claim that it wasn't what it looked like and she continued: 'I'm in my house, it's my party. They weren't having sex, but they were unzipping each other.

'It's not what you think'. But I'm like, 'It is what I think'.

'It's the first thing they both said. I kicked everyone out of the party, including his mum and dad. They went back to Ireland and his dad said: 'He doesn't get it from me'.

'I remember thinking that was quite a weird thing to say,' she told the love expert.

Myleene went on to meet current partner Simon Motson in 2015, with the couple welcoming their son Apollo four years later (pictured in 2024)

Graham tried to blame the affair on being drunk.

Myleene admitted the whole ordeal was a 'pretty big red flag' but still went through with their wedding in October 2011.

Turning her thoughts towards the other woman, Myleene said: 'I've made peace with that situation now, but for a long time, it was very difficult to see their life.

'My life literally just broke apart very, very publicly and their life, they've managed to continue building a family brand on it. I have to take some accountability

'Look, you know, first and foremost to my children. My children have asked enough questions and it's never been a case of laying out my stall now.

'It's got to be as and when. But here's the funny thing - school mums, people who just want to gossip, will go to your children before anybody else.'

Myleene previously recalled the twisted request the woman Graham cheated on her with asked her.

Earlier this week, Myleene reflected on her relationship with Graham as she recalled walking in on him and a female celebrity taking each other's clothes off on the balcony of her own home

Myleene said on Loose Women: '100 percent, I've been on the receiving of someone who cheated on me. I was extremely disturbed as was my family as was the ripple effect of people who have to live with those actions.

'Put it this way, one of the people that he cheated on me with asked to have a photo with me and I refused.

'One of the people that he had an affair with or a relationship with just said 'Can I have a photo with you?'

'I said 'No. I do not agree with what you stand for'. If I then put myself, If I align myself or have allegiance to you as a person, that photo is out there forever.

'I don't agree with women or men having their lives turned upside down with lies and deceit because you didn't think it was that big of a crime.

'You're messing with peoples emotions and their lives. They have permanent repercussions.'

Myleene went on to meet current partner Simon in 2015, with the couple welcoming their son Apollo four years later.
Dave Grohl's former mistress Jennifer Young stepped out with their one-year-old daughter this week.

The 38-year-old new mom pushed their lovechild, who turned one on Friday, in a stroller outside of her home in Los Angeles tony Sherman Oaks neighborhood.

She was dressed in black shorts and a short-sleeved black shirt, exposing her tattooed arms.

Missing from the scene was the 56-year-old Foo Fighters frontman, who publicly announced last year that he'd fathered a child outside of his marriage to Jordyn Bloom.

Since Dave's shock admission, the couple has been trying to salvage the union, with sources sharing in February that Jordyn, 49, has 'forgiven' her husband.

Friday was also the 11th birthday of Dave and Jordyn's daughter Ophelia, and their 22nd wedding anniversary is on August 2.

Dave Grohl's former mistress Jennifer Young stepped out with their one-year-old daughter on Thursday in LA's Sherman Oaks neighborhood

Dave publicly revealed his affair and secret child in a September 10, 2024, Instagram post.

He wrote at the time, 'I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her.

'I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness.

'We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved as we move forward together.'

In October 2024, a source told People magazine that the situation has been 'rough' for Jordyn.

'Her mind is not on her marriage though,' the person added. 'She doesn't trust Dave. She's not wearing her wedding ring.'

They added that Jordyn is 'focused on her own life and her girls.'

In addition to Ophelia, Dave and Jordyn are also parents to Violet, 19, and Harper, 16.

The 38-year-old new mom pushed their lovechild, who turned one on Friday, in a stroller outside of her home

Young was spotted in a white vehicle outside her house

Missing from the scene was the 56-year-old Foo Fighters frontman (L), who publicly announced last September that he'd fathered a child outside of his marriage to Jordyn Bloom (R); pictured in July

Jordyn and Dave share daughters Violet, 19, Harper, 16, and Ophelia, 11; pictured in 2023 in LA

A source told People in November 2024 that the musician is focused on working things out with his wife and their daughters, and that divorce is off the table.

The source said: 'He's no longer working with a divorce attorney and instead hoping to work things out with his wife.'

Another person close to the situation said that he 'loves his family,' noting that he has 'been prioritizing his family. He knows he messed up. It's one of those situations where you don't realize what you have done until you're about to lose it. He doesn't want to lose his family.'

Multiple sources claimed that Jordyn knew about the baby 'for a while,' and said she is a 'great mom and very dedicated to their daughters.'
Jason Manford has given fans an update from the hospital after undergoing surgery and being forced to cancel four shows.

The comedian, 44, was due to take to stage for his A Manford All Seasons tour in Hertfordshire on Thursday before it was announced he was 'too unwell', with the star going on to cancel a further three shows.

He later revealed he had developed appendicitis - which is when the organ swells, causing severe pain and in most cases, surgeons remove the appendix.

And following his surgery, Jason took to Instagram in the early hours of Saturday morning to share a smiley snap of himself as enjoyed a 'cheeky midnight snack' of pepperoni and pineapple pizza.

The TV personality, who was seen with a cannula in his arm, looked in good spirits as he posed in front of the pizza before sharing other images of the Italian dish.

His fans were quick to take to the comments to share their well wishes, with one writing: 'Youre looking a lot better, Jase. Hope you are!', while another shared: 'Enjoy, get well soon best wishes from Ireland, we're all with ye.'

Jason Manford has given fans an update from the hospital after undergoing surgery and being forced to cancel four shows

The comedian, 44, was due to take to stage for his A Manford All Seasons tour in Hertfordshire on Thursday before it was announced he was 'too unwell', with it later being revealed he had appendicitis

Meanwhile, John Bishop has stepped in to replace Jason at the Kendal Calling festival on Sunday, with the Liverpudlian comedian, 58, uploading a humorous announcement video that was shared to Jason's page.

Speaking to the camera about Jason's inability to fulfil his upcoming work commitments, he said: 'The one that can't be cancelled is Kendal Calling on Sunday afternoon. So he's asked me if I'm free and I am, so I'm going to step up and fill Jason's boots.'

Jason underwent surgery following a 'scary' 24 hours, revealing he first came down with symptoms while driving at 70mph down the motorway.

Sharing a health update on Instagram on Friday, Jason penned: 'Appendix surgery all went well, now in recovery with my Vimto, they serve it in all Manchester hospitals.'

'Bit of a scary & extremely painful 24 hours but thankful to our NHS & my incredible nurse mum who's a godsend in a health crisis!

'My advice would be to not get Appendicitis whilst driving at 70mph on the motorway!'

Jason shared his disappointment about not being able to make his upcoming shows and thanked fans for their support.

'Seriously though, I'm gutted that I've had to move the dates this weekend, and I'm sorry for the late notice to so many people in St Albans, Oxford, Lincoln, Skegness & at Kendall Calling,' he added.

Following his appendix surgery, Jason took to Instagram to share a smiley snap of himself as enjoyed a 'cheeky midnight snack' of pepperoni and pineapple pizza.

The TV personality, who was seen with a cannula in his arm, looked in good spirits as he posed in front of the pizza before sharing other images of the Italian dish

His fans were quick to take to the comments to share their well wishes, with one writing: 'Youre looking a lot better, Jase. Hope you are!'

Meanwhile, John Bishop has stepped in to replace Jason at the Kendal Calling festival on Sunday, with the Liverpudlian comedian, 58, uploading a humorous announcement video that was shared to Jason's page

'I thought I could get by on antibiotics and surgery at a later date so I could still do the shows, but was advised not to.

'Also means I can't fly out to Portugal on Monday to join my family on holiday! Ah well, such is life. Thanks for all the ''Get Well Soon'' messages.'

Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed that Jason would not be performing in Hertfordshire due to ill health.

An initial post read: 'We regret to inform you that tonights performance of A Manford All Seasons @albanarena has been unexpectedly cancelled due to Jason Manford being unwell and will now be rescheduled to Mon 20th Oct 2025.

Sharing a health update on Instagram on Friday, Jason penned: 'Appendix surgery all went well, now in recovery with my Vimto, they serve it in all Manchester hospitals'

Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed that Jason would not be performing in Hertfordshire due to ill health [pictured in January]

'Thank you for understanding, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.'

In another statement shared to X, a further three shows in Oxford, Lincoln and Skegness were also scrapped and rescheduled for later this year and early 2026.

'We regret to inform you that the following performances of A Manford All Seasons have been unexpectedly cancelled due to Jason Manford being unwell,' it added.

'Oxford, New Theatre. Lincoln, The Engine Shed. Skegness, Embassy Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.'
The first thing Yaimara Osorio does after sitting down to speak with this newspaper is clarify that in the nine years since her mother was murdered, she has never given an interview. She takes a sip of her coffee, sighs, and begins her account, trying not to break down.

Yaimara explains that until now, she wasnt in the right frame of mind to speak to the press, nor did she feel like doing so, despite the media interest sparked by the horrific 2016 crime in which a former U.S. Marine killed three people at a law office in Madrid. But now she feels strong enough, and she has something to denounce. The killer, Dahud Hanid Ortiz, of dual American and Venezuelan citizenship, has been released in the United States after serving just six years and nine months behind bars, thanks to his surprising inclusion on July 18 in a prisoner swap  which sent home more than 200 Venezuelan migrants who were being held in a maximum security prison in El Salvador  between the U.S. and Venezuela, where he had been serving a 30-year sentence. The families of the three victims are devastated, but the Spanish authorities have ignored their pain.

They havent even bothered to call us, says Yaimara. I know they might say theres little they can do, that the matter has moved to another jurisdiction, but what we cannot understand is the silence.

The families found out about the murderers release on Monday the 21st, shortly before it hit the press. They received a phone call from the owner of the law firm, Victor Salas  the man the killer had targeted in a jealous rage after discovering he had a romantic relationship with his wife, Irina Treppel. That weekend, the German police had informed Irina, who lives in Germany, and she called Victor. Outraged, the lawyer felt he had to speak to the media, but first, he informed the victims families.

I have very bad news to give you, he told Yaimara. She thought it might be something related to the compensation theyre still waiting for as victims of a violent crime. What Victor told her hadnt even crossed her mind: The killer has been released as a political prisoner.

Yaimara had a very close relationship with her mother, Maritza Osorio Riveron, who was 51 at the time. We were like friends, she was my party buddy, she says. She recalls the horror of that day nine years ago: getting the news from a cousin, rushing to the lawyers office, crossing the police tape, and seeing the bodies on the sidewalk, covered with sheets. The worst part was that they made me identify the body. That image will never leave me.

Police remove the bodies of the three victims murdered at Victor Salass law office, located at 40 Marcelo Usera Street in Madrid, on the afternoon of June 22, 2016. Hulton Archive

Now, during this interview at a cafe in Madrid, she asks for one message to be made clear: How is it possible that no one has told us anything about something so serious  so serious that even the police detectives told us they had never seen a crime like this?

Nor have there been sufficient explanations given to the press. The case is surrounded by a strange silence from both U.S. and Spanish authorities. The responses to the media have been sparse, limited to written statements with no attribution to any senior official.

Maritza Osorio in a photo taken by her daughter Yaimara at home on June 11, 2016. Image courtesy of the family. Pepe Castillo with his wife and son. Image courtesy of the family. Elisa Consuegra, center, in a February 2015 photo taken at Cayo Coco beach, Cuba, with her parents, Elisa and Juan Carlos. Image courtesy of the family.

The U.S. State Department said they had taken the opportunity to bring home all American citizens detained in Venezuela, many of whom had reported torture and other forms of mistreatment. Dahud was repatriated along with nine other released individuals, who were political prisoners, according to activist groups that monitor such cases. Out of respect for privacy, we will not go into the details of any specific case, the Trump administration said.

Spains Ministry of Justice stated that it had ceded jurisdiction to Venezuela, where Dahud was arrested two years after the crime. This was because Caracas refused to extradite him, arguing that he was a Venezuelan national by origin. Sources within the Spanish Prosecutors Office told this newspaper that there is no available judicial remedy. However, last Thursday it emerged that the Spanish public prosecutor had sent U.S. authorities a report outlining the killers legal situation.

Meanwhile, one of the top figures in the Chavez regime in Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, publicly celebrated that the U.S. had taken in a murderer and claimed that American negotiators had insisted on including Dahud among the freed prisoners.

Image of the group of released prisoners published by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, showing Dahud Hanid Ortiz (circled in white).

The New York Times revealed this Friday that, according to internal emails, officials at the State Department debated how to explain to the American public that they were repatriating a criminal as part of a group of political prisoners. That inclusion appeared to undermine president Donald Trumps usual rhetoric about keeping criminals out of the country.

In a statement to the paper, the department in charge of foreign relations said: We are very pleased that nine innocent, wrongfully detained Americans have been freed from Venezuela. The Trump Administration is committed to law and order; violators will be held accountable for their crimes. The Times also reported that, according to two sources familiar with the case, Dahud remains free. As of early Saturday, EL PAIS had not received a response from the State Department clarifying the Trump administrations plans.

Meeting with Peinado

The families have made repeated efforts to obtain information from the authorities. They have gone twice to the office of Judge Juan Carlos Peinado, who handled the case in Spain, located in Plaza de Castilla, seeking answers. Officials informed them that the judge was on vacation, but they managed to secure an appointment for next Monday at 10.00 am. They dont know if he will offer them any hope.

The three victims of the June 22, 2016 crime were all of foreign origin and modest means. Maritza, Yaimaras mother, was Cuban. Although she was entitled to Spanish citizenship, she had never applied for it, fearing the communist regime would seize a property the family still owned on the island. She had been working for years as a secretary at Victor Salass law firm, located at 40 Marcelo Usera Street  a busy thoroughfare in the working-class heart of southwest Madrid.

The second employee who was killed was attorney Elisa Consuegra Galvez, a 31-year-old Cuban who had been living in Spain for four years and helped with the firms paperwork. Just weeks before the murder, she had finally managed to validate her law degree in Spain.

The client murdered was Pepe Castillo Vega, a 42-year-old Ecuadorian who had acquired Spanish citizenship. He had left his taxi double-parked with the hazard lights on to quickly pick up some documents for his wifes permanent residency renewal. Just minutes before entering the office, he had said goodbye to her  they had been together for eight years. The killer mistook him for the attorney, the man he had come to kill.

Pepes widow speaks to EL PAIS over a video call. It is also her first interview, and she agrees to it only under the condition that her name not be published. She asked a trusted person to watch over their 11-year-old son at a different home, so he wouldnt overhear the conversation. The boy, who has a disability, has suffered deeply from his fathers absence, and his mother has had to remove all the photos of him from the house.

In tears, she says that since learning of the release, she has been plagued by nightmares and panic attacks. Shes requested the Madrid City Council install a security camera in her home. Due to their vulnerability, they are the only victims who have received an advance on public aid for victims of violent crimes, according to attorney Victor Salas. To apply for this benefit, a final court ruling is required, which only came in May of this year, when the Venezuelan Supreme Court denied Hanid Ortizs final appeal against his conviction for the crime in Spain.

During the two years the killer was on the run, she lived in constant anguish  an anguish that was only eased when he was sentenced. It gave me peace, she says. They werent going to bring Pepe back, but at least his killer was where he belonged.

Juan Carlos Consuegra, father of the deceased Elisa, alongside the widow of Pepe Castillo  who has requested to be identified only by her initials, L.N.F.G.  this Thursday in Madrid. Pablo Monge

Two weeks ago, when Victor told her what had happened, her world collapsed. Everything I had already worked through came rushing back. Its happening all over again, she says.

But this time, it feels different. Back then, in those first days of shock, they felt the support of the police and interest from the media. Now, the killers release seems to be surrounded by an eerie sense of normalcy, as if it were just a passing story. Thats whats so strange, she says, referring to the apparent indifference of the Spanish authorities. Its like they just wash their hands of it and stay silent. No one calls us. No one

The father of the youngest victim, Elisa, is Juan Carlos Consuegra, 69. He works as a night security guard for a residential building in Madrid. The pain of losing the girl, as he calls her, was so deep that her mother, he says, stopped existing. Elisa, a forensic doctor and professor at the University of Medical Sciences in Havana, passed away in 2021. She was 64 years old.

Juan Carlos questions the apparent inaction of the Spanish state, which he believes reflects poorly on the country. People might think someone can just come here, kill three people, and walk away. What good are Spains laws, then?

If it werent for the press, no one would even know about this, he adds. No one says a word. Total silence. Over there, over here, everywhere.
Former teen star Cameron Dallas has welcomed his first child with longtime girlfriend Madisyn Menchaca.

The 30-year-old YouTuber and 24-year-old model announced the birth of their daughter in a joint Instagram post on Thursday.

'Landed my dream role ,' the new mother captioned a set of photos featuring the couple and their newborn.

She revealed the baby's name and birthdate, writing, 'Indy Lee Dallas, 7/26/25.'

Dallas shot to fame on Vine around 2014. At the time he was the 11th most-followed account.

He currently has more than 26 million Instagram followers and nearly five million YouTube subscribers.

Former teen star Cameron Dallas has welcomed his first child with longtime girlfriend Madisyn Menchaca

Dallas shot to fame on Vine around 2014, when he boasted the 11th most-followed account; pictured in 2018

The 30-year-old YouTuber and 24-year-old model announced the birth of their daughter in a joint Instagram post on Thursday

Cameron starred in a Netflix series called Chasing Cameron following his rise to social media stardom.

He and Madisyn announced that they were expecting in a social media reel shared in mid February.

The dad-to-be share a brief video on Instagram featuring his partner in a polka dot dress as they cradled her belly.

She was barely showing a baby bump at the time, and Cameron wrote over the video: 'Baby coming July 2025.'

The actor's 35-year-old sister Sierra Dallas commented under their announcement post on Thursday: 'Little toes and pink bows. auntie loves you. You did amazing Maddy!'

A closeup photo showed the little one swaddled in a knit blanket as her tiny toes peaked out.

The new parents also shared a photo of their intimate home birth, with Cameron supporting her as she prepared to give birth in a tub.

In May Madisyn bared her growing baby bump in a patterned bikini as she awaited their baby's arrival.

'Landed my dream role ,' the new mother captioned a set of photos featuring the couple and their newborn

Cameron and Madisyn shared a photo of their intimate home birth

In May Madisyn bared her growing baby bump in a patterned bikini

Cameron starred in a Netflix series called Chasing Cameron following his rise to social media stardom

According to Just Jared, she and Cameron were first romantically linked in 2019, and the lovebirds went Instagram official in 2020.

In January 2019 Cameron was arrested for assault in Aspen.

He was a guest at the Hyatt Residences Grand Aspen hotel, where he was accused of punching a man, later facing a charge for second-degree assault.

The star later addressed the incident on Twitter, posting, 'Unfortunately sometimes in life you find yourself in a situation where you have to protect yourself and the people you care about, have a safe and happy new year, 2019 is going to be an amazing one.'
Lee Elliott was all business on Saturday as he moved out of the Melbourne home he once shared with ex Georgia Love.

The couple, who fell in love on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their split in May following months of speculation.

But things were made official over the weekend as Lee, 43, arrived at their marital home in his work ute while wearing moving clothes.

Rugging up against a chilly Melbourne morning, Lee wore a navy-blue hooded jacket over a similarly coloured T-shirt.

He also wore a pair of mauve shorts and sensible white sneakers with matching socks.

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.

Lee Elliott, 43, was all business on Saturday as he moved out of the Melbourne home he once shared with ex Georgia Love, 35

The couple, who fell in love on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their split in May following months of speculation

But things were made official over the weekend as Lee arrived at their marital home in his work ute while wearing moving clothes

While Georgia, 35, was nowhere to be seen, Lee wasn't taking on the task solo, with a large moving van seen in the driveway.

Lee was spotted carrying armfuls of collared shirts and jackets, still on their hangers, to his car.

While Lee appeared in a relatively chipper mood as he gathered his belongings, it seems he became emotional at one point.

He was seen accepting a consoling embrace from a pal who had shown up to help the former reality star move.

It's certainly the end of an era, with the former couple's four-bedroom home in Hampton East going under the hammer in June.

Their property passed in at $1.53 million after being listed with $1.5 million to $1.58 million price expectations.

However, post-auction negotiations ended with the sale of the home for an undisclosed amount.

Lee and Georgia, who first met on the 2016 season of The Bachelorette, announced their separation with identical posts to Instagram in May.

Rugging up against a chilly Melbourne morning, Lee wore a navy-blue hooded jacket over a similarly coloured T-shirt

He also wore a pair of mauve shorts and sensible white sneakers with matching socks

While Georgia was nowhere to be seen, Lee wasn't taking on the task solo, with a large moving van seen in the driveway

Lee was spotted carrying armfuls of collared shirts and jackets, still on their hangers, to his car

While Lee appeared in a relatively chipper mood as he gathered his belongings, it seems he became emotional at one point

He was seen accepting a consoling embrace from a pal who had shown up to help the former reality star move

It's certainly the end of an era, with the former couple's four-bedroom home in Hampton East going under the hammer in June

Their property passed in at $1.53 million after being listed with $1.5 million to $1.58 million price expectations. However, post-auction negotiations ended with the sale of the home for an undisclosed amount

'After nine wonderful years together, including four as husband and wife, [we] have made the incredibly difficult decision to lovingly part ways,' they wrote.

'Our relationship has been so special, and we will always cherish the memories, love, and laughter we've shared.

'There is no drama, no bad blood. Just two people who have grown in different directions while still holding deep respect and care for each other.

'We remain friends, and we'd really appreciate our privacy as we navigate this next stage. Thank you.'
His name has been bandied about along with other high-profile stars as a potential new star of the James Bond franchise.

But Tom Holland didn't give any hints about the speculation when he was asked about it in a video posted Thursday.

Rumors have ramped up that Holland could be in the running to take over for Daniel Craig as the iconic British secret agent in the wake of Dune director Denis Villeneuve signing on to helm the next film in the long-running series.

A screenwriter for the highly anticipated film was also announced on Friday.

While joining chef Gordon Ramsay on his YouTube channel to make fried chicken sandwiches and promote his non-alcoholic beer brand, Holland acknowledged the 'speculation' swirling around him.

'Listen, theres speculation at the minute. Well keep it to a minimum for now,' he said with a sheepish grin. 'Well get there one day.'

Tom Holland refused to get into 'speculation' that he could be in the running to play James Bond in a video with Gordon Ramsay that was published on Thursday; seen in January 2024 in Santa Monica

He's one of the high-profile young stars whose names have been bandied about as possible replacements to take over for Daniel Craig as James Bond; Craig is pictured in Casino Royale

'Every young British actor, its the pinnacle of working in our industry,' Holland continued. 'I already consider myself to be the luckiest kid alive. I could never have dreamed to have the career that Ive had.'

The next Bond film is coming into focus after the announcement on Friday that Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight would be joining Villeneuve behind the camera to write the next James Bond film.

While speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Knight said: 'It has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it  I can't wait to get started.'

The movie will be overseen by Amazon MGM Studios, after producer Barbara Broccoli gave up creative control of the Bond franchise.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman have also been announced as producers, via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films, respectively, while Tanya Lapointe is an executive producer on the project.

Even though the creative team is falling into place for the next Bond film, there haven't been any indications of who will replace Craig  or which actors are being considered.

Craig's final Bond film was 2021's dark No Time To Die, which was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.

The producers are reportedly looking for a considerably younger actor to take over the role after Craig  who is 57  presented a more weathered, mortality-focused version of the beloved character.

'Listen, theres speculation at the minute. Well keep it to a minimum for now,' he said. 'Well get there one day'

'Every young British actor, its the pinnacle of working in our industry,' Holland continued while cooking fried chicken sandwiches with Ramsay. 'I already consider myself to be the luckiest kid alive. I could never have dreamed to have the career that Ive had'

Holland has lately been filming Spider-Man: Brand New Day in Glasgow, Scotland; pictured in 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming

Holland is currently filming his fourth solo Spider-Man film, subtitled Brand New Day, which will reunite him with his costar and girlfriend Zendaya.

Production began on Friday in Glasgow, Scotland, with portions of the city dressed up as New York City.

According to The Sun, Liverpool had originally been intended to stand in as the Big Apple, but the location had to be changed in the wake of a shocking parade crash, which left 109 people injured.

Tom had been spotted in Scotland earlier in July when he filmed scenes for Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, and he and Zendaya are reportedly back in country to begin shooting the Spider-Man sequel.
Several of Australian reality TV's most stylish stars reunited in Sydney on Saturday night for an exclusive celebration - and they brought their fashion A-game with them.

Married At First Sight's Rhi Disljenkovic and Beth Kelly led the charge, turning heads as they arrived at Daily Mail senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher's star-studded 34th birthday bash at Dry Martini in Chippendale.

Beth, 28, looked every inch the bombshell in a glittering, curve-hugging champagne gown with a daring thigh split and barely-there straps.

The glamorous reality TV star swept her jet-black hair back into a sleek ponytail, letting her sculpted cheekbones and radiant makeup take centre stage.

She kept accessories minimal, carrying a black ruched clutch and pairing the look with strappy black stilettos and delicate hoop earrings.

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.

Several of Australian reality TV's most stylish stars reunited in Sydney on Saturday night for an exclusive celebration - and they brought their fashion A-game with them. Rhi Disljenkovic (right) and Beth Kelly (left) led the charge, turning heads as they arrived at Daily Mail senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher's star-studded birthday bash at Dry Martini in Chippendale

Joining them on the unofficial MAFS glam squad was Katie Johnston who oozed old Hollywood sophistication in a burnt orange velvet dress

Featuring one sleeve and a thigh-high split, the slinky number flattered her hourglass curves, while a silver clutch and nude heels completed her look

Katie styled her golden hair in soft, bouncy curls worn down, and her makeup was timeless

Also turning heads was influencer and media personality Suzan Mutesi, who made a dramatic entrance in a bold black halterneck mini with an extreme keyhole neckline and voluminous tutu skirt

Suzan paired the daring dress with sheer black tights and velvet heels, stealing the spotlight as she posed on a luxe green velvet couch

She was all smiles as she strutted beside bestie Rhi, 34, who stunned in a sultry sheer black lace jumpsuit that showcased her figure to perfection.

The media star wore her glossy brunette hair in a high bun and her makeup was polished and bold, with defined brows, a bronzed contour and a deep nude lip.

Rhi accessorised with clear heels and a structured black handbag slung over her shoulder.

Joining them on the unofficial MAFS glam squad was Katie Johnston, 37, who oozed old Hollywood sophistication in a burnt orange velvet dress.

Featuring one sleeve and a thigh-high split, the slinky number flattered her hourglass curves, while a silver clutch and nude heels completed her look.

The fitted number cinched her waist and featured a dramatic thigh split, showing off her legs and nude pointed-toe heels.

Katie styled her golden hair in soft, bouncy curls worn down, and her makeup was timeless.

She completed the look with gold statement earrings, a silver box clutch and a warm, confident smile.

Elsewhere, MAFS bride Ellie Dix also brought the heat in a sultry and sheer all-black ensemble

Ryan Donnelly cut a stylish figure in a monochromatic ensemble, pairing a tan unbuttoned jacket with a crisp white T-shirt and black trousers

The TV groom looked to be in great spirits as he mingled with guests and posed for photos

Meanwhile, Tony Mojanovski opted for stylish casual in a crisp white button-up shirt paired with classic denim jeans

MAFS veteran Jono McCullough (left) was all smiles as he posed for a selfie with co-star Tristan Black (right)

As the night wore on, the mood turned festive with laughs, selfies, and plenty of dancefloor action - proving that the reality stars know how to bring both the drama and the glamour off-screen

Also turning heads was influencer and media personality Suzan Mutesi, who made a dramatic entrance in a bold black halterneck mini with an extreme keyhole neckline and voluminous tutu skirt.

She paired the daring dress with sheer black tights and velvet heels, stealing the spotlight as she posed on a luxe green velvet couch.

Her long, golden hair was styled sleek and straight, cascading down her back and parted in the middle for a modern, high-glam look.

Suzan's makeup was equally bold, with ruby red lips, winged liner, and glowing skin. She wore sheer black tights and velvet pointed-toe heels, finishing her look with cherry-red nails and a black patent clutch.

Elsewhere, MAFS bride Ellie Dix, 33, also brought the heat in a sultry and sheer all-black ensemble.

SBS presenter Karla Grant and her MAFS star boyfriend Nasser Sultan looked every inch the loved-up couple as they rocked their stylish ensembles for the cameras

Dan Hunjas and The Bachelor's Juliette Herrera looked to be having the time of their lives at the event

Eliot Donovan exuded style and confidence as he posed in a slick casual outfit. Pictured alongside Love Triangle hunk Alan Wallace

Ashleigh Ackerman kept things effortlessly chic in slick denim pants and a matching top, layered with a stylish tan overcoat

Ellie's glossy brunette hair was elegantly styled and worn down, and she beamed for photos while carrying a chic tan clutch and a pair of understated heels completed her effortlessly stylish look.

She wore a long-sleeved transparent lace top over a structured black bra top, paired with a sleek full-length black skirt.

Ryan Donnelly, 36, cut a stylish figure in a monochromatic ensemble, pairing a tan unbuttoned jacket with a crisp white T-shirt and black trousers.

The TV groom looked to be in great spirits as he mingled with guests and posed for photos.

Meanwhile, Tony Mojanovski opted for stylish casual in a crisp white button-up shirt paired with classic denim jeans.

He rolled up his sleeves to reveal his tattooed arms and flashed his signature megawatt smile, embodying effortless charm.

MAFS veteran Adrian Araouzou and his twin brother James looked engaged in conversation with Katie Johnston

Katie, Ryan and Beth looked thrilled to be catching up at the event

From dazzling gowns to bold fashion risks, the evening was one to remember for all the right reasons

SBS presenter Karla Grant and her MAFS star boyfriend Nasser Sultan looked every inch the loved-up couple as they rocked their stylish ensembles for the cameras.

Karla stunned in a sleek black and white outfit while Nasser kept things cool and polished in a dark blazer paired with a crisp shirt and trousers.

Finally, Ashleigh Ackerman, 34, kept things effortlessly chic in slick denim pants and a matching top, layered with a stylish tan overcoat

As the night wore on, the mood turned festive with laughs, selfies, and plenty of dancefloor action - proving that the reality stars know how to bring both the drama and the glamour off-screen.
Celebrity hairdresser to the stars Mariah Rota has found love again - five years after her marriage ended in scandal.

The in-demand stylist, whose COLE Hair salons are a go-to for Sydney's elite, is newly engaged to Aussie businessman Justin Broomhead after a romantic European proposal.

Rota, who was previously married to Tom Cole, split from her husband in 2020 after he was reportedly seen leaving a hotel with a well-known Sydney identity.

Now, the 37-year-old is said to be 'on cloud nine' after Broomhead popped the question during a holiday in Ravello, Italy.

'Coming home with a full heart and a fiance,' she captioned a carousel of glowing social media photos.

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.

Celebrity hairdresser to the stars Mariah Rota has found love again - five years after her marriage ended in scandal. The in-demand stylist is newly engaged to Aussie businessman Justin Broomhead

The precious pictures showed the pair toasting their engagement with sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast behind them.

She also showcased her stunning diamond engagement ring, which features a large oval-cut stone set on a delicate gold band - a timeless and elegant design that had fans swooning.

The post drew many congratulatory messages from her high-profile circle of friends and clients.

'Aweeee congratulations beautiful woman!!! So gorgeous yay!! Xxxxx,' gushed Home and Away star Jodi Gordon.

'So happy for you two beautiful people - the perfect combination,' another person added.

Rota is the founder and director of COLE Hair Studio, which operates in the exclusive Sydney suburbs of Double Bay and Mosman.

Among her A-list clients are 'nude artist' Dina Broadhurst and reality TV star Terry Biviano.

She also owns Hairtalk Hair Extensions across Australia and New Zealand - cementing her place as one of the most sought-after names in the industry.

The 37-year-old is said to be 'on cloud nine' after Broomhead popped the question during a holiday in Ravello, Italy

She also revealed her stunning diamond engagement ring, which features a large oval-cut stone set on a delicate gold band - a timeless and elegant design that had fans swooning

It's been a whirlwind few years for the powerhouse businesswoman, who has bounced back from personal heartache and built a hair empire along the way.

The battle of Double Bay - the inner Sydney area known as Australia's ritziest suburb - pitted Mr Cole against rival businesses run by his former wife, Mariah Rota, and Joh Bailey, who once employed both of them.

The feud kicked off in March 2017 when Mr Bailey went to Ms Rota and Mr Cole's wedding in Bali, was reportedly kicked out for bad behaviour and then fired the happy couple.

Initially, Mr Cole and Ms Rota set up a rival salon, Cole Hair Studio, just metres away from Bailey's business.

But the marriage didn't last and Ms Rota got the salon in the divorce, while Mr Cole set up another nearby establishment, heating up the rivalry for well-heeled customers in the area.

'The last few years have been very rocky,' Mr Cole previously told The Wentworth Courier.

'I was quite ignorant for a period of my life, my late 20s. I hurt a lot of people, didn't realise what I was doing at the time.'

He explained that he decided to take a year off to 'focus on himself'.
Joan Collins cut a stylish figure as she and her husband, Percy Gibson, attended Frederic Merlin's lavish dinner party in Saint-Tropez, France, on Friday.

The actress, 92, showcased her timeless sense of style at the event, held at the upscale beachside Italian restaurant Gigi Ramatuelle.

For the occasion, she oozed sophistication in a chic white dress paired with a matching blazer, which featured cape sleeves and intricate flamingo and palm tree embroidery.

She added height with a pair of white open-toed heels as she arrived arm-in-arm with Percy, who is 32 years her junior.

Meanwhile, Percy, 60, looked dapper in a grey checked double-breasted blazer layered over a pale pink shirt.

He completed the summery look with white skinny jeans and cream loafers.

Joan Collins cut a stylish figure as she and her husband, Percy Gibson, attended Frederic Merlin's lavish dinner party in Saint-Tropez, France, on Friday

The actress, 92, showcased her timeless sense of style at the event, held at the upscale beachside Italian restaurant Gigi Ramatuelle

Percy is the Dynasty star's fifth husband, with the pair tying the knot at London's Claridge's in February 2002.

The American Horror Story star was previously married to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass and Peter Holm.

Originally from Peru, Percy is a noted Hollywood producer, known primarily for producing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Their outing comes after it was revealed that Joan regards Donald Trump as one of her 'closest lifelong friends,' according to sources who say the Hollywood icon has 'never been shy about her love' for the politician.

The Dynasty star raised eyebrows earlier this year after she was named as a pro-MAGA patriot while attending a 'pre-inauguration celebration' with right-wing friends.

The iconic actress was seen having a 'lovely dinner with friends' in a picture shared by conservative actor James Woods to his X account.

Seeing the star alongside Woods and other outspoken MAGA fanatics led many fans to share their surprise that Joan is associated with the group.

However, a source exclusively explained to DailyMail.com that it should come as 'no surprise at all' as the president-elect is one of her 'closest friends.'

For the occasion, she oozed sophistication in a chic white dress paired with a matching blazer, which featured cape sleeves and intricate flamingo and palm tree embroidery

'To Joan, Donald is not just a former president and soon-to-be MAGA president, but he is also one of her closest lifelong friends,' the insider began. 'She has run in his circle for 40 years, and they have so much love for one another.'

The source noted that Joan has openly praised Trump for helping to inspire her beloved Dynasty character, Alexis Carrington Colby.

'It is no secret that Joan modelled her famous Alexis character on Dynasty after Donald,' the insider continued. 'She has discussed her inspiration countless times over the years and said it was half Donald Trump and half another friend of hers.

'She took Donald's 'ruthlessness' for Alexis. Joan has never been shy about her love for Donald.'

The source also highlighted Joans' close relationship to both Trump and his late ex-wife, Ivanna.

The insider added: 'But it was not only Donald that is a huge part of her life, but Donald's ex-wife Ivanna, Ivanka's mom. Joan and Ivanna were so beyond close and remained friends until Ivanna's death.

'Joan was heartbroken when Ivanna passed because she was one of the only people who truly got her. She never let Donald and Ivanna's divorce change her love and respect for each of them.'

Opening up about the British icon's decision to support her friend amid his political campaigns at the time, the insider continued: 'Joan has always been quiet about her political affiliations because she does not believe this needs to be broadcast.'

Their outing comes after it was revealed that Joan regards Donald Trump as one of her 'closest lifelong friends,' according to sources who say the Hollywood icon has 'never been shy about her love' for the politician (pictured last year)

Joan raised eyebrows earlier this year as she was pictured at a dinner with MAGA loving celebrities including James Woods and John Voight

DailyMail.com contacted reps for Joan for comment at the time.

Collins' fifth husband, Percy, was also at the gathering, which had started out as a 'post-Christmas dinner.'

Woods explained in the picture caption: 'It evolved from a post-Christmas dinner to a pre-Inauguration celebration. Not often in Hollywood you can be surrounded by patriots. What a joyous night.'

Also in attendance was actor Jon Voight, who is Angelina Jolie's father.
Eva Longoria put on a sizzling display in a plunging ensemble as she enjoyed a day out in Marbella, Spain with her family.

The 50-year-old Desperate Housewives alum - who recently went bra-free during a stroll - was joined by her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago, seven, as they soaked up the warm sunshine.

The actress showed off her toned legs wearing a sheer white romper that had a low plunging neckline on the front.

Underneath, the mom-of-one sported a skimpy white bikini top as well as matching bottoms.

Eva slipped into a pair of open-toed sandals and accessorized the outfit with a pair of dangly earrings as well as a gold necklace with a cross-shaped pendant on the front.

The Hollywood star additionally carried a wicker purse over her left shoulder while a stylish hat was placed on top of her brunette locks that flowed down in light waves.

Eva Longoria, 50, put on a sizzling display in a plunging ensemble as she enjoyed a day out in Marbella, Spain with her family

The Desperate Housewives alum was joined by her husband Jose Baston and their son Santiago, seven, as they soaked up the warm sunshine

Eva - who has been spending most of the summer along the Spanish coast - enjoyed a walk outdoors with her loved ones.

At one point, the Land Of Women star flashed a cheerful smile during the lighthearted excursion.

She also indulged in a bit of shopping as she visited a nearby vendors and picked up a few items.

The star has been spending her time abroad at homes in both Mexico and Spain following Trump's U.S. presidential win late last year.

'I had my whole adult life here,' Eva told Marie Claire about living in California, before opening up about how it has changed over the years.

'Whether it's the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to s**t on California - it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.'

She continued, 'I'm privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren't so lucky. They're going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.'

During her recent time in Spain, the beauty was seen getting her steps in during a power walk in Marbella last week and also glammed up for the Global Gift Gala at Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melia.

The actress showed off her toned legs wearing a sheer white romper that had a low plunging neckline on the front

Eva slipped into a pair of open-toed sandals and accessorized the outfit with a pair of dangly earrings as well as a gold necklace with a cross-shaped pendant on the front

The Hollywood star additionally carried a wicker purse over her left shoulder while a stylish hat was placed on top of her brunette locks that flowed down in light waves

Eva - who has been spending most of the summer along the Spanish coast - enjoyed a walk outdoors with her loved ones

She also indulged in a bit of shopping as she visited a nearby vendors and picked up a few items

The star has been spending her time abroad at her homes in both Mexico and Spain following Trump's U.S. presidential win late last year

She also flaunted her summer-ready body in a fashionable bikini as she spent time by the water - five months after celebrating her 50th birthday in March.

While talking to People in April, Eva opened up about the milestone and gushed, 'I'm having a moment.

'My skin's having a moment, I feel like my eyebrows are having a moment, I feel the healthiest I've ever been - it feels amazing.'

The actress further reflected on how she has been focusing on her heath and explained, 'I travel, I exercise, I'm running up and down with my 6-year-old.'

Eva and husband Jose welcomed their son Santiago in 2018 - who officially turned seven-years-old in June.

'I want to be able to do those things as long as I can. Your life when you're young should be about saying yes to everything. Now that I'm 50, it's about saying no and curating what I want my life to look like.'

When it comes to fitness and self-care, the star expressed to Marie Claire that she often does cold plunges, meditation, journaling and also strength-training.

'I wake up with the sun; I'm doing the grounding; I have an Oura ring to track deep sleep; I'm taking magnesium and other supplements.'

She continued, 'I'm privileged. I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren't so lucky. They're going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them'

Eva is seen looking at toys as she stopped by one of the many vendors along the Spanish coast this week

While talking to People in April, Eva opened up about the milestone and gushed, 'I'm having a moment'

'I want to be able to do those things as long as I can. Your life when you're young should be about saying yes to everything. Now that I'm 50, it's about saying no and curating what I want my life to look like,' the actress explained

When it comes to fitness and self-care, the star expressed to Marie Claire that she often does cold plunges, meditation, journaling and also strength-training

She continued, 'I'm doing everything. Not because I don't want to age but because I want to age'

She continued, 'I'm doing everything. Not because I don't want to age but because I want to age.'

While Eva has been spending her time abroad with her family, the star has been keeping busy in front of the camera as well.

The beauty recently appeared in the comedic film Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip which was released on Disney+ back in March.

She starred alongside other cast members such as Jesse Garcia, Paulina Chavez, Cheech Marin and Thom Nemer.

And in April, her CNN docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain premiered and concluded in June following eight episodes.

Throughout the series, the actress explored a number of cities in the country including Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, Galicia and San Sebastian.

Eva and husband Jose welcomed their son Santiago in 2018 - who officially turned seven-years-old in June; the actress seen with her son in 2024 in Abu Dhabi

And in April, her CNN docuseries Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain premiered and concluded in June following eight episodes

Eva expressed in a statement, per CNN: 'Spain's rich culture, passionate people and bold and diverse cuisines have captivated me as long as I can remember, especially knowing that one of my Mexican-American ancestors has deep roots in this remarkable country.

'The opportunity to immerse myself in Spain's many regions, to discover its fascinating history, to indulge in its dynamic culinary traditions and innovations has been nothing short of exhilarating.

'I am so excited to finally share this incredible journey with the world!'

Eva is set to travel to France for the upcoming season of Searching For - which will air next year in 2026.
Sydney Sweeney made a rare return to social media following widespread backlash over her American Eagle denim campaign.

The 27-year-old actress, who stars in the label's autumn ad rollout with the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' found herself at the center of controversy.

On Friday, American Eagle defended the Euphoria star, insisting she did nothing wrong after critics labeled the campaign 'Nazi propaganda.'

Some interpreted the 'great jeans' slogan as a reference to Sweeneys genetic backgroundher mixed European ancestry and rural Idaho upbringing.

The phrase 'great genes' has historically been linked to celebrating whiteness, thinness, and conventional attractiveness, leading some to call the campaign a tone-deaf marketing misstep, according to a Salon report.

On Saturday, Sydney shared a cryptic and rare post on Instagram: a photo of a bouquet of pale pink roses with a white heart sticker attached, leaving fans guessing.

Sydney Sweeney made a rare return to social media following widespread backlash over her American Eagle denim campaign

On Saturday, Sydney shared a cryptic and rare post on Instagram: a photo of a bouquet of pale pink roses with a white heart sticker attached, leaving fans guessing

In the campaign visuals, the Spokane, Washington-born actresswho is set to portray boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopicmodels various denim looks.

In an accompanying video, Sydney buttons up her jeans and reflects, 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color my genes are blue.'

A second advert sees the camera pan down Sydney's chest as she models a plunging denim jumpsuit.

She muses: 'My body's composition is determined by my genes...' before exclaiming: 'Hey, eyes up here' as the camera cuts back to her face.

The advert has divided fans, however, with one critic calling the clip 'one of the loudest and most obvious racialized dog whistles we've seen and heard in a while.'

Taking to social media, many expressed their shock at messaging, which they aligned to Nazi propaganda.

Outraged fans penned: 'So Sydney (& American Eagle) somehow expect audiences to not interpret this visual as a euphemism for eugenics and white supremacy?'

'The Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad campaign is just modern day Nazi propaganda. Like its wild how blatant it is. Things are weird right now, man.';

In an accompanying video, Sydney is seen buttoning up her jeans as she muses: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour... my genes are blue'

Some saw her 'great jeans' campaign to be a remark on her genetic background which is mixed European ancestry; she grew up in rural Idaho

The phrase 'great genes' is 'historically used to celebrate whiteness, thinness and attractiveness,' which it said made 'this campaign seem to be a tone-deaf marketing move,' a Salon report on the backlash read

'the most nazi part of the Sydney sweeney add for me was the use of the word offspring'; 'Jeans (Genes) are past down from parent to offspring My jeans (genes) are blue Sydney Sweeney has great jeans (genes) Nothing is ever a coincidence, this is eugenics';

TikTok named Angie under the handle @vital_media_marketing then reviewed the ad and pointed out what she felt were problematic elements with the underlying message.

Angie said: 'As it's panning up her body and on her face and her features, she's literally talking about her family tree and the genetics that have been handed down to her, her blonde hair and her blue eyes, and how great they are.'

Many people panned the tone of the ad campaign on American Eagle's Instagram page, as one user quipped, Its giving "Subtle 1930s Germany."'

Yet many were quick to defend Sydney, branding the backlash 'unhinged'.

They shared on X/Twitter: 'I'm not sure how to say this nicely but if you think a jeans ad with a pun about Sydney Sweeney being pretty is a nazi dogwhistle you genuinely need to put the phone down for a while.'; 'everyone is seriously reading too much into this and yall need to go take a hike or something because sydney sweeney is literally just promoting jeans, not nazi propaganda'

'The claim that Sydney Sweeneys American Eagle ad is pro-eugenics because of a good genes/jeans pun is genuinely unhinged. Its a denim campaign, not a manifesto. Not every blonde with blue eyes is a Nazi. Some of you need a history book  and a nap';

In a series of images, the Spokane, Washington-born beauty - who is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic - is seen modeling a variety of denim-based ensembles

'You guys dont have to like Sydney Sweeney or the ways she promotes herself but dont you think comparing those Jean commercials to nazi propaganda is a tad extreme?'

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Sweeney and American Eagle for further comment on the story.

Sweeney said in a July 23 news release about the fall campaign: 'There is something so effortless about American Eagle.'

She said of the clothier: 'Its the perfect balance of being put-together but still feeling like yourself.'

The Euphoria star continued: 'Their commitment to creating pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin is something that resonates with me.

'Its rare to find a brand that grows with you, the way American Eagle has for generations.'

The Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood actress wrapped up in saying, 'They have literally been there with me through every version of myself.'

American Eagle Outfitters president Jennifer Foyle opened up about the ad campaign, which is slated to raise money for domestic violence charities, in the news release. 'This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our brand iconic  trendsetting denim that leads, never follows,' Foyle said. 'Innovative fits and endless versatility reflect how our community wears their denim: mixed, matched, layered and lived in.'

The fashion executive explained why Sweeney made for the perfect focal point of the promotion. 'With Sydney Sweeney front and center, she brings the allure, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the winning combo of ease, attitude and a little mischief,' Foyle said.
Laura Hamilton has hit back at a cruel troll who said she was 'too old' to wear bikinis as she shared a glimpse from her lavish holiday.

The A Place In The Sun star, 43, has been enjoying a family holiday at Forte Village resort in South Sardinia.

Joined by her children Rocco, 11, and Tahlia, 10 - who she shares with ex-husband Alex Goward - Laura has shared an array of gorgeous snaps as she soaked up the Italian sun.

However, the blonde beauty was forced to hit back at a comment from one follower who cruelly said she was too old to wear a bikini.

In a clip shared to Instagram, Laura was sat poolside as she flaunted her incredible figure in a blue and white swimsuit.

She lounged on a day bed with her daughter as they waved while the camera panned out.

Laura Hamilton has hit back at a cruel troll who said she was 'too old' to wear bikinis as she shared a glimpse from her lavish holiday

In a caption, Laura made a poignant jibe at the troll as she penned: 'Who decides when we're 'too old' for anything?

'I recently read a comment saying I was too old to wear a bikini and it honestly made me stop and think for a second.

'But then I reminded myself, life's way too short to worry about what other people think.

'Today I'm wearing a swimsuit, not because of the comment I read but because I wanted to and I feel comfortable in it!'

'We all have days when we feel self-conscious, but we deserve to enjoy the sunshine, the beach, the pool, whatever makes us happy, no matter our age and whether we choose to wear a swimsuit or a bikini!!

'Live your life and feel good in your own skin'

Fans flocked to comments on her post as many were shocked by the troll's unkind remarks.

Comments included: 'You keep going and you look amazing. While you've got it flaunt it';

The A Place In The Sun star, 43, has been enjoying a family holiday at Forte Village resort in South Sardinia

'Today I'm wearing a swimsuit, not because of the comment I read but because I wanted to and I feel comfortable in it,' she penned

'Absolutely not! Bikinis don't come with age restrictionsjust confidence requirements! The only age limit is the age you stop caring what other people think';

'People that say negative comments are just jealous! Do whatever makes you feel happy';

'Wow, glad you didn't listen, some people should keep their comments to themselves. We are all different and we should do and wear what makes us happy.'

Earlier this year, Laura revealed that she went on a date with Shaggy - and he made her pay.

Laura, who split from husband Alex Goward, 44, in 2022 after a decade of marriage, shared details about her dating life in a new interview on Friday.

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail Laura confirmed that she was still single and having fun as she recalled a surprise date from over 20 years ago.

Recounting meeting up with Shaggy, she explained: 'I met him for coffee and I had to pay for it. It was at Heathrow airport.

'I'd been working with him, and he said, 'I really want to meet up with you and talk about work opportunities.''

As she soaked up the sun, the blonde beauty hit back at a comment from a follower who said she was too old to wear a bikini

Confirming that he made up a song and sang it to her, she continued: 'God, that was over 20 years ago. I'm not sure he'd recognise me now.'

Adding of her dating life now, Laura said: 'I'm busy working and dating and having fun, and I prefer to find people naturally rather than being on dating apps.

'I like to go out and meet people who have common interests. I made a decision going forward that I want to keep that aspect of my life private.

'I think it's really important that if I'm dating people - and I have been dating people - if they're not in the public eye, then they have a right to privacy.

'Just because I'm in the public eye  you never know what their job is, and they might need privacy for security reasons, and so I'm always mindful of that.'

Laura shares two children Rocco, 12, and Tahlia, 10, with her ex-husband Alex, they split after 13 years together.

In a statement at the time, she wrote: 'This isn't something I ever thought I'd be saying but, after 13 years of being together Alex and I have separated.

'Our children are and always will be our number one priority and we would respect privacy for our family at this time.'

Earlier this year, Laura revealed that she went on a date with Shaggy - and he made her pay (Shaggy seen in May)

She has been a presenter on A Place in the Sun since 2012 and regularly posts pictures from her sun drenched holidays and filming trips on Instagram.

Laura also explained that her time on the Channel 4 show has seen her through so many life changes, notably her engagement, the births of her children and her divorce.

The former Dancing On Ice star described feeling like she had 'failed' amid their separation, which saw Laura move out of the couple's Surrey family home.

She said: 'We are co-parenting, and it works. But even that, you know, I kind of felt like I had failed.'
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must surely be in want of a dog?

What Jane Austen would have made of this is anyones guess.

But these exclusive pictures show Emma Corrin for the first time as Elizabeth Bennet in Netflixs new production of Austens Pride And Prejudice  and they suggest The Crown star is taking the characters sharp wit and independent spirit to heart.

Emma, in period costume and curly wig, was seen cuddling beloved dog Spencer between takes on set  proving, just as in the novel, that important relationships can take many forms.

The star was later spotted on a rooftop looking even less like a Georgian heroine, laughing with Freya Mavor, who plays Elizabeth Bennets sister Jane, and eating a banana.

Emma also appeared to grimace with trepidation while gingerly descending some scaffolding.

Emma Corrin cuddles their pet dog as they're seen for the first time as Elizabeth Bennet on the set of Netflix's Pride and Prejudice

The film star transformed into the character of Elizabeth and the exclusive pictures suggest The Crown star is taking the characters sharp wit and independent spirit to heart

Emma got into character as she donned a period costume and curly wig

The 29-year-old, who won plaudits playing a young Princess Diana in The Crown, is often seen walking Spencer near their home in Margate and in north London, where the actor shared a 5million home with Bohemian Rhapsody Oscar winner Rami Malek, 44.

But like Lizzy Bennet, the stars love life has become tangled, splitting with Malek earlier this year and now said to be dating Zachary Hart, who appeared with Emma on stage in a production of Anton Chekhovs The Seagull.

The hotly anticipated adaptation of Austens 1813 novel is also set to star Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden as eligible Mr Darcy and Olivia Colman as Emmas determined mother Mrs Bennet.

Other star names released by Netflix include Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet and Killing Eves Fiona Shaw as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Sadly for some, Jack Lowden will not replicate Colin Firths famous scene from the 1995 TV adaptation, which saw him emerge dripping wet from a lake  getting female viewers hearts racing.

This year marks 250 years since Austens birth. The six-part Netflix series, written by Dolly Alderton, will be on screens early next year.

However, Netflix recently sparked uproar after releasing a first look at the casting for the new Pride & Prejudice series - with some fans now threatening to boycott it altogether.

On Friday, Netflix shared a picture on social media of the Bennet women on set.

Emma was seen cuddling beloved dog Spencer between takes on set  proving, just as in the novel, that important relationships can take many forms

The 29-year-old, who won plaudits playing a young Princess Diana in The Crown, is often seen walking Spencer near their home in Margate and in north London

The star was later spotted on a rooftop looking even less like a Georgian heroine, laughing with Freya Mavor, who plays Elizabeth Bennets sister Jane, and eating a banana

Emma ensured they had one of their five-a-day as they scoffed the banana while chatting to their co-star

The films stars shared a quiet moment as they took in the view below

The onscreen Bennet sisters appeared as close as their characters

Freya and Emma smiled at each other and giggled as they filmed the first scenes as the two eldest Bennet sisters

Freya was seen holding a vintage monocular telescope amid filming

The actress looked out of the telescope while Emma watched on

Freya was certainly enjoying using the telescope on the set of the series

The onscreen sisters then shared a warm embrace

'We know you've been yearning for a sneak peek. Pride & Prejudice is officially in production,' the post read.

'Here's a first look featuring Emma Corrin, Freya Mavor, Olivia Colman, Hopey Parish, Rhea Norwood and Hollie Avery as the Bennet women.'

But fans immediately rushed to the comments to express their distaste at the prospect as one wrote: 'Not to self: unsubscribe from Netflix immediately, today,' someone wrote.

'This casting is awful what the f**k,' another added.

'You cannot be serious,' someone else said.

'Oh help praying this isn't a cock up like Persuasion.

'Actually scratch that this is a reminder to me to unsubscribe,' another shared.

Other members of the cast include Jamie Demetriou as Mr Collins, Daryl McCormack as Mr Bingley, and Louis Partridge as Mr Wickham, per Variety.

Emma also appeared to grimace with trepidation while gingerly descending some scaffolding

The actor was surrounded by cast and crew as they gingerly made their way down the steps

While Freya had no issues with the steps, Emma appeared to be much more trepidatious

Freya was seen showing her support for her co-star who was struggling with the steps

Emma was in great spirits as they smiled on the set of the adaptation

This year marks 250 years since Austens birth. The six-part Netflix series, written by Dolly Alderton, will be on screens early next year

Netflix recently sparked uproar after releasing a first look at the casting for the new Pride & Prejudice series - with some fans now threatening to boycott the steamer altogether [L-R Emma as Elizabeth, Freya as Jane, Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet, Hopey Parish as Mary, Rhea Norwood as Lydia and Hollie Avery as Kitty]

More actors include Rhea Norwood as Lydia Bennet and Siena Kelly as Caroline Bingley, while Hopey Parish and Hollie Avery are making their acting debuts as Mary Bennet and Kitty Bennet respectively.

The director and screenwriter of Heartstopper, Euros Lyn and Dolly Alderton, respectively, are taking on the series.

'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story, and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,' Alderton said in a statement, per the outlet.

'Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy  it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.'

The limited series will finish filming in the UK at the end of 2025, per What's On Netflix.
I met him at a running club a few months ago, dont know his dating history but if I were single, I would have gone for it, writes a user on the app Tea about a young man named Rae. The comment appears on a TikTok video in which the author says, The FBI work just got SO much easier for the girlies around the world.

This excitement is the product of a new womens-only application that describes itself as a dating safety platform. Tea allows users to check whether a suitor has a criminal past or uses fake photos, and also to read other womens anonymous opinions on him. Some of these features require a monthly subscription. Created in 2023, and for the moment only available in the United States, its popularity took off this week in an unusual manner. Its users have abruptly doubled to more than 4.6 million, which has led to attention from dark corners of the manosphere, and a hacking that took place last Friday.

According to the company, the hack led to 13,000 user selfies being leaked. If you sent your face and drivers license to the Tea app, it publicly doxed you! writes one 4chan user alongside a link to the document, which is no longer available.

The story of the app, its success, and the resulting leak can teach us several crucial lessons about the advantages and risks of the internet today.

1. The success of a womens-only app

Flirting has become much easier with the rise of the internet. But not all of us experience it in the same way: 57% of women think that apps are not a safe way to find a partner, according to a Pew Research survey. Black women and those with lower levels of education are more like to consider them dangerous.

Sean Cook, the founder of Tea, says the idea for the app came to him after seeing his mother go through a terrifying experience with online dating  not only being catfished but unknowingly engaging with men who had criminal records, according to the apps website.

Lack of prior knowledge about people one meets online and long strings of bad dates have made the search for information about potential partners all the more important. An app like Tea fills a hole previously served by Facebook groups like Are We Dating The Same Guy?

Such services appears to be a worldwide necessity. A Spanish user commented on one of the apps TikTok videos, I neeeeed this in Spain! Im going to spill the tea about my super toxic ex. The apps account responded, We are working on launching internationally, please stand by.

2. The rise of misogynist message boards

Access to the app requires a woman to upload a selfie. The review system is likely conducted by a mix of AI and humans, in suspicious cases. Authorization of a new profile can take hours, but users can jump the line by recommending the app to friends. This system, along with appearances on television and in Cosmopolitan, plus a couple of TikTok and Instagram videos, led to an explosion in Google searches for the app in July.

Interest in the app Tea over the past year, according to Google searches.

With all the hype, Tea became the #1 most-downloaded app in the United States last week. That was when news of the sensation reached 4chan and its army of spurned men.

The leak was technically a hacking. One of the companys developers had left open an online database containing information pre-February 2024. All that was needed for access was its exact location. Although viral posts claim that all Tea users have been revealed, thats not the case. Its only a small percentage  which doesnt diminish the gravity of the incident nor the risk posed to the women whose data was exposed.

3. No one knows who you are online

Heres where the unanswered questions begin. The company says when it asks for a users selfie, dont worry, we immediately erase it. But the leaked photos are those very selfies. So, do they actually save them? This information was stored in accordance with law enforcement requirements related to cyber-bullying investigations, says the companys statement. Unfortunately, an app that is highly concerned with online abuse up being harnessed by abusers.

In 2023, Tea requested a document in addition to the selfie to verify that every woman was who she said she was. The app has since discontinued this practice. Its not hard to take a selfie (the app requires it be done in the moment, using the phones front camera) of another woman, or to modify the image. Compounding the risks involved, a sketchy market has sprung up of men who pay to know what is being said about them on the platform.

4. Information wants to be free

The value of an online database is equivalent to the time and money that someone will spend on breaking into it. A tool for protection from online assault that requires that women upload selfies becomes a juicy target for misogynist mens message boards like 4chan, many of whose users have ample free time and knowledge of computer systems. The resulting conundrum speaks to issues surrounding our identities online: how can an app for women be designed without verifying that its users are indeed women? There is no easy answer. Similar episodes have taken place involving apps with minimum age restrictions on certain services.

5. Widespread surveillance is a dangerous concept

Teas dilemma harkens to another temptation of our age: widespread surveillance. What human can resist viewing the ranking of our neighbors, friends, family members? Users on the app vote on whether someone is a red flag or green flag, and leave comments like Avoid this man!! He has mouth herpes and STDs. He lies to get what he wants then will ghost you after, as relayed by an article in The Times. Another comment: Abusive, pathological liar, manic and victim mentality. Loves drama. And another: Will emotionally and physically abuse women. Secret life with gay older men.

The app allows users to view photos of men in their area. Although it uses only first names, several of their photos appear, and comments on them can be read. It is easy to imagine other uses for this kind of surveillance: the married woman who logs in to see if anything has been said about her husband, the human resources manager who tracks her job candidates. Users can even set up alerts with a particular mans name and view private details such as addresses and phone numbers, which borders on practices of dubious legality.

Where can the line be drawn between harmful and helpful monitoring? The Tea leak shows we have a lot to learn when it comes to making the internet a safer place.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Model Georgia Fowler and Fishbowl founder Nathan Dalah have reportedly split after two years of marriage.

The pair, who tied the knot in 2023, quietly parted ways a few months ago, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'It ended a few months ago. It all happened very quickly,' one source said.

The couple, who have two children together, moved to New York in 2023 so Nathan could open his Fishbowl franchise and Georgia could pursue her modelling career.

They haven't been seen together in months and Georgia has been spotted without her wedding ring on several occasions.

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.

Model Georgia Fowler and Fishbowl founder Nathan Dalah have reportedly split after two years of marriage

The pair haven't been seen together in months and Georgia has been spotted without her wedding ring on several occasions. Pictured in May 2025

Daily Mail has contacted Georgia Fowler and Nathan Dalah for comment.

Georgia and Nathan confirmed their relationship back in February 2020.

They announced their engagement in 2022, one year after welcoming their daughter Dylan into the world.

She shared the news on Instagram at the time, revealing her boyfriend of two years had proposed during a photoshoot for Tiffany & Co.

The model was shooting a campaign called 'Tiffany Love' when Nathan dropped down to one knee on set.

'I would say that I had this really crazy idea,' he said. 'I know it wasn't part of the plan or part of the shoot, but I'm gonna do it anyways. No, I'm gonna do it. I wanted to see if you would marry me, be my wife?'

Georgia replied, 'Yes, I will,' before the crew cheered for the happy couple.

Georgia and Nathan tied the knot on 27 January 2023 in a gorgeous countryside ceremony in NSW.

Georgia and Nathan confirmed their relationship back in February 2020. They announced their engagement in 2022, one year after welcoming their daughter Dylan into the world

Nathan is the co-founder of healthy fast food chain Fishbowl alongside Nic Pestalozzi and Casper Ettleson

They exchanged vows at Hopewood House in the township of Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Hopewood House is described as 'the most exclusive, historical wedding venue in the NSW Southern Highlands region' and located 90 minutes from Sydney.

Among the attendees were the couple's fashion friends, including model Tahnee Atkinson, fashionista Rey Vakili and designers Sophie Coote and Nikki Campbell.

Also attending was 'Australian tailor to the stars' Patrick Johnson and his wife Tamsin Johnson, an interior designer.

They welcomed their second child, son Zeke Atlas Dalah, in February 2024.
Aviso Wealth Management lowered its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 1.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,060 shares of the companys stock after selling 20 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 0.9% of Aviso Wealth Managements portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest position. Aviso Wealth Managements holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,702,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. WestEnd Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 210.0% in the first quarter. WestEnd Advisors LLC now owns 31 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 180.0% in the first quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 42 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 27 shares during the period. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $40,000. Mascagni Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, O Brien Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 25.5% during the 1st quarter. O Brien Wealth Partners LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts:

Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

Shares of LLY stock opened at $761.47 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $775.51 and its 200 day moving average is $799.86. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $677.09 and a 1-year high of $972.53. 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 company has a market cap of $721.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 61.96, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.44.

Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 85.51%. The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.77 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.58 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 45.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company 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 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.82%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 26th. Hsbc Global Res downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, May 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $892.00 to $888.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, HSBC lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a reduce rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $1,150.00 to $700.00 in a research report on Monday, April 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and seventeen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,012.56.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

Featured Stories

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.
Commerce Bank reduced its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 58.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 138,923 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 195,383 shares during the period. Commerce Banks holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $14,590,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Second Line Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Second Line Capital LLC now owns 4,990 shares of the energy producers stock worth $495,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares in the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co now owns 7,091 shares of the energy producers stock worth $703,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 3,184 shares of the energy producers stock worth $316,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 3.9% during the 1st quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 3,177 shares of the energy producers stock worth $334,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Unison Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 17,145 shares of the energy producers stock worth $1,700,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get ConocoPhillips alerts:

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Kirk L. Johnson acquired 5,300 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 16th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $94.24 per share, for a total transaction of $499,472.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 14,527 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,369,024.48. The trade was a 57.44% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.24% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

ConocoPhillips Price Performance

ConocoPhillips stock opened at $92.75 on Friday. ConocoPhillips has a 12 month low of $79.88 and a 12 month high of $116.08. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market capitalization of $117.25 billion, a PE ratio of 11.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $91.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $94.15.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 8th. The energy producer reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by $0.04. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 16.54% and a net margin of 16.02%. The company had revenue of $16.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.74 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.05 earnings per share. Analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current year.

ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 19th were given a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 19th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.64%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently weighed in on COP. Mizuho dropped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $127.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $113.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 11th. UBS Group upped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 11th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $114.00 to $113.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Bank of America dropped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $107.00 to $106.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, ConocoPhillips currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.33.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Company Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

Featured Articles

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

Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) and EFG International (OTCMKTS:EFGXY  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings and institutional ownership.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Citigroup and EFG International, as provided by MarketBeat.

Get Citigroup alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Citigroup 0 5 10 0 2.67 EFG International 0 1 0 0 2.00

Citigroup currently has a consensus target price of $96.54, indicating a potential upside of 5.11%. Given Citigroups stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Citigroup is more favorable than EFG International.

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Citigroup $170.76 billion 1.00 $12.68 billion $6.77 13.57 EFG International N/A N/A N/A C$0.14 96.52

This table compares Citigroup and EFG Internationals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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

Dividends

Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. EFG International pays an annual dividend of C$0.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.3%. Citigroup pays out 33.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. EFG International pays out 128.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Citigroup has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Citigroup is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Profitability

This table compares Citigroup and EFG Internationals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Citigroup 8.44% 7.29% 0.57% EFG International N/A N/A N/A

Institutional and Insider Ownership

71.7% of Citigroup shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Citigroup shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Citigroup beats EFG International on 13 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Citigroup

(Get Free Report)

Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About EFG International

(Get Free Report)

EFG International AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides private banking, wealth management, and asset management services. The company offers investment solutions, including discretionary mandates, structured products, and trading services; wealth planning and trust services; credit and financing services, such as Islamic, property, and investment financing; and eBanking services, including mobile banking and security services. It also provides other banking services consisting of custody, foreign exchange and treasury, and trading services, as well as accounts and cards, and metals; and supports independent asset managers to set up private label funds. The company operates in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East. EFG International AG was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Citigroup (NYSE:C  Get Free Report) and Agricultural Bank of China (OTCMKTS:ACGBF  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and profitability.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

71.7% of Citigroup shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.0% of Agricultural Bank of China shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Citigroup shares are owned by 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 Citigroup alerts:

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Citigroup and Agricultural Bank of China, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Citigroup 0 5 10 0 2.67 Agricultural Bank of China 0 0 0 0 0.00

Profitability

Citigroup presently has a consensus target price of $96.54, suggesting a potential upside of 5.11%. Given Citigroups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Citigroup is more favorable than Agricultural Bank of China.

This table compares Citigroup and Agricultural Bank of Chinas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Citigroup 8.44% 7.29% 0.57% Agricultural Bank of China N/A N/A N/A

Dividends

Citigroup pays an annual dividend of $2.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. Agricultural Bank of China pays an annual dividend of $0.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 27.7%. Citigroup pays out 33.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Agricultural Bank of China pays out 32.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Citigroup has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Agricultural Bank of China is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Citigroup and Agricultural Bank of Chinas top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Citigroup $170.76 billion 1.00 $12.68 billion $6.77 13.57 Agricultural Bank of China N/A N/A N/A $0.56 1.15

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

Summary

Citigroup beats Agricultural Bank of China on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Citigroup

(Get Free Report)

Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About Agricultural Bank of China

(Get Free Report)

Agricultural Bank of China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. It offers demand, personal call, foreign currency call, time or demand optional, foreign exchange call, foreign exchange time, savings, agreed term, and negotiated deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and loans, including housing, consumer, business, fixed asset, working capital, real estate, and entrusted syndicated loans, as well as trade finances, guarantees and commitments, and loans with custody of export rebates accounts. The company provides credit card, debit card, payment and settlement, private banking, cash management, investment banking, custody, financial market, and financial institution services, as well as trading and wealth management services; and personal fund collection and automatic transfer services. In addition, it offers agro-related personal and corporate banking products and services; telephone, mobile, self-service, television, and SMS banking services; financial leasing services; fund management services; asset custodian services; and insurance and reinsurance related products and services. The company operates domestic branches, including specialized institutions, training institutes, tier-1 branches, tier-2 branches, tier-1 sub-branches, foundation-level branch outlets and other establishments; overseas branches in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, New York, Dubai International Financial Centre, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Sydney, Luxemburg, Dubai, London, Macao, and Hanoi; and overseas representative offices in Vancouver, Taipei, Sao Paulo, and Dushanbe. The company was founded in 1951 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.

Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund raised its position in Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM  Free Report) by 120.0% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 6,600 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,600 shares during the quarter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Funds holdings in Howmet Aerospace were worth $856,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. PFG Advisors grew its holdings in Howmet Aerospace by 37.9% in the first quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 9,593 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,245,000 after purchasing an additional 2,635 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 233.5% during the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 140,883 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,277,000 after acquiring an additional 98,642 shares during the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC boosted its stake in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 126.1% during the first quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 24,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,140,000 after acquiring an additional 13,500 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its stake in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 65.4% during the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 673 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 266 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 11.5% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,350,000 after acquiring an additional 3,465 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.46% of the companys stock.

Get Howmet Aerospace alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently commented on HWM shares. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Howmet Aerospace from $170.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 17th. Northcoast Research raised Howmet Aerospace from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. Vertical Research reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Howmet Aerospace in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group increased their price objective on Howmet Aerospace from $120.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Benchmark increased their price objective on Howmet Aerospace from $85.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Howmet Aerospace has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $153.47.

Howmet Aerospace Stock Up 2.6%

Shares of Howmet Aerospace stock opened at $184.40 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $178.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $149.14. The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Howmet Aerospace Inc. has a twelve month low of $85.39 and a twelve month high of $193.26. The stock has a market cap of $74.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.48.

Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $2.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.99 billion. Howmet Aerospace had a return on equity of 28.17% and a net margin of 18.09%. Howmet Aerospaces quarterly revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Howmet Aerospace Inc. will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Howmet Aerospace Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 8th will be issued a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. This is a boost from Howmet Aerospaces previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Howmet Aerospaces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 13.03%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, VP Barbara Lou Shultz sold 1,250 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.17, for a total transaction of $193,962.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 23,044 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,575,737.48. This represents a 5.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO John C. Plant sold 800,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.96, for a total value of $125,568,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 236,544 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $37,127,946.24. This trade represents a 77.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 831,250 shares of company stock worth $130,517,863 in the last 90 days. 1.04% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Howmet Aerospace Company Profile

(Free Report)

Howmet Aerospace Inc provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels.

Recommended Stories

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

Receive News & Ratings for Howmet Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howmet Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Mackenzie Financial Corp trimmed its stake in Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:HWM  Free Report) by 77.3% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 38,983 shares of the companys stock after selling 132,861 shares during the period. Mackenzie Financial Corps holdings in Howmet Aerospace were worth $5,057,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. PFG Advisors grew its holdings in Howmet Aerospace by 37.9% in the first quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 9,593 shares of the companys stock worth $1,245,000 after purchasing an additional 2,635 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Howmet Aerospace by 233.5% in the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 140,883 shares of the companys stock worth $18,277,000 after purchasing an additional 98,642 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its holdings in Howmet Aerospace by 126.1% in the first quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 24,207 shares of the companys stock worth $3,140,000 after purchasing an additional 13,500 shares during the period. Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in Howmet Aerospace by 65.4% in the first quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 673 shares of the companys stock worth $87,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares during the period. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 11.5% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,350,000 after buying an additional 3,465 shares in the last quarter. 90.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Get Howmet Aerospace alerts:

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have weighed in on HWM shares. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $161.00 to $192.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Howmet Aerospace in a research note on Monday, June 30th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $120.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $170.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 17th. Finally, Susquehanna raised their price objective on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $170.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Howmet Aerospace has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $153.47.

Howmet Aerospace Stock Up 2.6%

HWM opened at $184.40 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 2.31 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The companys 50-day moving average is $178.35 and its 200 day moving average is $149.14. Howmet Aerospace Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $85.39 and a fifty-two week high of $193.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $74.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.92, a PEG ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.48.

Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.87 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.99 billion. Howmet Aerospace had a net margin of 18.09% and a return on equity of 28.17%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.67 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Howmet Aerospace Inc. will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Howmet Aerospace Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 8th will be given a $0.12 dividend. This is a positive change from Howmet Aerospaces previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 8th. Howmet Aerospaces payout ratio is presently 13.03%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Howmet Aerospace news, CEO John C. Plant sold 800,000 shares of Howmet Aerospace stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.96, for a total value of $125,568,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 236,544 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $37,127,946.24. The trade was a 77.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Neil Edward Marchuk sold 30,000 shares of Howmet Aerospace stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.53, for a total transaction of $4,755,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 131,859 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,903,607.27. This represents a 18.53% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 831,250 shares of company stock valued at $130,517,863. Company insiders own 1.04% of the companys stock.

Howmet Aerospace Profile

(Free Report)

Howmet Aerospace Inc provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels.

Recommended Stories

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

Receive News & Ratings for Howmet Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howmet Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Saturday.

MOD has been the subject of several other reports. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Modine Manufacturing from $125.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on Modine Manufacturing from $121.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 1st.

Get Modine Manufacturing alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Modine Manufacturing

Modine Manufacturing Trading Down 1.0%

Shares of Modine Manufacturing stock opened at $133.24 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.15. Modine Manufacturing has a 1 year low of $64.79 and a 1 year high of $146.84. The company has a market capitalization of $6.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.18, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 2.12. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $98.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $93.61.

Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The auto parts company reported $1.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.13. Modine Manufacturing had a return on equity of 24.82% and a net margin of 7.21%. The firm had revenue of $682.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $653.80 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.04 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Modine Manufacturing will post 3.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Modine Manufacturing

In other Modine Manufacturing news, VP Brian Jon Agen sold 47,939 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $110.50, for a total value of $5,297,259.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 90,015 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,946,657.50. The trade was a 34.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Michael B. Lucareli sold 5,778 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $664,470.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 121,142 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,931,330. This trade represents a 4.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 2.48% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Modine Manufacturing

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 5.5% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,006 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $154,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 14.2% during the 1st quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 911 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $70,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 63.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 367 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 5,284 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $613,000 after buying an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Modine Manufacturing by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 4,602 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the last quarter. 95.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Modine Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

Modine Manufacturing Company provides thermal management products and solutions in the United States, Italy, Hungary, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments. The company offers heat transfer coils, including heat recovery and round tube plate fin coils; gas-fired, hydronic, electric and oilfired unit heaters; roof-mounted direct- and indirect-fired makeup air units; duct furnaces; infrared units; perimeter heating products; single packaged unit ventilators; modular chillers; air handler and condensing units; ceiling cassettes; evaporator unit coolers, remote condensers, fluid coolers, gas coolers, and dry and brine coolers; and motor and generator cooling coils, transformer oil coolers, radiators, dryers, and industrial heat exchangers.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Modine Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Modine Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd reduced its holdings in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) by 8.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 121,706 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 11,512 shares during the period. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltds holdings in Welltower were worth $18,647,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in WELL. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Hughes Financial Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth about $31,000. Franchise Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. 94.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Welltower alerts:

Insider Activity at Welltower

In other Welltower news, Director Andrew Gundlach purchased 20,000 shares of Welltower stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 30th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $151.46 per share, for a total transaction of $3,029,200.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 20,000 shares in the company, valued at $3,029,200. This trade represents a  increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock.

Welltower Trading Up 0.8%

NYSE:WELL opened at $166.32 on Friday. Welltower Inc. has a one year low of $110.74 and a one year high of $168.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 4.23 and a current ratio of 4.19. The firm has a market cap of $111.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 93.97, a P/E/G ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 0.93. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $155.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $149.04.

Welltower (NYSE:WELL  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. Welltower had a net margin of 12.18% and a return on equity of 3.38%. The business had revenue of $2.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.05 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 39.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Welltower Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 12th will be issued a $0.74 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 12th. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. This is an increase from Welltowers previous quarterly dividend of $0.67. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 151.41%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

WELL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Welltower from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 6th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Welltower in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Welltower from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, May 8th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Welltower from $158.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, June 2nd. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Welltower in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Welltower presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $169.82.

View Our Latest Analysis on WELL

About Welltower

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve peoples wellness and overall health care experience.

Recommended Stories

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

Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Pathway Financial Advisers LLC grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 2.0% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 11,778 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLCs holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $1,688,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Key Financial Inc grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 114.0% in the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 259 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the first quarter worth approximately $38,000. Grove Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 306.7% in the first quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Digital Realty Trust during the first quarter worth approximately $49,000. Finally, Adirondack Trust Co. lifted its holdings in 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 purchasing an additional 102 shares during the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Digital Realty Trust alerts:

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Mark R. Patterson sold 175 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.50, for a total value of $30,887.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 6,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,151,133. This represents a 2.61% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Digital Realty Trust Stock Performance

Digital Realty Trust stock opened at $172.05 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.92, a current ratio of 2.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market cap of $57.94 billion, a PE ratio of 45.16, a P/E/G ratio of 3.28 and a beta of 0.92. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12-month low of $129.95 and a 12-month high of $198.00. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $174.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $164.02.

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 for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.74 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.44 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 23.98% and a return on equity of 6.46%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.65 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th were issued a dividend of $1.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 13th. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is 128.08%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Guggenheim assumed coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, July 9th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Monday, May 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. New Street Research upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $200.00 price objective for the company. Finally, JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and set a $220.00 target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a report on Monday, April 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $190.68.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Digital Realty Trust

Digital Realty Trust 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.
XTX Topco Ltd increased its position in shares of Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report) by 185.1% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 12,600 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 8,180 shares during the quarter. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Southern Copper were worth $1,178,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 117.6% in the first quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 272 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Southern Copper in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $34,000. IFP Advisors Inc increased its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 53.7% in the first quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 733 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 35.2% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 906 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $85,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.94% of the companys stock.

Get Southern Copper alerts:

Southern Copper Stock Performance

NYSE:SCCO opened at $91.57 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $97.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is $93.83. The company has a quick ratio of 3.22, a current ratio of 3.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $72.91 billion, a PE ratio of 20.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.00. Southern Copper Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $74.84 and a fifty-two week high of $121.44.

Southern Copper Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The business also recently announced a  dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.01 dividend. This represents a yield of 270.0%. This is a boost from Southern Coppers previous  dividend of $0.62. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio is 61.27%.

A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Southern Copper from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $99.00 target price (up previously from $86.00) on shares of Southern Copper in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Southern Copper from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Itau BBA Securities upgraded shares of Southern Copper from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Southern Copper from $83.50 to $79.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $91.00.

Check Out Our Latest Report on SCCO

About Southern Copper

(Free Report)

Southern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Southern Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Chinese vice premier urges all-out efforts to tackle Chikungunya fever outbreak

Xinhua) 13:43, August 02, 2025

GUANGZHOU, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for all-out efforts to secure a decisive victory over the outbreak of Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, and to effectively safeguard people's health.

Liu made the remarks during a tour to inspect relevant epidemic prevention and control work in south China's Guangdong Province from Thursday to Friday.

Liu visited Shunde District of Foshan City -- an area that has been severely affected by the outbreak -- and inspected a local disease control and prevention center, as well as communities and hospitals, to learn about work related to disease prevention, patient treatment, mosquito control and raising public awareness. He also chaired a meeting on further plans to fight the disease.

Noting that epidemic control efforts are now at a critical stage, Liu urged efforts to curb imported cases and prevent the spread of Chikungunya both within and outside affected regions.

Scientific, effective mosquito eradication and prevention work should be carried out, Liu said, stressing the need to eliminate the breeding environment for mosquito reproduction. He also ordered thorough epidemiological investigations to sever chains of transmission.

He called for strict quarantine measures at ports to prevent imported cases, and for appropriate medical treatment for those who contract Chikungunya.

Chikungunya fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the Chikungunya virus, with clinical symptoms including fever, rashes and joint pains. The virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Sheng Chuyi)
Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of SPX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SPXC  Free Report) by 80.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,951 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 868 shares during the quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc.s holdings in SPX Technologies were worth $251,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Get SPX Technologies alerts:

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of SPXC. Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new position in shares of SPX Technologies in the first quarter valued at $694,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in SPX Technologies in the 1st quarter worth $349,000. Guidance Capital Inc. boosted its position in SPX Technologies by 17.0% in the 1st quarter. Guidance Capital Inc. now owns 3,536 shares of the companys stock valued at $455,000 after buying an additional 513 shares during the last quarter. PFG Advisors boosted its position in SPX Technologies by 19.2% in the 1st quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 2,293 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,000 after buying an additional 369 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Copperwynd Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPX Technologies during the first quarter valued at about $248,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.82% of the companys stock.

SPX Technologies Stock Up 7.7%

Shares of SPX Technologies stock opened at $196.43 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $166.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $149.95. SPX Technologies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $115.00 and a fifty-two week high of $198.75. The firm has a market cap of $9.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Insiders Place Their Bets

SPX Technologies ( NYSE:SPXC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The company reported $1.65 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.45 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $552.40 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $546.03 million. SPX Technologies had a return on equity of 20.07% and a net margin of 10.27%. The businesss revenue was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.42 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that SPX Technologies, Inc. will post 5.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In other SPX Technologies news, Director Rick D. Puckett sold 6,823 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.01, for a total transaction of $1,043,987.23. Following the sale, the director directly owned 33,770 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,167,147.70. This represents a 16.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 3.32% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on SPXC shares. UBS Group increased their price target on SPX Technologies from $182.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday. Oppenheimer increased their target price on SPX Technologies from $170.00 to $197.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, B. Riley initiated coverage on shares of SPX Technologies in a research report on Thursday, May 15th. They set a buy rating and a $195.00 price target for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, SPX Technologies presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $195.20.

Read Our Latest Research Report on SPX Technologies

About SPX Technologies

(Free Report)

SPX Technologies, Inc supplies infrastructure equipment serving the heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC); and detection and measurement markets worldwide. The company operates in two segments, HVAC and Detection and Measurement. The HVAC segment engineers, designs, manufactures, installs, and services package and process cooling products and engineered air movement solutions for the HVAC industrial and power generation markets, as well as boilers, heating, and ventilation products for the residential and commercial markets.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for SPX Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPX Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
XTX Topco Ltd boosted its stake in shares of MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG  Free Report) by 1.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 44,500 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 731 shares during the quarter. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in MGIC Investment were worth $1,103,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Get MGIC Investment alerts:

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MTG. Signaturefd LLC boosted its position in MGIC Investment by 1.9% during the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 22,112 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $548,000 after acquiring an additional 421 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp lifted its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,749 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $68,000 after purchasing an additional 461 shares during the period. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 41,718 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,034,000 after purchasing an additional 524 shares in the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 11,854 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $281,000 after purchasing an additional 553 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in MGIC Investment by 1.5% during the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 40,985 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,016,000 after purchasing an additional 587 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.58% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity

In related news, EVP Paula C. Maggio sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.49, for a total transaction of $529,800.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 157,395 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,169,393.55. The trade was a 11.27% 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. 1.05% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MTG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Compass Point restated a neutral rating and set a $28.00 price target (up from $27.00) on shares of MGIC Investment in a report on Friday, May 23rd. Barclays increased their target price on shares of MGIC Investment from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of MGIC Investment from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, July 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.88.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MGIC Investment

MGIC Investment Price Performance

MTG stock opened at $26.27 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a current ratio of 1.46. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $25.25. The company has a market capitalization of $6.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 0.89. MGIC Investment Corporation has a 52-week low of $21.94 and a 52-week high of $28.67.

MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The insurance provider reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.12. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 14.73% and a net margin of 62.58%. The company had revenue of $304.25 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $306.25 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.77 earnings per share. MGIC Investments quarterly revenue was down .3% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that MGIC Investment Corporation will post 2.71 EPS for the current fiscal year.

MGIC Investment declared that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, April 24th that permits the company to buyback $750.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the insurance provider to reacquire up to 12.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

MGIC Investment Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 7th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 7th. This is a positive change from MGIC Investments previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 19.67%.

MGIC Investment Company Profile

(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.

Read More

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG  Free Report).

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.
A Derry student, Skhululekile Tsitsi Mupemhi (19), originally from Zimbabwe and is for Queens University, Belfast in September to study Bio Medical Science - has made it to the finals of Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland 2025 to be held in Johnstown, Dublin on August 30.

Skhululekile, who has lived in Derry for two years with her parents and sister, is hoping for some sponsorship to help her take part in this years pageant.

Speaking this week, she said: "I didnt realise the mounting costs of taking part and representing Northern Ireland in the Miss/Mrs. Africa Ireland  the evening dress, casualwear, hair, make-up and the many other incidentals that soon add up. Only being a student, it would be great to get some financial help so that I can take part and look my best."

Hailing from the Top of the Hill in the citys Waterside, Skhululekile is also a youth leader in the ACCN (African Caribbean Community Network) and helps out a number of days every week working with young people from the local community. She also does some voluntary work for the NSPCC in her spare time.

"I love working with young people and children. I get a buzz out of what they say and do and can relate to them in so many ways. Derry is a beautiful city and having being selected to represent Northern Ireland is a privilege. I hope to go down to Dublin and give it my utmost best."

Originally from Zimbabwe, the 19 years-old student explains how she came to Ireland and made Derry her home.

"My family moved to the UK because it had always been my mums dream to travel the world, gain diverse experiences, and contribute to maternal and child health on a global level. Shes passionate about learning how maternity care is practiced in different settings, and this journey has been part of that bigger vision - one that also opens doors for us as her children to experience different cultures, education systems, and opportunities.

"We eventually settled in Derry, and its been a beautiful chapter of our story. The people here are warm, genuine, and welcoming. Living in the Waterside has brought a strong sense of community and belonging. While Zimbabwe is our home, Derry has become a second home and Im so proud to represent Northern Ireland in this years Miss/Mrs Africa Ireland."

Skhululekile had nothing but praise for her family and friends, who she said, have been hugely supportive in her journey.

"I cant thank them enough for their wonderful support and advice throughout the past few weeks. Everyone is helping out in any way they can and the amazingly supportive messages online are so beautiful."

Speaking on the preparation for August 30, Skhululekile explained the amount of work that goes on in the lead up to the Dublin finale.

READ NEXT: Brave influencer speaks about overcoming domestic abuse and the power of local community

"All the participants have been attending bootcamps for this years event and it has been fantastic. We have all got to know one another. It has been amazing to have something like this before heading off to university."

To take part in this year's final, this Derry Girl needs the help of the local public to raise money to cover her fees, wardrobe, training and event appearances and shes asked if anyone out there, local businesses, hairdressers, make-up artists that can help please get in touch with her on 07467311046 or email xulueangela@gmail.com.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has embarked on a series of Area Gatherings to bring together members and community partners while reflecting, reconnecting and refocusing efforts on helping those in need in local areas across the Northern Region.

These important events offer an opportunity for SVPs local Conferences, the grassroots groups of over 1,000 members at the heart of the Society, to come together, share experiences, identify emerging needs, and collaborate on solutions for alleviating poverty and isolation in their local communities.

Gatherings are planned throughout the Region in the coming months and have already taken place in Belfast, Derry, Newcastle, Newry and Newtownards, ensuring that all members have the opportunity to attend, participate, and contribute to the future direction of SVPs work in the area.

The Area Gathering programme includes group discussions, updates on national and regional initiatives, guest speakers, and space for prayer and reflection, in keeping with the Societys ethos of service deeply dedicated to faith and compassion.

Mary Waide, SVP Regional President for the Northern Region, said: Area Gatherings are a vital opportunity for the Society to provide a platform for our members, to celebrate their incredible dedication, and understand the challenges they face on the ground.

Members of St Vincent de Paul from Derry and Strabane in attendance at the local Area Gathering.

"We know that poverty takes many forms, financial difficulties, social isolation, homelessness, food insecurity, fuel poverty and no two communities are the same. These meetings allow us to reflect together and find practical ways to respond with dignity and hope.

Were witnessing continued rising demand for our services, from food support and fuel assistance and we know that during the summer holidays, families are in desperation as they try to afford the cost of school uniforms and everyday essentials. These Area Gatherings provide us with an opportunity to reaffirm our shared mission, engage with our members at a local level and re-energise our commitment to those we serve.

Our conferences are built on the incredible generosity of local people. Whether its offering time, skills, or a listening ear, every volunteer plays a part in creating a compassionate network of support. We would love to see new faces joining SVP, people who want to help, who care about their neighbours, and who believe in the power of community.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is an international charity and the largest voluntary charity in Ireland. SVP members work in all communities to support people whatever their background, who are experiencing poverty and social exclusion, promoting self-sufficiency and working for social justice.

Last year SVP spent approximately 5 million to help those experiencing poverty in Northern Ireland, responding to tens of thousands of calls for assistance from members of the public.

READ NEXT: Henry brothers completes heritage building transformation

If you would like more information about becoming a member of SVP, becoming a volunteer in your local Vincents shop or if you would like the Societys help, please visit www.svpni.co.uk, email info@svpni.co.uk or tel 028 9035 1561.
The hosts were joined by local chefs Stephen Hope (head chef at Dawsons and Great British Menu alum) and Joe OKane (private dining and development chef with a strong social media following)

A home economics classroom at St Pius X College in Magherafelt has become the unexpected set of Northern Irelands latest food series, Local Chef Showdown  a bold, community-led production putting local talent, producers, and creativity centre stage.

Created by John Francis Beattie, Fergal Hughes, and Jude Mullan  three media professionals with backgrounds in television, marketing, and audio production  the series transforms a familiar space into a high-spec, multi-camera cooking arena. Over four evenings, eight home cooks went head-to-head in a MasterChef-style competition that combined technical skill with storytelling heart.

The series was filmed entirely on-site with the support of St Pius X College, which is marking its 60th anniversary. Despite a lean crew of just four, the team captured hours of footage using six cameras with Mullan leading all technical production and sound design.

Two of Irelands most respected culinary figures, Stephen Hope (head chef at Dawsons and Great British Menu alum) and Joe OKane (private dining and development chef with a strong social media following), brought both professionalism and relatability to the judging panel.

A standout innovation in the series is its podcast-style judges' table  positioned front and centre in the kitchen  encouraging relaxed, real-time feedback and unscripted interactions between contestants and chefs. The format aims to shift food TV away from polished perfectionism toward authenticity and accessibility.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sure What Do We Know? (@surewhatdoweknow)

In an age where big networks and influencers dominate, said co-creator Beattie, we wanted to prove you can create high-quality, meaningful content right here in the community  with local people, local businesses, and local skills. We believe this is a blueprint for other towns across Northern Ireland.

The show spotlights not just cooking talent but also the local suppliers, producers and small businesses who supported the project with ingredients, equipment, and time. Though independently produced, Local Chef Showdown aims to match the quality of primetime broadcast or Netflix-level programming  and early interest from national networks suggests its already hitting the mark.

The series will premiere on YouTube and social media in winter 2025, with an official release date to be announced soon. The creators hope this pilot season is just the beginning of a travelling format that can bring community-powered television to towns and kitchens across the country.
Translink is bringing an extra dose of fun to Derry this week with their interactive Spin and Go destination wheel.

The wheel, which is currently touring key locations including stations and shopping centres, will be in Guildhall Square next Friday (August 8) from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

The public are invited to spin the wheel, reveal a destination and plan their adventure as Translink encourages families, friends and solo adventurers to rediscover Northern Ireland by public transport, making the most of great-value fares and stress-free travel.

Families can take advantage of the popular 24 Family & Friends ticket, offering unlimited day travel across bus and rail services for up to two adults and four children. For those seeking flexibility and freedom, the 10 Bus Rambler ticket provides unlimited day travel after 9.15am on Ulsterbus, Goldliner, Metro and Glider services throughout Northern Ireland.

Whether its walking the historic City Walls in Derry, heading for a seaside day at Portrush or exploring Belfasts Titanic Quarter, Translink services offer convenient and sustainable connections to some of the regions best-loved attractions, as well as a few hidden gems.

Alan Young, Service Delivery Manager, Translink, said: Summer is the perfect time to slow down, explore local spots and let someone else do the driving. With easy connections and great-value fares, public transport is a brilliant way to enjoy relaxed, car-free adventures.

"It also supports cleaner, greener travel choices that benefit everyone in our communities, ensuring we all stay better-connected.

Translinks Spin and Go destination wheel offers inspiration for spontaneous days out, all reachable using Translink services.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TranslinkNI (@translinkni)

For younger passengers, the free Little Explorers activity booklet is available at station ticket desks and select services, packed with games, puzzles and colouring pages to keep children entertained during their travels.

Passengers are encouraged to share their journeys using #LittleBigAdventures and follow @Translink_NI on social media to see where the wheel will appear next.

READ NEXT: Storm Floris: Safety advice issued as rain and damaging strong expected

For journey planning, fare information and service updates, visit www.translink.co.uk or download the Journey Planner app.
Fianna Fail TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan has highlighted the important work that kinship carers do for children.

Earlier this month, Deputy McGreehan met with Minister Dara Calleary and Kinship Care Ireland to discuss the need for greater recognition and support for kinship carers.

Kinship care is the full-time parenting of children by grandparents, older siblings, aunts and uncles, other relatives, or close friends of the family when their parents are no longer able to look after them.

It allows children to remain among family and retain a sense of belonging and acceptance. Kinship Care Ireland represent these families.

READ NEXT: Dundalk's Dreambeans Coffee wins two Gold Stars in Great Taste Awards

The aim of the meeting was to discuss key challenges kinship carers face, and how we can work together to progress supports for them.

Speaking on the importance of the meeting, Deputy McGreehan said: The recognition of Kinship Care is crucial.

"It involves many different Departments across Government, including social welfare, and I thank my party colleague Minister Dara Calleary for meeting Kinship Care Ireland.

During the meeting we discussed the most important issues and challenges that kinship carers face in Ireland, and how we can work to progress supports for these types of families around the country.

In their Budget 2026 asks they want to address the persistent lack of recognition and inadequate support for kinship families under current child and family policy frameworks, she said.

Deputy McGreehan concluded by highlighting that it improved support for kinship carers is a commitment in the Programme for Government, and believes it is time for systemic reform.

It is a key commitment within the Programme for Government to improve supports for kinship carers in Ireland.

"They do vital work and prevent 12,000 children from going into State Care, and this must be recognised."

She added: I believe the time is right for coordinated, systemic reform.

"The commitment in the Programme for Government, the publication of the Young Ireland National Youth Assembly recommendation and increasing demand voiced by kinship carers across the country backs that logic.

This area is a very important area for me as a TD. I will work alongside government colleagues to ensure we deliver for Kinship Carers in Ireland and the vital work they do."
Two retailers from Louth have been named as Top 100 Stores in Ireland by Retail Excellence, the largest retail industry representative organisation in Ireland.

The Top 100 stores are part of the Elavon Retail Excellence Awards, which were established in 1997 to promote best practice and encourage high standards in the Irish retail industry and are now the largest and most prestigious of its kind in Ireland. The Awards will take place on Saturday, 15th November 2025 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny.

The two Louth stores named as Top 100 Stores in Ireland are Cove & Co in Dundalk, and Hickey's Pharmacy in Drogheda.

As part of the Top 100 selection process, all store entrants were visited by a mystery shopper, with those exceeding service and standards criteria making it to the Top 100 stores.

Read also: Louth public urged to have say on rates on empty business premises

Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence, said: We are delighted to announce the top 100 retailers who are shaping the future of Irish retail in the Elavon Retail Excellence Awards 2025. These businesses exemplify retail excellence through outstanding service, performance, and innovation at a national level.

"Their commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and embracing new ideas continues to raise the standard for the entire industry, particularly at a time when retail is evolving rapidly in response to shifting consumer behaviours, economic pressures, and digital transformation.
ISME, the Irish SME Association, has announced the launch of the STAGES mentoring Programme, whereby its members in Louth can avail of business consultancy services worth up to 2,000 to help improve their businesses.

The STAGES Mentoring Programme (Survive, Thrive, Accelerate, Grow, Export, Scale) is delivered by ISME Skillnet and will provide fully subsidised one-to-one mentoring for ISME members. The programme is designed to help businesses address real-world challenges and opportunities at each stage of their development, with expert-led sessions tailored to their specific goals.

Participants will receive up to two full days (or four half-days) of mentoring with experienced business advisors, covering a wide range of strategic and operational areas including cashflow management, digital transformation, export readiness, succession planning, and more.

Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME, said: "Small businesses are the engine of the Irish economy, but they often lack access to the expert advice they need to grow and compete.

Read also: Two retailers in Louth named in Top 100 Stores in Ireland

"The STAGES programme is designed to give SMEs that support, whether theyre recovering from a crisis, breaking into export markets, or preparing to scale. Were proud to offer this as a tangible, tailored benefit of ISME membership in Louth."

The STAGES Mentoring Programme will also support ISMEs broader national goals of enhancing SME innovation, boosting export activity, and improving resilience to future shocks such as Brexit, COVID-19, or sector-specific downturns.

STAGES is fully funded by ISME Skillnet and is available to both new and existing ISME members. The programme is only running until the end of 2025, so businesses are urged to get in touch with ISME as soon as possible to secure their place.

Businesses seeking further information are encouraged to contact ISME at stages@isme.ie.
A total of 6.6% of primary school classes in Cork have more than 30 pupils, above the national average, figures have shown.

Data provided to a Meath Sinn Fein TD by education minister Helen McEntee showed that, nationally, 1,392 classes had above 30 pupils, or 5.8%, with 176 of these large classes being in Cork.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork East Pat Buckley said that the figures are an example of government promises not being delivered.

He told The Echo: 176 classes in Cork with over 30 pupils is a shameful indictment of this Government and previous governments.

Ive been in the Dail now since 2016 and back then the government promised a reduction in class sizes.

FF and FG just keep making promises that they never deliver on.

On top of that, this Government has no workforce plan going forward, he added.

At this time of the year, my office is so busy with worried parents who cant even get their child into a school place.

Ive also spoken with many principals of schools that are shouting from the rooftop looking for more special classes too, he said.

Despite the minister saying that if the need is there that the Government will provide them, but thats not what Im seeing on the ground.

This Government has the same access to the information about our constituency database as I have.

So the information is there to plan for the future, but again this Government just plods along doing the bare minimum, Mr Buckley added.

Teachers, principals, and parents carry the burden of stress while this Government sits on its hands and waits for the next move to make more promises that they wont keep.

Fine Gael TD Ms McEntee said: The Government is investing a record 11.8bn into education and schools through Budget 2025.

This school year, the primary staffing schedule operates on a general average of 23 pupils to every one teacher, which is historically the lowest-ever ratio of pupils to teachers at primary level.

School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account, she added.

Given that the staffing schedule operates to a general average of one classroom teacher for every 23 pupils, if a school has a large class it generally also has a small class.

Schools have the flexibility in the way in which they assign pupils and teachers to classes, and my department does not allocate teachers to specific classes or age groups.

Ms McEntee added that she was considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil-teacher ratio.
Justice minister Jim OCallaghan has said that work is ongoing to address overcrowding in prisons, with potential methods including the rollout of electronic tagging.

It comes as as nearly one in four inmates currently in Cork Prison do not have a bed.

There were 392 people in Cork Prison yesterday, close to the record high of 394 seen at the start of the week.

The prison has capacity for 296 inmates.

The figures represent 132% capacity, and mean that 96, or 24.5%, of people incarcerated in the prison do not have a bed.

Acutely aware

Responding to a parliamentary question, Mr OCallaghan said he was acutely aware of capacity restraints in prisons and the challenges faced by those who work and live in them.

He said that overall funding for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) had increased by 18% when compared to 2024, bringing the total allocated to nearly 525m.

The IPS aims to recruit up to 300 prison officers in 2025, he added.

Nationally, 370 prison bedspaces have been delivered since 2022, with 101 more to be delivered before the end of this year, and there are plans to deliver 1,500 additional prison spaces in the future.

Mr OCallaghan said there has been 495m allocated to the IPS for 2026-2030, with projects planned including the demolition of the old Cork prison and the building of a new prison.

It will also support the construction of a prison at Thornton, he said.

Community service

Mr OCallaghan said he has also been working on measures to increase the use of community service as an alternative, and on implementing electronic tagging for appropriate categories of prisoner.

Work is underway to achieve this with the commencement of a project to examine how electronic monitoring can be brought into use in line with existing legislative provisions.

An initial rollout of electronic monitoring is expected later this year following a procurement exercise to select a service provider, said Mr OCallaghan.

A request for information was published on eTenders on Thursday, June 5.

This is a key early step in engaging with the market and preparing for a future request for tender.
A report on night-time economy pilot initiatives in Cork city and other areas is set to be before the Government soon, with a Cork TD calling for similar initiatives to be rolled out in rural Cork towns.

Fianna Fail TD for Cork North-West Aindrias Moynihan asked the minister for culture, communications, and sport, Patrick ODonovan, if there are plans for the expansion of the night-time economy action plan outside of Cork city.

Mr Moynihan hopes the initiative will include the rural towns and villages in Cork county.

Mr ODonovan explained that they are currently funding nine night-time economy advisors in Dublin city, Cork city, Limerick city, Galway city, Kilkenny, Sligo, Longford, Buncrana, and Drogheda.

The night-time economy pilots are a significant project within the night-time economy policy area and arguably one of the most impactful.

This year, I have allocated just under 1.4m in funding to support these pilots, said Mr ODonovan.

The pilot project in Cork has seen the Leave a Light On initiative trialled, and other pop-up events such as coffee shops staying open later on specific nights.

Consultation

Mr ODonovan said that advisors have been carrying out consultation exercises in their local areas.

He added that each advisor has established a night-time economy committee with a view to producing an action plan/strategy for their location.

Following a competitive tendering process in 2024, Communique International was appointed to conduct a review of the nine night-time economy pilots, to look critically at the structures involved in supporting the advisors, the visibility and impact of each in their respective areas, the future rollout of the pilots, whether a further rollout or expansion of the pilots is warranted, and what needs to be put in place to make this model effective, Mr ODonovan said.

I understand that the review has now concluded, and that the report will detail a set of recommendations in relation to the future of the pilots and the wider NTE [night-time economy] programme.

I am expecting that report very shortly and I look forward to reviewing its findings and, in consultation with key stakeholders including the local authorities, mapping out the path forward for this valuable initiative.
The Government is still considering documentation submitted by Cork County Council for updating the Cobh Rd, which is estimated to cost more than 100m, the transport minister has said.

Information on the R624 Cobh Rd was provided to Cork East Fine Gael TD Noel McCarthy by minister Darragh OBrien, who said that any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the department on a case-by-case basis.

In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Rd, Mr OBrien said.

The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly, and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.

The estimated cost of this scheme was more than 100m, with possible staged implementation, he said, adding that the council also produced a strategic assessment report (Sar) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme in 2022."

Updated

Since then, both the public spending code and the departments transport appraisal framework (Taf) guidance have been updated.

The department liaised with the council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure guidelines and the Taf, including the preparation of a project outline document (Pod) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the Sar stage.

The council submitted the Pod to the department in March 2024.

Following the submission of the Pod, the council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a preliminary business case, Mr OBrien said.

The council submitted the brief for appointment of consultants in December 2024 to the department for review.

Mr OBrien added that the council hopes to appoint a consultant once the brief has been finalised.

An allocation of 350,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the preliminary business case, he added.
A teenager was remanded in custody until August 11, where he 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.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded 19-year-old Michael Harrington of Ravensdale Rd, Mahon, in custody until that date.

Sergeant John Dineen said directions were still awaited from the DPP.

Det Sgt Niall Hayes said previously: It is alleged that on May 31, 2025, Harrington entered a house at Ravensdale Rd without permission of the home owner, and proceeded to ransack a bedroom in the house and place a PlayStation, 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.
China's central bank on Friday pledged to step up its implementation of a moderately loose monetary policy and strengthen support for sci-tech innovation and consumption in the second half of the year. #XinhuaNews
A Cork Labour TD has said that his party has opted to look beyond issues they had with Catherine Connolly in the past to support her bid for the presidency.

Ms Connolly, an Independent TD for Galway, was originally a member of the Labour Party, but left in 2007 in a dispute over candidate selection.

Labour TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny told The Echo that they met on Thursday evening at a Labour Party parliamentary party, where they were briefed by the general secretary on the outcome of the internal members survey on their role as a party in relation to the presidency.

Support

Having regard to this, and believing in our members views, we have made the decision to back Catherine Connolly TD for the presidency. We support Catherine as the left candidate, he said.

In the general election of 2024, we led our campaign based off of uniting the centre left.

Our party leader, Ivana Bacik, has consistently led and promoted the growth and development of the left, providing an alternative to others. I believe Catherine can be to the fore on the movement.

Albeit the fact that the party has had differences with Catherine in the past, we must overlook them on a personal basis, and look at the long-term future for the benefit of the country and the people.

We are determined that the social democratic values of equality, justice, and tolerance should shape the presidency over the next seven years and follow the legacy of Michael D Higgins, added Mr Kenny.

I want to take this opportunity to commend Michael D Higgins and the role he has played in Irish politics as a whole, and particularly as President of Ireland, for the past 14 years. I am looking forward to the campaign ahead.

Labour councillor Ciara OConnor said she too was looking forward to seeing the campaign develop.

Legacy

It will be a big task to follow Michael Ds tremendous legacy, and Labour is immensely proud of his tenure as president. Its so important that Ireland has a president that will do us all proud.

With the support of the 11 Labour TDs, as well as three People Before Profit and 11 Social Democrats who already pledged to support her, and potentially some Independents, as well as senators, Ms Connolly will have more than the 20 members of the Oireachtas needed to get her name on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein is still deciding if it will back Ms Connolly or run its own candidate. The partys Cork North Central TD, Thomas Gould, told The Echo that discussions were still happening.

The ard chomhairle last weekend had a detailed and engaged discussion and the process is ongoing.
I dont normally do regrets. Lifes too short for all that looking back and wringing of hands.

But if I could live my life over, I would ensure that when 1995 came around, I bagged a ticket to see two of the best musical acts ever - REM and Oasis - when they played the same Slane stage in July of that year.

The 30th anniversary of that heralded Irish gig recently took place - how time flies!

I recall pondering as a 20-something at the time whether I should go to the gig. REM were already a mega-band while Oasis were on their way to superstardom and about to release their magnus opus, Whats The Story (Morning Glory).

I was living in England so the logistics were tricky, given the price of flights in those days.

I do remember writing to an Irish friend (how quaint!) and enquiring about tickets, but she ended up attended the Slane concert near her Kildare home with another friend, and I gave it a miss. Grounds for divorce in retrospect, since that lady is now my wife!

What I didnt realise was that just a few days later in that glorious summer of 1995, from August 4-6, surely the best musical festival ever to take place in Cork went ahead.

If I were living my life over, I would make sure I hot-footed it from Slane to Pairc Ui Chaoimh for the three-day Feile Festival!

Oh man, just cast your eye over that line-up 30 years ago this week: a veritable whos who of the greatest acts of the 1990s - itself the finest decade music has ever given us.

Headlining the Pairc over those three memorable days in 1995 (did I mention the weather was fab too?) were The Stone Roses, The Prodigy, Blur, The Beautiful South, Paul Weller, Ash, Moby, Orbital, the Chemical Brothers, The Verve, M People, Massive Attack, and Kylie Minogue.

Anyone who dislikes all of those is dead inside - or at least dead to me...

Underlining the fact the 90s were an enlightened decade in pop music - particularly dance music - the Feile Festival included three fine female-led bands in Elastica, Sleeper, and Lush, as well as Shaun Ryders post-Happy Mondays outfit, Black Grape.

What a time to be alive and in Cork that must have been.

Weve had some great one-off gigs in Cork down the decades - Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan come to mind - and some fine festivals too, such as the Mountain Dew event in Macroom, attracting the likes of peak era Rory Gallagher.

But I suggest the Feile Festival 30 years ago stands alone for the bill of fare presented to Corkonians.

And all of that for the not so princely sum of 45 for the three days, plus a 1.50 booking fee.

However, the famous festival almost never arrived in Cork at all.

The Feile had been running in Thurles since 1990, and attracting huge names for what became known among fans as The Trip To Tipp.

In 1995, promoters MCD decided to move it to Mondello Park in Dublin, but when the High Court ruled just weeks before the Feile was due to go ahead that it would require planning permission, there was a mad scramble to find a new venue.

Much to the relief of MCD boss Denis Desmond, the Pairc in his home town of Cork fitted the bill, and Leesiders were thrilled to see the line-up of acts on their doorstep.

There were teething problems - the campsite for revellers was a distance away in Mahon, while there were fears surrounding alcohol intake and drugs which proved unfounded. There was also controversy over the issuing of free condoms to concert-goers.

Now the stage was set, Cork was determined to party like it was 1995.

There were so many buzz acts among the 50-plus performers that it was impossible it would be anything but a hit - a memorable occasion for all those who attended.

The one sour note was the fact headline draw The Stone Roses were coming towards the end of their days together - influential drummer Reni had departed the band three months earlier - and produced something of a damp squib show by most accounts.

Among those hyping up the band beforehand had been 20-year-old journalist Caitlin Moran, who wrote in The Times in the UK: I have seen Take That, and the hysterics of their audience was nothing like the Roses fever at Feile.

But with so many great acts at the top of their game, the 1995 Feile Festival deserves its place at the top of the pantheon of Cork musical experiences.

Kylie - in the midst of reinventing herself from soapy popster to disco diva - was joined on the main stage by Nick Cave, a duet many of the crowd missed as they were watching Massive Attack in the dance tent outside the stadium at the same time.

Many cited The Prodigy as the stand-out attraction of the festival, despite the fact their act was interrupted by two power outages.

On stage, Damon Albarn referenced his band Blurs ongoing chart battle with Oasis, declaring Were having this little competition back in the UK, before launching into the single Country House that had kept the Gallaghers off No.1 a few weeks earlier.

Albarns then girlfriend Justine Frischmann sang with Elastica, but the band was burned out from constant touring and the bassist quit on the way back to Cork Airport.

To Corkonians that summer, it must have felt like the pop world had finally arrived on their doorstep. No longer did they have to catch a boat or train to see hot live acts - it was all happening under their noses.

As Ed Simons of The Chemical Brothers said in an interview a few years ago: Whoever put that bill together - they should be the booking agent for the world. It was quite something.

Now, has anyone got access to a time machine?
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees elected new officers and welcomed five new members to the board.

Justin Waddell has been elected chair of the board. A 2014 ECSU graduate, Waddell holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation science with a minor in public administration. He began his career in Washington, D.C., with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a research and development systems engineer. Waddell currently serves as a systems engineering principal at SAIC, supporting the Federal Aviation Administrations navigation programs and contributing to the modernization of the National Airspace System infrastructure. He previously worked as a technical project manager at Airbus North America, where he led the development, deployment, and sustainment of Air Traffic Flow automation systems for both domestic and international clients.

Johnny Tillett has been elected vice chair. Tillett is senior vice president of state government relations with McGuireWoods Consulting firm in Raleigh. He brings decades of experience in lobbying and public service, with expertise in energy, healthcare, transportation, and education policy. Prior to joining McGuireWoods in 2007, Tillett led his own lobbying firm in Raleigh. Before opening his lobbying firm, he served in key positions with Dare County and the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.

Patricia B. Norman has been elected secretary. A native of Windsor, North Carolina, Norman attended ECSU and earned a bachelors degree in business administration from Saint Augustines University in Raleigh. She currently serves in the Office of the Secretary of State, where she manages special projects and supports the coordination of conferences. Deeply committed to civic engagement, Norman serves on the State Employee Advisory Board of her local State Employees Credit Union and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A dedicated advocate for student success, Norman has provided mentorship, resources, and financial support to help students pursue their academic goals.

New Board Appointments

The ECSU Board of Trustees also welcomes five new members:

Art Hall, from Texas, is vice president at Tidewater Community College in Virginia. He previously held positions at Alamo Colleges and at the investment banking firms Southwestern Capital Markets and Popular Securities. He also owns Dos Veces Ranch in Texas, where he raises Wagyu cattle on land once owned by his great-grandfather. Hall has written several articles in law and international finance journals, served on the San Antonio City Council from 2003 to 2007 and in 2019, and was a member of the San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund Board. He currently serves on the Texas Tech University Law School Foundation Board. A licensed private pilot, Hall holds degrees from Harvard University, Texas Tech University, where he earned a J.D. and MBA, and the University of Wales, where he earned an LL.M.

James A. Kinion Jr. is an ECSU alumnus with a degree in accounting and more than 40 years of experience in consumer financial services, public policy, legislative affairs, and nonprofit leadership. He spent over 30 years at OneMain Financial, including as vice president and director of government relations. In that role, he worked closely with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders to shape fair, effective financial policies. He now leads Government Relations Strategies, LLC, and is active in community service across North Carolina. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to sound governance, civic responsibility, and the power of education to transform lives.

Wendy Pierce serves as manager of community benefit and grants at Sentara Health. In this role, she provides leadership and program management to build on and enhance Sentaras longstanding commitment to the communities in Virginia and North Carolina. She most recently served as chair of the ECSU Board of Visitors and is also an acting board director serving the Healthnet of the Albemarle, Economic Development Commission, Stable Housing Improvement Project, and past board chair of the Albemarle Area United Way. An ECSU alumna, Pierce has led health equity initiatives throughout the region and holds a Master of Public Health from Walden University and a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University.

Dr. Denauvo Robinson has over 50 years of extensive experience in education and community settings. He is currently retired after serving as president and CEO of Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families. He has a BS and an MA from Truman State University and a Doctorate from Grambling State University. Dr. Robinson is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and counselor supervisor in the state of North Carolina. He serves and has served on numerous civic and social boards. He currently represents North Carolina on the Counseling Compact Commission and is chair of the Trillium Health Services Governing Board.

Jasmine Jackson, current president of the ECSU Student Government Association, will serve as an ex-officio member. Jackson is a senior student-athlete majoring in kinesiology with a minor in public health.

I am pleased to welcome our new board members and congratulate our newly elected officers, Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove said. Their experience, dedication, and shared commitment to ECSUs mission will be instrumental as we advance the universitys strategic goals and strengthen our impact across the region and beyond.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ecsu.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees.php.
Adria Arjona boyfriend and Hollywood heartrob Jason Momoa has stunned fans worldwide by parting with his signature beard for the first time in six years. On Wednesday, the Aquaman and Game of Thrones star shared a now-viral video on Instagram revealing his freshly shaven face and his immediate regret.

The dramatic transformation, which left fans both shocked and swooning, wasn't for a fashion statement. It was for his role as Duncan Idaho in the upcoming Dune 3. While Momoa's reaction was mixed, his followers embraced the change with open arms.

'Whole Different Vibe': Why Jason Ditched the Beard

Momoa's beard has long been part of his rugged, warrior-like image. From Khal Drogo to Aquaman, the facial hair helped define his on-screen persona. But as reported by USA Today, the clean-cut look was required to reprise his role in Denis Villeneuve's Dune 3.

In the Instagram clip, the actor nervously announced, 'Haven't shaved in six years, and here we are again.' His expression said it all. As the last tufts of hair came off, Momoa reacted with disbelief, noting it was a 'whole different vibe'. Despite his hesitation, he made it clear it was done out of respect for Villeneuve, saying he shaved 'only for you Denis'.

The reveal marked a striking shift from the rugged image fans have come to love. It also signalled the actor's deep dedication to his craft.

'I Hate It!' Jason's Regret Meets Fans' Delight

Momoa may have jokingly declared 'Damn it, I hate it,' but fans were quick to voice their approval. The comments section of his Instagram post flooded with praise and playful reactions.

'YOUR reaction to shaving is HILARIOUS,' one user wrote, while another commented: 'Great you look so handsome omg Jason why do you hide your beautiful face?'

Support poured in from longtime admirers and new fans alike. 'Mr Jason Momoa Sir you look so very handsome unbelievable,' said one. Another added: 'You're beautiful with or without the beard!'

The candid video gave fans an unfiltered glimpse into Momoa's personality. This made the moment more than just about a new look. It was also deeply relatable and refreshingly real.

Beard Off, Planet On: Environmental Message Behind the Shave

Beyond the aesthetic shift, Momoa used the spotlight to amplify his environmental mission. In the same video, he introduced a new partnership between his sustainable bottled water brand, Mananalu, and Boomerang Water.

Together, they are launching a closed-loop system in Hawai'i that sanitises and refills aluminium bottles onsite, helping to eliminate single-use plastic and reduce shipping emissions.

'Now, we're taking it even further... That means even less waste, reduced shipping footprint, and our aluminium bottles get reused over and over. This is the future, and we're starting in Hawai'i,' Momoa explained.

He concluded with a heartfelt call to action: 'Let's get rid of single-use plastic. For our children and for our planet. All my aloha, j.'

Shaving More Than a Beard, A New Chapter Begins

While Jason Momoa may not love his new look, the internet certainly does. His clean-shaven face has gone viral, sparking admiration, memes and even a few debates over whether the beard should ever return.

But beyond the buzz, the actor used the moment to share a powerful message. By tying a personal transformation to a global cause, Momoa reminded fans that his impact extends far beyond the screen.

As Dune 3 gears up for release, the world is watching. Not just to see his next move as Duncan Idaho, but to witness how one of Hollywood's most recognisable faces continues to challenge norms, inspire change and stay unmistakably human.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Keanu Reeves' name is back in the headlines, but this time it's not for a new movie or an act of quiet generosity. It's about time, literally!

Nearly two years after a group of international thieves broke into his Los Angeles home and stole six luxury watches, Chilean police have recovered them during a massive raid in Santiago. Among them? A Rolex that carries far more emotional weight than its price tag suggests.

A Burglary That Hit More Than the Safe

Back in December 2023, Reeves returned to his Hollywood Hills home to find it ransacked. Thieves had disabled the alarm system, climbed in through a window, and made off with a high-value haul: luxury watches, some personal documents, and a few collector's items only serious Keanu fans would recognize.

At the time, sources close to the actor said the break-in shook him deeply, not because of the money lost, but because of what was taken. One of the stolen watches had been a gift from a stuntman friend who passed away shortly after John Wick: Chapter 4 wrapped. Another was a Rolex Submariner engraved with the initials "JW4" and the words "The journey continues," a quiet nod to his character's legacy.

It wasn't just theft. It was a personal violation.

Fast forward to July 2025. In a joint operation with the FBI, Chilean authorities conducted a series of raids that dismantled a sophisticated crime ring operating out of Santiago. Among the dozens of items recovered were designer bags, electronics, and yes, six luxury watches matching the serial numbers of those stolen from Reeves.

The standout piece? That same Rolex Submariner. Still in perfect condition, still bearing the custom engraving.

Authorities returned six stolen watches belonging to actor Keanu Reeves to the US Embassy in Chile. The watches were found by chance during an investigation into violent robberies committed by a gang in a Santiago neighborhood pic.twitter.com/kl6TizKNGJ  Reuters (@Reuters) July 30, 2025

Reeves, known for being low-key and almost painfully private, confirmed through his representatives that he had identified the watches and was "grateful to see them returned." The FBI is currently handling their repatriation to Los Angeles.

While many Hollywood stars own dozens of high-end timepieces, insiders say this particular Rolex was one of the few items Keanu kept close on every major film shoot since 2015. It was gifted to him by a longtime friend and member of his stunt team, who passed away after suffering injuries unrelated to the film industry.

The Bigger Picture: International Theft Rings

The recovery also points to a growing problem plaguing wealthy homeowners across the U.S.: international robbery tourism. The group behind the Reeves burglary is suspected to be part of a larger Chilean network known for exploiting visa waivers to enter the United States, burglarize high-end homes, and fly back before detection.

Authorities say this ring is responsible for dozens of burglaries in Los Angeles, New York, and Florida, often targeting celebrities and professional athletes. Reeves was one of several high-profile victims.

But this case may mark a turning point. Thanks to collaboration between U.S. and Chilean law enforcement, authorities are now building stronger databases to track items like luxury watches, making it harder for stolen goods to cross borders undetected.

What Happens Now?

The FBI is expected to return the watches to Reeves later this month, once legal procedures are finalized. No word yet on whether he'll speak publicly about the recovery, but those close to him say he's relieved and more focused than ever on personal security.

Meanwhile, the Rolex Submariner that once served as a symbol of friendship and memory now carries an extra layer of meaning. It made its way from a Hollywood safe into criminal hands, across international borders, and back, without ever losing its value to the man who wore it.

Originally published on Latin Times
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.
HARBIN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- In a farm owned by China's leading agricultural conglomerate, Beidahuang Group, digital sentinels stand watch over rice fields beneath the scorching sun. These advanced monitors oversee weather and soil conditions, transmitting real-time data back to a central farming control center.

The Youyi Farm, the country's first large-scale mechanized state-owned farm established in 1954 in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, is still a pilot of modern farming.

A smart "neural network" to test its modernization has covered 12,667 hectares of fields in the farm, which boasts 126,667 hectares of cultivated land. The network is connected with more than 500 sets of Internet of Things (iot) devices to replace human labor for agricultural production, said Qu Hui, director of the science and technology information center of the farm.

In addition to the field devices, drones generate three-dimensional maps of crop growth through aerial photography every day. There are also 120 smart irrigation switch valves connected to water level gauges, enabling automated irrigation. These high-tech applications ensure the agricultural production carried out with more precision and much higher efficiency, said Qu.

As the top grain-producing province in China, Heilongjiang boasts large swathes of black soil farmlands and paddy fields, providing ideal conditions for grain production. By integrating information technology and artificial intelligence throughout the entire agricultural production and sales chain, Heilongjiang is enhancing agricultural productivity and significantly increasing its yields.

Data shows that the contribution rate of science and technology in the growth rate of total agricultural output value in Heilongjiang has exceeded 70 percent, ranking among the top in the country. The mechanization rate in crop cultivation, planting and harvesting has exceeded 99 percent, ranking first in the country.

Tech firm Elite China, founded in Heilongjiang's capital of Harbin in 2014, has become a leading driver bolstering the province's smart agricultural development.

Hu Bo, the company's technical director, said currently, the company's core product is a smart system empowered with dynamic maps that provide customized fertilization solutions with high precision during crop growth, akin to performing a "CT scan" for crops.

Gao Wenhui, general manager of the company, introduced that the company has established close ties with institutes including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Harbin Engineering University to accelerate the application of their new scientific and technological achievements in the agricultural sector.

Heilongjiang's grain output exceeded 80 billion kg for the first time last year, accounting for 11.33 percent of the country's total and sustaining its role as China's top grain producer for 15 years in a row.

The progress of modern farming has not only helped Heilongjiang enhance its grain output but also improve the quality.

At the Seventh China Grain Trade Conference held earlier in July, Heilongjiang showcased its "Black Soil Excellent Products" series with more than 70 exhibitors in the province bringing more than 500 kinds of high-quality grain and oil products, ranging from rice, flour to soybean oil.

Ren Guanyu, chairman of Heilongjiang Agricultural Investment Food Group Co., Ltd., one of the exhibitors, said the series as Heilongjiang's recommended specialty just entered the first-tier city of Beijing. These high-end farm produce are given with added values such as digital origin tracing and international quality certification to draw consumers' attention. 
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons said Friday that Ghislaine Maxwell  the former girlfriend and associate of notorious, alleged sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein  has been moved to a minimum security womens prison camp in Texas.

Maxwell, who is a central figure in the Epstein controversy confronting President Donald Trump, had been held at minimum security federal prison in Florida.

We can confirm Ghislaine Maxwell is in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas, a spokesperson for the agency said in an email.

On Friday, the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator online showed Maxwell was no longer in the agencys custody.

That sparked a sea of questions and queries Friday over Maxwell, who was imprisoned in Florida on trafficking charges and recently met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Blanche previously served as Trumps personal attorney.

The BOP spokesperson said Maxwell, 63, is still in federal custody.

The locator function should update at midnight tonight to reflect this location, the BOP spokesperson said.

Maxwell was arrested in 2020 during Trumps first term and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

She is appealing that conviction.

Maxwell has also been wiling to talk to federal attorneys and Congress about the alleged sex ring.

Epstein died in a federal jail in New York in 2019 during Trumps first term.

The U.S. government has said Epstein killed himself.

Trump knew and socialized with Epstein and Maxwell dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

Epstein was accused of running a sex ring with young women and sometimes underage girl with prominent and powerful men, including CEOs, academics, Hollywood figures.

Trump has denied wrongdoing related to Epstein.

The president and his administration are facing scrutiny over their announcement that they would not be releasing additional Epstein files, that there is no VIP client list and no evidence of a sex ring blackmailing powerful men.

Top administration officials have also said they have not seen evidence of any ties between the Epstein ring and intelligence agencies.

In June, billionaire Elon Musk said Trumps name as in the Epstein Files and that was why the FBI and Department of Justice were not releasing them.

Trump has also called the Epstein matter a hoax, scam and witch hunt from Democrats and adversarial news media.

Trump has also sued the Wall Street Journal and its owners (including Fox News mogul Rupert Murdoch) for libel, seeking $10 billion over a story that Trump penned a bawdy birthday greeting to Epstein in 2003.

The greeting was part of birthday book put together by Maxwell, according to the Journal, which stands by its reporting.

Trump refutes the story and says the alleged greeting is fake.

Trump has been frustrated by attention to the Epstein matter, calling the late financier and alleged sex ring leader a guy who never dies.

Being list in files related to Epstein also does not mean those persons are accused of crimes or wrongdoing. Epstein and Maxwell had ties to world leaders, academic chiefs, CEOs, the British Royal Family and Hollywood notables.
The NFU has issued an urgent plea to government after one of the UKs two bioethanol plants, Vivergo in Hull, ceased taking wheat deliveriesraising serious concerns for arable growers and the wider biofuels sector.

The Vivergo plant in Hull, owned by AB Foods, has stopped accepting wheat deliveries and mothballed its bioethanol production site, citing ongoing uncertainty around the UKs trade negotiations with the US.

The move deals a significant blow to wheat farmers in Yorkshire, Northern Lincolnshire, and beyond, with ripple effects expected across the national grain supply chain.

Vivergo has been a key pillar in the UKs renewable fuel sector since its inception, processing over one million tonnes of wheat annually from more than 4,000 UK farms.

Alongside the production of low-carbon fuel, the facility generates vital co-products such as high-protein animal feed and carbon dioxide used in food processing and packagingboth of which are now at risk of disruption.

The plants closure raises wider concerns about the viability of the UKs bioethanol infrastructure and comes at a time when the sector is already under pressure from volatile global markets, unclear policy direction, and mounting climate-related challenges.

NFU Combinable Crops Board Chair Jamie Burrows said the sudden suspension of operations threatens to destabilise an already volatile market.

Not only are there huge implications for those growers that currently supply Vivergo, but this also has the potential to put further downward pressures on farmgate prices at a time when our arable farmers are already facing huge challenges including extreme weather and ongoing market volatility.

He added that the closure underscores the urgent need for government to support the domestic biofuels industry by enabling increased use of crop-based biofuels in transport and aviation.

In order to open up further market opportunities to incentivise UK wheat being used by UK biofuel plants, the NFU is calling for government to allow more biofuels from crops to be used in road transport and aviation.

Industry stakeholders have also warned that if the UK does not actively support its remaining biofuel infrastructure, it risks becoming reliant on imports to meet renewable fuel targetsundermining both domestic production capacity and the environmental case for biofuels.

With UK farmers facing tighter margins and unpredictable markets, the NFU insists that the government must act now to ensure that home-grown grain has a viable future beyond feed marketsand that the bioethanol sector remains a central part of Britains green transition.
Chinas apparel exports to Russia were valued at $1,191.311 million during JanuaryMay 2025, down 2.21 per cent from $1,218.221 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. Russia was the twelfth-largest market for Chinas apparel exports during the period.

Apparel shipments to Russia accounted for 2.13 per cent of Chinas total apparel exports in the first five months of the current year. Chinas total apparel exports stood at $55.939 billion during this period, according to sourcing intelligence tool TexPro.

China's apparel exports to Russia declined by 2.21 per cent year-on-year to $1.191 billion during JanuaryMay 2025, making Russia the twelfth-largest export destination. In 2024, exports totalled $3.47 billion, accounting for 2.26 per cent of China's total. Despite year-on-year volume drops, Russia's market rank has improved significantly since 2022.

In 2024, Chinas apparel exports to Russia totalled $3,467.067 million, representing 2.26 per cent of its total apparel exports of $153.408 billion. Russia ranked as the thirteenth-largest market in that year.

Russia has emerged as a more important destination for Chinas apparel exports in recent years. In 2022, Russia ranked eighteenth, with apparel imports from China totalling $2,835.534 million1.69 per cent of Chinas total apparel exports of $167.868 billion in that year.

During JanuaryMay 2025, China exported 577.566 million pairs of garments to Russia at an average price of $0.27 per pair. In addition, it exported 251.898 million units (average price: $4.05 per unit) and 1.321 million kg of garments (average price: $13.79 per kg) to the country.

In 2024, China exported 1,639.780 million pairs of garments (average price: $0.33 per pair), 637.780 million units ($4.47 per unit), and 4.358 million kg ($15.03 per kg) to Russia. In 2023, the shipments were 1,583.466 million pairs ($0.38 per pair), 650.500 million units ($4.41 per unit), and 3.792 million kg ($15.67 per kg), as per TexPro.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Director Ramkumar Balakrishnans Parking has shifted into the fast lane of cinematic recognition. At the National Film Awards announced earlier today for films certified in 2023, the critically acclaimed drama won big, securing the titles of Best Tamil Film and Best Screenplay. In a moment of richly deserved validation, veteran actor MS Bhaskar was named Best Supporting Actor, an honour he shares with Malayalam actor Vijayaraghavan for Pookkaalam.



A taut and deeply resonant social drama, Parking premiered in theatres on December 1, 2023, and quickly became a surprise box-office success. Produced by Soldiers Factory and Passion Studios, the film stars Harish Kalyan and MS Bhaskar as a tenant and landlord respectively, whose conflict over a seemingly mundane parking spot escalates into a disturbing battle of pride, ego, and societal status.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harish Kalyan (@iamharishkalyan)

A Clash of Egos, a Commentary on Class

Parking works on multiple levels, as a psychological thriller, a domestic drama, and a microcosmic reflection of India's entrenched class dynamics. The plot begins with a young, middle-class couple moving into a rented home. When the husband (played by Harish Kalyan) requests parking space from the house owner (MS Bhaskar), it sparks a conflict that unravels into an all-consuming war of wills. What starts off as a petty disagreement, morphs into a chilling exploration of toxic masculinity, power, and generational entitlement.



MS Bhaskar delivers one of his most powerful performances to date as Ilamparuthi, a retired government official who believes his bureaucratic past entitles him to a pedestal above the rest. His passive-aggressive manipulation, psychological control, and eventual descent into obsession earned him widespread critical acclaim, and now, a National Award. His scenes opposite Harish Kalyan, who matches him beat-for-beat with simmering rage and desperation, are among the most intense and unsettling Tamil cinema has seen in recent times.





A Script That Found Its Way to the Oscars Library

Director Ramkumar Balakrishnan, who also penned the screenplay, has been lauded for his gripping narrative structure and deeply layered writing. His debut effort is anything but rookie, with Parking, he crafts a confined yet high-stakes world where every line of dialogue adds to the escalating tension. Its no surprise that the screenplay has found a place in the Oscars Librarys Core Collection, a rare honour that cements the films global relevance.



The films supporting cast, including Indhuja Ravichandran, Prathana Nathan, Ilavarasu, Rama, and Vetrivel Raja, provide grounded performances that add texture to the tense narrative. Cinematographer Jiju Sunny and editor Philomin Raj, known for his work in Vikram and Master, keep the visual rhythm taut and claustrophobic, matching the films emotional chokehold.



As Tamil cinema continues to evolve with strong, character-driven storytelling, Parking is a landmark moment, proof that smaller stories, told with honesty and precision, can roar just as loudly as any spectacle.





Also Read: Nithya Menen: I Broke Down When Dhanush Called Me For The National Award


The Neutrino Energy Group has spotlighted Vietnam as a rising force in advanced energy innovation and subatomic research. Following the recent international neutrino physics conference in Quy Nhon, Vietnam is no longer just a host-but a strategic partner in the global transition toward autonomous, infrastructure-light energy solutions. As the nation grapples with rising energy demands and environmental pressures, neutrinovoltaic technology presents a promising path forward: converting ambient subatomic activity into continuous, decentra

HANOI, VN / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / The country's rapidly growing energy demand, urbanization, and industrialization have pushed its infrastructure to its limits. Solar and wind installations remain vulnerable to weather and seasonal variability. Vietnam is now looking toward decentralized, weather-independent, and infrastructure-light solutions. Neutrinovoltaic energy, developed by Neutrino Energy Group, offers exactly that: engineered systems converting subatomic motion into autonomous power generation.

Vietnam Hosts Neutrino Physics Meet

Vietnam welcomes global experts for high-level neutrino research collaboration

Global Scientific Collaboration

On July 22, 2025, the Vietnam Science Association hosted a four-day neutrino physics conference at ICISE Quy Nhon, gathering 60 leading physicists from 18 countries. Discussions ranged from neutrino oscillations and unified field theories to applied topics like geoneutrinos for Earth tomography and reactor monitoring for energy security. Training initiatives like the Vietnam School of Neutrinos (VSON9) are building domestic expertise in detector technologies, neutrino oscillations, and cosmic radiation research.

From Physics to Energy Solutions

Neutrinos, the universe's most abundant particles, were once considered irrelevant for energy interaction until Nobel-recognized discoveries in 2015 confirmed their mass. Guided by mathematician Holger Thorsten Schubart, Neutrino Energy Group engineered graphene-silicon nanomaterials that generate electricity from neutrinos and other non-visible radiation. Unlike photovoltaics, this process works continuously, independent of light or weather.

Deployable Technologies

The Neutrino Power Cube, a compact 5-6 kW generator weighing 50 kg, provides reliable, emission-free electricity without fuel or grid connection. Field testing of 200 units is underway, with potential applications in remote Vietnamese regions where grid expansion is impractical.

Pi Technology extends this capability to mobility. The Pi Car integrates neutrinovoltaic membranes into its structure, generating up to 100 km of range from one hour of ambient exposure. AI optimization, advanced materials engineering, and integrated battery systems enable truly autonomous EVs. Retrofits allow existing EVs to gain supplemental power.

Pi Nautic and Pi Fly adapt the same technology for maritime vessels and lightweight aviation, respectively, enabling energy-independent operations for fishing fleets, inter-island ferries, drones, and small aircraft.

The Neutrino Life Cube combines a Power Cube with atmospheric water extraction, producing 25 liters of drinking water daily and 1-1.5 kW of power, supporting disaster relief and rural clinics. Project 12742 explores neutrino-based secure communication for underwater, subterranean, and remote applications.

Material Science and Industrial Scaling

Advances in two-dimensional metals have improved neutrinovoltaic efficiency, making modules thinner and adaptable for consumer electronics and building materials. Vietnam's regulatory bodies are evaluating standards for domestic deployment and industrial scaling, including assembly and maintenance capabilities.

Economic and Environmental Impact

These technologies support decarbonization, reduce particulate pollution, and create jobs in nanomaterials, diagnostics, and maintenance. They also deliver reliable power independent of weather or geography.

By fostering scientific leadership and adopting next-generation energy systems, Vietnam can achieve infrastructure autonomy. With solutions like the Power Cube, Pi Car, Life Cube, and Project 12742, neutrinos have moved from theoretical physics to practical tools for energy and communication sovereignty.

Contact Information

Holger Thorsten Schubart

CEO and member of the Scientific Advisory Board

office@neutrino-energy.com

+493020924013

SOURCE: Neutrino Energy Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/electronics-and-engineering/neutrino-energy-group-highlights-vietnams-emerging-role-in-neutrino-sci-1036602
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN

THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 1, 2025) - Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) ("Quimbaya" or the "Company") announces that Denarius Metals Corp. has elected to terminate the binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI") previously announced on May 7, 2025. The LOI contemplated the formation of a 50:50 joint venture to advance the formalization of artisanal mining at Quimbaya's Tahami Project in the Segovia District of Colombia.

Quimbaya thanks Denarius for the time and consideration given to this opportunity. While the parties were unable to reach a definitive agreement, the Company appreciates the constructive dialogue and shared interest in advancing responsible development in one of Colombia's most prolific gold regions.

Quimbaya retains 100% ownership of the Tahami Project, including the drill-ready Tahami South. The Company remains focused on executing its fully funded 2025-2026 exploration program, which includes a 4,000-meter drill campaign scheduled to commence at Tahami South soon.

In parallel, Quimbaya will continue to pursue alternative structures to support the formalization of artisanal mining in the region, aligning with its long-standing commitment to responsible mining, inclusive economic participation, and strong community engagement.

"This is a strategically important district, and we remain confident in both the geological potential of Tahami and the strength of our position," said Alexandre P. Boivin, Chief Executive Officer. "Our exploration plans are on track, and we continue to evaluate opportunities that can responsibly advance the project and generate long-term value for all stakeholders."

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya aims to discover gold resources through exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific mining districts of Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Quimbaya Gold Inc.

Follow on X @quimbayagoldinc

Follow on LinkedIn @quimbayagold

Follow on Instagram @quimbayagoldinc

Follow on Facebook @quimbayagoldinc

Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements herein include statements and information regarding the Offering's intended use of proceeds, any exercise of Warrants, the future plans for the Company, including any expectations of growth or market momentum, future expectations for the gold sector generally, the Colombian gold sector more particularly, or how global or local market trends may affect the Company, intended exploration on any of the Company's properties and any results thereof, the strength of the Company's mineral property portfolio, the potential discover and potential size of the discovery of minerals on any property of the Company's, including Tahami South, the aims and goals of the Company, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, that the Company's exploration and other activities will proceed as expected. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: future planned development and other activities on the Company's mineral properties; an inability to finance the Company; obtaining required permitting on the Company's mineral properties in a timely manner; any adverse changes to the planned operations of the Company's mineral properties; failure by the Company for any reason to undertake expected exploration programs; achieving and maintaining favourable relationships with local communities; mineral exploration results that are poorer or better than expected; prices for gold remaining as expected; currency exchange rates remaining as expected; availability of funds for the Company's projects; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; the Offering proceeds being received as anticipated; all requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the Offering are obtained in a timely fashion; investor participation in the Offering; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although Quimbaya's management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261086

SOURCE: Quimbaya Gold Inc.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra") (CSE:XBRA)(OTC PINK:XBRAF)(FSE:9YC), an international cannabis company, is providing an update to its previously disclosed management cease trade order ("MCTO"), announced on July 2, 2025, in respect of the audited annual financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis for the year ended February 28, 2025, including the CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "Annual Financial Filings") that were not filed by the required filing deadline of June 30, 2025 (the "Filing Deadline").

As previously disclosed, the Annual Financial Filings were not filed by the Filing Deadline due to the fact that there have been certain liquidity constraints and delays associated with recent changes of management.

The Company is working expeditiously on the steps required to complete the Annual Financial Filings and expects to be able to file the Annual Financial Filings by August 29, 2025. The Company will provide updates as further information relating to the Annual Financial Filings becomes available.

Until the Annual Financial Filings are filed, the MCTO will be in effect. Additionally, the Company will issue bi-weekly default status reports in accordance with National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders. The Company intends to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines during the period it remains in default of the filing requirements. The Company confirms that there have been no material business developments or other material information relating to its affairs as of the date of this news release that have not been generally disclosed.

ABOUT XEBRA BRANDS LTD.

Xebra Brands is a Canadian cannabis company with international reach, focused on the development and commercialization of cannabis-derived wellness products. Xebra is the first company to receive full authorization to import, cultivate, manufacture, and sell cannabis (-1% THC) in Mexico, and is actively expanding its ELEMENTS product line through strategic partnerships in North America.

On Behalf of Xebra Brands Ltd.

Rodrigo Gallardo

Interim CEO

For more information contact:

+52 55 6387 2293

ir@xebrabrands.com

Forward-Looking Information

Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes, but is not limited to, business goals and objectives of the Company; statements and information regarding the timing for the filings of the Annual Filings; the Company's ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits, or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); the Company's ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; any continuing uniqueness of any of the Company's products; and other forward-looking information concerning the intentions, plans and future actions of the parties to the transactions described herein and the terms thereon.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the reliance of the Company on its auditors and management with respect to the Annual Filings; Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of the Company to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to the Company; and other related risks as more fully set out in the registration statement of Company and other documents disclosed under the Company's filings at www.sedar.com. In addition, there is no assurance that the Company will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; or have products that will be unique.

The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions about the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, the timing thereof and related matters. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

SOURCE: Xebra Brands Ltd

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/xebra-provides-update-on-mcto-1055815
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - August 2, 2025) - AeroFresh today announced the official expansion of its eco-friendly AC duct cleaning Dubai services across multiple districts, in response to increased demand for sustainable HVAC hygiene solutions. The company has added new service units, upgraded equipment, and trained additional technicians to support this growth, aiming to improve indoor air quality while complying with Dubai Municipality's environmental health standards.

The expanded AC duct cleaning service includes a broader geographic reach and enhanced scheduling capabilities, allowing AeroFresh to accommodate both residential and commercial clients more efficiently. This development comes as part of the company's wider strategy to support Dubai's green building movement and promote environmentally responsible property maintenance.

"We've seen a significant rise in demand from building managers and homeowners who are actively looking for non-toxic, eco-safe air duct cleaning solutions," said Feby James, spokesperson for AeroFresh. "By expanding our capacity, we are ensuring that more properties in Dubai can benefit from clean, breathable air-without compromising environmental integrity."

AeroFresh's duct cleaning process removes dust, mold spores, bacteria, and allergens from HVAC systems using mechanical extraction tools such as high-suction vacuums, rotary brushes, and negative air machines. The ducts are then sanitized using biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning agents, making the service safe for sensitive environments such as homes, clinics, schools, and fitness centers.

Each service includes detailed before-and-after reports with photographs, ensuring transparency and helping clients maintain compliance with local regulations and environmental certifications. The company also offers preventive maintenance plans tailored to each building's size and usage profile, which help clients save on energy costs and extend HVAC system lifespan.

The expansion enables AeroFresh to serve a variety of property types, including hotels, medical facilities, offices, and retail spaces, with customized AC cleaning Dubai service plans designed around client-specific needs and environmental considerations.

This move supports Dubai's ongoing initiatives for energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure, positioning AeroFresh as a key player in the region's eco-conscious facilities management sector.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/259924

SOURCE: GYT
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 2, 2025 / A distinguished group of five MBA professionals, comprising both recent graduates and accomplished candidates from elite institutions and organisations including the University of Georgia, Columbia Business School, Vanderbilt University, are poised to significantly influence global business landscapes. These individuals, each possessing a unique blend of expertise and a proven track record of extraordinary achievements, are actively shaping the future of finance, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors through innovative strategies and impactful leadership.

This press release highlights their collective prowess and individual contributions, underscoring their exceptional abilities and the profound impact they are making in their respective domains.

Meet the Trailblazers:

Lateefat Tewogbade: Architect of Financial Management, Financial Transformation, and Digital Finance

Lateefat Tewogbade, an MBA graduate from the University of Georgia, stands out as a formidable force in financial management and strategy. With over five years of intensive experience across diverse financial ecosystems including securities trading, asset management, financial advisory, and fintech. Tewogbade has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate complex financial terrains and engineer robust solutions. Her expertise extends beyond conventional financial management; as a Chartered Accountant, she possesses a rare aptitude for dissecting intricate financial data and translating it into clear, actionable strategies that drive substantial cost efficiencies and bolster profitability.

During her tenure at Comercio Partners Limited, Tewogbade was instrumental in managing the financial statements of the parent company and its subsidiaries, spanning diverse sectors. She meticulously ensured all financial transactions adhered to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and met stringent SEC compliance and filing requirements. A testament to her leadership and strategic acumen, she led the group Finance Department, overseeing financial reporting processes, preparing consolidated group budgets, and developing critical board presentations and strategic planning documents for the fiscal year. Her interventions directly contributed to optimizing financial operations and enhancing fiscal transparency across the organization.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Tewogbade is a passionate advocate for social impact. As a co-founder of FAAMS Foundation, a non-profit organization, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable children and households. Notably, during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in the "Feed 100 Households" initiative, providing essential food materials to families in need. This commitment to leveraging her financial expertise for philanthropic endeavors underscores her holistic approach to leadership and her dedication to fostering community well-being.

Lateefat Tewogbade's blend of rigorous financial discipline, strategic foresight, and profound social consciousness positions her not merely as a finance professional, but as a visionary leader capable of instigating transformative change within both corporate structures and societal frameworks. Her continuous pursuit of excellence, exemplified by her MBA specialization in Finance, Strategy & Analytics, solidifies her standing as an extraordinary talent poised to redefine financial leadership on a global scale.

Ademola Adewuyi: A Catalyst for Digital Innovation, Startups and Venture Capital Impact

Ademola Adewuyi, a rising second year MBA candidate at Columbia Business School, is a recognized luminary in the fields of digital innovation, technology, startups, and venture capital. With over eight years of experience spanning strategy consulting, product management, digital banking, and startup ecosystem building, Ademola has consistently demonstrated an exceptional capacity for fostering innovation and scaling impactful ventures in dynamic environments.

His current role as a Senior Program Manager at Amazon places him at the forefront of technological advancement, where he applies his profound understanding of digital ecosystems to complex, large-scale projects. Prior to Amazon, Ademola, was the Digital Innovation, Venture Success, and Strategy Lead at ALAT by Wema, Africa's pioneering digital bank. In this pivotal role, he launched cutting-edge fintech products;including an AI-powered personal finance tool and a blockchain-based payment system while leading Startup Hackaholics, one of the largest innovation and pre-accelerator platforms on the continent. Under his leadership, the program supported over 11,000 early-stage founders and catalyzed $1.8M+ in startup funding through partnerships with Google for Startups, Microsoft Garage Africa, and GITEX Global.

An entrepreneur at heart, Ademola, is the Founding Partner of Hatch Foundry, an AI powered digital innovation lab that provides mentorship, strategy, and incubation tools for early-stage startups. He also previously served as a Venture Partner at Discreet Labs, advising high-growth ventures on go-to-market strategies and fundraising.which has made him become inducted as Young Africa Catalyst Fellow in Startups and Venture Capital, Top Tier Impact Fellow and an Hive Global Leader.

At Columbia, Ademola's leadership is expansive. As Co-President of the Africa Business Club, he is spearheading the 22nd Annual Columbia Africa Conference;a landmark event attracting 500+ global attendees. As Assistant VP for Partnerships at Alleycon(NYC's Premier Startup and VC Conference hosted by Columbia Business School), he helped raise over $5,000 in sponsorship for the 2025 edition headlined by Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran. He is a Chazen Leadership Fellow who has also launched the Columbia Africa Startup Challenge and serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Global Immersion Program in Innovation and Technology, co-leading a trek to Nairobi, Kenya.

This robust academic foundation, combined with his extensive practical experience, positions him as a thought leader capable of bridging the gap between cutting-edge technological concepts and viable business solutions. Ademola's work consistently demonstrates his commitment to building innovative products that enrich lives and create enabling platforms for new opportunities, making him an extraordinary talent in the global technology, startups and venture capital landscape.

Abdul-Fattahi Adetula: Master Strategist in Business Operations and Market Expansion

Abdul-Fattahi Adetula, an MBA candidate at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management, is a distinguished professional renowned for his expertise in business strategy and operations, with a sharp focus on revenue acceleration and market expansion. His career, primarily rooted in sales and channel management within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and strategy consulting, showcases a profound ability to drive significant business outcomes through meticulous planning and execution.

As an NBMBAA Fellow and a Cal Turner Fellow for Moral Leadership at Vanderbilt University, Adetula embodies a commitment to both academic rigor and ethical leadership. His academic journey has fortified his analytical skills and strategic thinking, enabling him to dissect complex market challenges and formulate innovative solutions. He possesses a unique talent for identifying untapped market potential and developing robust strategies to penetrate new territories, consistently leading to increased revenue and market share.

Throughout his career, Adetula has been instrumental in optimizing sales processes and enhancing channel effectiveness. His hands-on experience in the CPG sector has provided him with an intimate understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, allowing him to craft and implement strategies that resonate with target audiences and drive sustained growth. He excels at transforming operational inefficiencies into streamlined processes that directly contribute to the bottom line.

Beyond professional achievements, Adetula is a dedicated social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to societal betterment. Adetula's passion for using business as a force for good has been cultivated through engagement with the Center for Social Ventures at Vanderbilt University. This commitment extends beyond the classroom and into Adetula's cross-border work, where Adetula actively engages with entrepreneurs in both South America , Africa and the US to foster economic prosperity and social impact.

Abdul-fattahi Adetula's ability to blend strategic business acumen with a profound sense of social responsibility positions Adetula as an extraordinary leader, capable of driving both economic prosperity and social good.

Ifeloluwa Adefolaju: Innovator in Healthcare Sales, Marketing, and Market Access

Ifeloluwa Adefolaju, an MBA graduate from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, is a distinguished professional with eight years of comprehensive experience in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical sales, account management, and market access. His expertise lies in his exceptional ability to bridge the gap between groundbreaking pharmaceutical innovations and the patients who need them most, consistently delivering impactful results in the highly dynamic healthcare sector.

His expertise spans navigating complex regulatory landscapes, identifying market needs, crafting compelling value propositions, and executing strategies that drive both commercial success and improved patient outcomes. With a foundational background as a clinical pharmacist and refined business acumen from his MBA, he approaches healthcare challenges with both depth and strategic vision.

Ifeloluwa Adefolaju's career is marked by a consistent track record of success in driving sales growth and expanding market penetration for pharmaceutical products. His skills in account management have enabled him to cultivate strong, lasting relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, and patient advocacy groups. He is a master communicator, capable of articulating complex scientific and commercial information in a clear and persuasive manner, which has been crucial in securing market access for new therapies.

His academic foundation from Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management has further refined his strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. The rigorous MBA program equipped him with advanced knowledge in marketing and analytics, and strategy, which he seamlessly integrates into his professional practice. Adefolaju is a detail-oriented and relationship-driven professional who thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement. He is a firm believer that fresh perspectives and a growth mindset are essential for refining strategies and sparking innovation within the pharmaceutical industry.

Ifeloluwa Adefolaju's dedication to enhancing healthcare access and his proven ability to drive strategic initiatives make him an extraordinary leader in the pharmaceutical sales and marketing domain. His contributions are not only advancing business objectives but also significantly improving the lives of patients by ensuring access to critical medical advancements.

Temitope Daniel Akanbi: Visionary Leader Redefining Business Transformation through Digital Integration and Automation

Temitope Daniel Akanbi, an MBA graduate with over nine years of extensive international experience in sales and business management, is a recognized visionary in market strategy and planning, business process automation, and digitalization. His career at Procter & Gamble, a global consumer goods giant, has been marked by a consistent trajectory of leadership and significant contributions across diverse and complex international markets.

As a Senior Manager at Procter & Gamble, Akanbi has demonstrated exceptional prowess in driving business transformation and category growth. His current role as Senior MS&P Manager for Baby Care and Digital Commerce involves spearheading e-commerce channel and retail category growth across the Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. In this capacity, he has been instrumental in integrating traditional retail strategies with cutting-edge digital solutions, positioning Procter & Gamble at the forefront of the digital commerce revolution in the region.

Temitope Daniel Akanbi's international experience is vast, spanning multiple countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, UAE, and others. His previous roles, including Senior Account Executive for E-Commerce, Skin, Baby, Fabric, and Oral Care in South Africa, and Senior MS&P Manager for Oral, Skin & Personal Care across Southern Africa, highlight his ability to navigate and excel in fast-paced, complex environments. He has consistently delivered remarkable growth and operational excellence, showcasing his global perspective and adaptability to diverse market dynamics.

His strategic leadership extends to business process automation and digitalization, where he has successfully led initiatives that optimize operational efficiency and drive market expansion. Akanbi's deep understanding of consumer behavior across different markets, combined with his expertise in digital marketing and business analysis, enables him to develop and implement strategies that yield measurable and impactful results. He is adept at identifying opportunities for innovation and leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance overall business performance.

Temitope Daniel Akanbi's academic background, an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Lagos, provides him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective. This interdisciplinary background enables him to see digital transformation not merely as a technical upgrade, but as a strategic imperative. His initiatives often blend advanced analytics, AI-driven decision support, and market segmentation tools to create holistic solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses in evolving economies. This blend of skills allows him to design transformation frameworks that are not only technically sound but operationally scalable.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Akanbi is deeply committed to social impact. He actively supports causes that span education, technology access, and sustainability, viewing his work as a tool to drive inclusive growth. For him, the future of business lies in equitable digital transformation where innovation doesn't just scale companies, but communities too.

Collective Impact and Future Outlook: A New Era of Business Leadership

This distinguished cohort of MBA professionals represents a powerful confluence of talent, expertise, and visionary leadership. Their collective impact extends across critical sectors of the global economy, from reshaping financial strategies and pioneering digital innovation to optimizing healthcare access and driving market expansion in consumer goods. What unites Lateefat Tewogbade, Ademola Adewuyi, Abdul-Fattahi Adetula, Ifeloluwa Adefolaju, and Temitope Daniel Akanbi is not just their advanced education from top-tier institutions (University of Georgia, Columbia Business School, and Vanderbilt University) but their shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a tangible difference in the world.

Their diverse specializations, ranging from financial analytics and venture capital to strategic operations and market access, provide a comprehensive toolkit for addressing the multifaceted challenges of the 21st-century business landscape. Each individual has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transcend conventional boundaries, leveraging their unique insights to create significant value, whether through optimizing complex supply chains, launching impactful social initiatives, or driving digital transformation in established industries. Their work is characterized by a blend of rigorous analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of global market dynamics.

As they continue to advance in their careers, these professionals are poised to set new benchmarks for leadership and innovation. Their contributions are expected to drive substantial economic growth, foster technological advancements, and promote more equitable access to essential services worldwide. They embody the future of global business leadership-a future defined by strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a profound sense of social responsibility. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in complex, fast-paced environments makes them exceptionally well-suited to tackle the most pressing global challenges and spearhead transformative initiatives that will leave a lasting positive impact on industries and communities alike.

About the MBA Professionals:

This group comprises highly accomplished individuals, including both MBA graduates and current candidates, who have consistently demonstrated extraordinary ability and leadership in their respective fields. Among them is a professional working at a Fortune 100 company, underscoring the caliber and influence within this cohort. Their academic rigor, coupled with extensive practical experience and a commitment to innovation, positions them as influential thought leaders and innovators ready to shape the future of global business. For more detailed information on their individual achievements and contributions, please refer to their respective LinkedIn profiles.

Media Contact:

Ignite Solutions

2405129153

SOURCE: Ignite Solutions

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/visionary-mba-professionals-driving-innovation-and-impact-across-1055823
SARAJEVO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Appellate Division Panel of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on Friday upheld a one-year prison sentence for Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, confirming his conviction for refusing to implement decisions issued by the High Representative in BiH.

Dodik was accused of knowingly defying decisions issued by Bosnia's High Representative, Christian Schmidt, in 2023. The ruling follows a public hearing held on June 12, during which both the prosecution and defense filed appeals. The court rejected both appeals and upheld the initial verdict. The decision is final and cannot be challenged further.

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a six-year ban on Dodik from holding the office of President of Republika Srpska, effective from the date the verdict becomes final. The incarceration period will not be counted toward the duration of the ban.

In the same case, Milos Lukic, acting director of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, was acquitted of identical charges. The court found no legal basis for his conviction and upheld the initial not-guilty verdict.

Following the ruling, Dodik described the court's decision as "political" and "a direct attack on Republika Srpska." He argued that the Court of BiH serves "the political will of Sarajevo and Muslim political structures," and called the move "an obvious attempt to eliminate the Serb political factor from Bosnia and Herzegovina."

Dodik emphasized that the ruling does not prohibit him from remaining president of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), his party. He announced plans to return to elections with a new platform after the ban expires, depending on the outcome of future political consultations.

Once again denying the legitimacy of the Office of High Representative (OHR) and its leader, Schmidt, he told supporters that "not a single bullet will be fired" and stressed that "the greatest strength is the strength of unity."

The OHR, an international body established under the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the 1992-1995 war, holds sweeping "Bonn powers" that allow the High Representative to impose laws and dismiss officials in BiH. However, since taking office in 2021, Schmidt has frequently applied "Bonn powers" to impose legal changes, drawing criticism in BiH.

Dodik has served as the president of Republika Srpska from 2022 to 2025, and was the Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2018 to 2022.

BiH Presidency member and SNSD Vice President Zeljka Cvijanovic also criticized the court's decision, calling it "political." RS National Assembly President Nenad Stevandic said they would continue to win "with the support of the people and institutions."

Bosnia and Herzegovina is composed of two autonomous entities: Republika Srpska, with a predominantly Serbian population, and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily inhabited by Bosniaks and Croats. The two entities operate under a weak central government. 
Iraqi forces invaded its neighbouring country, Kuwait, on August 2, 1990, marking the beginning of the Gulf War in West Asia. Saddam Hussein justified the invasion by accusing Kuwait of stealing oil from Iraqs oil fields. On this day, Adolf Hitler officially became the dictator of Nazi Germany, hours after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg

Kuwaiti citizens walk south along the Basra highway heading back to Kuwait following the end of the Gulf War, past a burning Iraqi APC. File image/Reuters

It was in the early hours of August 2, 1990, that Iraqi forces led by President Saddam Hussein launched a massive military invasion of neighbouring Kuwait. This marked the beginning of the Gulf War.

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.

On this day in 1858, the Government of India Act 1858 was formally signed into law by the British Parliament. Meanwhile, Adolf Hitler consolidated absolute dictatorial authority over Germany.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Here is all that has taken place on this day.

The invasion of Kuwait began

At 2 am on August 2 1990, Iraqi forces launched a full-scale invasion of their oil-rich neighbour, Kuwait. This marked the beginning of the Persian Gulf War and profoundly reshaped the geopolitics of West Asia.

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein justified the invasion by accusing Kuwait of overproducing oil and stealing oil from Iraqs Rumaila oil field, claims widely dismissed by the international community. Many analysts saw the invasion as a desperate move by Iraq to alleviate its crushing $80 billion debt from the Iran-Iraq war and to gain control of Kuwaits vast oil reserves, which would give Iraq nearly 20 per cent of the worlds known oil supply.

Iraqi soldiers ride on top of one of their tanks through the streets of Kuwait City on August 4, 1990. File image/AP

The United Nations condemned the invasion, demanding Iraqs immediate withdrawal. The United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations began moving troops into the region in a buildup known as Operation Desert Shield, aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia and preparing for possible military intervention.

Over the next few months, diplomatic efforts failed to persuade Saddam to withdraw. On January 17, 1991, a US-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a full-scale military campaign to liberate Kuwait. The invasion of Kuwait set off the Gulf War, redrew geopolitical alliances, and permanently altered the West Asias power dynamics. It also marked the beginning of a long period of US military involvement in the region.

Government of India Act signed

The Government of India Act 1858 was formally signed into law by the British Parliament on August 2, 1858, effectively abolishing the rule of the East India Company, thus transferring direct administrative control of India to the British Crown.

The Act was a direct response to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the Sepoy Mutiny), which exposed the fundamental flaws and widespread discontent under the Companys governance. The British government realised that the existing system was unsustainable and that direct control was necessary to maintain stability and consolidate its power.

Under the Act, the East India Companys charter was revoked, and all its territories, armies, treaties, and administrative responsibilities were handed over to the British government. The Act created the new position of Secretary of State for India, a Cabinet-level role with complete authority over Indian affairs, assisted by a 15-member Council of India based in London. In India, the Governor-General was redesignated as the Viceroy, who acted as the direct representative of the British monarch.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Hitler became dictator

Adolf Hitler officially became the dictator of Nazi Germany on August 2, 1934, hours after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg. By merging the roles of Chancellor and President, Hitler assumed the title of Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor, giving himself absolute control over the German state and military.

Hitlers plans of becoming a dictator unfolded in steps and versions. After being appointed Chancellor on January 30, 1933, Hitler quickly worked to dismantle the Weimar Republics democratic structures. The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 gave him a pretext to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and enabling the arrest of political opponents. The Enabling Act followed in March 1933, granting Hitler the power to enact laws without parliamentary approval.

An oil painting of Adolf Hitler from 1937. Wikimedia Commons

Following the death of Hindenburg, Hitler wasted no time and established a new law to combine the presidency with the chancellorship. The military was then required to swear an oath of personal loyalty to Hitler, not to the German constitution. This act symbolised the complete submission of state institutions to Hitlers will.

A national plebiscite was held on August 19, where Germans were asked to approve Hitlers new powers. Though the vote was neither free nor fair, Nazi propaganda claimed that nearly 90 per cent of voters supported Hitler as Fuhrer. With no constitutional limits, no independent judiciary, and no political opposition, Hitlers dictatorship was complete.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This Day, That Year

On this day in 1943, a US Navy torpedo boat under John F Kennedys command, was sunk by a Japanese destroyer during World War II.

In 1830, Charles X of France abdicated the throne.
US President Donald Trump has threatened India with a penalty for buying Russian crude. As bilateral trade talks continue, America has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports. But what are Indias options? All this and more in our weekly wrap

India is staring at a 25 per cent tariff on its goods exported to the United States. Announcing higher rates for India than more than 50 other countries, President Donald Trump has also threatened New Delhi with a penalty for buying Russian crude.

The Indian government has confirmed that the three terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev were behind the Pahalgam terror attack. Hashim Musa, the reported mastermind of the April 22 massacre, was among those killed by Indian security forces in a joint operation this week.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Nisar, an Earth-observation satellite built by India and the US, was launched into space. The mission will study minute changes on the Earths surface.

Heres all this and more in our weekly wrap from India.

1. The US imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports from August 1. American President Trump has been railing against Indias high tariffs and the massive trade deficit between the two countries.

Trumps high tariffs against India come even as New Delhi and Washington continue to negotiate a bilateral trade deal. As the taxes on Indian goods imported to the US come into effect, Americans will face the brunt immediately. Indias GDP could also take a hit. We take a look at the impact in this report.

2. Trump has threatened a penalty tariff on India for buying Russian crude oil. The US president has so far failed to achieve a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. India has maintained a neutral stance in the war and continued to buy discounted fuel from Moscow despite pressure from the West.

Russia accounted for just 0.2 per cent of Indias imports of crude oil before the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Today, India is among the top buyers of Russian oil. How did this shift happen? And can India do without Russian crude? Heres our report.

3. The week that the Parliament held a discussion on Operation Sindoor, reports came that three terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack had been killed. Home Minister Amit Shah told the Parliament that those killed were indeed the Pahalgam attackers and this was established with the aid of forensic and ballistic tests.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He also confirmed that all three terrorists were Pakistani citizens, who were killed in Operation Mahadev, a joint effort by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The encounter between the security forces and the terrorists took place in the upper reaches of Dachigam Forest, which is in Srinagars Harwan area. Read our report to know more.

4. Nisar, or Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar, was launched into a 747 km sun-synchronous polar orbit this week. It lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, onboard Isros GSLV Mk-II rocket.

Weighing 2,392 kilos, Nisar was jointly developed by Isro and Nasa. It has two frequencies  Nasas L-band and Isros S-band, which will equip the mission to observe changes more accurately than any other satellite. Nisar will scan the globe every 12 days, providing detailed images of the Earths surface. We take a look at what makes it special.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

5. A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court announced its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, acquitting all seven accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit. The explosion near Bhikku Chowk in Maharashtras Malegaon town had killed six people and injured 101 others.

Pragya Singh Thakur has been acquitted in the Malegaon blast case. File Photo/PTI

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested the accused nearly 17 years ago. However, all have been out on bail for years. The special NIA court has now acquitted all the accused. But why? Heres our detailed report.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

6. An elderly woman accused of the murder of her husband had recently gone viral after her video defending herself in a courtroom with the help of science surfaced. Mamta Pathak, 65, made headlines again this week after the Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld her life sentence for killing her husband by electrocution.

Dr Neeraj Pathak was found dead at his Loknathpuram house in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur in April 2021. But how did the police arrest his wife, a former chemistry professor? Why did she murder her husband? Heres our story.

This is all we have for you this week. If you like how we analyse news, you can bookmark this page.

PS. In a highly rare pregnancy, the foetus of a woman in Uttar Pradesh is growing in her liver instead of the uterus. Read this report to know more.
US President Donald Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines to appropriate regions after a fiery exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, raising eyebrows worldwide. While experts stress this is more of a signal than a military move, Trumps decision to publicise submarine positioning marks a rare escalation in rhetoric with Moscow

US President Donald Trump looks on as a member of the media raises their hand, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump on Friday revealed that he had directed two American nuclear submarines to be relocated to what he described as the appropriate regions.

His announcement followed a volatile exchange with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev  I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He added, Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.

Later in the day, Trump doubled down on his decision during an interaction with reporters, stating, A threat was made by a former president of Russia, and were going to protect our people.

In an interview with Newsmax, he offered further reasoning, saying, We always want to be ready, and so I have sent to the region two nuclear submarines. I just want to make sure that his words are only words and nothing more than that.

The Pentagon and the US Navy, however, remained silent on the development, highlighting how rare it is for a sitting US president to publicly disclose or even allude to the positioning of nuclear-capable submarines, an issue typically kept behind numerous classified protocols.

Why Medvedevs remarks triggered Trump

The chain of events began days earlier, when Trump issued a blunt ultimatum to Moscow: agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within ten days or face sweeping tariffs.

The warning was the latest in Trumps already hardening stance on the conflict, which has dragged on for more than three years since Russias invasion in 2022.

Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russias Security Council, responded with a post that bristled with mockery and menace.

He wrote that Trumps series of ultimatums represented a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country. Dont go down the Sleepy Joe road!

Dmitry Medvedev is a former President as well as Prime Minister of Russia. File Image/Reuters

The post referenced Sleepy Joe, a nickname Trump has long used to deride his predecessor Joe Biden. By comparing Trumps ultimatum to Bidens policies and warning of potential war, Medvedev appeared to deliberately provoke a reaction.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In another statement, he made reference to Russias Cold War-era automatic nuclear retaliation capabilities  a statement that escalated the online confrontation and set off alarms in Washington.

Trump, who has increasingly voiced anger toward Russia in recent months, snapped back and told Medvedev to watch his words, accusing Moscow of carrying out disgusting attacks on Ukraine and warning of additional sanctions.

In one message, he wrote: This is Bidens War, not TRUMPs. Im just here to see if I can stop it!

Though Medvedev is widely seen as a political figurehead with little direct control over Russias nuclear arsenal, his language has often been combative and is viewed by many Western officials as reflecting the Kremlins ideological posture.

Some US officials quietly downplayed the seriousness of Medvedevs comments, saying they were not treated as an imminent nuclear threat.

But for Trump, the exchange became personal  and public.

What submarines did Trump mean

One of the biggest questions following Trumps announcement was: what exactly did he mean by nuclear submarines?

The United States operates 71 nuclear-powered submarines, which fall into two broad categories: fast-attack submarines and ballistic missile submarines.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The latter  the Ohio-class fleet  forms one of the three pillars of Americas nuclear triad, alongside land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and strategic bombers.

The US has 14 Ohio-class submarines, each able to carry up to 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. These missiles are capable of delivering multiple thermonuclear warheads to targets up to 4,600 miles (7,400 km) away.

At any given moment, between 8 and 10 of these subs are on patrol in undisclosed locations across the globe, maintaining a constant state of readiness.

Experts note that such submarines do not need to be moved into position to strike potential targets, because their range covers vast swaths of the planet.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists highlighted this point, saying: The subs are always there all the time and dont need to be moved into position. He grants Medvedev a response to these crazy statements.

It remains unclear whether Trump was referring to these nuclear-armed Ohio-class subs or to other nuclear-powered attack submarines, which are not armed with nuclear weapons but can carry conventional missiles and conduct surveillance, intelligence, and anti-ship operations.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Meanwhile, Russia boasts around 64 vessels in its submarine fleet of which more than half of them are reportedly nuclear-powered.

This includes 11 nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines, 14 nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 16 ballistic missile submarines, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

Why this is unusual by a US president

While the US military regularly shifts its submarine deployments, it almost never advertises those movements.

In fact, the operational secrecy of ballistic missile submarines is a foundational element of US nuclear deterrence strategy  their undetected presence is meant to assure adversaries that any nuclear strike on the United States would be met with devastating retaliation.

That is what made Trumps announcement so unusual.

By publicly declaring the submarine repositioning, he effectively turned a normally silent act of military deterrence into a loud political signal. Analysts say this appears to be part of Trumps well-known style of performative strength  responding visibly when provoked.

Security expert explained the move by saying that the submarines were likely already where they need to be, but announcing their movement amplifies the signal to Moscow.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trumps decision to go public also fits a broader pattern. In December 2016, weeks before his first inauguration, Trump had posted on Twitter that the US must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.

That statement triggered fears of a potential arms race, even though the number of US nuclear warheads has largely remained stable in recent decades, shrinking from Cold War highs through arms control agreements.

Why Trump publicly mentioned the nuclear submarines

Trumps relationship with Russia and its leadership has long been a matter of intense debate.

In his first term, he frequently boasted about his rapport with President Vladimir Putin, portraying himself as a dealmaker who could manage the bilateral relationship better than his predecessors.

But his recent language suggests a turn toward frustration and confrontation. In recent weeks, Trump has blasted Russias military actions in Ukraine, describing them as disgusting and accusing Putin of talking bullshit.

He has also threatened secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy  explicitly mentioning India  and warned that buyers of Russian oil could face economic penalties.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

At the same time, he has pursued aggressive tariff policies, declaring, They can take their dead economies down together.

Although Medvedev was the immediate target of his submarine remarks, many observers believe the real message was aimed at Putin. Trump has become more critical of the Kremlin while still appearing to believe he retains a personal channel with the Russian president.

Experts weigh in: signalling, not immediate conflict

Despite the fiery language and the alarming subject matter  nuclear weapons  most security analysts say Trumps announcement is not evidence of imminent military escalation.

Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute and a former senior Pentagon official, argued that this move was mostly about messaging rather than preparing for a nuclear clash.

Its really signalling. Its not the beginning of some nuclear confrontation and nobody reads it as such. And I would imagine the Russians dont either, she told Reuters.

At the same time, there are concerns about the potential consequences of such rhetoric.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, condemned the tone of the exchange, stating: This is irresponsible and inadvisable. No leader or deputy leader should be threatening nuclear war, let alone in a juvenile manner on social media.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Other analysts warn that Trump could be stepping into what they call a commitment trap, in which strong words create an expectation that he will follow through with increasingly forceful actions if tensions escalate further.

What next for Trump, Ukraine and Putin

Trumps submarine declaration did not happen in isolation. It is part of a broader strategy  or at least a series of moves  to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.

On July 29, Trump had given Russia a ten-day deadline to agree to a ceasefire or face punishing tariffs. The deadline expires on August 8, and Moscow has shown no signs of complying.

Putin has instead reiterated that the momentum of the war favours Russia, while saying he remains open to peace talks, a statement that has not been accompanied by any real concessions.

Supporters may see this as a show of decisiveness and resolve, especially toward a Russia that has frequently used its own nuclear rhetoric to intimidate.

Critics, however, argue that publicising such decisions undermines the quiet deterrence posture that the US has cultivated for decades  and raises unnecessary fears of a nuclear standoff.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Gaza is gripped by a man-made famine as starvation deaths rise sharply. Doctors describe mothers too weak to breastfeed and children unable to swallow. Experts explain how the body eats itself in five stages of starvation  from burning stored carbs to consuming vital organs  in a crisis that aid workers say is entirely preventable

A doctor checks Palestinian girl Jana Ayad, who is malnourished, according to medics, as she receives treatment at the International Medical Corps field hospital, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the southern Gaza Strip, June 22, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, dozens have died from starvation and malnutrition-related conditions.

The majority of these deaths have been recorded in recent months, as the already fragile humanitarian situation collapsed further.

In March this year, Israel tightened its blockade into what aid workers describe as a total siege, halting nearly all food and medical supplies.

This decision has left trucks full of emergency aid stalled at land crossings, unable to enter despite the urgent need.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The consequences have been catastrophic.

Gazas 2.1 million residents have endured relentless bombardment and mass displacement  many forced to flee multiple times, with some uprooted as many as ten times since the conflict began.

This instability, coupled with blocked aid, has created conditions of extreme hunger. Images emerging in recent weeks show visibly emaciated children.

The United Nations World Food Programme has reported that more than one-third of the population has gone for days at a time without food. At least a quarter of Gazas people are now experiencing what experts describe as famine-like conditions.

Local doctors report scenes in hospitals where many Palestinians too weak to donate blood and mothers physically unable to produce breast milk for their babies.

The World Health Organisation warns that the worst-case scenario of famine is no longer a prediction  it has arrived.

In July alone, the WHO documented 63 deaths from malnutrition in Gaza.

UNICEF estimates that 100,000 women and children are currently suffering from severe malnutrition, while other UN agencies warn that disease is spreading rapidly and health infrastructure has almost completely collapsed.

What happens to the human body without food

While hunger is a universal sensation, prolonged deprivation sets off a series of profound changes inside the human body  changes that can ultimately end in death.

If youre not eating enough, we have evolved mechanisms for how to stay alive, Dr. Kevin Stephenson, a malnutrition expert at Washington University in St Louis, US, explained, while speaking to National Public Radio (NPR).

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

We basically eat our own body for nutrition.

This self-consumption unfolds in five overlapping metabolic stages, as the body adapts to survive without external energy sources.

Phase one

In the earliest stage of food deprivation, the body turns to its most accessible energy source  stored carbohydrates, mostly in the liver.

The carbohydrate stores in our liver are like protein bars that our body has evolved to be able to tap into, Stephenson explains. During a normal overnight fast, or even the gap between meals, the body already taps these reserves.

If no food is consumed beyond this initial period, the carbohydrate stores run out  typically within 24 to 48 hours  and the first weight loss begins.

Hunger pangs and stomach growling may occur as the digestive tract contracts to clear out remnants of food.

Phase two

By the second day, the body switches fuel sources, relying on fat.

As fat is broken down for energy, blood sugar levels drop.

This can lead to fatigue, dizziness and lightheadedness.

Phase three

Around the third day, the liver ramps up production of ketones  compounds derived from fat that serve as an alternative fuel for the brain.

This ketone production allows the body to keep functioning without the severe symptoms of low blood sugar.

Paradoxically, some people report a fleeting sense of mental sharpness during this stage, along with a reduced desire to eat.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Phase four

As hunger stretches into days and weeks, the body enters a conservation state, slowing its metabolism to preserve energy.

Heart rate and blood pressure drop, and the body reduces production of certain hormones.

Hormones that are important but not critical to survival are dialed down, Stephenson notes. Thyroid hormones decline, causing lethargy; reproductive hormones also dip, often halting menstrual cycles.

People instinctively reduce their physical activity, not just out of weakness but because their bodies are essentially telling them to conserve every bit of energy.

Phase five

Eventually, fat stores run out. This can take weeks or even months, depending on the persons initial fat reserves.

At that point, the body begins to consume muscle protein  including muscles essential for life, such as the heart.

The body tries to preserve muscle as best it can because muscle is very metabolically demanding to build, Stephenson tells NPR.

But ultimately, though, it gives up and says, Im gonna die if I dont get protein here.

This phase causes the most visible signs of starvation: severe muscle wasting, weakness, swollen legs and abdomen (due to loss of the protein albumin), brittle hair, thin and dry skin, and deeply sunken eyes.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

If starvation continues, organ systems fail.

The immune system collapses, leaving the body vulnerable to infections it can no longer fight. The weakening of the heart muscle can cause dangerous irregular rhythms, which can trigger sudden cardiac arrest.

Adults with water access can survive up to two months without food. But ultimately, in this fifth stage, unless food is reintroduced carefully, starvation becomes fatal.

Why children are the most vulnerable

Children deteriorate much faster under starvation. Their bodies need a steady stream of nutrients for growth, but their energy reserves are small.

UNICEF estimates that 12.2 million children worldwide faced severe malnutrition last year, with South Asia being the hardest-hit region. Gaza is now adding dramatically to those figures.

Palestinian children gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City, July 22, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Stephenson warns that the danger for children is acute and fast-moving: Its so, so common to hear this story from a mom: My kid was irritable and felt hot. I took them to a local doctor, and within two hours, they were dead.

Children with even minor infections  pneumonia, diarrhoea  spiral downward rapidly. Illness drains energy stores further, and their already fragile systems cant recover.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In severe cases, children stop feeling hunger entirely. Their digestive systems weaken, and they lose the ability to swallow.

Muscle wasting affects the jaw and the coordination needed to eat.

Swallowing is so fundamental to survival, and so I think that speaks to how severe this condition is, Stephenson says.

Eventually, you can just get sick enough that the parts of your brain that stimulate you to eat stop working.

The treatment for malnutrition in children is straightforward in theory: food and water.

Also Watch:

Emergency responders often provide peanut-based pastes, rich in calories and nutrients. Children too weak to swallow are given feeding tubes.

But treating children with prolonged starvation comes with its own risks. They can develop refeeding syndrome  a dangerous shift in electrolytes that can disrupt heart rhythms and cause death if not managed carefully.

If left untreated, severe malnutrition kills between 10 per cent and 40 per cent of affected children. Survivors often suffer long-term damage: stunted growth, developmental delays, and lifelong vulnerability to illness.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Studies also show that severe malnutrition in childhood correlates with poorer academic performance and reduced economic prospects later in life.

Still, Stephenson offers hope: It is possible, if you get them through that one bad, worst period of their childhood, that they could be OK. All hope is not lost.

Starvation: A preventable tragedy

Severe malnutrition is one of the simplest medical crises to treat  yet one of the deadliest if left unaddressed.

There are lots of complicated things that we cant fix in the world, but severe malnutrition is not one of them, Stephenson says.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, began operating aid distribution points in May.

But instead of being a lifeline, many human rights organisations accuse these sites of being deadly traps.

According to multiple rights groups, more than 1,000 Palestinians have died at or near GHF distribution centres.

Security forces managing the aid points have allegedly fired live ammunition into crowds and used tear gas in tight, densely packed areas, causing fatal suffocation incidents.

The GHF has also been criticised for operating in a militarised environment, where chaotic crowd control and insufficient safeguards leave the weak and vulnerable behind.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Only those physically strong enough to reach and withstand conditions at these sites  often younger, healthier individuals  can collect rations.

Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City. File Image/Reuters

People who are elderly, disabled, or too frail are effectively excluded, deepening the inequality in access to desperately needed food.

More than 100 humanitarian organisations have called on Israel and international authorities to ensure unimpeded access for aid deliveries, insisting that starvation on this scale is both preventable and reversible if assistance reaches those in need.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that February 15 stampede tragedy at New Delhi railway station was triggered by a large piece of luggage falling from a passengers head

Visuals during stampede at New Delhi Railway station

A tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station in February, in which 18 lives were lost, was triggered by a large piece of luggage falling from a passengers head, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Friday (August 1).

The incident, described as the deadliest railway station tragedy since Mumbais Elphinstone Road stampede in 2017, which killed 23 people, had prompted widespread criticism and calls for systemic changes.

What happened on the night of February 15?

The chaos unfolded on February 15 around 8:48 pm on a foot-over-bridge connecting platforms 14 and 15, during the evening rush hour between 9:15 and 9:30 pm. Thousands of passengers had flooded the station, many of whom were heading to Bihar-bound trains during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.

There was a big headload falling from one of the passengers and the pressure was passed on to the stairs of platforms 14/15, resulting in the tripping of passengers, Vaishnaw explained in his parliamentary reply.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The narrow 25-foot-wide footbridge, already congested with passengers carrying large headloads, became a deadly bottleneck. Post-mortem reports confirmed that the victims succumbed to traumatic asphyxia.

A committee investigating the incident found that while crowd management protocols were in place, the passenger density on the foot-over-bridge had surged after 8:15 pm.

Railway records, cited by Hindustan Times, revealed that 7,600 unreserved tickets were sold that evening, with sales peaking at 1,500 per hour as crowds began gathering from 6:00 pm. The committee noted that the heavy headloads carried by many passengers significantly hindered movement on the narrow bridge, contributing to the catastrophe.

Railway experts have sharply criticised the incident, with some labelling it a completely avoidable incident and a case of classic mismanagement.

Indian Railways implements preventive measures

In response, Indian Railways is rolling out extensive measures to prevent future tragedies at 73 stations identified as prone to heavy passenger rushes.

Minister Vaishnaw outlined plans for permanent holding areas outside these stations, building on temporary arrangements tested during the 2024 festival season.

Pilot projects are already underway at key stations, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad. Under the new system, passengers will only access platforms when their trains arrive, reducing congestion within stations.

To further enhance safety, Indian Railways will implement full access control at these 73 stations.

Passengers with confirmed reserved tickets will gain direct platform access, while those without tickets or on waiting lists will be directed to designated waiting areas outside.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Unauthorised entry points will be sealed to ensure tighter control.

Additionally, narrow foot-over-bridges will be replaced with wider 12-meter and 6-meter designs equipped with ramps, a model proven effective during the recent Mahakumbh festival.
The emergence of India as a significant economic and military power is a complication in the G2 global power duopoly

No one likes an impoverished former colony becoming the worlds fourth-largest economy. At Independence in 1947, India had a minuscule GDP of Rs. 2.70 lakh crore. By the end of 2025, Indias GDP is projected by the IMF to be Rs. 360 lakh crore ($4.19 trillion). This would make India not only the worlds fourth-largest economy but also, at an annual growth rate of 6.5 per cent, the worlds fastest-growing major economy.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

All of these rankles in two global capitals: Washington and Beijing. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are resigned to battling each other in a long, drawn-out Second Cold War. The emergence of India as a significant economic and military power is a complication in this G2 global power duopoly.

Trumps punitive tariff rate of 25 per cent on Indian exports, along with an unspecified penalty for buying oil and military equipment from Russia, reflects Washingtons angst.

Indias economy is still too smallone-fifth Chinas size and one-seventh Americasto be an immediate concern to either. But both know that, over the next decade, India will be the only country outside the G2 that can swing the balance of global power between the US-led West and the China-led East.

India is therefore in the awkward position of being both an ally and a threat to the G2. The recent thaw in Indias relations with China is aimed at lowering the bilateral temperature between Beijing and Delhi. China is meanwhile quietly pleased at the tension between the US and India over trade tariffs.

Washington has pivoted away from India in Trumps second term. It wants to keep India in the Western camp but is annoyed at Indias independent streak over foreign and trade policy. The tariff attack is meant to place pressure on India to toe its geopolitical line.

Russia is a red flag. Legislation imposing 100 per cent secondary sanctions on India for buying Russian crude will come up before the House of Representatives when it reconvenes in September. But saner minds in Washington know that India can easily replace the 2.1 million barrels of oil it buys per day from Russia with crude from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South America.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

As Indias Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, India bought just 0.1 per cent of its total crude from Russia before 2022. It can go back to near-zero again. The world is awash in oil as demand in China tapers amid its move towards green fuels.

The US and China, as they contest global supremacy well into the 2030s, have both tried to weaken Indias resolve. China infiltrated across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on multiple occasions before opting for a more calibrated strategy after India exhibited military force. Significantly, Beijing did not block the UN Security Councils condemnation last week of Pakistani terror group TRF (an LeT offshoot). The UNSC, using strong language, said the TRF was responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

Future world order?

In his new book The Once and Future World Order, Amitav Acharya, distinguished professor of international relations at American University in Washington, DC, argues that the US-led Western world order was a continuation of older world ordersincluding civilisations in India and China.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Acharya says that as the West declines, the Rest will form a multiplicity of global power blocs. That does not align with the US-China construct of a G2 world.

While Washington and Beijing are discomfited by a rising India, some commentators in India downplay the decline of the West that Acharya accurately portrays and underplay the rise of the Rest.

For example, C Raja Mohan, distinguished fellow at the Council of Defence and Strategic Research, wrote in The Indian Express on July 30: Acharyas critique of Western dominance is compelling, but not all aspects of the Western legacy can or should be discarded. The Enlightenment ideals of the 17th and 18th centuriesreason, scepticism, science, individual liberty, and secularisation of society away from religious dominanceare at the very foundation of Western primacy in the last three centuries."

If the East wishes to lead in shaping the world order, it must engage these ideals critically and constructively. Any notion that the East can rise by short-circuiting these values is an illusion. It only delays and derails the effort to rise. The battles against political, religious, and other absolutisms remain to be fought and won in the East. Until then, a rising East will not present an alternative modelonly a different and less attractive one. The profound internal contradictions within and across the East will continue to keep it well behind the West.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This is the sort of commentary Western institutions use to buttress their own thesis of Western supremacy in a Trump-led world.

In Raja Mohans article, the West is lauded for its reason, scepticism, individual liberty, and secularisation of society without a word (beyond the solitary reference to exploitation) pointing out the other contributory factors for the Wests rise: rapacious colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and extra-territorial invasions. All occurred after the Age of Enlightenment.

Acharyas conclusions of a multiplex global order might be an old idea wrapped in a new cover, but it stays honest to the history of the West and the Rest.

The rise of China, for example, is inevitable. So is Indias over a longer period. The two Asian powers may meanwhile reach a modus vivendi over the next few critical years. By 2035, the combined GDP of China ($30 trillion) and India ($8 trillion) will equal the estimated US GDP at the time ($38 trillion).

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The G2 could then morph into a G2+1 before becoming a full-fledged G3. It is not a prospect either Washington or Beijing relishes.

The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Earlier this month, it was announced that India is resuming the issuance of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. Just before this, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited China for meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to China shortly after and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This was the first such meeting since the Galwan Valley clash of 2020. This is a strategic signal from India amidst new circumstances created by some of the most powerful states in the existing international system.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Indias recent uptick in diplomatic ties with China is not a concession; instead, it reflects Indias calculated posture of strategic signalling. With the bilateral trade agreement with the US currently stalled and the global economic landscape shifting rapidly, India is engaging with China not to resolve old disputes but to gain strategic leverage through the creation of optics.

Since late 2024, India and China have entered into a deliberate but structural phase to engage with each other to reduce tensions along the Himalayan border. After experiencing four years of protected standoff following the deadly Galwan face-off, the diplomatic levers have shifted. The latest phase began with an important breakthrough on October 21, 2024, when both countries agreed on a border pact, letting each other patrol at previously restricted friction points like Depsang and Demchok. The agreement helped significantly in restoring trust and establishing communication between two powerful neighbours.

After this agreement there has been a flurry of diplomatic exchanges between both the powers. These consistent meetings, though, suggest a pattern in which both nations are trying to reduce mistrust and restore a dialogue to prevent further crisis. Both nations are engaging at a greater pace than they ever were doing. For India, this is about asserting sovereignty while avoiding conflict. For China, it is about projecting stability along its southern frontier as it faces growing pressure in the Western Pacific and domestic economic headwinds.

Yet the question remains: Why is India doing this now when the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is still contested? New Delhi is pursuing economic de-risking, not decoupling from China. Despite all the geopolitical friction, India remains deeply entwined with Chinese capital, tech, and rare earth dependencies. India acknowledges this fact and is opting for stability management. Chasing a compartmentalised relationship that seeks to discuss boundary questions without foreclosing economic activities.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

However, India finds itself in utmost precarity when China also responded with bans and curbs on rare earth materials. Additionally, in an attempt to limit technology transfers to India, along with skilled workers, the Chinese government has recalled hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians from Foxconns iPhone factories in India. Foxconn is meeting the shortages by bringing in Taiwanese technicians. India is neither unaware nor unresponsive.

Similarly, the suspicion runs through: Will this ongoing round of discussions succeed in producing lasting peace, or is it merely a tactical de-escalation? Historical experience suggests otherwise. The Galwan incursions occurred in the backdrop of the Wuhan summit in 2018 and the Chennai informal summit in 2019, which were also celebrated as turning points.

Also, the fundamental issue, the differing perceptions of the LAC, remains unresolved. Confidence-building is underway, but confidence itself remains fragile. The recent diplomatic engagements in Beijing, including discussions on de-escalation and normalising people-to-people exchange, occur against a backdrop where India perceives the complete resolution of the border issue as a prerequisite for normal relations, while China prefers to compartmentalise the border issue, pushing for cooperation while maintaining territorial claims and even military posturing.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

While both sides have expressed a desire for a positive trajectory and optimism for stable and constructive ties, the talks were steered towards managing disagreements rather than fundamentally resolving them. Opening direct air services and the Kailash Manasarovar yatra are positive steps but do not address the core issue of strategic and territorial disputes.

Beijing, on the other hand, strongly objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modis public birthday greeting to the Dalai Lama in July 2025, reiterating its opposition to any official engagement with the Tibetan spiritual leader. While both nations appear to agree on the need for immediate stability, their long-term goals diverge. India seeks a restoration of the pre-2020 border status and a rules-based order in Asia and elsewhere; China, meanwhile, aims to assert regional influence with and without direct confrontation, and examples range from Doklam to Galwan to China trying to wipe out the identity of Tibet, building the biggest dam on the Yarlung Tsanpo to throttle the downstream Brahmaputra River in India, and so on.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Operation Sindoor also served as an indirect test of tensions between India and China. Beijings response, calling Indias retaliation against terrorism unfortunate, caused a rift in New Delhi. While urging restraint on all sides", China notably refrained from denouncing the terror provocation or addressing Indias security concerns. After Operation Sindoor, the deputy chief of army staff for India also issued a warning on Sino-Pakistan collusion during the operation.

If theres one significant shift in Indias approach, it is a more layered diplomacyengaging China bilaterally but also within the framework of multilateral forums like the SCO and Brics, while continuing strategic balancing elsewhere. It is not containment nor alignment, but calibrated coexistence. For Beijing too, stabilising ties with Delhi serves a larger goal: preventing a second front while managing the US pressure in East Asia. Given that the US has lifted export restrictions on Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) tools and software bound for Chinese buyers, and the EU is desperately engaging with China, there is no clarity on whether India can ever count on Western powers.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

India understands China as a threat and has been at the receiving end of more conflicts, military and otherwise, with China than any other country in the world. However, it is also a neighbour and a powerful one, with which India will have to manage its relationship. There is no better way in such a complex scenario except diplomacy and optics.

Sriparna Pathak is a professor of China Studies at OP Jindal Global University and a senior fellow at the Jindal India Institute. Gaurav Sen is a senior research fellow at the School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi. He is the author of the book Peril of the Pacific: Military Balance and Battle for Taiwan. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
By treating Bharat as a subordinate to be bullied rather than a partner to be engaged, President Trump risks a rupture that could last far beyond his presidency

America may soon find that the real cost of its tariffs is not measured in dollars but in lost alliances and diminished influence. Image: X/@RepJoeWilson

Seven months into his second term, Donald Trumps presidency appears to be entering uncharted waterseven for those who claim to understand his unconventional political playbook. The former real estate mogul built his political brand on unpredictability, disruption, and a refusal to play by traditional rules. Until recently, this approach seemed to have some method in its madnessa calculated chaos designed to keep rivals off balance and extract concessions in negotiations.

But Trumps latest tariff movesespecially imposing a 25 per cent tariff on exports from Bharathave stripped away the facade of methodical unpredictability, exposing what many now see as unrestrained impulsiveness. In the process, Trump risks undoing years of careful, if uneven, progress in Bharat-US relations.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

This is not just another trade dispute. It marks a deeper failure to understand Bharatnot merely as an emerging economic power, but as a civilisational state with a unique worldview and long memory. By treating it as a pawn in a transactional game, Trump risks alienating the one partner that could have helped secure Americas long-term strategic interests in a rapidly changing world order.

Limits of a Businessman-President

Trumps leadership style has always mirrored his business persona. In his worldview, every international relationship is a negotiationa zero-sum game where one side wins only if the other loses. Deals, concessions, and optics matter more than shared values or historical context. To him, tariffs are tools of power, not just economic instruments. The logic is simple: inflict maximum pressure, force capitulation, and claim victory.

In this narrow calculus, Bharat becomes just another trading partner to be coerced into submission. The 25 per cent tariff, therefore, is not only about correcting trade imbalances with Bharat; it is an attempt to showcase American dominance in the relationship. But this approach fundamentally misunderstands Bharats ethos and foreign policy DNA.

Bharat does not conduct diplomacy as a series of business transactions. Its foreign policy is rooted in a civilisational consciousness that values strategic autonomy, mutual respect, and sovereignty above coercive bargaining. Friendship, for Bharat, is never synonymous with subservience. Any attempt to impose terms through brute economic force risks triggering resistance, not complianceespecially in the long term.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

A History of Distrust

Washingtons discomfort with Bharats independent streak is hardly new. During the Cold War, successive US administrations grew frustrated with New Delhis refusal to align fully with the West. Washington often preferred authoritarian or Islamist regimes that were pliable, even unreliable, over a democratic Bharat unwilling to be dictated to. Pakistans military establishment, for all its instability, was seen as a more manageable partner than Bharats noisy democracy with its fiercely independent foreign policy.

As Seema Sirohi writes in Friends with Benefits, the Bharat-US relationship has been about a thousand heartbreaks and a hundred reunions a story of inching closer, drifting apart, trying again, getting disappointed, developing new stakes in each other, losing interest, recharging batteries, giving it another shot, succeeding partly, celebrating with high rhetoric, hiding disappointment but strategically leaking true feelings while continuously rebranding the relationship as larger, deeper, and wider, and strengthening the foundation.

Since the early 2000s, however, US administrationsstarting with George W Bushconsciously reached out to Delhi, recognising its importance in balancing Chinas rise. Barack Obama, despite ideological differences, continued to invest in US-Bharat ties. Trumps first term continued this trajectory, with high-profile summits and public bonhomie between leaders of the two countries.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trumps second-term tariff war has brought that optimism to a grinding halt, though one could sense its beginnings during the Joe Biden era. At a time when Washington should be cementing alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter Chinas assertiveness, it is instead alienating its most natural partner. Worse, this follows another strategic misstep: alienating Russia through Natos eastward expansion, thereby pushing Moscow closer to Beijing. With both Russia and Bharat drifting away, Americas much-vaunted Indo-Pacific strategy now looks increasingly fragile.

Sindoor and Shifting Perception

Recent events have further complicated Washingtons calculus. Operation Sindoora swift and decisive military action by Bharatdemonstrated capabilities that few believed New Delhi possessed. Within three days, Bharat achieved what many believed was impossible against a nuclear-armed adversary. This single event forced both allies and rivals to reassess the countrys military transformation.

The US had been wary of rising Bharat for a while, but until Op Sindoor, its concern was largely economicas was the case during the Biden era. Operation Sindoor brought Bharats military transformation to the forefront. It signalled that the country was no longer just a counterweight to China but a potential independent pole in global geopolitics. This possibility has alarmed a power-driven West accustomed to using Delhi as a pawn in its broader game against Beijing. If Bharat grows too strongeconomically and militarilyit will no longer be a tool of American strategy but a peer competitor shaping a multipolar world order.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trumps tariffs, therefore, can be read as much about making America great again as about slowing Bharats rise. A $10 trillion Indian economy within a decade, with established military might, would fundamentally alter global power dynamics, giving New Delhi too much leverage for Washingtons liking. Yet this approach is self-defeating.

Unlike China, which aims to displace the US as global hegemon, Bharat seeks coexistence, not domination. Americas inability to embrace this vision of shared power could cost it a valuable ally at a time when its own global leadership is under strain.

A Self-Inflicted Strategic Loss

Trumps continuing diatribe against Bharat reflects an enduring inability in the United States to accept partners that do not fit into Americas hierarchical worldview. Delhis insistence on a multipolar order, where no single nation dominates, challenges the very foundations of strategic thinking in Washington, DC.

Bharat does not pursue anti-Americanism. It does not seek to undermine US power. Rather, its worldviewrooted in Sanatani philosophyseeks coexistence and plurality, both in socio-spiritual life and in international politics. It envisions a world where multiple civilisations thrive without hegemony. By failing to understand this nuance, Washington repeatedly mistakes Delhis independence for defiance, leading to cycles of estrangement and reconciliation.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

By treating Bharat as a subordinate to be bullied rather than a partner to be engaged, Trump risks a rupture that could last far beyond his presidency. Bharat does not easily forgive or forget attempts to compromise its sovereignty. And unlike Pakistan or other US client states, it cannot be bought off with aid packages or military hardware.

Conclusion

Trumps tariff war represents a classic case of winning battles while losing the war. The immediate goalextracting better trade termsmay or may not be achieved. But the long-term damage to US-Bharat relations is already evident. Trust has been eroded. Doubts about American intentions have resurfaced. With this, Trump has handed Beijing a strategic victory without China firing a single shot.

In a world reshaped by rising powers, America may find that the real cost of its tariffs is not measured in dollars but in lost alliances and diminished influence. Trump may, in the short term, earn a few extra dollars for the US, but in the long term, he risks putting the very idea of Pax-Americana on sale.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Chinas Xi Jinping must be the only person laughing right now.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The advisory by the Indian embassy in Ireland comes in the wake of several reported incidents, including a brutal assault on a 40-year-old Indian man in Tallaght.

Following a troubling surge in physical assaults targeting Indian citizens, the Indian Embassy in Ireland has issued a public advisory urging its nationals to prioritise personal safety.

The advisory, shared via a post on X, specifically recommends avoiding isolated areas, particularly during late or unusual hours, and taking reasonable precautions to ensure personal security.

Embassy issues statement

The Embassys statement highlighted the growing concern: There has been an increase in the instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently. The Embassy is in touch with the authorities concerned of Ireland in this regard. At the same time, all Indian citizens in Ireland are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours.

To support its community, the Embassy provided emergency contact details:

Phone: 08994 23734

Email: cons.dublin@mea.gov.in

Racist attacks on Indians

The advisory comes in the wake of several reported incidents, including a brutal assault on a 40-year-old Indian man in Tallaght. Jennifer Murray, an Irish woman who assisted the victim, described the attack in a video posted on July 20, noting its apparent racial motivation.

She stated, At least four Indian men and another man have been facially stabbed by this gang of teenagers in the last four days in Tallaght. How many of you knew that or saw it on the news? (sic) Murray added that the victim required a brain scan and was left completely scared for life.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In another incident, Santosh Yadav, a 32-year-old man of Indian origin, was attacked near his Dublin apartment last Sunday.

The assault, carried out by six teenagers, left Yadav with a fractured cheekbone and multiple injuries. He echoed concerns about a rising tide of racist attacks targeting Indians across Dublin.

Migrant advocacy groups have amplified these concerns, pointing to systemic issues in addressing hate crimes.

Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, noted that while the Indian community appears to be a specific target, such attacks are not exclusive to them. She criticised the lack of adequate training for Irish police, which has created barriers for victims attempting to report hate crimes, exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities.
Burkina Fasos media regulator suspended Radio Omega for three months after it used the term junta in a Facebook post deemed disrespectful to the military government

A well-known radio stations licence was revoked by Burkina Faso on Saturday for allegedly derogatorily referring to the military government of the west African nation as a junta.

Some local journalists have been driven into exile, and a number of media sites, notably Frances LCI, RFI, and France 24, have been suspended in Burkina Faso after Captain Ibrahim Traore took control in a coup in September 2022.

In a judgement released on Saturday, the Higher Council for Communication (CSC) of Burkina Faso declared that it was suspending Radio Omegas broadcasting licence for a period of three months.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

During this period, Radio Omega is prohibited from broadcasting and from publishing on its platforms, including on its website and digital networks, the CSC decision said.

In a report posted on the radio stations Facebook page on July 30, the Burkina Faso media regulatory body claimed to have observed shortcomings and that it featured malicious and discourteous remarks toward the Burkinabe authorities.

According to Radio Omega, Ivory Coast is regularly accused by the Burkinabe junta of harbouring opponents and fomenting plots. The report discussed a protest in the capital, Ouagadougou, during a memorial to a Burkinabe figure who passed away in captivity in Abidjan, the main city of Ivory Coast.

The expression Burkinabe junta, in addition to being inappropriate for referring to the Burkinabe authorities, is pejorative and insulting, suggesting contempt, the CSC stated.

Such a tendency by the media constitutes a malicious insinuation and seriously offends the Burkinabe authorities.

In a statement released on Thursday, the radio station attributed the articles publication to a service provider that had not been validated by the editorial management.

On Wednesday, Radio Omega  a subsidiary of the Omega Medias group, which also owns a television channel owned by journalist and former foreign minister Alpha Barry  issued a correction, removing the inappropriate expressions.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Radio Omega demonstrates its persistent lack of rigour in the handling of information, despite a (previous) formal notice, the CSC said.

It ordered the media outlet to publicly apologise to the Burkinabe authorities, its readers and listeners.

In August 2023, Radio Omega was suspended for a month after broadcasting an interview with the spokesperson for a movement that wanted to reinstate Nigers former president Mohamed Bazoum, who had been overthrown in a coup.

The authorities alleged the article was peppered with insulting remarks against the new authorities in Niger.
COLOMBO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 garment factory workers were injured when the bus they were traveling in veered off the road and plunged down a slope in Dehiowita, Sabaragamuwa Province, on Saturday morning, police said.

According to police, the injured have been admitted to a regional hospital for treatment.

Dehiowita is a mountainous region, and police reported that the road was slippery due to rain at the time of the accident. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Similar accidents frequently occur in Sri Lanka's hill country, especially during the rainy season. 
Hospitals in Gaza reported the killing of more than a dozen people, eight of them food seekers, by Israeli fire on Saturday as Palestinians endured severe risks searching for food amid airdrops and restrictions on overland aid delivery.

Israeli troops deploy with their tanks near the border fence with the Gaza Strip on August 1, 2025. Image- AFP

At least a dozen Palestinians including eight people seeking food were killed on Saturday by Israeli fire, according to hospitals in Gaza, highlighting the growing risks civilians face while trying to access aid in the war-torn enclave.

One of the deadly incidents occurred near a distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Yahia Youssef, who had arrived in search of aid, recounted scenes of chaos and bloodshed. After helping evacuate three injured individuals, he noticed several others lying on the ground, bleeding. Its the same daily episode, he said.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The violence comes amid increasingly desperate attempts to obtain food, with Palestinians braving gunfire and relying on airdrops due to limited overland aid access.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza staged demonstrations, calling on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of their loved ones. Their appeal follows the recent release of new hostage footage by militant factions.

US envoy Steve Witkoff met with the families on Saturday, offering a gesture of support as they gathered in central Tel Aviv. Videos posted online captured the moment protesters welcomed Witkoff with chants of Bring them home! and We need your help, before he entered a closed-door session with the families.

The meeting followed Witkoffs Friday visit to a US-supported aid distribution site in Gaza, where he reviewed ongoing efforts to deliver food into the embattled territory.

Humanitarian experts have warned that Gaza now faces what they describe as a worst-case scenario of famine, as insecurity and logistical barriers hamper relief operations. The territory, home to around two million people, has been severely affected by Israels prolonged military campaign against Hamas.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Since then, Israels offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is managed by the Hamas-run government.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Although the ministry does not separate civilian from militant casualties, its figures are widely cited by the UN and international aid groups as the most credible available.

With inputs from agencies
President Donald Trumps tariff onslaught this week left a lot of losers  from small, poor countries like Laos and Algeria to wealthy US trading partners like Canada and Switzerland. Theyre now facing especially hefty taxes  tariffs  on the products they export to the United States starting Aug. 7.

President Donald Trumps latest wave of sweeping tariffs is shaking the foundations of global trade and leaving a trail of economic pain across rich and poor nations alike. Countries such as Laos, Algeria, Canada and Switzerland are now facing steep levies as Trump intensifies his protectionist agenda. But while allies scramble for exemptions and rivals brace for economic fallout, but analysts say no one has truly come out ahead not even the United States.

In many respects, everybodys a loser here, Barry Appleton, co-director of the Center for International Law at New York Law School told AP.

Since returning to the presidency six months ago, Trump has torn up traditional trade norms, replacing multilateral agreements with a unilateral approach driven by threats and economic clout.

The biggest winner is Trump, said Alan Wolff, former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization. He bet that he could get other countries to the table on the basis of threats, and he succeeded dramatically.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trumps tariff regime began on April 2, dubbed Liberation Day when he imposed reciprocal taxes of up to 50% on imports from countries with which the U.S. runs trade deficits, and a 10% baseline tax on others. Declaring the trade imbalance a national emergency under a 1977 law, Trump bypassed Congress to implement the sweeping changes, now being challenged in court.

After an initial market selloff, Trump paused the new tariffs for 90 days to allow room for negotiations. Some countries took the opportunity to strike deals, though often under heavy pressure.

The United Kingdom agreed to a 10% tariff, up from 1.3%, despite having maintained a trade surplus with the U.S. for nearly two decades. The European Union and Japan settled for 15%, lower than the threatened 30% and 25%, respectively.

Other countries that agreed to higher tariffs include Pakistan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Even those with reduced levies compared to April levels remain far worse off than pre-Trump norms. Angolas tariffs dropped from 32% to 15%, but were below 1.5% in 2022. Taiwan saw its April rate of 32% lowered to 20%, but still faces a financial burden.

20% from the beginning has not been our goal, we hope that in further negotiations we will get a more beneficial and more reasonable tax rate, Taiwans President Lai Ching-te said Friday.

Trump also rolled back Lesothos tariff from 50% to 15%, but economic damage there may already be done.

On the harsher end, nations that refused to bend or angered Trump in other ways got slammed. Laos and Algeria whose GDPs per capita are a fraction of Americas now face tariffs of 40% and 30%, respectively.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Brazil was hit with a 50% tax, reportedly in retaliation for its treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Despite a consistent U.S. trade surplus with Brazil, the tariff went ahead.

Canada was slapped with a 35% import tax, a move some analysts tie to Ottawas plan to recognise Palestinian statehood, a position contrary to Trumps strong support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Switzerland, which didnt secure a deal, was struck with a 39% tariff, more than the 31% initially proposed.

The Swiss probably wish that they had camped in Washington to make a deal, Wolff commented. Theyre clearly not at all happy.

Trumps actions are now facing legal scrutiny. A group of American companies and a dozen states are suing, arguing that he overstepped his authority under the 1977 law. A New York court recently blocked the tariffs, but allowed collection to continue pending appeal, which may end up before the US Supreme Court.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Judges on the US Court of Appeals have expressed scepticism about the justification behind Trumps measures.

If (the tariffs) get struck down, then maybe Brazils a winner and not a loser, Appleton said.

Although Trump frames tariffs as a way to tax foreign countries, in practice, U.S. importers bear the cost and pass it on to American consumers.

Goldman Sachs estimates that foreign exporters have absorbed only a fifth of the tariff burden, leaving U.S. businesses and households to shoulder the rest. Major retailers and manufacturers including Walmart, Nike, and Ford  have raised prices in response.

This is a consumption tax, so it disproportionately affects those who have lower incomes, said Appleton. Sneakers, knapsacks  your appliances are going to go up. Your TV and electronics are going to go up. Your video game devices, consoles are going to up because none of those are made in America.

With average U.S. tariffs rising from 2.5% at the start of 2025 to 18.3%  the highest since 1934  Yales Budget Lab estimates the policy will cost the average American household $2,400 this year.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The U.S. consumers a big loser, Wolff concluded.

With inputs from agencies
While X has taken steps to comply, such as introducing age verification systems, it expressed concerns about the laws broader implications.

A 3D-printed miniature model of Elon Musk and the X logo are seen in this illustration taken January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

The social media platform X, owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, has publicly criticised the UKs newly implemented Online Safety Act, warning that its broad regulations could pose a risk to free speech.

The company issued a stark statement: Free speech will suffer. The Acts laudable intentions are at risk of being overshadowed by the breadth of its regulatory reach. Without a more balanced, collaborative approach, free speech will suffer.

New provisions of Online Safety Act

The criticism follows the rollout of new provisions under the Online Safety Act, which took effect recently.

A key requirement mandates that websites, including social media and adult content platforms, verify the age of users to shield children from explicit or violent material.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

While X has taken steps to comply, such as introducing age verification systems, it expressed concerns about the laws broader implications.

The platform cautioned that the threat of hefty financial penalties could push companies to over-censor content, stating, Many are now concerned that a plan ostensibly intended to keep children safe is at risk of seriously infringing on the publics right to free expression.

UK govt stands strong by legislation

The UK government has stood by the legislation, stressing that non-compliant companies could face fines of up to 18 million or 10 per cent of their global turnovera penalty that could reach 200 million for X.

The UKs media regulator, Ofcom, has already launched investigations into dozens of websites failing to implement required safeguards and has reached out to US-based companies, including X, to remind them of their legal obligations.

X also took issue with provisions allowing police to monitor social media for content deemed anti-immigrant, arguing that this oversteps the intended mission of protecting children.

The platforms concerns align with remarks from Elon Musk, who previously labelled the Online Safety Act as a suppression of the people.

Musk has also thrown his support behind a public petition calling for the laws repeal, which has garnered over 450,000 signatures.

In response, Ofcom defended the regulations, clarifying that they do not mandate restricting legal content for adults. A spokesperson stated, They must carefully consider how they protect users rights to freedom of expression while keeping people safe.
Israels army chief has warned of unrelenting combat in Gaza unless a deal is reached to free hostages still held by Hamas. The statement comes amid stalled truce talks and growing domestic pressure as disturbing hostage videos surface

Palestinians gather as they carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, amid a hunger crisis, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, July 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Israels top general has warned that there would be no break in the fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to immediately secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

Army chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated, I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages, according to a military statement.

If not, the combat will continue without rest, he stated Friday while speaking to authorities within Gaza.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Israeli military released footage showing Zamir speaking with officials and troops at a command centre.

According to the military, 49 of the 251 persons who were abducted from Israel during Hamas October 2023 attack are still in Gaza, with 27 of them having died.

This week, two films of the hostages appearing frail and malnourished were made public by Palestinian armed factions.

Some in Israel have urged for more forceful military action after negotiations to ensure a ceasefire and their release, which were brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, failed last month.

This occurs in the midst of mounting pressure to recommence efforts to broker a truce in the nearly 22-month crisis, both domestically and internationally, including from many of the hostages families.

Meanwhile, charity organisations have issued warnings that Israeli aid restrictions are causing a devastating famine in Gaza.

Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand.

The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (military), a moral army, of war crimes, he said.

The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas.

Hamass 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures.

A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed since ground troops were sent into Gaza, according to the military.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Israels campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territorys health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
Hamas refuses to disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established, deepening the impasse in Gaza ceasefire talks. Israel insists on disarmament as a precondition, while mediators push for a two-state solution.

Hamas announced on Saturday that it would not surrender its weapons unless a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, firmly rejecting one of Israels main preconditions to end the war in Gaza.

The statement comes after the latest round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas collapsed without agreement. The negotiations, intended to broker a 60-day truce and facilitate the release of hostages, broke down last week.

Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating the dialogue, recently endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia calling for concrete steps toward a two-state solution. The declaration proposed that Hamas hand over its arms to the Palestinian Authority as part of the process.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Responding to this, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to armed resistance and said it would only consider disarmament if Palestinians achieved full statehood and sovereignty. Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007 and has suffered significant military losses in the ongoing conflict, yet it remains unwilling to disband its armed wing.

Israel insists that any resolution must include Hamas disarmament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed the creation of a Palestinian state, arguing it would be used to launch attacks against Israel. Last month, he reiterated that Israel must maintain security control over Palestinian territories.

Netanyahu also criticised countries such as the UK and Canada for recognising Palestinian statehood in light of Israels military campaign in Gaza, calling it a reward for what he views as Hamas violent tactics.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly incursion into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. Since then, Israels military operations have devastated Gaza, leaving over 60,000 Palestinians dead and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

As the two sides continue to trade blame over the failed negotiations, major points of contention including Israels military presence in Gaza remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff met anguished relatives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza on Saturday, as fears for the captives survival mounted almost 22 months into the war sparked by Hamass October 2023 attack.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Witkoff was greeted with some applause and pleas for assistance from hundreds of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, before going into a closed meeting with the families.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the meeting was underway and videos shared online showed Witkoff arriving as families chanted Bring them home! and We need your help.

The visit came one day after Witkoff visited a US-backed aid station in Gaza, to inspect efforts to get food into the devastated Palestinian territory.

With inputs from agencies
Irans President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan to kick-start his two-day visit to the nation. Pezeshkian will be holding talks with Pakistani president, PM and the Army Chief

Irans President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday for a two-day visit to the neighbouring nation. According to Pakistani news outlet The Express Tribune, the visit came at the invitation of Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

As per the report, Pezeshkian arrived in the country accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials. According to the statment released by Pakistans Foreign Office, during his stay, Pezeshkian will meet with his Pakistani counterpart, President Asif Ali Zardari.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The Iranian team would also hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This marks Dr Pezeshkians first official visit to Pakistan as the President of Iran.

What makes the visit crucial is the fact that it is taking place after the 12-day Iran-Israel war, along with the regional developments that followed.

According to The Express Tribune, the Iranian president is scheduled to visit the Mausoleum of Poet Dr Muhammad Allama Iqbal in Lahore. After that, he would then travel to Islamabad, where he would have a series of meetings with Pakistans civil and military leaders, including the President, Prime Minister and the Army Chief.

The discussions between both sides are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, which span political, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions. The Israel-Hamas war will also be one of the topics of discussion.

During the Indian-Pakistan 4-day military escalation, Iran offered to be a mediator between the two nuclear-powered nations. In light of this, Irans Foreign Minister travelled to both New Delhi and Islamabad to prevent the situation from further escalation. However, a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was reached bilaterally after four days of fighting.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Air India flight AI2017 to London aborted takeoff due to technical issues. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the incident took place just weeks after the fatal Ahmedabad plane crash

Air India flight bound to London was forced to abort takeoff after the aircraft faced technical issues. AI Flight AI2017 was scheduled to depart from Delhi to London on Thursday (31 July). However, it was brought to a halt after the cockpit crew decided to discontinue the take-off run.

The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. After the take-off was aborted, the passengers were asked to disembark as precautionary checks were carried out. Air India eventually provided the crew and the passengers with an alternative aircraft to complete the journey to London.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Flight AI2017, operating from Delhi to London on 31 July, returned to the bay due to a suspected technical issue," an Air India spokesperson said after the incident. The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks. An alternative aircraft was deployed to fly the passengers to London," the airline company furthered.

The incident rings alarm bells of the past

What makes the matter concerning is the fact that the incident came just weeks after an Air India flight bound for London Gatwick struck a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad minutes after take-off, killing 241 people. Indian officials at that time confirmed that the pilot issued multiple distress calls before the Gatwick-bound flight crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12.

Thrust not achieved falling Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! the preliminary report of the Indian AAIB said before the aircraft lost height and erupted in flames. There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian, according to Air India.

Apart from the formal investigation, the Indian government has set up a high-level committee to examine the causes leading to the crash. The body will be focusing on formulating procedures to prevent and handle aircraft emergencies in the future, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statment.

Meanwhile, Air India and the government are probing several aspects of the crash, including issues linked to its engine thrust, flaps, and why the landing gear remained open as the plane took off and then came down. The authorities are yet to share the final report on the crash.
A Malian court has detained and charged former Prime Minister Moussa Mara over a social media post critical of the countrys military-led government.

A Malian court has detained and charged former Prime Minister Moussa Mara over a social media post criticising shrinking democratic space under military rule in the West African nation, his lawyer said late Friday.

Mara is one of few public figures in the country who has been willing to openly question moves taken this year to dissolve political parties and grant the military government, led by Assimi Goita, a five-year mandate without elections.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Last month, authorities formally approved Goitas five-year term and said it could be renewed as many times as necessary as Mali struggles to respond to a long-running jihadist insurgency.

More from World Sudan says Air Force destroyed Emirati aircraft, killing 40 Colombian mercenaries

Goita assumed power after military coups in 2020 and 2021.

Mara had been summoned several times for questioning this month over a social media post dated July 4 expressing solidarity with government critics who have been jailed.

On July 21, his lawyer, Mountaga Tall, posted on social media site X that Mara had been barred from boarding a flight to Senegal to participate in a regional conference on peace and security.

On Friday, Mara was summoned by a judicial cybercrimes unit, and a prosecutor charged him with offences including undermining the credibility of the state and spreading false information, Tall said in a statement.

Maras trial has been scheduled for September 29, Tall said.

A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The case against Mara comes amid worsening insecurity in Mali. The past few months have seen a surge of deadly attacks by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group that also operates in Burkina Faso and Niger.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Analysts say the groups battlefield tactics have grown increasingly sophisticated and that it has amassed substantial resources through raids on military posts, cattle rustling, hijacking of goods, kidnappings and taxes on local communities.

On Friday, the group said it had ambushed a convoy of Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries in the Tenenkou locality in central Mali. Malis army confirmed the ambush in a statement on X. Neither statement gave a death toll.
Myanmars military courts have sentenced 12 individuals, including five Chinese nationals, to life in prison for human trafficking offences, including forced marriages and online sex tape distribution, state media reported Saturday.

According to state-run media on Saturday, Myanmar military courts have sentenced twelve people, five of whom are Chinese, to life in jail for their roles in several human trafficking cases.

The convictions are related to a variety of offences, such as the trafficking of Myanmar women into forced marriages in China and the online dissemination of sex tapes, the Myanma Alinn newspaper reported.

In one case, a military court in Yangon, the nations largest city, sentenced five individuals, including two Chinese nationals known as Lin Te and Wang Xiaofeng, to life in prison on July 29. They were convicted of creating sex tapes featuring three Myanmar couples and posting the footage online for financial gain in violation of Myanmars Anti-Trafficking in Persons law.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In a separate case, the same court sentenced a woman and three Chinese nationals, Yibo, Cao Qiu Quan and Chen Huan. The group was convicted of planning to transport two Myanmar women, recently married to two of the convicted Chinese men, into China, the report said.

Additionally, three other people received life sentences from a separate military court for selling a woman as a bride to China, and for attempting to do the same with another woman.

In another case, a woman from Myanmars central Magway region was given a 10-year sentence on July 30 for planning to transport two Myanmar women to be sold as brides to Chinese men, the report said.

Human trafficking, particularly of women and girls lured or forced into marriages in China, remains a widespread problem in Myanmar, a country still reeling from civil war after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

The persisting conflict in most areas of Myanmar has left millions of women and children vulnerable to exploitation.

A 2018 report by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Kachin Womens Association Thailand (KWAT)  which works to prevent and respond to trafficking in northern Kachin and Shan states bordering China  estimated that about 21,000 women and girls from northern Myanmar were forced into marriage in China between 2013 and 2017.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In its latest report published in December, KWAT noted a sharp decline in the number of trafficking survivors accessing its services from 2020 to 2023. It attributed the decline to the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures caused by ongoing conflict following the army takeover. However, it reported a resurgence in 2024 as people from across Myanmar began migrating to China in search of work.

Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw, a deputy minister for Home Affairs, said during a June meeting that the authorities had handled 53 cases of human trafficking, forced marriage and prostitution in 2024, 34 of which involved China, according to a report published by Myanmars Information Ministry.

The report also said that a total of 80 human trafficking cases, including 14 involving marriage deception by foreign nationals, were recorded between January and June this year.
Myanmar has been engulfed by civil conflict since the military seized power in a coup in 2021, prompting resistance from pro-democracy rebels who allied with long-active ethnic armed organisations.

Men use a water cannon to search for rubies at the open pit of a ruby mine in Mogok. Reuters

A Myanmar junta air assault on a rebel-held ruby mining hub killed 13 people on Saturday, according to a resident and an armed opposition group spokesperson.

Myanmar has been engulfed by civil conflict since the military seized power in a coup in 2021, prompting resistance from pro-democracy rebels who allied with long-active ethnic armed organisations.

Their fragmented forces struggled to make ground at first, but a concerted attack that began in late 2023 conquered large chunks of land, including the town of Mogok, the heart of the ruby trade.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Myanmar is rich in precious stones and rare earth elements, which are sought after by all groups and sold off, primarily to neighbouring China, to fund war efforts.

A junta representative was not available for comment.

However, a local who declined to be named for security reasons said the strike took place around 08:15 am (0145 GMT), killing seven instantly, with six dying later of their wounds.

He said among the dead were a Buddhist monk collecting alms and a father and son who were riding the same motorbike.

A car passing through the area was hit, too, he added. Seven people were wounded, including the driver.

A spokeswoman for the Taang National Liberation Army, which has occupied Mogok since last summer, matched that death toll, but gave a figure of 14 wounded.

It was in the morning time when the airstrike hit a public area, said spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo.

There were a lot of people walking in the street, therefore a lot of people were killed.

The military was initially backfooted by the rebels combined offensive, but has enacted conscription to boost its ranks.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Its troops recently retook several key settlements in central Myanmar, including the gold mining hub of Thabeikkyin, which it seized late last month after a year-long battle.

The junta on Thursday ended the state of emergency it had declared after toppling the government of Aung San Suu Kyi more than four years ago, and has touted elections in December as an off-ramp for the conflict.

However, with Suu Kyi still jailed, opposition groups, including ousted lawmakers, are boycotting the poll. A UN expert in June described the exercise as a fraud designed to legitimise the juntas continued rule.
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks at a reception marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 1, 2025. Nepal values the "time-tested friendship" with China and looks forward to further advancing bilateral relations, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Friday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Nepal values the "time-tested friendship" with China and looks forward to further advancing bilateral relations, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Friday.

Over the past seven decades, Nepal-China relations have grown stronger, grounded in mutual trust and guided by shared values, Oli said at a reception held to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China.

Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and China has consistently respected Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, he said.

He added that Nepal deeply values the time-tested friendship with China, which is both a close neighbor and a trustworthy development partner.

The country looks forward to further developing bilateral relations by expanding cooperation, deepening connections and creating new paths for mutual benefit, said the prime minister.

Oli highlighted China's achievements in pursuing national rejuvenation, saying these achievements benefit China and also contribute to regional stability and global progress.

Speaking at the reception, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song noted that the two countries have built strong trust over the past 70 years. "In a world full of changes and challenges, China is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with Nepal, deepen political mutual trust, and firmly support each other's core interests on the global stage," Chen said.

He added that China is ready to assist Nepal in addressing its development challenges with Chinese solutions. 

Artists perform at a reception marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Aug. 1, 2025. Nepal values the "time-tested friendship" with China and looks forward to further advancing bilateral relations, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said Friday. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
A Gen-Z-led protest took over Ukraine to raise voice against a bill that would have seen the countrys top independent anti-corruption bodies be brought under political control. The story of the Cardboard Revolution that compelled Zelenskyy to change his stance.

A protest against a law that removed the independent status from two key Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies, in Kyiv, on July 23, 2025. AFP

A Gen Z-led protest that has taken over Ukraine has forced the countrys President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a U-turn on a controversial bill. In Ukraine, cardboard signs are being used in the anti-corruption campaign that has taken over the war-torn nation.

The bill in question would have seen the countrys top independent anti-corruption bodies brought under political control, which would have made these institutions vulnerable to political sway. The cardboards marked creative and provocative placards in cities around Ukraine, in a bid to protest against the bill.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

What made these demonstrations significant was the fact that more than 69 per cent of Ukrainians supported the protests, according to the latest findings by the Gradus Research Company. These signs raised by dissenters quoted songs, pop culture references and literature, and occasionally featured explicit language.

The Gen-Z protest

What made these demonstrations interesting was the fact that it was led by groups of people aged mainly between 15 and 23. Ive been complaining for a long time that the motivation to fight has disappeared somewhere. But I want to thank Mr. President, if it werent for the shit that these idiots decided to arrange, I wouldnt have seen what kind of great children have grown up in Ukraine. Theyre worth fighting for. Theyve raised motivation, Ukrainian soldier Oleksii Tsymbaliuk told Politico.

While the country is at war, Ukraine was known for a rich protest culture, where people often took to the streets to hold politicians accountable. Demonstrations have been a key feature of the countrys fabric since the 1990 Revolution on Granite that preceded independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the 2004 Orange Revolution, and the 2014 Maidan Revolution.

The Cardboard Revolution that has taken over the country amidst a war is driven by youth who grew up in a country already on the path to EU integration, while immersed in TikTok filled with Ukrainian and Western pop-culture and literature.

This is indeed a very creative and well-read protest. It is within the tradition of Ukrainian revolutions. For example, the Orange Revolution of 2004 was also very theatrical in itself, but the protesters there were playing with colour, not quotes, Olesia Ostrovska-Liuta, director general of the National Cultural, Art and Museum Complex, Mystetskyi Arsenal," told Politico.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Before every rally across the country, young protesters came up with new messages to send to the government. From a quote of Ukrainian modern poet Serhii Zhadan, Why the f**k do I need a system that works against me? to the words of Vasyl Stus, Ukrainian decedent poet from the 1960s, who once said Those who are against dictatorship, rise! Ostrovska-Liuta added.

This protest has more self-confidence and self-expression, as well as an aspect of virality. Someones creative cardboard sign gets recreated multiple times, Ostrovska-Liuta averred. Another powerful message featured on T-shirts that read People with cardboard are the source of power.

The impact

Amid the protests and backlash from political opponents, Zelenskyy rapidly signed a bill restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAP).

While they were holding protests, memes and jokes helped these groups to cope with social media backlash. They also had to navigate through the attempts by foreign politicians, such as Republican US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, to use the protests to undermine Zelenskyy.

In no way do we stand for overthrowing the government, we stand for anti-corruption reform and for protection of what the EuroMaidan revolution has fought for, one of the demonstrators told Politico.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

After the Ukrainian parliament restored the independence of anti-corruption bodies, protesters now plan to continue rallying  this time demanding additional reforms needed for Ukraines EU integration and to secure the foreign aid essential to its war effort.
Russias defence ministry said its air defence systems had destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory  34 over the Rostov region  in a nearly nine-hour period, from Friday night to Saturday morning.

Three people were killed and two injured in a series of overnight Ukrainian drone strikes targeting multiple regions in western Russia, local officials said on Saturday.

In Penza, a drone struck an industrial facility, leaving one woman dead and injuring two others, regional governor Oleg Melnichenko said on Telegram.

In a separate incident in Samara, debris from a downed drone caused a fire that engulfed a house, killing an elderly man, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Meanwhile, in the Rostov region, a drone hit an industrial site, triggering a blaze that resulted in the death of a security guard, acting governor Yuri Sliusar reported.

The attacks are the latest in a growing number of cross-border drone operations amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The military repelled a massive air attack during the night, destroying drones over seven districts, Sliusar posted on Telegram.

Russias defence ministry said its air defence systems had destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory  34 over the Rostov region  in a nearly nine-hour period, from Friday night to Saturday morning.

Further from the front line, a woman was killed and two other people wounded in a drone strike on business premises in the Penza region, according to regional governor Oleg Melnichenko. In the Samara region, falling drone debris sparked a fire that killed an elderly resident, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 53 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight into Saturday. It said that air defenses shot down or jammed 45 drones.

Eleven people were wounded in an overnight drone strike on the Kharkiv region, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Saturday.

The reciprocal drone strikes followed a day of mourning in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday, after a Russian drone and missile attack killed 31 people, including five children, and wounded over 150.

The continued attacks come after U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a shorter deadline  Aug. 8  for peace efforts to make progress.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Trump said Thursday that special envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia to push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine and has threatened new economic sanctions if progress is not made.

With inputs from agencies
Amid backlash, US President Donald Trump said that he will release everything related to the Epstein Files. Trumps proclamation came after reports emerged that the FBI is redacting his name from the document before public release

The clamour for releasing the Epstein files has overshadowed Trumps desperate bid to highlight the success of his first six months in power because its not his rivals but his own base, which is up in arms. File image

Hours after an explosive report revealed that the FBI redacted US President Donald Trumps name from the Epstein Files, the American leader said that he wants to release everything" about the document revealing the ill-deeds of convicted sex offender and British financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The proclamation from the president came amid growing backlash even among Republicans over his administrations reluctance to release the files. Trumps recent comment also marked a flip-flop from his previous assertion when he questioned the fascination" of his supporters with the case, dubbing it pretty boring stuff.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

During an interview with Newsmax, the president also gave an insight into Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanches conversation with the deceased sex offenders convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, which went on for nine hours at a federal prison estate in Florida.

I think [Blanche] probably wanted to know, you know, just to get a feeling of it, because wed like to release everything, but we dont want people to get hurt that shouldnt be hurt, Trump told Newsmax host Rob Finnerty. I want to release everything, the president declared. I just dont want people to get hurt.

BREAKING: Trump says he wants to release 'everything' related to Epstein files



Wait



So Obama didnt write them and its not a hoax, after the FBI redacted his name?



pic.twitter.com/iBbJwHlmpF  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 2, 2025

Todd went in, and I think he just wants to make sure that innocent people arent hurt, Trump added. However, the president maintained that he hasnt spoken with his deputy attorney general about Maxwell and doesnt know if there are plans to release a transcript of the interview.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

FBI reportedly redacted Trumps name from Epstein Files

While the Trump administration often boasted about being transparent, an explosive report revealed that the presidents name was redacted from documents surrounding the investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as the administration prepared for their potential public release.

According to a report by Bloomberg, an investigator in the case reportedly blacked out Trumps name and the names of other high-profile figures, claiming that the information constituted an unwarranted invasion of privacy". In a previous report from The Wall Street Journal, it was mentioned that Attorney General Pam Bondi told the president that his name was in the files back in May.

The matter garnered public anger in July after the Department of Justice and the FBI declined to release any additional documents. Public scrutiny of Trumps connections to Epstein and the financiers crimes and circumstances of his death intensified soon after the memo was released.

In February this year, the White House handed over binders of largely publicly available Epstein-related documents to several far-right influencers in an apparent effort to prove that the administration was being transparent about the files. At that time, Bondi called the release of the documents the first phase and went on to tell Fox News that other documents, including the so-called client list, are sitting on her desk for review.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

However, in the July memo, the FBI and DoJ backtracked and said that there is no basis to revisit the disclosure of those materials despite demands from MAGA supporters and allies for full accountability. Hence, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration would ever release the full Epstein Files.
Ukrainian authorities have arrested several top officials in connection with a large-scale corruption scheme in the defence sector, involving the embezzlement of funds meant for military needs

Ukrainian authorities said Saturday that they had arrested several politicians in connection with a large-scale corruption scheme in the defence sector, shortly after an uproar over the independence of anti-graft bodies.

A law passed at the end of July stripped the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAP) of their independence and placed them under the supervision of the Prosecutor General, himself appointed by the head of state.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday backtracked and restored the bodies independence following an outcry from the countrys allies and the first anti-government street demonstrations since the Russian invasion in 2022.

The NABU said on Saturday that it and the SAP had exposed a scheme for the systematic misappropriation of budget funds allocated by local authorities for the needs of the defence forces, as well as the receipt and provision of unlawful benefits on an especially large scale.

It said the scheme involved inflating prices for electronic warfare and drone equipment, and then funnelling off 30 percent of the contract amounts.

The suspects include a member of parliament, heads of district and city administrations, members of the National Guard, and executives at defence companies.

The NABU said it has made four arrests so far but did not identify those detained.

The interior ministry said it had suspended the suspected members of the National Guard.

Zelenskyy said in a statement: I am grateful to the anti-corruption agencies for their work.

It is important that anti-corruption institutions operate independently, and the law passed on Thursday guarantees them all the tools necessary for a real fight against corruption.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

The president initially said he needed to bring the NABU and the SAP under his control because they were inefficient and under Russian influence. But he did an about-face when confronted with the outcry  first serious political crisis since he took office six years ago.

Several cases of corruption  an endemic problem in the country  have been exposed within the armed forces and the defence ministry during the war with Russia.
Ghislaine Maxwell, the accomplice of convicted sex offender and British financier Jeffrey Epstein, has been transferred from a federal prison in Florida to a lower-security facility in Texas. The news was confirmed by the US Bureau of Prisons on Friday. Maxwell has been serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex-trafficking crimes.

We can confirm, Ghislaine Maxwell is in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement. Maxwells attorney, David Oscar Markus, also confirmed the transfer but declined to share further details on the matter. It is pertinent to note that FPC Bryan is a minimum security federal prison camp that houses 635 female inmates.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Interestingly, according to the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, the facility in Texas is also home to Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced former CEO of the California-based blood-testing company Theranos. Holmes has been serving a life sentence for committing fraud. Not only this, the prison camp also houses Real Housewives of Salt Lake City TV star Jen Shah, who was jailed for committing fraud.

The timing of it all

Maxwells move from FCI Tallahassee, a low-security prison, to the federal prison camp in Bryan came roughly a month after she was interviewed in Florida by the US attorney general, Todd Blanche, who is also one of Donald Trumps former lawyers. Maxwell was interviewed in two days about the Epstein case.

Meanwhile, Blanche has maintained that he wanted to speak with Maxwell, who was sentenced in 2022 for sex trafficking and other related crimes, to see if she has information about anyone who has committed crimes against victims.

However, the details of the meeting have not been made public as of now. Maxwells lawyer, on the other hand, described the meeting as  very productive, adding that Maxwell answered the questions honestly, truthfully, to the best of her ability.

It is pertinent to note that the interview is taking place amid growing political and public pressure on the Trump administration to release the infamous Epstein files. The backlash started in July after the Department of Justice and FBI released a joint memo announcing that they would not be releasing any more documents from the investigation into the late Epstein, who died in prison in New York in 2019 while awaiting federal trial.

The announcement came despite earlier pledges to release more files by the US president and the US attorney general, . Last week, the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform subpoenaed Maxwell to testify via deposition. In response to this, Maxwells lawyer sent a letter this week, stating that she was willing to testify but only if certain conditions were met, including being granted immunity. In that same letter, Maxwell also made a plea for clemency.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

However, on Friday, the House indefinitely postponed that deposition. Amidst this, Maxwell has petitioned the US Supreme Court to overturn her conviction.
President Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has assured families of Israeli hostages that the US is working closely with Prime Minister Netanyahu on a strategy to end the Gaza war.

Palestinians climb onto trucks as they seek for aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip. Reuters

On Saturday, President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy assured the relatives of hostages held by the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas that he was working with the Israeli government on a strategy that would successfully end the Gaza war.

Trump has made ending the Gaza war a top priority for his administration, although discussions have been stalled. Steve Witkoff is visiting Israel as the government faces growing pressure over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

In a recording of the meeting, reviewed by Reuters, Witkoff is heard saying: We have a very, very good plan that were working on collectively with the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Netanyahu  for the reconstruction of Gaza. That effectively means the end of the war.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment on his statements.

Witkoff also stated that Hamas was willing to disarm in order to end the conflict, despite the groups continuous refusal to lay down its weapons.

In reaction to the reported words, Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 but has been brutally battered by Israel during the conflict, stated that it will not give up armed resistance until a independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is formed.

Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel aimed at negotiating a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and an agreement for the release of half the captives ended last week in impasse.

On Saturday, Hamas released its second video in two days of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. In it, David, skeletally thin, is shown digging a hole, which, he says in the video, is for his own grave.

Witkoff met with Netanyahu on Thursday.

Afterward, a senior Israeli official said an understanding between Israel and Washington was emerging that there was a need to move from a plan to release some of the hostages to a plan to release all the hostages, disarm Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip, echoing Israels key demands for ending the war.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Gaza starvation

On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of it, they said Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

Witkoff arrived in Israel with Netanyahus government facing a global outcry over devastation in Gaza and the starvation growing among its 2.2 million people.

The crisis has also prompted a string of Western powers to announce they may recognize a Palestinian state.

On Friday, Witkoff visited a U.S.-backed aid operation in southern Gaza, which the United Nations has partly blamed for deadly conditions in the enclave, saying he sought to get food and other aid to people there.

Dozens have died of malnutrition in recent weeks after Israel cut off all supplies to the enclave for nearly three months from March to May, according to Gazas health ministry. It said on Saturday that it had recorded seven more fatalities, including a child, since Friday.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza and says it is taking steps for more aid to reach its population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, air drops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys.

U.N. agencies have said that airdrops of food are insufficient and that Israel must let in far more aid by land and quickly ease the access to it.

The Gaza war began when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures. Israels offensive has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
The suspect behind Montana bar shooting, identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, is still at large. Authorities have asked Anaconda residents to stay inside and lock doors

A shooting incident rocked the small town of Anaconda in the US state of Montana on Friday (August 1), claiming the lives of four people at The Owl Bar.

The incident, which unfolded at 10:30 am (local time), has prompted a massive manhunt for the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, who authorities warn is armed and dangerous.

Who is Michael Paul Brown?

Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson, has confirmed Browns military background.

Castro noted that the suspect served as an armour crewman in the US Army from 2001 to 2005, including a brief deployment to Iraq in early 2005.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

He later served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009, reaching the rank of sergeant.

Montana Governor sounds alarm for locals

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte first raised the alarm on X, stating he is closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda.

Congressman Ryan Zinke echoed the urgency, advising residents near the bar to stay inside and lock their doors.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center released a photo of Brown, describing him as 5 feet 10 inches tall, 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana, driving a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup truck with Montana license plates DTY493, heading toward the Stumptown area west of Anaconda.

The Granite County Sheriffs Office reported that a SWAT team searched Browns home, located next door to The Owl Bar, but he remains at large.

Montana authorities issue warning

Authorities issued a stark warning on social media: Suspect is Michael Paul Brown and was last seen in the stumptown area. Public is advised to stay out of the stumptown area and surrounding areas. If seen do not approach. Contact 911 for any way to contact Michael Paul Brown.

Multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Denver office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation.

Details about the motive and the identities of the victims remain undisclosed.

However, bar owner David Gwerder revealed that the victims included a bartender and three patrons, adding that Brown knew everybody that was in that bar.

He suggested there was no known conflict, stating, He didnt have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
CHONGQING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- For Jiang Lifang, a 61-year-old retired teacher in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, life is anything but dull.

Her day starts at 7 a.m. with a cheerful singing session by the riverside park, accompanied by her handy portable smart speaker. By noon, she's ordering fresh, locally sourced pork through a community group chat. In the evenings, Jiang heads to a community center to take runway modeling classes.

Jiang's active lifestyle is far from an isolated case; rather, it reflects a growing trend across China. By the end of 2024, China had over 310 million citizens aged 60 or above, accounting for 22 percent of the total population.

This massive "silver generation" is reshaping its consumer market, shifting from a savings-oriented mindset to a more spending-focused approach, particularly when it comes to health and quality experiences.

Seniors are also shifting from reactive healthcare to proactive wellness management. At the Yuneng Yangguang Community's elderly service station in Jiangbei District, 71-year-old Pu Qingrong uses smart medical robots and targeted therapy equipment almost daily.

The station, equipped by Chongqing Sendun Elderly Care Services Co., Ltd., offers unlimited access to its devices for a monthly fee and has already attracted 140 seniors.

This demand is fueling market growth. Data from the State Taxation Administration shows that sales revenue for community elderly care surged 30.4 percent year on year in the first half of 2025, while sales of senior nutrition products and health monitors rose 30.1 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.

Retail is adapting too. Chongqing's first senior-focused store, recently opened at a department store of Chongqing Chongbai Jiulong General Merchandise Co., Ltd., offers everything from bathing chairs to smart mattresses, almost a one-stop solution for all kinds of elderly needs.

"Today's seniors are better educated, healthier, financially secure and eager to engage socially. Traditional care models can't meet their pursuit of quality living," said Wu Guowen, general manager of Chongqing Chongbai Jiulong General Merchandise Co., Ltd.

The industry chain is expanding accordingly. Chunxuanju Elderly Chongqing Health Technology Co., Ltd. showcases products like voice-controlled adjustable cabinets and dual-zone smart mattresses catering to couples' different needs.

Subsidies for home modifications in regions like Chongqing, Henan, Shandong and Zhejiang are giving a welcome boost to the sector, which is predicted to grow significantly over the next five years, according to industry insiders.

In Chongqing, older residents doing volunteer work are entitled to earn credits that can be exchanged for community services. The eastern Chinese metropolis of Hangzhou offers tailored fitness camps, while "silver influencers" take to platforms like Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) to share their zest for life through videos and livestreaming.

"Senior people value life's rituals and emotional satisfaction. Self-fulfillment is a key driver," said Yang Yang, founder of Jiajiale Senior University, noting the high demand for courses like dance and modeling, with many graduates forming performance groups at community level.

According to a report from the China Center for Information Industry Development, China's silver economy reached 8.3 trillion yuan (about 1.16 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024 and is projected to hit 25 trillion yuan by 2030.

"As seniors' demands evolve in quality and sophistication, the silver economy is expanding from niche services to a comprehensive industry encompassing all elements and scenarios," said Hao Zhichao, an associate professor at Southwest University. 
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Indias state-owned telecommunications company, has announced the launch of its Freedom Plan, a new promotional offer. This limited-period plan, which is available till August 31st, 2025 is priced at 1 and provides users with a one-month trial of BSNLs 4G mobile services.

The initiative has been launched to coincide with Indias Independence Day celebrations and to allow consumers to experience the companys indigenously developed 4G network.

The plans features for the one-month duration include:

Voice Calls: Unlimited voice calls, applicable to both local and STD networks.

Data: 2 GB of high-speed data per day.

SMS: 100 SMS messages per day.

SIM Card: A BSNL SIM card is provided free of cost with the plan.

Customers interested in availing the Freedom Plan can visit their nearest BSNL Customer Service Centre or authorized retailer. For more information or assistance, individuals can also contact the toll-free number 1800-180-1503.

Announcing the offer, Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD, BSNL, said:

With BSNLs 4Gdesigned, developed, and deployed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat missionwe are proud to be putting India among a select group of nations that have built their own telecom stack. Our Freedom Plan gives every Indian a chance to test and experience this indigenous network for 30 daysfree of costand we are confident they will see the BSNL difference. BSNL is rolling out 100,000 4G sites across the country using Make-in-India technology, and this initative is a major milestone toward empowering digital India with secure, high-quality and affordable mobile connectivity.
SACRAMENTO, the United States, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A federal appeals court delivered a stinging rebuke to the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign Friday, upholding restrictions on immigration agents conducting sweeping arrests across Southern California without reasonable suspicion.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected the government's challenge to a lower court order that blocked masked, heavily armed federal agents from detaining people based solely on race, language, or location.

The three-judge panel wrote that agents cannot claim harm from an injunction preventing stops "not supported by reasonable suspicion."

The ruling preserved a temporary restraining order covering seven counties, including Los Angeles, affecting approximately 20 million residents. It marked a significant legal setback for Trump's deportation agenda, which aimed to remove 1 million immigrants in its first year.

The case began after immigration agents launched what officials called a "shock and awe" campaign on June 6, arresting 1,618 people in the Los Angeles region between June 6 and June 22. Agents targeted locations where immigrant workers gather, including Home Depot parking lots, bus stops, and agricultural sites.

U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong initially blocked the practices on July 12, finding "a mountain of evidence" that agents had violated Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches. The judge ruled that stops cannot be based on apparent race, speaking Spanish, or working at specific locations.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of detained workers and community groups, called the ruling a victory for constitutional rights. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass celebrated the decision as upholding "the rule of law."

The Trump administration faced a preliminary injunction hearing in September and has vowed to continue appeals. The case could establish nationwide precedents limiting immigration enforcement tactics that civil rights groups argued constitute racial profiling.